: I finally weeded that terribly weedy patch in front of the house.
: Isaac had a cow about having no little flip-flops to wear (as Jadelyn was wearing them. Her.own.shoes. Ai.), and he finally settled on wearing his own tennis shoes. While putting them on, he was sitting on the bottom stair of the porch. He started complaining that something was going inbetween his toes. Initially, I thought he was complaining that there was NOTHING going inbetween his toes (as he had originally wanted flip-flops, you know....). Anyways, I told him to take his shoe off and clean it out. Later I noticed a floss-pick thing on the mat at the bottom of the stairs, but had no idea where it came from. Isaac informed me that THAT was what had been in his shoe. How it got THERE, I still have no idea. =P
: The kids filled the cooler up with water and used it as a pool. Well, at first, they were just using it to put their heads in. They are quite adept at holding their breath, but made me nervous that they might tip in and get stuck. =O Anyways, they managed to get all 3 of them in that cooler, though Jadelyn was screaming much of the time. =P
: More stuff happened, but I must try to get some stuff accomplished before the chillin's wake up from their naporamas. Tomorrow is the big geneticist appointment in Cincinnati, and then Friday is city-wide yard-sales in Stanford. Much to do!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Kid notes...
Today, the kids were playing that Ruby and Isaac were the parents and Jadelyn was the baby. I, as usual lately, was “Grandma”. Anyways, Jadelyn was saying that she wanted “food”, also as usual. =P So, I held out some pretend food. She was coming to get it, but then I decided to save time and “throw” it. Jadelyn “caught” it and “ate” it. I was quickly chastised by Isaac – “GRANDMA! It’s not her eating time!!!” Ooops. Guess he’s a scheduler just like his Mommy. =)
Jadelyn the baby was in a “cage” made out of cushions and such because she bites. But she doesn’t bite her parents. Only other people. They’ll teach her not to bite when she gets older, or something. Yikes. I hope that’s not how they handle their real live children! =O
Jadelyn is continuing to enjoy her imaginative play, as evidenced by her eating of pretend food. =P Also, today, she informed me, “I Dabid”. Yup, for a while, Jadelyn was the Daddy ‘cause Isaac was the baby. =) She also pretends she’s eating things at lunch that she’s not. This is a skill gained through watching Ruby and Isaac. Today, it was “I eat man” followed by an exaggerated crunch on her Chex from her Chex Mix. Later, it was “I eat chicken”. Yup, her imagination works. And she’s crazy.
The kids played Hide ‘n Seek for a good long time this morning. It was pretty adorable. Ruby would help Jadelyn hide, then go get Isaac, and off they would go, with Ruby questioning, “where could Jadelyn be?” When Isaac was hiding (with Ruby’s previous assistance), Ruby would have Jadelyn look in some places that Isaac was not before helping her to the place that Isaac was. One time, Isaac was hunting for Jadelyn. Isaac started going the wrong direction, to which the hidden Jadelyn said, “no!” Isaac asked where she was, and the still hidden Jadelyn responded, “wite here!” It’s kinda handy when they “hide” like that, ‘cause then you can always find ‘em. ;)
The kids wanted to go outside pretty badly, so I let them. Ruby fell at some point (maybe on the stairs?), and Isaac asked her if she wanted him to fall. She said “no”, but he did anyways, which, Ruby said, “cheered me up”. What a thoughtful fella! (I didn’t see all this happen. They came back in and told me about it.) If one of the girls is crying about something, Isaac will often fake cry, and before you know it, the girls cheer up. But not always. =O It’s crazy, really. Anyways, I tell you, that Isaac sure loves his sisters! Except when he doesn’t. Like the individual times he hit both of them today. Yikes. We’re working on that one. =P
On the way to Wal-Mart today, I pointed out the “gorgeous” flowers at the base of a “rock wall” to the kids. Ruby kept saying something like, “you’re my gorgeous one!” and Jadelyn kept saying, “gogeous” or something over and over. Isaac apparently wasn’t impressed enough by my vocabulary. He kept quiet about the whole thing. =)
I love Wal-Mart check out line. I used to be my least favorite part of the trip, 'cause the kids would go CRAZY, but no more. They're helpers. Jadelyn and Isaac helped load up the conveyor-belt-check-out-thingy, and Ruby (and later Isaac, too) unload the bags off the bag-hanger-thing. They are such helpers! Thanks, kiddieokies! =)
At lunch today, Ruby was talking about making our own pretzels ‘cause they’re not as “expensive” or something. Then she got to talking about how salt isn’t very good for us. I told her we needed it, just not a lot. To which she very wisely commented that salt has “nutrients” in it that we need. Then, she was saying that if we made our own pretzels we wouldn’t know how to make the salt stick to them, and we could put less salt on them. Like “one dot, or two dots, or three dots, or four dots…..”. I think she got up to “6 dots”, but I’m not sure. Around here, Isaac piped in that one dot would probably be best. Anybody in the market for pretzels with one dot of salt on ‘em? ‘Cause I guess that’s what these kids are all about.
On a side note, why is it that no matter how hard I try to be careful about the bananas I buy, they end up bruised? And that when David buys them, they're mostly fine? Just wondering.
During prayer time before nap, Ruby said something about, “Please love me all the time. Even when I’m dead. Amen”. I’m not sure where these comments are coming from about her death and dying, but I hope they stop. They’re a bit disturbing. Probably ‘cause I’m all paranoid about her possibly having to have surgery and what happens if something goes wrong…..=O
On that disturbing note, I’m out of things to write about, and I need to get going.
Jadelyn the baby was in a “cage” made out of cushions and such because she bites. But she doesn’t bite her parents. Only other people. They’ll teach her not to bite when she gets older, or something. Yikes. I hope that’s not how they handle their real live children! =O
Jadelyn is continuing to enjoy her imaginative play, as evidenced by her eating of pretend food. =P Also, today, she informed me, “I Dabid”. Yup, for a while, Jadelyn was the Daddy ‘cause Isaac was the baby. =) She also pretends she’s eating things at lunch that she’s not. This is a skill gained through watching Ruby and Isaac. Today, it was “I eat man” followed by an exaggerated crunch on her Chex from her Chex Mix. Later, it was “I eat chicken”. Yup, her imagination works. And she’s crazy.
The kids played Hide ‘n Seek for a good long time this morning. It was pretty adorable. Ruby would help Jadelyn hide, then go get Isaac, and off they would go, with Ruby questioning, “where could Jadelyn be?” When Isaac was hiding (with Ruby’s previous assistance), Ruby would have Jadelyn look in some places that Isaac was not before helping her to the place that Isaac was. One time, Isaac was hunting for Jadelyn. Isaac started going the wrong direction, to which the hidden Jadelyn said, “no!” Isaac asked where she was, and the still hidden Jadelyn responded, “wite here!” It’s kinda handy when they “hide” like that, ‘cause then you can always find ‘em. ;)
The kids wanted to go outside pretty badly, so I let them. Ruby fell at some point (maybe on the stairs?), and Isaac asked her if she wanted him to fall. She said “no”, but he did anyways, which, Ruby said, “cheered me up”. What a thoughtful fella! (I didn’t see all this happen. They came back in and told me about it.) If one of the girls is crying about something, Isaac will often fake cry, and before you know it, the girls cheer up. But not always. =O It’s crazy, really. Anyways, I tell you, that Isaac sure loves his sisters! Except when he doesn’t. Like the individual times he hit both of them today. Yikes. We’re working on that one. =P
On the way to Wal-Mart today, I pointed out the “gorgeous” flowers at the base of a “rock wall” to the kids. Ruby kept saying something like, “you’re my gorgeous one!” and Jadelyn kept saying, “gogeous” or something over and over. Isaac apparently wasn’t impressed enough by my vocabulary. He kept quiet about the whole thing. =)
I love Wal-Mart check out line. I used to be my least favorite part of the trip, 'cause the kids would go CRAZY, but no more. They're helpers. Jadelyn and Isaac helped load up the conveyor-belt-check-out-thingy, and Ruby (and later Isaac, too) unload the bags off the bag-hanger-thing. They are such helpers! Thanks, kiddieokies! =)
At lunch today, Ruby was talking about making our own pretzels ‘cause they’re not as “expensive” or something. Then she got to talking about how salt isn’t very good for us. I told her we needed it, just not a lot. To which she very wisely commented that salt has “nutrients” in it that we need. Then, she was saying that if we made our own pretzels we wouldn’t know how to make the salt stick to them, and we could put less salt on them. Like “one dot, or two dots, or three dots, or four dots…..”. I think she got up to “6 dots”, but I’m not sure. Around here, Isaac piped in that one dot would probably be best. Anybody in the market for pretzels with one dot of salt on ‘em? ‘Cause I guess that’s what these kids are all about.
On a side note, why is it that no matter how hard I try to be careful about the bananas I buy, they end up bruised? And that when David buys them, they're mostly fine? Just wondering.
During prayer time before nap, Ruby said something about, “Please love me all the time. Even when I’m dead. Amen”. I’m not sure where these comments are coming from about her death and dying, but I hope they stop. They’re a bit disturbing. Probably ‘cause I’m all paranoid about her possibly having to have surgery and what happens if something goes wrong…..=O
On that disturbing note, I’m out of things to write about, and I need to get going.
Monday, August 29, 2011
AHHHHHHHH!!!
Got a phone call from Shriner's today. The pediatric geneticist in Kentucky is no longer seeing patients or at least not accepting new patients or something, so they asked if we could go to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I said yes. Not too long after, I got another phone call from Shriner's. We have an appointment with a geneticist up in Cincinnati on Thursday. Yup. A week and a day from the time I was told that we might have to wait a year to see a geneticist. God is GOOD! He so knows that I'm having a hard time waiting. I know, I know...I still need to work on being patient. Seriously, I get knots in my stomach off and on thinking about Ruby's problems. I'm scared, but thankful that maybe we can finally get this problem corrected. Ruby says if she has to have surgery she is gonna run away from the doctor. =) We've been talking about how this might be what we need to do to keep her from hurting real bad when she gets bigger. Today we talked about how if she understands things more, she might not be so scared. I encouraged her to ask the doctors questions, but she doesn't think she'll remember them. Oh, my...how much she is like her Mommy! =O We also talked about how she might have to get her blood drawn at the geneticist on Thursday. Thankfully she's seen me get my blood drawn at least 3 times, so she knows what it's like. And she's not queasy. She just doesn't like pain. I'm thinking that a lot of screaming will be involved if she has to have her blood drawn, but you know...won't be the first...or last...time that she screams, I'm sure. =P
On Sabbath, we played hooky and skipped church. We've been wanting to go hiking, so hiking we went. The kids really did well for how far we hiked (4 miles, maybe?) and when we hiked (smack in the middle of lunchtime/naptime). David and I had to remind ourselves of this a little, 'cause they sure whined a lot. =P But, if we had to walk like 12 miles and climb over numerous things that were up to our knees or waists, I bet we'd complain, too. =O Isaac did some long-distance (for him) running. I was so proud! =) We also hid behind lots of trees, and the kids made friends with a couple dogs we met - we saw Toby a couple times, and the kids just loved him. So different than it would have been if we didn't have Hickory. Back in the day they (at least Isaac) would scream in terror and try to run away. This whole being-friends-with-dogs-thing is a nice change. ;) It was nice to be outside and in the woods. though I think I have some chigger bites as a result. =P
Yesterday, David worked on building the kids their playset/fort/playhouse. It is so cool. I love just looking at it. In fact, I thought I should take the computer out there and enjoy, but yeah...I didn't. =O
Notes from Friday:
Jadelyn came walking towards me while we were outside, saying, "bug hurt me!" Sure enough...I looked at her foot, and it appears she was stung. No crying, though, and after some baking soda paste, she was good as new! =)
Isaac asked me when he has to get married. I told him not for a long time. His response? "That's sad!" 'Cause he wants to grow up, get married, and have babies. Oye.
Note from Sabbath:
After putting the kids to bed, Jadelyn was in her room talking to herself. Or her stuffed animals and baby. Whatever. Anyways, one thing she said caught my attention, “Please stop doing that. Not nice!” Don’t know what those mean stuffed animals were doing….=)
Note from Sunday:
I went in to sweep the kid’s room after they were in bed ‘cause I was behind like that =O, and I said, “why does your room smell so bad?” to which Ruby responded something like, “maybe ‘cause Daddy killed a spider. Or because Daddy stinks”. I don’t know why, but that just made me laugh. If you must know why their room smelled so bad, it was the latter of Ruby’s suggestions. =O Oh, also, David said that when he went in to kill the spider, Isaac was laying so close to the edge of his bed that he slipped right out of bed and onto his face. Much crying resulted. The specific reason? Isaac's finger got hurt. Hmmm.....
I'm sure there are so many more little things I want to remember, but I've already forgotten them. =O
On Sabbath, we played hooky and skipped church. We've been wanting to go hiking, so hiking we went. The kids really did well for how far we hiked (4 miles, maybe?) and when we hiked (smack in the middle of lunchtime/naptime). David and I had to remind ourselves of this a little, 'cause they sure whined a lot. =P But, if we had to walk like 12 miles and climb over numerous things that were up to our knees or waists, I bet we'd complain, too. =O Isaac did some long-distance (for him) running. I was so proud! =) We also hid behind lots of trees, and the kids made friends with a couple dogs we met - we saw Toby a couple times, and the kids just loved him. So different than it would have been if we didn't have Hickory. Back in the day they (at least Isaac) would scream in terror and try to run away. This whole being-friends-with-dogs-thing is a nice change. ;) It was nice to be outside and in the woods. though I think I have some chigger bites as a result. =P
Yesterday, David worked on building the kids their playset/fort/playhouse. It is so cool. I love just looking at it. In fact, I thought I should take the computer out there and enjoy, but yeah...I didn't. =O
Notes from Friday:
Jadelyn came walking towards me while we were outside, saying, "bug hurt me!" Sure enough...I looked at her foot, and it appears she was stung. No crying, though, and after some baking soda paste, she was good as new! =)
Isaac asked me when he has to get married. I told him not for a long time. His response? "That's sad!" 'Cause he wants to grow up, get married, and have babies. Oye.
Note from Sabbath:
After putting the kids to bed, Jadelyn was in her room talking to herself. Or her stuffed animals and baby. Whatever. Anyways, one thing she said caught my attention, “Please stop doing that. Not nice!” Don’t know what those mean stuffed animals were doing….=)
Note from Sunday:
I went in to sweep the kid’s room after they were in bed ‘cause I was behind like that =O, and I said, “why does your room smell so bad?” to which Ruby responded something like, “maybe ‘cause Daddy killed a spider. Or because Daddy stinks”. I don’t know why, but that just made me laugh. If you must know why their room smelled so bad, it was the latter of Ruby’s suggestions. =O Oh, also, David said that when he went in to kill the spider, Isaac was laying so close to the edge of his bed that he slipped right out of bed and onto his face. Much crying resulted. The specific reason? Isaac's finger got hurt. Hmmm.....
I'm sure there are so many more little things I want to remember, but I've already forgotten them. =O
Friday, August 26, 2011
SOOOO Much to Cover! =O
On Tuesday morning, I was just incredibly super productive. Let's see if I can remember everything that was accomplished. Hmmm...a big 'ole bunch of dishes done, 4 rooms dusted for Sabbath, garden harvested, two-days-worth of weeding done, and the Wal-Mart shopping trip done. Huh...that doesn't sound like much. I MUST be forgetting something! =P Anyways, I felt good about it that day. =) That night, David and I headed out for a date. Those don't happen real often, so we're super thankful for them when they come. The date started out rough because David didn't much care to hear about my super productive morning, though I told it to him in bullet-form instead of a detailed, written-out form. In fact, his response to my list of things accomplished during my super productive morning? "I termed an 8-year employee today". (It might have been a 6-year employee. Rats. I'm not a good listener, either. =O) Anyways, that hurt my feelings, and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get over it in time to enjoy our date, but thankfully, I was able to let it go. We went golfing. I haven't been golfing since before I was a mother. It was over 5 years ago. I'm still no good. =) But I can drive a mean golf-cart! =) Our scores for what was a 36-par course (or 37 for me, since I'm a gal, and all) were as follows. David: 68. Me: 86. Sure felt like I swung more than that! =O Good news - I did beat David on 2 of the holes. Ahhhh.....=) Anyways, we then went out to eat at the Mexican restaurant, where the food was WICKED good, and we both ate too much. We also ate too close to bedtime. I had heartburn when I woke up in the middle of the night. =O
Oh! When I went out to work in the garden on Tuesday morning, Ruby told me to "give us a holler" or "holler at us" or something when I was ready to go to Wal-Mart. That girl just keeps on growing up. They came running back from the chickens when I called them! Yes, they love Wal-Mart. =/ And their chickens. =)
On Wednesday, we headed over to Shriner's for Ruby and Isaac's appointments with the orthopedic surgeon, aka Ruby's "hip doctor". We started out with x-rays for Ruby, then they both saw the resident (I assume that's who he was) and then the doctor, and then I saw a social worker, checked-out and scheduled our next appointments, and just as we were going out the door, our care coordinator found us and we were sent back for another x-ray. It was about a 3 hour ordeal at the doctors, but we had David with us this time, and things went MUCH smoother. It also probably helped that the kids have matured 6 months, and that we didn't go right at naptime. =O
Rundown of the doctor's visits? I think they both lost weight. =O Good grief. Ruby is like 25 pounds, I think, and Isaac was 27 or 28? Good grief! They'll be rear-facing in their carseats until they're 10! =O Anyways, good news for Isaac: he doesn't have to wear his braces anymore! Wee-haw!!! =) Anyone need a shoe-horn or 7? We don't need 'em anymore! YAY!!! =) His feet still look TERRIBLE when he stands/walks, but his muscles are doing a good job at holding him upright, and he isn't falling much anymore. He really hasn't been wearing his braces much at ALL this summer, 'cause they go barefoot so much. It's just easier. =O Anyways, he still has a follow-up appointment in 6 months, and I hope that's the last one.
Not so good news for Ruby. Her hips are still "subluxed" or whatever, and they are in fact out further than they were 6 months ago. (There had been no change in the previous 6 months.) So things are getting worse. =( The doctor wants to make sure that there is no genetic condition underlying things, so she referred us to a geneticist. (She seems to think that Ruby's face is shaped funny or something, and that she's just so "petite". David told her that her skinny face was the "Verbrigghe" part, and that her skinny legs were the "Dickerson" part, but you know...=P) That's why I had to see the social worker. To give her the info she needed for this referral. Bad news there...there is only one pediatric geneticist in the state of Kentucky, and the waiting list can be as long as a year. I mentioned this later to the care coordinator and the Dr., and got the feeling that they'll manage to get us in a lot sooner than that. I haven't heard anything yet, though, so we'll see. Anyways, the Dr. wanted to consult with her colleague, who specializes in hips, and that is why we got called back to do another x-ray - different position. So, things aren't looking real good for Ruby getting off the hook as far as surgery goes. I kinda got the impression from the Dr. that she'll have to have surgery...I just don't know when. Which is a problem for me. I just want to get it over with, if she has to have it. We've been working on this for over a year, and the older she gets, the worse it is for her, as far as I understand. So, if she needs it done, let's get it done and over with! Plus, I'm just a worrier, so yeah...I guess I need to learn to lean on God and be patient. Grrr..... So, Ruby's scheduled for a 4-month follow-up. =P
After we were done at the hospital, off we went to picnic at a park. When I got Jadelyn out of the van, I instructed her to start heading up to the picnic tables. She instead waited in the (not busy) parking lot. Isaac got out of the van, tried to hold her hand and lead her to the grass, and quite sweetly told her, "you can't have a baby if you don't obey me." I asked him about this, and it was as I thought...that if she got squished by a vehicle while standing in the parking lot, she would never be able to grow up and have babies. For you see, that is Isaac's big quest in life. To grow up and have lots of babies. That he will keep in a cage, but he will bring one out to play with me when I want to play with them. Disturbing, I know, but he's only 4, so I try to give him the benefit of the doubt. He loves babies, so I don't think he'll really cage his up. =) Oh, and he wants to have as many at a time as he can. He's leaning towards having 8 at a time, since that's as many as I know about being born at a time. Ai yai yai. Anyways, at some point around this time, Isaac informed David that he was "exhausted" or had been in the past. I didn't catch that part. =O So...after eating, the kids got to play at the playground a little bit. Ruby was about to go down a slide that had a bit of a tunnel over it. I was at the bottom and asked something like, "hey, where did you come from?" Ruby then said something about a belly. I told her the slide was too steep to go down on her belly. To which she replied that no, she came from my belly! Oh, right. Ooops for that misunderstanding. =)
Jadelyn is still all about eating. Right after we were done eating on Wednesday (I think), she turned to me and asked, "eat time?" Uh, nope! =) Also, you know how some kids will go, "Mom, mom, mama, mommy, mama" and when you finally say, "yes?" or "what?" they say "I love you!"? Not my Jadelyn. She says her "Mama, mama, Mommy, mommy...." and then, "I want food". Crazy kid.
At some point, Ruby was telling me, "I know my colors" before proceeding to list them, "clear, gray, silver....". Cracked me up how she started with those strange ones instead of the usual, "pink, red, purple, green"...you know. ;)
At Shriner's, Ruby was given a coloring book and crayons by the volunteer at the desk in the middle of the waiting room. Well, really, the lady gave Isaac a stuffed dog and Jadelyn a stuffed cat, and Ruby was driving a "car" at the time, and the lady probably didn't see her. So, Ruby took David with her and went and asked if she could have a toy, and then she got to pick! She LOVES this coloring book. She colored pretty much all the time that she was allowed to while at the hospital. She colored at home. She colored outside at home. She has said several times that she really wishes that Jadelyn and Isaac had a coloring book, 'cause it's so fun. But she can't bring herself to share her book with them. Though she has shared her crayons. And she shared the stickers she got when she got her x-rays. The last one she went in for, David said the lady asked her if she wanted a sticker, so Ruby marched over, pulled three down and ripped them off. Then, when she was back in the waiting room, she immediately gave one to Jadelyn and one to Isaac. I love when she looks out for them like that! But I digress...back to her coloring book. After the first few pages, she started coloring everything on the page in the same color. Without trying to stay in the lines. She told me, "I like to color messy. So before I die I can look at this book and have joy with Jesus." Not sure what that's all about, but I'm glad she wants joy with Jesus! =)
On Wednesday night, I told Isaac that I had good news - his favorite jammies were washed, so he could wear them. At which point Isaac started doing his silly giggling. Then he said, "I'm glad the squash died!" That kid is SO random!!! Then Ruby piped up, "that's sad, 'cause they're super good for you." Go, nutritionist Ruby! =)
We had a really good worship on Wednesday night. Good, 'cause the kids were listening, and asking pertinent questions, and bringing things out that I hadn't told in the story - beyond the story. The story is about baby Moses, and I think at some point they were talking about Satan and how he got angels to follow him instead of Jesus, and stuff. I was just encouraged, because lately, our worships have been horrible. Like grit-your-teeth-and-try-to-hold-it-together-until-bedtime-and-then-breathe-a-sigh-of-relief-when-they're-down. =O So, it was nice to see that things they have learned have stuck with them long-term. Like the pick-up time when Isaac was singing, his old memory verse, "work together as a team". I like to know that they're remembering some stuff!
Thursday, the kids were having a really nice morning, when Ruby hauled off and kicked Isaac in the head, no less, at least I think...=O, 2 separate times. After the second offense, I told her that she needed to go out and fill up an ice-cream bucket with peaches that have fallen on the ground. Isaac and Jadelyn decided they wanted to go, too. So much for punishment, 'eh? =O Anyways, a lovely time followed. I watched them out the window as I worked in the kitchen, as they played and watched bugs/butterflies/whatever they watching...oh, and picked up peaches. ;) I think Jadelyn might've done most the work. =O Anyhow, when they were done, they reported back and I told 'em that when I was done in the kitchen, I would feed the peaches to the chickens. They asked if they could do it instead, so off they went for another adventure...stuffing peaches under the fence, throwing them over the fence, and even stuffing peach pits into the window of the chicken shed. Watching them, I was so thankful. Thankful that they have each other. Thankful that we live in a place where they can play outside and watch the bugs and pick things up and learn and observe, and yeah...I was just thankful. =)
Yesterday afternoon, Ruby and Isaac learned to climb the peach tree. They had such "fun!" They pretended they were Zacchaeus, and such. I didn't spell that right, did I? =O Anyways, they were thrilled. At some point, Ruby was jumping off the front porch and Isaac wanted to so bad. They were standing next to each other, prepping to jump, and then Ruby did, and Isaac stayed there. He tried and tried to work up his courage, telling Ruby that he was "scared" and "nervous", and asking her how she landed. So she jumped again to show him. He never did jump, but it sure was sweet watching them interact. Days like that I just love - watching the kids become best friends. Sigh. =)
Then last night, we went walking down in the creek bed. David caught a toad, which Ruby then carried for some time. Very gently, and in a way so "he can't pee on me". Smart gal. ;) Then, we saw the biggest fish we'd ever seen in our creek. It was 4 or 5 inches long, maybe, and dead. =O Anyways, Ruby was flipping it over and watching it flip back. Gross, I know. Anyways, then she grabbed the floppy things. Gross. That girl will pick anything up! Then she gave it a throw to get it out of the way, and it crashed into the rocks. =O So, she picked it up and tried again...and got it to it's intended destination, that time. While we were down there, Hickory was chasing frogs out of their hiding places like crazy. They would jump down the hill and into one of the last remaining puddles in the creek. Fun to watch. Though I wonder what in the world all those frogs were doing all hanging out in the same patch of weeds.
Today, Isaac was walking through the house holding a moth by it's wing on his way to put it outside. I was shocked. He normally traps them with containers, but never holds 'em. So, I asked where he learned that from, and he informed me that Ruby taught him. I was so proud of him! =)
After a particularly bad fight/screaming match today, both Ruby and Isaac were granted the distinct privilege of having spankings. Ruby kept whimpering quietly for a long time after, and finally I went and inquired why she was still crying. She told me that when she was getting her spanking, her shorts went up some, and her bare leg got spanked, and (said while still crying,) "my skin is very delicate!" Oh, that girl. She can crack me up even when crying. Is that wrong? =O
Okay, I think that's it for now. Now that it's taken me a whole HUGE chunk of the kid's nap time to write this. MUST GET THINGS ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!!
Oh! When I went out to work in the garden on Tuesday morning, Ruby told me to "give us a holler" or "holler at us" or something when I was ready to go to Wal-Mart. That girl just keeps on growing up. They came running back from the chickens when I called them! Yes, they love Wal-Mart. =/ And their chickens. =)
On Wednesday, we headed over to Shriner's for Ruby and Isaac's appointments with the orthopedic surgeon, aka Ruby's "hip doctor". We started out with x-rays for Ruby, then they both saw the resident (I assume that's who he was) and then the doctor, and then I saw a social worker, checked-out and scheduled our next appointments, and just as we were going out the door, our care coordinator found us and we were sent back for another x-ray. It was about a 3 hour ordeal at the doctors, but we had David with us this time, and things went MUCH smoother. It also probably helped that the kids have matured 6 months, and that we didn't go right at naptime. =O
Rundown of the doctor's visits? I think they both lost weight. =O Good grief. Ruby is like 25 pounds, I think, and Isaac was 27 or 28? Good grief! They'll be rear-facing in their carseats until they're 10! =O Anyways, good news for Isaac: he doesn't have to wear his braces anymore! Wee-haw!!! =) Anyone need a shoe-horn or 7? We don't need 'em anymore! YAY!!! =) His feet still look TERRIBLE when he stands/walks, but his muscles are doing a good job at holding him upright, and he isn't falling much anymore. He really hasn't been wearing his braces much at ALL this summer, 'cause they go barefoot so much. It's just easier. =O Anyways, he still has a follow-up appointment in 6 months, and I hope that's the last one.
Not so good news for Ruby. Her hips are still "subluxed" or whatever, and they are in fact out further than they were 6 months ago. (There had been no change in the previous 6 months.) So things are getting worse. =( The doctor wants to make sure that there is no genetic condition underlying things, so she referred us to a geneticist. (She seems to think that Ruby's face is shaped funny or something, and that she's just so "petite". David told her that her skinny face was the "Verbrigghe" part, and that her skinny legs were the "Dickerson" part, but you know...=P) That's why I had to see the social worker. To give her the info she needed for this referral. Bad news there...there is only one pediatric geneticist in the state of Kentucky, and the waiting list can be as long as a year. I mentioned this later to the care coordinator and the Dr., and got the feeling that they'll manage to get us in a lot sooner than that. I haven't heard anything yet, though, so we'll see. Anyways, the Dr. wanted to consult with her colleague, who specializes in hips, and that is why we got called back to do another x-ray - different position. So, things aren't looking real good for Ruby getting off the hook as far as surgery goes. I kinda got the impression from the Dr. that she'll have to have surgery...I just don't know when. Which is a problem for me. I just want to get it over with, if she has to have it. We've been working on this for over a year, and the older she gets, the worse it is for her, as far as I understand. So, if she needs it done, let's get it done and over with! Plus, I'm just a worrier, so yeah...I guess I need to learn to lean on God and be patient. Grrr..... So, Ruby's scheduled for a 4-month follow-up. =P
After we were done at the hospital, off we went to picnic at a park. When I got Jadelyn out of the van, I instructed her to start heading up to the picnic tables. She instead waited in the (not busy) parking lot. Isaac got out of the van, tried to hold her hand and lead her to the grass, and quite sweetly told her, "you can't have a baby if you don't obey me." I asked him about this, and it was as I thought...that if she got squished by a vehicle while standing in the parking lot, she would never be able to grow up and have babies. For you see, that is Isaac's big quest in life. To grow up and have lots of babies. That he will keep in a cage, but he will bring one out to play with me when I want to play with them. Disturbing, I know, but he's only 4, so I try to give him the benefit of the doubt. He loves babies, so I don't think he'll really cage his up. =) Oh, and he wants to have as many at a time as he can. He's leaning towards having 8 at a time, since that's as many as I know about being born at a time. Ai yai yai. Anyways, at some point around this time, Isaac informed David that he was "exhausted" or had been in the past. I didn't catch that part. =O So...after eating, the kids got to play at the playground a little bit. Ruby was about to go down a slide that had a bit of a tunnel over it. I was at the bottom and asked something like, "hey, where did you come from?" Ruby then said something about a belly. I told her the slide was too steep to go down on her belly. To which she replied that no, she came from my belly! Oh, right. Ooops for that misunderstanding. =)
Jadelyn is still all about eating. Right after we were done eating on Wednesday (I think), she turned to me and asked, "eat time?" Uh, nope! =) Also, you know how some kids will go, "Mom, mom, mama, mommy, mama" and when you finally say, "yes?" or "what?" they say "I love you!"? Not my Jadelyn. She says her "Mama, mama, Mommy, mommy...." and then, "I want food". Crazy kid.
At some point, Ruby was telling me, "I know my colors" before proceeding to list them, "clear, gray, silver....". Cracked me up how she started with those strange ones instead of the usual, "pink, red, purple, green"...you know. ;)
At Shriner's, Ruby was given a coloring book and crayons by the volunteer at the desk in the middle of the waiting room. Well, really, the lady gave Isaac a stuffed dog and Jadelyn a stuffed cat, and Ruby was driving a "car" at the time, and the lady probably didn't see her. So, Ruby took David with her and went and asked if she could have a toy, and then she got to pick! She LOVES this coloring book. She colored pretty much all the time that she was allowed to while at the hospital. She colored at home. She colored outside at home. She has said several times that she really wishes that Jadelyn and Isaac had a coloring book, 'cause it's so fun. But she can't bring herself to share her book with them. Though she has shared her crayons. And she shared the stickers she got when she got her x-rays. The last one she went in for, David said the lady asked her if she wanted a sticker, so Ruby marched over, pulled three down and ripped them off. Then, when she was back in the waiting room, she immediately gave one to Jadelyn and one to Isaac. I love when she looks out for them like that! But I digress...back to her coloring book. After the first few pages, she started coloring everything on the page in the same color. Without trying to stay in the lines. She told me, "I like to color messy. So before I die I can look at this book and have joy with Jesus." Not sure what that's all about, but I'm glad she wants joy with Jesus! =)
On Wednesday night, I told Isaac that I had good news - his favorite jammies were washed, so he could wear them. At which point Isaac started doing his silly giggling. Then he said, "I'm glad the squash died!" That kid is SO random!!! Then Ruby piped up, "that's sad, 'cause they're super good for you." Go, nutritionist Ruby! =)
We had a really good worship on Wednesday night. Good, 'cause the kids were listening, and asking pertinent questions, and bringing things out that I hadn't told in the story - beyond the story. The story is about baby Moses, and I think at some point they were talking about Satan and how he got angels to follow him instead of Jesus, and stuff. I was just encouraged, because lately, our worships have been horrible. Like grit-your-teeth-and-try-to-hold-it-together-until-bedtime-and-then-breathe-a-sigh-of-relief-when-they're-down. =O So, it was nice to see that things they have learned have stuck with them long-term. Like the pick-up time when Isaac was singing, his old memory verse, "work together as a team". I like to know that they're remembering some stuff!
Thursday, the kids were having a really nice morning, when Ruby hauled off and kicked Isaac in the head, no less, at least I think...=O, 2 separate times. After the second offense, I told her that she needed to go out and fill up an ice-cream bucket with peaches that have fallen on the ground. Isaac and Jadelyn decided they wanted to go, too. So much for punishment, 'eh? =O Anyways, a lovely time followed. I watched them out the window as I worked in the kitchen, as they played and watched bugs/butterflies/whatever they watching...oh, and picked up peaches. ;) I think Jadelyn might've done most the work. =O Anyhow, when they were done, they reported back and I told 'em that when I was done in the kitchen, I would feed the peaches to the chickens. They asked if they could do it instead, so off they went for another adventure...stuffing peaches under the fence, throwing them over the fence, and even stuffing peach pits into the window of the chicken shed. Watching them, I was so thankful. Thankful that they have each other. Thankful that we live in a place where they can play outside and watch the bugs and pick things up and learn and observe, and yeah...I was just thankful. =)
Yesterday afternoon, Ruby and Isaac learned to climb the peach tree. They had such "fun!" They pretended they were Zacchaeus, and such. I didn't spell that right, did I? =O Anyways, they were thrilled. At some point, Ruby was jumping off the front porch and Isaac wanted to so bad. They were standing next to each other, prepping to jump, and then Ruby did, and Isaac stayed there. He tried and tried to work up his courage, telling Ruby that he was "scared" and "nervous", and asking her how she landed. So she jumped again to show him. He never did jump, but it sure was sweet watching them interact. Days like that I just love - watching the kids become best friends. Sigh. =)
Then last night, we went walking down in the creek bed. David caught a toad, which Ruby then carried for some time. Very gently, and in a way so "he can't pee on me". Smart gal. ;) Then, we saw the biggest fish we'd ever seen in our creek. It was 4 or 5 inches long, maybe, and dead. =O Anyways, Ruby was flipping it over and watching it flip back. Gross, I know. Anyways, then she grabbed the floppy things. Gross. That girl will pick anything up! Then she gave it a throw to get it out of the way, and it crashed into the rocks. =O So, she picked it up and tried again...and got it to it's intended destination, that time. While we were down there, Hickory was chasing frogs out of their hiding places like crazy. They would jump down the hill and into one of the last remaining puddles in the creek. Fun to watch. Though I wonder what in the world all those frogs were doing all hanging out in the same patch of weeds.
Today, Isaac was walking through the house holding a moth by it's wing on his way to put it outside. I was shocked. He normally traps them with containers, but never holds 'em. So, I asked where he learned that from, and he informed me that Ruby taught him. I was so proud of him! =)
After a particularly bad fight/screaming match today, both Ruby and Isaac were granted the distinct privilege of having spankings. Ruby kept whimpering quietly for a long time after, and finally I went and inquired why she was still crying. She told me that when she was getting her spanking, her shorts went up some, and her bare leg got spanked, and (said while still crying,) "my skin is very delicate!" Oh, that girl. She can crack me up even when crying. Is that wrong? =O
Okay, I think that's it for now. Now that it's taken me a whole HUGE chunk of the kid's nap time to write this. MUST GET THINGS ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Conversations and such...
I rather enjoy listening to conversations that my kids have with each other...so long as there isn't rising voices or screaming to go along with them. =O
When down at the creek bed yesterday catching fish, Ruby told Isaac that he needed to be patient. Isaac was really getting worked up by this point, and told her he was "losing it!" Ha! True, true. =P David says that they sound like an old married couple with all their arguing and stuff. =P
This morning at breakfast, Isaac, who sits completely across the table from Jadelyn (the long way, even), said that Jadelyn was poopy. That boy has a sensitive nose and can smell poop from a mile away! Anyways, he was talking to Jadelyn about this, and she asked, "Isaac poopy?" To which Isaac said, "no, I go on the potty". At some point, Jadelyn asked, "Lynnie poopy?" followed later by, "nasty!" Isaac told Jadelyn that Ruby goes poopy in the potty, to which Jadelyn responded, "ikes!" Crazy kids.
This morning, Isaac and Ruby both found moths, which became their pets. Ruby pronounced today, "moth day" and carried her poor moth around by a wing, and Isaac put his in a container. He's not all about touching bugs and such. Anyways, the moths amused them for over half an hour, and eventually they were let go. Much to their relief, I'm sure. =O That activity was followed by worship in Ruby and Isaac's room - listening to a story CD and some random singing. They all had special places to sit and had a lovely time. That was followed by making "thank you" cards for Noah, from church, who had given each kid a stuffed frog that used to belong to his Grandma. Then, they played that they were sleeping. Though Jadelyn was NOT a cooperative baby, and wouldn't go to sleep or lay still and quiet. Eventually her "Mommy" and "Daddy" took away her blanket and frog, which led to much tears. =P Jadelyn really gets into the pretend play thing...as long as she can still do what she wants! I was folding laundry in my room, when Jadelyn appeared. "Grandma! I want food, Grandma!" I gave her some pretend food, which she happily "ate" before asking for "more!" That whole, "I want food" thing is becoming quite the regular thing. It popped out several times at church on Sabbath, too. That Lynnie sure likes her food! Unless, of course, she doesn't. =P
When we finally got outside, Ruby and Isaac were rolling around like crazy bandits in the grass. (Isaac is ITCHY from this, and so "story time" for the day was replaced with "lotion time". Oh, and cut-your-fingernail-and-toenail-time. =O) Then, Ruby and Isaac spent half an hour or more at the chicken fence - feeding the chickens grass. Jadelyn, for her part, spent some time with Ruby and Isaac, time pushing the stroller around (and getting mad when it got stuck), and helping me pick green beans. Ah. As much work as summertime is, I'll miss it when it's gone!
Now, I'm supposed to be making salsa. Oh, motivation, where AAAAARRRREEE YOOOOUUUUU?!?!?!?!?
When down at the creek bed yesterday catching fish, Ruby told Isaac that he needed to be patient. Isaac was really getting worked up by this point, and told her he was "losing it!" Ha! True, true. =P David says that they sound like an old married couple with all their arguing and stuff. =P
This morning at breakfast, Isaac, who sits completely across the table from Jadelyn (the long way, even), said that Jadelyn was poopy. That boy has a sensitive nose and can smell poop from a mile away! Anyways, he was talking to Jadelyn about this, and she asked, "Isaac poopy?" To which Isaac said, "no, I go on the potty". At some point, Jadelyn asked, "Lynnie poopy?" followed later by, "nasty!" Isaac told Jadelyn that Ruby goes poopy in the potty, to which Jadelyn responded, "ikes!" Crazy kids.
This morning, Isaac and Ruby both found moths, which became their pets. Ruby pronounced today, "moth day" and carried her poor moth around by a wing, and Isaac put his in a container. He's not all about touching bugs and such. Anyways, the moths amused them for over half an hour, and eventually they were let go. Much to their relief, I'm sure. =O That activity was followed by worship in Ruby and Isaac's room - listening to a story CD and some random singing. They all had special places to sit and had a lovely time. That was followed by making "thank you" cards for Noah, from church, who had given each kid a stuffed frog that used to belong to his Grandma. Then, they played that they were sleeping. Though Jadelyn was NOT a cooperative baby, and wouldn't go to sleep or lay still and quiet. Eventually her "Mommy" and "Daddy" took away her blanket and frog, which led to much tears. =P Jadelyn really gets into the pretend play thing...as long as she can still do what she wants! I was folding laundry in my room, when Jadelyn appeared. "Grandma! I want food, Grandma!" I gave her some pretend food, which she happily "ate" before asking for "more!" That whole, "I want food" thing is becoming quite the regular thing. It popped out several times at church on Sabbath, too. That Lynnie sure likes her food! Unless, of course, she doesn't. =P
When we finally got outside, Ruby and Isaac were rolling around like crazy bandits in the grass. (Isaac is ITCHY from this, and so "story time" for the day was replaced with "lotion time". Oh, and cut-your-fingernail-and-toenail-time. =O) Then, Ruby and Isaac spent half an hour or more at the chicken fence - feeding the chickens grass. Jadelyn, for her part, spent some time with Ruby and Isaac, time pushing the stroller around (and getting mad when it got stuck), and helping me pick green beans. Ah. As much work as summertime is, I'll miss it when it's gone!
Now, I'm supposed to be making salsa. Oh, motivation, where AAAAARRRREEE YOOOOUUUUU?!?!?!?!?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Who'da thunk?
That eating a vegan jalapeno popper would be dangerous? Well, I learned Friday night that indeed, it is. For, as I was eating my last of 3 delicious poppers, the vegan cashew cheese (don't ask me why I bothered making them vegan since I drench it in Ranch to save my taste buds from being burned completely off) squirted out of the popper, and somehow some jalapeno juice ended up in my eye. It didn't start burning right away, but after a few minutes, it sure did! David said I should rinse it out. I'm not brave enough. So I asked if he could help me. When he tried to dump water on my eye, I jumped about a mile, and pronounced myself cured...though no water had touched my eye. Yes, I'm a chicken. And yes, soon my eye felt fine. =P
Our neighbor, Ms. Tina, had her gallbladder removed last week. So we've got to visit a few times, since she's home and not at work. The kids love going over there. They made her (and Mr. Tom, since he had surgery soon after we moved here) some cards. I was hesitant to give the cards to them, since it said on several of them, "I hope you pray to Jesus" or "I hope you pray to Jesus for real". I was afraid that it would be offensive to the neighbors, and that it would sound like we talked at home about how we didn't know if Tom and Tina prayed or not. Which we HAVEN'T. Anyways, David said he would give a disclaimer before giving the cards. So he said that the kids thought they were preachers, or something. Tom and Tina read the cards, and Tina started crying, she liked them so much. They sure love our kids a lot, and our kids sure love them. What great neighbors we have!
Must admit, I spent time sniffing all 3 of my children's hair today. Trying to seal the memory of their smell into my brain for times that I need the memory. I don't think it will work, but I enjoyed the cuddles while they lasted. =)
Last night, since it was still Sabbath and all, and I didn't have to work, =D, I enjoyed some special one-on-one cuddle times as David gave baths. It was lovely. Though near the end of Jadelyn's super long cuddle, she was wearing me out. She wanted me to sing the froggie song. And again. At some point, I talked her into singing the whale song instead. And then sang it again. And again. and again. And again. And I don't know how many times I sang it, but it was a LOT! Then, she'd want me to sing a song, and I would just start, and she'd want me to sing another song, or a different verse of the song I was singing. AHHH!!! Finally, we had worship and got them kiddos in bed!
Yesterday afternoon, we went for a hike down our mostly dry creek bed and then onto the road for a bit. We took a LONG break by the neighbor's horses, and just sat on the side of the road and watched them. I love long attention spans! All three kids (and Hickory) were happy as larks, watching the horses. And the birds. I love those times! =) Today, Isaac wanted to go back to the creek and rescue some fish that barely had any water left in their puddle. But when we finally got back there, there was no puddle and no fish. =O So, David got some fish from a bigger puddle. I don't know what the long-term plan for those fishies is. OH!!! Great story! Yesterday, when we were by the little puddle with the little fish, Ruby learned to catch the biggest of the minnows. Over and over. David was worried she was gonna kill it right on the spot, with her taking it out of the water so much and all. AND she wasn't so gentle putting it back in, either. Yikes! (Or as Lynnie says, "ikes!" =D) Anyways, I think it was Ruby who announced that Jadelyn had caught a fish. We looked over in shock, and there she was, petting the tiniest little minnow. We were amazed. Until she put it back in the puddle and it floated belly-up. David and I both said, "oh!" THAT explains why she could catch it! Later, I looked over, and she had TWO fish. Again, I was amazed. Until she put them back in the water and they BOTH floated belly up. Apparently Jadelyn is real good at finding dead fish. =O
This morning, we went swimming at the lake. Ruby and Isaac had a blast kicking the "boat" float-board-thingy. It brought out their inner-crazy-in-the-water-selves. They had a ball. I was having a ball swimming and just being in the water until I spotted a snake just a few feet away from David. I yelled, and we both high-tailed it outta there! Ruby wanted to know why I was faster than David, and he initially said it was because he was being a hero, or something...you know, some tall tale. I told him he needed to tell the truth. So he said, well, "I guess Mommy's just faster". =)
Tonight, we had a picnic out on the boat. The kids LOVE Daddy's "fast" motor, and beg him to get it going. The first time he started it up tonight, all three kids were sitting up with me giggling and screaming and having a ball. You'd think we were the fastest boat on the lake! =)
Well, that probably wraps it up for my rambling jumping back and forth post. I'm glad I remembered some stuff! I knew I had a lot to write about, but couldn't remember much 'til I started writing. Good thing I'm writing this stuff down, or I'd NEVER be able to tell the kids much about their childhood. =O
Our neighbor, Ms. Tina, had her gallbladder removed last week. So we've got to visit a few times, since she's home and not at work. The kids love going over there. They made her (and Mr. Tom, since he had surgery soon after we moved here) some cards. I was hesitant to give the cards to them, since it said on several of them, "I hope you pray to Jesus" or "I hope you pray to Jesus for real". I was afraid that it would be offensive to the neighbors, and that it would sound like we talked at home about how we didn't know if Tom and Tina prayed or not. Which we HAVEN'T. Anyways, David said he would give a disclaimer before giving the cards. So he said that the kids thought they were preachers, or something. Tom and Tina read the cards, and Tina started crying, she liked them so much. They sure love our kids a lot, and our kids sure love them. What great neighbors we have!
Must admit, I spent time sniffing all 3 of my children's hair today. Trying to seal the memory of their smell into my brain for times that I need the memory. I don't think it will work, but I enjoyed the cuddles while they lasted. =)
Last night, since it was still Sabbath and all, and I didn't have to work, =D, I enjoyed some special one-on-one cuddle times as David gave baths. It was lovely. Though near the end of Jadelyn's super long cuddle, she was wearing me out. She wanted me to sing the froggie song. And again. At some point, I talked her into singing the whale song instead. And then sang it again. And again. and again. And again. And I don't know how many times I sang it, but it was a LOT! Then, she'd want me to sing a song, and I would just start, and she'd want me to sing another song, or a different verse of the song I was singing. AHHH!!! Finally, we had worship and got them kiddos in bed!
Yesterday afternoon, we went for a hike down our mostly dry creek bed and then onto the road for a bit. We took a LONG break by the neighbor's horses, and just sat on the side of the road and watched them. I love long attention spans! All three kids (and Hickory) were happy as larks, watching the horses. And the birds. I love those times! =) Today, Isaac wanted to go back to the creek and rescue some fish that barely had any water left in their puddle. But when we finally got back there, there was no puddle and no fish. =O So, David got some fish from a bigger puddle. I don't know what the long-term plan for those fishies is. OH!!! Great story! Yesterday, when we were by the little puddle with the little fish, Ruby learned to catch the biggest of the minnows. Over and over. David was worried she was gonna kill it right on the spot, with her taking it out of the water so much and all. AND she wasn't so gentle putting it back in, either. Yikes! (Or as Lynnie says, "ikes!" =D) Anyways, I think it was Ruby who announced that Jadelyn had caught a fish. We looked over in shock, and there she was, petting the tiniest little minnow. We were amazed. Until she put it back in the puddle and it floated belly-up. David and I both said, "oh!" THAT explains why she could catch it! Later, I looked over, and she had TWO fish. Again, I was amazed. Until she put them back in the water and they BOTH floated belly up. Apparently Jadelyn is real good at finding dead fish. =O
This morning, we went swimming at the lake. Ruby and Isaac had a blast kicking the "boat" float-board-thingy. It brought out their inner-crazy-in-the-water-selves. They had a ball. I was having a ball swimming and just being in the water until I spotted a snake just a few feet away from David. I yelled, and we both high-tailed it outta there! Ruby wanted to know why I was faster than David, and he initially said it was because he was being a hero, or something...you know, some tall tale. I told him he needed to tell the truth. So he said, well, "I guess Mommy's just faster". =)
Tonight, we had a picnic out on the boat. The kids LOVE Daddy's "fast" motor, and beg him to get it going. The first time he started it up tonight, all three kids were sitting up with me giggling and screaming and having a ball. You'd think we were the fastest boat on the lake! =)
Well, that probably wraps it up for my rambling jumping back and forth post. I'm glad I remembered some stuff! I knew I had a lot to write about, but couldn't remember much 'til I started writing. Good thing I'm writing this stuff down, or I'd NEVER be able to tell the kids much about their childhood. =O
Friday, August 19, 2011
"Baby in dere!"
Today, I was holding Jadelyn, and as she gazed into my eyes (or stared might be the correct term), she noticed something. Then, she asked me to go to "sweep". I told her I was holding her, not sleeping. She then poked at my eyes, so I closed them. She pried them open, and announced, "baby in dere!" Took me a second to get that she was talking about seeing her reflection in my eyes. No WONDER she was staring! She talked quite a bit about this, and I finally got her to realize that she was seeing herself. Maybe not, but you know...she started saying, "Lynnie in dere!"
Today, Isaac told me what I believe to be a true story. He rescued a bee from the pool today. He used a stick to get it out, then whacked the stick on the ground to free the bee. I-Z informed me in a pleasantly surprised voice, "it didn't sting me!" He thinks that the bee said something like, "Hmmm...Isaac is being nice to me, so I won't sting him". I'm glad he's nice to bees. =)
Yesterday, Isaac had caught a bug. It was in a big bin, and he put the lid to the trash can over it, so it wouldn't escape. He was PROUD of this thing. Anyways, when I finally got around to looking at it, I realized that it was a decapitated June bug (I think). So, I told Isaac that the bug was dead. Isaac wanted to know why. I told him it was missing it's head. So, my little fella took it upon himself to bury his bug. Ain't he thoughtful?
Today, Isaac told me what I believe to be a true story. He rescued a bee from the pool today. He used a stick to get it out, then whacked the stick on the ground to free the bee. I-Z informed me in a pleasantly surprised voice, "it didn't sting me!" He thinks that the bee said something like, "Hmmm...Isaac is being nice to me, so I won't sting him". I'm glad he's nice to bees. =)
Yesterday, Isaac had caught a bug. It was in a big bin, and he put the lid to the trash can over it, so it wouldn't escape. He was PROUD of this thing. Anyways, when I finally got around to looking at it, I realized that it was a decapitated June bug (I think). So, I told Isaac that the bug was dead. Isaac wanted to know why. I told him it was missing it's head. So, my little fella took it upon himself to bury his bug. Ain't he thoughtful?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What is better?
6? Or 2+2+2?
For Ruby, the obvious answer is 2+2+2. You see...she started throwing a fit about Jadelyn wearing Jadelyn's flip-flops. Yes. Because Ruby had worn them outside, and now she was going to have no shoes to wear. Obviously, since Jadelyn picked them off the ground to place on her own feet, Ruby had already been going barefoot. =P Anyways, for the fit, she was given 2 (or 3? I don't remember) trips around the garden. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. Get the idea? Anyways, she ended up with 6 trips. Which was a terribly large amount for my now hysterically MAD daughter. And so began the over 30 minute struggle to get her to take her trips without crying. Finally, she had to have a spanking. Sometime around this point, I told her I wanted her to take 1 trip as a quiet, listening trip (soothing sounds of nature, right?), one trip singing (to lift her spirits), and the next 4 to pray. And then, Ruby cried to Jadelyn, something like, "you know, it would be really nice if you would share those (flip-flops) with me". At which point, Jadelyn dutifully removed the flip-flops from her feet for Ruby to have. It was at this point, that I informed Ruby that she would no longer be able to wear those flip-flops. She said, "ever, in this world?" To which I responded in the affirmative. You see, this is not the first time ever that Ruby has had problems over other people's flip-flops. No siree. In fact, she was just able to begin wearing my flip-flops today after being banned from them for a week. So, "ever" was the next in my arsenal. Plus those flip-flops hurt her feet, and are too small - hence why they now belong to Jadelyn. Anyways, Ruby cried like her heart was breaking. At some point, I told her I had an idea. 2 quiet trips, 2 singing trips, and 2 praying trips. Ruby brightened, "and them I'm done?" To which I answered in the affirmative. Off she went. FINALLY WITHOUT CRYING!!! Of course, at the end of the trips, I told her that 2+2+2=6. Just so she would know that I hadn't changed her punishment. =P That girl!!!!
For Ruby, the obvious answer is 2+2+2. You see...she started throwing a fit about Jadelyn wearing Jadelyn's flip-flops. Yes. Because Ruby had worn them outside, and now she was going to have no shoes to wear. Obviously, since Jadelyn picked them off the ground to place on her own feet, Ruby had already been going barefoot. =P Anyways, for the fit, she was given 2 (or 3? I don't remember) trips around the garden. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. For which she screamed at me, and earned another trip. Get the idea? Anyways, she ended up with 6 trips. Which was a terribly large amount for my now hysterically MAD daughter. And so began the over 30 minute struggle to get her to take her trips without crying. Finally, she had to have a spanking. Sometime around this point, I told her I wanted her to take 1 trip as a quiet, listening trip (soothing sounds of nature, right?), one trip singing (to lift her spirits), and the next 4 to pray. And then, Ruby cried to Jadelyn, something like, "you know, it would be really nice if you would share those (flip-flops) with me". At which point, Jadelyn dutifully removed the flip-flops from her feet for Ruby to have. It was at this point, that I informed Ruby that she would no longer be able to wear those flip-flops. She said, "ever, in this world?" To which I responded in the affirmative. You see, this is not the first time ever that Ruby has had problems over other people's flip-flops. No siree. In fact, she was just able to begin wearing my flip-flops today after being banned from them for a week. So, "ever" was the next in my arsenal. Plus those flip-flops hurt her feet, and are too small - hence why they now belong to Jadelyn. Anyways, Ruby cried like her heart was breaking. At some point, I told her I had an idea. 2 quiet trips, 2 singing trips, and 2 praying trips. Ruby brightened, "and them I'm done?" To which I answered in the affirmative. Off she went. FINALLY WITHOUT CRYING!!! Of course, at the end of the trips, I told her that 2+2+2=6. Just so she would know that I hadn't changed her punishment. =P That girl!!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Bored? What's that?
Today by like 10:30am, Ruby and Isaac were curled up on opposite ends of the couch. Ruby says that she woke up early this morning, so that's why she's so tired. She said she woke up before David and I got up. Likely. She's banned to her bed 'til 7am so our mornings don't start out crazy whenever she decides to wake up. Anyways. I asked Isaac if he was tired or bored. His response, "what's that?" I love that he doesn't know what "bored" is at the ripe age of 4 1/2. He knows how to stay busy, that's for sure! =)
In this house, there is a very important rite of passage. The vitamin. You get to start having 1/2 a vitamin when you're two, and when you hit the big FOUR, you get a whole one. Ruby and Isaac sometimes inform Jadelyn of this in all the wisdom they can muster. =)
The kids all slept for 3 hours at naptime today. Which was really handy. Because my back is in some serious pain for some reason. I even took Tylenol. GASP. And it didn't work. =P Why bother taking it, anyways? Oh, yeah...because I got to take it with chocolate Soy Milk. Good enough reason? =) Anyways, after laying with heat on my back for like 35 minutes, it was up and at 'em. I had tomatoes to can! And can I did...7 quarts and 9 pints. Yee-haw! I was like my own factory. =)
In this house, there is a very important rite of passage. The vitamin. You get to start having 1/2 a vitamin when you're two, and when you hit the big FOUR, you get a whole one. Ruby and Isaac sometimes inform Jadelyn of this in all the wisdom they can muster. =)
The kids all slept for 3 hours at naptime today. Which was really handy. Because my back is in some serious pain for some reason. I even took Tylenol. GASP. And it didn't work. =P Why bother taking it, anyways? Oh, yeah...because I got to take it with chocolate Soy Milk. Good enough reason? =) Anyways, after laying with heat on my back for like 35 minutes, it was up and at 'em. I had tomatoes to can! And can I did...7 quarts and 9 pints. Yee-haw! I was like my own factory. =)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Waddle, waddle....
It all started when Ruby wanted to show me something, but first I had to pick her up. She then wrapped her arms around my neck, and her legs around my arm and then told me to let go. She was "like a snake". That day, when it was naptime, Jadelyn rode my foot as normal, Isaac wanted on my back, and Ruby wanted like a snake. So, off we went. Somewhere began the "rattle, rattles" from Ruby. Jadelyn has her own spin on this, "waddle, waddle". So often, when it's off to nap or bedtime, Jadelyn is riding on my foot, "waddle, waddling" away. Crazy kids.
I'm working on pruning the blackberries. Already finished the pokey blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries. Must admit, I get quite a feeling of accomplishment looking at my work. =) On Sunday, though, while I was working on the spineless blackberries, it felt like I got bit by a fire ant or something. I looked around but didn't see anything. When David came out at some point, we looked around and saw it. A crazy, spiney-looking-with-a-green-"saddle" caterpillar. We looked it up, and whadd'ya know, those guys pack quite the painful poke. "Saddleback Caterpillar". Yikes. Then, yesterday, I was picking okra. I do that almost every weekday. But for some reason, it TORE ME UP. After I was done, I got the mail, and by the time I got inside, I was DYING. David gave me some anti-itch stuff, which I slathered all over my arms like a madwoman. No relief. I stood in front of the air conditioner. It made the anti-itch stuff sticky. I used Calamine lotion, baking soda paste, vinegar water spray, and finally cocoa butter lotion. Luckily, the lotion did the trick. Ahhhhh... I mean, I really thought I was gonna go crazy, it was that bad. Yikes. Makes me wonder if I want to pick okra anymore. And THAT is why you should plant spineless okra. In case you were wondering. David wonders why I even venture out to the gardens. Ha, ha.
I'm working on pruning the blackberries. Already finished the pokey blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries. Must admit, I get quite a feeling of accomplishment looking at my work. =) On Sunday, though, while I was working on the spineless blackberries, it felt like I got bit by a fire ant or something. I looked around but didn't see anything. When David came out at some point, we looked around and saw it. A crazy, spiney-looking-with-a-green-"saddle" caterpillar. We looked it up, and whadd'ya know, those guys pack quite the painful poke. "Saddleback Caterpillar". Yikes. Then, yesterday, I was picking okra. I do that almost every weekday. But for some reason, it TORE ME UP. After I was done, I got the mail, and by the time I got inside, I was DYING. David gave me some anti-itch stuff, which I slathered all over my arms like a madwoman. No relief. I stood in front of the air conditioner. It made the anti-itch stuff sticky. I used Calamine lotion, baking soda paste, vinegar water spray, and finally cocoa butter lotion. Luckily, the lotion did the trick. Ahhhhh... I mean, I really thought I was gonna go crazy, it was that bad. Yikes. Makes me wonder if I want to pick okra anymore. And THAT is why you should plant spineless okra. In case you were wondering. David wonders why I even venture out to the gardens. Ha, ha.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Just stuff....
Yesterday, Isaac made a SUPER cool train track that stayed in the corner of the house all day. It wound behind the blanket basket, weaved amongst itself, went over a bridge, I believe, and went under a oatmeal-container tunnel. Awesome. That guy is a stinkin' thinker, and so creative. I love it!
It's been like 80-85 outside today and yesterday. The kids all took a 3 hour nap yesterday...think they will today? =) I attributed the long nap to the cooler room temperatures. It's strange how 80 degrees can seem cool. When I was a kid, 70 degrees was swimming weather! Ha. That's what I get for being born in the U.P, 'eh? =)
When folding socks yesterday, there was one point when all 5 of us had a sock with no partner. Fear not, all of them found their friend.
I taught Isaac how to play "Chutes and Ladders" on Tuesday for our "Special Time". He loved it. Yesterday, Ruby and Isaac played together with me. Ruby's first time. She totally got it from watching Isaac and I the day before. Knew which way to go, how to count the spaces, and where to stop. Amazing. =) She spun a 3, and said, "I'm three!" and then proceeded to move forward 3 spaces. I was shocked. We've never worked on number recognition. So, I pointed at the other numbers on the spinner. She got all of them except "2". Wow. She later proceeded to teach Isaac at least some of those numbers. Maybe someday she'll get him to learn his colors? =) David commented that it's neat to see how they are so intelligent in different areas. Isaac is like a stinkin' genius when it comes to figuring things out, but doesn't know his colors and struggles with numbers a bit. Like, "how many is three?" So I tell him to put up four fingers (he knows that one, since that's how old he is), and then put one down. Then he gets it. His brain sure works different than mine, but boy, does it WORK! =) Ruby's brain seems to be more like mine. So we can communicate, but MAN, do we hit heads sometimes! =P Anyways, we didn't have time to finish the game before I had to get supper on the table, so Ruby and Isaac played together while I finished getting supper around. And after supper they played "Chutes and Ladders" for another 30 minutes. WITH.NO.FIGHTING! =O Could this be the beginning of something beautiful? Ha! They really have been playing nicely lately. Well, we had our struggles this morning, but you know, we all have "days", right? =P OH! And after they were done playing, they decided together to pick it up and put it away. And I didn't even die of a heart attack!!! But maybe I had a bit of a "pride attack". Corny, corny, I know. =P
Jadelyn is learning to put on her pants. After she's bathed and diapered, she goes to her dresser and picks out her jammies. Last night, she got her pants on, slightly cock-eyed and pulled way up. Then, she had me "look, Mom!" And made sure to tell Ruby "look!" And probably had Daddy "look", too. She's really becoming independent, and tells me she wants to do things her "self!" Oh, and I love how she asks me if she can help me: "ah elp me, you?" It's an addition of "you" on to her usual, "AH ELP ME, PEAS!!!!" That kid is a crack up.
So is Ruby, who was telling me that a song she was singing today, "cracks me up. But not really. I'm just pretending." What a gal.
Oh, and Isaac is gonna be a great Daddy someday. He's already praying for his babies, and that they'll be "safe".
Farewell!
It's been like 80-85 outside today and yesterday. The kids all took a 3 hour nap yesterday...think they will today? =) I attributed the long nap to the cooler room temperatures. It's strange how 80 degrees can seem cool. When I was a kid, 70 degrees was swimming weather! Ha. That's what I get for being born in the U.P, 'eh? =)
When folding socks yesterday, there was one point when all 5 of us had a sock with no partner. Fear not, all of them found their friend.
I taught Isaac how to play "Chutes and Ladders" on Tuesday for our "Special Time". He loved it. Yesterday, Ruby and Isaac played together with me. Ruby's first time. She totally got it from watching Isaac and I the day before. Knew which way to go, how to count the spaces, and where to stop. Amazing. =) She spun a 3, and said, "I'm three!" and then proceeded to move forward 3 spaces. I was shocked. We've never worked on number recognition. So, I pointed at the other numbers on the spinner. She got all of them except "2". Wow. She later proceeded to teach Isaac at least some of those numbers. Maybe someday she'll get him to learn his colors? =) David commented that it's neat to see how they are so intelligent in different areas. Isaac is like a stinkin' genius when it comes to figuring things out, but doesn't know his colors and struggles with numbers a bit. Like, "how many is three?" So I tell him to put up four fingers (he knows that one, since that's how old he is), and then put one down. Then he gets it. His brain sure works different than mine, but boy, does it WORK! =) Ruby's brain seems to be more like mine. So we can communicate, but MAN, do we hit heads sometimes! =P Anyways, we didn't have time to finish the game before I had to get supper on the table, so Ruby and Isaac played together while I finished getting supper around. And after supper they played "Chutes and Ladders" for another 30 minutes. WITH.NO.FIGHTING! =O Could this be the beginning of something beautiful? Ha! They really have been playing nicely lately. Well, we had our struggles this morning, but you know, we all have "days", right? =P OH! And after they were done playing, they decided together to pick it up and put it away. And I didn't even die of a heart attack!!! But maybe I had a bit of a "pride attack". Corny, corny, I know. =P
Jadelyn is learning to put on her pants. After she's bathed and diapered, she goes to her dresser and picks out her jammies. Last night, she got her pants on, slightly cock-eyed and pulled way up. Then, she had me "look, Mom!" And made sure to tell Ruby "look!" And probably had Daddy "look", too. She's really becoming independent, and tells me she wants to do things her "self!" Oh, and I love how she asks me if she can help me: "ah elp me, you?" It's an addition of "you" on to her usual, "AH ELP ME, PEAS!!!!" That kid is a crack up.
So is Ruby, who was telling me that a song she was singing today, "cracks me up. But not really. I'm just pretending." What a gal.
Oh, and Isaac is gonna be a great Daddy someday. He's already praying for his babies, and that they'll be "safe".
Farewell!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Laundry notes....
While doing laundry last night, I realized Jadelyn must not have felt well yesterday. For somehow, she wore the same outfit all.day.long. Shocking.
Making "berry juice" for the turtle did a number on Ruby and Isaac's clothes. =O
We let the poor turtle go last night. David and I felt sad. The kids were fine, saying over and over, "bye, turtle!" I wondered why I felt sad. Ha. Jadelyn is still thanking Jesus for the turtle, and Isaac is still praying that it's okay.
Today, Jadelyn was laying on the floor, and she informed me, "I sad". When asked why, she replied, "I sleepy". Hope that runny-nosed, stuffed-up kid gets better SOON!
Making "berry juice" for the turtle did a number on Ruby and Isaac's clothes. =O
We let the poor turtle go last night. David and I felt sad. The kids were fine, saying over and over, "bye, turtle!" I wondered why I felt sad. Ha. Jadelyn is still thanking Jesus for the turtle, and Isaac is still praying that it's okay.
Today, Jadelyn was laying on the floor, and she informed me, "I sad". When asked why, she replied, "I sleepy". Hope that runny-nosed, stuffed-up kid gets better SOON!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
More turtle adventures....
The turtle adventure continues. Today, the kids had the turtle, in it's basket, up on the desk watching a slideshow of pictures with them. When I asked Isaac to take him off the desk, Isaac informed me that if he did, the turtle couldn't see the pictures. Ah-ha! So THAT'S what he was doing up there! =) Last night, David brought the Rabbit cage up to the house, so the turtle has got some more stretching room when we're outside or when the kids are sleeping. I feel bad for the little guy (girl?). It really just wants to GO. It's planned departure from our family is tonight. I hope it all goes well.
Jadelyn is sick. She was acting perfectly normal all morning...well, I guess she wasn't screaming as much as usual...=O...but, well, she felt hot. So I finally got her temperature taken just before naptime and it's 100.9. She got her medicine, which she LOVES. Where does that child get her love of medicine from? Not from her Mommy, you can be sure.
Jadelyn is now praying by herself. It normally goes something like this: "Thank you fooorrr.....turtle, Didic, Wooby, Mama, Daddy, Lynnie, Wooby, Mama, Lynnie, Wooby, Didic, Daddy, Wooby, food...Amen". Crazy gal.
Jadelyn is sick. She was acting perfectly normal all morning...well, I guess she wasn't screaming as much as usual...=O...but, well, she felt hot. So I finally got her temperature taken just before naptime and it's 100.9. She got her medicine, which she LOVES. Where does that child get her love of medicine from? Not from her Mommy, you can be sure.
Jadelyn is now praying by herself. It normally goes something like this: "Thank you fooorrr.....turtle, Didic, Wooby, Mama, Daddy, Lynnie, Wooby, Mama, Lynnie, Wooby, Didic, Daddy, Wooby, food...Amen". Crazy gal.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Man, they age QUICK!
Ruby used the word "opportunity" twice in her morning worship prayer. Correctly, even. Wow.
Today, all three kids have been having way too much fun with the turtle that again came into our lives. We set it free once. It's back. David found it under the grape vines yesterday. We can tell it's the same one, 'cause there's a big 'ole dent/chunk-taken-out-of it's shell. It's not afraid of us anymore. It keeps it's head and legs out all the time. Even when the kids are shrieking with delight (or another sort of shrieking, I'm assuming, though I haven't watched the turtle during those times), or when they are petting it's head/legs, and even when they pick it up. During the latter mentioned time, in fact, it stretches out it's oh-so-long (and purple stained neck (from the berry it ate this morning)) neck like it's trying to stroke their arms with it's head. Precious. As long as it doesn't poop again. 'Cause that STUNK. I digress. Today the turtle has been carried around the house - in a basket, as well as in hands. It has sat on a chair at the dining room table for both meals (in a basket). It's been transferred back and forth and forth and back and back and forth, and...you get the idea...from the big bin to the little basket. It has played in water in the new garbage pail outside, went for several walks in the grass, had several rides in the wheelbarrow, been jumped over (I put a kabosh on that one), was about to go down the slide (yes, I also put the kabosh on that one), has been in the sandbox, and oh, boy, I'm sure I missed some. Oh, yeah. It got hit. Jadelyn had to take a trip around the garden for that one. Oh, and it MAY have gotten it's legs pulled. For which Ruby has lost turtle privileges until Daddy gets home. Isaac thinks that it's a good thing that Daddy gave him the turtle, 'cause he takes good care of it, and the girls are mean to it. Isaac also thinks we should always keep the turtle 'cause it kept them from getting out too many toys this morning, hence making their pick-up time easier. =)
The kids normally play that they are Mommy and Daddy and Baby. But today, suddenly, Ruby and Isaac were "Grandma" and "Grandpa". My, how they age!
Today, all three kids have been having way too much fun with the turtle that again came into our lives. We set it free once. It's back. David found it under the grape vines yesterday. We can tell it's the same one, 'cause there's a big 'ole dent/chunk-taken-out-of it's shell. It's not afraid of us anymore. It keeps it's head and legs out all the time. Even when the kids are shrieking with delight (or another sort of shrieking, I'm assuming, though I haven't watched the turtle during those times), or when they are petting it's head/legs, and even when they pick it up. During the latter mentioned time, in fact, it stretches out it's oh-so-long (and purple stained neck (from the berry it ate this morning)) neck like it's trying to stroke their arms with it's head. Precious. As long as it doesn't poop again. 'Cause that STUNK. I digress. Today the turtle has been carried around the house - in a basket, as well as in hands. It has sat on a chair at the dining room table for both meals (in a basket). It's been transferred back and forth and forth and back and back and forth, and...you get the idea...from the big bin to the little basket. It has played in water in the new garbage pail outside, went for several walks in the grass, had several rides in the wheelbarrow, been jumped over (I put a kabosh on that one), was about to go down the slide (yes, I also put the kabosh on that one), has been in the sandbox, and oh, boy, I'm sure I missed some. Oh, yeah. It got hit. Jadelyn had to take a trip around the garden for that one. Oh, and it MAY have gotten it's legs pulled. For which Ruby has lost turtle privileges until Daddy gets home. Isaac thinks that it's a good thing that Daddy gave him the turtle, 'cause he takes good care of it, and the girls are mean to it. Isaac also thinks we should always keep the turtle 'cause it kept them from getting out too many toys this morning, hence making their pick-up time easier. =)
The kids normally play that they are Mommy and Daddy and Baby. But today, suddenly, Ruby and Isaac were "Grandma" and "Grandpa". My, how they age!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Isaac's birthday presents...
Isaac informed us at lunch today that he will have all he wants by the time he is 7...or 8. Because he thought of one more thing today that he wants. You see, Isaac has his birthday presents all figured out until he's that age. When he turns 5, he wants a garden sprayer. You know, like the ones you use to kill weeds with. He plans on using it as a water bottle. When he turns 6, he wants the sprinkler with the arms that flap around. Though it will be "cold". At age 7, he desires a big black canning pot, because what kid wouldn't want one of those? =) And at age 8, he wants a "slide". I think he's talking about the inflatable pool with inflatable slide that he saw at Wal-Mart today. Kid cracks me up. What other kid desires weed sprayers and canning pots? Well, Ruby wants a garden sprayer now, too. There you have it.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Garage Sale-ing AGAIN! =)
This morning, the kids and I headed out garage sale-ing. We were gone for about 2 and a half hours, and only hit two garage sales. But we hit it BIG. Good prices, great clothes in awesome condition, and helpful kids! =) The kids took turns taking our finds up to the tables at the garage sales. What helpers! And it was really nice that they didn't get in to much at all. The guy at the first place commented (after we were there an hour? or so) that I had done a really good job. Thanks, sir! Comments like that from strangers are few and far between, and I really appreciate it. What a happy time we had! But BOY, was it ever HOT!!! =O
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