Chicken Little Gets Appointments

I confess that I "need" to see the dentist. I have two bad teeth, and have put that off for years because well, I'm a chicken, and a chicken with no money to boot! (and no insurance until now).

SO, enter Glenn needing to go to the dentist. He has toothaches quite a bit and always has had some other problems with his teeth. Cala has two teeth that look as if they are trying to come from behind- hard to explain. SO, we knew she needed to go.

Glenn has been after me to go, but I said, "no, not going to happen." I am fine, no pain now with the teeth, but uh... he insists. I still playfully say no- I'll go when need be, but there's no need now.

To the funny part---I called today to make my husband and my 9 year old daughter appointments. As I told the woman, my husband needs to come as does my daughter. At no time did I state that I, ME, AMY needed to come.

The receptionist asked me the info- my husband and my daughter's first name, and would Wednesday, May 14th at 5 p.m. be o.k. I said, "no, can you do another day because of church that night, that would be pushing it." SO, will Monday, May 19th be o.k. at 5? I respond, "yes it will."

She goes along with entering Glenn and Cala's info and then I asked at what age should the boys come? This dentist suggests around 5 or 6. So, I said the boys will be fine then- Ethan can go next year, and we'll spare Seth a few more years (he's 3).

And that's when it happened... SHE ASKS, "and YOUR name?!" and I responded correctly. (not even thinking why she was asking). She then says, "your daughter is scheduled for a cleaning that day, but we are all booked up for adult cleanings, so when YOU and your husband come in, they can schedule you for another day if need be."

Glenn is happy... I guess I too am going to the dentist. Oh joy!

This is the time of year when our first baby was due. He would be 14 years old now! wow! I always think of that baby at this time of year (and then again during the time when I miscarried).

I especially have thought about "Evan" this week because a dear friend of mine just miscarried. Please pray for my friend and her family. This is her second miscarriage and I completely understand how she's feeling. May God heal her wounded heart right now.

Monday

Today I should have cleaned up from last night's church fellowship. However, I was just exhausted and let today be a day of rest. I really did little today that accomplished anything.

I managed to get two small loads of laundry done, so that's something I guess! I did manage to take care of a phone call that needed to be made, and I called my youngest brother. So, that's something.

I managed to love on my children! That's definitely something.

Cala seems as excited as we are about this past weekend. She said today that it was so nice to see that many folks here yesterday for church. One of the young boys who attended last night came and was telling another neighbor who did not, what she missed.

Tomorrow is a brand new day to accomplish more. Wonder what adventure it will bring?!

Great Day

Thank you so very much to those who prayed for today's services. There is soooo much I could write here, but will just say this, which is the best news of the day anyway! : This morning, we had a man saved! We also had a girl very interested. Tonight, we had five more first time visitors. Things went very well today, and we are exhausted tonight but basking in the day's events.

Goodnight!

Saturday

Today we woke up to a "winter wonderland" and snow falling. ugghhh enough said.

I took the lady with me (the one that will be at church tomorrow with us- a ventriloquist), to Wal-mart and Target. What a blessing! She ended up buying my kids a ton of summer clothes! I never expected that. The kids were thrilled with their new stuff.

I am excited to see what God will do... sure wish we could drag folks in sometimes! hee hee Seriously, today I prayed, "Lord, I sure wish we would hear of someone coming tomorrow" (someone we've invited). About 2 hours later, a neighbor told me her husband and children are coming (she has to work).

When you see this, please pray for tomorrow!

Spring shouldn't be this way! As I type this, it's snowing lightly. It's 32 degrees. 32 mind you, feels warm IF it were the middle of winter, but uh, spring?!

And that dear friends is your weather report. ha Am I really just trying to come up with something, anything to post since I committed to 75 days straight of blogging? ha Maybe. You know there are some days you really have a lot to say and other days that are just well, not at all exciting, but I promise to look for something thrilling to post everyday! (hee hee, yeh, right!!)

Our company has arrived. (the gospel illusionist and his ventriloquist wife). It was funny. We were at Wal-mart this afternoon and noticed an RV from the state where we knew their sponsoring church is. Glenn called the man's cell phone and asked, "do you happen to be sitting at a Wal-mart?!" They arrived a couple of hours earlier than they thought. So, they simply followed us home.

We sat up with them chatting away. It's really great because we come from an area that has lots of our kind of churches and there's tons of fellowship. Here, not so much, and well.. it's just really nice to have fellow Christians around, and those who have done (currently doing so) tons of traveling, just as we have done in the past.

Tomorrow looks to be dreary again, but we hope for a break in the rain so we can get more invitations out there. Pray for that please!

****P.S. We went to court for Cala 7 years ago today!!!! She came home on May 8th, and so that is when we celebrate her Family Day. Today is special to Glenn and me though. Following court, we immediately went to eat lunch at a Mexican restaurant, and so, it's always been Mexican food on or around this date. Not knowing if our guests like Mexican, we decided to have it sometime next week. However, on the way to Wal-mart today we did get uh... Taco Bell. HA HAAA****

Thursday

Today was a terribly dreary, rainy day. I grew up in central Florida, where these type of days were the norm especially beginning at this time of year. I can't say that the wintry look of the skies are normal in Florida though. Welcome to spring in Minnesota, where lately, it changes from day to day. Honestly, yesterday we hit 70, and it was BEAUTIFUL, sunny, breezy, just perfect. Today- it never got out of the 50's and it was as I said, dreary. Then, wait! It gets worse- this weekend, we could have a rain/snow mix. Oh goodness. I seriously need more sun.

Because of the type of day it was, we stayed in, cleaned for the company we will have this weekend, and I got to begin more of a tackle on Mt. Washmore (a.k.a., those loads of clothes I have accumulated!).

And why, oh why, I have spent a post on weather and laundry? I don't know... because I can? hee hee

In the Company of Super Heroes!

It's true! I'm Mama to Superman, Spiderman, and let's not forget Wonder Woman!

My kids simply love to play these three, with a slight variation. It seems Spiderman (played by 3 year old Seth) has a dual part as Batman. He always loved Spiderman, but I guess it helps that he has an actual Batman costume, so he leans more towards Batman now, and becomes Batman when Mama will let him get the costume on.

It has been so all week! I spend my day in company of two young, handsome, tan men. Before a scandal breaks out, those were the same two Super Heroes spoken of above- my 5 year old and 3 year old sons.

A couple of days ago, their sister had them believing that in a nearby house, lived super heroes. The boys were looking out the window asking me if super heroes lived in that house over there, and of course I set the record straight.

They really are something running around trying to save the world. If only they didn't make super messes around the house! :o)

Tuesday

Just a quick note tonight- It's 12:30 a.m. here. Yes, just after midnight- which I may very well be in posting these posts, but I will still be blogging 75 days straight (at least).

Today (Monday), Seth and I went to our bi-monthly parent/child pre-school class. I enjoy this class because not only do we spend 30 minutes of the hour and a half session in a parent discussion time (away from the kids)... but I really enjoy it because it allows me a time of various activities with Seth. Today, one of the activities was to paint a rock. Seth loved it! His rock is various colors and he can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning to his rock being completely dry. Upon asking where he wants to put his rock, he said, "I'll put it outside and I'll look at it. I'll say, "hmm, who did that? Then I'll say, 'oh yeh, I remember! I did that!" (AND yes! He, who is 3 really did say all that. This boy is sharp.)

Cala had a play date with a girl from church, and then she went with Glenn and some others to pass out invitations for Sunday.

Ethan today was so cute... he had been outside playing with a neighbor girl we had never met until today. He came in and said, "Mama, that girl- her so sweet". Now give me a few years and I may not feel he's so cute saying that about a girl. ha

Off to bed I go.....

Day 11- Monday

Today was spent making phone calls and Glenn passing out invitations for Sunday. I sure pray we have a good turn out.

After homework was done and rooms were cleaned, the kids went out back to play with quite a few neighborhood kids. They supposedly were having a party. This was impromptu on the school bus! ha Got to love my 9 year old daughter's imagination! She took out candy in paper sacks for each kid, they played basketball, etc. and even had music on!

Glenn just went out to the garage to do some work and he took a cd out. I was not sure they would like our choice of music, but this is our house :o) As it turns out, Cala said they really liked it.

Seriously, pray as we try to be a witness to these kids. I feel as if God is opening doors that we just need to go through.

Tonight we had our first thunderstorm of the season. Being from central Florida, the lightning capital of the world! (yes, seriously, it is!), well... I'm not really scared of these storms until they become tornadic- I don't think I would like to hear the siren and know it was for real. Anyway... tonight Seth was in the bathroom, lightning struck, thunder boomed and he came barreling out of there soooo scared. It was a new emotion for him really. Nothing has ever scared Seth but he obviously doesn't like thunderstorms. He kept asking if we were going to be up for awhile.

Tomorrow I have Seth's bi-monthly pre-school class (parents attend with the kids), and I'm also going to be babysitting a neighbor girl for a few hours.

I already have tomorrow night's supper ready to bake, so all is well in that regard... I do have TONS of clothes to wash though! sigh... never ending.....

Sunday

Our Sunday was nice. We got an opportunity today to invite the worker where we meet (the one that is the attendant while we're there) to next week's special service. We told him at least to bring his kids if possible.

After church, we went into St. Cloud to eat and by Target to see about the cheap dress for Cala. Well, it turns out, they had one lone dress but it was one that I already bought! We left Target empty handed, came home, let the kids go straight out to play (which made them very happy since it meant no Sunday nap!- Sunday is the one day we require ALL of them to rest! (even CALA!). It was just such a beautiful day weather wise, I wanted them to get out and enjoy it.

Quite a few kids showed up to play and I could hear them pretending to be a family. It was really cute to hear what their imaginations came up with- the conversations they had were priceless. (the "daddy" of the family kept saying, "No, you can't come... I've got to get back to the farm!" :o)

We have a very busy week ahead of us! Looking forward to it.

Exhausted- the Sequel

So... I only thought I was exhausted yesterday (Friday- yes, I am writing this past midnight, but uh... it's still Saturday in my mind). I truly am exhausted today!

We all stayed outside in our back yard most of the day! Cala and Ethan cleaned the back garage (a.k.a. "the dog house"), Glenn used the weed trimmer and did some other yard work. Me? Well, at first I was out there to keep Snezhinki on his leash, and out of the way of the work. (meanwhile my dog, Zima was not happy that Snezh was getting all the attention!).

Eventually, we all as a family planted some tulips (I simply LOVE tulips!) in our fire pit out back. Yep, in our fire pit! We never used it and even though we planned to do so this spring/summer, well... it had such wonderful dirt there, it just seemed the right spot! I love that we did it all as a family, and I love that I can look back there and now see a splash of color.

Cala said, "Mama! It's a miracle you are down on the ground with us!" I responded, "No, the miracle will be if I can get up!" ha I made it up and realized I needed to go buy a new broom as our old one got beat up in the process of cleaning the dog house. SO- off to Target I went. I can't believe a broom cost me right at $12. I had no idea! I guess I don't remember buying the last one.

I came back home with broom in tow as well as a polo shirt for $1.98 (for Ethan) AND a dress for $3.24 (one I didn't get yesterday and today decided if it was still there, I would buy it) (for Cala) and a pink sweater for Cala (that will match most of these dresses) for $3.24 as well. Can't beat deals like that. I guess not as many people wear dresses to church anymore and so they are putting them on clearance. Good for those of us who still do wear a dress.

I even called all other Targets anywhere near us and all but one have the dresses "just" on 30 percent off. (they would then come down to a great price still, but not nearly as good as I got). Notice I said "all but one"? One Target that I called has them for $3.74. We are considering eating lunch in that city tomorrow and swinging by there on the way home.

Stay tuned....

Day 8- Exhausted

I am thoroughly exhausted tonight but what a great day Ethan and I had together! We left around 8:00 a.m. and didn't get home until nearly 4:00!
As far as shopping today, we went to two Wal-marts and a Target. We ate lunch in between all that at Burger King or as Ethan calls it, "Berber King". We even got to post a couple of invitations to church while we were gone :o)

Ethan had great fun today... we enjoyed finding fantastic deals on shirts for him at Target and then at Wal-mart too! He now has his Kindergarten clothes shopping started! I found shirts (good quality shirts!) for $3.00 (Wrangler brand). I then found some Faded Glory shirts for $1.00. We were able to find both Ethan and Seth some church shirts at $3.00 each!

I didn't plan to spend on clothes today at all, but of course wouldn't pass up on such great deals for school and church clothes! Then to top it off, at Target, I wasn't planning to visit the girls' department but my buggy led me there (er, excuse me- we say, "shopping cart" here :o). I ended up buying Cala FOUR beautiful dresses for $3.24 each!!!!! Incredible! I call that a good deal! (and she was more than happy to model them tonight).

Ethan and I were so exhausted that tonight during family devotion/prayer time, we fell asleep with our heads on each other!!!! Glenn captured it on his cell phone!!!!

So, it's been one of those times that I say, "it's been a long day, but it's been a good day. I'm tired, but it's a good tired."

Day 7

I spent a good part of today filling out fliers about the special service we will have Sunday, April 27th. We have gotten quite a few posted and passed out, but have many more to go in the coming days.

Cala has invited her friends and one boy this afternoon came to the door. Cala couldn't play today as we had to be at a Brownies Awards ceremony this evening, and I told him to come back tomorrow to play. He said, "oh, I know she can't play but she invited me to church for that show and I wanted to tell her I probably can come." Cala was happy to hear that. Of course she's been told before that someone will come and they don't (as have we all heard that!), but it always makes her happy to know kids want to come.

The ceremony tonight was at the school Cala will be in next year (here they switch in 3rd grade to a different school next door). Cala had a fun time looking at the pictures of the teachers and imagining which one might be hers! She's not too happy about changing to a bigger building but I know her- once there, she'll learn the "lay of the land" and be hopefully as happy as she is now.

Tomorrow, I have big plans- a date with a slightly tan, handsome guy. He's even planning our date! So far I know we are going to a city about 20 miles from here (for whatever reason he asked to go there!), and we're going to the Wal-mart there, the Target there, and various other places along the way. We're eating at Burger King in another town back closer to us. No doubt we will talk as this date of mine, LOVES nothing more than to chatter away!

Yep, a date with my 5 year old son! We are leaving quite early in the morning so we have plenty of time together. Tomorrow night just so happens to be his turn to choose what we do for our weekly family night. Ethan is way excited!

Stay tuned...

Good News!

We were very excited today when in the mail came our insurance approval! Hallelujah, we can now start making doctors appointments for us all... well, actually, we have to wait a few more days until our actual insurance cards arrive, but it's possible they'll be here by Saturday. Just SO very glad to have this taken care of... what a load off!!!!!

I've been so very tired of feeling like we couldn't afford to go to the doctor if need be. As a mother, I sincerely want my kids to have their regular check-ups, etc. instead of doing as we have had to do and only take them if sick. (and thankfully, they are really healthy kids overall.)

Thanks for the prayers! No word yet by the way on my oldest brother. We suppose they made it safely to Paraguay.

My thoughts tonight are with my oldest brother, his wife and their three children. As I type this, they are in a plane flying back home to Paraguay, South America. They've been in Florida with my parents since November. I pray for their traveling safety.

I know today was an emotionally tough day for them as well as for my parents. It's always hard when one of us leaves, but with Daddy's situation, it's now harder. Mama said it was really rough for Daddy today as my brother left. Knowing that more than likely they will never meet again this side of heaven, well.... that was emotionally draining. Pray for Daddy to have peace tonight.

Day 4

On Sunday, April 27th, our church work here will host Ken Sibley, a Gospel Illusionist and his ventriloquist wife, Barbara. We are really looking forward to it and are praying we have many folks there!

I spent a good part of the afternoon contacting local newspapers about an ad in the Community News section, etc. Glenn is focusing on passing out info door to door. Many phone calls have already been made as well. Cala is asking kids from her school and we will invite our neighborhood as well.

I have an email in to the local christian station as well to see what the logistics are of getting the announcement put on the air. I will do a follow up with that tomorrow.

As for insurance? Still a no show in the mail. Keep praying and when you pray, pray for Sunday April 27th for us!

Day 3

Just a quick note tonight. We had a good Sunday. A girl at church that spent Friday night at our home, with Cala, was sick this morning. She had a fever. We joked that Cala and her can't have any more sleepovers, because this same thing happened when Cala spent the night at her house a couple of weeks ago! I'm thinking it happens again, and I'll have Cala tested- I told her she's a fever carrier! ha

Those out there that would commit to praying for us this week- I would sure appreciate it. I am praying that my insurance gets approved and to us this week so I can soon get to the doctor... I am having some problems that definitely need to be checked into. So, thanks to those who will pray.

This week we will be spending getting the word out about a special service we are having on April 27th. We are excited about the opportunity to especially reach out to kids and young people. Pray with us about that too! Catch you tomorrow for day 4 of my 75 days of blogging!

It's Quiet

I've always been someone who likes people. I truly don't remember a time when I've not been a "people person". I rarely like to be alone. Right now as I type this, it is 5:55 p.m. All is quiet in this house. The kids and Glenn are outside taking care of our dogs. I find myself at this very moment thankful for the silence. I know it won't last very long (no more than a few minutes as they are trying to hurry as it's snowing once again!), and yet, I'm just happy to be sitting here hearing nothing more than the clickety-clack of the keyboard as I type.

I have a migraine headache trying to make its way to me and maybe that has something to do with it. (after all, how DO you keep it quiet enough when you have a headache?!). I just am enjoying this moment of peace.

May you find such a moment soon!

Day 1- Laughter Central

Tonight, my home is filled with laughter. Outside my bedroom door are my daughter and her friend from church, having a sleepover. This is actually the first time Cala has had anyone spend the night at her home (other than cousins).

With each laugh, I feel transported back to my childhood and the laughter that would fill my room when one particular friend would stay the night. I can hear my Mama coming to the door saying, "girls... quiet down." "Yes, ma'am." After 30 minutes had passed or more, here came Mama once again, "Girls! Don't you think you ought to be sleeping by now?!" We would hush for a few moments until one of us was sure to do something to make the other one burst out in laughter. And then, at some point we would drift off to sleep. Memories.........

I hope my daughter will have the same kind of memories as she continues to grow up. I am glad she is seemingly getting that chance here.

Weather update: I am still looking for Spring. It's like someone hit the rewind button and said, "do over on that snow storm!" It would be beautiful, if only it were January. In April, that's another story.... it becomes dreaded and the sun becomes my biggest hope.

Laugh on girls. Laugh on. Yep! That it's spring time, seems to be a joke.

75 Days of Blogging?

Some online friends of mine were talking about how they are doing 100 days of blogging. Neat I thought, sort of a challenge to myself to actually post here everyday. Since I missed their initial 100 days start, I decided to start 75 days of blogging and coincide it with my "Blogoversary". SO, beginning tomorrow, I will promise (unless "providentially hindered!") to post daily for the next 75 days.

Maybe then, it will be such a habit, I'll actually always daily post! ha

Uh.... since I am posting today, won't that make it 76 days of blogging? hee hee

This evening I have got to go to Cala's school for a parent/teacher conference. As I type this, it's SNOWING and we are expecting a real winter storm! ugghhh APRIL where art thou????????

Stay tuned.......

Prayer for someone else

Please join me today in prayer for a woman named Angie. She is the wife to Todd Smith, the lead singer of the contemporary Christian group, Selah. Today, at 4 p.m. (central- they live in Nashville, TN), Angie will deliver baby Audrey. Audrey is not expected to live as there is no amniotic fluid and other complications.

How wonderful it would be if a miracle would take place today, but either way, this family certainly needs our prayers!

Angie's blog is at http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ Please join me in prayer for them. I had this situation on my mind much through the night.

**UPDATE: Baby Audrey lived for a little over two precious hours! This is a blessing as the doctors had said she would probably be born dead. The family is praising the Lord for the time they had to spend with Audrey. Angie was scheduled to come home today from the hospital (Thursday as I type this), but according to the latest update, she was getting to come home yesterday!**

Sun Does Wonders....

I realized today that I've never posted a picture of my dog, зима. (pronounced, "zee-mah" which means winter). She's a Siberian husky mix- we believe mixed with Golden Retreiver. Whatever, she's beautiful, HUGE and SUCH a sweetheart!

Today around 2 p.m., I was feeling a bit low. I was just sitting at the computer, had been trying to catch up on laundry and decided I would try to get outside and do as I posted about last night- get out with my dog! I was happy to get that chance, and what an absolute beautiful day to do so! I finally made it out back around 2:30, planning to be out about 30 minutes (when Cala would get home), but uh... 30 minutes turned into over 2 hours!!! I went inside a much happier soul! Thank God for the sun ! Growing up in Florida, a.k.a the "Sunshine State", I never truly appreciated the sun. I even grew to not enjoy it much because we got soooo very many days of heat and the sun so hot, beating down, burning my skin in minutes. After living in dreary St. Petersburg (Russia) and then in this climate which is similar, I long for the sun and truly appreciate it. God was surely smiling down on me today, reminding me of His love for me through the gift of the sunshine.

After Cala came home, she came outside, the boys followed, and soon Glenn came out back carrying a basketball. In a matter of minutes, we had 9 kids other than our 3 show up!!!! I LOVE it! They seem to enjoy playing with Cala, and playing at our house. They all want to see the dog and the puppy.

I think it would be wonderful for us to be "the" house where the neighborhood kids meet. I'm all o.k. with that. Pray we can reach out to these kids!

Spring? Oh Can It Be?

We started this week with a snow 'storm' of sorts but are certainly praising the Lord that we now have melted said snow and all that was here for months! We are sitting right now at a warm 56 degrees! Wow! It feels GREAT to have the windows open, to hear kids playing outside, to have my own kids be able to play outside!

Glenn always says that there are two magical snows- the first of the season and the last of the season. ha I'm not like that. I do LOVE that first snow, which I hated that I missed this time around (as me and the boys were in Florida in October when it first fell). Strange how this year, while I didn't go through as much of the long dark winter as everyone else- (me and the boys came back in January), I still feel as if this was the longest I've ever been through! Weird. I am thinking perhaps it has to do with grief. That might explain it- just already feeling sad many days and then to look out and feel trapped by the weather.

I seriously need to take advantage of the sunshine and the spring weather. We never really will have a hot day here until summer. Spring is a nice segue (always wanted to use that word here! ha) to the hot days of summer when I long for the cool days of fall. (although thankfully, summer nights here are wonderful with a nice cool breeze).

I think I will get out with my dog in the coming days and enjoy the freedom that spring brings in my corner of the world!

In Need......

Simply put- tonight I need prayer. I need prayer to be able to sleep. There's a lot going on and we just need to know folks are praying.
Thank you!

In other news- this morning, I got in our van to go to church and it wouldn't start... no idea yet what's up. A man at church will gladly tow Glenn to get an estimate as to what's going on, so we'll have that to deal with this week. ugghh (some of you may remember we had to get a "new" transmission in Florida!!!)

We are under a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow! Heavy snow is in the forecast. Spring in Minnesota!

A couple of folks have asked what I think about the new advertised fibro drug, Lyrica. (you know, the one where the woman reads from her diary how that day she had really struggled with her fibromyalgia). I am sure once my insurance is finalized and I go to a doctor here, I will discuss it with him or her. I do have meds now for fibro, by the way. I know that drug says it is the first approved medicine specifically for fibro, so we'll see if it's a possibility and if it works better for me than what I currently take. ( a really high dosage of Naproxen- prescription strength). My "favorite" is a medicine I got in Russia (with a really long shelf date- I still have 2 more). It helps me rest and eases the pain for awhile- seems to take the edge off at least of the aches.

On a lighter (well, is it really?) note... have you ever stopped and listened to the possible side effects of these drugs advertised on t.v.? Sometimes I stop and say, "I think I would just take the ailment instead of the side affects of the supposed medicine!!!" ha

A catch up from since I last wrote: On Thursday, we had a great time at Chuck E. Cheese. We took a friend of Cala's (a girl that's been attending church with her family). They then invited Cala over that night for a sleep over. This was Cala's first at someone other than family. Well, last fall, she spent the night at a Girl Scouts camp, but this was the first time at a friend's house for the night. She had a wonderful time, and of course is already discussing when her friend can come here.

The boys continue being the boys! Nuts as always! ha We were in town last night and saw a teen girl that works in Ethan's classroom sometimes. She told me, "Ethan is such a joy to work with. You just can't resist that dimple!" That is what everyone says. I am blessed. Glad he's mine.

Easter Pictures

My kids on Easter Sunday. They are so precious! We had a really nice Easter service and following church, we ate Sunday dinner (lunch) at a family's house (they've been attending our services). It was a really nice day, especially since we have no family for thousands of miles!

Cala and Ethan were off of school last Friday, all this week and have next Monday off too! SO, during Spring Break, we are trying to make some memories :o) We are taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday. We are also taking a friend of Cala's (from church) with us. It should be a fun time. I know the kids are looking forward to it, because I'm asked every few hours how many more sleeps! ha (that from Ethan).

Funny thing is, the last time Cala went to Chuck E. Cheese was on her 7th birthday! We were in Texas, and spent that birthday celebration with my good friend Suz. So, that's been over 2 years now.

That was the only time Seth has been and he was a baby, and Ethan, well, Ethan actually has been to Chuck E. Cheese in Guatemala! We have video that was sent to us while we were waiting to adopt him.

Pray for me! My fibromyalgia is wreaking havoc on me right now. This too shall pass!

Pictures

Tonight, I just thought I would share some pictures.... The first is of Ethan and Cala on Friday night during our weekly "family night". It was actually Seth's turn to choose everything (from food to "treat" to game we play or activity we do). He chose cheeseburgers and fries (home made by Glenn - and he stuffed them with bacon, cheese and ranch dressing! YUMMY!). Seth chose fudge filled cookies for the treat and Trouble for the game. We had a lot of fun that night!

The next picture is of all three kids this morning (Saturday) right after we gave them their Easter baskets. We have chosen to do all Easter egg/basket/candy stuff on Saturday so we keep Sunday all about the real meaning of Easter.

The kids really had a good time today, and as is tradition, the adults hunt eggs too. HA! We even had a prize egg, won by Cala. Yes, it was just our three kids and it was all inside (as it was snowing all day today), but it was fun and the things memories are made of...

Later during the day, we went to Target to do some grocery shopping and looking around. Let me just say I was exhausted after that trip! It seems Grumpy Gus decided to go along, er Seth. HA! I was beyond frustrated at one point and suddenly he disarms me with, "Mama. You is pretty." Next thing I know, I am hugging him, telling him thank you, only to hear from Ethan, "you don't think I'm a good boy?!" uggghhh

I am really looking forward to our Easter Sunday. We are having church here in our home as we were not allowed to have it where we normally do because of the holiday. After church, we are eating Sunday dinner (lunch) with some folks that attend church. That should be nice.

Hoping I sleep well tonight. I really am tired. HAPPY EASTER!

I Wish....

I wish I was four years old again, sleeping in between my Mama and Daddy, holding on to Daddy's white t-shirt because I felt safe.

I wish I was a kid hearing my Daddy sing, "I love you a bushel and a peck" (as he still does to his grandchildren today).

I wish I was 13 years old, standing in a line at a store (with Daddy), and him saying, "wonder what these people would do if I suddenly started singing out loud?", and then... he did.

I wish I was 14 years old, and Daddy was driving me past a certain boy's house just because he knew I wanted to "catch a glimpse" of said boy.

I wish I was 17 years old, going through a drive thru at Wendy's with my Daddy. This drive thru is where a boy I dated worked. My Daddy asked if he were there and upon hearing he wasn't working that day said, "Well, tell him his father in law came by." (talk about embarrassing! The boy called the next day and asked if by chance we had been by there!) HA

I wish I was 22 years old, walking down the aisle with my Daddy and then having him perform the wedding ceremony for Glenn and me. Daddy forgot about a rose ceremony we were going to do and upon remembering said, "sorry folks. I forgot something here. After all, my baby girl is getting married!"

I wish I was 28 years old and heading off to Russia to live, and hearing my Daddy say, "even though I will miss you terribly, I am proud of ya'll for going where God has sent you."

I wish I was not quite 30 years old, home for the first time from Russia, and seeing my Daddy so very excited that we were "home" for a few months.

I wish I was 30 years old and seeing my Daddy with our new daughter for the first time. He was so very proud to have a Russian grandchild!

I wish I was 34 years old and bringing home my sons from Guatemala. Upon seeing them, Daddy held the baby and said about our other son "we will teach him to like dogs and hunting and fishing".

I wish I was 35 years old, moving to Minnesota and hearing my Daddy say, "you have to not worry about what folks think about you leaving Russia. If God has called ya'll to Minnesota, then you simply have to go!"

I wish I was 36 years old and in Florida for my youngest brother's ordination. I have a great picture of my Daddy and my brother. It stays in my mind- a wonderful image of my father just two months before he fell and life would change.

I wish I was 37 years old (as I am now) and in Florida by my Daddy's bed side. Somedays like today, grief simply rolls in and I miss him terribly bad. I realize how quickly things change and I wish for days gone by.

I have a great daddy. I wish everyone did.

Checking In....

We had a really good day at church today. We feel like things are coming together for us here. WE always knew they would, even when others may have doubted. All in God's time. It's just nice to finally see some results to what God has for us here in Minnesota.

We thought Spring was around the corner, surely it must be, but alas we are under a winter storm warning. uggh. Hopefully nothing will come of it, but I hear tomorrow is just really going to be a yucky, nasty day weather wise.

That's about it for now. I'm tired... really tired.

Emotionally Taxing Day!

This afternoon, after Cala and Ethan got home from school, we all took the dogs for a walk. (yes, we got the husky mix!). When we returned, the boys and I sat in the "trunk" of the van (with the door up) while Glenn and Cala were inside getting the dogs settled down and making sure the cat was up. We were getting ready to go out for an early supper before taking Cala to her Brownies meeting.

Ten minutes or so had passed when Ethan asked about going inside for something and Seth was right behind him. I said, "yes, both of you go inside and go to the bathroom, wash your hands, etc." I saw them both go right around the corner, heard the door open. Ten more minutes passed when out comes Glenn and Cala. Ethan was soon to follow, but not Seth. "Where's Seth?" I ask and Glenn responded, "huh? I haven't seen Seth since I went inside." Thinking he had gone inside unnoticed by Glenn, I said, "call for him while I go check out back." No response from Seth. He seemed nowhere to be found. My heart was now racing for that brief moment fearing the worst!!!!

Glenn came outside again, walked around the corner of the house saying, "Seth! Seth!!!!" He then sees Seth appear. In typical three year old fashion, he was around the corner of the house playing. When he heard Glenn the last time, he came to see what was up.

Dear older sister gave him a talk on never doing that again, "Mama is crying because of what you did!" while sure enough Mama was crying at the thought of what could have been.

We went to eat, had a really nice time together and then dropped Cala off at Brownies. Once Cala returned, she went upstairs for something and our big dog (the husky mix) followed. Only problem was, Keeska our cat was upstairs! What ensued next was a hair raising time of woof woof from the dog, hiss hiss from Keeska, and Cala trying to get the dog to go downstairs where I was. Once I got upstairs, I tried to no avail , to get the dog to leave the cat alone. It took Glenn coming up to get her settled down. The cat got away from Cala and went running to our room, and hid under the middle of the bed!

It took another hour before she could be talked out (by Glenn). He got her safely to her "room" (the foyer closet) and all is calm and quiet now in our home!

I meanwhile have that "lump" in my stomach that I am trying to calm down.

A doctor bill later....

So, it's nothing an antibotic can help! It's viral in nature and just has to run its course! I was told to take Mucinex DM but if I still can't talk in a week or so, to get in for an x-ray just to be on the safe side. sigh..... Technically, I could have stayed home, BUT I am glad I went to the doctor I suppose. I mean, at least I've now "done my part". I'm just so very weary of having my throat hurt when I swallow and definitely tired of not being able to talk! This is getting ridiculous. It's now been well over 2 weeks with no voice. Tomorrow will be the third Sunday that I've not sung. I'm not used to this.

Oh well. I try not talking, but something always needs to be said I guess! HA HA I really will try to not speak tomorrow, I really will. I am going to just take in coloring sheets for my Sunday School class. I know now I'll never make it teaching them. It was rough last week. The family that's been visiting our services are probably wondering if I'm alright! ha I mean honestly, after all this time, and I STILL can't talk?! ugghhh

Kindergarten Round-Up was good by the way... Ethan enjoyed visiting a couple of Kindergarten classes and hearing what he'll be doing when fall rolls around. Meanwhile, Seth got to be in sibling care and played with other kids. Glenn and I got to sit in the lunchroom filling out paperwork while listening to the Principal and a teacher explain a few things in depth. I might add here that being a plus plus size woman, well, sitting on an attached bench meant for Kindergarten through Second Graders, well, uh.... I was really glad when they said, "thanks for coming. That's all." :o)

Random Thoughts.....

This morning, I woke up trying to decide if I could fit in going to the doctor better- today or tomorrow. It turned out if I went today, Glenn would have been unable to go with me. I really don't want to go alone especially since I can't speak a bit!, and so, I will go first thing tomorrow morning. We'll leave as soon as Cala gets on the school bus. Both boys will be with us, but honestly, they're really good at sitting and waiting in situations like this, especially with Papa (Glenn) there.
Tomorrow is Kindergarten Round-Up for Ethan. Since our last name begins with M, we are in the group that goes in the afternoon. Seth will be dropped off in "sibling care" at the school, and then we will head on to the festivities! From what I understand, Ethan will get to attend a session about what Kindergarten will be like, while we do well... the same- only geared towards the parents. We'll all visit a Kindergarten classroom, meet all the Kindergarten teachers, and alas, we will register ol' Ethan to begin in the fall. sigh........ I spent awhile this evening finding Ethan's birth certificate. It's in Spanish, with an English translation attached, so I also spent time highlighting the English version with his name (old name with our last name) and his birth date. I haven't come across his immunizations record (his current one), but I have until Kindergarten begins to do that. Being gone for two months like we were, well... I feel as if I'm having to re-learn where I put everything! (fibro probably has a lot to do with that to- the moments of "fog" that happen from time to time).

And----tonight, right after supper (which was wonderful by the way- Glenn decided to cook, which he loves to do and is good at- he made something new to us- a pizza "pie"- (using two pie crusts). It was SO good!). ANYWAY- right after supper, the boys went to brush their teeth. As they were coming out I saw an "exchange" going on, which would soon result in a fight. I motioned to Glenn to watch. Seth (the 3 year old) was telling Ethan (the 5 year old), "yes I AM! I am BIGGER than you! I can push you! I am bigger." I asked why he would say that. He said, "Mama. I am bigger. I am. " I said, "son, you are 3. Ethan is 5 and while not much bigger, he is a bit taller than you." Seth said, "well, I be bigger one day."

**Pictures above are from my birthday back on Feb. 3rd.**

Going to the Dogs

Uh, I can't believe I am about to write what I am about to write, but uh... I couldn't resist.... we are getting the Siberian Husky too!!!!!! She belongs to a military man that now lives in an apartment and has a deployment ahead and can no longer care for her. :o/ He will be bringing her to us on Saturday! I am waaayyyy excited! It was actually me who kept thinking about this dog (saw her picture online, etc.) and couldn't get her out of my head! They say she is great with kids, great with other dogs, etc. etc. I can't wait to get her, I feel like a kid- strange too because I've always been more of a cat person, but I just really am looking forward to having this dog! I've wanted a Husky for ages actually. This is a Husky mix, not sure mixed with what but looks just like a full Husky. (from what I can tell from the pictures).

Seeing how she'll have to be out for walks, it will be a great motivator to get me out and walking as the weather gets better (whenever that may be!).

Am I crazy!? (don't answer that!)

Meet Snezhinki

His name is снежинки - Russian for "snowflakes". Yes, he's black as night- it's just our little joke. (my parents had two cats once- one was black, so Glenn suggested and they named him Snowball- the other- his brother was as white as could be- we named him Midnight!).

Snezhinki is a black Lab, born January 20th. This morning, we had no thoughts that today we would up and get a puppy! We had been talking about wanting one for some time, but living in this climate and NOT being inside dog people, well, we put it off. It's been a dream of Glenn's to have a dog, but he too is just like me, not wanting an inside the house dog. (I think Keeska our cat would certainly thank us for that one too! ha).
Somehow though today, we began looking at Craigslist online and lo and behold!, we drove an hour way out in the country to pick up this puppy. We will keep him inside the house a few more weeks until he is older and can begin getting acclimated to his new digs, in our little garage out back. He'll have plenty of room to run there and during the winter months, he'll have a heated area.

Yes, our kids are THRILLED beyond words! Cala did not want to go to bed and actually had us set her alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier where she can get up and spend time with Snezhinki. :o)

Now- in other news... we also inquired about a Siberian Husky, which we all really would love to have one, but first heard about this puppy. The Husky is 3 years old and completely free. We just got word back from them that she's still available... I am going to have a hard time saying no to getting her too. (no, we're not going to get her too, but I am the one really wishing we could! HA). Snezhinki is beautiful by the way- he's going to be a charmer I think.

Of course it remains to be seen what Keeska decides about him!

Trying to Get Back

Wow! I feel like I've been gone from blog land for many moons! I posted mid- February that we had the flu. We got over that, but I alas have gone straight to something else! Uggghh. I have had no voice to speak of, (ha! or to speak with!) for at least 10 days now. It's getting ridiculous! My throat hurts so I think I have some sort of throat infection. Yes, I should go to the doctor, I know, but when you have no insurance (and lived in Russia where the internet was your doctor), you learn to wait these things out as best you can. Seriously, we have insurance "pending", so wouldn't you know it that we all got sick before it has come through!?!?! I will bite the proverbial bullet though and head in if this doesn't get better soon!

I absolutely can't believe it's March! That's unreal to me! Time as they say sure does fly! I feel like it was Christmas yesterday and here we are in March! I sure wish Spring would decide to spring here! That's what you get though living in the frozen tundra :o) We took the kids sledding yesterday evening!

Good to be back! Going to go clean something around here....Stay tuned.

Flu

Just checking in to let all know I'm still kickin' just don't feel like it! We had a wonderful Valentines' Day, but the next morning, it all went downhill..........

Glenn woke up very sick, and by mid day, my middle back felt as if it were "out". We were down for the count and our very sweet daughter took care of us like we were royalty! She's such a great helper!

Sunday came, I was shaking, shivering and not from the cold weather (which you will notice it's horribly low right now!). We made ourselves get out of bed for church, but I got home, went straight to bed, where I've been ever since basically. :o/

Yesterday morning, all three kids woke up sick! We all are aching, etc. etc.- we have the flu! ugggh.

Pray for us. This is rough and compounded by my fibromyalgia. I just wish I could take the sickness of all the kids (and even Glenn!) I hate seeing them sick! We have them all close by tonight to sleep so we can keep check on them if they need anything.

Cala woke up without fever and felt good- I let her go to school :o? I don't know if I should have, she just really sounded good, felt fine, looked good, etc. She sooo doesn't need to miss anymore because of the days she missed going to Florida and because of us not knowing when we'll have to return there.

Anyway, with the windchill being sooo low tomorrow morning, I am praying they at least delay school. If she even is a bit coughing or feels bad, she isn't stepping outside that door. We sure don't need pneumonia to strike us next!

Back to bed I go. Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on.

As I write this, it's 12:54 a.m.

Just two things.... I fell going up the stairs "yesterday" (Tuesday) evening. I was on my way up to fix supper when I tripped on the last step of the first flight of stairs (that lead from our family room to the foyer). Uggghhh I am sore and that is precisely why I am up! (I've already been in bed once).

Daddy saw angels all day Tuesday. He told Glenn about it while on the phone with him. He said he had also been seeing an aunt that he had never met, just knew by name and what people had told him.

Stay in the House Saturday!!

Saturday was spent doing our weekly "big" clean and looking out the window at the near white out conditions! It wasn't that we were getting a great downpour of snow- it was that we were getting so much wind, we had snow drifts (blowing snow) that was unbelievable. It was some kind of sight today!

I had planned to get out early and get a newspaper (strange to me coming from Florida, but here we can get a "Sunday" paper on Saturday! We get all the sales papers, coupons, etc.). I decided against it when I saw just how bad the snow was blowing.

Tomorrow morning is supposed to be really rough! We will surely be bundled, not a part of us uncovered as we get to church.

*** In other news: Daddy's birthday was this past Thursday. He turned 73. Today (Saturday- I'm writing this after midnight so it will say Sunday).... they had a birthday drop-in for him. I so wish I could have been there! He was very happy about all the folks that showed up...friends, church members, fellow Pastors and their wives, even the Mayor of my hometown and his wife came. I'm thankful that so many have shown their love for my family. That does my homesick heart a lot of good.***

Those Kids!

This morning (Friday), I had a shooting pain come over me. As I cried out from the surprise of it, Ethan (age 5) says, "What's wrong, Mama? Your eyeball bothering you?" I asked, "my eyeball?" "Yes, Mama, your pain, your eyeball!" Seth (age 3) responds, "I know how to say it... your fibro is bothering you!" (he was right- ol' fibromyalgia has been relentless as we go on a roller coaster of weather ups and downs).

** ** ** **

Long ago we realized that Cala can't eat anything with red food dye in it, red #40 being the WORST! It makes her go haywire! Anyway, you would be amazed at the things that have Red food dye in them. (For example, Fudge Rounds were a shock to me!)

It has become discouraging to search for things that Cala CAN have and when I find something new, it's sooo fun! Cala is sooo happy! Today I decided to look at Yogos for Cala to take to school, as a snack. I've come very good at just looking at a package and knowing right off, "that will be a no go!" Today was no different. While in Target, I passed the Yogos. I knew the strawberry, the raspberry, etc. would have red in it. Sure enough they did. Then I saw "Island Expressions" and thought surely they would too, no use to look. I continued on, but something brought me back. I searched the package and to my utter amazement and delight!, just yellow, no red! Hallelujah Cala will be sooo happy I thought. I was not disappointed.

Cala ate one bite and said, "Mama! My life is sooo wonderful ! I can eat Yogos!"

She's been our daughter 7 years now and still she appreciates things much more than the average kid. I admit when we left Russia, I was concerned that would change. Sure she likes to get stuff as much as the next American kid, but she still is very very grateful for anything you buy her. (even a new toothbrush delights this kid!) I hope to keep it that way!

The Chocolate Post

This evening (Wednesday), we went out before church to a Chinese restaurant. Let me say here, I am the one in the family who does NOT like Chinese food, but every now and then I suggest this one place nearby. I can hack it and I like keeping my hubby and kids (who all love it!) happy!

Anyway... just to tell you how addicted Seth (age 3) is to chocolate, well... more so than his mother. (which any of you who know me "in real life"---not that the internet is fake, but you know what I mean! lol)... anyway... if you know me, you know I am indeed a CHOCO-HOLIC! (just not fake chocolate- you know? WHITE chocolate?!).

I never thought I would meet another soul who was so addicted, but in my baby son, my Guatemalan baby son none the less (said to re-iterate that it's not something he could inherit from me).... well, he has indeed beat me!

You see, Seth is one who will literally sniff out the chocolate! I can slip M & Ms in my mouth thinking I was unnoticed. He can be out of the room and as soon as he comes in, I feel like I'm caught- like the teacher caught me teaching or something! HA!!! He'll actually say, "Mama! I want some!" to which I reply, "some what?!" He says, "uh, some chocolate- you have some in your mouth!" What a hoot.

SO, this evening at the Chinese restaurant, should it have come as any surprise when my dear addicted son took a piece of sweet and sour chicken and dipped it in his chocolate ice cream?!!!!!!!!????????? YYYYYUCKKKKKK!

He then looked over to where Cala had dropped some ice cream on a paper menu and asked, "can I have that? Cala's finished!" Ugghhh... got to get this boy some help!

Chocolate de-tox!

Happy Birthday to Me and My Niece Too :o)

This picture was taken a few weeks ago in December (in Florida- and notice the short sleeves?! Winter in Florida- ugghh).

This is my beautiful niece who chose to make her debut into the world on my 25th birthday! She has a different middle name, by which she is called, but her first name is Amy :o)

I really have had a great birthday! Glenn and the kids saw to that! It was nice to try not to think of the grief and just enjoy my day. After breakfast, I was given my gifts (with which I am thrilled!!!!!) and then came church, home for Godfather's Pizza.... then tonight while watching the Super Bowl we ate our traditional Super Bowl fare of snack foods! My husband who loves football had said for weeks that since it fell on my birthday we didn't have to watch. After all, his beloved Tampa Bay Bucs weren't playing, not even the Vikings or Packers. (Cala's a big Packers fan!!!!! ha it's true!). I though said that oh sure we were going to watch- I wanted our traditional Super Bowl party (even though it's just us this year!).

Now keep in mind, I don't care one bit for football. I do the nice wife thing and ask Glenn who's playing and act like I care. In all actuality, football could go out of existence and it really wouldn't affect me, but uh, Glenn loves it! I have to admit that tonight I am GLAD to have watched the game! It was neat seeing the Giants win! (did I just write a football post!? Goodness what IS this world coming to?)

ANYWAY- Happy birthday to my sweet niece Michelle! I got to talk to her today- one day we'll get to celebrate together- one day!!!!!!!!

Serene Saturday

Not sure "serene" is the word for it, but uh... it went well with "Saturday".
:o)

Saturday is our "big cleaning" day around here, when we all, as a family clean the house. We got on the ball earlier today than usual which was nice because it allowed the rest of the day for the kids to play and for us to relax a bit... so in that regard, yes, it was a serene day.

--- I was happy today to receive emails from some dear friends in Russia. (fellow missionaries). There were 3 (American) families that we were good friends with "back in the day". The 3 men in each of these families and I all have birthdays close to one another. One birthday was the last part of Jan. Another was yesterday, one today, and mine tomorrow. When in Russia, our four families had a joint party this time of year. I miss that. So, it was nice to hear from these folks and learn more about what's going on with them now.

In other news: I thought it would be a good birthday present for me to have visitors to church tomorrow... lo and behold, Glenn is supposed to pick up a man tomorrow morning for the worship service! God is good!

**I simply love this picture of Cala and me. It was taken a couple of weeks ago at the airport when we went to drop off my niece and my brother.**

Pretty in Pink?

Maybe it has to do with being raised with 3 older brothers, I don't know... I just have never cared much for pink. Yet, it's February, I was getting tired of the plain white background that much reminded me of snow. (I just have to look out my windows to see the real stuff!).

No, with Valentine's Day approaching, pink and red seemed the right thing to do! (no red background offered at Blogger)... I kind of like it :o)

Nothing majorly exciting around here today. We did make a trip to Wal-mart. I was simply thrilled to find Seth a winter coat for next year for $10 on clearance! Yes, just $10. See the picture below of Cala? That's her new coat for next year (had to wear it when it got sooo cold a few days ago). Anyway, each one of our kids now has a $10 coat for next year!!!! That's major savings. They are heavy, 4 in 1 coats (liner comes out to make a lighter coat, etc.) Yep, that kind of savings excites me!

Tonight Daddy called--- asked Glenn to read the Bible to him. Glenn read from the Psalms. What a comfort they are at times like this!

Russian Minnesotan

Cala ready for school this morning. Once she got home, she and I headed to Target to pick up some dress pants and a nice shirt. Her class is going to have a concert tomorrow and the following day. (the parents of Cala's class are supposed to go tomorrow). We had a really nice time and thankfully it had warmed up to -5 with a -21 windchill. No problem for my Russian Minnesotan daughter. Yep! You betcha!

So no new really exciting news to report here. I guess if I looked hard enough I could find some, but uh, I am suffering from cabin fever big time! I really didn't think it would hit me too bad, but who am I kidding? I hate being cooped up... not that I'm really an outdoorsy person, but living here has made me more of one. When Spring hits, you will find me out back quite a bit, enjoying the cool temps. Then comes Summer, and even though it gets hot here, we get quite the breeze in the evenings and I really enjoy sitting on my deck during those times.

Tonight however, I wouldn't go outside for anything if I could avoid it! (and I did). Glenn took Cala to Brownies and wow was it cold. We are now under a wind chill warning, and the schools are actually delayed 2 hours tomorrow morning because of the seriousness of the situation! (windchills of near -50) I am thrilled... just wish Cala was awake when I found out so I could tell her. Of course she will more than likely sleep anyway until her little brothers go waking her up. Ugghh They will then of course come downstairs wondering why Mama wasn't already upstairs to get Cala up. (no matter how hard I try, they always wake up as I go down the hall to Cala's room, the little early birds!).

Praying for the homeless tonight. I can't begin to imagine!

Am I really going to be 37 soon?!

I don't particularly hate birthdays, I am doing fine with turning 37 this coming Sunday, February 3rd. It's the thought of being 40 in 3 years that strikes me strange!!!! I turned 30 in Russia... I remember it as if it were yesterday. We were driving down Nevsky Prospekt in our dark green Volga and listening to a cassette I cherished of country singer Tim McGraw! The song playing? "My Next Thirty Years" of course!

Never would I have imagined seven years ago that I would be living in the U.S., much less would I have imagined Minnesota!!! (it still blows my mind!) I was sure we would be in Russia for many, many moons to come! Never would I have imagined that I would be Mama to two Hispanic boys (and when I turned 30, we were 3 months from bringing Cala home).

Wow.... time does fly, time does change things. Wow....

The point of this post?! I don't know! lol Just a bit melancholy today. I told Glenn that instead of dreading my pending birthday (and I am sure it will be strange this year with all the sadness surrounding my mind), that I was going to be like the kids would be... SO, I announced today with pride and excitement in my voice- Mama's birthday is in just SIX sleeps!!!

Of course my kids think, "no fair. I wish it were my birthday!" To which I will respond, "naa naa naa naa naa naa... it's going to be mine, not yourrrrrrsssss".

Does this mean I have to change that to the right that says, "mid-30's" to actually read, "late 30's!"??????? ;op

On Saturdays we do a family "big" clean. (meaning we clean the house together). We usually stay in and today was no different.

Silly us, we were all downstairs together... all but Seth. I said, "and Seth...is doing what? Only God knows, right?" You see, the rest of us were wrapped up in cleaning downstairs when I realized Seth wasn't with us. Ethan went upstairs to find him marking on the wall with markers. The evidence was all over his face as well. sigh.... Glenn took some Spic N Span to the wall *but first had Seth do it* and it's a faint memory now. I think I will buy a Magic Eraser (normally would have had two on hand!) and see if that will finish it off.

Got to love Seth lately. He's really a mess! (Of course he wasn't happy to be sent to nap right then and there).

Let's Take His "E"

A lighter post tonight brought to you by my youngest (3 year old) son, Seth.

Our 5 year old, Ethan told a series of lies tonight. :o/ One had to do with his sister, and so we asked Seth and her to come talk to us a moment. Actually we only asked Seth to come down because he can't be trusted to stay out of stuff upstairs when no one is with him! lol

Anyway, we asked Cala more about the situation with Ethan and then said, "what would you do if this were your son?" (Not sure why we asked, we just did.) Seth was quick to respond and said, "Let's take his "E"." I said, "The E from his name?!" Seth responds, "Yes, I like his "E". I want it". HA HAAAAAAAAAAAA We all just lost it right there.

I later couldn't resist and asked Seth where would he want the "E" to go? In front of his "S" or after it. He said "after". I guess we can now call Seth, "Seeth" and our oldest son?

Well, we could go with "our son formerly known as Ethan", or leave it at "than."

Of course I right away called the grandparents. My Daddy got a real kick out of it and asked as do I, "where do kids come up with this stuff?!"

I normally do my grocery shopping on Mondays or no later than Tuesday. Well, here it is about to be Friday and I have successfully put it off all week! It's just been too cold. Tomorrow we are supposed to actually get in the teens at some point, so I am definitely having to go to the store then! After all, I can only get by with what's in the cabinets for so long! Tonight was grilled cheese (the George grill makes great ones!) and canned tomato soup.

I had to go to a "Parents Only" meeting tonight concerning Ethan going to Kindergarten in the fall. It was an informative meeting, attended by 45 people. (O.k., so being a PK my whole life- I just HAVE to count! I can't help myself! I count and then think, "wow, if we could get this crowd to church!" ha).

I can hardly wait for fall. I think Ethan is going to LOVE Kindergarten! He's loving pre-school, which here is SR (School Readiness). He wanted to go to the meeting tonight, couldn't understand why it was only for parents. :o)

*** Talked to Daddy tonight on my way home. It's just hard to know these moments will all too soon end.***

Just another cold day in the frozen tundra! We ate supper at Perkins where on Tuesday nights, kids eat free per adult purchase. Since the boys never eat enough to warrant a full meal each, they split a meal. (and order an extra drink). So, we only pay for Glenn and me. That works well, gets us out, and I just spend that much less in groceries for the week.

Cala is really missing her cousin. (I am too honestly!).

Talked to my Mama and Daddy today. Mama said Hospice said Daddy might be around 2 to 3 more months. That's really what we expected.

Thankful

Thankful today for safety while traveling to and from the airport. This afternoon, on our way back home, the radio announced there were 18 accidents in the metro today due to icy conditions. (it snowed a good part of the morning). Black ice caused a lot of trouble. We passed six such accidents and are thankful to God He protected us.

I am just a bit sad tonight- the house feels empty. HA! Funny how the difference of one or two people can do that. Life will get back to some sort of normal around here I hope in the coming days.

My heart is both here and in Florida.

Nothing Much

Nothing much going on today but staying inside from the cold. We did our normal Saturday cleaning and spent much time watching the Republican returns from Nevada and South Carolina. My parents are from South Carolina and so my brother and I watched it with extra interest.

We're praying for folks to "brave the cold" and come to church tomorrow morning. Pray with me.

The ticker to the right says it all....

If you notice my new weather ticker to the right, you'll see it's cold. As I type this, in fact, it reads -14. (yes, 14 BELOW). We spent today visiting the Global Market in the Cities. It was a really neat place and I am so glad we went! We ate lunch at a Somalian restaurant and it was really, really good! I am looking forward to getting to go back. There were neat shops from around the world.

Cala was very disappointed that there was no place from her country. :o/ I would have loved some Russian food too but hey! It was so cool eating food from a country we know so little about and meeting a Somalian man.

Yes, we about froze. The windchills have reached -30 tonight and we are for sure staying covered up. Tomorrow we plan to completely stay in the house. It's going to potentially be worse.

I told my brother he would always remember the time he was crazy enough to brave the frozen tundra of Minnesota and survived!

Brother has Come and wow it's cold....

My brother arrived safely and we are having a nice time together. It's been bitterly cold today, and as I type this, it's a nice 3 degrees. We are expected to have what has been described as "dangerously" cold weather on Saturday and Sunday- wind chills could be as low as 40 below!! Yikes. I think we will surely layer and layer for church Sunday morning. (no part of the body uncovered that's for sure).

Tomorrow we are planning to head in to the Cities to see what we can see! It should be a nice time of trying to stay warm. ha School is out tomorrow as well as Monday so Cala is thrilled to have the rest of the time to spend with her cousin.

Got to go get warm!

Brother Coming

The girls (our daughter and her cousin) really enjoyed tonight (Tuesday). Cala is a part of the Brownies and tonight they toured a nearby city's police dept. They allowed my niece to go too and both girls came back really excited! It was nice to see their enthusiasm but wow did I ever get a reality check when they came back talking about how CUTE the police officer was!!!!! They are NINE years old! Of course Mama here explained that they are waaaaaayyy too young to be talking like that! Goodness what will I have on my hands in the coming years!?

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My middle brother is coming tomorrow. He is coming to accompany our niece (our oldest brother's daughter) back to Florida on Monday. He is really in for a rude awakening when he faces a Minnesota winter! He's already said he will just stay in and hibernate while he's here. We'll see, dear brother... we'll see.

Update on Daddy: Hospice is really being a blessing as we knew it would be. Mama says today was a very busy day for everyone at home since not only did Hospice come but some out of town surprise visitors came and while there another friend showed up! Oh yes! Mama said a long time acquaintance also called and talked for quite awhile.

I am thrilled that so many are showing their love at this time. It's really a blessing to my Daddy I am sure as he is SUCH a people person!

A Couple of Pictures

It was 2 weeks ago that we took the first picture of Seth, at Daytona Beach. Then today (Friday), we took this precious picture of both boys bundled up here in Minnesota. We spent a big part of the day shopping. We called a nearby city to verify that they indeed had girls' snow boots and snow bibs in the size we needed for my niece. Praise the Lord we finally found a store that had them so she can play outside with Cala! They did just that today and had a blast! One neat thing is that the bibs are a couple of sizes larger than Cala and the boots are one size bigger so they can be used for her in the coming winters.

I am so thankful that Cala has her cousin here right now and we are all trying to get back to whatever normal is. I thought I had done well with that until a break down late tonight while alone upstairs. Oh well... I know there's bound to be much more of that.

There but for the Grace of God

I am sure by now you have heard about the 100 car pile up in Wisconsin on Sunday. The fog that day was just incredible! After we heard about the incident, we figured out we were through there an hour before this happened. Just think had we lingered a bit longer at the motel that morning or something!!!

Praise the Lord for His mercy! The fog was indeed HORRIBLE Sunday as we were traveling- visibility near zero much of the drive and in fact I said to Glenn, "I sure wish we would get out of this, see the sun even".... it did happen once we got to Minnesota :o) I saw that as a smile from God.

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On to our tire blew out this week- money we didn't plan to spend but God will provide. That tire could have blown out while on the road, and so I praise God that we were safely in our town here and not stranded on the interstate. (especially not in that fog!)

We indeed made it home Sunday evening right at 5:00 p.m. I have been trying to get back into the swing of things, back into my day to day routines, but alas that's hard. I'm enjoying my niece being here and am really looking forward to my brother being here next week.

Update on my Daddy: He agreed to Hospice finally and they have come this week.

On Our Way Home

This morning was terrible- the worst thing yet. I know the most terrible will be hearing, "Come on, it's time." And then the actual death of my Daddy. Today was heart wrenching. I am still not able to talk about it... just know I need your prayers.

I know I am not without hope- I can rejoice in the fact that my Daddy will soon have a new home- a heavenly one and he will be in no pain. He'll be able to walk, even be able to run! That's incredible and I rejoice in that. I still know that the human side of me is devastated at my loss... the loss of my earthly father.

I will post more when I'm able. We are traveling with our 9 year old niece along. She'll be with us for 18 days. That makes our 9 year old daughter very happy! They've talked non-stop all day.

Leaving for Minnesota this Morning

Please pray for us as we are traveling back home this morning. This will be so very hard of course. We will make it home at least by Sunday.

I will try updating along the way each night. No promises though.