More Love in the Air, at least that's what I think it is

Gabe's treat at his party was certainly NOT dairy-free (as was Flynn's).
The parent in charge of that made them heart-shaped THICK brownies which were not only iced & decorated, they featured a white chocolate prince frog AND a full cup of vanilla ice cream (a la mode, only a la carte).

He could've cared less about the art project.

Was quick to pose.

And was done w/ hot potato about 5 minutes in (they played it forrrever).

Flynn spent what seemed like hours at her party, with her project (which was decorating a bag).

Strategically sat by her BFF.

And enjoyed the game that BFF's mom brought, tossing strawberry (pink) marshmallows
into a heart-shaped opening in a cutely wrapped gift box.

Waiting for the game to start,
hot potato w/ a flair.

Not sure how she ended up between two boys! ;)

Checking out their loot!

Showing off some moves.

And we did a post-party party (kinda like the after-party after the grammies)
at the playplace; because it was gorgeous outside & we didn't want the celebration to end.

Right after he went backwards into the slide & bumped his noggin.

"Oh my achin' head."

Love in the Air

What the heck is Gabe doing in this photo? (and why the heck is that hyperlinked?)

They were opening their Vday gifts from Momma & Daddy
(a couple of clearance things I'd bought over the past few months)Getting dipped (or holding on for dear life??)

Me & Papa catch a jig

With niece, Vanessa

With my girl who looks like she has red lip gloss on

We got to enjoy a fun party at church on Valentine's night. So fun. Have I mentioned that I love my church?

Bathing Beauties

Alternately Titled: Our Church Rocks

These are some photos of my two beauts. But also, nearly as cute, are the boats they made in each of their classes (Gabe is in the 3-yr old preschool class at church & Flynn is in the 4-5-K class at church).

I love that they aren't put in a room with a movie. Or given crappy coloring sheets to color.
They're taught God's word, in a very real & relevant way, that makes sense to a child --- and that's not a whole group I'm referring to. I mean, Gabe's class is taught different than even Flynn's class.
They sing praise & worship. They are told a lesson, sometimes through drama or puppets. And sometimes play instruments. Their learning is then extended through a project...and play, of course.

And that's what we did when we came home from church. That evening, at bath time, we floated the boats we made at church. And Flynn told the story.

And that is what church is about.

Thankful

I have a really long list that would apply, but tonight am especially thankful that Gabe has been accepted into the Walker-Scottish Rite Speech Clinic.
He will receive services twice each week, for an hour each time.
After just one session, I kid you not, I already see an improvement.

And here, are some other things I'm thankful for...

• a car that I can get in & start -- without worrying if it really will start
• healthy kids
• friends, good ones...and my kids having good friends
• a job that has allowed me to be a full time momma
• a job that has allowed me to make an impact on the Kingdom
• a husband who is an incredible father
• a safe environment for my allergy girl, who we once thought would never be in large group settings
• knowing that my husband's eyes are always on God
• being raised to 'fight' for the things I think are important (& fight for my kids)
• a church that allows us to be part of a heterogeneous 'community'
• food on the table & full bellies
• heat & a/c
• hand-me-down clothes & toys
• new & old friends & the fact that mid-thirties, I'm still making new friends
• that my family now worships alongside us
• a Pastor that realizes the importance of relevance
• a Pastor's wife who is full of integrity...that I admire & respect
• having a sister who is my best friend
• having extended family who support us
• anti-bacterial gel
• a potty seat in our car
• medicine & prescriptions
• fruits & veggies
• a working computer
• a dvd-player in our mini-van
• a new filling in my cavity
• the ability to laugh, no matter what's going on
• a really smart husband, who has thoughts of his own
• smart kids, who also happen to be really cute

And that, my friends, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Winter Fun

No need for sleds, Flynn figured out that sliding down on her skinny behind, was just as good!
Sun Snow bathing

Freezer-burned

Tractor Tipping

Helping Daddy shovel the ice

Part of my motive behind posting these photos from LAST MONTH's snow, is a sort of bidding adieu to winter. Sianara cold air (altho today's high is only 37) & welcome to you Thursday's high of 67 (fingers crossed!).

I finally got busy editing some photos, so I'm back to my FIRST PRIORITY which is documenting my kids' firsts, cute sayings, photos, & crazyness of our life. It takes priority over my other little 'site' of course. As that won't be around in 25 years, when my kids want to look back & read about how much I adore them.

Check out Flynn's frozen listening skills:

Big Momma & Lil Flynn heading down the giant width of the yard, yes I am crazy:

I Love - I Love - I Love My Calendar Girl

I've made mention of Flynn's administrative skills. How she keeps a running "days 'til" total in her mind, for any given holiday. She was thrilled when PePaw gave her a little dayrunner & wrote everyone, and I mean everyone's birthdays in it...every last aunt, uncle, & cousin.
She carried it around & made notes in it & loved to reference it.

A couple of weeks ago, we were having a little private Valentine party at McD's with Flynn's BFF (& apparently, Gabe's "tister" too, according to him), 'Madamine', when a worker came around & handed out a ruler, a little pamphlet, along with a mini calendar.
And Flynn struck gold.

So, I hung it on her french memo board in her room.

And yesterday, sometime before 7 am, my bedroom door flung open & in came busting a very very AWAKE Flynn,
"HEY Momma!!"

She bolted straight to my bed & was pointing to the first day of spring,
"How many days 'til this?"

And so that went on until I had identified for her, every single holiday listed on her little free McDonald's calendar. Along with filling in every important date like "Dad & Me Night" at preschool.

Save for her hour at dance, she carried that calendar around most of the day.

Maybe I should start keeping my appointments & important dates on her calendar??

Gabe Must Be One of my Faithful Readers

After I posted that, he hasn't went #2 since. (yes, since Tuesday)

Thomas = Hemorrhoids

This is the 'poop-only-on-the-pot' incentive for Gabe, who has been perfectly potty-trained for over a year, yet has no prob just taking a dump in his night time (or nap time) diaper.

We figured, bribery was in order. Because there's nothing nastier than big kid poo. Enter, "Pump & Go Thomas", found on clearance at Target for $4.98 (altho the site where I found the photo is still selling him for $14.95 + s/h!).

We introduced Gabe to PnG Thomas & he lit up like a Christmas tree. He was ready to rip into the package & try it out. 'Not 'til you've pooped on the pot 10 times' & we showed him the glass where each marble (representing said BM) will land once he does the desired task.

It worked like a charm. Two days into the challenge & he only has 2 remaining marbles left. Yes, you heard me right, the kid has done the duty EIGHT times in the past 48 hours. He's obsessed. He catches the glimmer of Thom's bright blue exterior as he walks by the fridge (where Thomas is just out of his reach) & suddenly gets 'the urge', then will high tail it to the bathroom shoving his pants down while he shouts, "Momma, gotta go poo-poo!!" & will strain & push 'til he produces something.

So, I'm just wondering...
is this working a little too well??

As If A Parting Gift For Me

I'm headed out of dodge. And because my scrumptious hubby (upgrade from hot) loves me so much, he has given me his blessings to go away for the night & be blessed.
So, lots of the ladies from church & I are retreating. There is sure to be chocolate, lots of laughter, & if I'm lucky, a pyramid or two.

Scrambling around, after a day of subbing middle school (ah chee wa wa), the kids are never busier than when you are. I'm throwing things into this bag & that. And Flynn & Gabe The Princess Ballerina & Spiderman are running from something imaginery in the basement. Their lightning-speed pitter-patter gets them up the steps in no time. And when they reach the top step, Gabe swipes away at his imaginary perspiration,
"Shoo, dat was a cose one."

Just Call Me Big Head

I was strapping Gabe into his car seat at school. The sun was very obvious in his oh-so-sensitive eyes & he started to whince. I moved to cast a shadow over his face, to make him more comfortable during the duration of our 'strapping in session'.
He was apparently, quite appreciative of me doing so,
"Tank you Momma, for cubbering de sun wi yor hed."

Parade of Cute

If I had a better turn around with taking the photos & getting them into the computer & on here, I'd do it more often. But half the time, I admit to myself that said photos would be just like the others (kinda like the great snow photos from last month), living on the memory card for mos & mos.

Back to the parade. Which consists of my 2 cutes. Who are dancing-marching around the house. Flynn has the stapped drum, which STILL has some instruments inside (but she likes that, as altho heavier, it makes more sound). She is leading the parade (of course). But Gabe doesn't mind, as he is following closely behind, doing a jester sorta thing, with a tamborine in each hand. But don't tell him, he jestered by me & shouted, "Merkakas". I didn't bother telling him that those were actually tamborines. Chances are he wouldn't have heard me anyway.

The parade's route is directed around Lua's seat at the table, where she sits & eats a muffin. Call it a dinner breakfast show.

Letterman Gabe

Something cute Gabe has been doing lately is making letters with his fingers, then showing us & saying what that particular letter is for.

Now Gabe starts with a 'G', but if you ask him what his name starts with, he'll tell you a 'B' (for Bubby). And the lowercase 'b' is Gabe's favorite letter to make with his fingers.

His second favorite?, 'O'..."Wook Mom, 'O' for 'Owen'!" (Owen = BFF)

He also makes a 'D' for 'Dad', 'F' for 'Fyn' & has even made an 'M' for 'Momma.'

Friday the 13th Isn't Creepy

Won't you be our Valentine?

Thank You

The other day, I pleaded with you again, to vote for Hot Hubs.

A handful of you obliged....another handful already had obliged.

I wanted to be sure to tell our awesome family & friends that voted, THANK YOU.
When you do corny little annoying things like that, it doesn't go unnoted. I have a mind like a steal trap & I keep track of things like that.

You always know who will really come through for you when you need them.

THANKS!

Go HERE *TODAY* to read how to vote for Hot Hubs, who is hanging onto third by the SKIN of his SEXY TEETH.

The Cute Things They Say

Yesterday, right in the middle of drawing & writing, Flynn pipes out,
"Thomas really is a useful engine."

We scored big not only with Madagascar 2 from the Redbox, but also with a code to rent it free. Gabe watched it only once & had already mastered the song. Right before dinner, a tune (with a good beat that you can really dance to) came on the radio & I of course, started busting a move. Gabe, an apple that doesn't fall far, joined me in the jive. That kid can really move... anywho, his moves were accompanied by his own song,
"I wike ta moob it moob it...I wike ta moob it moob it..."
Now that's funny (esp if you heard it with your own ears) but not quite as funny as later, when Jeff started to agg him on, "Hey Gabe, I like to move it move it....I like to move it, move it...I like to move it, move it...I like to-"
and Gabe came in with the big ending,
"MOOB IT!"

Heading to one of our many weekend adventures (I actually think it was church), Flynn beckoned to me from the backseat,
"Hey Mom?"
ME "Yes?"
FJ "Do I have to grow up & get big?"
ME "Yep, we all grow older."
FJ "'Cause I just want to stay your baby."
If she only knew how much I wish it could be that way.

Flynn took a quick trip to Schnucks with her daddy this evening. She had the brain power enough (compensating for her parents?!) to remind daddy that momma had run out of cinnamon earlier today while making heart-shaped tortilla crisps.

Did I mention that Gabe calls Mrs. Schmittgens, 'Micka Mickens'? Because everytime I hear him say it, I get a serious sharp ache in the pit of my empty uterus.

And when I laid him down for his nap today, he caught me trying to make my routine quick escape,
"MOMMA!? -- Me wun give you hug."

I think they're keepers.

Private Eyes

When we were younger, my big sis & I slept in the same bed ... actually, the same room. We were roomies, in a room with bright pink shag carpet & swiss-dotted sheer drapes.
I loved it.
I loved sharing a room with my big sister. Probably moreso when I was older than the crying baby in the white baby bed next to her, that she used to shush with a desperate yell.

Do you know, when I was old enough to have my own room, I would go to hers & ask to sleep with her? All those years I wanted my own room, only to sneak to her room like a crybaby, "Ang, can I sleep with you?"

And we would lay in bed, like a slumber party, listen to "Pillow Talk" & laugh at the people who called in. And once, when "Private Eyes" (Hall & Oates) started playing, she slid her hand under my pillow while singing it. And for the strangest reason, we died laughing.

To this day, it's an inside joke.

Speaking of Private Eyes (no, I'm not going to talk about Jon Oates' fro), I'm contemplating something that I've went back & forth on for a few months now:
Going private with my blog.

When I posted, in beggary (is that a word?), for my faithful readers (er, uh, lurkers) to vote for said Hot Hubs, it got me thinking,
There are lots of you. You come faithfully to the blog. But I don't know you. And you seldom de-lurk, and I don't like that.
I'm just being honest.
I mean, you read my inner most thoughts... my feelings & my frank ideas.
You know my kids.
Their cute stories.
And that I think my Hubs is hot.

And I don't even know your name.

And call me crazy, but I don't like that.

So,
if you log on one day, and my settings are set to private, you'll know why.

Meanwhile, if you want to be added to a list of approved readers, email me:
theorangefamily AT yahoo DOT com

I may or may not have approved readers. I could just decide to do what I set out in the beginning & that's write for pure documentation's sake...as a rememberance & sorta-scrapbook about our family. So that the cuteness goes noted.

Private Eyes (ch'chu)
are watching you (ch'chu)
They see your every move
(oo ooh)

We Need Your Vote!!!! (contest ends THIS THURSDAY!!)

Help! Hot Hubs is getting stomped in the HOTTEST HUBBY contest! Unfortunately, neither of us works in an 'office' type setting...w/ tons of co-workers, on tons of computers... so we need YOU.
I have a sitemeter, I know you're out there. For whatever reason, over 50 unique readers think this insane-enough-to-be-a-reality-show family is entertaining. You read my stories of poop & bunny tails & cute things my kids say.
By golly, at least vote since I help you pass time at work?

Would you vote?

One vote per email address... that means, YOU can vote on one computer (say your desktop PC) & your hot hubby can vote from the laptop w/ his email address.
Or if your dog Fluffy has an email address (Hey, I've seen stranger things), we welcome her vote.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted this link...and if you are among the few who successfully voted for Jeff, please forgive the repetition AND THANK YOU!!!!!
I fear that the link I originally sent a few weeks ago, had my log-in info in it somehow & a few of you replied to me that when you tried to register or log in (for those of you already members of the site), it automatically logged you into my I.D.

Here is the link, which I'm confident is a 'good' link, free of my info:
http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356

Will you please go there & vote for Jeff? I logged in one week, to go to the mom forum, which I do semi-regularly, when I found this contest, THE HOTTEST HUBBY. I've been calling Jeff 'Hot Hubby' for years now, so it was a no brainer for me that I would nominate him...and that he would win. ;) (positive thinking!)

I won't lie, you do have to go through a few steps to help us out with a vote.

1. Click here: http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356 (or cut/paste the web address into your browser)

2. It should take you straight to Jeff's photo* & by scrolling down, you'll find the REPLY box, which is HOW YOU VOTE (your reply = your vote).

3. I don't think it will even let you write in the "Reply Box" without logging in (or registering) first. THEREFORE, you must do one of those two things: log-in OR register.

4. To REGISTER, Click on REGISTER. It will take you to a page with just a few blanks to fill in (user id/email address & password, plus your zip code) -- BE SURE to un-check the three boxes (otherwise you give them permission to update you w/ email addresses each time ANY OF THE OTHER dads are voted for).

5. At that point, it should tell you that it's sending you an email w/ a confirmation link. DON'T FREAK OUT!, Don't give up!... just open your emails, specifically the one from ST LOUIS MOMS LIKE ME & click on the link they include.

6. That link should take you STRAIGHT TO Jeff's photo again & your opportunity to vote for him, by simply writing something in the REPLY BOX. You can write anything you want, "Jeff's hot" or "Amy's hot" (just kidding on that one). But by simply replying, you are voting.

7. That's it! And we appreciate it!! Not only will Jeff earn the title of HOTTEST HUBBY (which would be rightfully deserving), but we could win a pretty sweet prize to boot!THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*If by clicking on the link, it doesn't take you to Jeff's photo straightaway, simply do this:-be sure you're on the homepage-watch for a purple box which displays 4 current contests (which scroll through)-wait for HOTTEST HUBBY CONTEST-click on SEE MORE-click on VOTE-click on MORE PHOTOS/IMAGES-scroll through the pages to find Jeff's (last I checked, page 3)-click on his photo & proceed w/ the above directions

If we win one of those prizes, I'm off the hook for getting Jeff a present this year. And believe me, we can not afford gifts this year, so it would end up being a potholder made of twist ties... or I would find something I've already given him & re-wrap it, not that I've ever done that with my kids or anything, for crying outloud, that would be absurd.

It's Friday & the Sun is Shining

2 wonderful things, so how could we go wrong?...

And,
Flynn asked me this morning, "Hey Mom, are people going to be saying 'Happy Valentimes Day' next week?"

And,
I've recently set up my laptop at the bar in the kitchen. We have some nifty (free & madeover) stools that sit at the bar. They had wrought iron in the back, with slats about every three inches & a space below those, that opens into the seat part...apparently, just enough space for the fat on your butt to 'ooze' through.
So imagine Flynn's delight when she came around the corner & saw that oozing,
"Look Gabe! Mom has a bunny tail!!"
Awesome, nothing says, 'Lose 25 more lbs & do BUNS OF STEEL' quite like hearing that.

And,
Gabe is swell at accessing every nook & cranny in the kitchen. But nothing's cuter than seeing his Cars Undies-clad behind bent over the snack jar.
"Me wun pena bunt cackes Momma."

And,
Flynn's been wearing her monkey costume (Halloween 3 years ago) ALL morning. I keep asking her if she's sweaty & she keeps saying NO.

And,
Jeff is in third place in the HOTTEST HUBBY contest. I will be posting next week on how to vote for him, in case you missed the post the other day. He definitely deserves the official title (altho I've given him the unofficial one) :)

Fed Up with the System

I'm just now calm enough to talk about this w/o bursting into tears.

Before I get all dramatic on you, I'll back up.

I blogged about Gabe's speech issues here, and here. And to get the real low-down on my boy's down-low, type SPEECH into my search bar, up there.

Long story short, he's always struggled & because he can't communicate, it ends up in tantrums, or crying, or someone not being understanding because he can't be understood.... long story short, FRUSTRATION (for all parties).

He's only 3 & he's already been made fun of by peers & even an adult or two.

It probably hurts me worse because of my education & experience, knowing that window of development is closed & even the drapes are starting to close.

So, when he had an IEP meeting in Dec., which led to further testing, and another meeting today, to explain what he had qualified for, I was anxious. This has been AN EIGHTEEN MONTH PROCESS, I kid you not. I have been actively pursuing therapy for him since he turned 2. In 2 weeks, he will be 42 months old. Three and a half years, and he has yet to say his sister's name correctly, or even able to tell me what he wants for dinner.

I've bent over backwards to make it work. We've spent about $1,000 (that we DON'T have) to get him evaluated & get him therapy. He was referred by the pediatrician exactly a year ago. And 10 mos ago, one of the two children's hospitals in St Louis did an extensive eval on him (as well as a hearing test) & deemed him very much in need of help.

The Scottish Rite (masons) provide a free service for speech. I pursued that. Took him to an evaluation for that (which happened to be 1/2 an hour away DURING NAP TIME) in which he qualified. I had to jump through more hoops to be put on a waiting list. We received the call that his name was finally on the top of the list THE DAY WE GOT THE CALL FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT that Gabe's referral had been received...I foolishly told them to give our spot to another child, as we were going to receive services from Special School District (or 'Special Services' as it's called out here in the sticks).

When I showed up for the IEP meeting in Dec., as I blogged, the SLP (speech/language pathologist) wanted to do further testing. This should've made me happy, only I felt very unsettled about it. During the whole meeting, I got vibes from her that perhaps she didn't want to take on Gabe's case.
I passed the feeling off to just being overwhelmed w/ the process.

Last month, after filling out about 7 packets, getting the DR to fax 2 forms, making copies of birth certificates, immunizations, & other necessary papers....
making it to 3 meetings.,
pulling him out of school TWICE,
having Jeff miss 2 mornings of work,
Gabe was evaluated again.

And today, we reconveined to get results & find out what Gabe qualifies for.

Big.

Fat.

NOTHING.

Yep, you read right. We went into this meeting, that started w/ the other party claiming that although Gabe showed such progress that his numbers didn't qualify him, (which alone SHOCKS me), that we would talk & come to a consensus.

We talked. But there was NO consensus. Matter of fact, I hesitated to sign the paper stating I was present & given a copy of the report.

TIMELINE:

24 mos (aug '07) Dr acknowledges Gabe's speech being behind & tells me to call in six months if he's not forming a 3-word sentence.

30 mos (feb '08) I call & tell ped's office that he's still not talking. A referral is made, meaning, they give me the number to special school district.
I call SSD & they tell me I"m out of their district.
They give me the number to Sensory Solutions.
SS is 45 mins away & isn't covered by the insurance.
I call the insurance co. & argue. Cry. And get mad.

32 mos (apr'08)
We decide to have Gabe tested anyway w/ the understanding that we'll be paying for everything otu of our pockets.
Results show that Gabe needs several hours of therapy each week.
At $150/hr, it's not something that we can pay for, since insurance won't cover it.

33 mos (may '08)
I make an appt w/ scotish rite. I collect/copy/fax necessary paperwork & drive both kids there. Gabe is evaluated & found to be in need of therapy.
I write the necessary letter to plead for help & am accepted by the S.R.
Gabe is put on the 6-mo waiting list.

Same month, we call Christine, who was 6 mos shy of receiving her Masters in S & L. We talk to her about hiring her to do some private therapy for Gabe.
We pay her what we can, she lovingly & sweetly visits as often as she can & we see real strides in Gabe.

36 mos (aug '08)
Christine must stop therapy to finish her schooling.
Within the month, everyone in Gabe's life notices his speech regressing.

38 mos (oct '08)
P.A.T. visits & refers us to have an evaluation done through their program. Tells us PAT will call us.
Later that month, I still haven't heard from them, so I bother my PAT educator again. Within a week, we receive a call to make an appt.

39 mos (nov'08)
PAT screening. Gabe is referred to Special Services Co'op for his speech delay. Within days, we receive a call from the SSC coordinator. She makes the Dec appt for us to meet for Gabe's IEP.
Within days, I receive a call from Jacob, Gabe's would-be therapist from the Scotish Rite. I thank him kindly for the offer, but give up Gabe's spot, as I foolishly felt we should just pursue therapy through the district (I'd heard it was probably higher quality).

40 mos (dec'08)
1sst meeting w/ SSC.
SLP expresses more concern (after just hearing me talk about gabe's frustrations & habits) than SL. SUspects Sensory issues. Recommends further eval by PT & OT.
I grungingly consent.

41 mos (jan'09)
Gabe spend the morning being eval'ed by PT, OT, & a bit by SLP. After lots of prep at home, bribery, & praise by me, Gabe performs excellently. So much so, they say they're shocked at how well he does.

42 mos (feb'09)
At Gabe's IEP meeting, we're eventually told he does not qualify for help at this time. Despite our pleads & debate, we're told that they can not make a professional judgement that he receive therapy, as "DESE just wrote us a letter 2 weeks ago, that we must stick to the numbers." We are also told that Gabe's hyperactivity most likely is the culprit to his speech problems & that he most likely is dropping off beginning & ending sounds on account of his lack of attention.

I cried the whole way home today. I yelled & possibly said a bad word or two. I got mad that I have in the past compromised my job by stretching things & numbers so that a family receives the services I know they deserved.
I just want the same.

Jeff & I are praying. That the SSC coordinator will feel convicted. And that she'll revisit this case & do the right thing. Because waiting another 6 mos for him to be retested means another 1/2 year of him being frustrated that no one can understand him.
We are also praying that despite their rules state that once you've given up a spot on their list, you can not be reconsidered, that S.R. will accept Gabe back onto the list, for therapy through their system.
We're also praying for patience, not only w/ Gabe (believe me, sometimes I'm just as frustrated as him!), but w/ those involved in this trying process. I want to have grace & mercy, even when the things I hear break my heart.

Eric Has New Lungs!

I just received this info:

The doctor just left the waiting room...the surgery could not have
gone any better...very little bleeding...original lungs were not
connected to the chest cavity to where they would have to scrape
and create scarring, etc.

Erica will be able to join Eric in post-op soon. The doc said Eric
would probably only be in ICU through tomorrow. No blood
transfusions needed, several of other possible instruments for
various procedures were not needed...God has performed a
miracle in our midst today...we praise Him for His mercy.

Thank you Orange Momma readers for praying for Eric. Please continue to pray for his body as it accepts the new lungs. And praise God!

Praying for Eric -- UPDATED again! (about 5 times)

Moments after I wrote the update below, I heard from our pastor:
"Right lung is out and they are puttng new right lung in. Pray that the lung inflates and begins working so that they can move to the next lung."

Erica just said the lungs have arrived & she will most likely not hear anything for a while. Keep praying for the skill of the surgeons & for the compatibility of the organ WITH Eric's body.

The lungs are supposed to be here at 2 pm. Meanwhile, Eric is already is surgery. Pls be praying for the condition of the lungs & the compatability.

They're awaiting the lungs still...they're coming in from Texas. They're estimating the arrival to be 1:30 pm. At which point, the staff could reject the lungs on account of them not being in perfect condition.

This is Eric & Erica. New friends of ours. Erica works with me, on staff at church. Eric is her hubby of several years (they've been together 12 years!). Eric has cystic fibrosis & a few years ago, was told he didn't have many years left.
Just since we've known him (about 6 mos?), he's been in the hospital several times. Each day, several times, Eric gets hooked up to his machines & gets his medicine. And periodically goes into the hospital for therapy. These 4 cuties are Eric & Erica's 2 sets of twins. Yes twins. Yes 2 sets. They're 2 yrs & 4yrs old. Cute as can be.

This morning at 4:45 am, Eric got the call that there were lungs waiting for him. And he is currently in the middle of the transplant surgery.

Will you pray?:

• for the skill the of the surgeons & OR medical staff, that they would have supernatural wisdom, concentration, & skill
• for the medical staff during the rest of the process & his stay, that they too would have great skill & concentration during his treatment
• for Eric's body, that it would be receptive of the new organ, not reject it, & that all medicines would work harmoniously with his body
• for Erica, that her nerves would be calm, that her spirit would be strong, & that she would trust in our Father who is in control of this situation
• for the rest of Eric's family & family, that this would bring them even closer to Christ, who is sovereign & mighty
• for their 4 babies at home, that they would be oblivious to the seriousness of this situation and would be excited rather than disrupted, by the difference in their routine & caregivers
• for the family of the donor, that their hearts would be comforted by the new life that has been given to another person, someone who is going to live life to the fullest because of the decision that was made by the loved one they just lost

And if you're contemplating donating your organs, do it. Think of our friend, in his twenties, who hasn't breathed well or felt great in years. Who now, thanks to someone making that decision, is going to be able to live a full life, wrestle with his kids, not get sick & worn out, & grow old with his wife. Go here to learn how.

Thanks for your prayers for Eric. I'll update when I can.

Just Watch Out for the Yellow Snow

We're about to make some Snow Cream.

Please Vote!!!

I don't need to remind you how I feel about Hot Hubby.
Okay, I love him. I'm IN love WITH him.
And he IS just about the hottest hubby around.

I pay him lip service quite often (in more than one way! ;) but I like do show him in deed just as much as words, and that's why I entered him into a local contest to show him I think he's the hottest.

The way to win this contest is to get the most 'replies' on the thread. Would you do me a favor? If I've ever made you laugh with one of our good-enough-to-be-on-a-reality-show stories...or if you liked the guacomole recipe...or if I make you feel better because I still have baby weight and my baby is 3, would you go and check out our entry and reply?

Go HERE. Read what I wrote & hit REPLY. You'll be given a dialogue box to write something & right above that box you will find 2 buttons (sign in OR join); if you need to join, it's really no big deal, just a few questions. Then you'll get a confirmation email in your inbox. Click on the link they include & it should take you right back to the box to vote for my Hot Hubby... you really only need to reply, so it doesn't really even matter what you write. You can just say that you vote for him. Whatever. We're just thrilled you're voting. :)
I'd love him to win & be acknowledge for the awesome daddy he is. After all, I've been calling him HOT HUBBY for years -- for that alone we should win! ;)

I'm a lucky girl.

Now, go vote!

Days Gone By

How ironic that yesterday I posted about how busy we are... and now I'm about to share about my latest fun on FaceBook.
Don't judge me.

I have been resurrecting photos to share with my re-connected friends, some from Kindergarten! And why not share them with you too...

this one has really brought some peeps out of the woodwork. front row center, mom, about those shoes...why? why??

the year of the hair (top row center)

and with my 2 h.s. BFFs.

scary hairy

and here (I think 1992?) i was really going through a love with hairbands.

I'd like to act all embarrassed, like the styles then were so hideous. But now, they've all come back. Making me feel OLD.

Busy Busy

I can't believe how busy we are right now. I actually don't even have the time right now to be sitting down at the computer. I have a dinner-meeting that I need to get the house ready for. And Gabe just had the mother of all blow outs, during his nap. That took about 45 minutes that I didn't have. Rock on.

Sat nite was the annual Trivia Night for a supporting foundation of our church. Jeff & I coordinated it for the 2nd year in a row. It was a success, but has left us pretty exhausted, as all good events do.

Flynn got a piece of momma's mind when she asked where we were headed after nap. "Um, NO WHERE" was not the answer she was expecting, nor wanted to hear. And she let me know. And then I 'let her know' what I thought about her on-the-go' ness.
What can she say, she loves a busy life. Gabe, not so much. He's a homebody like his momma.

Well Child Check-ups

The kiddos had their well child check ups this week. Which are starting to feel like a waste of time if you ask me. We definitely see the dr often enough for other things. I don't see a need anymore to take them to be weighed & measured... and have the dr ask me developmentally appropriate questions that my PAT educator is already asking me (& which I already know). Also, not seeming necessary anymore to go & say no to this vaccine or that vaccine.

Still tho, it's fun to see how much they've grown, or how much they haven't. Here are their stats:

Flynn
43 inches (45th percentile)
38 pounds (26th percentile)
'guesstimated' to be 5'4" at adulthood (this blows my mind!, I'm 5'8.5"!!)

Gabe
38.5 inches (58th percentile)
32 pounds (33nd percentile)
'guesstimated' to be at least 6 ft at adulthood (tall & skinny!)

My "Babies"

When they woke at 6:45 & 7 this morning, I greeted them like always, "Good morning Baby" & (again, fifteen minutes later), "Good morning Baby."

But today, for whatever reason (despite the fact that this is probably the 1,500th & 1,200th times they've heard it), they believed me.
That they were indeed, babies.

Could've been my reaction that inspired them to stay 'in character', or the fact that it was early, they were tired, & who doesn't like to be babied when they're half asleep. Either way, it was funny, I laughed, & they appreciate it.

So, this went on for a couple of hours. Complete with actually crawling to the table. Crawling down the hall. Talking baby talk. And letting me rock them (you must think I have nothing to do). Gabe asked me to feed him his banana bread. Flynn had me hold her water bottle like it was a baby bottle.

Can you say Baby Craze around here?!?!

The Girl I Blogged About This Morning

Happenings of my Five Year Old

...that still feels weird to write, even weirder to say.

Since I've been up since 5-something, on account of the fact that Flynn "can't go back to sleep", I figured I'd write some funny stuff that's been coming out of her mouth.

As I was blow drying her hair last night, with the new round brush we bought for her new 'do, she looked at the brush. She looked up at me. And said, "Hey Mom, I saw something on TV. It was this thing you could buy...you put in on your eyelashes, it kinda looked like that (gesturing to the round brush). You hold in on your eyelashes & it makes them pretty."
Then she looked up my eyes (tired, rubbed several times thoughout my tired evening), and said,
"YOU should get one of those mom. And try it."
{this supports our decision to get rid of our tv, can you imagine if she was the object of marketing all the time? -- she'd have me signed up for plastic surgery!!}

Flynn has been begging for a baby brother or sister lately. I think some of this has to do with us having "Baby Lua" 2 days each week. She's so cute, she gives us Baby Fever. And it probably also has to do with the fact that Baby Lua's Mom is about to have another baby.
And it could have something to do with the fact that I look like I'm going to have a baby.

When she asked why we won't be having another baby, I explained that we decided that two is perfect. And that this way Daddy & I are able to spend time with each of them... and money on each of them (ha-ha)... and that we'd probably not go on vacation or to dinner if we had more (we can't do these things as it is!).
"Mom. I still want you to have a baby."

Yesterday she got 2 vaccines (of the I don't know how many they wanted to do) & was so very worried about getting them. I, echoed by the nurse, informed her that it wouldn't hurt as bad as getting her ears pierced, but she was so concerned.
Which seemed funny as when the needles went in, she never even flenched.
I love having tough kids.

She loves getting the mail.

She loves checking books out at the library.

She loves church. And reports to me when someone is missing, "Mom, Sophie hasn't been in our class for a LONG time." with grave concern.

And still begs to go back to her old preschool, "Mom, Grammy said she would take me to Holy Child to visit. I'm going to stay the week with her." Uh, I think you've gotten a little confused on the time frame there, but I'll go with it.

She is a walking PDA, with times & dates etched into her petite noggin. "Mom, what happens after Valentine's Day?" and "I can NOT wait until July!" (our vacation) She has a little datebook/planner that PePa gave her & has everyone's birthdays written into it.
It's nice not to be the only administrative one around here.

She & I have been doing lots of snuggling lately. Not sure if it's her need or MINE. And when she lays across me in the recliner, the very place I used to feed her, I am reminded of how quickly time goes by. As those little feet (still little) that used to barely make it past my side, now hang off the side of the chair, and then some.
The stark reality that soon she will neither fit on my lap, nor will she want to... it hits me. And I work as hard as I can to relish the moments & not wish them by.

Madamine's* Bday Party

We have the advantage of a blessing that not very many allergy-families get to experience: a MILK-FREE birthday party.

That's right... Flynn's BFF, "Mademine" (as Gabe refers to her...and also says she is HIS SISTER) & her wonferful family, blessed Flynn with enjoying a DAIRY FREE PARTY. SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

As Amanda now knows, throwing a party that is completely milk-free is NOT easy. She even bought cake decoratives a la carte to be able to have the theme chosen by Madelyn in a dessert that she knew would be safe for Flynn. All the way down to ordering from Chic Fil A because she had heard me say that Flynn can eat there.

Now those my friends, those are good friends.

And what could be even nicer than that?? --- Letting a little brother join the festivities.

*Madamine = Madelyn

(Gabe Lingo)

Inauguration

Today Flynn's preschool class watched the inauguration. They set up a tv in the small common area & watched it together. I would've like to have been a fly on the wall.

No matter how you voted, you must admit this is historical.

A Horse-Mechanic

...does such a job exist?
Apparently. And my girl? She's vocationally-expertised.
She asked for Daddy's screw driver & went to town 'fixing' the underbelly of the horse.

You know what's really bizarre? (besides of course, fixing the underside of a spring horse),

I'm pretty sure that in an old photo album, my mom has an identical photo of me doing the exact same thing to my spring horse.

Apparently this is hereditary.

Weird, Weird, Family

I mean, you couldn't have thought that the apple fell far from the tree, eh?
And it didn't.

I'm tired. Too tired to add explanation to these photos.

But enjoy, nonetheless, enjoy.

The Zoo's "Wild Lights"

Remember when Flynn won the essay contest? And the 4 tickets to the Zoo's WILD LIGHTS? We cashed those puppies in on eve before NYE. Gabe decided to run a fever, so he got left at Nana's. And some lucky family in front of us got our 4th ticket (which normally cost $8).

Here is the zoo all lit up from the parking lot.

Here is Flynn in front of the GingerBread Village. (milk-free? ;)
My girl & I strolling through some hanging lights (of course ALL lights hang, but...)

We missed Bubs, but Flynn got lots of one on one time.

And she deserves it.

Afterall, she is a winner!

Some Ideas for My Allergy Girl -- Snacks

Shouts out to my blog-pals who are fellow allergy moms. And I am needing some ideas...

For two things:

• In Flynn's class, their theme for Sunday is fish. For the snack, obviously goldfish are out. And as yummy as Swedish fish are, they aren't 'enough' to be the main snack. Any ideas?
• Her Valentine party is coming up (okay, it's like 25 days away, but still). I noticed yesterday that the teachers posted that snacks must be milk-free & to see ME if they'd like to bring a snack. I appreciate them doing this (& was surprised). Since there's a chance there might be a parent or two coming to me, I'd like to have some EASY, yet fun snack ideas. Preferably store bought, as I don't trust a lot of people to cook dairy-free (uncontaminated).

I NEED IDEAS! Thank you!!!!

Sometimes Preschool Moms are Mean

I've vented before about the door ding on the parking lot. I haven't blogged about how most parents are nice that I am forced to interact with in my children's circles. But there's a good percentage of them who either want to be left alone, or are having a bad day -- everyday.

This morning it was pretty cold. I happily gave Flynn's BFF a ride to school (they're in the same class) because her momma had to be at work early. And it's a Baby Lua day, so I had 4 sweeties to get out the door this morning.
Madelyn is no trouble, she actually was probably a motivator for my girl. But for whatever reason, my kids were moving slow. And after Hot Hubs forgot to leave (& install) the spare car seat, I had to think quickly.
Which meant using the baby's infant carrier. And miraculously getting it through the carseat jungle that exists in our minivan.
I had everyone triple bundled. And my hernia was screaming for mercy as I kept the baby in her carrier (for warmth, as she didn't have a big coat on)...and even tho she weighs no more than a yellow pages phone book, her carrier is one heavy mother.

I realize the daunting task of getting a quiver full of children out of the car, cross a parking lot, & into a building....all while playing frogger to get through the 50+ cars that are zipping on & off the lot. I understand the trouble of carrying a carrier & navigating a kiddo (no names mentioned, Bubs) to safety when he doesn't listen.

And when I got up the 2nd flight of steps into the school & remembered our gal pal's seat (to leave for her g'ma) was still in the van, I may have murmered 'crap' under my breath, as that meant the baby & I making another trip out the car. (amanda, don't feel bad!! --- this helps my story!!) Oh well, I think, I missed my work out last night (wii boxing anyone?!), so lugging this 30 lbs down & up again, won't hurt my jiggly arm thingies I have going.

But I never considered just leaving the baby in the car. It's a lot of trouble, but I didn't give it a thought.
However, a parent there did. She zipped up into the parking lot as I was headed out to get that cute pastel booster. I saw through the glass the infant carrier handle (which I was becoming all too familiar with at that given second) locked into place, sleeping baby inside. I have talked to this parent before & knew anyway, that the baby was probably inside. And was going to offer to stand by her car for her -- but she moved quickly past, rushing her kiddo inside (he was already late).

My little Lua & I grabbed Madelyn's booster & headed back inside. As I laid it by the coats, I caught her arguing w/ her preschooler & trying to convince him that he was staying. So I realize already, she was probably having a bad day, but...

"Hey there. I was going to tell you -- if I'm ever in the parking lot when you get here, I'm happy to wait by your car while you run in" (interrupted by her holding up her key) "He's fine. The car is running & locked & I have a key."
She was clearly ticked off that I said anything. I must have struck a nerve.
"Okay, well, I don't mind -- I'm not usually in a hurry" (interrupted again) "It's too D*MN cold for me to get him out & I have to deal with HIM" (referring to her preschooler, who is still insistant on NOT staying).
Then I looked at the baby in my arms, wondering how it's not too cold for her & the other 50 babies I saw 10 minutes prior -- whose moms didn't leave them in their cars.

I'm not judging. If she thinks that's safe enough, it's up to her. But I did think it was kinda odd that I was being nice & offered to do something for her that she found pretty offensive.
She was clearly going to go in w/o the baby, whether or not I offered her help, so I was offering for the baby's sake.
But she didn't know my motives. She was ticked nonetheless.

Eesh, preschool parenthood & the mommy club...
I don't think I'll be nominated PTO President.

A Spot in Heaven Reserved

...and really, that's not all it's about.

Walking with Christ is almost the best part. The heaven thing, that's the cherry on top.

And last night, when I was stuffing laundry into the dryer, Flynn called to me from the spring horse,
"Mom, I want God & Jesus in my heart."

"Well baby, we prayed about that before...do you want to pray about it again?"

And she nodded. And I was across the room at the speed of light. To squat beside her, take her hand, & be sure that she knew how huge it is. So she sweetly took my hands & repeated my prayer. About sin being the icky stuff we do. And once we ask Jesus to be our friend forever, that God doesn't even see that junk. (which is hard for even me to believe at times)

This morning, I greeted her with, "Remember the prayer you prayed last night?"

And in her grovelly morning voice she sweetly replied, "That Jesus could live in my heart forever."

Good stuff.