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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
When it rains it pours...
I should have known when I woke up to snow on my grass on Oct the 10th that it wasn't a good sign.
It has been quite the week. On Monday, the beta fish died...not a huge loss, but a loss none the less. On Wednesday, we had to put our dog Murphy down. He was a wonderful golden retriever whom we loved dearly. We had 7 good years with him, but he became sick with what we think was a brain tumor. Z man took it the hardest and cried more tears than I thought one 9 year old could hold. It broke my heart. The house is much calmer without the big dog (110 lbs) eating off the counter, peeing on the floor, and having seizures....but it just feels empty.
Then tonight, daddy comes down with the flu...and we notice that Z-man's bunny is not looking so good in the bunny hutch. So while daddy is sick upstairs, mommy is trying to calm a distraught 9 year old (who can't understand why every pet he gets dies)...nurse a dying bunny back to life (fervent prayers, syringes of water, pleading, and cussing didn't work)all while keeping track of the 2 year old who is dumping salt from the salt shaker all over the floor. A slapped together meal of cheese sticks, apples, strawberries, applesauce and crackers is flung to the table while we keep bunny watch. We manage to get a little dinner in, until the wails of the 9 year old break my heart yet again, as dear Alvin the bunny has gone. Hugs and tears...dinner to clean up. Then the kitchen sink backs up...icky water every where...daddy sick in bed...9 year old crying...dead bunny in back porch...mommy laughing on the inside at the absurdity of her life!
It is now 10:35, I am composing myself out here in the blogosphere and trying to figure out where to sleep. My bed is full of sick husband...Sunshine's bed is full of Sunshine and sad big brother...sounds like mommy gets a couch somewhere.
But first, I have to check on the puppy I found on Pet Finder...I think he could fill the gap left by Murphy and Alvin and the Beta! Now if only we could convince dad.....
It has been quite the week. On Monday, the beta fish died...not a huge loss, but a loss none the less. On Wednesday, we had to put our dog Murphy down. He was a wonderful golden retriever whom we loved dearly. We had 7 good years with him, but he became sick with what we think was a brain tumor. Z man took it the hardest and cried more tears than I thought one 9 year old could hold. It broke my heart. The house is much calmer without the big dog (110 lbs) eating off the counter, peeing on the floor, and having seizures....but it just feels empty.
Then tonight, daddy comes down with the flu...and we notice that Z-man's bunny is not looking so good in the bunny hutch. So while daddy is sick upstairs, mommy is trying to calm a distraught 9 year old (who can't understand why every pet he gets dies)...nurse a dying bunny back to life (fervent prayers, syringes of water, pleading, and cussing didn't work)all while keeping track of the 2 year old who is dumping salt from the salt shaker all over the floor. A slapped together meal of cheese sticks, apples, strawberries, applesauce and crackers is flung to the table while we keep bunny watch. We manage to get a little dinner in, until the wails of the 9 year old break my heart yet again, as dear Alvin the bunny has gone. Hugs and tears...dinner to clean up. Then the kitchen sink backs up...icky water every where...daddy sick in bed...9 year old crying...dead bunny in back porch...mommy laughing on the inside at the absurdity of her life!
It is now 10:35, I am composing myself out here in the blogosphere and trying to figure out where to sleep. My bed is full of sick husband...Sunshine's bed is full of Sunshine and sad big brother...sounds like mommy gets a couch somewhere.
But first, I have to check on the puppy I found on Pet Finder...I think he could fill the gap left by Murphy and Alvin and the Beta! Now if only we could convince dad.....
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Oh the joy...NOT
Well, we are now a CDC statistic. We have succumb to the flu that shall not be named. The B-man came down with it yesterday and today, his big brothers have joined him...though not quite to his extent. B has been running a temp hovering around 104...too high for my taste...all day. It is so sad to see him so sluggish and fever-loopy. His older brothers both lazed on the couch all day, not eating (very unheard of in this house !) and the oldest even napped for 2 hours. The princess seems to have come down with a case of the terrible twos...timing it just right as mama is running up and down the stairs taking temps, doling out gator-aid, and bathing in hand sanitizer! She has been a demanding little diva all day, which unfortunately leads me to believe that she is probably coming down with something as well.
It is also looking like we will have to put our big ole golden retriever to sleep in the coming days. He isn't that old, but has seizures, is getting aggressive,and has ruined the basement carpet. He has no quality of life and it is breaking all of our hearts.
So, joyful we are not...but thankful to have several tv's...a large stock of ibuprophen and tylenol and a few days to lay with our big old dog, giving him a little more love while he is still with us.
It is also looking like we will have to put our big ole golden retriever to sleep in the coming days. He isn't that old, but has seizures, is getting aggressive,and has ruined the basement carpet. He has no quality of life and it is breaking all of our hearts.
So, joyful we are not...but thankful to have several tv's...a large stock of ibuprophen and tylenol and a few days to lay with our big old dog, giving him a little more love while he is still with us.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
One Year Ago
One year ago today...
I didn't know my heart could hold so much love.
I discovered the sweet spot between Sunshine's ear and shoulder.
Watched as my daughter reached out and touched her hand on my face with a look of "At last, we are together".
I saw her smile for the first time.
I felt my heart sing as she reached for me instead of her nanny.
I didn't know if she would be able to walk, talk, or overcome the obstacles of malnutrition, and I didn't care.
I knew my family was complete.
Today I have a sparkly, sweet and amazing daughter who...
can count to 5
runs instead of walks
sings a lullaby to her babies every night.
loves pretties in her hair.
is adored by so many.
is healthy, medication free, and thriving.
has stolen more hearts than I can count.
story has convinved at least 1 other family to start a similar journey.
can throw a tantrum with the best of them.
gives the best kisses and hugs in all of the world.
Happy Gotcha Day my sweet, sweet girl!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Beginnings, Old Memories
We are back in the saddle again. Yeehaw! I LOVE routine. I LOVE knowing where my kids are, that they are learning something valuable and not sitting in front of a TV, Wii, or the like! I love that they all had a good day, with only a few minor glitches along the way. And mostly I love that they will be going back tomorrow!
It was a successful start to the new season. Everyone truly likes their new teachers (couldn't have hand picked them any better) and even the Diva did better in daycare today. Ahhh sigh of relief! I am actually loving my new job at the preschool and really enjoying not having worry following me around anymore. I truly think we could be in for a great fall!
A year ago, right this moment, I was sitting on a plane bound for Africa. I can't believe it has already been a year. Of course it also feels like Sunshine has been with us forever. I so wish I could tell her Ethiopia family what a wonderful little girl they created. I would love for them to see her sparkle, to hear her laughter, and to receive her sweet kisses. And to know that she is healthy and thriving and that she sends kisses to them nightly. It is a bittersweet road, this adoption journey. I have so much joy remembering the moment I finally found Africa...and so much heartache knowing I needed Africa so much more than it needed me.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Fall is in the air
It is so cold in my house this am that I am in sweats! That is a little bit wrong, given it IS still August...at least for the rest of the day!
We are so ready to be back in a routine. E started back this am, much to his chagrin. I think he was still enjoying summer. The kids NEED to go back to school before they do each other in. The middles have taken up arguing as a competitive sport. It seems the first one to give in and cry wins. Mom is ready to give up the referee roll for a while! Time for them to have some space, their own friends, and have their minds expanded for a bit.
Overall, summer was good. Trips to the lake, Duluth, the cities, and more filled many weeks. The kids thrived on biking, football in the front yard and swimming. Sunshine has grown by leaps and bounds and though she started the summer as a baby, she is a full fledged little girl now. Wow. For me it was a really bittersweet summer. Selling the shop was hard, and I still have days where I am so sad that I had to give it up. But these days, more often than not, I am thrilled with the new slower pace of life. I love not waking up worrying and going to bed only to wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. I launched a great shop and hopefully it will continue to flourish.
The fall is going to bring nice routine. J-dog and dad out the door by 7:15 to get the bus to the 6th grade school, the mom mobile loaded and out the door by 7:50 with stops at the elementary school and then on to work at the Y. I am really looking forward to working in the preschool and seeing if it is something I want to pursue further or not. Then mom and sunshine home for lunch and nap then back to pick up the brothers 3 by 2:45. It should be a good routine!
We are quickly approaching Sunshines one year family day. It hardly seems possible that a year ago we were planning the final details of our trip to get her. What a year! She is such an amazing blessing and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in a year. I am worried about her Ethiopia family. There is a horrible drought right now in the region where some of her birth family lives and famine is spreading quickly. I feel so helpless so far away. We pray that God is holding them safely.
That is all for now...I will be closing out this blog in the next week or so and moving on to one that keeps pace with our whole family! Stay tuned for the switch!
We are so ready to be back in a routine. E started back this am, much to his chagrin. I think he was still enjoying summer. The kids NEED to go back to school before they do each other in. The middles have taken up arguing as a competitive sport. It seems the first one to give in and cry wins. Mom is ready to give up the referee roll for a while! Time for them to have some space, their own friends, and have their minds expanded for a bit.
Overall, summer was good. Trips to the lake, Duluth, the cities, and more filled many weeks. The kids thrived on biking, football in the front yard and swimming. Sunshine has grown by leaps and bounds and though she started the summer as a baby, she is a full fledged little girl now. Wow. For me it was a really bittersweet summer. Selling the shop was hard, and I still have days where I am so sad that I had to give it up. But these days, more often than not, I am thrilled with the new slower pace of life. I love not waking up worrying and going to bed only to wake up in the middle of the night in a panic. I launched a great shop and hopefully it will continue to flourish.
The fall is going to bring nice routine. J-dog and dad out the door by 7:15 to get the bus to the 6th grade school, the mom mobile loaded and out the door by 7:50 with stops at the elementary school and then on to work at the Y. I am really looking forward to working in the preschool and seeing if it is something I want to pursue further or not. Then mom and sunshine home for lunch and nap then back to pick up the brothers 3 by 2:45. It should be a good routine!
We are quickly approaching Sunshines one year family day. It hardly seems possible that a year ago we were planning the final details of our trip to get her. What a year! She is such an amazing blessing and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in a year. I am worried about her Ethiopia family. There is a horrible drought right now in the region where some of her birth family lives and famine is spreading quickly. I feel so helpless so far away. We pray that God is holding them safely.
That is all for now...I will be closing out this blog in the next week or so and moving on to one that keeps pace with our whole family! Stay tuned for the switch!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Updates, Updates, Updates!
Oops...so I fell off the blog-wagon again. I was going to be so good and try and write at least every other day...guess I was aspiring a little too high! So here is an update::
Miss Sunshine continues to dazzle with her smile and her 2 year old antics. She has been healthy ALL summer which is completely amazing after having her ill ALL winter! She is growing like a weed and will most certainly need a new wardrobe by fall as nothing from spring will fit any longer! I am not sure what she will do come fall when her beloved brothers are back at school and not at her beck and call. Poor kiddo! She is loving playing outside, playing babies and kitchen, and singing. She is also very fond of carrying the cats around...sorry kitties!
We have entered a very strange phase of life. It's called toddler and tween under the same roof. As I work on little one understanding the word no and contemplating potty training, the tween had his first visit to the orthodontist. Yieks! He is slated for round one of braces on Thursday. Not what he was hoping to hear. He has a traumatic overbite. Not what a mother wants to hear. I feel for him...but his 2 best friends also have braces, so he will be in good company! So nothing like braces and diapers all at the same time!
The other two are chugging along. The middle brother has had a fun summer and grown a ton. He is so good with his sister and has enjoyed playing hard and having fun with friends. I think he will be ready to head back to school soon to his own friends and a little time away from his little brother!
As for little brother...he is having a great summer with some big bumps. He is growing like crazy and just may surpass his brothers in time. He is soo strong and built like a linebacker. He ist he apple of his sisters eye and they have fun being silly together. His bumps have come in the form of friendships. In our neighboorhood, we have two kids across the street who are like siblings..but they are older then the little man and while he plays with them, he is often left out. Then there are the neighbors next door. They are his age and come from a home that has very different values from ours. While they play well together, what they play and the attiudes he is picking up are not good. We had to finally "ground" him from them for the week. He's just too good of a kid to follow the path I am afraid they are traveling. So since he is still only 6, mama put her foot down and now find myself with a 6 year old who needs some entertaining. He will be our right hand man this week!
The hubby has been very busy on projects the last few weeks and has lovingly gutted and rebuilt the kitchen. IT is fabulous!! Not sure what the next project will be, but his time is running out, as school starts in 2 weeks!
As for me...I am so happy. So much less stressed, so much nicer to be around! The store transition went well and is signed, selaed and delivered. I have a few loose ends to tie up, but not much. It is a huge relief! I just got a job this week working at the local Y as a preschool teacher. I can't wait. It will be a fun, stress free job! Yay! Miss Sunshine will be in childwatch at the Y, getting some fun kid time too. It will be a great fall!
So there you go. That's the update. I will post pictures later, but right now am getting the mom my turn on the computer look!
Miss Sunshine continues to dazzle with her smile and her 2 year old antics. She has been healthy ALL summer which is completely amazing after having her ill ALL winter! She is growing like a weed and will most certainly need a new wardrobe by fall as nothing from spring will fit any longer! I am not sure what she will do come fall when her beloved brothers are back at school and not at her beck and call. Poor kiddo! She is loving playing outside, playing babies and kitchen, and singing. She is also very fond of carrying the cats around...sorry kitties!
We have entered a very strange phase of life. It's called toddler and tween under the same roof. As I work on little one understanding the word no and contemplating potty training, the tween had his first visit to the orthodontist. Yieks! He is slated for round one of braces on Thursday. Not what he was hoping to hear. He has a traumatic overbite. Not what a mother wants to hear. I feel for him...but his 2 best friends also have braces, so he will be in good company! So nothing like braces and diapers all at the same time!
The other two are chugging along. The middle brother has had a fun summer and grown a ton. He is so good with his sister and has enjoyed playing hard and having fun with friends. I think he will be ready to head back to school soon to his own friends and a little time away from his little brother!
As for little brother...he is having a great summer with some big bumps. He is growing like crazy and just may surpass his brothers in time. He is soo strong and built like a linebacker. He ist he apple of his sisters eye and they have fun being silly together. His bumps have come in the form of friendships. In our neighboorhood, we have two kids across the street who are like siblings..but they are older then the little man and while he plays with them, he is often left out. Then there are the neighbors next door. They are his age and come from a home that has very different values from ours. While they play well together, what they play and the attiudes he is picking up are not good. We had to finally "ground" him from them for the week. He's just too good of a kid to follow the path I am afraid they are traveling. So since he is still only 6, mama put her foot down and now find myself with a 6 year old who needs some entertaining. He will be our right hand man this week!
The hubby has been very busy on projects the last few weeks and has lovingly gutted and rebuilt the kitchen. IT is fabulous!! Not sure what the next project will be, but his time is running out, as school starts in 2 weeks!
As for me...I am so happy. So much less stressed, so much nicer to be around! The store transition went well and is signed, selaed and delivered. I have a few loose ends to tie up, but not much. It is a huge relief! I just got a job this week working at the local Y as a preschool teacher. I can't wait. It will be a fun, stress free job! Yay! Miss Sunshine will be in childwatch at the Y, getting some fun kid time too. It will be a great fall!
So there you go. That's the update. I will post pictures later, but right now am getting the mom my turn on the computer look!
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