End-of-School

I will attempt to do a catch-up here!

Wednesday, May 19th

RJ spent the entire day with LJ at school. They had some tricycles to return. RJ has been the tricycle repair man - these kids are tough on the trikes! Apparently, this job is much appreciated by all. He even got a mention in LJ's teacher's end-of-the year letter. It seems that, when the tricycles are out of commission, the kids are crazy during outside time, so the teachers prefer the tricycles to be in good working order.

RJ had been feeling as though he had missed out on knowing what is going on when LJ is at school, so he decided to spend the morning. I believe he has written a post about this, so I'll let him give his report.

After school, we all went out to lunch and then home for a typical afternoon of naps, playing, snacks and swimming.

Thursday, May 20

RJ went to work and I started packing for our trip to the beach. At 10:00, I went to my spray-tan appointment! The week before, I had been at my hair salon for my usual procedures and a lady emerged from the back with her recently applied spray-tan. So, I asked some questions and saw the results and decided that I would be happier going to the beach (as a pregnant lady) with golden skin. The spraying was no problem, but I needed to wait 8 hours before showering so that it could all set-in. This was annoying. I spent the day in my swimsuit cover-up, doing laundry, gathering supplies, and packing, so I didn't need to go out. But, I was kind of sticky most of the day...and just generally uncomfortable.

RJ came home from work and decided to check out the rear brake pads on the Tahoe. So, he did some car repairs before LJ informed us that his Crocs are just too small and he needs new ones. I showered (a glorious shower that involved the rinsing off of the "guide line" - which is brown) and we went out for Crocs, car parts, and dinner.

Friday, May 21

RJ took LJ to his last day of pre-school! I finished the last minute packing and getting the house ready for our departure. Upon his return from dropping LJ at school, RJ did his last car preparations and packing. Around 10:30, RJ, PJ and I left the house for our attendance at LJ's end-of-year school party and then straight on the road for the beach.

LJ's party appeared to be lots of fun! They made home-made ice cream and played in a "water contraption" made of PVC pipe. PJ enjoyed playing on the playground and I visited with the other moms...where I was informed that they have 1 opening in the 3-year-olds MWF and 1 opening in the 3-year-olds TR class next fall. RJ hadn't even thought about PJ attending pre-school at age 3, but we were about to spend the next 3 days considering it! The head-of-school told us we could call on Monday to let her know - after that, she needed to start calling people on the waiting list (since we have a sibling at this school already - we get out ahead of people without siblings at the school).

After pictures and "see you laters", we headed to pick up Jfer and then to our destination in Louisiana.

Our car ride was rather uneventful...full of stops and SHHHs and treat bags with trains and snacks...until Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is where we take I-12 North instead of I-10 South (to New Orleans). Our hotel for the night is on I-12, right before it joins back with I-10. Well, as we are speeding by on the Interstate, we are seeing signs (temporary - signs that are digital and what they say can be changed) that say something about I-12 being closed and to take I-1o as a detour...and something about 30 miles. It is hard to read at 70 mph...surrounded by traffic and looking for the I-12 exit. But, I can tell you that having to go down to New Orleans would be one heck of an out-of-the way detour. So, we pull over, look at LDOT and it seems there is an overturned truck about 30 minutes up I-12 and the road is closed. We look at the map and decide to go on 12 until right before the closure and then go across on a smaller road. When we exit 12, we figure there will be a place to eat dinner.

Our choices were Subway and Wayne's Bar-B-Q. We chose the local-flavor of Wayne's and, while the food wasn't very good, we talked to a local guy who told us what road to use...it would be less crowded and quicker. So, Wayne's was worth it for the information. We got to our hotel and went straight to bed. I slept with PJ (BIG mistake...I guess I'm like a magnet for him as his slept ON me) and RJ slept with LJ...who snored loudly...his nose was stopped up. Jfer slept on the pull out couch. The people upstairs either had children who ran across the floor for 45 minutes at 10:30 or were square-dancing. As you can gather, we did not sleep well!

MMRs, Birthday Parties and Jellybeans

We took both kids to the dr. for a well visit and their next vaccination. I took LJ on Monday. He is due for his 2nd MMR, 2nd Varicella, and last DTaP and Polio. We only did the MMR and will do the Vacricalla and the combo DTap/Polio at the end of the summer. This is in accordance with our spacing the vaccines to keep the level of aluminum and other "extra" substances to a "more acceptable level". So, you can see, by the time he enters Kindergarten, he'll have all of the vaccines he's supposed to have...just not at such an accelerated rate.

He actually cried about the shot, but got a lollipop in the end, so all was good.

RJ took PJ on Friday. He got his 1st MMR. According to RJ, PJ did not cry and he got a Thomas sticker, so he was happy. PJ spent the morning saying, "I'm ready to go get my shot now!" - so I guess he was truly ready!

LJ has a birthday party to go to...at 2:00pm ON MOTHER'S DAY! Who does this? Well, I can tell you who, but I won't. First of all, is our 5 year old the last 5 year old on earth who still takes an afternoon nap? It would seem so if I take the typical birthday party time as any indication. Sure, he doesn't always sleep, but LJ goes to his room and lays on his bed for 2 hours every afternoon that we are home. Second of all, Mother's Day? I think you get my point. So, today, LJ and I need to buy a birthday gift for this child. The volume of gifts that I see piled up at these parties strengthens my resolve not to have a birthday party where we invite his classmates.

I don't know about you, but we still have most of the Easter candy in our house. We, the J parents, didn't even do much candy, but somehow, we accumulated a ton of it. I labeled a Ziploc bag with each child's name on it (have to keep the candy separated!) and I dug the jellybeans out and put them in a bowl. PJ knows this bowl exists and, for every 1 time he asks if he can have a jellybean, it appears there are about 10 times that he just helps himself without asking! I'm to the point where I don't care anymore...the sooner they are gone, the better.

Trips, Birthdays, Cookie Contests, Etc.

It has been a rather busy time for the Js. At the end of April we went on a "big" trip to Pennsylvania and New York. This was the boys' first time on an airplane and they were excited. We had a terrific time - although we slept very little. I am working on a newsletter-style highlight that includes a few pictures...I'll e-mail it to anyone who wants it when I'm finished, so if you want it, let me know! To help you decide, highlights include: Steam train ride, PJ's birthday (in NYC), and NYC. I don't see how you could *NOT* want to receive the newsletter, but I realize I might be biased. Do you realize that I'm using you to try to prod me to actually finish this newsletter????

Immediately following our return from Pennsylvania, we were slated to get in the car and drive 6 hours (one-way) to the wedding of my cousin's daughter. The kids were on so little sleep that dark circles were appearing under their eyes and RJ was exhausted too. So, we decided that Mom and I would fly to the wedding and spend one night while RJ stayed home with the boys. It was Cookie Contest weekend and we were a bit bummed to have to miss it anyway. Plus, there was some super-fantastic "tool auction" that RJ wanted to attend (and, according to the credit card statement - did buy some super-fantastic tools). This plan sounded good all the way around. This plan also allowed me and RJ to have dinner with my friends Chrissy, Katherine, and Johanna on Friday night...of course, we didn't get home until 11:00 pm and our flight left at 7:10 am. Once again, little sleep.

I woke on Saturday not feeling just right, but I figured I was just tired. Mom and I got to our destination with no problems, upgraded our rental to a Cadillac (this is what happens when I think that we "deserve" a nice reward!), and found our hotel. Seeing as how it was only 10:45 am, I figured that actually checking in was not likely. Turns out I was correct. In fact, "there will be NO rooms available until 3:00." I did not like this. I was tired and still not feeling quite right.

Mom and I ate a snack at Panera Bread and decided to drive our Cadillac to the church and reception to make sure we had good directions. Then, we sat in the hotel lobby and tried to eye ball the receptionist...you know, make her feel uncomfortable and all. She told anyone else who tried to check-in the same thing though. At 1:00, we met a friend of mine from my mommy message board for lunch. I wasn't too hungry, but we had a nice visit. Upon return to the hotel, we were able to check-in. Once in the room, we rested and got ready for the wedding.

The wedding was nice - a bit traditional and non-traditional...very humorous. It was hot in the church, but it was all very nice. The reception location was nice as well. We visited with R & K and our cousin, but I was seriously not feeling well. In fact, in short-order, I was the lady in the first stall hurling my lunch. Nice. I left the reception (and Mom to be returned to the hotel by R & K on their way out of town) and hoped this was a one-time deal. Alas, it was not. Finally, around 11:00 pm - with thoughts about the plane ride home in fewer than 12 hours lurking in the depths of my mind and no end to the sickness in sight...I called the answering service for my doctor. I found a 24 hour CVS and begged the on-call doctor to call me some Phenergan suppositories. He expressed concern of possible dehydration, but I convinced him that I am a professional, so he obliged. With the hotel ice bucket and directions in hand, I headed out (in the Cadillac) to the CVS, which for all I know - is located in a not-so-good part of town. I made it without incident, used the ice bucket while waiting in the drive-thru, and made it back to the hotel. I was in bed and relieved of my need to visit the bathroom by 1:00 am.

I spent the next day feeling as though I had been drugged - Phenergan does this, but it beats the alternative. Mom and I made it home without incident. I slept most of the rest of the day and night.

Mom says she had a nice time at the wedding reception. I, however, did not enjoy this trip.

While I was gone - LJ won his age-bracket and is, once again, the Cookie King! PJ was in the same age-bracket as LJ this year, but he only ate 1 cookie and LJ ate 3.

Monday

Sunday, PJ woke without a fever and it slowly rose to 100 by the end of the day. LJ woke with 101 and had 103.6 upon waking from his nap. Tylenol got it down to 100.

RJ got home around 5:00 yesterday and was really nice about jumping right in and letting me have a break. I ordered Pei Wei take-out and went all.by.myself to pick it up. I took VeggieTales right out of that CD player and blasted Saturday Night (Elton John - I know, I'm a REBEL) in the car. Asian Chopped Chicken Salad hit the spot.

RJ gave me a debrief of the conference and the kids went to bed. We watched Survivor on the DVR and then went to bed too. Once again, there were about 5 calls in the night from the children, but we all survived.

This morning, PJ was fever-free and LJ had 101. I went to work and the grocery store and came home. We had lunch and the kids went down for naps. Upon waking, PJ is still fever-free...and his nose has not been running today. LJ has 99, but he had some Tylenol at lunch, so we'll see what progresses today. During naps I worked on receipts for health savings account reimbursement and paid various odd bills.

I'm still praying I don't get the flu!

This Should Catch Us Up

At the end of March, we went to SA for the night to eat dinner and have a play date with Chrissy and family. That was fun and a welcome change from being home and being sick! The next day, RJ left for a conference in New Orleans. We put him on the plane and once the plane took off...LJ and PJ both started crying. So, I soothed them by occupying our minds with planning a Welcome Home party for when Daddy returns. LJ thought this little party should have a Batman theme. This is interesting considering he had just told me (a few days earlier) that he (LJ) would like a Batman theme for his birthday...considering it was March, he sure talked about his birthday a lot. We survived our 3 nights without him, but we all missed him very much. MawMaw came over to stay with PJ on Monday and Wednesday while LJ went to school and I went to work. I'm not sure what happened on Monday, but when I got home, PJ was in his room and crying. I asked him what was the matter and he said, "MawMaw pank me" - ha!

Sunday, April 4 - Easter
At church, PJ was being very quite and studiously looking at the missalette...there was a responsorial Psalm on the page and he ran his fingers over the notes and seemed very interested. Right as I was thinking, "hmm, maybe PJ will be musically inclined", he held it up to his face and stuck out his tongue and licked the page. Sooo...I retracted my thoughts about his possible musical inclination. What possesses a child to lick the thin page of a missalette???

After church, we came home for our Easter Egg Hunt and then headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for the afternoon - which included lunch and another Easter Egg Hunt.

Tuesday, April 6
18 weeks 1 day - threw up last night, threw up this morning. I had been battling a headache all day. I slept horribly the night before. Most days I'm feeling pretty good, but I'm still having about 1-2 days out of the week that are NOT what I'd expect from 18 weeks.

It is unfortunate that I was out of sorts that day as I was one of the hostesses for LJ's class Easter party Wednesday. I was in charge of snacks. So, I needed to make cupcakes. But, I didn't.

Thursday, April 8
Thankfully, I felt better Wednesday, so I got up at 7:00 to make the cupcakes for the pre-school party. PJ was not feeling well and had a fever of 102. I gave him some Tylenol and while the cupcakes were cooling I went to the store for strawberries, bananas, milk and paper goods. PJ watched TV while I decorated the cupcakes. RJ came back from dropping LJ off at school and cut up strawberries. I had just enough time to put on some makeup before the babysitter arrived and I left for pre-school and RJ left to teach my class.

The Easter party was mass chaos, but I suppose that was to be expected. I think things took longer than the teacher desired and she seemed a bit out of sorts the entire time. LJ was excited I was at school and was very helpful in helping me put the snacks out.I ran home to pick up PJ because the babysitter had to meet her grandparents for lunch...ran back to school to pick up LJ...PJ fell asleep in the car - he was still not feeling well. We got home, I took PJ's temperature - 103. Called the dr. and made an appointment for 3:00 - RJ and I were to leave for a conference where we are on the planning committee, so this illness is not cool for many reasons.

I have to take both kids to the dr. because RJ is at a meeting for this conference. PJ has no ear or throat problems, so the dr. swabs his nose to do the rapid flu test...while it is late in the season, they have had a few cases in the past weeks. Test is positive - of course.

So, PJ has the flu. Since the fever is less than 24 hours old, she prescribes Tamiflu. I pick up the prescription and come home to call my OB...since I've been exposed to the flu. She prescribes a preventative course of Tamiflu for me and I go pick that up. Meanwhile, RJ is calling the babysitter to tell her PJ has the flu - she's had her flu shot, so she's not too worried. The babysitters for this weekend - 1 has had the shot (Jfer) and 1 has not (Bek). This is just going all down the tubes.

RJ has to go back up to work, but he makes the kids some dinner. Oh -rewind...PJ throws up 2x...that is lovely. Then, I throw up. As RJ is leaving for work, I throw up again. PJ has already asked to go to bed, so he is in bed. LJ is still up and, as I'm laying on the couch, I have to throw up again. I go ahead and use a phenergan suppository. Throw up one more time - that makes 4 times in 2 hours - and get LJ to bed. I go to be myself...feel like I might be able to fall asleep before throwing up...and PJ needs my attention. Finally - we are all in bed and it is quiet.

Thursday morning, I get up - not sure how the day will go - I'm deathly afraid I'm going to get the flu. Take PJ's temp - 102...I give him Tylenol - he's supposed to get Tamiflu 2x a day, but he will NOT take it. He will have nothing to do with it. We mix it with juice...nope. He wants milk - we mix it with milk - nope. He wants yogurt - mix it with that - nope. Now, this poor kid is sick is asking for a few drinks and some food and we are ruining it all for him with this Tamiflu. I'm willing to scrap it - it isn't a cure or anything - it just lessons symptoms and length of symptoms, but RJ keeps trying. We've wasted several doses by now, so we won't even be able to give it to him all the time he's supposed to have it.

So, now, I am staying home from the conference because I have fewer responsibilities than RJ. Obviously, a pregnant lady is not the best choice to stay home with the flu child, but it is the choice we have to make. I was not looking forward to taking the Tamiflu again - I'm pretty sure it is what made me throw up.

Saturday, April 10
Yesterday, Paul asked to go to bed several different times. He was in bed for the night at 6:30. And, as I sat on the couch with LJ I noticed that he felt hot. I broke our thermometer the other day, so I called my mom to go buy one and bring it over. 102.3. Terrific.

Last night was one of little sleep for me - mostly because every-so-often a child would go to the bathroom, cough, want a drink, want to tell me they don't feel well, etc. But, no catastrophes.

This morning - PJ finally has no fever!!!! I won't be surprised if one creeps in as the day goes by. LJ's is 100. I seem to remember fever is lowest in the morning?! Maybe I'm making that up. I'm trying to decide if I should take LJ to the dr. this morning - they are open from 8:30 - noon. I figure I'd better since tomorrow is Sunday and my health care options are limited and more expensive.

Took LJ in - he tested 'faint positive' for the flu. So far, his fever has not been as high as PJ's was. The dr. said that, once PJis fever-free, he shouldn't get a fever again, so if he does - to bring him in. This afternoon - he's had 100, but I'm thinking it is still flu-related and not going to be concerned...it is lower than the past 3 days. I am confused as all get out about taking the Tamiflu. Google it and you'll see why. I've taken 3 of the 10 doses, but today, at the dr. she said, "your OB approved you for Tamiflu?" - which got me all flummoxed again. I talked to RJ and we agreed that, we know what we are looking for here...fever. If I get a fever, I'll go to the dr. ASAP, get the rapid flu test done and, if positive, take the Tamiflu. I won't sit with the fever for a couple of days thinking it is a bug...I'll know it is likely the flu. So, I'm not going to take anymore. When you are pregnant - the internet is an evil place of doubt.

I gave LJ some Tylenol and sent him to lay down for a nap. An hour later, he is up and his fever is gone. I'm sure it'll come back, but now he thinks he is "all better" (he has yet to admit he is sick or doesn't feel well) and wants to play. Honestly, it is easier when they are fever-ridden and lay listless on the couch and watch TV...it almost makes me not want to give them the Tylenol. Besides a lower fever - PJ's main issue is that his nose is running like a faucet.

And this, Dear Reader, catches you up to current time!

Potty Training and What Followed

PJ didn't take to it as quickly as LJ did. It got better everyday, but the training isn't considered over until he takes himself to the potty without being reminded. This didn't happen on day 1 (as it did with LJ) or even week 1. I think he wasn't associating the feeling with the pee pee. But, he did get better every day and now you can get away without telling him to go potty every 30 minutes. He is sleeping in a Pull-Up though...the first few nights, we did not do a pull up...and we had to change sheets and pjs quite a few times. Around night 3, we put a pull up over his underwear and he said, "Oh good, now I can pee pee in my pull up" - so, you can see that he would really rather not be bothered to have to go to the potty! Now, he'll yell, "I've gotta go pee pee" and we tell him to go ahead and go...and accidents are few and far between.

Sunday, March 14th (the first weekend of Spring Break) was a bomb. Around 12:30 - as I sat down to lunch, my head started throbbing and I felt like I was going to throw up. Which I did. And then my head throbbed and I threw up every 20-30 minutes until 9:00pm when I asked RJ to call MawMaw to come watch the kids so he could take me to urgent care. Things were getting worse - not better. So, we did that. I threw up in a bucket in the car on the way there...poor RJ. Of course, by that point, I had been dry heaving and throwing up only stomach acid for about 3 hours, so it wasn't sooo bad.

They did all of their assessments and gave me a shot of phenergin. My head was still pounding, but I wasn't writhing in discomfort about to hurl any more. We got home about 11:00 and I went straight to bed. RJ went to the pharmacy to pick up the phenergin suppositories I was prescribed and didn't get to bed until about 1:00.

Monday, I was in bed and eating small bits of jello and toast and water. I kept burping, but did not throw up. I had a headache and felt rather weak. I called my OB just to let her know what is going on. I think it was a stomach bug. This happened 3x with PJ and lasted 3 days each time. I was not looking forward to 3 days of this, so I went to beg for a shot! Of course, the dr. at the hospital diagnosed me with hyperemesis gravidarum, but I'm thinking that it would have manifested itself before 15 weeks - right? It would sooo not be pleasant to have that, so I was going with a stomach bug.

Around 6:30, I started to throw up again - I guess the shot wore off. After a couple of bouts of that, I relented and asked for the suppository. I wasn't looking forward to that, but I was miserable. RJ was wearing thin...he was with the kids all day...as a reminder, they are 5 and almost 3...PJ was having to be reminded to sit on the potty every 20 minutes...this is not how RJ thought he'd be spending his days off...etc. Eventually I felt better and went to sleep.

Tuesday, was fine and I was feeling better, but was producing tons of stomach acid.

Spring Break was pretty much a bust...I feel badly for RJ who took the week off to get some things done and instead had to play every role the family needed.

More on the weeks following Spring Break to the present to come...

It Has Been Crazy

I know I left you all hanging with how PJ's potty training went...that is because 2 short days later, I came down with a stomach bug. And...things have been crazy ever since. I'll try hard to make it a priority to write a nice newsy update over the weekend. I won't be going to the teaching conference for which RJ and I are on the planning committee...because PJ has the flu. Where he picked up the flu? I don't know, but a rapid flu test confirmed the diagnosis. If I don't come down with the flu, I should have some time to update this weekend.

Potty Training PJ

Today, while LJ is at school and I am at work - RJ is teaching PJ how to use the potty.

As you may recall, LJ had great success with Toilet Training in Less Than a Day and that is the method RJ is using with P today. I bought the snacks, drinks, stickers, and prizes last weekend. I have already received the joyful call from PJ telling me that he pee-peed on the potty, so I know there is success.

Now, RJ will have to take the front off of PJ's crib...actually, his crib converts to a bed...so that PJ can get up and go whenever he need to do so.

We have the week of Spring Break ahead of us for any accidents (LJ had about 3 or 4 the week following training day). PJ used his last diaper last night, so we are diaper free!

Presenting...

Momma Snowman:

It started snowing yesterday around 1:00 pm and snowed pretty hard until about 5:00 pm. The boys (including RJ) built this, their first snowman. The kids call "her" - "Momma". She is still out there...despite sun and a high of 50. She is thinner now, but every time we leave or come home the kids shout "Bye Momma" or "Hi Momma".

Seems Like this is All About LJ

Chuck E. Cheese's was not so bad. It was a weekday and at 5:00, so it was relatively uncrowded. By the time the crowds showed up, the birthday party kids were eating and anxiously awaiting Chuck's appearance. LJ had a great time, so it was worth it - I suppose.

LJ's school is having a fund raiser. I loathe fund raisers. You know, I should really *like* fund raisers...as a way of having money other than through taxes, but...since we already pay tuition at this school...a fund raiser is just a chore. Thus far, I have taken the attitude that I will donate money rather than time...I'm too lazy and too tired to clean up or set up or man a booth or head a committee...so, they get donations that involve buying something or another. The theme is Children Mean the World to Us and it is an "International Dinner"...so one might bring food that represents their cultural roots. No, I'm not making food. There is also a silent auction. Each class is putting together a basket for the silent auction. LJ's class theme is "All American Dinner", so I bought a gift card from Omaha Steaks. Of course, Omaha Steaks is always having a "fire sale" - you know...really slashing prices. I don't know who ever buys anything for regular price...they are the TJ Maxx of beef. While purchasing the gift card, I ordered some food. Then, I had to find room in the freezer for this food...that was no easy task!

We also had a teacher conference with LJ's teacher after school Friday (scheduled - she does this with everyone in the Spring). She says she has nothing she is concerned about with LJ...which is good because I hope she would have told us by now if she did! He is very happy and joyful. At the first of the school year, he seemed to be so excited he wouldn't do any one thing for very long, but now he will stay focused on an activity for longer...now that he is acclimated. He seems very social - knows everyone's names and he tells people things like, "that is a nice picture you drew" or "I really like this tower you made" - and she says that isn't very usual for kids at this age. I have no idea if this is usual or not. A new boy started school in January and she said that LJ has been very nice to Peyton - playing with him and showing him where things are, etc. All good - I just want my kids to me nice.

Later today, we are headed to the craft store for some supplies. LJ has a Valentine's party at school next week, so we need to make some valentines. I know we could just buy the store bought kind, but this gives us something to do together. I'm sure the first 2 will be fun - the other 14 will probably become a chore and I'll have to cajole LJ into finishing them. I figure, if we can start tomorrow, we can do 2-3 a day and be ready to take them to school on the 15th. Of course, this means I have to commit to 2-3 a day myself.

Working on Reading

A mommy on my message board introduced me to Progressive Phonics...this website is amazing! Even though LJ knows his letters and pretty much what sounds they make, I printed off the first book in the Alphabet section. We read it before his nap today - and he had a great time making the letters with his hands and being able to read 2 words on each page. After his nap, we're going to practice writing the letters...trust me, he could use the practice. I have high hopes for success with this! The only problem we have is - he likes "Electric Company" and that show often focuses on rules and exceptions to phonics. He is having trouble with "g" being "guh" because there is a song on "Electric Company" about how "g" can make the "juh" sound...so he keeps saying "dodge" instead of "dog". We're working on it though!

Papers and Parties

We are back in the swing of things. LJ is all better and none of the rest of us caught his illness. He didn't miss any school, so that is good.

About school - I suppose this is no shock to anyone who has kids in school, but they send home a lot of papers! There is always something I'm supposed to volunteer for, or something they are putting together that I'm supposed to gather items for, or some form I'm supposed to fill out and return. It is exhausting! I actually like the days that RJ picks him up because these papers usually stay in the car and I can remain blissfully unaware of their existence.

LJ has been invited to a birthday party - at Chuck E. Cheese's. He is so excited because we have *never* taken him to Chuck E. Cheese's. CiCi's Pizza is the most I can handle. The question is - do you leave your 5 year old at a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's and come back later and pick him up? Because, I don't think I'm going to do that. I think I'm going to hang out at Chuck E. Cheese's while he is there. Trust me, I don't want to be there, but I don't think I am going to leave a 5 year old in the care of someone else (who is also watching 15 other kids) at public place. What in the world does a 5 year old girl want for her birthday??? Suggestions are appreciated.

LJ is Sick

This next-to-never happens - LJ seems to be made of steel...he is truly never sick...especially compared to PJ who is sick every-other week. But, alas, LJ met his match. He had about 102 fever yesterday and his "tongue hurts". I translate that to mean his throat hurts. He laid around most of the day yesterday and then, after sun down, he seemed to deteriorate. He even had a sleep walking episode last night.

Today, his fever has been hovering around 99 and, while his "tongue" still hurts, he seems to be feeling better. If I discount the green gook coming from his left eye - he looks normal. I'm debating about this green gook. His eye is not pink or red, so could he still have "Pink Eye"? I have some drops from when I had Pink Eye, but should I put them in his eye when Pink Eye has not been diagnosed? I just don't like these cooties around! I've banned LJ and PJ from playing together (this will likely work for about 30 minutes). I've lectured LJ to wash his hands all the time. I haven't noticed LJ rubbing his eye. I guess I'll let it ride until to tomorrow and call the doctor if things don't improve.

LJ is most saddened by the fact that, due to his illness, we did not get to accompany RJ to Grandma and Grandpa's house. What was going to be an overnight trip became a day trip for RJ only.

I'm hoping none of us get this illness...if we do, that'll put us being ill right at...the first week of school - lovely.

Decorations Down

Christmas decorations are down and boxes are waiting to be organized and taped up. We are out of packing tape, but a trip to the grocery store - for more than packing tape - will rectify that. I dread taking the decorations down. It actually kind of depresses me. RJ usually surprises me by taking down the tree while I'm out of the house, so this year was one of the first years that I have helped take down the tree. We all went to the "Cheese Enchilada Store" for dinner - nothing like food to try to bring you out of depression.

It has been crazy cold here the last few days. Our gas bill is going to be gigantic this month...the heater has been running quite a bit. There has been a ring of ice on top of the pool the last 2 mornings...we've been running the pump so that it doesn't freeze. The pipes in RJ's garage froze - which is no surprise. The only things that busted are some valves, so hopefully that won't be too much to deal with. He is getting ready to run the electricity out there - which, of course, is a big project that I'm amazed he knows how to do.

I'm going to have to find some time to go into work this week - I need to make my syllabus, calendar, etc. All good things must end - this was a GREAT break and probably the best Christmas we've had since having the kids.

LJ Back to School

LJ went back to school yesterday - he was excited to go. He and RJ returned the last 2 tricycles that RJ had been repairing for the school, so I know they both had emotion regarding that... RJ, happy to have that chore behind him and LJ proud to bring them to school. PJ and I spent the morning doing odd chores, playing the Thomas computer game he got for Christmas and returning things to Super Walmart. I'd just as soon never go to Super-Walmart again. That place is a mad house. We picked up LJ from school and he had many things to tell us. It seems there is a new boy in his class, Peyton, and Peyton is LJ's "new best friend". First of all, a new person does not stand a chance of being left alone by either of our children. Second of all, Peyton apparently has the same shoes as LJ, so this sealed the deal. I heard about all the things they did, including all the the things the Peyton did "wrong" - like go to the loft without taking his name off of big blocks...so, he was in the loft, but his name indicated he was in big blocks...GASP! We discussed how Peyton is new and it will take time for him to learn how everything works.

Today, it is cold - 35 and falling...a low of 20 tonight. It is windy. I have no plans to leave the house. I'm sure we will all be stir crazy within the hour.

Does anyone have a Roomba? How do you like it? The idea of a machine that automatically vacuums the floor is quite appealing!

Katherine Made Me Cry Today

She doesn't know it (yet), but it is all her fault! Assigning blame adequately shows you how much I dislike having my emotions stirred, but as a parent - I am getting some practice and learning how to handle it better.

It all started on Sunday, December 6 when RJ and I had a lovely dinner with Katherine. During that dinner, she gave us free movie passes, but only if we would use them to see the 10:10 (PM!) showing of "The Blind Side". She insisted we see it, the tickets were free, and - since we had no children with us that weekend - I even decided I could stay up waaaay past my bedtime. The movie was good - I enjoyed it, but it made me want to read the book.

Fast forward (but still in the past) to Wednesday, December 16th when I decided I needed some reading material for the Christmas break and I further decided I was going to use a bookstore gift card I had received when PJ was born (going on 3 years ago now). I bought 3 books. Michael Connelly's new one - 9 Dragons, Vince Flynn's new one - Pursuit of Honor (both hardback and a TOTAL splurge) and The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis. I read Connelly first - I love Harry Bosch and I needed to know what he's up to...and it is partially set in Hong Kong, so I was anxious to read what M&B are experiencing (although it is not the same as Harry Bosch - thank goodness).

I started The Blind Side on December 31st. The chapters are long and it is MUCH more about the evolution of the game of football (as the subtitle dictates) than the movie. I am finding the evolution of the game of football to be quite fascinating. It does take a bit longer to digest since I'm not as versed in football terminology, but it truly is very interesting - I update RJ regularly throughout the day. Lewis is doing his best to make me see the evolution of the game to the point where the left tackle is so important.

The chapter I read today - a chapter solely focused on how Bill Walsh transformed the passing game - made me cry. Sounds crazy, but it is true.

Happy New Year

Before I can begin any blogs in 2010, I must catch up on the highlights of the last few weeks of 2009.

LJ's birthday party was a mountain of fun. He chose Spiderman for the theme - to my knowledge, he has not watched an episode of Spiderman, so I don't know how he decided on this theme. It became clear that he did not have a concept for super-heroes as he and PJ would put on the Spiderman-mask party favors and chase each other around yelling "Grrrr". After a few days of this, we explained super-heroes, real-life names, and arch-enemies. LJ was super-pleased with all of his party-attendees (Grandma, Grandpa, MawMaw, Jfer, Bekah, Uncle B, Aunt M, Cousin E, other Uncle B and Godmother KK) and had a great time turning them all around while they, with blindfold, tried to pin-the-mask-on Spiderman. The poster still hangs on his bedroom door.

Thanksgiving was great! We had the usual (now traditional) Thanksgiving foods and the NoJos regained the Turkey Bowl title. The Jos were without their London (now, Hong Kong) kids and the addition of Jimmy (a student we work with who joined us for the day) and the inches that JRod provided were not enough to bring them another victory. It was Miles' first Thanksgiving and we all enjoyed celebrating with him. The moment I sat down to eat the fine feast, I realized that my throat was killing me and thus started a week-long cold.

Finals, the end of the semester, My U of P class, various Holiday parties and lunches, and RJ's extended family Christmas party kept us so busy that I was a week behind of Christmas cards, Christmas decorations, and gift selecting. One day, LJ got in the car after school and told me that they did a play in school that day. I asked him what the play was about and he said, "Mary and Joseph". "Oh," I say, "what part did you play?".

LJ: "I don't know who I was."

Me: "Did you say any words?"

LJ: "I said, 'I don't have any room for you, but you can sleep in my staple."

Me: "Oh, you were the inn keeper. And, it is 'stable', not 'staple'."

LJ: "Yeah. Tomorrow, I'm going to try for Joseph."

Hilarious.

A few days later, RJ took LJ to school and picked him up - and LJ said, "Daddy, you didn't come see my play." We had no idea we were supposed to come see this play. I had previously grilled LJ regarding if they were practicing for a performance, or what? Everyday, he had come home having played a different part, so it didn't seem they were planning to perform - and it was not on the December calendar. Turns out, we had gotten a note - one of the myriad of notes they give every day - that on 4 different days they would be doing the Nativity and we could come watch, if we wanted. So, we went to the next 3 as it seemed parents were going every day...plus, he was a different part every day!

We went up to my brother's house the week before Christmas and we all celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday! ALL of my family was there. Every sibling and every spouse and every child. This is a rare thing. My brother and his family did a SUPER job of organizing the festivities and we had a terrific time. We stayed 4 nights (in a lovely new hotel) and just had a really nice visit.

Once we got back home it was laundry, grocery shopping, Christmas shopping and baking as Christmas was only 2 days away! It seemed like a mad rush, but it was all great fun. LJ and I spent the day before Christmas baking goodies and cookies for Santa. We went to Children's Mass at 4:00. After that, we went to On the Border for dinner. This stems from On the Border being the only place open on Christmas Eve 4 years ago. Then we came home and the kids opened the one gift they are allowed to open on Christmas Eve - new pajamas. They put them on and then they put out milk and cookies and went to bed. Then, RJ and I wrapped all the Christmas presents while we watched A Christmas Story on TV. We actually made it to be by 11:30 this year...no toys to assemble.

Christmas morning was fun - watching the kids get excited about clothes! Always nice. And toys too! RJ's family came after noon and we snacked while the kids napped. We had the 2nd round of Christmas before eating dinner.

Saturday morning, Uncle B and I went to spinning class (RPM), so that was nice. Saturday was playing, visiting and naps.

Sunday everyone (except me and the kids) slept until 9 – can you believe the luxury?!?!? I was up posting for the U of Phoenix section I started that day. At 2:00 we left for our Polar Express train ride. This is what we bought Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas. We drove 2 hours – the kids in their pajamas – to ride a steam engine with a Polar Express theme. They did it up great! There were songs, Christmas carols, chefs dancing in the aisle, kids in pajamas, hot chocolate, cookies, etc. We were taking Santa back to the North Pole and at one point Santa came through our car and handed each child a reindeer bell. When we got to the North Pole, it was all light up and decorated for Christmas. On the way back from dropping off Santa, they read the book to the kids. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it!

All our company left on Monday and we spent the last week of 2009 hanging out and playing. I caught the cold I was destined to catch as PJ and RJ have had one for what-seems-like forever. New Year's Eve, M and B arrived to help us ring in 2010. We ate a dinner of crab melt sandwiches, fennel and cabbage cole-slaw (which I chopped with my new food processor) and strawberry tarts. Thanks to a Max and Ruby episode, LJ had declared he was going to "stay up late and eat cookies". He even knew he was going to stay up until "both hands are on 12". Great. I didn't even want to stay up THAT late...ringing in the New Year on the East Coast is good enough for me! We decided to put the kids in their PJ and drive to look at Christmas lights...hoping PJ would fall asleep and go to bed without realizing LJ was not going to bed. This worked. But, LJ stayed up until midnight and appears to be fairing better than the rest of us. M and B are off to their annual get-together with their college friends and PJ and RJ are napping.

Here's to a GREAT 2010 - and I intend to do a better job of blogging!

Would It Help If...

I said that I resolve to be a better blogger in 2010?!

Happy 5th Birthday LJ!

The day has started out with much excitement! Updates to follow...

Learning to Read

I decided to teach LJ to read. I was at the campus library in the curriculum section, so I checked out a 1st grade reader and a kindergarten teacher's book for reading. Then, I came home and googled "how to teach a child to read" because I really don't remember anything that I might have learned in any classes I might have taken that might have touched on this topic. I found a website that seems logical and set about educating myself.

I decided to start with a picture chart...one that has each letter and a picture of a thing that starts with that letter sound. I sat down with LJ and pointed to a letter and said, "What letter is this?" - he answered correctly - "R". I asked, "What is this a picture of?" - he answered correctly - "Rabbit". So, I said, "That's right...Rrrrabbit...R makes an rrrr sound." LJ says, "I know this Momma" - so I said, "Really? Ok, what sound does S make?" LJ says, "Ssss". I think, Hmmm...ok..."What sound does A make?" - LJ looks to the ceiling, thinks for a second and says the correct sound. I said, "how do you know this LJ? Where did you learn this?" His reply...with exasperation..."On the computer - when I work on my letters!"

About a year ago I made a link to Starfall on the computer...LJ does get on there sometimes, but I had NO IDEA he knew all of his letter sounds. Heck, for all I know he can already read! Tomorrow, we are going to discuss blend sounds...

The Great Toy Sort

This past week was supposed to be the week to de-clutter the back porch - with includes the kids' toys and our bill-type paperwork. No easy task and not a task to which anyone one of us is looking forward. So, here it is Saturday and this is how we will have to spend our weekend.

RJ took the kids to garage sales - and as of 11:00 am - is not home yet. Ha! I suspect there is a wee bit of de-cluttering avoidance at work here.

I've graded all of the University of Phoenix papers I can grade until my netbook's battery recharges. I've unloaded the dishwasher. I've laid out the Halloween Costume-making materials as we need to make these today too. Now, I'm blogging and waiting for the crew to get home so we can proceed with the day's events.

...

The Dining Room Isn't De-Cluttering Itself

I spent the week waiting for the dining room to spontaneously de-clutter itself. That did not happen. So, I spent Friday late-morning sorting the clutter into piles. Now, everything but the dining room table is nice and neat and less cluttered while the piles on the table are waiting for RJ to sort through and put away, throw out, put in the give away box, etc. He has to work all day today (Saturday) and I bet these pile will stay there until I bring them up again - sometime mid-week. I'd love to lose this bet, but experience tells me I will likely win. This week starts the de-cluttering of the back porch. This will be tough. The back porch includes the kids' toys...WAY too many. We are planning to have a garage sale in December -only "big stuff". I'm manipulating the kids (LJ) into getting rid of toys by telling him that he can use the money for the toys he sells to buy some Lego kit he thinks he wants. The kit he wants costs a fortune (insane how much this costs), but I can use this to my advantage...you'll have to sell a LOT of toys to be able to afford that Lego kit. The back porch also includes the computer area and the MOUNDS of bills and mail I've piled up. A lot of this mail was previously in the dining room. Moving it to the computer area (the appropriate location) made de-cluttering the dining room easier, but only postponed dealing with this mess.

It has begun - since LJ has started school, some parents are "with it" enough to throw parties...not us (read the previous remarks about the serious need to de-clutter)...and we have been invited to a Halloween Party at Mary Grace's house. Coincidentally, we had asked the kids what they want to be for Halloween last night. LJ said, he wants to go trick-or-treating and dress up like a skeleton. PJ said he wants to be a cat. I found a really cute Bob the Tomato costume and Larry the Cucumber costume...which I think would be great. They, however, are committed to the skeleton and cat idea. Fine. We are going to go to the two "seasonal" costume shops that pop up around this time of year and see what they have. I am not one of those moms who makes costumes. I wish I could sew, but alas, I am not good at details...or patience. And, let's be real - I barely update the blog...when would I sew?

While outside the other day, LJ lifted the lid off of something and there were those little salamander lizards underneath. LJ started yelling, "lizards - there are lizards in here" - and whenever he says something - he repeats it over and over and over until someone acknowledges what he's said. I've gotten to the point where I tell him that, since he didn't ask a question, I don't have to answer him. Doesn't work. Anyway, PJ was fascinated with the lizards and RJ said that PJ kept lifting the lid and saying, "Hi lizards - Hi - I'm P! Hi lizards!" - hilarious.

I start my new Axia sections tomorrow.

Catching Up

I know, I know - I'm a terrible blogger. In fact, it is quite possible that nobody checks in anymore. What with the weeks of doing so without any reward and all. I have no real excuse except that I keep thinking, "I'll blog once things 'get back to normal'..." and as we all know, normal is constantly redefined. I decided I just have to carve out the time to keep this more current.

Let's see, we'll start with LJ.

LJ has been happy to go to school every MWF morning since it started. They worked through the Rainbow Unit where the calendar dictated what color of clothing the children should try to wear each day. Red - no problem, Orange - no problem...Orange is his favorite color and his favorite shirt is his orange jeep shirt. Yellow - a bit of a challenge, but LJ remembered his Bob the Builder shirt...which is yellow, but a tad bit small. Doesn't matter...in fact, it is now tied with the orange jeep shirt in the "Mom, is my ____ shirt clean" category. Green - no problem Blue - no problem. Purple....this was a major problem. LJ has zero purple clothes. We thought about it...LJ wanted me to go buy him a purple shirt. I refused. Instead, I found a red shirt with blue trim on the neck and sleeves. The solution became obvious. I asked LJ what colors make purple. His reply, "I don't know". To which I said, "Yes you do - think about the song on the Imagination Movers CD." He thought and then sang, "Red and blue make purple - purple is blue and red"...Ta-da! Armed with this explanation, he went to school. When I picked him up that day, I noticed that lots of girls were wearing lavender clothes...so, as we were waiting on the "pick-up" side of the gate, I said, "I guess we are the only family who doesn't own purple clothes" - to which the teacher replied, "Oh - he explained it all to us!" As best as I can tell, the snack each day was the color of the day and on the last day "Rainbow Day" - LJ wore a shirt with most of the colors on it and came home with this really cute rainbow hat. PJ was very envious of this hat and kept saying, "I like your hat - can I wear your hat?"...eventually he got a turn. Farm animals is the next unit.

LJ also got to take something for "sharing" one day. His cousin Matt came to visit and brought him a guitar from Matt's trip to Africa. There are specific rules for bringing something for sharing...it can't be a toy from a toy store (?!)...really they'd prefer it not be a toy at all. When you get to school, you need to give it to the teacher so she can put it in the sharing bucket for later. LJ took the guitar (it is small) to school and showed it to Joshua and Leo before the teacher asked if it was for sharing and then put it in the bucket. When I picked him up that day, the teacher asked where LJ learned the song he sang. I don't know what song he sang...so I asked and she said, "something about North and South" - this is "Calling all Movers" - from Imagination Movers...LJ sings this song very loudly and very fast...so it is impossible to understand what he's saying. I nodded and said, "Oh - it is from a CD we have" - not wanting to admit it is also from a TV show.

PJ doesn't seem to miss LJ all that much while he's at school. Honestly, he's barely gone long enough to be missed. PJ and RJ spend time doing who knows what in the morning. I think they work outside a lot, but I can't imagine RJ gets too much done with PJ out there. PJ is 2 - for sure. Complete with not minding well and being rather defiant. He talks a lot, uses complete sentences and has too extensive of a vocabulary to count the words. He seems to be growing taller and not wider. He eats next-to-nothing...he likes to come into the kitchen and ask me what I'm making. Let's say I answer (what I answer is really irrelevant to his reply), "meatloaf" - he will say "I not like meatloaf" and that is that. He won't eat it when I put it in front of him. And, if there is something he does like on the plate(mandarin oranges, for example)...he'll howl so much about how much "he not like meatloaf" that it is likely he won't eat the oranges either. What a pill! He is showing all the signs that he is ready to use the potty - except the ability to be truly independent in it. He can't pull his pants up and down, for example. But, he will tell you when he needs to go #2 - and you can get him onto the potty for it sometimes. RJ and I agree that we are not ready to train him until he can do more of the work himself. Perhaps we are lazy.

RJ is working on trucks with plans to sell them. He continues to work on getting his "barn" in order and has plans for getting electricity out there.

I just finished my mentorship with U of Phoenix...turned in final grades on Thursday - 24 hours later, I received a solicitation to teach 2 sections starting on the 19th. So, there goes my break, but I figure I started doing this so I could make some money, so I need to accept the money-making opportunities. It really isn't so bad nor so time-consuming...once I got the hang of it.

RJ and I sat down and decided we really have to down-size. We have WAAAAY too much stuff. So, we divided the house up and this past week was the living room. The living room is probably the least offensive room in the house, so I'm really dreading the rest of the weeks. We went through the bookcase and found 2 boxes of books to take to 1/2 Price Books. I had duplicates of several books...?! This did not make much of a visual impact as we had doubled-up most of the shelves. But, we did clear one shelf at the bottom and we tooks the kids' books out of the rubbermaid container and put them on the shelf. I cleaned out the CD/video bookcase. One more box for 1/2 Price Books. I decided to get rid of my exercise videos and DVDs. Why pay for a gym membership and clog up space at home? Now, RJ needs to go through my box and make sure there is nothing he wants to keep (this is the difficult part - he not-so-secretly likes to keep).

Next week - dining room. The goal - be de-cluttered by Thanksgiving.

LJ's First Week of School

Monday, August 31
Open House at LJ's school. He was to come between 10:00 and 11:00...it was my first day of classes, so I could not attend. RJ took both the kids and they had a great time. From what I can tell, they learned about how the classroom works. Things like: when it is "center time", you take your name tag off the board and put it under the center you are going to work in...only so many children can be at each center at a time; where the bathroom is; where his cubby is; etc. They got to paint pictures outside - PJ came home with smatterings of paint on his body and clothes. He came home with a yellow folder of information and is very excited about his first day of actual school.

Friday, September 4
Today was LJ's first day of pre-school. 1/2 the kids had their first day on Wednesday and the other 1/2 today. Everyone will be together on Monday. Of course, LJ had a terrific time! About a week ago, I asked LJ if was going to miss RJ and PJ while he was at school...to which LJ looked at me and said, "Um - You're not going to school with me, are you?" - clearly, he was ready for some time away. It was raining this morning, so LJ was a bit bummed that he might not get to play outside. There is a most excellent outside play area. Paths to ride tricycles and bicycle. A huge hill of sand. The "meadow" where, if a parent will volunteer to open it and watch the kids, kids can fish. Thankfully, it stopped raining! MawMaw came over to stay with PJ as RJ and I had a meeting at work after we dropped off LJ at school. We all went into his room (which is really a small house with multiple rooms) and the first order of business was to "write in his journal". They can either draw a picture or ask the teacher to help them write. Mrs. Brown (the teacher's aide) handed LJ his journal and LJ said, "But I don't want to color, I want to play"...to which Mrs. Brown replied that he could play after he wrote in his journal. So, we left as LJ was sitting down to do just that.

After school, we all went out to lunch and we tried to get some information out of LJ. The best we can tell is that he played outside, played cars and trains, and drew a roller coaster in his journal. RJ tried to trick him into confessing any naughtiness by asking, "was there anyone else who did anything naughty today?" LJ then told us that one girl took off her clothes to put on the play clothes and the teacher told them they shouldn't do that. Ha - that was funny. We finally stopped grilling him and came home for naps...LJ took his with no problems.

Saturday, Sept 5
Uncle RJ, Aunt KJ and cousins in town - and very interested in hearing about school. They even brought LJ a "first-day-of-school gift"...very nice!

Sunday, Sept 6I tell LJ that tomorrow he goes to school, to which he replies, "Again???" I'm not sure what he was expecting! Monday the whole class would be together for the first time. I told him this and he seemed excited as he said, "Oh wow! The room will be so crowded with all the students. The whole team will be there!"

Monday, Sep 6
I went to work and RJ got LJ to school. LJ was stingy with the information again when we picked him up, but we did find out that: 1) Joshua was there, 2) LJ went fishing in the meadow with the triplets' mom, 3)he didn't get any cheese with his snack, but that was ok, 4) he raised his hand to share at circle time, but the teacher didn't call on him, 5) he drew another roller coaster in his journal.

Wednesday, Sep 9
I had to lead LJ through his morning to find out what he did today. They went to chapel and sang songs, but LJ doesn't remember any of them. Question: What did you draw in your journal today? Answer: Roller coaster. I'm getting the idea this a chore he wants to dispose of as quickly as possible. The teacher will have to stop accepting roller coasters if she wants to get anything else. He rode tricycles, had goldfish and juice for a snack, and got to share during circle time. Question: What did you share? Answer: I like Curious George because he makes me laugh.

All told, LJ likes school, but wants to share what he wants to share when he wants to share it!

Long Time, No Blog

I have done a terrible job keeping this blog of late. I just spend so much time on the computer with Axia...and my regular job, that the last thing I want to do is spend more time writing. My "leisure" computer time is really suffering!

I'm finished with the craziness of my regular job. School starts up again in a week. This summer, I taught a new course that included a research paper at the end...so I had to grade 70 research papers...blech! I put it off as long as I could, but finally finished last weekend. I felt so guilty about all the time I was spending working that I let each of this kids spend $5 at Target. LJ got a little Lego set and PJ got a Matchbox truck that hauls a car.

Axia has "read/discuss" weeks and "work weeks" - work weeks require little time or effort as the students are working on assignments, but read/discuss weeks are tough. I have to provide feedback on all the assignments they did during the work week AND I have to participate in discussion with them. I get paid on the 25th and I'm hoping that will make it all seem worthwhile. I want that addition to the house - as soon as monetarily possible...so I'm willing to sacrifice my "free time" to make some money!

The kids are fine. LJ cut his knee today...badly enough that we weren't sure if he needed stitches or not, so I took him to the dr. They glued it a put a steri-strip on it. Good as new...but no swimming for a week. LJ is bummed.

PJ is in a "no minding" mode. It is bothersome. Otherwise, he talks quite a bit.

I am still going to the gym - I can feel my triceps now. I'm still waiting for the fat to go away.

I'm also cooking a "gourmet meal" once a week. I'm taking recipes from Cook's Illustrated magazine and actually cooking them. That magazine fascinates me, but I've never made a recipe from it. Last week, I made Steak Au Poivre, Roasted Cauliflower, and Mushrooms with Bread Crumbs and Parmesan Cheese. It was all rather good, but the steak was little tough. I cooked it to a perfect medium though. The sauce was YUM! I bought myself a garlic press too. I decided that if RJ can buy a tool when he needs one to make job easier...I can too. So, I treated myself to the garlic press (and a new wooden spoon).

Sick

This weekend finds us on day 6.5 of RJ being sick. He's had a slight fever and aches all week long really. He took the week off from work. On Wednesday, he went to the dr. as he wanted to be sure he didn't have strep or something. The dr. says he just has a virus and he has to tough it out (he did a strep test...negative). RJ was feeling a little better, but now he has a cough and he can't get any rest. He is seriously impervious to any medication. If it is a decongestant, it doesn't decongest him. If it is a cough suppressant, it doesn't suppress. If it is night time formula and it is supposed to knock you out, it doesn't knock him out. I'm sure he is tired of being sick...and I'm ready to have him back in our world.

Meanwhile, PJ has also been a little sick. Runs a slight fever and has a runny nose sometimes. Thursday morning, he woke up with hives. And, he's had hives ever since. They go away in some places and then show up in others...sometimes they look terrible, sometimes better. Everything I've read about hives says that, so long as there is no problem breathing, there isn't much to do. They could go away in hours, days, or months. He hasn't eaten any unusual or new foods and we haven't changed detergents, so I think he's just got hives as a part of the virus he has. He doesn't seem bothered by them.

My allergies are bothering me this morning - or else it is my turn to be sick - I'm hoping for the first. LJ seems to be holding strong...and we have been sleeping in his room so that RJ can have his sick chamber all to himself.

Just the Two of Us

It is just me and PJ today - RJ took LJ up to his brother's house to help cut down some tree limbs. I see a trip to Kohl's and other shopping in our future this morning...how easy it must be to only take one child out and about?!

My allergies/sinuses are killing me. It is summer and it has been over 100 everyday for as long as I can remember...what could possibly being growing?

PJ has calmed down from his NOOOOOOOO stage of the last 2 weeks (knock on wood) and he is in a very polite phase. He says please, thank you, and you're welcome all the time and it is too cute. He also likes to sing. He just busts out in song quite a bit. That is hilarious too. Did I mention that he weighed 41 pounds at his dr. visit last month? And, he's 40.5 inches tall. He's 2. Good Gravy.

LJ is all about legos and pretending. He will rearrange this one little lego set I bought him ALL.DAY.LONG. This fascination with legos has given RJ a great new way to approach garage sales. LJ knows he is looking for legos, so now he doesn't ask to buy every toy he sees...he is on the lookout for one specific toy. Evidently, this makes garage sales more enjoyable for RJ. I wouldn't know - this is what he does with them on Saturdays when I'm sleeping past 5:00!

We get in the pool everyday, sometimes before lunch, sometimes after naps, sometimes both. LJ can touch the bottom, so he is good and doesn't need a floatation device. PJ is good in a ring and he scoots himself around the pool rather well. I lay on my raft and "watch on" them (as LJ says) - RJ plays much more with them...pulling them around the pool, letting them ride on his back, etc.

I'm not enjoying this new class I'm teaching. The class itself is ok, the students are fine, but there is a lot of paper-reading and preparation to do on my part...so it is keeping me pretty busy and I always feel like there is work hanging over my head. As soon as this class is done, I start teaching the Axia course...that is totally new and I have deadlines to meet (that I can't change - as I can IRL)...so, I'm kind of not looking forward to it...but, I know that once I've taught it...it'll get easier to teach.

The gym is good - I go to RPM on MWF and this makes me look forward to TR when I'm *only* doing strength training - LOL! I've adjusted my caloric intake and moved toward eating "cleaner" calories. A calorie is a calorie, but instead of eating 100 calories of popcorn, I'm eating 100 calories of apple. That kind of thing. If it weren't for my allergies, I think I'd be feeling better.

RJ is happy to be finished with the concrete. This last part has been under plastic...curing...for the past week. He removed the plastic last night and, now that he is not exhausted and suffering from heat delusions...well, let's just say this isn't the best of all of the pours. It is level and all, but it is kind of rough. He plans to grind it down a little to smooth it out. I believe the next project is electricity for the garage. This involves getting the electric company to come put a pole in a new location.

What to Do in 103 Degree Heat...

...Pour the last cement of our insanely-huge concrete project. It wasn't the ideal weather conditions, but it was when RJ could get the help he needed to get the last of the driveway poured. So, yesterday, Uncle Bobby arrived around 7:30 am and Uncle Brian around 8:15. The first cement truck arrived around 8:30, but did not have the fiber mesh in the cement, so they had to wait around for someone to deliver the fiber mesh. Things started out well, but quickly
S L O W E D down as the heat was just unbearable. I did my best to keep them supplied with cold water and Powerade, but the sun and heat just beat the energy right out of them. I don't know how many times I looked out the window to see RJ double over with hands on knees trying to get a deep breath. I think he's out of the practice of taking deep breaths as he's been avoiding doing so with his broken rib.

Let's add broken rib to intense heat and you really just don't have good cement pouring conditions.

The 2nd truck arrived around 11:30 and the guys did the best they could to hustle, but it was pretty sad to watch them...I'm sure they felt terrible. I went to get them sandwiches around 2:30 and when I came home they were getting out of the pool. Brian left around 3:30 and Bobby took a nap while RJ laid on the couch. Around 5:30, Bobby got in the pool with the kids while RJ and I picked up tools, cut the expansion joints and started to cover the concrete with plastic for the week of curing,

Around 7:00 we left to get some dinner, came home, put the kids to be and we were all in bed by 9:30. I gave up my morning to sleep in so that RJ could get some rest. I'd imagine our Independence Day will consist of a lot of resting. I need to do a mountain of laundry, grade papers, get ready for Monday's class, plan menus for the week and go to the grocery store. I imagine we'll go see fireworks tonight. My brother and his family are at the lake and we're thinking about trying to go for the day on Sunday, but I'm not sure we have the energy....the energy to go OR the energy to deal with the kids for 3 hours (each way) in the car!

The Pool is Open (almost)

Today was my day to sleep in and I slept until 8:30! Bliss. RJ had taken the kids out - to garage sales, most likely, so I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and 2 cups of coffee while I watched some of my recorded shows. Everyone arrived home around 10:00 and I set to work cleaning up the play room in my 100,000th attempt to declutter this house. Ha - as if that will EVER happen. RJ helped by supporting my decision to throw away Happy Meal toys...thank goodness. I believe we have vowed to disallow Happy/Kid's Meals unless on vacation - then, they can order one and get the toy. Otherwise, they'll eat off of whatever we eat if we are getting fast food. We are putting 4 boxes of toys in the attic and LJ can ask to trade toys out if and when he wants to do so. Right now, he's on day 3 of playing with a little Lego set I bought him on sale. He is all-consumed by it. This has given RJ the idea (and it worked this morning) to have LJ look for Lego's at garage sales. This has given LJ a mission and he is no longer interested in other toys. Sweet. We are down to 4 boxes of toys on the back porch...and I've created a reading nook on the ottoman....since I packed away all but 4 stuffed animals!

After RJ got my attic boxes going for me, he started his work on the pool. He decided to drain it (he is so smart to have put that drain in last year when he put the pool up) and start from scratch...the green water just wasn't going anywhere. Interestingly, the pool wasn't that dirty - mostly just sand and leaves at the bottom. He's cleaned the sides and is now filling it back up. He's doing a great job! The kids enjoyed playing in the sprinklers this morning and now they are enjoying playing in the pool while it is filling up. I'm ignoring our water bill and maintaining a smile! I'm going to have to ignore our electric bill too - it has been in the high 90s ever since we got home.

The Catch-up

We are back to normal life...vacation is over. It was great, it was fun, but we were all ready to "get on with summer" - LOL! I feel terrible when I find myself looking forward to something instead of enjoying life as it comes, but I find I am a person who likes to plan, so looking forward is what I do.

A few things about vacation that I don't want to forget:

I think I stopped blogging on the Wednesday of vacation...

Thursday, I'm sure we went to the beach in the morning. LJ met a boy named Sanual (Samuel)who is 7 and they enjoyed playing in the water together. I think the older kids and LJ's desire to play with them encouraged him to be more brave in the waves then I think he would have been otherwise. Everyday at the beach starts to look the same - beach, lunch, naps, beach, dinner, bed - repeat. I did laundry everyday...towels and swimsuits. I spent nap time on the computer working on my Axia training. We spent some time looking at different possibilities for houses to rent...we'd love to be on the beach, but those are just too expensive to justify.

Friday - repeat typical beach day.

Saturday - repeat typical beach day.

Sunday - we left the cape by 8:30 to get Jfer to her plane in Pensacola by 12:30 so she could catch her 2:00 flight home for summer school. We ate at Hardees and then drove to Atlanta. I believe we stopped for a snack at a Cracker Barrel and arrived at our hotel around 6:00. It was a nice Comfort Inn and we ate dinner at CiCi's pizza...where LJ would eat every meal, if allowed.

Monday morning - RJ went to the Urgent Care clinic down the road for his suspected broken rib. He knew there is really nothing to do for a broken rib (sustained by aggressive boogie boarding) unless you've punctured a lung, but he figured they'd give him some pain medication so that he could at least get a decent night's sleep. He was in and out pretty quickly with prescription-strength motrin which seems to be doing the trick. Then, we went to RJ's college-friend's house and spent the morning visiting while the kids played. LJ and PJ were beginning to get tired of not being at their own house and their behavior was starting to wane a bit. LJ is a bit on the sassy side right now and, now that we are home, boot camp has begun. After lunch, we went to the hotel for naps and then back to the neighborhood pool until we all went out to dinner.

Tuesday morning - we headed up to Red Top Mountain State Park to meet Alison and Suzanne...two ladies from my mommy message board. The park is BEAUTIFUL and I am jealous that Alison and Suzanne can go to this park any day they want. The kids loved playing and throwing things in the lake. Alison, Suzanne and I got to visit a bit while RJ kind of spearheaded watching all the kids...he's so nice. We left to check into our hotel and then the kids napped while I worked on Axia. Around 5:00 we headed to Alison's for a cookout and some visiting. The kids played - fairly well...the adults talked. Talking to Alison is like talking to an old friend even though I've never met her IRL.

Wednesday morning - we headed to the World of Coca-Cola - don't bother going. Then we went over to Georgia Tech to say hello to a colleague before getting on I-20 to head to Jackson. We arrived at our hotel in Jackson around 6:30 and met Randi (another lady from my message board, but I've met her several times), Mike and Cadence for dinner at 7:00. We enjoyed talking with them - it was great to see Randi again! We went back to our hotel and went to bed by 9:00. They had just renovated the hotel and the carpet and paint fumes were terrible. I wrote to let them know and am awaiting the refund...it was toxic and was in my clothes and hair the rest of the way home.

Thursday - on the road by 9:00 and home by 6:00 pm.

Friday - LAUNDRY and grocery shopping and Axia.

Saturday - my brother and some of his family arrive to spend the night before picking up Jrod at golf camp. They are back today for Bekah's orientation...new babysitter arriving for college this fall!

Sunday - more with brother and family and my sister and her family arrive for their D's football camp.

Monday - 5:30 at the gym...RPM - so happy to be back, but I know my "sits bones" will need to recondition.

Tuesday - 5:30 at the gym...Body Pump - I decided to pick up where I left off with my weight selection. By 6:00 pm I was aware that was not a good idea! My quads were soooo sore (and still are) - we're talking sore to the touch.

Wednesday - RPM - I *have* to go...or I'll never get my "sits bones" conditioned. And, I thought my quads would do good to have some blood pumping. Um - Oh my - sooo sore. I spent Wednesday trying to persuade the kids to let me sit down and not to sit on my lap! Ate dinner with brother and family and relaxed and perused iphone apps.

Thursday - I took today off from the gym...to let my quads stop their soreness!

I'll try to do a better job blogging - my Axia training took over my computer time, but I'm finished and am awaiting to hear from my "scheduler" to find out when I'll teach my first class.