There's nothing like reuniting with old friends. Last weekend I took the kids back to Indiana where we got to spend some time with some of my old friends from high school. Eric was on a fishing trip with his buddies, so this was a great chance for us to get home. I never feel that I take for granted the friendships that I have, but every time I spend time with these girls, we absolutely feel like no time has passed since we've been together. It had been nearly a year since we'd seen each other and it was at one of our friends weddings at that.
This was time that had no agenda and very few time constraints. We found it funny that we just can't stay up like we used to. Well some of us felt that way... My friend Jen and I ended up staying up until 1am talking. Part of that time was in her driveway after I took her back to her parents house. The funny part was that Jen and I were the 2 of the 4 of us together that night that stay home exclusively with our kids. We were the ones that were staying up and the other two who have jobs outside their homes were falling asleep. We joked that Jen and I were the ones who craved the outside interaction the most cause we're cooped up with our kids all day. It's like being with friends energized us. Though we joked about it, I think there's some truth to it.
We talk about everything. There aren't any other people in the world that I feel more uninhibited with than these girls. Jen and I talked and wondered why we can just laugh until we nearly pee our pants and tears are flowing from our eyes with each other, but finding that anywhere else proves to be really hard. I don't know if we know the answer, but we do know that are so thankful that even if it's just once a year, we have each other to laugh with. We cry to together too. And share all kinds of other emotions, but laughing is the one that feels so special and so important.
Jen, Amber, Angie: I loved seeing you guys and I love and value you each so much. Thanks for making the time!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
We Did It...I think!
If you looked in a potty training guide and found the section about what NOT to do, you'd probably see my name with all the things that I did with Andrew written there. I know I did it all wrong. I think I was too anxious to get started and let him start wearing Pull Ups (that we nicknamed New Boys) before he was really ready. The first week we started, turned out to be more of a novelty for him and after that I was so back and forth with wearing New Boys and underwear (that we nicknamed Unders). Whenever we'd go out to the store or to a restaurant, I'd put new boys on him so that if he had to go pee pee, I wouldn't have to drag all the kids in the bathroom or end up with an accident and wet clothes. I know that the golden rule of potty training is consistency. I was so inconsistent.
The other wrong thing that I did was get upset with him when he would have an accident. He got to where he would run around the house with wet underwear and not even tell me until I noticed myself. Then I would get upset with him. How confusing for him. I also stopped using "special treats" after the first couple of weeks. I was feeling torn because I hate to use food as a reward so I thought of using matchbox cars. Matchbox cars is a special treat that can get expensive so that one fell by the wayside. Then I thought about stickers, but stickers didn't seem to be quite enough. So, it turned out that when he would go, there was rarely a special treat associated.
Oddly, Andrew did master going poo poo in the potty and stuck with that one. I think that it may have something to do with the fact that it would really bother him to have poop in his new boys. Who can blame him, I would just think that pee would have the same effect. I guess not.
Getting back to the point of this blog... last Thursday (a week ago) Andrew saw his doctor for a three year check up. Andrew really likes his doctor and thinks he's really nice, so when the doctor told him to really try to do a good job using the potty, Andrew was really affected by that. Eric and I made a decision to do away with the new boys all together, even for naps and bedtime. So, that's what we did and ever since we've had only a couple accidents. He is waking up dry from his naps and from bedtime and it seems that he's finally figured out what it feels like to have to go. I've started using special treats again and yes... it's food. I guess that there are some things that you have to compromise for a time in order to accomplish something else.
I hope this is it. It's crazy to think that in just another few months we'll be starting in with Anna.
The other wrong thing that I did was get upset with him when he would have an accident. He got to where he would run around the house with wet underwear and not even tell me until I noticed myself. Then I would get upset with him. How confusing for him. I also stopped using "special treats" after the first couple of weeks. I was feeling torn because I hate to use food as a reward so I thought of using matchbox cars. Matchbox cars is a special treat that can get expensive so that one fell by the wayside. Then I thought about stickers, but stickers didn't seem to be quite enough. So, it turned out that when he would go, there was rarely a special treat associated.
Oddly, Andrew did master going poo poo in the potty and stuck with that one. I think that it may have something to do with the fact that it would really bother him to have poop in his new boys. Who can blame him, I would just think that pee would have the same effect. I guess not.
Getting back to the point of this blog... last Thursday (a week ago) Andrew saw his doctor for a three year check up. Andrew really likes his doctor and thinks he's really nice, so when the doctor told him to really try to do a good job using the potty, Andrew was really affected by that. Eric and I made a decision to do away with the new boys all together, even for naps and bedtime. So, that's what we did and ever since we've had only a couple accidents. He is waking up dry from his naps and from bedtime and it seems that he's finally figured out what it feels like to have to go. I've started using special treats again and yes... it's food. I guess that there are some things that you have to compromise for a time in order to accomplish something else.
I hope this is it. It's crazy to think that in just another few months we'll be starting in with Anna.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Memorization
Of all the things that I've been wishy washy on in my life, the one that affects my soul in the most costly way is my devotion to spending time with God each day. It's similar to my struggle with eating in that having a plan to follow is usually more effective. Also, accountability is so important. The same friend that I have sought accountability with regarding my weight loss, I also share accountability with for our spiritual well being. It's so good to encourage each other in this area. Romans 14:19:
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Why is this such a hard thing to stick with? I believe there is a constant spiritual battle being fought even within my own soul. Satan rejoices when days go by in between times that I am in communion with God the Father. Of all of the arch enemies that exist, the battle between God and Satan is at the top of the list. I would venture to guess that most people if given the option would say they'd rather be on God's side than on the side of the enemy. But what does that mean? The Bible says in Revelation 3:16:
"So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
I have always interpreted that passage to mean you are either sold out for the gospel of Christ or you are not and that is how you should live. That is how I should live. I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me and stirs in my heart daily. It is important for me to be always striving to better my relationship and my devotion to God. Doing that means spending time with God daily and arming myself with the power of scripture. "Therefore put on the full armor of God..."
The Bible calls the Bible the "sword of the Spirit." My goal for my life is to know scripture so that I can recall it for teaching my children and guarding my spirit against the enemy.
This weeks message at church was on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The challenge was "What is your furnace?" What area is God calling me to that sets me outside of my comfort zone? Here is the verse that I want to memorize as I pray about this:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God as promised to those who love him." James 1:12
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
Why is this such a hard thing to stick with? I believe there is a constant spiritual battle being fought even within my own soul. Satan rejoices when days go by in between times that I am in communion with God the Father. Of all of the arch enemies that exist, the battle between God and Satan is at the top of the list. I would venture to guess that most people if given the option would say they'd rather be on God's side than on the side of the enemy. But what does that mean? The Bible says in Revelation 3:16:
"So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
I have always interpreted that passage to mean you are either sold out for the gospel of Christ or you are not and that is how you should live. That is how I should live. I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me and stirs in my heart daily. It is important for me to be always striving to better my relationship and my devotion to God. Doing that means spending time with God daily and arming myself with the power of scripture. "Therefore put on the full armor of God..."
The Bible calls the Bible the "sword of the Spirit." My goal for my life is to know scripture so that I can recall it for teaching my children and guarding my spirit against the enemy.
This weeks message at church was on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The challenge was "What is your furnace?" What area is God calling me to that sets me outside of my comfort zone? Here is the verse that I want to memorize as I pray about this:
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God as promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Friday, August 18, 2006
Playground Workout
I just finished e-mailing my friends from my small group who have been my biggest encouragers with my current quest for permenant weight loss, but thought that I would do a post on the same thing. My self created playground workout.
It's so hard to get to the gym on a regular basis without having to take the kids. The gym that I belong to is great cause it's free (it's connected to the hospital I work at), but the down side is that I have to pay for child care if I bring the kids when I work out. Eric and I have had high hopes of trying to work it out so that I can go when he gets home from work, but that only seems to happen once in a while. So, I thought there must be some way to get some exercise in each day without having to wait to go to the gym.
We were at the park this morning as we are starting to be on most mornings at about 8:30. Going to the park is great first thing in the morning cause it gets the kids moving instead of sitting in front of the TV and it forces me to get going too. This morning I put my workout clothes on and got my tennis shoes on before we left for the park. Once we were there I let the kids run a muck, I finished feeding Alissa her breakfast and then I looked around for ways to get some exercise. Of course, joining in with the kids running around is pretty good exercise, but I wanted to be more intentional about it. So here's what I came up with:
1. Step ups on the playground step (like an aerobic step, but just up and down)
2. Standing push ups on the back of the sitting bench (it felt good to use the bench for something other than just sitting there)
3. Calf raises using the playground step
4. Pull ups on the monkey bars (for the stronger of you reading this-- I can't do it yet)
5. Sitting knee bends on the high step of the playground (sit and pull knees toward chest) abs
So try it out if you are so inclined. And let me know if you have other ideas for additional exercises.
I'll keep going to the gym when I can, but now I have no excuse for not getting exercise in.
It's so hard to get to the gym on a regular basis without having to take the kids. The gym that I belong to is great cause it's free (it's connected to the hospital I work at), but the down side is that I have to pay for child care if I bring the kids when I work out. Eric and I have had high hopes of trying to work it out so that I can go when he gets home from work, but that only seems to happen once in a while. So, I thought there must be some way to get some exercise in each day without having to wait to go to the gym.
We were at the park this morning as we are starting to be on most mornings at about 8:30. Going to the park is great first thing in the morning cause it gets the kids moving instead of sitting in front of the TV and it forces me to get going too. This morning I put my workout clothes on and got my tennis shoes on before we left for the park. Once we were there I let the kids run a muck, I finished feeding Alissa her breakfast and then I looked around for ways to get some exercise. Of course, joining in with the kids running around is pretty good exercise, but I wanted to be more intentional about it. So here's what I came up with:
1. Step ups on the playground step (like an aerobic step, but just up and down)
2. Standing push ups on the back of the sitting bench (it felt good to use the bench for something other than just sitting there)
3. Calf raises using the playground step
4. Pull ups on the monkey bars (for the stronger of you reading this-- I can't do it yet)
5. Sitting knee bends on the high step of the playground (sit and pull knees toward chest) abs
So try it out if you are so inclined. And let me know if you have other ideas for additional exercises.
I'll keep going to the gym when I can, but now I have no excuse for not getting exercise in.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
All in one
This is a fun time for my kids ages. There's just something about the nice round numbers. Currently, Andrew is 3 years old, Anna is 18 months old, and Alissa is 6 months old. The next fun one will be when they are 1, 2 and 3. Their current ages happen to also be ages that require a well child doctor's visit. It's quite an ordeal taking them to the doctor. None of them particualarly enjoy being closed into a small room waiting for the doctor to come in. Scheduling a separate appointment for each child would mean three different trips to the doctor with all three kids even though only one would get the check up. My solution was to schedule their appointments all at the same time back to back.
This morning at 8am we loaded up in the van for our 8:30 appointment. It really worked out well. No one got too upset and the office staff was accomodating and on time. Here's the funny thing: my kids are so different with their sizes. Andrew weighs 36 lb. (85%) and is 38.5 (70%) in tall. He's really taken off in weight. He used be at the bottom of the chart, but he's started to pack it on. Anna weighs almost 28 lbs. (80%) and is 31 3/4 in tall (50%). She's always been in this range. She actually used to be off the charts in weight. Alissa weighs nearly 14 lbs. (15%) and is almost 25 in. (15%).
Everyone is very healthy and the next time I have to take all of the kids to the doctor in the same month, I'll do it just like this.
This morning at 8am we loaded up in the van for our 8:30 appointment. It really worked out well. No one got too upset and the office staff was accomodating and on time. Here's the funny thing: my kids are so different with their sizes. Andrew weighs 36 lb. (85%) and is 38.5 (70%) in tall. He's really taken off in weight. He used be at the bottom of the chart, but he's started to pack it on. Anna weighs almost 28 lbs. (80%) and is 31 3/4 in tall (50%). She's always been in this range. She actually used to be off the charts in weight. Alissa weighs nearly 14 lbs. (15%) and is almost 25 in. (15%).
Everyone is very healthy and the next time I have to take all of the kids to the doctor in the same month, I'll do it just like this.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Starting Preschool
I know that kids start learning from the time they are born. With each of my kids I remember being amazed at what it must be like to be a blank slate. I watch Alissa right now at 6 months and I think, "Wow, everyday is full of new things for her." Of course it makes me think of the influence that I have on my kids. The words I use, my responses to situations, the way I spend my time... all those things are what my kids are learning from me.
I feel that my capacity to be teacher of more intellectual things, academic things is a more limited than it is to teach them to handle emotions, to fear and love God, and treat others nicely. So, as Andrew approached 3 years of age, I thought we'd enroll him in preschool. I found a nice preschool through the community center and got him all enrolled. Finding the right preschool was a challenge. There are plenty of really good ones out there, but they sure do charge a premium for enrolling. Many of them were far beyond our affordability. This particular one that we chose was not cheap, but I guess it seemed more affordable than some of the others.
I was really getting excited about preschool for Andrew. But I was also concerned that he wouldn't really get the type of challenge intellectually that I thought he needed. I know it sounds like I think my kid is brighter than all the other kids his age, but at the risk of sounding that way, I do think that he would get bored if he wasn't stretched a bit. I began to think that preschool would be good for him socially if nothing else.
Is social development for a 3 year old worth $120 every month for 2 hours, 2 days a week? I began to think there must be a better, less expensive way. I talked with my friend Jennifer who is a teacher and has one son (who is also 3) and she got me thinking that maybe I don't have to put Andrew in preschool this early.
So from the financial aspect and the idea that Andrew could be both intelectually and socially stimulated some other way, we've decided to not send him to preschool this year. I do feel that it's important for him to have some structure in his days, so today began what I hope is a long term attempt at challenging his 3 year old brain.
We had our first "at home preschool" lesson about shapes and matching. We worked on finding the one that doesn't belong and then we drew lines to put the shapes in their appropriate boxes. I was hoping that we would spend an hour or so working on these plus a couple of other worksheets. Andrew figured each worksheet out in about 1 minute and then completed them all in about 20 minutes. I guess I need to choose something a little harder.
Socially, my hope is to get him into some type of 3 year olds team sport and/or a music class. Andrew seems very drawn to music and I have to say that there are even signs that he might have some natural gifting musically.
So, being that Andrew is only 3, I think it's easy to get all wrapped up in what we're going to do for him. In a way, I think its just as important to let him just be 3.
I feel that my capacity to be teacher of more intellectual things, academic things is a more limited than it is to teach them to handle emotions, to fear and love God, and treat others nicely. So, as Andrew approached 3 years of age, I thought we'd enroll him in preschool. I found a nice preschool through the community center and got him all enrolled. Finding the right preschool was a challenge. There are plenty of really good ones out there, but they sure do charge a premium for enrolling. Many of them were far beyond our affordability. This particular one that we chose was not cheap, but I guess it seemed more affordable than some of the others.
I was really getting excited about preschool for Andrew. But I was also concerned that he wouldn't really get the type of challenge intellectually that I thought he needed. I know it sounds like I think my kid is brighter than all the other kids his age, but at the risk of sounding that way, I do think that he would get bored if he wasn't stretched a bit. I began to think that preschool would be good for him socially if nothing else.
Is social development for a 3 year old worth $120 every month for 2 hours, 2 days a week? I began to think there must be a better, less expensive way. I talked with my friend Jennifer who is a teacher and has one son (who is also 3) and she got me thinking that maybe I don't have to put Andrew in preschool this early.
So from the financial aspect and the idea that Andrew could be both intelectually and socially stimulated some other way, we've decided to not send him to preschool this year. I do feel that it's important for him to have some structure in his days, so today began what I hope is a long term attempt at challenging his 3 year old brain.
We had our first "at home preschool" lesson about shapes and matching. We worked on finding the one that doesn't belong and then we drew lines to put the shapes in their appropriate boxes. I was hoping that we would spend an hour or so working on these plus a couple of other worksheets. Andrew figured each worksheet out in about 1 minute and then completed them all in about 20 minutes. I guess I need to choose something a little harder.
Socially, my hope is to get him into some type of 3 year olds team sport and/or a music class. Andrew seems very drawn to music and I have to say that there are even signs that he might have some natural gifting musically.
So, being that Andrew is only 3, I think it's easy to get all wrapped up in what we're going to do for him. In a way, I think its just as important to let him just be 3.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Returning home
We just returned home from our trip to WV to visit Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Paul and Aunt Beth. While we were there we celebrated Andrew's 3rd birthday. And Eric and I celebrated our 5th anniversary. We had such a great time. There aren't very many things that I love more than watching our kids bond with Grandma and Grandpa and their relationships with Uncle Paul and Aunt Beth are really special. They all love our kids so much.
For his birthday, Andrew got Lightning McQueen that talks and does tricks. He loves it so much. It's really fun for the kids to be around Pau and Beth cause they devote all their attention to them. That's the thing that changes when Aunts and Uncles have children of their own. When I was growing up most of my aunts and uncles had no children yet, so I got all their attention and I really loved that.
Grandma and Grandpa have the best house and yard for the kids to play. There's a hill that Grandpa taught Andrew to roll down. That's right, Grandpa rolled down a hill. It was great. Anna rolled down the hill too, but she couldn't help it. She also didn't mind it all that much.
My only regret about going to WV is that we can't do it more often. We have so much fun.
Eric and I went to Pittsburgh for our anniversary and had a awesome day alone. We had lunch at a great restaurant called Six Penn and we got to see a Pirates game at PNC Park. Eric got us tickets that were about 17 rows behind home plate. It was really fun and a great way to celebrate 5 years. One of these days we'll take a big trip. I really want to go back to Cape Cod where we had our honeymoon. Maybe 10 years... you never know.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Chandler, Monica, Joey, Pheobe, Rachel, Ross
Who can guess my favorite T.V. show of all time? Friends!
How much to do I love Friends? So much!
I have accumulated every season's box set. That means I own every episode of Friends that has ever been made. My favorites are "The One with the Embyos" cause this is the one with "Bamboozled" I also love "The One where No One's Ready" cause Joey puts on all of Chandler's clothes and sayds "Could I be wearing in more clothes?" Oh, man I want to go watch it now!
My husband is the best. He literally lets me turn Friends on every night as we go to bed. I've actually considered taking a set with me to watch on our portable DVD player. But I won't.
I don't know why I love it so much. I know that it was one of the most successful sit-coms, but what about it draws me in so much. Is it that I can imagine being there? Is it that it makes me laugh no matter how many times I've seen it? Maybe its because it's the best mindless thing I can think of and I always end up smiling. Whatever the case, I hope I always love it. Eric jokes that when I'm old I'll be in a nursing home all pulled up to the T.V. in my wheel chair watching it. Maybe I will! It could be worse!
How much to do I love Friends? So much!
I have accumulated every season's box set. That means I own every episode of Friends that has ever been made. My favorites are "The One with the Embyos" cause this is the one with "Bamboozled" I also love "The One where No One's Ready" cause Joey puts on all of Chandler's clothes and sayds "Could I be wearing in more clothes?" Oh, man I want to go watch it now!
My husband is the best. He literally lets me turn Friends on every night as we go to bed. I've actually considered taking a set with me to watch on our portable DVD player. But I won't.
I don't know why I love it so much. I know that it was one of the most successful sit-coms, but what about it draws me in so much. Is it that I can imagine being there? Is it that it makes me laugh no matter how many times I've seen it? Maybe its because it's the best mindless thing I can think of and I always end up smiling. Whatever the case, I hope I always love it. Eric jokes that when I'm old I'll be in a nursing home all pulled up to the T.V. in my wheel chair watching it. Maybe I will! It could be worse!
The Cycle Continues
It's been over 18 months. Though those 18 months have presented plenty of challenges of their own, I never missed this thing that was missing. But it has returned. I'm talking about my monthly cycle. My period! YUCK! I always feel like cursing Eve when I'm on my period. Actually I feel like cursing everyone.
My husband will be thrilled to know that I admit that I completely over reacted the other night. I literally thought to myself, "What is wrong with me, why am I acting like this?" But in the moment of a heated discussion (most of the heat brought on by me) I didn't want to admit that I was wrong. The argument is hardly worth mentioning, but I will. In a nutshell, I was anxious about out trip which begins today. I was worrying about the details with the kids and how to best keep them entertained and Eric just wanted me to relax. In the heat, I threw the remote control and stormed downstairs. I never throw things when I'm mad and I rarely storm out of any room. I blame my period.
After I had Andrew I think I had 2 periods that were really weird and they weren't consecutive. Then I got pregnant with Anna. After I had Anna I didn't even have a period before I got pregnant with Alissa, so really, this is sort of like the first in over 3 years. Why do we want so badly to start our periods when we are preteens? There is nothing, and I mean nothing glorious about this.
I will say that I'm thankful that I had my tubal after Alissa. There were times when I worried that I would regret it, but now that my body is evidently back to a fully functional state, I'm really glad I don't have to worry about getting pregnant again. I'm really glad considering Eric and I had a really nice anniversary weekend -nudge, nudge, wink, wink- right when I would have been fertile.
I especially hate traveling while on my period. I mean come on, having to pack all the necessary things including extra underwear just in case, is just an absolute pain-- can I get an amen? Well, it is what it is and I'll just take it in stride. But I'll hate it just the same.
My husband will be thrilled to know that I admit that I completely over reacted the other night. I literally thought to myself, "What is wrong with me, why am I acting like this?" But in the moment of a heated discussion (most of the heat brought on by me) I didn't want to admit that I was wrong. The argument is hardly worth mentioning, but I will. In a nutshell, I was anxious about out trip which begins today. I was worrying about the details with the kids and how to best keep them entertained and Eric just wanted me to relax. In the heat, I threw the remote control and stormed downstairs. I never throw things when I'm mad and I rarely storm out of any room. I blame my period.
After I had Andrew I think I had 2 periods that were really weird and they weren't consecutive. Then I got pregnant with Anna. After I had Anna I didn't even have a period before I got pregnant with Alissa, so really, this is sort of like the first in over 3 years. Why do we want so badly to start our periods when we are preteens? There is nothing, and I mean nothing glorious about this.
I will say that I'm thankful that I had my tubal after Alissa. There were times when I worried that I would regret it, but now that my body is evidently back to a fully functional state, I'm really glad I don't have to worry about getting pregnant again. I'm really glad considering Eric and I had a really nice anniversary weekend -nudge, nudge, wink, wink- right when I would have been fertile.
I especially hate traveling while on my period. I mean come on, having to pack all the necessary things including extra underwear just in case, is just an absolute pain-- can I get an amen? Well, it is what it is and I'll just take it in stride. But I'll hate it just the same.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Waste Management
A couple weekends ago, my parent's came to our house and blessed us by staying the kids for 2 nights while Eric and I went away for our anniversary. This is the first time since Andrew was born that we have been gone for more than one night. We really needed to get away. It was good that both my mom and dad were here to manage the kids. I've said it before, they're good kids, but anyone who doesn't take care of them on a daily basis is likely to have a hard time with three kids under 3 years old for 2 nights. Everything went great and the kids behaved really well... at least that's what I'm told.
When we came home, my dad said to me, "Now I know what you do all day... Waste management." We all got a good laugh. He's right though. Today I was reminded of that once again.
This morning we decided to take a walk to the park that's near our house so that the kids could play on the playground and get some energy burned off. I knew that by doing this my day would be more sane as I try to prepare for our trip. Before we left, I made sure that Andrew had pottied and the girls diapers were fresh. After about 20 minutes of playing, I look over and see Andrew walking with his knees together. I knew that we were having a potty issue. He said to me, "Mom, I have to poo poo." I thought, "Ah ****, we'll never make it home in time." It only takes us 5 minutes to walk to the park through the path mowed through a field. We got home and sure enough we were too late. I couldn't be mad at him though. He said to me, "Mommy, it came out by itself."
So, we got all cleaned up and I thought we were ready to head back to the park. I picked Anna up to put her back in the stroller and quickly realized that I had another mess to take care of before we left. So, I got Anna cleaned and changed and now I thought we'd get out the door. Alissa was really crying by now since I had left her in her carrier thinking this would be quick. So, I picked her up and.... you guessed it! MORE POOP!
Can you say Waste Management?!
When we came home, my dad said to me, "Now I know what you do all day... Waste management." We all got a good laugh. He's right though. Today I was reminded of that once again.
This morning we decided to take a walk to the park that's near our house so that the kids could play on the playground and get some energy burned off. I knew that by doing this my day would be more sane as I try to prepare for our trip. Before we left, I made sure that Andrew had pottied and the girls diapers were fresh. After about 20 minutes of playing, I look over and see Andrew walking with his knees together. I knew that we were having a potty issue. He said to me, "Mom, I have to poo poo." I thought, "Ah ****, we'll never make it home in time." It only takes us 5 minutes to walk to the park through the path mowed through a field. We got home and sure enough we were too late. I couldn't be mad at him though. He said to me, "Mommy, it came out by itself."
So, we got all cleaned up and I thought we were ready to head back to the park. I picked Anna up to put her back in the stroller and quickly realized that I had another mess to take care of before we left. So, I got Anna cleaned and changed and now I thought we'd get out the door. Alissa was really crying by now since I had left her in her carrier thinking this would be quick. So, I picked her up and.... you guessed it! MORE POOP!
Can you say Waste Management?!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Setting the Rules
Andrew recently learned that he could use the computer pretty much all by himself. He slides that little mouse around and clicks on anything that lights up or makes a noise when you cross it. I'll admit that it's been a refreshing break from always wanting to watch T.V. and it has been educational too. I look forward it being a good resource for teaching. But...
We finally had to set some rules. Andrew has delighted himself in coming up here without asking or slyly getting up from a supposed nap and plopping his little cheeks down on the office chair. Then he gets into stuff on the computer desk or surfd his little 3 year old way through the web. The other day I found that he had ended up on the part of the Disney website where you can purchase merchandise. I hope we don't get a package full of "Cars" when we return from our trip. Another time, Eric came up to find his wallet had been emptied of everthing. Credit cards were strewn about the desk. I know what you're saying, "He probably used them to buy stuff of the Disney website." He's smart, but hopfully not that smart!
The final rule is no sitting at the desk or playing on the computer without asking mom or dad. We'll see how obedient he will be.
We finally had to set some rules. Andrew has delighted himself in coming up here without asking or slyly getting up from a supposed nap and plopping his little cheeks down on the office chair. Then he gets into stuff on the computer desk or surfd his little 3 year old way through the web. The other day I found that he had ended up on the part of the Disney website where you can purchase merchandise. I hope we don't get a package full of "Cars" when we return from our trip. Another time, Eric came up to find his wallet had been emptied of everthing. Credit cards were strewn about the desk. I know what you're saying, "He probably used them to buy stuff of the Disney website." He's smart, but hopfully not that smart!
The final rule is no sitting at the desk or playing on the computer without asking mom or dad. We'll see how obedient he will be.
My In-laws
We leave Wednesday for our trip to West Virginia to visit Eric's family. We'll be gone for both our 5th anniversary and Andrew's 3rd birthday. This will be the first or our kids' birthdays that Grandma and Grandpa Melby will get to be with us for. Uncle Paul and Aunt Beth will be there too. We are so excited about our trip. All my life I've loved trips. Especially road trips (even though I have horrible motion sickness). I hope that I'm passing that on to my kids. But more than the trip itself, I look forward to visiting my husband's family.
It's funny that all the silly (and mean) in-law jokes just don't apply to me. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that I love my in-laws. And I'm not just saying that cause I think they'll read my blog. I really do. Eric jokes with me that I talk to his mom more than he does. He jokes, but he's right! I know that my in-laws love me in return. My mother-in-law had only boys so I sometimes feel like I make up for her void of never having a daughter (well, me and my brother-in-law's wife...who's also really great). I look forward to visiting them at their house so much. They are the best hosts. Every time we are there it literally feels like vacation. Isn't that what everyone wants? I can never understand why some in-laws are just so rotten. I just know that I'm so thankful that mine aren't.
Not only do I feel this way about Eric's parent's, but also his brother. If I remember right, I met Paul before I met their parents. Eric and I drove from Indiana to Illinois to meet Paul for the annual Fantasy Baseball Draft. Well, the fact that I wanted to participate in this was an automatic in for me. Was I trying to make a good impression? Of course! Was I really that into it? At the time, yes! Have I stayed that interested? ummmmmmm no! Seriously though, when I met Paul, I remember thinking that I would have liked to have been friends with him if I had met him elsewhere. The one thing that I will say about Paul is that this guy has more useless (and useful) knowledge than anyone I have ever known. I guess that comes with being...well brilliant!
Maybe the number one thing I love most about our visits is breakfast. Doesn't that sound funny? I mean every day we eat breakfast right? Well, not only is the food always good (and I don't have to make it), there's something really special about being leisurly in the morning and sitting around the breakfast table for a few hours just talking and laughing. It's especially fun when Eric's brother is there cause inevitably we get the pleasure of hearing them reminisce about their childhoods. It's even funnier when they happen to tell a story that neither parent has ever heard. I have often wondered how one family can have so many funny stories to tell. It doesn't really matter how many times the stories are told, they will be funny every time!
So, to my in-laws: I love you all so much and I love being a part of your family!
It's funny that all the silly (and mean) in-law jokes just don't apply to me. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that I love my in-laws. And I'm not just saying that cause I think they'll read my blog. I really do. Eric jokes with me that I talk to his mom more than he does. He jokes, but he's right! I know that my in-laws love me in return. My mother-in-law had only boys so I sometimes feel like I make up for her void of never having a daughter (well, me and my brother-in-law's wife...who's also really great). I look forward to visiting them at their house so much. They are the best hosts. Every time we are there it literally feels like vacation. Isn't that what everyone wants? I can never understand why some in-laws are just so rotten. I just know that I'm so thankful that mine aren't.
Not only do I feel this way about Eric's parent's, but also his brother. If I remember right, I met Paul before I met their parents. Eric and I drove from Indiana to Illinois to meet Paul for the annual Fantasy Baseball Draft. Well, the fact that I wanted to participate in this was an automatic in for me. Was I trying to make a good impression? Of course! Was I really that into it? At the time, yes! Have I stayed that interested? ummmmmmm no! Seriously though, when I met Paul, I remember thinking that I would have liked to have been friends with him if I had met him elsewhere. The one thing that I will say about Paul is that this guy has more useless (and useful) knowledge than anyone I have ever known. I guess that comes with being...well brilliant!
Maybe the number one thing I love most about our visits is breakfast. Doesn't that sound funny? I mean every day we eat breakfast right? Well, not only is the food always good (and I don't have to make it), there's something really special about being leisurly in the morning and sitting around the breakfast table for a few hours just talking and laughing. It's especially fun when Eric's brother is there cause inevitably we get the pleasure of hearing them reminisce about their childhoods. It's even funnier when they happen to tell a story that neither parent has ever heard. I have often wondered how one family can have so many funny stories to tell. It doesn't really matter how many times the stories are told, they will be funny every time!
So, to my in-laws: I love you all so much and I love being a part of your family!
Thoughts from the weekend
Thoguht #1
Okay, here I am at the end of the weekend. A long weekend it's been. It always feels that way when I sing at church. Singing on the worship team is one of the things in my life that brings me the most joy. It absolutely energizes me to be up there worshiping God. Ooh! I just love it and this weekend was particularly high energy so that was even better. But like a lot of the things that we love in life, at the end, I'm so tired. I'll take the tiredness to be able to do it again and again!
Thought #2
I was also scheduled to work all night tonight. Ugh! Of all the times that I wish that I could work and NOT get called off, this is the least of them. Not only am I tired from the weekend of singing, I am not used to working all night on a Sunday night into Monday morning when Eric won't be here to let me sleep the next day. And to top it off, we are planning to leave Wednesday evening for our visit ot West Virginia with Eric's family. So of the things listed here, work is the one I am least excited about. I said a prayer today on my way home from service that God would protect "people" from anything that would require hospital admission and that he would bring those that were already there to a point in their recovery so that they could be discharged. This prayer was said in hopes that I would get called off. And I did! I am on call, but still, Glory to God for answering that prayer.
Thought #3
So, in saying that prayer does that mean that on other days I pray that people would be sick enough to go to or stay in the hospital. I don't think so, but it is job security for me. There will always be sick people. No matter how advanced our technology becomes and good our medicine is, there will always be a need for nurses.
Thought #4
The message this weekend was on Courage. The challenge was "what thing in your life do you need to step out in courage to face?" It's interesting because the response that came to my head is also the response that I had for the "Mountain Moving Prayers" message. Weight Loss!
Praise God that I am on that journey, hopefully once and for all. But it does require courage. The biggest leap for me was sharing openly with my girfriends about my weight issue and an even bigger leap was going yet another step with just one friend. So, even though I've taken the initial leap with courage, I continue to ask God to help and give me courage and strength for the entire journey. God says, "Be strong and couragous..."
My final thought:
Whenever I sing or work on a weekend, Eric is left with the bulk of kid responsiblity. I know it's tough. He works hard all week and I know in his heart of hearts he wishes he could come home and not have to be responsible for three little lives, but he embraces it and does a great job. He has told me before that having these times reminds him of how hard I work during the week when I'm home with them day after day. So, in some way, it's really good for both of us. Whether it's singing or working, I always feel refreshed (despite the tiredness) having been with adults and doing things I love. Again, good for both of us.
As a little refresher for Eric tonight, he went with the guys to see "Taledega Nights, The Legend of Ricky Bobby." I have to admit, I'm a little jealous.
Okay, here I am at the end of the weekend. A long weekend it's been. It always feels that way when I sing at church. Singing on the worship team is one of the things in my life that brings me the most joy. It absolutely energizes me to be up there worshiping God. Ooh! I just love it and this weekend was particularly high energy so that was even better. But like a lot of the things that we love in life, at the end, I'm so tired. I'll take the tiredness to be able to do it again and again!
Thought #2
I was also scheduled to work all night tonight. Ugh! Of all the times that I wish that I could work and NOT get called off, this is the least of them. Not only am I tired from the weekend of singing, I am not used to working all night on a Sunday night into Monday morning when Eric won't be here to let me sleep the next day. And to top it off, we are planning to leave Wednesday evening for our visit ot West Virginia with Eric's family. So of the things listed here, work is the one I am least excited about. I said a prayer today on my way home from service that God would protect "people" from anything that would require hospital admission and that he would bring those that were already there to a point in their recovery so that they could be discharged. This prayer was said in hopes that I would get called off. And I did! I am on call, but still, Glory to God for answering that prayer.
Thought #3
So, in saying that prayer does that mean that on other days I pray that people would be sick enough to go to or stay in the hospital. I don't think so, but it is job security for me. There will always be sick people. No matter how advanced our technology becomes and good our medicine is, there will always be a need for nurses.
Thought #4
The message this weekend was on Courage. The challenge was "what thing in your life do you need to step out in courage to face?" It's interesting because the response that came to my head is also the response that I had for the "Mountain Moving Prayers" message. Weight Loss!
Praise God that I am on that journey, hopefully once and for all. But it does require courage. The biggest leap for me was sharing openly with my girfriends about my weight issue and an even bigger leap was going yet another step with just one friend. So, even though I've taken the initial leap with courage, I continue to ask God to help and give me courage and strength for the entire journey. God says, "Be strong and couragous..."
My final thought:
Whenever I sing or work on a weekend, Eric is left with the bulk of kid responsiblity. I know it's tough. He works hard all week and I know in his heart of hearts he wishes he could come home and not have to be responsible for three little lives, but he embraces it and does a great job. He has told me before that having these times reminds him of how hard I work during the week when I'm home with them day after day. So, in some way, it's really good for both of us. Whether it's singing or working, I always feel refreshed (despite the tiredness) having been with adults and doing things I love. Again, good for both of us.
As a little refresher for Eric tonight, he went with the guys to see "Taledega Nights, The Legend of Ricky Bobby." I have to admit, I'm a little jealous.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Worship
Just on our break before communion. Singing with the worship team this weekend. It's going to be short cause I know it's almost time. The message is on Caleb and Joshua this weeekend. Talking about courage.
Sounds like a really good message, I'll listen to the whole message at 6:30pm.
Sounds like a really good message, I'll listen to the whole message at 6:30pm.
Are emotions learned?
Here's a deep thought for the day: Are emotions learned? I wondered this as I sat and watched the end Disney's "Monster's Inc." with my son and daughter this afternoon. This is a movie that we watch at least once a week upon their request. It's certainly an intriguing movie. The creators of this movie thought well to get into the minds of children and their fear of monsters and make a movie out of it to relieve their fears. Very smart! If you've never seen the movie, the basic concept is a little girl befriending a big, hairy monster. At the end of the movie they part ways as the monster takes the little girl back to her room and tucks her into bed. They have one last hug and the monster goes back into her closet, never to be seen again. The emotioin of both characters upon their departure is sad. I came into the room for the last 10 minutes of the movie, and though I've seen a million times before, I still found myself wanting to cry.
That's what made me wonder: Are emotions learned? My 3 year old son didn't cry, in fact he shows no emotion during this part of the movie. He can tell me that Sully (the monster) and Boo (the little girl) are both sad, but he's not sad. Yet, when one of us leaves for work, or occasionally when we leave him with the babysitter, he's sad and he cries. Same emotion, different situation.
Why do adults cry at movies? At what point in our development do our minds and hearts colide so that when we watch a situation (even though we know it's not real) we feel sad inside and even shed some tears? Are our emotions learned or developed based on life's experiences? Is that what is different between me and Andrew? I've just experienced more life than he has, so when I see others sad, it makes me sad? Which then leads me to wonder why do some people cry so easily and others almost never cry?
A thought for another day I guess!
Conflict resolution
I'm so proud of Eric. This morning he is being recognized at church as a leader. He's really gifted as a teacher and has such a great knowledge of the Bible. He really belongs in leadership. Would he know how proud of him that I am this morning? It's unlikely.
He left this morning as we were attempting to resolve some conflict from this morning and left over from last night. Conflict resolution is something that we've always been pretty good at, but not because of me. That's a strength that Eric brought into our marriage and I've learned from him and I'm still learning. Unfortunately (and I know my mom would agree), the thing that was demonstrated to me as a child by my parents was the silent treatment (from mom) and ignoring the problem (from dad). In some way, I'm glad that I didn't grow up with parents that would have frequent knock down, drag out fights. But in other ways, I wish that they demonstrated a more healthy way of resolving conflict. But enough about my parents. I can't blame them for this conflict or how we're handling it.
What happened was I let unresolved hard feelings fester inside all morning, then when it came down to it, I was so mad that I couldn't resolve anything very well. After some time, we got to talk about the issues. Which, it's worth mentioning that the issue that we're arguing about is never the real issue. There's almost always something underlying that made the issue at hand that much worse. In this instance, I was mad at Eric for not listening to me the last night. Then this morning, I'm sure that I woke up mad at him and didn't even know it. And as it always seems to go, we didn't resolve the "real" issue until he was ready to walk out the door.
In effort to send him off as the proud wife that I truly am, I had to force my emotions to catch up with my words more quickly than I usually do. I didn't do a very good job of that. I said, "I'm sorry and I love you. I don't want you to go thinking that I'm mad at you, cause I'm not." All said with my arms crossed and no emotion in my voice. Do you think he believed me? Of course not. What he said was, "It's about body language, you are saying you're sorry, but you sound like you are barking at me." Then he imitated me and it made us both laugh. As soon as I stretched out my arms to hug him for real, a peace came over us both. That's conflict resolution. Then I could really say, "I'm sorry and I love you and I'm proud of you." And this time he believed me.
He left this morning as we were attempting to resolve some conflict from this morning and left over from last night. Conflict resolution is something that we've always been pretty good at, but not because of me. That's a strength that Eric brought into our marriage and I've learned from him and I'm still learning. Unfortunately (and I know my mom would agree), the thing that was demonstrated to me as a child by my parents was the silent treatment (from mom) and ignoring the problem (from dad). In some way, I'm glad that I didn't grow up with parents that would have frequent knock down, drag out fights. But in other ways, I wish that they demonstrated a more healthy way of resolving conflict. But enough about my parents. I can't blame them for this conflict or how we're handling it.
What happened was I let unresolved hard feelings fester inside all morning, then when it came down to it, I was so mad that I couldn't resolve anything very well. After some time, we got to talk about the issues. Which, it's worth mentioning that the issue that we're arguing about is never the real issue. There's almost always something underlying that made the issue at hand that much worse. In this instance, I was mad at Eric for not listening to me the last night. Then this morning, I'm sure that I woke up mad at him and didn't even know it. And as it always seems to go, we didn't resolve the "real" issue until he was ready to walk out the door.
In effort to send him off as the proud wife that I truly am, I had to force my emotions to catch up with my words more quickly than I usually do. I didn't do a very good job of that. I said, "I'm sorry and I love you. I don't want you to go thinking that I'm mad at you, cause I'm not." All said with my arms crossed and no emotion in my voice. Do you think he believed me? Of course not. What he said was, "It's about body language, you are saying you're sorry, but you sound like you are barking at me." Then he imitated me and it made us both laugh. As soon as I stretched out my arms to hug him for real, a peace came over us both. That's conflict resolution. Then I could really say, "I'm sorry and I love you and I'm proud of you." And this time he believed me.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Life's challenges-cystinosis
Everyone knows that life is full of challenges. This certainly won't be the only blog that I post on this issue. But after posting the blog about my girlfriends, it made me think of truly how exceptional the friends that I have here are. I've never met people that were more committed to their respective causes than this group. I think we become more committed to something when it is presenting a challenge in our lives or the lives of those around us. The friends that God has given me here are so interested in one another's lives and well being that one person's challenge becomes the other's and so the cycle continues.
There is a disease called Cystinosis, that before moving here, I had not heard of- even as a nurse. It's rare and it effects children at birth. We have friends here who have two children with this disease and it has changed their lives forever. What I have seen these friends do is embrace a really difficult life challenge. To put it lightly, in order to manage their children's illness, they have to give their children some kind of medication every hour for at least 12 hours a day. They take turns getting up at night to give the kids medicine in the middle of the night. They do all this and still know that their children are likely to have long term, serious medical problems as a result of this disease. The more I learn about the disease from them, the more I admire their dedication to seeing a cure.
Not only have I watched my friends deal with this on a daily basis, I have watched others of my friends come along side them and get committed to the cause for a cure for these two precious children and incidentally, many more across the nation whol also have this disease. I mentioned in my girlfriend blog that I love watching my friends use their gifts. One example is my friend Amber who is using her gift of organization and planning to benefit this cause. In October there will be a Cystinosis Carnival that will raise money for research of this disease. My friends Brittney and Brett (the parent's of the children with cytinosis) have made it their mission for this period of their lives to see a cure for this illness. So, together with Amber they are planning this event. I can't wait to be a part of it. If you are reading this and you want to know more about cystinosis you can go to the cystinosis link that is on my blog. www.cystinosisfoundation.org.
There is a disease called Cystinosis, that before moving here, I had not heard of- even as a nurse. It's rare and it effects children at birth. We have friends here who have two children with this disease and it has changed their lives forever. What I have seen these friends do is embrace a really difficult life challenge. To put it lightly, in order to manage their children's illness, they have to give their children some kind of medication every hour for at least 12 hours a day. They take turns getting up at night to give the kids medicine in the middle of the night. They do all this and still know that their children are likely to have long term, serious medical problems as a result of this disease. The more I learn about the disease from them, the more I admire their dedication to seeing a cure.
Not only have I watched my friends deal with this on a daily basis, I have watched others of my friends come along side them and get committed to the cause for a cure for these two precious children and incidentally, many more across the nation whol also have this disease. I mentioned in my girlfriend blog that I love watching my friends use their gifts. One example is my friend Amber who is using her gift of organization and planning to benefit this cause. In October there will be a Cystinosis Carnival that will raise money for research of this disease. My friends Brittney and Brett (the parent's of the children with cytinosis) have made it their mission for this period of their lives to see a cure for this illness. So, together with Amber they are planning this event. I can't wait to be a part of it. If you are reading this and you want to know more about cystinosis you can go to the cystinosis link that is on my blog. www.cystinosisfoundation.org.
Girl Friends
I've always been the type that makes friends pretty easily. It never bothered me to go to summer camp alone cause I knew I'd meet lots of people and make new friends and I went to college in TN alone and ended up with some of the best friends I could ever have. I have been blessed beyond words by my friends. God has placed people in my life who I know will stand by me until the day I die. And I will do the same for them.
In high school there was a group of girls that couldn't be closer as friends and I was privledged to be a part of that group. There were 8 of us and to this day- 10 years later- we are still close even though miles separate us and significant time passes in between times of getting together. We are all married and many of us have children (I top them all with my 3). We've all gone through so many life changes with jobs we either loved or hated, some of us had difficult pregnancies, moving from state to state. No matter what though we have always kept in close touch with each other. I find it quite exceptional and I'm certain that most people never find something so special in their whole life. The one thing that nothing can take away from us and the thing that bonds us tighter than anything else can, is our shared faith in God Almighty. In high school we participated in bible studies together, prayed together and didn't want to hang out with anyone else except each other. Some of my favorite memories are from this time in my life.
After high school I made the decision to leave the state to go to college. As I said before I went pot luck hoping for a good roommate. Again, I say, God is good. My dear friend Kris, whom I had never met before move in day, was not only my roommate, but became one of my best friends. And of course she married someone that I love dearly too, in a healthy Christian kind of love. The two of them together are a powerful force for the Kingdom of God and I am privledged to know them.
Going to college was full of life's lessons for me as it is for most kids going to college out of high school. This was my first realization that friendships change and even end. In my life up to this point, I had never had a significant friendship change all that much. This was so difficult for me to get. I was literally broken in my spirit with this realization. Since then, more friends have come into my life and unfortunately some have gone too. If it were completely up to me, I'd keep every friend I ever made. I love participating in people's lives and my life demands that others be a part of it.
Moving away from my home town was one of the hardest things that I've had to do as an adult. At the time of our moving we had one child and our second on the way. I was moving away from my friends from home, but more significantly, I was moving away from my family. My mom, who I count as one of best friends too, would not be a few minutes away anymore. We spent a lot of time with my parents at their house or them at ours. What's more is that I had lunch with my best friend Angie every week. Angie has been my best friend since our sophomore year in high school. Talk about lives that have changed so so much. Angie is someone that has literally been through thick and thin with me and me with her. We were roommates for a time and have watched each other make some really bad choices and ultimately we have both made the best choices. No matter what, Angie will always be my very best friend. With her I laugh more than I do with any other girl friend. I miss you Ang!
Well, after we moved, we plugged into a church and a small group where once again God has been faithful. The girls in this group have become great friends. I long to go deeper with each other them. They are all blessed with such awesome gifts that I am privledged to see in action. The great thing about these girls at this point in my life is that we all want to see each other succeed in life no matter what we are doing.
No matter what stage of life I am in, I am confident in the friendships that I have either old or new. It reminds me of the song that I learned when I was little, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." That's really true.
So, to all my girlfriends: I love you all and value you so much. You make me tick and your lives are important to mine.
In high school there was a group of girls that couldn't be closer as friends and I was privledged to be a part of that group. There were 8 of us and to this day- 10 years later- we are still close even though miles separate us and significant time passes in between times of getting together. We are all married and many of us have children (I top them all with my 3). We've all gone through so many life changes with jobs we either loved or hated, some of us had difficult pregnancies, moving from state to state. No matter what though we have always kept in close touch with each other. I find it quite exceptional and I'm certain that most people never find something so special in their whole life. The one thing that nothing can take away from us and the thing that bonds us tighter than anything else can, is our shared faith in God Almighty. In high school we participated in bible studies together, prayed together and didn't want to hang out with anyone else except each other. Some of my favorite memories are from this time in my life.
After high school I made the decision to leave the state to go to college. As I said before I went pot luck hoping for a good roommate. Again, I say, God is good. My dear friend Kris, whom I had never met before move in day, was not only my roommate, but became one of my best friends. And of course she married someone that I love dearly too, in a healthy Christian kind of love. The two of them together are a powerful force for the Kingdom of God and I am privledged to know them.
Going to college was full of life's lessons for me as it is for most kids going to college out of high school. This was my first realization that friendships change and even end. In my life up to this point, I had never had a significant friendship change all that much. This was so difficult for me to get. I was literally broken in my spirit with this realization. Since then, more friends have come into my life and unfortunately some have gone too. If it were completely up to me, I'd keep every friend I ever made. I love participating in people's lives and my life demands that others be a part of it.
Moving away from my home town was one of the hardest things that I've had to do as an adult. At the time of our moving we had one child and our second on the way. I was moving away from my friends from home, but more significantly, I was moving away from my family. My mom, who I count as one of best friends too, would not be a few minutes away anymore. We spent a lot of time with my parents at their house or them at ours. What's more is that I had lunch with my best friend Angie every week. Angie has been my best friend since our sophomore year in high school. Talk about lives that have changed so so much. Angie is someone that has literally been through thick and thin with me and me with her. We were roommates for a time and have watched each other make some really bad choices and ultimately we have both made the best choices. No matter what, Angie will always be my very best friend. With her I laugh more than I do with any other girl friend. I miss you Ang!
Well, after we moved, we plugged into a church and a small group where once again God has been faithful. The girls in this group have become great friends. I long to go deeper with each other them. They are all blessed with such awesome gifts that I am privledged to see in action. The great thing about these girls at this point in my life is that we all want to see each other succeed in life no matter what we are doing.
No matter what stage of life I am in, I am confident in the friendships that I have either old or new. It reminds me of the song that I learned when I was little, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." That's really true.
So, to all my girlfriends: I love you all and value you so much. You make me tick and your lives are important to mine.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
I love my job!
Work has been extremely frustrating for me for the past few months. As a registered nurse there are many options for me even within one institution, but lately I have felt at times like my options were running out. The basic concept of a registry nurse (which is the position I currently hold) is that I fill in the holes on the schedule after ther full/part time staff has made their schedules. On most days of the year, this works out great. The major benefits of this job are a higher rate of pay and total flexibility. Both things that are really nice. The down fall of this position comes when there is a run of low census, or low patient volume days. In this case, there is less staff needed per shift and the registry staff always gets canceled first. For the majority of the summer until current, there has been a record low census and I have had extremely cut back hours. It has really been a frustration both to my psyche- never knowing if I will work or not, and to our budget.
After some inititive with managment I was able to gain some hours elsewhere in the hospital. I have to say that this is one of the best things that's happened to me. Both my mom and my mother-in-law (both nurses) told me that floating (working in a unit other than my home unit) would be really good for me cause I would learn a lot about the other floor and be more versitile. They were right. My mom related it to being like a utility player for a baseball team. Those players never get released cause they can offer a lot of options to a team. I feel like I'm becoming a utility player for the hospital. So, for as frustrating as it's been, I guess as been equally as good to float to other units more than I've worked on my own for the past few months.
Good news! At my mid-year eval today my manager let me know of a FTE (full time equiv.) position that was opening up and offered it to me knowing that I wanted more assurance of hours to work. I'm really thinking that I might take it. Though I would lose a little in pay and my total flexibility, the extra money would be helpful as well as a much easier time mentally. The challenge will definitely be with the idea of either working every weekend or finding someone to watch the kids a couple days a month so that I can work some during the week.
I am encouraged cause I think I have some options there.
Bottom line: Rush-Copley has been very good to me through this hard time. They are not in control of the census fluctuation and upon my inititive, they have done a lot to try to be accomodating and getting me hours. Hence the title of this blog: I love my job!
After some inititive with managment I was able to gain some hours elsewhere in the hospital. I have to say that this is one of the best things that's happened to me. Both my mom and my mother-in-law (both nurses) told me that floating (working in a unit other than my home unit) would be really good for me cause I would learn a lot about the other floor and be more versitile. They were right. My mom related it to being like a utility player for a baseball team. Those players never get released cause they can offer a lot of options to a team. I feel like I'm becoming a utility player for the hospital. So, for as frustrating as it's been, I guess as been equally as good to float to other units more than I've worked on my own for the past few months.
Good news! At my mid-year eval today my manager let me know of a FTE (full time equiv.) position that was opening up and offered it to me knowing that I wanted more assurance of hours to work. I'm really thinking that I might take it. Though I would lose a little in pay and my total flexibility, the extra money would be helpful as well as a much easier time mentally. The challenge will definitely be with the idea of either working every weekend or finding someone to watch the kids a couple days a month so that I can work some during the week.
I am encouraged cause I think I have some options there.
Bottom line: Rush-Copley has been very good to me through this hard time. They are not in control of the census fluctuation and upon my inititive, they have done a lot to try to be accomodating and getting me hours. Hence the title of this blog: I love my job!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
My Love
This is one of my favorite pictures of Eric and I. We were just dating in this picture. It was taken at a fall retreat with our old church. Just looking at this picture brings the feeling of love striaght to the front of my mind. Eric is a wonderful person. When we got married, I imagined what kind of a husband and a father that he would be and he has far surpassed my hopes and expectations for both. I know that we have the kind of love that not everyone finds in their lives. God has been very good to us. We are getting ready to celebrate 5 years of marriage and I can honestly say that I am more in love with my husband than I was on the day that I married him. I love you Eric!
Sisters
I never had a sister and even though I was always okay with that, I still always thought it would be cool to have one. It is a joy to watch my girls together. They are so cute together. Sure Alissa is still too little to show preference toward her siblings, but I can tell you that both Andrew and Anna can make her smile and laugh better than anyone else. I hope that these two beautiful girls will always know how much they are loved and how truly beautiful they are both inside and out.
The Kids
Here's one of my favorite recent pictures of Andrew and Anna. They are total buddies and I can't think of anything that I love more than that. I hope and pray that all of my kids will always have a close friendship with each other. I know that they are so little still, but it is a joy for me to cultivate their relationships with each other. Andrew loves to be the big brother. We have tried to encourage him to be a teacher to Anna. He has definitely embraced that. He loves to teach her about what different animals say. And you can see the thrill on his face when she actually does what he is trying to show her.
When I had Andrew I guess I just assumed that each child that followed would be the same as him. Of course I was wrong. Anna could not be more different than Andrew. How boring would it be to have kids that were all the same. Anna definitely adds some spice to our lives. She is so great to have around. It's funny cause you think your life is fine before your children arrive and then once they're here you think, "how did I ever live without them?"
Exercise
Alright, have you ever tried to work out to a home workout DVD with a crying infant in the same room? I just did that! Here I am trying to embark on a new weight loss journey after having my third and final child who is 5 months old. I'll admit that I'm no where near having the stamina that I once had to work out, but all I wanted was a good 20 minute work out while the kids were napping. I had to settle for one kid napping, one kid at least quietly in his room and my infant who just woke up from her nap. "Okay" I thought, "at least she'll just sit there and watch me while I work out." Nope! She cried the whole time. I did work out though. I tried to get my work out in while Andrew (3) and Anna (1.5) were up and about, but that ended quickly in a dispute over which of them got to stand up on my aerobic step... which incidentally I needed to use but couldn't because there were two toddlers on it. Getting in shape looks very different with 3 kids under 3 years old than it did with no kids or even one. That includes the nutrition aspect. A concept that I have claimed in hope of success with my weight loss is having a fail proof kitchen. This is a concept that came from Dr. Phil (just so that I'm giving credit where it's due). Basically for me that means cleaning out the kitchen of everything that is a stumbling block for me. I have to say that before kids this wasn't so hard, but now that there are three of them (two of whom eat 3 meals, plus snacks), it's hard to not have any junk in the house. By junk I mean gold fish, ghrahm crackers, juice, etc... Those types of things are things that can be just empty calories for me.
It's all about discipline. At different times in my life I have displayed certain measures of discipline. In some areas of my life I do well, but this is just an area that I can't seem to conquer. Today I made a choice that I hope will turn this all around once and for all. I confided in a girl friend and asked her to hold me accountable for my weight loss. This is the first time I've done something like that. It was really hard, but I trust this friend and I know that she wants to see me succeed.
It's all about discipline. At different times in my life I have displayed certain measures of discipline. In some areas of my life I do well, but this is just an area that I can't seem to conquer. Today I made a choice that I hope will turn this all around once and for all. I confided in a girl friend and asked her to hold me accountable for my weight loss. This is the first time I've done something like that. It was really hard, but I trust this friend and I know that she wants to see me succeed.
Naked
All right, so after multiple accidents with my potty training 3 year old, I discovered that he doesn't care if he pees in his underwear. There is no motivations for him to wear his cool Cars underwear that we call "unders." He still pees in them and then I discover later. Last night I asked him if he had an accident (it was obvious he had) and said, "Yes, two times!" So, upon this discovery of his lack of care to this process, I decided that he needed to just be naked.
This morning when he woke up, I made him be naked as long as we were inside. He did not like this prospect, which made me sure that he just wanted to go in his unders or his pull ups. I think this might actually work. He's bright for 3 years old and he understands the explanation for being naked. So, we try once again!
We played outside this morning with our friend Robert. We are having to play early in the morning so that the kids aren't outside in the dead heat of the day. Even playing in the morning though we still have to have the water out. We fill up the little pool and put the sprinkler on and let the kids just get wet. It's the most fun and Robert's mom and I have some good quality conversation and adult time. But now, we're in and the Anna's watching a fun Blue's Clues about music and Andrew is playing on the computer. I'll go fix lunch now.
My goal for today for myself is to workout while the kids are nappin today.
This morning when he woke up, I made him be naked as long as we were inside. He did not like this prospect, which made me sure that he just wanted to go in his unders or his pull ups. I think this might actually work. He's bright for 3 years old and he understands the explanation for being naked. So, we try once again!
We played outside this morning with our friend Robert. We are having to play early in the morning so that the kids aren't outside in the dead heat of the day. Even playing in the morning though we still have to have the water out. We fill up the little pool and put the sprinkler on and let the kids just get wet. It's the most fun and Robert's mom and I have some good quality conversation and adult time. But now, we're in and the Anna's watching a fun Blue's Clues about music and Andrew is playing on the computer. I'll go fix lunch now.
My goal for today for myself is to workout while the kids are nappin today.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Starting out
This is a such a great option for me. Blogging should be easy for me. Not only do I have so many thoughts in a day, but I'm on the computer enough to at least share some of them. My interaction during the day mostly consists of conversing with a 3 year old, an 18 month old and a 5 month old. Perhaps, this will at least make me feel like I'm interacting with the outside world.
The reality is that I'm such an extrovert that not being at work or outside of the four walls of my house on many days is a real challenge and a real character builder for me. I know that I can take the kids out, and I do many days to run errands and stuff, but it's a lot of work getting the kids loaded in the van, making sure that I have everything that I'll need for our little outing. Little is the key word in the previous sentence. Our outings are rarely more than an hour or two, but it hasn't taken me long to figure out that a lot can happen in that amount of time. And if it can happen, it seems like it does happen.
Right now one of my biggest challenges is potty training my almost 3 year old. Ugh! It seems like I've been working on this forever. Right away we thought he had it down, that was at least a month ago and we are still having accidents every day. I guess in the back of my mind is always the thought that eventually he'll get it. He's not going to go through his life without knowing how to use the potty. Sometimes the big picture perspective really helps.
Another challenge is this: We finally bit the bullet and put the girls together to sleep at night in the same room. Being that they are almost 18 months and 5 months they are both still in their cribs. We just had to pick a time to do it. Alissa was still sleeping in the pack-n-play in our room and we just felt like we had to be done with that. So far so good! Two nights have gone by. Last night was a real challenge though. Andrew woke up crying and came running down the hall, which then woke Anna up. She is not an easy one to get back to sleep so Eric rocked her as she screamed in our bedroom while I tried to get Andrew back to bed. Alissa couldn't sleep through all this of course so she was awake in her bed when Eric layed Anna back down. Since she was awake, Alissa must have thought she needed to eat so Eric got her a bottle and fed her in the middle of the night. Something we are happy to be done with on most nights. So all in all it made for a rough couple hours in the middle of the night.
Did I mention that I have the most awesome, serving husband ever? He does more than I ever would have imagined that he would. What can I say? He really is great. Not just as a husband, but the way he is with our kids is enough to make me melt. They love him so much! Just one example is last night. Eric got invited to a baseball game with his company, but he came home to change his clothes first. As he was walking out the door Andrew followed him saying "Where you going Dad?" After Eric's response Andrew said, "But I want to see you." And you could just see him holding back the tears. Eric picked him up and just loved on him and played a little hi five game that he has with the kids. I guess we'll call it "Hi" cause that's what Anna says when she wants a hi five.
Right at this moment each child is laying down for a nap. Not necessarily sleeping but at least laying down. So this is my chance to veg for a few minutes. I'll go up to my room and put in a Friends DVD and just be mindless for a few glorious moments.
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