I just wanted to take this time to say "thank you" to all the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I can't say that I did a whole lot of "memorializing" today, but I realize the reason that we have this day. It is one of the things that makes this country so great. Having a family member in the Air Force makes you look at things a little different than you used to. Once again, I want to honor the men and women of our armed forces and those who have given their lives for our freedom.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Still Sick
Malachi got sick about a week and a half after Ezekiel was born. He hasn't fully recovered since then. It's been three long months of back and forth to the doctor. I took him to the doctor a week ago tomorrow with some strong allergic reactions that he hadn't had before. I had to take him back today. The wonderful doctor (Dr. R) said that he had bumps on his ear drum and was having some severe allergic reactions still. She gave us different medicines than last week (allergy and antibiotic). I hate that we're having to pump all this medicine into his body. We never did anymore than over-the-counter tylenol before Ezekiel was born. I just don't get it. We can't get any relief. Daniel is working around 40 hours a week for the Y, that doesn't include his church responsibilities. AND he usually keeps Malachi while working. I was left with 1.68 sick days after maternity leave. I have already used both of them with moving and sick children for the four weeks that I have been back at work. We're all sick and tired of being tired and sick.
And the Saga Continues...
As if we didn't have enough problems already with housing and stinky furniture, the washing machine (mom and dad's) decided to break. It left standing water all over the kitchen (anywhere from a quarter to a half an inch deep. Anyone who has been to my parent's house will know it is a good distance from the laundry room to the pantry. The water regulator broke on the washer and was continually dumping water relentlessly on the floor downstairs. It was not the way that I wanted to spend a Wednesday evening. Daniel spent about 2 hours on his hands and knees with the one gallon shop vac, vacuuming up the water. I got all the stuff off the floor downstairs and put it out on the deck. Mom and Dad came home shortly after to help go through the stuff and check out the air vents.
The damage was pretty steep. The inspector and contractor came today. When I left this morning, the house was normal (but a little wet still). When I cam home this afternoon there were ten mega dryers going downstairs along with two large dehumidifiers. Almost all of the linoleum was ripped up. We are left with subflooring and glue and an almost non-operable kitchen. Thankfully, we have a few extra washing machines laying around, but this is not the way that any of us envisioned spending our Memorial Day weekend. We have very noisy dryers and very little place for the four adults and two kids to rest comfortably and quietly.
I'm tired and ready to give up. We've had so much heartache and trouble with housing that I almost feel like a cardboard box would offer more. Not really, I'm just a tired working mother of two who just wants to have a comfortable place to raise her family and leave lots of space for the grandparents, too.
The damage was pretty steep. The inspector and contractor came today. When I left this morning, the house was normal (but a little wet still). When I cam home this afternoon there were ten mega dryers going downstairs along with two large dehumidifiers. Almost all of the linoleum was ripped up. We are left with subflooring and glue and an almost non-operable kitchen. Thankfully, we have a few extra washing machines laying around, but this is not the way that any of us envisioned spending our Memorial Day weekend. We have very noisy dryers and very little place for the four adults and two kids to rest comfortably and quietly.
I'm tired and ready to give up. We've had so much heartache and trouble with housing that I almost feel like a cardboard box would offer more. Not really, I'm just a tired working mother of two who just wants to have a comfortable place to raise her family and leave lots of space for the grandparents, too.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Why?
Why does our school system have us administer EOGs and then try to have class afterward?
Why do they think that middle schoolers can handle that much silent testing and still operate in a school setting?
Why does my baby want to sleep all day long and hate to sleep on his back?
Why did my toddler poop in the bathtub for the first time this evening?
Why did the apartment we tried to move into have to stink so badly that we are continually trying to get the smell out of all the furniture?
Why does my dog insist on going to the neighbor's house every single time she goes outside now?
Why does my Heavenly Father have so much love for me that he has blessed me with so much joy and happiness just within my precious family?
Why do they think that middle schoolers can handle that much silent testing and still operate in a school setting?
Why does my baby want to sleep all day long and hate to sleep on his back?
Why did my toddler poop in the bathtub for the first time this evening?
Why did the apartment we tried to move into have to stink so badly that we are continually trying to get the smell out of all the furniture?
Why does my dog insist on going to the neighbor's house every single time she goes outside now?
Why does my Heavenly Father have so much love for me that he has blessed me with so much joy and happiness just within my precious family?
"Ny-ny" at 9am
Saturday, Malachi though it would be fun to climb up (with help) on Grammy and Grandpa's bed and go "Ny-ny" with their pillows and blanket at 9am.
"Cheese"
"I'm so cute!"
Let's include Z!
Brothers are the coolest!
The two cutest boys in the world!
"Tat" - half the reason that Malachi goes in the bedroom even though he won't touch the cat
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Ezekiel's first "first"
Ezekiel's first "first" has taken place. He can now roll over from his back to his side. He did it once on Thursday and a few times today. Way to go little boy! There are many more great moments to come!
Malachi-isms
"Ta-ta" - tattoo (like his Foster's Grill temporary one)
"Bee-beep" - beep, beep (from his V-tech bicycle)
"tee" - please (huge grin on his face)
"bop" - his pacifier
"eeeewwwww" - diaper when full (his or Ezekiel's)
"Bee-beep" - beep, beep (from his V-tech bicycle)
"tee" - please (huge grin on his face)
"bop" - his pacifier
"eeeewwwww" - diaper when full (his or Ezekiel's)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Ezekiel is 12 weeks old and will be three months on Monday. He goes for his first portrait session Wednesday. He is smiling more and cries a lot less than he used to. He wants to sit up and look around. The past few days, when going to the store, I have put him in the Baby Bjorn that Lesli is letting me borrow. Ezekiel loves it! He hates being on his back, but he loves his tummy and sitting up.
These were shoes given to Malachi sometime last year by Grammy. She saw them on sale (less than $2 at Old Navy) and couldn't resist. Daniel calls them Malachi's "grandpa" shoes, because they remind him of the shoes that his late Grandpa Howard used to wear. They are still a little big for him, but he likes them. We finally had to put the Spiderman shoes to rest. They were too small. Ezekiel will get use out of them in about a year.
These were shoes given to Malachi sometime last year by Grammy. She saw them on sale (less than $2 at Old Navy) and couldn't resist. Daniel calls them Malachi's "grandpa" shoes, because they remind him of the shoes that his late Grandpa Howard used to wear. They are still a little big for him, but he likes them. We finally had to put the Spiderman shoes to rest. They were too small. Ezekiel will get use out of them in about a year.
Happy Belated Mother's Day
I want to wish all you mothers a Happy Belated Mother's Day. I know it was this past Sunday, but with all the drama we have had lately, this is the first chance that I am not falling asleep mid-thought in the evening. Daniel and I have been running ragged this week. We're both pretty close to near exhaustion, but anyways.
My Mother's Day was the day of church (teach Kids' World, tear down equipment from church, home for a quick lunch), and then it was to Lowe's to get stuff for the apartment which I spoke of earlier being a nightmare. So, I moved and had a party with roaches for my Mother's Day. Not an ideal situation, but it is very bearable with a great Savior and wonderful family (especially my three boys). I was able to capture a picture of me with my sons. It is funny to think that this was only my second Mother's Day. I had one child on my first and two on my second. Weird, huh? It seems like an eternity since last year. Malachi has changed so much, and Ezekiel has brought so much added joy to our lives. I can't imagine life without either of them. They are so precious to me.
My Mother's Day was the day of church (teach Kids' World, tear down equipment from church, home for a quick lunch), and then it was to Lowe's to get stuff for the apartment which I spoke of earlier being a nightmare. So, I moved and had a party with roaches for my Mother's Day. Not an ideal situation, but it is very bearable with a great Savior and wonderful family (especially my three boys). I was able to capture a picture of me with my sons. It is funny to think that this was only my second Mother's Day. I had one child on my first and two on my second. Weird, huh? It seems like an eternity since last year. Malachi has changed so much, and Ezekiel has brought so much added joy to our lives. I can't imagine life without either of them. They are so precious to me.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Malachi-isms
"Zee-a" Z or Ezekiel
"Tea-a" sweet tea or tea
He knows most of his body parts and most of his clothing items. He also knows many animals and will repeat just about anything that we say.
He hates to be ignored. If he talks to you, and you don't listen, he will keep on repeating whatever he said until you acknowledge him. Once you repeat what he said or say "yes," he will stop repeating his word.
"Tea-a" sweet tea or tea
He knows most of his body parts and most of his clothing items. He also knows many animals and will repeat just about anything that we say.
He hates to be ignored. If he talks to you, and you don't listen, he will keep on repeating whatever he said until you acknowledge him. Once you repeat what he said or say "yes," he will stop repeating his word.
Party of Eight (or more)
Ok. So we weren't planning on having a party of eight of more in our bedroom at 2-3am on Monday morning. It all begins like this...
We thought we got the roach problem under control in the apartment and did most of the moving Sunday evening. We brought most of the stuff to the apartment late Sunday night. I finally crawled into bed a little after midnight. It would be a little farther to work, and items are all over the place, so I was planning on getting up around 5 or 5:30am. I did not sleep well at all, and at about 2:15am, I got up to go pee. At that time I saw two roaches on the wall by our bed. As I sat and watched, I saw one crawl across my alarm clock. I saw at least six all around the upstairs in a matter of minutes. I was keeping my eyes on Ezekiel in his crib. After waking Daniel up, I saw one on his crib. We then put both the boys in the car. I didn't even grab diapers/diaper bags and headed back to my parents. There was a party of eight or more in our bedroom and no one was invited.
They (Grammy & Grandpa) had the extra crib set up by the time we got there. Daniel and I climbed into the guest bed while Ezekiel went back in the bassinet that has become too small for him.
The company we are renting from is trying to make it right and has promised us a bug-free apartment by the beginning of June. We're bummed and stressed at all the moving and moving back. We're happy to be in a better place, though.
I didn't go to work yesterday. I would be going on about 4 hours of sleep. That's not possible. So, I stayed home. Needless to say, the four adults didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night, and three of them had to go to work.
We thought we got the roach problem under control in the apartment and did most of the moving Sunday evening. We brought most of the stuff to the apartment late Sunday night. I finally crawled into bed a little after midnight. It would be a little farther to work, and items are all over the place, so I was planning on getting up around 5 or 5:30am. I did not sleep well at all, and at about 2:15am, I got up to go pee. At that time I saw two roaches on the wall by our bed. As I sat and watched, I saw one crawl across my alarm clock. I saw at least six all around the upstairs in a matter of minutes. I was keeping my eyes on Ezekiel in his crib. After waking Daniel up, I saw one on his crib. We then put both the boys in the car. I didn't even grab diapers/diaper bags and headed back to my parents. There was a party of eight or more in our bedroom and no one was invited.
They (Grammy & Grandpa) had the extra crib set up by the time we got there. Daniel and I climbed into the guest bed while Ezekiel went back in the bassinet that has become too small for him.
The company we are renting from is trying to make it right and has promised us a bug-free apartment by the beginning of June. We're bummed and stressed at all the moving and moving back. We're happy to be in a better place, though.
I didn't go to work yesterday. I would be going on about 4 hours of sleep. That's not possible. So, I stayed home. Needless to say, the four adults didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night, and three of them had to go to work.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Thanks Aunt Erin
These two pictures were taken two weeks ago by Aunt Erin while the family was visiting. I love her camera! I'll have to get one of those when I'm tired of my new one. Aren't these the two most precious boys that you have ever seen?
First Sentence...sort of
Malachi (MJ): [pointing at the lawnmower] "mow-mow"
Momma: "That's right. It's the lawnmower."
MJ: "hep" --- meaning 'I help with it'
Momma: "Yes, you help with the lawnmower."
MJ: "Paw-Paw" --- meaning 'Grandpa'
Momma: "Yes, Malachi, you help Grandpa with the lawnmower!"
This was said to me while Malachi was playing in the garage, and I was feeding Ezekiel on Monday and Tuesday after school. I think this means that he is on the verge of speaking in sentences.
Momma: "That's right. It's the lawnmower."
MJ: "hep" --- meaning 'I help with it'
Momma: "Yes, you help with the lawnmower."
MJ: "Paw-Paw" --- meaning 'Grandpa'
Momma: "Yes, Malachi, you help Grandpa with the lawnmower!"
This was said to me while Malachi was playing in the garage, and I was feeding Ezekiel on Monday and Tuesday after school. I think this means that he is on the verge of speaking in sentences.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Somebody decided that he wanted to wear my shirt while he was playing around in the garage. Isn't he cute?!?
Saturday, Carriage Downs held their spring time neighborhood yard sale. Daniel and I set out a few items to try to make some extra cash, since we wouldn't have room in the new apartment. I left grandma with a sleeping Ezekiel. Malachi and I headed out in the rain to try to find a few bargains. I got a cute blue lamp for the boys' room for $1! I also got a small chest that needs some paint and new hardware for $7. They were originally asking $20. I think we will use it for a microwave cart in order to maximize counter space in the kitchen. Malachi had fun taking all my shoes from their proper place and putting them in the drawers. I had to go searching for some flip-flops this evening. how fun!
Saturday, Carriage Downs held their spring time neighborhood yard sale. Daniel and I set out a few items to try to make some extra cash, since we wouldn't have room in the new apartment. I left grandma with a sleeping Ezekiel. Malachi and I headed out in the rain to try to find a few bargains. I got a cute blue lamp for the boys' room for $1! I also got a small chest that needs some paint and new hardware for $7. They were originally asking $20. I think we will use it for a microwave cart in order to maximize counter space in the kitchen. Malachi had fun taking all my shoes from their proper place and putting them in the drawers. I had to go searching for some flip-flops this evening. how fun!
Moving time has come
We are planning on moving this weekend. The company replaced the carpet. There are much fewer roaches, and our great bug guy is going to bomb and spray tomorrow. All we'll have to do after that is scrub the kitchen cabinets and floor and vacuum the carpet downstairs. The upstairs is pretty much ready to go. It'll be a tight squeeze to put Ezekiel in our room for a little while, but we'll mange for a few months until he sleeps through the night. We're ready to move!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Dear Ezekiel,
I can't imagine life without you, Ezekiel. You have only been with us 10 weeks, but it has seemed like a lifetime. I clearly remember the times before you came, but they seem so far away. I love having you in our lives. Your personality is slowly starting to emerge. Aunt Erin got your smile on camera this weekend, and I actually caught one today. You smile most often in the mornings after your long night siesta, but you have been doing it some if you get a long nap in the afternoon. You took a 3 hour nap this afternoon and were much happier afterwards.
Your smile is usually accompanied by arms in the up position by your head. You have already hit yourself in the head a few times, but you will start to get a hang of what those arms are for later. You are really doing well at holding your head up and are trying to do in more and more. You sleep like a champ and nurse much better than your brother ever did. You eat and are done. I like that. It helps me get more sleep and be in a better mood to hang out with you. You love to be held, though, and won't sleep on your back at all unless the car is moving. When we stop, you wake up. You still sleep a lot and don't smile as often and like to be held, but it is all in good moderation. Your brother isn't too bothered by it either. He loves to give you hugs and kisses, and so do I!!!
I can't imagine life without you and don't want to either. You have been a wonderful blessing to this family, and I truly cannot wait to see what kind of little boy you will become. God has given us so much to be thankful for!
Your smile is usually accompanied by arms in the up position by your head. You have already hit yourself in the head a few times, but you will start to get a hang of what those arms are for later. You are really doing well at holding your head up and are trying to do in more and more. You sleep like a champ and nurse much better than your brother ever did. You eat and are done. I like that. It helps me get more sleep and be in a better mood to hang out with you. You love to be held, though, and won't sleep on your back at all unless the car is moving. When we stop, you wake up. You still sleep a lot and don't smile as often and like to be held, but it is all in good moderation. Your brother isn't too bothered by it either. He loves to give you hugs and kisses, and so do I!!!
I can't imagine life without you and don't want to either. You have been a wonderful blessing to this family, and I truly cannot wait to see what kind of little boy you will become. God has given us so much to be thankful for!
Dear Malachi,
I have been totally and completely impressed at how well you have made the transition from being the one and only son, to having to share the spotlight. Very rarely do you act jealous, and you have rarely reverted back to younger behavior. You have continued to add many words to your vocabulary. Just today, when you saw a picture of your Uncle Josh, you said, "Un Ja." I didn't even prompt you. You remembered who he was just from some pictures and a very short visit this weekend. You had a blast with your two cousins (Callie and Avery). I hope that we can have a chance to visit more this summer and play with them. I think that you would rather play with bigger kids than younger ones, but you still do pretty well with Avery and Kyla (born 2 days apart last Feb.).
Each day is an adventure with you. I am looking forward to spending more time with you this summer. I will have to admit, when I first realized that I was pregnant with your brother, I was a little disappointed. Only because I was so looking forward to spending time with my 2 year old who would be able to talk some, but now I can't imagine life without Ezekiel here. He is one of your favorite people. Many times you look forward to seeing Z more than seeing your Momma, and that's ok.
You are a blessing from God, Malachi James, and I really cannot imagine life without you in it. You bring so much joy to our lives. Thanks for being the incredible son that you are.
Not yet
Well, the plan was to move into an apartment today. I took a half day at work, and we had Great-Grandma Carol come watch Ezekiel at the house, and to help "watch" Malachi while he was down for his nice 3 hour nap. The only problem (oh, wait, there's more than one) is that the place is roach infested and the carpet upstairs smells strongly of urine. The wallpaper is not replaced yet, either. David had helped me take over a few boxes last night. Pastor Craig was helping us move today. Only when Daniel and P. Craig arrived at the apartment, they were greeted by hundreds of visitors and their droppings. The even bigger problem: Daniel is very much allergic to roaches.
Now we are wondering if we misunderstood God. It might still be early enough to get out of the lease. It's time for some serious prayer. We appreciate all my parents have done for us, but I think we all are getting a little tired of each other. I just want to make sure that we are not rushing into something that isn't God's will. Please pray that we will make the right decision. We'll keep you posted!
Now we are wondering if we misunderstood God. It might still be early enough to get out of the lease. It's time for some serious prayer. We appreciate all my parents have done for us, but I think we all are getting a little tired of each other. I just want to make sure that we are not rushing into something that isn't God's will. Please pray that we will make the right decision. We'll keep you posted!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)