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!