The Maxey Pad News

Finally

2009-04-27T22:17:00.015-05:00

I know it has been awhile. There have been some friends that have been pushing me to update my blog, but I find it so hard to sit in front of the computer at the end of the day when I have spent most of it in front of the one at work. But Sean has been moved to 2nd shift M-F indefinitely, so I try to wait up for him and this gives me a good focus. Yes, that means we never see each other during the week. I leave at 7:45 am, he leaves at 2 pm, I get home at 4:30 pm and then he gets home at 11:30 pm. That's why I try to stay up. Maybe I shouldn't, since I don't get very good sleep any more, but I miss him...

In February was our semiannual Make a Blanket Day (MBA) at the mall. Mom created a pattern for her boo challenge quilt and Mary Balagna helped her and she and her husband came up with a beautiful name for it: Tori's Torrific Quilt!They secretly gathered the proceeds from the pattern as it sold at MBD, whether just the pattern or the kit, and gave them to our family! It was a lot too! What a blessing! And what a special way to remember our girl. Those ladies are so amazing! You should have seen all the work being done there! I would like to have more time to spend on that organization.Mom working hard at our paper piecing project.

Tori's Torrific Quilt Pattern made by Mom (Soni Uhler)

The kids with cousins in front of the one made and displayed by the patterns and kits for sale.

Our dear friend Sue Atteberry

Caleb celebrated his 6th birthday on the 12th of March and the Saturday following. He got to have a party and invited some church friends, family (especially his cousins), and his best buddy from school. He had a good time and loved being the center of attentions.

I guess the wish took some thought.

I love this picture! :)

I had training up in Chicago around my birthday, so I got to sit in class and enjoy the long trip home as my present. But the kids had made me cards and Sean got me flowers, the new Mary Higgins Clark book and a beautiful card, and he made me dinner (lasagna - mmmmm). It was wonderful to come home to that, though the training and trip itself was pretty good.

We spent Easter with Sean's family and it was wonderful. We got to spend time with his brother and his family too and we were so glad to do that. Besides the fact that my kids adore Danielle and Devon, we enjoy spending time with Tony and Crissy. They were here in Illinois after Tori passed away, but with so many people here, we didn't have much chance to spend with them. We got a new to us van just a couple of weeks before the trip, so we didn't have any worries about the drive. That is a relief!!
Here is Caleb on too much Easter Candy. It is lengthy, but very amusing. Enjoy!

Work ends for me soon! I am so excited! We are done on the 15th and the others don't go back until the middle of July and by then our baby will be here, so I won't be going right back. The little girls are done with preschool for the summer already! They miss the staff and the attention that they give them. The girls and Sean are meeting me tomorrow for lunch and are so excited! Well, Ms. Mary is too...

Isabelle and Daddy got to go on a special trip to Springfield with the Gifted Program of the Decatur Public Schools. I am not sure what all they did, but they had a wonderful time and I know they visited the state capital. Belle's friend Regan went too with her mom and they had a great time together. Sean didn't enjoy the bus ride so much though.

Belle and I got braces on the 30th of April.........Ouch! Ouch! She is taking it better than I am, but she does only have four brackets on top and four on the bottom, so that's my excuse. Plus I am older. She looks adorable! I need to get a better close up of her now. Dr. Cavanaugh was wonderful as was her staff. It wasn't easy, but they made it a good experience. Now if the sores in our mouths would go away....
Well, enjoy the pictures and video. Sorry it has taken so long to update, but it hasn't been an easy few months. Maybe next time I will add more pictures of Nora and Olivia. Oh! and baby. I do have picts, but I need to go to bed now... Love to all of you and thank you for your love and strength!

Next Year, We're Skipping January!

2009-01-27T18:00:00.008-06:00

As we have struggled with the loss of our 20 month old, we are also struggling with c-dificile and shigella, both of which attack the digestive areas. They have almost identical symtoms and together make a very mean bug. We have all had some sort of issue or another with one or both of them and were hoping that it would finally come to an end. It started with Nora on the 8th with the throwing up, it included Olivia, Grammy, Papa, Tori (who's little body couldn't handle them with the steroids), myself, and even Sean a little. Well, this last Thursday, Isabelle came down with it and was behaving just the way Toria did. We were so scared. Sean had already left for work, so I called my brother-in-law Sean to come give her a blessing and I called the Dr. He said to take her to the ER. So Sean carried her downstairs and then out to the van. He followed me to the ER and carried her in and then headed off to take Spencer to school and to go to work.

We got there around 9:00am and finally around 2:30pm they sent us up to the peds floor. They said that because of family history, they wanted to hospitalize her and get her started on antibiotics through her IV. It took a whole bag of fluid just to get her to pee, so she had been pretty dehydrated. They gave us Saturday as the day she would probably be leaving. She was constantly up going to the bathroom, but was pretty worn out on Thursday. By Friday she was so much better and was up by 4:30am and ready to start the day. Daddy stayed with her Friday night, but not before he went down to the ER with me so that I could get tests done, since my Dr. wanted me to. I spent 2-21/2 hours down there to confirm that I was not dehydrated and get a stool sample. They sent me home with the promise of test results soon...

Saturday, we found out that Belle had to be in the hospital until her antibiotics were complete - on Tuesday! We were really discouraged, since she was feeling so much better, but she was still running to the bathroom a lot. Sean again stayed with her Saturday night and I headed over around 1pm on Sunday. We spent some time together and then we had to see Daddy off to be home for the kids. Belle had not been getting very good sleep and fell asleep around 7pm. Aunt Sara and Daddy came up to visit, but she was so out of it that when I tried to wake her up to tell her she had guests, she just said "I don't care." and turned over and went back to sleep. We got a kick out of that! She slept through the night and didn't wake up until 12 hours later. Her nurse was so wonderful that night and tried so hard not to disturb her. By Monday she was bouncing off the walls! We kept bringing her things to do, but when you are stuck in one room...

My Dr. called and said that the test results showed that I had both bacterias and that I would be referred to the Center for Disease Control. I don't know how much more I can handle of this mess. Belle's Dr. also told me that she wouldn't be leaving until Wednesday! Sean and I were very unhappy and I ended up calling Dr. Brooks office. His receptionist called me back and let me know that it would be Tuesday. Mom brought the little girls up and I took them home so that the three of us could get a nap. Between the Health Department wanting to know every detail so that they might find a common connection between our cases and others that have shown up, and all the different doctors offices calling, there wasn't much napping for me. When Daddy and Caleb both got home, we all headed over there and Daddy even stopped and picked up some pizza on the way. It was a big celebration for our last night there.

She got the all clear to go and we were out by about 12:30pm on Tuesday. It was such a relief! During this time, Sean and I have spent so little time together. We are still trying to deal with the lose of our Tori and to not have each other to lean on has been so difficult. Being able to focus on the here and now with Belle has helped me, but as I am home while Sean takes a shift, I feel it so heavy again. I can only imagine how this has been for him. Yesterday, Mom went to pick up the girls from school and our sweet health person had to tell us that the girls couldn't come back to school until their stool had been tested. The health department had called them, but hadn't bothered to call us! I was so upset. And after many stool samples at the hospital, we got a call that Belle has to give another today...When will it be enough? Oh, and my niece, Saucy, went to the ER with similar symptoms last night. At least they let her come home after hours of tests...

I am tired. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. I have seen a great many blessing these past few weeks and I hang on to them for dear life. We have felt the love, support and prayers of those near and far and we thank you so very much. With Sean working days now, things have been a little easier. I was planning on going back to work today or tomorrow, but I guess I have to wait till next week when I also have the all clear. My employers have been so wonderful and understanding and I am grateful for that. If this stuff would just leave us alone now...Next year, we are skipping January.

Our Sweet Victoria Grace

2009-01-13T07:08:00.002-06:00

For those of you who have met our little Tori Grace, you may know that she is a handful. She is always going (and going and going) and into everything. She is full of smiles and giggles and has brought great joy to our family. To write this is necessary for me. It is in my heart and that heart hurts so very much right now. Well, on Wednesday, I ended up having to take her to the emergency room because she was having such a hard time breathing. We have a nebulizer at home, but the medicine cup was lost and it was useless. At the hospital we received a new one and after various tests, 3 breathing treatments and two doses of some steroids, we were on our way home. She had a follow up visit with her wonderful pediatrician on Thursday and then again on Friday and by then was doing much better. We continued to give her breathing treatments and other meds at home and felt she was doing great.

Sunday morning was a busy and hectic time. Tori was being her normal sweet self, busy and into everything. We have afternoon church and Sean had worked the night before and was sleeping, so as Tori was very ready for her nap, I left her asleep next to her daddy. When we came home from church, Sean was sitting on the side of the bed with a freshly bathed Tori who was just laying in her arms. She had started throwing up and having diarreha. Sean had to work, so I spent the evening up in our room holding her and cleaning her up. The kids and Grammy came in to watch a movie with us and Tori just laid there. She was really listless and was breathing rapidly. I debated about taking her back to the ER, but decided to put up the port-a-crib in my room near my bed and ended up getting up with her through the night changing diapers, trying to get her to take water, and then cleaning up the throw-up. She rested on and off, as did I. Nora came in my room just before 1 am with diarrehe issues and I helped her clean up and climb into bed. I contiuned getting up with Tori and then at 5:30, Nora came back in with another accident. Tori was breathing and seemingly resting a little better.

At 6:30, Sean got home and as he was preparing to lay down, Nora came in a third time. I got up and check Tori before going to help Nora, but at that point, she was no longer breathing. She was still very warm and flexible, but she wasn't responding. Sean grabbed her up and immediately started CPR and I called 911. He threw off her jammies and continued the cpr as he raced her down stairs to be right there with the ambulance. My mom and dad were up at that point and they held Nora as I flipped out and Sean practically threw her at the paramedics as they came in the door. They did all they could and rushed off to the hospital, but there was just nothing that anyone could do. Her heart wouldn't start again.

As I look back on these last couple of days, I find great strength in the knowledge that I have been give of families. I know that I will see my Notorious again and that after the resurrection, We will be able to finish raising her, that we will be together, all of us as a family, forever. I am so grateful for the time we had with her. She was our ball of sunshine and our "E" that eats everything. She was learning so much and into so many things.

We have felt the outpouring of love from family and friends near and far. Our home is filled with hope and peace that Sean and I so desperately have needed. The children are doing well. They don't stay down long and bring us great comfort. Many have offered to take them, but we have needed them here close to us. And they know that we are right here if they need us. They have there moments of sadness, and we can be there to hold them. We want them to know that we love them and want them. I was afraid of giving off a different message if I sent them to friends houses, like I was sending them away. I think they need us now as much as we need them.

For now we don't have answers to why she died, but we know that she is with our loving Savior right now, holding his hand with those fat little fingers, tickling her own tummy, and looking for some food to eat. We love her dearly and miss her with all our hearts, but we will be with her again. I know.

Tag (past due)

2008-11-30T13:57:00.016-06:00

Okay, Jodi tagged me awhile ago and I thought I had better get this done: If you don't know the rules of this tag, you have to google the answer and choose an image on the first page of google images.

Favorite Vacation: Philmont

Favorite Color: Lavender

Age: 33

Favorite Treat: CHOCOLATE!!!

Favorite Food: Mexican Food

Where I want to travel: Greece

Where I Grew Up: Illinois

Where I Live: Decatur, IL (I know, it's so lovely)

Last Name: Maxey (I guess one of these guys is Lamar Maxey-whoever that is.)

Middle Name: Elizabeth - Elizabeth I

First Name: Amy (I cheated and picked the first one not dressed like a complete slut - Amy Adams)

Past Love: Camping (someday...)

Favorite Animal: Horse (hey Sean, can I have one???)
Okay, I guess I am supposed to tag some people...Brent, Jessie, Amber, and Annie Now...go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T20:43:00.004-06:00

I thought that maybe I would add one more post for the month of November. There isn't a lot to say, but I am sure I will find the words to say it. I can make a five minute explanation turn into an hour.

Thanksgiving was good. Sara and Sean and the kids came over and helped Mom with the cooking. I spent most of this lovely holiday weekend feeling terrible, so instead of helping, I just add more for Mom to do. Poor Mom. I think she suffers the most from this morning sickness (aside from me of course). Sean is wonderful and tries to do all that he can, but with him working nights and sleeping days, Mom ends up with the rotten end of the stick. And when I mean rotten, I mean Tori. Talk about rotten! That girl has been having real diaper issues. For the past two mornings I have gotten up at 6:30 with her and had to put her straight in the bathtub, clothes and all! Disgusting! Today she had three changes of clothing besides that. I did the baths, but Mom ends up with the diaper part a lot.

We did get our tree today. There was some problems with it once we got it home and had to do some trimming, but between Dad and I, we managed to save it. Dad enjoys telling people (when he remembers the right word) that our tree has a prosthetic limb. Now we need to decorate it. Let's save that for another day...

Nora and Olivia's school pictures should be in this week, so I will have to post those with the next blog. Work is getting difficult with this pregnancy thing. We are busy getting ready for Christmas and getting things for all 378 kids to take home to their parents and Christmas parties, and special programs and break-ins over at the main office... Yes! Break-ins! Turns out they are coming in the roof and we didn't learn from the last one a month or two ago and left most offices unlocked and a laptop in the conference area. So they took poor Jenny's big back of candy from her secret santa, and poor Brenda's 35 cents, and six of poor Michelle's hot chocolate packets. How evil! Okay, they did take the laptop too. But I was too sneaky for them this time. You can't steal my fruit bars if I don't have any! Ha ha!!

Sean did have an interview for the site manager position for Illinois Crane at the Decatur Caterpillar. The current one will be going north to Joliet or somewhere to work at the plant there. I guess we will know soon if they are willing to let him off the night shift or not. I shouldn't complain because it's a good job and he is really needed and wanted there, but I miss him!

Congratulations Jodi!!! I wish so much that I could come down for your graduation! I am so jealous of Tanya for getting to fly down to be there. Not so much of the others since I couldn't handle a road trip really well. But I sure am proud of you and your amazing hard work!! I sure do miss you and wish I could see you! Don't trip!

It's Time

2008-11-10T20:27:00.003-06:00

I know, I know.... It's ridiculous! How can I go so long without adding anything? With five kids (and one on the way, by-the-way), you would think I would have plenty to write about! Oh, I do! But the time seems to fly away from me. I am at work all day sitting in front of a computer, not doing much because it is so slow right now, that when I get home and don't have to worry about quota time, I don't want to be on the computer. Oh well. Let's see...Olivia and Nora are enjoying school and their teachers are enjoying them (I guess they are sweet and obedient in class, who knew?). We just got their proofs back from the school photographer and should be getting the actual pictures back soon. Caleb and Isabelle and now both going to John's Hill and are also brown nosers, or so I hear. I can't believe that Caleb is in kindergarten already. Isabelle has moved up to the third floor, where the third - fifth grades are. I hate those stairs! Nora will be joining them next year and I just shake my head.

Sean still works nights as the shift supervisor and does well at it. His boss doesn't want to change that because no one else would take that job and not need hand holding. So I guess they love him at work. He has two guys that he works with and they all seem to work well together. It helps that one guy's wife and the other guy's girlfriend are sisters.

Tori is growing way too quickly. She will be 18 months in just 8 days! Yes, we are counting down! It will be so great to put her in nursery without feeling guilty that she is 2 weeks early. :) I have been so tempted to cut off her hair. It is driving me crazy! Besides the food in it at all times, she pulls out her hair pretties and it hangs in her face like cousin it. It's a bit amusing to watch her try to look up at you through that hair. She has graduated to the bottom bunk of the bunk bed she now shares with Caleb. She can definitely get down on her own. Saturday I went in to see if she was awake and I couldn't find her. I got a little panicked and checked the other bedrooms only to come back and search her room again. I finally found her UNDER the bed, sound asleep...That's my baby...

Okay, I guess that's enough for now. Maybe I will come back soon.? Who knows.

So Many Posts?

2008-06-27T04:43:00.009-05:00

I posted on Sunday, and I noticed (at a nice early hour of 3:30am) this morning that there are a bunch of new posts from friends and family. How do you do it? I went two months! Well, here is twice in a week...:) How do people do it? I do enjoy reading them and hope you keep them coming!

Yesterday we had some sad news from the bridge behind our house. At about 1pm I heard a loud crash, like snapping or something and Belle said to Olivia, "Did that scare you?" I went to our room, which provides a great view of the bridge and there was a bit of hurried activity and a guy running to the road, like he was waiting for someone. Moments later came the firetrucks, ambulance, and police. They had quite a time getting down there and getting the guy out, but they managed. Unfortunately, the man didn't make it. I guess a cable snapped on the pile driving crane that was just putting in a huge steel beam. Here is the story. Here is the Newspaper's story. They have been investigating all night long and lights are still on out there. There was some of the trestle that broke, so they have to hurry and get that fixed before any trains can cross.

On a lighter note. Tori is really taking off. The most I have seen her go is about 7 steps without holding on. But she is so top heavy (:)) and gets so excited that she has a hard time keeping balanced. It's fun to watch.

The kids are doing the library program and enjoying getting read to, or in Belle's case - reading. She loves to read to the others. It is so cute to watch. They earn prizes if they meet the goal they made at the last library visit. So we have library books all over this big house and I know I won't be able to find them all. There's positive thinking for you.

We are all in our correct bedrooms now! Cribs and clothes have been moved. Office has been cleared out. Cots have moved. Etc... If any of you have seen Mom's office, you would be so amazed at how well she has done clearing it out. Dad has done a wonderful job making room for her too! Her office space looks so neat and organized! Blessing in disguise :) We need to get to the storage unit and bring over beds/bunk beds, couches, and other various things in order to really get moved in, but that might need to wait till Sean's next weekend off. And a fixed truck...

All the Maxey Grandkids

Sean and Livy waiting for the van to get fixed

And here is Devon's trick...

Moving on...

2008-06-22T21:08:00.008-05:00

Well, we are alive. After much prodding from others, including Sean, I am giving a "brief" update of our lives. Here it goes...

We moved! We were renting our house and situations changed, so we needed to move out. We were staying at my parents while we were searching for a home that would fit us just right. It's not easy when you are looking for a place that takes 2 adults, 5 small kids, a dog, 3 guinea pigs, fish, frogs, and snails... Well, Mom had come home one evening after being gone all day (I blame it on short term memory - she had already forgotten the chaos of all of us being in her home) and said that we should just move in with them! After discussing it further with Sean and Dad (at different times), we decided it was the way to go. They have 5000+ square feet after all, which includes 3 1/2 baths, 5 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, tv room, play area, basement, office, etc...so, here we are. We can help with bills, and they can help with child care while we both work. It actually is working out well all around. Although we did get rid of the dog, a fish died and we have a tadpole. Philmont, one of the guinea pigs, had two babies, but they didn't make it. On a related note, I am not pregnant, for a change.

I am currently off for the summer. I have enjoyed being with the kids more. Being gone all day has made me appreciate the time I do have with them. Although the trip to Ohio was wearing me out. Especially since I was with my in-laws with out Sean most of the time. Since he had to work, he drove us over and came right back home so that he could get to work. He drove all day in order to get to work just in time - 12 hours later he was ready for sleep. He then drove over to get us. He had been working the weekend and after his Sunday shift he went home, took a shower, and then drove 7 1/2 hours to come get us. We did let him rest a little and didn't leave the very next day. But we left on Wednesday so that he could be to work that evening. Our water pump went out in Canal Winchester (just south of Columbus) and put us a couple of hours behind, but the auto mechanics were great (if you ever have car problems in that area, go to Hoffman's and they will fix you right up!) and we were on our way in enough time so that Sean could get to work on time. Speaking of his work...he was hired on as night supervisor of his shift for Illinois Crane at Caterpillar. They finally made him official June 1st. Yea!! He likes his job and we are kind of getting used to the schedule. I miss him though. I start back to work on the 21st of July and Nora and Olivia will be going to full day preschool soon after that.

Caleb is ready for kindergarten. He got rave reviews from his teachers and is surprising us with all that he knows. Belle finished 2nd grade with flying colors and is moving on to 3rd grade, but her teacher remains a mystery. I guess they might be getting a new one. Nora continues to be our klutz. She picked out a bike helmet and pad from a garage sale near Mamaw's (Ohio Grandma) and was wearing them and still managed to scrape her elbow with the elbow pad on! Only she can do that. She still won't leave Tori alone. It would be really sweet if Tori didn't scream every time Nora mauled her. Olivia isn't hearing well. She has a lot of fluid in her ears and we are going to have to take her to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor in July. She will most likely be getting tubes. She is quite rough and seems to hit a lot. I think she is our tom boy. It's hard to keep her clean. She really has a mind of her own. Tori is trying hard to walk. Or rather, we are trying hard to get Tori to walk. Caleb likes to do the "walking thing" which is trying to get Tori to walk back and forth between two people. The problem with that is that you need to have two people that she really wants to go to. Daddy, Mommy, or Grammy, but definitely not Nora! She is working on more teeth, since eight is not enough. She still eats everything! She got two big bites out of Mamaw's bar of soap before someone took it away. And then there's the garlic...

Long, Long Time

2008-04-22T08:13:00.003-05:00

Sorry. I have a hard time sitting at the computer for any length of time these days. I am lucky to get to my email, let alone the blog. I quit taking some of my daily meds to see if they were causing the sleepiness, but have yet to determine that. It would help if I went to bed early too. I do have to share my Friday with you. I had a pretty good day at work. Michelle and Tammie and I laughed and giggled all day long. We got off early and I went home to a disaster. Poor Sean. You really need to have a long period of uninterrupted sleep in order to funtion, and he doesn't get it that often. Mom (and Sara and the kids) has been in Texas (I sure miss her and hope she is having a good time), which means that those long sleep periods only happen on weekends and evenings when he doesn't work.

He had been napping and Nora and Olivia got the vasoline out and put it in their hair and on the couch. They also got the hair spray down and emptied it in their hair. There was the individual chip bags all over and they were opened, so there was chips and crumbs everywhere too. Movies and cds had been pulled out of the cabinet and then out of their cases, with the crumbs all over them. Let's just say: It was bad. I immediately felt very over whelmed.

I called Melody and let out my frustration. Isabelle had spent the day over there (I guess that's why the house was that way it was). I called Mom next and while talking to her, I heard Tori crying. I went up to get her and found her on the rocking chair covered in cedar chips with the cedar all over the floor in the living room too. Olivia came down with them in her hair. I just started crying at that point. I had given Tori some animal crackers and the kids took the rest and spread them all over. I had it! Mom was feeling so bad that she couldn't do anything. Sean called while I was crying to mom, so I was talking to him and sobbing and he couldn't do anything since he was at work.

Well, Melody, Emma, and Isabelle came over and Mel saved me. While I was cleaning the mess in the Living Room, she tackled the kitchen. She helped the girls finish Belle's room (Caleb cleaned his room) and then bathed the three. Nora and Livy had their hair washed twice and still came out with crusty hair ( I have washed it four times since and we about have it out). After that, Mel scrubbed down the bathroom! She was amazing!

Saturday we went to the circus with Mel, Emma and Ella. I put Tori down for a nap since Sean was home sleeping. It left something to be desired, but it was fun getting out. We stopped at DQ for some ice cream and then headed home. I ended up cleaning the kitchen floor with the carpet cleaner and after the kids went to bed, I used it on the living room floors. I brought the rug back in and cleaned it, put oxy clean, biz bleach, and spray n wash on it. I scrubbed it with a bristle brush and then cleaned it again, and again, and again. I futured the kitchen floor and the main walk way in the living room and trapped myself in there, so I watched a little tv while I waited for it to dry. I ended up going to bed around 4:15am and was up by 7:30 for church. Sean helped the kids get ready and I was at church a little late, but made it by 9:30. My arm was killing me, but the house looked a whole lot better.

Next I will have to blog about Nora's hair...

It Once Was Lost, But Now It's Found

2008-03-23T01:15:00.006-05:00

There is a great sense of satisfaction when you find something that has been pretty lost. Meaning - you have looked all over the dang house and even spent two days cleaning the playroom with out success, but there it is. Right in its spot. Sorry Amber. No keys or W-2 there.

This stinking camera was right where it was supposed to be. In the dirty diaper closet. No. There aren't dirty diapers in there, but there is diapers and the closet is dirty. It was even on the shelf it was supposed to be on. I think it's time to clean out the closet and call it the clean diaper closet for a day or two.

So here are some pictures for you...Caleb's birthday.....

Caleb's Cupcakes for school.

Waiting to enjoy the cupcake.

Nora joining in the party.

It Was a Dark and Storm Day

2008-03-18T21:00:00.005-05:00

I still can't find my camera. It is really bothering me too. Yes Amber, when I find that black hole, I will check for your stuff too.

Yesterday Mom had us over for dinner. She made split pea soup, watergate salad, and green water. Mmmm. It was good. Nora is becoming quite a collector of other peoples' things. She picked up Dad's flashlight last night and it didn't phase her a bit when I made her go take it to him and tell him that she was sorry for taking it. She crammed some thin mints in her mouth later on because she knew she wasn't supposed to have anymore and ended up choking on them. I wasn't feeling too sorry for her at that point. She had to sit in time out until she was ready to apologize to Grammy. She wouldn't do it until she thought that we had all left her when we went to put stuff (and Tori) out in the van. I just don't know what to do with her.

There is a reason why I don't like toddler potties. Olivia has one out right now so that she can be encouraged to use it (which isn't being very encouraging, seeing as how she hasn't used it or anything). Tonight I went upstairs to put kids to bed and smelled something bad. I found that someone had used the potty. Not today either. I asked Caleb and Nora and Caleb admitted that he had done it, but he quickly added "but that was when I was four!" It didn't help him any. He still got a spank and sent to his room. Oh, should I admit that? I am a terrible mother. I spanked my son today.

I love my job. I never thought that I would say something like that. I never imagined myself working outside the home. And the idea of working would make me cringe. But here I am. Working and loving it. Does it have something to do with the fact that I have 5 kids under 8? Could be. Do I like getting away for a few hours? Perhaps. Is the extra income nice? Maybe. Is it all of the above? Absolutely. But I do have to say that the past two days have been soooo long! Mary C. and I went recruiting to Mt. Zion yesterday and today. If you don't know Mt. Zion, it's a very nice town just outside of Decatur, to the southeast. There are a lot of upscale homes and middle class homes there, and not many rougher places. If you know what I am getting at. Head Start is for the less privileged families. Like ours :) So we went and sat there at the pre-k screening from 8:45 - 2pm yesterday and 8:45 - 12 pm today doing nothing! No one was interested in putting their darlings into pre-school with the less fortunate. It's a little amusing to me to see this. Especially since I have two in the program. I have to say that I appreciate all that Nora and Caleb learn from school, including diversity and to see people for who they are on the inside. They don't see the color of skin or the clothes, but the personalities. Anyway, it was so boring! And even when we got back to the site, there wasn't anything to do. Here's hoping for crazy chaos tomorrow...but only at work, not at home.

Okay, I am off to bed. Sean is working again tonight, so I am going to go snuggle in bed and watch a little tv before going to sleep. Sorry again for my lack of pictures. My blog feels so naked!

Missing Camera

2008-03-16T02:45:00.003-05:00

I know that I have a black hole in my house. It's not just this house. It moves with me. When Isabelle was just a baby, Sean's grandma, Bulah made her a Christmas stocking with her name on it to match ours. It was very special to us. Of course we got this just as we were moving to Ohio. We looked high and low for that thing. We looked in Illinois at our old place and in storage. We looked through boxes over and over. We never did find that. That's when it began. How do you explain to your child that Great-grandma loved her, but she doesn't have a stocking like Mom, Daddy and Caleb. (She passed away before the others came.)

Well, now it has taken my camera. Where in the world could it be??? I guess I do have five little sets of hands that love to take off with things. And Nora is becoming somewhat of a kleptomaniac... Well, thankfully we can always count on Sara to have hers.

And "Why am I sitting here typing at 2:45 in the am?" do you ask? Good question. Why? I was worried that the primary kids wouldn't know the words to Beautiful Savior next Sunday for their Sacrament Song, so I thought I should hunt up the visual display for it. That's why. And while I was at it, why not get the Articles of Faith Songs again, and hey, I am awake anyway, why not type a little on my blog! Twice in a week! Yea for me! Maybe I should go back to bed...

We (Belle, Caleb, Spencer, Nora and I) went to go see Suessical, the Dr. Suess musical yesterday. It was really cute and I would recommend it too young kids and their parents. Just a side note before I sign off. Sorry, no pictures of the birthday or the party...No camera!

Maxey Mahem Mixes with More Messes

2008-03-14T22:48:00.004-05:00

Yeah, I don't know what that is supposes to mean. I just don't like coming up with a title. I have a wonderful friend who has this wonderful "journal" and the titles are completely random. I am just not funny. Funny things happen to me. I laugh at funny things (Sean isn't one of them, so don't ask). My kids are funny looking (ohhh, just kidding little thunder chunk...).
As I sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet I think, man, I am lucky. It's Friday night and Caleb isn't here to wake up the two little ones at 6:30 in the morning! I get to sleep in! It has been a long time since I could do that! Sean has been asleep all day and is still sleeping. I probably will go sleep on the couch so that I don't disturb him. Poor guy. He got food poisoning early this morning and ended up driving himself from work to the er and puking the whole way. He tells me there is some on the door, but I think I will just go with his word on this...
I was sick yesterday. It started with a migraine the night before and I guess I caught a 24hour bug to go with it, but it was not food poisoning! Mom and Sara took the two little ones shopping with them after I came home early from work. After they were done, Mom came over with the two and helped around the living room and kitchen, fixed dinner, and put kids to bed! She's amazing!
I know why I have a hard time sitting down and writing things. I write too much!
We kept Mom on the run today too. I got to come home early today because there was nothing at the office to do, so I cleaned out a fish tank (and somehow lost a frog in the process) and Mom made a transformer cake. Caleb is so excited for his party tomorrow night! It was nice to spend time with Mom and Sara today. It's been awhile.
Caleb turned 5 on Wednesday. Sean had to work, so we opened presents when I got home and before he left. Caleb asked for corn, beans, juice, and turkey for his birthday dinner. Today he informed us that he didn't like turkey. Saturday he just wants corn, beans, and juice. I will have to post more pictures later. I am falling asleep as I type.

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun (or something like that)

2008-03-01T17:27:00.008-06:00

Well, I told myself that I would try to get in at least one post a week, and I have failed already! So sad. I haven't given up yet though.

There hasn't been any big or exciting new here, just that I seem to be on the run all the time. Tuesday was Blue and Gold Banquet for the Cub Scouts and the theme was Chinese New Year. I don't know about your areas, but here in Decatur, you just don't find much for that. I did get some material and started making runners. But Sean ended up finishing them and ironing them. What a guy! Thankfully, Teresa Cluff's husband works in Bloomington and found great stuff there. Rochelle and Bob Mooth talked about China and the things they learned there. It was wonderful. The people who did the food did a wonderful job!

Work has been good. I still enjoy going everyday and look forward to the next. I am getting the hang of things, which is nice. Michelle and then Tammie have come to work feeling miserable. We have heard too much about the staff that keeps taking off work for the littlest things, so it's hard for us to miss. I made Tammie go home on Friday after she got done with her monthly tracking (not that she was fighting me about it). I am worried that I am next, but luckily, I have been spared. We are working on the March parent meeting and the three of us are in charge of the monthly newsletter. Cozette makes sure that I have plenty to do so that I don't keep coming to her for more stuff. I realize (thanks to Sean) that I need to back off anyway, but she does know and so far I haven't made her too crazy.

Tori is pulling herself up these days. Which makes bedtime a little bit harder. But it's so cute to see her with that big grin that says "I did it!" She sure is growing up quickly! Those legs are soooo chunky! She is finally getting one of her top front teeth in and soon we can't call her a vampire.

Yesterday, Isabelle and I dressed alike, so Daddy got our picture. Belle got her Girl Scout Cookies in and I brought them to school on my lunch hour. She was so excited that I came and that we were dressed alike. Someday she will be so embarrassed of me, but for now, I will take what I can get.

It's good to have Sean home for the weekend. It goes by so slowly when he works and so quickly when he doesn't. I better go . Things to get ready for, stuff to buy, kids to play with, and rooms to clean.

Busy

2008-02-18T01:15:00.025-06:00

I am tempted to do what my friend did and put my stuff in several different blogs, but it's 1:15 in the morning (thank you Tori!), so we'll do this the quicker way. I haven't even had time to sit down and do this earlier, so here I am, doing this now while most are asleep.

Sean had to work on Valentine's Night, but he sent me flowers at work (after my manager thought that some birthday flowers for Peggy were for me. I laughed at the idea of Sean sending me flowers, so she made sure that I gave him a hard time. He felt the pressure and thought he had better send them :) ). They were beautiful! Even if he felt compelled, I was still so excited that they actually came. And I think he put the compelled act on just for show :) Tammie talked to her husband and mentioned to him that my husband sent me flowers and he told her, "Tell her to give you one!"

Since Sean worked that night, Sara invited us over to Mom's for dinner (which she fixed). It was delicious! She made Saucy Hearts and broccoli and cheese, Mom made a pink jell-o salad, and we had rolls. After we let the food settle, we had pie and ice cream too! Mmmm good! Thanks Sara for the wonderful meal!

Friday I did home visits with Caleb's assistant teacher. Mrs. Sandy wasn't able to go and their FSW (Family Service Worker) was sick, so Cozette asked me to go. We tried 17 homes and made 9 visits. It was a real eye-opener. I am glad I got to experience that and hope that I don't have to do it next week. But Mrs. Bonnie is really great and I was so glad to get to know her better. She also did my home visit for Caleb while we had some extra time.

Friday night our kids went to the Sterling and Sean and I went on a date! It's been a while, so it was exciting. We went to the mall and voted on our favorite boo-boo quilt. There was a record 47 quilts there and they were so beautiful! We did a little shopping and then went over to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. We got there around 8:30 and still had to wait about 25 minutes. It was packed! But the food was wonderful (Sean wasn't as pleased, but still went away satisfied). We picked up Tori and then went home and went to bed! The other four camped out on the Sterlings family room floor in sleeping bags with their cousins. It was so cute.

I would have slept in, since most of the little people were gone, but Saturday was Make a Blanket Day at the mall. Dad took Mom and I over and we got there around 8:30 am to find a good spot and set up. There are more and more people every year, so we had to make sure we could get a good place. Sean and the kids stopped by to see the quilts (Isabelle wanted to see Mommy's quilt). I did have to give a disclaimer to everyone on all the girls hair. The all had quite the bed head. :)
When blanket day is at the mall, there is paper piecing to do. Mom and I enjoy putting the blocks together and we like getting a bunch and doing them all together. We didn't have enough plugs to plug in two sewing machines and Mom's travel iron, so one person sewed while the other ironed, lined up pieces and trimmed. It was a lot of fun. All together we made about 16 blocks. With each block that you do, you can try for a prize. They use a ping pong machine and if you get an orange ping pong, you get 10 extra tickets for the special prize drawings. If you get a yellow ping pong, you get to pick a prize off of the door prize table. If you get a white one, well, thanks for trying and here's another block :) Mom is really good at getting the colored balls, so I made her do most of it. She ended up with 2(?) door prize ping pongs and 6 or more special prize tickets ping pongs. She's amazing! She got the first one right away and picked up a kit to make a travel sewing bag with things to go in it. She happens to have one already and it also just so happens that I mentioned to her that I wanted one like that, so she got it for me :) She is so sweet! I got my name called first thing for a door prize and picked up a pair of snippers for rag quilt snipping. I was really excited about both! She also picked up a pair of snippers with her second ping pong ball prize. She got a snuggly scarf when her name was finally called for a door prize. The great thing about Project Linus and this chapter of it is that they are so good to their volunteers! Mary and Cheryl really know how to make these days so wonderful! We sat by our friend, Judy Brumaster. We got to know her at the November, 2006 Appreciation Breakfast and have enjoyed her ever since. She is a wonderful lady with an amazing memory. I saw her at the Feb. make a blanket day in 2007 and she asked when I was due. When I saw her in June, she said she had been keeping an eye out for our birth announcement in the paper and was excited to find it at the end of May. This picture of her is when she won one of the special drawings. We cheered loudly for her. We didn't win any of the special drawings, but the very last drawing that they did, was for a $900 Baby Lock Sewing Machine that was donated by Baby Lock and Stewarts. Those who pre-registered got to enter the drawing and when we put our names in, I told Mary that if Mom won, I got the machine. We all laughed and Mom explained that my machine just broke a few days earlier. I never win any of the big prizes, so I was busy sewing and not paying much attention. When they called my name I freaked out! Mom and I just kept hugging and we were almost crying. Mary had said that every time that they give a sewing machine away, it always seems to go to someone who really needs it, and this time it was no exception. Mom whispered to me, "Oh! I was hoping you would get it! I have been saying a little prayer all day that you would get it!" I love that woman! I am so grateful for my new machine! It truly is a blessing to me! I have already sewn my travel case with it and I love it!!
Mom and I were on the front page of the local section! And my name is at the very end of the article for winning the machine.

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/02/18/news/local/1030159.txt

This is Mary Balagna. She is the Vice Pres. of the National Office for Project Linus and the President of our chapter. She is an amazing woman. I can't believe all that she manages to accomplish. Cheryl Hughes is the Vice Pres. and is wonderful at helping her. I guess that's how Mary does it. Between them and all the volunteers, each Project Linus event is amazing.

Lastly, my mother-in-law came Sunday afternoon. Sean and the four older kids went to Champaign and picked her up. They were so excited! It's always wonderful to have Mamaw here. She love to help and to spoil. I have a video of Livy and Mamaw playing and then I think I might be done. I am ready to go back to bed now that Tori is quiet. I hear Sean sleeping away and my eyes are getting heavy again. One more picture before I go... Nora won't leave Tori alone! Here, she doesn't seem to mind too much :) Yeah, I should have done this in several different blogs. Sorry it's so long!

Hobbies

2008-02-16T13:39:00.002-06:00

I began thinking about hobbies today. I wonder what hobbies others enjoy. Some are obvious, such as Soni and quilting. Others may be guilty pleasures. I seem to have a collection of hobbies ranging from banjo playing to radio. At the former I am neither proficient or dedicated. Seems each time I pick up to play I break a string. Radio, however is both entertaining and educational.

I listen to short wave regularly. I love the variety from around the world available on such a simple medium. I also hold a ham radio license and talk on there occasionally. I have a hand held unit that is on most of the time. I have aspirations to pass the test for a General class license that will allow me to use a 10 meter radio I have and talk over even greater distances. There is something about this hobby that attracts me. I find myself learning more in a wide variety of fields studying radio than any other hobby I have been involved in. This makes me think it will be a long-lived interest.

I have several other "pasttimes" I enjoy, but few I would consider a hobby. What are some of the ways you relax and pass time for amusement. I have a few guesses at obvious answers, but try to surprise me with a good one.

73

Sean

Crazy

2008-02-12T07:21:00.000-06:00

I am so glad that Monday is over! It was good. Don't get me wrong. But it wore me out. I went to work as usual and had my first not so good day. I don't like to be micromanaged and that is what my manager is. I made up a new phone list for the office with Head Starts addresses and phone numbers also and printed of copies for anyone who wanted it (everyone), but apparently, someone felt upset about this and Mary had to come tell me that I was not to copy ANYTHING until Cozette gave her initial to it. Oh brother! It's an extension list! Grrr

But I did get to go over to Site 2 (where Nora and Caleb are) and help in one of the classrooms. Cozette told me to just go home from there. I didn't need to come back to the office just for 1/2 an hour. So I got to pick up the little ones and go home.

Mom came over to watch the kids yesterday. I thought that Sean would probably need some sleep after all the work and lack of sleep this past weekend. She has been sewing the top of my boo boo quilt (so Sean designed it and Mom sewed it together - Sean said I was a good manager :)). She has been so helpful! She always is, but yesterday she was sick and still she was here caring for kids and sewing. I did add a picture of Tori. Mom fixed her hair after her nap and she looked so cute. Belle missed the bus (it wasn't her regular one I guess) so Dad was good enough to take her to school. He even walked her in. Cute. Wonder if it brought back any memories?

I babysat at the Lauper-Cook's last night. Those kids are so great. Jasper was born in October, so Julie needed someone with experience with babies. That is definitely me! Julie's grandfather passed away and she headed out this morning to go to the funeral. I took the three girls with me to the Daines' house where they were going to spend the next few days. After that, I stopped at mom's and picked up the blanket top that she took home to work on, and then headed over to Wal-mart for some groceries. I FINALLY got home around 10:30. Sean and I decided that after work tonight, I was staying home!

Isabelle was supposed to jump in the jump rope for heart thing, but her teacher forgot. She was so sad and I think she even cried. Mrs. Williams gave her a little "I'm Sorry!" present (it really was sweet). This was clear back in December. Well, I guess she came home with all kinds of prizes for the money that she did raise. She got a couple of t-shirts, a jump-rope, a radio, and some other stuff. She was pretty excited about that. The picture is her this morning, just after waking up. She was embarrassed that I was taking a picture of her looking like that. My little girl is growing up!

More Hair Cuts

2008-02-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

Well, today I did it. I cut Olivia's hair. Not just trimmed it. She didn't exactly sit still either. If toddler hair cutting were an Olympic sport, I would get the gold! The left picture was taken tonight, Feb. 9, 2008, and the one on the right was taken in July of 2006. There is a little bit of difference in them :) I will try to put the movie on too if I can, but I am falling asleep as I type, so I am not going to try too hard. I spent the afternoon at the DeVisser's, and although Dorothy only needed a couple of things at the store, I am just tired. Maybe it's the drive up and back. I am out of practice driving long distances.

Sean is working this weekend. Bathing five kids should also be an Olympic sport. While I was getting things ready and making kids clean up the bathroom, Nora was downstairs being busy herself. We had breakfast for dinner and I hadn't gotten the food put away. She poured syrup in the juice pitcher and all over Tori and her tray. I failed to get a picture of that. I was too mad to think about it. I hate sticky things. Tori had it all over her front, her arms and her hair. Let's just say that she was the first in the bath. Grrr, this is what happens when Daddy is gone...

Oh! So Good!

2008-02-08T23:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight was ladies night! My friend Julie had a spa night and I dragged Sara over with me (not that she was kicking and screaming or anything). Mom and Sean 2 watched all the kids (including Sami Cami) for about 4 hours! They are very brave and so great to take that much time for us. Those kids were tired when we got home. Be I am really glad we had the opportunity to go. It was sooo wonderful. Julie had a massage therapist there and we each had a 20 minute back massage. I have never had a professional one before and it was heaven. I just wanted to lay there for ever and ever. I also had a foot bath and foot massage (I did those myself, since I would be too embarrassed to have anyone else touch my crusty feet), a facial, crepes, herbal tea and quiet, adult conversation. I was wonderful!

Tori got her bangs cut today. They have been driving me crazy. I finally pinned her down and snipped them. It wasn't easy. She fought me almost the whole time! I did miss some, but maybe I will wait till she is sleeping in my arms or something. How does an 8 month old have so much hair?

I love my job. Can I just say that again? Cozette, my manager, left at lunchtime for the day. When we all came back, there wasn't much to do. A lot of people were just sitting around. Me included. Daciena came in and told us that the director said we could go home if we wanted to, and still get paid for 8 hours! Since Nora and Caleb don't have school on Fridays and Sean works tonight, I wasn't sure I wanted to go home just yet, but went ahead and took the opportunity. I did get a little nap at home even. Cozette asked Tammie and I if we would put together a monthly newsletter. Boy! She asked the right person here! I was so excited to have something like that to do. I have done several newsletters and they even have publisher, so this will be easy for me. I am anxious to get started. I already got a letter out to all 12 teachers, the 2 site managers and the appropriate staff at the main office. Now I just need to get info to put into the newsletter.

Oh! Today was payday and I got my first real paycheck in 8 years! It's official! And I found out that we got paid for the snow day. And I guess it's not normal to have an hour paid lunch, so I actually only work 7 hours. Man, this is the job for me!

Sick

2008-02-06T19:32:00.000-06:00

I hate being sick. It doesn't happen often. I guess pregnancy makes up for that. Last night (or rather, early this morning) I was cutting fabric for my boo boo quilt when Belle comes down and says "Mommy! Throw up!" After some inquiring, I found out that Nora had leaned over her bunk (she's on top) and threw up on the floor. I don't handle vomit well at all. Sean usually takes care of it but he was working. I actually had to wake Nora up and ask her if she threw up and at first she said "No." After questioning Belle and Nora more, and Nora woke up more, she said she did it.

After getting it cleaned up and kids back to bed, I went back down to finish cutting. I was wanting to get to bed, but I was worried that Nora would need me again and I wouldn't hear her from my room. About 45 minutes later (around 2am) Belle came out and went to the bathroom (AGAIN!) I was about to yell at her to go back to bed and quit stalling, but the next thing I hear is, "Mommy! I think I need a bowl!" I told her to use the toilet since she was right there, and there was nothing to clean up (whew!) Great! Two puking kids! Who was next? I went right to bed before someone else started up on it and luckily, everyone was fine the rest of the night. Belle even went to school and Nora would have if she and Caleb hadn't missed the bus. But I did wake up feeling nauseous and sore all over. It wasn't too bad though and I managed to work through it, but I am soooo tired now! Ahhh, motherhood!

Ahh, Sundays...

2008-02-03T20:02:00.000-06:00

I love the weekends when Sean doesn't work. I talk like this is old hat, and I realize that he has only been working for a month, but already I am thinking a week in advance. Last Sunday I was so excited that the next Sunday he wouldn't be working. Today, on my way to do music with the Nursery, it came to me that next weekend I would be all alone. :( I have to learn how to enjoy the here and now and look forward only on the harder weekends. Today I got to have a nap. I woke up and the sun was still shining and I thought I was late for work! I really panicked for a minute. Sean laughed and said "You're late for work!"

Spencer, Saucy and Sami Cami came over last evening while Sean2 (that's my sister Sara's husband for anyone who doesn't know. My Sean is Sean1, since he joined the family first.) and Sara went on a date. I haven't had many chances to hold little Sami Cami (Okay, it's Samantha Camilla and goes by Cami, but we can't help ourselves). She is a month old and it's my favorite age, but darn that little Tori who is a little possessive of her mommy. But last night I did get to hold her a little between naps. Spencer and Saucy spent the night and it was interesting and not too bad getting them all bathed last night and ready for church by 8:45 this morning. And that includes 5 girls hair and Spencer's hair. I am amazing :) Okay, I had some help.

Cami was blessed today. It was wonderful to hear the blessing that her daddy gave her. And Dad came too! My Sean said that we need to have a baby next year so that we can get Dad to church next year. He should get to church at least once a year ;) I said "Riigghht, let's do that..."

Have I mentioned how much hair Tori has? She had a headband in her hair today, not just because it went with the outfit. Good grief! It makes her look older than her 8 1/2 months.

Well, our boo boo quilt challenges are due on the 8th. Mom got her quilt top all finished and it's all pinned together, she just has to bind it and quilt it! I haven't started... WHAT A SURPRISE! It might be a little more difficult to finish, I mean start, now that I am working. If you don't know what Project Linus is, I added a link to my favorites. I have three blankets that I would like to get finished by blanket day, but I will be lucky just to finish the boo boo quilt.

Speaking of work...I love it! I didn't get to go on Friday, seeing as how there was about 8 inches of snow on our road. (I don't get this weather...it's ice, it's a rain storm, it' s a snow storm, it's thundering and lightening - yes, today it thundered and lightninged (as I shake my head in disgust) all in the same week!) But it is great. The people I work with are wonderful. The teacher, whose classes I am responsible for as a family service worker is just a ball of sunshine, but I haven't seen her too much yet. The three ladies that I share an office space with are all very sweet. Peggy has been there about 3 years (?) and is very quick to answer any questions that we have. Tammie and Michelle started with me, so Peggy gets lots of questions from us. So far, we all work well together. Peggy is a blogging queen! She has the Jankowski Family Blog and is great at posting! I am amazed!

I enjoy going over to Site 2. I love all the children and I love seeing my own. On Wednesday, Tammie and Mary (who has been training us) were going through a recipe book over at site 2 and found a Red Velvet Cake. They said, "I bet Amy could make that! Hey, Amy, can you make this?" I told them that I could with a recipe, so they were going to make a copy for me. On Thursday, they asked if I had made it, and remembered that the copy machine still wasn't working, so they had me copy it down by hand. Tonight I made the cake. I don't know how it tastes, but hopefully it will pass the test.

I hear lots of noise upstairs. I probably should go check it out. I also have to make sure they haven't decided to eat the cake. I have been worrying about that. I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and please encourage Sean to add some more! He said he did his one.

A Song About Nothing

2008-01-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

I am a regular reader of the Dilbert Blog, which is titled only to attract readers. It is only marginally about the cartoon. Scott Adams recently opined that a hit song needs not make sense but only nearly make sense. He solicited ideas from commentators and put together lyrics for a song. Soon after, a German band put the song to music and someone made a video of stills to the music. The link to the Dilbert Blog is http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2008/01/she-amazed-me-t.html and there is a link to YouTube with the video. The song is actually good. Hope it makes the charts.

The Official Working Mom

2008-01-29T20:57:00.000-06:00

I did it! I made it through my first day of work! Actually, I made it through my first two days, but who is counting (except me to payday). I really like it. I am looking forward to going again tomorrow! I think that says something. As a family service worker, I am responsible for Ms. Woodland's AM and PM students and their families. I make sure that we have all their information and that the families needs are met. We do a lot of paper work and print lots of reports. We work with excel, which I know very well, so I feel like a genius when Mary is showing us (myself and the other two ladies that started with me) how to do something and I am already four steps ahead.

We also get to go help out at the school when they need us. I really like that. We help get the AM kids on the bus, while the PM kids are getting off and going to their classrooms. Afterwards we go to lunch, so I get to stick my head into Caleb and Nora's classes and give them kisses and see their happy little faces. I love it!

Mom came over yesterday to help out. Sean worked all weekend and was dead, so he slept and Mom took care of everything. The kids loved it. I had left her a note with instructions so that all the kids could get to where they needed to go. Caleb's teacher, Mrs. Merris, told me that the first thing that Caleb told her when he got to school was that Mommy and written a note to Grammy saying that they could watch cartoons after school. I guess he was waiting at the door for Nora to get home so that they could watch the cartoons as soon as she was home.

Of course my children couldn't be forgotten. They wouldn't have that. I got a call yesterday, my first day, and when I picked up the phone, it was John's Hill Magnet School calling to say that Isabelle came to the nurses office complaining of a sore throat and had a slight fever and I needed to come pick her up. I called Mom and had her wake up Sean to go get her. Minutes later, Ms. Stephanie calls from Head Start Site 2 to inform me that Caleb had a rash and needed to be picked up. Sean had already left the house and didn't have his cell phone, so I called John's Hill and left a message with them to have him go pick up Caleb. As it all turns out, they were just fine.

People at work keep acting surprised that we like it. They make it seem like it's going to be just horrible - just wait, but I do really like it. I have my own desk with a computer. I have my John Deere mug and cup on my desk with chocolate in them, and I have a big picture frame with a lot of pictures of the kids in it up on the wall. I am getting settled already. I also get to go home for lunch, which is great.

One of the best things for me is that when I get home, I am excited to see my kids! I am happier and more playful. That is what I love the most. Although, I do miss Sean. He comes home at 6:30 when he is working and I leave at 7:30. I come home at 4:30 and he leaves at 5:30. It's not a lot of time together. He didn't work last night or tonight, but last night I went with Mom to Springfield to see my dear friend Melody. She had her Jack Jack yesterday (9 lb 7 oz and 22 1/2 in) and we went to visit. Tonight, despite the bad weather, we had our pack meeting, which was the pinewood derby, and I couldn't miss that. And then he works the next two nights. Sigh...

We will get this. But here's to working and surviving how ever you can :)

Sad News

2008-01-27T22:01:00.000-06:00

If you have not yet heard the sad news, President Hinckley passed away this evening. http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/

At 97, it doesn't come as a surprise, but it is still very sad. My kids asked who killed him and I had to explain that he was old and ready to be with his beloved wife again.

He was a great man with a powerful testimony. He will be greatly missed.

You want to see unfit?

2008-01-26T13:52:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine posted a blog about being an unfit mother (I recommend it - it was very amusing -so check out the aberchronicles), and it reminded me so much of what I went through with Caleb. I have always meant to write down my experiences with him, but I have never gotten around to it, so here it goes:

Isabelle was a perfect child. We found so much joy in parenthood and were anxious for our second. It took a while, but we finally got Caleb. To start off with, he was huge (for me). At 8lb 14oz, the doctor told me that I would not be able to have any children bigger then that naturally (that was after 2 1/2 hours of pushing). So point being, he came into this world with a bang!

Even at a very young age, he was good at getting into things. In the first picture, he did have help with the baby powder and, to be honest, it might have been Belle's idea, but he doesn't look too upset. He did have a tendency towards liquids - soaps, cleaners, foods, etc...which made it that much harder to clean up.
I remember one time in OH when I had purchased a large bottle of shampoo. After getting it home, he managed to open it and dump it all over the living room carpet. My mother-in-law had a carpet cleaner and came over and helped me get it cleaned up. She had a lot of laughs over that one. Another time it was motor oil. Sean had changed the oil and Caleb found the old stuff and decided to play in it. The outfit got thrown away.

We moved to IL and it continued. A large jug of laundry detergent all over the laundry room floor, potato flakes all over the kitchen floor, cereal all over the kitchen, milk, water, or juice all over everything and anything. On his second birthday, Belle and I went to see a play with some friends. I had made his cake and set it out to cool and told Sean to keep an eye on it. He did, after Caleb got into. So I had to learn how to be creative with him...I iced the cake that way on purpose. He had already eaten the cake before I even iced it.

But what I remember the most was when I was 36 weeks along with Olivia. Nora was only about a year old and I was so tired and frustrated with him. Rooms and closets had to have hook and eyes and had to be sure to be locked at all times. He sensed when the lock wasn't on. This particular Tuesday morning, he had dumped the cereal everywhere. I sent him out of the kitchen and started cleaning up. I next found him with the toothpaste in my room on the floor. I was down on my hands and knees (very pregnant) cleaning it up and I turn around and he has poured the expensive and stinky T-gel shampoo all over the bathroom and hall. I take him downstairs and sit him at the table for lunch and go clean up the mess, again. I come back down and he has dumped the doritoes all over the recently swept floor! I couldn't handle it any more!! I decided then and there that it was time to go back on my depression medicine. If I wanted to keep an ounce of sanity, I needed help.

So, on Thursday I had a doctor appointment in the afternoon. That morning I was sitting in a chair in my room facing the hall and stairs and talking to my sister, Jodi on the phone. Caleb had dumped all his books off of his shelf, so I sent him in there to clean up, knowing that he wouldn't clean, but maybe it would give me a little break. I had my eye on the stairs, making sure that he didn't go down, but I guess Jodi distracted me. The next thing I know, our cat, Bullseye comes walking in covered in brown stuff. I thought "What in the heck?!" As he came over, I realized he was covered in Hersey's Syrup! I mean covered! I had the phone in one hand, talking to my sister, and the cat in the other and had no clue what to do. I was dumbfounded.

I carried the cat down the stairs and opened the front door and just threw him out. He could clean himself. I knew I was going to have bigger problems. As I surveyed the living room, my heart just dropped. I started getting a little hysterical and told Jodi I had to go. There was syrup by the diaper closet, on the floor and the walls, and as I turned the corner, I saw that it was along the piano bench, in a puddle on the rocking chair, along the floor to a puddle on the couch. Basically, it was all over. I hung up with Jodi just as Sean pulled up and I meet him in the kitchen just bawling. He holds me as I am crying and tells me not to worry, he would take care of it. He sends me off to get ready for my doctor appointment and in walks Mom and my sister, Sara. Jodi had called and begged Mom to come over and help. Jodi had felt completely helpless, so she called someone who could help. Mom and Sara watched the kids, Sean washed the carpet and cleaned the chairs, couch and walls, and I went to the doctor and begged for my Wellbutrin. Dr. Byrkit didn't hesitate.

That is my biggest Caleb story. He continued after that with the Hershey Syrup, but mostly he would pull it out and give it to Nora. One night, after chugging down a bunch, she threw up in bed. I didn't find out till morning. It was almost all syrup and it was on the sheets, down the wall and on the floor. After that, the syrup went to the basement fridge.

He has taught Nora well and she has done plenty of things herself, but thankfully, it's not been as much. You would think at four, that he is doing better, but just the other day, he took an orange paint stick and wrote all over one of his bedroom walls. Then he scratched his name on the kitchen table and tried to blame it on Belle. When that didn't work, he tried Nora. Nora can't even write her name yet, let alone Caleb's. But with tears in his eyes and his lip curled just so, he did eventually confess.

A Day in the Life...

2008-01-25T10:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Mom had a beading party and I went and made some bracelets for my girls and I. It was a lot of fun! I am not much for creating the bracelets, but I am super at putting them together. Tori was kind enough to sleep through the whole thing and woke up after everyone had gone. So she ate and played while I vacuumed for Mom. Are there people in your life that do so much for you, and it's hard to find things to do for them? I have several people like that in my life and Mom is one. I love to be able to help her. She is amazing! I don't know anyone else who doesn't have a full time job or kids at home that keeps as busy as she does. To the point of being stressed all the time. It's usually stuff that I can't help with...like making a blanket for Project Linus. But once in awhile, there is something I can do, like vacuuming. It's not much, but she acts like I just ran a marathon for her. She is amazing! Did I say that already?

In the evening, I got to go see a movie with my friend, Melody. She is having a baby on Monday, and we decided we had better hurry and get one more movie in before baby Jack comes. I wasn't a big fan of 27 Dresses, but others said they thought it was hilarious. It was just nice to go out. We also stopped at Steak and Shake for a burger and a shake. I got home after 11 and Sean and Tori were asleep (waking up) on the couch. Cute :)

Tonight is a girls night I guess. Our friends, the Lauper-Cooks have three girls and a baby boy. David works some weekends, so Julie and I decided that we should share the load. I have her three girls tonight, and she gets my three oldest tomorrow. It is so great! Here it is, 10:30 at night and I hear giggling up in the living room, but mostly it is quiet. Cassandra is a year older than Isabelle, Sage is the same age as Caleb, and Azzy is the same age as Olivia. They are so cute. Azzy reminds me of Caleb when he was that age - in to everything! It actually makes me laugh. I told the older girls that they could watch a movie and have popcorn if they could help clean the playroom and they agreed, so after dinner, we all went down to the playroom and the two oldest and I cleaned, while the rest played (it is a playroom after all). Anyway, while I was putting things away, Azzy would be right behind me pulling things out. She is a doll, and as her mom says "She's lucky she's cute" :) Actually, Caleb got to spend the night at Spencer's, so there really was no boys here - Sean is working this weekend.

I guess it's time to go quiet the masses.

Here We Go....

2008-01-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

This is it. I am attempting this blogging thing. Time sure does fly when you are having fun?! Sean and I have been married for 8 1/2 years and what do we have to show for it? 5 kids, a dog, a house, 2 guinea pigs, 3 snails, 2 frogs, and 7 fish. If only we could get rid of the dog...:)

Isabelle will be turning 8 in August, which she is very excited about! She can't wait to be baptized and she thinks she wants an American Girl doll for her birthday. She is in 2nd grade and I guess she is in the gifted program. They don't tell me anything about it and the report card doesn't say much. I was getting letter grades when I was in second grade. Her report cards are simply "Doesn't meet state standards", "Meets state standards", and "Exceeds state standards". Not to put down the education system, but what in the heck does that mean? Those standards aren't that high... She continues to be my big helper and is always asking what she can do. Got to love that!

Caleb will be 5 in just two months! He is in preschool but is very ready for kindergarten. He's got his name down, numbers 1 - 20, colors, shapes, and some other letters. When I visit his class, they go on and on about how wonderful he is. Well, they should see him at home ;) He loves spending time with his cousin, Spencer. They are in the same primary class and can be seen running down the halls holding hands. I need to put a stop to that I think.

Eleanor turns 4 in July and loves attention. And she gets it. I think it's the eyes. And the constant, huge, smile. She is also in preschool and is coming along nicely. I have to admit, I love sending them off to school Monday - Thursday. They are gone for about 5 hours and it gives Olivia and Tori time to get some much needed Mommy Attention. Nora just started primary this year and it is fun to watch her in there. She is quite the drama queen, but she is generally happy.

Olivia will be 3 in August. She had a hard time talking at first, but now she just goes and goes and goes and goes and goes (you get the idea). We still don't understand her a good bit of the time, but that doesn't stop her. No matter what I do, she always looks like a rag-a-muffin. I think she looks forward to going to preschool in the fall. She watches Caleb and Nora get on the bus and wants to be on there too. She is starting to show a little interest in potty training, but not enough to be serious. I look forward to just one diapered bottom for awhile. Livy still has a pacifier, but we have gotten it down to sleeping time only. The goal is: No pacifier by age 3. Hopefully sooner.

Victoria will be 1 in May. My baby is getting so big! She is crawling all over (actually she lunges forward, but it's the same results). I always get comments on her hair. She has a ton. I think she has more than her cousin, Saucy, who just turned 2 in November. People say she looks like Nora. I guess I see it :) She is so smiley these days. And it shows off her vampire teeth. She has two middle teeth on bottom and her two canine teeth on top. weird! She rolls all over in her walker and loves her johnny jump up. She also loves food. I have yet to find something that she won't eat, and she gets what ever we are eating, so she has had a large variety. She loves her naps and loves her sisters and brother. They adore her. She spent a couple of days in the hospital at the beginning of the month with RSV, but she did great and was all smiles (unless they were suctioning her nose).

Sean just started working at Caterpillar as a crane inspector. He works 12 hour nights and about 3 1/2 nights a week, so every other weekend we mess up his schedule so that he can spend time with us. He still works on getting books onto our online bookstores, and has people calling him to come fix this or that. Basically, I feel like I hardly see him. But we will adjust. He has started working with the scouts again. But now he is working at the district level. He is the activities chairman. He is also very creative and built our guinea pigs' cage out of material we had out in the garage. The pigs love it and so do I. He is so cleaver! This picture is of him wearing his present from Caleb (the 6xl shirt :) ), and the gift from the Sterlings (John Deere suspenders that he has labeled his Sunday Suspenders and has worn them every Sunday since he got them).

I just got a job with Head Start as a family service worker. I don't start until Monday, and I am excited and scared at the same time. I haven't had a job outside the home since before I was pregnant with Isabelle! So Sean will watch the kids during the day, while he sleeps, and I have them after 4 o'clock. I guess we will see how it will work out. I am the music leader in primary and just love it! I also am the cub committee chairman and am surprised by how much I enjoy that! Sean and I just became the unit commissioners for our wards troop, team and pack, so we are attempting to help them get on track, since we just split the scouts from the 2nd ward and we got a new bishopric. It's a bit crazy to say the least. I still enjoy making blankets and have made a couple for new babies and project linus. I have 3 that I need to get done by the 8th of Feb. so wish me luck. I alway did do best under pressure :)

Well, I guess that's enough information for now. I hope all is well with all of you!