Justin and the Herd Review Movies and Act Adorable

My brother-in-law, Justin, has a YouTube Channel where he and his friend Vash "review" movies. I say "Review" because they mostly fight about the movie. (Spoilers: Justin likes them, Vash sleeps through them.) Most of their reviews are family friendly, if you want to follow them on YouTube.

Justin came home for a wedding (and Thanksgiving but, you know, mostly the wedding) and took the Herd to see Penguins of Madagascar. While I thought he should have taken them alone so Adam and I could get ready for Thanksgiving (yeah, that's what we're calling it now), he was too terrified to take four children to the movies alone. Whimp. Thankfully, Adam wanted to see the movie so he went to help out. I stayed home, made cinnamon rolls and enjoyed the sounds of peace and quiet. It was quite worth it because, well, watch the adorableness!






For those of you who follow this blog for information about CAS and speech therapy, the six year old is the one who has been in speech since he was 22 months old and was once non-verbal. I never, ever thought he would be able to do something like this! People, this is the result of hard, hard work and years of therapy and listen to how good he sounds!

Quick Takes Friday: The First Day

1.

The first day of school began like this:

 

 

 

Joseph- 5th grade and not amused by the photos. He ditched us shortly after

Camille- third. She has the same teacher Joe had in second grade and is super excited.

George- kindergarten

Cole- last year of preschool!

 

2.

George tried to ditch me right away. I told him mommies stay for a few minutes the first day. He ended up kicking me out after ten minutes, which was fine because I had a preschool meeting to attend.

 



 

3.

When I picked him up, we went to CFA for lunch and then ran an errand. He told me all about "Pete the Cat." Since he can't say "Pete" I had no clue what he was talking about aside from a stuffed cat who had shoes and they colored their own shoes. His teacher sent me a photo of them with Pete and then his SLP said, "Oh, those are cool books!" Whew! But, apparently, he loved the story since he could tell me all the details!

 

4.

His teacher told me that when they introduced themselves he said, "Well, you may not be able to understand me but my name is George." It comes out "Forfe." He didn't seem too bothered by the fact that some people may not understand him, which is good.

 

5.

I met Cole's new SLP at school but have not hunted down the K-5 SLP. I've met her but I need to make sure all the paperwork is in so she can talk to our private SLP. I may also need to ask her IEP questions but I probably shouldn't harass her too much the first few days! ;) Then again, we're going to be working together for the next five years, or more, so she might as well get used to me!

 

6.

There's a new school nurse. The school year is just beginning so we haven't chatted much. Our paperwork should all be finished so I hope I don't have to talk to her about vaccines. Cole had an allergic reaction to vaccines so he's behind. I doubt I will get him the flu shot either, since that's one he had a reaction to. I don't mind explaining to people WHY he is behind but it gets old having to "justify" why we don't want to give something to our kid that he is allergic to!

 

7.

After a good first day at school, there were epic meltdowns last night. No, I wasn't one of them. The middle two were overwhelmed and over-tired, which led to tears and a refusal to go to bed. We finally got them down and life seems much better today... they were ready to leave for school 45 minutes early!

 

 

The Rain in Spain: Stuff I Get Done

When the husband is away, the wife... well, I'm not playing, I'm working! I apparently have some bee in my bonnet and I suddenly must do ALL THE THINGS that we've been putting off. Since Adam has been gone, I have:

trimmed and weeded the front bushes

swept the garage

trimmed back the mint plants that were going to over take the deck

cleaned off said deck

painted the playset with outdoor paint

helped the kids wash out the trash and recycling cans. Memo to self: make sure all the dust from the vacuum is in a bag, double sealed, because ew.

watered the garden

moved the compost bin. And when I say "we" I mean "my mom, the original hippie." I helped. Joseph manned the hose.

mopped the kitchen

deep cleaned Camille's room

bought school supplies

had yummy lunches with my mom

had yummy ice cream and wine, but not at the same time, with my mom

got the dog a new collar since he shrunk out of his old one

got the kids some winter/school clothes

And there's still more to do! I need to find George some size six shorts because he refuses to stop growing. Camille says she is "not that into Disney Princesses" anymore and would like some new sheets. I can respect that, so sheet-shopping we will go. If I can, I may borrow a power washer from a friend and really get at the cob webs that are everywhere in the house. Oh, and I need to sell off some 31 stuff.... anyone need a bag?

I'm going to be exhausted when Adam gets home!

My sweet little girl

A few weeks ago, I signed up to bring Communion to people in the nursing home or who are home bound. They put me on the schedule right away and, for a variety of reasons, I took Camille with me the first time.

Now, taking kids anywhere can be dicey and I was a bit worried about her in the nursing home, seeing people she didn't know who may have a variety of issues. I did prep her a little before hand but I didn't have to worry. My sweet girl was a complete angel. She was quiet and respectful and very, very well behaved. She saved any questions she had until the end, instead of asking in front of the residents.

I had a lightbulb moment when we were leaving: she's like this because of her great-grandparents. Every summer we visit Adam's grandparents and every summer she sees people she loves using a walker or who have trouble hearing. She knows how to act around people who cannot see well, cannot move as fast as they once could. She knows how to speak so people who are hard of hearing can hear her. We had to go into the locked unit, for people who are loosing their memories, and she was well behaved even there and was not upset or scared at the sudden, seemingly random, actions of some of the residents. Instead, she said hello, good-bye and wished them a nice day. I know they felt her kindness and compassion, even if they couldn't verbalize it.

Camille said she enjoyed going with me. Whether she enjoyed just being with me or enjoyed visiting with the residents, I don't know. I do think this is giving her a love for the Eucharist and a love for caring for people. Can't ask for much more than that!

No longer a "baby family"

This weekend Adam and the kids took me out to dinner. Although I thought about going someplace different, I picked The Cheesecake Factory because I knew we would all enjoy the food and, hello, cheesecake!

While we had dinner, it dawned on me that we can do this now- we can take the kids out to dinner and expect AND GET decent behavior out of them. Sure, there was some shoving and some rude burping (ugh! tween boys!) and some of this:

but everyone sat, ate and had a good time. There were bathroom runs, but no diaper changes. There was no baby food, no nursing, no dropped food. I got to eat my meal while it was cold (a salad) and shared my cheesecake with a very awed and very serious four year old.

Cole: Mommy, we eat dat? Mommy, we share dat?
Me: Yes, Bear, we'll share that!

I failed to convince Adam to drop me at the bookstore while he took the kids grocery shopping but we still had a pleasant time. Cole unleashed his Light Saber in Trader Joe's, which lead to me taking it until we got to the car. (Even Jedi Knights answer to their moms.) When we got home, I bathed the kids while Adam cleaned up the kitchen and put away groceries.

This is first summer in fully "big kid" mode. No one naps on a regular basis. The last of the cloth diapers went to a co-worker of Adam's. I'm sorting through baby toys and 3t clothes for a garage sale. The little slide, tunnel and sand box are going to a teacher friend for  her grandkids. We have one stroller for long trips and even the cheap umbrella strollers are gone. When I took Cole into the cry room during Mass, I realized we don't belong in there. Everyone else had bottles, binkies and diapers. We no longer need any of those.

I know I should moan that I miss it- and I do, to a degree. But I am also excited about this phase of life.

Joseph and Camille took part in their first tournament this weekend and did very well. I can see Camille wishing to join the "forms" team some day. I got to take George and Cole to baseball practice and was so impressed to see them paying attention, listening to instructions and trying so hard. For two boys with plenty of challenges, they blended right into the team and loved it. I'm looking forward to their adorable games this summer!

I know if we were blessed with another baby, I would love an embrace that child. I am confident in my baby-caring skills and would whip out the cloth diapers, nursing bras and swaddling blankets with no second thoughts. But this phase- the phase where we read Percy Jackson together, talk about serious things, have friends over for sleep overs and where Mommy can sleep in a touch, knowing they can get their own cereal- is pretty wonderful and amazing too.

This Mother's Day, I have the gift of knowing we are entering the next phase in parenting, the big kid phase. It's pretty cool.

We partied this weekend

thank you Catholic Memes on Facebook

I was anticipating this past weekend... but dreading it too. We would have so much fun stuff to do but... so.much to do! In the end, it was the perfect weekend and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend.

It began with a little of this:

 Man, the frosting was pink but it was the perfect pink for our pretty pink princess. I did her hair that morning and it looked awesome. I also figured out that I am veil-deficiant. I have never worn one and wasn't sure how to pin  it to her head without drawing blood. I got it on her, though, and she looked lovely. All the children did, really. I know you sometimes see a dress and think, "What the heck were the parents thinking?" but there was none of that at her Mass.

After Mass, Adam took the little boys to baseball practice. They loved it and were properly tired when they came home. Adam said they hit the ball a few times and managed to catch it. I have no dreams of major leagues in this house. I want them to have fun, learn the game and be tired (not always in that order!). Plus, you know the "games" will be precious!

Right after they got home, we had our open house where we cut into the "rustic" cross cake:

I made marshmallow fondant. I have made this before with excellent results (see also: Cole's first birthday cake). It began coming together just fine but then I added too much of something and the result was a thick paste of .... not fondant. I asked Adam to roll it in a ball in the fridge and he didn't. It did not roll out easily or drape nicely. I didn't have any buttercream left so I put in on the cake in strips. I couldn't get the pink (PINK!) buttercream to pipe out, so Grams suggested we place the cupcakes around it to hide the edges. I joked we were going for more symbolism since Jesus was wrapped in a shroud after he died but one of my friends, "No, it's RUSTIC!" Rustic it is!

After tons of cake, more cake and yummy Subway, we watched Frozen and then hyped the kids up on more sugar....

The school carnival was perhaps the best one our school has ever hosted. The weather was perfect and everything was outside. The kids were safe to run fairly free and their tickets got them oodles of candy. All that running made them super tired and Cole asked to go to bed that night! I think we would have all slept in if it hadn't been for this the next day:

My parents and my sister's family joined us for the first time. We all walked together. It was nice to introduce my parents to the people who saved George's life and have them meet some of the children they last saw as babies in the NICU. My sister surprised me by showing us Miss Who's sign on the Boulevard of Babies.I didn't know she had one and it's nice to know that others will see her name and maybe smile.

My camera shy husband and son!
They ended up o n the hospital's FB page!
And the look like they have a bodyguard.

 In many ways, the March was a safe place for all of us. We could talk about Miss Who without having to censor ourselves. People would understand all the terms and it was highly likely no one would say stupid stuff, like "God needs her more than you." I talked to some friends from the NICU who did not know about her and we had a "there but for the grace of God so us" kinda moments. Their children were born at the same gestational age as Miss Who and knew, all too well, the fear of loosing a child. They were super sweet to us.

When we got home that afternoon the kids played with friends and I dozed. We were all soooo tired!

While I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend... I'm glad a break is coming! We have two weeks before another huge weekend of birthday parties, baseball and a huge garage sale!

Quick Takes Friday: We interrupt this First Communion Prep...

To bring you Quick Takes Friday and allow me something to do other than cleaning!

1. Mad, mad props to my little boys who have been drug on errands all week. They have put up with Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's (which seem to be taking a leaf of out Wal-Mart's books and never, ever have enough cashiers staffed!), Wal-Mart, Target, JoAnn's AGAIN, and the Catholic bookstore. Both boys were so well behaved and helped me pick out everything I need for our open house.

2. In a fit of ... brilliance? thinking I am crafty? insanity? I ordered the pink cupcake toppers from Pink Posy Paperie. They came out oh-so-cute and the file was easy to download and print. I adore them and we're using them for cupcake toppers and to put on treat bags.

3. Now, I thought I was being all frugal with these things. The price of the download was quite reasonable. I already have the card stock. I could have cut them out by hand but a) why? and b) friends promised me that the punch for them was reasonably priced. I'm sure this is true... if you don't have to buy TWO. The big pink flowers in the back are from the orginal punch I got. I opened it, used it and realized it wasn't what I needed. I had to go BACK to the store to get the one I did need. The four dollar cupcake toppers ended up costing me nearly $25! I really, really hope there is another occasion to use "God Bless Camille Julia" themed items!

4.I'm not sure if this is the cheapest thing I have ever done or if I was going to EPIC SYMBOLISM but I bought Easter Candy at 75 per cent off to use in the bags. I found chocolate coins, which the kids love, and placed 2-3 in each bag. I mean, if we didn't have the Eucharist, we wouldn't have Easter... or, um, vise versa. And the coins are the size of a Host! See? Not cheap at all. Right. 

5. I also have to give a shout-out to the Religious Education department. Camille was chatting about the "dress rehearsal" they did and she was making comments like, "We used the Eucharist but it wasn't the REAL Eucharist because the priest hadn't made it into God's body yet" and "They said I can take it in my hands or my tongue. Mommy, which should I do?" I'm impressed with that because few people Recieve in the mouth now so it's nice that it was presented as a viable option for the kids. I told her to do what she prefers and what is most comfortable. I think she should do what she is most comfortable with the first time but after that, she can try receiving in a different way. 

6. Oh, you want to see a pic of my daughter in her dress before the big day?

The dress and veil were actually a gift from a friend. Her mother couldn't just sell it or donate it and wanted to find a little girl who would use it. My mom did the minor alterations. We all love it because it is so pretty, so fancy but modest and very "little girl." I found her tights on sale at the Gap and her shoes came from Zulily. The Rosary was a gift from my parents when they went to Italy a few years ago. It has SAINT John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict on it! The bracelt is a small gold one and each link is shaped like a bow. It was my mother's. I bought her birthstone earrings as a gift (yes, they are red) and my mom gifted her with a cross necklace. She also has a little white sweater (yep, made by Grams!) to wear.

I love that so many people donated time and gifts to her special outfit. It really makes it even more special, don't you think?

7. Sunday is also the March for Babies. This year, my parents and my sister's family will be joining us. I am a little emotional about it but I'm reminding myself of all the GOOD things that have come from our time in the NICU. I mean, I would do nearly ANYTHING to bring my niece back but... at least good came come out of bad! But I suppose that is a post for another time.

Have a wonderful weekend and please keep my daughter, and the other kids receiving their FHC, in your prayers!

Overheard: Darth Vader and Jesus

It's very, very rare that I allow the kids to take a toy (beyond a lovey or a book about Jesus) to Mass. When they were little, they hung out in my lap, nursed or went to the nursery. Once they were about two, toys became more of a problem than they were worth. Aside from the fact that we have great sound in our parish AND marble floors... the fighting. Oh, the fighting.

I made an exception this Easter, though, since we were arriving early and there would be more waiting. Cole grabbed a Stormtrooper my mom bought him and said something about the storm trooper coming to church.

"Well, if anyone needs a Savior, it's the storm troopers!" Adam joked.

"Maybe we should get the Daleks and Darth Vader," I said. "Darth Vader REALLY needs a Savior."

Camille looked at me and said, "Mom, Darth Vader died for his son. I think he gets the point."

Um, yeah, and so do you, my dear.

***

From Facebook: If I enrolled my kids in golf lessons this summer, will I loose my hippie license and officially be a yuppie mom? 

***

Me: George, today is St. George's Day! It's a special day when we celebrate St. George!

George: ME?!

Me: Well, sort of. St. George was a pretty cool guy who road into a town on a horse, saved a princess and killed a dragon.

George: Mommy, when I growned up, I will kill a dragon but I be too big to live with you!

****

From Facebook, again:
Me: I can' believe my kid wants to be up at 7 am on a Saturday to be at Mathletics.

Adam: No, MY kid wants to do math on a Saturday. YOUR kid would run away screaming!

Hold Me

I had a doctor's appointment on Cole's birthday and I told him that if he was well behaved, I would get him a "blue water" (blue coconut slush) from Sonic. He was and so I did. Since I can't get just one kid something, I got everyone ma drink.

I couldn't remember Camille's favorite flavor so I got her a lemonade. Apparently, she does NOT like lemonade and wanted an orange drink. I apologized and offered to get her a different flavor when I was out at Sonic again. She was plenty mad and wanted me to get her a new one RIGHT THEN. I refused.

She stomped off to her room and then stomped back downstairs. She complained the birds were singing too loudly and too happily. I offered her a taste of Cole's birthday cake, since I had carved off part of the top to make hills. She accepted... and then proceeded to eat crushed oreo cookies with a spoon while reading the Justice catalog.

Within five minutes of this, she was her cheerful self and I had whiplash.

If this is what it is like at eight, I need to stock up on chocolate and wine now to prepare for the teenage years!

Natural Parents Network: We Call Our Daughter Princess...

And I am Okay with that!

How the Princess got her nickname and why, in spite of negative comments over calling girls a "princess," I am okay with that!

Overheard: I hate it and cracks in the wall

The other day we were in the toy section of Target, which is near the electronics section. An ad for The Jungle Book came on the TV and Cole stood transfixed as bears danced on the screen.

Of course my mind went to "easter or birthday gift!" and I said, "Cole, do you think you would like to see that movie?"

"No."

"No? Are you sure? It's a fun movie."

No. It stupid. I hate it."

Nice kid. Then why are you watching it like it is the best thing since sliced bread?

***

I have a Dyson vacuum that has a super long telescoping handle. It's great because I can reach to vacuum most corners of the ceiling. Camille came in to watch me and huffed, "Really, Mom?"

"Yes, really," I said.

She huffed again and then pointed to a crack in the wall. "There's a crack in the wall."

I looked at her and grinned. "Are you sure that's just a crack?"

"Very funny."

Amelia Pond and the Doctor

 Yeah... Camille kinda looked like that.

***
The priest said, "Jesus doesn't want you to worry! Be happy!"

The History Channel: God consistently calls the least of us to do the biggest things.

Me: That Holy Spirit clue by four really hurt. I wish He would be more gentle.
Adam: You're too dense. He needs to hit you hard!

Hoops

My daughter Camille is in second grade and as every second grade Catholic child knows, this means one thing: it's her First Communion year! All year in religious ed, Camille has been studying, learning and preparing for her First Holy Communion and her First Reconciliation. She received her FR in December and, from what Adam tells me, she did a wonderful job. (He watched her from outside the Confessional; he could see but not hear her.) In May, she will receive her FHC.

As part of the sacrament prep, parents are required to attend two meetings: one for FR and the other for FHC. At each meeting, we get information about what to expect, tips and tricks to help prepare our child at home, information on Mass time and retreats. Father usually gives a little chat about the sacraments. They are short, to the point and generally worth my time. I have zero complaints about these meetings. Except....

I could make the last one.

We had two times for FHC parent meetings. We had an emergency and I couldn't make them. I asked our DRE for the information and she said that Father was offering a make up meeting. Fair enough. However, that make up meeting was when Adam was out of town!

I e-mailed several people in charge, as I wasn't sure who to talk to, and explained the situation. I pointed out that my kids have excellent CCD attendance, we attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and take the children to Reconciliation frequently. I mean, it's not like I am some Joe-smo off the streets who doesn't care and only makes her kids attend during sacrament years. Stuff happened and I couldn't make the meetings.

Oh no. Father wants a private meeting with all the parents who missed the parent meetings.

Head, meet desk.

To some degree, I get it. I do. He wants to make sure the parents are prepared, active and take their children's faith formation seriously. No problem. But when a parishioner you know emails you personally and explains the situation... why can't you have the packet waiting at the front desk? Why the hoops? Seriously, some flexibility here... and why does this one happy thing have to  be so difficult?!

I did include in my e-mail that if they wish to withhold the sacrament based on me being unable to attend a parent meeting, to let me know so I can have her receive elsewhere. No, that is not an idle threat. I do have friends who teacher FHC prep to kids through the CGS program and would be happy to take Camille. While she wants to receive with her class and friends, and I want her to have that experience, receiving the sacrament is more important than pomp and bling.

Sigh. I'll keep the blog-o-sphere updated with that happens but until then, just keep your fingers crossed that I get some answers... and the packet of information!

Name that Baby!

No, this is not an announcement. Rather, Kathryn over at Team Whitaker is hosting a baby name link up. I decided to join in the fun and post how we got our kids' names. Be warned- we are VERY boring when it comes to baby names and you're likely going to figure out a pattern after the first two!

Like most first born children, naming Joseph was fairly easy. We both like the name, which is important! We both had grandfathers named Joseph, called Joe. It is Adam's father's middle name and the name of my paternal uncle. My uncle took the name Andrew as his Confirmation name and, thus, middle name and went by Joseph Andrew. My father is named Andrew and my brother and brother-in-law have "Andrew" as a middle name. We like it, it sounds good together and, double bonus, our grandmothers love the name.

I never wanted Joseph to be called Joey which meant, of course, that my brother-in-law called him that as a toddler. Now he'll tell anyone that his name is Joe. He responds to Joseph or Joe and doesn't like Joey at all. (Thank you, God!) When I asked him why he started going by Joe, he said it was because it is easier to spell than Joseph! Ha! Stinker.

Random useless fact: He was almost named George. It was my birthday when I found out I was pregnant and Adam's other grandfather called me. When Adam asked if we wanted to name the baby George,I said, "No this baby is a Joseph." And he is!

You would think that Camille, the first girl, would be easy to name. No. Adam insisted she was a boy until the u/s showed otherwise. I knew I wanted her middle name to be Julia, the same middle name my grandmother had. (I didn't like the sound of her first name with his last name.)

I wanted to name her Charlotte Julia but Adam said no. After going around and around, I finally said, "Fine! Her middle name is Julia, find a first name that goes with it!" A few days later, he looked at me and said, "What about Cami, as a nickname for Camille?" I liked it and agreed... and two week later, he told me it was inspired by the name of a bad guy in a James Bond movie.

Ah, the George. George was always our second boy name. It's the name of Adam's maternal grandfather, a man I love. (I joked that if Grandpa were 50 years younger, I would marry him!) We actually asked his permission to name the baby George, because we knew some people don't like their names. He had no problem with it and so George was George.

His middle name, David, was a bit harder to come by. We tossed both David and Robert around but I thought George Robert sounded too much like a 1950's TV dad. I really wanted a Christmas-y middle name, as George was due Christmas Eve. I didn't like Nicholas or Gabriel though. I kept coming back to David, the name of Adam's uncle who died shortly before we were married.

One day, I had the realization that David IS a Christmas name- Jesus is from the House of David. BAM! Christmas name and a family name in one! Done!

Adam swore he would NOT be called Georgie Pordgie but all the NICU nurses called him that. He was Georgie PuddinPie from the beginning!

It's a good thing Cole is a boy, because if we had had a girl, she would still be unnamed. Actually, Cole was "supposed" to be a Henry, after my uncle Hank. However, he just didn't feel like a Henry. One day, I was chatting with a friend about some genealogy information Grandpa had sent us. In it, he told us that a relative on his mother's side had come from Ireland with a friend, who was a priest. The relative had a SuperLongIrish last name but he changed it to "Cole" the same name as the priest, so they could pass for brothers and enter America easily.

"You know what would be a great name?" my friend said. "Cole Robert!"

DONE.

We later found out that Grandpa was named for his grandfather, whose last name was Cole. In that small way, both little boys are named for Grandpa. (Least Joe be left out, he was born on their anniversary!) Robert is the name of several (many) men on my mother's side of the family. So, yes, we broke out "little old man" naming streak and gave our youngest son a more modern name, but it is still a traditional, family name like the rest of them.

More useless trivia: We thought about Robert Cole and calling him Robbie but he's not a Robbie! However, Colbert is pronounced "ColeBear" which is what we call him. (Get it? Col-bert? Cole Robert?)

And if we have any more?

I love the name Gianna, and the saint. I am insisting if we had a second daughter, she would be named Gianna. As a bonus, it keeps up with the naming pattern: JCGC. (JKJK sounds) I also want a Maximilian after Saint Maximilian Kolbe. However, given our penchant for producing kids with speech disorders, the speech therapists have made me promise not to do that! Henry is still on my list, after my uncle, and I like the name Anthony too. We shall see... and having Number Five is not even on my radar so I am not too worried!

School

I began this post two days ago. Shows how much time I have to sit alone and type!

Stuff's been happening but there's really nothing to write about. It warmed up to 30 degrees today and I felt awesome walking around without a coat, tramping through the snow in my boots. (Although the coat thing isn't new. I don't like wearing one.)

Wednesday I was Selfish Mommy and went to the gym. A friend and I swap baby sitting and Wends are her day to take George. I missed Cole's Valentine's Day party. I normally go up and take George. I suppose I could have worked out at home, and then gone to his party alone. But I didn't. I went to the gym and took a shower after. I patted myself on the back for taking care of ME, something I hardly ever do.

Then when I picked up Cole, I saw I was the only mother who didn't come up. No, really. The only other mothers who were not there were the ones who worked. Sigh.Talk about guilt!

I paid for Selfish Mommy too. The house was a disaster and Cole was flying high from the sugar. He also hasn't been sleeping and was super whiney. He was laying his head down and crying. I couldn't put him down for a nap, though, since Joe had an appointment. Cole fell asleep on the way to school and until we reached the doctor's. Of course he wanted to be carried and I had to lug him up a flight of stairs, questioning why I bothered to go to the gym!

Part of our problem today was that Cole was asking for something and I had no idea what it was! At our conference today, the SLP said kids with Apraxia often loose intelligibility as they gain speech.He is certainly doing that. Since he might not qualify for speech this summer, I will need to get him into private speech. Sigh.

Anyway, back to school. Cole whined "me go home" the entire hour and 15 minutes we were up there! Considering the whine-fest began at one, the whole "me go home" whine lasted for two frikkin hours. I mean, really? Sigh.

On Thursday I was supposed to go up to school for a kindergarten parent meeting. It was at nine am on a day off from school. What are we supposed to do with our kids? And Cole had a nasty cough, so I didn't want to bring him up anyway. It was frustrating but, thankfully, the staff knows me and I just went up, handed in my paperwork and picked up what I needed. The good news is that since he attends this school for preschool, most of his paperwork is already on file! I need to update any vaccinations he has received but, other than that, I think he's good to go!

We have the option for full or half day in the district. However, our state does not pay for full day and thus the parents must make up the difference at $15/day. For people that need day care (SCHOOL IS NOT DAY CARE) this is a bargain. For those of us who pay out the nose for therapies every week, this is an added expense we can not have. George will be going to half day and I am okay with this, since I know and like the half day teacher. I actually know and like the full day teacher too and she was excited, asking me if George will be in her class. That made my heart melt. I'm so, so pleased with the teachers at our school. They really do an awesome job with all my kids.

(I suspect they want George in their classes because they have not seen the super anal worried side of me that comes with George. He's leaving the nice secure special education classroom and going in with the wolves, who may or may not understand him.I have a few more months to prep the half day teacher. Heh. I did tell the principal that if this teacher is not teaching kindy next year, I will cry big ugly tears, have a fit and picket the school. The principal laughed, like I was kidding.)

Camille's teacher had nothing but glowing things to report. She's getting A's in math and her concentration has greatly improved! I think she's gaining a little weight back too, which is nice. The best part is that she is learning skills that are carrying over to when she is NOT on medication. That's great!

Joe had five people at his conference and we joked he was quite the popular young man, to have all those lovely women talking about him. He blushed! He has several student teachers, which is why so many people were there. He too is doing well and is undergoing testing for the gifted program. I'm twitching at the thought of all four kids on IEPs. I didn't want my children to have special needs, gifted or otherwise. I wanted boring, normal children who when you walk into conferences, the teacher says, "Your child is a delight to have in the classroom! Their grades are great, they are polite, well mannered and have friends. Send me 20 more like them!" I'm not looking to raise a genius child or four (trust me, no. It's a whole 'nuther post). I just want neuro typical!

But what are ya going to do aside from advocate for them, help them figure out the world and feed 'em fish oil to promote brain development?

Okay, complaining aside, the tone of the conferences was positive overall and we are all moving in the right direction for the kids. I am thankful every day we landed in this neighborhood with this school that is fully equipped to meet the needs of my kids and is devoted to doing so. When I read stories about other districts, even ones close to our home, where the teachers do no follow IEPs, do not use best practices, aren't flexible and so on, I am so glad we have this school. Even with all the worrying I do about the children and their future, I can happily send them off to school each day knowing they are well cared for and loved.

Quick Takes Friday: Snowy Days

1. We've had a rough few weeks with some of our kids. Really rough. The kind of rough that left my anxiety on edge and me wondering how I had failed at life or parenting or whatnot to have this happen to me or the children. I really felt like I had done nothing right.

Today two different people told me how nice and polite and helpful my children are. One was my sons TKD teacher, who praised George for helping his little brother. She then praised Cole for all the hard work and effort he is putting into TKD. Our eye doctor told me Camille was polite, kind and did everything she asked her.

I know there are differing opinion about praising children or parenting but if you see a kid doing something kind or behaving really well, tell them. Tell the parents. You never know what kind of a pick me up that might be to them.

2. Speaking of my eye doctor, they have this cool new machine that scans your eyeball and takes a picture of it. The doctor can then look at the picture and check my eye for any degeneration or detachment. (I am so nearsighted it's silly. I couldn't read a book if it was literally held in front of me.)

This means that, barring any medically indicated problems, I no longer have to have my eye dilated! This makes me so happy!  No big ugly paper sunglasses! No double vision! No headaches from the sun! YAY@

3. We had three snow days off from school. One or two of those days were because it was too dangerous to drive, either due to the roads or the active snowing/blowing of snow. The other was because it was too cold.

My kids were out in the yard playing in the snow when it was too cold for them to walk from my heated car to the heated school. Due to the demographics of the area, most kids do not wait at a bus stop. I am not allowed to get started on the "too cold" nonsense or my BP will rise.

4. With three days off, my kids did alot of crafting. Cami got started on a project for school. They all made Valentine's boxes and we watched alot of movies.

5. I drank a whole lotta wine too. Kidding! We had a fairly relaxed few days. When the highways were clear, we went to the mall and were some of the few people there. Stores were even closed! I also took the kids to McDonald's where they played their hearts out.

6. Camille and Adam are going to their first Daddy-Daughter Dance this weekend! I am so excited for them!

7. Hopefully we will be back on track and in school next week! I have no big plans for Valentine's Day. I should get on that, right?

Wordless Wednesday at NPN

Get a sneak peak at my daughter's covered wagon project on NPN!

(Every year, the second grade students create a covered wagon out of whatever materials they like and then write up the steps they used to create the project. I love this project and seeing what the other students have made is so fun! Obviously, they don't have to historically accurate!

And, yes, I know it is Thursday.)

Quick Takes Friday: Well, that's a start!

It's been a crazy start to 2014 but a GOOD crazy start!

1.

Last night, the phone rang as I was putting Cole to bed. Adam answered and it was Thirty-One, the direct sales company I work for. I've been promoted to Senior Consultant! That means that I have several people below me, they've all qualified (sold a certain amount) and are active. I still have to sell x amount of product in a certain time period but I get overrides. Go me! Go my team!

2.

Cole and George are refusing haircuts. REFUSING. Nothing will convince them to let me trim it, including, "If you don't cut your hair, we will have to wash it more often and put gel in it." Nope. The other day, Cole's curls were looking especially adorable and he was being onery. We've decided that his hair is like Samson's: it's his adorableness and keep us from selling him to the zoo!

3.

I finally got my watch fixed. FINALLY. After a year. Not complaining; I love it!

4.

Camille's 8th birthday is coming up. Eight. Holy moly, she's getting big! The "loose tooth" thing has slowed down and she now has more teeth IN her head than OUT. Her hair is getting long and her sense of style is... Camille. We're planning her birthday party this weekend. She wants a snowman themed party and I spill all the details shortly!

5.

My oldest has been giving us grief about homework lately. His teacher and I are working with him on it. I don't think he realizes that life would be so much simpler if he just did his work in school!

6.

I went to the post office before Christmas and have been dragging my feet about going back ever since then. Mailing packages is my least favorite activity ever! I think all post offices are located in the most inconvenient spots and strive to have the worst parking. They have less employees manning the desk than Wal-Mart during the post-school rush. It's so frustrating!

7. 

The kids have only missed one day of school this week. My friends a few hours away haven't had school at all this week! I imagine they are going insane!

Throwback Thursday: Baby Camille

Hard to believe this bald baby will be eight this month! Where does time go?

Oh and she's wearing a dress my sister and I both wore!

Proof that 2013 wasn't all bad (Or, as close as I will get to a Christmas letter)

When I complain that there wasn't a single thing about 2013 I really care to remember, Adam rolls his eyes. I didn't even make a quick note for the back of our Christmas card this year because I couldn't think of anything that wouldn't depress the piss out of people.

(Yes, I said that. Sorry.) Instead, it said something like, "Looking forward to joy and peace in 2014!" I thought that was generic enough for people that didn't need to know ALL. THE. THINGS. while people who did know would get it.

Anyway, when I get like this, Adam makes me think of all the GOOD things that happen. Honestly, sometimes it's hard. But with Dwija's link up, I think I might. I can find one good thing every month, right? Like...

January- Camille turned seven and we surprised her with a PINK bedroom!

February: George potty trained!

And who can forget....

March: Pope Francis love. Visiting my parents and sister and co for my mother's birthday. Painting the inside of the house.

before

after

April: Oh, April. Traveling to New York for my uncle's funeral. Cole turned three. Joe turned nine.Miss Who was born... on Joe's birthday! March for Babies.

The HILLS! They were alive, people! And trees! Big trees! But no Bigfoot.

May: Mother's Day and a road trip with just my big ones.

Camille tried on the wedding dress my grandmother, aunt, mother, myself AND sister wore! Joe ate too much bacon and I visited Miss Who and co again. And the chicken pox. Whoa to the chicken pox!

June: The Epic VBS Disaster, another trip to see my parents, and chicken pox, 2013, part two! Cole also potty trained and we had ZERO KIDS IN DIAPERS, YAY!

Cole also spent the entire summer in swim trunks. It was hilarious!

We went to a local garden to see LEGO statues. 

July: One does not speak about July. Ever

Well, we did go to Wisconsin again. But other than that....

August: My birthday and massive DIY projects inspired by Pinterest. 

I did not make this dry sink. My uncle, who passed away in April, did.
I changed out the hardware.

September: First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season and the NICU Reunion and a fun trip to Austin with friends!

October: Halloween! My sister came to visit and we had awesome, awesome photos taken.

I have no Halloween pictures. Instead, I give you adorableness at the pumpkin patch:

November: Surprise trip to CO, George turned five and had a huge party, Thanksgiving and the NICU Thanksgiving.

And the hats. Don't forget the 80 hats we had donated to the NICU!

Can you smell the turkey toniiiight?

December: Camille's First Reconcilliation. Joe's first strings concert. Food allergy results. A new diet. And CHRISTMAS!

It took all year to get this good photo!
A big thank you to my brother-in-law for taking it!

Looking back, it seems like the beginning of the year- Camille's new room, painting the house, the Conclave- all happened in a "before" life.There's been an "after" since July, where it feels like the world is a bit topsy-turvy. Now that they year is nearly over, I feel like I have my feet under me a bit and I'm returning to a new me. It's defiantly been a journey.

Am I sad to see 2013 go? Not really. In some ways, this year has perhaps been the most defining year for me and my extended family. We've gone through trial under fire. Do I think we will all be better for it? Sure, in some way. Does that mean I want us to go through any of this again? Um, hell no!

Am I looking forward to 2014? YES! Like I posted yesterday, I have hope that things will be better, Hope that things I feared won't be as bad. Hope that I have someone on my side who can advocate with me. 

And, geez, in 2014 Camille will turn eight and have her first Communion. Joe will turn TEN! Cole will be four. George will start kindergarten and all that it brings. It will be Joseph's last year in elementary school. Friends will be coming to town for a retreat. My cousins and I are talking of getting together this summer. 2014 will mark the end of so many firsts and eternal anniversaries but the beginning of so much more.

I can't help but... for the first time in a long time... I can't help but hope.

Quick Takes Friday: Sin and Sinfully delicious!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

1. The big news! Miss Camille received her first reconciliation last night! Adam took her and said she walked right in and was in for quite a long time. I'm sure she was confessing her sins and chatting the priest's ear off. When Adam told me she had Father Youngin' I was really pleased. He is very kind and understanding and great with the kids. Joseph also had a great priest that he got along well with for his first confession. I am so glad they both had positive experiences for their first confessions. I think it really sets the stage for the future.

2. Adam had to take George with him into the Confessional. I am not sure if he got MORE prayers to say as penance or if Father Youngin' was all, "Hey, you're cool. I get it. FORGIVEN."

3. Speaking of George, we got the result of his allergy testing. No celiac, than GOD, but he's allergic to wheat, eggs and cow's milk.

4, Um, yay. I just packed up a bunch of food to give to our neighbor. I'm trying to take it one step, one meal at a time. I think we're going to be eating more meat, which makes Adam happy. I'm not thinking about how cinnamon rolls and cookies are going to be harder to make during prime cookie season.

5, George seems to be taking the news okay. We told him that not eating these foods will help his tummy feel better. He seems motivated by that. I guess his tummy was hurting more than we thought.

6. As for me, I feel like Job. Is my name Job? Is this JobMommy? At this point, I feel like life is just punching me. I want to stand out in the back yard and scream, "YOU WANT A PIECE OF THIS?!" to the heavens. Is this all, "It could be worse!" or "Yay, goodness will come out of this!" No. But it is honest. Real. And please life, stop throwing crap at us!

7. One more thing... and you'll hear more about the allergy stuff this coming week.