heymae

Don’t Cry over spilt Crispy Rice Cereal

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2
Jul 2009

Zane this morning after he spilt Crispy Rice Cereal (Don’t judge me because I buy generic cereal!) all over the carpet because I was still tired in bed and told him to try and pour himself another bowl. Parenting Fail.

Zane happy again after he found his Metronome. The kid is weird like his Dad.

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

GYAP 2009!

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1
Jul 2009

Let me first start off by saying that I married into a Wonderful Large Family! When I first started dating Ian I knew he had one sister, we had Tae Bo together in PE (Cheech), I also knew he had a brother (Robert) that he had played in a band with. I had also seen Robert and his wife (Becca) once at a party while we were in High School. Ian always talked about his other sister, and it was not until we had been dating over 6 months that I realized he did not have one other sister, he had THREE other sisters (Elizabeth, Sarah, and Rebekah). That makes 5 siblings, not too mention Ian’s Parents, who are the absolute kindest, most loving and generous people I know. They are all absolutely wonderful people that I love dearly! Every year the whole family gets together for a weekend to celebrate the amazing story of Rebekah surviving being hit by a drunk driver. It is called the Glad Your Alive Party, or GYAP. It is a wonderful celebration of Life and Faith and Family that I am honored to be able to be a part of.

This years GYAP celebration took place in Shaver Lake in a Gigantic Cabin (think less cabin, more Awesome large house..). It had two stories, a humongous kitchen, game room with an air hockey table, two living rooms, 5 bedrooms and a million comfortable couches and beds all over! The weekend was filled with yummy food, a great day at the water, EPIC game of Loaded Questions, and one outstanding Talent Show!
Here are some pics from the weekend:

Super Sweet Sadie

Super Sweet Sadie with her Biggest Fan (Proof that we can NEVER have a girl, Ian just thinks they are too cute!!)

Zane with Grandma Graham

Just a Small Sampling of all of Zane’s Crazy Cousins!

My Boys!

My Favorite Pic! Cannot wait for next year!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

An Experiment.

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30
Jun 2009

So, Zane is a wonderful kid. I seriously could not ask for a better child. There are a thousand things that I love about him. However, he does have one vice. Video Games. Now, I am not saying this is entirely his fault. I love video games as well. I am the one who introduced him to Mario Bros. Now, it is not so much that Zane loves video games that is the problem. It is more the fact that he asks to play ALL THE TIME! It is the first thing he asks me when he wakes up in the morning. He asks all day. He would seriously rather play video games than do anything else. The thing is, I tell him No waaaay more than I tell him Yes. You would think he would give up and stop asking so much, but no.

The Final Straw was this weekend at GYAP (blog post to come about this soon). Zane has 13 (or is it 14….) cousins. All staying the weekend in a beautiful cabin, they even had an air hockey table. But what does Zane keep asking for? His DS. Of course, this is after I lectured him on the ride down that the DS was only for the car ride and would be locked inside the glove compartment all weekend. Apparently Zane does not take me seriously.

When we got home I let him know that the DS was gone. He is on a break from all video games, the DS, the computer, the Wii, the Nintendo… (okay maybe that is part of the problem..we apparently have way too many video game playing options..) For a minimum of one week. I also let him know that asking to play the DS would result in an immediate trip to his room. Of course, he was upset at first, and Monday was kind of hard. I got the “I am so bored, there is nothing to do!” for most of the day. Today has been much better. He has played a bunch of board games, done some reading, listened to some joke cd’s and just been generally more creative and able to amuse himself. I am excited to see what the rest of the week holds!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Prominent Bilateral Renal Pelves?! UPDATE

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30
Jun 2009

Today I had my regular monthly doctors appt and the first thing the midwife asked me was if they had called me about my ultrasound (had it almost 5 weeks ago) I said no. She then tells me that when the Ultrasound Tech looked at the babies kidneys, the Renal Pelves (?) were really enlarged. She drew me a diagram and I guess the Renal Pelves are the sacks inside each kidney that hold the urine. They are having me go back in for another ultrasound, and the midwife said it can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. She said usually one kidney will be much larger than the other, and then they are able to tell for sure what is wrong, and if one kidney is not able to function the other will take over and the child usually has no other problems.

They scheduled me for another ultrasound, and then made me an early appt so the midwife can see me as soon as she gets the report back. She said if they are still enlarged I will have to travel to the nearest University Hospital (almost 2 hours away) to be seen further.

From the reading I have been doing, it sounds like if both the babies Renal Pelves are enlarged it could be a sign of something much worse, and it would mean that both kidneys would be unable to function causing the baby to not survive.

I am trying really really hard not to freak out, but I am failing. I hate this. We have no idea if everything is fine, but part of me feels like if everything was fine they would not be making me get another ultrasound. Also, when I asked the Midwife what it would mean if something was wrong, she was very vague and avoided answering my question. I know she doesn’t want to worry me to badly yet, but it is too late. I am freaking out and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

***UPDATE- After reading some message boards online, I am starting to feel better. It sounds like 20% of people can get similar results at their ultrasound, and that in most cases the kidneys correct themselves and everything is fine. I am going to be optimistic and not allow myself to freak out. They also said that enlarged kidneys are most common in boys. All I can do is wait for the next ultrasound and hope and pray that everything is fine!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

I will not freak out..I will not freak out…

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24
Jun 2009

Okay, so I just lost another daycare girl. (Clarification-I did not LOSE her, I know where she is, she is just not coming to my daycare anymore) I am not going to freak out. It is going to be okay.

Okay I lied. What the heck am I going to do?! That leaves only one child that comes 3 days a week, and two children that come only every other week. How did I go from 8 full time kids to this?! How are we going to survive? I am not even going to lie, I have been pacing back and forth in the kitchen for the last hour eating cheese puffs and freaking out. I really don’t know what else I can cut from our budget. Now, if this had happened a few months ago I would of simply began looking for a job. I am very skillful for the job market, and even though I would rather be home with Zane and soon to be Rocky, I would gladly get a full-time job to help the family. Who is going to hire a pregnant lady!?! Especially in this job market?!? DEEP BREATHS!

Freak out over. Sorry about that. I need to go back to Yoga Class. We are going to be okay. I am allowed to freak out a little, but I know we will be fine. It is going to be tough, but I will keep advertising and I WILL find more kids. Positive thinking. I will go back through the budget with a fine tooth comb and make some cuts.

Now, because I need them, 5 Things that make me Happy.

1. Amish People. I love them.
2. The Duggars. I love them as well. ( I have a thing for simple living and big families, see also #1)
3. The new pack of Starbursts that have only RED flavors. About Time!
4. Playing Board Games with Ian, Rachel and Zane. I love them all so much, they always make me smile!
5. Hugs from Ian. I could really use one right now. That boy has a way of melting every care in my entire world away with one Hug.

Okay I am starting to feel better. Deep Breaths.

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Exchange with daycare girl..

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24
Jun 2009

Me- “I like your painting Lila*”
2 year old Lila- “Yeah you DO like it.”

Well alrighty then.

*Name has been changed to protect the adorable (and extremely confident) daycare girl*

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Ugh.

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24
Jun 2009

Why do people all of a sudden need daycare for the ONE weekend I am out of town?! 3 kids, all day, that is a nice amount of money for a Saturday. Just trying to keep my spirits high, I know I will find more kids soon.

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

WTH?!

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23
Jun 2009

So, this morning I am straightening up the house while the kids play and I see this GIANT, beautiful long haired dog in front of our house. Now, I know nothing about dog breeds, usually I refer to specific types of dogs by whatever movie I have seen a similar looking dog in, there are Lassie dogs, Beethoven dogs, Beverly Hills Chihuahua dogs…etc. This particular type of dog has not had a movie made about it yet, at least not as far as I know. As I am watching the glorious dog, and for once actually thinking maybe I don’t dislike all dogs after all, I call the kids over to show them how beautiful this creature is. As we are all staring out the window, the dog squats down and does a GIANT poop right on our lawn. I gasp and look up at the owner who is just standing there smiling. We make eye contact and she sheepishly looks down and starts walking the dog away. I was too in shock to respond! HELLO! We live on a cul-de-sac!! There is no reason to bring your dog on our street to poop on our lawns! How hard is it to bring a little baggie?!? We live maybe 100 yards from a river, there is plenty of land to take care of business!

Now, I have spoken to many dog owners, I understand where they are coming from. I may not share the sentiment, but I do realize that a lot of dog owners consider their pets like children. Well, I don’t take my children over to their house to poop in their yard! Although right now that is sounding like a really good idea….

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Book Review: A Good Woman by Danielle Steel

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22
Jun 2009

Okay, do not laugh!! When I was younger my Mom must of read EVERY Danielle Steel book, and I of course, being the wonderful daughter I am would tease her relentlessly! When I was in the library trying to find some easy reading for before bed I saw the newest Danielle Steel book and curiosity got the best of me! Well now I have to call my Mother and apologize because the book was great! It was the story of a Woman who experiences a family tragedy, ends up getting married and experiencing a whole string of unfortunate events! The story begins with the sinking of the Titanic, so there is a little bit of historical fiction which sets a really nice tone! Seriously, this woman’s bad luck is astounding! It definitely made me feel better about my own life! The book ended up being a really great read, and pretty inspiring with a really great message about overcoming adversity and finding your own happiness. I must say I was impressed! Before this, I pretty much placed Danielle Steel books in the same category as paperback romance novels with Fabio on the cover, which I am sure are fine books, just not my style. I give the book 4 suprised stars!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Moving on Up!

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22
Jun 2009

So, after Zane’s last Hotshots class the coach came over to me and said he wanted to talk about Zane in the class. Now, I was a little worried since I had just been getting on to Zane about paying better attention and being a good listener. The other kids in his class have a really hard time holding still and sitting and waiting for their turn, and I was starting to see Zane pick up some of that bad behavior. So, of course, I thought he was about to get in trouble!

The coach goes on to tell me that he has noticed Zane having a hard time listening lately. (At this point I give Zane one of my signature MOM looks..you know the one…) The coach goes on to tell me that the reason he thinks Zane is having a hard time listening is because he is too advanced for this class. He thinks Zane has already mastered all the skills he has given him to learn, and likes Zane’s attitude and work ethic. He would like to extend Zane an offer to join the Competitive Boys Gymnastics Team. I was shocked!! The Team comes with a lot more of a time commitment. He now has two hour practices twice a week, and their competitive season is January – March. He will compete all around this area, and even in San Francisco!! Zane of course thinks he is Hot Stuff!!

I must say, I am really proud of him! He works really hard trying to learn any new skill his coach gives him, and he has been working out trying to build strength and flexibility! I think this is a really great thing for him, he is learning that with a lot of hard work and practice you can become really good at something! I am so excited for his first competition! I am sure I will be absolutely glowing with pride when I watch him compete! Today is his first practice, and I am so nervous for him! I know he is going to be one of the youngest kids there! I will try and sneak some pictures to post later!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Money Saving Tip Monday- Swagbucks!

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22
Jun 2009

Swagbucks is a company I have been using for a while! It is pretty simple, you sign up, use their search bar whenever you need to search for something online, and they randomly give you points called Swagbucks that you can then exchange for prizes! I like it because its easy, there is no commitment on my part, and nothing to lose! I have been using it for a couple months and have earned a few Amazon Gift Cards that way!

Just click on the banner above to get started! Disclaimer-I do get points for referrals, but so can you! Refer your friends and you can earn points off of their searches as well! Another great way to earn points is to add Swagbucks to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, occasionally they post codes that you can enter to earn points immediately! Once you have enough points, you can redeem them for prizes! I always get $5 amazon gift cards for 45 Swagbucks!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Patience.

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13
Jun 2009

I am learning patience. There are things I want to do NOW, but I know we will be better off if we wait. I really want to do Foster Care. I am so eager to sign up now, begin the process, but Ian is right. We should get ourselves a little more secure, wait until the baby is born. I just feel like there are so many children out there who just need someone to be on their side. To give them a home and a hug and someone to listen and be there until there parents can be. I feel like I have so much love to give. So instead I read and re-read the information packet the foster agency sent me, and I look for more information online. Atleast when the time is here I will feel prepared. 

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Book Review: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

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13
Jun 2009

This book was interesting. I started out really liking it, then decided I was no longer happy with the direction it was going, then changed my mind again and decided it was simply enjoyable. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I started the book, I wanted something simple, chick lit, a nice feel good story that would be an easy read and would leave me feeling satisfied and girly at the end. Good in Bed was almost exactly on mark. The story started with Cannie discovering her boyfriend of 3 years (they had just broken up) had gotten a column in a popular magazine. His first column was entitled “Loving a Larger Woman”. I will let you guess who the article was about! There was a point where I felt the story line was going to take a too serious turn that was not in line with my previous expectations, but than it straightened paths quite nicely and the whole story came together rather pleasantly. It still had its serious moments, and a nice underlying theme of the relationships we make along lifes journey that make up our family, even when members of our biological family may fail us. The ending love interest actually surprised me in how unlikely it seemed at the beginning but then nicely it worked in the end. Overall, Good in Bed was a Good Read, perfect for a lazy day and a nice mix of humorous chick lit and a feel good story of overcoming lifes shortcomings and creating our own happiness. I give it 4 stars!

Posted in The Kitchen Sink

Happy.

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13
Jun 2009

Today is a really good day. Slept in, ate some chocolate chip pancakes and finished a book while Ian was painting Zane’s room. Zane has always had white walls, and he is now the proud owner of a rockin’ tourquise room. He is super excited, especially for his loft bed that I just got off of freecycle (to be painted a color still to be determined).

Today is one of those days that just feel so good. There is this simple calmness in my soul, that seems to be telling me that this is what I am going to look back on as one of the best times of my life. I have so much. I am in love with my life right now, and yet it is so simple. I have taken school off indefinitely, my primary job being the daycare and being the caretaker of our household (as well as incubating this little shrimp). I must say, I am not the type of person I would of imagined being a stay at home mom. My life has always been full of dreams and ambitions, there are things I want to accomplish, recognition I want to obtain. Lately, however, nothing seems more enjoyable to me than curling up on the couch with Ian and Zane in my clean and organized house and simple being. Being here and being present. It amazes me how really at the core of my being my wants are so simple. A husband that loves me indefinitely, children to spoil and love, a home that feels comfortable and lived in. Yes, there is still a desire for travel and success and accomplishments, but it all feels so secondary. Sure it would be great, but its not going to be the end of the world if I never go to Italy, never get a book published or am recognized for my outstanding achievements.  

Posted in The Kitchen Sink