My Elevator Experience part 1

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.

More quirky sayings from the chillins

son #2: "Why do our real clothes have to match, but not our pajamas?"

Note to self--try to wash correct tops with the matching pants, at the same time.

son #1 to son #2: "Let's sleep out in the living room. But don't worry, you won't be scared. The tree lights will be on all night."

Note--yes, we are wasteful and leave our tree lights on all night. I love Christmas, OK?

There's A Puddle in the Kitchen

That's right, if you haven't guessed, our [7 year old] fridge crapped out. Praise report #1) I already had plans for supper that didn't include fridge food. 2) It's winter--the necessities are outside! 3) Things just kept coming up, so I didn't get to the store for our big grocery trip.

We took a trip to good 'ole Jim's Appliances, a southside shop that fixes stuff and resells it. We bought our flat top stove/oven there about 2 years ago. $125=Love it. Just to have Jim come out it would be $55, not including parts etc. So off to Craigslist. Lots of options there. Then the answer: the in-laws! When my in-laws moved into a different house, they did not want the fridge that was there. It's just been sitting in the basement used for pop and such. Yahoo! We pick it up tomorrow.

Today's List

A dreary day, but a long to do list.

Walmart--I know, I usually, at all costs avoid this place, but today it is necessary.
Hoover state tax office--anyone who will help me with our 2004 IA tax fiasco
DS2 art class
Another trip to the grocery store--forgot my organic oranges
Review verses with the boys for tonight
Possibly eat at McD--why do they make it so cheap on Wed?
Possibly trip to Science Center with local hs group

Writer's Angst

I've always loved writing. Ok, so my blog doesn't show it...I mean actual handwriting. Growing up, poems and stories were my life. My 7 year old son? Not so much. As evidenced in a recent Cub Scout meeting, all the boys were done writing Fire Department and ds was still at FIR. I wish I had been more patient with him. At the same time, it was certainly an eye opener. So we got to the task of writing this week. Much tears, much tears.

Our dialogue:
Me: What can I get or do for you to help you like writing?
Him: Get me something that I can take a break every 10 minutes.
Me: That's no problem, we can do that.
Him: (contemplating) Yeah, sign me up for that one. The one with the breaks.

Love that kid.

So sorry, Mama P, for not calling you back. We were deep in the writing turmoil, so park day was not an option!

Note to self: All males that live under my roof do not like acorn squash. However, they will eat red bell peppers and not green. That is encouraging.

Teeth and lice

I almost forgot to record this event--the first eye tooth has been lost! (Is that called an inciser)? Now I can't even remember the day, but I know it was this month. Boy #1 was working on it at the bathroom sink, and whoops, down it went! So that was a bummer, and he was afraid that he wouldn't get any money. Lo and behold, even the tooth angel (as we call it) forgot the money. My clever husband remedied this situation. He was home briefly in the morning, and asked if Boy 1 had been to the bathroom. He said yes. DH then asked, then how could you miss this? Boy 1 came running, to find the money in the sink--where he'd lost the tooth in the first place. Very clever, I say.

On another note, head lice has been in the house. The neighbor girl has lice and told us (after we took her to church). It is confirmed that I have it--I hugged her just recently. I'm taking the boys to the clinic tomorrow. Oh, and vinegar does not work. This has been the day from hell.

The Thrifting Faith

I exersize a lot of my faith by shopping at thrift stores. Sound weird? I'll explain. Whenever we need something non food related, I hit our local thrift stores. Just 3 weeks into soccer season, oldest boy tells me that his cleats are too small. Great. It's very hard to find cleats under $20. So I go to the wonderful Goodwill store, and low and behold there is a like new pair of Nike cleats. Amazing--we praised God right there in the store. It might seem small, but there is such satisfaction in ringing up a $2.50 pair of cleats. One, we are reminded that God takes care of all of our needs. Two, I feel so anti-consumeristic (is that a word?) At least I know a good middleman is getting a cut, and that it's not coming directly from the sweatshops.

On another note, I have some wise sayings from my oldest:
(While in said thrift store)
Me: Could you reach me that shirt off the rack?
Him: (Sighing, but compliant)
Me: (Looking at shirt)
Him: Mom, it's too short for you.
Me: How do you know?
Him: I'm just a sensitive boy.

I laugh and agree...we did not buy the shirt.

Another unrelated conversation with the oldest, today.
(He comes in from skateboarding with a scraped ankle)
Him: It hurts! I wish they made ankle pads.
Me: They do.
Him: They do?
Me: They're called socks.
Him: Nooo. Wait, oh. (Goes into room for a pair of socks).

It Feels Like Fall

Fall has come early this year. This morning, the kids and I read a book by the fire. Mind you, it doesn't take extreme cold to urge me to turn the fire on. I already had it going a week ago. While reading, I exclaimed, "Look kids, the leaves are falling!" I don't love the cold, but I do love the changing of seasons. Son #2 then said, "That means it's my birthday!"

There is so much to do, with the obvious daily chore of cleaning the house, trying to create a meal plan that everyone will be happy with, 2 boys in soccer, Awanas, and one in scouts. I do like being busy for a season. I'm glad there is an ebb and flow to it, though. Summer and winter are usually our non-busy times.

I have a son that wants to be in everything: dance, tennis, bowling, soccer, you name it. Then, a boy who is happy being in nothing at all. It's a given that they are in Awanas, as we teach it! We did start last week, by the way. It went very well. We have more kids this year, but at least I feel like I know what I'm doing!

I realized, recently, that I haven't filled out my CPI yet! Oops. I'm going to truck on over there today, so that we're legally homeschooling. I guess I'd better get on that. Sorry for the short post. I'll have more later!

Blessed Indeed

I just want to take a moment to be happy about all of the homeschool groups available in this free country of ours. I enjoy different aspects of the ones we are involved in, and the people are just great. We have already gone to 2 potlucks to "get the year started." We had so much fun.

My current passion: investigating raw foods. No, not sushy. It's a lifestyle way of eating in which you don't cook your food, and by not doing so, preserving the enzymes. Now, translating that into what to make for your family...hmmm. I'm reading the book The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose. Loving that book. It gives you practical ways of accomplishing this lifestyle, but not going crazy. Like, have ice cream and cooked foods for goodness sake. We must live life after all! I highly recommend it. It will change your outlook on food.

Now is the time of year not only for homeschooling, but for Awanas, specifically Cubbies. Cubbies are the "preschool" kids--one and two years before kindergarten to be exact. I'm studying the curriculum, making out a schedule, and generally preparing myself for this year. We will literally have something going on 4 nights a week. Woo hoo! I am looking forward to it. Does it feel like fall already? On our way home from the park today, we tried to count how many trees were already turning. There actually were some! Happy almost fall, and to a productive, fun, learning-filled season!

'Twas the night before...

School! In our district, regular kids go back to school tomorrow. Poor them. We are the irregular ones...or not? Homeschooling is becoming more and more mainstream. We have already started his official 2nd grade year.

When he realized that the neighbor kids were going to be gone all day, his response was, "That stinks."
I replied, "That means we get the neighborhood all to ourselves!"
He said, "But they have to be in school all day!"

I remind him of this when he's complaining of school work and chores at home. He's got it so good! I was nervous last year, as the first day of school drew near. Was I doing the right thing? This year, I am fully sure we are. Everyone does what is right for their family, and this is certainly right for us.

Today was the NBTS (not back to school picnic), which is always fun. This group is a group of mainly unschoolers (see Mama P or Lifedreamed for those of you who don't know what that is). This group has always been so nice, eventhough we don't necessarily unschool. I even invited someone from church who is considering homeschooling, and they dove right it taking care of her. What great people!

We're gearing up for St. Louis this weekend! My sister's bachelorette party will be there. It will be a fun time. Dueling piano bar, Trader Joes, heaven.

The Gardening Habit

It seems that a lot of you out there are having a bad harvest. Well, here's the solution: only one food at a time. Yes, it seems a bit of a time waster, but it's worked for me 2 years in a row! Last year was the mother load of lettuce, this year it's cucumbers. (Anyone out there need cucs, by the way?) I have a little 4x8 ft raised bed garden, so if one plant takes over, it's curtains for all the others! I also planted a tomato plant and strawberry plant. The tomatoes are still green, but I have picked 2 yellow/red ones thus far.
I didn't think I'd enjoy gardening, but scavenging for weeds is quite fun. I love picking the food, um, cucs. It's amazing how fast they grow. I want to plant some kale and some "fall crops," but fail to know what they are exactly. What do I do with my strawberry plant? It's produced nothing, but still looks beautiful. Green leaves, not even dying! In general, do you just let everything go back to seed? Give me your gardening wisdom, all ye gardeners.

On another note, I thought I'd share with you the spiritual journey I've been on lately. I just read the book Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. I'm still digesting it. He basically takes the New Testament and lives it. It sounds simple, but would anyone raise their hand to live in a leper colony? Or, live with the homeless out in the park? Did you know that Jesus was homeless? He stayed in peoples houses, yes He did. He loved the unlovable...am I doing this, too? Yikes. Sometimes I even struggle to be nice to my kids! Seriously give it a read. I'm going to be checking out his other books, too.
What more can I do for my community? It's not enough just to bring people to church. Who wants to wake up early to be just one more place in their week? I need to be Jesus to them. Form a relationship. So you know what I'm doing? I'm having a block party. A good ole fashioned block party. I don't know half the people on my street...isn't that sad? 50 years ago, we'd be in a out of each others homes, borrowing flour, kids running across the street, playing. Why can't we have some semblance of that again? Where is our community roots. So, mid Sept., in the midst of sister's wedding, soccer, boy scouts, and Awanas, we'll be partying. I'm not the best organizer, so I lean on the Lord for wisdom to pull this crazy thing off.

The Woman I Want to Be

How do I start? I am beside myself with admiration for this lady. This is my grandma. My dad's mom. The second oldest of 12. The one who does for others before thinking of herself. See her beautiful blue eyes? They are always twinkling--with stories, advice, love. I want to be this beautiful at 81.

If my memory serves me, she and my grandfather almost hit 60 years of marriage before his passing in January 2006. The product of this marriage were five children, in a small town in central Wisconsin.

Grandma grew up on a dairy farm--it was not an easy life. Being the oldest girl of twelve, you can imagine she had a hand in raising her siblings as well as taking care of farm chores. There is a varied and interesting story involving her parents, but maybe I'll address that in a different post. For now, I speak of her in the hopes that you would extend prayers for her. She has and is having several mini-strokes right now. Ones that affect her short-term memory. I just have to remind her on the phone that we already talked about such-and-such.

She is rich with stories about the past, and has even written a book of short stories about her life, and of raising her own children. I only hope to be like this--taking advantage of what I have left. Not complaining, not fretting. She has never been negative. Oh, Lord, help me to be like her. Until then, I'm looking forward to our annual visit where we take her to see the turning of leaves in Sept.

A day in the hammock

My how kids can be creative. This is the homemade hammock built in between the top and bottom bunks of their bunk beds. To the brothers that fight like cats and dogs, yet refuse to have separate rooms, fighting over toys, to giving sloppy kisses to each other. To their creation: the hammock. Thou art more creative than your mother!

Birthday Fun

So now that I've actually entered 2008 and learned how to post pictures on my blog, I'll backdate some posts to catch up on the happenings. I want to first post a pic of my oldest. This is his cute self, 7 years old and all grown up looking. He chose to go to the Science Center, and see Kung Fu Panda on the IMAX. I can't believe it's been 7 years. The best words to describe him: energetic, athletic, helpful, and smart. I love you, boy.

The Stitches

It takes a big event, or a big inspiration to get me to write. So here it is. It was ds1's turn for the ER. He had just run out to play on the swingset with his brother and neighbor friend. The neighbor friend was swinging on the one with the 2-bench seats (does everyone remember those?) Ds1 somehow got in front of it, and it clipped him right beside his right eye. I personally think that is a perfect little scar for a boy--it's cool, man. As ds1 is my more physically agile one, he has hardly had visits to the ER. He's so brave--he was only worried about getting a shot. Let me explain the dif in ER visits of the 80's vs. 2008. My son played a video game through the whole procedure. Now if that's not service! He even got a topical ointment that took 30 min. to set in. Don't remember that one from the 80's! I think I just remember being held down. Yep--that was the 80's procedure.

All-in-all, he will have a band-aid in all his birthday pics, but such as life for a boy!

Waking Up

Often, it's only my youngest son and I waking up "early," as my oldest sleeps in. Youngest Son says the darndest things, and I need to start writing them down. I'm not really sure what I said that facilitated this comment, but here it is:
him: "Mom, you crack me off."
me (as I almost spit out my tea): "I think you mean crack me up."
him: "Um, no."

*Pay no attention to the mess behind him--did I mention I have 2 boys?

Desperate

No, this is not part 2 yet, but I thought I'd update you on things. First, we did not get missed by the strep throat epidemic going around. Monday, ds1 slept the latter half of the day, only to wake up talking like he had swallowed his tongue. Right away on Tues, I brought him in to the clinic to get the "pink medicine". I don't mess around with strep. That's only half our news.

Rewind to just before entering the clinic. I am exiting my van when all of a sudden, my wheelchair stops. It flashes at me--short in motor. Can't be good. Thankfully, dh is in the neighborhood. He comes to my rescue, jiggles a few wires, and yippee! He leaves, I roll a foot just to be stopped by the same message. Frustration sets in...but a little laughter as well. It is just so unbelievable. Thank God it was nice weather the last couple days. Just think about poor little ds1...he asks, are we going to go in now? Um, no, not yet honey. We are 3 feet from relief for you, but I just decided to hang out in the parking lot for a while. Poor guy. Dh comes back for the second time, puts me in manual and rolls me in to the clinic. It's funny. I had to joke about it to the nurses that we really were there for my son. The nurses had to push my 378 lb chair (and me) to all the necessary rooms. It was good times.

If you think that's all of the story, think again! After the doc visit is over, I drive myself up to the medical supply store and have our "guy" come wheel me into the store. After taking some parts off, messing with wires, it works. I mean really works--zoomed around the store, tried all the drives (I have 4 on my chair), said thanks and headed home. I was giddy, as we had a big fancy grocery store open up by our house, and I promised the Science Center to the boys today. There were things to do, darn it. Once home, I pulled out of the drivers seat and short in motor. Aaaaah! Unbelievable. To shorten this a bit, I am now sitting here, typing in my borrowed wheelchair. Unfortunately, I don't have the gadgets of recline, raising etc. So, I can't do dishes, cook, etc. I know--bummer, he he.

I will continue onto "today's outside excursion" soon--so don't worry. There's more to come!

My life on wheels--part 1

It must have been around 1986-87 that my step-mom and mom noticed me "walking on my toes." I remember walking down the sidewalk with my step-mom "teaching" me to walk heel-toe, heel-toe. Fast forward to softball on the Scorpians team. This was the summer of 1988, or maybe 87?. It must have been almost halfway through the season when my mom decided to take me to Iowa City. Oh the first visit. Such joy. If you have ever had an electromyogram (sp?), it's where you get to have little needles put into the very top layer of your skin. Then, they send tiny electrical shocks through your muscles. Now before you go calling DHS, (too late now, by the way), they did have a purpose. Eventhough I screamed like something out of a Frankinstein movie, these electrical currents bouncing through muscle tissue told us about my muscle tone. Why does that matter, you ask? If there is too much reverberation, (I think in a normal muscle, it's 600-1200) we know there is a problem. I think my score was 6,000+ or 60,000--it's funny how things get jumbled in your memory.

It turns out that was not the end of my problems that summer. Getting back to softball. I really could hit that ball like nobody's business. I just wouldn't. I knew I couldn't run. It felt like a strong wind was pushing against my chest. I accidentally hit the ball once, and that was the end of it for me. That's when my mom KNEW there was something wrong. Hence the Iowa City visit. Shortly after my first of many visits, I was scheduled for a biopsy. A full-on going under the knife biopsy. I have to interject that my calf muscles were the ones that worked. That being said, do you know what muscle they cut into? That's right, the calf muscle. Commercial time: does anyone know my fear of IVs? Hate. Them. Knowing that I would have them if I had kids someday. I'm surprised I had kids! Just the thought of a needle staying in you. Eeeew.

OK, back to the story. Needless to say, I freaked out. Good thing they put me under right away. That whole summer, I couldn't walk. I would crawl, or try to use crutches, but I wasn't very good at those. After getting the surprising results back that my calf muscles were fine, I was scheduled for another biopsy. This time on my thigh. Duh. That's where the muscle weakness was. I refused an IV. They sedated me some other way. I remember throwing up twice through the surgery, but that was better than an IV. By the way, I got right up off the table and was walking after this surgery--only a little limp. Gee, I wonder what muscles I was using to walk? Just for my memory's sake, I remember either having my first biopsy in 87, and the second in 88, or both were in 88. Either way, I was diagnosed in the latter part of 1988.

More to come...

Update and stuff

Sorry again, for the long wait. Why oh why do I have writers angst? I'll start out by sharing a little quip from DS2. This young man likes his time in the bathroom. While on the toilet one morning, (he does this every morning), we like to have a daily chat. Sometimes we play I Spy--in case you ever wanted to know this. DS2 randomly interjects, "this day just keeps getting poopier and poopier." How fitting! I had a good laugh. Kids say the greatest things. I will update again today. I just had to share that.

The Best Birthday Ever

I am 30 today. There, it's out. I did no cooking at home, and got 7 inches cut off my hair. I went all out today. Here was our day: God forgives me for sleeping in, I believe. (Also, half of E's throat has been swollen and hard for him to swallow, so we didn't want him in an enclosed classroom setting with other kids). For lunch we went to a restaurant with fireplaces. When it's 3 degrees out, is there really any question? I had bananas foster, yum. Then onto the movies to see the new Veggietales movie. Yes, I like them too. And to hear the kids say, you're the best, mom. That was nice, too. You see in our family, the birthday persons' day is actually their day. We make a big deal. So if that person decides to do something we all like, it also shows that we can be selfless, even on our day.
Next it was off to the mall for a grown up hair cut. I actually spent money and had someone wash my hair and cut it. Not skipping myself as usually all the man-boys in the family get dibs on the money for haircuts. We then went to the movie, then on to Ohanas. Anyone who has been there can attest: it's just plain cool. It is a Japanese restaurant where they cook the food in front of you and do cool things with knives. A boy's dream...oh and I guess I liked it too! I got a polaroid of our chef pointing knives at my head. It was great times.
I am now approaching the time of night that I was actually born, 9.9 lbs by c-section, into this wonderful world. I am so thankful for these 30 years. I plan on living to be very old, so I'll be seeing a lot of those birthdays ending in zero.

I had a new commenter, http://atomiccity.blogspot.com/, wonder why the wheelchair. I got to thinking, have I ever actually talked about it, and how many of you actually wonder about that? So fear not, I will be posting about that more in detail in the next 1-2 blogs. So hold onto your hats for a glorious medical journey.

Snow Day!

Technically, our school district had a snow day. We got about a foot of snow, so that cancelled church as well. Basically, I've been in this house for 3 days straight now. I'm actually not going crazy. As stated in last post, I am blessed to not have to BE anywhere in this weather. All vehicles are finally fixed, $480 later. That's OK. God takes care of all things, so what do I have to worry about?

In March, we hope to get our house refinanced. That will also take care of residing our house and hopefully another down payment on other property. Owner ship is 9/10 of the law or something like that. We don't want to be in this winter crap, I mean weather all our lives. We homeschool for goodness sake, we should be able to do that anywhere and have our main residence in Iowa.

I have to admit, I let the kids play too many video games and watch too much TV today. Our internet was sketchy, so our online schoolwork was not happenin'. We did play board games, puzzles, and listen to Adventures in Odyssy (thank you minimemoirs). I made some rockin banana muffins. Yes sir, from scratch. I am getting culinary in my old age. But, Mama Podkayne needs to tell me how to make her butter.

DH is currently going through our filing cabinet. Bless his heart. I am an organizational disaster. I figure once I have a system, I'll actually use it. That's the plan. With 400 extra square feet, I will have to change my habits and not just pile up junk (aka papers). Does anyone else cringe when the mail comes? I am half excited at the prospect of getting good mail (not bills or ads). But for the other 98% I get flustered. I am a hoarder at heart.

Hope all is well with all you blogsters out there. Sweet dreams.

Surprise!

It has been a great week. It all started with the surprise party my husband threw for me. He had accomplices, but the idea was all his. There were people there from local to Quincy, IL. I was so shocked. It was great. I can't even tell in words how loved I feel. To know that these people dropped everything for one night just to celebrate some girl turning 30. I feel blessed.

Our weather has once again driven us inside. That's so OK with me. I remember the days of having to go to a job outside the home. Ick. My hubby is even having to drive my van as his is broken down at the moment, so I am not running errands or anything...yahoo!

Today was such a great day. A good homeschool day. We did math to our little hearts content. We did so well that I forgot language arts. Whoops. But we did read. Older DS is really digging the Magic Tree House books. So am I! Does anyone remember those pick-your-own ending books from the 80's? I loved those things and think I want to read some. I really want to pre-read anything my sons read, so I might as well start now. As I write, I can hear DS reading to himself in his bed. So wonderful. I almost cry. And you know what? We don't have to get up for school tomorrow, so he can read all night for all I care. He is READING.

I want to thank all of you for the patience with my absent writing. I really have writers angst. I want to read all about others lives, but not write about my own. Thank you for having such interesting lives. I plan to complete a couple of tag-me posts while I check blogs tonight. I just love you all and if you're in the area, travel safely!

Update

No Wellspring for us today...pool of power steering fluid under my van. My steering usually goes out once per winter...but twice? We'll be home today!

A Monday Tooth

So Jan. 21st, my oldest child became front toothless. Pizza was the culprit. We'd tried everything, as this tooth was becoming bubba tooth and sticking out over this lip when his mouth was closed. Now, when he says the word fastest--actually, any words with S's are just hilarious. We were at Chuck E Cheese, hanging out with the wonderful woman who does craft/story hour at our local Christian bookstore. She has 4 boys, her youngest is my oldest age.
This past weekend, we went to a birthday party of a homeschool friend. He turned the big 0-5. Happy birthday, K! My sis was also in town for her final wedding dress fitting. What a beautiful dress. We had a good time romping around the mall, just catching up.

Backing up to last weekend (Jan. 12th), our furnace finally kicked the bucket. Our 1983 baby needed to say good-bye. We now have an efficient, younger baby, which will be paid off in 10 months. I have to give a whoop whoop to Leechmans Service Legends. They have great service, and I'm not afraid of having them in my home when I'm alone with the kids. We even got a plant from them yesterday!

While on the subject of this particular weekend, my sis-in-law turned the big 3-0 on the 10th. My long-time good friend, B also turned 3-0 on the 16th. My turn will be on Feb. 10th. I just have to reflect for a moment. It's incredible that we can't fall back on the irresponsible 20's anymore. I feel like I'm entering a time of truly growing up. No more resting back on how my parents messed me up, or such and such happened to me. I AM IN CHARGE OF MY REACTION TO THINGS. I had to caps that just for my own remembrance. This has not been a good mommy week for me. I have relied more on my yelling capabilities. I plan to get up before the kids to have time to myself and read the Bible. There is a Proverb that hit me. I am going to memorize and recite to the kids when things get crazy around here. If you haven't tried it, you should. It's funny when mommy responds with something that makes them think:

Proverbs 1: 7-9....7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

And that's all I have to say about that! We're off to our story/craft hour today, Wellspring Wednesday. It will be a lovely day.

A Wound, but all is well

I really have to be inspired to post,so I've been saving this one in my drafts. Yesterday (Jan. 9th) we had a little trip to the E.R. While at church, Luke was injured by a door opening while he was on the other side of it. It sliced his lip pretty good, but I'm happy to report--no stitches. Because it didn't go up above the lip into the skin, he was in the clear. Praise God! He also got some cheapy hotwheel type cars out of the deal. It was the most pleasant E.R. experience we've ever had. And he's been there several times in his little 4 year old life. I will have to write sometime about his breathing difficulties as he was growing up. Many scary trips, and an overnight hospital stay on New Years Eve when he was not even 2 mo. old.

To update on more normal happenings, we visited my dad for Christmas/brother's birthday on Jan. 4th. For those of you who don't know, my parents were divorced when I was 5. Shortly following, my dad (and mom) were remarried, to which I, later, got some pretty cool siblings out of the deal. I don't know if they want me to share names, so I'll just call them T1 and T2. My sis is 7 years younger, and my bro is 11 years younger. I'd say that they were the only blessings I got out of the situation, but I also got some step dads that were (and are) very important to me.

Getting back to the celebration, we talked politics (caucus was the day before), ate yummy food, played games (Apples to Apples--woo hoo!), and the kids, once again racked up with the gifts. It was nice to visit with dad the next day. He made us breakfast, but then I could tell he was antsy about getting back to work. You see, my dad is a work horse. He is the best employee you could ever have. That is another story, though. After leaving for the 3 hr trip back, we decided to stop in Coralville and let the kids romp at the mall. After getting back pretty late, we realized we have to get up early to sing the next day. Oh the life of people with responsibilities!