Prayers needed

I am wishing checking in to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I am not ringing in the new year tonight as I was asked to switch from working today until tomorrow morning. That worked out fine because Shark Boy was in great need of a "Mommy-Luke" day. His good friend died on Saturday. I am at a loss on how to best comfort him. He did seem to enjoy bowling with his mom. I know I am holding both of my kids much tighter the last 2 days....and am so sad for Caleb's family. His family was on the same journey we are and I can not imagine their sorrow.
Please keep Jerry, Gretchen and Noah in your prayers. It may be selfish...but please keep Luke in your prayers. Monday, he goes back to school and his class, teachers and school are grieving as well. I am so grateful there will be counselors available to the children and a special portrait of Caleb and Jesus is being prepared for the classroom.
Thank you,

God's Blessings,
Patty

Christmas

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We did many times over. We enjoyed 3 family Christmas' and received an overflowing van's worth of gifts. But the best part was celebrating Christmas eve with a young church that we helped to start about 5 years ago. 5 years ago, there was not enough members to do a Christmas eve service so the church was used by another denomination who was in the midst of building a church. We attended that service with a tiny baby....dressed in her Christmas finery. This year there was almost 100 people in the congregation. 12 children performed the initial singing and there was a beautiful candle lit "Silent Night" near the Christmas Tree. My tears would not stop flowing....with all the hope there is for this wonderful congregation. Even if we are not to be members....we love this young church. We praise God for blessing this congregation. They are soon to ask for chartership and a good friend is finishing his schooling to help lead them.

I am waiting for pictures from home as I forgot the camera.....Can you believe it? ...but my family took lots of pictures for me to scrapbook! Aunt M. can you send me the one of MG in her pink cowboy boots and santa dress?

We were very blessed to slip into our hometown between snow storms. Although we missed an uncle and cousin, we were glad they stayed safe. Since Christmas, I have been working lots to try and get a little extra money for a trip to CA. Yes!! 12 more days to see good friends, D & M and their little girl K aka __????__. MG is coming with me and is SOOOOO excited to see K. We are not doing much tourist activities or Disney, because of the cost. But especially because SB is not coming and I would be the worst mother in the world if his little sister saw Disney, the ocean and had a plane ride before he did! She will take a plane ride and see the ocean...but he was ok with this because he want's to see Owen's new home this summer. 4 year girl fun bores him crazy anyway! We will love to see our friends...but the real reason we are going is to see how I react to an arid climate. Dr. Cooper even said I could "trigger" my sinus' into behaving. I have no medical rational how this would work...but I'm all for the idea!!!

*I need to think of an aka for K. "spunky girl" is already taken! I have writer's block -- even with the thesaurus!! I need to get to bed. Today must have been more stressful than I thought. I even had the hardest time remembering my password --- and it's my old favorite. GOOD NIGHT!!

Blessings, Patty

My favorite gifts

I just recieved my favorite Christmas gifts. I don't think anything can top these! We did our little family gift exchange and nativity read tonight as we are leaving tomorrow to go home before the snow and ice start. My best gifts are hand made by my children:

Shark boy's poem (spelling not changed)

Oh Santa, you are much to fat.
You should do some exercises on a mat.
You will have to go to the Hospital.
But I think that it's imposable.
But finally on Christmas Day.
You will be able to fit in your sleigh!

(Shark Boy clarified that it is impossible to go to the hospital because Santa wouldn't fit on the stretcher)


Mermaid Girl's book all about her has interesting facts and pictures all about her. I LOVE IT!!!
But, as usual Mommy Guilt creeps in. What must her teachers think?

page 5: My favorite thing Mom does.....play on the computer!
My favorite thing Dad does...... make supper!

I could read into this soooooooo much!! Although I think it's great B likes to cook so much -- I wouldn't want to mess with that one!

Page 3 makes me laugh!!!!!

People who live in my house. There are nice faces drawn for.....

Mommy Daddy Shark Boy Mermaid Girl and the baby in Mommy's tummy!!!!!

The teacher wrote down these descriptions for MG!!!
Time for the diet!!! Weight Watchers here I come!!! Maybe I could be less practical and just wait for a sign that this may be fulfilled.....I do believe in Miracles!! But ...best get to Weight Watchers or Mommy may always appear to have a baby in her tummy!

I love these kids!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Memories

I should be doing a million other things to get ready to go home in 4 days ...for 4 days!! YEAH! But I have a poor memory especially during busy times and I wanted to remember this.

The holidays are a great time for me to witness my children's growth and maturity. Last year MG was HORRIFIED that "Grandma got run over by a reindeer"!! Of course, we had to call her Grandma and confirm that Grandma was OK....and even then MG had to see her in person to confirm that there was no permant harm! On Saturday, MG was watching the Christmas Classic and I asked her if Grandma was OK....she rolled her eyes at me and gave me a very dramatic- "That's Jake's Grandma....not mine"!! Grandma S. was very happy to hear she was safe from Santa's reindeers this year!!

MG has discovered Clifford the Big Red Dog. S.B. loved the series (was far less interested in Max and Ruby...Ruby and Max... That song gets me everytime....I hear it so often!). Anyway, S.B. had a million Clifford Books and all of the stuff animals. When his cousin had a bad MRI report, he decided to send all of the stuffed animals to her...Clifford, T-bone, Cleo and Max. The books went into storage for baby sister to enjoy later. Anyway the books came out of storage and I had a hard time relearning the names - because S.B. at the time loved renaming characters and had just had a new baby sister so.....Emily Elizabeth was read as "Maleah Martha" and Clifford was "Luke" and T-bone was "Owen" and Max was "Wyatt" and Cleo was "Tasha". I became so good at improvising....all these years later they are still the same to me. M.G. just looks at me like I have numerous screws loose!! Maybe I do!!

Well off to accomplish a million thing today by 3!!! Wish me luck!

Blessings!
Patty

For Spunky girl

Here you go Spunky Girl! Maybe Mommy will print it off for you.

"Little Tree"

Well we knew it would happen. We are just thankful the tree is only been found leaning a little just once. I just KNEW it would be crashing in the middle of the night....but she has been a good girl, although there are still 12 days until Christmas! When Checkers and Dustie were kittens....the tree was placed in a playpen, so Skittles must be much more careful! (It's a good thing...because we are fresh out of playpens in this house!)

This little tree (3 1/2 feet tall), has really served it's purpose! It was for our first Christmas in the apartment. When we became home owners...it was live Christmas trees all the way and the tree spent a few years with my sister in her apartments...but then we hung onto it for some reason. When Shark Boy was 7 months old and again when Mermaid Girl was13 months old....it came out for sheer "Mommy Sanity" those years. It has returned to apartment/rental house Christmas', and although it needs to sit on plastic tubs for a little height...it still brings a lot of cheer! We are looking forward to a larger tree in our own home next year....but we just might hang on to Little Tree.

Some friends of ours back home, (J and V), have a second tree just for displaying Christmas cards and Christmas photos. I hope our next home will be big enough for 2 trees... because I think this little tree would be perfect to display the Christmas Cards (and letters) I just love to receive!

Hopefully, SB's red throat is better tomorrow. I'm working evenings and can get about 2 hours of shopping in sans MG. She CAN NOT keep a secret and spends too much time on looking for Santa ideas to be helpful. Although - she has the Christmas Spirit and is addicted to DVR Frosty the Snowman this year!

Hope your Advent Season is bringing JOY!

Blessings,

Patty

The big meeting

Well last night at 9 PM, We had our offical big meeting with the placement director. Yes, thats right -- 9 PM. I wanted to say no way for a dozen reasons...most of which it is bedtime for kids and sometimes for Mommy. Thank Goodness for good friends like W and S to watch the kids in their jammies. We were tired. He was tired. But it is done....the frustrating part was he wanted to hear similar answers that we gave last year. But the good part is he feels we will be placed in the West side of the state we want....or the East side. Both would be great! If this doesn't work - he plans to talk to the south district of the State to the North of our home state or the East part of the state to the West of our home state. Confusing enough? This code writing to protect my family from the evils of the net is confusing...but I think most of you will understand where. His plan is convertible and as close to home as possible. We vote for that. We do know nothing is guarenteed and God will place us in the best place. As he has our friends! Our first hope is a good match for B, and a good match for our children...especially MG, then a place not on a big river due to the allergies. He did comment that it will limit the houseboat ministry - he had planned for us. I had dropped my request for Hospice. Now that I feel we might go closer to home. I wish I had placed a bigger focus....but God knows. I just hope he knows I can not do a nursing home! Oh Please-- I hope he knows that! We will know more in April.
Blessings, Patty

Kitties

Poor Skittles. Yesterday was her big surgery. Tummy Spayed and front claws removed. She was happy to come home....but is furious with me to lock her in 2 rooms of our house. Of course...she doesn't understand Dr's orders and protection from her own crazy kittenish actions. She kept poking her paws under the door for about an hour and then gave up to take a nap. Mean Mommy. Checkers was really worried and seems quite happy that Skittles has returned.

Checkers herself went to the vet on Monday due to stomach issues and a 1 pound weight loss in about 4 weeks. A little bubble gum Amoxicillin has made her start to eat again and gave her lots of spunk back. Thank you WONDERFUL VET!! Of course - she hates bubble gum flavored medication. The vet said it is the same that human kids get and they can comment as to how much they would dislike tuna flavored medication!

pickup line conference

So proud I could pop!! Picking up Shark Boy from school-- could turn into a little mini parent teacher conference, about the days events or advise. It can be very embarresssing - especially if there are a 100 minvans waiting behind me. But today - S.B. last year's teacher flagged me down to tell me. "S.B.'s group of boys have been bickering for the entire pickup time about what they are doing and who can be involved." I even said "oh no" and looked backed to SB with a disappointing look... when she said. "But SB defended the others and said. Come On Guys let them play too"!!! He beamed! It made our day! Thanks Mrs. H!!

updates

Updates.

I tend to post and then forget to update.


My allergies have been much better since the cooler weather has arrived and the leaves have dropped. Some new friends have let us borrow their air purifier to try. I do think it makes a difference. We have installed filters in all of the vents as well. I have cut back on my inhalers and noticed the asthma symptoms coming back...so I am going to be a good patient and take them as prescibed. Nurses make the worse patients! My sleep study showed sleep apnea that they want to keep monitoring. It should improve as the allergies do. The pulmologist says I have mild COPD, that could get worse as my allergies continue. So #1 is controlling the allergies and #2 is continuing the Advair. I have more allergy tests next week. We meet with our placement director on December 4th. We will be sharing what the doctors say about the southwest of the country. But also that we think the best for our children is to go back near family.

Weight watchers....not so good. The whole exercise bit makes a difference!! My sister gave me back my ecliptical trainer. I am excited to begin...but it sat in our van for 5 days due to work schedules and rain. It came in the house and has been warm for about 3 hours,now. Only the kids have been using it. I'm hoping the motivation to use it comes soon!

Skittles and Checkers survived our weekend home. In fact, Checkers seemed very settled! We have noticed Skittles is much calmer....I think Checkers really appreciates this.

No more snakes came home from school thank goodness!!! Right now Shark boy is reading his first book for a book report. 172 pages! And it was wrote 50 years ago. The major character did not have television! Shark Boy can not imagine the horror!

Mermaid girl was ready for Christmas yesterday. I was telling her all the work we needed to do and everyone that we needed to buy presents for... " But -- But, I just want Christmas for ME!!" Yep, need to work on Christmas Spirit and the real meaning of Christmas right away!

I have my Christmas letter wrote. I have not printed yet....as I put my blog address on it, to follow up with our changes next spring....but I am not brave enough to put it on yet. If you get a letter from us and the blog is not on it....feel free to call me a wimp!!

Well, back to cleaning the house. Mermaid girl has way too many barbies and accessories!!!

God bless!!

my first meme

10-20-30 years ago

10 years ago: I was working as a nurse for substance abuse treatment center. I loved the nursing part....not the group therapy sessions I was doing. I had started volunteering for hospice every week and loved it. I did not want to work for Hospice as I did not want that experience to change! I was waiting not so patiently for a baby. I also realized my husband was spending an awful lot of time working at church! Little did I know how different life would be for us!

20 years ago: I was in my senior year of high school. Senioritis had really sit in and I dropped band to allow me to work more at my job as a cook for a nursing home. Yes....I was the cook! HA HA! Ruined my desire to cook I tell you...76 meals every time! I lived on a farm 7 miles from town. I thought a farm was the very worse place to raise kids. Now I think it would be the best place to raise a family! But I deliberately did not marry a farmer!! I was going to the big city and become a nurse and live far from a farm.

30 years ago: I was 7. We lived in small town usa. We walked everywhere and only needed to report to Mom at supper time. The world was a much safer place. I learned to ride a bike when I was seven. My 6 year old sister learned an hour before I did. I was so mad!!! I no longer was scared of the thing. I wanted to be a social worker or a nurse.

Wow. This exercise -- has brought back lots of good memories. I wonder what 10 years from now will bring......

Blessings

When you don't know what to post...post pictures. Someone famous in the blog world said that recently. This is the best blessing in our going home for a weekend! And Skittles has the right idea --- I should go to bed!

Actually I do have updates, but I'll get busy on them this weekend. I work Thanksgiving...on call but I already know of 4 patients I need to see. Lets hope the phone doesn't ring off the hook with anymore! We will have Thanksgiving supper with 2 good friends, S and W and their son, D. Another deferred couple will be there as well. We are looking forward to it.

Many Thanksgiving wishes to you all!! May God continue to bless you!

busy weekend

I had big plans to complete for this weekend. Hoped for more....but that is the story of my married life! The house is in far better shape and the kids have clean undies...so thats good. I probably need to check into jeans though.....

And several update letters have been wrote to several wonderful families that sponser us. The latest request was for an update picture so .......groan, I made an appointment. Last year we had a fun time taking outdoor pictures like the one in my first post. I almost considered doing that again....but the allergies...and our friends who did it at the same time moved ...and I had a coupon. You can see they got me to a little more than a coupon - but I am behind on getting pictures of the kids ( you might even have evidence of Shark Boy's every 3 month pictures!!) Mermaid girl has been neglected in formal pictures but the digital camera makes up for it. She is so into pictures this year. She wanted Barbie hair so we did it. It takes forever to straighten and I kept misting it down ---bringing the curl back! Crazy Momma! She is beautiful and the pictures show it! They gave us a disk --- and you can see the pictures were pretty good. The disk has 102 pictures so lots of scrapbooking ahead!

Also Yeah Packers!!!! Would we ever have loved to see that game!!!!!!!!!

BEAUTIFUL!!

Check out Aunt M! at her blog.

We love Aunt M and Uncle J! MG thinks she is so pretty!! (And that uncle J and her other uncle J dance wierd!) We have lots of other Aunts and Uncles we love too. I don't think they'll start blogs...but we hope so.

Mermaid Princess

Aunt M and Uncle J went to China and sent home Mermaid girl a beautiful princess crown. Maleah loves it and it is beautiful! We have it on her wall above the 2 chinese butterflies we already had on the wall. It is perfect. Aunt M and Uncle J have been waiting a long time for their Thank you. I keeping meaning to do this, but wanted to send a picture with it. When I download pics to the computer -- I need to name them and print them right away....or it never happens. Sorry M and J -- MG's mom is hopeless! Thank you "Pretty Aunt M" and J

Shark boy recieved a really neat Tshirt with a dragon on it. He loves it -- but I don't have a picture yet. He doesn't like his picture taken. MG on the other hand is all drama and will pose forever! I'm trying not to post so many extra pics or stories about MG. But, SB doesn't always cooperate or would be furious if I posted some of his stories!!

The dress is how you'll often find MG! MG is playing dress up in one of a huge box of recital dresses that a friend back home gave her. Thanks T.G. -- She loves them!

I am an expert at sleep!

Well the sleep study was interesting. The nice tech said "I won't tell if you passed and I won't tell if you didn't pass". I think I passed though, because she had me test out all of these masks and I never had to use them. I am relieved because the masks are really claustrophobic and the only one that wasn't puts a lot of pressure on the eustachian tubes. I don't desire either one. Basicly EEG electrobes were Super glued to my head, EKG electrobes were placed and wires on my legs, then a vibration microphone place on my throat (tests snoring), and bands placed on my lower and upper chest. Oxygen prongs were placed in my nostrils and above my mouth. Then all of these plugged into a box next to me. It took forever to fall asleep. Mostly, because despite all my medical knowledge-- I was scared they could read my mind!! 2 electrobes came off initially, then I learned how to turn avoiding the leg wires -- but my wrists were all tied up in the morning. I guess that is pretty common. She used a chemical to take the glue off my scalp and it didn't hurt at all. I see the pulmonologist tomorrow, hopefully he will have the results.
Tomorrow I have a mandatory medical insurance body mass index and blood test. All of the employees need to do this -- well it's not mandatory - but it will cost about $50 more a month for my insurance if I don't -- Makes it mandatory in my book! The worst part is my appointment is 4:40 pm and I need to fast for 8 hours. Thank goodness, I can at least have breakfast! And all the water I want! (but- no Dr. Pepper ) :-(

Sleep

Wish me luck....I'm off to sleep at the hospital for a sleep study. I was really worried I would not fall asleep with all of the wires and people watching me, but a friend's husband works there and set me up with the "nicest" and "best tech" they have! I am feeling a little better. I am tired after a busy 4 days at work. So hopefully this will work. I need to sleep for at least 3 hours. Shark boy gave me his Jigglypuff Pokemon card. It's a cute little pink animal that can sing any opponent to sleep! What more could I need?

Braids

We love Cool Cuts. Mermaid Girl sits in the Princess Chair, while watching Barbie movies and has her hair cut and braided. Shark Boy loves it as well to play video games while his sister takes an hour and a half to become even more beautiful! It's a tad more expensive...but only about $4 per kid.....So worth it!! I am amazed how fast they can put in the braids and such clear parts. I'm learning more every 3 months!

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat! B took the kids this year -- as he has not taken them here. How did I miss that? His 3rd year must be either easier...or he's better at time management. I think a little of both. So, Mommy did not have to go as an Asthmatic nurse....with her nose mask and goggles. That was my allergy Dr's suggestion. He is moving my testing really slow to avoid an allergy attack. Thus far molds and popolur trees are positive. Cats are OK --- Yeah!! But, I reacted REALLY bad to dogs! :-) And.....doing dishes, washing windows and cleaning toilets also. Big welts from all of those!

To do these tests, I need to be off 2 of my meds, especially Zyrtec. I know Zyrtec makes a difference now. My red eyes were a huge clue. What a sight I would have been at campus....grey face mask from Home Depot, Luke's swim goggles, firy red Right eye thus only a contact in my left eye. A asthmatic, cyclops nurse....best I stayed home!

Green Bay rules!!

Well, we did enjoy the Packers Game....although it was a nail biter at the end. We are not superstitious, but when the Packers do poorly when we are able to watch them on TV.....Dancing with the Stars goes on for a little while. This is Mermaid Girls favorite! Then we flip back to root on the Pack when we NEED to watch again. B was up until the wee hours of the morning, typing a paper....but he says the Packers were worth it!

I wanted to show you Luke's new favorite room decor. Cheerleader Cutie and her family gave it to him a couple of weeks ago....and every night the lights go out to watch them. It's really neat. Thanks Cheerleader Cutie - you did a great job!

More excuses

GO PACKERS!!! We get to watch Green Bay play on Monday night....So sorry you'll have to wait for BD pictures..Shark BOy's room planeterium...and MG's corn rows. GO PACK!!!

Excuses

This is why my posts are so slow! Skittles is too busy for love and affection...unless on her timing. She knows exactly how to get attention in this house. Naughty kitty!

Yes, Kate- The hat does say what you think it does on the right side. I received a whole kit!! I'll try to get one for you!

A 'Bery' Happy Birthday

Thursday is a big, big day!! Mermaid Girl is 4! I still marvel how this could be. I'll never forget the phone call, calling B and all the preparations to be done in this 3 hour "pregnancy". Thanks again Ann for watching Shark Boy!! I still have SB's reaction on tape when seeing MG for the first time in your driveway. Thank you also for being so sad for us and sweet when we needed to take Libby's clothes back to Sears.

MG, I can remember so many details and my feelings at seeing you, and holding my daughter for the very first time. My daughter....so different than my son. I never knew what joy you would bring to our life. I love to watch you light up when you figure something out, your giggle when you pull off a trick, your singing The I love.... song. You are so compassionate, most every time we pray for someone....you need to stop us to ask whats wrong. You never want any of us to go to the Dr "and get blood". I'll never tire of hearing "Mama, .....I love you!!!" and seeing you dance and hitting the beat and moving your body in ways, mine NEVER did.You make me laugh and marvel at the same time. I look forward to seeing you blossum into a young women and some day a mother. I just wished you didn't grow so fast. Have a "Bery" Happy Birthday, sweety, MAMA LOVES YOU!

FYI

Some times it is a bit frustrating when your husband needs the computer to type papers for 2 full days....when I have important blogging and emails to check. As if the computer should first be used for its original intended purpose. :-) :-) I don't think he intends to write more papers until the weekend....so my new addiction(mild) is safe for a few days.

PUMPKIN PICKING

We had the best time picking pumpkins with our good friends......Spunky girl, Cheerleading Cutie, and their Mom, Kate.

The kids are the same age and are good friends. I think the best thing was catching up with Kate. We have so much in common....and she is learning the ropes of our new roles a little earlier than I am. Kate is so easy to talk too and is a great friend. We could have talked all day - but SB and CC said we were talking too much, after just a few minutes! Both families drove half way to this pumpkin farm with a hay ride, goats, face painting, straw maze, live music, bunnies and of course pumpkins. We had a great time, then drove to a local Mc Donalds with a outdoor play ground. What more could we want! The day was beautiful. We loved seeing our friends and hearing how God continues to bless their life. We had so much Fun! We miss you all! Hopefully next time the Dads and Volleyball Star can come as well.

The trip home as uneventful until we saw a school bus full of teenagers. The back 3 rows of teens all had alcohol in various brands and containers. They made no effort to hide what they were drinking. The only adult I saw was the bus driver. Back home all of the buses have the school distict on the side, not here. I would have called and reported the bus. I am still fuming over how wrong this is on so many levels. Kate and I had just been discussing the benefits of Christain school verus Public High School. From what I can see.....it's most important that I give my kids a really tight hug and kiss when they come home from any school trip. I know the schools either can't or won't set limits. I know Christain schools will set more limits....but I also know that many kids see limits as a challenge and play the "good kid" game all too well. I am glad Shark Boy saw this. We talked about all the reasons this was bad, as well as Mom and Dad will be watching to help him make good decisions in the future.

On our way home we stopped by B's cousin and his family to carve the pumpkins. B joined us and we had a wonderful time and the kids were TIRED....as was Mom. SB carved a Pokemon and MG picked out a complicated Ariel pattern....but Daddy did a great job!! Pictures will come later!

Warning!!

Beware if you go out in nature with me......this is what you will see. Notice, my eyes are closed. I am that embaressed!! I so enjoyed going to the pumpkin farm.....my Dr was not as happy. I was fine until around 2 am when I began to have shooting pains in both ears and down my jawline. Ibuprofen barely touched the pain. Ice helped the most. I held out on Sunday and saw my routine Dr on Monday. The pain was better, but my jaw was so tight.....my speech was almost like my jaw was wired shut. Thank Goodness, I didn't need to do a lot of talking at work. I didn't have infection....just a hyperreactive responce to whatever I am allergic to outside...molds I guess, but my Dr feels it is more. I definitely now have a asthma diagnosis....but also have an obstuctive problem with my exhaling? This makes no sense to me. I am a Farm Girl--- why can't I be on a farm....or outside. So my choice is staying inside except for to and from the car or wearing a mask so my kids can be normal kids (and go to a park, go trick or treating etc.....). I see a pulmunologist in a couple weeks and the allergy Dr wants to wait on allergy shots until my asthma is under control. Now, I need to find some sort of mask to wear over my yellow mask to go trick or treating. Or perhaps I should just go as a Asthmatic nurse?

The big question

IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?
IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?

IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?

I WANT A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY WITH LOTS OF BALLOONS!!

IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?

THE PUMPKINS ARE GROWING!!! I CAN SEE ANNA AND PICK A PUMPKIN THIS WEEKEND!!!!
IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?

I WANT ............ (everything pink under the sun....with makeup on it)!!!
IS IT MY BIRTHDAY YET?

I am about ready to throw a surprise party a week early. Next year NO ONE tells her what month is her birthday!

A new addition to the family

Note: If you have kittens that need to be adopted --- just place their crate outside of a little girl dance class.

We fell in love and now have Skittles!!!! Skittles is 13.5 weeks old and is as cute and energetic as the pictures show. She may be a little overwhelmed in that she has had several names in the past few days. "Skitty", "Callie" and "Rainbow" where tried out. In fact MG still calls her "Rainbow". We wanted a board game type name....similar to Checkers.....but nothing fit and Skittles is a Rainbow of colors.
Checkers is slowly warming up to her....and today is quite indifferent. This is a good sign that soon she will be loving her as much as Dustie who died last year. We feel it is best for Checkers to not be alone on long weekend trips home and Checkers was my Mom's cat and I honestly worry about how I will handle her leaving us someday. She is slowing down and I'm hoping Skittles will keep her active.
This week Shark boy's interest has been on cats and not snakes......2 cat books came home today from the school libary. YEAH!! (I was getting cross eyed focusing on just the words on the snake books to avoid looking at any pictures!)

Please Help!

This is the note handed to me last night -



Important. Read this. It is from "Shark Boy" to Mom.
if you open the cup you will be very scared because there is a Northern water snake head in it.
Jeff gave it to me.



xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxox

oxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxooxoooxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxoxoxoxooxoo

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoooxooxoxooxooxoxoxoxoxoxoo



As if all the x's and o's would make me forget I hate snakes!!!



My head is still spinning on this one. B read him the riot act about the dangers of bringing a dead animal home and how this was unkind to bring home to show Mom.



Today he was still upset he had to throw it away!! He wants to be a "Great Snake Hunter" and needs to examine its fangs in case he gets bit when he is older???? WHAT???? My baby boy is this obsessed over snakes? Please send prayers this way!!!

(I started to look for a picture of a snake to add a little interest or color to my blog......but now I am too freaked out and I'll never get to sleep!!!)

Another reason to trust in God

Last year I started thinking about starting a blog while following my dear friend, Ann's. We have experienced God's hand in several wonderful ways in this journey that I'll never forget. I try so hard to lean on God's faithfulness and plans, but sometimes my human fears cloud the way. I do intend to post some of these blessings...if life slows for a bit. But, yesterday a new one occurred.

As most of you know, we have been "deferred". With this is many, many benefits. But a big negative is losing some of our friends and support network as they moved around the country. The hardest to adjust is Mermaid Girl. She does not remember the life back home that Shark Boy grieves. She LOVES to visit, but doesn't remember actually living there. She is really grieving her daycare provider and all of her friends. She has been in her new daycare since the beginning of June and she still cries everytime I leave her. I had made the decision to call one of the "social butterfly" classmates to try to arrange a playdate... but kept postponing it, because "cold calling" is never a strong point for me.

On Monday, the child center had a Meet the Teachers event and of course Mermaid Girl was thrilled to show off the center, teachers and her favorite toys (the place really is good.) In fact, I know most of the tears are for "my benefit or 'punishment' for leaving her" She does have fun! And is learning a lot.

We played along side another little girl "Beautiful Brown Eyes". Yesterday....the tears were especially bad and I made a definite decision to get "Brown Eyes' mother's number. I became busy at work until I received a phone call from "Brown Eyes' mother"!!--Turns out she recognized me after a retreat we had last week. We work for the same hospice, but in different buildings and different roles. "Brown Eyes" is also new and having the same problem. We had a great play date, today. Our girls have alot in common - including their Dad's professions!! We are planning another play date.... the girls really connected as did the Moms. But - most importantly -- we hope we will see FAR less tears every morning at the "goodbye chair". God knows his plans for us, he knows his people and supports each one of us. Now if I could just have constant faithfulness and trust! I'm learning, even if it is a slow process.

Blessings, Patty

My Niece!

2 weeks ago my almost 14 year old, Niece, "Namine" came too visit. I have no idea what her name means....it was her choice. She brought her brother "Yugioh"(his choice), who is also a 3rd grader. Her Mom, "D" and her Mom's boyfriend, "K" also came.

The weather was a bit hot for "The Northeners", but we had fun checking out the sights and catching up. Shark Boy and Yugioh had a blast playing 8 and 9 year old games, while trying not to let Mermaid Girl pester them. Namine loved to give MG fashion advice and dressed her in all the "cute" clothes! MG loves Namine!! She KNOWS that she is the BEST!

I was so impressed with Namine....she is growing up to by a beautiful and kind young lady. She is growing up so fast and I miss her!!! She is so quick with the computer and caught on quickly that Aunt Patty has NO patience with waiting for the computer to load. (Namine - you will be happy to know that I fixed the delays and Aunt Patty will not have a stroke.) D and Namine gave me makeup tips on a new product I have seen on TV. I have ordered it and have buffing the redness away!! Thanks ladies!!

It was good to meet K and catch up on all the last 2 years. We had a great time!

For some reason - all of my pictures move to the top of the post despite where I want them to go --- so be sure to read below about my nephews' visit. God has blessed us with wonderful nephews and nieces!!

Blessings, Patty `

My nephews!

What a month! I always feel so busy.....but feel like nothing exciting is happening. The "busy" has prevented me from blogging on some major excitement!!

My nephews and niece came to visit. The visits were way, way too short but cherished just the same. First...Almost 3 weeks ago. "Lightening McQueen" and his brother, "Snuggle Bug" came for an overnight visit. They arrived during one of our major thunderstorms, with a brief lost of electricity.....but fun was had by all. 4 month old "Snuggle bug" played, snuggled and drank some milk before bed at 9 and slept until almost 7! Yea - "Snuggle Bug"!!!! Aunt Patty loves a full night sleep!! He is such a happy and content baby. It was hard to give him back! Thank Goodness- I get to see him again in 5 days!! But -- I'm positive he has ignored my insisting that he not get bigger :-)

"Lightening McQueen" is a bundle of energy. He is just like Shark Boy was at age 3 1/2. I am amazed at how smart, vocal and quick he is! He loves Mermaid Girl, but ADORES his big cousin, Shark Boy. They play everything and anything for hours and the laughter is deafening!! I hope and pray we move closer to our family next summer. We are missing so much. Lightening just started the same preschool that SB did in 2002. Wow! What fun he will have and he will be so blessed with all he learns!!

We love you!!! Lightening McQueen and Snugglebug and S and P!!

Blessings, Patty

Weight Watchers

Well - I should have done this about 7 years ago....but I rejoined Weight Watchers today. I have around 9 months until the big move - and that is about the time it took to lose the 50 pounds the last time. I am tired of being tired and realize that I am carrying an extra "Shark Boy" around ALL the time. I will feel tons better even if I just lose an extra "Mermaid Girl". I'm counting on even losing just 10 pounds making me feel better. So counting points - here I come !!!



Perhaps I'll even have the energy to blog regularly -- I still need to update and post pics of the nephews and niece visits. But, time to put kids in bed. Tomorrow B and I have the first of our mandatory meetings. Hopefully, we'll know a little more about what to expect.



Blessings,

Patty

Hope!!

I am feeling very hopeful that my allergies will improve. The new allergist said I'm allergic to the 'big river' near here and his best recommendation is to move to the southwest states, stating I could get off all 5 of the respiratory medications. Which would be wonderful! But our hope is go near home and I know I can breath much better at home. He did tell me to avoid areas near rivers. Of course our next move is competely in God's hands ( as is always anyway!), but this information is considered in placement.

I am next to complete five steriod sprays in a certain order to determine which gives me the best relief, and he taught me the exact sinus to hit! I have such hope now that I will be able to breathe normally again! This Christain Doctor took very specific interest in the syptoms, our future and all the options!! This is true blessing!

This boy keeps us busy

The setting.... it was just too hot to do our original plan of visiting some Indian mounds after church. So a quiet Sunday is planned with a nap!

** Nap interrupted by B asking where the Urgent care was.

** Turns out if Shark Boy is balancing a model bike kit's pedal on his ear....he shouldn't laugh.

** Since just one night before Mom and Dad had explained the concept of "put nothing smaller than your elbow in your ear" , SB's next logical step is trying to pry it out with his fingers and another toy. Thus bike pedal ends up next to ear drum.

**B travels with SB to the urgent care to save $80. But.....Urgent Care is unable to pry bike pedals out of ear drums.

**Off the the ER. Shark Boy was very brave...but removal of bike pedals hurt A LOT!! On the Dr's last try before waiting 24 hours to find an ENT. She uses Forceps to open canal even wider to grab pedal on both sides, and it's all Over!!!

Now.... One would think this experience would mean no more objects in a child's ear. Certainly this is Mom and Dad's plan. But, Shark Boy thinks we should throw away all small toys...so he isn't tempted to try this again!! We love the boy! But - hide all small toys!

Seeing God's Blessings

Yesterday Mermaid girl and I visited our friends in their new home. MG played with Spunky Girl to her heart's content. They have really missed each other. We swam, visited and saw their new church, school and neighborhood. They have been blessed in so many ways. We are so HAPPY for them all! Spunky Girl has 2 sweet sisters, Volleyball Star and Cheerleader Cutie . We loved seeing how excited they are for their new school and sports. They did not know about Godfathers Pizza....can you imagine being so deprived? Don't worry - I helped them out, they're hooked now!

Maleah did have a little pool mishap, but all is better now. Thank Heavens! I am discovering that girls are harder to raise then boys!!

I really enjoyed my visit as well. 2 RN mothers and wives on this journey can find hundred of topics to discuss! I am so happy for K - a real "Sem survivor".

Blessings, Patty

My Crazy Life

This is a picture of Shark Boy and Mermaid Girl that I will scrap book some day. I did get some other good ones of them flying high on the same swingset I did about 25 years ago!! This reflects our life this week. I have no doubt the next 9 months will fly by for us. Here are some hightlights

*The family came home finally, turns out Mommy can not sleep with her little family gone! B's brother is doing much better, Thanks for the prayers.

*Shark Boy started the 3rd grade. He was so excited to learn and see his friends again. But SB was really disappointed to find out that he could not go to the afterschool program because his Dad is able to pick him up each day until September. He thought the afterschool "wouldn't charge him, because they really just love kids." "They don't need money" The coordinator got a kick out of that one!

* Mermaid Girl outgrew her toddler bed and has a .....BUNK BED! Yes, we have only 2 children and now 2 bunkbeds. There is a method to our madness. Our "hide a lump" sofa, as B calls it, is finding a new home soon. And we need more room for guests. We are not sure how big our next home will be and may sell SB's bunkbed before we move, as MG's bunk bed changes into 2 twins. She is so excited. She wanted Mermaid sheets...but Kohls had pink sheets on sale for 9.99 and it did not take too much convincing!

* B and I celebrated our 16th Anniversary. Well, the celebration will need to wait until another time as SB came home from school with pink eye and the babysitter has 2 girls under the age of 3. After this much time, we really don't need a fancy night, any night will do! I am grateful that this year, he was in the USA! If someone had told me in 1991, that for our 15th... we would have been on this journey and B would have been in Guatemala, I'd never believe it. God is good and has blessed me with a wonderful husband!

*Then I worked super long hours everyday until tonight....but still loving my job and met some really wonderful patients and families. My job is a cherished blessing from God!

* Tomorrow MG and I will drive to visit some very dear friends who left on their call this summer. We are so excited to see how God has blessed their life! MG could barely fall asleep tonight!

* This weekend my NEPHEWS are coming to spend the night.... MY NEPHEWS!! Of course, my sister will as well. Yeah!! But, these 2 boys have captured my heart and they are getting so big. I love to spend time with them, even if it is just over night.

More later!

Blessings, Patty