January 2, 2011 - was wondering where all the 18 month jammies were when I went looking for them for Jadelyn to wear. I figured we just didn't have many, because Ruby and Isaac slept in onesies around that size. Well, I found out today where they are. Any guesses? Yup, Ruby's still wearing 'em. At age 4. Well, she's gonna have to start sharing with her baby sister...
January 3, 2011 - Hickory is HOME!!! And spunky as all get out. We are so very thankful. The kids have so far handled his energy with much more patience than the past. We'll see how long that lasts...
January 3, 2011 - today Ruby wanted to pray for Jadelyn after a hitting/screaming tantrum. The prayer went something like this (it's been a while, and it's been a rough day, so my brain is EXTRA fried), "Dear Jesus, Please help Jadelyn give her temper away. Help her to give it to you, 'cause you're the best one. We love you Jesus. Amen." May she give it away SOON, Ruby!
January 6, 2011 - just wonders is anyone else's four-year-olds ask you to read them nutritional information about what they are consuming. Lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, sunflower seeds, rice, tomatoes, etc., etc., etc. My kids are turning out to be nerds like their Mom. =O RUN FOR THE HILLS!!! We have a book with the nutritional information on many things, and the kids listen with rapt attention as I spout off what vitamins are in what. They LOVE their vitamins! (And this handy dandy book - along with a reminder that Uncle William eats spinach smoothies - has convinced Isaac (on one occasion, at least) to gobble down his spinach like a turkey. Get it? Turkey? Gobble, gobble? Oh, I digress...=P)
January 6, 2011 - has two happy as a lark four-year-olds cleaning mud from their boots with vinegar water and rags and a happy-as-a-lark 18-month-old who signs "eat" whenever she sees a picture of food. Guess I should have tried these entertainments this morning when they were anything BUT "happy-as-a-lark".
January 6, 2011 - haircut notables by Isaac Dickerson: (kinda laughingly) "I shoulda been a girl, 'cause then I wouldn't have to get my hair cut as much" and he can tell his hair doesn't have a brain, 'cause it doesn't move. But he can move his hair. His hair just can't move itself. Or something like that. I mean, this happened like 10 minutes ago, and you expect me to remember?!?!?
January 6, 2011 - was listening to the youngest toilet seat up or down argument that I've ever heard. The battle apparently starts at 4 years-old. At least in this house.
January 7, 2011 - absolutely LOVES that Jadelyn learned to ask for kisses today. Gunk on the head? Walk to Mommy with funny fish puckers, and all the hurt goes away. I love being a hero.
January 8, 2011 - Isaac apparently REALLY likes Jadelyn's hair in pigtails. The other day, he commented that it looked really nice, and today, he told her that she was "handsome". I love that little fella!
January 9, 2011 - is raising the youngest stalker ever. Isaac wants to go to the propane guys' house to ask them how they fill up their truck with propane. I said that I don't know where they live. Isaac's response? "We can follow them when they come to give us gas". Great.
January 10, 2011 - this morning, Isaac decided to get dressed in the living room instead of his bedroom because there was something "scary" in his room. Upon questioning, I learned that he did not see or hear anything scary. "I just felt it with my ears". Interesting.
January 10, 2011 - Tonight, there was much loud, frantic screaming coming from the back bedroom. Culprit? Ruby Jean. Reason? Her nose was bleeding. Why? She ran into the wall, because she didn't "realize" it was there. Or didn't "realize" that her nose was bleeding. Or something. Is it bad that I had a hard time not laughing at my hysterical bloody-nosed daughter? Gotta watch out for them walls. Don't worry, I asked her if she was crying because she was hurt or scared - when she first said she ran into the wall, I thought maybe she broke her nose or something. Nope. Just scared...
January 13, 2011 - had a cuddly naptime on the couch with Jadelyn this morning. Anyone want to guess what Jadelyn wanted to cuddle with? Cracked me up. - "The Desire of Ages"
January 14, 2011 - enjoyed the conversation between Ruby and Isaac about Isaac's baby's surgery. Apparently the little booger swallowed a bunny. Ruby was very thorough in her questioning, and it seems the baby has fur around it's mouth. Also, prayer was had about the baby. And Ruby and Isaac were holding hands while walking and talking animatedly about it. Love it!
January 17, 2011 - this morning when getting the kids up, Isaac informed me that he had a "scary" dream. A chicken came and told him that a tornado storm was coming. Yeah, the talking chicken would scare me, too! =O Oh, and then the tornado took out the chicken shed, but the chickens were okay - they hid with us.
January 17, 2011 - i miss Kim who must still be logged onto this work laptop of mine. Love you Buddy! -David
January 17, 2011 - had surgery done on myself tonight by Dr. "Clumsey" and Dr. "Clumsey". Doesn't do much to inspire the confidence of the patient, huh? =O Ruby says they're married, Isaac says they're twins. I certainly hope they're not BOTH...=O
January 18, 2011 - is KNOWING that David is thinking of her and hacking into her facebook again! now david will logout so he can make a facebook page for The Rock! Love you honey!!! -davidickerson
January 18, 2011 - really needs to find tights that will stay on Ruby. (She's super skinny and Wal-Mart is failing us - yes, I'm cheap). Any suggestions?
January 18, 2011 - is quite sure that I just heard a mouse scratching around - WHERE IS DAVID WHEN I NEED HIM?!?!?!?! Yikes. I'm such a wimp. We had a mouse in our first house. David caught it with a live trap, and then when I went to work that evening, let it go to see if our new kitten would catch it - it didn't. Then, in our house in Arkansas, there was a mouse that ran through the kitchen while I was in there. I was sitting on the chair with my feet up screaming for David. THEN there as a mouse under the painting plastic the previous renters had there, and I left the house while David disposed of it by dropping a paint can on it. Yuck. Oh, and then he caught some in traps, too. When I heard the traps go off, I wouldn't go out in that part of the house until David took care of them (at least I would attempt not to...) Yeah. That house was a DUMP when we moved in. And OLD and yeah, apparently there was lots of ways for mice to get in. Or at least one good way that we didn't block up. Then there was the mouse in Cicero that scared Ruby so bad that she screamed and screamed and screamed about how there was something that looked like a dog, only it wasn't a dog and it was looking at her and moving it's head or something. Yeah. The people who lived HERE before us said there was no mice, but we shall see. What in the world is it about mice that's so scary, anyways? I don't know, but I have the fear!
January 18, 2011 - is exhausted and bummed that David won't be home tonight like we thought. Tracy, I just don't know how you do it. You are a much better woman than I! (And this is only the second day/night he's been gone...)
January 20, 2011 - cannot believe how emotionally wiped I am after being at the doctor's office for over 2 hours this morning. Ruby's shots really hurt her, and she is having a hard time walking. Good thing the kids were champs, or I'd be MORE wiped! Now to go visit a "eye doctor" for Ruby and Isaac, a "foot doctor" for Isaac, a "hip doctor" for Ruby, and an "exercise doctor" for both. Moving stinks.
January 21, 2011 - loves days when the kids are friends. They've had a lot of those days this week. That is good. Today, Isaac was helping Ruby out in any way he could - making her bed, putting her jammies in the dirty laundry, getting and putting away markers/crayons, helping her up on her bed when she needed to go for a "break", etc., etc., etc. because Ruby "hurts so bad" (Isaac's words, I believe) from her shots yesterday. That child is limping and grimacing and has a fever. Probably didn't help that she was trying to kick her SERIOUSLY SKINNY LEG when getting her shots. Crazy gal. Oh! I forgot to mention that he drew her a sweet-lookin' "picture" (aka random colors spread around on a sheet of paper). Of course, she asked him to draw it because she felt bad. Ha. Guess she knows how to ask what she wants!
January 26, 2011 - spent some fun time outside today. Isaac's been wanting to build a snowman for MONTHS, but the snow is never right. Today, it was! So, we built that long-desired snowman. Let me rephrase. I built the snowman, while Isaac and Ruby rolled random snowballs and Jadelyn added strange tumor bumps to the snowman. Isaac did put on the nose and eyes, though, and with the strange tumor bumps...well, we can say it was a team project!!! Oh, and a side note...we had to lock Hickory up while building the snowman, 'cause he was so excited he couldn't keep himself from biting. When we let him out again, he barked and barked and barked and barked and...well, you get the idea...at the snowman. Well, not directly AT it, but I'm pretty sure that's what was going on. Good thing he got over it. I thought for a while that I might have to knock the thing down so he would quit barking. =O And my snowpants need to be waterproofed. Yup.
January 27, 2011 - well, Isaac sure knows how to get out of having his immunizations! Last week he had a fever, and today we had to cancel the appointment 'cause he threw up last night. Sure hope he gets over this soon so we can ENJOY Florida!!! Poor fella...
January 28, 2011 - wonders where I have gone. You know, the perfectionistic clean-freak. I spent all morning cleaning (oh, guess I still AM a clean-freak), but then when Ruby and I were out hauling wood, Isaac and Jadelyn were in their snowsuits stomping through, and kneeling in, the big mud puddle in front of the house. Then, it was time to go in (to eat lunch and wash those nasty snowsuits), and in a final moment of glory, Jadelyn fell down and couldn't get up. Gallant Isaac went to rescue her, but she fell down on her side. Oh, well. (That's the part of me that I'm not used to - the "oh, well Kim". I kinda like her. =D) So, does anyone know where mud suits are sold? I kinda need a few...
February 8, 2011 - has a crazy toddler who laid face-down in the snow today to eat it. She would sometimes get up for air, and then go right back at it. Happy all the time. Crazy kid.
February 9, 2011 - is glad that the kids all took a break from their incessant meltdowns today while at Wal-Mart. And PART of the doctor's visit. Oh, may they all take a nice, LONG nap...
February 10, 2011 - last night, David went to get the eggs from the chicken shed, and two dogs were in our yard. One has come by several times before, and seems like a nice dog. Anyways, they were about 30 feet or so away. Then, one of them started circling quietly behind David, and he thought, "that's like what wolves do". And when he turned around, the white dog was about 4 feet behind him baring his teeth and growling. Crazy David said he felt like it was as dream, but then realized it was real life and he should probably do something, so he yelled as loud as he could, and dog went away. Hope that dog
February 10, 2011 - really despises insurance. Well, I mean, I like it and all (so I don't go broke =P) but I wish that I didn't have to go broke if I went to an out-of-network provider. 2 of the 3 doctors I was referred to are out-of-network, so I gotta try to find ones that are IN network to get referred to and then wait and wait to get an appointment. Wish I would've checked on the "in-network" thing like a month ago...
February 11, 2011 - is this day over yet?
February 13, 2011 - was helping David organize the barn tonight. It came to an end because it was too late. However, the nail poking through my shoe and the skeleton-still-covered-with-sk
February 14, 2011 - legs were briefly turned into a slide much to the amusement of three little kiddos. Crazy kids.
February 15, 2011 - is SO glad that I don't have to bring the kids back to the opthamologist for another year. Don't need or want to repeat the day's drama for a long, LONG time...
February 23, 2011 - is taking a break from Facebook (can't tell, 'eh? =P), but thought I'd get on to post a quick update from our incredibly LONG doctor's visit today. Ruby's hips are a bit further out than they should be and have to continue to be monitored. The x-rays from last summer weren't at the new doctor's yet, but when they come in, they are going to compare them and see if things are looking worse or the same.
February 28, 2011 - no longer has a peaceful bubbling creek, but a mad torrent of a raging river. Good thing I slipped in yesterday when it was still a peaceful bubbling creek instead of today! =O
March 3, 2011 - WHY DOES THAT CRITTER INSIST ON SCRATCHING AROUND IN MY BEDROOM WALL/CEILING?!?!?! Kept me awake for about an hour in the middle of the night last night (Well, morning, but you get the idea...) and it's going at it already. RAHHHHHH!!!
March 8, 2011 - enjoyed listening to a conversation that Ruby was having with her Grandma today. My favorite part? When Grandma pointed out that Ruby had two nostrils and asked what she used them for. Ruby answered, "to get boogers out of my nose". Crazy gal.
March 14, 2011 - the other day while outside, I heard Isaac making a very displeased noise about the dog. Checking on him, I found Isaac trying to lick Hickory. Why? Because "HE licked ME!" Must admit, I've never had that urge.
March 14, 2011 - farewell, my beloved broom. Thank you for your long service. And thank you for your final sacrifice - saving me from that little, baby cricket.
March 22, 2011 - This morning, the kids were discussing tornados. Since it's spring, Isaac thinks we're going to get a tornado almost every day. Anyways, they have different concerns about a tornado. Ruby wanted to know how she could grow up and get married if she got crashed in a tornado storm, and Isaac? Well, he wanted to know how he could get food to eat.
March 24, 2011 - oh beloved naptime...thank you for finally coming today. And lasting long enough that my children woke up happy.
March 27, 2011 - has a new nephew as of Friday. Eric Walter Verbrigghe, and he's a cutie!!! Way to go, Mark and Aliya! (I figured I could finally post this since you put pictures up now....=D)
March 27, 2011 - Ruby: "where's my pencil?" David: "I don't know. Am I your pencil's keeper?" Ruby: "yeah". David gives Ruby the pencil. Push-over.
March 27, 2011 - finally finished making a bib for Jadelyn...her last bib was biting the dust. Never made one of these before. Hope this thing lasts - it took forever! (like 3 hours. Good grief.)
March 28, 2011 - everyone has a different motivation for hiking. You know...to see what's around the next bend, get exercise, etc. Isaac's? To get to the next bench so he could sit down. And later, so he could eat. See, everyone's motivation is different!
March 29, 2011 - FINALLY has supplies for the greenhouse, which I was supposed to have planted in over a month ago. =O Oh, well. Watch out. This is gonna be one AWESOME greenhouse.
March 30, 2011 - Ruby and Isaac are being "missionaries" today by singing in the bathroom. I'd like these missionaries to visit me every day!
March 30, 2011 - doctor was finally able to compare Ruby's hip x-ray from last June with the one taken this February. There is not any change (which is good), but there is some "uncoverage of the femural head" which may require surgery sometime in the future (which is bad). Anyways, it's good to know what's up! We've been trying to get those x-rays compared for just over a month. Yikes.
March 30, 2011 - is VERY thankful for those who share their knowledge and TIME with a intimidated Mom. Thanks, Francie!!! (Hey, I'm all high-tech now...that's the first time I've put a hyperlink in. Is that called a hyperlink? =O)
March 31, 2011 - heard what I believe to be Jadelyn's first prayer by herself. She was sitting on the couch, folded her hands and said, "thank you today. Maymen." Precious!
April 1, 2011 - The kids and I were talking about what we were going to grow in our garden, and I mentioned "basil". Isaac said something like, "we need to grow bagels in our garden, 'cause Ruby and Isaac like bagels". So...any ideas where to get bagel seeds?
April 2, 2011 - was visited by the Amish neighbor man a little bit ago. He apparently found a pile of mail in and around the creek near our house, and brought our water bill to us. Guess someone is stealing people's mail and looking for money or something. Wonder how many bills I've missed. Lovely. "No, honestly, I never got the bill!" Or "no, honestly, I've never had a credit card with your company". Yikes.
April 3, 2011 - has FINALLY completed phase 1 of operation Greenhouse. Hoping to complete phases 2, 3, and FINITO today.
April 4, 2011 - dog tore up one side of our greenhouse this morning. So today, we went and bought new plastic...and a chain for the dog. Why do I feel so guilty about putting him on a chain?
April 4, 2011 - dog escaped from his chain and eventually from his fence, too. (I chained him up inside his fenced enclosure for double security. Ha ha.) Where did I find him? Over by the recovered greenhouse! RAH! That dog is an escape ARTIST!!! In other news, I just about finished up getting my seeds ordered. Yee-haw! Bring on the garden season!!!
April 4, 2011 - kids are terrified of tornado storms. Nearly every time they hear thunder, they want me to check the weather to see if there is a tornado. I told them that they were "storm watchers". Ruby said they weren't. They are "storm hearers". Ooooh.
April 5, 2011 - wants to know who can pony up $800 per week for Physical Therapy appointments? I've been on the phone and on the phone and on the phone and there appears to be no alternative in sight. Well...I can drive like 55 miles one way to therapy. Might have to do that. RATS!
April 7, 2011 - is lovin' this weather, and my kids are too...it's showing in their MUCH improved attitudes. Guess I should've moved further south so we could have nice weather even MORE often. Ha.
April 13, 2011 - Ruby told me at supper tonight that I "hooked her up" because she liked the food. Too bad she hardly ate any.
April 14, 2011 - asked Jadelyn the other day if she was "poopie". (Yeah, nice term, I know...) Her response? "No. [I] Lynnie".
April 15, 2011 - it's a pretty well-known fact that Isaac often "kisses the ground" that Ruby walks on, and at lunch today, he took that a bit further - kissing her actual feet. Gross.
April 15, 2011 - got a phone call from the CFO of the hospital we're trying to get Physical Therapy through in response to a letter I sent out 2 days ago. That's right, hospital, you've unleashed the Mama Bear! Watch out! Yeah, whatever...I'm just trying to act tough
April 17, 2011 - has a true country gal in Lynnie. Today, she was sitting sideways in the dog house, all decked out in her mud boots, with the dog climbing on her. Both were eating (or at least tasting) dog food. Then, when I made her stop that, she came and pretended to sleep in the straw that I'm mulching the strawberries with. I love that little gal!
April 20, 2011 - talked to Mr. CFO man. I don't think we'll be able to afford going there, still, but I'm glad to know they do have some programs (we just probably won't qualify) and that they were willing to talk to me. Now to find some AFFORDABLE Physical Therapy...
April 21, 2011 - was practicing piano this morning. My little fella climbed up next to me and was singing softly as I played. Then, he put the play stethoscope backwards on me, stood behind me, and sang into the stethoscope, so his sweet little voice was singing right into my ears. Must admit...I practiced extra long today...
April 22, 2011 - wonders if it's a bad thing that I was looking at the clock and counting down 'til I could go to bed. And it was only 9:20am. Oh, dear...
April 24, 2011 - yesterday, Isaac wanted up on the bed, but forgot to use the word "please" in his request. When reminded of this fact, Isaac replied, "what's please?" (or something to that effect) in a very innocent tone. Oh, boy....does he have amnesia or something? =O
April 24, 2011 - David came in from burying the dead mice collection (yes, we had one =P) with the kids and informed me that Ruby is his hero. She moved 10 decomposing mice by the tail into the hole dug for them (with plastic gloves, and held at arm's length because they stunk). Sure didn't get that ability or desire from me! =O
April 25, 2011 - took Ruby and Isaac to registration for HeadStart today in hopes they can get Physical Therapy through them. We sat down at the first table, and the lady said something like, "so, you're all 4?" To which Ruby replied that she and Isaac were, "but Jadelyn's 1, and Daddy's 33, and Mommy's 30". No, Daddy wasn't even present, and yes, the lady was surprised.
April 25, 2011 - wonders what is so very therapeutic about mowing the lawn with ear protectors and no young children. Ahhhh........
April 26, 2011 - just finished copying and pasting 593 pages of my Facebook profile into word so I can actually save the memories I've written down over the past several years. Took a while, and now I have to clean it up, but we'll get there someday!
April 28, 2011 - wonders what has gotten into Ruby's system in the past few months...and how to get it OUT of her system....sigh....
April 29, 2011 - My voice of authority is failing me. That or the neighborhood dog that has chosen to come visit today is DUMB or deaf. He better just stinkin' leave my clothes on the clothesline. Peein' in my flower garden, and wagging his tail at me when I'm talking authoritatively and passively swinging a mop at him? Go home, dog!
May 2, 2011 - was mowin' in the rain with my I-see. Our yard now looks like a mud pit, but oh well. Can't rain on our parade!
May 2, 2011 - ai yai, yai. I just did some math on PT costs. (Do I sound obsessed or what? =P) Anyways, they wanted to charge us $41,600 per year for Ruby and Isaac to have one hour-long PT session per week. I looked at the average pay of PT's around here, and if we were only to pay for the PT and not overhead and such, our cost would be $3679.52 based on the highest average salary I found...
May 3, 2011 - David was singing "all we need is love", and Ruby just came over and whispered to me, "Daddy's crazy. He said all we need is love, but we" need more than that. I asked her what else she needed, and she said "we need energy". True that.
May 3, 2011 - we got down to only having to pay 15% of the PT bills...still at $60 per hour or $120 per week. Almost double the amount that a PT in our area makes. Well, at least I finally have my answer! And it's a lot less than $800 per week.
May 5, 2011 - gave in and went ahead and started tilling the mud pit...hoping the air/sunshine mix will help it dry out. This tiller is quicker than the old one, but still HEAVY as all get-out. Where's my Dad's old Kubota when you need it, anyways?
May 5, 2011 - : apparently Jadelyn talks in her sleep. I just heard "Mommy!" coming from her room two times (a few minutes apart), so went to get her. She is sound asleep. Crazy thing is we just found Isaac sleep-talking a couple nights ago. We couldn't tell what he was saying, but he was mighty cute!
May 6, 2011 - was asked by a very insistent Ruby tonight where the dog's medicine is. When I said I didn't know, she, gesturing with her hands said, well, "you're the worker", so I must've put it somewhere. Well, at least I now know what my official title is. "The worker". That's me!
May 9, 2011 - just got off the phone with David...a vehicle's brakes weren't working, and they crashed into the side of the nursing home. Leaving a 3 ft x 18 inch hole, but a crack around 6 ft. David estimated that they were going between 30 and 40 mph and said they went through a parking lot on their way to hitting the building.
May 9, 2011 - on our way back from playing in the creek tonight, Jadelyn and Ruby's mud boots were full of sloshing creek water. (Isaac stopped to empty his out, and in the process got a rock in one of 'em, which he needed Mommy's help with. But I digress...) Ruby had a hand trowel stuck in her boot, and Jadelyn had her hands stuck in her boots - playing in the water, of course.
May 17, 2011 - is overwhelmed after the first PT appointment with the kid's new "exercise doctors". How am I supposed to find about 2 hours a day to exercise these munchkins? Of course, if I DID manage to find that time, well, they'd be lean, mean, tough machines! (They're already lean and mean, so we'd just be working on the "tough" part.)
May 18, 2011 - chuckled at the following conversation: David: "I want you to be nice and quiet..." Ruby: "What's that?" Oh, my.
May 18, 2011 - : tonight, David informed Isaac that he was going to have to have a consequence for not obeying. Isaac quickly replied that he was going to run away. (Who knew it started so young? =P) Ruby then piped in, "I betcha that they'll catch ya!"
May 19, 2011 - : 9 years ago, I was getting ready to walk down the aisle. Happy Anniversary to my lovely David! (Yeah, I bet he's THRILLED to be called "lovely", but he is! =D)
May 19, 2011 - : well, the kids had a ball with their babysitter, and we had a ball without the kids. Good thing that David didn't hit the vehicle behind us in the Dairy Queen drive thru when he put the car in reverse instead of going forward. He thought he might have hit them, but he got out and checked with them and he hadn't. Maybe I'll have to be the designated driver. =O
May 20, 2011 - "Mom, did you know I love you so much...I feel like crying". - Ruby
"Am I super strong?" - Isaac to Ruby while playing. Alas, there was no response.
May 20, 2011 - : apparently Jadelyn's dare-devilness wasn't diminished at all after riding her tricycle down the 5 steps on the back porch. Soon after, what do I find her doing? Riding Pucka's rocking horse with no hands.
May 22, 2011 - found a tick in Jadelyn's crib on her blanket when doing the before-bed-straighten-up tonight. Now I have a minor case of the creepy-crawlies....
May 23, 2011 - is super disappointed after our first PT session since leaving Indiana. Super disappointed.
May 26, 2011 - : tree fell down on our barn, and I don't even know when...we've only had a little wind, nothing real bad. Huh. David noticed it tonight, but the only damage we've found so far is just a little dent in the very edge of the tin roof. Good thing, 'cause the things so old it can't be insured. At least I think that's the story. =O
June 21, 2011 - Had a great few days in Kentucky with Kim and her family. Now we are back home safe and sound. (By Tracy)
June 22, 2011 - Hannah told me this morning that she wants to stay at your house forever, 10 days, til Jesus comes (By Tracy)
July 13, 2011 - Yay! Going to the park for a picnic with Kim and 3 pretty cool kiddos So glad it has cooled off since yesterday! (By Hughes)
July 16, 2011 - Andrew is the only one who caught any. (By Tracy)
September 15, 2011 - I request your prayers in behalf of Ruby and her worried Mommy and Daddy. We're back to the orthopaedic surgeon's AGAIN tomorrow (we were there 3 weeks ago, and then two weeks ago were at a geneticist's) for more x-rays and a video. It's looking like surgery for Ruby's hips is looming. I know God is in control, and I covet prayers to cover my little Ruby.
September 16, 2011 - Packing for camping at Turkey Run with Kim and family!! (By Tracy)
September 21, 2011 - in reply to Tracy asking what we did with our extra day of vacation: Well, we just went to a hotel with a pool and HOT TUB (kids' favorite). Swam a little on Sunday night, and then a little more on Monday before hitting the road. We were gonna go to the Children's Museum, but the kids were way too tired and cranky. We were tired too, but not so cranky. They slept most of the way to Louisville. Then we hung out on the skywalk thing in Louisville for a couple hours on Monday. The kids loved the "tunnels" over and next to the roads, escalators, and glass-elevators (in a hotel that we visited...David had been there for meetings before and wanted to show us it's awesomeness.). David? He loved the food court that had Subway (for me), Taco Bell/KFC, Taipei Taiwan or something (for him), and Wendy's (for Frosties). I think he has decided that that is the best place EVER for eating out. How's THAT for a long-winded reply, you Tilt-a-whirl-rocker, you? I'm IMPRESSED, by the way...I think I'd have gotten SICK. Can't handle spinning post-kids. Wimp, I know. Okay, I should go. Love you!
October 5, 2011 - : Ruby update - no surgery for now at least. Geneticist doesn't need to see us back but thinks the hip subluxation problem is related to hypotonia. Being referred to a neurologist to find out any underlying cause of the hypotonia. Maybe we can just exercise her hip area muscles like crazy and avoid surgery? Thank you all for your prayers!
November 7, 2011 - is SO VERY proud of my Ruby who had 6-7 (or so?) vials of blood drawn today with just the slightest whimper when the needle first went in. This from the child that usually screams BLOODY MURDER when she (or one of her siblings) gets a shot. She nearly passed out afterward, but we got her fixed up. GO RUBY!!!!!
November 29, 2011 - Another 9 vials of blood for Ruby. She declared that she "wasn't brave" this time 'cause she cried a bit at the beginning. But quieting down after two vials or so and staying still on her own....I'm still impressed. Now we're in wait mode. If her tests come back positive, she'll have surgery on one hip, followed by 6 weeks in a cast, then surgery on the other hip, followed by 6 weeks in a cast. If the tests are negative, then it's 6 months in a cast. Just want to get it over already.
December 4, 2011 - My kids with Grandma - she had such patience with them, even when she was so weak and they have boundless energy. What a wonderful, wonderful lady.
December 4, 2011 - Just another picture of my amazingly strong and wonderful Grandma.
December 5, 2011 - Today we lost our matriarch, an incredible lady who was very much loved and will be very much missed. I love you, Grandma! You are inspiring, and I am so grateful that I have had the privilege of being your granddaughter.
December 11, 2011 - : today I asked Jadelyn what her name was. "Jadelyn", she responded. (Not "Nini!" =O) Then, I asked what her middle name was...pause...."Jadelyn", she responded. So I then asked her what her last name was...."hmmm..........stinky poo!" Oh, dear. Guess I should be more careful with my nicknames. =O
December 12, 2011 - Cannot believe it, but I now have two 5 year-olds. Crazy!!! =O Happy birthday, Ruby and Isaac!!!!!! I love you!
December 18, 2011 - My kids are growing up. Sniff, sniff....Jadelyn is in a big kid bed for the second night (Isaac slept in her crib last night, and Ruby is tonight - we haven't got her own big kid bed put up, yet. =P) and tonight, Isaac is wearing underwear to bed for the first night. Crazy how fast time flies!
December 25, 2011 - I'm quite convinced that we have the sweetest neighbors in the world. So very blessed to have them!
December 27, 2011 - Finally got Ruby's surgery dates today: first surgery and cast is April 9, second surgery and cast is April 23, and cast comes off on May 30. Thankful that she'll be in a cast so much shorter than originally anticipated. Scared about the surgery, pain, recovery, and stuff. Thank you all for your prayers!
