LayFamily.me

I think I said a little while back that I would try blogging every Sunday. I did not say when I would start, but today seems to be the day.

I started working out in the gym in the middle of January. I have not hit it very hard. Nonetheless, except for the week the babies had pneumonia, I have gone 2-4 times/week. I recently stepped it up a notch and did 3 sessions with a personal trainer. I feel my biggest accomplishment, however, is that Mike is now fired up about going to the gym. After his second week of working out he is now all concerned about his diet and is really focused on getting healthy. He stopped drinking Dr. Pepper without provocation. His fervor may become a little more than I would prefer, as this progresses, but for now, it has many benefits.

For myself, it gets the babies out of the house for a little while where they are not destroying it. And since I can't seem to do anything else when they are awake, it is as good a use of my time as any. Oh, and I'm getting my sexy back. My hips and thighs were expanding at a 40 year old rate. I just couldn't handle it any more. Now I am able to wear some of the pants I had put away for the sake of discomfort and public consideration. Those are still the pants I grew into with pregnancy, so I have a way to go still, but it is coming along.

I am no better of a mother than I was, though. Well maybe I have a little more energy now to make things happen around here, but doing more does not help if you are not doing the right things, right?

I was called to be the Relief Society Secretary. This is my first time in a Church auxiliary leadership position since Primary Presidency when we lived in NY before Claire was born. I have had lots of callings I have enjoyed since then, but I still have not been trusted to a leadership position for years. As the secretary, I technically still don't have one, but I at least get to be where the action is. This is actually the worst calling I have had as far as fitting my aptitudes. Paperwork and organization are precisely my weaknesses. But I am willing to grow and improve.

Time to get the kids to bed.

I tell you-we are grateful for a job. The kind that has a paycheck attached to it. Lee Joe's job might not be perfect-or really far from it but it is one and it was hard to come by, so we are very thankful. Even if we never know what he is doing or where he is going until the day before and he is gone overnight or most evenings and since I am working and the kids are in school, we see him not too often. Like last night-he said he might be home by midnight and I woke up at 3am wide awake with no husband and where he parks the truck and loads the truck has no cell phone coverage so he can't tell me where he is. Remember in December-totaled car? So I was awake for 2 hours figuring he was tired and sleeping but now I was not. Once I did fall asleep at 5 am he was finally able to call me. Haha--go figure. Oh yeah-when he moves cows, he comes home soooooo smelly. BUT It is A JOB!!!! I just needed to get it off my chest and now I will continue to be thankful for every dollar and every free potato! Yep, those Simplot potatoes!

This week was a rough one. Had a little health issue. On antibiotics, a liquid diet for almost 2 days, a contrast CT scan the next to rule out appendicitis and some other things. Ruled all those things out and now on the path to a colonoscopy--yay fun....I missed 2 days of work. But I am feeling a little better. But the colonoscopy is in a couple of weeks.

As far as kids-- I can't remember if I reported on Amber doing well her first semester. She is on the Dean's list. Pretty proud of that. She is tutoring more at the jr high and earning a pretty good pay check until the end of the year. She is quite the trooper. The boyfriend got his mission call to Lithiuania and they promptly "broke-up" but they will wait and see how things are for the 2 of them when he comes home.
Kelsea in Spanish-"talks to much and not in spanish" I am still laughing about that one as I tell her to knock it off. She has big interest in psychology now but that teacher is "hot" so that is interesting to her too. Boys are interested in her and they like to leave random things on the doorstep. She got a "Dear John" movie poster last night. We don't know why or who or what reason. Then she wished the boys will just go away. But one that REALLY likes her and is so cutely shy and left her the cutest basket ever for valentines day and he gave her penguin with a scarf that he knitted himself! KNITTED HIMSELF!! Anyways, he is about to go on a mission to Arizona.

Kylee is consumed by the jr high realm. She is doing well. But is so quiet and mysterious right now. Autumn is getting enrolled and prepped for her journey to that all consuming place full of hormones and silliness. Blech. I didn't sign the contract for this part. If I bury my head will all go away? Will it pass painlessly that way? I wish.

Hannah is her smarty pants sassy self. Telling me things like "my name is Hyperbole!" Making her own mother feel like a uneducated ding-a-ling as I ask "Do you know what that means?" "It's an exAGER-A-tion" I look it up to find out how to spell and see if she was right. Yep she was. And since she is eight and I have enjoyed most of my children very much before the age of eight-well I am in parental mourning and know that the next little creatures I will get my hands on will be grandkids.

And I really want to mention the passing of one special lady. Her name was Linda Blakeslee. She was the sweetest woman. I enjoyed when she taught lessons at church so very much. I knew where ever she taught, whoever was learning from her was being taught well. She worked at Wal-Mart for awhile in the fabric department and I would visit with her there whenever I ran into her when she was working. That was quite often. She had a round of cancer 4 years ago and she beat it. 2 years ago she lost her son when he commited suicide and left behind his 2 year old son. She was always bringing the grandson to church after that, even before that but it was different afterward. I had so much respect and love for her and admired her for the woman she was and the example in perserverance and her smile warmed your heart. The cancer came back and it was terminal. She lived longer than expected and she passed away last week. It is such a sad thing to see someone so beautiful inside and out leave this world. But I know she doesn't suffer anymore and has peace. She had the chance to plan her funeral. Her husband shared some of those details. But I revelled in the fact that I knew the same beautiful person that her husband, son and grandchildren described. She lived her life well with such warmth to all those she touched. Again, beautiful. And yet in the end she was so afraid she wasn't worthy enough. Enoch never felt worthy, Neither did Nephi. All who knew her just would know that she was. I felt it a special priviledge to have her touch my life. Even as she planned her funeral and told her husband he only had 20 minutes to talk and he set an alarm clock on the podium to keep his word, I think she had enough time to plan one more thing. The day of her funeral was the most beautiful warm spring like day we have had. It was like she was worried for the in-laws and the elderly people that attended, that they might get a chill so the day should be warm and it should be sunny so everyone would feel comfort and happy it felt like spring so they would not be so sad. I am pretty sure she finished planning those details even after she left this earth and now she can rest. She is missed and loved by many and I am so thankful I could have called someone like her a friend.

Do you ever feel like your house exploded? Or how about the paper coming out of sort of paper creating volcano, you just wish you could find out where it was coming from. Or the mountain building earth shattering creation of laundry that creates whole mountain ranges. How about the ever reproducing dirty dishes? Waves of stuff just about everywhere. Oh, what an epiphany! Is that what the celestial kingdom will be like just more blissful?

I have some super cute little angel babies, and sometimes they are not so super cute.

and here are the reasons and seasons for each

Hailey. . .Is A wiz kid!  Super smart, intelectual, always thinking and into discussions way beyond her age level.  Loves to plant things and watch them grow, and loves a good book, She thrives on learning creating, drawing, comparison, etc she sings the tune to songs correctly.  However, she doesn’t grasp the concept of clean hair and face.   She showers every day but is afraid of water in her face so she does not wash her face very well, and her hair doesn’t get hot enough water to actually get all the oils out.  So that is our Angel and Demon in Hailey at thei stage.  she doesn’t have the outer responsibility to take care of someone else unless you tell her step by step what to do and how not to get destracted. she is easily distracted.

Sierra. . .Is athletic, bubbly and passionate, she knows how to get what she needs and wants and goes for it, She’s a mover and always busy.  She’s very outgoing and has friends galore.  She tries hard in dance competitions, loves to listen to music and make up dances and will ocassionally sing.  She loves to bake and create her own foods.  However her little Demon comes out in the form of a MONSTER.  if she is tired or hungry there is NO getting thru to her, she needs things her way at that moment and nothing can stop her from her grumpiness.  Trying to get her to do homework at that point is worse than pulling teeth, it makes anyone want to pull out their hair.  if sent to her room she will thrash about her bed throwing and kicking everything off.  She can be a difficult tornado to put back together.  It happens rarely, but when it does better clear out of her way!

Zach, Zach is very easy going he will play and watch TV to his hearts content, have us join him once in a while and he loves riding his bike in the house.  He loves Trains, especially the new movie “Hiro of the Rails” Thomas and freinds.  Zach is happy to dress himself in the morning and not be picky about what he wears. Zach also loves earning “Smiley Faces” on his chore chart that each equate to 1 penny.  He was thirller to have a choice last week between a dime, 5 pennies and a nickle or 10 pennies, he chose 10 pennies because it was more! Lately his demon has been going to pre-school probably because it’s the most actual WORK he has to do!  he gets into little fight s with Aurora and ends up in time out.  Once he even stuck his tounge out at me and blew.  He’s really a treasure so far.  No real big emotional issues.

Aurora is 2 she says EVERY word in the english language if you tell her to she speaks in 13 word sentances.  She has a very very outgoing personality and would go home with anyone.  Her hugs are so loving and tight you know she’s a happy girl.  She dances, and sings and loves to hear me sing.  she likes books but has little patience to actually sit for them and hardly stops moving to take a breath.  She’s a busy bee, Aurora loves to dress up, She insists on being a Princess EVERYDAY which means she HAS to wear a skirt or a dress. at prayer she tries to fold her arms kneel and bow her head and close her eyes, but her body wiggles and wiggles like a worm.  He little mind is very impressionalbe and she does whatever her sisters do at prayer if it is off the beaten path.  so her Demon is lack of good rest time Right now we are dealing with trying to get her to sleep thru the night.  yes!  she is up 3 times a night and wants to cuddle in our bed but we take her right back to her room put her back and 3 hours later she’s in our room again!  I need a good night sleep or this will be my demise.  I used to never get tired, but now with her up at night and being sick and running all the errands and such that I run I’m beginning to feel the TIRED that I have never had to feel.

So that’s that.  These are the my kids these days.  Mostly Angesl, sometimes with demons ;o) pretty normal kids I guess.

All I can say is wow. Wow.

Andrew was kicked out to school last Monday because he did not have his most recent booster shot for hepatitis. It had been less than 2 months since his last shot, which is how long you are supposed to wait between boosters. He had not had any shots previous to this year because I had submitted a conscientious objection as required by law. This year I decided it would be easier to just get the shots.

I was wrong.

I have had to take him out of school four times this year to keep up with the series. He has more antibodies in his system than any other kid in the school, due to the concentration of shots he has had in less than six months. Despite the fact that he poses no immediate or future risk to the other students, he was excluded from all school activity for the sake of adherence to regulation.

It is my conviction that a system which makes policy a priority over people and purpose is doomed to fail. Forney School District has shown me, without apology or equivocation that their hard-line interpretation of Texas law is more important than my child's educational and social well being. Here is what I wrote to his teachers this afternoon:

I just wanted to share my intense frustration with the school district's implementation of policy, that I know you have nothing to do with. As you may know, Andrew was excluded from school for 3 days last week because of his shot record status. I talked to both the head of nurses and the superintendent about options which would allow Andrew to continue to go to school, while I got everything in order related to his records. They gave me a 3 day extension, which was not in any way enough. Nonetheless I made every good faith effort to correct the situation and had it taken care of by Friday. And though Andrew came to school today, having all of his shots updated, he was still not able to attend class because he did not have the documentation with him.

I was not told that he was not being allowed into class, because the office staff was too busy to talk to me, they just had Andrew call me. I told him I would be there in about an hour, as I had to feed and dress myself and babies. But I got caught up in my morning routine and forgot about the shot record until Andrew called me at 10:30. I did not realize that he was not being allowed to go to class until I met him in the office and asked if he had been waiting there the whole time. When he said yes, I was so outraged that I did not even give him a kiss and a have-a-good day. All I could say was wow. Wow. I put the paperwork on the desk and suggested to the office staff that I deserved a little bit of good faith for all my efforts and walked out the door.

Did they think that I would tell my son to lie about having gotten his shots? Did they think that the State of Texas was going to do a records check this morning and they would be busted for not maintaining files properly? Why has adherence to policy been consistently more important than my child's education? If the school district does not prioritize his education, why should I?

Because I am the parent, and I do care. That's why I have taken the time to talk to those who have the right and authority to make exceptions--as exceptions, not trying to change policy--but they pretended to be bound by unbending constraints. All the while trying to make me as a parent feel guilty for not "caring about my child's education enough" to make sure that all these technical details were taken care of. I was hurt by the disdain showed to me despite my efforts all year long to get Andrew's shots. This was the fifth time this year that I have had to take him out of school to continue the series, as you might recall. And because I care, I let go of my pride and got Andrew vaccinated again instead of the other option of submitting a conscientious objection which would have meant two more weeks of Andrew missing school. I was not going to use him or harm him to make a point like the parents of ponytail boy did. [Recent local news story of parents who refused to cut their pre-k aged son's hair according to dress code so they put it in a ponytail, making him look like a girl, but that was still not good enough for the school, they wanted it braided and the parents still wouldn't do it.] In spite of all my efforts, Andrew could not get the benefit of the doubt for a few short hours to go to class this morning.

I am in my third year of study working towards a degree in education, but I am seriously reconsidering that decision. I cannot imagine wanting to be part of a system which has such disdain for parents, and whose policies take priority over the intended goal of education for the children they are supposed to serve.

This is the reason you teachers wring your hands trying to get parents involved in their child's education. We as parents understand that we have no say in what happens in the school. Our voices are not heard, nor are we respected for the primary and vital role we have in teaching and directing the children we chose to bring into the world. As a teacher, you get attached to your students and call them your children, but they are only on loan to you with our faith and trust that your purpose is their intellectual welfare. However, the education system is set up to make us as parents respond as subjects of the school system, like peasants to a monarch rather than being democratic participants in a system designed for us and by us. I understand that teachers as well suffer frustration with all the bureaucratic constraints of curriculum and testing. This is a continuation of the root problem that our education system comes from the government and agencies down and not from the families and teachers up.

Forgive me, I am getting a little off subject. I just wanted to let you know what was going on and ask you to please help Andrew make up for the time he has missed outside of the control parents and teachers. I will be asking him about assignments he needs to make up and subjects he needs to study. Thank you for your time and effort despite all the bureaucratic discomfort you wade through on a daily basis.

Janika Skembo

I wish my husbands (ex and present) were supportive of homeschooling. I wish I was dedicated enough put in the time and effort that requires.

So crazy it’s coming out Craxy!

Aurora had an ear infection 3 weeks ago I waited and waited for her to get better 10 days, we got her in and fixed it up, but then she got a cough, one that is still hanging on.  She has coughed a phlegmy cough so much that she throws up after she runs around for just a minute and she cannot stop it.  It has been 2 weeks of this now.  I took her to the Dr yesterday.  her ear infection is gone, and she is getting over the cold but has a bit of congestion still.  Poor little 2 year old.

Last Satrday I wanted to cancel a “Saturday Boutique” that I had put together due to snow, being up most of the night(S) with Aurora and utter exaustion from not having nathan home for over a week and having just done I did my 1st “Saturday Boutique”  I should have cancelled.

My babysitter would not watch Aurora, So I decided to take all 4 of them with me.  I think one of the vendors is not talking to me anymore because of the kids!  It was very difficult, Sierra’s manners are horrible, Hailey’s lack if responsibility is infuriating, Zach was an angel  he just nicely played with the discovery toys train.  And Aurora was sick and had to just sit in the car and watch TV and if she was freed. . .she would throw tantrums!  UUUhhggh.  It was a bad week to do the event.  Traffic in was slow. and it was bitterly cold.  So next week.  I am doing it 1/2 day letting a friend take the morning, then paying her a bit and doing it in a warmer location with actual electricity and heat! =)

In the Midst of it I got suspended from my devanie@stout.org email (writing letters to my boutique vendors) account and LOST EVERYONES emails and it doesn’t look like I will be getting it back in the meantime please write me at devanie@stout.orgso I can get your email back on file.  UUUggghh!

After a beautiful long nap today Aurora would not go to bed tonight and gagged a few times.  eventually she gave up at 9:30 and ended up sleeping almost upside down in the recliner.

 

On a brighter note. . .

Nathan was praised up and down at work while he was on his trip.  He got the title “Role Model” which is the top 1% of GE employees.  He was awarded with a Technology Leadership award and plaque. And we found out that last September he hit 10 years and he was eligible for 4 WEEKS VACATION time a year! (we lost a really needed one last year~ but he will do better next time.

7 jobs 4 kids and facebook! UGh! no hubby either.

I’m taking care of sick kids and trying to run some Saturday Boutiques getting vendors in and getting places for them. Aurora have been up all night and then every 2 hours another and couching puking fussing trouble!

I’m running Saturday Boutiques

selling Cookie Lee - doing home shows now. 5 within a month(3 to go)

Squeaky shoes,

Melissa & doug Toys

Hair bows

Baptism and flower girl dresses

Tutus and pettiskirts & butterfly wings

I’m just now feeling tired. pretty much exhaused with Nathan not here and sick kids up most of the night

considering the HCG diet cuz i ranout of time to run to the gym in the AM.

Nathan left yesterday with his own list of illnesses including what we think is an ear infection (felt like his ear was bleeding on the airplane)- he gets back next Wednesday!

Sierra has been having a LONG foot soak with the babies in the tub for my sanity I’m sure!

Well it’s been just about as busy as you can ever get out here.

We were off track for 4 weeks, Back on kids in school.

Now time for Zach and Aurora, So we hit the Aerospace Museum,

   

and preschool and grocery shopping.  Zach plays trains, Aurora Plays My Little Pony and is very High Mainatanance! We watch Lazytown, MickyMouse Clubhouse, Movies, run errands, and now Zach and Aurora are sick.  it’s a cough, the prechool says they have heard of sooo mnay kids coming down with it.  Zach has missed 2 sundays and 3 days of Tue & Thurs preschool.  He even missed his Valentines Party, but we made his cards and delivered them to the school and picked up his full box of cards to keep him entertained.  We have poured medicine and honey down their throats for days.  This happend right after Aurora went off antibiotics for an ear infection ;(  I was loving the time I had away from sick babies, but I also enjoy the cuddle time I get with sick babies.

Monday night we had out WORST night EVER with sick kids  Zach and Aurora were up crying and coughin most of the night I was SOOOO tired I think it was becasue the Dr. Pepper I had earlier in the day wore off and I was ready to crash!  I was in a bad, sleepy, grumpy mood, and it got worse with every time I tried to get some sleep and could never get it cuz a kid was throwing up from flem build up, then she was fussy and tossed and turned laid on her floor then was in our bed.  Nathan decided it  wouold be better to split up Zach and Aurora so they wouldn’t keep waking eachother up the best way to to that was to let Aurora sleep with me, Zach in the recliner where is could be propped up and not cough so much and Daddy in the guest bed downstairs so someone would be ready for the day - and get some sleep. Great ids on Daddys part because I was able to sleep intil 10AM while he watched th kids from 7:30 am till I was up and running.

SHOOT JUST NOW Aurora figured out how to unlock the front door. . . .BAD NEWS! 5:14PM Feb 16th 2010.

We had a good Snow storm a week ago that the kids got in their snowsuits for so they could make a wonderful snowman.  I went out in my sunday clothes and stackud up the guy.  With church at 1PM the morning needed some good clean fun, and we were provided with SNOW.

 

Valentines Day 

 

I have been working 5 businesses at 4 locations as well as taking care of all 4 kids needs in school out of school and running places to play with them.

I have been having loads of fun. 

This week I am Pulling ALL my inventory out of 1 boutique that isn’t making me any money I keep losing $100+ a month to them so I’m moving on.  The amount of inventory is almost like moving out of a small apartment with a mini van full of kids so It will take a few loads.

 

Sierra Just had an Irish Dance Feis (fesh) Saturday that I took her to it was a long day for us.  She was cute and slightly messed up each dance causing her to not place in any event, But she will practice and do better next time.

We hosted a Superbowl party at our house  I made all the snacks and did the grocery shopping Saturday night til 11PM

I have 2 home shows this week with Cookie lee jewelry

Saturday IS MY BIG day.  I Started finding locations to hold “Saturday Boutiques” at where I invite lots of vendors (like a farmers market) to come and sell their wares.  It’s been a long fun task getting a big unique group together without getting duplicate vendors in.  http://saturdayboutiques.blogspot.com  it will be the day before Valentines and we have advertised like mad in the media online and thru emails and paper fliers.

I have to run. I need to get a piece of jewelry to a customer then to POSH to pull out of the store with Zach and Aurora

Utterly Exhausted- even after a nap day and no business but Superbowl party hostess. Sure wish Aurora would go back to sleeping thru the night. NO MORE CHOCOLATE MILK for you baby(almost3) before bed. Mommy needs SOME sleep-So does Daddy. 1st big noticeable BAG appeared under my eye yesterday. I looked OLD!

I tried to do my Disney blog from my iPhone, but it didn't work, and I have a "no make-up" policy. When I do that, it keeps me from capturing the present.

Instead I will talk about my wonderful babies. They are maturing so much. They are finally developing some distinctive traits. Anastasia is very verbal. She has started saying "Whas dat?" all the time. She wants a name for everything. She has entered parrot phase where she tends to just repeat the last couple of words of anything someone says.

We hired one of Mike's friends to professionally paint our stairwell and do some other work and he has a helper. Every time they open the door or come back in during the day, Anastasia says "hello!" Clear as a bell, bright and cheery like they have been gone for a week. Or she will say "Hi worker mans!"

Amelia's most distinctive trait is still her compulsion about music. Anything that has a beat makes her wiggle. She loves to dance and will do turns and leg lifts and a number of other indistinguishable movements that range from hip hop to ballet style. Anastasia wants me to pick her up and do ballroom with her when the music is on.

Anastasia likes to climb up on the piano bench and pat it so that I will sit next to her. Then she crawls on my lap so I will play the accompaniment for twinkle little star while I help her move her fingers to make the melody. Amelia has gotten over that and wants to make her own music.

Amelia still tends to be more willing to give up what she has for her sister, but they both want me to get a drink, snack, candy, or whatever for their sister if I give them one, and each insists on taking it to the other wherever she is.

They are both sick, but Amelia definitely gets it worse than her sister. When they were 2 months old and got RSV, it was Amelia who spent 4 days in the ICU and two in a regular room, where Anastasia had 4 days total in a regular room. They are dripping horrible mucous and nasty cough. Amelia is running a fever. When Amelia gets sick, she gets grumpy and lethargic. Anastasia gets wired and goofy.

Anastasia can open doors and leads the mischief making. Amelia is always trying to climb up my legs and wants to be with me all the time. I am absolutely not liking the terrible of these twos. They get in to stuff and love to make messes. Terrible two times two is four, right? But it is 10x as much trouble.

Still, I love my precious babies so much. I have not taken the time I need to to just play with and enjoy them, though. Time goes so much quicker when you are older. I am about to start rambling on about missed opportunities and failed self-expectation, so I will stop.

I will say, though that I auditioned for the TV show America's Got Talent last weekend. I told Mike I might not do it. I was worried that I would make it and that this is not the right time for that kind of focus. He thought it was ridiculous of me not to try. I did not have to worry about making it. About 1/3-3/4 of the people who audition are singers. It is just overflow from American Idol and people who are too young or too old for it. But the show is not looking to be American Idol. They want variety acts and such. Going in costume is the key. Having a gimmick is crucial. It was a good experience. I will be much better prepared if I decide to do it again.

My 3 year old dryer is dead. I might be able to get a repairman out here for $100, but I hate that stupid machine. It has been falling apart for many months and in not energy efficient at all.

I am going to try to commit to updating my blog every Sunday. It was pretty easy to do today because I did not have to travel with kids. We will see how well I do.