I am so excited!! Our Lenten Mission this year will be given by Fr. Kevin Barrett. Fr. Kevin is an International Chaplain for the Apostolate for Family Consecration. This apostolate was founded by Jerome and Gwen Coniker.
To begin with, here is a little "fact sheet" about this lay movement. The mission is , basically, to consecrate families to the Holy Family.
I encourage you to visit their site for the Family Consecration and their site specifically for Catholic Familyland.
Here is the scheduled for our wonderful mission week:
Monday-March 2nd
10:00am - Introducing an On-line, Interactive, Family Catechism and Familyland TV
7:00pm - SIN, the cause of all unhappiness
Tuesday-March 3rd
10:00am - Conversion at Fatima
7:00pm - GRACE, more powerful than sin
Wednesday- March 4th
10:00am - Families Helping Families Get to Heaven: the Power of Marian Consecration
7:00pm - HOLINESS, faithfully fulfilling our daily religious and worldly duties
Thursday-March 5th
10:00am - Catholic Familyland, A Place Set Apart for Families
7:00pm - CONSECRATION, to Jesus through Mary, in union with St.Joesph! We can offset the evil in this world!
I am so very excited for this mission. I was first introduced to this apostolate a few years ago when Jacksonville hosted a 'Theology of the Body" conference. I was really impressed with the Family Catechism. A very good friend of mine and her family have been to Catholic Familyland several times and recommend it to anyone interested. It is very reasonably priced.
The family is under attack and I know of no better way to handle it than to use everything that God has given us through the Church. I believe this is a powerful weapon! Consider doing some kind of family consecration and home blessing this Easter season. If you've done it in the past...redo it! We can make a difference in this world!
If any of you happen to be in the Jacksonville area this week...don't hesitate to stop by, we would love to have you!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
F.Y.I.
The power cord for my laptop died last week. It was no longer usable.....made crackling sounds and was sparking! I was afraid I would be electrocuted! Anyway, I have been using Dan's laptop since then. It's hard to use someone elses computer.....but, behold....the new cord came today so I am back up and running! If I have neglected anybody...you know..email, comments, Facebook, etc....I apologize. I'll get to everything!
I'm feeling much better since the staples have been removed. I can move around easier. I know the incision is healing because it really itches. I still don't have much of an appetite, but hey, that can't be all bad....I might lose a few pounds! I still can't drive for about another week. Dan has taken really good care of me. Especially since he has to put up with my changing hormones!
We have a spectacular Parish Mission next week! I will share it with you in my next post.
I'm feeling much better since the staples have been removed. I can move around easier. I know the incision is healing because it really itches. I still don't have much of an appetite, but hey, that can't be all bad....I might lose a few pounds! I still can't drive for about another week. Dan has taken really good care of me. Especially since he has to put up with my changing hormones!
We have a spectacular Parish Mission next week! I will share it with you in my next post.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Our journey begins
Although I am not as ready and prepared as I should be...I've managed to put a few things together for our family so that we can begin this Lenten season with a goal. Unfortunately, none of what I've done was my idea. Dawn from By Sun and Candlelight has been one of my most favorite Catholic blogging moms of all time! She was my inspiration for starting my own blog!
I found a piece of purple fabric that I had on hand for a Christmas project from 2 years ago. I used a small strip of it and after poking holes in the cards...strung them in chronological order...beginning with Ash Wednesday.
What I decided to do is similar to her Lenten post here. Please take a look at all of her Lenten ideas! I've taken major shortcuts but it was the simplest thing I could come up with that will still have significant meaning for our family. Here's what I did....
I had some purple index cards hanging around...so I cut them in half (trying to be more resourceful!)
I marked each index card with the dates for Lent (obviously beginning with Ash Wednesday). We received a Lenten Calendar in our bulletin this past weekend. I thought this would be a good way to get good use of that. On the back of each index card, I wrote down a different Lenten activity or sacrifice. Here is a more up close picture of what some of the calendar had to offer.
Since my children are only 8, 5 and 3...some of these had to be "toned down" to their level of understanding. These are very simple things that we can do individually or as a family to help prepare us for Good Friday...and eventually....Easter!
I found a piece of purple fabric that I had on hand for a Christmas project from 2 years ago. I used a small strip of it and after poking holes in the cards...strung them in chronological order...beginning with Ash Wednesday.
I am rarely able to use a table that the kids can reach just simply because, if they can reach it....then it probably won't last long. However, I'm going to trust them this year (please pray for us!)! I used that purple fabric for a table cloth and also used a crucifix that Nathan made at school a few years ago out of clothes pins. The only other thing on the table is our rosaries. I used a tack to hang up our daily devotionals. Each day, we'll tear one off (carefully!) read and spend the day thinking about it or doing it!I hope the simplicity of it will make it all doable and memorable for the kids.
For the last several years, we've been doing a children's stations of the cross outside in our backyard every Friday. The kids take turns holding the cross as we move along the fence where we have taped up the station meditations. Occasionally, another family will join us and then we have a simple meal.
I'm interested to see what your plans are. Please share!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Following Blogs...
Apparently, something is up with Bloggers "Follow My Blog" gadget. Many are having issues! If you happen to notice that somehow I am not following your blog like you thought I was....let me know and I will fix this as I have not dropped anyone!
Thanks....
Thanks....
Out of sorts
Surgery messes you up! I can't seem to get a handle on my days. I'm not really sure what day of the week it is...or what time of day it is. Everything just runs together in this endless stream of rest, pain medicine and navigating our house....hunched over. I can almost stand completely straight! I will go to the doctor's office tomorrow to have my staples removed.
I'm having some temperature issues...first I'm burning up and then I'm freezing. I'm not sure how long your body takes to get used to not having ovaries, but I wonder if the heat and sweating are related? Who knows! At this point, I'm just trying to go with the flow.
I just realized that Lent starts this week! Boy, where have I been? I am usually much more prepared for such a major liturgical season. Spiritually, I feel like I'm already experiencing Lent. I'm in a vast desert now, trying to feel my way around. I think it would be appropriate to say that part of me is dead. I am a caterpillar that has enveloped herself in the shell of a chrysalis...waiting to be born anew. Waiting for my wings.
I know that my female parts did not make up the whole of the woman that God made me to be.
But, I was not yet ready to let them go. And so, I mourn. I hurt. But I know that the butterfly awaits the hand of God. I will be patient and wait.
I'm changing the look of my blog for Lent...a few days early just in case by Wednesday, I've totally forgotten what month I'm in.
In this desert, I will pray. I will pray for all of you...and for myself. I know that many of you take blogging breaks during Lent...I respect that and will pray for your spiritual renewal. I, however, need to feel my way through Lent this year...a little differently than in years past.
Just in case you were all thinking that I'm speaking to you from a drug induced stupor.....not this time! I haven't taken anything stronger than ibuprofen in about 36 hours! I'm off the hard stuff!
I look forward to the Spring!
I'm having some temperature issues...first I'm burning up and then I'm freezing. I'm not sure how long your body takes to get used to not having ovaries, but I wonder if the heat and sweating are related? Who knows! At this point, I'm just trying to go with the flow.
I just realized that Lent starts this week! Boy, where have I been? I am usually much more prepared for such a major liturgical season. Spiritually, I feel like I'm already experiencing Lent. I'm in a vast desert now, trying to feel my way around. I think it would be appropriate to say that part of me is dead. I am a caterpillar that has enveloped herself in the shell of a chrysalis...waiting to be born anew. Waiting for my wings.
I know that my female parts did not make up the whole of the woman that God made me to be.
But, I was not yet ready to let them go. And so, I mourn. I hurt. But I know that the butterfly awaits the hand of God. I will be patient and wait.
I'm changing the look of my blog for Lent...a few days early just in case by Wednesday, I've totally forgotten what month I'm in.
In this desert, I will pray. I will pray for all of you...and for myself. I know that many of you take blogging breaks during Lent...I respect that and will pray for your spiritual renewal. I, however, need to feel my way through Lent this year...a little differently than in years past.
Just in case you were all thinking that I'm speaking to you from a drug induced stupor.....not this time! I haven't taken anything stronger than ibuprofen in about 36 hours! I'm off the hard stuff!
I look forward to the Spring!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Post-Op Observations...
I sure am glad to be home! I think I feel pretty good, as long as I'm not moving! I spend most of my time, lounging in my recliner in a Percocet haze. I'm encouraged knowing that each day the pain will decrease and my mobility will increase. As I sit here and contemplate what has happened over the last 4 or 5 days, I've made some observations that I thought I would share with you....
Observation #1...When the physician who is going to do your surgery prescribes an anti-anxiety pill for the night before surgery so you can relax and sleep instead of going over and over in your brain every.single.scenerio.that.could.go.wrong..... take it!! DO NOT hesitate...just take it!!
Observation #2...When the anesthesiologist offers to put "a little something" in your IV right before they wheel you into the OR....say, YES PLEASE! This will mean that you won't remember them wheeling you in, you won't remember moving to the table, you won't remember the oxygen mask going over your face....nothing! This was awesome!
Observation #3...When you wake up from surgery and you are in the most excruciating pain you have ever felt and you keep pressing the PCA (patient controlled analgesic) pump and NOTHING HAPPENS (NO PAIN RELIEF)...something could be wrong.
Observation #4...When you continue to have no real pain relief and no one really knows why...but imply that you could just be a "pain wimp"....something could actually be wrong (see observation #3).
Observation #5...When the arm that your IV is in becomes swollen (read that..."double" in size), very red and inflamed....it could mean that the IV has infiltrated and that actually all of the fluid and PAIN medication that you've been given for almost 24 hours....wasn't actually getting into your veins...only into your arm (see observations #3 and #4) No pain wimp here!
Observation #6...When they remove said infiltrated IV and you beg for pain medicine..they will give morphine in the old buttocks, and when you feel relief for the very first time...you will feel like a totally new person and ask the nurse if she wants to dance!
Observation #7...Since they removed the IV, you won't technically be receiving any of the fluids that your body really needs....so they will try to start another IV in the same arm (cause they can't use my left arm because of the mastectomy) however, the arm is still really swollen and painful and they will try 12 (T-W-E-L-V-E)times to get the needle in! It won't work...so they will just give up and call an ICU nurse to try. She won't be able to do it either so they end up calling my oncologist to "ask permission" to use my portacath that was used for chemo! Now....why didn't somebody think of this 17 sticks ago!!!!!
Observation #8...When they finally move you to your room after two days in the "post op" area because they didn't have a bed for you.....you will rejoice and start singing Handel's "Alleluia". You will have your own tv...your own bathroom and your own nurse!!
Observation #9...Be ready with a pillow on your abdomen for the first time you cough! Trust me on this one.
Observation #10...Everyone will be very interested in your bowel habits after you've had surgery! Strangers will come to you and ask you if you've "passed gas yet" or if you've "had a BM yet". Don't let this shock you and be very careful how you answer as your hospital diet depends on it! My advice...lie if you have to, otherwise apple juice and jello is about all you're going to get!
Observation #11...When you're lying in your bed, with a nurse all to yourself, when they bring you your pain medication without asking, when they fill your pitcher with ice water and adjust your pillows, when you have free Dish Network and watch all these great shows you never get to watch at home, when you hear the quiet and realize this could be heaven....you will then sneeze....instantly reminding you why you are there in the first place and you will be so grateful to God for your life, your family......and morhpine.
Observation #1...When the physician who is going to do your surgery prescribes an anti-anxiety pill for the night before surgery so you can relax and sleep instead of going over and over in your brain every.single.scenerio.that.could.go.wrong..... take it!! DO NOT hesitate...just take it!!
Observation #2...When the anesthesiologist offers to put "a little something" in your IV right before they wheel you into the OR....say, YES PLEASE! This will mean that you won't remember them wheeling you in, you won't remember moving to the table, you won't remember the oxygen mask going over your face....nothing! This was awesome!
Observation #3...When you wake up from surgery and you are in the most excruciating pain you have ever felt and you keep pressing the PCA (patient controlled analgesic) pump and NOTHING HAPPENS (NO PAIN RELIEF)...something could be wrong.
Observation #4...When you continue to have no real pain relief and no one really knows why...but imply that you could just be a "pain wimp"....something could actually be wrong (see observation #3).
Observation #5...When the arm that your IV is in becomes swollen (read that..."double" in size), very red and inflamed....it could mean that the IV has infiltrated and that actually all of the fluid and PAIN medication that you've been given for almost 24 hours....wasn't actually getting into your veins...only into your arm (see observations #3 and #4) No pain wimp here!
Observation #6...When they remove said infiltrated IV and you beg for pain medicine..they will give morphine in the old buttocks, and when you feel relief for the very first time...you will feel like a totally new person and ask the nurse if she wants to dance!
Observation #7...Since they removed the IV, you won't technically be receiving any of the fluids that your body really needs....so they will try to start another IV in the same arm (cause they can't use my left arm because of the mastectomy) however, the arm is still really swollen and painful and they will try 12 (T-W-E-L-V-E)times to get the needle in! It won't work...so they will just give up and call an ICU nurse to try. She won't be able to do it either so they end up calling my oncologist to "ask permission" to use my portacath that was used for chemo! Now....why didn't somebody think of this 17 sticks ago!!!!!
Observation #8...When they finally move you to your room after two days in the "post op" area because they didn't have a bed for you.....you will rejoice and start singing Handel's "Alleluia". You will have your own tv...your own bathroom and your own nurse!!
Observation #9...Be ready with a pillow on your abdomen for the first time you cough! Trust me on this one.
Observation #10...Everyone will be very interested in your bowel habits after you've had surgery! Strangers will come to you and ask you if you've "passed gas yet" or if you've "had a BM yet". Don't let this shock you and be very careful how you answer as your hospital diet depends on it! My advice...lie if you have to, otherwise apple juice and jello is about all you're going to get!
Observation #11...When you're lying in your bed, with a nurse all to yourself, when they bring you your pain medication without asking, when they fill your pitcher with ice water and adjust your pillows, when you have free Dish Network and watch all these great shows you never get to watch at home, when you hear the quiet and realize this could be heaven....you will then sneeze....instantly reminding you why you are there in the first place and you will be so grateful to God for your life, your family......and morhpine.
Friday, February 20, 2009
I'm Home
Hi All,
I'm home! I'm glad that this part of my journey is almost over. I'm still in a fair amount of pain, but I know that each day it will get better. I will update as I'm able. Thank you to everyone who had prayed and supported us. Much love to you all.
I'm home! I'm glad that this part of my journey is almost over. I'm still in a fair amount of pain, but I know that each day it will get better. I will update as I'm able. Thank you to everyone who had prayed and supported us. Much love to you all.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Update
This is Dan, Nancy's husband. Nancy got through surgery ok on Tuesday with no complications and no surprises. The doctor was able to get everything, which is good. Nancy is doing great today with getting her appetite back and moving around the ward some. The doctor said all looks well and that he'll talk to her tonight (Thursday) and see where she is and maybe get out tonight or sometime tomorrow.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Dan
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Dan
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Blogging break
I ask for your prayers as I take a blogging break until after my surgery on Tuesday the 17th. I will have Dan post an update. Your prayers of support and encouragement mean the world to me.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Things on my mind....
Amelia couldn't find her uniform sweatshirt for school this morning. So, I did what I swore I'd never do.....fumbled through the dirty clothes hamper to find one she could wear. By the time I got it out, spot cleaned the toothpaste stain on the front and hand pressed the wrinkles out....she found the clean one...in her backpack (although she swore she looked there). Sigh.
"It is only government that can break the vicious cycle, where lost jobs lead to people spending less money, which leads to even more layoffs."--Barack Obama 2/9/08....Spoken like a true socialist I'd say.
I have to have pre-op lab work and xrays today. I also have to do my pre registration for my hospital stay. The appointment for all of this is at 1:00pm. The kids are out of school at 2:50pm. I need to leave that hospital by 2:30pm (at least) to be able to get to school on time to pick them up. What do you think my chances are of this happening?????
As I sit here typing, I'm trying to think of all the ways I could reasonably use to get out of this surgery. Does being abducted by aliens sound plausible to you?
I was reading laurathecrazymama's blog post this morning and it's got me thinking....is Facebook a good thing or a bad thing? The jury is still out for me. Clearly, I've been back in touch with some old friends who I've missed terribly. This is a good thing....at least for me. While this will sound more dramatic than I mean it to, my physical immortality has been an issue lately and I guess, being back in touch with some people just feels right. On the other hand, like Laura, I've been faced with some, ahem, interesting re-acquaintances. I was worried that "de-friending" this person would be offensive and so....I didn't do anything. Turns out....she "de-friended" me! I guess it just goes to show you that people change....I change....and some of my past is meant to stay that way. I'm sure I'll write more on this as issues come up. I'm not willing to abandon Facebook just yet though.
I love that show "Jon & Kate Plus 8"!! Dan and I watch it together every Monday night! We crack up! It's a very encouraging show. On the days when I feel like I'm losing it.....I think of Kate and I figure...if she can handle 8.....I can surely handle 3!
"It is only government that can break the vicious cycle, where lost jobs lead to people spending less money, which leads to even more layoffs."--Barack Obama 2/9/08....Spoken like a true socialist I'd say.
I have to have pre-op lab work and xrays today. I also have to do my pre registration for my hospital stay. The appointment for all of this is at 1:00pm. The kids are out of school at 2:50pm. I need to leave that hospital by 2:30pm (at least) to be able to get to school on time to pick them up. What do you think my chances are of this happening?????
As I sit here typing, I'm trying to think of all the ways I could reasonably use to get out of this surgery. Does being abducted by aliens sound plausible to you?
I was reading laurathecrazymama's blog post this morning and it's got me thinking....is Facebook a good thing or a bad thing? The jury is still out for me. Clearly, I've been back in touch with some old friends who I've missed terribly. This is a good thing....at least for me. While this will sound more dramatic than I mean it to, my physical immortality has been an issue lately and I guess, being back in touch with some people just feels right. On the other hand, like Laura, I've been faced with some, ahem, interesting re-acquaintances. I was worried that "de-friending" this person would be offensive and so....I didn't do anything. Turns out....she "de-friended" me! I guess it just goes to show you that people change....I change....and some of my past is meant to stay that way. I'm sure I'll write more on this as issues come up. I'm not willing to abandon Facebook just yet though.
I love that show "Jon & Kate Plus 8"!! Dan and I watch it together every Monday night! We crack up! It's a very encouraging show. On the days when I feel like I'm losing it.....I think of Kate and I figure...if she can handle 8.....I can surely handle 3!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Health Update
This has been a very strange weekend. I have spent most of it trying to keep my anxiety to a minimum. For some reason, I am extremely nervous about my upcoming surgery. It's not like I've never had a major surgery before....let's see...
1. all 4 wisdom teeth surgically removed under anesthesia
2. 4 surgical D&C's after miscarriages
3. had my gallbladder removed laproscopically
4. 3 C-Sections
5. Mastectomy (unilateral)
6. Port placement
All of these procedures required general anesthesia (except for the C-Sections....I had two epidurals and one spinal). Anesthesia has different effects on different people, but for me....I get horribly nauseous. For most people, this isn't a big deal....however, when you have surgery that requires you to have stitches in your abdominal area.....throwing up becomes an issue all on it's own. With the gallbladder removal and the Csections....just taking a deep breath can bring excruciating pain to your abdomen! Sneezing, coughing or laughing can bring the same pain. Can you imagine having to throw up....and the pain that can cause!???
Another concern is that I won't be able to drive for 2 weeks! This is definitely an inconvenience. This will be more stressful for Dan and we will have to rely on friends and extended family to help us through this time.
I guess it's all about surrendering control. I have always been under this false assumption that I somehow have control over things in my life. I don't. Lack of control creates fear for me. Because of the cancer, I feel as though decisions are being made for me. I realize that these decisions that I'm forced to make (or, rather, agree to) are for my own good. Hopefully, they will allow me to be a mom and wife for many years to come.
Most days, I don't think about the realities of having cancer. I just live it. But when you take a close look, you realize that in some ways, I've become a robot. I go here for an appointment, I go do that, I take this pill, I have that scan, I have this surgery...blah, blah, blah. My oncologist is my new boss. I now understand why those in a more advanced stage of the disease sometimes just put a halt to everything! They say NO MORE! I don't blame them. My prayer is that I never get to that point. Sigh.
Anyway, I have my pre op workup tomorrow. Then, I have a whole week to sit and contemplate what life will be like without a uterus.
1. all 4 wisdom teeth surgically removed under anesthesia
2. 4 surgical D&C's after miscarriages
3. had my gallbladder removed laproscopically
4. 3 C-Sections
5. Mastectomy (unilateral)
6. Port placement
All of these procedures required general anesthesia (except for the C-Sections....I had two epidurals and one spinal). Anesthesia has different effects on different people, but for me....I get horribly nauseous. For most people, this isn't a big deal....however, when you have surgery that requires you to have stitches in your abdominal area.....throwing up becomes an issue all on it's own. With the gallbladder removal and the Csections....just taking a deep breath can bring excruciating pain to your abdomen! Sneezing, coughing or laughing can bring the same pain. Can you imagine having to throw up....and the pain that can cause!???
Another concern is that I won't be able to drive for 2 weeks! This is definitely an inconvenience. This will be more stressful for Dan and we will have to rely on friends and extended family to help us through this time.
I guess it's all about surrendering control. I have always been under this false assumption that I somehow have control over things in my life. I don't. Lack of control creates fear for me. Because of the cancer, I feel as though decisions are being made for me. I realize that these decisions that I'm forced to make (or, rather, agree to) are for my own good. Hopefully, they will allow me to be a mom and wife for many years to come.
Most days, I don't think about the realities of having cancer. I just live it. But when you take a close look, you realize that in some ways, I've become a robot. I go here for an appointment, I go do that, I take this pill, I have that scan, I have this surgery...blah, blah, blah. My oncologist is my new boss. I now understand why those in a more advanced stage of the disease sometimes just put a halt to everything! They say NO MORE! I don't blame them. My prayer is that I never get to that point. Sigh.
Anyway, I have my pre op workup tomorrow. Then, I have a whole week to sit and contemplate what life will be like without a uterus.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Row, row, row your boat.........
Have you ever had a song become "stuck in your head"? You know what I mean...you hear a tune from a commercial or from your kids...and you can't stop humming it! Well, this happened to me this morning....and the song WILL NOT LEAVE MY HEAD! It's starting to drive me crazy! I thought I would share it with you in hopes that it gets stuck in your head too, and therefore, I won't feel quite so bad!
It's a jingle that the girls heard on Dragon Tales and it goes to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".....here goes...
"Wait, wait, wait your turn, waiting can be fun! Patience, patience, patience everyone"!!
In truth, I'm constantly trying to teach them about waiting and showing patience....so it's good that they have a song to help them, however, I've heard it so much that I'm almost ready to throw things! I don't think it helps parents with the virtue of patience!
I might need therapy!
It's a jingle that the girls heard on Dragon Tales and it goes to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".....here goes...
"Wait, wait, wait your turn, waiting can be fun! Patience, patience, patience everyone"!!
In truth, I'm constantly trying to teach them about waiting and showing patience....so it's good that they have a song to help them, however, I've heard it so much that I'm almost ready to throw things! I don't think it helps parents with the virtue of patience!
I might need therapy!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Before I was a mom....
I received this in an email today from a friend. I thought it was too good (and true) to keep it to myself. Enjoy....
Before I was a Mom,
Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just
because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling
of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy,
the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction
of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Great Day!
On Monday night, the kids and I made cookies for Amelia to take to her class on her birthday! We had a great time doing it...although, the kids ate most of their cookies BEFORE they were even cooked! Consequently, we only sent the ones I made to school. Luckily, no one has come down with salmonella in spite of the load of raw cookie dough they consumed! Yuk.!
We made "A's" for her name! I wrapped each one in a cellophane bag and closed it with a sticker. They really looked cute and she had fun passing them out to all of her classmates. This reminds me of reason #756 for "why I want to home school my children"----no more baking, licking, sticking, gluing, cutting, tracing or creating for the entire class...just my family!! I know...very selfish of me!
Sorry for the poor quality of pictures, but, I didn't feel like fooling with the flash or contrast!! As you can see, Amelia made a huge mess....but she had a great time! I'm still sweeping up flour!
Nathan and Olivia made their own mess at the other end of the table! Yes, that's a Jax Jags jersey! No, I did not buy it for him....it was a gift!!!
We made "A's" for her name! I wrapped each one in a cellophane bag and closed it with a sticker. They really looked cute and she had fun passing them out to all of her classmates. This reminds me of reason #756 for "why I want to home school my children"----no more baking, licking, sticking, gluing, cutting, tracing or creating for the entire class...just my family!! I know...very selfish of me!
We had crock pot beef stew and home made biscuits for dinner. I made the cake from scratch (I guess I was in a baking mood). We'll have a party for the extended family on Friday.
Yesterday was also the Feast Day for St. Blaise. We did not make it to mass yesterday morning (we are down to one car....long story) so we did not get our throats blessed. Let's hope no one chokes between now and next February 3rd!! We did do the St. Blaise coloring pages from the Waltzing Matilda though! Those are always fun!
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Today, it was really cold here. It was 34 degrees when I got to work and the news said that with the wind chill factor...it was 19 degrees. I must say, for Jacksonville, that's darn cold!!! It is 41 degrees right now and is expected to go down to the low 20's. I must tell you....I like it! The hot, humid stuff will be here before we know it!!!
I'm counting down the days till my surgery....13 days! I'm trying to get some things finished around the house. Amelia's birthday present came just as we finished dinner last night! Amelia saw the UPS man coming and just about knocked everybody over to get to the door. Here is what she received from Dan and I. We are in the process of trying to get the girls' room situated. This helps and gives them a place to sit and color...other than my dining room table!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
5 Wonderful Years!
Happy Birthday to my first born girl! I can't believe that you're 5 years old already! It seems like only yesterday that I watched you on the ultrasound screen squirming and twitching! Amelia, you are truly a gift from God...a miracle! You have a special purpose on this earth. I am so thankful to God for allowing us to be your parents. I love you so much!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Age appropriate???
On Sunday afternoon Dan and I took the kids to ToysRUs. Trust me...we didn't just do this for the fun of it! Actually, each of them had received a $10 gift certificate for Christmas and they've been begging to use them. Dan took Nathan to the side of the store where all of the alien/pirate/weird stuff action figures live and I took the girls to where the...well..girlie things live.
I was shocked when we passed one aisle and Amelia yells out, "Mommy, mommy....there's Hanna Tanna"!!! Tell me this, how does a 5 year old know about Hannah Montana? I mean, we've never talked about her here at home. It's not that I'm against her at all, it's just that, I wonder how kids these days find out about stuff so early?
I distracted her enough to where she ended up with a puzzle and some Strawberry Shortcake thingy (that actually smells like strawberries by the way!) Here's my question to all of you veteran mothers out there....
Is Hannah Montana appropriate for a 5 year old?? Is she appropriate for any age group? What is she all about? I think I heard that her father is a country singer? Is that right?
I was shocked when we passed one aisle and Amelia yells out, "Mommy, mommy....there's Hanna Tanna"!!! Tell me this, how does a 5 year old know about Hannah Montana? I mean, we've never talked about her here at home. It's not that I'm against her at all, it's just that, I wonder how kids these days find out about stuff so early?
I distracted her enough to where she ended up with a puzzle and some Strawberry Shortcake thingy (that actually smells like strawberries by the way!) Here's my question to all of you veteran mothers out there....
Is Hannah Montana appropriate for a 5 year old?? Is she appropriate for any age group? What is she all about? I think I heard that her father is a country singer? Is that right?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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