Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Trying Things a New Way
Andrew and I have been struggling to come up with a good way to get our youth more involved in planning and more excited about activities. Last night while I was browsing online, I decided to start a youth page of its own. Most of our youth are on Fb so I decided to start there. I am excited to try a new way of outreach.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Our First Emergency Room Trip
What a day we had today. I am not sure where to start besides that we decided to stay home sick from church.
The girls had been fighting the common cold all week (what every child gets during the winter, a runny nose/cough). Andrew had been fighting the same illness since Thursday. Then Andrew woke up today much worse than he had been feeling the last few days. I can't say that I have been sick, but I have been having a strange head/ear/sinus-ache, it is nothing like what everyone else is complaining about. They are all coughing and blowing noses... I am just complaining.
Anyway, we stayed home from church. Neither Andrew or I were feeling like moving, but kids are kids; once you get them all drugged-up they are ready to play anyway. After breakfast was over the kids were playing around the house while Andrew and I laid down for some rest. Off and on getting up to take care of this problem or that.
At about 12:30, I came out of the bedroom to find Paige on the couch. There she was sitting with her snack that she had chosen on her own, a tub of peanut butter and a spoon, watching Robin Hood. This was the first time that she had ever made her own snack, so I took the jar to go show Andrew in the bedroom.
On the way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to put it away. I noticed something horrifying on the kitchen table.... An empty bottle of kids Tylenol. Now that would have been too bad, if I hadn't just bought the bottle and only used 3 doses from it.
Immediately, I am standing with the bottle yelling for Andrew to help. There is no sign of the medicine anywhere. Someone had to have eaten it. I am confused, I am shocked... I have no clue how this has happened.
What do I do... Who do I call... and WHO ATE THE MEDICINE? Of course, the first thing we do is ask the child who can talk. Paige says she didn't do it. But doesn't offer anything else. I pick up the bottle again and start searching for any answers on it. Only answer... call poison control, even if there are no symptoms. Now it is time to search for the phone book and call poison control.
It seems like forever that I am waiting for someone to answer. Then a million questions. And then the scariest words I could have thought of... Go to the Emergency Room.
I have never had to take the kids there before.
It was a lot of waiting but not in the waiting room. We were in the exam room for about 5 hours. They couldn't pump the stomach because it might have been more than an hour before that they had taken the medicine. We had to wait until it had been 4 hours since they had ingested it. Then draw both girls blood.
Finally at 4pm the lab tech came in and drew their blood. Oh, I hate needles. I really hate them near my children and even more when it takes longer than a shot. I thought the worst part was that they couldn't rule out Paige, even though she said that she hadn't done it. So I knew as they were drawing the blood, that one of the girls was in pain for no reason. What a horrible thought. I couldn't stop myself from crying (with my back to the kids of course).
At 4:30, they said that it was Elizabeth who had eaten the medicine, but that we still had to wait for more results before they could send us home.
At 5pm they came and said that we could go.
I have ran through the morning in my head so many times. If I would have not laid back down in my room.... If only I had said that the kids and I should go to church on our own.... If only I had moved the medicine up this morning.... I took it all on myself.
But that is what happens, sometimes you just have to do that. It is my job to keep them safe and raise them to be good and responsible people. And to day I could have failed them. Luckily, God had me wake up when I did. He had me check on the kids. Had me see the bottle. But he also had Elizabeth digest the medicine at a quick rate and without damaging her liver...at least that is the prayer of my heart right now.
The girls had been fighting the common cold all week (what every child gets during the winter, a runny nose/cough). Andrew had been fighting the same illness since Thursday. Then Andrew woke up today much worse than he had been feeling the last few days. I can't say that I have been sick, but I have been having a strange head/ear/sinus-ache, it is nothing like what everyone else is complaining about. They are all coughing and blowing noses... I am just complaining.
Anyway, we stayed home from church. Neither Andrew or I were feeling like moving, but kids are kids; once you get them all drugged-up they are ready to play anyway. After breakfast was over the kids were playing around the house while Andrew and I laid down for some rest. Off and on getting up to take care of this problem or that.
At about 12:30, I came out of the bedroom to find Paige on the couch. There she was sitting with her snack that she had chosen on her own, a tub of peanut butter and a spoon, watching Robin Hood. This was the first time that she had ever made her own snack, so I took the jar to go show Andrew in the bedroom.
On the way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to put it away. I noticed something horrifying on the kitchen table.... An empty bottle of kids Tylenol. Now that would have been too bad, if I hadn't just bought the bottle and only used 3 doses from it.
Immediately, I am standing with the bottle yelling for Andrew to help. There is no sign of the medicine anywhere. Someone had to have eaten it. I am confused, I am shocked... I have no clue how this has happened.
What do I do... Who do I call... and WHO ATE THE MEDICINE? Of course, the first thing we do is ask the child who can talk. Paige says she didn't do it. But doesn't offer anything else. I pick up the bottle again and start searching for any answers on it. Only answer... call poison control, even if there are no symptoms. Now it is time to search for the phone book and call poison control.
It seems like forever that I am waiting for someone to answer. Then a million questions. And then the scariest words I could have thought of... Go to the Emergency Room.
I have never had to take the kids there before.
It was a lot of waiting but not in the waiting room. We were in the exam room for about 5 hours. They couldn't pump the stomach because it might have been more than an hour before that they had taken the medicine. We had to wait until it had been 4 hours since they had ingested it. Then draw both girls blood.
Finally at 4pm the lab tech came in and drew their blood. Oh, I hate needles. I really hate them near my children and even more when it takes longer than a shot. I thought the worst part was that they couldn't rule out Paige, even though she said that she hadn't done it. So I knew as they were drawing the blood, that one of the girls was in pain for no reason. What a horrible thought. I couldn't stop myself from crying (with my back to the kids of course).
At 4:30, they said that it was Elizabeth who had eaten the medicine, but that we still had to wait for more results before they could send us home.
At 5pm they came and said that we could go.
I have ran through the morning in my head so many times. If I would have not laid back down in my room.... If only I had said that the kids and I should go to church on our own.... If only I had moved the medicine up this morning.... I took it all on myself.
But that is what happens, sometimes you just have to do that. It is my job to keep them safe and raise them to be good and responsible people. And to day I could have failed them. Luckily, God had me wake up when I did. He had me check on the kids. Had me see the bottle. But he also had Elizabeth digest the medicine at a quick rate and without damaging her liver...at least that is the prayer of my heart right now.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Elizabeth, Let's have a talk
My girls and I had a weekend by ourselves. It was a fun time. We did all the things that you want to do but never stop and do together. The first night we did manicures and pedicures while we watched a girly movie. Saturday we took our time getting ready then hit the town running. There was shopping to be done. What a blast we had at the mall. We headed back home for some down time then woke up in time to watch Miss America. It was Paige's first time and she loved it. Elizabeth kept getting up and dancing to the music, but Paige sat right by me admired the women. It was so fun.
After the pageant, I told the girls that they should go and have some play time while I got some work around the house done. That really wasn't going well and after just a few minutes of good play time Elizabeth started screaming. It seemed to never end. After about an hour of the off and on screaming I told them 10 more minutes and it would be bed time.
Paige appently didn't like that idea; she took Elizabeth by the hand into their bedroom and as she closed her door behind them I heard her say, "Elizabeth, let's have a talk."
I wanted to follow them to hear what Paige would say, but I thought that would mess whatever they did up. So I stayed in the kitchen. They were in their for 10 minutes and by the time that they came out they were ready to play. There was no more whining or screaming. They stayed up for an hour more at least.
I am glad that I gave them that space to workout the issues that they were having. But at the same time I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the room. I wish I would have thought of sitting on the toilet and listening in.
I guess it was good for me though. There will be times that I want to know what they are saying, but listening in is not how I want to know. I want them to come to me and tell me. That moment was the highlight of my weekend, they really do work together well.
After the pageant, I told the girls that they should go and have some play time while I got some work around the house done. That really wasn't going well and after just a few minutes of good play time Elizabeth started screaming. It seemed to never end. After about an hour of the off and on screaming I told them 10 more minutes and it would be bed time.
Paige appently didn't like that idea; she took Elizabeth by the hand into their bedroom and as she closed her door behind them I heard her say, "Elizabeth, let's have a talk."
I wanted to follow them to hear what Paige would say, but I thought that would mess whatever they did up. So I stayed in the kitchen. They were in their for 10 minutes and by the time that they came out they were ready to play. There was no more whining or screaming. They stayed up for an hour more at least.
I am glad that I gave them that space to workout the issues that they were having. But at the same time I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the room. I wish I would have thought of sitting on the toilet and listening in.
I guess it was good for me though. There will be times that I want to know what they are saying, but listening in is not how I want to know. I want them to come to me and tell me. That moment was the highlight of my weekend, they really do work together well.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Tooth Fairy
We will be visiting with the tooth fairy often this year. The tooth fairy came to our house on Tuesday night and Paige already has another loose tooth! Now, we will need to be keeping some cash in the house, because for the next few months she will be loosing one tooth after another. It just seems crazy.
She is my little four year old girl and before my eyes she is getting bigger and bigger. I guess with me seeing her get bigger she can start to get some big girl chores too. She has already started to take showers instead of baths with Elizabeth. And rides in a booster seat instead of a toddler car seat. She sleeps on the top bunk of their bunk beds. And yet she has found a way to keep me doing everything for her.
The one thing I will not be changing on is nap time. I will still get down time each day, even if she isn't sleeping.
She is my little four year old girl and before my eyes she is getting bigger and bigger. I guess with me seeing her get bigger she can start to get some big girl chores too. She has already started to take showers instead of baths with Elizabeth. And rides in a booster seat instead of a toddler car seat. She sleeps on the top bunk of their bunk beds. And yet she has found a way to keep me doing everything for her.
The one thing I will not be changing on is nap time. I will still get down time each day, even if she isn't sleeping.
I Gotta Go Potty
Yesterday at the dinner table, Paige made a normal announcement. Sitting sweetly in her chair, Paige said "I gotta go potty!" then waits to be excused. After that, she runs down the hall and stood with her back to the door. Then the she says the funny part, "Don't laugh if you hear me fart in the bathroom." She opens the door and goes in the bathroom. After all her business was finished Paige came back to the door and said, "Good, I didn't fart!" Then she sat back down and ate her dinner.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
All is Forgiven
It is amazing what a day can do. By the end of Sunday, I was no longer feeling as though he had no idea of what life was like last week. I wish that I can take back my complaints, but I already shared them with the world.
It isn't that my husband is not a helpful man. It took just having some time for him to be helpful. So I want all to know that my rants are no longer needed, for we just had our regular weekend together and all is forgiven. He was more than helpful, he was doting, without me needing to say a word. I have no business complaining, if we didn't let ourselves get so overextended we would not have those days when there is just no time for anything more than work and sleep.
It isn't that my husband is not a helpful man. It took just having some time for him to be helpful. So I want all to know that my rants are no longer needed, for we just had our regular weekend together and all is forgiven. He was more than helpful, he was doting, without me needing to say a word. I have no business complaining, if we didn't let ourselves get so overextended we would not have those days when there is just no time for anything more than work and sleep.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
DownTime
This is my disclaimer... This is between you (the reader) and me, please you extreme caution as to not share these thoughts with my husband.... I will in good time.... or my head will clear and I won't feel this way....
I am angry, well mostly frustrated. Andrew wanted to go out tonight, with his friend. He always says I can say no if I need/want him to stay home and he did ask me if it was okay, but I know full well that he wants some time off. And he does need it, he has a busy life with very little down time. But I didn't know his plans when he asked me and I try to just let him do what he wants.
But the problem is that he has had a busy week, with little family time. Andrew worked an extra shift on Monday then went straight to church meeting and then went to bed. No time with the girls, no time with me and NO TIME HELPING ME!
Tuesday he worked a LONG shift then went to the church for his hours there. We did have this evening together.
He went out on Wednesday for some guy time right after work. This lunch might have been for youth group too, but it was just him and the guys. Then he had to help his mom with a flat tire for 2 hours. After that it was time for youth, then bed.
On Thursday, he drove his normal routes then went back to the church. Paige told us about her loose tooth; then we had to take Elizabeth to the doctor and had a argument about that. After that we had to go to the store (well more than one and it was stressful, two kids no naps enough said). Then later that evening, he spent an hour on the phone instead of helping me get the girls ready for bed and helping me take care of the house.
Friday we went out to his parents house after work, but just for him to help his dad in the garage. The girls liked the trip, but we were pressured to spend the night or have the kids spend the night, I hate that! It is even worse because I am waiting for Paige to loose her tooth. We spent time in the car with him, but that was it for Friday.
Today he went to work and took extra long coming home, then we had to run some errands. We just got home when it was time for him to go out. Leaving me with making dinner and putting the girls to bed by myself. There is a full dishwasher and a sink full of dishes following that one; then a mountain of laundry is on my couch waiting to be folded. To make matters worse all week long he has been asking me if Paige has socks in her dresser and I have been telling him that she doesn't. Can't he SEE that the mountain on the couch is growing and not shrinking. Beyond that it is ONLY my job to do the dishes and the laundry and to sweep and to mop and to pick up and to watch the girls 6 days a week.
I feel like it has been me and the girls and the house all week long and now HE NEEDS down time. But I am doing what I do EVERYDAY, all the time. And he is out seeing a movie that I want to see. It makes me even madder that money is tight and I would have NEVER suggested going out to a movie this week!!
It just makes me angry, I haven't had a girls night since I had Paige. I don't even know or have girls close enough for one AND HE NEEDS DOWN TIME!
Thank you for reading, but please know this is the ranting of a crazed woman, ready for some time of her own.
maybe I will be sick tomorrow!
I am angry, well mostly frustrated. Andrew wanted to go out tonight, with his friend. He always says I can say no if I need/want him to stay home and he did ask me if it was okay, but I know full well that he wants some time off. And he does need it, he has a busy life with very little down time. But I didn't know his plans when he asked me and I try to just let him do what he wants.
But the problem is that he has had a busy week, with little family time. Andrew worked an extra shift on Monday then went straight to church meeting and then went to bed. No time with the girls, no time with me and NO TIME HELPING ME!
Tuesday he worked a LONG shift then went to the church for his hours there. We did have this evening together.
He went out on Wednesday for some guy time right after work. This lunch might have been for youth group too, but it was just him and the guys. Then he had to help his mom with a flat tire for 2 hours. After that it was time for youth, then bed.
On Thursday, he drove his normal routes then went back to the church. Paige told us about her loose tooth; then we had to take Elizabeth to the doctor and had a argument about that. After that we had to go to the store (well more than one and it was stressful, two kids no naps enough said). Then later that evening, he spent an hour on the phone instead of helping me get the girls ready for bed and helping me take care of the house.
Friday we went out to his parents house after work, but just for him to help his dad in the garage. The girls liked the trip, but we were pressured to spend the night or have the kids spend the night, I hate that! It is even worse because I am waiting for Paige to loose her tooth. We spent time in the car with him, but that was it for Friday.
Today he went to work and took extra long coming home, then we had to run some errands. We just got home when it was time for him to go out. Leaving me with making dinner and putting the girls to bed by myself. There is a full dishwasher and a sink full of dishes following that one; then a mountain of laundry is on my couch waiting to be folded. To make matters worse all week long he has been asking me if Paige has socks in her dresser and I have been telling him that she doesn't. Can't he SEE that the mountain on the couch is growing and not shrinking. Beyond that it is ONLY my job to do the dishes and the laundry and to sweep and to mop and to pick up and to watch the girls 6 days a week.
I feel like it has been me and the girls and the house all week long and now HE NEEDS down time. But I am doing what I do EVERYDAY, all the time. And he is out seeing a movie that I want to see. It makes me even madder that money is tight and I would have NEVER suggested going out to a movie this week!!
It just makes me angry, I haven't had a girls night since I had Paige. I don't even know or have girls close enough for one AND HE NEEDS DOWN TIME!
Thank you for reading, but please know this is the ranting of a crazed woman, ready for some time of her own.
maybe I will be sick tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Fever...
I seem to have caught a fever. I have been getting it every couple months, since January of 2004. It drives me crazy and for days and weeks on end, it is all I can think about. I am praying that the fever passes quickly and I am able to move on soon. Or I might just go and make a crazy choice. I hate when I just dive in and do things before it is really time. Right now it is not time, so I have no business having these thoughts and feelings. I need to banish them and move forward, but it is so easy to just look back and wish and want and hope and then just do. I just did before and it was great, but things are more complicated now. GRRR! To have things less complicated and be able to just make the choice would be such a joy. But I need to STOP IT and let some more time pass!
Friday, January 2, 2009
The 2009 Letter
Dear Sarah,
It is that time again, when we reflect on last year and make plans for the coming year. You wrote a letter in January 2008 for January 2009, but you lost it. So instead of writing out the letter and loosing it again, You thought it should be a blog. That seems to be the only writing that you are keeping. Do it again for 2011, after you are done reading this.... I mean right now.
This last year was rewarding in many ways. Elizabeth went from being a baby to a toddler this year. What a change you've seen in her; crawling, walking then running and talking. She is a little Ma Ma. Still calls all babies she sees "MaMa," drives you crazy. She knows all her body parts and started to potty train, but not much. Loves to read books and has started to sing songs.
Paige turned 4 this year, had her first rodent pet and moved up to the top bunk. Paige has become a very good big sister. She loves the cats and carries them all the time. She still has her pretend friends though, oh how you would love for Nemo and Birdy to leave. Her favorite game is Duck, Duck, Goose and she has started to teach it to Elizabeth. She has become a little teacher, always trying to get Elizabeth to say something new.
Andrew started a new job, youth pastor. You never knew exactly how much that 10 hour commitment would change how your life works. Not a bad thing though, it has been rewarding (even if you are on the sidelines a lot).
You went from working with the school district to staying at home. This was a good idea. It was hard to never see Andrew and be alone with the girls so much. You miss the extra income, even now after 7 months off.
You let Mark stay with you, what a good thing for the girls. They grew very attached to their uncle. And enjoyed that time with him. You enjoyed that time too. There was built in help, even if it was unpredictable. So nice to call and tell him that we need milk or have him sit with the girls while you picked up Andrew.
In about May, you stopped using credit cards. What a blessing and good decision that was. Now you just need to figure out how to find a little more to pay it down. Remember that the winner of the race was not the hare who ran and took big breaks, but the turtle who kept on plugging away. Just keep at it. Things will get better!
If there was any mistake over the last year, it was the last house guest. What an ungrateful, self-seeking, mean spirited, dishonest woman. You have never been used more and without regard to what we were already doing to help her. Daycare was a good idea, but not for a woman who is staying with you. Some boundaries are needed. Things get to gray when that is how things are set up.
Through this however, you did learn that your house is not too small to have another child. That was good to discover.
Last year your goal was to have a baby sometime in the future. It is still not a goal for 2009, but as you sit at the beginning of this year, the idea of a baby is not upsetting. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, something has come from these talks. But if not remember that foster care was on your heart just before and after Christmas. Having another baby does not have to happen right now! Did you ever call and get more information on how foster care works?? You kept putting it off. Could that be how you serve? Will that fill your heart? Pray about it again.
Goals for 2009
Getting everyone to Matt and Tina's Wedding
Quiet time
Pay down debt
Make "work outs" happen
Potty train Elizabeth
Preschool time every weekday
Keep house under control
Write a letter for January 2011
It is that time again, when we reflect on last year and make plans for the coming year. You wrote a letter in January 2008 for January 2009, but you lost it. So instead of writing out the letter and loosing it again, You thought it should be a blog. That seems to be the only writing that you are keeping. Do it again for 2011, after you are done reading this.... I mean right now.
This last year was rewarding in many ways. Elizabeth went from being a baby to a toddler this year. What a change you've seen in her; crawling, walking then running and talking. She is a little Ma Ma. Still calls all babies she sees "MaMa," drives you crazy. She knows all her body parts and started to potty train, but not much. Loves to read books and has started to sing songs.
Paige turned 4 this year, had her first rodent pet and moved up to the top bunk. Paige has become a very good big sister. She loves the cats and carries them all the time. She still has her pretend friends though, oh how you would love for Nemo and Birdy to leave. Her favorite game is Duck, Duck, Goose and she has started to teach it to Elizabeth. She has become a little teacher, always trying to get Elizabeth to say something new.
Andrew started a new job, youth pastor. You never knew exactly how much that 10 hour commitment would change how your life works. Not a bad thing though, it has been rewarding (even if you are on the sidelines a lot).
You went from working with the school district to staying at home. This was a good idea. It was hard to never see Andrew and be alone with the girls so much. You miss the extra income, even now after 7 months off.
You let Mark stay with you, what a good thing for the girls. They grew very attached to their uncle. And enjoyed that time with him. You enjoyed that time too. There was built in help, even if it was unpredictable. So nice to call and tell him that we need milk or have him sit with the girls while you picked up Andrew.
In about May, you stopped using credit cards. What a blessing and good decision that was. Now you just need to figure out how to find a little more to pay it down. Remember that the winner of the race was not the hare who ran and took big breaks, but the turtle who kept on plugging away. Just keep at it. Things will get better!
If there was any mistake over the last year, it was the last house guest. What an ungrateful, self-seeking, mean spirited, dishonest woman. You have never been used more and without regard to what we were already doing to help her. Daycare was a good idea, but not for a woman who is staying with you. Some boundaries are needed. Things get to gray when that is how things are set up.
Through this however, you did learn that your house is not too small to have another child. That was good to discover.
Last year your goal was to have a baby sometime in the future. It is still not a goal for 2009, but as you sit at the beginning of this year, the idea of a baby is not upsetting. Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, something has come from these talks. But if not remember that foster care was on your heart just before and after Christmas. Having another baby does not have to happen right now! Did you ever call and get more information on how foster care works?? You kept putting it off. Could that be how you serve? Will that fill your heart? Pray about it again.
Goals for 2009
Getting everyone to Matt and Tina's Wedding
Quiet time
Pay down debt
Make "work outs" happen
Potty train Elizabeth
Preschool time every weekday
Keep house under control
Write a letter for January 2011
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A Comfortable Chirstmas
There is such joy in having a four year old, especially during the Christmas season. I love the wonder and the joy that shines from Paige's face.
Christmas morning was my favorite morning of this last year. Paige came straight into our room and patiently waited for us to wake up (we were awake however for the last hour, just laying there waiting for the kids). We asked her if Santa had come, and she went running into the living room to find out. The first sound that we heard was a little gasp and then the pattering of feet.
She came right back into our room and said, "Santa brought me 2 BIG presents!" Santa of course did not bring her 2 big presents, but rather than tell her that, we asked her if Elizabeth was awake. Again there is a pattering of feet, and then Paige telling Elizabeth, "Santa came! Santa came! Get up! Get up! It is CHRISTMAS!" What kind of toddler would/could sleep through that kind of noise. Then there are two girls, heading toward the living room. By the time we get out there they can't take their eyes off of their treasures under the tree.
What a morning, we took our time from there. It was fun, the Christmas Story, the stockings, then one at a time the gifts.
We took the time to let them play with each of their toys, before we got dressed and headed out to Sweet Home for Christmas with Andrew's family. It was such a joyous day, relaxing and fun. The only thing that could have been better was that there was no nap time, so when it was time to leave... they were ready for bed too! (I guess that is not really a bad thing)
Christmas morning was my favorite morning of this last year. Paige came straight into our room and patiently waited for us to wake up (we were awake however for the last hour, just laying there waiting for the kids). We asked her if Santa had come, and she went running into the living room to find out. The first sound that we heard was a little gasp and then the pattering of feet.
She came right back into our room and said, "Santa brought me 2 BIG presents!" Santa of course did not bring her 2 big presents, but rather than tell her that, we asked her if Elizabeth was awake. Again there is a pattering of feet, and then Paige telling Elizabeth, "Santa came! Santa came! Get up! Get up! It is CHRISTMAS!" What kind of toddler would/could sleep through that kind of noise. Then there are two girls, heading toward the living room. By the time we get out there they can't take their eyes off of their treasures under the tree.
What a morning, we took our time from there. It was fun, the Christmas Story, the stockings, then one at a time the gifts.
We took the time to let them play with each of their toys, before we got dressed and headed out to Sweet Home for Christmas with Andrew's family. It was such a joyous day, relaxing and fun. The only thing that could have been better was that there was no nap time, so when it was time to leave... they were ready for bed too! (I guess that is not really a bad thing)
Sweet Freedom from House Guests
I feel relieved, we finally finished our business with the woman that was staying with us. With one signature (that I kept putting off getting), it is really all over. I can screen my calls and know that there is no reason for her to be calling me. I have no reason to go out of my way to get things done for her. Sweet relief! Part of me feels bad that I feel this relieved, but I was so down when I had to deal with her. I am just pleased that it is really over now and that I am going to be paid for every minute that I had to watch her son. It is over.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
My Suprise Christmas Gift
My Sunday school class had a Christmas party, where the game was a white elephant gift exchange. We decided to have a true white elephant gift exchange, so all the gifts had to be something from your house. We had a hard time finding things that we thought that the class would enjoy, as we are one of the younger ones in the class.
I saw someone carry in a large flat gift and I knew instantly that was the gift I wanted to open. We drew our numbers and I was number 11 and Andrew ended up as 16 (the last number). Sure enough I opened the gift only to find the one thing I wasn't really expecting, a piece of art that was more than just a no name piece of junk, a Thomas Kinkade print. Not just a small print but a matted and framed 20" by 30" image.
My heart stopped and I found myself not believing that someone brought this cool of a thing to a white elephant party.
But sure enough they did, and the numbers just kept passing with no one even taking a look at the framed wonder sitting right at my feet. Before I knew it, we were at 15 and finally someone remembered that I had this cool thing and stole it. He wanted to use the frame ( I don't think that he knew what it was). Luckily, I chose to steal something that was taken from me that turn. I ended up stealing my picture back in the same turn. Only one steal left and it would be there's.
Andrew was next so I had him kill the present by stealing it from me, and with that it was ours. Oh, the joy... I wanted to celebrate. But instead, I had to sit nicely and help Andrew get a good prize too. Then as soon as it was over I wanted to jet off and hang up my first and probably only Kinkade print of my life. But for social reasons, I had to stay and chat.
I have never left a party with such a joy. It just goes to show that what is one mans junk in the attic is another person's treasure. I don't in any way think that this woman thought of this as junk.
I still have to hang it, but I am going to do that tomorrow. We need a stud finder, can't let this just fall of the wall!
I saw someone carry in a large flat gift and I knew instantly that was the gift I wanted to open. We drew our numbers and I was number 11 and Andrew ended up as 16 (the last number). Sure enough I opened the gift only to find the one thing I wasn't really expecting, a piece of art that was more than just a no name piece of junk, a Thomas Kinkade print. Not just a small print but a matted and framed 20" by 30" image.
My heart stopped and I found myself not believing that someone brought this cool of a thing to a white elephant party.
But sure enough they did, and the numbers just kept passing with no one even taking a look at the framed wonder sitting right at my feet. Before I knew it, we were at 15 and finally someone remembered that I had this cool thing and stole it. He wanted to use the frame ( I don't think that he knew what it was). Luckily, I chose to steal something that was taken from me that turn. I ended up stealing my picture back in the same turn. Only one steal left and it would be there's.
Andrew was next so I had him kill the present by stealing it from me, and with that it was ours. Oh, the joy... I wanted to celebrate. But instead, I had to sit nicely and help Andrew get a good prize too. Then as soon as it was over I wanted to jet off and hang up my first and probably only Kinkade print of my life. But for social reasons, I had to stay and chat.
I have never left a party with such a joy. It just goes to show that what is one mans junk in the attic is another person's treasure. I don't in any way think that this woman thought of this as junk.
I still have to hang it, but I am going to do that tomorrow. We need a stud finder, can't let this just fall of the wall!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving
I am very excited for Thanksgiving. I love the time that we get to spend with family. The main dishes, the sides and all the desserts. I really love getting away from home. Spending relaxing a relaxing day eating, playing games and catching up with the family.
To be honest though, this year I am having a hard time staying on this holiday. I keep thinking about Friday. I keep thinking about all the fun that I have on black friday. I love the crowds and the shopping. I love finding the very best deals, and knowing that I have done well. I love walking away at the end of the day having finished most of the Christmas list.
To make matters worse, this is the first year that I have had a child that understands that Christmas is coming. She knows about Santa and presents; she love the Chirstmas tree and the idea of snow.
But tomorrow is a very important day to me. We get to spend time with people that we don't see very often. I love that!!!
To be honest though, this year I am having a hard time staying on this holiday. I keep thinking about Friday. I keep thinking about all the fun that I have on black friday. I love the crowds and the shopping. I love finding the very best deals, and knowing that I have done well. I love walking away at the end of the day having finished most of the Christmas list.
To make matters worse, this is the first year that I have had a child that understands that Christmas is coming. She knows about Santa and presents; she love the Chirstmas tree and the idea of snow.
But tomorrow is a very important day to me. We get to spend time with people that we don't see very often. I love that!!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
The plan for Paige's 4th Birthday Party!!
I have taken a bold step. Every December my husband and I have gone round and round as to what to do for Paige's Birthday party. He says the house is too small. I say it is only 2 hours and maybe everyone won't come. And every year we end up doing what he has wanted to do and we have gone somewhere. But this year, I said no way. When we do the party somewhere else, it always ends up being more expensive. Not this year. We are going to do a simple party. And because of when we scheduled it we don't even have to plan a meal. Cost is now down in half.
The theme... Christmas. No decorations needed, the tree will be enough. We are going to decorate cookies, gingerbread. The kids are going to listen to the story about the gingerbread man. Everyone is going to drink hot cocoa with marshmallows and we will offer some homemade Chex Mix and popcorn. We might have homemade play dough that smells like peppermint for the kids to play with. Goody bags will be Christmas themed; filled with candy canes, a pack of crayons and one small coloring book. Top the party off with a homemade cake and we are good to go!
I feel good about the party this year, it will be fun to have Paige open her birthday presents by the Christmas tree. And it will be the first time some of these people have been to our house since Paige was just a newborn.
Now I just have to step out of my comfort zone and follow through by actually finishing cleaning the WHOLE house and KEEPING it clean until the party! This is going to be a huge stretch for me but I am just taking it one step at a time!
The theme... Christmas. No decorations needed, the tree will be enough. We are going to decorate cookies, gingerbread. The kids are going to listen to the story about the gingerbread man. Everyone is going to drink hot cocoa with marshmallows and we will offer some homemade Chex Mix and popcorn. We might have homemade play dough that smells like peppermint for the kids to play with. Goody bags will be Christmas themed; filled with candy canes, a pack of crayons and one small coloring book. Top the party off with a homemade cake and we are good to go!
I feel good about the party this year, it will be fun to have Paige open her birthday presents by the Christmas tree. And it will be the first time some of these people have been to our house since Paige was just a newborn.
Now I just have to step out of my comfort zone and follow through by actually finishing cleaning the WHOLE house and KEEPING it clean until the party! This is going to be a huge stretch for me but I am just taking it one step at a time!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Passing of Sid
This morning started like every morning has started this week. Paige came running into my room asking if she could play with Sid. I gave her my normal answer, she could after breakfast. This is followed by a rushed breakfast and then asking for Sid to come down again.
This was however, the first morning that Paige didn't ask if Sid was still alive. The day we brought him home we warned her that Sid could die quickly, it was followed by her getting up from her nap asking if he was still alive; And rejoicing that he was.
I stood to reach for the mouse cage from the top of the bookcase but I realized quickly that something was wrong with the situation. The mouse did not move as I picked up the cage, and continued to lay still as I brought it down to eye level. Sid was not breathing.
Thoughts started to race through my mind. How do I tell her? What do I do? What is the quickest way to remove him with out making it a big deal? What is she going to say...?
Paige is a quick little girl. Before I could do anything, she figured out what had happened and started to cry.
My little Paige has a broken heart. Even Elizabeth realized that something was wrong. She has been easy to cry following the discovery of a still Sid. I am not sure when Paige will be ready for a new friend, but she is already asking for one. Funny how that happens.
This was however, the first morning that Paige didn't ask if Sid was still alive. The day we brought him home we warned her that Sid could die quickly, it was followed by her getting up from her nap asking if he was still alive; And rejoicing that he was.
I stood to reach for the mouse cage from the top of the bookcase but I realized quickly that something was wrong with the situation. The mouse did not move as I picked up the cage, and continued to lay still as I brought it down to eye level. Sid was not breathing.
Thoughts started to race through my mind. How do I tell her? What do I do? What is the quickest way to remove him with out making it a big deal? What is she going to say...?
Paige is a quick little girl. Before I could do anything, she figured out what had happened and started to cry.
My little Paige has a broken heart. Even Elizabeth realized that something was wrong. She has been easy to cry following the discovery of a still Sid. I am not sure when Paige will be ready for a new friend, but she is already asking for one. Funny how that happens.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Mouse in the House!!!
We have let Paige adopt a pet mouse. It is creepy and weird... I am not going to like having it smell up my house. But it was for Andrew's lesson this week, and now apparently Paige's special pet. She has named him Sid, or Sidney... if it is a girl... we can't tell. I am so nervous that in just a few weeks we will have more than just this one rodent in the cage.
Paige is very excited. What a way to brighten a little girl's face! Oh, but it has put a damper on mine. Here is me pretending to be a happy parent.
It amazes me just how much she can fall in love with something so quickly.
I am so not thinking of this rodent as a blessing... at least not now.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Blessings
I seem to have come out of that funk that hung over me these last couple months. It seems that when I was bothered before by my house guest that it was the only thing that I talked about.... and sadly the only thing that I thought about. I think I need to focus more on the good things in my life. I need to remind myself of the things that make me smile.
Counting my blessings...
Well, first of all I have a husband who loves me. He thinks of me first; and goes out of his way to make me happy. Take today, I made a passing comment of how a certain thing sounded good for lunch and he found a whole different reason to go out right away and come back with my favorite lunch.
I have two lovely daughters. I love them so, they are the reason I get out of bed each day. They fill me with their questions, wishes and desires. They come to me with their stories and ideas. They look for me to celebrate with them with each of their successes; whether it is climbing to the top bunk by themselves or making up a new dance. They are my sunshine each day. And both for their own reason.
I have been provided a nice house to live in. It is more than just a shelter from the cold. It is fully equipped. No repairs seem to be needed, at least as of now. (I should knock on wood here.) It is a small house but even that is a blessing, no one gets lost in my home... I am aware of what is happening in each room. And we have a space all our own, no noisy neighbors above us or sharing a wall.
I have a working car. More than just working, it is nice. Yes, it is something we have had to pay for and make sacrifices for but it is here when we need it.
I have been adopted into a great family that loves me vary much. They instilled in me a good work ethic. They have tried to teach me the value of family, even if it is not what you were first born to.
I am also so thankful for the family that I have married into. They have been their for me as I transitioned into living far away from my family. I am not sure how many evenings they allowed me to just sit in their living room, so that I did not have to be home alone.
My mother-in-law has become one of my best friends, without her I am not sure that I would have made it here. In her I have a shopping buddy, an advice giver, a listening ear and a helping hand.
I have a loving church family here. At first I was not interested in going to this church. I hated it, resented going because I didn't like the way they did things. But in the last five years I have come to learn about why they do things the way that they do. I have come to get to know each of these people. Not only just a passing hi, but a friendship, this is more than I ever had with some of the people from my church growing up.
I have a needed place in the church. I have a role to help bring our youth to Christ. It isn't always clear cut where I should be helping, but I think with time my role will be more clearly defined. It is just a matter of both Andrew and I growing in Christ and our ministry.
We always have enough food. I remember being hungry as a child but in my married life that has yet to be a struggle. There are times that I feel we are not going to have enough to eat or that there is nothing left in our cupboards. But just when I have decided that there is no way, that is when God steps in and provides.
I am a blessed woman. I have a full life. Yes, it is hard to be the full time parent, wife and servant of God. But I would not want another role. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life; not after knowing what I know now, or after having done what I fill my days with now.
I have a rewarding life. Just in the results that I see with each passing day. Even though there are days that I forget just how much I love my life and how rewarding it is to live it.
Counting my blessings...
Well, first of all I have a husband who loves me. He thinks of me first; and goes out of his way to make me happy. Take today, I made a passing comment of how a certain thing sounded good for lunch and he found a whole different reason to go out right away and come back with my favorite lunch.
I have two lovely daughters. I love them so, they are the reason I get out of bed each day. They fill me with their questions, wishes and desires. They come to me with their stories and ideas. They look for me to celebrate with them with each of their successes; whether it is climbing to the top bunk by themselves or making up a new dance. They are my sunshine each day. And both for their own reason.
I have been provided a nice house to live in. It is more than just a shelter from the cold. It is fully equipped. No repairs seem to be needed, at least as of now. (I should knock on wood here.) It is a small house but even that is a blessing, no one gets lost in my home... I am aware of what is happening in each room. And we have a space all our own, no noisy neighbors above us or sharing a wall.
I have a working car. More than just working, it is nice. Yes, it is something we have had to pay for and make sacrifices for but it is here when we need it.
I have been adopted into a great family that loves me vary much. They instilled in me a good work ethic. They have tried to teach me the value of family, even if it is not what you were first born to.
I am also so thankful for the family that I have married into. They have been their for me as I transitioned into living far away from my family. I am not sure how many evenings they allowed me to just sit in their living room, so that I did not have to be home alone.
My mother-in-law has become one of my best friends, without her I am not sure that I would have made it here. In her I have a shopping buddy, an advice giver, a listening ear and a helping hand.
I have a loving church family here. At first I was not interested in going to this church. I hated it, resented going because I didn't like the way they did things. But in the last five years I have come to learn about why they do things the way that they do. I have come to get to know each of these people. Not only just a passing hi, but a friendship, this is more than I ever had with some of the people from my church growing up.
I have a needed place in the church. I have a role to help bring our youth to Christ. It isn't always clear cut where I should be helping, but I think with time my role will be more clearly defined. It is just a matter of both Andrew and I growing in Christ and our ministry.
We always have enough food. I remember being hungry as a child but in my married life that has yet to be a struggle. There are times that I feel we are not going to have enough to eat or that there is nothing left in our cupboards. But just when I have decided that there is no way, that is when God steps in and provides.
I am a blessed woman. I have a full life. Yes, it is hard to be the full time parent, wife and servant of God. But I would not want another role. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life; not after knowing what I know now, or after having done what I fill my days with now.
I have a rewarding life. Just in the results that I see with each passing day. Even though there are days that I forget just how much I love my life and how rewarding it is to live it.
Friday, November 7, 2008
I have adjusted back to life with only my family. Man, my house feels so big. It might have helped that I moved the toddler bed out of the girls room. Or maybe it is just that when I clean up a mess it takes longer than 10 minutes for a new mess to happen.
I love my girls. I love that they listen to me.
I love my girls. I love that they listen to me.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Starting New
I should also exclaim from the top of the mountains that on Sunday this woman is moving out. And that soon, I will be free... to shower when I want, do laundry when I want, spend each day with my kids how I want to.
Beyond that, in just an hour and thirty minutes I will no longer be in charge of her son.
Hallelujah!!!
Beyond that, in just an hour and thirty minutes I will no longer be in charge of her son.
Hallelujah!!!
Prune Juice Explained
I know that in my last post I was a little more than crazy. And a little more than just upset. There was a reason behind it.
Back at the beginning of September I made the mistake of letting a woman I barely know come and stay with us. Beyond that I agreed to do her daycare while she went to work each day. With the promise that the state could pay for the care that I was giving.
As my last post clearly shows, things did not go well.
Communication broke down. People were taken advantage of. In the most compact sense no one was comfortable with the situation. And I for one wanted it to end.
To cope I had started to complain , with funny statements, on Facebook (well, maybe not all of them were funny). Things like...
"Sarah is ready to pull her hair out!!"
"Sarah is is not sure that we made the right choice... changes might happen again...
"Sarah is ready to have her house back... anyone want an extended house guest??? Feel free to ask, She will share them...."
"Sarah is counting down.... only 7 weeks till my house is back to normal!"
"Sarah is READY TO YELL AT THIS WOMAN... WHAT RIGHT DOES SHE HAVE TO ACT THIS WAY.... IT IS MY HOUSE!!!! MINE!!!"
"Sarah is ready for 6 weeks to pass!"
"Sarah thinks she might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!"
"Sarah says it might have been just gas...
"Sarah is ready to just kick her out.... if only everyone else was..."
My sharing in a public format upset one of the college students from my church. Because I have youth that have access to my page as well. But they are not really my youth.
I am a youth pastor's wife. It is my job to be real and a friend to these kids. Yes I need to be an example, but I had endured a month of this woman in my house before I started posting my feelings or sharing them with anyone at all.
To be honest, How to Make Prune Juice is the response to the email that I received but that I don't have the guts to send. I wish I could send it, at least part of me does.
But, if I did have the guts I am pretty sure that this woman would never "get off her high horse" even just to say hi to me again. And I did at one point want to be her friend. Now I think I am just hopping for a nod of the head.
So instead of going to her... I came here. I just pray that even though I am sharing it here and posting it for the world to see that she does not stumble across it and hate me forever.
Back at the beginning of September I made the mistake of letting a woman I barely know come and stay with us. Beyond that I agreed to do her daycare while she went to work each day. With the promise that the state could pay for the care that I was giving.
As my last post clearly shows, things did not go well.
Communication broke down. People were taken advantage of. In the most compact sense no one was comfortable with the situation. And I for one wanted it to end.
To cope I had started to complain , with funny statements, on Facebook (well, maybe not all of them were funny). Things like...
"Sarah is ready to pull her hair out!!"
"Sarah is is not sure that we made the right choice... changes might happen again...
"Sarah is ready to have her house back... anyone want an extended house guest??? Feel free to ask, She will share them....""Sarah is counting down.... only 7 weeks till my house is back to normal!"
"Sarah is READY TO YELL AT THIS WOMAN... WHAT RIGHT DOES SHE HAVE TO ACT THIS WAY.... IT IS MY HOUSE!!!! MINE!!!"
"Sarah is ready for 6 weeks to pass!"
"Sarah thinks she might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!"
"Sarah says it might have been just gas...
"Sarah is ready to just kick her out.... if only everyone else was..."
My sharing in a public format upset one of the college students from my church. Because I have youth that have access to my page as well. But they are not really my youth.
I am a youth pastor's wife. It is my job to be real and a friend to these kids. Yes I need to be an example, but I had endured a month of this woman in my house before I started posting my feelings or sharing them with anyone at all.
To be honest, How to Make Prune Juice is the response to the email that I received but that I don't have the guts to send. I wish I could send it, at least part of me does.
But, if I did have the guts I am pretty sure that this woman would never "get off her high horse" even just to say hi to me again. And I did at one point want to be her friend. Now I think I am just hopping for a nod of the head.
So instead of going to her... I came here. I just pray that even though I am sharing it here and posting it for the world to see that she does not stumble across it and hate me forever.
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