John is at a local concert and I am taking advantage of his computer being home to actually put up a post of some quick takes.
1) My computer is still down - I found the recovery disk (in the second to last box in the house I hadn't looked in)...and it didn't work. Hopefully soon.
2) We had snow/ice today - Clare was out of school and bemoaned how horrible it is to be stuck at home.
3)I've actually sorted through all of the baby clothes we have and have several boxes of things to give away. And more to go through - we have way too many winter clothes for this little guy in Texas. It's in piles of similar sizes but in quantities too vast to be worth it. Especially since the new baby is opposite seasons than most of the clothes sizes.
4)Speaking of the baby - he has a known gender now - did you catch it in #3? We're having a another boy. :)
Sorry I've fallen off the face of the earth. We're slowly working on it.
Tuesday, January 27
Saturday, January 17
Where we are
So my computer lost it's operating system on Tuesday night. I'm not sure if that means I got a virus, but I'm in the process of looking for the recovery disk and taking a few days away from the internet.
Of course the 3 days without internet have also been very busy. I haven't even started looking for the disk. Wednesday, I got up early for physical therapy (which was great) and then slept with any spare moments I got that day. John had a big paper due Thursday and a short course that required a paper everyday. Needless to say, he was not home Wednesday or Thursday night. Thurday, Clare missed a day of school for a bad cough and on Friday Gregory came down with a stomach bug. Whew!
Gregory's still sick...and we'll see how today goes. Hopefully I will also find my disk and be back online soon. (This is being typed from John's school laptop - while he holds a sleeping Gregory.)
Of course the 3 days without internet have also been very busy. I haven't even started looking for the disk. Wednesday, I got up early for physical therapy (which was great) and then slept with any spare moments I got that day. John had a big paper due Thursday and a short course that required a paper everyday. Needless to say, he was not home Wednesday or Thursday night. Thurday, Clare missed a day of school for a bad cough and on Friday Gregory came down with a stomach bug. Whew!
Gregory's still sick...and we'll see how today goes. Hopefully I will also find my disk and be back online soon. (This is being typed from John's school laptop - while he holds a sleeping Gregory.)
Saturday, January 10
A different view
Clare and I went to the Vigil Mass this evening. And instead of sitting in the last 2 pews which we usually do with Gregory we sat up front - probably about row 4. After the homily Clare's bring along book is just about exhausted and I hear a gasp.
Clare has just realized that there are altar servers. She's asking me all sorts of questions about why there are 4 priests and 2 of them are little girls. The servers at our parish sometimes where white albs and today was one of those days. I don't think she has ever seen them before - not being tall enough or close enough.
Then she realizes there is a large nativity set right in front of the altar and I get questions/remarks about that and why it's there.
It's getting close to the consecration and she's pointing out all sorts of things and chattering. I shushed her and feel like I crushed her curiosity and interest since she moped the rest of the Mass. Evidently the people behind me felt the same way because afterwards they deliberately told her what a good girl she had been.
Perhaps we can try to sit up front with her more often so she can see what's happening. If we hit more daily Masses, she might get a better idea of what's going on and tune in sometimes. It must be hard paying attention when you're small and not able to see anything especially when you can't understand most of the words or read along.
We will have to figure out what to do with Gregory if we sit up front...but I think that is a different post.
Clare has just realized that there are altar servers. She's asking me all sorts of questions about why there are 4 priests and 2 of them are little girls. The servers at our parish sometimes where white albs and today was one of those days. I don't think she has ever seen them before - not being tall enough or close enough.
Then she realizes there is a large nativity set right in front of the altar and I get questions/remarks about that and why it's there.
It's getting close to the consecration and she's pointing out all sorts of things and chattering. I shushed her and feel like I crushed her curiosity and interest since she moped the rest of the Mass. Evidently the people behind me felt the same way because afterwards they deliberately told her what a good girl she had been.
Perhaps we can try to sit up front with her more often so she can see what's happening. If we hit more daily Masses, she might get a better idea of what's going on and tune in sometimes. It must be hard paying attention when you're small and not able to see anything especially when you can't understand most of the words or read along.
We will have to figure out what to do with Gregory if we sit up front...but I think that is a different post.
Ritz Cookie Making
While John and Gregory are away I thought it would be easy to make a treat with Clare and with the price of almond bark reduced to 99 cents/lb after Christmas these little cookies fit the bill.
First you take peanut butter and Ritz crackers and make peanut butter sandwiches. Clare thought this was a blast but a bit too messy for her - somehow she ended up with peanut butter on her face, in her hair and on her clothes.
Then you melt the white or chocolate almond bark over low (low-med) heat on the stove until it is completely smooth. Dip in the sandwiches and place on wax paper to dry.
To add faces/decorations be sure sure to do it as soon as you put the crackers on the wax paper. Let cool and enjoy.
I think we are going to make these for Clare's valentines using red sugar and/or heart sprinkles. (I've heard a rumor that the teachers have them make homemade valentines.)
Tip: Don't use regular chocolate for this it will not melt the same way as the bark coating.
Friday, January 9
white hairs
Clare's been doing alot of coloring, but I was confused because she wasn't coloring the hair in of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends.
Me: Clare why aren't you coloring their hair
Clare: Because I want their hair to be white....Do any people have white hair in real life?
Me: Yes Clare - often as people get old their hair turns white
Clare: Hmmm
Me: In fact, your daddy's hair is turning white/gray too
Clare: (sharp intake of air) But Momma that means he's going to die. When people get old they die!
Me: Clare why aren't you coloring their hair
Clare: Because I want their hair to be white....Do any people have white hair in real life?
Me: Yes Clare - often as people get old their hair turns white
Clare: Hmmm
Me: In fact, your daddy's hair is turning white/gray too
Clare: (sharp intake of air) But Momma that means he's going to die. When people get old they die!
Friday Quick Takes (Vol 6)
*one*
John and I went on a date night last night. The first we've had in a long time. We saw Slumdog Millionaire. It is very good, rated R but not too graphic (as in it shows how truly horrible life can be for a child on the streets in India so it's R, but not for the usual reasons).
Our babysitter is awesome seeing as how crazy Gregory was - first, Gregory banged his head when we left because he was so upset. Then she put them to bed, and he kept calling for me. When it got quiet she checked on him and he had stripped down to his diaper and taken apart his sippy cup. I'm pretty impressed. He's never done either of those things before.
*two*
Earlier this week I made eggplant parmesan. I was expecting no one to eat it but myself. I went through the effort of showing the children the eggplant, peeling it in front of them and cooking the whole dish with Clare looking on. The kids surprised me by eating it, and then asking for more. Clare told me it's the best thing I've ever cooked, and asked me to make it again.
Here's my question - is it worth it to make such a labor intensive dish, even if it is healthy? They love it but 2 1/2 hours is a bit much for me. I'll probably make it again, just not soon.
*three*
I'd done something to my shoulder. the muscle right behind my neck, the trapezius, is killing me. I went to the doctor it was so bad, and now I'm to go for physical therapy. Ack! And it still hurts - I was hoping for something to take, but I'm pregnant, so Tylenol it is.
*four*
My sweet husband has gone away to the lake for the weekend. Why do I call him sweet? Because he has take the demanding two year old with him. It's so quiet I don't know what to do. That's good because I can rest my shoulder and nap. Clare is being so good, and she's watching a few cartoons (or more than a few as I rest).
*five*
We've been busy filling out school applications for Clare in Dallas. They are labor intensive. My biggest shock - the fact that schools want to do a face to face interview with a 4 year old. More to come on this as we find out whether or not we have to fly out to Dallas just to make sure she gets into a Catholic school.
I also have to give her teacher here an evaluation to fill out. The nice thing is that both of her teachers say we have nothing to worry about with Clare's interviewing skills or testing abilities.
*six*
Clare's quote of the week: "Daddy when I'm eating something healthy you can have a big bite, when I'm eating something sweet take a tiny bite."
*seven*
Clare's been listening to chapter books with me. Right now we're working through the Disney Fairy Series. They aren't the best children's books written, but they are good. I'm impressed that she will sit through several chapters at a time. There are only about 7 that our library has, so we are almost out.
When I asked the librarian for more suggestions she pointed me to this series, which doesn't look half as good as what we've been reading and then suggested this book - The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, which I have found extremely interesting. He includes a huge treasury of great books to read to your kids, and I feel like I have a much better feel of what is out there.
As always thanks to Jen, for hosting the quick takes.
John and I went on a date night last night. The first we've had in a long time. We saw Slumdog Millionaire. It is very good, rated R but not too graphic (as in it shows how truly horrible life can be for a child on the streets in India so it's R, but not for the usual reasons).
Our babysitter is awesome seeing as how crazy Gregory was - first, Gregory banged his head when we left because he was so upset. Then she put them to bed, and he kept calling for me. When it got quiet she checked on him and he had stripped down to his diaper and taken apart his sippy cup. I'm pretty impressed. He's never done either of those things before.
*two*
Earlier this week I made eggplant parmesan. I was expecting no one to eat it but myself. I went through the effort of showing the children the eggplant, peeling it in front of them and cooking the whole dish with Clare looking on. The kids surprised me by eating it, and then asking for more. Clare told me it's the best thing I've ever cooked, and asked me to make it again.
Here's my question - is it worth it to make such a labor intensive dish, even if it is healthy? They love it but 2 1/2 hours is a bit much for me. I'll probably make it again, just not soon.
*three*
I'd done something to my shoulder. the muscle right behind my neck, the trapezius, is killing me. I went to the doctor it was so bad, and now I'm to go for physical therapy. Ack! And it still hurts - I was hoping for something to take, but I'm pregnant, so Tylenol it is.
*four*
My sweet husband has gone away to the lake for the weekend. Why do I call him sweet? Because he has take the demanding two year old with him. It's so quiet I don't know what to do. That's good because I can rest my shoulder and nap. Clare is being so good, and she's watching a few cartoons (or more than a few as I rest).
*five*
We've been busy filling out school applications for Clare in Dallas. They are labor intensive. My biggest shock - the fact that schools want to do a face to face interview with a 4 year old. More to come on this as we find out whether or not we have to fly out to Dallas just to make sure she gets into a Catholic school.
I also have to give her teacher here an evaluation to fill out. The nice thing is that both of her teachers say we have nothing to worry about with Clare's interviewing skills or testing abilities.
*six*
Clare's quote of the week: "Daddy when I'm eating something healthy you can have a big bite, when I'm eating something sweet take a tiny bite."
*seven*
Clare's been listening to chapter books with me. Right now we're working through the Disney Fairy Series. They aren't the best children's books written, but they are good. I'm impressed that she will sit through several chapters at a time. There are only about 7 that our library has, so we are almost out.
When I asked the librarian for more suggestions she pointed me to this series, which doesn't look half as good as what we've been reading and then suggested this book - The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, which I have found extremely interesting. He includes a huge treasury of great books to read to your kids, and I feel like I have a much better feel of what is out there.
As always thanks to Jen, for hosting the quick takes.
Tuesday, January 6
My Cold Medicine Rant
Gregory's coughing again today - this is a different cold from the last one since he also has a runny nose. We've had 2 nights of sleep and we'll see about tonight.
I am so frustrated with the fact that the FDA and the drug companies have pulled all cold medicines from the shelves for children under the age of 4.
One of the reasons they cite for this is that some children are over medicated with said drugs. Some parents (and I do find this sickening) used anti-histamines to make their children calm down or sleep. And other children have ended up in the ER from overdoses of OTC cold medicines (generally because they had trouble walking, speaking with a slur, or being drowsy after taking said medication or from drinking the medicine unsupervised).
Now I understand there is a a concern - but to pull all of the drugs? A sleep deprived parent whose child has a cold only has so many options if the child isn't sleeping.
The pharmacist and I went through everything she could think of for poor Gregory - here were her ideas
- Vaporizer - Elevate his head - Vick's Vapor Rub (Children's) -Buckwheat Honey
We had already been using all of those things. And trust me getting my children to take buckwheat honey is quite a feat. They usually end up gagging and throwing it up if we're not careful. It's black honey that smells and tastes yucky.
After 5 days of no sleep and discovering the wonders of Mucinex for me and Clare, I knew all I needed for Gregory was a cough suppressant. But there is nothing out there for him. And I was sorely tempted (even though we didn't) to give him a 1/2 dose of children's Mucinex.
I even took Gregory to see our doctor. Of course at the doctor's office he was a doll and since his cough only bothers him when lying down to sleep, they said there was nothing wrong with him but allergies and to change his pillow, the filter, vacuum etc.
I don't know how I truly feel about OTC cold medicines for children, but I feel like parents should have an option other than prescriptions for the common cold. They say that the FDA is considering pulling all children's OTC drugs for kids under 12. It seems like a step backwards to me. We can buy all sorts of cold medicines to make adults sleep or stay awake and nothing for the kiddos. Seems like the same parents who overdose their children on children's meds are just going to use stronger stuff.
Well that is my rant - I apologize for it's length and if it doesn't make sense, but I feel better. If you have an opinion please share - even if you think I'm crazy.
I am so frustrated with the fact that the FDA and the drug companies have pulled all cold medicines from the shelves for children under the age of 4.
One of the reasons they cite for this is that some children are over medicated with said drugs. Some parents (and I do find this sickening) used anti-histamines to make their children calm down or sleep. And other children have ended up in the ER from overdoses of OTC cold medicines (generally because they had trouble walking, speaking with a slur, or being drowsy after taking said medication or from drinking the medicine unsupervised).
Now I understand there is a a concern - but to pull all of the drugs? A sleep deprived parent whose child has a cold only has so many options if the child isn't sleeping.
The pharmacist and I went through everything she could think of for poor Gregory - here were her ideas
- Vaporizer - Elevate his head - Vick's Vapor Rub (Children's) -Buckwheat Honey
We had already been using all of those things. And trust me getting my children to take buckwheat honey is quite a feat. They usually end up gagging and throwing it up if we're not careful. It's black honey that smells and tastes yucky.
After 5 days of no sleep and discovering the wonders of Mucinex for me and Clare, I knew all I needed for Gregory was a cough suppressant. But there is nothing out there for him. And I was sorely tempted (even though we didn't) to give him a 1/2 dose of children's Mucinex.
I even took Gregory to see our doctor. Of course at the doctor's office he was a doll and since his cough only bothers him when lying down to sleep, they said there was nothing wrong with him but allergies and to change his pillow, the filter, vacuum etc.
I don't know how I truly feel about OTC cold medicines for children, but I feel like parents should have an option other than prescriptions for the common cold. They say that the FDA is considering pulling all children's OTC drugs for kids under 12. It seems like a step backwards to me. We can buy all sorts of cold medicines to make adults sleep or stay awake and nothing for the kiddos. Seems like the same parents who overdose their children on children's meds are just going to use stronger stuff.
Well that is my rant - I apologize for it's length and if it doesn't make sense, but I feel better. If you have an opinion please share - even if you think I'm crazy.
Monday, January 5
Coming up to Breathe
It's been a busy couple of weeks here, and between the kids being sick, traveling, and my very own cough, there haven't been very many posts.
Last night everyone slept through the night. No one woke up coughing, needing to be rocked upright until their lungs/throats drained and they could sleep for a couple more hours. No one woke up coughing and throwing up from the cough, and no one woke up coughing and too suddenly aware that they were the only ones awake - needing me to put them back to sleep so they would not be alone.
With a little sleep I think I will feel human soon. Everyone is breathing clearly again so that is good. Then the pictures from Christmas will be posted as well as my rant against winter colds and FDA approved children's medicines.
Hope everyone else is sleeping out there peacefully without coughs. :)
Last night everyone slept through the night. No one woke up coughing, needing to be rocked upright until their lungs/throats drained and they could sleep for a couple more hours. No one woke up coughing and throwing up from the cough, and no one woke up coughing and too suddenly aware that they were the only ones awake - needing me to put them back to sleep so they would not be alone.
With a little sleep I think I will feel human soon. Everyone is breathing clearly again so that is good. Then the pictures from Christmas will be posted as well as my rant against winter colds and FDA approved children's medicines.
Hope everyone else is sleeping out there peacefully without coughs. :)
Friday, January 2
Good to know
Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him....He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me to strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide the future from me; still He knows what He is about.
-- St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
ht: Ewtn.com's daily Mass readings and meditations for Jan 2.
-- St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
ht: Ewtn.com's daily Mass readings and meditations for Jan 2.
Thursday, January 1
Blessings
The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
Numbers 6: 24-26 (from today's Mass readings)
Here's to a peaceful and grace filled new year! It's so nice knowing that the Lord is already here with us in the year to come and that He has promised us His blessings.
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