We haven't been on a vacation since 2005. This will be our first time to leave Texas since moving here three years ago. We are all very excited. Did I mention we will be camping? As in, outdoors.
All seven of us have come down with sore throats, stuffy noses, and coughs.
We're pushing the vitamin C and praying everyone can get well before we leave.
What a rotten time to be getting sick.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Public Education at it's Finest
On my way home from the bank, I drove past the local high school. I just had to take this picture. I could say so much about it, but will refrain.
I will say this, I'd hate to be the parent of a Junior..who knows when their registration day is. And I wonder how many "Cafes" they have. If you are the lucky parent of a Senior, you can circle the block and get the sign from the other side. That's where their info is.
I wonder if they teach grammar or spelling to their kids. Maybe the administration is exempt from having to have grammar or spelling skills. OR..maybe..as my kids say..they just spell things differently than most people. Yeah..that must be it.
Whatever it is, I think I'll just keep my kids home.
Sew much to do
Oh my. I think I've taken on a bigger sewing project than I should have.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I was hoping to get it all done today.
Then tomorrow was going to be laundry day.
Thursday I was going to pack.
Friday I was going to clean so we could leave after Matt got home.
I just don't think the sewing will get done today. I actually know it won't.
Emmie is getting sick and is a CRAB-O. Figures.
I can't wait till all the sewing is done though. I'll be sure to take pictures so you all can see my handy work. Can't tell you what it is though, because it's still a surprise for certain people in our family.
OK, gotta run to the bank! See..too much to do!
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I was hoping to get it all done today.
Then tomorrow was going to be laundry day.
Thursday I was going to pack.
Friday I was going to clean so we could leave after Matt got home.
I just don't think the sewing will get done today. I actually know it won't.
Emmie is getting sick and is a CRAB-O. Figures.
I can't wait till all the sewing is done though. I'll be sure to take pictures so you all can see my handy work. Can't tell you what it is though, because it's still a surprise for certain people in our family.
OK, gotta run to the bank! See..too much to do!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The point at which my heart breaks
My kids are watching the Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus 3-D Concert.
Dillon, Collin, and Zachy keep saying, "whoa! that's cool"
The problem is, you can't see 3-D images when you are blind in one eye.
Matthew is watching, and says he is enjoying it, but still, I know it must be hard to hear his brothers talking about how cool it looks. It just kills me.
He's such a great sport, and just accepts it, but as a mom..it breaks my heart.
Dillon, Collin, and Zachy keep saying, "whoa! that's cool"
The problem is, you can't see 3-D images when you are blind in one eye.
Matthew is watching, and says he is enjoying it, but still, I know it must be hard to hear his brothers talking about how cool it looks. It just kills me.
He's such a great sport, and just accepts it, but as a mom..it breaks my heart.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Queen
It's true, around these parts I am indeed, the Queen.
I mean, it only makes sense.
I help run a small kingdom here, so queen is a fitting title.
Besides, if Emmie is a princess, I must be a queen.
We have the tent set up in the garage, letting it air out. I told Matt I am too old to sleep on the ground anymore, and that we needed an air mattress. So we got afancy schmancy ordinary flock topped queen mattress. We laid all the pads out and the mattress to see how well everyone would fit. I gasped. The mattress is tiny. Much to tiny for a queen like me!
You see, we have a king size bed, so to then look at a queen was shocking.
No worries though, Matt informed me he would sleep on the ground, because he wasn't that old. *snort*
So the princess and the queen will be sleeping on an air matress, while the king and his princes sleep on the ground. I don't feel too special though, because I've never known an air mattress that doesn't pop!
Speaking of being a queen..my all time favorite queen sentiment is, 'I know I'm a queen, my pantyhose say so'
For all you thin, young whippersnappers who might not know, when you get into plus size nylons ( I don't even think they call them nylons anymore..what are they??) they are called queen sizes.
OK, I'm off to sew. My shoulders hurt from sewing yesterday, but alas, I must get it done.
The queen has left thebuilding blog.
I mean, it only makes sense.
I help run a small kingdom here, so queen is a fitting title.
Besides, if Emmie is a princess, I must be a queen.
We have the tent set up in the garage, letting it air out. I told Matt I am too old to sleep on the ground anymore, and that we needed an air mattress. So we got a
You see, we have a king size bed, so to then look at a queen was shocking.
No worries though, Matt informed me he would sleep on the ground, because he wasn't that old. *snort*
So the princess and the queen will be sleeping on an air matress, while the king and his princes sleep on the ground. I don't feel too special though, because I've never known an air mattress that doesn't pop!
Speaking of being a queen..my all time favorite queen sentiment is, 'I know I'm a queen, my pantyhose say so'
For all you thin, young whippersnappers who might not know, when you get into plus size nylons ( I don't even think they call them nylons anymore..what are they??) they are called queen sizes.
OK, I'm off to sew. My shoulders hurt from sewing yesterday, but alas, I must get it done.
The queen has left the
Funnies
Collin thinks that whatever he does, he can say it was an accident, and all will be well. Only he tells us, "it was on ass-ki-dent". It is so funny. He cannot get that word right.
Yesterday, the kids were playing Cars on the Wii. Mater said, "when I grow up, I'm going to be a monster truck" Zachy yells out, "ME TOO MATER!" Oh boy, I hope not.
Tonight, at dinner we were discussing the fact that I say something and the kids don't even acknowledge me. Zachy says, "maybe you should get new kids who listen to you. We'll go live somewhere else..like grandma's" AAAHHH Break my heart. This from the same child who always tells me, "I mit you ho ho mutt mommy"(I miss you so s much mommy) when I run to the store by myself.
OK, it's tired, I can't think of anything else. But I had to write down the asskident. So cute.
Yesterday, the kids were playing Cars on the Wii. Mater said, "when I grow up, I'm going to be a monster truck" Zachy yells out, "ME TOO MATER!" Oh boy, I hope not.
Tonight, at dinner we were discussing the fact that I say something and the kids don't even acknowledge me. Zachy says, "maybe you should get new kids who listen to you. We'll go live somewhere else..like grandma's" AAAHHH Break my heart. This from the same child who always tells me, "I mit you ho ho mutt mommy"(I miss you so s much mommy) when I run to the store by myself.
OK, it's tired, I can't think of anything else. But I had to write down the asskident. So cute.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Too many projects!
I have too many things going on. All by choice, so I need to prioritize. I just suddenly got a hobby bug.
I decided to sew birthday gifts for my nephews and niece. While doing this, all the kids decided they wanted their own. So, now I'm working on 8 sewing projects. I have Dillon's done, but Matt decided he wanted one too. I'm almost done with my eldest nephew's.
I also am working on a photobook at shutterfly.
And two nights ago, the kids all pulled out their scrapbooks and were looking through them. I haven't scrapped in ages, and haven't scrapped anything of Emmie. So now I'm wanting to scrap.
So I guess I'm only technically working on two projects. But I want to be done with the sewing to get to the scrapping.
I'm really limited though. I basically sew when Emmie is asleep. So, an hour during the day and at night after she goes to sleep.
I've been thinking of sewing for my other nieces too, but we'll see. I may be all sewed out.
I guess this is all a good thing. I have a nice comfy, warm home to let hobbies grow in. Yep, it is a good thing.
I decided to sew birthday gifts for my nephews and niece. While doing this, all the kids decided they wanted their own. So, now I'm working on 8 sewing projects. I have Dillon's done, but Matt decided he wanted one too. I'm almost done with my eldest nephew's.
I also am working on a photobook at shutterfly.
And two nights ago, the kids all pulled out their scrapbooks and were looking through them. I haven't scrapped in ages, and haven't scrapped anything of Emmie. So now I'm wanting to scrap.
So I guess I'm only technically working on two projects. But I want to be done with the sewing to get to the scrapping.
I'm really limited though. I basically sew when Emmie is asleep. So, an hour during the day and at night after she goes to sleep.
I've been thinking of sewing for my other nieces too, but we'll see. I may be all sewed out.
I guess this is all a good thing. I have a nice comfy, warm home to let hobbies grow in. Yep, it is a good thing.
Bum Genius Giveaway
There's an awesome giveaway going on at Baby Cheapskate.
Go see! Now!! What are you waiting for???
Go see! Now!! What are you waiting for???
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Severe Cuteness
These are just some random photos from the last couple days. I was going to caption all of them, but it's late, and I think you all know who is who by now.
For VBS, Matt was a crazy mad scientist. The kids have been wearing his wig and glasses all the time.
For VBS, Matt was a crazy mad scientist. The kids have been wearing his wig and glasses all the time.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Getting ready!!
We are headed out for vacation next weekend. I'm getting really excited.
We'll be camping and visiting with all my in laws. All of Matt's immediate family, and his grandma and aunt. Also, some family friends will be there. So very exciting!
We haven't been camping since Zachy was a baby. And he managed to get pneumonia on that trip. How fun to go from the campsite to the ER.
We are also going to The Great Wolf Lodge on our way home. This is a huge birthday surprise for all the kids. I am super duper excited about that. They are going to have a blast. Last Sunday, we went to a pool with water slides. Zachy and Collin were too little to go on the slides and they were so sad about it. I'm excited to be able to go somewhere where they can slide.
We have lots to do to get ready, but it's all so fun!
We'll be camping and visiting with all my in laws. All of Matt's immediate family, and his grandma and aunt. Also, some family friends will be there. So very exciting!
We haven't been camping since Zachy was a baby. And he managed to get pneumonia on that trip. How fun to go from the campsite to the ER.
We are also going to The Great Wolf Lodge on our way home. This is a huge birthday surprise for all the kids. I am super duper excited about that. They are going to have a blast. Last Sunday, we went to a pool with water slides. Zachy and Collin were too little to go on the slides and they were so sad about it. I'm excited to be able to go somewhere where they can slide.
We have lots to do to get ready, but it's all so fun!
Friday, July 18, 2008
The bush
My house desperately needs some cleaning, and I don't wanna do it! That was me stomping my feet like a two year old.
I have no energy. I think I'm still recovering from VBS. I can pretend anyway!
I really have nothing interesting to say, I just don't want to do anything.
I do have a crazy story though.
In between our house and the neighbor's is a big hedge. When we first moved in the neighbor told me, "don't touch that hedge, it hides my truck". Oky doky. Since we rent I had no intention of touching the hedge.
Yesterday though, our landlord had a different idea. He started hacking away at it. Now, understand that this was a leafy hedge, and very tall. To prune it you would have needed a tall ladder. Now, it is about 3 feet high. And of course, the tops are all naked. No biggie, it will fill back in.
Last night, the neighbor came pounding at out door. He wanted to know who did it. He was fuming mad. And how stupid. I mean really, we rent, we have no say over what the landlord can and cannot do to his yard! We don't particularly like it because now we can see all the neighbor's junk. But, it isn't ours, so we can't complain! Oh man, you would have thought that this bush was gold or something, the way the neighbor was going on and on about it!
Then later, Matt had to run an errand. When he came home he said, "did you hear S**** yelling at me?" He had let into Matt about how the bush was on the property line and as much his as it was our landlord's. Which, isn't true, it is clearly in our yard. He said he'd be reporting it to the home owner's association and he'd be in big trouble. He also said he was going to come and chop it down at the trunk.
OK, people..have you gotten it? It's a BUSH!!! For heaven's sake, Matt and I cannot believe that people would get so worked up about a bush! And one that doesn't belong to them!!
So, the landlord came to finish today. I told him and his wife what had taken place. The landlord says, let him cut it down, I'll sue him. And funny enough, our landlord is the architectural person for the home owner's association. Apparently, he owns 4 houses in this subdivision that he rents. I thought we were the only ones in here.
I just think the whole this is so funny. A bush. S**** just doesn't like it because now you can see all his junk. I don't like it because now I can see them! But I'm not going to make a fuss over it! Petty stuff, folks!
We'll see what the neighbor has to say this evening when he gets home from work. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if he had stayed home from work today to give the landlord an earful. We had told him that our landlord would be back to finish up, so we really expected him to stay home. That's how upset he was.
OK, now I really must go clean. I still don't wanna!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
I have no energy. I think I'm still recovering from VBS. I can pretend anyway!
I really have nothing interesting to say, I just don't want to do anything.
I do have a crazy story though.
In between our house and the neighbor's is a big hedge. When we first moved in the neighbor told me, "don't touch that hedge, it hides my truck". Oky doky. Since we rent I had no intention of touching the hedge.
Yesterday though, our landlord had a different idea. He started hacking away at it. Now, understand that this was a leafy hedge, and very tall. To prune it you would have needed a tall ladder. Now, it is about 3 feet high. And of course, the tops are all naked. No biggie, it will fill back in.
Last night, the neighbor came pounding at out door. He wanted to know who did it. He was fuming mad. And how stupid. I mean really, we rent, we have no say over what the landlord can and cannot do to his yard! We don't particularly like it because now we can see all the neighbor's junk. But, it isn't ours, so we can't complain! Oh man, you would have thought that this bush was gold or something, the way the neighbor was going on and on about it!
Then later, Matt had to run an errand. When he came home he said, "did you hear S**** yelling at me?" He had let into Matt about how the bush was on the property line and as much his as it was our landlord's. Which, isn't true, it is clearly in our yard. He said he'd be reporting it to the home owner's association and he'd be in big trouble. He also said he was going to come and chop it down at the trunk.
OK, people..have you gotten it? It's a BUSH!!! For heaven's sake, Matt and I cannot believe that people would get so worked up about a bush! And one that doesn't belong to them!!
So, the landlord came to finish today. I told him and his wife what had taken place. The landlord says, let him cut it down, I'll sue him. And funny enough, our landlord is the architectural person for the home owner's association. Apparently, he owns 4 houses in this subdivision that he rents. I thought we were the only ones in here.
I just think the whole this is so funny. A bush. S**** just doesn't like it because now you can see all his junk. I don't like it because now I can see them! But I'm not going to make a fuss over it! Petty stuff, folks!
We'll see what the neighbor has to say this evening when he gets home from work. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if he had stayed home from work today to give the landlord an earful. We had told him that our landlord would be back to finish up, so we really expected him to stay home. That's how upset he was.
OK, now I really must go clean. I still don't wanna!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Technology amazes me
Awhile ago, I wrote about the results of Zachy's carelink.
It is absolutely amazing to me the things we are able to do in this day and age.
First, it is crazy to think that there is a gadget, embedded in his chest that is making his heart beat correctly.
And then, to be able to do these carelinks. We hook this machine up to the phone line, he puts a disc over the pacemaker, and all the information is drawn out and sent to the dr.
CRAZY!
The dr was talking about how they are working on biological pacemakers right now. He said in Zachy's lifetime, he thinks they will be able to implant a microchip into his heart, and it will work as the pacemaker. AND..it wouldn't have a battery to wear out, or lead wires to break. How cool that would be!
Yes, technology is definitely amazing!
It is absolutely amazing to me the things we are able to do in this day and age.
First, it is crazy to think that there is a gadget, embedded in his chest that is making his heart beat correctly.
And then, to be able to do these carelinks. We hook this machine up to the phone line, he puts a disc over the pacemaker, and all the information is drawn out and sent to the dr.
CRAZY!
The dr was talking about how they are working on biological pacemakers right now. He said in Zachy's lifetime, he thinks they will be able to implant a microchip into his heart, and it will work as the pacemaker. AND..it wouldn't have a battery to wear out, or lead wires to break. How cool that would be!
Yes, technology is definitely amazing!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A bit loco
Our VBS was a joint effort between our church and the spanish church that rents part of our building.
The kids were split about half and half between hispanic and white.
After being with hispanic kids for 3 hours every day for a week, and spending much time afterwards playing with new friends, my kids have only managed to pick up the word "loco".
And they keep using it. Nonstop.
Everyone is loco. Everything is loco. It's all pretty loco around here!
The kids were split about half and half between hispanic and white.
After being with hispanic kids for 3 hours every day for a week, and spending much time afterwards playing with new friends, my kids have only managed to pick up the word "loco".
And they keep using it. Nonstop.
Everyone is loco. Everything is loco. It's all pretty loco around here!
Friday, July 11, 2008
And Just Like That..
The week has come to an end.
Tonight is the last night of VBS. Tomorrow is our "graduation" program. I don't really know why we are calling it that, it isn't like anyone is graduating. Oh well, for lack of a better word I guess.
I've decided VBS is like Christmas. You spend months and months planning it. You dream about it. You worry about it. And just like that, it's over. This week has been so fast.
It has been awesome. Seriously. I had my doubts. I didn't even really want to do VBS this year. But my wonderful husband insisted. And he knew best. I am so glad we pushed on and did it.
I just filled out 58 certificates for tomorrow. Our largest VBS by far. Of course, we did join forces with the Spanish church who rents part of our church. But still, we almost doubled in size from last year.
I'm already looking forward to next year. I know though, that the excitement will wear off and we'll get busy with something else, and then VBS will sneak up on us once again.
The best part of all is that we've had several kids this year who had never met Jesus. Now, because of VBS, they know who He is! Awesome, awesome, awesome.
And now, I'll leave you with the lyrics of what seems to be the favorite VBS song this year. Just based on how the kids scream for it every night!
It's simple, with a powerful message.
Get up, Get up.
Get up and tell the world.
Get up, Get up.
Some people haven't heard.
That Jesus paid the price,
So we could have eternal life.
Get up, Get up,
get up and tell the world.
Tonight is the last night of VBS. Tomorrow is our "graduation" program. I don't really know why we are calling it that, it isn't like anyone is graduating. Oh well, for lack of a better word I guess.
I've decided VBS is like Christmas. You spend months and months planning it. You dream about it. You worry about it. And just like that, it's over. This week has been so fast.
It has been awesome. Seriously. I had my doubts. I didn't even really want to do VBS this year. But my wonderful husband insisted. And he knew best. I am so glad we pushed on and did it.
I just filled out 58 certificates for tomorrow. Our largest VBS by far. Of course, we did join forces with the Spanish church who rents part of our church. But still, we almost doubled in size from last year.
I'm already looking forward to next year. I know though, that the excitement will wear off and we'll get busy with something else, and then VBS will sneak up on us once again.
The best part of all is that we've had several kids this year who had never met Jesus. Now, because of VBS, they know who He is! Awesome, awesome, awesome.
And now, I'll leave you with the lyrics of what seems to be the favorite VBS song this year. Just based on how the kids scream for it every night!
It's simple, with a powerful message.
Get up, Get up.
Get up and tell the world.
Get up, Get up.
Some people haven't heard.
That Jesus paid the price,
So we could have eternal life.
Get up, Get up,
get up and tell the world.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day one = SUCCESS!
Every year, VBS is stressful. This year has been so much less stressful than normal. I don't know if it is because we are just getting used to it, and better at directing, or if it is because we've delegated a bunch this year. Probably a bit of both.
I have been less than enthused about the theme this year. And therefore, haven't gotten into as much as last year. I'm chompin at the bit for next year! It will be a bayou theme and it looks so cool. This year though, it's PowerLab. The kids enjoyed last night, but I tell ya, it's just hard. Decorating has been the hardest. But, it all came together.
I'm directing the preschool this year, so I'm not able to see any of the other action going on. Matt says it's going well.
When I see pictures like this, I know it is all worth it. And yes, that is my son who does not have his eyes closed in prayer. Goofball!
I cannot tell you how I feel when I witness kids learning more about our Lord. When I hear them singing, "Holy, Holy,". When I see them praying. It is one of the most awesome feelings in the world. And THAT is why we do this every year.
I have been less than enthused about the theme this year. And therefore, haven't gotten into as much as last year. I'm chompin at the bit for next year! It will be a bayou theme and it looks so cool. This year though, it's PowerLab. The kids enjoyed last night, but I tell ya, it's just hard. Decorating has been the hardest. But, it all came together.
I'm directing the preschool this year, so I'm not able to see any of the other action going on. Matt says it's going well.
When I see pictures like this, I know it is all worth it. And yes, that is my son who does not have his eyes closed in prayer. Goofball!
I cannot tell you how I feel when I witness kids learning more about our Lord. When I hear them singing, "Holy, Holy,". When I see them praying. It is one of the most awesome feelings in the world. And THAT is why we do this every year.
Friday, July 4, 2008
12 years
I know on this day you would expect an entry about how Matt and I have been so happily married for 14 years. And it's true, we have. Wouldn't trade a minute of it, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with my one true love.
BUT...we got news yesterday that seems to be more important!! Maybe not more important, but so very, very great!
Yesterday, we did a Carelink on Zachy. If you don't feel like clicking on that link, I'll just tell you what that is! It is the monitor that pulls the information from Zachy's pacemaker out, through the phone line, and sends it to the Doctor. Genius invention, I tell ya! Dr Bush emailed me yesterday to say things looked great, and that after adjusting the energies at his last appointment, Zachy's battery should last 8.5 years! That means he'll be TWELVE years old when it's time to change it!
I cannot even begin to tell you how this makes me feel. I want to cry every time I think of it. Tears of joy. When they originally put it in, it was showing it would only last 3 years. This is such great, great news.
My kids are the toughest kids I know. They are my heroes. It breaks my heart to think of all they've been through. The other night, Zachy finished his aspirin (another HOORAY!) and he said, "oh good, now can I go get this thing out?" It about killed me. But normally, it doesn't bother him at all, and he is such a strong little trooper.
So yeah, 14 years of wonderful marriage, and excellent news about Zachy. Makes for some great days!!
BUT...we got news yesterday that seems to be more important!! Maybe not more important, but so very, very great!
Yesterday, we did a Carelink on Zachy. If you don't feel like clicking on that link, I'll just tell you what that is! It is the monitor that pulls the information from Zachy's pacemaker out, through the phone line, and sends it to the Doctor. Genius invention, I tell ya! Dr Bush emailed me yesterday to say things looked great, and that after adjusting the energies at his last appointment, Zachy's battery should last 8.5 years! That means he'll be TWELVE years old when it's time to change it!
I cannot even begin to tell you how this makes me feel. I want to cry every time I think of it. Tears of joy. When they originally put it in, it was showing it would only last 3 years. This is such great, great news.
My kids are the toughest kids I know. They are my heroes. It breaks my heart to think of all they've been through. The other night, Zachy finished his aspirin (another HOORAY!) and he said, "oh good, now can I go get this thing out?" It about killed me. But normally, it doesn't bother him at all, and he is such a strong little trooper.
So yeah, 14 years of wonderful marriage, and excellent news about Zachy. Makes for some great days!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
I've come a long way
We had planned for 60 kids to come to VBS this year.
We currently have 50 kids registered, and the likelihood of 10 more. Which doesn't include anyone who might wait to register till the first night.
In years past I would be super stressed right now.
But this year, I've said, "OK God, this is your VBS, You make it work" And I believe He will.
It will all work out in the end.
And I'm not stressed about it.
OK, maybe a wee tiny bit, but not too bad.
We currently have 50 kids registered, and the likelihood of 10 more. Which doesn't include anyone who might wait to register till the first night.
In years past I would be super stressed right now.
But this year, I've said, "OK God, this is your VBS, You make it work" And I believe He will.
It will all work out in the end.
And I'm not stressed about it.
OK, maybe a wee tiny bit, but not too bad.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
These days...
These days I'd likely lose my head if it weren't attached.
My mind has been so consumed with VBS that it has little room left for anything else.
Last night, I remembered that the geneticist had said she was going to order some tests for the boys. She wrote it all down on a business card, with her email address on it.
You can see where this is going, can't you?
I completely forgot about the tests. I don't know what happened yesterday to job my memory, but it was jogged. No one has called to schedule the tests, and when I called to try and schedule a different appointment for Matthew, they didn't have the referral. The referral would have come from the same doctor who ordered the other tests. Boy, did that make any sense? Let me try again. The geneticist ordered tests for all the boys, and also referred Matthew to plastic surgery to get him hooked into the craniofacial clinic. When I called plastic surgery there was no referral. There, that's better.
So, the problem with all of this is, I can't find her card, so now I'll have to jump through some hoops to get connected with her again. It isn't as easy as picking up the phone and calling straight through...unless you have that CARD!! ARGH!!
It seems to be a trend these days. I can't remember the simplest things. But, I can remember how many kids are registered, what decorations we have and what we still need, and all the names of our helpers.
I guess my brain is only capable of holding so much information at a time!
My mind has been so consumed with VBS that it has little room left for anything else.
Last night, I remembered that the geneticist had said she was going to order some tests for the boys. She wrote it all down on a business card, with her email address on it.
You can see where this is going, can't you?
I completely forgot about the tests. I don't know what happened yesterday to job my memory, but it was jogged. No one has called to schedule the tests, and when I called to try and schedule a different appointment for Matthew, they didn't have the referral. The referral would have come from the same doctor who ordered the other tests. Boy, did that make any sense? Let me try again. The geneticist ordered tests for all the boys, and also referred Matthew to plastic surgery to get him hooked into the craniofacial clinic. When I called plastic surgery there was no referral. There, that's better.
So, the problem with all of this is, I can't find her card, so now I'll have to jump through some hoops to get connected with her again. It isn't as easy as picking up the phone and calling straight through...unless you have that CARD!! ARGH!!
It seems to be a trend these days. I can't remember the simplest things. But, I can remember how many kids are registered, what decorations we have and what we still need, and all the names of our helpers.
I guess my brain is only capable of holding so much information at a time!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Holland
This poem was originally written by a mother with a Down's child. But it works well for any special need. I have loved this since having Matthew, and over the years, I've gone travelling more around Holland, into many more unfamiliar areas. But, it's been good.
I had never seen the follow up, which I posted here. It is just as good as the original.
Thanks for posting these, Maria
Welcome To Holland
by Emily Perl Kingsley
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience
to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation
trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans.
The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn
some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your
bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess
comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm
supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and
there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible,
disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a
different
place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new
language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have
met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than
Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you
look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and
Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all
bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of
your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I
had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the
loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things
...
about Holland
-------------THIS IS THE FOLLOW UP ON THAT POEM-------------------------------
Celebrating Holland - I'm Home
I have been in Holland for a while now. It has become home. I have had time
to catch my breath, to settle in and adjust, and to accept this different trip
than I'd planned.
I reflect back on those years when I first landed in Holland and remember
clearly my shock, my fear, my anger. In those first few years, I tried to
get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can
say how far I have come on this unexpected journey, how much I have learned
about Holland. But it has been a journey of time.
I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language, and I
slowly found my way around in Holland. I met others whose plans had changed like
mine and who could share my experience. Some of these fellow travellers had been
in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way.
Many have encouraged me and have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and
gifts to behold in this new land. We supported one another, some have become
very special friends, and I have discovered a community of caring. Holland
isn't so bad.
I think that Holland is used to wayward travellers like me and has become a
land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, assist, and support newcomers.
Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed
in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as
rewarding? Would I have learned the important lessons I benefit from today?
Sure, this journey has been challenging and at times I would (and still do)
stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is
slower paced and less flashy that Italy, but this, too, has been an
unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down and look closer at things, with a new
appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland. I have discovered that it
doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of
your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special things that Holland has
to offer. I have come to love Holland and call it home.
Yes, I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this
destination has been richer than I could have imagined!
I had never seen the follow up, which I posted here. It is just as good as the original.
Thanks for posting these, Maria
Welcome To Holland
by Emily Perl Kingsley
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience
to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation
trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans.
The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn
some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your
bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess
comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm
supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and
there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible,
disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a
different
place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new
language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have
met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than
Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you
look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and
Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all
bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of
your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I
had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the
loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things
...
about Holland
-------------THIS IS THE FOLLOW UP ON THAT POEM-------------------------------
Celebrating Holland - I'm Home
I have been in Holland for a while now. It has become home. I have had time
to catch my breath, to settle in and adjust, and to accept this different trip
than I'd planned.
I reflect back on those years when I first landed in Holland and remember
clearly my shock, my fear, my anger. In those first few years, I tried to
get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can
say how far I have come on this unexpected journey, how much I have learned
about Holland. But it has been a journey of time.
I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language, and I
slowly found my way around in Holland. I met others whose plans had changed like
mine and who could share my experience. Some of these fellow travellers had been
in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way.
Many have encouraged me and have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and
gifts to behold in this new land. We supported one another, some have become
very special friends, and I have discovered a community of caring. Holland
isn't so bad.
I think that Holland is used to wayward travellers like me and has become a
land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, assist, and support newcomers.
Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed
in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as
rewarding? Would I have learned the important lessons I benefit from today?
Sure, this journey has been challenging and at times I would (and still do)
stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is
slower paced and less flashy that Italy, but this, too, has been an
unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down and look closer at things, with a new
appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland. I have discovered that it
doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of
your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special things that Holland has
to offer. I have come to love Holland and call it home.
Yes, I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this
destination has been richer than I could have imagined!
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