Cabin Fever

Well, we decided last night that I would stay at home with the kiddos today while Mark went to church. Joshua's allergies continue to get the best of him. I really don't think he is contagious, but unless you really love him, you may not want to see all of the coughing, dripping (nose), etc. And I am still struggling with a cold or a virus (something that is making me ache all over). Mark needed to be at church to help with the Lord's Supper, and that meant nobody was there to supervise remaining children. So we had a family (five out of six) church day at home.

I was glad we did. I woke up hurting all over. Even my teeth hurt. And Joshua woke up with a matted eye. It thankfully isn't pink or anything, and I really don't think it is pinkeye...I just think the allergies/cold are in his eyes. And Hunter slept until 9. So in the end, I was glad we chose to be at home.

Home church wasn't quite as neat of an experience as it was the last time we did it. Joshua doesn't get the point at all...imagine that. :) We tried to have a family prayer time, and he kept rolling over Hunter and bringing out any and all toys he has that make noise. Maria was a bit on the grumpy side, so she wasn't really "into it", and even Hunter was just kind of ambivalent about it all. I did try though.

Tonight we were supposed to have our life group (community group). However, my mom (who usually watches the kids) wasn't feeling so hot either. So Mark went alone, while I stayed back with the kids. (He offered to let me go, but I still am dragging a bit)

All that to say, I have a little bit of cabin fever! (And thankfully that is all of the fever I have even though I keep thinking I do have a fever) I am really too tired and achy to go anywhere, but I think tomorrow, I may dash out of the door!

That being said, I have enjoyed the time with the kids. We have had some good conversation. We have enjoyed playing some games (not even just video games...like real games!). And we have been able to catch up a little on housework. And I did get a nap today, which is always a plus. :)

I do have a few prayer requests, being that it is Sunday and all (or was when I started typing this).

Please pray for Hannah Grace. I have mentioned her before. She is a four year old daughter of a local teacher who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. I will admit, when I first heard her diagnosis, I thought, "Okay, this one CAN be beat." And it can. But little Hannah has had to deal with a lot of extra complications and difficulties (such as strokes), more than anyone could have imagined. I would guess her parents feel like they are on a roller coaster ride of emotions. She will have a good day then suddenly she is back in the ICU. Please pray for her healing and for her parents' strength and energy as they face each day, each new challenge. They have a strong faith, thankfully, but no matter what, as a momma it is agonizing to see your little one in any kind of pain.

Also, please continue to pray for Bonnie. She is an incredible lady if you ever get the chance to meet her. Even as she struggles with learning to live life without her husband, and even more, being a mommy (a very tired one at that) without her husband there to help, she has this genuine compassion and encouragement for other people. I can just imagine (or probably can't) how difficult the holidays will be this year...more new "normals". Please think about her and just pray for His strength.

And finally, please pray for us as we guide our children. We are dealing with behavior things with all of them...not big things but still things that must be dealt with. It can be tiring at times and a bit discouraging. Please pray for our wisdom and guidance as we figure out how to handle each situation that comes up, whether it is the impulsiveness of a toddler or the temper of a "big kid". There are days that it would be much easier to throw in the towel, to just "overlook" some flaws and issues, but in the end, we know now is the time to handle things...before they grow into bigger things.

Okay, one more finally, please pray for our health. So far we have avoided any major sickness, though I know it is all around. We are looking forward to the holiday, especially spending time with family. I am hoping we will all be well enough to enjoy each and every minute!

If there is something I can pray for you, let me know.

Off to bed...I DO have school tomorrow.

Reba

Random Thoughts on a Saturday night...

Okay, it is just Saturday afternoon. It just didn't have the same sound to it as "Saturday night". Besides, the rate I have been going, it may be Saturday night before this ever gets published.

I am enjoying a little peace and quiet. Mark has taken the girls to the school carnival. J-man and I are still battling allergies or a cold (not sure which) so we opted to stay home. Apparently Hunter is too old for such things, so he stayed home too. Joshua wanted to go outside, but I am tied to the stove making baked potato soup. So Hunter agreed to take him out for me.

It is very heartwarming watching the two of them explore in the backyard. When we first started adopting, Hunter wanted us to adopt a boy from France (he has a fascination with France) that was his age. I was worried that Joshua would be a huge disappointment to him, coming as a baby and obviously NOT from France. But from the beginning, the two boys took to each other. They are eight years apart, look completely different, but totally love each other. Oh, they drive each other crazy on occasion, but overall, Hunter is exactly the big brother to J-man that I hoped in my heart he would be!

Even as I type, the boys have come in twice to show me treasures they have found...things like a red leaf and acorns. I love to watch Hunter share his fascination and curiosity about the world with J-man. They are both special boys.

Whew! What a long week it was! Most of us were dealing with allergy "crud" (such a precise word, isn't it?). And the younger two were a bit...emotional? They gave me a run for my money I will say. I felt like I spent much of the week in correction/discipline mode. I keep hoping it will pay off in the end but there were a couple times this week I was ready to throw my hands up in despair.

Last night (I did mention these are random thoughts, right?), we rented our second Redbox movie. I am really enjoying this convenience. We are such an exciting crew...we rented Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaur and ordered queso and chips for dinner. Really, aren't you envious of our Friday night?

I will admit, I only half watched the first part of the movie. After all, it is the third installment. How good can it be? Except that partway through, I realized it was very funny, as in those deep down laughs that come from the gut. Hunter was gone for the night, but the rest of us just enjoyed hanging out and chuckling throughout the movie. One of my favorite parts was when a giant T-Rex type dinosaur was chasing after one of the characters. Joshua started screaming at the T.V., "No bite, Dinosaur! No bite!" He is a funny boy (most of the time). He also chuckled pretty hard in some spots. He definitely has a sense of humor.

Another part that warmed my heart was when a baby mammoth was born. Maria was sitting next to me. She was particularly loving yesterday anyway. She watched the three mammoths, the two parent mammoths holding the baby, and she got the most tender look on her face. She said something to the effect that now she guessed they were a family. And that is how she sees it.

Another kid funny: Later that night, Mark was getting J-man ready for bed. He was on the changing table while Mark put pjs on him. Mark said he was wiggling or something, so Mark fussed at him. He said that Joshua stopped and then lowered his voice and said, "I want Mommy." It is hard not to laugh sometimes!

Oh, and earlier that night (nothing like going backwards in your storytelling, good for confusing the readers), the girls decided to play hair stylist. Maria insisted on fixing my hair. I will NEVER complain about that. I love to have my hair played with, it is SO very relaxing even though at the end it is flat and probably greasy. Anyway, Joshua got into the act (the joys of older sisters) and "fixed" my hair too. He then told me, "Mommy, you look pretty." Over and over. Really, how could you ever tire of hearing that (especially knowing what I really looked like)?

Now, back to today. It truly is Saturday night. Such is the story of my life. I start things then get distracted (not sure how :). We had baked potato soup for dinner. Yum. And then turkey sugar cookies (as in with a picture of a turkey on them, not made out of turkeys). And we had a little game time...Lauren and I played Uno while Daddy played Memory with the little ones. Then books and bed. Pretty nice evening if you ask me.

Well, I better wrap up. I do have some pics of Lauren from the game but I think my camera is in the car. I am too tired to walk there and get it.

More later,
Reba

Holiday Countdown

I do love school. I really do. I enjoy being there. My heart goes all atwitter when I get a new book order in the mail. I still have a chalkboard (right next to my dry erase board) that I love to write on each day. One of my favorite times? Snack time. Not because I get to eat, but because at times throughout the year, we make something fun and different to eat (like bread and homemade "butter"); I love to watch my students experience new things. I have wonderful co-workers; they are like my second family away from home. And the hugs, the notes, the smiles I receive throughout the day, the sweet voices telling me that I look very pretty today or that they are having fun learning...all food for my soul.

That being said, I am ready for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The kids are too.

If you don't believe me, just step into the school. Listen. There is a definite buzz in the air, an electricity you can almost feel. Combine that with "snow like weather" (that never produced a flake), it is more than they (or I) can handle.

Even at home, my sweet children are pushing each and every button I have. I keep tripping over dirty socks. I hear tattles from the time I wake up until the time they are go to sleep. I feel like I am working some days at a complaint department in a department store...complaining, complaining, complaining. Just now, little Miss Maria came in distraught because her pants were falling down. That is how I am starting my day.

Oh, the joy of it all.

Five days (including today)...five days.

I can do it. Right?

Let the countdown begin!

The Crud

I am off to eat breakfast. Just wanted to drop in and say we are still here. Some of are dealing with the "crud", not colds or the flu (that I can tell) but allergies. Poor little J-man is coughing up a storm at night. I am dealing more with the stuffy nose, and Mark has a nice combo of both. Thus far, none of us have been struck with anything more, though you cannot help but feel like sitting ducks, almost like you are waiting for the inevitable.

Throw in making Christmas lists, school obligations, parenting, basketball, gymnastics, swim team, housework, cooking...it has been a very busy week.

Hope to make it back tonight!
Reba

Remembering to Give Thanks

Okay, today was a day. (Technically, yesterday, but since I am not in bed, it is today for me :)

I could write a long diatribe of what the day was like. Some of it might make you cry, some of it was actually humorous. Or might be for me one day.

Instead of complaining (which I will warn may still emerge on occasion), I thought I would throw in a few more little things I am thankful for.

• I am thankful for the sweet students in my class, eager to learn. They are a loving group, with complete devotion and adoration even on my grumpy days (which doesn't happen too often...I don't think)
• I am thankful it didn't snow no matter how disappointed my son was (to the point he went on a short-lived hunger strike to protest :); I am just not ready for snow right now.
• I am thankful my car started this morning so that we could be to school on time (instead of the dead battery I dealt with in the parking lot of Joshua's school.
• I am thankful that I am at the same school as my kiddos (well, three out of four, the one and only time :(). Today, a group from Hunter's class (including Hunter) came to share a reader's theater with my crew. It was a true joy to get to watch my son "in action".
• I am thankful for some time to come home and eat lunch by myself, enjoying the peace and quiet.
• I am thankful for the man I don't know who just happened to be at Joshua's school when my van battery was dead and "jumped" it for me so we could get on our way. Thank you!
• I am thankful for a husband who went to the grocery story for me after we both had had long days.
• I am grateful for the smell of pork tenderloin cooked in the slow cooker that is still drifting through the house.
• I am still thankful for Hunter's orthodontist appointment yesterday which went much better than I expected.
• I am grateful I can call my mom any time I am having a rough time as a Mommy. Or even a joyful time as a mommy.
• I am thankful for early bedtimes (for little children).
• I am grateful for a monitor so I can do just that...monitor, especially that ugly cough I hear coming from across the house. :(
• I am thankful for my shoes even though tonight my feet are aching from wearing them all day.
• I am thankful for my warm cozy bed which is where I am headed right now...I am wiped out.

Hoping for a better day tomorrow...

Reba

Million Dollar Smile

These pictures really have nothing to do with today's post, I just wanted to show off some cute kids. :) Yesterday, when we were getting ready for church, I dressed Joshua up a little "classier" than usual. I then told him how handsome he looked (down to the little black dress shoes). He was so very coy (yet proud). I had to snap a picture.Of course, as soon as that camera comes out, so does the cheese!

Hunter wore a new outfit to church that included a tie. Okay, okay, the tie had skulls on it (which is apparently the "in" thing) but it still looked very nice on him. I think he was feeling rather grown up with it on.
I couldn't discriminate in my picture taking, thus a picture of Maria, who I think looks beautiful in any color!

Last but not least, Miss Lauren acts nonchalant as she poses for me.

Okay, enough of the Mama pride, on to today's true topic...the million dollar mouth.

Hunter had his first visit with the orthodontist!

We took Hunter to the dentist when he was probably 1.5 years old for his first check up. He got a good report overall. However, the dentist mentioned an ominous warning..."I can already tell you he will be in braces one day." Ahhh, music to my ears...NOT. :)

Over the years, we have watched his teeth grow in. In. Not out. He has only lost four teeth total. We kept mentioning to the dentist we were concerned; he wasn't losing teeth like most kids his age. The dentist was never overly concerned...probably because he reads x-rays MUCH better than I do. On the last visit, our dentist said, "It is time; Hunter needs to see the orthodontist very soon." He even offered to make an appointment FOR us, which told me it really was time. No more putting it off.

Today was the day. We ended up cancelling the appointment with the orthodontist he made the appointment with. I am sure that orthodontist is fine. I just never felt a "peace" about it. One Sunday I mentioned at church our search for just the right person (a big plus- accepting our dental insurance). Immediately the folks in our Bible Fellowship (which will always be Sunday School to me) told us that we needed to see Dr. G. Not only does he go to our church, but he apparently he is just a neat guy.

The appointment was at 3:15 which is when I can officially leave school. So Mark picked Hunter up (and also delivered J-man to my mom's), and then went on to the appointment. At 3:15, I hightailed it out with the girls, dropped them off at my mom's, then went on to the appointment. The office is not a quick drive, which is a negative. On the way there, I was beginning to wonder what we had done.

Thankfully I got to the appointment before the ortho had even made his way in. The assistant who had taken a lot of pictures of Hunter's mouth shared some information with me. I knew some of it but had forgotten most of it (I will get to that in a second). Hunter, who had been a tad bit nervous about the appointment (I am pretty sure he envisioned having braces strapped on his teeth on the first visit, ending his popcorn eating days), was completely relaxed and in pre-teen heaven. He had a DS in hand and was playing some kind of video game.

A short bit later, the ortho appeared. He goes to our church; Mark knows him, but I only have seen him from afar. He immediately put me at ease. The best words I heard was "There is no reason to do anything right now. We need to wait until all of the permanent teeth are in first." Big sigh of relief. I have heard stories of kids getting braces young then having to have them again a few years later.

The funniest words we heard were "Wow, I am really puzzled. I have not ever seen x-rays like this." Hunter is missing four teeth (permanent). The ortho said that it is not very uncommon to be missing two on top. It is a bit more rare to be missing the two on the bottom. Apparently it is VERY uncommon to be missing both. :) We have always said Hunter was unique. Now we have proof! (Sadly, the four teeth he is NOT missing are his wisdom teeth.)

By the way, the missing teeth explains why Hunter hasn't lost more teeth. There is nothing to push the baby teeth out of the way. (Ironically, one of his other teeth IS loose, the permanent tooth is already pushing it out of the way.)

Overall, the appointment was good. We don't have to go back for six months. There is definitely work to be done, but the ortho said as much as he wants to get in and fix things RIGHT now, the best thing to do is wait until all of the teeth have moved into place and then go from there. So we have some time left before we start shelling out for the million dollar mouth. At least with this child. I have a feeling the 8 year old is next in line for a visit!

Oh, and while the drive is not really convenient which a few months ago I would have said was one of my top requirements, I am glad we have made the choice we made. We are all very comfortable with Dr. G and feel like he has Hunter's best interests at heart. The staff was very friendly. The assistant even printed off a copy of Hunter's "smile pics" and his x-rays per Hunter's request. All that makes for a happy kid and two happy parents.

Now, I am off to bed.

More later,

Reba

A Hike Through the Jungle

Every weekend in the past month (or more) we have been hiking. And I was tempted to do it again this weekend. But Lauren has been asking me regularly, "When are we going back to the zoo?" I don't know if you remember our summer zoo excursion...that would be me with the four kids on one of the hottest days of the year. I literally had sweat dripping into my eyes to the point they burned. I told the kids then we would return in the fall. Lauren is like an elephant; she does NOT forget. So I decided that a great "hike" this weekend would be at the Tulsa Zoo. Unfortunately, there were all kinds of obstacles, like a basketball game, swim team, a Razorback game. I had finally decided that maybe Sunday would be the best day to go. That is, until I checked out the weather. Big chances for rain. Hmmm, I was feeling a bit defeated.

So yesterday, we got up, made some pumpkin muffins for breakfast, then headed to Lauren's basketball game. It is slow moving these days to go anywhere. I have got to start building in some "Joshua" time for our outings. He does NOT understand the meaning of the word "quick". He wants to do everything himself which takes a lot longer. So needless to say, we were late to the game. (Lauren and her daddy were NOT late; they left way before us) We did get to see Lauren's team win the game. Way to go, Sonics!

After the game, Mark took Hunter to swim team practice. I took the other three and headed home. On the way home, Lauren asked again when we could go to the zoo. I looked at the beautiful weather outside and started calculating in my head. As soon as we got home, I e-mailed Mark and asked what he thought about us going as soon as swim practice was over, staying at the zoo for a couple of hours, then heading back so the boys could get to the basketball game. His response, "You should see my face right now." I don't know why he was surprised. It is not the first time I have thrown him for a loop. (Examples? Try every child we have in our home!) In spite the question of my sanity, he agreed. I do love that man, even though he was REALLY grumpy all day (not due to me I think, just woke up that way).

I rushed to pack the diaper bag, throwing in snacks, juice, and toll road money. As soon as the boys got home and changed clothes, we headed out the door. A little less than two hours later, we were standing in line (a really long line), waiting to go on our hike through the jungle...or the zoo, whichever you prefer. :)

The zoo visit was for all of the kids, even Hunter who might think he is too old for such things (how can he think that? I LOVE going to the zoo any chance I get). However, I knew the one who would love it most was J-man. He LOVES animals, insects, creatures of any kind. And sure enough, he would see new animals and squeal (loudly) with delight. It was fun watching him take it all in.

Here are a few photos from our day.
Maria is waiting in line for us to get into the zoo. Apparently we were not the only ones taking advantage of the weather! It was more crowded than I have ever seen it but it never felt too crowded.

He's got the whole world in his hands... This "earth" is at the entrance to the zoo. It is always spinning. I have yet to figure out how it does that. However, we always get pictures of it because NOBODY can resist touching it and trying to move it another direction.
Yep, confirms what I have thought all along. She is a true monkey!

Joshua proclaimed all monkeys "JoJo" like his stuffed animal monkey. He is really into "scary" right now, as in things truly seem scary to him which he loves to tell me. So when we took him into the monkey "house" for an up close look at some chimps, he told me it was "scary" in there and was eager to leave. But there was also an outside viewing area which he didn't mind. There was a little family of chimps outside: a momma, a daddy, and the baby. It was so entertaining watching them. They would line up and walk around the "island". Then they would rest a bit. Well, Mom and Dad would rest. Baby would jump all over them, trying to get some attention. It sure did remind me of some children I know!
The girls take a break.
These were popular with our crew, especially J-man. Lately he will throw his arms behind him (like wings) and walk stiff legged, telling me that he is a penguin. I really don't know where that came from. He has a LOT of imagination. He got a big kick out of seeing real penguins marching around and swimming right up to him at the window. I guess they weren't too scary.

The last time we went, we bypassed the playground altogether. It was so stinkin' hot that day and our time was limited. Well, our time was limited yesterday too but we weren't on a set schedule, so we threw in some playtime. Joshua was so eager to ride on this teeter totter; he is very fortunate to have a big brother who will do things like that with him!
Maria insisted that I take this picture of her with a meerkat statue.
These lemurs were SO funny to watch. I have never seen them act like they did yesterday. They were hyped up, jumping all around and putting on quite a show. Who knew?

Of course, as always, we have to climb the "climbing wall".
Here is my motley crew, heading into the rainforest exhibit. This was the most normal of all the pictures I took here. :)

Last animal pic, I promise. I love prairie dogs. They are so entertaining to me. They weren't out when we were there this summer, so I really enjoyed watching them this time.
Yes, it is the standard "in the wagon" picture. We always have to get one of those too.

Lauren waited the whole time to visit the petting zoo. Then it wasn't officially open. :( However, there were a few goats craving attention and more than willing to have someone pet them; Lauren was more than willing to oblige. (Yes, I always have hand sanitizer on me :)
My mess of monkeys...what a crew!

We still didn't get to visit alot of the exhibits due to the time crunch. But it was still a nice visit. The animals are a lot more active in the fall than on a hot summer day!

After the zoo, I had the slightest bit of hope that we would just ditch the Razorback game and go for dinner at Joe's Crab Shack (which we don't have at home). I am an eternal optimist I guess. I thought maybe, just maybe, my sweet hubby would surprise me. Unfortunately, it took very little time to realize that the car was heading the wrong direction. So home we went. We got back just in time for the game. In fact, we drove to the stadium area, Mark and Hunter hopped out to go to the game, and I jumped in the driver seat to come home. We (me and the Three) finished up our day with popcorn, shakes, and a movie.

Yes, we still have piles of laundry to do. The kitchen sink was still full of dishes. But guess what? Those things could be done (and have been done) later. Sometimes we just have to live (and go) in the here and now!

Reba

Thankfulness Abounds

Okay, before I forget, I have a PS for Santa Claus...I need someone to match all of those single socks that are piled high in the basket on top of the dryer.

Now that I have that out of the way, I thought I should actually turn thoughts to Thanksgiving which is happening before Christmas (no matter what the stores say or do). I would hope anybody reading (Here I feel a Bueller coming on, "Anyone? Anyone?) would know some of the obvious things I am thankful for, such as my husband, kids, extended family, my God. But here are a few more things I am thankful for to add to the list (just in case I sounded too whiny in my last post)...

• a dishwasher. Oh, I joke (somewhat) about wanting another one. We use our dishwasher a LOT. And I am already mourning the day it decides to quit, though I don't blame it one bit. But I am SOOOO very thankful for the one we do have. Life would be very different without it.
• a husband who goes with his wife's crazy schemes, like "I know we have stuff at the beginning of the day and you have a game to attend at the end, now, let's spontaneously jump in the car and head to the zoo..." without complaint. Or much complaint. (Pictures coming soon)
• Sharpies. Do you know how often I use Sharpies both at home or at school? I am thankful for them.
• Our newspaper. It isn't the same now; Mark's newspaper and MY newspaper are now ONE newspaper (cuts down on our recycling volume). I am just thankful we get a paper at all; I know they are a dying breed. While I do find a lot of my news online, for the best and most current local news, I cannot beat the newspapers.
• For my minivan. I do complain a lot about it, and yes, I am still in mourning over the loss of my Honda Accord (which never would have held all four kids in the backseat). But it is a good vehicle for our family. It gives us room to move and store things, like books and other entertainment devices.
• KLRC, our local Christian radio station. It is an uplifting experience each time I listen. Even more, I love to listen to Maria join into the songs.
• Ice cold Mountain Dews at the end of a long day. Love my Dews.
• Ghiradelli dark chocolate with caramel squares...not only delicious but also healthy for my heart (the dark chocolate :)
• My heated throw, especially on cold days.
• Velcro shoes. If you have kids, you know why.
• Digital cameras. I remember all too well using film. You had to be careful not to expose it to sunlight before it was finished. Then you would wait a few days for your pictures to come in, only to find your thumb was covering the lends in half of them...
• Redbox movies. We just got our first one yesterday. I LOVED being able to walk right up, choose, and leave with a movie. Easy. My favorite kind!
• DVR. I love being able to say, "Record this show any time it is on". Much better than being in the middle of the grocery store and realizing that you aren't home to set the VCR when needed.
• A job that I love and look forward to each day.
• Comments. I almost always enjoy the comments people leave on here. Usually makes me feel not so alone in the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

I can go on and on, and may do so this week. But for now, I keep dozing off. So I need to say farewell for tonight!

Reba

PS What little things are you thankful for?

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa, I realize it is a bit early to send you a letter. However, the stores have NO problem playing Christmas music, I am seeing Christmas commercials on t.v., and there are already Christmas decorations going up wherever I look. Since I have quite a list of demands, I mean requests, I thought you might need a little extra time to work your magic.

Now, Santa, I think it goes without saying that I would like world peace, a thriving economy, for every orphan to find a family, for the pain and suffering of those with cancer or illness to be healed. Please know that while this list is mine and mine only, I would obviously wish for the above requests long before my own.

However, if you do take care of all of those requests, I have a few of my own that I would welcome...

I would like...

• five minutes in the bathroom without one person coming to the door, yelling, "Mom???" then not having any type of emergency, at least real emergency.
• two minutes without having a child seek me out to tattle on another child in the family.
• for every child to wake up happy, to get dressed (with no help), and to be ready five minutes early.
• for every child to be happy, no...thrilled, to partake in the meal that I have made. And even better that they might TELL me.
• to get one picture of everybody in the family looking at me (the photographer) and SMILING a natural smile.
• to have a fresh coat of paint (especially on major walls, doorframes, and baseboards) without me having to actually paint it.
• a Roomba...I think it would always get to snack in our kitchen under the breakfast table.
• an extra hour to my day (not to my kids' though)
• an easier way to change the sheets on a bunk bed
• an additional dishwasher so that dirty dishes never have to be IN the sink
• a self-cleaning refrigerator
• cute stylish pants that would automatically adjust to my body's weight and size
• someone who could match all of those lonely socks I have piled in a basket on my dryer
• a chauffeur to deliver children to their extracurricular activities
• a magic wand to magically clean those rooms that belong to little people, the very ones that make me cringe each time I walk in the door
• a volume control for anyone ages 12 and under in the house, including a mute button to be used when needed
• an exercise program that requires little energy or effort but burns millions of calories
• a guidebook to give me step by step directions on how to handle any situation or conversation that arises in our house on a given day
• a personal hairstylist to fix the girls' hair in a cute and unique way every day instead of the one lone scrunchy I know how to put in (sometimes unevenly)
• (thanks to my friend Robin for this one) a refrigerated oven that I can turn on remotely to start dinner
• a professional landscaper to come and create a delightful yard that fits the needs of all of our family (and throw in a neat fort/swingset to boot)

Santa, I know there are so many more things, but I don't want to take up my fair share (I am trying to tone down Christmas after all :), so I will save those requests for another day.

Thanks,

Reba, a.k.a. the Mom

PS Yes, despite what my children have said, I have been good or good enough all year long...

Aches and Pains

Before I forget, Happy Veteran's Day. Today we had our annual Veteran's Day assembly at school. We started a few years ago...I think my dad (served in the Air Force at the beginning of my life) has attended every one thus far. I looked over at him, all of the men and women over there who have been serving our country in a variety of ways, and I am thankful. My eyes cannot help but well up thinking of all that these men and women have sacrificed for my freedom...we are a blessed nation!

I think I am falling apart. The past week or so I have been collapsing on the bed after the last child goes down (and sometimes a little before) in exhaustion. But more than the fatigue is the pain. My whole body aches...every little muscles down to my fingers. I think I have been fairly blessed in my life (other than that dumb sprained ankle this past summer), I haven't had to deal with a lot of physical pain in my life. But suddenly now I am achy all over. I keep thinking I might have the flu but I have NO other symptoms other than aches and pains in each muscle and joint. Oh, the joys of getting older!

Let's see...I have a couple of "deeper" entries (if you can call them that) to do, but I feel like I should be somewhat awake to do those.

So I will stay "light" tonight...warning...a hodgepodge of thoughts/stories...

This morning, Mark went in to Joshua's room to get him up and ready for the day. Joshua sat there proudly in his onesie, his pajamas (footie blanket sleeper) wadded up in the corner of his crib (yes, he is in a crib, still loves it, and we are in no hurry to get him out!). He then announced (again, proudly), "I took my pajamas off, Daddy." And that is why he ALWAYS has a onesie on with his pj's!

Last night I made a comment to Hunter about his muscles. He was walking around with just pajama bottoms on. I noticed some muscles peeking through on his tummy (you can't help but notice the things you don't have!). I told him I thought he was developing some muscles from swimming and that I didn't think he had much body fat on him. He then told me (with obvious disgust), "I don't really care for body fat..." Of course, I responded that I didn't either but it didn't stop me from having any!

The other day I asked Joshua if he had had a good day at school. Now this won't be nearly as interesting if you don't understand that a couple weeks ago, Joshua repeated most of what we said or repeated his own phrases over and over. Anyway, his response? "I played with my friends." Didn't expect that!

Lauren recently found out that she was moving up a level in gymnastics. She had really worked hard, determined to move up. Unfortunately, the new time for her class coincides with her basketball practices. We (as in Mark) called to try to reschedule her only to find out that is the only class of that level. We (as in I) talked to Lauren about her options. She ended up deciding that she would take an earlier class on her previous level. The director assured Mark that they would continue to challenge her and work with her to advance. I was proud of her for making that decision. It would have been easy for her to only think about what it would look like ("I won't look like I have succeeded if I don't actually move up"), but she was very concerned with not missing basketball practice. Just a side note...we really work hard to not overschedule kids...we just let Lauren start an afterschool activity (gymnastics) last year. I keep reminding myself that this overlap of activities won't last long. And the activities themselves are so different...we aren't going to make her choose one over the other at this point in time.

I know I should have a bunch of Maria funnies (like tonight when she asked me how the babies-meaning Hunter and Lauren- got out of my tummy), but I cannot think of many specifics right now. I will say that I am often in awe of the young lady she is becoming. She is silly and comical. We don't believe most of what she says, not because we think she is trying to be dishonest, but because she loves to play practical jokes with a straight face! Most of the time (and I mean almost always), she is a delight to be around. I would love to take some credit, but I can't...she is just being who God designed her to be! (A little funny...Maria will say in a very disgusted voice, "I am tired of Joshua acting like that"...it is all I can do to not fall to the floor laughing...he acts SO much like she did at that age except not quite to the extent she did!)

Oh, lately when I have been telling Joshua it is time to leave, his response is, "I want to stay here..." He thinks at 2 he is ready to stay at home by himself???

I asked Hunter if he had ever decided on what his birthday "theme" was going to be so I can start planning. His response? I can just make a French flag (he is fascinated with France/French)...no need for any "fancy themes". I was happy in a way...should be a lot easier. But in a way I am sad, when did he start growing up?

Totally off topic, but we have been so enjoying this fall weather!

I better go for now.

More later,
Reba