Ryker came bounding in my room this morning and shouted, while laughing, "I have a teeny weeny tiny little weiner!"
"What?!" I said. And then, of course, he repeated verbatim.
"No you don't," I replied, as a mother should. "It's just right."
"You're right, Mom," Ryker said. "I love you."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
My hero is turning 5 and then going to kindergarten!
Can hardly believe this is my baby...um, er, my hero. He fights villians by night, which must be why he's so crabby and moody during the day! :-) Invites have been ordered; can't wait to see how they look in my hand! I LOVE my job!!! Oh, and this has inspired me to start a birthday club for kids. Photos 6-8 weeks before their birthday that can be used for invites, guest books at the birthday party, beautiful decorations/centerpieces. What could be better???
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Slumber party
“Just jump in.” That’s my husband’s philosophy on the best way to acclimate one’s self to cold pool water. I’m the annoying one who parks herself on the ladder dipping in one toe, then two and slowly creeping in one inch every few minutes. I do prefer this. It helps me prepare for what’s to come. I feel more at ease.
When it came to hosting a sleepover – a first big slumber party actually – for our daughter, I decided my well-planned efforts of slowly adjusting to my new environment would work in this scenario, too. I had an agenda, a schedule, a very well thought out plan. Yes, I knew there could be chaos, but I would be prepared, my plan would put me at ease. There would be swimming and pizza, movies and popcorn. That would be plenty to keep them occupied and satisfied….happy even.
Informal invitations went out and after a few agonizing days and then a couple early “no” replies, we thought we would be nursing a certain 6-year-old’s damaged self esteem. However, we ended up with six girls – armed with PJs, pillows, suits and towels – on our doorstep one recent Friday evening.
After the first two arrived, it occurred to me that while we had enough frozen pizzas to hold a block party, there was no dessert. No self-respecting mom withholds sugar at a slumber party, so I sent my husband out with a list: ice cream, sprinkles, strawberry syrup, whip cream. My plan already crumbling, I was still determined this could be a slumber party that all kindergarten slumber parties would be compared to…it would be the measuring stick. My husband, the rational one, wanted to know why I would make the party so inviting that they’d all expect to come back. Duh! It’s obvious he’s never been a 6-year-old girl!
The girls hit the pool first, jumping and splashing, kicking and diving. Naturally, I shot photos since it would take me too long to get into the pool, and my husband kept the peace in the pool. We took a break for pizza, and they naturally wanted to go back in the pool right away. But the “lifeguard” needed to eat (I think he wanted a break), so they were stuck playing in the backyard with our two battery-powered Jeeps and the play set. After a few minutes (literally), one of the girls came up and asked, “When are we going to do the fun stuff?”
Excuse me? What? Did I go to the wrong party? Was I in someone else’s back yard? I mean…pizza, swimming, swings, slides, motorized Jeeps. I didn’t even tell them I had planned to set up a sundae bar or that afterwards we would watch a movie and munch on popcorn. And yet, it wasn’t entertaining enough. The other girls chimed in with agreement. All the evidence I ever needed that children are irrational beings who cannot be completely satisfied was standing right in front of me, all 50 pounds of it, wet with chlorinated water and sticky with pizza sauce.
After more swimming, I set up for sundaes. There were two kinds of sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel, strawberry sauce and whip cream. I even got out fancy tall glasses to build their sundaes in. They loved it; they really did, but the complaining ensued after the last one finished making her culinary creation. Someone had more sprinkles; one didn’t get enough whip cream. By the time I was done running around trying to meet needs, I headed for the sticky, sprinkle-covered kitchen table to wipe it off. But I was cut off by a plea to end the boredom. OK, better get this movie going and pronto. It seemed I could not move fast enough to keep everyone happy.
I enjoyed a few minutes of peace when one became thirsty and then another and another. There was a need for more popcorn and did I have any candy. I suddenly wondered how kindergarten teachers maintain any amount of sanity. What was definitely clear was that I had not been able slowly acclimate myself to this slumber party. No amount of mental or physical preparation helped me avoid the inevitable. You know it’s true, every time you try to adjust to icy pool water slowly, you’re in full concentration when you’re unexpectedly splashed by child who’s plotting your doom and strikes maliciously just as the water reaches that mid-torso point that makes your face scrunch into a wrinkled ball.
Yes, my husband’s philosophy definitely applies. Not just to acclimating to the water temperature, but also to acclimating to the child’s temperament. Yes, they are greedy and demanding. They require immediate satisfaction; they are keenly aware when they are treated unjustly (“She got more ice cream,” spoken in more of a squeaky whine than a comprehensive voice.) And when you think you can prepare yourself in a way that will circumvent this, you are slapped in the face with reality. Kids will be kids, and while it’s hard to comprehend that they’re enjoying themselves through all the complaining, they really are. The one who complained the most will probably talk incessantly about the party for days. And if you decide instead to jump right in, you’re bound to have fun, too. Just be prepared to need a nap the next day.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bill paying
OK...so Dan and I are trying to kill our debt this year. Took off wonderfully, but it's slowing mostly because business is slow for me in the winter. Anyway, we have paid so far ahead on our car payment that they send us statements with a zero balance. They've locked us out from paying online because I would send two extra payments a month online whenever I got paid. They won't let me establish an online pay account, and when they send us our statement, they don't include an envelope. I just had to share because it's another example of how companies try to MANIPULATE us consumers into creating more debt. Don't let them hold you over a barrel. It just makes me laugh because we are still faithfully hammering away at our debt despite their little tactics. It hasn't stopped us one bit. I am so thankful for all we've been able to do, and I give all the credit to God, who has given us a wonderful tool in Financial Peace University.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ryker-isms
This morning he mouthed something that he said I would just know what he was saying. I could tell it started with "I love you," but it went on and on. "I have no idea," I said.
"Mom, I said, 'I love you, and I just want to take your head right off,'" he explained.
Ohhhhh-kay....I said walking into the kitchen, a little frightened. ;-)
"And bounce it on the ground, but not the hard ground, the soft gound," he continued. Glad he cleared that up!
Last night he was playing with a balloon he's had since mid -January. It hit the light bulb and busted, and I never saw such crockodile tears! We all had to take turns saying "nice things" about the balloon. Then Abby helped him put the busted latex somewhere "safe and secure," where Grandma can't find it, 'cause Ryker was sure she'd throw it away without even asking. ;-)
"Mom, I said, 'I love you, and I just want to take your head right off,'" he explained.
Ohhhhh-kay....I said walking into the kitchen, a little frightened. ;-)
"And bounce it on the ground, but not the hard ground, the soft gound," he continued. Glad he cleared that up!
Last night he was playing with a balloon he's had since mid -January. It hit the light bulb and busted, and I never saw such crockodile tears! We all had to take turns saying "nice things" about the balloon. Then Abby helped him put the busted latex somewhere "safe and secure," where Grandma can't find it, 'cause Ryker was sure she'd throw it away without even asking. ;-)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
My assistants
Abby is usually a great help to set up the studio for sessions. This is her modeling for something I wanted to try with a client, see my blog at www.denneyphotography.blogspot.com to see how it turned out. Dan has also been a HUGE help in the studio, holding props, lights or getting kids to react. Hopefully they're having as much fun as I am!!
Ryker's rules
I was kissing Ryker good night tonight, and he for some strange reason wanted to tell me the rules of his school. So....here they are, and pay particular attention to how he lost focus on the numbers. :-)
Rule No. 1: Be kind.
Rule No. 2: No fighting.
Rule No. 3: No fighting over toys.
Rule No. 4: No yellow lights.
Rule No. 5: No red lights
Rule No. 2: No fighting with your friends.
Rule No. 3: No stomping.
Rule No. 9: No bad lights.
Rule No. 10: No slamming things down.
Rule No. 1: Be kind.
Rule No. 2: No fighting.
Rule No. 3: No fighting over toys.
Rule No. 4: No yellow lights.
Rule No. 5: No red lights
Rule No. 2: No fighting with your friends.
Rule No. 3: No stomping.
Rule No. 9: No bad lights.
Rule No. 10: No slamming things down.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Dan and Abby's date day
Last Saturday, Dan took Abby to Lincoln's Tomb, Lincoln's Home and the State Capitol. Oh, and then to lunch. She had a blast and talked about it for days.Ryker funny
Yesterday I had a doctor appt. in the morning and afterward, Ryker had a family fun Friday at Lowe's. We were heading to Lowe's and I said, "Darn it, Ryker. I forgot to check which Lowe's we're supposed to be going to." He replied, "There's two Loweses?" (imagine the little lisp in that sentence!) We arrived and walked in the door to find two PreK teachers steering us toward the back where they would build their carpentry projects (check your local Lowe's. They do these all the time...very cute). Ryker immediately told them how we weren't sure which Lowe's to go to. Miss Becky said, "Well, we're glad you came to the right one." We started walking to the back of the store, and Ryker looked at me and said, "Phew. We avoided a disaster on that one, didn't we Mom?" I laughed and laughed ... partly because of what he said but also for how serious he looked when he said it.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A huge milestone in our house
Looks like the tooth fairy will be visiting our house tonight...finally!!! The adult tooth started coming in maybe back in October or November. It was so loose that it didn't even bleed. Unfortunately we told her a couple weeks ago that parents match the Tooth Fairy donations on Sundays. She, of course, remembers that. I couldn't even go near her yesterday...she wanted it to come out today!25 random things
From Facebook, which you should totally join if you haven't yet!! And when I invite you, please be my friend (Lori!!!).
25 random things about me
1. I really, really like (OK, love) coffee. I blame Kristi O’Brien, who forced me to drink it in college. Actually, I don’t blame her. I adore her for it. Coffee makes me whole; without it I am but a shell.
2. I used to feel that way about cigarettes. Now, that totally grosses me out. Can’t even stand to smell them (even though I secretly crave one every time I see someone take a drag on television…there, it’s out!).
3. We almost put our dog to sleep four times…three times in two weeks. She’s like a cat with nine lives.
4. My son has my personality. He is very emotional, shy around people he doesn’t know well and very empathetic, especially when it comes to Abby. Oh, and he LOVES books, cannot put them down. Wakes up at 5 a.m. to read. He is a maniac about books.
5. I have a child with ADHD. And no matter how much I feel I’ve explained that to people, they still think her behavior is the result of bad parenting or that they can fix her or correct her or that by screaming at her, she’ll somehow miraculously snap out of it. As frustrating as she can be, and believe me she’s put us to the test, I know she’ll outgrow it and it will make her a better person. Already she has proven how amazing she is, and I wouldn’t change a thing about her.
6. Zumba is my favorite exercise. I hate exercise, but Zumba is so fun. When I stopped for three months last year, I gained 15 pounds! My jeans are still unhappy about that.
7. I can’t stand it when people gossip to bring another person down, humiliate them, belittle them or try to align others against them.
8. I have the best husband in the world! He is a phenomenal dad, cook, husband. I’m so proud of everything he does. He’s not afraid to try something new, and he always puts his family above all!
9. I love Mexico…not the part with the beaches. Never been there. I’m talking about the mountains. It’s breath-taking scenery among some of the world’s worst poverty. This summer we’ll take our third mission trip to Zaragoza.
10. I hate school fund-raisers…we live in a town of 1,600 people. Everyone here has a child in the school district…who the heck will buy all this stuff??? (OK, the grandparents and my friend, Jill.)
11. My friend Jill puts me to shame. She sends a card on everyone’s birthday, plus all holidays and anniversaries. (Sometimes I buy and sign cards. Rarely I put a stamp on them. Never do I actually get around to mailing them. Pathetic, I know. But I’m no Jill.)
12. I have been blessed with an absolutely astounding church family. I could write on and on about them. They helped tremendously when we moved, when I had my appendectomy and are a steady stream of support and encouragement.
13. I just got all my hair chopped off. I like it short; I should keep it this way.
14. If I could change one thing about my physical appearance, it would be my nose. I think it’s getting bigger. Oh, I’d change my stomach, too…bye-bye stretch marks and gigantic stretched-out belly button!
15. Commercials sometimes make me cry.
16. So do songs, movies, books….
17. I am currently reading the entire New Testament, one chapter a day, and blogging about it.
18. I recently discovered that I’m good at bowling…on Wii.
19. I once yelled at my husband to keep down the noise while he was puking, and I don’t think he’s forgiven me yet. He probably shouldn’t.
20. I took a temporary job last year for two days a week so that we could pay off all of our debt in a year. (We are huge followers of Dave Ramsey.) But my passion and my heart is in my photography business, and I’m excited every day to learn and grow these skills.
21. I’d love to write a book someday.
22. Being a mom is the most surprisingly delightful thing that’s happened to me. In college, I only wanted a career. Then I met Dan. When I decided I wanted kids, we were told we might not have any. God blessed us with two beautiful children, and I gave up my career twice to stay home with them. I have been blessed with a schedule that allows me to go on field trips, help in Abby’s room twice a month and go on every preschool activity.
23. I miss some of my old friends that I hardly talk to anymore and wonder if they’ve changed as much as I have.
24. I never talk about politics anymore, even though it still fascinates me and I have strong opinions about it. I’ve learned some people wear their political feelings too close to their hearts, and no debate or disagreement is worth a friendship. I’ve also learned that politics and government isn’t the answer.
25. In the last three years, I’ve developed a relationship with Christ that has radically changed my life. I cannot believe it took me this long to find the “answer” to everything. It has been a huge blessing to me and my family that I couldn’t begin to describe in a list of 25 things.
25 random things about me
1. I really, really like (OK, love) coffee. I blame Kristi O’Brien, who forced me to drink it in college. Actually, I don’t blame her. I adore her for it. Coffee makes me whole; without it I am but a shell.
2. I used to feel that way about cigarettes. Now, that totally grosses me out. Can’t even stand to smell them (even though I secretly crave one every time I see someone take a drag on television…there, it’s out!).
3. We almost put our dog to sleep four times…three times in two weeks. She’s like a cat with nine lives.
4. My son has my personality. He is very emotional, shy around people he doesn’t know well and very empathetic, especially when it comes to Abby. Oh, and he LOVES books, cannot put them down. Wakes up at 5 a.m. to read. He is a maniac about books.
5. I have a child with ADHD. And no matter how much I feel I’ve explained that to people, they still think her behavior is the result of bad parenting or that they can fix her or correct her or that by screaming at her, she’ll somehow miraculously snap out of it. As frustrating as she can be, and believe me she’s put us to the test, I know she’ll outgrow it and it will make her a better person. Already she has proven how amazing she is, and I wouldn’t change a thing about her.
6. Zumba is my favorite exercise. I hate exercise, but Zumba is so fun. When I stopped for three months last year, I gained 15 pounds! My jeans are still unhappy about that.
7. I can’t stand it when people gossip to bring another person down, humiliate them, belittle them or try to align others against them.
8. I have the best husband in the world! He is a phenomenal dad, cook, husband. I’m so proud of everything he does. He’s not afraid to try something new, and he always puts his family above all!
9. I love Mexico…not the part with the beaches. Never been there. I’m talking about the mountains. It’s breath-taking scenery among some of the world’s worst poverty. This summer we’ll take our third mission trip to Zaragoza.
10. I hate school fund-raisers…we live in a town of 1,600 people. Everyone here has a child in the school district…who the heck will buy all this stuff??? (OK, the grandparents and my friend, Jill.)
11. My friend Jill puts me to shame. She sends a card on everyone’s birthday, plus all holidays and anniversaries. (Sometimes I buy and sign cards. Rarely I put a stamp on them. Never do I actually get around to mailing them. Pathetic, I know. But I’m no Jill.)
12. I have been blessed with an absolutely astounding church family. I could write on and on about them. They helped tremendously when we moved, when I had my appendectomy and are a steady stream of support and encouragement.
13. I just got all my hair chopped off. I like it short; I should keep it this way.
14. If I could change one thing about my physical appearance, it would be my nose. I think it’s getting bigger. Oh, I’d change my stomach, too…bye-bye stretch marks and gigantic stretched-out belly button!
15. Commercials sometimes make me cry.
16. So do songs, movies, books….
17. I am currently reading the entire New Testament, one chapter a day, and blogging about it.
18. I recently discovered that I’m good at bowling…on Wii.
19. I once yelled at my husband to keep down the noise while he was puking, and I don’t think he’s forgiven me yet. He probably shouldn’t.
20. I took a temporary job last year for two days a week so that we could pay off all of our debt in a year. (We are huge followers of Dave Ramsey.) But my passion and my heart is in my photography business, and I’m excited every day to learn and grow these skills.
21. I’d love to write a book someday.
22. Being a mom is the most surprisingly delightful thing that’s happened to me. In college, I only wanted a career. Then I met Dan. When I decided I wanted kids, we were told we might not have any. God blessed us with two beautiful children, and I gave up my career twice to stay home with them. I have been blessed with a schedule that allows me to go on field trips, help in Abby’s room twice a month and go on every preschool activity.
23. I miss some of my old friends that I hardly talk to anymore and wonder if they’ve changed as much as I have.
24. I never talk about politics anymore, even though it still fascinates me and I have strong opinions about it. I’ve learned some people wear their political feelings too close to their hearts, and no debate or disagreement is worth a friendship. I’ve also learned that politics and government isn’t the answer.
25. In the last three years, I’ve developed a relationship with Christ that has radically changed my life. I cannot believe it took me this long to find the “answer” to everything. It has been a huge blessing to me and my family that I couldn’t begin to describe in a list of 25 things.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Dave Ramsey's thoughts on the economy
I got this via email today. It's fantastic, so I thought I would share (you can find more like this at daveramsey.com):
Well, we the people have a new president. It’s an exciting time for Americans, whether or not you agree with President Barack Obama’s plans. My hope is that our new president will instill some confidence in people, not necessarily set out to fix everybody and everything.
There are some bogus government strategies floating around to stimulate the economy and "save us from ourselves." Just because they’re all everyone talks about doesn’t make them true! Here are a few of the big issues:
Tax BreaksThese aren’t bad, and I would never turn them down. But to think that tax breaks single-handedly stimulate the economy is laughable. Remember last fall? Those stimulus checks didn’t fix the problem, so what makes us think it’s going to fix everything this time? Did you know it was your money to start with? They’re just giving it back to you and making you feel good about it. If you’re looking for $1,000 to change your life this year, you obviously don’t have a life to start with!
It may help you today or this month, but $1,000 will do very little for you in the long run. To win with money, you've got to think long term.
Patriotic DutyThe government wants you to spend, spend, spend—and many Americans are taking this advice while still in debt! No matter what the talking heads say, it is not your patriotic duty to spend money you don’t have. Your duty is to take care of yourself and your household with the money you earn from an honest day’s work.
If you have your full emergency fund and are in a position to buy something, now is the perfect time! You can get some fabulous deals, but don’t let the deals entice you if you haven’t planned ahead and don’t have the cash!
National DeficitThe dog is still chasing its tail.
Debt started the problem, so what is the current plan to fix the problem? More debt!What really drives the economy? Is it D.C.'s programs or small-business people scattered throughout the country? This down economic time will begin to heal itself. Do we have to go $1 trillion in debt to do that? No way!
The good news is that our future as an economy isn’t coming out of Washington. Our future prosperity is coming out of the hopes, dreams and individual freedoms of the American people. When left alone, we have a tendency to prosper.
The healing of the economy will begin and end with you. Yes, you, the person you see in the mirror! You have to make your decision as to whether or not you’re going to take part in the recession.
As for our new president, if you’re not a fan, pray for him. He’s your president. If you are a fan, pray for him. He’s your president, not your savior. Your hope will be crushed if you wait for him and his administration—or anyone else—to fix your life and give you money.
Well, we the people have a new president. It’s an exciting time for Americans, whether or not you agree with President Barack Obama’s plans. My hope is that our new president will instill some confidence in people, not necessarily set out to fix everybody and everything.
There are some bogus government strategies floating around to stimulate the economy and "save us from ourselves." Just because they’re all everyone talks about doesn’t make them true! Here are a few of the big issues:
Tax BreaksThese aren’t bad, and I would never turn them down. But to think that tax breaks single-handedly stimulate the economy is laughable. Remember last fall? Those stimulus checks didn’t fix the problem, so what makes us think it’s going to fix everything this time? Did you know it was your money to start with? They’re just giving it back to you and making you feel good about it. If you’re looking for $1,000 to change your life this year, you obviously don’t have a life to start with!
It may help you today or this month, but $1,000 will do very little for you in the long run. To win with money, you've got to think long term.
Patriotic DutyThe government wants you to spend, spend, spend—and many Americans are taking this advice while still in debt! No matter what the talking heads say, it is not your patriotic duty to spend money you don’t have. Your duty is to take care of yourself and your household with the money you earn from an honest day’s work.
If you have your full emergency fund and are in a position to buy something, now is the perfect time! You can get some fabulous deals, but don’t let the deals entice you if you haven’t planned ahead and don’t have the cash!
National DeficitThe dog is still chasing its tail.
Debt started the problem, so what is the current plan to fix the problem? More debt!What really drives the economy? Is it D.C.'s programs or small-business people scattered throughout the country? This down economic time will begin to heal itself. Do we have to go $1 trillion in debt to do that? No way!
The good news is that our future as an economy isn’t coming out of Washington. Our future prosperity is coming out of the hopes, dreams and individual freedoms of the American people. When left alone, we have a tendency to prosper.
The healing of the economy will begin and end with you. Yes, you, the person you see in the mirror! You have to make your decision as to whether or not you’re going to take part in the recession.
As for our new president, if you’re not a fan, pray for him. He’s your president. If you are a fan, pray for him. He’s your president, not your savior. Your hope will be crushed if you wait for him and his administration—or anyone else—to fix your life and give you money.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Random thoughts on pregnancy and marriage
We were talking about fatherhood on the way to school one morning this week when out of the blue Abby says, "I've been thinking, and I don't want to push a baby out of my belly."
I explained to her that I used to be fearful of that when I was little, but really lots of people have babies so it can't be too bad, etc., etc. (Didn't want to be too detailed with her mind already in overgear.)
Anyway, Ryker quietly says, "Abby, I'll be there with you ... unless you still want to marry Ben." (As a side note, Ryker is VERY sensitive about Abby being hurt. When she's crying because she's in trouble, he BEGS us to give her back the toy or privilege she's lost. He can hardly stand it. Side note 2, Ben and Abby have been "boyfriend-girlfriend" for well, probably at least 18 months or two years.)
Abby says, "About Ben, a girl told him he looked handsome in his photo, so I think she's his girlfriend now. I guess that means I can marry you, Ryker."
They still don't "get" that they can't marry each other, but their concern for one another was soooo cute. They were exceptional on Sunday and Monday. However, while I was at school for Ryker's parent-teacher conference today (he's brilliant, in case you wondered!), I dropped off some snacks for Abby's class, which was at lunch, and noticed she was already on red for the day. Yesterday she was on yellow. She's had more discipline this month than ever...don't know what we're going to do about her. Ryker, on the other hand, had all HIGH marks on social development, something I'm definitely not used to. He is really excelling in PreK and doesn't need transitional kindergarten, much to my surprise! Abby had great marks in academics at her P-T conference. The social development stuff was not so good, but we expect that. I'm sure it's ADHD, but she's a good girl in so many ways. We're VERY proud of both of our kids!!
I explained to her that I used to be fearful of that when I was little, but really lots of people have babies so it can't be too bad, etc., etc. (Didn't want to be too detailed with her mind already in overgear.)
Anyway, Ryker quietly says, "Abby, I'll be there with you ... unless you still want to marry Ben." (As a side note, Ryker is VERY sensitive about Abby being hurt. When she's crying because she's in trouble, he BEGS us to give her back the toy or privilege she's lost. He can hardly stand it. Side note 2, Ben and Abby have been "boyfriend-girlfriend" for well, probably at least 18 months or two years.)
Abby says, "About Ben, a girl told him he looked handsome in his photo, so I think she's his girlfriend now. I guess that means I can marry you, Ryker."
They still don't "get" that they can't marry each other, but their concern for one another was soooo cute. They were exceptional on Sunday and Monday. However, while I was at school for Ryker's parent-teacher conference today (he's brilliant, in case you wondered!), I dropped off some snacks for Abby's class, which was at lunch, and noticed she was already on red for the day. Yesterday she was on yellow. She's had more discipline this month than ever...don't know what we're going to do about her. Ryker, on the other hand, had all HIGH marks on social development, something I'm definitely not used to. He is really excelling in PreK and doesn't need transitional kindergarten, much to my surprise! Abby had great marks in academics at her P-T conference. The social development stuff was not so good, but we expect that. I'm sure it's ADHD, but she's a good girl in so many ways. We're VERY proud of both of our kids!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Ice king
My child had never put on ice skates before today, and he did great! Abby attempted to scare him by telling him about the bruises and other injuries suffered by a boy in her class who went ice skating (maybe he plays hockey???) Anyway, he pulled out the infamous "stomach ache" this morning, but I told him it would be best to face his fears. And he was AWESOME! Not sure if he'd agree to lessons, but for a child who has never done this, he sure was good and he liked it!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Miniature Cheerleaders
Abby was eligible for the big Cantrall Elementary Cheerleader clinic this year for the first time. Oh, boy! This was quite the big event. They spent one morning learning cheers and a dance, and then they performed it at half-time of the Athens High School boys game. It was sooooo cute! Don't mind the crappy photos, as I sat half-way up the bleachers and didn't use a flash.
Abby dancing with her "big sister" Shelby.
Umm, she isn't a ham or anything!
Ryker even got in on the entertainment. His name was drawn for a tractor race, and he faced off against a girl he went to preschool and MOPS with last year. (She won, but he thinks he did...shhhh!!)
OK...you probably could have figured that out.
Abby waving to Mema before the girls stormed the floor. By the way, only Abby would pick such a strange hairstyle. She did this hairdo to her doll and then made me replicate it on her. Socks and skirt...all her! You know I would never be so bold!
Let the storming commence!
OK...this totally reminds me of Ramona Quimby...maybe 'cause we're reading through her books right now. Or perhaps just 'cause Abby has her own stubborn determination, just like Ramona, right down to the rainbow socks!
Moving and groving to a cheer.
This is Abby's friend from church, kindergarten, day care...you name it, they're both there!
Isn't she cute???
Here they are dancing...
Two of Abby's adorable friends. Kindergarten kids are so cute!! They were dancing around Abby's classroom this morning while I was helping, and this one boy...he could "move it."
We like to move it, move it...
Our former neighbor...she was Abby's age when we met her. I can't believe how much she's grown up. And these older girls, especially this one, could really dance!
The girls all did such a wonderful job! 'Til next year....
Abby dancing with her "big sister" Shelby.
Umm, she isn't a ham or anything!
Ryker even got in on the entertainment. His name was drawn for a tractor race, and he faced off against a girl he went to preschool and MOPS with last year. (She won, but he thinks he did...shhhh!!)
OK...you probably could have figured that out.
Abby waving to Mema before the girls stormed the floor. By the way, only Abby would pick such a strange hairstyle. She did this hairdo to her doll and then made me replicate it on her. Socks and skirt...all her! You know I would never be so bold!
Let the storming commence!
OK...this totally reminds me of Ramona Quimby...maybe 'cause we're reading through her books right now. Or perhaps just 'cause Abby has her own stubborn determination, just like Ramona, right down to the rainbow socks!
Moving and groving to a cheer.
This is Abby's friend from church, kindergarten, day care...you name it, they're both there!
Isn't she cute???
Here they are dancing...
Two of Abby's adorable friends. Kindergarten kids are so cute!! They were dancing around Abby's classroom this morning while I was helping, and this one boy...he could "move it."
We like to move it, move it...
Our former neighbor...she was Abby's age when we met her. I can't believe how much she's grown up. And these older girls, especially this one, could really dance!
The girls all did such a wonderful job! 'Til next year....
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Update on Ryker
Not that you want to hear about poop, but Ryker finally had a solid one this week. Woo-hoo!! His stool samples were normal, and his doctor is sure that his turning blue is nothing serious. Not exactly sure how I feel about that. But he assures us that nothing could be wrong with his heart...it would have been picked up in all the earlier testing. Doc says the blue thing is how his body react to adrenaline. So, on those two days that he was really sick with the stomach problems he turned blue both days. Could happen anytime he experiences pain or discomfort but it's nothing serious. We just praise God for his health!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cute kid stuff
Ryker has been saying some hilarious stuff and really making use of all the big words he knows lately. We decided, since he's being a demanding pain in the you-know-what, that if he wants something like television, he has to practice writing his name three times. Well, he wanted to watch TV today, and so we told him to practice his name. At first, he was OK with it. Then he threw a couple fits. Later he storms out of the room and says, "I am so not writing my name." Later still, "Abby will write my name three times and then you will let me watch a movie."
Tonight as I was tucking him in, he says, "Shhh. I smell something. It smells like green beans and peas." I couldn't smell anything and told him it was time for bed. "Let me smell your breath, Mom," he says. So I opened my mouth, thinking it would get this whole thing over more quickly. It did. "Oh, it's just you," he says, rolling over and sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Later, tucking Abby in bed, she is rubbing Dan's head and mine while saying her prayer. Dan asks when she's done, "Was she rubbing your head too during her prayer?" Before I could answer, Abby says, "I can read and watch TV at the same time, too."
Tonight as I was tucking him in, he says, "Shhh. I smell something. It smells like green beans and peas." I couldn't smell anything and told him it was time for bed. "Let me smell your breath, Mom," he says. So I opened my mouth, thinking it would get this whole thing over more quickly. It did. "Oh, it's just you," he says, rolling over and sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Later, tucking Abby in bed, she is rubbing Dan's head and mine while saying her prayer. Dan asks when she's done, "Was she rubbing your head too during her prayer?" Before I could answer, Abby says, "I can read and watch TV at the same time, too."
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Cabbage Patch Doll
A forward courtesy of my sister, and instead of hitting forward, I'm posting on my blog.
NEW CABBAGE PATCH DOLL: Now you can BUY the governor! But only if you want to give your child nightmares! This thing is creepy! :-)
NEW CABBAGE PATCH DOLL: Now you can BUY the governor! But only if you want to give your child nightmares! This thing is creepy! :-)
Dreary day
What a yucky day already! Abby is still in bed, complaining of stomach pains. We had Ryker in prompt care this weekend. He has suffered from diarrhea since his Christmas stomach virus. But it got worse on Thursday and then got worse each day after that. He was not acting himself at all but seems better finally today. We collected stool samples which take four days to review, but I really think my unlucky kids just got two back-to-back stomach viruses. Anyway, in a possibily totally unrelated event, Ryker's lips, fingertips and toes turned blue on Friday. You might remember that he had this condition as a baby. He went through a battery of heart and lung tests that all showed he was OK. A pediatric cardiologist highly recommended (practically refused) that we put him through the last test. He said he saw this sort of thing all the time, that his development was slow to catch up and he would outgrow it. I think he was about 2 at the time, and he did outgrow it. Then it happened Friday and another episode on Saturday to a lesser degree. In all the time he had this previously, he never had two episodes in a week, let alone consecutive days. Not sure what is going on, but we're prayerful that it's nothing serious! He'll see his primary care doc today. In the meantime, we're all going to enjoy a day of laziness!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
ay-ay-ay Kindergartners!!!
Two to three times a month, I volunteer in Abby's classroom during Ryker's preK hours. So today I helped give some individual attention to four kids who needed a little extra help with spelling. I was thinking after 15 minutes alone in a very small room with these four that someone was going to find me in there in a deep state of mental confusion, unable to speak or move, my eyes glazed over in a fixed stare. One of them has behaviorial issues that make Abby seem like an angel! This child would not, could not listen at all. And then three of them simply did not understand what we were doing; their skill levels lagged way behind. I could never be a kindergarten teacher...I sure do appreciate these dedicated professionals after experiencing a small taste of thie lives! Thank a teacher every chance you get!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Bedtime snack
Do not read this if you get easily grossed out.
Abby apparently saw a little girl in her class picking her nose and eating her "discoveries" in the library at school today. It was the first thing she told Dan when he picked her up. So, being the sensitive guy he is, Dan wanted to be sure that Abby wasn't initiating or joining in on any teasing. He continued a conversation about it when I got home trying to get to the bottom of what Abby did with the information she gathered. We explained to her that it could be the girl was very nervous starting a new school in the middle of the year and she didn't even realize what she was doing. I can assure you, this was a serious conversation, during which Ryker quietly says, "Sometimes I eat boogers when I'm hungry." We ignored him. (He has eaten his boogers in the past, and even the the not-so-distant past.) We talked some more, and then Ryker says much more loudly this time, to get his point across, "Sometimes I eat boogers for a bedtime snack!" OK, so I laughed then. I think he was trying to defend the girl to Abby. I don't think it worked for her, but hey, maybe he has a point.
Abby apparently saw a little girl in her class picking her nose and eating her "discoveries" in the library at school today. It was the first thing she told Dan when he picked her up. So, being the sensitive guy he is, Dan wanted to be sure that Abby wasn't initiating or joining in on any teasing. He continued a conversation about it when I got home trying to get to the bottom of what Abby did with the information she gathered. We explained to her that it could be the girl was very nervous starting a new school in the middle of the year and she didn't even realize what she was doing. I can assure you, this was a serious conversation, during which Ryker quietly says, "Sometimes I eat boogers when I'm hungry." We ignored him. (He has eaten his boogers in the past, and even the the not-so-distant past.) We talked some more, and then Ryker says much more loudly this time, to get his point across, "Sometimes I eat boogers for a bedtime snack!" OK, so I laughed then. I think he was trying to defend the girl to Abby. I don't think it worked for her, but hey, maybe he has a point.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Stomach virus???
For four days I thought I was suffering from a hybrid form of my kids' lovely Christmas stomach virus. It disappeared for two days and came back like mad on New Year's Day. I was advised to go to the ED by a telenurse, and by all rights, I should have gone. But by the time she called back, I'd taken a sleeping pill and couldn't very well drive myself. And I wasn't about to rip Ryker out of bed and drag the whole family to the ED. So I saw my primary doc on Friday. After a bit of investigating, it was determined that I have an ulcer. And...get this. I may have had it in July when I had my appendix removed. I never had appendicitis pains. But I had a major case of horrendous heart burn...same thing I'm having now. They did the CT scan and found the "hot" appendix. Turns out the ulcer might possibly have saved me from having a ruptured appendix. Thank you, God! I should be healed in about a month, and the medicine should kick in (I pray!) very soon. In the meantime, I'm a bit of a grump as the Vicodin isn't my favorite, so I've stopped taking it and am just dealing with the pain.
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