Chills and Thrills: We're Here

Erik is back for a bit.  He is exhausted.  I think the most he slept was 4 hours at a time while he was traveling in Asia and Mexico (and I think that happened once).  Even last night he didn't leave work until this morning.  He fell asleep WAY before our boys did this evening.

He is in Singapore, in this picture, I think, wearing his rocking "new clothes that don't match but at least I am in clean underwear although my luggage is lost outfit" and I think that fruit smells like death.  I could be wrong about the fruit, as I wasn't there, but he is asleep and I can't ask to verify right now.  It was one of several pictures he sent (along with videos) so that we could feel like we were right there with him.

The first part of his trip wasn't too bad for us.  But, when the boys and I came down with something, and then when Merritt pulled a fast one and was REALLY sick . . . and then he and I fell, and I sprained my ankle.  Well, I was ready for Erik to be home.

During the week, Everett picked lots of flowers for me.  Each time he gave me a flower he said,"Happy Valentine's Day!"--all week.  I love that little boy.

We had worked all week to prepare for Dad's welcome home party.  Blue decorations (Erik's favorite color).  Blue cupcakes.  Welcome home sign.  Treats for the party.  We were ready.

The Boys with Visiting Dog Celebrity, Max.

Amid squeals, running, and an escaping dog, we welcomed Erik home!  Awhile later as we loaded up in the car to pick up something to eat, I was buckling Merritt, and he said,"Dada home!"  I about dropped to the ground.  Merritt doesn't have a very large vocabulary, but he was able to tell me about how happy he was with Erik's return.

And, Merritt became sicker.

Merritt, as we found out, had influenza Type B.  And, yes, he had the flu shot.  He was a very sick little boy.  Thankfully, he is better.

I'm still sore from the fall.  Yes, my ankle hurts.  No, I haven't gone to the doctor.  (Frankly, I feel like I am a walking disaster zone.)  I have had more wrist sprains, foot/ankle injuries, and just plain old body bad luck this year.  (My bulging elbow muscles spontaneously split my sleeve today.)

On a nicer note:  My poor, peeling door was given a make-over by my delightful Young Women.  For at least a week, the appearance of my house was much improved.

Erik was home for two days and took off to Mexico City for several days.  He was here long enough to play for a bit and switch out clean clothes.  Not really long enough, but we were thankful to see him.

For over a week, Merritt woke up through the night, and decided each morning to rise at 4 am.  This morning, he slept past 6:00.  Ale-freaking-looo-ia!  After over two months of getting up before 5:30 each morning, I am ready to get back to that lovely 7:00 wake-up.  (I am not a morning person. My best hours are between 9 pm and 1 am.)

Both boys are feeling better and were raring for adventures today.  We had lunch at a new restaurant, Village Burger Bar.  Gorged, almost, on sweet potato fries . . . went on several walking adventures.  This evening, we dined at Spoons, loved the live entertainment, had a great time with my parents, and walked the square in downtown McKinney.  Grandma gave Everett his first guitar lesson (more on the guitar another time) and tuned the guitar so it sounds better.  THANKS, Grandma!

Bonus pictures complements of my phone:

Missing You

Evy is sitting in his closet.  It is 9:05 pm . . . and he is recording a message for his dad on a teddy bear that records messages (you know, you press one paw to record the message, you press the other paw to listen to it).  And, it is all Everett's doing.  I am eavesdropping on him.

"Hi, Dad.  How are you doing?  What are you doing today?  Max the dog is here for a sleepover."

Today, I bought the guitar that Everett has been working to earn for three weeks now.  He is over the moon at getting this guitar.  Not even that can distract him from how much he misses his dad.

Last week, Everett had a great conversation with his dad and just could not say goodbye.  "Don't let him go!!! Get him back!!!" For a half an hour after the call ended, Evy was hysterical.

The time difference between Evy and Erik:  14 hours.

A Milestone Has Passed

Two years ago, on February 8th, we moved back to Texas.

I will forever remember that date.

I can say that it was the most stressful time of my life.

I appreciate where I am today.

I appreciate my "old" friends and am glad that distance hasn't dimished many of those friendships.

I appreciate being close to family.

I am good.

Happy Valentine's Day

I love my family!

(pictures taken from our first ever, New Year's Eve Treasure Hunt/Obstacle Course/Twister Challenge)

Chills and Thrills

The week was pretty full . . . it iced again on Wednesday.  And, I swear, (I know, Mom, I shouldn't say that) . . . that Old Man Winter takes a personal interest to make sure I get lots of ice compared to my neighbors.  I totally have the pictures to prove it, but they are downstairs on the camera, and I am too lazy/tired to show them right now.  Wednesday, I have ice.  Thursday, still ice. Friday, a little less ice.  Sunday, STILL ice.  My neighbors . . .well, their ice was gone by Thursday.

Everett made his valentine list and we sent out pictures and letters (like alphabet letters) that he worked hard to create.  My favorite was when he decided that someone needed a treasure map on the valentine.  Other pictures that he created: flowers, 'h' for HI, germs (I totally didn't get that one), sharks, and circle-y drawings. 

We made lots of food, again.  This time, I have perfected the pumpkin bread recipe.  Just simply amazing.

Some things I reminded myself about when the occasion arises when there is one less parent in the house (if that made sense, then, you are amazing):  you can sleep in the middle of the bed, doing midweek laundry means less laundry, you can watch any show you want after the kids go to bed, no ones cares if the socks are in the middle of the room for several days because you are procrastinating folding them (besides, Merritt is having a great time wearing different ones on his arms and legs), you only have to dig one car out of the snow/ice, and ALL the BBC I can stand.

Hands down, the highlight of the week was visiting my sister in Waco this weekend.  It could be made into one of those cool adventure movies.  For the promo:  The announcer with the cool voice would do the voice over in phrases as images from the "film" rolled through while playing the dulcet tune (you know, something that would really tell the depth of our plight):

Two Sisters

Mandy and Sheila

They are Moms.

Five Kids

One weekend

Preston, Riley, Everett, Merritt, and Baby Lily.

s.u.r.v.i.v.a.l.

Cookies

Nutella

The Illusionist

Apples

negotiating disagreements

Happy Meals

Rock Climbing Walls

crying

falling asleep in the car

Survival

Mud

Cheese

Soccer

Museum

RUNNING

carrying cats

carrying cats while running

CHASE

distractions

parks

"I need to pee."

survivaL

Baby smiles

Laughing

Hot dogs

Chats

Tickles
chocolate covered strawberries

purple pony

Diapers

SURVIVAL

Time-outs

I Spy

grabby hands

Disagreements

Minivan

"I wanna show!"

Mexican food

Chats

"put your shoes on"

SUCCESS

It was AWESOME!

My sister is the hostess with the mostess!

We have the nicest, best behaved kids.

The Armory: Inventory Time

If you look around my house, at the uppermost level of every room, you'll see our secret armory . . . of swords.

Current level of weaponry (high level of inventory compliments of Merritt)

• 12 pieces of car track
• 2 play screwdrivers
• several spoons
• handle to a fake fireman ax
• four play hammers
• ONE actual play sword
• several spatulas
• tower made of marblework pieces
• recorders
• flutes
• pens
• wooden dowels that he "found" after he dismantled a variety of pieces of furniture (like the art eisel)
• sticks, some plastic and I don't know where he found them
• a blanket (should really be categorized as a whip)
• drumsticks (for drums, people)
• plastic knives
• large pirate keys
• snow scraper for the car
• kid sized hangers

All bats, hockey sticks, pool noodles, t-ball stands, and all racquets have their own depot in the garage.

We are ready.

A sampling of the quality of the weaponry:

Grandpa Albritton's Funeral Services

We had graveside services for Grandpa Albritton. 

A large group of us met at the Cracker Barrel in Lewisville in honor of Grandpa.  Our waitress said that she knew him when we explained the reason for our large group (we were a group that kept growing and the Cracker Barrel did their best in grabbing tables so that we could gather in honor of Grandpa).  Though we were scattered through the restaurant, it was great to see many relatives I had not seen since, uh, I was a baby or a teenager.

Later, we gathered at Old Hall Cemetery.  The VFW came, a group of service men and women came from Ft. Hood.  It was a large group of friends and family who came to celebrate Grandpa's life.  His sense of humor, service to our country, and frank style were the most repeated themes through the experience.  He was a loved man, a respected man.

The services went off amazingly well.  The greatgrandkids sang "I Am a Child of God."  My Dad conducted the services, spoke of the temporary nature of this life, shared his own and others' memories of Grandpa.  I spoke for a minute.  Mom was in charge of the music (Erik helped with logistics and will tell you about the importance of back-up batteries), and Phillip provided the dedicatory prayer.  There was an amazing flag folding ceremony.  Really, it was amazing.  The respect, honor, exactness that was performed, amazing.  Taps was performed, as well.

Preparing for the services.

Grandpa was cremated.  He was buried next to his first wife, Lucille, his second wife, Estelle, and his son, Paul.

This is my dad (in the brown).  He is incredible.  My sister Deborah said it best when she said,"My Grandpa gave me the best dad in the world."  Amen!

The greatgrandkids that were there--I personally had 10 pictures on my camera, I know my sister had some as well.  Here are the best three.  Crack me Up!

During this process, we have had a chance to talk to Everett about Grandpa's death.  As typical of a four year old, there is confusion.  But, he continues to think about things and will ask me off and on about death, where Grandpa is, "his body got old and tired, right?," what happens when we die, and then he brings it full circle and asks about where we were before we were born.  I love that boy!

Old Man Winter's First Ice Attack

Last Tuesday we had that ever famous "winter mix" that included rain, sleet, hail, and then snow.  There were several instances of sleet-thunder.  Knocked a jar off my bathroom windowsill, no joke. The house shook and it was LOUD!

At first, I think most of us thought it would be the typical thing . . . one day of ice, school would be closed, and then things would heat up outside and melt it all and things would return to normal.  (There is a reason we don't have snowplows, invest in lots of salt and sand to spread on the roads, and that I am an anomaly because I have a snowshovel.)  Erik worked from home; the boys and I played as usual using our indoor playtime tricks.  But, it didn't heat up . . . and the ice reigned.  Schools were canceled for another day.

Playing on ice is not fun.  So, you can't really go outside.

On the morning of Day 2, the electricity went out.  In a matter of a couple hours, Everett's room was 36 degrees.  Texas had rolling blackouts across the state because the drain on the system was so high.  Erik worked while the boys and I played games to stay warm.  When the house got to 55 degrees, Erik went into action.  A couple hours in, Erik bought firewood off a neighbor, he transitioned our fireplace to burn a real fire and not the fake gas log variety, and we cooked hotdogs for lunch.  Our electricity loss was only 5 hours long.  I felt pretty lucky that it was that short and was just shocked at how poorly our house kept the heat-in (and we have super insulation in the attic).  It is just not built for temperatures in the teens.

Reading books and tickle fights.  They usually win.

The Ice

(These pictures were taken at the end of Day 2 of ice.  The sidewalks had a good 2 inches, at least.  Most of my driveway and walkway that led to my house was a thick 3 inch layer.  Some parts of the road had started to thaw, but most of it was still over an inch.)

All ice in front of my house.  Erik refused to drive on it even on Day 2.  Erik never refuses to drive on anything.

Day 3 came.  School was cancelled again.  At this point, the roads are still bad.  Erik made it in to work without mishap; he wasn't eager to be on the roads.  Some parts of the roads were clear of ice, like where the tires hit the road, but if you veered an inch or so to the right or left, you'd hit ice.  There were still large sections of road that were black ice.  I am glad that most of my fellow Texans stayed home.  As much of a hassle as it was, I am glad that they cancelled school.  I can't imagine teenagers out there on that stuff trying to get to school and work.

Checked on salt at the stores.  None.  Have been sold out for 2 days.

We start to go stir crazy.  I bake way too much (did find an AWESOME pumpkin bread recipe to use up some more of the sweet pumpkin puree).  We use painter's tape and make road all over the kitchen floor and tables.

Day 4:  My Facebook Status--"Wanted: Fire breathing dragon in fair to excellent condition. Will pay with baked goods. (It is just the only way I am getting out of this Ice Castle now.)"

Then, the snow came.  My house had 9 inches in the backyard (I think it is the apex for accumulation on my street).  We had this snow fall over the ice.

I woke up at 1 am to loud crunching sounds. My first thought,"We have a raccoon on our roof." Uh, no. Then, panicked I ran through the house checking the pipes. They were fine. For the next 30 minutes, it came back intermittently, louder each time. It sounded like it was in the attic above my bedroom. No way was I going through attic at 1:30 to check it out. Then, the noise was constant.  Constantly making noise (I was awake for all but two hours that night, the noise was SOOO loud.) In the morning, I was able to see that there was a chunk of ice on my turbine (you know, those whirlybirds that spin on the top of your house that you never pay attention to?). I handled the loud inconvenience, uh, not so well. Reminded me of Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." Thankfully, the ice on that dang thing melted by the evening.


School was cancelled for the fourth day in a row.  I have never, ever seen that happen before in Texas.

As soon as the snow stopped, I got out there and shoveled the snow off of the ice.  Yeah, it was very slippery.  Almost biffed it several times.  Merritt hated the snow (REALLY cold outside), he went into the heated car after 5 minutes.  Evy made it through the time I needed to shovel. 

This is AFTER I shoveled behind my white car, not behind the brown car.  I know, it looks like I didn't shovel at all.  It is ice.

Right side, I shoveled, left side, not so much.

Evy enjoyed eating the icicles (don't know why he looks frowny here).

Made snow icecream (Evy had a strawberry version). 

On Saturday, the snow was much more fun for play.  (Weather was starting to warm-up a few degrees.  I spent around 20 minutes of each hour shaving ice off the stuff out front. My neighbor, whose driveway was cleared because the sun shone on it at the most perfect angle said I was,"deterimed, fighting a loss cause, or bored."  Sure, he was living the easy life!)

Everett is a champion snowball fighter.  There is snow caught in my glasses here because I caught a snowball with my face.

Merritt was content to dig in the snow (notice the powdered sugar from the HomeTeacher Donut Delivery!).

Check on salt at the stores.  None.

By Sunday, things were looking good.  By Tuesday night, I still had snow and ice in my yard and the perimeter of my house, but the walkways were clear.  (and, stores still do not have salt, they told me that they get in one pallet and sell out in 15 minutes, and the Dallas metro transit people are low on ice and "most likely" have returned all the snow plows.)

And on Wednesday:  Old Man Winter Strikes Again--This time it is personal.

Fertility Quest: The Moo-lah to Get Pregnant (aka Hunt for Buried Treasure)

Background on this post:  We blogged during our process of going through a fertility treatment in trying to get pregnant in 2008.  Both of our sons are the results of successful fertility treatments.  I get asked questions about infertility and fertility stuff because of my experiences; so, I find myself writing about those topics.  For those new to me and this topic and want more:  "Fertility Quest and Thoughts on Infertility." 


I've recently been asked by a couple of friends about financing fertility treatments.  So, I thought I would put out there an updated post to what I've said before on the subject.  The End Message:  I do not know of a source of magic money.  Finding resources takes time and research.  The information here is general at best and is a first ministep in the research to find specific funding for fertility treatments.

In a nutshell, I am not a financial advisor; I do not pretend to know all the answers, and some of these options may be inappropriate for some people to use.  That being said, here are some ways that those experiencing infertility have found resources to help offset costs for fertility treatments:


Employer fertility benefits--even if you think the answer is "no," ask HR to check anyway. I have also known two women who specifically went to work for companies that had fertility benefits because of those benefits vs other offers from other companies (Top 50 Companies for more info on companies with fertility benefits)  You could even try asking for the company to pay for treatments as part of a job offer contract. (harder to do these days, but I'd try it)

State Mandated Fertility Coverage--many States force insurance companies in that state to provide fertility coverage (in fact, many European companies have much better fertility treatment coverage because the country basically expects it, and some couples travel to other countries because it is covered there)

3rd Party Financing Coverage--I've never used this, but it is sort of like buying insurance to cover fertility benefits

Scholarship Program--here is one that I have heard of:  I googled to see if there were more recent ones (ones for IVF were easiest to locate quickly).  When you know what treatments you need, dig around and find out what resources there are to cover those specific treatments (sort of like looking for scholarships for college).  (If you have no idea where to start, let me know, I'll get you started).

Raising the money--some couples raise the money through loans (there is such a thing as a medical loan), second mortgages, a job dedicated to financing the fertility treatments, and asking for donations to a dedicated "fertility treatment" fund in lieu of Christmas presents, etc. Some people have tapped into their 401(k)--I am not endorsing or not endorsing using retirement money or taking out a second mortgage, just saying that some have done that.

Benefits through Fertility Clinics--this is one that is case by case, and fertility clinic by fertility clinic. Terms are specific and takes a bit of research. Some treatments, if experimental, may be free to some couples. Some treatments may be offered at a "discounted" rate. You never know what flexibility a clinic will have for pricing unless you ask. This is important to understand: costs can be negotiable. You just have to ask and be willing to work a bit to see if you can get a cost that is affordable.

Loans through Fertility Clinics--(I heard about these two, I have no idea if they still do it, I have no idea of the quality of care at these clinics, I would ask around first) ARC Fertility Program  and IntegraMed America Fertility Network

Note: Some fertility clinics may even offer some refund if the treatments don't work. Our fertility clinic had a program like this.

A Great Website to get started.

No Matter What:  Getting a good fertility specialist is key. Even if the insurance doesn't pay completely for the visit, it is extremely important for the health of the individual and peace of mind for the couple to have answers.  It is extremely important to find out what fertility treatments need to be funded. It would be a shame if someone didn't go the treatment route because of being scared about the cost without finding out just how expensive it would be. Some treatments are as "low" as a couple hundred dollars.

This is a hard subject because infertility is such a resource drainer to begin with . . . emotionally, physically, sometimes spiritually, and financially.  Risk is high here.  There is not an absolute guarantee that if you pay for a treatment that, voila, you'll have the desired successful pregnancy.  I wish it were so.

At the same time, my family is an example of the benefits of a correct diagnosis, excellent medical care, financial sacrifice, and strong support from family and friends.  I am deeply grateful for my two boys.  I am a lucky lady.

CHILLS and thrills

I had a great mental list of blogging entries going until I sat down.  Just too tired.

But, the weeks have been busy, and I need to stop and take at least a moment.

Old Man Winter came and trapped Princess Mom in the Ice Castle with her Princelings.  More to come on that tale.  The weirdest weather I have ever experienced, and I've lived through wintry winters in Chicago, Boston, DC, and Germany.

The mailman gave someone else our mail for several days.  I know because I got someone else's mail for several days, but no one walked over to my house like I walked to others' to bring the rightful owners their mail.  So far, missing 2 netflix movies and, more importantly, information on Evy's video EEG.  Hope whoever has it is enjoying my movie selection.

Lot of inside fun.  Baked more than I should have.  Tried to make pumpkin soup from the puree I made from my remaining sweet pumpkin.  Still don't know what I think about that soup.

Spent time with Papa and Grandma yesterday.  The boys were beside themselves to see them and always enjoy spending time at their house.  Everett told me today that we should go over there everyday.

Our AWESOME home teacher came over and helped "Merrittproof" our kitchen drawers.  He also dropped off eggs, sugar, and donut treats for the boys.  Felt like Christmas at our house.

Merritt slept in past 5:00 am for the first time in, like, forever.  Bless him.  Right now, he is supposed to be sleeping but he is dismantling his bed.  I'm going to ignore if for a little bit longer.

This is what we looked like at bedtime today:

Evy isn't mad, he is concentrating on his movie.

This is my favorite "let's all calm down now" movie.  Appropriate for the times, "The Snowman."  It is just a beautiful video.

Things Everett asked about yesterday:
Can fish be in any kind of liquid?
How about putting fish in milk?
Do fish slobber?
Fish have spiky things on their back to defend themselves.  So, do any ever get eaten?  How many?  How do you know?  How come you don't know?
Mom, Dad is a good driver on ice and you are a bad driver on ice.  Why are you driving on it now?

Merritt and I did not communicate very well today.  Or I, rather, I am not finding the right ways to help him listen.  Glad tomorrow is another day.  Glad that Everett is a natural peacemaker when I get frustrated.

Whenever it is time for dinner, this is what Merritt does (in order to find all the plates, he does empty out two drawers of kid dining-ware, but I don't complain).  He is so proud that he helps at dinnertime (and he is still busy taking apart his bed in the next room).

(love the leftover chocolate from the cookie he ate . . . or cookies, really)

And, much to the giggling delight of Evy and Mom, Merritt sat on this sticker and didn't know that he carried it around with him ALL day.