It's a bit long, but if you've got the patience, it's worth it & very entertaining...
9.27.2007
9.26.2007
9-1-1
I haven't had the best of luck when it comes to staying perfectly healthy. So when I think about Jeff picking me up from the bathroom floor last year, it makes me shudder to think of the fact that it could've been 2 hours later & he could've been gone.
Which would've meant Flynn finding me on the floor, instead of Jeff.
Scary isn't it?
And the fact is that my kids are not allowed to play with the phone. The one time I left Flynn with full access, she dialed someone. It was the pastor's home, and the phone remained off the hook (possibly w/ them on the other line) ALL EVENING.
With us "going about our evening" with them possibly on the other line.
Mom & MIL, quit reading...
"About our evening"
Kids asleep.
Us "not asleep"
Us "not sleeping" in the living room.
Are you following me?
And if you ever have said, "no way, I want to die." It was after a moment like me realizing that the phone was off the hook & the last number dialed (pastor & boss) had heard any or all of what had went on that evening.
Mom & MIL, you can resume...
SO,
From that point on, the phone was off limits for the children. As a matter of fact, I (not always Jeff) make my best effort to keep the phone hung up, on the cradle, which is out of the reach of the children.
Convenient, but not always safe. So it had me thinking. What if I fell down the steps (which I've done before, not surprisingly) & was knocked unconscious. Or had a heart attack. Or just plain old die? Not only do I lay there unattended by emergency personnel, but even more scary is that my children are left to fend for themselves until Jeff gets home? -- possibly 12 hours (or so, dependent upon when this hypothetical emergency happens) later?
That's scary & sad.
So, today was the day I decided to teach Flynn 9-1-1.
It went something like this:
Mommy: Flynn, if there is ever a time where Mommy maybe doesn't wake up, or gets hurt or sick, & you can't get Mommy to answer you... there's something you'll need to do. Do you know what you should do if that happens?
Flynn: No-uh (spoken w/ major inflection)
Mommy: #1 you should find the phone. Where is it?
She knew right where it was, went to where it hangs & pointed to it.
Mommy: But it's too high...what would you do?
Flynn: I would get a chair.
Mommy: That's right, let's do that.
Mommy: Okay, now what?
Flynn: I don't know-uh. (again w/ the inflection)
Mommy: You will have to dial emergency. Press TALK. Press 9. Press 1. Press 1.
(I had turned the phone off before the dialing obviously)
Mommy: Then you say, "My name is Flynn and my mommy is hurt."
Then we talked about different things that are or aren't emergencies.
Then, being the odd-ball I am, I made her a paper phone, fashioned to look identical to ours. And we practiced.
Okay Flynn, here we go...
And I pretended to have some type of attack-arrest-faint. She stood there stunned. And stared, like she was scared & maybe thought it was real.
But not Gabe, he laughed & picked up his really heavy sandal & threw it at me. It hit my chest which delighted him. And I took that opportunity to tell Flynn it was time to call 911 on her pretend phone. Gabe took the opportunity to throw his other sandal, which this time hit me in the face. And so Flynn said that she dialed TALK 9 1 1. And she said, "I'm Flynn. My mom is sick."
Tomorrow I teach her how to sleep in.
I wish.
Which would've meant Flynn finding me on the floor, instead of Jeff.
Scary isn't it?
And the fact is that my kids are not allowed to play with the phone. The one time I left Flynn with full access, she dialed someone. It was the pastor's home, and the phone remained off the hook (possibly w/ them on the other line) ALL EVENING.
With us "going about our evening" with them possibly on the other line.
Mom & MIL, quit reading...
"About our evening"
Kids asleep.
Us "not asleep"
Us "not sleeping" in the living room.
Are you following me?
And if you ever have said, "no way, I want to die." It was after a moment like me realizing that the phone was off the hook & the last number dialed (pastor & boss) had heard any or all of what had went on that evening.
Mom & MIL, you can resume...
SO,
From that point on, the phone was off limits for the children. As a matter of fact, I (not always Jeff) make my best effort to keep the phone hung up, on the cradle, which is out of the reach of the children.
Convenient, but not always safe. So it had me thinking. What if I fell down the steps (which I've done before, not surprisingly) & was knocked unconscious. Or had a heart attack. Or just plain old die? Not only do I lay there unattended by emergency personnel, but even more scary is that my children are left to fend for themselves until Jeff gets home? -- possibly 12 hours (or so, dependent upon when this hypothetical emergency happens) later?
That's scary & sad.
So, today was the day I decided to teach Flynn 9-1-1.
It went something like this:
Mommy: Flynn, if there is ever a time where Mommy maybe doesn't wake up, or gets hurt or sick, & you can't get Mommy to answer you... there's something you'll need to do. Do you know what you should do if that happens?
Flynn: No-uh (spoken w/ major inflection)
Mommy: #1 you should find the phone. Where is it?
She knew right where it was, went to where it hangs & pointed to it.
Mommy: But it's too high...what would you do?
Flynn: I would get a chair.
Mommy: That's right, let's do that.
Mommy: Okay, now what?
Flynn: I don't know-uh. (again w/ the inflection)
Mommy: You will have to dial emergency. Press TALK. Press 9. Press 1. Press 1.
(I had turned the phone off before the dialing obviously)
Mommy: Then you say, "My name is Flynn and my mommy is hurt."
Then we talked about different things that are or aren't emergencies.
Then, being the odd-ball I am, I made her a paper phone, fashioned to look identical to ours. And we practiced.
Okay Flynn, here we go...
And I pretended to have some type of attack-arrest-faint. She stood there stunned. And stared, like she was scared & maybe thought it was real.
But not Gabe, he laughed & picked up his really heavy sandal & threw it at me. It hit my chest which delighted him. And I took that opportunity to tell Flynn it was time to call 911 on her pretend phone. Gabe took the opportunity to throw his other sandal, which this time hit me in the face. And so Flynn said that she dialed TALK 9 1 1. And she said, "I'm Flynn. My mom is sick."
Tomorrow I teach her how to sleep in.
I wish.
9.24.2007
Memories, Installment #1
There is always guilt to be had when you are a Mom. There's always something you did...or didn't do....or said....or should've said.
And when baby #2 comes along, your time is divided & with that the fact that you can't do all that you did with baby #1.
But for my baby #1, there's something I did for baby #2 that she didn't have at that age, and that's this blog.
From the point at which I started this blog, 18 mos ago, I've been able to anecdote most cute things the kids have done & said. That 18 mos encompasses most of Gabe's life.
But not Flynn's. There are several cute things she's said & done in her life that never got recorded.
The other night I tucked Flynn in. She asked me to tell her a story. One thing that I've learned from my dear nieces is that no story is better than a story about yourself especially from when you "were little".
And so, I searched the dusty corners of my mind for a story about Flynn as a baby, that I thought Flynn as a preschooler would appreciate.
I came up with this one....
It was three years ago. A very hot & sticky September day. Jeff's school district was 'marching' in the town parade & at my urging, we were participating along with his school. The theme was patriotic, so I put Flynn's cute Ralph Lauren red & white striped polo dress (thank you Ms Heather) & sunglasses on her. It was nap time, so less than 10 minutes into our 45 minute walk, Flynn had nodded off in her stroller. It must've been in the 90s & thanks for Missouri humidity, we were all sweating & thirsty. I rested my can of soda in the cup holder, which sat in front of Flynn....because she was after all, asleep.
As we reached the end of the parade route, we spotted someone we knew, a parent of a former student of ours. We detoured off the parade route & started chatting with her. As we were catching up, I motioned toward our baby whom she'd never seen or met. As I drew back the stroller's 'umbrella', there sat 10-month old Flynn, can upside down over her face....
enjoying her first coke.
And when baby #2 comes along, your time is divided & with that the fact that you can't do all that you did with baby #1.
But for my baby #1, there's something I did for baby #2 that she didn't have at that age, and that's this blog.
From the point at which I started this blog, 18 mos ago, I've been able to anecdote most cute things the kids have done & said. That 18 mos encompasses most of Gabe's life.
But not Flynn's. There are several cute things she's said & done in her life that never got recorded.
The other night I tucked Flynn in. She asked me to tell her a story. One thing that I've learned from my dear nieces is that no story is better than a story about yourself especially from when you "were little".
And so, I searched the dusty corners of my mind for a story about Flynn as a baby, that I thought Flynn as a preschooler would appreciate.
I came up with this one....
It was three years ago. A very hot & sticky September day. Jeff's school district was 'marching' in the town parade & at my urging, we were participating along with his school. The theme was patriotic, so I put Flynn's cute Ralph Lauren red & white striped polo dress (thank you Ms Heather) & sunglasses on her. It was nap time, so less than 10 minutes into our 45 minute walk, Flynn had nodded off in her stroller. It must've been in the 90s & thanks for Missouri humidity, we were all sweating & thirsty. I rested my can of soda in the cup holder, which sat in front of Flynn....because she was after all, asleep.
As we reached the end of the parade route, we spotted someone we knew, a parent of a former student of ours. We detoured off the parade route & started chatting with her. As we were catching up, I motioned toward our baby whom she'd never seen or met. As I drew back the stroller's 'umbrella', there sat 10-month old Flynn, can upside down over her face....
enjoying her first coke.
9.23.2007
Your results:
You are Supergirl
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You are Supergirl
| Lean, muscular and feminine. Honest and a defender of the innocent.  |
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9.21.2007
Even Without a Turkey Dinner
I thank God today for a thankful spirit He has given me.
Unfortunately, and because of my own downfalls, it often takes hearing of someone's misfortune, to be gracious for my blessings.
Unfortunately, and because of my own downfalls, it often takes hearing of someone's misfortune, to be gracious for my blessings.
The photos I post alone, could display how much God blesses us.
We don't have a lot of money. Our home is modest. Our "possessions" are nothing to brag about. But the more I bask in God's greatness, the more aware I am that those things sometimes just get in the way.
Here are a few of the many ways that God blesses us...
About once a month, someone gives us clothes for one of the kids. They're hand-me-downs, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Did you know, that I only have to buy my kids clothes about twice a year? -- and at that, the spending is usually in the clearance aisle?
About once a month, I find a really great garage sale treasure. Like tap shoes for Flynn, for when she grows out of these. Or a J Crew wool green sweater for Flynn (then, Gabe when she grows out of it). Or dress-up slips, for the few times a year that I 'doll' Flynn up. Or "Marble Works", a Discovery Toys game (the kids' favorite game for the last few months).
An occasional curb-side find. Like our new grill, or the bookshelves which serve as Flynn's "chest of drawers" (chest of baskets).
Or the way certain family members help us out to make sure our kids get to enjoy the extra things. Or that we are always able to get all of Flynn's meds.
We have family, and church family, and tons of friends, who love our kids so much. Our family is showered in affection.
My body, though it's seen its better days & I've had my share of weird diagnoses, was strong enough to bring two babies into the world... and it works well enough everyday to play with and take care of those two babies.
I was raised with the skill & creativity to be frugal & inventive. I'm sure when my mom brought me up the way she did, she had no idea how she was instilling me with values I'd depend on in my adulthood.
And if none of the previous reasons existed,
I'd still be so thankful....
Because of these two.
9.19.2007
9.18.2007
A Great Quote
"When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen.
When they're finished, I climb out."
--Erma Bombeck
quote brought to you by Lynn McKnight, creator of the Monkey Butts photograph which is portrayed on my bio
9.17.2007
Could Have Something To Do With The Binky
Yawn.
We haven't had a good night's sleep in at least three days.
Besides monitoring poor little asthmatic Flynn, who has reacted to the beautiful Fall presence like any fall-allergic person does, we have dealt with Gabe waking in the wee hours and having a crying party.
I'm tired.
And I know Jeff is tired too.
You see, he's the sweet one who will get up & try to get Gabe back to sleep, while I'm the one who figures that he'll cry himself to sleep.
You go through all these questions like,
"Is he cold?"
"Did he have a bad dream?"
"Does he need us?"
"Is he not feeling good?"
"Maybe his tummy hurts."
But the truth is,
it probably has something to do with this...
We haven't had a good night's sleep in at least three days.
Besides monitoring poor little asthmatic Flynn, who has reacted to the beautiful Fall presence like any fall-allergic person does, we have dealt with Gabe waking in the wee hours and having a crying party.
I'm tired.
And I know Jeff is tired too.
You see, he's the sweet one who will get up & try to get Gabe back to sleep, while I'm the one who figures that he'll cry himself to sleep.
You go through all these questions like,
"Is he cold?"
"Did he have a bad dream?"
"Does he need us?"
"Is he not feeling good?"
"Maybe his tummy hurts."
But the truth is,
it probably has something to do with this...
Oh Binky, we miss you. You made sleeping so much easier.
For everyone.
9.13.2007
Sliding
Our first fall-like day and we took outdoors. Spent our whole morning out there (or until Flynn's allergies could take no more).
Gabe & I found a bucket & collected acorns.
I watched him take his bucket to the top of the playset.
Then I hear the acorns sliding down....
he was taking 1 acorn at a time & sending it down the slide.
He'd laugh an evil laugh as they sailed off the end & plummeted to the ground.
I laughed along with him. But in the back of my mind, I had a thought that made me shudder.
It went something like this:
*If you can't see the video above, clicky click here.
Gabe & I found a bucket & collected acorns.
I watched him take his bucket to the top of the playset.
Then I hear the acorns sliding down....
he was taking 1 acorn at a time & sending it down the slide.
He'd laugh an evil laugh as they sailed off the end & plummeted to the ground.
I laughed along with him. But in the back of my mind, I had a thought that made me shudder.
It went something like this:
*If you can't see the video above, clicky click here.
9.11.2007
Settling It Once & For All
Moms,
Ever notice how your husband's family all thinks your kids look like him; while your family sees your resemblence in your children?
Go to this heritage website & put their idea to the test. They analyze your face & come up w/ a Look-Alike Meter.
These results were no surprise to me...
Jeff & I look so much alike, we always said there'd be very little variance in our gene pool.
Have fun!
I would've thought Flynn looked 15% more like Daddy (& maybe Gabe looked 15% more like me)?
When the Moon Hits Your Eye...
Like a big dairy-free pizza pie...
That's amore!
That's amore!(and a dirty oven)
While the pizza pies baked,
Flynn & Gabe made a pizza that can not be eaten (well, Gabe might beg to differ)
9.07.2007
Skunk
Watching a Curious George episode with the kids sparked this memory of mine....
now, mind you, this happened when I was probably 7'ish, so I can not be held responsible for any fabrications or embellishments...
My Grandpa lived next door growing up, the way I think it should be. And he had a part in just about everything we did. Eating supper with us most nights, etc.
My Dad had just finished building our garage. And being in a somewhat rural area, we got a visitor. A skunk had decided to check out our garage & everything in it.
Long story short (only because I don't remember the in between), my Grandpa cornered the skunk in the garage.
And you can only imagine what happened.
Him & everyone around him (don't remember who) was sprayed.
And most likely bathed in tomato sauce that night.
Just like George.
Daddy Will Think This Is Funny
Last night, while I was at work, I called home to check on them. Flynn told me they went to the "movie store & pet store."
Just now, the kids were playing dress up. It's quite the occasion when I bring up the box of dress up clothes (because I know that a good hour of clean up is sure to follow).
I was pulling things out of the box, showing the both of them what they were & what they could be by donning the ensemble.
I found some sunglasses & told Flynn, "You can wear these & be a 'Movie Star'."
Just now, Flynn came in with a pink & shimmery silver boa on.
She told me,
"I look like a MOVIE STORE."
Just now, the kids were playing dress up. It's quite the occasion when I bring up the box of dress up clothes (because I know that a good hour of clean up is sure to follow).
I was pulling things out of the box, showing the both of them what they were & what they could be by donning the ensemble.
I found some sunglasses & told Flynn, "You can wear these & be a 'Movie Star'."
Just now, Flynn came in with a pink & shimmery silver boa on.
She told me,
"I look like a MOVIE STORE."
9.06.2007
Bubby, the Care-taker
I think it's strange & worth mentioning, that Bubs -- even tho he's younger & "the boy", is always taking care of Sissy.
When he gets his cup out of the fridge, he also gets her's & takes it to her, "Sis, cup! Sis, cup!"
And really, it's not limited to her cup ... anytime he sees ANYTHING belonging to her, he RUNS to her with it, "Here Sis! Here Sis!"
It's cute & certainly a trade of roles.
Too bad Sissy doesn't appreciate it like we do.
When he gets his cup out of the fridge, he also gets her's & takes it to her, "Sis, cup! Sis, cup!"
And really, it's not limited to her cup ... anytime he sees ANYTHING belonging to her, he RUNS to her with it, "Here Sis! Here Sis!"
It's cute & certainly a trade of roles.
Too bad Sissy doesn't appreciate it like we do.
9.05.2007
B-I-N-K-Y
And the binky is good bye-o!
Yep, day 3 of no binky. And can I tell you? -- aside from the first day, it was easier than I thought. The toughest part of all of it is trying to get him settled down at night. The binky was a sedative of sorts. His nightcap. And now it just takes our strength of 'convincing him' that he's ready for bed.
A little sad I am. It's just yet another step, like weaning from the bottle, like learning to walk... steps closer to boyhood, and steps away from being my baby boy.
Who am I kidding.... he'll always be my baby boy.
Yep, day 3 of no binky. And can I tell you? -- aside from the first day, it was easier than I thought. The toughest part of all of it is trying to get him settled down at night. The binky was a sedative of sorts. His nightcap. And now it just takes our strength of 'convincing him' that he's ready for bed.
A little sad I am. It's just yet another step, like weaning from the bottle, like learning to walk... steps closer to boyhood, and steps away from being my baby boy.
Who am I kidding.... he'll always be my baby boy.
9.02.2007
Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes
Did you ever know that Aunt G won a car? For real. A brand new Honda hybrid car. I was on the phone with her when the package came informing her of her big win. She thought it was a hoax. I told her, "I'll let you go so that you can go & call & figure out if it's for real."
Well it was.
And I consider her to be one of the luckiest people I know (she wins everything).
But it's worth mentioning that shortly before she won this car, she & her husband helped open an orphanage in India.
For real.
I never win anything.
But you might...
There's a contest going on for a new pair of Ryka shoes.
You have 2 days to get there & enter. And you have 2 chances to win.
Click on both the above blogs to get your 2 chances.
Good luck.
Even tho Angie will probably win.
Well it was.
And I consider her to be one of the luckiest people I know (she wins everything).
But it's worth mentioning that shortly before she won this car, she & her husband helped open an orphanage in India.
For real.
I never win anything.
But you might...
There's a contest going on for a new pair of Ryka shoes.
You have 2 days to get there & enter. And you have 2 chances to win.
Click on both the above blogs to get your 2 chances.
Good luck.
Even tho Angie will probably win.
8.31.2007
Meet Lucy
This is Lucy.
She is my new baby.
Not only is she orange, but she will be the reason for me completing so much housework, chores, and maybe doing it all with a little pep in my step.
She's perfect becuz she's small, and won't take up too much room.
Unlike everything else in this house.
She's also perfect because she's a gift from Hot Hubby.
Who I've convinced to name his iPod 'Linus'.
8.30.2007
An Interview With My Mom
1. Was I as energetically obnoxious in utero as I am today?
You were very active, especially in my 8th and 9th month of pregnancy. I didn't mind though. I came close to losing you when I was 2 months pregnant; so, it was reassuring to have you kicking around.
2. What were you doing 34 years ago today?
At my last Dr appointment, he decided that I should be induced. So, on August 29th, I was getting ready for my trip to the hospital and getting loose ends tied up for your older siblings while I would be gone. I left very early for the hospital on August 30th. I was to be induced starting at 7:00 AM. Everyone was so excited that you were coming soon. All I had to do was wait for the labor pains to do their job and wonder if I was going to get a boy or a girl.
3. What name would I have, had I been a boy?
It was Christopher Daniel. Everyone in the delivery room thought you were going to be a boy because the heart beat was slower than a girl. As soon as they put you in my arms, you peed all over me. Loren rode through town on his bike telling everyone that.
4. What was the most memorable thing I said or did as a toddler?
Gee I can't remember specifics about one thing you said or did as a toddler. I wish I had kept a journal of you. Just like you are doing with your blog. You and I had such fun everyday with the little record player and your favorite tunes. You would put on something silly to wear and we would dance and have so much fun. We didn't know in addition to the fun it was also good exercise.
5. What makes me different from my sibs?
If a mom had a dozen kids each one would be different. One thing that makes you different than your brother or sister is you are honest with everyone and you speak your mind.
6. When I was 5, what did you think I would be as an adult?
At 5 years of age I don't think I wondered what you would be as an adult. I was concentrating on getting you through kindergarten. I was so concerned about the long bus ride (about 15 or 20 miles each way) to the temporary school that you had to attend all year because of Eureka Elementary burning down. Especially since you had motion sickness everyday on the bus.
7. Did you think I'd be a good mom?
I always knew my children would be great parents. You were shown so much love by all of us. You had the advantage of your dad and I being older and more mature when you came along. I remember the evening I came home from the doctor and we sat down with Loren and Angie at the kitchen table. We told them we had a surprise and would they like to guess what it was. Loren guessed a new car and Angie guessed a washing machine. They were so excited to know they were getting a new baby. They competed constantly for any opportunity to help take care of or play with you. The first thing they did when they got home from school everyday was run to greet you. It was always my prayer that you would be a nurturing and Godly mother.
8. How is my life different from how you'd expected it would be?
Your life is sort of what I expected it to be. Especially what I was hoping it would be. You do an amazing job with your family.
Thanks Mom, for your hard 'work' 34 years ago!
You were very active, especially in my 8th and 9th month of pregnancy. I didn't mind though. I came close to losing you when I was 2 months pregnant; so, it was reassuring to have you kicking around.
2. What were you doing 34 years ago today?
At my last Dr appointment, he decided that I should be induced. So, on August 29th, I was getting ready for my trip to the hospital and getting loose ends tied up for your older siblings while I would be gone. I left very early for the hospital on August 30th. I was to be induced starting at 7:00 AM. Everyone was so excited that you were coming soon. All I had to do was wait for the labor pains to do their job and wonder if I was going to get a boy or a girl.
3. What name would I have, had I been a boy?
It was Christopher Daniel. Everyone in the delivery room thought you were going to be a boy because the heart beat was slower than a girl. As soon as they put you in my arms, you peed all over me. Loren rode through town on his bike telling everyone that.
4. What was the most memorable thing I said or did as a toddler?
Gee I can't remember specifics about one thing you said or did as a toddler. I wish I had kept a journal of you. Just like you are doing with your blog. You and I had such fun everyday with the little record player and your favorite tunes. You would put on something silly to wear and we would dance and have so much fun. We didn't know in addition to the fun it was also good exercise.
5. What makes me different from my sibs?
If a mom had a dozen kids each one would be different. One thing that makes you different than your brother or sister is you are honest with everyone and you speak your mind.
6. When I was 5, what did you think I would be as an adult?
At 5 years of age I don't think I wondered what you would be as an adult. I was concentrating on getting you through kindergarten. I was so concerned about the long bus ride (about 15 or 20 miles each way) to the temporary school that you had to attend all year because of Eureka Elementary burning down. Especially since you had motion sickness everyday on the bus.
7. Did you think I'd be a good mom?
I always knew my children would be great parents. You were shown so much love by all of us. You had the advantage of your dad and I being older and more mature when you came along. I remember the evening I came home from the doctor and we sat down with Loren and Angie at the kitchen table. We told them we had a surprise and would they like to guess what it was. Loren guessed a new car and Angie guessed a washing machine. They were so excited to know they were getting a new baby. They competed constantly for any opportunity to help take care of or play with you. The first thing they did when they got home from school everyday was run to greet you. It was always my prayer that you would be a nurturing and Godly mother.
8. How is my life different from how you'd expected it would be?
Your life is sort of what I expected it to be. Especially what I was hoping it would be. You do an amazing job with your family.
Thanks Mom, for your hard 'work' 34 years ago!
8.29.2007
Big Cousin
This is the first time Flynn's a big cousin (or Gabe too for that matter).
And she is so good at it!
Here she holds the new cousin, Jack:
And she is so good at it!
Here she holds the new cousin, Jack:
She makes a pretty good big cousin...and will make a great sitter!
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