As a prelude to this story, I have to tell you that Zachy is a stasher. He stashes goodies anywhere he can think of. If something is missing, we ask him, and off he'll trot to where he stashed it.
It is not uncommon for him to ask if he can bring assorted items with us in the car. We usually say yes, and don't pay much attention to what it is.
Yesterday, we decided to head to Six Flags. As usual, Zachy said, "can I bring stuff?" I told him that he could, and thought nothing more of it.
Whilst in the park, Dillon went running, caught the toe of his sandal on the ground and took a dive. Skinned up his knees and hands. We were looking at his wounds and asking if he was ok, not paying any attention to Zach. All of a sudden, he was beside us, with a first aid kit! He was declaring, "OH! I have bandaids!!" We were so surprised that he brought stuff from the van into the stroller. We figured everything stayed behind. We were so greatful that he happened to stash a first aid kit with him.
He also brought hand sanitizer and ice breakers, because you never know when you need clean hands and a clean mouth!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Happy Thoughts
I absolutely love having a clothesline. It is actually one of my favorite parts of my house. I've waited many years to have a clothesline. Silly, I know. But you should see little diapers on a line..soooo cute!
This little eye drop has lowered the pressure in Matthew's eye from 48 to 22. Yes, this makes me very, very happy.
Just one way we are trying to leave a smaller footprint on the earth. Earth day made me happy! This bag is full of other cloth bags, waiting to go back in the van.
Herbs! Growing in my window sill. Only not anymore. As of today they are in bigger pots outside. Matt is growing these because he loves to cook us yummy food, and got tired of paying big bucks for these herbs.
Dillon is studying birds. I don't know if you can see it, but there are three bird feeders in this picture. Another one is in another branch, and we have one on the window behind the herbs that the birds haven't discovered yet. We have very happy birds around here. Maybe next week I'll get a picture of the birds, and not just the feeders!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
No easy feat
I haven't mentioned it here, because I really hate being a gigantic loser in front of everyone, but I'm trying to lose weight.
I've been watching what I eat, and I've been exercising on a fairly regular basis. I've been going to the gym at night, by my lonesome, to try and work some of this fat off.
I thought I was doing well. I was down four pounds. Finally headed in the right direction.
Then today, I weighed. All four of those pounds are back. And I'm right back where I started.
I hate this. I hate trying so hard, thinking about it so much, for nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch. I hate it.
And I'm just having a bad day in general, so it probably doesn't help me at all. I just want to quit. Go eat some ice cream.
I hate this. *sob*
I've been watching what I eat, and I've been exercising on a fairly regular basis. I've been going to the gym at night, by my lonesome, to try and work some of this fat off.
I thought I was doing well. I was down four pounds. Finally headed in the right direction.
Then today, I weighed. All four of those pounds are back. And I'm right back where I started.
I hate this. I hate trying so hard, thinking about it so much, for nothing. Zip. Nada. Zilch. I hate it.
And I'm just having a bad day in general, so it probably doesn't help me at all. I just want to quit. Go eat some ice cream.
I hate this. *sob*
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
La dee dah
The kids are all outside playing. Taking a break from school work.
And I should really be cleaning up, because my house looks like a tornado just blew through. But, I don't want to.
I'm feeling lazy right now. Emmie hasn't napped well for the last couple of days. Usually, I'm able to get most of my cleaning up done while she sleeps, but not lately.
Today, Matthew has learned how to do his laundry. Dillon is next. They really wanted a raise in their allowance, so they have to pick up some of the slack.
OK, I'm off to do something productive.
And I should really be cleaning up, because my house looks like a tornado just blew through. But, I don't want to.
I'm feeling lazy right now. Emmie hasn't napped well for the last couple of days. Usually, I'm able to get most of my cleaning up done while she sleeps, but not lately.
Today, Matthew has learned how to do his laundry. Dillon is next. They really wanted a raise in their allowance, so they have to pick up some of the slack.
OK, I'm off to do something productive.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Just Pray
Since American Idol did America Gives Back, and several other bloggers went on a
Compassion trip, I've been seeing many bloggers talking about sponsoring children. I've wondered what God would want us to do. We are trying hard to pay off all our debts, and we are finally succeeding. And I feel God wants us to continue on that path and not add any bills. So where does that leave sponsoring a child? And then there is my own hang ups with sponsoring. I know they are irrational, but I wonder where our money goes. Does it really go to help the children? I know that Compassion is legit, but so is the American Heart Association, and only one penny of every dollar they raise goes to congenital heart defect research. I know that strokes and heart attacks are also very important, but the way I see it, usually those things happen to elderly people, who have had a chance to live life. CHDs happen to babies, who haven't had that chance. They deserve that chance. But I digress..I'm going down the wrong path for this post.
I've been wrestling in my mind about all of this.
And then, this morning, at 4 am, I was wide awake. And that Still Small Voice was telling me to just pray. To pull out maps, and choose impovershed countries and teach my children about them, and to pray for them. Because, even if we aren't giving monetarily, praying is just as valuable.
But, I argued with God. I said, "just pray? That's it??" You see, we had watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium a few nights ago, and there was an accountant. They called him Mutant because surely accountant meant a cross between a counter and a mutant. Mutant was a "just" man. As in, it was just a toy store. Only every one else could see the magic that the store held. So I felt like it was just prayer. But the voice gently nudged and said, "oh no, not just prayer. Because prayer is more magical than that" And yes, I do know that prayer is not magical, but do you get my drift? It is more than just a prayer. Prayer changes things. And if all we can do is pray, then that is enough. More than enough.
Somewhere, I have a nice laminated map of the world. I cannot find it though. I remember it last in a house we lived in 4 houses ago, so it may be long gone. But we are going to get a map out, and choose countries. We will learn about the people there, and their struggles. And we will pray. Earnestly pray. And that's more than enough, for now.
Compassion trip, I've been seeing many bloggers talking about sponsoring children. I've wondered what God would want us to do. We are trying hard to pay off all our debts, and we are finally succeeding. And I feel God wants us to continue on that path and not add any bills. So where does that leave sponsoring a child? And then there is my own hang ups with sponsoring. I know they are irrational, but I wonder where our money goes. Does it really go to help the children? I know that Compassion is legit, but so is the American Heart Association, and only one penny of every dollar they raise goes to congenital heart defect research. I know that strokes and heart attacks are also very important, but the way I see it, usually those things happen to elderly people, who have had a chance to live life. CHDs happen to babies, who haven't had that chance. They deserve that chance. But I digress..I'm going down the wrong path for this post.
I've been wrestling in my mind about all of this.
And then, this morning, at 4 am, I was wide awake. And that Still Small Voice was telling me to just pray. To pull out maps, and choose impovershed countries and teach my children about them, and to pray for them. Because, even if we aren't giving monetarily, praying is just as valuable.
But, I argued with God. I said, "just pray? That's it??" You see, we had watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium a few nights ago, and there was an accountant. They called him Mutant because surely accountant meant a cross between a counter and a mutant. Mutant was a "just" man. As in, it was just a toy store. Only every one else could see the magic that the store held. So I felt like it was just prayer. But the voice gently nudged and said, "oh no, not just prayer. Because prayer is more magical than that" And yes, I do know that prayer is not magical, but do you get my drift? It is more than just a prayer. Prayer changes things. And if all we can do is pray, then that is enough. More than enough.
Somewhere, I have a nice laminated map of the world. I cannot find it though. I remember it last in a house we lived in 4 houses ago, so it may be long gone. But we are going to get a map out, and choose countries. We will learn about the people there, and their struggles. And we will pray. Earnestly pray. And that's more than enough, for now.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Happy Thoughts
Jenni, over at One Thing, lists 5 things, every Friday, that make her happy.
I think it is so great to reflect on the good things in life, and so I'm stealing her idea. Hopefully, she won't mind!
This week is pretty obvious..but it's what makes me the happiest, so it gets the first week.
This boy, who is so very brave. He's been through more than any person should ever have to go through, and he's just 11. Our eldest son, Matthew.
And this boy, who is so very strong. He is such a little monkey, with the most gentle heart. Our second son, Dillon.
This boy, who is in such an enjoyable stage. He cracks us up so many times a day. And he's so curious about the world around him. Our third son, Collin.
Zachary, our fourth son. He is the bravest person I know. He is strong in spirit. He is one of my greatest heroes.
And finally, this girl. Emily. Our fifth child, first girl. She is growing by leaps and bounds before my very eyes. Growing more independent every day.
I think it is so great to reflect on the good things in life, and so I'm stealing her idea. Hopefully, she won't mind!
This week is pretty obvious..but it's what makes me the happiest, so it gets the first week.
This boy, who is so very brave. He's been through more than any person should ever have to go through, and he's just 11. Our eldest son, Matthew.
And this boy, who is so very strong. He is such a little monkey, with the most gentle heart. Our second son, Dillon.
This boy, who is in such an enjoyable stage. He cracks us up so many times a day. And he's so curious about the world around him. Our third son, Collin.
Zachary, our fourth son. He is the bravest person I know. He is strong in spirit. He is one of my greatest heroes.
And finally, this girl. Emily. Our fifth child, first girl. She is growing by leaps and bounds before my very eyes. Growing more independent every day.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Babies, Babies Everywhere
Oh my, it seems everyone is having babies!
Yesterday, one of my on line friends had her sixth baby, and she is just so cute. Another fellow blogger had her 12th on Saturday.
I have an on line friend who is pregnant with her eighth.
The one neighbor is certainly pregnant and I think the other neighbor is too.
It's so exciting to see all these little ones. Love it!
Congrats to everyone!!!
Yesterday, one of my on line friends had her sixth baby, and she is just so cute. Another fellow blogger had her 12th on Saturday.
I have an on line friend who is pregnant with her eighth.
The one neighbor is certainly pregnant and I think the other neighbor is too.
It's so exciting to see all these little ones. Love it!
Congrats to everyone!!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Eyes Have It
I'm sure I've used that title before, and I will probably use it again in the future. I hope, anyway.
Because what it means is that the good eyes in this family still outnumber the bad numbers.
Emma-bug had an appointment with the ophthalmologist today. It was confirmed that her eyesight is A-OK.
So that means that four of us have good eyesight, and only three have bad. Too bad the bad is so bad!
I don't think I mentioned before that Matthew's pressure is down to 22. Great news. His pressure was 48. I don't expect anyone who hasn't dealt with glaucoma to have any idea what any of this means, but it is great.
Things are going well in the health department. Praise the Lord!!
Because what it means is that the good eyes in this family still outnumber the bad numbers.
Emma-bug had an appointment with the ophthalmologist today. It was confirmed that her eyesight is A-OK.
So that means that four of us have good eyesight, and only three have bad. Too bad the bad is so bad!
I don't think I mentioned before that Matthew's pressure is down to 22. Great news. His pressure was 48. I don't expect anyone who hasn't dealt with glaucoma to have any idea what any of this means, but it is great.
Things are going well in the health department. Praise the Lord!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Off to exercise
My knee is feeling better, but I'm still nervous. I don't want to hurt it again.
Matt and I are taking the kids to the family exercise room on base, and I will be doing something like an elliptical machine in an effor to not hurt my knee.
I know the key to good weight loss is through exercise, so I really need to do this.
Wish me luck!
Matt and I are taking the kids to the family exercise room on base, and I will be doing something like an elliptical machine in an effor to not hurt my knee.
I know the key to good weight loss is through exercise, so I really need to do this.
Wish me luck!
Friday, April 11, 2008
That's one way to teach grammar
I keep hearing, 'Zachy sticked his tongue out at me!"
"nuh-uh Collin sticked his tongue at me!"
I finally told them that I could not listen to them until they used proper grammar. That is was 'Zachy STUCK his tongue out at me, not sticked'
Now I keep hearing, "Zachy stuck his tongut out at me!"
And here I thought they'd stop.
Silly, silly me.
"nuh-uh Collin sticked his tongue at me!"
I finally told them that I could not listen to them until they used proper grammar. That is was 'Zachy STUCK his tongue out at me, not sticked'
Now I keep hearing, "Zachy stuck his tongut out at me!"
And here I thought they'd stop.
Silly, silly me.
Zachism
This morning, Zachy asked me if he had ever been in my tummy.
I said that yes he was.
He said, "oh yeah, I was scary* in there"
Me "no, you liked it a lot, and didn't want to come out"
sly smile then, "oh yeah..I was HIDING!"
He then crawls off my bed and spots a bear figurine I have. He picked it up, looked at it, and then at me and says, "mommy, is this really what you looked like when you were a bear?"
"when was I a bear?"
"when you were a baby....ummm...in a COSTUME"
That kid cracks me up.
* Zachy always says scary when he means scared. For instance, he can't go to bed in the dark because he's scary. It's really too cute to correct him right now, maybe when he's 12.
I said that yes he was.
He said, "oh yeah, I was scary* in there"
Me "no, you liked it a lot, and didn't want to come out"
sly smile then, "oh yeah..I was HIDING!"
He then crawls off my bed and spots a bear figurine I have. He picked it up, looked at it, and then at me and says, "mommy, is this really what you looked like when you were a bear?"
"when was I a bear?"
"when you were a baby....ummm...in a COSTUME"
That kid cracks me up.
* Zachy always says scary when he means scared. For instance, he can't go to bed in the dark because he's scary. It's really too cute to correct him right now, maybe when he's 12.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Six Flags pictures
We went to Six Flags on Easter. Here are some pictures from it.
There aren't many of Matthew and Dillon because they are into the higher thrill rides, and well, it's hard to get pictures of roller coasters!
There aren't many of Matthew and Dillon because they are into the higher thrill rides, and well, it's hard to get pictures of roller coasters!
Lookie what we got
I've been meaning to post this, but haven't uploaded the picture.
We bought this new van on April first. It's a 12 passenger and we absolutely love it.
All the environmentalists hate us. It's ok though, they pretty much started that when we had more than our acceptable 2 kids.
Meet The Great White.
We named it that because I kept saying, "it's a monster" when we were looking at it. And that's the name of Matthew and Dillon's favorite roller coaster. So, The Great White she is!
We bought this new van on April first. It's a 12 passenger and we absolutely love it.
All the environmentalists hate us. It's ok though, they pretty much started that when we had more than our acceptable 2 kids.
Meet The Great White.
We named it that because I kept saying, "it's a monster" when we were looking at it. And that's the name of Matthew and Dillon's favorite roller coaster. So, The Great White she is!
Oh boy
Our VBS is scheduled for July.
Already, the songs are in my head every single day.
I've also been having bad dreams about it.
It's going to be a long 3 months!
An update on the kids...Dillon and Emmie are being treated for strep. We have to keep our eyes on the other kids too. Emmie didn't test positive, but given that she had the same symptoms as Dillon, the doc decided to treat her too. I am not opposed to that at all.
Already, the songs are in my head every single day.
I've also been having bad dreams about it.
It's going to be a long 3 months!
An update on the kids...Dillon and Emmie are being treated for strep. We have to keep our eyes on the other kids too. Emmie didn't test positive, but given that she had the same symptoms as Dillon, the doc decided to treat her too. I am not opposed to that at all.
What's a mom to do?
So the fever bug has bitten Dillon and Emmie now.
Last night Emmie's temp was up to 104.1 and she was breathing so fast. I called the nurse and they said to bring her in. I was counting betweent 75-85 respirations per minute. Much too fast.
I waited until she fell asleep and things seem to quiet down a bit. She was down to the 40s.
This morning, she is still sleeping and her respirations have slowed way down. Thank goodness. And her temp is only 101.4.
Dillon, on the other hand, he awoke this morning telling me something was clogging his throat.
His tonsils are indeed huge. And I see white on them. So the question is, is this strep, or just regular ole tonsilitis?
I'm waiting a bit, to see how they both fare later on in the day. If they get worse or don't improve (mainly Dill) I'll try to get them in. He is notorious for getting strep. Poor thing. And you'd think I'd know the look of it by now.
So, maybe doctor for us today, maybe not.
And once again, Matthew is the only kiddo to not get sick yet.
Last night Emmie's temp was up to 104.1 and she was breathing so fast. I called the nurse and they said to bring her in. I was counting betweent 75-85 respirations per minute. Much too fast.
I waited until she fell asleep and things seem to quiet down a bit. She was down to the 40s.
This morning, she is still sleeping and her respirations have slowed way down. Thank goodness. And her temp is only 101.4.
Dillon, on the other hand, he awoke this morning telling me something was clogging his throat.
His tonsils are indeed huge. And I see white on them. So the question is, is this strep, or just regular ole tonsilitis?
I'm waiting a bit, to see how they both fare later on in the day. If they get worse or don't improve (mainly Dill) I'll try to get them in. He is notorious for getting strep. Poor thing. And you'd think I'd know the look of it by now.
So, maybe doctor for us today, maybe not.
And once again, Matthew is the only kiddo to not get sick yet.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Pete and Repeat
Pete and Repeat were walking across the bridge.
Pete fell off and who was left?
Repeat.
Collin had a fever yesterday. It's gone today.
Zachy has a fever today, and is now throwing up.
Why are we repeating this illness??
Pete fell off and who was left?
Repeat.
Collin had a fever yesterday. It's gone today.
Zachy has a fever today, and is now throwing up.
Why are we repeating this illness??
Monday, April 7, 2008
Great Sunday
We had a great day yesterday. It started out blah.
We were just kind of sprawling about. Then we decided to go to the store to look for a seat for Emmie on Matt's bike.
We discovered it was beautiful outside. Which was kind of surprising because we had all been cold inside. Had to turn down the a/c.
We walked around the BX for a good long while. Emmie pushed any cart she could get her hands on. So cute.
We also had to buy a sprinkler so we could start watering the lawn. For some reason, Collin decided to throw our old one away.
When we got home, we set up the sprinkler, and the kids played in the water. Matt put the seat on his bike, and I worked on laundry.
We decided to grill turkey burgers and have a picnic in our yard. We had bought strawberries the other day, so we got some angel food cake and cool whip and made strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Then we all went for a bike ride. When will I learn? My knee is killing me today, but it was fun while it lasted!
Then we got all the cleaning done and were ready to start the week off with a clean house.
It was just a great day.
Today, however, Collin has been battling a temp of 104.1 and is pretty out of it. Hopefully it's short lived because tomorrow is supposed to be a busy day.
I hope you had a fantabulous Sunday also.
We were just kind of sprawling about. Then we decided to go to the store to look for a seat for Emmie on Matt's bike.
We discovered it was beautiful outside. Which was kind of surprising because we had all been cold inside. Had to turn down the a/c.
We walked around the BX for a good long while. Emmie pushed any cart she could get her hands on. So cute.
We also had to buy a sprinkler so we could start watering the lawn. For some reason, Collin decided to throw our old one away.
When we got home, we set up the sprinkler, and the kids played in the water. Matt put the seat on his bike, and I worked on laundry.
We decided to grill turkey burgers and have a picnic in our yard. We had bought strawberries the other day, so we got some angel food cake and cool whip and made strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Then we all went for a bike ride. When will I learn? My knee is killing me today, but it was fun while it lasted!
Then we got all the cleaning done and were ready to start the week off with a clean house.
It was just a great day.
Today, however, Collin has been battling a temp of 104.1 and is pretty out of it. Hopefully it's short lived because tomorrow is supposed to be a busy day.
I hope you had a fantabulous Sunday also.
Friday, April 4, 2008
The nurse at the ER
Did I mention that I hurt my knee? I can't remember. And I'm too lazy to look back. I'm stealing a moment to blog, so don't want to waste any time.
At any rate, I hurt my knee. Turns out I sprained it. I know this because I went to the doctor yesterday. Only not really the doctor, but the ER. Because when you have anything other than a routine appointment, it is impossible to see your doctor. And so, I have spent a bunch of time in the ER here. More than in my whole life.
OK, so it's sprained. I can start my program back up when it's healed, in 3-6 weeks. Huge bummer, because I was really enjoying myself.
That's not the point of this post though.
Matt came and sat with me between seeing patients. Of course, when it was time for my x-ray, he had a patient. So I had all the kids with me. What to do?
A wonderful nurse said I could bring them all with me and she would keep an eye on them. On the way back, we talked, and she told me she had 8 kids. Lucky lady! Four boys and four girls!
She was playing with Emily and said, "oh my, you're giving me baby fever" But she sounded so sad. I asked if they'd be having anymore. She told me that no, she had had her tubes tied. She told me she had cried and cried and wished she never did it.
My heart broke in a million pieces for her. I cannot imagine that pain. Some people may think she has had enough, and good for her for tying her tubes, but not me. I just feel for her.
I don't ever want to feel like that.
At any rate, I hurt my knee. Turns out I sprained it. I know this because I went to the doctor yesterday. Only not really the doctor, but the ER. Because when you have anything other than a routine appointment, it is impossible to see your doctor. And so, I have spent a bunch of time in the ER here. More than in my whole life.
OK, so it's sprained. I can start my program back up when it's healed, in 3-6 weeks. Huge bummer, because I was really enjoying myself.
That's not the point of this post though.
Matt came and sat with me between seeing patients. Of course, when it was time for my x-ray, he had a patient. So I had all the kids with me. What to do?
A wonderful nurse said I could bring them all with me and she would keep an eye on them. On the way back, we talked, and she told me she had 8 kids. Lucky lady! Four boys and four girls!
She was playing with Emily and said, "oh my, you're giving me baby fever" But she sounded so sad. I asked if they'd be having anymore. She told me that no, she had had her tubes tied. She told me she had cried and cried and wished she never did it.
My heart broke in a million pieces for her. I cannot imagine that pain. Some people may think she has had enough, and good for her for tying her tubes, but not me. I just feel for her.
I don't ever want to feel like that.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Words mom doesn't want to hear
Matt is at the grocery store with Dillon and Collin.
I called to remind him that we needed water.
He is telling me that the cart is full, he hasn't made it to produce yet and he doesn't know where he'll put it.
Then, I hear CRASH "ARE YOU OK??"
And then he tells me, "I gotta go, they just dumped over the cart" *Click*
As a little girl, I turned a cart over on me.
I was two. I broke my leg in two places.
I'm assuming all is ok though, since I haven't heard back from him.
Just makes my heart freak out a bit.
I called to remind him that we needed water.
He is telling me that the cart is full, he hasn't made it to produce yet and he doesn't know where he'll put it.
Then, I hear CRASH "ARE YOU OK??"
And then he tells me, "I gotta go, they just dumped over the cart" *Click*
As a little girl, I turned a cart over on me.
I was two. I broke my leg in two places.
I'm assuming all is ok though, since I haven't heard back from him.
Just makes my heart freak out a bit.
Small request
Dillon has been collecting post cards. So far, all we have is post cards from different places Matt has been.
I was wondering if anyone might want to send him one from your neck of the woods.
If you would like to, you can email me luckiestmomever@gmail.com to get our mailing address.
He sure would like it.
I was wondering if anyone might want to send him one from your neck of the woods.
If you would like to, you can email me luckiestmomever@gmail.com to get our mailing address.
He sure would like it.
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