and it isn't even September yet.
I mentioned that Daegan already missed a day of school because of strep. Friday, Jason didn't feel well and by Saturday morning, I felt terrible. I went straight to the Minute Clinic and they gave me antibiotics for a sinus infection. Jason also got on antibiotics for a sinus infection. We had a long weekend of Mommy and Daddy in bed, while the kids did well to entertain themselves.
By Tuesday, Mac had a pretty nasty cough and a snotty nose. I took him just to make sure he didn't have strep and he ended up having a sinus infection, along with an ear infection.
So, now it is Friday the following week and I'm just now getting back to this blog that I started two days ago. We are all on the mend. Still a lot of tissues being used and a line up of Amoxicillin bottles in the frig, but I can guarantee we will have a better weekend this time around.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Ahhh...the things kids say!
**WARNING** politically incorrect ahead...
When plans were being made, she was led to Cape Town, South Africa. I felt relieved for her because it is a little more modern there than in the Kenya locations. She wasn't sure where she would be living, but ended up with an apartment at the seminary.
I've mentioned many times before that my sister, Ruth, has moved to South Africa. She spent several summers in a row in Kenya and felt she was being led to Africa as a missionary. On her Kenya trips, these are the pictures we saw when she returned
When plans were being made, she was led to Cape Town, South Africa. I felt relieved for her because it is a little more modern there than in the Kenya locations. She wasn't sure where she would be living, but ended up with an apartment at the seminary.She has had to learn a different culture. She has learned to eat different foods, to drive on the left side of the road, a different form of barbecue and she has learned many phrases that are not used in America. I even believe that when I talk to her via Skype she has adapted the South African inflection for her sentences.
The demographics in South Africa are different than the rest of Africa. You have about 20% White South Africans, 30% Black South Africans and 41% Coloured South Africans (mixed). Personally, when I think of "Africa" I think of Kenya where you only have about 1% of non-Black Africans, and apparently, so do my children.
Ruth has met someone who is a student at the seminary. His name is Gary and right now they are in a 'courtship' together. We met him via Skype (you've got to love it) the other day. He got to meet the kids and when we were discussing the meeting before bedtime one of the kids, who will remain nameless said, "I liked him, except he wasn't as black as I thought he'd be"!!
Politically incorrect, I warned you!
Friday, August 20, 2010
GORGEOUS!The Hornet's Nest
The moral of this story is consequences.
If you don't know Tavis, age 8, let me try to explain the enigma that God has created in him. He is a sweet, kind, doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, people-pleaser kind of person. He is great to make new people feel welcome and he was an angel to help take care of David over the summer. He is also scatter-brained (he already missed bringing home homework twice in the seven days we've been in school), very loud (or shall I say LOUD!) and loves to annoy. I'm not sure what the attraction of annoying his brothers or his sister is (maybe I should ask Uncle JR?), but he is quite good at it. He knows exactly what buttons to press (a gift from his father) and for some reason he usually goes too far.
Now, let me try to explain Capps, age 6 (Daegan is between them in the age line up). Capps is hard to explain but not because he is an enigma. I'd say he is fairly black-and-white. As you can probably tell from previous posts, he holds a special place in my heart. Don't judge me on that one. He has little quirks that make me smile. Up until he went to school last week, he has always been a little particular about what he colors with, but we've been prepping him to use crayons and markers instead of gel pens. He hates to be in chaos, so if too many people are around (like too many cousins) he will go off somewhere and do a puzzle or color. At dinner time he is always the last left at the table. He is very methodical about eating - one thing at a time and he can't move to the next item until the previous one is gone. And nothing on his plate can touch, that is a tragedy. Like I said, a little quirky.
So, the other evening, we could hear Capps hysterically yelling. We didn't check it out right away because we usually just wait and see if things need our attention or if they can work it out. Capps continues yelling with I. Told. You. I. Don't. Like. That. And then Tavis was crying.
Apparently, Tavis kept grabbing Capps from behind in a full body bear hug. Capps does not like to be confined. We have dealt with Tavis doing this before, informing him that it may be wrestling with others, but for Capps, it really freaks him out. Another thing you should know about Capps is that he is about to pass Daegan in size and he is solid as a rock, without one ounce of fat on him. Maybe he'll play football? The first time Tavis did this, Capps asked him not to, but when he did it again, Capps had had enough. Capps just got on top of Tavis and kept punching him in the chest telling him I. Don't. Like. That.
Jason felt it was necessary to deal with Tavis in this situation. Capps had asked nicely first and then he was just defending himself. Of course, in the end, he was upset that he hurt Tavis, but was more insulted that Tavis was so blantantly annoying him. Tavis openly admitted that he knew Capps didn't like it, but why did he do it? "I dunno?"
Jason explained to Tavis that when you constantly annoy someone like Capps, it is like poking a stick in a hornet's nest. You just keeping poking and eventually you are going to get stung. This particular evening, Tavis got stung.
So, will Tavis have learned his lesson? Probably not. Unfortunately, his next target will just be Daegan instead...
If you don't know Tavis, age 8, let me try to explain the enigma that God has created in him. He is a sweet, kind, doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, people-pleaser kind of person. He is great to make new people feel welcome and he was an angel to help take care of David over the summer. He is also scatter-brained (he already missed bringing home homework twice in the seven days we've been in school), very loud (or shall I say LOUD!) and loves to annoy. I'm not sure what the attraction of annoying his brothers or his sister is (maybe I should ask Uncle JR?), but he is quite good at it. He knows exactly what buttons to press (a gift from his father) and for some reason he usually goes too far.
Now, let me try to explain Capps, age 6 (Daegan is between them in the age line up). Capps is hard to explain but not because he is an enigma. I'd say he is fairly black-and-white. As you can probably tell from previous posts, he holds a special place in my heart. Don't judge me on that one. He has little quirks that make me smile. Up until he went to school last week, he has always been a little particular about what he colors with, but we've been prepping him to use crayons and markers instead of gel pens. He hates to be in chaos, so if too many people are around (like too many cousins) he will go off somewhere and do a puzzle or color. At dinner time he is always the last left at the table. He is very methodical about eating - one thing at a time and he can't move to the next item until the previous one is gone. And nothing on his plate can touch, that is a tragedy. Like I said, a little quirky.
So, the other evening, we could hear Capps hysterically yelling. We didn't check it out right away because we usually just wait and see if things need our attention or if they can work it out. Capps continues yelling with I. Told. You. I. Don't. Like. That. And then Tavis was crying.
Apparently, Tavis kept grabbing Capps from behind in a full body bear hug. Capps does not like to be confined. We have dealt with Tavis doing this before, informing him that it may be wrestling with others, but for Capps, it really freaks him out. Another thing you should know about Capps is that he is about to pass Daegan in size and he is solid as a rock, without one ounce of fat on him. Maybe he'll play football? The first time Tavis did this, Capps asked him not to, but when he did it again, Capps had had enough. Capps just got on top of Tavis and kept punching him in the chest telling him I. Don't. Like. That.
Jason felt it was necessary to deal with Tavis in this situation. Capps had asked nicely first and then he was just defending himself. Of course, in the end, he was upset that he hurt Tavis, but was more insulted that Tavis was so blantantly annoying him. Tavis openly admitted that he knew Capps didn't like it, but why did he do it? "I dunno?"
Jason explained to Tavis that when you constantly annoy someone like Capps, it is like poking a stick in a hornet's nest. You just keeping poking and eventually you are going to get stung. This particular evening, Tavis got stung.
So, will Tavis have learned his lesson? Probably not. Unfortunately, his next target will just be Daegan instead...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Skype
My new best friend.
With a sister in South Africa, I can't imagine life without Skype. Yes, we are spoiled, but this is a spoiling I am especially thankful for.
I think back to the generation before and those that chose to serve on the mission field. Your only communication was a letter via snail mail that was usually full of two week old information. Or a phone call that cost way too much.
One of my best friends in middle school went to Zaire, Africa, missing out on our high school years together. I remember the frustration (from a 14 year old's perspective) of the lack of communication. Thankfully, our friendship remained strong and we are now enjoying having our children in class together at the same school we attended.
So, back to Skype. Twice this week, I've noticed my sister's Skype button "ON" and I've been able to click it and say hello. Not only does it not cost me anything, but I can see her during the conversation. Crazy!!
It is always a good excuse to put housework on hold for a few minutes. And maybe a reason to get out of my PJs???
With a sister in South Africa, I can't imagine life without Skype. Yes, we are spoiled, but this is a spoiling I am especially thankful for.
I think back to the generation before and those that chose to serve on the mission field. Your only communication was a letter via snail mail that was usually full of two week old information. Or a phone call that cost way too much.
One of my best friends in middle school went to Zaire, Africa, missing out on our high school years together. I remember the frustration (from a 14 year old's perspective) of the lack of communication. Thankfully, our friendship remained strong and we are now enjoying having our children in class together at the same school we attended.
So, back to Skype. Twice this week, I've noticed my sister's Skype button "ON" and I've been able to click it and say hello. Not only does it not cost me anything, but I can see her during the conversation. Crazy!!
It is always a good excuse to put housework on hold for a few minutes. And maybe a reason to get out of my PJs???
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Mommy's Birthday Saga
My birthday started early this morning when Mac woke up at 12:49 AM. If he awakes in between sleep cycles and sees a light on in the house, he just assumes it is time to get up. Disclaimer * Jason and I do not leave lights on, the kids leave them on when they go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, this happens a few times a week. Thankfully, he goes right back to sleep as soon as I inform him it is the middle of the night. Unfortunately, I usually can't get back to sleep.
I usually work on Tuesday, babysitting David, but I asked for today off many weeks ago. I did not ask because it was my birthday, but because the three oldest kids were getting reading awards in chapel for their summer reading. Of course, I really wanted to be there! This event started off the crazy/hecticness of my day when it was pouring down rain while Mac and I were trying to get to the auditorium. We made it, got seated and when I got my camera out to take a picture of the kids getting their awards, the card was still in the computer at home so I couldn't take any pictures. And we all know how important pictures are to me....
I did stay to eat lunch with the kids, which is always a treat for me. Daegan's class was first in the lunchroom and he came to sit, but didn't want to eat because he had a bad headache. For Daegan not to eat and complain of a headache usually means strep.
Capps came and got to invite his new friend Keegan to eat with us. Apparently, Capps fell on the way out of chapel (or got pushed) and he fell into a puddle, soaking his clothes and he had to change before coming to lunch. This did not please him, but he was excited that I brought doughnuts for our Summer Reading/Mommy's birthday celebration! Tavis' class was next and he invited new friend, Benjamin. Mollee, of course, invited Katie. It is so fun that Katie is one of her friends because Katie's mother and I attended this same school together many years ago.
As lunch time went on, Daegan seemed to get more and more pitiful. I decided he would leave school early with me and get him to the Dr. for a strep test. Jason called and said he was heading home early because of the rain, so we met at the house for a few minutes of down time and then I headed to the Dr. office and Jason took Mac and went to pick up the kids after school.
After a long wait, Daegan did have strep - so glad I took him in! I took him home, got the kids started on homework and headed back out the door to get his medication filled, along with picking up some dinner since our out-to-eat plans weren't going to happen with a sick kid.
I got home around 5:45 and we ate quicker than normal. With Mommy's birthday you are never sure if it is really going to be celebrated or not. Apparently, Mollee had snuck out with Grandma to get me a gift (having one girl does have its advantages) and Jason did a good job to get all the kids to make me a card. He also had a gift for me and had a cake for me that the kids were very excited about. He did a good job this year! :)
Unfortunately, I had to head back out the door at 6:45 for a 7:00 orientation meeting at school. Jason finished up homework help and I'm just back home checking my 55+ Facebook messages of birthday greetings.
Not exactly the hectic day I had planned, but that is how it goes sometimes with five little ones. I think a key phrase for a Mommy is: Be Flexible!
I do feel loved and appreciate all the wishes! Here's hoping Jason and I will end up on a date this weekend, if no one else comes down with strep.
I usually work on Tuesday, babysitting David, but I asked for today off many weeks ago. I did not ask because it was my birthday, but because the three oldest kids were getting reading awards in chapel for their summer reading. Of course, I really wanted to be there! This event started off the crazy/hecticness of my day when it was pouring down rain while Mac and I were trying to get to the auditorium. We made it, got seated and when I got my camera out to take a picture of the kids getting their awards, the card was still in the computer at home so I couldn't take any pictures. And we all know how important pictures are to me....
I did stay to eat lunch with the kids, which is always a treat for me. Daegan's class was first in the lunchroom and he came to sit, but didn't want to eat because he had a bad headache. For Daegan not to eat and complain of a headache usually means strep.
Capps came and got to invite his new friend Keegan to eat with us. Apparently, Capps fell on the way out of chapel (or got pushed) and he fell into a puddle, soaking his clothes and he had to change before coming to lunch. This did not please him, but he was excited that I brought doughnuts for our Summer Reading/Mommy's birthday celebration! Tavis' class was next and he invited new friend, Benjamin. Mollee, of course, invited Katie. It is so fun that Katie is one of her friends because Katie's mother and I attended this same school together many years ago.
As lunch time went on, Daegan seemed to get more and more pitiful. I decided he would leave school early with me and get him to the Dr. for a strep test. Jason called and said he was heading home early because of the rain, so we met at the house for a few minutes of down time and then I headed to the Dr. office and Jason took Mac and went to pick up the kids after school.
After a long wait, Daegan did have strep - so glad I took him in! I took him home, got the kids started on homework and headed back out the door to get his medication filled, along with picking up some dinner since our out-to-eat plans weren't going to happen with a sick kid.
I got home around 5:45 and we ate quicker than normal. With Mommy's birthday you are never sure if it is really going to be celebrated or not. Apparently, Mollee had snuck out with Grandma to get me a gift (having one girl does have its advantages) and Jason did a good job to get all the kids to make me a card. He also had a gift for me and had a cake for me that the kids were very excited about. He did a good job this year! :)
Unfortunately, I had to head back out the door at 6:45 for a 7:00 orientation meeting at school. Jason finished up homework help and I'm just back home checking my 55+ Facebook messages of birthday greetings.
Not exactly the hectic day I had planned, but that is how it goes sometimes with five little ones. I think a key phrase for a Mommy is: Be Flexible!
I do feel loved and appreciate all the wishes! Here's hoping Jason and I will end up on a date this weekend, if no one else comes down with strep.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Just Because!
Around here, there doesn't have to be a reason for a photo session, but I can always come up with a good excuse.
Today, it was because I actually had time before church to roll Mollee's hair. I thought that was a good time to get an update photo of the two of us!
And this is what you get when Jason is "adjusting" the camera
And why not a new one of Jason and I! He just got new glasses that he let me pick out - sorta? We have totally opposite opinions (me=fun, Jason=boring) and these are the ones we could agree on.
Today, it was because I actually had time before church to roll Mollee's hair. I thought that was a good time to get an update photo of the two of us!
And this is what you get when Jason is "adjusting" the cameraAnd why not a new one of Jason and I! He just got new glasses that he let me pick out - sorta? We have totally opposite opinions (me=fun, Jason=boring) and these are the ones we could agree on.
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