Jaemin had the giggles today. Everytime I said anything he laughed. I noticed he's been doing this a lot lately. So, am I funny or funny looking?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Cheers, giggles and smiles
I've had a couple of these pictures locked on my camera for a couple of weeks. Jaemin found Chelsi's pom poms from the fall football games and he was cheering. And you can see what she would rather do.....duh duh duh duh....dress up as a princess. SHOCKER!
Jaemin had the giggles today. Everytime I said anything he laughed. I noticed he's been doing this a lot lately. So, am I funny or funny looking?
Jaemin had the giggles today. Everytime I said anything he laughed. I noticed he's been doing this a lot lately. So, am I funny or funny looking?
All they wanna do is potty all the time
It's only been a couple of days and I feel like potty talk all the time!
Chelsi is 5 1/2, but does not ever stay dry at night, so after the doctors all agreed that other than duplicated ureters she has no birth defects and nothing that should cause incontinence issues. So, it means it's just her. They all recommended an enuresis alarm since she's nearing 6. We were waiting for my new cafeteria plan year and the time has finally come. So we've ordered the alarm and received it this week!
I have Chelsi sleeping on a mat next to my bed so that I can make sure she wakes up when the alarm goes off. That sucker is so load it scares the crap out of me a lot of the nights. It's only been 3 nights though. The first night was aweful! She had be woken up and it took a long time to get her to her feet. Lesson learned. She needs a pullup over her underwear to keep her from peeing on the mat, or worse yet missing and hitting my floor. She peed twice that night. The second night she slept through and was dry. This generally happens one time per month....on a good month. The 3rd night, last night she only had it go off once and it was almost 6 am. She hopped up before I was really awake. Of course, I still have Jaemin in my bed too. So, about that time or maybe a little later, he was laughing in my ear. Apparently, he was having a really happy dream because he was giggling his butt off!
Thursday I decided to try to potty train Jaemin. It was not successful, but it must have put a bug in his ear. He ran around naked and peed on the potty a couple of times and stayed mostly dry even when his diaper was on. We had to put it on Thursday night because I had to go with Chelsi to play rehearsal and he won't go for Brian. Friday we had places to go and our appliances were in and we needed to install, so he wore his diaper again. But, he asked to go while we had company last night. He remembered that I had bought a brand new box of fruit snacks and I, smartly, put them right at his height in the bathroom cabinet. He grabbed a snack and told me he needed to pee. He squeezed out a couple of drops and got his snack. Brian things he just knows how to work the system, and he does, but I told him to let it go. It might be enough incentive if we're lucky!
This morning as soon as he opened his eyes Jaemin looked at me and said he needed to poo. So I took him in the bathroom, he grabbed his snack and peed....a lot! He ate his snack and then, apparently, when he took his wrapper to the trash in the kitchen he peed on the floor in front of the trashcan. I don't know how he peed that much in that short of time. 1/2 hour later, he always poops after breakfast, he said he needed to poop. So Cole took him poop. He actually went. For the first time ever. Cole gave him his snack. Then, he pooped in his diaper 10 minutes later. Hopefully, that's just a minor miscommunication with his body and he's still figuring it out.
My dream. Oh my dream is to have Chelsi and Jaemin both potty trained at the same time. It would be fine, if it had to be that way, to only have 1 (Jaemin) in nightly pullups. But, oh to get them both out of diapers and pullups!! 14 years of diapers next month is what we've been doing.!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Reasons NOT to Adopt
This is not going to be popular, I'm sure. But, this is my blog and my opinion. Though I'm not that strongly opinionated on a lot of things, this one I am. BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS, NOT THE PARENTS WANTING KIDS. And some of this I've wrestled with, but because I feel it's right in my heart, I leave it alone and remember it's right.
1) You're already deep in debt (credit card, etc.) and you want to pursue an expensive adoption. Now, I'm not talking about you have a house loan and a car or you want to go through foster care which is free. If you're already having trouble making necessary payments and are just getting by, maybe you should hold off until you're in a better situation. Finances are stress...children can add to that stress. Who am I lying to...they do. And I mean that in the most loving way. :)
2) Your husband is NOT on board. Is it okay to talk about it over and over again...sure. As long a you're BOTH talking. As long as there is somewhat of a discussion. But, if the spouse (husband or wife....usually husband) is adamantly against it sometimes we wives need to concede. BTDT!
3) You're going to save a child from their life or possible life. While, yes, there are children who may not survive without a family to care for them, medically and otherwise I'm not sure I will ever be convinced that that is reason enough/alone to adopt. How do 'we' know we are their saviors? Doesn't only 'He' know? If you want a child that's great. That's a great reason. Not purely to save a soul. This could be a lengthy discussion, so I'll leave it here.
4) Your existing children do NOT want siblings. Okay, you argue. Do we ask our children if we can get pregnant? No. But, adoption really is a different process and can require some different parenting, sort of like some special needs children. Not the same, but sort of.....hard to explain, but other adoptive parents understand. It's also extremely purposeful. Even in the case of a sibling call like we had there is still purpose. Not accident. Unless you have no insurance there is also minimal cost in pregnancy in comparison to adoption. Though I'm not a fan of letting those pesky fees get in the way if otherwise you can financially handle another child. Anyways, when we were in process, one thing very important to us as we added each one was whether everyone was good with it. If they weren't they had time to talk about it. IF it couldn't have been alleviated, whatever fears there were, we would NOT have proceeded. Our guardian ad litem commented on how well all of our children have adapted to each other. She said she'd seen families where biological children resented adopted children and vice versa. I know hard to imagine. She asked what we did and this is all I could think to tell her. We made all of our existing children, one by one, a part of the process.
5) Okay, so number 5 is a copout because really there aren't very many reasons NOT to adopt. It's great. It's wonderful and I'd be missing 3 little pieces of my heart without it. So, the only other reasons not to adopt are just obvious. You hate kids, want a servant/worker..... Though surely that doesn't really happen, right?
If you have add ons, feel free to leave them in comments.
1) You're already deep in debt (credit card, etc.) and you want to pursue an expensive adoption. Now, I'm not talking about you have a house loan and a car or you want to go through foster care which is free. If you're already having trouble making necessary payments and are just getting by, maybe you should hold off until you're in a better situation. Finances are stress...children can add to that stress. Who am I lying to...they do. And I mean that in the most loving way. :)
2) Your husband is NOT on board. Is it okay to talk about it over and over again...sure. As long a you're BOTH talking. As long as there is somewhat of a discussion. But, if the spouse (husband or wife....usually husband) is adamantly against it sometimes we wives need to concede. BTDT!
3) You're going to save a child from their life or possible life. While, yes, there are children who may not survive without a family to care for them, medically and otherwise I'm not sure I will ever be convinced that that is reason enough/alone to adopt. How do 'we' know we are their saviors? Doesn't only 'He' know? If you want a child that's great. That's a great reason. Not purely to save a soul. This could be a lengthy discussion, so I'll leave it here.
4) Your existing children do NOT want siblings. Okay, you argue. Do we ask our children if we can get pregnant? No. But, adoption really is a different process and can require some different parenting, sort of like some special needs children. Not the same, but sort of.....hard to explain, but other adoptive parents understand. It's also extremely purposeful. Even in the case of a sibling call like we had there is still purpose. Not accident. Unless you have no insurance there is also minimal cost in pregnancy in comparison to adoption. Though I'm not a fan of letting those pesky fees get in the way if otherwise you can financially handle another child. Anyways, when we were in process, one thing very important to us as we added each one was whether everyone was good with it. If they weren't they had time to talk about it. IF it couldn't have been alleviated, whatever fears there were, we would NOT have proceeded. Our guardian ad litem commented on how well all of our children have adapted to each other. She said she'd seen families where biological children resented adopted children and vice versa. I know hard to imagine. She asked what we did and this is all I could think to tell her. We made all of our existing children, one by one, a part of the process.
5) Okay, so number 5 is a copout because really there aren't very many reasons NOT to adopt. It's great. It's wonderful and I'd be missing 3 little pieces of my heart without it. So, the only other reasons not to adopt are just obvious. You hate kids, want a servant/worker..... Though surely that doesn't really happen, right?
If you have add ons, feel free to leave them in comments.
New Site to List for SCI
I'm going to find a spot on the blog to list this site; www.christopherreeve.org.
For the most part, Brian's spinal cord injury is just something that happened to him and, of course, our whole family. Most people assume that because he walked again and regained some of his other motor functions everything just goes back to the way it was, a sort of normal, for our family. But, any SCI patient or family knows that's not really true. It's something the patient will live with for the rest of their lives and it's not a static state. Meaning just because they gain it back doesn't mean it's permanent. Brian has lost some very minor simple functions. Mostly we noticed the right end fingers. But, over time things can happen within the spinal cord because of the injury that can cause him to lose more of what he gained back those months after and in rehab.
I won't get all technical here, but I've known for some time that he, in all reality, will likely end up disabled in 10-20 years. At our age now, that's pretty young. I say disabled only because the job he is trained to do cannot be done if he loses function. Thankfully, I think he may be able to find something to do at his current employer, just not what he does now, if he ends up with a walker or wheelchair. Honestly, I tend NOT to think about this. It makes me a bit sad at our lives changing once again. But, I do know it could happen and keep it purged away so that the shock doesn't hit me like his accident did.
Anyways, this site is a great site with lots of great information on spinal cord injuries.
Lisa
For the most part, Brian's spinal cord injury is just something that happened to him and, of course, our whole family. Most people assume that because he walked again and regained some of his other motor functions everything just goes back to the way it was, a sort of normal, for our family. But, any SCI patient or family knows that's not really true. It's something the patient will live with for the rest of their lives and it's not a static state. Meaning just because they gain it back doesn't mean it's permanent. Brian has lost some very minor simple functions. Mostly we noticed the right end fingers. But, over time things can happen within the spinal cord because of the injury that can cause him to lose more of what he gained back those months after and in rehab.
I won't get all technical here, but I've known for some time that he, in all reality, will likely end up disabled in 10-20 years. At our age now, that's pretty young. I say disabled only because the job he is trained to do cannot be done if he loses function. Thankfully, I think he may be able to find something to do at his current employer, just not what he does now, if he ends up with a walker or wheelchair. Honestly, I tend NOT to think about this. It makes me a bit sad at our lives changing once again. But, I do know it could happen and keep it purged away so that the shock doesn't hit me like his accident did.
Anyways, this site is a great site with lots of great information on spinal cord injuries.
Lisa
Monday, January 24, 2011
Finally getting back on a schedule
I've never been terribly scheduled with our time since going part time, but I do have somewhat of a routine. It all got blown up when Jaemin and I were sick the first of the year and then with the older kids being home so much. Now that I'm feeling quite a bit better and not going through a box of kleenex a day I feel more up to getting things done; besides what I absolutely have to.
Last week I made a alphabet and site word binder. Sounds crazy for a 2 year old, but it never hurts and Chelsi learned at just under 3 by this repetition, so what the hey. I printed them all off in big, bold print and put them in sheet protectors to go in the binder. On the flip side of the letters are the words, including such important words for Jaemin such as; Cole, Chase, Kaelin, Chelsi, Jaemin, mom and dad. :)
Over the weekend Chelsi and I went to Target after play rehearsal to raid their $1 bins. I wanted some fun things for the trip in May and thought that would be a good place to start. We got little journals for the girls to draw and write during the trip; pens with cords to carry them around their necks so they don't lose them, stickers for the journals, little stuffed animals and I'll try to find a couple more small items. I got Jaemin a couple of Hot Wheels we'll give him as we go along on the drive and he gets Batman stickers too!
Anyways, while we were at Target they had flashcards in the bins. Princess flashcards no less. Chelsi said she wanted them and Kaelin's been struggling a bit in addition and subtraction as far as speed, so I got them. So, today, after we went through the alphabet and sight words we went through flashcards for addition and I have begun to teach Chelsi how to add once you have a number to add to. She's starting to get it and I have no doubt she'll have it down pat in no time.
So between laundry/breakfast/kids drive to school and lunch we do school time. They get to sit on a pillow on the floor while we go through our items and then Jaemin and I read a book. Chelsi doesn't really enjoy the baby books anymore and can ready anything she wants anyways, so she just reads to herself when she chooses. I do think Jaemin's as quick as Chelsi he's just not quite as interested as her. Typical boy, in this house really.
Last week I made a alphabet and site word binder. Sounds crazy for a 2 year old, but it never hurts and Chelsi learned at just under 3 by this repetition, so what the hey. I printed them all off in big, bold print and put them in sheet protectors to go in the binder. On the flip side of the letters are the words, including such important words for Jaemin such as; Cole, Chase, Kaelin, Chelsi, Jaemin, mom and dad. :)
Over the weekend Chelsi and I went to Target after play rehearsal to raid their $1 bins. I wanted some fun things for the trip in May and thought that would be a good place to start. We got little journals for the girls to draw and write during the trip; pens with cords to carry them around their necks so they don't lose them, stickers for the journals, little stuffed animals and I'll try to find a couple more small items. I got Jaemin a couple of Hot Wheels we'll give him as we go along on the drive and he gets Batman stickers too!
Anyways, while we were at Target they had flashcards in the bins. Princess flashcards no less. Chelsi said she wanted them and Kaelin's been struggling a bit in addition and subtraction as far as speed, so I got them. So, today, after we went through the alphabet and sight words we went through flashcards for addition and I have begun to teach Chelsi how to add once you have a number to add to. She's starting to get it and I have no doubt she'll have it down pat in no time.
So between laundry/breakfast/kids drive to school and lunch we do school time. They get to sit on a pillow on the floor while we go through our items and then Jaemin and I read a book. Chelsi doesn't really enjoy the baby books anymore and can ready anything she wants anyways, so she just reads to herself when she chooses. I do think Jaemin's as quick as Chelsi he's just not quite as interested as her. Typical boy, in this house really.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Fans
Do you have a celebrity you are a fan of? I generally don't. I mean, they're just people too and we shouldn't idolize people. BUT, I have to say I really do enjoy Ellen. I have very limited time to watch tv, so I pick very carefully and frugally fill my tv time. I have to really get some enjoyment or the show gets purged. The Ellen Show, though I just found last year. I know....how slow can I be. I happened to be home a day or afternoon in May and caught a glimpse for one reason or another and it just made me laugh. It generally takes a lot to make me laugh, so yep, you guessed it; Ellen made it into my DVR selections.
I still watch it. Sometimes it's pretty much an Ellen marathon because I don't have time to watch it every single day with kid activities and parenting. I guess I should keep up with that duty, huh? But I do make time for my Ellen marathon and my good laughs. The thing I really like about her is how she helps people. I think it honestly makes her feel good and I think she feels like she's giving back for what she has.
Now, if I could figure out how to have great skin like that and look as young as she does (not that she's old) at her age. So in just under 20 years I still wanna look like I do now because she looks my age now.
Lisa
I still watch it. Sometimes it's pretty much an Ellen marathon because I don't have time to watch it every single day with kid activities and parenting. I guess I should keep up with that duty, huh? But I do make time for my Ellen marathon and my good laughs. The thing I really like about her is how she helps people. I think it honestly makes her feel good and I think she feels like she's giving back for what she has.
Now, if I could figure out how to have great skin like that and look as young as she does (not that she's old) at her age. So in just under 20 years I still wanna look like I do now because she looks my age now.
Lisa
Allergy to apples? Try pearsauce.
When Jaemin was diagnosed as being allergic to apples, I was shocked. I'd never heard of that one. They told me that it was actually very common. He breaks out in hives from apples or any sort of juice if they put apples in it. So, I have to carefully read anything he picks up if we go to a party with other kids, etc.
My mother in law actually started smashing pears for him because he was such a huge applesauce fan and he wasn't very happy if the other kids got applesauce and he didn't. He accepted the pear smashings, though. So, I've started making pearsauce at home for him. All you do is put about 5 cans of pears (in pear juice), 1 small can of pineapple and about 1/8 cup of grape juice (100%) in a blender. Blend it up and it's ready to go. I've done it with and without the juice and he loves it either way, but I got rave reviews when I made it with the juice. He kept telling me "yum, yum, dis good". That's great when he does that on his own. It must have been awesome.
My mother in law actually started smashing pears for him because he was such a huge applesauce fan and he wasn't very happy if the other kids got applesauce and he didn't. He accepted the pear smashings, though. So, I've started making pearsauce at home for him. All you do is put about 5 cans of pears (in pear juice), 1 small can of pineapple and about 1/8 cup of grape juice (100%) in a blender. Blend it up and it's ready to go. I've done it with and without the juice and he loves it either way, but I got rave reviews when I made it with the juice. He kept telling me "yum, yum, dis good". That's great when he does that on his own. It must have been awesome.
Snow Ice Cream
Since we got about 8-9 inches of snow yesterday and people kept writing about snow ice cream on facebook, I thought I'd give it a try. I'd never heard of it until facebook. We happened to get a recipe in our conservation magazine too. So with some milk, sugar, vanilla, chocolate syrup and fresh snow we made snow ice cream for 5 kids. Brian liked it so much he went back out and made more to keep in the freezer. It was actually kind of fun and very CHEAP. I like that.
Lisa
Lisa
Monday, January 17, 2011
TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK
Yep, at almost 2 1/2 Jaemin's finally talking. I mean on par with his age. The doctor mentioned something in September, when he turned 2, about looking into therapy if he wasn't a little closer to his age by 2 1/2. Well, he is finally getting there. The only multiple word sentences he was putting together was 'Iunt' (aka I want). Today, I heard him looking for Cole saying "Cole, where are you?". WOOHOO!!! I was finally starting to worry and now there's no need. I was waiting since the doctor said to. Luckily, he's pretty laid back and doesn't throw everyone into therapy or therapy at everyone unless they really are delayed. There's a pretty broad spectrum for delay, so I wasn't quite there yet.
I think it had something to do with the illness he had a few weeks ago. Somehow that ear infection must have been building up for some time and he must have had fluid on his ears. As soon as his antibiotic started working the words started to flow. Things he had never said before are just spewing out of his mouth. It's crazy! Now, it won't stop. He'll be talking and going on and on forever.
Lisa
I think it had something to do with the illness he had a few weeks ago. Somehow that ear infection must have been building up for some time and he must have had fluid on his ears. As soon as his antibiotic started working the words started to flow. Things he had never said before are just spewing out of his mouth. It's crazy! Now, it won't stop. He'll be talking and going on and on forever.
Lisa
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Repurpose for my daughter
My oldest daughter's 1st Communion is coming this year. Now, I'm not a preachy Catholic and don't go crazy over every little step, but do know it's an important acceptance and sacrifice. She picked out her dress. It was the one I thought she'd pick out. Not overly done, but a little different. It's very pretty and was very inexpensive...shipping and all at $50. I asked her about her tights and shoes and she decided she wanted the lacy socks with buckle shoes. I love it. I love that she doesn't envision it as a way to look older than her age.
Then, I got out my veil. The only thing I had left from my wedding day. I didn't see the purpose of keeping my dress on the 'chance' my possible children would even want any part of it. I asked her if she wanted to wear the veil I made for my wedding and she didn't, which I expected. So, I asked her if she wanted me to take it apart and make her own veil for her First Communion. Kaelin wanted the veil, so we took a layer off, shorted it up for her size and took one of my hair combs and I sewed it on. Then, we took my flower ring from my old veil and took pieces of it and glued them onto the new haircomb. We finished it up tonight and mocked up her hair for the day and put the veil on. She really liked it and it looked great. Now, I just need to try to find a steamer to steam the wrinkles out.
After that I asked her for the necklace her uncle B brought her from Italy a couple of years ago; on the intention of her wearing it on that day. She had lost the ring to the link. I found an old pendant and fixed it and it's ready for the day. It's a cross made out of crystals. I even took the old rosary I was given after my First Communion and tried to fix. For almost 30 years I've drug the rosary I broke around with me every where. Back then, I didn't understand enough to know you shouldn't play with it and I tried to wear it like a necklace and broke it. I've been carrying around the pieces every since. I think I was afraid of discarding them and the implications attached. However, after putting it all back together we realized it only had 4 decades. So did it always have 4 decades and is a Rosary for the Dead or did I love an entire decade? I can't imagine losing the one since I had one bead all by itself and kept it this whole time. I may never know, but I'll have to check with my mom where I got it from, because I don't really remember.
Lisa
Then, I got out my veil. The only thing I had left from my wedding day. I didn't see the purpose of keeping my dress on the 'chance' my possible children would even want any part of it. I asked her if she wanted to wear the veil I made for my wedding and she didn't, which I expected. So, I asked her if she wanted me to take it apart and make her own veil for her First Communion. Kaelin wanted the veil, so we took a layer off, shorted it up for her size and took one of my hair combs and I sewed it on. Then, we took my flower ring from my old veil and took pieces of it and glued them onto the new haircomb. We finished it up tonight and mocked up her hair for the day and put the veil on. She really liked it and it looked great. Now, I just need to try to find a steamer to steam the wrinkles out.
After that I asked her for the necklace her uncle B brought her from Italy a couple of years ago; on the intention of her wearing it on that day. She had lost the ring to the link. I found an old pendant and fixed it and it's ready for the day. It's a cross made out of crystals. I even took the old rosary I was given after my First Communion and tried to fix. For almost 30 years I've drug the rosary I broke around with me every where. Back then, I didn't understand enough to know you shouldn't play with it and I tried to wear it like a necklace and broke it. I've been carrying around the pieces every since. I think I was afraid of discarding them and the implications attached. However, after putting it all back together we realized it only had 4 decades. So did it always have 4 decades and is a Rosary for the Dead or did I love an entire decade? I can't imagine losing the one since I had one bead all by itself and kept it this whole time. I may never know, but I'll have to check with my mom where I got it from, because I don't really remember.
Lisa
Friday, January 14, 2011
Youn-su 윤수
If you are still out there, I just sent your mother a picture magnet for her refridgerator. I took Jaemin's pictures in September and I thought she might like to put it there where she can always see him. I hope the agency gets it to you soon.
Miss you all.
Lisa
리사
Miss you all.
Lisa
리사
Snow Fun 2011
The big kids have pretty much gone out every evening after school to play in the snow. Chelsi went out once and only last about 10 minutes before she was too cold to stand it. Since it's Friday I decided we had time to have a later supper and asked Jaemin if he wanted to play outside. He couldn't wait. So we got on his snow suit and took him out. He did NOT want to come in! He threw snowballs with the big kids and fell in the snow piles left. He laughed every time he fell or saw a snowball hit someone or something. We had to make him come in finally and even with gloves his hands were COLD!
Chase wanted one with him and each dog.
Jaemin's on a mission.
Who's he going to hit next?
Jaemin had to find out that when you hit a tree, they hit back.
Jae and CoCo.
Lovin' the snow!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sad Reality
Chelsi and I were just sitting here watching tv when she told me that her friend A was going to Disney. I knew this already, but didn't want to tell her because I knew I'd have to explain. I asked if she was upset because she's been BEGGING for Disney for awhile. She REALLY wants to see the princesses. REALLY REALLY REALLY.
She understood enough not to be mad, but she was sad. I told her I already knew, but that we couldn't go because her dad can't handle that level of walking. And if you want to enjoy the parks you're going to have to walk. I know he could rent a wheelchair, but there's NO way he'd do that. He just wouldn't go. I never even broached the topic with Brian because there was no need to make him feel bad for Chelsi not being able to go. She asked why he couldn't walk and I told her the accident affected his legs. She asked me what accident? I asked if she remembered Brian's accident. I mean she was only 2 1/2.....literally 1/2 her age. She said ohhh...you mean when he broke his neck. She didn't quite understand that a broken neck would affect legs. Not to mention how bad the nerve pain is for him and walking does NOT help that at all.
I hate this reality. I don't hate that we can't go to Disney, but I hate that we have to rethink what we do or want to do because of what happened......oh my gosh....3 years ago tomorrow! Don't get me wrong. I'm completely thankful for it is instead of what it could be. It's just the sad reality of it all sometimes. And then when I really think about it I feel bad for forgetting to recognize Brian's ability to not whine, not say a word and get through HIS reality every single day and do construction work while he tired and his feet are burning. I don't think you will ever see too many people like him.
She understood enough not to be mad, but she was sad. I told her I already knew, but that we couldn't go because her dad can't handle that level of walking. And if you want to enjoy the parks you're going to have to walk. I know he could rent a wheelchair, but there's NO way he'd do that. He just wouldn't go. I never even broached the topic with Brian because there was no need to make him feel bad for Chelsi not being able to go. She asked why he couldn't walk and I told her the accident affected his legs. She asked me what accident? I asked if she remembered Brian's accident. I mean she was only 2 1/2.....literally 1/2 her age. She said ohhh...you mean when he broke his neck. She didn't quite understand that a broken neck would affect legs. Not to mention how bad the nerve pain is for him and walking does NOT help that at all.
I hate this reality. I don't hate that we can't go to Disney, but I hate that we have to rethink what we do or want to do because of what happened......oh my gosh....3 years ago tomorrow! Don't get me wrong. I'm completely thankful for it is instead of what it could be. It's just the sad reality of it all sometimes. And then when I really think about it I feel bad for forgetting to recognize Brian's ability to not whine, not say a word and get through HIS reality every single day and do construction work while he tired and his feet are burning. I don't think you will ever see too many people like him.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The day of gadgets
You know I honestly miss the days of not so many gadgets. Especially the communication kind. Like so many others on the internet have said we've forgotten how to communicate thanks to the internet avenues like Facebook or texting.
My boys got Ipod Touches for Christmas. I loaded some freebie apps on them, but that was it. Well, neighbor boy who has little to no rules and free reign over anything he want had all kinds of apps and proceeds to load them onto my boys'. The boys just handed them over. He's 10 like Chase. So not very old to have free reign, and not responsible enough for it either. He put a texting app on. I only found out because Cole answered the phone and the answering machine picked up with H saying to text him. So I questioned him, naturally. I let it go so I could think about it a bit. I decided that while I wanted to trust the boys I needed to see what they were doing with their texting ability along with seeing what other apps were loaded.
That ended up being the only app I had an issue with. Chase hates these fangled ways of communication so he hadn't used it. Cole, on the other hand, had quite a few text conversations. One was with one of Chase's other 10 yo friends who used cuss words most adults would be offended by. Granted Chase isn't close friends with him...thank goodness. But, I was appalled. Of course, Brian tells me that he guesses most boys this age talk like that. This is being heard by me, a girl who didn't say her first cuss word until well into teenage years and I remember apologizing to God for it. Cole was never mean mean and never used foul language, but H had given Cole his girlfriend's (yes girlfriend, eye roll) cell number so he could text her, pretend he was someone else and bug her. It worked. She was perturbed. He wasn't rude or hateful; just annoying. Really annoying.
So, after all that I deleted the app and told them that if H ever downloaded on their Touches again without me seeing what it was they would be taken away. I then called H and told him (very nicely) that he needed to do me a favor and not do that anymore since it's my house rules or he couldn't come to my house anymore. He actually respects me and listens pretty good to me once I talk to him. At home he seems to have no rules, so he does whatever.
I'm waiting for the day that the 14 year old (almost) matures enough for me to EVER trust him with a cell. He needs to learn now he can't use texting to aggravate anyone. It could get you into a world of hurt you do not want to enter. I'm PRAYING lesson learned.
My boys got Ipod Touches for Christmas. I loaded some freebie apps on them, but that was it. Well, neighbor boy who has little to no rules and free reign over anything he want had all kinds of apps and proceeds to load them onto my boys'. The boys just handed them over. He's 10 like Chase. So not very old to have free reign, and not responsible enough for it either. He put a texting app on. I only found out because Cole answered the phone and the answering machine picked up with H saying to text him. So I questioned him, naturally. I let it go so I could think about it a bit. I decided that while I wanted to trust the boys I needed to see what they were doing with their texting ability along with seeing what other apps were loaded.
That ended up being the only app I had an issue with. Chase hates these fangled ways of communication so he hadn't used it. Cole, on the other hand, had quite a few text conversations. One was with one of Chase's other 10 yo friends who used cuss words most adults would be offended by. Granted Chase isn't close friends with him...thank goodness. But, I was appalled. Of course, Brian tells me that he guesses most boys this age talk like that. This is being heard by me, a girl who didn't say her first cuss word until well into teenage years and I remember apologizing to God for it. Cole was never mean mean and never used foul language, but H had given Cole his girlfriend's (yes girlfriend, eye roll) cell number so he could text her, pretend he was someone else and bug her. It worked. She was perturbed. He wasn't rude or hateful; just annoying. Really annoying.
So, after all that I deleted the app and told them that if H ever downloaded on their Touches again without me seeing what it was they would be taken away. I then called H and told him (very nicely) that he needed to do me a favor and not do that anymore since it's my house rules or he couldn't come to my house anymore. He actually respects me and listens pretty good to me once I talk to him. At home he seems to have no rules, so he does whatever.
I'm waiting for the day that the 14 year old (almost) matures enough for me to EVER trust him with a cell. He needs to learn now he can't use texting to aggravate anyone. It could get you into a world of hurt you do not want to enter. I'm PRAYING lesson learned.
Monday, January 10, 2011
How wonderful it was
to drop off a check in the mail for our condo today. It was snowing pretty good out and I was on my way to drop off a check so we could go on a vacation with some friends this summer. I can hardly wait! I'm as excited as the kids. I'd love to do one of those things where it's this big secret until then, but I can't do that. I can't stand it myself.
So, I confess I'm a bit nervous. This is our first vacation since having kids (yeah 5 in 13 years) that we've done a vacation without my family (mom, stepdad, sister and brother-in-law). The couple we've been able to take in these years has been us tagging along with my mom and stepdad to their timeshare. While it has always been a great time and oddly enough I love being a small 2 bedroom condo with all of us together, but since we always had kids and so many I did feel a little bad.
I've spent the last week emailing around trying to get estimates on the cost to go there, etc. I was SO happy when we got an email and it was only $1500 for the entire week...and then we get to split it with some friends. We weren't really planning to spend any money on a vacation before our big Korea trip in a couple of years. Especially, since that will exhaust pretty much whatever we have by then, but with Cole's heart surgery in the next couple of years we decided we needed a vacation before all of the unknowns of when and how long set in. Plus, honestly, I don't think he had too much fun on vacation a few years ago when we tagged along to FL with the parents. I can understand though. Who would want to be 11, go to FL and just have had an appendectomy and told you can't swim. Though we did break the rules the last day. I couldn't take it and we put on a massive waterproof bandage. And then you've got the whole Chelsi had her febrile seizure on the same trip and spent the night in the ER in Orlando and STILL had a 90 minute drive back to the condo.
EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just so excited!!!
So, I confess I'm a bit nervous. This is our first vacation since having kids (yeah 5 in 13 years) that we've done a vacation without my family (mom, stepdad, sister and brother-in-law). The couple we've been able to take in these years has been us tagging along with my mom and stepdad to their timeshare. While it has always been a great time and oddly enough I love being a small 2 bedroom condo with all of us together, but since we always had kids and so many I did feel a little bad.
I've spent the last week emailing around trying to get estimates on the cost to go there, etc. I was SO happy when we got an email and it was only $1500 for the entire week...and then we get to split it with some friends. We weren't really planning to spend any money on a vacation before our big Korea trip in a couple of years. Especially, since that will exhaust pretty much whatever we have by then, but with Cole's heart surgery in the next couple of years we decided we needed a vacation before all of the unknowns of when and how long set in. Plus, honestly, I don't think he had too much fun on vacation a few years ago when we tagged along to FL with the parents. I can understand though. Who would want to be 11, go to FL and just have had an appendectomy and told you can't swim. Though we did break the rules the last day. I couldn't take it and we put on a massive waterproof bandage. And then you've got the whole Chelsi had her febrile seizure on the same trip and spent the night in the ER in Orlando and STILL had a 90 minute drive back to the condo.
EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just so excited!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The icky green goo
That describes quite a few of us off and on since two weeks before Christmas. Nice huh?
I haven't written since the day after because, well, that's the day I started getting sick. It all started after Jaemin headbutted me right in the nose. Talk about an eye waterer that made me cry and really want to scream. I had a slight black eye a couple of days later, but not bad considering how bad it hurt. Anyways, two weeks before Christmas Jaemin and Chase had bad colds. They both have asthma that creeps up with colds and allergies, so they always sound really bad. Right before Christmas they both cleared up and seemed fine, so no doc. Right after Christmas they both got sick again. Poor guys. Cole got sick too, but he got better so quick. For a heart kid, he's pretty darn healthy, knock on wood. Chelsi's starting in now. Just for the record, she's not green....yet.
Chase swore up and down he was getting better so he didn't go to the doctor. However, I was feeling pretty bad and Jaemin couldn't seem to shake it and was running a fever over the New Year, so he went too. Poor guy had a sinus infection and ear infection. I only had a sinus infection. His ear infection was the first I've ever had in one of my kids in 13 years. Can you believe that? He hadn't eaten much of anything in a couple of days, so I'm glad she gave him an antibiotic. He's now on day 2 of his meds and his cough still sounds horrendous, but he's running crazy again and eating a little more, so that's better. He actually asked for 'more' at supper tonight. That's my normal little guy. I'm really not bad, but dang if I could just stop coughing. I've had a hot totty and every medicine that's supposed to quiet coughs and nothing works. I'm hoping for no coughing fits tonight. Jaemin sleeps right through though. Little stinker!
I haven't written since the day after because, well, that's the day I started getting sick. It all started after Jaemin headbutted me right in the nose. Talk about an eye waterer that made me cry and really want to scream. I had a slight black eye a couple of days later, but not bad considering how bad it hurt. Anyways, two weeks before Christmas Jaemin and Chase had bad colds. They both have asthma that creeps up with colds and allergies, so they always sound really bad. Right before Christmas they both cleared up and seemed fine, so no doc. Right after Christmas they both got sick again. Poor guys. Cole got sick too, but he got better so quick. For a heart kid, he's pretty darn healthy, knock on wood. Chelsi's starting in now. Just for the record, she's not green....yet.
Chase swore up and down he was getting better so he didn't go to the doctor. However, I was feeling pretty bad and Jaemin couldn't seem to shake it and was running a fever over the New Year, so he went too. Poor guy had a sinus infection and ear infection. I only had a sinus infection. His ear infection was the first I've ever had in one of my kids in 13 years. Can you believe that? He hadn't eaten much of anything in a couple of days, so I'm glad she gave him an antibiotic. He's now on day 2 of his meds and his cough still sounds horrendous, but he's running crazy again and eating a little more, so that's better. He actually asked for 'more' at supper tonight. That's my normal little guy. I'm really not bad, but dang if I could just stop coughing. I've had a hot totty and every medicine that's supposed to quiet coughs and nothing works. I'm hoping for no coughing fits tonight. Jaemin sleeps right through though. Little stinker!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
4 Christmases
Not the movie. We've just had 4 days of Christmas. Brian actually said "I'm glad I have to work tomorrow". He said he's tired of all the getting and going. Thursday night we were just home, so we let the kids open their presents from one of their grandparents (out of state) so they could enjoy and not be so overwhelmed. Oh, yes, the woes of being spoiled by everyone.
Friday (Christmas Eve) we went to Brian's grandparent's for the big family Christmas dinner and the kids got some small gifts there. Then, we had to leave for church and came home to find out Santa had come and the kids had more gifts.
Saturday we went to breakfast at Brian's parents and more gifts. We took the kids home for a small nap and then went to my moms for dinner with the big family. No more gifts there, but tons of food.
This morning we had breakfast at my moms and yep, more gifts. Now we're done with Christmas and I know everyone is tired! So after all those days of Christmas, I narrowed down the pictures quite a bit. I really didn't take too many anyways because I'd rather sit back and watch the kids enjoy. We don't usually have big Christmas', as in big gifts. First I don't want to spoil the kids, even if we could afford that and second we usually can't afford as much as a lot of their friends get. I know that doesn't necessarily mean they can afford it, but that conversation is for a different day.
The kids got everything they wanted. I really, really don't think there was anything left. They had made lists early on and dispersed them to grandparents, Godparents and great-grandparents. They were extremely surprised this Christmas. I do NOT want to hear "I'm bored." for a very long time.
Here are their pictures. Kaelin seemed to be the most surprised about everything.
My two best buddies.
Jaemin wanted his cousin to be his baby last night.
Friday (Christmas Eve) we went to Brian's grandparent's for the big family Christmas dinner and the kids got some small gifts there. Then, we had to leave for church and came home to find out Santa had come and the kids had more gifts.
Saturday we went to breakfast at Brian's parents and more gifts. We took the kids home for a small nap and then went to my moms for dinner with the big family. No more gifts there, but tons of food.
This morning we had breakfast at my moms and yep, more gifts. Now we're done with Christmas and I know everyone is tired! So after all those days of Christmas, I narrowed down the pictures quite a bit. I really didn't take too many anyways because I'd rather sit back and watch the kids enjoy. We don't usually have big Christmas', as in big gifts. First I don't want to spoil the kids, even if we could afford that and second we usually can't afford as much as a lot of their friends get. I know that doesn't necessarily mean they can afford it, but that conversation is for a different day.
The kids got everything they wanted. I really, really don't think there was anything left. They had made lists early on and dispersed them to grandparents, Godparents and great-grandparents. They were extremely surprised this Christmas. I do NOT want to hear "I'm bored." for a very long time.
Here are their pictures. Kaelin seemed to be the most surprised about everything.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
This show gets my heart every single year!
http://www.tv.com/video/10510653/home-holidays--home-is-like-open-arms?tag=vid_carousel;vid;2
Unfortunately, I missed the original airing. I haven't missed in years! But, watch the various clips here if you need a cry. I cry every single time, every single clip! These kids and families are amazing!
Unfortunately, I missed the original airing. I haven't missed in years! But, watch the various clips here if you need a cry. I cry every single time, every single clip! These kids and families are amazing!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
My baby girl is an actress!
Yep, she's only 5 and got her first part, very small but speaking part, in a play. She's already in bed and I'd just checked their website, so she doesn't even know it yet. She auditioned last night and they were finishing up tonight. After auditions last night she didn't want to do it. She really wanted to audition, but I think she got kind of rattled at the audition. I couldn't prep her since I had no idea what to expect.
She can fully read at a 3rd grade level, but was too scared to do it then. But, when the director would give her her line she's say it loud and proud with plenty of tone. They couldn't help but oohh and aahh over her, which I think made it a little scarier for her. She completely chickened out afterward and told me she didn't want to do it anymore. I told her just to think about it because I was afraid she'd regret it. It took a lot more nerve than I have to even audition and she did that much completely on her own. So, this morning I asked her if she felt differently about it and she said she was ready to be in the play.
Looks like I get to tell her in the morning she got it. She's only in a couple of scenes and only has several lines, but that's really great for her first play anyways. Very proud of her to be so brave to do something I would never have done.
She can fully read at a 3rd grade level, but was too scared to do it then. But, when the director would give her her line she's say it loud and proud with plenty of tone. They couldn't help but oohh and aahh over her, which I think made it a little scarier for her. She completely chickened out afterward and told me she didn't want to do it anymore. I told her just to think about it because I was afraid she'd regret it. It took a lot more nerve than I have to even audition and she did that much completely on her own. So, this morning I asked her if she felt differently about it and she said she was ready to be in the play.
Looks like I get to tell her in the morning she got it. She's only in a couple of scenes and only has several lines, but that's really great for her first play anyways. Very proud of her to be so brave to do something I would never have done.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Just as a precursor, I wanted to say not to take offense to what I have to say. I'm not good with words, so I don't always quite convey what I mean in a well constructed manner. Basically, some of the things have to say are just my interpretations of certain areas of the world based on both personal observations and just things learned through other avenues. This does not make them true and I'm well aware of that. It may sound very stereotypical from time-to-time, but it's not really meant that way. I'm just pondering.
I just finished watching a movie about Apache Indians. Not a true story by any stretch....just a story. But, everytime I watch a movie with Indians I can't help but wonder where I came from. I've said time and time again that I feel no culture for myself. I know of people who eat corned beef and hash on St. Patricks Day or celebrate certain ethnic holidays such as Cinco De Mayo. We celebrate the US customary holidays as well as our Christian holidays. But I find the blends of other cultures and customs from other countries so intriguing. When I used to study my ancestry (years ago) I had found the mixture I came from. This did not help how I felt lost. Even my very German side no longer really celebrates anything German. I mean there's no particular foods and no body speaks German any longer. Probably since my great grandmother passed away years ago.
My dad's side is even more complicated. That's where I found evidence of Choctaw Indian; even though by his mother's account (my grandmother) they're Cherokee. We have never found this evidence though. There are family stories and many of them, including her name. His family is also directly from England with a mixture of French, Irish, Spanish, German and Scandinavian. As Brian says, this makes me a mutt because he's 100% German. Though I sometimes tell him he's just American like me.
So, when I watch movies I sometimes wonder if some of me is becoming of my biological beginnings. Do I have certain instincts because of my Indian ancestry? And really I have fairly good instincts. Do I believe in signs and look for them for the same reasons? Am I sort of prim and proper sometimes because of my English ancestry? Yes, the girls at work like to make fun of me because they can easily make my face turn red with conversation. It takes very little. Not to mention, though you can't always tell it here, that I tend to speak fairly properly. I take it upon myself to constantly correct the kid's English as if I were a teacher. Bad habit, I know. I see my very dark brown eyes and wonder where I came from. But am thankful for those same eyes that give me likeness to my Korean born children.
In turn, I wonder if my Korean born children will have certain tendencies biological to their own ancestry? Will they wonder...very possible, one of them will, at least. But will certain things just come to them because of where they came from, not because of who or how they were raised? I have trouble thinking not. I already see likenesses to the few facts I know about their birth families. I sometimes dream about what they will be like as they grow older. I wonder if these likenesses and the things they seem to be drawn to will continue over the years as if they knew the loves their birth families had?
I just can't help but wonder how biology plays a part in who we are and who we become. The mixes of where we came from. I mean, as the US grows older the mixes, like myself, will become more and more. I think you will eventually find fewer families that are all Jewish, all Irish, all German.
Honestly, I'm not even sure where I was going with this or where I want to go. I guess it's just some thoughts I have that seem to pop back into my head over and over again. And I think because of how I feel about my backgrounds I tend to cling to my Korean born children's culture even more. It feels more like my own sometimes. All in all, I'm just American. I know that. They are too.....now. But, I love culture and traditions. There's nothing better than having that to remember and fall back on for comfort.
I just finished watching a movie about Apache Indians. Not a true story by any stretch....just a story. But, everytime I watch a movie with Indians I can't help but wonder where I came from. I've said time and time again that I feel no culture for myself. I know of people who eat corned beef and hash on St. Patricks Day or celebrate certain ethnic holidays such as Cinco De Mayo. We celebrate the US customary holidays as well as our Christian holidays. But I find the blends of other cultures and customs from other countries so intriguing. When I used to study my ancestry (years ago) I had found the mixture I came from. This did not help how I felt lost. Even my very German side no longer really celebrates anything German. I mean there's no particular foods and no body speaks German any longer. Probably since my great grandmother passed away years ago.
My dad's side is even more complicated. That's where I found evidence of Choctaw Indian; even though by his mother's account (my grandmother) they're Cherokee. We have never found this evidence though. There are family stories and many of them, including her name. His family is also directly from England with a mixture of French, Irish, Spanish, German and Scandinavian. As Brian says, this makes me a mutt because he's 100% German. Though I sometimes tell him he's just American like me.
So, when I watch movies I sometimes wonder if some of me is becoming of my biological beginnings. Do I have certain instincts because of my Indian ancestry? And really I have fairly good instincts. Do I believe in signs and look for them for the same reasons? Am I sort of prim and proper sometimes because of my English ancestry? Yes, the girls at work like to make fun of me because they can easily make my face turn red with conversation. It takes very little. Not to mention, though you can't always tell it here, that I tend to speak fairly properly. I take it upon myself to constantly correct the kid's English as if I were a teacher. Bad habit, I know. I see my very dark brown eyes and wonder where I came from. But am thankful for those same eyes that give me likeness to my Korean born children.
In turn, I wonder if my Korean born children will have certain tendencies biological to their own ancestry? Will they wonder...very possible, one of them will, at least. But will certain things just come to them because of where they came from, not because of who or how they were raised? I have trouble thinking not. I already see likenesses to the few facts I know about their birth families. I sometimes dream about what they will be like as they grow older. I wonder if these likenesses and the things they seem to be drawn to will continue over the years as if they knew the loves their birth families had?
I just can't help but wonder how biology plays a part in who we are and who we become. The mixes of where we came from. I mean, as the US grows older the mixes, like myself, will become more and more. I think you will eventually find fewer families that are all Jewish, all Irish, all German.
Honestly, I'm not even sure where I was going with this or where I want to go. I guess it's just some thoughts I have that seem to pop back into my head over and over again. And I think because of how I feel about my backgrounds I tend to cling to my Korean born children's culture even more. It feels more like my own sometimes. All in all, I'm just American. I know that. They are too.....now. But, I love culture and traditions. There's nothing better than having that to remember and fall back on for comfort.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Some things in life ARE free!
Are you a country music fan? Do you like Brad Paisley? Have you downloaded his song "This is Country Music" for free yet?
I believe it can be downloaded free of charge until 12/31/10. He has offered it free as a thank you to country music fans. I think that speaks highly of him. I, personally, love his attitude toward life. I love his quirky songs and the sense of humor so many of them have. Chelsi and I made sure to add the song to our MP3s tonight.
Get yours soon!
I believe it can be downloaded free of charge until 12/31/10. He has offered it free as a thank you to country music fans. I think that speaks highly of him. I, personally, love his attitude toward life. I love his quirky songs and the sense of humor so many of them have. Chelsi and I made sure to add the song to our MP3s tonight.
Get yours soon!
A treat for the girls
I decided since we didn't have any plans for the evening I would treat the girls.
So, I took Kaelin, Chelsi, Jaemin and Chase all for Christmas haircuts. This was Jaemin's first time letting someone other than mommy cut his hair and it looks really nice and he did SO good. Once they gave him that sucker he started smiling really big. Chelsi and Kaelin got a layer cut into their hair. After cuts we had to do our Christmas grocery shopping. I'm not sure we'll have enough time next week, so I tried to plan ahead. Brian had some aluminum money so he said we could pick up Chase's free Book-It pizza and get pizzas for the rest of us. YAY!
After supper I gave Chelsi, Kaelin and Jaemin a shower. Then the girls came back to my bathroom for their treat. I found my old Mary Kay pedicure stuff and gave them each a pedicure. I had them soak their feet in a nice warm sink of water. I went through all the steps and gave them calf and foot massages. Then, they each picked out a polish color for their nails. Kaelin picked out the clear sparkle (clear with glitter) and Chelsi picked out a coral sort of color for one foot and a pink/red color for the other. I found some cuticle oil too and massaged their cuticles and pushed them back. The girls just leaned back on my counter and relaxed. They LOVED the massages and kept telling me how good they felt.
See treats can be FREE!!
So, I took Kaelin, Chelsi, Jaemin and Chase all for Christmas haircuts. This was Jaemin's first time letting someone other than mommy cut his hair and it looks really nice and he did SO good. Once they gave him that sucker he started smiling really big. Chelsi and Kaelin got a layer cut into their hair. After cuts we had to do our Christmas grocery shopping. I'm not sure we'll have enough time next week, so I tried to plan ahead. Brian had some aluminum money so he said we could pick up Chase's free Book-It pizza and get pizzas for the rest of us. YAY!
After supper I gave Chelsi, Kaelin and Jaemin a shower. Then the girls came back to my bathroom for their treat. I found my old Mary Kay pedicure stuff and gave them each a pedicure. I had them soak their feet in a nice warm sink of water. I went through all the steps and gave them calf and foot massages. Then, they each picked out a polish color for their nails. Kaelin picked out the clear sparkle (clear with glitter) and Chelsi picked out a coral sort of color for one foot and a pink/red color for the other. I found some cuticle oil too and massaged their cuticles and pushed them back. The girls just leaned back on my counter and relaxed. They LOVED the massages and kept telling me how good they felt.
See treats can be FREE!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Ice Day!
I guess that's like a snow day off school, right? Yep, I have all 5 today. It was my regular day off and school is closed for ice. I sent the big boys out to bring in the stuff they left out last night and get trash up before the trash men come and all I saw was them ice skating in their boots. Yep, the driveway was so slick they could just sit on the hill and slide down on their butts or glide across on their feet. The dog went running and went into a tailspin. I think it took him a bit by surprise, by his look.
I went out to salt some more (on my side of the drive way) and couldn't even walk across the rocks. I had to make my way to the grass because the gravel was SO slick! The boys yelled at me after I threw salt on the lower driveway. They told me I ruined all their fun. Isn't that what a mom is for? Now they're in their room cleaning what looks like a tornado ravaged area. The girls and I already cleaned out the toy boxes and cleaned up the downstairs for Christmas. I gotta get something out of them when I can. I have lots of plans for their days off next week, before Christmas. :)
Lisa
I went out to salt some more (on my side of the drive way) and couldn't even walk across the rocks. I had to make my way to the grass because the gravel was SO slick! The boys yelled at me after I threw salt on the lower driveway. They told me I ruined all their fun. Isn't that what a mom is for? Now they're in their room cleaning what looks like a tornado ravaged area. The girls and I already cleaned out the toy boxes and cleaned up the downstairs for Christmas. I gotta get something out of them when I can. I have lots of plans for their days off next week, before Christmas. :)
Lisa
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thankfulness Post #15
This thankfulness post is to the kindness of two strangers. I got stuck on about 2 inches of ice this morning in, thankfully, a fairly empty parking lot. I knew after I pulled in I should have backed in, but it was already too late. When I couldn't get out a guy across the lot came over and asked to get in the driver seat. I trusted him and he tried to get my van out. It wouldn't budge, with or without traction control. It's just no match for solid ice. Then a guy with a big ole diesel pickup came over with a chain and pulled my van out. Between the two of them I got to leave. Poor Jaemin was totally freaked out by having a stranger in the driver seat of his van, but I didn't want to get him out because it was so bitterly cold. The guy in the driver seat had a good sense of humor about it.
Thank you to two kind strangers today.
Thank you to two kind strangers today.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Camo Cookies
Here's our package for a military unit in Afghanistan. I hope they enjoy the home made sugar cookies, packets of hot chocolate and marshmallows for their drinks. Stay safe boys.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thankfulness Post #14
I'm SO thankful Brian cleaned the house last night while Chelsi and Kaelin and I had girls night. I would have been even more exhausted tonight if he hadn't! Now I just have to finish the cookies, make bulgogi and finish laundry tomorrow.
Tonight I rest
and I am SO tired!
We sold Brian's 93 Escort this morning (YAY!) because this week we upgraded him to a 2006 Focus; complete with air bags and anchors for the carseats. So happy to be in the same decade. It only took one day to sell his car...not even really.
I worked all day making supper for tonight. We had a turkey in the freezer that I got on sale last year, so it was time to get it out. I made turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, rolls and cranberry sauce. The kids and Brian were so full when they left the table they were all moaning. Everyone said there was not one thing that wasn't good. You see, Brian likes to joke and tell people I can't cook, but it's just not true. I never had time to want to until I started working part time. Now I have more time and actually want to spend part of my time making these meals. Tomorrow is bulgogi!
Tonight I mixed up the sugar cookie dough and colored it. Tomorrow we'll be rolling out and cutting camouflage sugar cookies. Then we'll send them along with some hot chocolate packs to Afghanistan. After making the cookies a couple of weeks ago that ended up looking camo colored we decided this would be fun. So, someone I know has a son overseas and she said he and his unit loves packages. I thought the kids would enjoy doing something nice for someone else. His mother also said to send a note from the kids, so he knows who to thank. The kids would think that's awesome getting mail from someone in the US military.
But, now I'm exhausted.
We sold Brian's 93 Escort this morning (YAY!) because this week we upgraded him to a 2006 Focus; complete with air bags and anchors for the carseats. So happy to be in the same decade. It only took one day to sell his car...not even really.
I worked all day making supper for tonight. We had a turkey in the freezer that I got on sale last year, so it was time to get it out. I made turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, rolls and cranberry sauce. The kids and Brian were so full when they left the table they were all moaning. Everyone said there was not one thing that wasn't good. You see, Brian likes to joke and tell people I can't cook, but it's just not true. I never had time to want to until I started working part time. Now I have more time and actually want to spend part of my time making these meals. Tomorrow is bulgogi!
Tonight I mixed up the sugar cookie dough and colored it. Tomorrow we'll be rolling out and cutting camouflage sugar cookies. Then we'll send them along with some hot chocolate packs to Afghanistan. After making the cookies a couple of weeks ago that ended up looking camo colored we decided this would be fun. So, someone I know has a son overseas and she said he and his unit loves packages. I thought the kids would enjoy doing something nice for someone else. His mother also said to send a note from the kids, so he knows who to thank. The kids would think that's awesome getting mail from someone in the US military.
But, now I'm exhausted.
6 Years of Christmas Greetings
We must have skipped 2005 when we were waiting for Chelsi's referral, but the kids LOVE wearing pjs with Santa hats for Christmas pictures, so we have 2004, forward. They have changed so much. And as Chase says, the tree is shrinking. He just could not believe after we put it together how short it keeps getting.
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
And then 2010
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
And then 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
What a pair of women!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_tv_kate_meets_sarah_palin
The two women of reality tv (and no I do not watch because they bug me so much) that a despise the most. They're both just women that constantly want their 15 minutes. I think that's the only reason Palin may run for Presidency, Lord help us. And Kate....well...I still think in the end she kept doing her show and putting her kids in the spotlight for herself. I mean really. Did anyone any longer believe it was so hard for a mom of 8 kids to make it when she really didn't have to do anything. It's kind of easy with nannies, cooks, clothes at your disposal and income from the show to-boot. Palin I just can't stand. She's fake and uses her family the same way. I still think her show is just a way to get even more notoriaty before running for 2012.
ICK!!! I'd probably vomit if I did watch it.
The two women of reality tv (and no I do not watch because they bug me so much) that a despise the most. They're both just women that constantly want their 15 minutes. I think that's the only reason Palin may run for Presidency, Lord help us. And Kate....well...I still think in the end she kept doing her show and putting her kids in the spotlight for herself. I mean really. Did anyone any longer believe it was so hard for a mom of 8 kids to make it when she really didn't have to do anything. It's kind of easy with nannies, cooks, clothes at your disposal and income from the show to-boot. Palin I just can't stand. She's fake and uses her family the same way. I still think her show is just a way to get even more notoriaty before running for 2012.
ICK!!! I'd probably vomit if I did watch it.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Just live
I'm a Type A, obssessive compulsive person. That's not easy to have them together. One can feed the other. For a very long time I've had to control everything. I live for structure and schedule. I'm trying very hard to change.
Not that all of those traits are bad, but they can be hard to live with. Afterall, does anyone really have control of their life? In reality I never have. I know that. Everything since we've been married has taught me that there is no real control. There's only God's control and how we react to his actions and the actions of others' free will. I have decided that I'm going to try to just live. When my work schedule changed from fulltime to parttime I was terrified. I wanted it so badly for over 10 years, but I wasn't sure how we were really going to do it. But, now that I've been doing it for 3 months, I realize how much I love it. As much as I'd hoped; since I was scared that I may end up disliking it. I always have fears with any big changes in life. That's just me.
Things aren't easy, but we're making it. It will be a little tougher next month when my insurance premiums go up and my paycheck goes down $200/month. But, I'm still very thankful for my time to spend with my babies before they grow up and my time to do grocery shopping and the little things I need to get done without the insanity. I know it will end, but I'm living in today and what I have now. Until my parttime job ends and I have to return to fulltime next year I will continue to enjoy every second of it. I will continue to make cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls with my kids helping. I will continue to snuggle that many more moments. I will continue to be the one home when the get off school; to help with homework and start supper. And the little kids, for a little longer, will have special grandparent time on the days I work.
Another thing I've realized is that when it comes to having kids you never have to say you're having more or you're done. You can make your choices as God or life leads you. I can honestly say I don't know where our family stands. I'm happy with our 5. Very busy and happy with our 5. But, we have 6 years until we age out of Korea; withstanding the Korean government discontinuing adoptions in 2012 as planned. We never know if we will decide to go into foster care one day either. Now, before friends and family freak out when they read this, this does not mean we're having more children. It just means we don't know. I do know I do not want to parent more babies. If the right situation came along, maybe, but I sincerely doubt we would. I still have the dream of adopting an older child one day. But, again, things change as life goes on and I'm trying very hard not to plan my life away. I'm trying very hard just to live. Live and wait for God's signs. If they never come then maybe we're never meant to expand our family. And, honestly, I'm happy either way.
It feels so good to make a decision like this. I've been grappling with it for a bit now. My love for my kids is SO immense. That love spreads to other children with no families to call their own, but I now know after much thought that that doesn't mean we are their family. It just means I need to pray for them to find families and maybe find other avenues to help.
Not that all of those traits are bad, but they can be hard to live with. Afterall, does anyone really have control of their life? In reality I never have. I know that. Everything since we've been married has taught me that there is no real control. There's only God's control and how we react to his actions and the actions of others' free will. I have decided that I'm going to try to just live. When my work schedule changed from fulltime to parttime I was terrified. I wanted it so badly for over 10 years, but I wasn't sure how we were really going to do it. But, now that I've been doing it for 3 months, I realize how much I love it. As much as I'd hoped; since I was scared that I may end up disliking it. I always have fears with any big changes in life. That's just me.
Things aren't easy, but we're making it. It will be a little tougher next month when my insurance premiums go up and my paycheck goes down $200/month. But, I'm still very thankful for my time to spend with my babies before they grow up and my time to do grocery shopping and the little things I need to get done without the insanity. I know it will end, but I'm living in today and what I have now. Until my parttime job ends and I have to return to fulltime next year I will continue to enjoy every second of it. I will continue to make cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls with my kids helping. I will continue to snuggle that many more moments. I will continue to be the one home when the get off school; to help with homework and start supper. And the little kids, for a little longer, will have special grandparent time on the days I work.
Another thing I've realized is that when it comes to having kids you never have to say you're having more or you're done. You can make your choices as God or life leads you. I can honestly say I don't know where our family stands. I'm happy with our 5. Very busy and happy with our 5. But, we have 6 years until we age out of Korea; withstanding the Korean government discontinuing adoptions in 2012 as planned. We never know if we will decide to go into foster care one day either. Now, before friends and family freak out when they read this, this does not mean we're having more children. It just means we don't know. I do know I do not want to parent more babies. If the right situation came along, maybe, but I sincerely doubt we would. I still have the dream of adopting an older child one day. But, again, things change as life goes on and I'm trying very hard not to plan my life away. I'm trying very hard just to live. Live and wait for God's signs. If they never come then maybe we're never meant to expand our family. And, honestly, I'm happy either way.
It feels so good to make a decision like this. I've been grappling with it for a bit now. My love for my kids is SO immense. That love spreads to other children with no families to call their own, but I now know after much thought that that doesn't mean we are their family. It just means I need to pray for them to find families and maybe find other avenues to help.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Christmas Cookies and Family Anniversary
We don't really have a designated day for our family anniversary. We can basically pick any day between 11/28 and 12/22 to celebrate. How's that for an anniversary?
A lot of families with adoptees celebrate their child's Gotcha Day, Airplane Day, Family Day, etc., but with biological children as well, we decided not to. We always have on their first and we still acknowledge it, but we do not have any big celebration. We don't do gifts either. But, on our family anniversary we do celebrate. Not with gifts either, but just by being a family, being together and doing something special. We've gone out for dinner in the past, but this year I ordered some airplane cookie cutters and decided we'd make Christmas sugar cookies and then make some of these too.
Chase, Kaelin, Chelsi and I worked on these most of the day. You may not be able to tell though. Some are pretty oddly painted with icing, but the kids worked hard at them. I also colored the dough, so that the trees would be green, the gingerbread men would be brown and the airplanes would be about the same color as the Korean Air planes. I thought the color came out well, but it's hard to paint them with icing. Nonetheless, the kids had a great time and they were YUMMY! We also painted a gingerbread man to look like each of us. Kaelin painted me, Brian and Cole. Chase painted himself and the girls asked me to put them in a hanbok, so I painted them and Jaemin.
After loads of laundry, cleaning the house from top to bottom, making beds and making cookies ALL DAY LONG, this girl is beat!
A lot of families with adoptees celebrate their child's Gotcha Day, Airplane Day, Family Day, etc., but with biological children as well, we decided not to. We always have on their first and we still acknowledge it, but we do not have any big celebration. We don't do gifts either. But, on our family anniversary we do celebrate. Not with gifts either, but just by being a family, being together and doing something special. We've gone out for dinner in the past, but this year I ordered some airplane cookie cutters and decided we'd make Christmas sugar cookies and then make some of these too.
Chase, Kaelin, Chelsi and I worked on these most of the day. You may not be able to tell though. Some are pretty oddly painted with icing, but the kids worked hard at them. I also colored the dough, so that the trees would be green, the gingerbread men would be brown and the airplanes would be about the same color as the Korean Air planes. I thought the color came out well, but it's hard to paint them with icing. Nonetheless, the kids had a great time and they were YUMMY! We also painted a gingerbread man to look like each of us. Kaelin painted me, Brian and Cole. Chase painted himself and the girls asked me to put them in a hanbok, so I painted them and Jaemin.
After loads of laundry, cleaning the house from top to bottom, making beds and making cookies ALL DAY LONG, this girl is beat!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thankfulness #13
Like I said in my post, just before this. We had to have an electrician come out because the night before Thanksgiving our electric fireplace smelled when Brian turned it on and he realized it had melted the plug and surge protector. For safety's sake, I wanted it checked out. I'm so thankful he didn't think it was anything major. He said there was really no damage and rewired a new outlet. He said it could have been lightning from the storms that night or it could have just been a bad plug end cap that came with the fireplace. He told us to replace it and it should be fine. We got off cheaper than I thought too. I had no idea how much an electrician goes for nowadays. But, happy it didn't break the bank.
Sick and Tired
I'm SO tired. Jaemin had a terrible night last night. He has a terrible cold and for him it causes reactive airway (basically asthma). So he barked all night, in my bed, on top of me and then puked snot several times. TMI, I know. I had a rag by my bedside so I could catch him every little bit. About 4 in the morning I decided I was just going to take the kids to school and come back and sleep...yeah with 2 little kids. Don't think so. Not to mention the electrician was coming to look at an outlet where a plug blew last week and another guy was coming to cut down our dying oak.
Instead of sleeping, I washed and folded 4 loads of laundry, nebulized and administered meds to one little boy, wrote out Christmas cards with the help of a 5 year old, finished wrapping presents that arrived today, cleaned the girls' room out and dusted. Tonight, I'm just stopped up and tired.....again. On a good night that poor boy doesn't sleep well, therefore, I don't sleep well. On a bad night, well, it's just BAD!
Here's to a night of rest? Hopefully? Maybe? One day?
Instead of sleeping, I washed and folded 4 loads of laundry, nebulized and administered meds to one little boy, wrote out Christmas cards with the help of a 5 year old, finished wrapping presents that arrived today, cleaned the girls' room out and dusted. Tonight, I'm just stopped up and tired.....again. On a good night that poor boy doesn't sleep well, therefore, I don't sleep well. On a bad night, well, it's just BAD!
Here's to a night of rest? Hopefully? Maybe? One day?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thankfulness Reminder #12
I'm sitting here watching the Hallmark movie 'November Christmas'. While I don't think it's a true story, it could really be anyone's life. I'm so thankful I don't have a child gravely ill and having to watch them go. I always pray my children outlive me and Brian. I pray they are held safe by God. So when people ask why I wasn't scared when Cole had his first surgery or if I'm scared about the next, I'm really not right now. I try very hard to remind myself that there are people in harder positions than we are in. We're lucky to live where he can have treatment, we're lucky it's nothing worse. We're lucky he's done better than they ever expected and the expectations of the previous surgical procedure. As long as we're all together, I will be thankful for our health. and pray He keeps us together even longer.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thankfulness Reminder #11
I'm a little late on this, but it's been busy. We had a yummy Thanksgiving. I enjoy the food more and more each year. It's amazing that as you get older you start liking all of the stuff you thought was so gross when you were younger. We had everything you could imagine at my aunts. Everyone brings something to go with the turkey and ham and it's so good every time.
We did something different this year. My uncle had everyone go around and say what they were thankful for. I thought it was great to hear my kids say things. I mean if I made them do that at home they wouldn't take it seriously, but there they did it because everyone else did. They were thankful for family and life and that was so great to hear. We're lucky. Not a lot of families still celebrate holidays together anymore. So many get separated by distance or feuds. We still get together with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandma; along with my sister, mom and stepdad. The kids have this familiar placed tradition every year to run around with cousins, play with new babies, play games and cards, talk and eat together.
There is NO better tradition than this. Family trumps everything in my mind and being together is important.
We did something different this year. My uncle had everyone go around and say what they were thankful for. I thought it was great to hear my kids say things. I mean if I made them do that at home they wouldn't take it seriously, but there they did it because everyone else did. They were thankful for family and life and that was so great to hear. We're lucky. Not a lot of families still celebrate holidays together anymore. So many get separated by distance or feuds. We still get together with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandma; along with my sister, mom and stepdad. The kids have this familiar placed tradition every year to run around with cousins, play with new babies, play games and cards, talk and eat together.
There is NO better tradition than this. Family trumps everything in my mind and being together is important.
I'm SO done!
My Christmas shopping is complete. I just started, literally, 2 weeks ago. Didn't have a thing until then. Now, I'm just waiting for everything to arrive. What a relief to be done. We way splurged this year. The older kids each asked for slightly more expensive items, so we decided to get this this year; within reason and watching our dollars of course. Every once in awhile it's okay and this is definitely something we NEVER do. And though our budget is $100 or less per child we went a little over on the big ones. The little ones help us average out and all the years past that we went under budget, so it's justified in my mind this year. One thing I won't do is go into debt for Christmas. Glad we save for it. The kids even decorated the tree last night, so it's up too. Here's the main picture we're using for our Christmas card this year. This is our traditional pj/Christmas tree picture.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thankfulness Reminder #10
Thankful that I made a very stupid mistake on a Christmas present and it worked out to my advantage. I ordered my new nephew (only niece or nephew on my side) his first Christmas presents and had them shipped to NY. Well, right after that I ordered my kids a sand and water table. I was super excited about getting this for Jaemin and Chelsi. Great fun/outdoor activity But, I failed to notice that it still had the NY shipping address on it and well, their gift was delivered to my brother's house. It was too late to change the location by the time I noticed. So, I called the store and they said I needed to go ahead and reorder without waiting for it to be returned so I could get the same discount I got last week (expired) and get it by Christmas. So I did. It ended up being on sale this week and I got the discount. So, it wasn't too bad of a deal and the other one has been returned. AND I've already got all the Christmas presents I have so far....wrapped!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thankfulness Reminder #9
Simply, I now have some time to watch to of my gifts paint me some pretty pictures for my fridge and get to enjoy giving little man a scrub down after he, more or less, paints himself instead.
Definitely tired from today
I actually slept last night because I did have a certain nightly visitor to keep me up. But, last night was not a good night for another child in the house, so we had to have a little .... okay a lot.... of a talking to before bed. I was spent before I ever hit the bed. This morning was better, but had to get the laundry caught up because it's our anniversary today and we were planning on taking the kids to Petco to spend some of their saved money, Barnes and Nobel to use their gift cards and then take them to Colton's Restaurant because we had free kids meals. Didn't quite turn out the way we expected. Brian did get Chelsi, Kaelin and Jaemin's sun catcher's and notes mailed to Korea to their foster mothers.
First, Brian's uncle came out to look at the furnace because it had been really loud the last couple of nights and we couldn't figure out why. Ended up being the thermostat. It was doing something wacky, so he said we needed to replace it. I told him we'd get one tonight, at Menards, since I'd seen one on sale. We stopped to get that one, took the kids to Barnes and Noble and then Chase, Kaelin and Chelsi each bought a beta at the pet store. They were so proud to pay for this stuff themselves. It was the first time Chelsi's ever spent her money and I could see the pride in her eyes as she paid for what the gift card wouldn't on the books and her fish.
Next was Colton's to eat and it was already 6:30, so we were all starving. We had a 20 minute wait, which I didn't think was too bad on a Friday night. But, about 10-15 minutes in Brian went outside and sent Cole back in to tell me he wasn't feeling well. He said he's stay outside while he ate. Doesn't that sound like a great way to spend your anniversary? I went to ask the ladies how long it takes to cook the food and she said maybe 15 minutes. It was so late we needed to get the kids some food, so I ordered their food and we took it home. He's feeling fine now, but the smell was not appealing to him earlier.
The upside is the rest of us really enjoyed our meals and it only cost $20 for 3 kids meals and 3 adult meals, tons of yummy roles and some peanuts. We had a VERY late supper and then I still needed to wire the thermostat.
Thermostat is wired, kids are in bed and our anniversary is, as always, just another day. That's what happens after 16 years. :)
First, Brian's uncle came out to look at the furnace because it had been really loud the last couple of nights and we couldn't figure out why. Ended up being the thermostat. It was doing something wacky, so he said we needed to replace it. I told him we'd get one tonight, at Menards, since I'd seen one on sale. We stopped to get that one, took the kids to Barnes and Noble and then Chase, Kaelin and Chelsi each bought a beta at the pet store. They were so proud to pay for this stuff themselves. It was the first time Chelsi's ever spent her money and I could see the pride in her eyes as she paid for what the gift card wouldn't on the books and her fish.
Next was Colton's to eat and it was already 6:30, so we were all starving. We had a 20 minute wait, which I didn't think was too bad on a Friday night. But, about 10-15 minutes in Brian went outside and sent Cole back in to tell me he wasn't feeling well. He said he's stay outside while he ate. Doesn't that sound like a great way to spend your anniversary? I went to ask the ladies how long it takes to cook the food and she said maybe 15 minutes. It was so late we needed to get the kids some food, so I ordered their food and we took it home. He's feeling fine now, but the smell was not appealing to him earlier.
The upside is the rest of us really enjoyed our meals and it only cost $20 for 3 kids meals and 3 adult meals, tons of yummy roles and some peanuts. We had a VERY late supper and then I still needed to wire the thermostat.
Thermostat is wired, kids are in bed and our anniversary is, as always, just another day. That's what happens after 16 years. :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Christmas learning experience
To a lot of people it might seem mean to make your kids put money towards their Christmas gift. I mean it's not like we can't pay for them outright without the kids' help. And it's not like we spoil them all year long so we can't spoil them on Christmas. It's kind of the opposite. We spend little on birthdays; around $20 or less and rarely buy things throughout the year. It's kind of the only way for us to have saved anything with a family of 7. Plus we try so hard not to spoil the kids so they understand a lot of things just aren't given to you and you do have to wait for them.
So, the oldest came to me about a month ago and told me he wanted an Ipod touch. I couldn't understand why he would think he needs one when he has a perfectly good MP3. Then, he let me know the stuff that the Touch does and he really does want it for the apps, video etc. In his defense, his MP3 is at least 4 years old and pretty large for an MP3...that's how old it is. I looked into them and the massive cost of the purchase and decided maybe, just maybe, for once, we'd give in and give them something they really wanted. Not that they don't ever get anything, but they rarely ask for anything over my $100 budget and it's usually so over that it's easy to say no with good reason. But, $200 falls into the category of WAY over. So, I talked to them an told both boys (since they both would like one) that if they contribute a small amount to the cost I will get one for them if Apple has any refurbished for the price they had over the weekend. Stupidly I didn't just order one like I should have. They both really want it, so they agreed.
So, if we can afford them, why am I making them contribute? Because I think if they have something invested in it they may just take really good care of them and enjoy them even more. I think that's a lifelong lesson and this is a good time to try it out. They know we don't have money to just throw out on unnecessary stuff and know that I really try hard to stick to my budget, so they're okay with it and it will stay with them. I hope.
That's my parent lesson to my kids for the week.
So, the oldest came to me about a month ago and told me he wanted an Ipod touch. I couldn't understand why he would think he needs one when he has a perfectly good MP3. Then, he let me know the stuff that the Touch does and he really does want it for the apps, video etc. In his defense, his MP3 is at least 4 years old and pretty large for an MP3...that's how old it is. I looked into them and the massive cost of the purchase and decided maybe, just maybe, for once, we'd give in and give them something they really wanted. Not that they don't ever get anything, but they rarely ask for anything over my $100 budget and it's usually so over that it's easy to say no with good reason. But, $200 falls into the category of WAY over. So, I talked to them an told both boys (since they both would like one) that if they contribute a small amount to the cost I will get one for them if Apple has any refurbished for the price they had over the weekend. Stupidly I didn't just order one like I should have. They both really want it, so they agreed.
So, if we can afford them, why am I making them contribute? Because I think if they have something invested in it they may just take really good care of them and enjoy them even more. I think that's a lifelong lesson and this is a good time to try it out. They know we don't have money to just throw out on unnecessary stuff and know that I really try hard to stick to my budget, so they're okay with it and it will stay with them. I hope.
That's my parent lesson to my kids for the week.
Thankfulness Reminder #8
So I'm slightly behind on posting almost daily. Almost daily seems to be like every other day, not every few. And it's not because I have nothing to be thankful for; big or small. I just haven't had time.
I'm thankful Brian took today off to paint our hallway that hasn't been painted in 15 years. Boy did it need it after 13 years of kids dragging their hands down the hall and us wiping it clean leaving just the paper on the drywall underneath. And the corners.....they have paint and you can no longer see the metal corner. So wonderful!
I'm thankful Brian took today off to paint our hallway that hasn't been painted in 15 years. Boy did it need it after 13 years of kids dragging their hands down the hall and us wiping it clean leaving just the paper on the drywall underneath. And the corners.....they have paint and you can no longer see the metal corner. So wonderful!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Official Switch
So, we've made the official switch.....to glass. There are just too many reports that can't seem to agree on whether reheating plastic (any grade) is okay or not. I decided it's just not worth the risk. I threw out most of my cheap gladware, but kept a few pieces in various sizes. You never know when you might just need to bring a sandwich to work or just to freeze something. But, I invested in some Pyrex containers and will hopefully add a few more over time. We're good for now with what I already had and what I just got. I feel better just knowing we're not taking the risk. It was literally eating at me. :)
Lisa
Lisa
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