Well, we survived our trip to Mayo. It was exhausting. We tried to get to bed as early as possible...but right at bedtime, Erin said she felt hot and couldn't sleep (which is usually her attempt to stay in my bed). After futile arguing, I let her stay with me, just so we could get to sleep. Soon, she started complaining of a headache...and then she thought she had to throw up. Suddenly, she started shaking like a leaf! We made a run for the bathroom...at the same time I ran for the testing kit to make sure she wasn't super low. At this point she crying, saying, "No, Jesus, please! Not now! Please, Jesus!" Poor kid. She didn't throw up, luckily. And she wasn't low...actually, she was pretty high ( I think because of stress and adrenaline about our trip the next day). She finally slept after 12:30 and I got up at 4am. Not cool.
We made it out the door on time, at 5am. Got to Mayo on time for a fairly relaxing breakfast (although it was mucho expensive and disappointing in it's selection). We met with, Tom, our RN and then the social worker. We were done at 10 and had until 2pm for our next appointment. They hadn't given us an itinerary for the day, so we weren't expecting this break (we would've rather just gotten it over with and gone home!) So, we went to a local mall and killed time at the Dollar Tree store and a pet store. Went back to Mayo for lunch (kids' choice) and then met with our doctor, a couple of psychologists and a dietician. We were done at 4 and kicked butt home to get home for dinner.
Overall, apparently we've done a heck of a job! Erin's A1C was 7.1 was just what they wanted to see. They were very happy with her numbers and how we were working together on this as a family. I did question them about a different program, but was assured that for a child her age, they were quite confident with the program she's on. In fact, one of the studies that I had read of and discussed with her doctor, turned out to be a study he had been involved in! In their experience, the more intense the program they are on as a child, the more likely a kid is to rebel at 11, 12 and above. I feel that my concerns were not dismissed, but were addressed and explained well. She's done so well, in fact, that we don't have to go back for 6 months instead of 3! I must say, diabetes has taken some of the fun out of road-tripping. We don't eat out anymore, just because it seems so difficult with Erin's restrictions. I'm sure in time we'll adjust more. But until then, at least we're saving some cash! :)
I came home to a very happy surprise...Creating Keepsakes wants to publish one of my layouts! For those of you not a member of the crazy scrapping world, CK is like the mother of scrapping magazines. I've been published many times, but until now, I had yet to get into CK or Scrapbooks, Etc. Well, one down, and one to go! I'm amazed and honored.
I took Cassie back in today to have her urine tested AGAIN. She still has a bladder infection (after 3 weeks of antibiotics) but they said it was almost gone, and so this last dose should take care of it. Ugh.
No political rantings today...I don't have the energy. :) I guess at this point, I'm expecting the worse, as is Barry. We both think we're headed for an all-out depression. I have a "calling" of sorts to prepare, but I'm not sure how. Thankfully, Barry still has a good job...and it appears that the company is weathering the storm so far. But what if... Until then, we don't spend willy-nilly...we'll plant a garden come spring... Sometimes I feel like a fruitcake...acting as though the world is coming to an end. However, sometimes I feel that too many people have their heads buried in the sand (or snow, if you live in Wisconsin). :)
And on that happy note, I'll wish you all a happy weekend! :) Stay safe and God bless!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Think Spring!
Who knows? Maybe it will work. I shouldn't complain...today and the next two days will be in the 40's here...
Of course, tomorrow, we'll be stuck inside Mayo Clinic for the entire day. We have to be in Rochester by 7am...which means we have to leave by 5am. Not a good thing. Not good at all. I've promised the kids no school on Friday so that we can ALL catch up a bit. This trip is Erin's first of every 3-month check-ups she'll have to have. I have no idea what to expect...except that it will take all day (and LOTS of money to eat possibly 3 meals at the cafeteria!).
My very very very good friend, Kari, who's a lab tech at the clinic here in town, made a house-call for us this am to take Erin's blood for her A1C test. Thank you, Kari! :) She's so awesome. Anyway, this test is one we'll do every 3 months to see how well under control her blood glucose levels have been. She scored a 7.1%, which is in the acceptable range (normal, non-diabetics range from 4.1-6.1%). I've read, however, that you can come close to 6% with an intense program (which we are not in right now).
Which is one of the things I want to discuss with the docs. We want more control. Right now, no matter how often we test her glucose, we can't make immediate changes to bring down highs, and it drives us totally insane! We also need to figure out how to get away from her lows during the middle of the night. We haven't slept through a night since she went into the hospital in December, and at this rate, I can't. It's too risky when she often drops into the 40's and 50's.
In church today, the sermon was about the 3rd Commandment (to keep the Sabbath holy). This is something I've been thinking about a lot in recent months. How God created the day FOR us...so that we can have a day of rest. And it's a day to listen and talk to God. I'm not sure how far I could get with my family with taking away technology, tv, SPORTS, etc. But, I'm thinking that if I'm gonna try to make some changes, I oughta do it before football season starts again! At my normal Wednesday afternoon library visit today, I came across a book, "Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives". It sounds kinda like what I'm trying to achieve in my life as a whole, so I'm hoping for some good inspiration.
My dog is still sick. Her frequent peeing is getting out of hand again, despite having been on antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. She even peed on the carpet today...not a normal thing. So, a chat with the vet will be on my agenda for Friday. Yippee!
And finally, I thought I'd share a couple of projects I did for my wonderful and talented friend, Jenn, as an honored member of her blog/etsy shop Design Team. She creates fantastic journaling spots for scrapping and card making. She's super-duper talented!
Now, I must "hang-up" my keyboard before I start in on the economy and the goverment that I'm fighting daily not to hate. Mr. Obama: "We will do away with all EARMARKS". Really, Mr. President? So, those 9,000 earmarks in your SPENDING bill don't really count? Oh, and I think that your really great idea to do away with charitable deductions during a recession/depression is fabulous! I mean, it's not like charities are hurting right now. Nor are they needed by all of those who are in financial straits. And this is personal to me. Forget that I'm a Christian, and I feel that charitable giving is a personal decision...one that is made to feed one's heart. That's one reason for the Liberals to punish me...but I'll save that for another day. But I'm the mother of a diabetic. We rely on charitable giving to fund research. You know, for a cure? Thank you, Mr. Obama, for possibly setting us back YEARS in that research. But I know what your answer (and those of most of our Congressmen) will be....You know so much better than I how to spend my money. Cuz you're such a smart, Harvard-educated politician...and I'm just a dumb hick from some small town. Do you all sense my anger and sarcasm?
Of course, tomorrow, we'll be stuck inside Mayo Clinic for the entire day. We have to be in Rochester by 7am...which means we have to leave by 5am. Not a good thing. Not good at all. I've promised the kids no school on Friday so that we can ALL catch up a bit. This trip is Erin's first of every 3-month check-ups she'll have to have. I have no idea what to expect...except that it will take all day (and LOTS of money to eat possibly 3 meals at the cafeteria!).My very very very good friend, Kari, who's a lab tech at the clinic here in town, made a house-call for us this am to take Erin's blood for her A1C test. Thank you, Kari! :) She's so awesome. Anyway, this test is one we'll do every 3 months to see how well under control her blood glucose levels have been. She scored a 7.1%, which is in the acceptable range (normal, non-diabetics range from 4.1-6.1%). I've read, however, that you can come close to 6% with an intense program (which we are not in right now).
Which is one of the things I want to discuss with the docs. We want more control. Right now, no matter how often we test her glucose, we can't make immediate changes to bring down highs, and it drives us totally insane! We also need to figure out how to get away from her lows during the middle of the night. We haven't slept through a night since she went into the hospital in December, and at this rate, I can't. It's too risky when she often drops into the 40's and 50's.
In church today, the sermon was about the 3rd Commandment (to keep the Sabbath holy). This is something I've been thinking about a lot in recent months. How God created the day FOR us...so that we can have a day of rest. And it's a day to listen and talk to God. I'm not sure how far I could get with my family with taking away technology, tv, SPORTS, etc. But, I'm thinking that if I'm gonna try to make some changes, I oughta do it before football season starts again! At my normal Wednesday afternoon library visit today, I came across a book, "Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives". It sounds kinda like what I'm trying to achieve in my life as a whole, so I'm hoping for some good inspiration.
My dog is still sick. Her frequent peeing is getting out of hand again, despite having been on antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. She even peed on the carpet today...not a normal thing. So, a chat with the vet will be on my agenda for Friday. Yippee!
And finally, I thought I'd share a couple of projects I did for my wonderful and talented friend, Jenn, as an honored member of her blog/etsy shop Design Team. She creates fantastic journaling spots for scrapping and card making. She's super-duper talented!
Now, I must "hang-up" my keyboard before I start in on the economy and the goverment that I'm fighting daily not to hate. Mr. Obama: "We will do away with all EARMARKS". Really, Mr. President? So, those 9,000 earmarks in your SPENDING bill don't really count? Oh, and I think that your really great idea to do away with charitable deductions during a recession/depression is fabulous! I mean, it's not like charities are hurting right now. Nor are they needed by all of those who are in financial straits. And this is personal to me. Forget that I'm a Christian, and I feel that charitable giving is a personal decision...one that is made to feed one's heart. That's one reason for the Liberals to punish me...but I'll save that for another day. But I'm the mother of a diabetic. We rely on charitable giving to fund research. You know, for a cure? Thank you, Mr. Obama, for possibly setting us back YEARS in that research. But I know what your answer (and those of most of our Congressmen) will be....You know so much better than I how to spend my money. Cuz you're such a smart, Harvard-educated politician...and I'm just a dumb hick from some small town. Do you all sense my anger and sarcasm?See, I told you I should've hung it up. :)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Random Thoughts...
It's probably not an ideal time for me to blabber...I'm pretty tired and stressed out. So, please forgive me if I wander off the path a bit. :)
Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. Our pastor had us pick out a rock. Just an everyday rock that you'd find in not-fancy landscaping. This rock is to represent our sinfulness during the Lenten season. I like it. We're to carry it with us for the duration. On Maundy Thursday, he'll ask us to lay our rocks at the foot of the rough-hewn cross temporarily errected in our Sanctuary. After choosing our rocks and being marked with the cross of ashes, Erin asked me to trade rocks with her. I did. Then I noticed that her rock was dirty. I'm assuming it's sandstone. It's dirty...and the dirt doesn't go away. My first thought was that I'd trade it for a "better" one out of our landscaping at home. But I suddenly thought better of it. What better reminder of my sinfullness than to carry around a "dirty" rock. I'm hoping this will help keep me humble.
Today was busy. I got my hair cut after lunch. I was way overdue, as usual. I got it chopped, which is a good thing. Unfortunitely, I lost the rest of my perm. So, I'll have to schedule that soon. Regardless, it's still better than it was. Then the girls and I were off to Eau Claire for Erin's dentist appointment. First stop was Shopko. I'm waaayyyy overdue on new tennies for walking. I've taken two major dumps on the ice this past month due to "bald" shoes. So, I got new ones. Did pretty good considering we had only 15 minutes to shop! I found a pair of "my" brand (they make wide widths) on clearance. Whooo hooo! Then I just took a little peep for a pair of "hiking" walking shoes...one with a deeper tread for walking on snow and ice. I found a pair that was on sale, but still more than I like to spend (I'm VERY cheap). So, I called Barry for "permission". :) Permission granted, I splurged. But still, $80 for two pair isn't all that bad.
I was a bit stressed all day because we were heading to Eau Claire at about the same time "the biggest snow storm of the season" was scheduled to hit. And right on time, as I sat in the dentist, the snow started falling. Hard. We skipped the grocery shopping we normally would've done and head home. Very slowly. Most of the time it was 25 to 30 mph, topping off at 40. And for half of the 20 mile drive, I was on my own, with no one to follow. Ugh. I hate that! It took me about 45 minutes (normally it's about a 25 minute drive). But I was stressed and stiff when we finally pulled in. I can't complain though, as God guided us home safely.
I'm not going to go off on a political rant (although for the last few months I think my blood pressure has increased at least by 100%!) The only thing I'll say on my soap box tonight....Please, all of you, get informed and get the facts! A large majority of people have no idea (nor do they care) what Washington is doing to our country. The best (and most balanced) information I've found is on Fox News. And no, for all of you Liberals out there, Fox is NOT a cogg in the Republican Machine. :) Just watch and find out for yourself. And if you can't stomache Bill O'Reilly or Hannity, please just watch the evening news broadcast. And my new favorite show is Glenn Beck. He's on at 4pm weekdays (and also has a Saturday evening show). He's a bit of a drama queen and a smart butt (which I like) but he's a lot more "guy next door". If you don't get Fox News, you can check him out at www.glennbeck.com It's just driving me insane watching the dorks in Washington spend trillions of OUR dollars on PORK. They call it stimulus...but it's really PORK. Listen to this....there's an earmark in that bill with Obama's name on it. But just today, it was announced that his name will be taken off of that earmark. The earmark is still in the bill, but they just don't want us to be able to trace it back to the "no more earmarks" pres. Nice. Great. See, there I go again. I'm on my soapbox again AND my blood is boiling again. I need to take a vacation! :)
Now you've for sure had enough of my random musings. :) Oh, the cable guy came and hooked up our new HD package today. My hubby is in Heaven on earth! Now we have DVR...we are SO with it now! Now he wants to grow up to be a "cable guy". :) I think he's chomping at the bit for the weekend to come so he can play with his new remote. I guess he technically earned it, though. He got a cheaper phone/internet package so that we could get the HD cable package. Must have been important to him.....(he he he)
Ok, I best walk away from the computer now. Otherwise, all is pretty good here. Alana has a bad chest cold. Erin's belly isn't feeling the best. Amazing...I thought we'd all be healthier when we came home from school. Oh well, such is life.
Have a good weekend and God Bless!
Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. Our pastor had us pick out a rock. Just an everyday rock that you'd find in not-fancy landscaping. This rock is to represent our sinfulness during the Lenten season. I like it. We're to carry it with us for the duration. On Maundy Thursday, he'll ask us to lay our rocks at the foot of the rough-hewn cross temporarily errected in our Sanctuary. After choosing our rocks and being marked with the cross of ashes, Erin asked me to trade rocks with her. I did. Then I noticed that her rock was dirty. I'm assuming it's sandstone. It's dirty...and the dirt doesn't go away. My first thought was that I'd trade it for a "better" one out of our landscaping at home. But I suddenly thought better of it. What better reminder of my sinfullness than to carry around a "dirty" rock. I'm hoping this will help keep me humble.
Today was busy. I got my hair cut after lunch. I was way overdue, as usual. I got it chopped, which is a good thing. Unfortunitely, I lost the rest of my perm. So, I'll have to schedule that soon. Regardless, it's still better than it was. Then the girls and I were off to Eau Claire for Erin's dentist appointment. First stop was Shopko. I'm waaayyyy overdue on new tennies for walking. I've taken two major dumps on the ice this past month due to "bald" shoes. So, I got new ones. Did pretty good considering we had only 15 minutes to shop! I found a pair of "my" brand (they make wide widths) on clearance. Whooo hooo! Then I just took a little peep for a pair of "hiking" walking shoes...one with a deeper tread for walking on snow and ice. I found a pair that was on sale, but still more than I like to spend (I'm VERY cheap). So, I called Barry for "permission". :) Permission granted, I splurged. But still, $80 for two pair isn't all that bad.
I was a bit stressed all day because we were heading to Eau Claire at about the same time "the biggest snow storm of the season" was scheduled to hit. And right on time, as I sat in the dentist, the snow started falling. Hard. We skipped the grocery shopping we normally would've done and head home. Very slowly. Most of the time it was 25 to 30 mph, topping off at 40. And for half of the 20 mile drive, I was on my own, with no one to follow. Ugh. I hate that! It took me about 45 minutes (normally it's about a 25 minute drive). But I was stressed and stiff when we finally pulled in. I can't complain though, as God guided us home safely.
I'm not going to go off on a political rant (although for the last few months I think my blood pressure has increased at least by 100%!) The only thing I'll say on my soap box tonight....Please, all of you, get informed and get the facts! A large majority of people have no idea (nor do they care) what Washington is doing to our country. The best (and most balanced) information I've found is on Fox News. And no, for all of you Liberals out there, Fox is NOT a cogg in the Republican Machine. :) Just watch and find out for yourself. And if you can't stomache Bill O'Reilly or Hannity, please just watch the evening news broadcast. And my new favorite show is Glenn Beck. He's on at 4pm weekdays (and also has a Saturday evening show). He's a bit of a drama queen and a smart butt (which I like) but he's a lot more "guy next door". If you don't get Fox News, you can check him out at www.glennbeck.com It's just driving me insane watching the dorks in Washington spend trillions of OUR dollars on PORK. They call it stimulus...but it's really PORK. Listen to this....there's an earmark in that bill with Obama's name on it. But just today, it was announced that his name will be taken off of that earmark. The earmark is still in the bill, but they just don't want us to be able to trace it back to the "no more earmarks" pres. Nice. Great. See, there I go again. I'm on my soapbox again AND my blood is boiling again. I need to take a vacation! :)
Now you've for sure had enough of my random musings. :) Oh, the cable guy came and hooked up our new HD package today. My hubby is in Heaven on earth! Now we have DVR...we are SO with it now! Now he wants to grow up to be a "cable guy". :) I think he's chomping at the bit for the weekend to come so he can play with his new remote. I guess he technically earned it, though. He got a cheaper phone/internet package so that we could get the HD cable package. Must have been important to him.....(he he he)
Ok, I best walk away from the computer now. Otherwise, all is pretty good here. Alana has a bad chest cold. Erin's belly isn't feeling the best. Amazing...I thought we'd all be healthier when we came home from school. Oh well, such is life.
Have a good weekend and God Bless!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New Work
I just realized by looking over the last few posts that I've been very lax in posting my cards and layouts as I make them. You'd never know I'm a scrapper at all! I appologize if some of the layouts are repeats...I lose track sometimes. Hope you enjoy! (If you click on the picture, you should get a bigger photo to pop up for a closer look)
This one might need some explanation. The girls were roasting marshmallows and Grandma & Grandpa's. The smoke kept getting in their eyes....so my very smart and creative little Erin figured out how to beat the smoke...with her swimming goggles! Nice!
This one might need some explanation. The girls were roasting marshmallows and Grandma & Grandpa's. The smoke kept getting in their eyes....so my very smart and creative little Erin figured out how to beat the smoke...with her swimming goggles! Nice!
I've been reprimanded...
by my mother for not keeping up with my blog. :) Well, not reprimanded. She just pointed out that it's been a while since I posted. She's right. I'm lazy.
Ok, what's new....
We are going forward with our home refinance...thru our local bank instead. It seems safer in these yucky economic times...and actually cheaper. So, it was kind of a duh. It will be awfully nice to have a whole half of our house payment freed up. But we'll have to be good, and not waste it.
Cassie was back at the vet for a visit on Thursday. Her antibiotics were almost gone, and she had to be retested to make sure the infection was gone. But she wouldn't pee for me. She's VERY skittish and VERY smart. She's knows when I'm up to something, so there's no chance to get the pee. I took her in to see if they could scare the pee out of her. I ended up leaving her there for a couple of hours. They had given up, and were going to extract the urine from her bladder. But when the rolled her over to do it, she peed. The vet said she was like a "water bubbler". :) That's my girl! She had refused to pee for us all day, afterall. :) However, her infection is still there, so she's on 2 more weeks of antibiotics. After that, we discuss new food (more expensive, of course.) Ugh!
Zach is fine now. I'm still giving him, and the other two, daily doses of yogurt and pumpkin...just to maintain better health. This is Zach up to his old antics...this time, jumping in the dryer while I was throwing clothes in....
Erin participated in a "future dancers" clinic on Sunday afternoon. She had a fantastic time! She loves to dance...and loves to perform! Plus, she got to see some friends. Here are a couple of pics (I hate gym pictures!) from their half-time performance at the girls' basketball game on Thursday night (which they won, yeah!)
Alana, as you may remember is a bit obsessive about some things. Like horses, goats, and most recently, bunnies. She wants a bunny. In the house. Daddy vetoed that, of course. Anyway, she's still researching.... (the book is called "Barnyard in Your Backyard")
About a month ago, I introduced her to the "Christy" book series. I have not read them, but seeing as they were in our church library, as well as our local library, I thought I'd give them a shot. She loved them! Just like her mother...face buried in a book! I told her after she read 10 of them, I'd get the TV episodes on DVD from the library. So, we've been enjoying one or two episodes each afternoon this past week. Erin just finished "The Adventures of Peter Cottontail" and now wants to continue with the other animal characters in that series.
Ok, what's new....
We are going forward with our home refinance...thru our local bank instead. It seems safer in these yucky economic times...and actually cheaper. So, it was kind of a duh. It will be awfully nice to have a whole half of our house payment freed up. But we'll have to be good, and not waste it.
Cassie was back at the vet for a visit on Thursday. Her antibiotics were almost gone, and she had to be retested to make sure the infection was gone. But she wouldn't pee for me. She's VERY skittish and VERY smart. She's knows when I'm up to something, so there's no chance to get the pee. I took her in to see if they could scare the pee out of her. I ended up leaving her there for a couple of hours. They had given up, and were going to extract the urine from her bladder. But when the rolled her over to do it, she peed. The vet said she was like a "water bubbler". :) That's my girl! She had refused to pee for us all day, afterall. :) However, her infection is still there, so she's on 2 more weeks of antibiotics. After that, we discuss new food (more expensive, of course.) Ugh!
Zach is fine now. I'm still giving him, and the other two, daily doses of yogurt and pumpkin...just to maintain better health. This is Zach up to his old antics...this time, jumping in the dryer while I was throwing clothes in....
Erin participated in a "future dancers" clinic on Sunday afternoon. She had a fantastic time! She loves to dance...and loves to perform! Plus, she got to see some friends. Here are a couple of pics (I hate gym pictures!) from their half-time performance at the girls' basketball game on Thursday night (which they won, yeah!)
Alana, as you may remember is a bit obsessive about some things. Like horses, goats, and most recently, bunnies. She wants a bunny. In the house. Daddy vetoed that, of course. Anyway, she's still researching.... (the book is called "Barnyard in Your Backyard")
Oh, and my niece, Morgan, just got her driver's permit this week. Congratulations! (Please keep her in your prayers!) :) Love you, Morgy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
I live a glamorous life....
Really. I do. You should've seen me on Thursday. You would've been so jealous. There I was at the vet, after a long hard day of homeschooling, cleaning and cooking. I have two sick ones. Zach, our fat cat, has had diarreah for over a week. And Cassie, I knew had a bladder infection...as indicated by her peeing on my bed. Twice. Aahhh, yes. So there I was, at the vet. I love the people there...they're great. But they are SO SLOW! I was there for 2 HOURS! With 2 animals and 2 kids. Fun. Oh, and don't forget the sweet smelling diarreah that was dribbling down the front of my freshly laundered sweatshirt. Thanks, Zach. Yep, glamorous.
Except for church and Sunday School on Sunday, and cleaning, cooking, school prep...I took the weekend off this weekend. No going. No people. I had both afternoons home alone. I love my family, really. But when you are with your kids 24/7...well, sometimes a break is good for the soul. And your patience level. I got a couple of cards made (but it's too cloudy and gloomy today for pictures). And I finallly got my order placed at Winkflash, so I can cross that off my list. Hopefully new pictures will get my mojo flowing for some quality projects for my friend Jenn's store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5367046
Other than that, not much new here. Been doing more reading on Charlotte Mason. Did I mention that previously? I'm thinking of switching to her method of teaching. Short lessons...done by lunch. No "twaddle" of cheap books and oversimplified text books...she believed in children reading real, living books. Lots of nature study. And narration, verbal and written, instead of tests and worksheets. Of course, we'd do math as usual.
Ok, we're off to walk the dog. It's been above freezing for a few days now, so the roads are getting cleaner and easier to walk on. After lunch, the girls and I are off to Eau Claire for groceries...and maybe to sneak a peek at the brand new Michaels that opened yesterday! :)
Except for church and Sunday School on Sunday, and cleaning, cooking, school prep...I took the weekend off this weekend. No going. No people. I had both afternoons home alone. I love my family, really. But when you are with your kids 24/7...well, sometimes a break is good for the soul. And your patience level. I got a couple of cards made (but it's too cloudy and gloomy today for pictures). And I finallly got my order placed at Winkflash, so I can cross that off my list. Hopefully new pictures will get my mojo flowing for some quality projects for my friend Jenn's store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5367046
Other than that, not much new here. Been doing more reading on Charlotte Mason. Did I mention that previously? I'm thinking of switching to her method of teaching. Short lessons...done by lunch. No "twaddle" of cheap books and oversimplified text books...she believed in children reading real, living books. Lots of nature study. And narration, verbal and written, instead of tests and worksheets. Of course, we'd do math as usual.
Ok, we're off to walk the dog. It's been above freezing for a few days now, so the roads are getting cleaner and easier to walk on. After lunch, the girls and I are off to Eau Claire for groceries...and maybe to sneak a peek at the brand new Michaels that opened yesterday! :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I can't nap anymore
and it's seriously killing me! See, I'm really not a sluff...although being a nap-taking SAHM (stay at home mom) soundss like sluffing to me. But, we're still testing Erin's blood glucose at 3am EVERY morning...and then I get up at 7am to read my Bible before the girls get up. This wouldn't be such a big problem, except that it ususally takes me an hour or two to fall back asleep after testing Erin. Leaving Mama with not enough sleep. Now, suddenly, I'm unable to fall asleep. I tried Saturday, Sunday, and now today, to no avail. Ugh.
We drove out to look at another house today...that looked perfect (except for the high price), and....it wasn't perfect. Out in the boondocks with TWO close neighbors. Not me. If I'm gonna give up the convenience of living in town, I want to look out my window (every window) and see trees, birds, squirrels, and sky. Not neighbors. The girls and I went to another open house on Saturday. That one had a very nice spot, except that it was farther from town than we'd like (20+ minutes) and the house just wasn't right.
So, that leaves us with one that has been sitting on our "side burner" for a couple of months. We like it enough to have had Mom & Dad come look at it, too. We're just struggling with the price (as it needs at least $20k put into it to make it livable for us...we're not snobs, really. But the current owners smoke, and with my sensitivity and Alana's allergies, we'd need to rip out all of the carpet and paint everything. Oh, and the kitchen cabinets are plastic, so I couldn't get by with just painting them.) Maybe I am a snob. I just figure if we're gonna mortgage our life away, the house should at least be equal or better than what we have now. Anyway.....
The girls had a dentist appointment yesterday...and then I took the rest of the afternoon to shop the thrift stores for used books. Fun times. Really. I LOVE books. :) And then we watched Lexi & Morgan (my nieces) play basketball...they won. Big. :)
I'd really like to get some pictures ordered today. My creative mojo has been MIA for way too long, and I'm hoping some fresh inspiration might get my juices flowing. Besides, I don't think I've even developed Thanksgiving pics yet. Ugh.
Speaking of inspiration, my best buddy, Jenn is kicking some scrapping butt! She's been rocking her shop on etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5367046 and has now officially added a Design Team, which I am honored to be a part of! I think she wants me more for my emotional support and friendship than my overwhelming talent...but she's kind enough to fill me with praise, too. What a good friend! Anyway, any scrappers or card makers should check out her shop...she makes adorable stuff!
We drove out to look at another house today...that looked perfect (except for the high price), and....it wasn't perfect. Out in the boondocks with TWO close neighbors. Not me. If I'm gonna give up the convenience of living in town, I want to look out my window (every window) and see trees, birds, squirrels, and sky. Not neighbors. The girls and I went to another open house on Saturday. That one had a very nice spot, except that it was farther from town than we'd like (20+ minutes) and the house just wasn't right.
So, that leaves us with one that has been sitting on our "side burner" for a couple of months. We like it enough to have had Mom & Dad come look at it, too. We're just struggling with the price (as it needs at least $20k put into it to make it livable for us...we're not snobs, really. But the current owners smoke, and with my sensitivity and Alana's allergies, we'd need to rip out all of the carpet and paint everything. Oh, and the kitchen cabinets are plastic, so I couldn't get by with just painting them.) Maybe I am a snob. I just figure if we're gonna mortgage our life away, the house should at least be equal or better than what we have now. Anyway.....
The girls had a dentist appointment yesterday...and then I took the rest of the afternoon to shop the thrift stores for used books. Fun times. Really. I LOVE books. :) And then we watched Lexi & Morgan (my nieces) play basketball...they won. Big. :)
I'd really like to get some pictures ordered today. My creative mojo has been MIA for way too long, and I'm hoping some fresh inspiration might get my juices flowing. Besides, I don't think I've even developed Thanksgiving pics yet. Ugh.
Speaking of inspiration, my best buddy, Jenn is kicking some scrapping butt! She's been rocking her shop on etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5367046 and has now officially added a Design Team, which I am honored to be a part of! I think she wants me more for my emotional support and friendship than my overwhelming talent...but she's kind enough to fill me with praise, too. What a good friend! Anyway, any scrappers or card makers should check out her shop...she makes adorable stuff!
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