Everyday Miracles

This afternoon I was feeling pretty on the ball. I had dinner in the oven a little after four. It had rained on and off throughout the day. I was working on getting homework done with the kids and everything seemed to be going great. My oldest finished homework and discovered, when he went outside after, that the rain had brought out a ton of worms. Soon after the whole family was outside. I even took my 16 mo. old out because I had dinner done, and I could go out with her. We enjoyed the after rain weather; we talked with the neighbors; some of the kids even picked up the worms. When I knew dinner would be done we all came inside. We wiped off our feet and got to work setting the table. Everyone helped so it took only a minute to get all the food on the table. I asked my oldest to find my 16 mo. old (C) and put her in the highchair. Before he even finished responding, the thought came to my mind, "Outside!" I ran out the front door and found C was in the middle of the street! She was wandering over to the boys playing across the street. I of course grabbed her, while the car coming slowly down the street waited, and came back inside. After, I thought about how when C is not in the room I have a list of usual places to look. She has her favorite drawers to go through; if someone leaves the bathroom open she plays with the toilet(usually my first place to check because it's the most dangerous and disgusting) or she pulls everything out of my drawers; she wanders down to the playroom and finds toys; she loves to go to her room and reach through her crib and pull out her blankets; and she loves to be where the other kids are. My point being, in any normal situation I would have checked the whole house for her first. She has never wandered outside. It truly was inspiration to go look outside, it was an everyday miracle.

Passing the health bill

Yikes. I hope the Nov. election shows the president how we really feel about this bill. And, I hope the general public realizes that much of the bill won't be in effect until after election time because it's a front loaded bill (including a few positive effects to come about soon and all the adverse effects later). Sneaky I say, and shiesty.

Procrastination at it's best

Well, I am in a rambling mood. So, I thought I would tell you how I seem to find time to look at blogs when I should be busy. Tonight, I should be packing for a fun family outing and cleaning up. That means I am looking at blogs I haven't seen for a month or two. It's almost an overload reaction to not do any of it. My mom always told me to just get started and then you'll be fine. I really am that way with most jobs; if I can just get started I get in the zone and am pretty amazing. Why is getting started so hard? I really don't know. It's even worse when I feel I am intelligent enough to know what I am doing is unproductive at the most unideal time. So, if any of that made sense you are a real trooper for still reading this. I'll veer off a little to talk about you. I love reading your blogs. Even when I don't post I like to see what's up with everyone. You are inspiring at what you do. I love the mom's who help me feel more normal. It's refreshing sometimes to hear about your spills and messes and your smile at the end of it all. Truly the ordinary day is wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to share. Here are a few comments to your blogs that I should write there, but I was skimming tonight and will put these random thoughts here. 1. I too am a grown woman who doesn't know how to apply eye makeup correctly (feel free to give me a lesson next time you see me-although I most likely will never wear any) 2. My kids have broken stuff like that, been there...sorry 3. Hobbies are essential--you're awesome for going for yours, and inspiring to me to do more of the things I love 4. I love great recipes and am trying to push spring into gear 5. There are angels in my house too, and I love it 6. I love my cousins...I wish I could bottle them up and carry them around for a smile, hug, laugh or whatever I need. I just don't see them often enough 7. Justin, how did you land such a great girl? Oh, I know--you're awesome. 8. Moving is soooo hard, esp. when there are so many unknowns. You're great to find the good when I'm sure there's plenty to gripe about. 9. Aren't we soooo lucky to have married great guys?!! 10. Moments like your little guy falling asleep during prayers are the moments I try and freeze and hold onto. I love them so much. Kids are so dang adorable, it's hard not to have your heart melt when they so innocently are perfect. Well, love you all and I better go listen to the good advice I've been given--just get up and get going.

Who told me this?

Someone I know told me what this is called. I can't remember who or what you told me. It's when your chest hurts. It feels almost like a cramp. Sometimes quick, sometimes longer. What is it called? What causes it and is their anything to do to prevent it?

Fun game of cards with my little guy.

My three year old came over and set some cards on my lap. "Let's play." "Sure." What I loved about this game was the complete lack of rules. We both started with an unknown amount of cards. Then he would play a card and I would ask, "Can I play a six?" He always said yes. So, here's an example of the cards played: eight, eight, king, seven, three, (then he chimes in, "Oh, that's a good one!") nine, four, four, four, ten (and he says, "Oh, I can't play on that--I have to pick a card," He picks a five and plays it) ten, seven, ace ("Oh, that's a really good one!") six, six and six at the same time (he says something about doubles...funny because it's about the tenth one, but now we play them together) then three, joker, ("Oh, I can't play on that. That's a really good card." He draws and still can't play, so it's my turn again.) Finally we are out of cards and he says, "Good game."

A Great Birthday Breakfast

I woke up to my seven year old nudging me and saying, "Here, I made this for you." So sweet, my son had fixed me breakfast in bed. He got up by himself, made some instant oatmeal and toast, brought me juice, then returned when I was done to take it all back to the kitchen. I am the luckiest mom. Later, my husband asked, "Didn't you hear his alarm go off at four?" I didn't, and he explained that our son was so worried about not waking up in time that he set his alarm for four. My husband went in, told him he would have plenty of time and sent him back to sleep.

Weeding

I haven't posted any of our summer activities which are long gone or any of the current woes of trying to find a place to live. Instead, today I am going to post what's on my mind and what I couldn't stop thinking about while I was weeding. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that there is a loving God who is aware of all our problems. I am so grateful I have this knowledge. With it, I see my problems differently. Not believing in God would make death and sin and hopeless situations unbearable. We all have problems. I am glad that to help lift the weight of my problems is my belief in God. I know this life is but a short moment. I know death is not a final parting. I know that new life is a miracle, a gift. I know that awful things happen everyday. That does not change my belief. We can be better everyday if we choose, regardless of what circumstances we are in. We can use the unexpected heartbreaks we face to help us be more compassionate. We can use unhealthy choices of others to help us learn patience. With God, all things are bearable. He lifts us when we are down. He strengthens us when we are weak. He lets miracles happen everyday. The world we live in is awe inspiring. There are no words to adequately describe its beauty. A new baby is even more perfect. I can't imagine anyone holding a new baby and declaring there is no God. Because, when you hold a new baby everything inside you says that only a God could send something so perfect, so pure, so beautiful, into your arms. I declare that there is a God, and he loves us. In fact he loves us so much, he lets us make our own choices. He lets us make mistakes. He lets us learn and grow. He gives us direction and help. He teaches us correct principles. I am glad I can tell my kids I know. Most things I can't declare I know, for whatever reason--not experiencing it, not knowing for sure, so many things change...etc. Not this. This doesn't change. And, I have experienced God's love and mercy. I know.

Oh,

And for a summer update...the rest of summer was great. We enjoyed seeing family and friends, as most of you know. Although summer is over, still come visit. We love you all!!

Back to School

Quick question. The list the teacher's send home of "Please send the following to school with your children ie: folder, glue, field trip money..." at the beginning of school is different from teacher to teacher and school to school. I am wondering how much/long/expensive the list is from your teachers. How much do you spend per child in elementary? I know older grades are more expensive--I am curious to where my kids' classes stand compared to the norm.

I needed a place to put this and remember where it was. So, it's here, and by the way, if you know something needing corrections, let me know.

(The following is a copy and paste from somewhere...hope it's accurate.) Not only is Target one of my favorite stores for day-to-day purchases, it is one of my favorite stores in which to look for bargains. Some of my best deals have come from Target... baby clothes to give as gifts for less than $3, a queen-size comforter for $15, and Christmas wrap for 90% off. Here are some strategies to make hunting for bargains in Target just a little bit easier. Shop the endcaps. The endcaps are the shelves at the end of an aisle loaded with clearance merchandise. The endcaps with the most clearance merchandise are usually those farthest away from the main shopping aisles. Always make a trip around the perimeter of the store to find the best deals. Know the markdown schedule. This is a schedule that a typical Target store will use for their markdowns. Your store may vary this schedule, so get to know the employees! It doesn't hurt to ask what your own Target's schedule for markdowns is. Monday - Kids Clothing and Electronics Tuesday - Women's Clothing and Domestics Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty Thursday - Lingerie, Shoes, Housewares Friday - Cosmetics, Housewares, Automotives Target will typically mark down unsold clearance merchandise every two weeks. So, if you are watching an item and see that it has been marked down 30 or 50 percent, come back in another two weeks to see if it has been marked down further. Use the scanner. Sometimes the clearance team misses an item that should have been re-stickered with a lower price. If it is something you want, always check the price with a scanner. Also, scan things that are one of a kind. These things may be returns from previous seasons that have been clearanced out. You may be surprised! Learn to read the orange stickers. Orange stickers appear on all Target's clearance merchandise. The original price appears on the top right corner along with a code such as, "15A, 30A," etc. This is the percentage it has been marked down. Keep your receipts. This year Target adopted a stricter return policy which limits the number of returns you can make without a receipt. However, there is a way around this. The store tracks every credit card purchase. If you can remember which credit card you purchased the item with, the store can look up the transaction by simply swiping your card and scanning the item. If they find the transaction, they will let you return the item without the physical receipt. This option isn't always offered by the team members behind the counter, so you may have to ask for them to look up the item by the credit card number. If you do have your receipt, Target will adjust the prices on items that go on sale (not clearanced) within 14 days of the purchase. Shop online. Some of the best Target bargains I have found have been online through Target's store at Amazon.com. Last spring I found a Mossimo leather jacket for myself for $27. I've also found great deals on fleece throws to give as gifts (under $5) and clothes for the entire family. Click here to get to the Target page on Amazon: http://www.mommysavers.com/deals/target.htm Then click on the clearance tab at the top of the screen. Leave the store! Even though you've left the store, you're not done yet. Check out your local Goodwill store for items from Target. That is where their unsold clearance merchandise ends up. I've found new dresses for my daughter for less than a dollar complete with the tags still on. Happy Shopping!

Quotes on the secret to happiness

I will probably add to this list. I am hoping over the years to pick my favorite five and hang them up. Then I am hoping by reading them over and over maybe some of them will sink in. So, here's the first two. 1. Want what you have, not have what you want. 2. When you see a fault of someone else you'd like to change, change one of your own faults.

Where did June go?

I was just looking at posts and realized June came and went without me doing much about it. Summer is just starting for our family and yet it's half over!! I need to get in gear, especially considering I still have Spring cleaning to do. And, I am peeling from a recent sunburn. This makes me wonder, "Will I ever learn?" Do you feel that way? It bothers me when I should have already learned a lesson and then make the same bad choice. The sunburn especially, because the consequences are so awful. But it applies to staying up late, procrastinating and a variety of other problems as well. Possibly, it takes a bigger catastrophe for me to break bad habits, although, I hope not. I would be wise to use more sunblock and not wait for the world to end before I change my choices.

Why were we in the hospital?

D had an empyema. {An empyema is a collection of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity, such as the lung parenchyma. It must be differentiated from an abscess, which is a collection of pus in a newly formed cavity. Usually an empyema starts with pneumonia, followed by a parapneumonic effusion. This effusion, which starts out sterile, then becomes infected. As the infection progresses, the thickness of the fluid increases, going from a broth type consistency to concrete. When the fluid is still free flowing, it can be treated with a thoracentesis or a chest tube. When it thickens, it can usually be treated with thoracoscopy (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery; VATS). Once the fluid becomes thick and loculated, a formal thoracic surgical procedure called a thoracotomy with decortication is required. This involves opening the chest, taking out the fluid, peeling the thick rind of infectious material off the lung, and then inserting chest tubes while the infection clears (usually with the help of antibiotics). Chest tubes in the setting of empyema have a tendency to become clogged. Chest tube clogging in the setting of an empyema can lead to re-accumulation of pus and infected material, a worsening clincial picture, organ failure and even death. Thus managing chest tube clogging is particularly important after the treatment of an empyema.} this info. is from a web site In our case the empyema was fluid enough to drain with a chest tube and not the thoracoscopy. The empyema was causing the lungs to push on the heart and the condition was initially very serious. Back a few hours before the hospital. We had only noticed a high fever and lack of appetite for a few days. The doctor's office initially found nothing serious wrong. They suggested a chest x ray as a precautionary measure, "Just to be safe." Right after the x ray, it began to unfold that this would be a hospital trip. The x ray showed all the fluid, and we were told to head directly to the hospital. Both the hospital and the doctor's office agreed he was a lot worse than he sounded. The x ray was critical to show how sick he really was. At the hospital, this condition was the highest priority (the fluid caused his lungs to push on his heart and he had severe shortness of breath) and rushed right through the ER. The chest tube was put in not long after the earlier doctor's appointment. Now the chest tube is out and we are continuing antibiotics for several weeks. From start to finish D was the bravest kid the nurses had seen. After oxygen, feeding tubes, a tube to his stomach in the other side of his nose to release pressure, and a few enemas, not to mention the painful chest tube and numerous x rays and a picc line replacing the initial iv, along with several blood tests, he proved to be extremely brave. Some of the procedures took only minutes instead of an hour because he was so still and cooperative and some they did with him not sedated or pinned down like they were used to. I am put to shame with the degree of courage he showed. In the end I am happy we had a hospital that could take care of his condition. I think it is a miracle our local pediatrician suggested the x ray. I marvel at technology. I am at a loss for words at the thought of a sick or dying child. I feel so thankful to have our sweet little D feeling better. You wouldn't know he recently had so much trauma in his life. Right after a particularly hard day he was given some oreos. He ate them and smiled with tubes coming out all over and said, "I'm all better now." To everyone who helped out with the kids, prayed, and lent your support, thank you. I, one night in particular, felt your prayers and knew they had made a difference, and I again thank you.

Home from the hospital

We are finally home. D is doing well. More details later.

Asleep? I don't think so.

My kids love messing around when they are supposed to be in bed. You might agree if you remember our decorated toilet paper roll. So tonight, long after bedtime, the kids come out to show us what they caught. A giant fly. It was creepy and sitting in the palm of J's hand. They tracked the fly by sound. And when they found it, they cornered it. Previously, they had gotten the water spray bottles out of the bathrooms and were armed and ready. Then the kids sprayed and sprayed. The fly was so saturated with water it couldn't fly anymore. Then, they picked it up and showed it to us. We of course are such proud parents. Who could ask for more creative kids? Who could expect a greater gift than a wet fly? I guess if bedtime is stretched out occasionally, we'll be okay. And, now you know that if you get enough kids with water bottles spraying the same fly, the kids will win the battle.

You can do it

I am passing on a thought that helps me when I have problems. It helps to think, "Someday this challenge might help me help someone else." I was talking to a mom of twins. I asked her what it was like. Even though her twins are now grown, she started crying telling me how difficult it was. She also said one day she was at the store and saw a mother of young twins; she went over and said, "I have twins too (now grown) and I remember how hard this was; can I help you?" She offered a hand to the mom who was struggling to keep the children happy. That young mother then started crying, grateful to this lady who had experienced her trial. As I get ready to move, again, I think, "Man, this bites." I really don't enjoy moving. But, I had an experience to help someone once who was moving. I gave her a few things to help her move day go smoother. She asked, "Thanks, this is perfect, how did you know?" And of course the answer is, "Been there before." So, hopefully whatever you are dealing with now, you can take it better knowing someday you can help someone else and say, "Been there before" when they ask, "How did you know?"

Girls night out

Help me out. I have the hardest time leaving my kids at home with my husband for many reasons. Let me know what you think of all these. One, I feel guilty unless I really have to be somewhere. Two, I hate that the kids only eat junk while I'm gone and I spend a ton of time cleaning up whatever mess was made. Three, I never know who to call. I feel that I don't have a good reason calling someone just to say hey lets go hang out. Four, something else I will think of later I'm sure. So, all poor excuses. Right? Do all of you have friend time, without the kids, or husband? When, how? How often? What do you do?

Fair!!

Tonight when putting the kids to bed, one of them was a little over tired and kept going on and on about how it's not fair. I then remembered that same child, when just learning words, used to say, "It's fair!" in an upset voice, not understanding they should say, "Not fair" when upset. I would always laugh to myself because it sounded so awkward, and usually I laughed enough I wouldn't get irritated. It's too bad they figured out how to complain more effectively. Saying, "It's not fair" gets old really fast. I get frustrated explaining why they are futile in their shouting, but does that work? No. So, tonight I reminisce and miss the good ole days where life was "So Fair!" even if it was said in an upset voice.

Santa is in our bathroom

Today the kids decided to set up shop and play in the bathroom. They are playing house and having a great time. You'll see Santa (our monkey) over in the corner. I love that D affectionately named the monkey Santa. It makes it fun all year to yell things like, "Where's Santa?"