week Feb. 15-20

Feb 15

The kids are off of school. We spend the day just hanging out at home. Late afternoon, we went to Emma & Papa's, and nearly got killed on the way there by a swerving woman talking on her cell phone. Mike met us @Emma & Papa's after work, and we had dinner there.

Feb 16

Maddie has a new phrase..."What's the point?" But she uses it sometimes when it doesn't even make sense. It's pretty funny, really. In the afternoon, we have Kindergarten Round-up at school, where all the incoming kindergarteners for 2010-2011 come for the afternoon to hang out in the Kindergarten room. There were 14 kids there, which is an awesome turn out! It's only half day kindergarten, so several kids tend to leave the school after preschool to go to a school with full day kindergarten. It was great to see so many of the kids will be sticking around (and some new faces, too!)

While we were watching American Idol, Sadie grabbed her giraffe all by herself and put it in her mouth. She loves sucking on her hands now, too!

Feb 17

Today my doctor calls and tells me that surgery is the only option if I want to explore my hip pain further. I'm not ready to go down that route, so I'll wait it out and hope it gets better somehow.

Emma and Papa came over after school and ate dinner with us. Then they went to church with us, too. Everyone gets a kick out of Sadie's adorable "shoes" (socks).

Sadie is loving her thumb...she hasn't taken a nuk for a while now!!

Feb 18

just because it's a cute picture, before the running around all day begins!

Well, I posted several days ago about my tooth situation...not good. Later in the afternoon, Maddie and Kaycey had doctor appointments for physicals and shots--Kaycey has to start over from scratch, which totally stinks. Maddie is now all caught up for Kindergarten. She did not take the shots so well...a very long day. We were at that doctor appointment for 2 hours. Ugh. Note to self--make appointments for physicals and shots one kid at a time. (Thankfully my grandparents surprised us and came out to our house to watch the other two kids while we went to the doctor!)

Mike went out after work, and the kids and I went to my Dad and Maria's for dinner. Today was filled with lots of driving back and forth, and I was exhausted. I couldn't wait to just go to bed.

Feb 19

I didn't sleep very well though, because I was too worried about my root canal!! Sadie didn't sleep well either. Back to the eat every 3 hours and fuss in between.

After school, the girls had a couple friends over for a couple hours. Once their friends left, Cal had a friend from his old school sleepover. And Kaycey packed up her bag...she was going on her first sleepover--that didn't involve staying at a relative's house! The girls' group at church/school was having a lock-in at the school. About 25 girls were sleeping over in the school gym. We didn't know what to do about Kaycey's wig (she doesn't sleep in it) but she insisted on going without it. Many of her friends know about her wig, but haven't seen her without it. She insisted on not wearing it. We decided to leave it up to her; we explained to her that lots of kids might want to talk to her about it, or ask questions about it. She was convinced that the kids at this school were very different, and she wasn't worried about them making fun of her at all. So she wore a cute little hat and away she went. So Mike took her to the sleepover and I had talked to the moms that were sleeping over with the girls. They gathered the girls together and Mike gave a quick schpeel on Kaycey's story. It went well, but I was still nervous as to how it would go.

Maddie didn't mind being home without Kaycey (I thought she'd be mad!) but Cal and his friend included her a bit, and even let her watch a movie with them. Apparently she stayed up and watched all of Star Wars (not my movie of choice, that's for sure) and the boys fell asleep.

Feb 20

When I picked her up the next morning, she was so excited to tell me how much fun she had! And the moms came up to me and told me what an absolute sweetheart she is. Which I agreed. I am so happy she feels confident enough that she doesn't need to wear the wig, and I just hope that it continues to go well (she really wants to stop wearing it to school, too, though I'm not quite sure how to approach that). She was really pooped though; it sounded like alot of the girls were up till 5am (I'm sure Kaycey was one of the girls trying to sleep most of the night) but she had a blast, and that's all that matters. She rested most of the day, and then took a super long nap later in the day. When she woke up she felt sick and ended up throwing up all over the island in the kitchen. We figured it was because of the lack of sleep the night before, or maybe the shots from a couple days earlier.

Then during the night, Maddie got sick. Once she made it to the bathroom. Once her bed took the brunt of the mess. So my conclusion is that the reason they got sick is from the shots. Nobody else got sick, so that's what I'm sticking with!

lil fashionista

A doll, yes she is. But Morgan, I am sad to report this sleeper fits her already!!! : ( This babe is growing too big too fast. She is super cute, though!

officially freaking out

While I plan to post on the past few days happenings, I can't wait to post this. And not in a happy I can't wait mode either. I went to the dentist today (rewind about 22 years...I can recall my Dad having to force me to take valium to go to the dentist, and then carry a kicking and screaming girl into the car...way too many traumatic dental experiences as a child) So honestly, just going for a cleaning is a major freak out for me. Well what brought me there today was the fact that an area below my nostril (but inside my mouth) has gotten numb and tingly. I went hoping for something simple...like a canker sore. But alas, my front tooth is dead. And I need a root canal. Majorly freaking out, and I don't know how I am going to make it till then without throwing up from being so freaked. Apparently these things can just happen, or it can be extensive decay, or trauma. I am banking on the trauma perhaps...years ago as I was cleaning the floor in the kitchen of our old house, I stood up quickly and I smacked the back of my head against something on the wall. It knocked me to the ground. Immediately following that, I had weird things going on with my front teeth. But nothing it seemed that required a look. Sigh. I am hoping I can be completely sedated for it all. Though I may have to be sedated to even get to the dentist in one piece.

Valentine's Day

Okay, so I'm post happy today. I'm on a roll. Almost all caught up.

Five years ago on 2/14, Kaycey had been home from the hospital for a few days after her initial admission to Childrens, having spent 6 days in ICU following sugery, and several more days on the oncology floor. We knew she had neuroblastoma, but we spent Valentine's Day 2005 wondering what the next course of action would be. We didn't know much else at that point. It was about one week later they called and told us we needed to begin chemo. They gave us two days notice of when they wanted to start her on chemo. Talk about a shock, when we were thinking that just maybe life would go on, and be fine and normal. Boy were we wrong. Little did we know the hell we were about to begin. This photo is from the first time we brought Cal and Maddie to see Kaycey since she had been in the hospital. At that point she was only days from coming home.

But today, five years later 2/14, our family has grown a little bigger yet. Everyone is happy (most of the time--Maddie would not pose for a picture, she was busy screaming in the background) and healthy. And we are so grateful and thankful for that.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Feb 9-13

Major catch-up today, and I can't figure out how to un-underline this sentence, I tried! I also posted Feb 4-8 previous to this post.

Feb 9

Sadie slept last night from 9-4:30!!

Snow Day! But not really. The kids weren't actually off school, though some schools were off. I don't think the snow warranted an off day. It's Wisconsin for crying out loud! It really didn't seem that bad during the day. All afternoon and evening activities were cancelled at school, but it made sense at that point. The kids tried to get some shoveling done before Mike came home from work. But they were all out there after dinner to have at it again.

Feb 10

The critters have a party, thanks to Maddie and I.

Tonight our school has an open house. It's mostly to promote the preschool, as it is the only school in the area with a 3/4K program, and half day kindergarten. The snow seemed to keep people at home, but it didn't stop many of the school/church families from coming for sweets and fun. We stayed for almost the whole open house, and every time I am there, I am more thankful and happy than ever for having made the switch to the school. I am meeting new people and talking more with the other moms. One is as obsessed with weather as I am! Perhaps her and I will apply for the contest on Discovery with Reed from Storm Chasers (haha). Several of them are scrapbookers, and want to start a montly group at church. Four of us have gotten Canon Rebels in the past year (including the kindergarten teacher and Cal's teacher) that I know of, too. One gal has had hers for three years, and is taking a couple classes with me at Art's.

Feb 11

Ugly/mismatch day at school for spirit week. Kaycey wears multiple layers, and even a backwards tank top to top it off!! Notice the mismatched socks & uneven ponytails!

Maddie has gymnastics and her coach tells me every week "what a stitch" Maddie is. Every week, I hear how much Maddie makes her laugh.

Laura came over to help me go through some stuff and hang it up (okay, she hung it up mostly). I think I've decided on what to go with in the dining room (or current family room!!). Going for anything fresh/whites/shabby/vintagey/cottagey/birdy-(dirty sage green walls). If you see any ideas that you think might inspire me, I'd love to see it!! Here's my piles of goods that I have been collecting for a few years, as well as some of the new stuff I bought.

We went to my Dad's for dinner, it seems like we haven't been there in forever! I left to meet one of my BFF's out for her birthday. We've been friends for over ten years, which is totally crazy. And it doesn't matter how much time goes by (I haven't seen her since fall), we can start wherever we leave off. Happy birthday, Danna! (I stayed for an hour and a half, had one cherry sour! Was home by 10! Boy, I'm getting old.)

Feb 12

School Spirit Day!

Kaycey brings us home a Valentine she made at school.

Kids have a half day today at school. Most of it is spent on Valentine's parties! We stopped by my Grandma's for a little bit, Cal and Maddie are sleeping over there. Kaycey slept over by her cousin's house. I drove Kaycey downtown to meet Mike who would take her to meet his sister. Kaycey got to go into Mike's work. I think she was surprised at the way it looked!

A night minus three kids! We watched Kitchen Nightmares online, and I fell asleep on the couch before 9:30.

Feb 13

Sadie slept 8-3:30, then 4-6:30. I could get used to this!!

Kaycey had a great time at Julia's. She was proud to tell us that Uncle J.P. told her the reason they moved from California back to Wisconsin is because of Kaycey getting cancer. Which is partially true...they were tired of not being around family for everything happening--birthdays, new babies, and of course, Kaycey getting sick,too. And Kaycey couldn't stop laughing at telling us how her cousin, Jacob, (Julia's little brother) refused to hand out his valentines at school. His reason? "What have all those kids ever done for me?" What a funny kid.

Maddie put a show on for everyone, a daily occurence around here. If she doesn't get into acting/musicals/drama, I will be EXTREMELY shocked (and disappointed!! She's good at it, that little ham!)

Photo classes today, too. I went with a mom from our church/school. She knows way more than I do, that's for sure. Anyhow, while the first class was very informative, the second was more about flash (which I never use anyways) though he touched on lenses (okay, I totally want the wide 10-22mm lens!) The biggest thing I got out of the class? Print your pictures!! Why have a nice camera if you aren't going to print the pics to show them off. Pathetically, the only pictures I have printed since 2003 are those I scrapbooked, which really, in the big scheme of things, is not very many. I better get printing...

Feb 4-8

Haven't been good about taking pictures or blogging, but at least have still been making notes for each day.

Feb 4

Sadie slept from 9-3 last night! Woohoo! I hope this is a trend to stay. Today Sadie giggled, not just smiles and coos, I mean totally giggled. It was so cute!!

The three older kids had dentist appointments. I was anticipating the worst, especially with Maddie. I figured she'd have a mouth full of cavities with all the candy and sweets she eats. But NO CAVITIES, for anyone! Amazing! So a little treat...dinner at Baker's Square. With pie. Yum. (don't remember the last time we went to dinner as a family...it's been a long time!!)

Feb 5

Sadie is so super sweet. We love how excited she gets--kicking like crazy, cooing, and smiling!!

Cal has a basketball/pizza party banquet. The party began with a parents vs. players game. Some of the rules: Dads could only use one hand, no stealing from the kids, and Moms wore gloves or mittens. Some older brothers and sisters joined in the fun, too. They had such a great time (of course the kids won). His coaches were great (some help from the older boys at the school and a Dad with a son on the team, in addition to the head coach who is Cal's Sunday School teacher as well). Cal is really sad he only had him for this year (next year Cal will be on "B" team with a new coach). They finished 2-4, but the coach gave a great inspirational speech on how their record didn't matter. They played with their hearts and they played for Jesus, and that's all that mattered. The kids cheered!! (This is the "act goofy" picture)

Feb 6

My Dad called late on the 5th to tell me of a death notice in the newspaper. So today I went to a funeral for a grade school teacher of mine. It was nice to see nearly all of my grade school teachers there. I attended Woodlawn for K-8th grade, and Mike & I even got married there and we were members of that church yet up until we moved to our new house. He was the principal early on while I was in school there, but had retired, and just helped out around school by the time I had him as a teacher. He taught our class penmanship. So perhaps I can credit him with my nice handwriting?? He was the nicest old man around and with the 46 years of students he had teaching, I was always amazed he still remembered me. Cal went to school there for PreK, K, and 1st grade; Kaycey went for PreK. Mr. Kolander and his wife always would come up to me after church to say "hello", and after Kaycey got sick, they would always ask about her. They even came to the concert the school and church fundraiser held in her honor. I'm sure Mr. Kolander will be missed, but he lived a long (85 years) rewarding life of teaching and spreading God's Word. I am so grateful my parents sent me to such a great school, and I am proud that we are able to do the same for our kids. Sadly the enrollment at Woodlawn is dwindling (down to 46 in pre K-8th grade from what I hear) as is the church congregation (there are very few families/kids in the church, mostly elderly people).

Then in the afternoon, I met my cousin, Laura, for an afternoon of shopping. She took me to some of her favorite spots for household goods, and I spent way too much $$$. My sister met us later on, as well. We had yummy sandwiches at Potbelly's, and worked on Laura to get a facebook page :)~ While I will have to return a good chunk of what I bought, it just felt good to get out and look around--without any kids in tow!!

Feb 7

Superbowl Sunday!! I was rooting for the Colts simply because of the Saints beating the crud out of Brett. But I like Brees, too, so really, it didn't matter to me who won. The best commercial by far was the Brett one--him in 2020 with an MVP trophy, not sure if he'll retire. Haha! Here are the two older kids doing their own pregame show.

Feb 8

So, the pain isn't any better in my hip. Really it's not incredibly painful, but uncomfortable. It feels like there is someone tugging a string and pulling my insides around. Pleasant, huh? Not really. I'm wondering how they know there isn't a scalpel or something floating around in there. The doctor suggests surgery(!?!?!?)-- a laparoscopy to investigate, and from the sounds of it, there could be scar tissue or adhesions that she could remove (but if that's what it is, it could come back anyways). I opt to start with a less invasive look, an ultrasound.

I watched our little friend from down the way for the day while her Mom was at a meeting (the little gal Maddie's age). Lauren is a really good little girl...too bad Maddie was busy throwing tantrums for a good part of the day, and spent lots of time in her room.

We took Sadie to the doctor in the afternoon. She has a terrible little rash on her face. Turns out to be eczema. And she has awful cradle cap. Nasty winter...can't wait for it to get nice out (that'll help both of her issues). She is still such a sweetheart. She copies when you stick your tongue out, esp. when Mike does it. She smiles every time you say the word cute to her. And the kids insist she is saying, "hi" while gooing and gaaing.

Grandma B. (my Great-Grandma) and Aunt Lorie came over for dinner. They came with a box of 30 or so bears that Cal has been talking about for years (they are baseball bears, and they've been in their attic forever. Cal saw a picture of them once and never stopped talking about them!) We had pizzas and played a great game of yahtzee. The kids make Grandma B. so happy!!

confusion

Took a class at Arts Camera today. Two actually. Specific to the Rebel. I feel so lost. Which makes me feel bummed. $1000 worth of camera, and a person behind the camera who keeps it on the "no flash" setting. Maybe I just don't know how to take a great picture. I think I'm just getting lucky. Argh. Maybe I'll take a real photography class, once I'm working somewhere.

from drab to fab...

at least that's what I'm hoping!! I'm looking for a new do. Haven't gotten a hair cut since October of 2008, believe it or not.

one extreme or the other.

or perhaps just keeping it the way it is : /

But also working on getting my house from drab to fab. Thanks to my cousin for "making" me go shopping and coming over to help (okay, so I mostly watched) hang some things. I guess I just needed motivation and cute stuff (photos to come--lots more work to do). Now I need a job to pay for all the furniture I have planned for the empty spaces in the house...

Hoping Mike has happier times at his job, too. He's been SO stressed out and working way too many hours. He's heard of good prospects, but the number one prospect involves driving to IL (outskirts of Chicago) for work and that would get tiring really fast. We know, he did it for quite some time right after I had Kaycey. It was not fun; sometimes he stayed at work for 72 hours straight instead of driving home. I said we could move another 20 or so minutes south (still not terribly far so the kids could stay at their current school), but that's still not close enough to where he'd need to go. And we could not sell our house, even if we wanted to...it's too unfinished. And it wouldn't matter where we'd go; he'd probably still have 2+ hour commutes sometimes. Sigh.

And P.S.--Don't worry...NO snakes will be entering my house : ) The older 2 have given up asking about a dog, and now want a lizard and turtle. Maddie, well, she thinks she is a dog, so I guess we don't need one, right?? : ) Uh, we've watched "Bolt" probably 10 times in the past 2 weeks. I realized that she began acting like a dog when we saw it in the theater and she does the superbark. Hilarious! Definitely a good Disney flick...a close second place to "Cars" for me.

Feb 2 + 3

My picture taking skills have taken a bit of a slide...meaning, I haven't been keeping up on the photo everyday. Oh well, I've been pretty good at keeping little notes about almost every day. On Tuesday, Emma and Papa (my Grandparents) came over in the afternoon. They brought dinner and slept over so they could babysit the little 2 so that I could go on a field trip early the next day with the 2 big kids.

Sadie slept 12-5:30am...woohoo!! Wednesday morning, I went on the field trip with the 1st-4th graders at school. We went to see "Junie B. Jones Top Secret Personal Beeswax" (a musical /play based off the book series). It was so cute! I don't know if it's only offered to schools, or what...but I think it's totally worth going to see! The kids all enjoyed it very much. The teachers and parents did, too! We were all singing the song and doing the moves..."top secret personal beeswax!!!"

Then we had lunch (which left everyone hungry...everyone got one hot dog and an ice cream sandwich--Kaycey and I brought a jelly sandwich). Lastly the kids got a tour of the college (I guess they want them to start young?? I thought the tour of the college was a little strange for 6-10 year olds). But when we were in the science building, a group of students brought in a boa constrictor!! I was part of Kaycey's group, and she had no problem going near it. I remained just close enough to get a couple pictures!!