Thank You Auntie Janet!!!

There's just nothing better than getting a Valentine's Day box after all the hoopla has died down and all the candy is gone. Auntie Janet's box got here yesterday but I made the kids wait until EVERYBODY got home from school to open it. Grayson only asked "What time is it?" every twenty minutes! There were Star Wars toys, candy, craft supplies, and designer tools for the budding clothing artiste! Perfect! Thank you Auntie Janet!!!

The Battle Royale.....

This is what it is like to have a boy....well... two boys actually. The sword and cloak fetish continues. The girls have now been assigned to be the "medics" when someone is injured and needs to be taken to the "hospital." So far, the only near casualties have been the bear and Monte. Stay tuned.....

A contrast of our two girls.....

Emma used to be girly. I know she did. I think I can even remember some of that phase. Evidently, that is all it was. If I had to use a word to describe her now - hmm... there are several... but BOHEMIAN sort of covers it. Brave and adventurous would not be the first two to come to mind. However, she has embraced her latest hobby with fervor. We couldn't be more surprised... or proud. When she first mentioned rock climbing, we weren't sure where to steer her. Thankfully, someone suggested the rock walls at our local YMCA and Dick's sporting goods store. It is her - it really is.

Then there is Claire. I don't think this "princess thing" is going away anytime soon. The highlight of her week included a princess party at Chuck E Cheese with her school friends. They were all too cute. Riding the merry go round there was about Claire's speed.

Right now, they are about as polar opposites as you can get. Thank goodness. We don't know if we could take two of either of them!!!

Volunteering and Feeding Each Other

So, today, I was feeling a little bit run down as I had volunteered in the morning at church and in the afternoon at Emma's school. The kids were with me at church and a great friend kept them while I did my thing in first grade. I had a great time and I dearly love both endeavors. Still, I was feeling a bit, well, utilized.

Then, this was the first email I checked when I got home. Isn't it a blessing to be ABLE to feed other people. After all, sooooo many people have fed me.

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said.

"Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like."

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water . The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."

"It is simple," said the Lord.

"It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves."

American Idol fever has struck!

We are, as a family, infected with AI fever!!!

It all started two seasons ago when Emma and Grayson could stay up late enough to watch a few minutes of the show (note - in Illinois, the show starts at a normal 7:00. Not so here in Hoosier-land where nothing is on prior to 8:00. Because 8:00 is BEDTIME at my house (I am a total bedtime routine sleep nazi), it is a special treat for them to stay up until 8:30 or 8:45 to catch a little bit of the show. All five of us pile in our bed with jammies on. Everyone votes on the singer - thumbs up or down. It has turned into a real tradition. Because it is up late two nights in a row, they aren't allowed to watch the results show. They only want to see the performances anyway.

As we get further along in the season - I'll let them pick and post their favorites. So far, Emma's picks are based on wardrobe (only) and Grayson's picks are based on looks. Claire loves everybody. Am I the only one who cares about talent????

Claire is a trooper!

Emma has been a fan of the headband as a fashion accessory for a while. Unlike myself, who always found them somewhat painful to the back of the ear area. Claire, being the girly-girl that she is, borrowed one of Emma's today. She actually had to grab it away from Wrigley (who left it one the floor???). That is why he is looking a bit perturbed and standing sooo close to Claire.

Emma and Grayson both had school today. Claire and I started our marathon day with a 10:00 peds appt to recheck the ears. Still fluid in them. That's OK as I am more convinced that, with this evidence, the ENT we are meeting at 2:00 will schedule her for tubes. In other words, he will see things my way.

I was a bit concerned when I asked our pediatrician (who is now at least Dr. Galbreath status in our eyes) what the ENT was like. He said, "He was in my med school class." Hmmm. Note: He did not start off gushing about his bedside manner. "He's very competent."

My reply - "Spill it."

He did. Turns out the guy is just a bit "abrupt." I can take that. After all - Claire IS getting tubes. I just have to make this guy think it is his idea. Not much different than home....

Met the ENT. A little abrupt but great with Claire. I think the terminology I used and the information I had unnerved him a little. That made me smile - and sad. Don't all parents walk into an appt. having thoroughly researched the subject matter? Maybe not.

Verdict - tubes on March 12. My 37th birthday. Yeah!

Science Fair, Claire updates, and NIU

Emma entered the science fair this year for the first time and I don't know who learned more - her or I. Her topic was her own idea and every time I say it, it makes me giggle - "Which of my favorite foods float?" She loves her "outstanding ribbon" because it is red and she got it on Valentine's Day. That's really all she cares about. I hope it stays that way.

By the way, Claire is recognizable again. Her swelling has gone down and with the help of Benadryl and frequent bathing in Aveeno, she hasn't itched too much. She has taken one (double) dose of the Z-pack the doc prescribed her and has fared pretty well. She has an ENT appt. next week. I am hoping the doc sees things my way =).

Throughout this pretty brief ordeal, Monte and I have been struck by just how painful it is to be powerless when your baby is hurting. You know what it feels like to know - with absolute certainty - that you would jump on a landmine for another person (or three). Scary stuff.

Speaking of scary stuff, I am a bit beside myself over this latest school shooting. Normally, these things seem to be "in other peoples' backyards" in a distant state. Not so this time. Monte attended grad school there and I was accepted to grad school there. I ended up somewhere else but both of us have been to that campus - many times. Sometimes together. We particulary like the beer nuggets at Sargeant Pepper's. Yen Ching is the best chinese food going. You know - it's a normal, safe, midwestern campus. I am thinking, for maybe the first time, that it really can happen anywhere. Praying for the families out there facing far worse things than allergic reactions and messy rooms....

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Here's hoping your Valentine's Day is everything you are hoping it will be - and better than Claire's....

My heartfelt apologies for not "blogging" more regularly since the Father Daughter Dance - I have gotten a few emails from you just waiting with baited breath to see what has gone on since then....

Update... I went to my annual Illinois Speech and Hearing Convention in Chicago Feb 7-10th with two friends. We make it as annually as we can for two reasons:

1. We have to (in order to stay licensed and all that good stuff).

2. For a few hours between sessions, we make a break for it and drive to Woodfield Mall for lunch at PF Changs or Cheesecake Factory and some serious shopping.

You wouldn't think being gone (with Monte and the kids home) would SERIOUSLY disrupt the schedule but oh. my. goodness. Since my return...

1. Science Fair project (Emma's maiden voyage) due.

2. Valentine's for all three classes due (accompanied by bribing Grayson to do fine motor work by writing addressing AND signing all his valentines).

3. Of course - I FORGOT I volunteerd to co-chair the V-day party for Grayson's class. At the last moment, work scheduled a mandatory inservice at exactly the same time as the party - conveniently located at the other end of town. Daddy to the rescue. He agreed (at great expense to me) to do the party - books, crafts and all. What a good man! Regrettably, no pics to post!

4. Claire has another ear infection that is not clearing up. Doctor upped her meds to Augmentin. BAD allergic reaction today (accompanied by rash and diarrhea) so I have spent my day transferring her from the tub to the potty chair. I have also arranged multiple pediatrician appts, ENT appts, and trips to the pharmacy. I have to be mindful of the time because I am due to volunteer in Emma's class today and finish up seeing my patients I didn't see Wednesday due to the mandatory inservice. Did I mention we have to have heart shaped pizza for dinner ( I have yet to order) and the Science Fair Open House tonight?

Good grief! Seriously, I am hopeful your day and night are romantic, fun, and rash free! Maybe next year...

Father Daughter Dance

The Girl Scouts host a Father Daughter Dance each year. They do it right - decorations, snacks, party favors, photos, etc. Dressy attire and flowers are customary. I decided to treat Emma and I to a girly day - complete with shopping for a new dress (nothing like waiting until the last minute), a very cute "twisty" hair style that is very trendy, and lunch and a pretzel at the mall.

It was a long day and Emma was a trooper - especially because she had to spend three hours at work with me this morning because it was on the way to the mall. As for the dress, we each had our favorites - one at each end of the spectrum. Because I like my favorite so much better, I even offered (read - bribed) to through in a new Webkin if she chose my dress - completely on her own accord. She thought about it - then declined my offer - telling me, "You can always buy that dress for Claire."

She is her own girl with her own style. She had opinions on her hairdo - which I honored.

Looking at the pictures, I think it came out all right. Monte certainly had a big lump in his throat as they left....

Another Snow Day

The kids had a snow day today - we did get four inches of snow so I guess this one is more warranted than some others we have had. At this rate, Emma will be in school well into June. They had a great mixture of inside and outside activities. For Christmas, Emma got a great fashion design studio from Auntie Janet. It comes with fabric swatches, needles, a mannequin, and all sorts of accessories. She loves it and is getting quite good at assembling creations that are actually very creative. Her tastes and style runs toward "bohemian" and while it is not my style, it sure looks great on her (and Auntie Janet as well - no coincidence there).

When the neighbor came down, Grayson decided to show off by trying to climb a very small tree and the girls made snowpeople.

Sometimes things just sneak up on you...

A few funny things have happened to us today - so naturally, I sat down to blog about them - thinking you all might appreciate them, being moms or soon to be moms yourselves.

It wouldn't come. Honestly, the words would. not. form.

I know why. I was just trying to ignore it.

I miss my friend today. She's been gone almost three years, so it's not like I talk to her regularly (at least not in person). I don't even live in the same house (or state) as I did when we were friends.

I can't say we were best friends or closest confidantes. In fact, we really got to be better friends due to insomnia. I was always awake feeding babies and she often couldn't sleep due to pain and/or effects of chemo. The deal was, we would each turn on our porchlights at night (or sometimes early in the morning) if we were awake. If one saw the other, it was safe to come over and turn on the coffee pot.

I was a new mom - she was more experienced. I was a cryer. She was not. She was cute, blond, and tiny. Me - not so much. Different in so many ways. At the time, I wondered what the connection was and why.

I don't wonder anymore. Because of her, I now have an "extended family" that includes some of the greatest people I have the privilege of knowing. Funny thing is - they are all on her husband's side. I have called on each and every one of them for something in my life. Her niece became our closest and most trusted babysitter. She is now in college and still providing a role model for my girls. Her two kids are as close to my heart as a niece and nephew. I pray daily for them and miss them like crazy. Her husband - well - I never had an older brother before- but if you were to roll up a big brother and a great friend - that's what you would come up with.

Big things are on the horizon for her family. I think that is why she has been in my heart and mind today. I know she's ready. I think I am too.

But boy, do I wish that porchlight would turn back on.

At least I am bathing them...

After my last post, I think my readers may call Child Services and complain about neglect. As you can see, I am bathing them.... just all three at a time to be more efficient. All for the kingdom of mouse! If I am not surfing the net, how will I find out what the recommended restaurants are in all the Disney parks? What if we dare eat chicken fingers at the wrong place? Gasp!

I do hope you can read my jest. We are really being surprisingly low key and zen-like about all this. It is just that once you start reading, it is surprisingly hard to stop. After all, there is an ABUNDANCE of information out there. But, the way I figure out, the kids have never been there, so they will never know what we missed. So, if we are relaxed, there is a greater chance of having a BLAST as family and a lesser chance of angering the stomach flu gods.

This just can't be right.....

I admit - sometimes I take on more then I can chew (maybe I should say "complete"). I haven't even blogged about our trip to Vegas yet. There is just so much to say - I need more than mere moments to compose my thoughts. It is coming .....

Meanwhile, there is Emma's first entry in the Science Fair. I assume that will be blog-worthy when it is finished as the title is "Do My Favorite Foods Float?" She is currently testing her hypotheses and there have been some surprises. But - no spoilers here. You will just have to wait until February 13th (or sooner if she completes it by then).

There is also planning a Disney trip for our family in May. This, for me, is a fairly daunting task. After googling "Walt Disney World" and getting 3 million hits, I called two people who LOVE to plan - friend Nicole (who is a self-described "machine" on vacation and a Disney expert) and my mother (she and my brother are accompanying us). Between the two of them (with a little input from me and another Disney-savvy friend Marni), we have identified travel dates, airlines, accomodations, and food plan. Still up in the air are restaurant reservations and a character meal. All things considered, things are looking great from my perspective.

This is good news as my children had this for dinner due to my preoccupation with all things Disney: a bowl of fruit loops, apple slices, and a soft pretzel with cream cheese in the middle. Nope, not a vegetable. Does cream cheese count as a protein?

As Emma said when I put down her plate (she had served the three bowls of cereal herself because I kept saying " in a minute....") - "This is dinner? This just can't be right."

Growing Pains...

So - first grade is proving to be tough. Not academically so much, but all the "other stuff" we as parents come to believe is the hardest to navigate our way through. At this house (and at many of our friends' homes), we are starting to see the emergence of sarcasm (not from me this time), really POKEY morning routines, and the drama of the "BFF." (Best Friends Forever for you folks that are long past this stage - or just haven't gotten there yet).

The BFF saga plays out something like this. Each week (or other randomly determined day), girls (yes, mainly only girls because boys don't seem to need this sort of drama) decide on some arbitrary criteria and pair up to be BFF. Inevitably, some girls are not happy with the selections or are left out, etc. Of course, these pairings are short lived - which leads to a whole other sort of despair ("She isn't my BFF anymore - which translates into "She isn't my friend anymore." Ugh. This sort of thing is new to Emma - as she has always had a good selection of neighborhood kids to play with and even with the older kids, there just wasn't that sort of stuff. We are working through it but what I am learning is - even the small things can be painful to watch if it is your child being hurt (even if you are certain it is good for them). For me, it is a bit like reliving high school -but only having the tools of a six year old.

It is a bit of a cruel paradox. One moment, she is reading chapter books and working out math problems like this "At 7:00, Gina's mom told her she had 45 minutes to get ready. Draw on the clock the time that Gina has to be ready." So grown up and sophisticated. It is tough to remember she still wants someone to sit by her at lunch.

Yesterday, I called my friend for advice on the BFF issue and I just wanted to rush through this little "phase" that is certainly not unique to us. Then before bed, a discussion on names came up (a few new kids in the class have "cool names"), and she said - "Well, you know Mom - Savage is only temporary. It is only my maiden name." Yep. Lots of things are only temporary. Let's enjoy all those fleeting moments. Even if we have to lean on our BFFs for help...

Great Link for Family Movie Night

Family Movie Nights are becoming pretty popular around this house but often, I am not fond of what is available on TV or "new releases" from the video store. My friend sent me this link. She and her family use it regularly to purchase movies for birthdays, etc. I am intrigued. What I particularly like is the "search" feature. You can search by "value," i.e., honesty, character, faith, etc. and by age. It also gives you a synopsis of the movie. They are only available for purchase - but at least you can find titles then check your library, Netflix or movie store. Check it out - I think you will find it worthwhile. I spent (shamefully) almost an hour reading many movie summaries.
http://www.familytv.com/

Please watch this video clip....

Those who know me well know that autism and its larger umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorder has been on my professional radar for many years. In the past seven years, this has become more personal to me as I have fallen in love with many children and their families impacted by this. These past several weeks at work has renewed my resolve to keep abreast of the research and find more ways to contribute.

This is pandemic. If the recent statistics bear out even for the next few years, if you don't know someone impacted by PDD/autism spectrum disorder right now - you soon will. Our children, our nieces, nephews, grandchildren - all at risk if we can't find something to give us a way to get at this thing.

The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks
for *each time* this video is viewed. The funding goes toward research
studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link
below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family.
They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass
this goal.
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

Thoughts on Martin Luther King Day and First Grade Equality

Watching the Democratic debates on TV tonight, it was apparent to me how far this nation has come since Dr. King's infamous speech. It was equally apparent how far we have to go.

All of the kids's schools touched on Dr. King and his invaluable contributions to society. When Emma brought her report home, we touched on the content. She can't quite wrap her head around the injustice Rosa Parks endured. As we discussed it, I vividly recalled feeling exactly the same way.

This is her version of Dr. King's biography. I hope you can read it. She told me she mentions Rosa Parks because "anybody should be able to sit anywhere they want on the school bus - and nobody should have to sit next to a boy if they don't want to."

The V Word...

I am wondering what went through your collective minds when you saw the title....

Whatever it was (and I have some creative possibilities), it probably wasn't what I was pondering. Actually, it has to do with Emma - and it has been brewing a while now....

Still stumped? I'll give you one hint. Last night's meatloaf.

Enough with the suspense. It is probably killing you. Many of you know my eldest daughter's aversion to meat. I think it started as a texture thing - then when her class did the "Where do foods come from?" unit - that was the final straw. By the way - I think this is an instance of our kids being TOO EDUCATED. She lived blissfully for a while thinking hamburgers came simply from the fresh-faced cashier at MacDonalds. I digress.

So - we have had a deal for a while regarding her consumption of meat at meals. I am the MOM. She is the CHILD. You know the rest. Because my children have recently threatened to unionize, we struck an agreement. You eat the number of bites of the noxious substance that correlates to your age. Worked well until our lawyer to be realized she would ALWAYS have to eat more bites than her sibs because well - she is ALWAYS going to be older. Hmmm.

Last night - after watching her grimace, gag, pale, and drink copious amounts of milk to wash down the 6 dastardly pieces of meatloaf (made unrecognizable by the ridiculous amount of barbecue sauce) I calmly asked what the big issue was.

Her reply - "I think I want to be a vegetarian. They don't eat animal meat."

My mind veered off into the myriad of possibilities this conversion could lead to. Brilliantly, I came up with "They also don't eat chicken nuggets." This indeed stumped her. Apparently, her official stance is "chicken with crust on it doesn't count as meat." She may not be far off.

I couldn't argue. I was a vegetarian too for a while. What can it hurt? We then followed up the discussion with differences between vegan and vegatarian. That conversation continued this morning. She assured me she will NOT be giving up her milk, eggs, or cottage cheese because it "doesn't have to be dipped in something to taste good." Aha! I was afraid she was basing this on principle.

Anyway - it was kind of cool actually. I am just getting glimpses of the kind of arguments she will make, the kind of rationale she can use, and when she asked me again this morning if she could still "Be a vegetarian." I reminded her that my job was to keep her safe. Her job was to make the best decisions for her. Gulp. It looks like these decisions may be coming faster than I thought.

Things That Do Go Together....

There are some things that just seem to go well together in this house... and in life. Here are a few from this week...

1. Grayson and his light saber.

2. Grayson and his Scooby Doo pajamas. It was pj day at preschool today and you could take one toy. Hmmm... can you imagine what he took? This is his "jedi" stance.

3. Emma and her Leapster, CD player, or any other electronic device.

4. Claire and her princess tutu.

5. Freshly brewed coffee and flavored creamer.

6. Pancakes and eggs (at least once or twice a week served at various mealtimes).

7. Email + friends (New friends and experienced ones).

8. Baby powder and freshly bathed children.

9. January and 60 degree weather - woohoo!

10. Sleeping in + breakfast in bed (well, a girl can dream...)

Things That Just Don't Go Together....

A few things I have learned this week about things that just shouldn't co-exist...

1. Britney Spears and procreation.
2. Most of the the 2008 hopefuls and the word "Commander in Chief".
3. The general "aromas" of the nursing home co-mingling with the odor of the "freshly made" salmon patties for lunch.
4. Chicken nuggets and ketchup - need I say more?
5. My kids and TWO WEEKS OFF from preschool and "the big time" as Emma calls first grade. (They all go back tomorrow - Praise God!)

Yes, tomorrow Emma goes back to reading chapter books, writing her "non-fiction," and her new math lesson - learning to tell time. Tonight she asked me if we had an analog clock. Hmmm... is that different than digital? I honestly didn't know and told her we had to wait until Daddy got home to ask (or until Grayson got off the computer so I could look up the word "analog" on the computer). I don't even know if I spelled the word correctly. Am I supposed to be stumped by my first grader? Oh well, the little smarty pants goes back to school tomorrow.