Wheelchair Mama

Riding Down Hills with Boys

2009-06-25T19:08:00.002-05:00

When this family is without a van, we shall walk (or roll). So, off to the store we went, nothing shall keep us down! It is an uphill climb to the store, but so much fun on the way back. Since we hardly stay at home during the summer, it is hard to suddenly be without transportation. My van door has had problems for...a long time. Now, the ramp has followed suit. We can handle opening a door without fancy electronics, but not a ramp. It is a blessing, though. We were able to visit some neighbor friends at their garage sale, the boys got exercise, and I got a coffee from Caribou!

There has been so much more going on, but this day stood out from the rest, because it was a day of rest (in a sense). The boys enjoyed it, and so did I. Now hubby is installing gutters, and generally fixing the rest of the addition. We had a slight flooring dilemma since we have a low threshold door (for my wheelchair). We can't put actual flooring down, so we went with doing a cool looking stain on our cement floor (like you see at some independent coffee shops). Thank you, Abby, for the flooring idea! The walls and ceiling are textured and painted. We went with sage and chocolate. I love seeing things come together. By the fall we will have it done, I declare!

This weekend, we have a cub scout campfire and fishing day, as well as going to church, as we have missed two weeks in a row. For father's day weekend, we went to see my dad. I really see a lot of my dad in myself. As much as I don't like change, I do have the sense of vision that my dad has. He is thinking of buying property to make into a family/recreational cabin. I love it. That value of property ownership runs deep in my veins. Once our house is paid off, we fully intend on buying land somewhere (down south) to use in the winter months.

We would love to travel semi full time. This is another dream of ours, which brings me to something ironic. My ancestry is mostly found in Denmark, Germany, and Ireland. At one of the free lunches we frequent, I start talking to another mom, who is moving back to Ireland! She also says she loves having visitors! Now I am on the search for a carrier cruise (is there such a thing) that would carry us and our vehicle. With that, I must be on my merry way!

The dog blog

2009-05-29T07:17:00.002-05:00

Our experience with the pup was short-lived. I really tried to be a dog person, for the kids' sake. She lasted 2 whole months. At least the vaccinations were an investment into a living being, as was her 3 classes of obedience training (that the new owners are continuing!) She just overpowered me, as a pup! Imagine when she would have been full grown! She would not stop biting the boys, and she dug up our yard (she was bored). The boys were chased out of their backyard. Cutie (now Lucy) is on a farm, where she is happy, and can have a job.

The transition went great! We actually got a kitten the day before we gave Cutie to the farm. That softened the blow. I don't think they even said bye to "their" pup when we left the farm that day. Maybe the boys will be cat lovers like their mom :) I will be getting some pics of the new kitty, Silver, on here soon. I never even got any good pics of Cutie, as she was so wild. And if we weren't gluttons for punishment enough, we are getting Silver's sister today. She is at my friend's acreage, at which their 2 female cats had kittens, 9 between them. They are slowly being preyed upon by a fox, so I couldn't say no! Then the conversion will be complete in the Wheelchair Mama household: 3 boys, 3 girls. We're a regular Brady Bunch!

A Trip Taken, A Trip Delayed

2009-05-19T00:55:00.002-05:00

We're back from our short trip to WI. It was a sad, introspective, family-filled weekend. With respect to privacy, I will not use names. A close cousin died last Wednesday. She was a private, intelligent, outdoorsy, mother of a young one. This last one just kills me. Kills me. Her husband is wonderful, though. A wonderful dad, devoted husband. I wish I could share my whole thoughts of this experience. It would just take too long, and I would end up crying...again.

The boys got the most in depth view of death this time. The burial was in the forest; we all put flowers on the box, it was lowered, and those who felt lead, sprinkled a handful of dirt. Trees were planted afterwards, then we all adjourned to have food on the property (owned by her dad). This is just a short summary, but there is oh so much more. This cousin was the best listener, and a wise person. She had a memory like a steel trap, and she was a great mother. My memories of her consist of her laugh, playing games together, her willingness always to help, and her close relationship to her sister (my other cousin)--their bond was unmatched--I have not seen any other in a sister relationship.

Her sister and I stayed up until 3am Sunday morning. Talking. Laughing. Crying. Reminiscing. Oh, what an impact this death has on our family. My sweet, elderly grandmother (mentioned in earlier posts) was beside herself that she had lost a granddaughter before her own passing. It's just not right. I agreed.

I sit here now, tears streaming down. Reality of a 7-8 hour drive...one way. 4 humans and a pup. We kept our personal reality close by for this trip. I'm glad for that. We don't know how many days we have here, people. I ponder this--every day I will ponder this. I will have no regrets. Every day is a new day. We can always say sorry, always forgive.

Needless to say, our memorial weekend trip will be delayed. I'll have to post happier later, just thought I'd stop in to give you and update.

Finally Goin' a-Campin'

2009-05-09T01:52:00.002-05:00

Well, the plans are somewhat in place. We are going to see the land of Lincoln (Springfield, IL). While planning to see the museum and some other Lincoln-ish sites around the area, the kids also want to see castles. We've been reading a bedtime story book on castles lately, so I thought that maybe there'd be some close by. I actually didn't expect to find 3 of them in the state of IL. Unfortunately, they are almost 4 hours from the Springfield area, but they are still on our itinerary as a possibility. While I'd rather go to a warmer climate (AZ, TX), I know that frugality is leading us to travel closer to home.

The boys are staying up later and later. Maybe it's just my laziness, but it's kind of fun to let them be up. We do have a normal bedtime routine, but it can be fun to break that for a season. Why not? They don't have to be anywhere the next morning (usually). It's so great to be free. The boys also attended the final Awana ceremony, thus ending our 08-09 year of Awanas. It's bittersweet to see them moving up to different classes next year. That will put hubby and I in a (possibly) different teaching opportunity--we'll see where God leads.

Looking forward to Mother's day, and having our acoustic, coffee shop set on Sunday morning at church. It will be different, and also be followed by going to my favorite restaurant. That night we will go to my nephews birthday party, so also no cooking there. I know that it is necessary to spend time in the kitchen for my families health, I'm glad to have a break on "my" days :)

Just When I Thought We Were Ahead

2009-05-06T02:39:00.002-05:00

The only thing left of our debt after our tax refund this year: mortgage, commercial vehicle payment. (As stated in a previous post). Yay! Almost. My van needs new brakes--$600 worth. Exactly what we have in savings. Oh, and I semi-forgot to pay our tax guy from 2008. So we're not out of the clear, yet.

Funny story: we owed our library a good chunk of money. I go up to the counter to pay it. It's under 3 different names. Apparently you can't pay it all in one chunk? I give my name, none owed. Oldest son's name, $55 owed. Youngest son, $28 owed. Husband, $8.75. With each name the quiet, kind librarian guy pulled up, he went, "whew"! Good thing you can't be loud in a library, or he'd be sayin', "Man, lady, keep track of your crap, for goodness sake!"

We may be able to pay the brake thing from savings, and our general fund that goes to house construction (sorry house). That's OK--there are so many more things to think about. Upping our vitamin D intake to fight the flu, praying for our nation, just two examples.

Tomorrow is the last night of Awanas, and for part of that I will be taking our Cutie pup to obedience training. She needs it. She is a biter. I will be interested to see how it turns out. We want to take her camping, but we can't even let her in the house! We're thinking IL for memorial weekend. Not sure where, yet, but there are castles and a Lincoln museum. Any other suggestions?

Another night in the box

2009-04-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

We got a dishwasher! Since I've moved out on my own, I have not had a dishwasher. That's been 11 years! So, the boys have been sleeping in the box for the second night now. I love that they are able to do that. We have nowhere to be tomorrow, except baseball practice in the evening. I love those days.

I have some documentation of our life that I'd like to share. While Heather over at Moving Castle is talking about the birds and the bees, my youngest is having discussions about death. We've had a lot of death in our family. I'm sure that weighs on a little brain.

Youngest: So you (me) will die first, then daddy, then [oldest], then me. So, how old will I be?"
Me: Well, we don't know when we will die.
Youngest: So, how old will I be?
Me: I don't know how old you will be.
Youngest: Will I go to heaven?
Me: If you know Jesus, you will go to heaven. Do you believe in Him?
Youngest: Yes.

So that has been our conversation a few times. What a great kid.

On another note, it's been raining forever. And ever. I'm behind on the laundry...but not the dishes! My house is a mess. Obedience training for Cutie starts in a week. There are my rambling thoughts.

Just Say No to the Deo

2009-04-26T17:54:00.002-05:00

Huge rash on armpits. Aloe will hopefully work. Cease using homemade deo for me! Warning: will be without deoderant for unknown amount of time!

So far today: Church was great--hubby rocked it in worship, met a new homeschooler that came, then went out eat with our best friends, relaxing in the stormy weather. Life is good.

Starbucks roobios sucks

2009-04-25T01:28:00.002-05:00

So, now that I got that out of the way, this post is not really about Starbucks. I am a Caribou fan, myself, btw. Today was be-u-ti-ful. How wonderful to feel a little sweaty. My van temp said 88 degrees outside--heaven. But, we still had wind, which made it nice.

Well, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't cover our Thursday park day experience. It's been very hard to find friends for oldest son. He finds friends everywhere he goes, but I gravitate to moms with children with youngest son's age. Oldest found some boy(s) that are cool buds. Then girls came and messed it up. Can I say that, being a girl myself? It's nuts that it starts so early. Nothing that I can control, but I can control us being there. Still praying on that one. So here is the story, in a nutshell: Oldest was tired of playing magic and harry potter. He stated that he did not believe in that stuff. He was then made fun of. I think that's freakin' awesome. He is strong enough in his beliefs that he stood up for them. Yay. Now, I don't want him subjected to this on a weekly basis, but I'm glad that the beliefs we instilled are manifesting in his life.

Insert comment about harry potter: when oldest asked me "what a harry potter" was, I kind of laughed and said, it's a book. He then asked what it was about. What I know of the book is that it is about a boy who goes to witch/warlock school, and learns the ways of spells and such. Now, that's a dumbed down version. I didn't shed any negative light on it at all. I wanted him to make a determination on it. He then asked if it was OK. I told him to pray about it and to see what God would think about it. A very short time later, he said that God wouldn't like it. End of story.

Anyway, he apparently has a girlfriend at said park day. She's cute, and I think her family are Christians. Interesting that we would go to a secular home school event, yet end up with Christians around us. It's inevitable! God is good. Oldest told hubby about it, and told him not to tell me. Yikes! He thought I'd be mad. Man, I don't want to be a hard a$$, but I am a little overprotective. We all ended up talking about it tonight.

Anyway, sleep will hopefully call to me soon, so we'll talk soon, K?

A very earthy day

2009-04-23T00:26:00.003-05:00

What a full day! Art class for the boys, then to the Botanical Center for the free admission. I admit, with my boys (ok, and me), we can't make it past an hour there. I love botany, but if I can't eat it, it's not as fun. We then went to the free organic food tastings at our local Hyvee. Oh how we love you, Fleur Hyvee. We visit you often, and you bless us with 10 percent off every Wednesday.

Then it was off for some more free stuff at a local (vegetarian) coffee shop. Oldest was with me for that one, as youngest got tired of not being home (my little home body). So, I dropped him off to hubby, as he finished deliveries with youngest in tow. I met with a blogger friend at the coffee shop. How lovely she is. Pictures will be following shortly. (But have that baby first, Sar!) Funny note: there was a big sign that said Vegetarian, as we walked in the door. Oldest stated that he eats meat and likes it. I wonder if he realizes that I don't cook meat. LOL. I buy a chunk of ham for sandwiches on occasion--maybe that's what he means?

We were then off to church, where there is--count it--2 more classes this spring. I love my 3-5 yr olds, but after 8-9 mo., I need a break.

Learned of a dear friend who is moving. While I am sad, I know this has been her desire for a long time. Good for you, girl. I will visit--you can't stop me. We are a traveling family. Oh, the camping trip this weekend was cancelled due to cub scout sign up being low. We will camp as a family, soon, though. I'll keep you updated on that.

Looking forward to 80 degrees and park day tomorrow. Iowa is not looking so bad, when it's warm. Another not fun to do on my list: go to DHS. No, I'm not in trouble ;) It was suggested by my multi-faceted muscular dystrophy clinic that I try to get some help to fix my van. If you know me well, you know that my boys (all three) have been muscling (is that a word?) my ramp door open for some time now. Slowly parts fall off of this wonderful van, but it will serve us well for many more years. Another one would be $30,000+. Gulp.

Well, I'm up way late, but I've had wheat grass juice, so I'm very chipper. Pray I can get SOME sleep tonight!

Sassy Seven

2009-04-21T02:13:00.002-05:00

I've come to find out that my oldest is not the sassy one. It's me. Why to kids get sassy? They mirror their parents. It's a hard truth. Found out, also, that oldest was lying about brushing his teeth. It was only 2 times. You can't get anything past the youngest. Youngest told me that oldest was not brushing his teeth because he had felt his toothbrush and it was dry! How did he know to do that? LOL. He will be a good dad someday. As for the lie, I just calmly asked oldest why he wasn't brushing his teeth. He just said that he didn't want to. I kind of laughed and told him that the dentist wasn't too fun when you have to go due to rotten teeth. He just said OK. I knew he had felt bad for lying. He has an almost immediate repented heart, that boy.

The oldest boy just told us tonight that he wanted his own room. I wondered when this was coming. I'm going to give it a few days to see if it's mentioned again. If it is a repeat request, we will be doing some rearranging. Since the computer would stay in his room, does anyone know any good parental controls/blocks from unwanted nasties on the computer? Right now, they know what sites they can use, but sometimes there is an ad that pops up, and it's accidentally clicked, then they are off to God knows what.

We are going to start the transition to summerish clothing. That will be interesting. What do ya'll do? It bein' Iowa and all, I still want to keep jeans and sweatshirts for the evenings and camping. Where on earth do you store it all? We have 2 four drawer dressers, and they share a closet for hang-ups and blankets. Looking for ideas on space management!

God grant me patience for tomorrow. Last cub scout meeting of the month, one baseball practice, clothes rearranging, and maybe a trip to the toy store for youngest to spend some of his money. Also need more dog bones. And that's my Tuesday list.
Ciao!

Deo

2009-04-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

So today was the first full day for the homemade deodorant. My wonderful bff had some left over from her makings, so we were the recipients of the coco oil/cornstarch/baking soda masterpiece. I love it. I smell like coconut; I also don't sweat with it. It is good piece of mind that I'm not clogging my pores with cancerous chemicals.

The boys and I ran some errands in this (finally) glorious weather. Oil change, in which they gave us the most expensive car wash for free (we are blessed). Also, I think we have found our Easter tradition. You may think we're cheap, but here it is. We bought Easter baskets after Easter. The boys were so excited. They got to pick whatever one they wanted since they were half price, after all! They get so much stuff at the in laws and from family, that we don't do much at home with baskets/candy. We also went thrifting, where I found sandals for the oldest boy, for $1.99. Yippee!

At the end of our day, hubby was still not off work. I ended up carting the boys around to practice on opposite ends of town. Boy 1 had ball practice, then boy 2 had practice 1/2 hour later. We rounded off our day with all of us going to cub scouts. They made spaghetti towers with spaghetti, gum drops, and marshmallows. Very fun. There's an update on our day...April is looking very busy. I am trying my best to be excited about the things that the boys are excited about. Maybe I'm just grumpy. Oldest boy would like to learn to make soap. So, we will make soap tomorrow, after art class. I'm off to look up ingredients.

A Relaxing Day

2009-04-13T22:33:00.003-05:00

It was a cold and rainy...oh wait, that was today! We stayed in today, and found a new funbrain.com game on the computer. The kids now know who Thomas Edison, so my work here is done, Amen. We skipped our scheduled music lesson, made tortillas from scratch, and mudballs. It was a good day. I am more and more praying and thinking of Texas. Oh, I didn't mention this yet? Well alrighty. Ever since my hubby came home and shared a story he'd heard about TX, we have been thinking of moving there. Now don't freak out--we're thinking 5 years down the road. I've also had these thoughts about Virginia, shortly after my mom died. I have family in both of these states.

The Iowa weather is very hard on me. While others are excited about 50 to 60 degrees coming, I long for 80's and 90's--it's like anything lower than that makes me physically tense. I'm tired of being a prisoner of the indoors. I love being outside, and it feels like I only get a good 2-3 months a year that I can do that. I sense my kids becoming the dreaded indoors kids that I don't want them to be.

I'm excited to report that we will be debt free when we get our federal refund this year. Yahoo! Well, let me note, except for the commercial van payment and our house payment. Does anyone ever imagine being without a mortgage payment in their lifetime? It seems people our age don't even envision themselves without it, so why try? I tell you, 20-30 year olds out there. IT IS POSSIBLE. You can do it. With a little self restraint, and some extra payments toward your home...can you imagine freeing up that money?! I only think, with our van and house payment gone, that frees up $1000 for us a month. $1000! There is so much we could do with that money.

Speaking of money, I have to get something out there. We don't save for our childrens' college education. What? You horrible parents, you say. No, we save for them--they each have savings accounts. We just do not designate what they are to be used for. I figure they will need that money someday, when they are all grown up. At that point, they can decide what they need. A car, start a business, go to college. They will know--God will direct their path. That said, I'm glad they are not going to be forced into college like I was. While it was a good experience, I still felt like I really didn't know what I was getting into, and how many 18 year olds know what they want to do with their life? I'm guessing not too many. With this economy, we'll see what the future holds for my boys. I feel for this upcoming generation. It will be interesting to see how America changes, and their part in it all.

A blizzard and the DOT

2009-04-06T07:42:00.002-05:00

So we experienced the forcasted blizzard yesterday. Yay. April 5th--only in Iowa would we get a blizzard in the spring. Thankfully, little pup was not entirely confused about going potty outside. The boys cleared a little snow to make way for grass. Boys played outside. They've been playing Indiana Jones by unhooking the chain of their swings, on one side, and swinging on it. It's a nice break from Star Wars. I guess it's a natural thing for boys to be hooked on something for a long time. At least it's Star Wars and not Strawberry Shortcake (darn).

Interesting experience at the DOT aka Dept. of Transportation. I have to submit a medical report every 2 years. So, Saturday hubby and I travel to the suburbs to (quickly) renew my dl. Good friends did manly stuff at Home Depot with the boys while we went on this errand. After reviewing my medical report, the DOT found that my doctor filled something out unsatisfactorily. Long story short, I have a temporary license until April 10th, after which it will be suspended. I have to bug my doctor, yet again, so re-fill out my report so I can fax it there asap. It is also time for heath insurance renewal for the kids, as well as the first week of baseball practices. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED.
I tend to get caught up in the details, and not enjoy life. This is why I surround myself with friends that are not this way.

On another note, here's an update on some medical things. My annual doc appt with Iowa City folks was on April 2nd. Good news, my breathing is stable--even a bit better. Some bad news: my kind of muscular dystrophy has a heart component with it. Cardio myopathy. Haven't looked anything up on that yet, but I am going to get an ultrasound of my heart soon. I really am not worried about this. If I cured my kidney infections by changing my diet, surely I can keep my heart beating a bit longer?! :)

Thanks for listening...now back to your regularly scheduled day!

Peekin' in

2009-04-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

I forgot to mention a friggin' hilarious comment that my hubby made the other day. Here goes...
A lawn care co. knocked on our door. Hubby answers. He does that, you know. He likes confrontation aka sales people. Me, not so much. The sales guy, I will lovingly call him Dude.

Dude: Hi, sir. We're doing lawn care plans for people in the neighborhood, and I was wondering if we could start one for you.

Hubby: We don't use chemicals.

Dude: Oh, but they're EPA approved...

Hubby: I don't care if they're NASA approved, we don't use chemicals on our lawn.

Dude: (stares at Hubby)

Hubby: All righty, have a good day.

Dude: Oh, oh, OK sir, have a good day.

I almost pee my pants just typing this. I don't think that guy will ever try to sell us again! I think my hubby has finally been converted to my natural ways. Waaaahhaaahaaa.

We're Still Alive!

2009-04-02T00:25:00.003-05:00

So we're right in the middle of tests for my oldest homeschooler. I actually cried when I dropped him off today (but just a little). You know how you just get caught up in the blog world, and it concurs with your thoughts? Well, I feel--why blog for myself--they've said what I wanted to say. It's laziness. I'm currently listening on Pandora, Karen Carpenter doing 3 part harmony with herself. Don't ask, she's the best singer there ever was. I try to model her, as I've spent many nights in my life with headphones on, just soaking in her voice. Such a tragic life, but what an emotion evoking voice.

So we got a pup! What? Yep that's right. I'm not a dog person, but d*** is she cute. Her name? Well it's Cutie, of course. Now if I can figure out why my camera keeps dying. Or how to download pics. Laziness again. While son #2 sometimes feels like a prisoner in his own home, with her jumping and chewing (on us), he is starting to take responsibility. Son #1 has pee puddle duty, while son #2 has poop duty (outside). Poop is always outside, but pee is not there yet. Thankfully, we only have carpet in our bedroom, which she is not allowed in. And yes, I said she! Woo-hoo...more females in the house. Give me a whoop! Now we only need a female kitty...it will happen, and soon!

I've been a terrible mom, so I must blog that, to be transparent. I bark orders like a drill sergeant. I'm starting to see that in my sons. Crap. I am reading a book on how to raise kids like Jesus would. I actually made my son #2 cry when he spilled all over my lap today. I love smelling like sour milk. Yippee. And just before I am to teach his Cubbie class. What an example. I guess we are all sinners. Can I be more honest? Did you know I never intended on having kids? I knew I was too selfish, I have no patience, it would wreck my body, and on and on. Boy, there are only 2 distinct times that I've heard God's audible voice. '"Get married to this man."' and '"Have children."' That was a great thing for a feminist to do--I'll get right on that. Well, I'm no longer a feminist, and I serve Jesus. What a 180 life change. So, I still have no patience; I'm selfish; and it wrecked my body. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

So now it's your turn--what audible things have YOU heard from God?

An unusual day

2009-03-11T02:22:00.003-05:00

So I'm up late again. Meal plannin', listenin' to pandora.com (thank you, John). I'm reading about schooling methods/parenting methods. One can never learn too much. This post, I'm going to talk about Monday, March 9th. It started out slow. Hubby came home after delivering his pharmacies, achy, nauseous, generally flu-like. He called a wonderful friend to work the rest of his deliveries, which he did. It's times like these, that I pull up my bootstraps (if I had any) and get on my single mom persona. I know that I will not have a break from the kids. At all. All day. Am I such a bad mom? I love them enough to take a bullet for them, but also need a break at times. Needless to say, I got a little pushy with oldest son's spelling practices. I got a little snappy at youngest's winey-butts. (That's what we call them).

So I will apologize. That I will do. I've learned that while I am still the parent, I know that when there is wrong--an apology required. Fast forward to Tues. night: I'm thinking that I don't listen to the kids enough. How can that be when we eat, breathe, school together? Maybe it's the mundane. Our voices become boring and common. So we get out a bedtime story, and with Youngest on my lap, Oldest on the swing (yes, they have a swing in their room) we read. After the book, we start talking of dreams. I've known for while that Oldest has pretty vivid dreams. My hypothesis is that he doesn't get much stage 4 sleep, and participates a lot in the REM dream sleep. (I'm yanking this from my college Psych, so if I'm not correct, let me know).

Without getting into all the details, he is having frightening dreams. One that especially caught me: he was being "stolen" if you will, from ghostly hands being on fire with horns, coming down from the clouds. I instantly felt a spiritual attack on him. Just last year, he accepted Jesus, and I know satan would like none other than to take him back. After talking to him a bit more, we prayed. I don't mean a cute little prayer. This was a prayer of a mother telling satan to get the hell out (literally). Even if that dream wasn't an attack, I still wanted to take precautions. I believe, firmly, that satan will not be back.

Well, tomorrow we go on another field trip with our Krispy Kreme group. They have a name, but I will henceforth refer to them as the KK group. (Don't add another K, please). We are going to the Art Center to see American Gothic. Awesome. And this one is at 11am--now that's more like it!

A day of recovery

2009-02-27T02:16:00.002-06:00

Well, it's now way too late (early) on a Friday morn, and I am unable to sleep. Note: don't have coffee so late in the day. Thurs. (yesterday) was a day of relatively nothing, but I'm going to post anyway, so lucky you! Oldest was recovering from an all day fever he had on Wed. Our Krispy Kreme trip was a hit--especially with the youngest. With arrival time at 8am, we were lucky to only be a few min. late. I was not concerned about my oldest lack of energy as per the aforementioned evil early morning. So when we came home and he promptly went to sleep, I wasn't surprised, as we homeschoolers don't rise that early. Well, after several hours of sleep, he was still a bit frumpy and not hungry. Odd. It wasn't until early afternoon, when a friend and her kids were over (sorry, Dawn) that I realized he may have a fever. (Here is when I insert my apologies for possibly exposing the whole meetup group, as well). Oldest went on to sleep most of the evening, and awoke on Thurs. with only a tummy ache.

The story doesn't end there. Youngest had a touch of the frumps on Thurs. I never took his temp; he just wanted to lay around, but was still up for eating. All things said, we missed "park day" on Thurs. All is well now: boys to bed early, watched Survivor with hubby, and stayed up reading blogs. Oh, oh, I almost forgot! We ordered the gargantuan tent and camping stove on Thurs. We should at least get the tent on Monday. Then our tentative plan is to go see the Abe Lincoln museum, or something like that. It's still undecided.

On the nutrition front: I had my first green smoothie in a while. I need to have these, as they keep one regular, and cancer-free! On the menu for tomorrow (today): Kale chips. Woo-hoo!

Wii are doing fine

2009-02-25T00:05:00.002-06:00

Sorry it's been so long, again. Did I ever tell you we got a Wii for Christmas? Oh, I didn't? It's because the fighting had not begun. The playing starts out all nice and friendly, but escalates into, "Stop killing me." Or, "I want to be the storm trooper." To add to the excitement, we also just purchased the wii fit. That one is exciting, because it's for hubby. He wants to work out and get fit without paying monthly for a membership somewhere. I laughed so hard I was crying when I watched him do the hula hoop exercise. Man that was funny.

School is going well. We're working on spelling, hardcore, with the oldest, and working on learning to read with the youngest. I have not had proud parenting moments the last few days. Could be pms, could be that son #1 test is coming up. He will be tested as a second grader. That means all we've done up until now have better been right! (According to the state of IA).

On another homeschooling note, we are touring Krispy Kreme tomorrow. That should be fun. I'll have to let go of my organic foodiness for at least an hour. We are also very much enjoying the Webkinz site. The boys are enjoying taking care of their virtual pets. You know the scary thing? We agreed with the boys that if they kept the toy room clean for one whole month, they could get a dog. Darn if they aren't on day 12. Crap--I didn't really think they'd do it. Looks like we will be checking into a dog soon.

Another dream of ours is soon to be fulfilled. We love to travel. Traveling is expensive--unless you stay in a tent! How are we to do this, you ask? We get a huge canvas one with no floor, and a wood burning stove. That's right folks, we are the new and improved camping family. I'm pretty excited, but I did have to work up to it. Wheelchair + camping = not always a good time. But I'm hopeful that with my hubby's camping skills, and my sons' enthusiasm, we'll make it through.

Thanks for listening, oh, and she's already on my blogroll, but I want you all to read this post:
http://lifebysugarcreek.blogspot.com/2009/02/more-thoughts-on-my-previous-post.html

I love being thrifty!

2009-02-02T23:22:00.002-06:00

Who else loves going in to a musty, semi-dirty thrift store? Am I the only one? It's the thrill of the hunt. Before I went this time, I prayed for some snow boots for ds 1, as he has way outgrown his size 2's. Well, you can imagine what I got. No, they aren't exactly his size, but I didn't pray for that (note to self). They are brand new, red--his favorite color. Also got some future size boots, cool "skater" boy hats, a scarf to add to my fettish, and some vhs to add excitement to our life. When I actually find my camera, I will post the booty. Maybe I will have to settle for a cell phone pic...I'll try that soon.

Well, also on the blessings front, this is what's goin' down: Hubby's route was supersized. Not so fun on the back, but nice on the pocketbook. Other delivery companies have closed, so ours is picking up the business. Along with that, we had to invest in a bigger truck. It all works out--the pay increase will more than cover it. Thank you, Jesus. I'm not sure if I've ever talked about tithing on here. Let me give you a quick tithe 101: Always do it. The minute we don't give to God financially, we (personally) have bad (really bad) things happen. Now, God is a loving God, but there are spirtual laws of sowing and reaping that really do work.

Quick update--ds 1 is sniffly. And he hates it when I make him sit with his nose over a cup of steamy liquid. So please pray he heals quickly!

Why I can never eat "normal" again

2009-02-01T23:15:00.002-06:00

I really tried to eat the pizza and cocktail wienies at the super bowl party tonight. Instead, I ate carrots, tortilla chips and my homemade salsa. I was very bummed to find out that my favorite ramen noodle oriental salad had msg in it. ugg. I know that already my body is less of a performance machine than a normal person. I know that my chance for the big C is not in my favor. I'm going to change that--with God's help. I feel that educating myself is the first step. Why would God give us our body, only to fill it with junk? I think that the majority of people underestimate what we put in our body, and how that effects our daily life--how we feel: headaches, regularity, periods for goodness sake. Everyone has to draw their line. Mine is with HFCS (hello mercury), MSG, hydrogenated anything, meat, and a lot less refined/sugar (that's a hard one for me).

Now, how do I translate that as a mom, who feeds 3 males, cannot meal plan worth a darn, and panics whenever I go to the store? It's like a life or death decision on what to buy. I feel so strongly, though, that it is a choose life decision. God had rules for His people in the OT, and there was a reason for that. He knows best. So as we sat and watched our team lose, I starved a little. Maybe fasting at times will be the right thing for me. After all, I don't burn many calories sitting on my bum :)

Now that my soapbox is over (for the moment), I'll go on with QSFTC, or affectionately known as Quirky Sayings from the Chillins'...

Me: "Yes, you can play the wii."

#2: (Running over and hugging my leg) "You are the best mom in the world." (Pause, then a pfttt) "I farted." (Then running off to play the wii).

These moments I will not soon forget. They bring a tear to my eye. Literally.

25 Random Things about Moi

2009-01-23T21:21:00.002-06:00

About half of my blogroll has this going on, so I'm just following the crowd (for once).

1. If Jesus hadn't of saved me, I don't know where I'd be.
2. I have 2 wonderful boys, ages 7 and 5.
3. One great husband of almost 9 YEARS!
4. My butt rarely sees the sunshine (but who's does, really)
5. I love to sing. I think I've always loved to sing...I have audio tapes of made-up songs and radio shows from when I was a kid.
6. My mom died 5 years ago this April. In fact, both parents I grew up with in my household have died--both of cancer.
7. My biological dad is still living--he lives 3 hours away.
8. Because of #7, I have a brother and a sister. I love them bunches.
9. I wert public schooled. (I really did enjoy it) But the 80's were different than today. They now have metal detectors at my high school.
10. I struggle with anger.
11. I love fire. In general, I like being warm. All the time.
12. We plan on having our house paid off before we are 40.
13. We eat organic, and rarely eat meat.
14. I am an interesting cook, but I'm getting better.
15. We are going to take mini-trips once a month. And stay in a tent.
16. I'm doing the best job in the world--being a mom and wife.
17. My house is cluttered. It bugs me, but I get overwhelmed when I try to reign it in.
18. I want dreds. I may get them for my birthday (FEB!)
19. I not only homeschool, but I teach the preschool age at our church.
20. I want to help the poor, elderly, and orphaned.
21. Coffee and tea is wonderful
22. I am trying my hand at gardening, and plan to do some commune-type gardening so that I don't have to take care of 10 differents crops.
23. I heart blogs--they enrich my life and teach me.
24. Reading is a renewed passion in my life.
25. I will be a winter bird some day, as Iowa is so d*** cold.

YOUR TURN!

Inauguration Thoughts, oh, and the tooth.

2009-01-20T22:23:00.002-06:00

First, I did not watch the inauguration. I don't think I even watched Bush #2's inauguration. I think I did watch Clinton's only because I was a young adult then, and my parents were liberal. Now the issue is that I just don't watch TV, unless it's Survivor or a movie. In college, I loved TV to get away from reading. Now, I get away from TV to read.

Anyway, I knew I wasn't going to watch it. Why? Well let me tell you about something that made me cry inside. On our local news, there was a mini-parade honoring our soon to be president. Do you know what he was riding on? A donkey. There was also a woman waving a palm branch. Does any of this ring a bell? No, I say, this man in not our messiah. I felt so ashamed--like what is our country allowing? He may instill hope in America, that's great. We need it. But people are carrying this too far. What I foresee happening is that he will instill hope, America will start buying crap from foreign nations more than ever, and our economy will heal. Yipee. Sorry to be so bleak, but how much more end times can we get?

Moving on to more positive--well, kid-related events. My youngest son had a tooth removed as nature did not intend. It's sad that his first tooth had to be so unpleasant. But, he survived and was so brave. We did lots of hand puppets (his favorite) and had some good laughs together. If I didn't say from the last post, he did not need nitrous oxide. He had the max dose of Novocaine. All of his cavities are starting in between his teeth. Also, his teeth are so small and tight together like mine were. Poor guy. Oh well, at least with teeth we get a second chance.

Emergency

2009-01-13T22:55:00.003-06:00

On the search for a mercury-free dentist. Why, you ask? Oh, only that my 5 year old has horrible teeth. I feel like a wretch of a mother. Thursday was the day of my wee one's tooth extraction. The dentist then informed us to eat cold items the rest of the day. Ice cream...um, sugar? Here is a glimpse into my hindsight thinking. Children do not go to the dentist until they are school aged (5), or so I thought. I only have my father to ask, and he also told me I did not go until then. So dutifully, I brought my oldest when he was 5. My first tip off should have been when my oldest had cavities. Just a fluke, I thought. I'm 30 and have never had cavities.

Last Wednesday after art class, youngest keeps saying his chin hurts. Odd, so we stop in to see a dentist. Maybe he can look? Of course not. So we make an appt. Well, by the time I drive back over to our side of town, I'm really concerned. He is still crying. We get to the grocery store to buy some gum numbing agent. By the time we are home, his face is swelling. This is not just his mouth. I take him to the walk-in clinic, praying that we don't get something that is actually contageous, only to wait an hour with a boy throwing up in the waiting room. Enter praise moment: The r.n. on call is anti immunizations. Holy cow. We had a good talk--her name is Monika A. and she works there on Mon, Wed, and Sat. (note to self).

The doctor does not know what this swelling is. A blood test is taken. His white count is 11. High is 13. Finally I just ask if she could, as a doctor's order, refer me immediately to a dentist. Dentist land will not take me if it's not an emergency. They would also need him on antibiotics (which he now has). For being so patient, I want to give my little one anything he wants. He's had such a rough day. He insists on Arby's--remember we hadn't eaten all night, and it was already 8:30.
We had a surprisingly healthy meal, and more bonding time. I love that kid. I'll have to tell you about the extraction day later. I'm tired. Good night.

No, I'm not still in the elevator...

2009-01-07T00:02:00.002-06:00

I'll shortly wrap up the elevator story in a bit. First, some thoughts rambling in my head. "Sayings from the chillins,'" and 2 more lost teeth for December 2008. Here we go.

#1: "I need overalls and to color my hair yellow."
me: (thoroughly confused). "Whhyyy?"
#1: "Then I'll be like Dennis the Menace. I do have a slingshot."

God gave me children to make me not be so serious. I just had to burst out laughing on this one. How random.

Second, tooth # ? happened sometime at the beginning of the month. Tooth # ? happened while out of town at a campground with hubby's family on Dec. 27th. More on that trip in a later post. Sorry for the saga of the oldest's teeth; I just have to get it down on "paper"as a memory.

OK, now for the "rest of the story..." Last post left me yelling for my sons', as I recall. Oldest hears me, and goes to get a librarian. Right about then, I'd wished I hadn't left the house so darn fast. I always leave my dang cell phone. Oh well. I happen to have paper and pen in my purse and send oldest on an errand to have librarian call hubby. Who knows how long I will be here? I want him to come with my mobile ramp to hitch me off this ride. I realize at this point, I have a choice. I can be ticked off, or have a good attitude. I picked the good attitude. Yahoo me. We homeschool--we don't really have to be anywhere.

So the librarians fiddle with the buttons, but to no avail. It would be 10-15 minutes until the repair guy would show. Woo hoo. Shortly after, hubby came to the rescue b4 the repair guy arrived. I was safely out to the bottom floor. There was no way up their steep steps back to the main level--my ramp's not that glorious, so we were "stuck" on the childrens' book floor. The chair lift had to be fixed, or else I'd be sleeping at the library that night. Lo and behold, it was "fixed" and I was set free. I'm not saying completely fixed, folks. It barely got me to the main level. I will never ride that thing again.

Love to all!

My Elevator Experience part 1

2008-12-05T07:12:00.002-06:00

I don't have a fear of elevators. How could I, when they are the very thing that get me up to a second, third floor and beyond? But you know when you get that bad feeling--you know the one: when you are about to do something that may not turn out right?

Our neighborhood library had a Christmas puppet show we attended. And it wouldn't be a trip to the library if the boys couldn't play on the computers. (Yes, we do go for books, too). Mind you, the childrens section (with computers) is about 6 steps down to a lower level. Now, it used to be that there was no elevator to get down there. Imagine much younger children and trying to coax them back upstairs to go home. Ha.

Needless to say, we boycotted that library until they got an elevator. So enter, the elevator, or maybe that's too glamourous. We'll call it a wheelchair lift. I push the button to open the door, roll on in, the door shuts behind me, and I push the button to go downstairs. Remember the bad feeling I had before? Yep, it's the one that says this lift might stop half way down. And stop it did. Thank God my children are older, and they were happily preoccupied with the computers.

How embarrassing is it to have to yell for someone--yell--in a library? But yell I did. I shouted for my oldest son to go get a librarian...story to be continued.