Random Recap

This post is going to be so random as I'm trying to recap from the past weekend that I didn't blog at all during. Hey, everyone deserves a weekend off now and then. Besides, before that I was on a total roll in the posting daily department.

Friday I drove a total of 4 hours for a 15 minute appointment in which we didn't even see the doctor. Can you say ridiculous? We did wonder around the outside of the hospital though and I took the chance to take a few pics.

Quick Cas, itch while you can.

Cassie has such a hard time during these recasts.

She spent her time playing on my phone and laying back letting the nurses do their thing.

The girls outside the clinic. I'm sparing you all the flower/artsy ones I took. Your welcome.

Saturday I spent the day bonding with my mom by shopping. It is the best way to bond. Not much else to report from that day. Rummaged in the morning. Hung out with my mom. And that was about it.

Sunday I did some running with my almost sister-in-law, Kelli. I have a project or two that I'm working on that I had to pick up supplies for and I'm also finishing up getting ready for Cassie's birthday party. You know...that one that I'm crazy for having in the first place. Yeah, no one has called yet to say that they are not coming and only 2 girls have passed on the sleeping over part. Gulp! So what are you doing this coming Friday? Wanna come help me stay sane?After a few hours of running, the girls and I got ready to go, we picked up Becky, and we headed to The Melting Pot.

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that is so delicious that you end up leaving full and sedated. We had a girlie evening and while fun was had by all, I have to say that The Melting Pot is much more relaxing and enjoyable when you don't have 2 kids with you. Two children, that while they were well behaved and had a blast, needed help with everything and I was a little nervous about them being so close to a hot pan and hot liquids. Especially Kalli...the girl isn't known for being graceful. The girls enjoyed themselves though and we all left very full and happy.

The following pictures were all taken while at The Melting Pot.

Cassie and Kalli at The Melting Pot. Gotta love Cassie holding her sister some...

A GORGEOUS picture that I took of Cassie while at The Melting Pot.
I love this picture because it really caught her beauty.
However, she looks much older then she should....therefore I don't like this picture.

Hey, not only am a mom, but I'm female too. I can change my mind and be complicated like that.

Burning the place down

Tonight we had my brother-in-law and sister-in-law over for dinner and to visit. We decided to keep it very simple and had burgers and hotdogs with chips, salsa, and jalapeno cheese dip. It was a simple yet good meal. Especially with the nicer weather we've been having.

So Andy starts the grill, get's the burgers, unwraps them and goes out to put them on the grill. He then comes back into the house and from out in the garage where I was talking with my sister-in-law I hear him say, "what the hey!" I ignore it figuring one of the cats was on the table or something.

A little while Andy calls me into the house and says as I come in, "don't be mad and don't kill me." I always love when those words are spoken as you know it isn't going to be a good thing. I look at the stove to see ash and burnt paper all over. "What on Earth?" I ask.

It ends up that when he took the freezer paper off the burgers he tossed it onto the stove. Where I was burning a pretty smelling candle. When Andy walked back into the house there was fire happening on the stove. He got it out and then once things were controlled called me in.

I didn't freak. Instead I asked him why it was that he was trying to burn down my home and I told him that I really like it here. I also gave him a hard time about how he should know by his age not to put things over open flame. Mind you, there was nothing around the stove that would have caught on fire from something like paper as it doesn't burn a high flame or very hot, still though....it is the idea that it happened. It was a simple mistake, but reminds you of how careful you have to be with where you put things. And how it is a good thing we now have renters' insurance.

I will not stop burning candles as I do it safely...I will just have to keep the love of my life away from them. I'm sure he won't mind as that means he will have to stay out of the kitchen.
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Friday at school, Kalli got hurt. I was volunteering in the library so they came to get me to 'kiss her boo'. She was playing with Cassie and her friend. Cassie's friend was on the monkey bars and Kalli got a little too close to her. Kalli got kicked in the face and fell onto the woodchips. Her face was sore and scratched up, but otherwise she was fine. This is until I took her with me to the library until recess was over. Once she was away from everyone and just with me she lost it. She cried into my shoulder while I told her that she was okay, that I knew it hurt, and all those soothing things you say to your children to calm them.

After a bit she was better and I walked her to her class with ice pack in tow. Everyone in her class asked her what happened and were concerned about her. By the time the day was over, she was sore, but otherwise was back to normal.

The next day I took this picture of her face.

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This weekend was taken up by pricing for upcoming rummage sales and also by going through everything in my home sorting and organizing asking "what can I get rid of?" I want organization. I want the 'junk' gone. I want a home...not a storage facility. I want to be able to find things without searching. And I want to be rid of CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Sydrome) I want to be able to have people call and say we're on our way...or just show up...without freaking as I look around and have everyone pitch in to straighten things some.

Not that the place is that bad. Mainly just lived in, but it is enough to make the OCD part of me want to up and move. I am constantly cleaning...straightening and sorting, dusting and doing dishes, and the one thing that I'll never be able to be rid of....vacuuming. I seriously, vacuum the kitchen and living room at least 3-4 times a day. Anytime I see something on the floor I have to vacuum the whole room. And the saddest part is that I'm not exaggerating at all. My vacuum almost never is unplugged and one of the only times it is unplugged is to move to a different floor to vacuum.

Now mind you, I don't vacuum the bedrooms and basement this much. Thank goodness! But the rooms that I see the most and live in...(sigh) I can't help it. I worry about how it looks when I see something on the floor. I worry about Cassie's allergies. I worry about all the dirt that must be tracked into the house. I worry about how cluttered the room is. And yes, I am a worry-wart and I do worry about being a worry-wart as well.

All this to say that I'm keeping busy and that I'm very tired. On that note...and the fact that it is 2am...I'm going to bed.

My Perfect Mascot

Things have been a little crazy around here. I'm finding that I'm overwhelmed and am trying to slowly work on that. I've been trying to take a little time for myself lately and concentrating on taking better care of myself. This is something that I've neglected severely until recently. And now I find myself trying to find things to do that are more for me, but not without guilt. For example: one of the smaller things, we've been trying hard to stay home on Sundays as a family and spend time doing what "we" want to do. Of course I do feel guilty about this because I feel that I'm letting others down by not being there for them or doing things for others. And this is just a small example.

My therapist and I have been talking about my guilt issues and how I have to put myself first, but I have a hard time because I don't want to be selfish. And somehow my brain has programmed itself to think anytime I'm doing anything for myself, I'm being selfish. I want to be self-less. I want to give til it hurts.

Only problem is that I'm at the point where it is hurting. Hence the fact that I'm trying to take care of me. (sigh) But is most definitely not easy.
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Let's add to this the fact that the medicines that I'm on have been being shifted around and changes some so my body is messed up to say the least. Again...an example.

• 7-730am: Wake up
• 830am: Kids onto bus
• 9-10am: OMG I'm tired
• 10am-2pm: get stuff done, supper started, etc
• 2-4pm: OMG why on Earth am I so tired
• 4-8pm: get some stuff done, eat supper, help kids with stuff
• 8-830pm: WOO HOO I'm awake. Who wants to clean? Anyone wanna go for a walk outside? How about we reorganize the pantry? (This is the point at which Andy looks at me like I'm out of my mind and goes to bed - well at about 9/930pm)
• 830pm-12/1am: I clean, I play on the computer, I try to get rid of this WIDE AWAKE feeling. It doesn't stop until around 1 in the morning.
• 1am-ish: Lay down in bed and pass out
• 7-730am: rinse and repeat

And the best part is I can't seem to stop this cycle. Tomorrow night I go for a sleep study to see what is exactly going on when I sleep. Maybe this will shed a little light on things. Or at least I can hope.
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This past Sunday we had Easter Lunch with Andy's side of the family. His aunt took us all to Legends for their buffet and I have to say that it was pretty darn delicious. After we ate, I took the girls and my niece, Kyra, out to take some pictures. I would have taken Kaitlynn with, however, she was busy running around and enjoying herself. I managed to get some pictures of her later when she was sitting still for about 2 minutes. :)

First off we have Cassie. She is up a tree without a paddle. There was some beautiful trees around the restaurant so I took full advantage of them. Cassie is a little nervous without her feet on the ground, but smiled for me anyhow.


Then there is Kalli. She is a monkey at heart and loved when I lifted her up into the crevice of the tree. She stood there like a queen looking down at her subjects.

At a different tree we stopped and I got some pictures of the three girls together. I love that even with how different they all look, you can see that they are related. Cousins til the end. :)


Then I took a few of Kyra alone. She is turning into such a beautiful young lady. I honestly am not a fan of how grown up she is starting to look, but not much anyone can do about that. However, she still comes and sits on my lap to cuddle, so that is all that matters. Look at that picture...can you say senior picture??


Then there is my little peanut girl. Kaitlynn did sit still every now and then, but for the most part she was on the move. It is hard to keep a 15 month old down. She too is getting so big. I am not sure when that happened because I was there the day she was born...and I'm pretty sure that was just last week.




It was a nice day spent with family and visiting some. Afterwards, Andy and the girls dropped me at home so I could have some alone time and they headed over to his brother's house so that the cousins could play some more.
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As you know I fell a couple weeks back and ended up getting 10 stitches in my knee and an air cast on my opposite ankle. (and that isn't to mention the tetanus shot...ouch, hurts to think about it)

Stitches are out now and things are feeling much better. I purchased a more low-file brace for my ankle and I wear it if I am going to be doing a lot of stairs at home or if I'm going out anywhere. I will slowly stop wearing it at home and then probably will stop wearing it when just going to store or anything. Whenever I have to do a lot of walking on uneven ground though, you can bet it will be on my foot.

Miss Becky, got me a little something the other day and it fits me perfectly. Meet Mr Bump...

Becky says that he is perfect for me because I am always hurting myself. Which is very true. Mr Bump now lives right in front of my computer monitor to keep me company. We spend lots of time together, Mr Bump and me, because we have a lot in common. We both get hurt quite often. He is my perfect mascot. now if only he had a little camera hanging around his neck. Maybe I'll have to look through the girls' barbies or try to come up with something.

Thank you Becky :)

April 7, 2010

Today was a very interesting day.

Andy took the day off because Cassie and I had to go down to Milwaukee. I drove the 2+ hours there, had an appointment for about 3 hours, and then drove the 2+ hours home. On the way there I was beginning to feel like I couldn't keep my eyes open. (this is something that has been happening quite a bit lately when I drive far distance) I stopped at a gas station and we picked up some refreshments and I got a little bottle of, what I now know as, magic.

I drank this little bottle of not so horrible tasting, yet not that good either, stuff and within a few minutes I felt its effects. I was able to drive from there until we were almost home without feeling like 'I shouldn't be driving'. And by then I was close enough and talking with Cassie about how she was starving.

While in Milwaukee we went to Children's Hospital for an appointment with an Orthopedic doctor there. So far things are looking okay, but because one of Cassie's ankles are getting tighter (harder to get in her leg brace) she will be in casts for the next couple months. And every 2 weeks we have to get her cast taken off and a new one put on, therefore stretching her ankle more. And we have to go to Milwaukee for the appointments. Every 2 weeks. For about 2 months. To have a cast taken off, the leg looked at, and a new cast put on. In Milwaukee.

I'm not a rocket scientist, but I'm pretty sure that there is someone that can take a cast off, look at an ankle, and put a new cast on closer to home then 2+ hours. Now I know that the doctor in Milwaukee is pediatric, and I know that he is familiar with Spina Bifida, but he is also 2+ hours away. Not only is that a long time to be in a car with a child, but it is also 3/4 tank of gas gone out the window. So, I'm again taking donations...which I often do on here...to help supply gas for the van to get us back and forth from Cassie's appointments. Also, if you want to leave a tip for refreshments/lunch along the way, that would be great.
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This year the Easter Bunny really tested me because he bought the girls finger paint. That would be paint. That you use your fingers for. And then your mom who has OCD freaks out and dies. Yup...thanks a lot Easter 'Fr*ckin' Bunny.

But I came back to life...that is what Easter is all about after all...and I let the girls play with the paint outside, with some of daddy's old shirts on, while taking deep breaths. Oh...and the container of wipes close by. Just in case someone wanted to wipe their fingers clean. Please.


It actually wasn't that horrible. I found a top to an ice cream bucket to put paint on and they mixed colors as needed. They had a good time. And I lived.
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Our friendly gerbil, Remy, is an artist. A while ago I put an old, yellow, hard plastic cup in her cage. (no worries mom...it's not Tupperware) After a bit she started nawing on it. My thought was that it was a good way to wear down her teeth and keep her entertained.

The other day while cleaning her cage I decided that it really looked like an art piece, so I took a picture.


And, why yes, I am that lady who just posted a picture of a chewed up cup made by her gerbil. But it is so Purrty!
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This week I brought out the bouncy seat thingy (yes that is the proper term) for Brady to try out.

I had to use a blanket around him to help his body keep from swaying, but he really enjoyed it. He smiles in it and looks at all the toys. He is doing lots of reaching for them too. In fact, he kept grabbing on to the steering wheel.

See...he is smiling at me like, "yeah Auntie Paula...I'm just going around the block." I keep trying to tell him about keeping his hands at 10 and 2, but he just wasn't getting it. Kids these days!

Who? What? Where?

It's Tuesday again.

Tuesday?

How on Earth is that even possible? In complete seriousness, where does time go? I mean last week flew by without me even realizing it. I find myself every day looking at my planner several times to make sure I am heading where I am suppose to head. Who am I watching tomorrow and today? What time are they coming? Do I have any appointments? Am I sure I don't have any appointments? Does my mom need me to do anything? Am I sure? Hey mom...do you need me this week?

I write down things, but then days look so full that I wonder if something got missed. And what is the date again? What was I suppose to do today? Cleaning? What is that? Other then the thing that I seem to be constantly doing, yet never seems completed. Example...last night I put the last load of clothes into the washer and was mentally giving myself a high five when Kalli came down with her clothes that she had worn that day. How defeating.

Another example happens to be the downfall of having so many children around...I pick up toys and vacuum, less then 2 minutes later toys are scattered everywhere. I'm working on getting the basement baby/toddler proof so that we can play down there, get toys out of my living room, and not worry about people walking in and wondering why a toy store vomited all over the place.

And then we get to the weekend and that seems to have vanished before it even started. I'm trying to be everywhere and it just isn't working. I'm only one person. Don't get me wrong...I love helping everyone and being there for people, but I feel pulled in several directions and again, I'm only one person. I find myself feeling like I'm disappointing people and letting them down. I can't get enough done in two days and spend the time with people that I'd like to. Now let's add to that situation the fact that Andy and I would like to start spending Sundays home just the 4 of us and I find myself wanting to pull hair out. I can't be home and also getting things done with other people. Again, don't get me wrong. I love helping everyone and I like how it feels to help people who ask for my help, I'm just feeling very torn because when I help one person others are feeling neglected.

My example...this weekend my almost-sister-in-law, Kelli, wanted my help in cleaning up her and my brother's areas. They are getting a new puppy this next weekend as long as everything goes as planned and Kelli was feeling stressed with the mess and the fact that she is so busy. (the girl works a regular job, an internship, has school, and homework...talk about having no time and feeling stressed and/or torn) I helped with the cleaning and straightening. I got to spend time with her bonding over garbage, recycling, and straightening and we got a lot done. However, in the meantime my dad wants my help organizing in the basement, I didn't get to spend much time with my mom at all, and my husband just wanted to go home. So I helped one person, but I feel like I disappointed everyone else. It is a no win situation. Anyone figure out how to clone yourself yet? Or be in multiple places at a time? I mean, I'm a good multi-tasker, but even I'm not that good.

Anyway, I'm done whining and complaining. For now :)
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This past Friday the girls' school had a family night at a local roller rink. I was unsure of how the girls would do or I should say Kalli because she isn't so good at roller skates. Okay, she isn't good at all. The only place she has practiced is on the carpet here at home. However, she got skates for Christmas so that she can practice for her first job that she wants at Sonic being a carhop on skates.

So I was a little nervous knowing how slippery skates can be on rink floors. However, Auntie Becky to the rescue! Becky came along to aide in skating as I wasn't sure if I was going to get into skates. I mean, hello....if I got broken who would take care of me, the girls, the kids I take care of, and my parents since my mom is down to one leg? When I brought this up to Andy his words were, "we'd be screwed!" And there was no chance of Andy skating because he is the only one bringing cash into the household. We need him able to work.

The girls were ecstatic about skating, though Cassie was wheeling around the rink. At times she was pulling people that were on skates and at others she was being pushed by some of her friends on skates. I even got brave and put on skates.

Cassie posing for a picture before rushing off to find her friends again.

I used to skate all the time and was a pro. Now I'm old...or at least older. And afraid of falling and the possibility of breaking something. I actually did quite well...while holding onto Cassie's wheel chair that is. I pushed her so it isn't like she pulled me. And while holding on to the chair it was just like old times. I could skate awesome, do some tight circles with feet turned out, and felt like it wasn't years since I've been skating. Note: I did skate some at the end without holding onto Cassie's chair and I didn't fall once. Yeah me!

This is the kind of picture you get in the dark when Cassie is going past you at the rink.

Kalli made her way slowly around the outside of the rink with Becky several times, and with me a couple times. By the end she was gaining confidence and was going a little without holding onto anyone. I was impressed. So much so, that we are looking at going skating to open skates from time to time depending on how often they are and how much they cost.

Becky helping Kalli. THANK YOU BECKY!!

Also important to note...I didn't hurt the next day at all. Yeah muscles.

Cassie and Kalli getting set up in the group photo at the end of the night.

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I'm working on posts. I've started a couple, but haven't gotten around to finish them. Wanna know why? Please see: Paula has too many things going on in her life.

The Wheels on the Bus go round and round....

Look - 2 days in a row. :)

Tonight Kalli was singing the Wheels on the Bus, but was making her own verses up. In case you are looking at singing her version, here are the verses

The babies on the bus go wha wha wha
The mommies on the bus go shh shh shh
The daddies on the bus go read read read
The grandmas on the bus go knit knit knit
The grandpas on the bus to (snoring sounds)
The kids on the bus go sit sit sit. -mind you at this point she sits with her head leaning on her arm like she is sooooo bored. I think the last verse should have been the kids on the bus go are we there yet???

I thought some of the parts were just hilarious! When she does the grandma knitting she mimes with her hands like she is making something. When she does the grandpas snoring she lays to the side on her hands and snores. I had to try very hard not to laugh. Man, I love that girl!!
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I'm still sick, but not as bad as I was last night at this time. Still considering taking some Nyquil tonight so I can get another good night of sleep. I could really use it.

Again...I shall leave you with a couple pictures. Tonight they are Miss Kaitlynn...my Bella Bean.

For some reason she loves this toy pacifier and will carry it around, suck on it, and put it in her 'bag' that she plays with. It is completely hard plastic which makes this a interesting feat.

She decided the other night that a pair of Uncle Andy's basketball shorts were a good scarf. She carried them around before putting them over her head. She then went over and hugged Andy.

February 23, 2010

It started about a week ago. Kalli was running a low grade fever and doing some coughing.

A few days later Andy was complaining of a sore throat.

I felt like I was ducking and dodging germs left and right, trying to avoid coughs and dirty kleenex, and in general loving my children without touching them.

It didn't work. Over the weekend we spent Saturday afternoon at a local indoor water park and by the end of the day my throat was feeling strained. I attributed it to chlorine in the air and trying to talk over the water and people. However, the next day it wasn't better. In fact...it was somewhat worse. I spent part of Sunday silently cursing my children. I still didn't feel better at the end of the day and Andy had added vitamin C pills to our regiment.

On Monday I had Brady and Kaitlynn during the day. Brady was congested and just a little fussier then usual. And in case you are wondering...he is not a fan of having his nose snot-sucked. Kaitlynn was congested, had a runny nose, and was coughing some. And a little sassier then normal. I'm blaming this change on her not feeling the best and teething...simply because I can NOT handle the thought of her going into the sassy stage already. Kaitlynn is getting some of her molar teeth...2 on top and 1 on bottom - at least that I've been able to see. Have you ever thought about sticking your fingers in a 14 month old's mouth? I have, but I also like to type and have use of all my fingers. Therefore, I am sticking to just getting glimpses when she opens her mouth wide enough.

Today, Brady was still congested but for the most part you couldn't tell he is sick. He had lots of smiles to share though and seemed to be making the best of it. Look....already sucking it up. :)

Kaitlynn still had a runny nose and you could tell she was just not herself. Again...blaming it on teeth and cold. One of the things I found myself doing several times today was grabbing a little 14 month old and wiping her nose as she squirmed and cried trying to get away. Not my idea of a good time, but you do what needs to be done.

I, myself, have been coughing all day and have gone back to using my asthma inhaler. My chest feels heavy and to sum things up...I feel icky. And Yes, that is the medical term. I'm now to the point of the evening where symptoms get worse and the body just goes downhill at a rapid rate. A little while ago I grabbed my sweater because suddenly I'm freezing. My head hurts, but more in an achy numb way with the feeling of withdrawals tossed in there. My arms, chest, and neck feel like they can't quite support anything and like at any moment I may be seeing myself from a different view. My head on the floor looking up at my arm that is dangling from the desk disconnected from my body. No blood though please...I don't want it to be gory. I'm just hoping that when this does happen Andy will be able to put me back together again. Or I may end up like Humpty Dumpty.

And in case you were wondering. I am running a fever. I almost never run fevers. It is when I have a fever that I know that I'm quite sick.

However, I have to better by morning because I have to volunteer at school until I come home and have Kaitlynn for the remainder of the day. I know...I don't ask for a lot.

Alright...I'm off to huddle in the fetal position in bed cuddling my bottle of Nyquil to my bosom in hopes that magical fairies will come during the night and cure me.

And because I'm such a nice person...I'll leave you with some pictures. The first ones are of my girlies...they are getting so flippin big. And then some of my favorite little boy. I've been working on trying to get some good ones taken of him and soon would like to get some of him with Kaitlynn and then the 4 little peanuts in my life. (Cassie, Kalli, Kaitlynn, and Brady) I'm also working on possibly setting up a little photo shoot area in my home. Excitement!

Cassie is really starting to look grown up. Glamorous almost. It makes the mommy in me wanna cry.

Then there is my baby...Kalli. She isn't such a baby anymore.

Gosh this little boy has stolen my heart. He is just so cute. That adorable dimple and those blue eyes....Oiy!

I LOVE this picture!! He was in his car seat and his hat had slid down over his eyes while he was asleep.

And those cheeks....they are begging to be kissed.

It's a special day today people!

Tonight's blog is going to be very short because it is 10:00pm right now and my husband is making me go to bed.

I've been exhausted lately and a little on the stressed side so he is making me get some sleep tonight. It should be interesting since lately I can't get to bed until after 12:00 midnight. And of course my body is getting good at getting up by 730ish. This isn't including the times that I wake up in middle of the night to roll over or anything. (for some reason I can't roll over while sleeping, I guess)

If it weren't such a special day I totally would have skipped posting tonight all together. However, I would never hear the end of it if I were to not post today.

There is actually two important things going on today, but I have more of a story to go with one of them so I'll save that for last.

The first thing is that today is my Auntie Mary's birthday. As of late I don't get to spend as much time with her because our schedules aren't in sync. Also...my schedule is crazy so seriously it is hard for me to find time. Sorry....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE MARY!

Lastly, today (drum roll please) is my baby brother's 26th birthday. I still remember the night my mom went to the hospital to have him. I helped haul her suitcase into the kitchen and was very excited for her to go have the baby. The next morning I crawled into my parents' bed where my dad was sleeping and he told me that I had a little brother. I said "ok" and went back to bed for a bit. Later that day we went up to see Tony and my mom. I have lots of memories of growing up with Tony. Games we used to play, things we did, and how I use to dress him up like a doll and push him around in my pink cart. My mom said that when she brought him home I tried to take over. He was like my live dolly. I was only 5.5 years old at the time and loved babies already. Especially those that were my little brother.

It is hard to believe that he is 26 already. And not to get mushy or anything, but hey Tony...I love you and am proud of who and what you've become. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!!

Ta Da!!

Yes, it has been a long time since I've posted. It just so happens that by the time my day is done...whether it be a day of babysitting, being mom/wife, volunteering at school, hanging out with my BFF who is going back to work on Monday, running errands, or helping to care for my not-so-independent mom, or some combination of them...I'm just exhausted. If there was a way to write a post earlier then 9:00, that would probably help the frequency of posts. However, even now, at 10:00 I'm still busy.

Tonight Kalli and I ran to the store after dinner to get her a new pair of 'gym' shoes. (someone should have been praying for me going into a shoe section with Miss Kalli) She has been complaining that her shoes "feel funny" for a while and after looking for new ones I figured out why they "feel funny". The shoes that she was wearing were size 11. The size that we got tonight for her and fit with just a thumb width of growing room are size 13. The girlie needs to learn to say, "hey mom...my toes are squished...wanna buy me some that actually fit??"

Also, as I'm writing this, I am finishing up cooking a roast. It needed to be made or frozen so I started it after dinner tonight. It's going to be dinner tomorrow night? Or snacks over the weekend. Or something or other.

So update on where a few things are before I put roast away and head to bed.

My mom: doing alright...still hurting some, but pain is mostly under control. Is quite independent, but still needs some help from time to time. She actually made me laugh out loud by leaving me a message on Wednesday morning saying that my "mummy was unraveling". Her leg is in a splint with an Ace bandage wrapping the entire leg and the end of the bandage had come undone at her toes and was literally unraveling slowly. She couldn't reach it (for some reason she isn't that flexible anymore) and was afraid that if I didn't come help she would have a trail of bandage by the end of the day going from the living room to the bathroom. After I stopped laughing and gathered myself together (where is the oxygen when you need it?) I stopped by her house to wrap her back up and used packaging tape to get it to stay. I thought duct tape would work better, but for some reason the idea of me and duct tape coming at my mom seemed to worry her. I don't understand why either.

Weather: There is absolutely nothing more self defeating then shoveling snow only to turn around and see the ground is already covered in a thin layer of new snow. Wednesday I shoveled 3 times. Thursday I shoveled here at home once...snow blowing at the end to clear real heavy stuff from plow. Sun came out and by the end of day my driveway was dry. And because I'm a wonderful daughter, I went to my parents and cleared their driveway...which included a lot of chipping at ice and compacted snow.

Therefore, I'd now like to make an announcement. I'm done with winter. I'm moving on to Spring. I am putting away my shovels, my ice scraper, and my stupid bulky winter jacket. I will bring them out again in December...maybe November...but not before. I'll let you know how it works out, but don't be surprised if you see me shaking my fist at the sky cursing Mother Nature.

Me: Exhausted, but loving things. I told Andy the other night that I feel like I have 30-some balls that I am juggling and I have no help. Of course, if someone tries to help and takes a ball it'll throw the rhythm all off and I will end up dropping them all. Therefore, don't distract me, ask before you grab a ball, and help hold me up if I start to fall over for exhaustion.

The Girls: Sassy as ever. Though that is what I always say. Honestly, they are doing good. They are both growing so quickly and I'm noticing little changes in them as they get older. I'll get more into them in upcoming posts...which I'm hoping are soon. But here is a little story... On the way home from the store tonight with Kalli, we were both quiet when all of a sudden she started singing. I listened closely and heard her singing B-I-N-G-O. Only it wasn't Bingo. It was K-A-L-L-I. And the beginning words were: There was a person who had a kid and Kalli was her name-o. She went through the entire song until she was clapping all the letters and then everything went back to complete silence. I smiled silently because really....that girl is flippin' adorable!

Happy Ground Hog Day???

So, how was your day?

Here is where I laugh wildly to the point where I seriously might go crazy and be taken to the funny farm. Where I'll be happy to see those nice young men, in their clean white coats, and they're coming to take me away!! HA HA

Today started off like most days, I got up and got my girlies ready for school. We ate, packed up, bundled up, and then we went outside to wait for the bus. It was 15 minutes until school started when I decided to call the bus company. Because of construction on the highway and the new snow on the ground, bus was running late. (Hello...u knew this before starting day off...plan ahead!) By the time the person came back on the line to tell me the driver was going to be to our home in 10 minutes I looked at my clock to see that in 10 minutes school would be starting. I let them know that I would just bring the girl's since then they would get to school on time. Luckily we only live about 5 minutes from school.

And I tossed the kids, the wheelchair, backpacks and everything in the van. I drove over to the school and handed them off to the para that works with Cassie before realizing that under my jacket I was still wearing my jammie top and that I had no socks on. Look, I've become one of THOSE moms!

I got home, finished up the shoveling, took a quick shower, and headed to my appointment across town. Nothing like feeling like a chicken with their head cut off.

After my appointment, I went to Target as I had something that I had to return and did a little shopping. I was almost all the way around the store when my phone rang and it was my mom. I answered to find out that my mom was calling from the back of an ambulance. I would have loved to thing 'awesome, how'd you get that kind of hook-up?', but instead I answered with "Why?!".

To attempt to keep a long story somewhat short....she had fallen in her work parking lot and came down hard on her leg which was bent under her. After a lot of adrenaline making its way through my system, some calling around, and making sure my brother would get my dad from work...I headed up to the hospital to meet up with my mom.

Again trying to keep this somewhat short....right now it is 8:23pm. I've been at the hospital since about 12:30 and my mom is now in surgery. She broke her leg....and saying this is a HUGE understatement. She did a job on her leg and is getting a plate, screws, and cadaver bone put in her leg.

She went into surgery at 6:30 and I was told that it would be a 1.5-2 hour surgery. I'm waiting for the doctor to come in to tell me how it went and that she is in recovery. Where she will spend another hour. I am looking to meet up with her back in her room and talk maybe for a few minutes before I head home and let her get some sleep. I know from experience that after surgeries you are normally drowsy and want to sleep...though if I remember correctly my mom is wide awake after surgeries.

I, however, am not wide awake at this moment. It has been a somewhat stress inducing day and I'm getting worn out. Adrenaline is wearing off and now my body wants to crash. I do, however, want to be sure that she is okay and that everything is okay so that I can actually sleep.

On the good side...tomorrow is a late start day for the girls. This means we don't have to be to school until an hour after the normal start time. Then I am spending the day at school volunteering....or at least that is the plan as of now.

I'm now off to fidget until the doctor comes to tell me how things went.
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UPDATE: The doctor came out to talk to me about 20 minutes after I saved this post. He said that everything went as well as could be expected. He did however say that it was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle and that she really smashed the bone. This was at 8:45. The doctor said that she would be in recovery for about 45 minutes.

Then I waited. Tony and Kelli came up and we waited. Finally around 10, they called out to the waiting room from recovery and said that she was doing alright, but her oxygen levels weren't staying up on their own so they needed her C-pap machine that we had with us. They came out to get it and told us that she would be in her room in about 30 minutes.

We headed to her room and waited some more. At 11:15 my mom finally made it back to her room. The nurse that had been in recovery with her told me that they had someone come up from respiratory to hook up oxygen to her c-pap to help get her levels up. (when I asked they said they think the reason they aren't staying up is because of the pain meds making her breathe more shallow) They plan on watching her all night to make sure it stays up...when they took it in the room it was at 85 percent and they had her put her c-pap mask back on.

My mom is hurting very badly and even with the pain meds was in obvious pain. It was very hard for me to see. My mom is always so strong and comes out of surgeries quite well. This time it isn't so. I know that this surgery was pretty major and that once the pain is under control the person I know as so strong will be back, but seeing her like this made me want to just crawl in bed next to her, stroke her head, and try to keep her safe. I half thought about just staying there the night to be close to her and watch her.

I'm hoping that over the night the pain meds start to do their thing and that she has a little break from the extreme pain. I don't like my mommy hurting...that much I've really learned today.

It is now 12:30 in the morning...I'm gunna catch some sleep before the kiddos are up and ready to go. Thank goodness for 1 hour late start tomorrow at school. :)

Oh...and by the way. The groundhog sucks! He always sees his flippin shadow!

It's much easier to breathe now.

Alright, tonight you will be getting a couple posts because....well to be completely honest....because there is no way to connect the topics that I want to write about and not seem like I'm crazier then you already think I am. :)

Let's begin with the fact that I seem to be one of the only people that can hurt myself by doing absolutely nothing. Literally, nothing. Example: A while back I was sitting pretzel style on the floor with some of Kalli's class. One of my legs was falling asleep so I went to move my leg and suddenly I have sharp pain in my ankle. From that moment on it hurt to bend my ankle. I could stand on it, balance on it, but couldn't walk without pain. Explain that one.

I finally surrendered and went to see someone about it and they determined that I had a strained ligament. Not sprained, but strained. I would like someone to explain to me how you can possibly strain something you weren't even really using? I'm not sure the medical answer to that question, but I'm going to go with 'You must be special like me. And also the Body Parts Against Paula (BPAP) must want to start up meetings again.

This past weekend I was cleaning up and doing some dishes and I had the drawer under the oven open. I went to push it shut with my foot and ended up hurting my ankle. Again. The same hurt feeling I did before which means that while pushing shut a small metal drawer, I strained a ligament. Yes, I am a delicate flower. Thank you for asking.

I find it absolutely ridiculous, but there isn't much I can do about it. It is against BPAP rules for me to interfere. This leaves me to the advise I was given by the doctor on how to make it better. Heat, ibuprofen, and rest it. Then I was told that because I had arthritis in my ankles (knees, hips, lower back, and hands.....see I seriously am special. And broken. And only 31) I should keep using the joint so that it doesn't lose motion. Now if that isn't contradictory. So I'm resting, but not resting. Using heat on it when I'm not resting. And trying to find some drugs stronger then ibuprofen to knock myself the heck out. Because seriously?? I'm suing BPAP and my body.

Onto another one of my issues. I have many and picking just one is not an easy task. Oh, who am I kidding, it is very easy as this issue rules a good part of my life. And it is either getting worse or I'm just noticing it more.

OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. An anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Sound like fun? Yeah....not so much. Though I still can't stop some of the things that bother me or make it difficult to breathe, I am finding some humor in it. "Laugh or you'll cry" is how I see it.

My most stand out compulsions that I obsess about have to do with straight lines and things being lined up "right". I actually take time and thought when opening the blinds in the morning to be sure they are even. My neighbors (bachelors) have blinds that are WAY uneven and it makes me wanna scream, run to their door and make them let me fix them. But I don't want to be that crazy lady that lives next door. So instead, when I see it, I practice breathing deep and wonder if they realize how hard it is to breathe when they are uneven. Which they ALWAYS are. And of course, now that I've brought it up I can't stop thinking about it and the air is thicker then normal. Look what I do for you, my one loyal reader.

To make myself feel a little better and show how much easier it is to breathe now let's look at a picture of my nice even blinds. Yes the one on the left isn't even all the way across and it is bothering me now that I've looked at this picture. Crap.

Moving on before I go crazy looking at the picture and my blinds.

I have an area up in my living room where I have toys for the little beans that I watch. There are six open bins for things to go in and everything has it's place and I like it when it looks like this. This is of course when Kaitlynn is not here or she is napping. I clean, she messes, I clean again. We have our jobs down path. Lately though, she likes to move things from their 'home' to another things 'home'. Meaning that she will put things in different bins. I'm sure this is because she is a toddler and likes to move things. Or it could be the fact that she knows Auntie has issues and she is just trying to push my buttons and see how long it takes to break me.

In fact, looking at this picture now, in the bottom right bin there is a cup that shouldn't be in there. That belongs in the penguin. Crap.

Alright, I've looked over this picture and I know that this one will help calm me. This is how books should look (except at the library....Becky told me that it wouldn't work in a real library because you wouldn't be able to find anything. Though wouldn't it be easier to breathe?) Since I was younger I would organize my books like this. I remember playing library and school with my cousin and I'd organize all my books on my shelves just like this. It calms me as I carefully check sizes and line them up so that all the spines are even. Just look....don't you feel like you are at a relaxing meditation spa?


Me too....

That is until this little bean wakes up to undo all the tranquility in my life.

Good thing I love her as much as I do. And that she goes home every so often so that I can clean again.

Cassie's Birthday #9

Saturday we finally were able to have Cassie's birthday party. While, yes, it is a month after her actual birthday, it makes her day separate from Christmas. Besides, it lets everyone get past the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Cassie had a wonderful time playing with her cousin Kyra, whom she doesn't get to see too much, opening and playing with new toys, and eating cake and ice cream.

This year we got her a Littlest Pet Shop cake. It was cute, a hit with the girls, and delicious. Also, side note, Cassie had to take a breath with 3 candles still lit. So yeah...she has 3 boyfriends. And then collapsed to the floor saying "NOOOoooo" when we asked who her 3 boyfriends were. :) A good time was had.

Cassie recieved a lot of wonderful presents including 3 DS games, 2 books, a caterpillar WebKinz named 'Jibby' that the girls renamed 'Mr Pickles' but I still call 'Jibby'.

Cassie's favorite gift, however, was given by her Uncle Tony and Auntie Kelli. Yes, Tony, I am giving you credit for "winning" though I'm still going to say that "Tony one" :) It's a game to see who can get Cassie and/or Kalli the best gift. Most of the time Tony is the only one playing, but it is still fun to watch.

So you are asking what Tony got for little Miss Cassie?

Please meet Cassie's new pet....being watched by her older pet.


Buffy is interested in the new pet and yet a little scared as the ball rolls towards her.

Here is a better picture of Cassie's new pet gerbil. Cassie was holding some paper tonight for the not-named-yet gerbil to chew on and aide in their bonding.


And here is where we start to see how responsible my 9 year old can really be. GULP!!

Happy New Year!!

Alright. It's been a while. And I've been hearing all about it from my family. Something about it being a New Year, after Christmas, and that lots has happened. After a little bit it all starts to sound like the teacher in Charlie Brown. Wah Wah wah wah...

Long story short...Yes, it is a new year. It is now 2010 and wow, where did that time go? It wasn't that long ago that everyone was worried about Y2K and all the computers of the world crashing. Though, seriously, I never saw it happening. It did cause a wonderful hysteria and flooded stores with people stocking up on non-perishables, generators, and other "necessary" things. I found it all a little foolish.

This year we all spent New Year's at my parents' house. The girls hung out with my mom and dad. At least for the most part. Andy and I visited with my brother, Tony; his fiance, Kelli; and two of his friends. It ended up to be a very relaxed night and it left me with no hang over for the morning.

Sure there was that one part of me that would have liked to go out to the bar, but for some reason, I'm not a fan of the whole hangover thing that would have followed. Besides, New Years is not a good time for this lady to go out to the bar. Three words for you: Cheap Champagne - Bad.
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Cassie still has her hand in a splint but is now able to walk carefully with her loft strand crutches. She keeps trying to tell us that she is fine and that she can do things by herself. However, she said the same thing right before she tripped, fell, and fractured her thumb. A point that I keep bringing up.

This Tuesday her and I will be making the trip to see the orthopedic doctor to see what he has to say. I'm not pushing for anything in particular, but I will be bringing up the fact that she uses her hand more then most people. Between crutching, transferring, and crawling I am worried about the amount of stress that would be put on her thumb if she didn't have some kind of support. I guess I would just prefer a cast be put on until we know it is all healed. It would suck if it didn't heal right or was made worse because it wasn't protected. In another word...it would stink!

On the night of Cassie's fall, Tony and Kelli came over to visit for a bit and show us their new puppy. (pictures in a minute) Tony sat next to Cassie to check out her splinted hand and said that when he heard about what had happened he thought that it really stunk. He then told Cassie that he tried to think of other things that stunk, but all he could come up with was a skunk. This is where he pulled out a WebKinz skunk out of his jacket. Her face lit up and I'm not kidding at all when I say that skunk has gone pretty much everywhere with her since that moment.

I'm hoping that she realizes that it won't be going to school with her on Monday. ::HUGE GRIN::

I will be bringing the girls to school Monday morning so that I can talk with the people that will need details on what is going on with Cassie. I need to discuss with them the fact that she won't be able to go to recesses for a while. Number one I don't want her to fall again at all, but also she can't get her glove on that hand and crawling around in snow would chance getting the splint wet. I'm sure that her teacher, principal, and her aides will understand perfectly and then we will work on finding something for her to do during her recesses that will make everyone happy.
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Alright, back to the puppy.

This year for Christmas, my brother got his fiance a puppy. Or at least that is the story. I think that he wanted a puppy and this is a way for him to have one too. :)

Actually, I know they both wanted one and now they have one. It is a little girl, a pit bull, named Maggie. She is about 8-9 weeks old and absolutely adorable. Take a look.


In this picture she is the laundry room laying on our dirty clothes. Obviously a good place to get some serious napping done. I'm working on getting a little video of her, but she isn't all that cooperative and what I've gotten leaves a lot to be desired . She is squirmy and so far not real keen on staying put. Go figure.
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One of the things that I received for Christmas this year is a sewing machine from my mother in law. I'm very happy with it as I would like to be able to start making more things including at some point clothes for the girls and other fun stuff. I'm working up to the clothes though as I'm very much a sewing virgin. I had home-ec in middle school, but that was a long time ago and I barely remember what I learned there.

Tonight, though, I was able to make a couple soft cubes for a certain little boy I know. He isn't exactly up to the age of playing with blocks yet, but I figure they are soft for when he starts and nice bright colors. Becky, act surprised when I give these to you. :)

Can't wait to see what else I can make. I've been spending a lot of time googling things lately like 'free sewing pattern', 'sewing for beginners', and ' sewing patterns for idiots'. Okay, not really the last one, though I wonder what I would get from that one.
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Maybe my next post will include resolutions for this year. That is if I decide to do resolutions or think of some I want to do.

Recap

Editors Note: This post is 2073 words long. Holy Crumpets! Grab a snack, a beverage, and enjoy!!
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Anyone else feel like we've been running a marathon lately? I sure do.

This past few weeks it is like I've been going and going. It is finally starting to catch up though, and I find myself having to take it slower and relax some. Fortunately, this next week we have nothing going on...with the exception of Andy having to work some. The girls are off of school and my week is pretty free. It'll be a nice week to get caught up on things and maybe get a little organized. You know, like a find homes for all the new things that the girls got for Christmas.

Now where to start on getting you caught up? It's been a while, I know.

On the 18th of this month the girls had their Christmas Concerts at school. Cassie's (2nd and 3rd grades) was from 12-12:45. Kalli's (Kindergarten and 1st grade) was 2-2:45. I spent the morning volunteering in the library at school, and then met up with my mom, brother, and Andy to watch Cassie's concert. She did absolutely wonderful and the most touching part was when one of her classmates, who has been learning to play guitar, played with his dad and accompanied the group as they sang "Silent Night". Her group also sang...Snow Angels; Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily; Happy Holidays; Christmas Bells; and The Ride of the One Horse Open Sleigh.

After her part of the concert, Andy Tony and I went to lunch while my mom went to pick my dad from work. We then all met back at the school for Kalli's concert. Her group sang African Noel; S-A-N-T-A; The Mitten Song; In the Toy Shop; Jingle Jive; and Great Big Star. She did a wonderful job and I was surprised how well all the kids did with all families there. After Kalli's concert Andy and I said goodbye to my parents and Tony and headed to the library so that I could help out a little more until the girls' day was done and we could bring them home.

During the time in between things I found a moment to talk with the music teacher. Mind you, with all the volunteering I do at the school, all the teachers and staff know me pretty well, and I let her know how much I loved that she had brought Christmas back into the school concert. At the school the girls were at last year it was a "winter" concert. This year was a concert held during the winter, yet it was a Christmas concert.

The teacher, Ms. V, informed me that when she first started at this school she went out on a limb and tried Christmas music. At the end of the first concert, an elderly gentleman came to her with tears in his eyes and personally thanked her for putting Christmas back in the concert. From that point on she has continued and has gotten a lot of positive responses. I love that she pushed the limit that little bit and that it worked out. Winter concerts are nice, but a Christmas concert is just that little bit more special and helps get the kids in the spirit and excited about the holiday.
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On the last day of school before winter break the girls each had a Christmas party in their individual classrooms and I was able to help out in Kalli's classroom. Nothing like sugaring up kids before sending them home. Except...wait...one of those kids are mine. Damn!

I went around the school handing out gifts (homemade hot chocolate) to all the teachers that work directly with my girls, the librarian, the principal, and then left a large container with a note in the teachers' lounge. The last stop was with the principal and I talked with her briefly before the school day was done.

When I first signed the girls up at this new school this past summer I was quite anxious about the change. For Kalli she would be just starting Kindergarten there. No big deal. However, for Cassie, she would be starting 3rd grade. She was established at her old school. All the kids knew about her "disability" and that it was no big deal. At the new school, would the kids be so understanding? Would she have friends? I should have just looked at my little girl and known that it is impossible not to love her.

I thanked the principal (Ms. S) for working with us and for having such a wonderful school. I don't think principals get the credit due for the work they have to do....working with troubled children, parents that don't care or are difficult, and trying to keep track of (in the case of our school...400-some kids) It can't be easy. And yet the girls' school and the children that go there seem pretty tight-knit and accepting. Ms. S informed me that she is also impressed with how well the other children accepted Cassie. She said that it is like they don't even see that she is a little different. I personally, love it.

Ms. S also thanked me for being such a large part of the school...I volunteer any free days in the kindergarten classroom and library. (so much actually that they are trying to get me to apply for a few entry type jobs) I enjoy being appreciated. I've already told them they will either get sick of seeing me or just hire me on. And after the girls' concert I introduced my parents, brother, and Andy to Ms. S and she put her arm around me and said that I was the newest staff member. Maybe I have an in for when the girls are grown and I do need a job?? For now though I will volunteer, maybe sub for the noon monitors when they aren't available (if I get that application in), and enjoy getting my baby fixes through other peoples' children. :)
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Because we are procrastinators, professional procrastinators in fact, we finally took the girls to see Santa last weekend. You know...the weekend before Christmas. Good thing Santa listens close and has the elves working 24/7 this time of the year. The girls visited and I got a few pictures. I was quite impressed with Santa as when he saw Cassie in her wheelchair he got out of his chair and knelt down to talk with her and get pictures with the girls. It is the little things like this that just make me smile. He didn't need to...she could have transferred to him, or just sat next to him in her chair, but he went the extra step to get more down to her level. I appreciated it. Such a good Santa...he is on my good list.

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Christmas Eve morning we headed to breakfast like we do every year to celebrate Cassie's birthday. Because her birthday is Christmas Eve we have a breakfast which is hers and she gets one birthday gift from grandma. From there things become Christmas. We then celebrate her birthday in January on a day that we pick just for her.

This year when we headed to breakfast she had one less tooth to eat with. The day before, she had told me that one of her teeth was bothering her (aka: it is loose, I have issues with textures especailly in my mouth....therefore....please look, but DO NOT touch, determine if it is loose enough, and pull it. Without moving it. She likes to keep things interesting. I did get it out though as it was only connected by like 1 thread. Not any of Cassie's doing though. She won't wiggle teeth. They have to be pushed out by the next tooth. Because otherwise, they move. And we don't like things moving in our mouth. gulp.

After breakfast, Becky and Brady (the now 3 week old little sir fabulous) came to exchange gifts with the girls and to visit at my parent's. The girls are completely enamored with their new little cousin. Even Kalli likes him. Well, until he starts to move around more and following her. Then all bets are off. This picture is from a few days earlier when the girls were sitting together to hold him. Cassie is going to be such a super babysitter some day and a good mommy. She adores babies and young children that aren't her sister.

She does like her sister, but I've been informed that her sister is annoying sometimes and talks too much. All I can say is AMEN sister! No...really though, I used to feel pretty much the same way about Cassie. I used to ask her speech therapist if now that we got her to talk could we now get her to stop. Please.

I have hope that someday Kalli too will slow down the talking some, but I'm not holding my breath.
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Later in the day on Christmas Eve we opened gifts from everyone. (my parents, brother-Tony, to be sister in law-Kelli, and us) This year we had taken the girls shopping for each other. Talk about interesting. I've never been up and down the aisles at Target that much. Andy was with the opposite child browsing in a different area of the store. After going through the aisles for the 10 billionth time (ok...I exaggerate, but not much) I chose 3 things for the girl I had with me to pick for the other girl. Of course, at first they pick the thing that they would like the most. I then ask if that is what they think their sister would like. This question is followed by a stare that looks like I have 3 heads and a questioning look that is begging to know if this is a trick question.

"If your sister was here and I showed her these same 3 things, what would she choose", I ask rephrasing my question. The answer this time is something that I know shows that they aren't thinking of themselves. Selfless-ness is something that I really am trying to work on with the girls. I don't want them to think of Christmas, or life for that matter, as something that is only about them. It is about others and making other people happy sometimes too.

I took this picture of the girls response after they gave each other their gifts. I think they got it.

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This morning was Christmas morning and the girls woke us at what I refer to as "the butt crack of dawn". It is a time of the day that I am not a fan of. We got up though, because we are wonderful parents, and let the girls open their Santa gifts. They must have been on the good list because they got a couple of the things that they asked for and a couple they didn't even ask for. Cassie got a DVD of her favorite show on the planet....Cats. Best part: as she tore the first part of the paper off it was back side up and she said, "could it be?" she then tore the rest of the paper off, turned it around, and squealed. I've never seen her so happy about a gift. Of course she watched it and also watched the bonus features (the making of Cats, in this case). I think that Cassie is one of the only people that I know that LOVES to watch all the bonus features for movies. This includes the producer/director talk overs and such.

Christmas was very good to us this year. And with the exception of Kalli having a little bit of a cold, Cassie having a little bit of a runny nose, and my cold-induced asthma we are all healthy, happy, and enjoying time together. I'm actually not scared of the girls being off for the next week. Cuddling with them and playing sounds like the plan. Maybe there will some days that we stay in pjs all day. Who knows.

A certain person, however, did find Christmas to be exhausting.

Cassie came to get me when she saw that Kalli was sleeping. She is in my mom's chair here and she is O-U-T! Also...yes, those are roller skates on her feet. They are a gift from Becky and Kalli fell asleep with them on. That is my girlie!

Hope everyone had a superb Christmas, stayed safe, and that Santa was good to you. Also, since I mention birthdays on here. Happy Birthday to my first-ever baby, Cassie. Hard to believe that she is 9. When did that happen???

Ugh!

So I had started this post last night before bed, and I was going to finish it today and put it out there for ya'll to read. I had about two paragraphs done and now...it is gone.

Gone. Just like that. I have no idea where it went. I looked for it and it is nowhere to be found. Therefore, tonight you get a standby. Just a few words from me about how frustrated it is to lose the beginning of what should have been an awesome post (I'll work on redoing what I lost and such) and to share a few pictures.

First we have my niece, Kaitlynn. Today is the first day that she has been here since we put up our Christmas tree. Alright...so we just put it up yesterday. Either way, while I was here she did a pretty good job of not touching. Every now and then I had to remind her, "no touch.....just look" After a little bit she found a picture of Cassie from last year or the year before. Kaitlynn saw it and said "tas zie". My spelling how she says it is interesting, but all in all it is what she says every time she sees Cassie. I nodded my head and said, "Yes, that is your Cassie". Kaitlynn then went on waving at the picture and trying to get her head as close as possible without touching. She was so excited to see Cassie. And the funniest part was that she did this several times during the day. Well, until Cassie got home from school and she was able to have her Cassie for real. And yes, I do refer to Cassie as 'her Cassie'....because Kaitlynn adores Cassie. She will try to dive out of arms to get to Cassie. She crawls onto Cassie's lap to cuddle or to just hug her. Cassie will sit with Kaitlynn on the floor and read to her or help Kaitlynn stand without holding onto anything, ready to catch her if she starts to waver. She is Kaitlynn's Cassie.


Then there was the chick/penguin that sings and waddles. She loved it and everytime it would stop "singing" she would hand it back to me to start again. This went on for about 30 minutes til I wanted to throw the chick/penguin out the window and moved onto other toys.

Lastly....a picture of my little nephew. (who I got to see tonight) Brady is now 12 days old and oh my God, he is adorable. I'm completely in love with him and would do anything for him. For now that consists of holding, cuddling, trying to keep him from crying, and attempting to change his bottom without getting peed on. And I smile while doing it all.