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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