Happy Holidays

Ted, Helen, Robbie, Katie, Grace, and Noah

Christmas 2008

Everyone at It'll Fit'll would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a wonderful New Year!!

Until next year-

Take care,

Sue

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Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Helen in our driveway after 11" of snow!

I just heard on the news, we received 11" of snow with more to come tomorrow evening! I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful neighbor, he shovels me out every snow storm we have. He told me he has nothing else to do, he knows how busy I am with the kids. School was cancelled today, the kids got an extra day of Christmas vacation. I was ready for the storm, I got all my grocery shopping done yesterday so I wouldn't have to go out while the kids are home for break. We can hibernate for the next two weeks, that is such a great feeling. Just being able to sleep longer, lounge around in our jammies, and being able to put a pair of comfortable jeans with holes in the knees on, that's the life!

I did much better this year with my planning, last year I was awake until 2:30am finishing up my elf duties. I am ready, I have about an hour of duty this year, so I will be able to get a good night's sleep. Having six kids pumped up about Santa coming can lead to a very exhausting day. The energy in this house is very high and getting higher each day we get closer to Santa coming. Noah has really paid attention this year, he keeps explaining to me how Santa gets here. "Mom, Santa comes here in his sleigh, his reindeer bring him. He leaves toys for us, he's giving me trucks, that's it, just trucks." It is so cute, I usually grab him and give him kisses because he is so cute when he says it. Ted came up to me the other night and asked me out of the blue, "Mommy, do you believe in Santa?" I said, "Of course I do! Why do you ask?" He said, "Okay, no reason." It was as if he had some doubt and just hearing from me that I do believe was good enough for him...oh the power we mom's have!

This is our 3rd Holiday season without Peter, for some reason it is harder than last year. The first year I had so much help from very generous people. One anonymous person bought me a new washing machine because the one that came with our house was not big enough for us. Last year I was given gift cards from both churches, they were from the local grocery stores. This year reminds me of the first Christmas without Peter. There have been some very generous people once again. An anonymous person has paid the kids tuition for 3 months, I was speechless, I cried. I am blessed to have these wonderful people help me out. I hope one day to pay it forward, isn't that what life is all about?

Until next time-

Take care,

Sue

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Rumbly Tummies

This week started off with a phone call from the nurse at Helen's school, "Helen is crying, she wet her pants, she just isn't herself, can you come and pick her up?" I received this message as soon as I came home from dropping off the others at school. She was fine when she was getting ready for school, there were no signs of her not feeling well. I went and picked her up, she didn't look sick to me. When we got home I fixed her a spot on the couch, turned on Dora, per her request, and took her temperature, it was low grade. I'd say after about 15 minutes she became quite irritable, I took her temperature again, this time it was high enough for medicine. Once the medicine kicked in, about 1o minutes, she was fine again. We went and picked up the preschoolers and came back home. The day was moving along when the phone rang again, it was about 1:30pm. "Ted's not feeling well, he's been laying down in the office, why don't you talk to him." Ted got on the phone, I asked him how he felt, he said not so good. He sounded okay, I asked him if he could finish out the day seeing how he only had a little over an hour left. I didn't want to take Helen out more than I had to. He told me he could, so off he went to join his class in music, they're practicing for the Christmas concert on Friday. About 50 minutes later I received another phone call, "Ted just threw up, can you come and get him?" I arranged to have all the kids ready to go when I picked him up so I didn't have to make another trip. Once we came home it was one right after the other. It started with complaints of a stomachache, and they didn't need to go potty. They either fell asleep, threw up, or fell asleep and then threw up. During all of the kids getting sick, I myself had a rumbly tummy. We all went to bed a little early that night. I was planning on sending Robbie and Katie to school the next day, they weren't as sick as the rest of them. When I woke up on Tuesday morning I knew there was no way I was getting dressed to take them to school, my stomach was worse. I woke them up and asked how they felt, Katie told me, "Not so good", and from my experience with Ted the day before, I knew she was sick. I tried to wake Robbie, no luck. I called everyone in sick and went back to bed with Helen joining me. Thank goodness there was no throwing up, just a bunch of tummy aches. Everyone went back to school today and I received no phone calls telling me to pick someone up. There was a lot of homework for them to do so I called them in to Greek school and Religion class so they could get it done. Helen is still not feeling up to par, she fell asleep on the couch when we came home, I woke her up and put her to bed. She always gets it worse than the rest of them. Tomorrow's another day, hopefully another good night sleep will do the trick for her.

I hope all of you are able to get out and do your shopping, I haven't! I'm going out Friday morning, hopefully I will get lucky and get most of it done. I know what I'm getting, it's just getting the opportunity to get out and get it. Tomorrow Grace, Noah, and I are hitting the grocery store for ingredients to make Christmas cookies. I'm giving their teachers a plate of them as their gift. I just can't afford to buy gifts for all of them, I would have nine teachers to buy for! I have already gone the inexpensive route in the past, since most of them are repeat teachers, they have already received those gifts.

I'm off to bed, I still have that rumbly in tummy!
Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Code Adam

Have you ever seen those people on the news who have been victims of a crime and they say, "You always think, that will never happen to me, and then it does." I had one of those moments yesterday while shopping with Grace and Noah for her birthday present. Grace turned five yesterday so I took her to the store so she could pick out anything she wanted(within the budget). Noah seemed to think he could pick something out too, when I explained to him why he had to put the Playdough back, he became angry with me. He stomped his feet all the way to the shelf and put the container down with a bang. He then started to look at some of the other toys around that same area. Grace in the meantime was looking at some High School Musical 3 merchandise. Some of the things she was looking at were a bit unreasonably priced, so I was trying to suggest other things to her. I turned back around expecting to see Noah, but instead found a whole lot of nothing. I started walking up and down the aisles calling his name...no response. It was eerily quiet, there was no movement around us anywhere, not even other shoppers. I looked down every aisle of the toy department, I then back tracked thinking he may go where we had already been. The whole time I was calling his name, still no response. Grace kept talking about what doll she wanted and could we go back so she pick it out. It was then she heard the panic in my voice when I told her, "We're not doing anything until we find Noah, do you realize he's lost?" From then on she said nothing else, she just followed me and helped look for Noah. I ended up going to the front desk and explaining to them what had happened and how I couldn't find him anywhere. They made an announcement over the loud speaker, "Attention, there is a lost boy by the name of Noah wearing an orange coat, if anyone sees him can you bring him to the front desk, his mom and big sister are waiting for him. Noah, if you hear me, come to the front, mom is waiting for you." The phone started ringing at the desk with questions, how old?, where was he last seen? Another mom came and asked me how old and where were we when I realized he was gone. She went looking for him. Another call came in, I'm assuming it was the manager, the clerk wasn't supposed to announce over the loud speaker the way she did. I heard her say, "Well, if he was taken, he'd be long gone by now!" That's when my thoughts started racing, and even more so when I heard over the loud speaker, "Code Adam". I knew exactly what that meant, I used to work in retail. For those of you who may not know, it means, possible child abduction, check and lock all doors, check the restrooms, and the fitting rooms. It was named after Adam Walsh who was abducted from a store at a mall in Florida, his dad hosts the show, Americas Most Wanted. Time seemed to stand still, every time the phone rang my heart raced even more. I felt so helpless, I wanted to run through that store screaming his name, begging him to answer. Finally the call came in, he was found in the toy department, by the trucks. He wouldn't go with any of the employees so I headed back there. He was walking with the mom who had asked me about him earlier, he was holding a truck and crying. I was so relieved to see him, I picked him up and gave him a huge hug, the whole time talking to him about the importance of staying by me and answering me when I call his name. This whole ordeal, I think, lasted about 15 minutes. Grace finally got to pick out her present and then we went home. I lectured him the whole ride home, raising my voice a few times. When we picked up the older kids from school I told them the story. I had them tell Noah the importance of listening to me while out shopping. I hope he learned a lesson yesterday, I sure did! I never thought I would hear, "Code Adam" being called for one of my kids. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief, and I'm very thankful it turned out the way it did, there are a lot of parents out there who aren't so lucky.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue






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Happpy Turkey Gobbler Day

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, I hope you all enjoy your holiday. Family will be coming to my house today, Sherry is doing the cooking. She stayed over last night in order to get Mr. Turkey Gobbler in the oven this morning. I am smelling the wonderful aroma of the stuffing, in the beginning stages, and it's bringing back memories. I was awoken so many Thanksgiving mornings by that same smell. My Mom loved the holiday season, Thanksgiving was her holiday to cook. I remember her getting up very early to get everything started, by the time I woke up, the turkey was stuffed and in the oven. The menu hasn't changed much since my mom did the cooking all those years ago, I will be thinking of her often. I give thanks for the roof over our heads, the wonderful school and church communities who have been there for me, my awesome neighbors, my friends, and my family(in-laws included) who have given me support since day one. I will be thinking of all the people who are no longer with us to share this holiday, especially the love of my life, Peter.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Quiet Week

This is going to be a short blog this week, it has been very quiet around here, not that I'm complaining!! Helen has been listening at school so I have not received any more notes from her teacher. I have a parent/teacher conference with her next week so I'm sure we will be discussing it in more detail then.

Robbie played in his very first basketball game on Saturday, he was very nervous. They lost, 34-6, ouch! He was a bit disappointed because he never touched the ball. He needs more practice on defense, I'm not sure if he understood what you're supposed to do when the other team has the ball. At practice last night the coaches worked on that. I was told they played against the best team on the league, just our luck! He is looking forward to the next game because, according to Robbie, they are not a very good team, they only scored 4 points.

Tomorrow night we are going to our support group's Thanksgiving dinner. They are also going to have a candlelight ceremony for all of our loved ones who have passed away. There will be pictures of them as they read off their names, we can say something if we want to. Katie said she would like to say, "I love you Daddy", isn't that sweet? I am so proud of her, she really has come a long way from not talking at all. Today in the lunch room I could hear her voice from across the room!

I hope everyone enjoys getting ready for Thanksgiving, I can't believe it's here already! I'm hoping to not have Christmas creep up on me again, I've already done some shopping. Before you know it, Christmas day will be here!

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue








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Helen

This week started off as a nightmare, it actually started on Friday of last week and carried over into this week. Helen is being mean to her friends at school by playing rough with them. She bent the fingers back on one little girl and made her cry. On Monday she grabbed the hood of another little girl's coat and pulled. The girl is in kindergarten and I'm told, can blow over if a big wind blew by. This little girl started to cry, when the teachers went to see what was going on, she became very upset. I was told her neck was all red. Helen didn't listen to the teachers when they told her to apologize to the little girl, she said, "No" and walked away. I should say "tried" to walk away, the teacher took Helen inside and found her teacher. I was informed that usually a student displaying that type of behavior would have been blue slipped(written up), and suspended, even special education. She did loose her recess privileges this week. I'm not clear as to why she wasn't suspended, maybe because they know she doesn't do it with the intention of hurting anybody. My kids play rough at times, as do most siblings. I don't think Helen understands the difference in playing that way with your siblings and playing that way at school. We have a new rule in this house, no playing rough. If Helen starts to play rough with any of them, they are to say, "Helen, that hurts me, I am no longer going to play with you!" and walk away from her. I spoke with her teacher and she suggested they say that to her. I have also been talking to her about not touching the kids at school. I hope it all works, it's upsetting to receive notes about this, I felt like I had done something wrong.

The next few days are going to be busy for us. Katie has a Daisy meeting today after school, the boys have a Cub Scout meeting tonight, the theme is the Olympics. Saturday is Robbie's first basketball game, he is so excited. He started practice two weeks ago, until that time he had never played outside of gym class. He told me after his first practice, "If practice lasted 7 hours, that still wouldn't be enough time, I really had fun!" I can't wait to see how they play together as a team. Most of the boys on his team are from his class at school, they are starting now so when they reach 5th grade they would have been playing together for a few years. At their school, they don't play sports until that time. It makes me happy to see them take on traits of Peter. Ted was so into the election, he was perched on my bed glued to the TV on election day. Robbie loves sports, not just one in particular, but all of them. Those are the same things Peter enjoyed, especially politics. I am anxious to see what traits the other kids take on as they grow.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue







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Sadness and Chaos

I just found out a friend's mom passed away so I am feeling deep sadness right now. It was one of Peter's friends who stood up in our wedding. She absolutely loved our ceremony because it reminded her so much of her own 35 years earlier(we were married the day after her anniversary). She was impressed that I had done things so traditionally, I told her it was my mom's influence, she told me my mom had elegant taste. She also told me our marriage would last forever because of the eye contact we shared during the ceremony. It had moved her to tears because it touched her heart so deeply to see Peter so in love, what a perfect thing to say to a bride on her wedding day. She was a wonderful woman, she always made you feel welcome in her home. I sent her a Christmas card every year, when we would stop by she would tell me how beautiful my children were. She will be deeply missed.

My kids are home from school the next couple of days, we have parent/teacher conferences at their school. Helen is still in school, her days off were last week. It sure would be nice if the school's had the same time off. On the other hand, it was nice spending one on one time with her. She didn't help me at the store last week, she stayed in the cart and enjoyed the ride. She did a good job, she didn't grab too many things within her reach!

Yesterday afternoon I was moving my car onto the street when my kids saw the neighbor blowing his leaves to the curb. They ran over there and were having the best time, I think he enjoyed it too. I don't get enough leaves in my yard for them to play in, so I was grateful to them for letting the kids play in theirs. Ted and Robbie came flying out of the house when they saw the other kids playing, and in doing so, let out Toby. He was running all over the place, the kids were trying to catch him. We were making so much noise we caught the attention of our neighbors directly next door to us. I saw them at their door watching and laughing. We must have been some sight, leaves flying in the air, kids running everywhere, me trying to lure Toby by calling him with a baby voice, and Toby running like the wind in every direction, what chaos. It wasn't until one of the roofers came with his dog that Toby finally headed home. I then had to get the kids back home, we needed to eat early because of Greek school and Religion class. It was quite an adventure, thank goodness I have wonderful neighbors!!

I hope everyone was able to get out and vote, what an amazing night. I heard some people had to wait hours in line, I was lucky to have been able to get in and out within five minutes. I had Grace and Noah with me, so one day I will be able to tell them they helped me vote during that history making race. I just hope he is able to make the changes needed to get us out of all the mess. As a widow with six children I pray he will, I am really feeling the crunch.

Until next time-

Take Care,

Sue

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Happy Halloween

VOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTEVOTE

I am so proud of Katie, yesterday she read one of the petitions at Mass. I was a bit worried she would back out at the last minute. She and her classmates walked up to the alter, bowed, went to the podium and took their turns reading, Katie went first. I had tears in my eyes for the rest of Mass, and every time I told someone. I almost brought her preschool and kindergarten teachers to tears. When I shared the experience with them, I told them what was going through my mind while I watched and listened to her. All the frustration, the trips to Children's Hospital to meet with her doctor, the struggles she had within herself and overcame. Katie took a huge step yesterday, I am very proud of her.

Our Fall Frolic was a huge success! Helen and Noah hung out with me in the kitchen while the other kids found their friends and hung out with them. Helen kept taking the top to her dress off, which wouldn't have been so bad but she had nothing on underneath! I learned my lesson, yesterday she wore her costume over her clothes, it didn't fit as well, but at least she wasn't flashing anyone. She is off from school until Monday, the teachers have a conference to attend. It will be just her and I tomorrow morning, I'm looking forward to it. We have grocery shopping to do, she loves to help. With it being just the two of us, I will be able to work one on one with her, no interruptions! She won't be able to wander, or run off. She won't have a sibling telling her, "No" whenever she tries to help. She has come a long way but can still get into those moods where all she does is laugh, very loud. They are still having issues with her coming off the playground at school, I have run out of suggestions for them. I talk to her everyday about listening to her teachers, and to line up when they say to. I remind her every morning while waiting for the bus to not stay on the playground when it is time to go in. It's that stubborn streak in her, poor thing, it runs in the family. She is still the top reader in her class, and is doing well in math. I can even have a small conversation with her now. How was school? What did you have for lunch? How many smiley faces today? She asks me everyday, What are we having?(for dinner) and, Who says the blessing tonight? She is taking small steps, but at least we are moving forward and not backward.

Don't forget to go out and VOTE on Tuesday, November 4th!!!!

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue






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Another Root Canal

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I had another root canal done this morning, my last one was about 7 months ago. The numbness started wearing off about a half hour ago, I'm feeling the pain! This one wasn't as bad as the last one because it wasn't a molar, but it still hurts. After the appointment I went to the school and helped put up decorations for the Fall Frolic this Friday. Fall Frolic is a Halloween party put on by the Home and School Association, I am on the committee. This weekend is also a bake sale benefiting the Cub Scouts, so I'm going to be a busy beaver for the rest of the week. I forgot to mention, I'm having my family over on Saturday for a fall get together. My mom loved this time of year, and almost every year she would have a little get together. She would serve doughnuts, apple cider, chili, garlic bread, and pumpkin pie. We would carve pumpkins and sit around catching up with everyone. Everyone is pitching in so I don't have to do much. Sherry is doing the most by making the chili, I don't have a good chili recipe.

Last week flew by for me, I don't know where it went. I'm sorry for not posting a blog, time just got away from me. My roof is being replaced by family and friends, the professionals wanted way too much money. They have run into some difficulties with the roof, they need to replace a lot more wood than expected. It's going to cost double what we originally thought, that's still much better than what the professionals wanted. If I would have had them do it, I would be in the poor house now. Not only would they have charged me a higher price for the wood, but I would have also had to pay the labor. They may have only replaced the pieces that were in the worse condition too, so the job wouldn't have been as good. I thought about it, I think it would have cost me around $15,000.00 if I would have had the professionals do it. That makes my stomach upset! Thank you to all of the people working on my roof, especially my brother-in-law.

The other day we went to the pumpkin farm with Grace and Noah's preschool class. It started to rain as soon as we got there. While we were on the hayride it started to down pour, nothing like a soggy hayride. Regardless of the weather, we had a good time. When we got home I made us hot chocolate, and the kids colored in the coloring books they got from the pumpkin farm. Later that day I was helping Noah use the bathroom. I was horrified when I saw all this red in his big boy underwear, and even more when it was on his bits and pieces. I really had to control my shock when I was talking to him, I thought we would be heading to the ER. As I was examining it, Noah was telling me about the markers...DING, DING, DING!!! Come to find out, he had broken off a piece of the red marker, and put it in his pants (I guess for safe keeping). He wasn't injured after all, he will still be able to give me grandchildren.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue







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Hot Lunch Lady

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Last Friday at the kid's school they had a service in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, along with a pet blessing. I picked Helen up from school early, otherwise we couldn't have gone, and went with Toby. It got very chaotic once the kids joined us, I had little hands coming at us from every direction. I had to hold Toby at one point so no one would step on him. During all of this, and not to my knowledge, Helen was holding a little boy captive under the slide. We were in the courtyard where the preschoolers usually play, so it was the plastic playground equipment. It was the 2 year old son of the seventh grade teacher, who happens to be 9 months pregnant. Ted's teacher from last year intervened and then tracked me down to tell me what had happened. I held Helen's hand for the rest of the time we were there, I think it just got a bit overwhelming for her and Toby.

Saturday would have been my 11 year anniversary, I had a Mass said for Peter, I completely forgot about it. I was working in the yard, getting it cleaned up for the winter. I cut the grass, pulled up the rest of my garden, straightened out the garage so I could fit the patio furniture in there, and I used the weed whacker to get by the fence. I was on a roll! Before I started I had talked to Sherry, she said she would be coming up in the morning, so if I wanted to go to church with the older kids, she would stay with the younger ones. We usually go to Saturday Mass, had it been a normal day, we would have been there. I took Ted, Robbie, Katie, and Grace to Mass Sunday morning. I went to say good morning to Father John, he informed me about the Mass for Peter, I was very embarrassed. I think from now on I will only have a Mass said on his birthday and on the anniversary of his death.

For the past couple of weeks I have been a "hot lunch lady", I love it! The kids really enjoy having me there for lunch, and I enjoy getting out and having adult conversation with other women. The kids have hot lunch every Wednesday, every other day they brown bag it. It is run by volunteer mom's so the kids get home cooked meals. On Wednesday's the kids have Mass, so after I drop them off I also go to church. Every week two grades participate in Mass. The younger kids take up the gifts and also read the petitions. The older kids do the readings and are the alter servers. I enjoy seeing my kids take part, last week Katie took up the book of intentions, she felt special. After Mass I go down to the cafeteria and start helping with preparation of the lunch. After the kids are done with lunch, we clean up and then eat ourselves. During this time, Grace and Noah are hanging out with the preschoolers until it is time for them to nap, then they join me. Noah most times hangs out in the cafeteria walking around waving to anyone he knows. It's mostly the friends of Ted, Robbie, and Katie. The other day someone said to me he was going to be a politician because of the way he was working the crowd. It wouldn't surprise me, Peter absolutely loved politics. Maybe he has a hand in that somehow!!

Until next time-
Take care,
Sue






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Health Scare

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I didn't write a blog last week because I had a health scare and wasn't in the right frame of mind. I went to the doctor last Wednesday for my yearly check up, I was doing fine, just a little tired(that's a given!). When I heard the word CANCER come from her mouth, I stopped listening, my brain couldn't process anything else. It was like the teacher on the Charlie Brown specials, "Wawawawa wawa wa..." I started thinking back to when Peter was diagnosed and all he went through. I was thinking of my kids and how this would devastate them. They have all come such a long way, especially Katie. Even though the doctor told me it was a very rare cancer and she wanted to run the test just to rule it out, I freaked out. My luck hasn't been that good lately, so I just knew I would have it, bone marrow cancer. I walked out of that office in a daze, how could this be happening? Didn't God know I had a free pass to life? He already took Peter, how could he take me too and leave our kids with no parents. Reality smacked me in the face, no, I don't have a free pass to life, no one does. We never know what's going to happen to each and every one of us day to day. Peter was a perfect example of that, he was the healthiest person I ever knew, and now he's gone...CANCER. I didn't tell anyone the news, I didn't want them to worry. I know a lot of people worry about me everyday and I didn't want to make it worse. They too would think of the kids, those wonderful kids who have been through so much already. It was exhausting to go through the day with this on my mind and not be able to react for fear of someone asking, "What's wrong?", especially the kids. I finally called Sherry after the kids were in bed and confided in her. I could feel some of the weight of this information fall from my shoulders and onto hers (sorry Sherry), I needed that. It was a very long week-end, since the results didn't come back on Friday, I would have to wait until Monday. We went to church, I didn't feel like it, I was a bit angry. I'm glad we did. We sit in the family room, otherwise known as the "cry room", the vestibule is right next door. Father John always has people in there with him, talking to him before Mass. On this day, he did not, I was a bit surprised. I went in and spoke to him briefly about what was going on and asked him to say an extra prayer for me. He told me to take good care of myself, to have faith that it would all work out, and that it was okay to be angry. I felt much better after talking with him, probably because in my mind, prayers from priests are heard above the average person's prayers. My faith got me through the toughest time in my life, it had to get me through this. I wasn't very motivated this past week-end, we had beautiful weather, that helped lift my spirits a bit.

On Monday I waited patiently for my phone to ring, the morning was very quiet. I couldn't wait any longer, I called the doctor's office. I was told the office was out to lunch so I left a message. I finally heard from them after the kids came home from school(it was a long day!). No sign of Cancer, everything was fine...WHEW, a huge sigh of relief, I cried. I shared my news with the two people I confided in, they too were very relieved. Once my head was cleared and it sunk in that I would be okay, I started thinking of all the people who aren't as lucky to hear the words, "No Cancer". My thoughts and prayers are with every person who is somehow touched by cancer. Whether you are a cancer survivor, or battling it now, taking care of someone who is going through treatment, or have lost a loved one to it, I am thinking of you. My heart goes out to you all, and I am hoping there is a good ending to your stories too. I learned a valuable lesson in all of this, I am not exempt from becoming ill, even though I am a single parent, it can still happen to me.

Until next time-
Take care,
Sue

PS- in case your wondering, my alternator is finally fixed and the car is running fine!(I just jinxed myself, quick...knock on wood!!)











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Now It's The Alternator

I apologize for getting this blog up so late, it was a very busy week for us. Sunday was Ted's birthday party, it was a very nice get together. Monday was Ted's first den meeting, he was so excited to go. On Tuesday I had a mandatory Home and School Board meeting at the kid's school. Wednesday was the first day of Greek School, you should have heard all the moaning coming from this house! Last night we had our support group, the kids enjoyed themselves. I don't feel like I fit in, the other women are having a very tough time. I did realize one thing last night, my faith has really carried me through, more than I thought. I can't really explain how I came to that conclusion without breaching the agreement of privacy for the others. I'm sure you have had moments when you were angry with the world because of something terrible happening in your life, that's pretty much the gist of it. Today I spent the day cleaning the house, Ted's having a sleep over tonight with a couple of his friends for his birthday.

On top of all of this, I have been dealing with car problems. I know I mentioned my fuel pump going out, did I mention my alternator? Just a few short weeks after the fuel pump needed replacing, the car decides it wants a new alternator too! Jerry, the friend who fixed the fuel pump, replaced the alternator, checked all the gages, and everything was fine...not!! The next day my battery light went on once again. I took the car back to Jerry, he checked everything over, it all looked fine. I called the garage I usually take it to and explained what was going on. I was told to bring it in when the battery light was on, otherwise everything would register fine. Every morning when I would take the kids to school, the light would be on, but when I would go to leave, the light would turn off, it was a crap shoot! Finally one day I was able to get it to the garage. While they were looking at it, the alternator kicked in, so they didn't get a chance to get a really good look. They suggested I have the alternator replaced to see if it was a bad one. If that wasn't the problem, it could be the wires leading from the alternator to somewhere in my dashboard. I told Jerry all of this and he agreed, the only problem was getting the alternator when the battery light was on. I have been driving around for at least three weeks, waiting for the perfect time. That time came yesterday, the light was on almost all day. I noticed it on the way to the grocery store, which is 30 minutes from my house. The mechanic told me, once the light comes on and stays on, I have about an hour to get home before the car dies out. I thought for sure we wouldn't make it back home. While we were driving towards home, the light clicked off and stayed off for a good 20 minutes, I knew we would be fine. I only drove the car to our support group and back. The needle on the battery gage kept getting closer and closer to the orange. I took the kids to school this morning, picked up the cupcakes for the sleep over and came home, I barely made it. Jerry came by and replaced the alternator, everything looks good so far. I have had the battery charging all afternoon, hopefully it's fixed. My heart will definitely sink if I see that battery light go on! We will then have to explore the possibility of the wiring...CHA-CHING!!!!!

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Buy Your Raffle Tickets

Helen's ButterflyGrace's Butterfly
Evan's day and night

Robbie and Evan in jail

I thought having all the kids in school at some point would give me the opportunity to "catch up" on cleaning the house, it hasn't. I can't believe how full the calendar has become since school started. Maybe it's just this week because Ted had an adjustment appointment at the orthodontist, and Helen had a check up with the pediatrician. I'm trying to get ready for Ted's birthday party on Sunday and since it's already Thursday, I'm starting to feel the pressure! This house is just so...not my kind of clean, does that make sense? My mom used to call it surface cleaning, when you clean so that the house looks presentable, but it's not truly clean, clean. I'll start by doing my "surface cleaning", and maybe next week I'll get to the real nitty gritty of things.

Our church festival went well, I enjoyed myself. I helped with the meat raffle, a local meat store sells us meat in bulk, and we raffle it off. I bet your thinking I walked around selling raffle tickets, I surely could do that job. When I arrived they needed someone to do the announcing, guess who got the job, me! Most of you don't know me, so let me give you an idea of my personality...shy, shy, shy, shy, shy, and even more shy!!! I bit the bullet, I channeled Peter,(he would have been in his element) and I got the job done. Most of the parents couldn't believe it was me behind that microphone announcing what we were raffling off, and talking them into buying the tickets. To be honest, I surprised myself, I felt somewhat comfortable behind that microphone. By the end of the night I was announcing the fact that we had parents sitting in the dunk tank waiting to take a dip, and all the food going for a dollar because we had so much and it was getting late. Peter was definitely with me that night!!! We went to the festival the next day to have fun, and the kids did. Grace, Helen, and Evan had their faces painted by the local clown, Cuddles. She does the most amazing work, as you can see. She has a partner clown called Billy Boy and he does balloons, he is also very good at what he does. The kids love it when they see the two of them at parties. Robbie's friend Adam put him jail for eating too much and having too much fun. Evan put himself in jail for not having enough fun! I agree, there wasn't too much for the older kids to do, Ted was even bored.

Helen's check up went well, she didn't have any blood work done, Yeah!! She is such a hard stick, I cringe every time I hear the word Lab. She is in the 75th-90th percentile for her height, and 75th-95th% for her weight, that's on the Down Syndrome for girls scale. She is growing at a nice even pace. When looking at her growth chart, you can see the point where she was diagnosed with Celiac's Disease. Her growth had come to a halt, I was amazed. Helen received two shots yesterday, chicken pox(because her white blood count had been low for awhile they wanted to monitor it) and the flu shot. Grace and Noah were lucky to have been there because they too received a flu shot! It made my day because now I don't have to make an appointment for the three of them for that shot. I was even happier when I realized Katie has an appointment on Saturday, so now she, Ted, and Robbie can get theirs. They aren't too happy about it, but at least they'll have it over with, and I won't have to deal with another appointment! I swear by those flu shots, before they got them, our winters were filled with somebody being sick with something and passing it on to the next person. We can now go a whole winter with hardly any sickness, yeah!!!

We have our first Cub Scout pack meeting tonight, the boy's in Robbie's den are going to tell knock-knock jokes. Here is Robbie's-

Knock, Knock

Who's there?

Beet's

Beet's who?

Beet's me!!

Ha!!:o)

Until next time-

Take Care,

Sue

Foot note: I wrote the blog with paragraphs, when I added the pictures it put all of the text together. I have tried to fix the problem with no luck, I apologize if it's hard to read. I knew you would appreciate the pictures so I wanted to leave them up. Again, Sorry.

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Popsicles, Popsicles, Popsicles

This morning was supposed to be my first morning alone, but Robbie came home from school yesterday with a headache and vomiting. He is doing better, he still has the headache, but at least he is able to keep things down. I just gave him some medicine, so he should be feeling much better soon.

Today was the first day of school for Grace and Noah, they were so excited. Grace is an old pro with preschool, she was happy to see her friends from last year. Noah, on the other hand, became a bit overwhelmed with all of it. He wouldn't leave my side when it was time to sit in a circle, I even made Grace change places so she would sit next to him. Working in a daycare center all those years ago, I knew it was time for me to just go, he would be fine. I just called, he is doing fine, he is working on puzzles with one of the other boys. The teacher told me he cried for about 5-10 minutes. She tried to comfort him, when she walked away from him, he stopped. It's an adjustment for him, he is used to being with me all the time, in fact, it's an adjustment for me too!

Helen started school this week also, it didn't start soon enough for her, she was getting so bored. If Helen could go to school everyday of the year, it would be a perfect world for her! She wouldn't get off of the playground at recess again, so she didn't get a Popsicle. The second day went better for her, she got the Popsicle. I'm hoping she won't give the teachers a hard time at recess. I think she just needs to get used to the routine, during the summer she can come and go as she wants from outside. I think she will be fine, especially if they keep using Popsicles. Helen is always the first one up on the week-ends, and during the summer. If I forget to check the refrigerator to make sure it's locked the night before, look out!! Helen will go into the freezer and help herself to Popsicles, fudge bars, and whatever else is in there. One day I found a gallon of ice cream sitting on the table with a fork in it. She doesn't eat just one, I have found her sitting in the living room in the middle of a circle of Popsicle sticks and wrappers. I would say, "Helen!!", and she would say, "What?", like she's not doing anything wrong! Last night I was in my room folding laundry, the kids had Popsicles. Helen came into my room and was watching me, she had a purple Popsicle, she left. When I went to put the clothes away she had come back into my room and was sitting on my bed, this time with a yellow Popsicle. To say she likes Popsicles is an understatement!!!

Our church is having a pig roast this week-end, I'm working at it on Saturday night. I told the committee people, they are mom's of Robbie's friends, "This is my night out, I hardly ever get one, I don't care where you put me, as long as it's somewhere by the band!" They have me as a "fill-in", wherever they need a hand, that's where I'll be. I think it will be a good time, even though I'll be working, I'll make the best of it.

To those of you who are being effected by these hurricanes...stay safe, I am praying for you.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue






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Car Trouble...Again

I kept putting off going to the grocery store, I just couldn't do another trip with all of the kids, it really drains all the energy from me. We were running out of a lot even though I had stocked up. I finally asked Sherry if she could come and stay with the kids so I could go alone (she has always helped me out, I just didn't want to keep asking). On Sunday she came over, it was getting close to dinner time. I decided to run to Shopko (they have a Payless in their store), to get the kid's gym shoes for school, and then go back home and feed the kids before going to the grocery store. It sounded like a great plan, until.......MY CAR BROKE DOWN!!!!!! Can you believe it? I tried to start my car, it sounded like it wanted to turn over but couldn't. I knew it wasn't the battery, I've had troubles with that in the past. I had troubles with the distributor cap, so I thought I would look under the hood and try and find it, I must have looked hilarious! There was a guy working on his tires in the parking lot so I went over and asked him if he knew anything about cars. He told me, "Sounds like your fuel pump to me, I had the same problem a few months ago." I said, "Really? Does that mean I'm stranded?" He said, "Yeah, pretty much." After a few words I can't repeat on this blog, I called Sherry to let her know I was stranded. I gave her names of people and she looked them up in my church directory. The first call was to my mechanic's house, he has a daughter Helen's age. They weren't home...the next few calls were to friends, also, not home. I called the shop where I usually take my car hoping they had an emergency number to call for a tow...no. I sat and thought about my situation, how easy it used to be to just call Peter, he would come and get me and then handle the rest. Robbie has a friend who lives right down the street from Shopko, I called him. He came within five minutes, listened to the car, looked underneath, and agreed it was the fuel pump. He said, "When the traffic dies down a bit, I'll come and tow your car to my house and replace the pump for you. Let's go to the auto store and see if they have a pump in stock, and then I'll drop you off at home." Can you believe it? Everything happens for a reason...if someone else would have answered their phone, I never would have made that last call, and my repair bill would have been double, if not triple! This all happened at 6:00pm, I had my car fixed, running, and back in my garage at 10:30pm. What a wonderful guy! When he dropped off the car I asked him what I could pay him. I knew he would say nothing, so while he was working on my car, I was baking him a peach cobbler and some brownies. They were still warm when he dropped the car off. His wife told him I would probably make him brownies, I'm glad I did. I never made it to the grocery store, Sherry ran to the store for me just to get the essentials, the all important brownies!

School started for Ted, Robbie, and Katie on Wednesday, right after I dropped them off the rest of us went to the grocery store...finally!! They all had a good day, and think they will have a good year. Katie had a fantastic day, no problems at all. She is talking to everyone, she picked up right where she left off last year. I am thrilled! The Principal stopped me this morning with a big smile on his face and told me what a change in Katie from last year at this time. He said it was wonderful, I agreed. She received a note from her teacher yesterday that said, "Katie was an angel today". I asked her why she received it, she told me because she helped the other kids do something. She had a big smile on her face when she talked about it. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief....

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Another School Year

We are getting ready for school to start, this time of year is so hectic and expensive. It's always tough getting back into the routine and following schedules. Helen's school bus is always late the first week which makes the other kids late for their school. This school year all the kids will be going! Ted will be in 4th, Helen-1st, Robbie-2nd, Katie-1st, Grace-4 year old preschool, and Noah-3 year old preschool. Grace and Noah will be in the same class, they didn't have enough kids signed up for either class to have them separate. It works out better for me this way, they will be gone at the same time, which means...I will have 2 hours and 45 minutes three days a week to myself (not that I'm keeping track or anything!!) Everyone keeps asking me what I'm going to do with my time. I tell them I don't know but I'm sure I'll find something to do. I will definitely enjoy the quiet time, maybe I'll start meditating! I actually will start working on It'll Fit'll tasks during that time. I will also be able to volunteer more time at the schools because the preschool has a program where the kids can stay longer if I need them to. I'm really looking forward to the coming year in that aspect. I'm not looking forward to another year of difficulties for Katie. She is really nervous about school starting, she is afraid of new students that may be in her class. I called her doctor to see if there was anything I could do or say to make it easier on her. At least this year we know what is going on with her and have the help she needs waiting on the sidelines. I'm hoping for a smooth transition for her. Everyone else is fine with it, some more than others.

Toby is doing fine, he has a case of kennel cough and is on medication for it. I was very worried about him the other night, I thought he swallowed a Lego or something. He was up most of the night coughing and spitting up, which meant I was up most of the night. It brought back memories of those sleepless nights with the kids when they were newborns, and the zombie like feeling the next day. After a couple of days on the medicine, he is back to sleeping through the night. The other night I was outside watering my garden, Toby was laying nearby watching me. I went and rolled up the hose, when I went back to get him, he was gone. Helen and Noah were outside with me, I asked them what happened to Toby, they didn't know. We looked all around the backyard and in the garage calling his name the whole time, he was not around. I went in the house thinking one of the other kids came out and got him without me seeing them...no. I was frantic at this point, I think because the kids weren't stopping what they were doing to help me find Toby. Robbie heard it my voice, he went outside calling Toby and then ran back in the house and went out the front door. Toby had squeezed through our neighbors fence and was running around their yard. He made it back safely, my nerves on the other hand...

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Our Newest Addition

Robbie and Toby in our backyard

Remember when I said we weren't going to get another dog until next year? well, I changed my mind. I introduce to you, Toby, a 9 week old Beagle/Lab mix. I had been looking at websites, researching breeds, and seeing what was out there. I was leaning towards the Labs, I always liked them, but Peter didn't because he didn't like dogs with long tails. I was on another blog that had a link to Petfinder, so I clicked on it. I was leaning towards getting a dog from a shelter, our local shelter didn't have any that would "fit" our family. I scrolled through the pages, and when I got to page five or six, this picture of two puppies jumped out at me. I didn't even hesitate, I emailed to see if the puppies were available. I was planning on getting both of them, they were brothers and were so cute they made my heart melt. I found out the next day that only one was still there and if I wanted him he was mine. I called Sherry to see if she and Evan would like to go with us, a second set of eyes is always helpful. Toby was at the Jefferson County Animal Shelter in Mt. Vernon, IL, a 6 1/2 hour drive for us. We left Sunday morning and spent the night at a hotel where the kids swam in the swimming pool. Everyone had a blast, Helen couldn't stop laughing, she loves the water. It will definitely be a nice memory for the kids. On Monday morning we went and picked up Toby, love at first sight. Everything happens for a reason...what was I thinking when I said I would take both puppies!!?! Thank goodness Toby's brother had already been adopted, one puppy is a lot work, two puppies...YIKES!! He is adjusting well, and so are we. He is sleeping through the night, I think because the kids tire him out during the day. He loves to be outside with them, he chases after their feet, and loves to nip. I have been trying to teach them the importance of not letting him get away with that, he no longer does it to me. It is so fun watching him explore and play, he loves to tug at the weeds in my yard. I have already started working with him on some training, learning his name, no bite, off, and come. His potty training is coming along nicely, only a couple of accidents so far. He sleeps in a kennel in my bedroom, as long as he can see me, no crying. I'm looking forward to the years ahead, watching him grow and bonding with the kids. I really love dogs, and missed the companionship. When my furry niece Fiona and furry nephew Milo would come over, I missed them as soon as they left. I knew in my heart I was ready for another, and I'm glad I found Toby.

Until next time-

Take Care,

Sue

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Permission To Grieve

In Loving Memory of Peter (6-9-63/8-8-06)
Wonderful Husband, Terrific Dad...

It is okay to cry. Tears release the flood of sorrow of missing the one you love. Tears relieve the brut force of hurting, enabling us to "level off" and continue our cruise along the stream of life. Shedding tears is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of our human nature and emotions of deep despair and sorrow. It's okay to cry.

It is okay to heal. We do not need to "prove" that we loved the person who has died. As the months pass we are slowly able to move around with less outward grieving each day. We need not feel "guilty", for this is not an indication that we love less. It only means that, although we don't like it, we are learning to accept death and it's finality of the pain our loved one suffered. It's a healthy sign of healing. It's okay to heal.

It is okay to laugh. Laughter is not a sign of "less" grief. Laughter is not a sign of "less" love. It is a sign that many of our thoughts and memories are happy ones and our dear one would have wanted us to laugh again. It's okay to laugh.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue







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Being Sick

I am blogging a day early this week because I am taking Ted and Robbie to Six Flags tomorrow and will be too tired when we get home. They both received a ticket when they finished reading for six hours, it's a program through the school. On Thursday we are going to Sherry's house so I can work with Ted on his Aquanaut pin for Webelos (she lives by a lake). The next couple of days are going to be exhausting for me. I didn't blog last week because I came down with something, I thought it was the flu, but it could have been something else. I woke up Wednesday morning like usual and got Helen ready for school. While waiting for her bus to arrive I laid my head back on the couch and rested my eyes. When the bus came we walked to the door and as I waited for Helen to get on the bus I started feeling very dizzy. I thought maybe I had gotten up too quickly so I went to lay down for just a minute to see if it would pass. I figured I needed more sleep since I have had trouble getting to sleep lately. The only problem was that Helen and Katie had a doctor's appointment that morning and so I couldn't go back to sleep. I had about a thirty minute window, so I dozed off. That's when it really hit me, I started to feel very sick, I ended up in the bathroom. I felt very clammy, shaky, and dizzy. I got back in bed and realized, there was no way I was going to be able to drive 60 miles to the doctor's office. I started making phone calls, first to the doctor to cancel, and second, to Helen's school, telling them to send her home on the bus. The first thing that came to mind was I needed my thyroid medication changed, then maybe the flu. I was really upset and scared because my husband Peter had the same symptoms when he was diagnosed with his brain tumor. My mind started racing in every direction after those thoughts entered my head, something I didn't need. I talked to the kids and explained to them how I felt, I told them I needed them to help me out. Ted would need to make sandwiches for everyone, and the others would have to try and not fight. I stayed in bed all day, napping when I could. Katie and Grace would come in to see if I needed anything, the whole time rubbing my back and neck. I heard them in my room most of the day playing nicely together. I was very proud of them, they came through when I needed them to. I was able to get up later in the day to make a quick dinner, but then I went right back to bed. Every day I felt a little better, all of them would ask how I was doing. It wasn't until yesterday that I no longer had any symptoms. I think it could have been exhaustion, I haven't been sleeping well lately, it's coming up on two years that Peter passed away, it's a hard time. I have done nothing but lay around since last Wednesday, getting rest when I needed to. I know I'm self diagnosing, something I don't have the luxury of doing. Just so you know, I do have a doctor's appointment coming up.

Right before I got sick, Noah started going on the potty by himself, perfect timing. The only problem, he enjoys it a bit too much! He goes pee pee outside, in the garage, down the slide, who knows where else! I have had quite a few talks with him and he still does it. I hope he grows out of it. Helen, on the other hand, thinks she is wired like Noah, and tries to pee pee like him. The other day I was outside watering the garden, I looked over at the swing set to watch the kids, and I got mooned!! Helen was standing with her back to me, pants down, trying to pee pee like a boy! That's not the first time she has done this, but all the other times she was in the bathroom. I have had a lot of talks with her about being a girl and how boys are made differently, but she doesn't buy it. Hopefully, this to shall pass...

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue






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How Many More Days, How Many More Hours...

We just got back from our support group's picnic, it was a very nice time. It was at the oasis on the lakefront, I was surprised at the number of people who go there to hang out, and not to swim. It's kind of like a club on the beach, they serve alcohol, and even had entertainment. After we ate, we walked down to the water, the plan was to only get feet wet, HA! The kids were not in swim suits, they told me they didn't want to swim, I should have known better. Grace is the one who started it, she kept lifting her dress higher, and higher, and was going farther and farther in. At one point, she fell, she was soaking wet. The other kids took her lead, and I ended up with very wet kids! I'm sure it was refreshing, it was very hot and humid here today. We will definitely go back again, it is a very nice beach. At the end of the picnic we wrote notes to Peter, tied them to a balloon, and launched it into the air. Before we let go we all stood in a circle and told everyone who the balloon was for. None of my kids wanted to talk, so I explained that it was for Peter, my husband, the kids dad, who will be gone two years in two weeks. I couldn't believe how emotional I felt, I got very teary eyed. I think it was the look I got from the director, and the connection I felt with the group. We watched the balloons float away until we could no longer see them. Helen, on the other hand, was busy making sand angels!

Robbie is at his first sleep over, I hope he's having fun. He has been looking forward to this day since last Saturday. The Cub Scouts had a can drive and his friend's dad asked me then if Robbie could make it Thursday, the count down began. I'm so glad it finally came, I don't know how much longer I could have answered the question, "Mom, how many more days?", "Mom, how many more hours?", "Mom, how many more minutes!?" He is spending all day tomorrow with them, he won't be home until 3:00pm. They are teaching him how to ride a bike, I'm embarrassed to say that none of my kids know how. We received hand-me-down bikes, but they need cleaning up, the tires inflated, and maybe other things. Next week we will take care of them so I can teach the other kids to ride, and hopefully some day, we will all go for bike rides. This week I'm getting the house ready for Katie's birthday party, it's on Sunday. I've been spending time outside working on the yard and when I do that, the house gets messy. She is really looking forward to her party, she too has been counting down. We are still at, "Mom, how many more days?" Soon, it will be, "Mom, how many more hours?"...

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue






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Gastro and Cardio

This week Helen had appointments with her tummy doctor and her heart doctor. We headed north to Milwaukee for one, and south towards Chicago for the other. The kids enjoyed the long car trips, especially the one towards Chicago. When we went to the tummy doctor in Milwaukee, we were in a room with a view of the construction. My stomach would get little "pings" every time one of the kids got close to the window. I don't know how those construction workers do it everyday, I would be too nervous! They are adding on to the Children's Hospital, it's starting to look nice. The doctor asked me how things are going with Helen's diet, he didn't act very pleased when I told him she has had gluten, by accident. I do my best, I can't help it if she takes from the other kids when I am not looking. I tried to ban snack crackers from the house because of this issue. It is such an easy snack and the kids love them, I thought it wasn't fair. I bought Helen her own crackers, but, of course, they don't taste as good. Putting the whole family on a gluten free diet would be too expensive, and with the way gas and food prices are going up...well, enough said. We will have to wait and see what her blood test results are, hopefully the numbers have gone down from the last visit instead of up. She also had blood drawn to check her thyroid, at her last visit her numbers were a little off. She had just gotten over a sinus infection so the physicians assistant thought it could have been because of that. She wanted to have Helen re-tested to see if she really did need her medicine adjusted. I think she does, she has gained a bit of weight, her tummy has gotten big again. Her heart doctor says she looks good, she will go back in a year. The scar tissue by her aortic valve has grown a little, but not significant enough to do surgery, thank goodness. On the way home from the heart doctor(by the way, that's how I refer to them with Helen, tummy doctor, heart doctor) we stopped by the cemetery to check on Peter's flowers and light his candle. I planted Alyssum as a border, and it didn't all grow in so it looks a little uneven, oh well. When we were done there it was dinner time and the kids were all starving, so we went to my sister-in-law's restaurant. Once again we had a delicious dinner, I can honestly say I have never had something I wouldn't have again. If you are ever in Libertyville, IL, stop by The Liberty on Milwaukee Ave., you wont' be disappointed...tell them Sue sent you. (Ha, our first commercial on the blog!!:o))

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July, we did. We cooked out with family, it was very relaxing. The weather was beautiful here, clear skies, not too hot, with a nice breeze. In the evening, the kids and I went to the lakefront for fireworks. They were so pretty this year, the kids loved the smiley face ones, especially Noah. He would scream out every time he saw one, "SMILEY FACE, YEAH!!!!!" They also had fireworks in the shape of Saturn, Ted really liked that one. There is something about fireworks over a lake, the way they reflect off of the water is magical. Thank you to all the service people who have sacrificed, past and present, and also their families, so we may live in a country as great as ours. To the people who are serving now and are deployed in another country, may you come home safe, and soon.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue








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Just My Opinion

This is just my opinion, but, I think everyone needs to slow down. Whatever happened to visiting family and friends on the week-end? I have friends I haven't spoken to in months, and family members I haven't seen in years. My excuse, and I'm sure with everybody, is that I'm just so doggone busy. I learned the hard way that life is too short, you must enjoy it while you can, and yet I've gotten caught up in it. I have recently changed my phone service, I now have unlimited long distance. I plan on using it by calling those friends I have lost touch with, and checking in with family members. If gas prices weren't so high, taking Sunday drives and maybe stopping by someones house would be nice. Peter and I used to do that all the time when we were dating. I used to wonder if it irritated people, you know, us showing up out of nowhere! We always had nice visits, I hope the people we visited enjoyed our company. I would love to have people stop by and visit us. So, to all my family and friends who are reading this now...you are always welcome at our house, please, feel free to stop by!!

I have come to realize that it's true what they say...as you get older you become your parents! I cannot figure out why it is so difficult for my kids to turn off the light when they leave a room, or close the door when they go outside. I have explained to them many times about the lights being on and how I have to pay for the electricity. I remember receiving that same lecture from my mom when I was younger. I also remember hearing her yell, "Close the door before the mosquitoes come in!" I now have the kids saying that phrase because I have used it so much. My mom used to be the one to get bit during the night, Grace and Katie are the lucky ones in this house. I'm hoping it will teach them to close the door. I go mosquito hunting every night before bed, hitting drapes, and blinds, but I still haven't gotten any. Katie and Grace wake up with fresh bites, so I put anti itch medicine on them and hope they don't scratch too much. With all of the rain we have gotten, they are very bad. I never sprayed the kids with repellent until the evening, I now spray them in the morning. All of them were getting eaten alive, even in the middle of the day. It's CRAZY!!

We are having family over for the Fourth of July so I've been doing some cleaning. I told the kids they have to clean the basement, which is their playroom. It looks like a tornado went through there! I'm going to go through the toys tomorrow night after they have gone to bed and get rid of some of it. I haven't kept on top of that issue, and I need to, because now it's out of control. I hope all of you enjoy your holiday, the kids are looking forward to the fireworks.

The kids Bible Camp program was very nice, Helen did an awesome job of watching. Katie was in the front row, she sang and did the movements with a big smile on her face, YEAH!!!! She doesn't see her doctor again until school starts, and only if she is having difficulties. Let's hope she does okay.

Well, enough rambling. Not much has happened around here lately, so I didn't have much to talk about. That's okay with me, boring weeks are nice to have once in awhile, they are less stressful.

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue







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The Start Of Summer

I want to start by saying the cotton interlock material Sherry found at the show in L.A. is absolutely wonderful, I could sleep on it! It is so soft, it is perfect for our body shirts, definitely worth the wait.

Our summer is off to a busy start, how about you? We puppy sat last week, that was a lot of fun. We were spoiled with Mickie, since she was older she didn't have as much energy as she did as a pup. Milo (Sherry's dog) reminded us just how much energy a puppy can have! He was here about 10 minutes and had already found the only mud puddle in the yard. He decided to roll around and then lay in it. He joined me while I watered the flowers and garden by walking in the trenches I had just filled with water. I'm sure his memory of me is holding a bucket full of water and a towel! Since Mickie has been gone I have had to sweep the kitchen floor more often, I never realized how much she helped me. Milo took over that chore for her, one I'm sure he didn't mind. It was nice having a dog in the house again, the kids kept asking me, "When are we getting our own dog?, we need another one!" I am enjoying my break of animals right now, I have been caring for a pet for the past 16 years. Given all I have been dealt with the past couple of years, I need to lighten my load a bit. I definitely do want another dog, I LOVE dogs, but now is not the time. I told the kids maybe in a year, my heart needs to heal.

Helen started summer school this week, we dropped her off on the first day so we could meet the teacher. We ran into a couple of her old teachers from two years ago, they couldn't believe how grown up she looked. One of them was the assistant that adored Helen, she would always refer to her as "my girl". I feel better knowing they are there. Today is the last day of Bible Camp for the other kids, they are putting on a show. They have been practicing for the past couple of days. I was making beds in the girls room yesterday when Helen came in, turned on the music, and started doing the routine. I hope she will be okay when we go see the show, she may start singing and dancing in her seat!

Over the week-end I volunteered at the Greek Festival, I worked in the food line passing out spanikopita(spinach pie), and tiropita(feta cheese pie). It was my first time being a part of the fest, I had a good time. Peter used to work at the festivals whenever he could. I remember one year he put so much time in, we barely saw him for a week. He loved doing it that year because he was able to get to know the new priest better. He began going to church every Sunday, and became more involved. The only problem was, he was "snubbed" by his church because he was married outside of it (we were married in the Catholic Church). He asked me if I would get married in his church so he could once again be a member. We had planned on having a ceremony with just us, the kids, and our witnesses, after I had baby number 5. We never got around to it, something always came up. We were finally married in his faith when he was in the hospital, 5 days before he died, he slept right through it. He was able to receive confession, communion, and a beautiful Greek Orthodox funeral. That was almost two years ago...

Enjoy your summer!
Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue





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Los Angeles Textile Show - The 3rd Time WAS The Charm

Hi Guys -

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. There's been a lot going on within It'll Fit'll and the other facets of my life and I'm still figuring out how to juggle all of it. Obviously, I continue to drop a ball here and there. This post, for example, was written weeks ago but I haven't posted it. It's not as fresh as it was in early May, but I hope you'll still be interested...

Some of you may remember that I wrote a blog entry about my upcoming trip to Los Angeles for the Textile Show. That entry was a good long time ago, because the show was in mid April. I was hopeful that I could find thick, soft cotton interlock (comparable to the soft stretch cotton that’s used for receiving blankets) fabric for our line of bodysuits (which we’ll call body shirts and most folks call “onesies”. That familiar term is, unfortunately for us, trademarked by the Gerber Corporation. So, we can’t use it to describe our product.)

At any rate, I’d been confounded in my search for that fabric. Having attended two prior, fruitless, fabric shows – one in Chicago and one in New York City – I was concerned that the elusive cotton interlock was somehow unattainable for It’ll Fit’ll.

That third show did turn out to be the charm for us. We found the perfect, PERFECT fabric for our needs. It’s super soft (so it’s a pleasure to wear against bare skin), heavy weight (so it’s durable), and reasonably priced (so we will be able to make bodyshirts that are affordable for you). When you add the fact that the company contact person is nice, reasonable and has great follow-up – we couldn’t ask for more. Hurray!

We also found sources for other fabrics and components, but those weren’t as worrisome to me as the cotton knit. All in all, the trip was highly successful – even more than I expected and, despite my worry on this one, I’m always overly optimistic.

That’s the quick and dirty report on the LA Textile Show. For those of you who are interested, as I would be, I took some photos to share. The software limits me to 5 (a small fraction of what I shot) so here's a small sampling.

This was the lobby of the show and the Trend Gallery. The Trend Gallery displayed a wide variety of fabrics, trims, buttons, accessories that represented an overview of the offerings from participating exhibitors. It was essentially a preview of the color and fabric trends that we'll be seeing in the Spring 2009 fashion cycle.

The Trend Gallery was vast and almost overwhelming. Nearly every time I visited the gallery (it's less overwhelming in small doses) it was buzzing with people. This was a rare, quiet moment in a corner of the gallery.

This shot shows a few fabric booths. The layouts and quantity of offerings were many and varied. Some booths were overflowing with fabrics and some had very edited collections.

This booth had buttons, buckles, snaps. You name the accessory and there were booths that carried it - belts, ribbons, handbag handles, snaps, zippers...

Some of the bigger fabric companies had office showrooms rather than booths. Here was a standard size showroom; there were a some big showrooms too.

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