Sunday Updates

It's been quite a week or two or three!

This weekend one of J's cousins came to visit. Hair Fairy was delightful. I really, really, really enjoyed having her here. Two days was wayyyy too short. Hair Fairy is about 12 years younger than J so it's not like they really grew up together. This was a great opportunity to get to know each other. We are extremely proud of Hair Fairy. She has strength of character, is hard working, smart, driven, and self-aware enough to know when to end a bad thing. Can't wait for her to return!

J started a new job. He's really excited about it. I am thrilled to see my husband so happy. It's a lot of work as he is tasked with bringing about a lot of change. That man has plans though.

With J returning to church staff, I return to being a single mom on Sunday mornings. I suck at getting me and the kids ready on time to go to church on time. It also means I have to either schlep the kids at 6:30 am on a Sunday morning across town to drop J off at church so I can have the car, or the kids and I have to take a couple buses to get to service. Sigh deeply.

Mini Me has been a CHALLENGE!!! The meth affects from when her birth mother was pregnant with her are front and center lately. Fortunately, she has a great support group of teachers and principal. We hit the jackpot in this school.

Speaking of school...I'm in the middle of recruiting season. I've been working ten hour days, coming home after swim practice, spending time with the family then working another three or four hours after the kids go to bed. Hopefully, we can knock out some interviews, current families will register for next year, and we will have full classes in two months so I can breathe again. But realistically it won't all get finalized and figured out until June then in August we have a mass exodus when everyone has to pay tuition and then it's crazy until school starts. Sadly, from talking my admissions director counterparts at other schools, I know this happens to most schools.

Motor Mouth has been kicking ass at swimming. He has done so well!!!! I should call him Midas because every race turns to gold!!! So proud of him. So proud.

If you made it this far, you deserve to get this gem: I changed my voicemail message to tell callers to just text me!

And I know it says Sunday Updates but it's Monday. Oh well. 

Public Service Announcement

This knowledge should make any meeting, school function, event much more...doable.

Hold Tight & Pretend It's a Plan

For the last two years we have been on a Hellish ride. 

In the fall of 2010, we thought we had a ticket to a sunny destination. We were coasting into the station but then instead of the train stopping at our sunny vacation destination, it picked up speed the following spring and began racing down the tracks. The train made a sharp turn into a dark, suffocating abyss that fall. Each time we tried to open a window to get some fresh air, it was slammed shut on our fingers. The pain excruciating. 

At times we just wanted to get off the runaway train. Jumping off to a certain death seemed more promising than staying on the ride through Hell. 

The train angled sharply downward last spring. And even more so a few weeks later in the summer. With each angling, the car we were on jerked our bodies, causing us to grip even tighter to what we knew - each other.

We tried to maintain the passenger car experience for our children even though we were really riding in the cattle car for almost a year. J used his skills, talents, and sheer determination to paint beautiful scenery on the windows for our kids. 

Once in awhile they would see the darkness. We told them it was night time and held them closer to our chests. I don't think they knew just how dark and deep the abyss on the other side of the glass really was. Children should be able to be children. They shouldn't have to worry about grown up things. 

Towards the end of last summer, the train whistle sounded. It felt like the train had begun to slow down a bit. It felt like it was pulling into a station. It did pull in. New people got on. The train started its dark, bumpy ride again. A little smoother this time. 

Along the ride, there had been people who rode in the car with us. They helped us to remember what it felt like to have the sunshine beam down on our faces. They gave us a reprieve from the all encompassing fear. 

In late fall, we heard that there might be another train station coming around the corner. We really, really, really wanted this to be the station that meant  we could finally get off the hellish train ride. But we didn't dare to look ahead. Too many times before, we thought we saw the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Only for it to be a mirage. A jolt that threw us down an even steeper slope. No, don't look. No, don't hope. 

This month, we pulled into the station. We haven't gotten off the train yet. There's a lot of our baggage on the train. The station is underground. It's going to take a bit to get back up to the surface. 

We feel safer at this station than we have anywhere else for over two years. Maybe by the time summer comes, we will be back above ground where we can feel the sun shine on us once again. 

Maybe. Just maybe. This time. Maybe this time. 

Whatever, Dude!

On the left, I am sitting on the couch, taking a self portrait. On the right, J is taking a photo of me taking a photo of myself. Very. Funny. ;-)

Shy Girl Rules

See this girl? This shy little girl still lives inside me.

She is the one that was too shy to talk to her classmates (that she had known for 1-2 years!) the first two weeks of first grade. She is the one that was too shy to take swim lessons at age six.

This is the shy girl that could do no more than whisper to sales clerks in the mall. She's the one that wouldn't go to high school if she didn't have a ride or someone to walk with her.

This is the same shy girl that I fight against when I give school tours, and return phone calls, and just walk down the street.

This shy girl doubts that I will continue to have double digit enrollment for the fourth year in a row. She doubts that I will have sufficient volunteers and attendees for my big event coming up.

I don't always like this girl. She has a way of holding me back in life. But she has spunk and knows how to have fun so I keep her around.

Sunday Random

I need to do Sunday Randoms more often. Quick updates on my week and what is on the agenda.

Reading
I'm reading three books right now. I don't really have time to read one but well, it is what I do. I'm excited about all three of them. One of the books is for middle school students. It's a great book. Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner. Then there is Best Friends, Worst Enemies that I am reading for a Book Talk at the school. Finally, my Bestie, Usher, read Cloud Atlas and wants me to read it so we can discuss it.

Changes
There may be some big changes to our family coming in the next few weeks and months. I'm cautiously optimistic. It would be huge for our family if this comes to pass. Huge. We could really use a huge change like this right now.

Work
It's the thick of the admissions process. I'm looking forward to this season. But I'm scared too. I've had about 25-35% increases in admissions numbers for the last three years. Each year, I keep thinking that this is the year that the double-digit increases stop and I no longer look like a shining star.

More than the numbers is the heart wrenching. I get to know these families. I believe that we have a great school that would serve many students well. So when financing or something falls through, I am crushed. This is the start of an eight month emotional journey for me.

Bike
I have this great new bike that I want to ride!!! My back went out right after I got the bike. It's finally at a point where I can do a test ride but now it is REALLY getting cold out. I just want to ride it around the block. Hello!!!

Easy Updating
I have been using the email update feature. Love it!!! Wish I had started it a long time ago. Makes it so easy to add a photo and a blog post. Love, love, love!

I should go to bed now. Well, I should have gone to bed an hour ago. Yikes!

One of THOSE parents

I'm becoming one of those parents that records their kid's race times and is planning for the next phase of their swim career.

Motor Mouth started swim team three years ago because the Learn to Swim instructor saw something in him and said he should be on swim team. About 30 gold, silver and bronze medals later, our boy is one of the fastest in his age group in the league. WoW!!!

Motor Mouth has worked hard and has earned every medal. He practices for 10-12 hours/week. He has a great attitude and is considerate of others on his team. He doesn't see other kids as his competition - he's there to have fun and hang out with kids his age.

I like the sport of swimming. It's not something I ever got into or know about but it's a good sport. Great cardio, low impact, life-long sport, less chance of breaking a limb than basketball or football.

We would like to see how far Motor Mouth can go with swimming. It could determine which high school he attends and it could get him a scholarship to university. It's amazing how young some of these decisions have to be made. I guarantee you that if Motor Mouth was not where he is right now - like if he was only now getting into it or he was not racing in the fastest heats at meets, he would not have a chance at future swim success. The competition from here on out only gets tougher.

We are excited to see what Motor Mouth can accomplish in the next few years. We also want him to continue to love the sport and to have a great time practicing and competing. Ultimately, of it's not fun, it's not worth it.

Fashionista

Mini Me wants to be a doctor but she just might have a career in the fashion industry. She made this outfit using her pajama pants. No cutting necessary.

Family Movie Night

All four of us cuddled up on our sofa to enjoy Charlotte's Web. Our treat was candy canes.

We caught Charlotte's Web as part of Showtime's free weekend. How is it possible we don't have this classic in our movie repertoire???

After Charlotte's Web, Mini Me took off for the play room (Motor Mouth's bedroom) and J left the sofa in favor of his chair. Motor Mouth and I cuddled and watched Real Steel with Hugh Jackman.

New Fish

We have new members in our family. Fish!!! Real living fish that live in Widney Loft.

I wasn't so keen on the fish idea at first. Motor Mouth REALLY wanted a fish tank. Mini Me got in on it. J thought it was a great idea and ran with it.

I remember my brother having an aquarium when we were kids. I remember it being nice and took work to keep the tank clean. I didn't want to end up having to feed fish every day when the kids forgot. Our lives were full enough.

But with the fish, much like adding a new family member, you don't realize how much you missed having them in your life until they come on the scene.

J is running with this one. He and Motor Mouth know all about the fish. The kids named the fish in their tank: Oney, Twoey, Threey, Speeder, and Nomeo and Juliet Group. But Divey and Cathy are "swimming with the fishes" in Lake Michigan.

The kids have been great taking turns sleeping next to the tank in Motor Mouth's room, feeding in the morning, monitoring for the health of the fish. They make sure to say goodbye to the fish when they leave for school and they greet the fish when they get home at night.

We found the kid's tank so calming and peaceful that we added a tank to the living room. It's a beautiful addition. Can't believe we didn't do it before!!!

We have two new fish in the living room that I got to name. I named them after my best friend, Usher, and our newly acquired family member, King. Usher and King are like the fish - we didn't realize how much we needed them in our lives until they arrived on the scene. The other three fish are named after my three siblings. It would be really awkward if any of my sibling fish...perish...

Daily Pics - Glasses

I am still taking daily pics of myself and sending to my bestie, Usher. He looks forward to it and texts when I don't send a pic. This is so much fun and yet so silly.

Top left - Gangsta style!

J picked out these glasses for me. I have to say, they bring a LOT of unexpected attention. I have had crazy attention. As in, if I were single, I'd have a date every night. 

Celebrating Mediocrity

Mini Me is on a swim team. Last weekend, she had a swim meet. She was awarded a sixth and seventh place ribbon.

Really? Why do we have to celebrate when kids lose? First, second, and third has been the norm. Why do we have to make kids feel like they are winners when they lost the race. By a LOT?

I played a lot of sports as a child. I knew I had to work hard to get in the top three. So when I earned my first place ribbons I knew I had truly accomplished a feat. I remember winning in high jump and then having to jump over and over to see if I could beat the city record. Almost but I didn't. But it gave me a goal to strive towards.

What does getting a sixth place ribbon tell my daughter? It tells her that she doesn't have to swim hard and fast to get a medal and that the half assed attempts she made on Saturday are good enough to get a ribbon. I saw her swimming. She was coasting. I want my kids to work hard and get rewarded for their efforts, not coddled. Let them have real goals to work towards.

Sports are supposed to teach kids about the value of hard work. Don't devalue the lesson by dumbing it down.

Crochet Hat Project

I totally need to make this hysterical little hat for someone's baby.

Skeleton Gift

Mini Me LOVES anything medical. I really need to make this for her birthday in March.

Hmmm....Maybe a medical themed birthday...? Wait. No. I don't need a bunch of 7 year olds playing doctor on my watch! LoL!

Cute Elf

I think Mini Me looks adorably cute here in the hat and scarf I made for her this year. And like an elf.

Ma Familia

I can't believe this photo was taken just one year ago!!! The little kids have grown so much since then.

This photos has my two kids, my oldest brother's five kids and my youngest brother's little daughter. It represents the first time all the grand kids on this side of the family were together at once.

Christmas Race

It's a new tradition. Started last year when these decorations went up at the school where I am in admissions.

My co-worker (a teacher) and I are both 5'9". These decorations hang down to about 8 feet. Sporty Girl and I race each other to see who can slap the most the fastest....

Don't worry, we make sure no students are around.

Sporty Girl kills me each year.

Photo Bomb

MooMoo and MeeMee took down the kids' pics and Mini Me's artwork. Naughty cows!!!

I've Been Busy!

I made five hat and scarf sets in the last month. The first set I made is pictured under Husband Hat and Husband Scarf. They were all Christmas Gifts for the people I love.

Gingerbread House

That MooMoo & MeeMee!!! We awoke to this mess. My sweet children worked so hard to build these.

The Naughty Little Cows broke the gingerbread houses. Sigh deeply.

A King in Our Midst

Last month, one of the other swim moms told me that one of our kids' swim coaches, who is studying to be a paramedic, was writing his papers and doing his school work on his iPhone because he did not have a computer. I talked to J about it. We decided to let him come over to use the kids' computer. 

Within a week, King had become a part of our family. He ate dinner at our home, slept over when he studied into the wee hours of the morning, was a regular fixture. King tried to teach the kids and me how to dance. That didn't go so well. But the three of us had fun dancing with King. 

One time, J and I scared King SO bad! J and I hid outside the bathroom and jumped out at King. We got him GOOD. There is a video on my YouTube if you want to see. It shows his reaction afterwards. And a second scare...Bahahahaha!

King is hysterically funny. J and I have gone to bed with sore stomach muscles from laughing so hard. J doesn't like playing games with me b/c I'm so strategic and competitive - J plays for fun. King is competitive as well. I enjoy beating the pants off my formative opponent. 

It's been fun helping King with his paramedic work. J and I were both used as testers for his IV skills. 

We all have friends but very rarely does someone come into your home and really becomes family.

Restroom Break

What do you do while waiting for your kid to finish their bizness in a public restroom?

Me...? I DANCE!!!

Gingerbread Houses!

Moo Moo and Mee Mee brought Gingerbread houses for the kiddos!!! It's a tradition.

I'm really glad that Santa sent Mee Mee from his Christmas Farm at the North Pole. Mee Mee is just wonderful to have with us. It's like our family is finally complete with a Christmas Cow for each child. Good job, Santa!

Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows

Moo Moo and Mee Mee brought hot chocolate and marshmallows for Motor Mouth and Mini Me!!!

Bring Your Cow to Work Day

Moo Moo and Mee Mee hid in my big bag. They got to school before I found them. We had a great day. The office ladies enjoyed seeing Moo Moo again and listening to them sing.

Baggage

Moo Moo and Mee Mee tried to go to school with the kids.

Caught in the act!

Place of Comfort

Where do you feel warmest and safest in your home? Do you have a place you can go to that is comfortable and feels like "home," or your "sanctuary" in your home?

For most of my life, our family "rec room" in our basement was that place for me. When I think back to the room, it seemed huge. Multiple big sofas, a big TV, stereo system, a table, more chairs. Brown wood panelling until we wall papered over that in later years. (We are talking the 70's, 80's & 90's.)

This is the room where I used to watch TV, do my homework, entertain my friends. Many of my birthday parties were held there. Bridal and baby showers for friends and family were held in our rec room.

It's the place where my dad would listen to his music and I would stand on his feet, dancing. My dad found solace here as well.

My family gathered there after Mom's fabulous dinners on holidays to watch the Ten Commandments and Sound of Music. We also are known to gather to watch Young & The Restless (even the boys).

It's where I spent much of my rehab time after a car incident. And where I would watch the game with my uncles instead of cooking in the kitchen with the women.

So many great memories of our rec room. No pics. Just great memories.

Widney Woman Birthday 2012

My wonderful husband and kids made my birthday sweet and wonderful! I was content to let the day slide by but J reminded me that we celebrate our birthdays for our kids - not us. LOL!

J and the kids gave me beautiful flowers. Love the flowers, love the kids! Mini Me helped pick these out.

Each year, I like to go to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the baby chicks as they hatch. They share the same birthday as me!

My favorite cake from Whole Foods...Yummy!!! Mini Me INSISTED I have a candle. But we only had leftover candles from their birthdays. So....I turned 5 on my last birthday! LOL

It was great to see the Annual Christmas tree. The museum always has trees from various countries. We searched and searched and finally found the Canada tree. 

And then, after the kids went to bed, J surprised me by watching my three favorite movies with me!

It was an amazing birthday. Sweet and simple. Filled with a lot of love.

Strep Rash

Strep Throat + Rash = Strep Rash
AKA Scarlet Fever
Treatment: Antibiotics and Patience

I was sick for several days with a REALLY sore throat. Knives. I knew what it was but hoped beyond hope that I was wrong. Sadly, it was, in fact, strep throat.

Normally, it's not a big deal for me. Go to the doctor, get meds, done. But we, like so many other hard-working people in America that work over 40 hrs/wk, do not have medical insurance. Sadly, it boils down to a choice between going to the urgent care for $140 cash plus the cost of testing and $75 for an antibiotic or getting your kids' Christmas presents and risk getting complications that could affect your heart.

We got lucky. I got antibiotics. Rash and symptoms gone. Hmmm...ObamaCare doesn't seem so bad after all....

Husband Scarf

I made a scarf for my husband that is long, thick, warm, and EASY to make!!!

Husband Scarf Crochet Pattern - Free!

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky, 6 oz, 106 yards
Color: 149 Charcoal
Balls of Yarn: 3.5
Needle: I-5.50mm & N-9.00mm

Husband Comments: I love this scarf because it is long. Most scarves are not long enough.


Husband Scarf Pattern:
Row 1: With N hook, Chain 275, Chain 3, turn (it's REALLY long. You could stop at 225 for an adult or 175 chains for a child.) Chaining with a larger, looser hook prevents the scarf from curving - keeps it straight b/c the first row of chain tends to be tighter.

Row 2: With I hook, Use the Chain 3 as the first double crochet. Double crochet in next stitch (front loop), then double crochet until end of row, chain 3, turn.

Row 3: Double crochet in next stitch. Chain 2. Double crochet in next 2 stitches. Repeat to end of row. Chain 3. Turn. (This added a simple design element - see close up photo.)

Row 4: Double crochet in first 2 stitches. Double crochet in the space. repeat to end of row.

Rows 5-8: Double crochet in each stitch (2 loops) to end of row. Chain 2. Turn.

Row 9: Double crochet in each stitch to end of row. Slip stitch to end. Cut end and thread through.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!

  

Modification One:
For my son who has a gray and orange coat, I chained Row 1, did 3 Double crochet rows, then did Row 3 as above, followed by another 3 rows. Then I chain stitched orange thread and passed through the loops (as in Row 3 above). At the ends, I wrapped around the edge and threaded through.

Modification Two:
For my daughter who is just six years old, I skipped Row 3 (as above) and only did 6 rows. I also added 3 crochet flowers.

Modification Three:
My husband wanted another scarf that was thinner. I skipped Row 3 and just did a total of 6 rows and used a lighter weight yarn. The effect is a "dressy" scarf instead of a warm weather scarf.

Moo Moo & Mee Mee Hanging High

Kids woke up this morning to Moo Moo and Mee Mee hanging off light fixtures 8 ft in the air!

Don't these crazy cows realize how dangerous that is???!!!

Moo Moo & Mee Mee Hiding High

The kids couldn't find Moo Moo and Mee Mee today! Bahahahaha!!!

They looked EVERYWHERE. Mini Me asked if I put the cows in the fridge b/c if I did, we'd get milk!

Office Pic A Day

Each day, I take a pic of myself at work and send it to my best friend, Usher. I also send the same pic to J.

I'm not sure why I started doing it. But now it's just this fun thing I do at the office now. And one can never have too many self pics of oneself.

Mini Practice

Mini Me has been having a hard time staying seated during rug time and not being patient to raise her hand and wait for teacher response.

I should mention her school does NOT require the kids to sit perfectly in rows and rows of desks. They work at tables in a community environment and can stand or sit when completing desk work.

To help Mini Me, J taped a square on our living room rug. This is where Mini Me now does her homework. If she has a question during homework time, she has to raise her hand. Sometimes, she has to wait a minute or two if I'm working on a tough math concept with Motor Mouth.

Her teachers report that it's working in class!!!

Each day we get a good school behavior report, Mini Me gets a check mark. Ten check marks and I will teach her to either crochet or sew.

Moo Moo & Mee Mee Wii

Seems Moo Moo & Mee Mee were playing Wii while we were at school. When Motor Mouth found them, he checked the Wii to see what game they were playing (Family Game Night).

Moo Moo & Mee Mee Cookie Caper

Moo Moo and Mee Mee got into King's cookies overnight!!!

In the morning, when Motor Mouth and Mini Me discovered the smashed cookies, Motor Mouth asked if they could have the "leftovers."

Moo Moo & Mee Mee 2012

Moo Moo is back in town!

Some people have an Elf on the Shelf. We have Moo Moo the Christmas Cow!

This year, Santa sent Mee Mee, Moo Moo's sister.

Race Change

I was digging through old photos for a school project Mini Me had. A friend of ours was over and flipped through with me.

When he came to the top photo, he asked who the "Arab" family was. I told him it was me and my older siblings. When he got to the bottom photo, he asked how it was possible for us all to change race to become "Spanish."

Never really looked at it like that. But he kinda has a point....

Hip Play Time

It's what besties do.

It's Worth It

I LOVE my job!!! That said, sometimes my job as an admissions and marketing director can be frustrating, heart-breaking and thankless. There are times when I work really hard for a family to attend our school and it just doesn't happen.

The other day, one of our students gave me this drawing. This makes it all worth it.

Ready for Swim Meet!

My kids work really hard at swimming. 2 hours/day, 4-5 days/week. They swim, do their homework and don't complain. They LOVE swimming and get mad when they can't go to practice.

All ready for their first swim meet of the year!!!

One of These Days

One of these days, I'm going to have enough time to blog. Right now, my days are consumed with work, taking our kids to swim practice, family dinners, hours spent helping my kids with their home work, musical instrument practice, therapy, and reading before they get ready for bed. This year, we have had to extend bed time by an hour to get it all fit in each evening. By the time I'm done that, I am exhausted. Blogging is not high on my priority list. But I really enjoy it so I should make more time for it. And make more time for reading, yoga, and time with my dearly beloved.

National Adoption Month 2012

Today begins National Adoption Month.

I encourage you to read Our Adoption Story posts (see link above).