So I do it know, as much as I can, while they still don't mind!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Pretty (please) with a cherry on top...
I can't help dressing my girls alike sometimes.
So I do it know, as much as I can, while they still don't mind!
So I do it know, as much as I can, while they still don't mind!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Patriot Girl
Last Monday evening (just a week ago), I had intended to post a note about Gracie's award ceremony from American Heritage Girls - but then we had the whole big crazy chaos with Maddy in the hospital (the gum incident happened just after we got home from the ceremony).
So, though this post is a week late in coming... better late than never!
This Spring, Grace joined American Heritage Girls, which is a Christ-Centered scouting program. She absolutely loves it, and we couldn't feel more blessed to have found out about this program.
She worked very hard outside of troop meetings to earn 3 badges: Family Helper, Bible Basics and Pet Helper.
Here she is just after she accepted her badges (she's near the middle, looking down at her badges):
The girls sang a few songs, one of them a song incorporating their creed which is
"I promise to love God, Cherish my family, Honor my country, and Serve in my community."
Grace and her Daddy
So, though this post is a week late in coming... better late than never!
This Spring, Grace joined American Heritage Girls, which is a Christ-Centered scouting program. She absolutely loves it, and we couldn't feel more blessed to have found out about this program.
She worked very hard outside of troop meetings to earn 3 badges: Family Helper, Bible Basics and Pet Helper.
Here she is just after she accepted her badges (she's near the middle, looking down at her badges):
The girls sang a few songs, one of them a song incorporating their creed which is
"I promise to love God, Cherish my family, Honor my country, and Serve in my community."
Grace and her Daddy
Mommy and her girl...
One of Grace's best friends, Ayana, who is in American Heritage Girls with her as well as Ballet.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wise words from my 3 year old...
Tonight I took the kids by myself on a walk. I was pushing the baby in the stroller, Grace was riding her bike up ahead, and Alex walked next to me holding my hand. We walked along for a while, quietly, until I finally said,
"Hey buddy, what are you thinking about?"
"Ah. Just nothin'"
"Really? Nothin? C'mon-tell Mommy what you are thinking about."
"Ah. Just the color white."
"Hmm! The color white, huh? What about the color white were you thinking?"
"Just that it's not really a color at all. It's just... white. No color."
Now, at this point, I'm thinking to myself- Wow, that is really perceptive for a 3 year old. I didn't learn that until about 7th grade."
And then I proceeded to ask my little genius, "so, what made you think about that?"
"Bird poop. On the sidewalk."
Ah, but of course. Bird poop.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The $1000 pack of gum...
I fully realize that the title of this post sounds like an "urban legend" - the kind that goes viral, gets forwarded along to everyone and lands in my inbox where I proceed to roll my eyes, search snopes.com real quick, and privately lament stupid hoax emails.
However, I can promise you that this is a true story and it happened to ME.
Last night, my irritated husband came up the stairs grumbling about the "stupid dog" who just ate an entire pack of gum. Not thinking too much about it, I came to check out the situation and found Maddy (the dog) sitting in her kennel, staring at me with her "innocent" doe-eyes... with a soggy shredded remnant of what used to be a whole package containing gum lying next to her feet.
Now, my dog has eaten a lot of junk before. Trust me, if there were anything remotely entertaining about picking up dog poop, it would be in discovering colorful remnants of balloon or color crayon wrappers that liven up her otherwise dull, boring "waste." However, something about an entire pack of gum didn't sit well with me and I thought I'd better google that to see what I could expect. Would it be a long night of letting her out to puke? Would I just be adding "gum wrappers" to that list of entertaining waste remnants? I wasn't sure, but thought I'd better check.
What I discovered, was this: Xylitol (which was in the chewing gum) is highly toxic to dogs. Apparently, though it is safe for humans, a dogs liver cannot break down the chemical composition of xylitol and therefore can cause a dangerous drop in glucose levels which can lead to seizure, coma or death (like a severe diabetic reaction), or can cause permanent liver disease or complete liver failure resulting in death.
I called the Vet Emergency line and gingerly said, "Hi! I am not sure if I have an emergency or not, but my dog just ate a pack of chewing gum with Xylitol." And the lady said, "Yes- this in an emergency and you need to bring her in immediately so we can begin treating her right away."
I have since learned that anything above about 4 sticks of gum (with Xylitol) is toxic to a 65 lb. dog and anything over 8 sticks can be fatal. Well, Maddy is only 28 lbs. and ate 14 pieces.
So, off we went to the Emergency Vet Hospital (of course, these things never happen during 'office hours' - they always happen late at night. They immediately whisked Maddy away and gave her a drug to induce vomiting which is supposed to work within 3 minutes... 10 minutes later, Maddy sat there staring at everyone with big eyes. Apparently, this drug works on 99% of dogs the first time. Of course, you guessed it. Not mine. So, they gave her a second dose. Nothing. What do you know- my dog, an anomaly. They tried Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting. Nope. So they were left with no other alternative... they had to sedate her under anesthesia and actually pump her stomach. This is sounding ridiculous, but I swear it's true. The only thing remotely funny about this is when I read the Dr.'s notes after the "gastric lavage" and it noted, "strong peppermint odor present." No kidding.
Throughout the night she was kept on IV drip of glucose and other liver drugs and her glucose levels were routinely run to ensure they were not dropping to a dangerous level. So far, she is doing well, but needs to be on a continuous glucose drip for 24 hours. She will need her liver enzymes checked every day for 3 days to determine if there has been liver damage. As for me, I am surprised I did not drop dead when they passed me the hospital bill for the treatment throughout last night. I can't wait to see what the bill will be for treatment throughout today!
This story seems too unbelievable to be true. And, if I hadn't lived it myself, I doubt I'd believe it. But here is more information for those of you who have dogs- or are sceptical: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/xylitol.asp
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-03-18-xylitol-sweetener_N.htm
I am not sure how this will end- it will be a few days before we know. But, I can say, for certain, that was the most expensive pack of gum I've ever bought.
Please don't make the same mistake!
However, I can promise you that this is a true story and it happened to ME.
Last night, my irritated husband came up the stairs grumbling about the "stupid dog" who just ate an entire pack of gum. Not thinking too much about it, I came to check out the situation and found Maddy (the dog) sitting in her kennel, staring at me with her "innocent" doe-eyes... with a soggy shredded remnant of what used to be a whole package containing gum lying next to her feet.
Now, my dog has eaten a lot of junk before. Trust me, if there were anything remotely entertaining about picking up dog poop, it would be in discovering colorful remnants of balloon or color crayon wrappers that liven up her otherwise dull, boring "waste." However, something about an entire pack of gum didn't sit well with me and I thought I'd better google that to see what I could expect. Would it be a long night of letting her out to puke? Would I just be adding "gum wrappers" to that list of entertaining waste remnants? I wasn't sure, but thought I'd better check.
What I discovered, was this: Xylitol (which was in the chewing gum) is highly toxic to dogs. Apparently, though it is safe for humans, a dogs liver cannot break down the chemical composition of xylitol and therefore can cause a dangerous drop in glucose levels which can lead to seizure, coma or death (like a severe diabetic reaction), or can cause permanent liver disease or complete liver failure resulting in death.
I called the Vet Emergency line and gingerly said, "Hi! I am not sure if I have an emergency or not, but my dog just ate a pack of chewing gum with Xylitol." And the lady said, "Yes- this in an emergency and you need to bring her in immediately so we can begin treating her right away."
I have since learned that anything above about 4 sticks of gum (with Xylitol) is toxic to a 65 lb. dog and anything over 8 sticks can be fatal. Well, Maddy is only 28 lbs. and ate 14 pieces.
So, off we went to the Emergency Vet Hospital (of course, these things never happen during 'office hours' - they always happen late at night. They immediately whisked Maddy away and gave her a drug to induce vomiting which is supposed to work within 3 minutes... 10 minutes later, Maddy sat there staring at everyone with big eyes. Apparently, this drug works on 99% of dogs the first time. Of course, you guessed it. Not mine. So, they gave her a second dose. Nothing. What do you know- my dog, an anomaly. They tried Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting. Nope. So they were left with no other alternative... they had to sedate her under anesthesia and actually pump her stomach. This is sounding ridiculous, but I swear it's true. The only thing remotely funny about this is when I read the Dr.'s notes after the "gastric lavage" and it noted, "strong peppermint odor present." No kidding.
Throughout the night she was kept on IV drip of glucose and other liver drugs and her glucose levels were routinely run to ensure they were not dropping to a dangerous level. So far, she is doing well, but needs to be on a continuous glucose drip for 24 hours. She will need her liver enzymes checked every day for 3 days to determine if there has been liver damage. As for me, I am surprised I did not drop dead when they passed me the hospital bill for the treatment throughout last night. I can't wait to see what the bill will be for treatment throughout today!
This story seems too unbelievable to be true. And, if I hadn't lived it myself, I doubt I'd believe it. But here is more information for those of you who have dogs- or are sceptical: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/xylitol.asp
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-03-18-xylitol-sweetener_N.htm
I am not sure how this will end- it will be a few days before we know. But, I can say, for certain, that was the most expensive pack of gum I've ever bought.
Please don't make the same mistake!
Friday, May 16, 2008
How to "go green" in less than a day...
The kids LOVED watching how trees are "made"
From big empty hole (I should have gotten a picture of the "crater" it made!)
... to TREE!!
Before...
Just kidding. I explained how the trees were grown at a farm, first!
From big empty hole (I should have gotten a picture of the "crater" it made!)
... to TREE!!
Before...
After...
Three in the back (see the two behind the swingset?) and one on the side of the house that you can't see in this picture. Ahhhhh.... nature.... the birds are going crazy... they are so pleased. And I'm sure I've just found myself a few more robin "friends" to bang on my window.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
You are what you read...
Wow- 5 days gone by and no post!! Yes, last week was quite busy. But, I'm back.
You know, people often comment to me - "I don't know how you do it." The whole staying home, and home schooling, and taking care of little (crazy) toddler baby, and working from home.... as in, they don't know how I find the time. And, honestly, none of that seems like a big deal to me. What I marvel at, is how I find the time to read ALLLLLLLLL of the magazines that come to our house each week/month. I will admit. I am a magazine junkie. And I read pretty much all of them. I happened upon a discussion with some other Moms about magazines and what they were reading. When they asked me what I read, well- let's just say it took me about 10 minutes to finish the list. And they were quiet. And probably a little shocked. And- well, they probably knew me a WHOLE lot better than they had just known me 10 minutes prior. Because it made me think- you know, the magazines we read really are an interesting reflection of who we are as people and what interests us.
So- I thought I would play a little "get to know you" game. I am curious to know- what magazines do YOU read?? What subscriptions faithfully come to YOUR house?
In case you are wondering who I am (aka "what I read") here goes:
1) People
2) Us Weekly
3) Natural Health
4) Natural Solutions
5) Popular Photography
6) Real Simple
7) Better Homes and Garden
8) OK!
9) Parents
10) Parenting
11) Old Schoolhouse
12) Money
13) Fortune
14) Smart Money
15) Consumer Report
16) Shop Smart
And- for what it's worth - my husband gets his own fair share of fodder for the mind, the couple below (that he receives) I also read:
- PC World
- PC Magazine
So- there you have it. There "I am." Those are the things that interest me.
Oh- and, disclaimer**** I don't just read magazines. I actually spend most of my time reading BOOKS. If that happens to say anything about who I am, I am currently reading the following:
1) "Grace for the Moment Daily Bible"
1) "For the Children's Sake"
2) "Educating the Whole-Hearted Child"
3) "Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes"
You know, people often comment to me - "I don't know how you do it." The whole staying home, and home schooling, and taking care of little (crazy) toddler baby, and working from home.... as in, they don't know how I find the time. And, honestly, none of that seems like a big deal to me. What I marvel at, is how I find the time to read ALLLLLLLLL of the magazines that come to our house each week/month. I will admit. I am a magazine junkie. And I read pretty much all of them. I happened upon a discussion with some other Moms about magazines and what they were reading. When they asked me what I read, well- let's just say it took me about 10 minutes to finish the list. And they were quiet. And probably a little shocked. And- well, they probably knew me a WHOLE lot better than they had just known me 10 minutes prior. Because it made me think- you know, the magazines we read really are an interesting reflection of who we are as people and what interests us.
So- I thought I would play a little "get to know you" game. I am curious to know- what magazines do YOU read?? What subscriptions faithfully come to YOUR house?
In case you are wondering who I am (aka "what I read") here goes:
1) People
2) Us Weekly
3) Natural Health
4) Natural Solutions
5) Popular Photography
6) Real Simple
7) Better Homes and Garden
8) OK!
9) Parents
10) Parenting
11) Old Schoolhouse
12) Money
13) Fortune
14) Smart Money
15) Consumer Report
16) Shop Smart
And- for what it's worth - my husband gets his own fair share of fodder for the mind, the couple below (that he receives) I also read:
- PC World
- PC Magazine
So- there you have it. There "I am." Those are the things that interest me.
Oh- and, disclaimer**** I don't just read magazines. I actually spend most of my time reading BOOKS. If that happens to say anything about who I am, I am currently reading the following:
1) "Grace for the Moment Daily Bible"
1) "For the Children's Sake"
2) "Educating the Whole-Hearted Child"
3) "Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining and Bad Attitudes"
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tag.... I'M it!
I've been TAGGED! My friend, Kristi, tagged me (and, so did my friend Amy a couple weeks ago... I am sorry I totally forgot to post, Amy!) - SO, here goes.
6 random, fun facts about me:
1) For the first 7 years of our marriage, I ALWAYS drove the car/van wherever we went. I always told myself it was because I was a better driver, but now I wonder if it wasn't a control issue (there's another little fun fact for you- I'm a little control freak). One day, I "let" him drive and we didn't die. So, now he always drives and I am glad!
2) Not many things in life are guaranteed, but I can guarantee you
And devouring a few delectable pieces of this...
3) I've never had short hair. Never.
The shortest my hair has ever been is seen in this photo - when I got my hair (what I considered to be) "chopped" in about 5th grade...
4) Oh, and as long as I'm drudging up photos from the past, here is another fun fact for you. I look pretty much exactly the same as I did as a kid (a few more wrinkles, of course). People (who knew me then and know me now) are always telling me that I haven't changed a bit. I guess you can judge for yourself.
Then... (age 6)
Now...
5) I'm fairlyconscientious fanatical about eating organic, natural foods and maintaining a non-toxic home. As a matter of fact, I just signed up for a farming crop share and couldn't be more excited to pick up my boxes of fresh, local, organic produce for the next 19 weeks (I am sure my kids will be tickled pink, as well... LOL!) My friends think I go a little overboard (and my husband would agree) but I don't think I am. Well, maybe a little bit. I have gotten to the point where I am even baking all of our bread, instead of buying whole wheat store bought!
6) I never want to sit around and "relax" after my kids are grown and out of the house. A few nice vacations would be nice- and, okay, I'll admit- I wouldn't mind a place on the beach (someday?!?!) BUT- my biggest desire is to travel and SERVE in missions. I have a huge burden on my heart for the poor and someday I can't wait to go and serve in whatever capacity God would call me.
NOW- for my "tag" that I got from Amy.
Here are 6 words that describe me...
1) Christ-loving
2) Compassionate
3) Talkative
4) Opinionated
5) Family-Centered
6) Friendly
Soooooooooooo - now I tag the following 2 people...
1) Laura
2) Lisa
So- let's hear it.... 6 random, fun facts about you and 6 words that describe you!
6 random, fun facts about me:
1) For the first 7 years of our marriage, I ALWAYS drove the car/van wherever we went. I always told myself it was because I was a better driver, but now I wonder if it wasn't a control issue (there's another little fun fact for you- I'm a little control freak). One day, I "let" him drive and we didn't die. So, now he always drives and I am glad!
2) Not many things in life are guaranteed, but I can guarantee you
that EVERY night at 9:30, I you will find me eating a bowl of this...
And devouring a few delectable pieces of this...
3) I've never had short hair. Never.
The shortest my hair has ever been is seen in this photo - when I got my hair (what I considered to be) "chopped" in about 5th grade...
4) Oh, and as long as I'm drudging up photos from the past, here is another fun fact for you. I look pretty much exactly the same as I did as a kid (a few more wrinkles, of course). People (who knew me then and know me now) are always telling me that I haven't changed a bit. I guess you can judge for yourself.
Then... (age 6)
Now...
5) I'm fairly
6) I never want to sit around and "relax" after my kids are grown and out of the house. A few nice vacations would be nice- and, okay, I'll admit- I wouldn't mind a place on the beach (someday?!?!) BUT- my biggest desire is to travel and SERVE in missions. I have a huge burden on my heart for the poor and someday I can't wait to go and serve in whatever capacity God would call me.
NOW- for my "tag" that I got from Amy.
Here are 6 words that describe me...
1) Christ-loving
2) Compassionate
3) Talkative
4) Opinionated
5) Family-Centered
6) Friendly
Soooooooooooo - now I tag the following 2 people...
1) Laura
2) Lisa
So- let's hear it.... 6 random, fun facts about you and 6 words that describe you!
Love hate relationship...
7:16
6:55
6:47
6:28
6:14
6:05
5:51
4:47!?!??!?!?
... with daylight savings and sunny mornings.
These are the times my baby girl has been waking up for the day. Earlier and earlier and earlier.
And, in case you are wondering- no, I did not actually let her get out of her crib at 4:47. When you are exhausted, a closed door and a pillow over the head does wonders to block out the fussing.
6:55
6:47
6:28
6:14
6:05
5:51
4:47!?!??!?!?
... with daylight savings and sunny mornings.
These are the times my baby girl has been waking up for the day. Earlier and earlier and earlier.
And, in case you are wondering- no, I did not actually let her get out of her crib at 4:47. When you are exhausted, a closed door and a pillow over the head does wonders to block out the fussing.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Just can't get enough...
A girl after my own heart...
She just can't get enough of her books.
She loves to read!
To herself.
All day long*
And to whomever will listen...
And to whomever will listen...
*And by "all day," I mean hours and hours and hours. Morning, noon and night. Yesterday, she read from 1 PM until 5 PM... straight through! I tried pulling her away several times to do something else, but all she wanted to do was read, read, read. Dinner was the only thing that would distract her! I am so glad she loves to read. Like mother like daughter.
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