When Mommy Is Away

This is what greeted me when I arrived home from Girls' Camp.

In all, while I was gone, the boys played in the sprinklers, watched shows, had a pool party, then a pizza party. They went to a baseball game with "all you can eat food" and then the next night went out and watched a bike race with friends. During the time I was gone, Evy got sick and got better and Merritt only took one major nose dive into the pavement. Not too bad. Shortly after I arrived home, Erik pulled his first batch of homemade rolls out of the oven, which we devoured. Nice!

BIRTHDAY Girl!

It was my birthday on Sunday and I had a lovely time. My parents and my boys took me to dinner on Saturday after I came home from Girls' Camp.

Everyone at church wished me happy birthday and I received flowers during YW. You can't beat that!

Erik and Everett made my awesome birthday cake! I think they should go pro!

I am totally funny . . .

George's Teeth

. . . and by *I* . . . I mean me, Sheila. Oh, I know all of you out there are thinking,"But Erik is the funny one . . ." and you would be right, except I selfcensure, uh, a lot. So, I am funnier than you know.

And, so, I am busting my gut at another one of my jokes (which is something my mom does, you know, laugh at her own jokes . . . I love you, Mom!).

My boys get the physical comedy of my genius. Did I mention how funny they are?

I am my funniest when I am on the phone with the doctor's office, the insurance company, or my sister (but NOT the cable company, I have to get *mean* sometimes). Today, I was totally funny on the phone with the dentist's office . . . and, no, George Washington's teeth were not wooden . . . .

And, since I am surrounded by the "Three and Under" crowd, I, like most bloggers, felt the need to tell the virtual world something . . . I am funny. Someday I'll tell you why.

Missing?

Where have I been? Oh, yeah, GIRLS' CAMP!

I'll be back when I'm rested.

Chills and Thrills

This past week we installed our NEW dishwasher. Only to find that it was installed incorrectly by the technician. But, we are closer to having the "washing the dishes" burden removed. And, I appreciate Erik jumping in and cleaning the dishes during this time. I am just not as fast on my feet right now and he helps when he can.

The week was busy but full of good clean fun. Each of us are on the mend in our own way. I think that Everett is the only one who is malady free (and he is the one with the seizure disorder). We ended the week with a trip to the beach pool with friends. So fun to carve out pleasure time even when we think we are too busy.

My foot is looking good. I'm to wear my orthodics (pretty little things I picked up today) or The Shoe until I can wear the orthodics full-time. I figure I am 3 weeks away from hitting the marathon training again and being "The Shoe"-free. And, I am woefully behind on my marathon training viewing, Extreme Observation. sigh. Maybe I can pack for Girls' Camp and watch something at the same time?


Merritt had his 18 month checkup. Boy is hitting the upper 90th percentile for height and is below 50th percentile for weight though he eats pretty well. He is burning energy all the time. Today during a stressful moment for Evy, he picked up Evy's discarded shirt and started to put it on over his own shirt . . . which created a laugh break for the crying Evy. Merritt then pulled the shirt to the "hood" position and walked around modeling the poloshirt headdress. So little and so smart.

Evy is busy being the problem solver. If we say that he cannot do something, he proceeds to problemsolve the situation. "But, you can just have Mom watch Merritt while we buy it at the store," was one of his solutions. He is still a lover--while eating dinner, he took his cookie, broke it in half--setting aside one half, then broke part of the cookie from the set aside half into a smaller piece to feed to Merritt. He then fed that cookie half to Merritt piece by piece until it was all consumed.

We are still busy meeting with people about jobs, resumes, and how to network. We are ever so grateful that Erik has a job!

Those Moments

Several weeks ago, Erik and I had the opportunity to attend a taping for America's Got Talent. Had an EXCELLENT time attending and hanging with the friends we went with for the event (they shared their tickets).

There were at least two auditions that night that stand out. Earlier this week, the episode aired and they included my favorite from that night, Taylor Matthews. When he walked off the stage, we all just wanted him to come back on . . . . Of course, what they present here is shortened than what he performed that night . . . but he was awesome! (loved the arrangement of the song)



Of course, I love the cheese of including the parent's reaction. I hope that I have the chance to witness my boys in their moments of opportunity. I don't know if he will win but what an amazing opportunity for him. And, I will always remember his performance. His song made you want to sing along, twirl around, and spend a moment maybe on that "over the rainbow" philosophy. Isn't that what great music should do?

I had a cavity filled this week . . . replaced an old one I had. I detest the dentist, seriously. Not a particular dentist, just in general, I don't like it. But sitting in that chair as the dentist fixed me up I was amazed. The dentist and hygienist were so efficient, so practiced, that it was like performance art to watch their hands flowing past my eyes accompanied with the hum of the drilling, raspy sucking, wiping, and breathing. Though that sounds borderline tawdry or horrorshowlike, I was amazed.

It is always amazing to watch someone who is really gifted at his or her job.

I remember the tailor in Boston that fit Erik's tux just perfectly--he could pinch and chalk the material just right. I have a fondness for a certain lady who uses her keen intelligence and love for others to be the most amazing mother, watching her do the most mundane to the most complicated is awe inspiring. I was amazed by the gentlemen who did the home inspection on our current house, and I wish I could soak up a certain friend's sense of humor in the face of certain calamity--she kills me!

In those moments that I am witness to true skill and the gifts of others, I am inspired to do the best I can with my own skills, however inadequate. Though, I do draw a pretty good frog and elephant. Seriously, I do.

Chills and Thrills

Honestly, I can't think of too many things that separated this past week from many of the others. I'm pretty sure I have a stress fracture--next appointment with the podiatrist is on Monday. The weather is hotter. The boys are just as cute as ever, and we are busy.

It was time to set the ball pool up again this weekend. The kids love it and are getting pretty adept at picking the balls up between play sessions.

Just how many pictures could we have of this moment, well, at least one more.

Major, major projects were listed and many completed. We are awaiting on the arrival of our new dishwasher (AMEN!), went through several todos and tackled the garage (feast your eyes on these lockers that Erik bought Sheila for $2--and see the corner of that white board . . . it is an awesomely huge whiteboard [insert sigh of delirium].)

Evy got pretty hot working in the garage with us and we set him up with everything to cool down. When we asked if there was anything else he wanted while we cleaned the garage, he requested "a tv to watch the show right here."

The boys painted (starting some Father's Day projects). Merritt is pretty good with the q-tips.

This Memorial Day weekend we also opened pool season at our Beach Club. The kids really loved playing in the sand along the edge of the water. We dined at Grandma and Poppa's and got to see Baby Madeleine.

[Also: The AC started leaking, the boys were sick (Merritt is back on the nebulizer), Erik pulled out his back, Sheila was super cranky, and we are expecting our car to fall apart soon. But let's focus on the positive, eh?]

Miracle Worker

I am *inside* with my foot up.


Erik is *outside* with the boys.


Merritt is chasing bugs, tasting everything.


Evy, *outside*, threw off the hard hat and tossed the vacuum cleaner tubes in exchange for a tennis ball and baseball bat (Longhorn version, thankyouverymuch).


Merritt is now *inside* 'cause those bugs started chasing him. Nasty 'squitos.


Evy is now *inside* for a potty break . . . you can hear him asking,"Why . . . ?"

Erik goes back to work soon tonight, but it is great for him to take the time to eat dinner with us and play with the boys.

Chills and Thrills

In all, a very busy week. Much of the efforts are being dedicated toward our callings. Sheila has had an amazing time with her YW and is looking forward to Girls' Camp! Erik has seen an increase in people needing help with interviewing, making contacts, and resume help. Those in "job transition" are always in our prayers.

And, there was a Friday called "Movie Day" because Sheila's foot was acting up (probably a stress fracture at this point). Needless to say, she feels like she gets next to nothing done.

Despite the fact that we take a fraction of the number of pictures with Merritt compared to our first born, Merritt is quick to spot the camera and DEMAND a photo shoot. How can you resist this face?

Since we been to the doctor like a million times in the past month, and a NEW babygirl cousin was born last week, most of Everett's week looked like this:

"I just don' hear nuthin," was the official diagnosis for Sheila.

Meal Ideas

I came across this blog and appreciate the simplicity that she uses when she approaches meal planning . . . reminded me of some foods that I just don't make any more and I picked up a couple of ideas.

SuperHealthyKids

'Da Marathon

Despite my setbacks, Boston 2012 is still ON!

And, while I heal and wait for my shiny new orthodics, which I hope come with complementary bling because the check I had to write to pay for them seemed like it had too many digits in the number, I am totally training . . . from the couch.

And, this level of training is called Extreme Observation . . . it is a time when I can learn from world class athletes (or actors that play them) as they train, overcome insurmountable odds, keep their spirits alive and positive, and follow along as they go through their process of inner discovery to find that MARATHON RUNNER inside . . . and I can do all this through watching movies about marathons. You know, the feel good sports movie (which I am always a sucker for), the documentary about marathon running . . . the comedy that sort of has a runner in it . . . .

I've already hit "Run, Fat Boy, Run" quite by accident because it ended up in my mailbox from Netflix. Not sure how it got in my queue . . . but I learned that I can finish the London marathon even if the fiance of "my exfiance who is the mother of my son" trips me at the starting gate and I totally blow my ankle, or was it my knee . . . . The difficulty is all mental people!

I recently watched "Saint Ralph" and have decided that if I don't win the Boston Marathon, then I can try for the Olympics, but only if my priest will train beside me on his bicycle. Why didn't I think of that before seeing this movie? And, I need to find a priest with a bicycle. Oh, and I think running backwards is good training for a marathon, at least the movie said so.

Next, I've got "Spirit of the Marathon" . . . then "Marathon Challenge" . . . "The Long Run" . . . and my personal pick for Most Motivating During Extreme Observation . . . "Ultramarathon Man: 50 Marathons, 50 States, 50 Days." Don't you worry, I've got "Forrest Gump" in there, too.

The Shoe

What We Learned Today

Bigger is always more awesome.

Everett is a chocoholic--"Rossewwa, will you share with me?"

"Did Dad say we can SWIM in chocolate?"

Chills and Thrills

Whew! And I'll say that again.

Last week was a doozy. We were extremely blessed that I was the only one hit and out of it because of Strep. What an absolute miracle! And, I have my voice back.

My podiatrist has sentenced me to two more weeks in The Shoe.

Evy was the resident dog expert and caretaker of the grandparents' dog, Max. He was AWESOME. "Evy, time for Max to go out."---"Okay, I'll take care of it."--"Evy, time for Max to go to bed."--"Okay, c'mon, Max, time for night-night!"

In all, it was a quiet week, both of us keeping busy with our callings at church and the boys. The dishwasher bit the dust (making it even quieter around here, actually).

I was able to attend Madame Butterfly at the Dallas Opera on Saturday, with The Shoe, thanks to a generous friend. I had a splendid time and especially enjoyed Pinkerton's voice and the staging.

This week we say goodbye to our lovely friend from Italy as she returns home.

Merritt and Banana Pudding

Evy Does Ferrari

What a wondrous thing, the Ferrari!

Dad helped us all get down to the dealership this evening.

Not only were there Ferraris and Maseratis, but we saw the TRAIN and a HUGE Peterbilt semi-truck, for sure.

The Racing Face

On the Mend

I am certainly feeling better but have to really curtail what I typically do during the day. Right now, Clifford is on and I am able to sit with my foot up and not expend any energy.

I've got one eye on the screen and one eye on Merritt. Right now, he is content to stand in the shadow of the TV and make barking sounds whenever Clifford does.

Max is visiting us and the boys are enjoying chasing around the grandparents' fluffy dog.

I tried to visit the ferraris this morning. On the drive over, I realized I was already tired, so we headed home. Maybe with Dad tonight.

The End

With my big ole shot of penicillin, thank you Mr. Fleming, because I DID have strep (second strep test came back positive, take that Urgent Care clinic), I am feeling better.

I still have no voice or, rather, the best I can do is honk like a goose. My foot is still problematic. But the body aches have subsided and I can eat. I have never experienced that level of pain with Strep and it has been a long time since I have felt that bad. I am glad it is over.

Erik stayed home yesterday to take care of the boys and my numerous needs. I have been so blessed the past couple of days by my family and several friends. They have taken care of me like I've never experienced. I am a blessed woman.

I'd like to say I am busy cleaning the house, scrubbing the germs, washing the sheets, but my best today will be to pantomime play or play the part of the goose--make sure the boys eat--and renew my appreciation for Clifford, that Big Red Dog.

Chills and Thrills

It is late Sunday evening and I feel like the 3 week old forgotten chicken casserole with mold and all in the back of the fridge with a side of shredded liver. (I am trying to reign in the flair for the dramatic.)

I felt worse today. Is that humanly possible?

At the same time, we had a great week.

Dad was in Chicago getting all numbernerdy with his pricing colleagues and enjoying those things we miss about Chicago. He did keep us in mind making sure to call us if we wanted something special from the Indian food market or the awesome cooking school he went to.

Merritt and Everett stayed busy playing with friends and going on field trips. The schedule got a bit convoluted toward the end of the week. So, we are planning to visit the ferraris this week. We've been studying them with the cool books from the library and asking our friend who is from Italy all about them.

Sheila held it together and was well until the end of the week. Then she got sick and hurt her foot. poor thing. The boys did their best to take care of her today and help her feel special. For Mother's Day, she gets to cash in some frequent flier miles and go visit a cooking school for a class (or something like that, she is pretty loopy and doesn't do details well right now). In any case, it is about a cooking class for Mother's Day, and she really excited about that.

Everett did a splendid job singing in church. Yes, he did try to get to the microphone as he was one of the first ones up at the podium. But, thankfully and to his disappointment, he was too short to reach it. (Mom did pop in to see Everett sing cause all week he said,"Mom, on Sunday, I'm going to sing and make you cry.")

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

The newest mommy in our family. I love you B-na!

On a more serious tenor about one mother and her courage: My New Life by Stephanie Nielson

And one that makes me laugh and is about sibling behavior: BaratsandBereta Mother's Day Card

The Beginning

Erik got home just in time last night to keep me from passing out. During the night, he suffered through being woken several times with my whimpering. Called the on-call doctor for me while I was self-diagnosing meningitis, cancer, and voodoo doll torture. Imagined that my boys would be scarred for life because I died on Mother's Day weekend. It was bad.

sick.sick.sick.

Think I am going to die. Have never been in this much pain with a VIRUS.

And, I thought I broke my foot yesterday evening. Good news: Only a soft tissue injury. For mother's day, I got an awesome shoe to wear for a couple of weeks . . . oh, and pain killers. loopy, anyone?

Hats off to Erik who is feeding us, mowing the lawn, wiping my tears, and taking care of the boys all by himself. And, he stopped at the airport on the way home and brought me beautiful gerbers. Evy and Merritt are giving me lots of open arm hugs, and I get to use the coveted blankies anytime I want. Gotta love, love.

More Merritt

Merritt likes to climb up the stepstool, use the handles on the cabinets as another foot hold as he "rock climbs" the vanity . . . then he turns on the water and take a big drink. Those are some strong toes.

Today

I felt the earth move 'cause Evy changed his "favowite" color from red to blue.

I did NOT think I would make it through today and all the items I had to accomplish. But, I did it. I am exhausted, but I did it. And, Erik is home really, really soon.

I decided to give the boys blue iced sugar cookies for dessert after dinner. Remind me to never do that again.

I have totally finished revamping my portion of insurance renewal. Due to my shopping around, my AWESOME blood results, I am saving TONS of money with my new policy. Really appreciate the benefits of the word of wisdom. Also feel great about making sure my boys are provided for in case something bad happens.

We went to a fire house and had a blast with the firetruck and following around our friends.

Merritt pushed out a screen (had the window open 10 inches). He fell into the garden and broke 2 bean stalks.

Bust a Move

We are a big believer in dance parties around here. Floor routines, spinning, clapping, jumping, cabbage patch, old 80s moves (thank you, Erik), contemporary interpretations (thanks, Sheila) . . . well, it is all good.

In this instance, Merritt decided that the stair landing was his "stage." How do kids figure this stuff out? Yes, that is Evy clad in his sweats, shirtless, but with the proper green gardening gloves. Here is a short clip:



In this longer selection, the boys dance with Dad. Yeah, Erik, no one can do those moves exactly like you.



And, a longer selection with both boys grooving and Erik acting like a stage dad.

Dear Erik:

The cute bunny came by . . . and he didn't get the pl--aaa--nnnts! You Rock! (The bugs got the broccoli and I think we've got some mold going on in the squash.)

But, the rabbit didn't get them!

Love-Us

Today, in Fragments

Merritt up early.
Mommy up early.
Forgot to bring in the trashcans.
Forgot to turn sprinklers on.
Oh well.
Brought in forgotten cans in pajamas.
Rush.
Paid bills.
Changed address.
Trip to the book store.
Exchanged music books.
Tour of the Temple grounds from the car.
Peace, for a moment.
Purchase of overprice cookies for Evy's special treat.
Yellow sugar cookies shaped like sunshines, tasted like old sugar.
Won't go there again.
Early lunch for Merritt.
Early nap for Merritt.
Long awaited arrival of the "new" Blue Lightning McQueen.
Long awaited arrival of Guido, who can fix the "tyyyres."
Delight and giggling.
Appointment with the podiatrist who is scared of kids.
Perplexed.
Ordering orthodics.
Need new shoes, again.
HOT car ride home.
Evy shares new cars with Merritt.
Phone calls and phone calls.
Evy cries hysterically several times.
Don't know why.
Stress.
Phone call from Dada helped Mommy.
Evy finally napped at 5:30.
30 minute nap helped Evy.
Made more appointments.
Made notes for youth announcement.
Cinco de Mayo dinner, which both boys didn't like.
Boys liked the chocolate chip cookies.
Rush.
Changed poop diaper that occurred while walking out the door.
Of course.
Trip to the sitter for the boys.
Trip to a youth activity for the mom.
Rush.
Late night for the boys.
Evy sang the night-night songs with Mommy.
He was proud.
"I wuv you, too."
Late night for the mom.
Noisy, noisy dishwasher.
Sounds like grinding glass in a disposal.
Headache.
Decision to sweep tomorrow.
Decision to finish laundry tomorrow.
Quiet.
Thank goodness for spellcheck.

Fertility Quest . . . Revisiting Mother's Day

It seems so long ago that I wrote that little post on Mother's Day. (Links for it are also listed on the right under "Fertility Quest and Thoughts on Infertility.")

I've been thinking about a phrase from it:
It just isn’t fair that Mother’s Day became a bit better after having Everett.

And, you know, Everett will sing for the first time in Sacrament on Sunday . . . you know what he is going to sing, the Mother's Day song with the rest of the children in Primary. I am totally excited for him. I hope he enjoys the event and isn't scared to go up to the front.

I think I keep thinking about the phrase listed above because I am feeling guilty. I am approaching this Mother's Day with no anxiety, no unease, no frustration, and only a little trepidation. So unlike me, I know. I feel guilty because I have my two children. They may be the only children I have, and though I don't want to visit that aspect and how I feel about it here, I know that I have a full heart due to being content with my children and who I am as a mother. I rejoice everyday to have the chance to raise such fun little boys. At the same time, there is a spot of ache.

I ache for those that want, desire, would do anything they could . . . to have children, to have more children, and I ache because many feel hopeless, sad, worthless, ignored, and angry on Mother's Day.

I ache for their heartache on Mother's Day.

I don't pity them because I hated being pitied. I don't pretend to know the perfect word to calm the ache. I don't have the answers.

I do pray to know how to be supportive. I do love them. I do pray that they feel loved. I do pray that they will have some measure of peace on this day. And, I do remember how horrible Mother's Day used to be for me.

Don't get me wrong: I still get fired up when people make the issue of having babies about God's trust. I still get fired up when people notate worth of a family or a mother by number. I still get fired up when I hear the comment,"well, feel lucky you only have (insert number) kid(s), you have it easy . . . ." And, you can watch the red crawl up my neck and face when I hear someone give the "advice" to someone who struggles with infertility. (If I hear "relax" one more time.)

I still struggle with my infertility. At the same time, Mother's Day, for me now, is a day of gratitude. It is a chance for me to celebrate my family. I am grateful for a loving husband; I am grateful for my giggly, happy Everett; I am grateful for my dancing, playing Merritt.

I am grateful for the women in my life that surround me with love and expertise. I am a better person, woman, and mother due to their ministrations of service and examples of good.

Being Outdoors

We had a loverly time today. We spend several hours at The Heard with some really fun friends and enjoyed the picnic, finding and playing with ladybugs, walking through the trails, and relishing good conversation.

The weather was perfect for being outside . . . warm, cooler in the shade, some breeze. I enjoyed having the kids at an age where they can provide their own locomotion. Merritt does pretty well getting around. It is fun to see what things are interesting to him. He wanted to touch every plant and every blade of grass. He continually tried to pick up exposed roots thinking they were sticks he could walk around with, just like his brother.

This evening, I was reminded of the quote:

Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.---Rabindranath Tagore

How is it that . . .

. . . my PILLOW is missing. Did I eat it in my sleep Saturday night? Did someone steal it? Did it jump in someone's suitcase on the way out the door? hhhmmmmm . . . .

. . . I have lost to Everett playing "Hi Ho! Cheer-O" all afternoon, and it is a game of chance? WHAT am I doing wrong?

. . . food gets in Merritt's diaper even though he has a onesie, a bib, and pants on?

Chills and Thrills

Currently, Evy is sitting around in his underwear with his hardware safety goggles placed in the correct position on his face. Merritt, from his crib, is bemoaning the trials of being a younger brother and having to go to bed earlier. And, me, well I am relieved another Sunday is done and I did a great job with everything that had to be done today (we'll ignore the dinner dishes for now). (and thanks to my friend who helped with Merritt while I taught the YW lesson!)

This week was busy. Erik had a very successful trip in St. Louis. We went to Waco for a night this weekend and had a GREAT time visiting with my sister and the boys' cousins. There was a parade with CANDY and the zoo with the awesome animals that were awake and active and then the most amazing dinner with Mandy's banana pudding for dessert. YUM!

Erik finished the "rabbit fence." So far, everything is still growing. Though I doubt the broccoli will last to actually producing. Something eating the leaves.

Merritt can climb onto all surfaces now. He recently showed me how he can scale the kitchen stools and can now open several bedroom doors. He is finally in "real" shoes and the additional height that it offers gives me no break because now he can reach more without climbing. This kid is amazing.

Everett is learning more and more songs. The neurologist was pleased to hear this and the fact that Evy is falling less. Means the medication is controlling the seizure disorder appropriately. We get to have three more months on the medicine before he decides to do a 48 hour monitor (EEG) to make sure all the seizure activity is under control. REALLY, REALLY hope we don't do that one.

We are trying to do get of the house everyday this week with a field trip. I've been trying to get us to a Ferrari dealership for Everett to visit for a couple of weeks and think that the schedule is open and ready for it this week.

Little Known Facts About Sheila

The other day I was reminded:


About a Little Known Fact One:
When I was on bedrest while pregnant with Everett, I tried to keep busy all day and do good work from a somewhat sitting/somewhat laying position and I rewarded myself with watching . . . Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Gasp! I know.


My favorite actor was James Marsters. He was a total crack-up.


A Little Known Fact Two:
I hate macaroni and cheese. Any mac-n-cheese. This fall, Erik picked out a couple of meals he could whip into shape if he got home and I needed help getting dinner going, and one of the meals was mac-n-cheese. He made it, and the boys LOVED it. I mean love it. So, we've got a version we make for the boys and Erik, and I eat something else.

A Little Known Fact Three:
I used to write children's stories. I even have sketches for the characters. My favorite ones are of the elephant and giraffe. Maybe one day I'll share.