My Little Corner of the World

The waiting game...

2009-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

We're either waiting for one thing or another around here. However recently it seems that we've been waiting on pins and needles on the results of this test or another. My HCG hormone levels are not increasing as fast as the Dr. D would like, I passed my preeclampsia test, failed my gestational diabetes test, and now just finished a ultra sound at the hospital, in which we are again waiting for the results to be read by Dr D. I was hoping for a reading today, but that did not happen. What I can tell you is that having a VERY full bladder and having someone push on it is VERY uncomfortable, and I would not like to do it again. There is a baby in there, and there is a heartbeat. Although the tech had a very hard time finding it because my heartbeat was beating so fast and hard that it was overshadowing the baby's. Once I calmed down she was able to locate the baby's heartbeat. Which is a serious load off my mind. But doesn't put us out of the woods just yet. We lost our last baby after seeing it's heartbeat at 7 weeks. So...we wait, and we see what Dr. D has to say.
Until then I am revelling in the fact that I'm sick most days, and dealing with sore boobs, that are growing out of my bra and praying that God's will be done.
Until next time...

Confusion...hurt...tears...

2009-11-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

Last week Pookie and I went to the Ultra Sound and check up. We did see a little baby on the monitor, however it was not as big as we'd hoped. So either I am off on my ovulation chart, or things are not looking so positive for this pregnancy. In hopes of finding out what is going on, Dr. D decided that I needed a blood work up done. Plus we needed to see where my sugar levels are as I am diabetic while pregnant. So...Friday morning I went in and got my blood drawn after fasting for 12 hours...which ended up being closer to 15 hours and I was starving! Then had more blood drawn on Sunday. Along with that I got the pleasure of urinating in a jug for 24 hours. That alone was great fun! (NOT!) Anywhoo...the results are in and while they are not great they are not totally condemning either. My sugar levels were a bit up (I expected that), but my hormone levels are not doubling as Dr. D would like this early in the pregnancy. So tomorrow morning I am going in again for another blood draw to see where these levels are in hopes that they have gone up and not started leveling off or worse declining. I should know tomorrow afternoon sometime.
I have been up since 3 AM with a yucky tummy and just can't imagine that I would feel this horrible if I were not indeed going to keep this pregnancy. But truly only God knows what is in store for me that this blessed child.
That being said, I am fearful that I will not be able to hold this pregnancy. I am fearful of what this disappointment will do to our Pookie, whom is very much in love with her sibling that is inside my womb.
I have been able to cry a bit, let out some emotion. I just basically don't understand why. I may never understand, and yet I may come one day.
Until next time....

Feelings from the heart...

2009-11-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

Last year at this time, I was gleefully expecting our second child. A week before Thanksgiving...the unthinkable happened.
In May of this year we found out we were yet again expecting...June 17th, we were told there is no heartbeat.
It is with great fear that I sit here at my laptop writing to you that we are indeed expecting again. This fear has become a "friend" so to speak. I am so afraid to be excited about the possibility of this pregnancy that there are no words to describe how I am feeling about it. There are too many words that fit how I feel, but not just one will do.
I'm not sure how many family members actually read this, they may indeed get a shock when they read this as we've not told about the pregnancy. Only to preserve the fact that Dang! it's hard to retract those words, I'm pregnant! With...well we've lost the baby again. However, I need to get this off my chest before I explode...so blogging will become my vent and you can choose to listen or to delete. We also chose not to tell for a reason that I will tell you is extremely painful...
When I found out I was pregnant this time around, I was scared. No symptoms...none! Felt fine as a frogs hair, just a little more tired than usual, to be expected, not only was I pregnant, but I was burning the candle at both ends a bit, staying up late like 1am and getting up at 5-6...not the amount of sleep that I needed or the pregnancy for that fact.
THEN...
I went on a girls weekend. A much needed retreat for me and a close girlfriend. We did a lot of shopping, looking and eating at nice restaurants. Everything has changed. I guess it is nice to actually have some symptoms of pregnancy. I just don't know what to do about them, or how to feel about them. Should I be excited that my boobs are feeling like they may fall off because they are so heavy? Should I be excited that food is not looking so good for me at the moment? Should I be excited that I am having very vivid dreams that wake me up in the middle of the night? Dreams of twin babies...dreams of stillborn births....dreams of another miscarriage...dreams of Pookie as an small babe and then her dying in my arms. I'm not sure why these dreams are coming. They could be in fact just dreams to dream while sleeping...but what if? Should I be excited that I'm so darn tired that I could sleep for years and still feel tired? I'm not sure yet.
Today at 10am Pookie and I will go to the doctor and hopefully get some of these answers. I'd rather not include Pookie yet as her heart will be smashed yet again if we go through another miscarriage, but I also want her to be included in this blessing. She desires a sibling so badly, just as she yearned for a friend to play with earlier this year. Now that the friends have been found and she's regularly out and about, oh how my sweet babe has grown!
Realizing that this gift from God is put on this earth for a purpose, I am trying to overcome my earthly tendencies and rejoice in the fact that God chose me to be a vessel for his creation. His miracle....so hard...oh so hard.
Unfortunately we've been hit with a slugger if you will. Upon our finding out about this pregnancy, my step sister whom had set the date for her C-Section of Dec 1, 2009 delivered at 36 weeks a stillborn baby boy. They are not sure what happened, she'd been to the DR the week prior and all was well. I can't imagine what she is going through...except the feelings that I've had during and after a miscarriage. Not that the bond between mother and baby in the early stages are not deep, or special, because they are...but to carry a child to term, only to have that child be delivered without life? It slays my heart to even think about it. Luckily my step mom is there to be supportive and help her down this rocky road. I pray that her relationship with God will become even closer and that she not close out her other children, who are older but still need the guidance of their mother.
Where we didn't feel right telling my father and step mom about our news, we've opted to not tell our families until Christmas...although that will be a hard one with Pookie coming with me for the ultrasound today. She'll want to tell everyone that she talks to. Which while writing this I've come to terms with, and feel that it is her right to be excited and tell the world if she cares too. What a sweet girl she is!
It is 4:27 am here...I've been up since 3am. Woke to pee and woke from a dream. I'm feeling like I could take a nap again...so I'll lay my head down for a quick snooze before the chaos of the day begins.
Until next time...

Good Tuesday morning!

2009-09-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

In leiu of recent moving events, I thought I'd share with you where we were...3 bedroom duplex.....

And now....3 bedroom house! What could be better right? I'm not sure, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

While there isn't much difference in actual size, the set up is much better and it just feels like home. I love that feeling!

Until next time...

Finally a blog post...Not Me Monday!

2009-09-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hello there!!! I tell you this post will indeed fill in some gaps, as I've not posted in what seems like forever...and may as well raise some added questions. So, being as it is Monday, and what does Monday mean? Not Me Monday of course...so without further ado....

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

We recently moved to a small town, and into a gorgeous house! I most certainly have not allowed Pookie to use our new hot tub. Granted of course with adult supervision...but a 4 year old in a hot tub? hmmm....pediatrician did not recommend doing such things. But who can resist her? She just wants in on the fun! And fun she's been having! "Mom look! I'm standing up in the middle of the pool." She says.

As I just said, we recently moved (Beginning of Sept), and I most certainly have not just unpacked the necessities and left the rest for now. I'm a very organized kind a gal and everything has its place and therefore it must be unpacked and put away....some day. :)

I most certainly did not volunteer my hubby to work in the pool board booth at the fair this past weekend. He has enough to do as it is, and since it was on a Sunday I knew he'd be thrilled to help out. Nope I wouldn't give up our only day together for him and I to go and do that.

While visiting the park, Pookie said she needed to potty, and the of course the bathrooms were locked. I most certainly did not take her to the car and promptly put on "Bean's" diaper from a few weeks ago when I watched her so that Pookie would be able to relieve herself.

I hope to get everyone caught up and up to date soon. With everything going on, certain things were put on hold until some sort of sanity became of it.

Until next time...

2009-08-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke early, and came out to the living room to find that it had rained. I love the smell of the air after a rain, so I opened up the sliding glass door to let in swirl into the house. It smells so sweet and clean. YUM!
Pookie woke up early too. Although she has since gone back to bed. Poor thing is exhausted.
Carchie and I are getting ready to once again uproot our family and move. We've loved living in our current home, with the exception of listening to the neighbors bass that pounds through the common living wall at times when we are trying to sleep. But that is besides the point. I'm sure they can hear us at times also. But to actually live in a house, a real house, not a duplex, not an apartment, not a manufactured home, but a stick built 3 year old house, has me doing back flips...well, a modified version of them that is. I am excited to be living in a small community again, away from all this gang activity that is circling our area, Pookie will have a smaller school to attend which I think will benefit her in several ways. Carchie will still be close to work, and will be even closer to his summer time job. We are excited!
Last week the decision was made to wean Grandpa off of his Alzheimer's medicine. It's just not working for him any longer, and why put toxins into your body if you don't have to? Since removing him, he's quickly become quite confused and disorientated. Very sad. However, he and Pookie are still having quite a time playing with the balloons. Bating them back and forth across the living room. Good memories!

Until next time...

Tired...

2009-08-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

Today I am tired.

Tired of laundry that never seems to end.

Tired of getting up early to do school work or just trying to get some "me" time. There are some days I'd like to just stay in bed.

Tired of housework.

Tired of packing.

Tired of not being organized.

Tired of not being able to do what I feel I should be doing because of this or that.

I'm tired; my body is aching from being tired

My mind is tired from running non stop trying to remember this and that.

I'm tired...

Rally up Prayer warriors!

2009-07-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

The time has come for the prayer warriors to rally together. Little Stellan and his family are in desperate need of our prayers, as he is in the hospital and not doing well at all. This little 8 month old boy has been a miracle since conception and it is no different now as he fights for his life. His heart is beating at a dangerously high rate and needs to slow down to rest, his body is tired, as we all know the Great Physician has a plan for him and his family, but what that plan is has yet to be unfolded. But the pain and sadness as this plan is worked out has to be tremendous for this family. Pray for them, pray for all the families out there whom are having to deal with a sick child, or loved one. It is not easy by any means.

As I've been following Stellan and his fight for life and seen what his little life has done in such a short period of time, I'm amazed, yet not amazed. God's plan has been unfolding right before my eyes and what a wonder it has been. MckMama has been able to reach out to people world wide through her blog and touch them in ways with her story about her MSC (many small children) and their life out on the frozen tundra.

The past month I've taken a hiatus of sorts. I needed a break. However the break has suddenly ended and ended on a note that I think put my life back into perspective. After having another miscarriage, I felt like I was in a void. No where to turn, no where to go...just go through the motions of everyday life and it will all go away. If people asked, How are you doing. I would respond that I'm doing fine. Sure, I'm doing just fine. I went through the stages of being angry, mad, sad, confused, and back again. I hadn't been following the blogs that I usually follow. I waisted precious time doing silly unimportant things, then yesterday I went over to My Charming Kids and read that Stellan was fighting and loosing. My heart broke even farther and I lost it. Completely lost it.

Pray for Stellan, pray for his family. Remember to hug your little ones, hold them tight. Tell them you love them, as you never know what lies around the bend.

WHY???!!!!!

2009-06-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

The past two and a half days have been a complete whirl wind. I don't know where to start, where to go and how to feel. Actually strike that...

I feel empty...
failure...
angry...
sadness...
worry...
uncomprehending...

There are no words

The doctor said that after seeing a viable heartbeat that chances of a miscarriage go down around 5%. At 7 weeks we had a heartbeat. I saw it with my own eyes, I have pictures of this coming joy! Yet, still had this never ending feeling of dread. My heart was heavy with it, even though I was trying to see through to the joy of having this beautiful new baby come into our lives.
Tuesday of this week, that all came crushing in on me. The nurse reassured me that sometimes there will be some bleeding early on in pregnancy as the egg borrows into the uterine lining. Which I thought it had already done...but I could be wrong. However Wednesday was a completely different thing.
I couldn't get ahold of Carchie at the pool, he was coaching his swim team. Grandpa was still in bed but getting up every 10-15 minutes. Finally just had him get up...he was up anyway, just confused. I'm so sorry Grandpa that I was in no state of mind to actually pay attention, I love you! I called my dear friend, woke her up, she's coming to be my saving grace. As usual....Thanks Little momma! Doctor called, she'd like to do an ultrasound, but not to get to worked up until we see what is going on. Called mom, you have to come get Grandpa. I'm sorry to burden you more mom. Just come and take him home with you. She is on her way. Carchie calls, come home, please please come home. I am thanking God that Pookie is at her Aunties. Although I am missing her soo very much. She is having fun and away from the frantic panic that has consumed me.
Mom comes and whisks Grandpa out of here, then stays so she can be close, thank you. Carchie gets home, and helps mom get Grandpa back inside and in his rocking chair. We leave for the doctor's office, Little momma and baby Z show up and sit with us. We wait...and wait. Baby Z makes faces at us, but sleeps like the little darling he is.
Nurse comes out....Reese?
Carchie and I go and follow the nurse down the hallway, to a room and then wait...and wait.
Doctor comes in and we talk, she looks and sees no heartbeat. How can that be, just two weeks ago there was a very strong heartbeat. I saw it with my own eyes, how does it just stop? Why did it stop? I don't understand...WHY!!!!!!?????? Of course there really are no true answers. I just have to find solace in knowing that God has other plans. I have to focus on the blessing that we do have. My wonderful, loving husband Carchie, and Pookie, who is the light of my day. She is such a blessing. We are truly blessed.
After talking with the doctor we decided to do a D&C the next day and then begin our healing process.
Thursday's the day. My mom had been so kind as to clean up my kitchen as I'd left it a mess from the previous day. I just rested and tried to get over the fact that not all things are within my control...yet again. I guess I'm not learning this lesson well, as it keeps getting brought to my attention. I'm listening...it's getting into my thick skull. I need to just come to facts that not all things are in my control, that God is in control and that all things are possible through him.
We go to the day surgery unit, and end up having to go to the hospital because they were running behind. Because I was already prepped, they took us underground to the hospital. The nurses were all so kind. I felt at ease as my body was about to be put to sleep and a part of me and Carchie to be removed.
After waking, I wanted Carchie, but didn't know where he was. I cried for him. The nurses asked me for my pain level...none. I want Carchie, that is all I wanted. But to get to him, I had steps to take. I finally made my goal, and was wheeling into a room, and I waited for the nurse to go get him. Oh what I site. I love this man!
He assisted me to get dressed, and into the truck, and whisked me away. Took me to McDonald's, as I was starving! I hadn't eaten since the night before at 11:30..and it was already 3:30 pm. We ordered, and then he got my prescriptions while I waited in the truck.
This man is such a strong, loving, caring man. These words really do not do him any justice. He's just awesome. And he's mine! I love you Carchie!!!!

Thank you for letting me share my pain with you, and share my love for this man that God saw fit to make just for me.

Until next time...

We have VERY exciting news to share!

2009-06-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings my friends! On the 19th of May I went in for a blood screen, because I was late...and the result is we are pregnant! I am currently carrying a beautiful babe, whom is due to arrive around January 23, 2010. There is so much excitement in that statement, that I truly can not express how blessed we feel about this event. Pookie is over the moon! She wants to practice holding the baby, so she is ready when her little sister and little brother comes. She seems to think that there are two in there...I only saw one on the ultra sound, but I guess one could be hiding in there. So stay tuned for how things are going. I'm currently doing well, just tired! But no morning sickness!!! Just heartburn!!!! YUCK!
Pookie has spent the past week at her Auntie's house in Spokane and then visiting Honey and Pa for the weekend. She will stay an additional week at her Aunties house...because I have a craft fare in Puyallup. Meeker days...I tell you if you're in the area come find Sews Sandee Kids boutique and Diva Duds Boutique. You are sure to find something fun and unique for you little one. Anyway...Carchie has to work at the pool and that would leave no one to care for Pookie...so we/I decided that if Auntie had no problems with her staying, it would really help us out. I don't know that I could do this again though. IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD! and I still have another week without her.
Well, I am expected at a BBQ shortly. I need to finish getting ready. I hope that you all are enjoying good weather, fine friends and family and lots of fun!
Until next time...

Day 4

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good Thursday Morning to you all!
Today is day 4 in Grandpa's stay with us. It has definitely been a lot easier than I had thought it would be...yet still hard at the same time. He doesn't quite understand why he is here, and continually asks when we are going home to Ellensburg. But he's been in good spirits and seems fairly comfortable here. I'm sleep deprived as I've been sleeping on the couch in case he were to get lost going to the bathroom or something of the sort. Which he has gotten lost every night, so it is a good thing that I've stayed on the couch to help him find his bed again. Carchie is sleep deprived because Pookie has been sleeping with him in our bed. And when she sleeps with us...she likes to make Carchie a Pookie/Carchie sandwich. She sleeps so dang close to him that she basically pushed him off the bed. That my friends is not a small task.
Today looks to be a beautiful day which is nice. That means we can go outdoors and enjoy the warm, but not hot weather. Pookie can ride her bike, Grandpa can get a walk in, and I can referee.
On Tuesday our baby girl turned 4. This has been the excitement in Pookies life for a while now, as she is getting to understand that birthday's mean party, and party means friends coming over and playing for long periods of time, and friends coming over means that we can show off for other parents...and the list does go on and on. Where her birthday landed on a Tuesday this year, and it is so close to Memorial weekend, and Carchie is having to work around his track schedule, we opted to have her little party this weekend. I realize that most of the invitees will be unable to attend, but with Grandpa being here I think that everything is working out for the best anyway. Honey and Pa will be able to make it this year, and so will her friend Bodacious..and of course Baby Z will be here to be passed around and all the Grandparents will be able to get their baby fix. Actually now that I think about it, there will be 2 precious babes here, Baby Z and Baby B. Only a couple of months apart....ooooohhh, I can just see all the baby passing. My heaving uterus be still.
I'll have some pictures of Pookie's 4th birthday to post soon...
Until next time...

Change is in the wind....

2009-05-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Change is in the wind my friends. After reading my post you'll understand a bit more, and understand why I am desperately seeking your prayers.
Monday of this week, I am moving my Grandfather into my home. He has Alzheimer's and has really never been away from home. My step father (SF) is going to have heart surgery on Wednesday of this week. He is having 3 stints put in, and his Aorta fixed as it is only functioning at 50%. Needless to say my step father and mother are scared, and unsure as to how things are going to go. Where my SF is having this done, his children from the East Coast are coming to visit and help my mother care for him for the first couple of weeks. Grandpa's bedroom is the only other bedroom in the house, and where my SF is to have complete peace and quiet, mom decided to have Grandpa come down here with me for 2 weeks. That way she's won't have to worry about caring for him and my SF at the same time, and there will be some room in their modest 2 bedroom home.
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by this, and am asking God for peace in this situation. We are having to completely rearrange our home in order for this to happen. Pookie's birthday party is to happen during his stay...the invites are already out and guests are coming. So Grandpa will definitely have entertainment! :)
I pray that I am not coming off like I am complaining, because that is not what I'm trying to do. I feel exceptionally blessed to be able to care for my Grandfather during the last years of his life. He's always been good to me, and done whatever he could do for me as a child, and as an adult. I am just concerned that this move is going to be a bad one for him to endure. We've made such strides in getting a routine down for him while he's been staying at my mother's house. This move could be very harmful to him and his memory. As each time he's been moved he regresses farther and farther.
I just ask that you all send up a little prayer for my family when you think about it. We'd greatly appreciate it!

Until next time...

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Yesterday I did not cry out in sheer glee when I read that MckMama was hosting NMM again, and that there was the possibility of a prize!

This week, I most certainly did not go grocery shopping and not only forget my grocery list, but also forget my debit card and have to use Carchie's Credit Card to pay for it....and not only that had to have his class interrupted so that he could ok the charge. Nope not me!

Pookie wore clean clothes all weekend, not the same pants, t-shirt and possibly underwear from Friday to Sunday morning. I do my utter best to make sure that she is clean and presentable at all times.

While taking care of gramps this weekend, I most certainly did not send him and Pookie outside for a walk so that I could catch not only my breath, but to just take in the silence. It was golden! :)

I most certainly did not get a little snuggle time with baby Z, only to have him snatched away for feeding before I could gobble him up! Such a sweet thing he is!

I most certainly did not take Gramps to a Mary Kay facial, and have him participate to keep him occupied. I think he came out better for it, although he wasn't thrilled about the stuff I kept telling him to put on. :)

Until next time my friends, I have a little one who is demanding my full attention at this very moment!

Is it really Saturday?

2009-04-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Is it really Saturday? I ask that question again, only because I'm really unsure where the week has gone. It was a week to say the least that will be forever in my mind, and with time some aspects of it will fade, but one thing will be forever there. And that is.....

Baby Z arrived Wednesday (April 22, 2009) morning at 12:17 via C-section. He is a beautiful boy who weighed in at 8 pounds 12.1 ounces....21 1/4 inches long, with a head circumference of 14 inches. Pictures you say? Yes, I do have some pictures....I'd love to share them with you, however...I can't until Little Momma gives me the ok.

But until then I'll share with you the story that goes along with the miracle of his expected/unexpected birth.

Little Momma went to the doctor for her expected weekly check. Dr measured and said that the baby was about 8 pounds, and thought since she has an odd kel group in her blood to go ahead and deliver him. She called her hubby, Big Daddy, and told him the news, in which he fled home from his day on the road. I was told to stay close. They didn't want to feel like they had people breathing down their throats while in labor, so they opted not to inform their families, until the arrival of little Z.
Monday 7 pm Little Momma is checked in....Tuesday morning, not baby. Tuesday 9AM Pitocin is started, 12:30 Little Momma's water breaks, I come to the hospital as requested. Epidural ensued, by 10:30 PM baby and momma are tired from not sleeping and laboring, Dr thinks a new course of action should be looked at. Little Momma went in for a C-Section at 12:05 AM and Z made his debut at 12:17 AM.
Carchie and I stayed at the hospital until 2AM then opted to go home for some much needed sleep...(at least on my part). While we were away things took a different course of action. Z had some respiratory distress and turned dusky. So they performed a chest x-ray, looking for infection, found nothing. Went ahead with a CT scan of his head and found what they thought was a blood clot.
Z was then air lifted to a Children's Hospital for further assessment and treatment. Big Daddy and his sister drove over to be with him. I stayed with Little Momma, where she'd had a C-Section she was not allowed to go over with him, which was one of the hardest things I have ever witnessed. Oh how I longed to even begin to comfort her. All I could do was hold her hand and let her cry. Couldn't hold her as she was flat on her back in bed, with an incision. After a good cry she finally fell asleep after 48 hours of no sleep. We'd asked the nurses to tell visitors that now was not a good time, to allow her to rest as much as she could. Later that evening Little Momma heard from Big Daddy that all was fine with Baby Z! Such relief!! I had been calling friends and family all afternoon as per Little Momma's request letting them know about the situation....I then got to call them all back and tell them the wonderful news, and that baby Z would be coming home on Friday which was also the discharge date for Little Momma also.
Anyway, he is well, she is well and now they are home together as a family. I just can't tell you how excited I am about his birth, and the fact that the diaper bags and other items I made for him will now be put to good use! :)

In other news, Friday April 24, we got news that my step father's shoulder surgery has been postponed, as they found something wrong with his heart function. He is in deep shock over this news, in a lot of pain and having some issues dealing with it. I'm sure he would appreciate some prayers, not only for himself but for his brother who went in for some sort of emergency surgery Friday after blacking out for a unknown period of time.

So...after the miracle of birth and the looming uncertainty of his health, followed by the knowing that he is well, to the disappointment of no surgery and the uncertainty of a brother's fate, this week has been a wild roller coaster ride to say the least.

Until next time...

Let's go farming!

2009-04-16T17:06:00.001-07:00

A very good friend of mine is having her first baby soon....So in anticipation of this glorious event I made her this diaper bag.

Here is the front view...

The side pocket...

The inside pockets...

And back to the front again. I think that it turned out pretty cute. I used an Amy Butler pattern, and Debbie Mumm fabric from JoAnn's. She loved it, and asked me to make a Daddy bag. Stay tuned to see how that one turns out.

Pookie and I have been enjoying the beautiful weather that we have been having today. Our potted plants are soaking up the sun and Pookie is thrilled as a pig in mud to be outside running amok.
Carchie is away at a track meet this evening, so Pookie and I will be enjoying a pork roast dinner all to ourselves.

In closing, please remember to pray for Stellan. He is now in Boston at the Children's hospital there. Seeking treatment for his SVT.

Until next time...

What's this mamma?

2009-04-13T17:29:00.001-07:00

As you can tell....We got a hail storm today.

And Pookie had never seen one before. So I let her experience it first hand.

Lesson learned. Her coat was full of hail when she came in.

Until next time...

Happy Easter! He is RISEN!!!

2009-04-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

Today the weather was perfect for a little Easter egg hunting....

After our hunt this is our basket full of eggs and a few special goodies we found that were "left" behind....

Although I was not feeling quite up to par this morning after having some sickness for 2 days, I did summon the energy last night to color these beautiful eggs with Pookie last evening, and then to hide them for her this morning. She awoke far before I did, and saw that her eggs were still there. So Carchie destracted her while "the Easter bunny" hid them...when she came back to see her eggs missing she said..."Where'd he go? I wanted to say Hello." After explaining how sneaky the Easter bunny is, she decided that she'd let it go. We took her out to the patio and gave her a basket to put her treasures in. She was very excited and had a good time, and we enjoyed watching her face light up and the wonder that crossed her face as she hunted for her eggs.
I wish that we had been able to make it to church this morning. I just couldn't see myself going and possibly needing to escape to the restroom while the service was going...especially with all the people that attend Easter Sundy Service. However, we can still delight in the fact that our Savior died on the cross and rose again for our sins! How exciting is that? Pretty exciting if you ask me!

Until next time...

Not Me! Monday...Stellan Style!

2009-03-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

First a shout out to Emily for hosting Not Me! Monday...Stellan Style! You ROCK!

This week I did not rush home from spending the morning and part of the afternoon with Grandpa to check in on twitter and on MckMama's blog and see how Stellan was doing.

I didn't start my day with a pray for Stellan and his family, nor did I end it with one either, or pray throughout the day.

There wasn't a time where I dropped to my knees in prayer and cried my heart out for God to watch over Stellan and to give MckMama and PC strength.

Even though Stellan is not my child but is MckMama's I didn't feel one ounce of anger when she requested a central line and it seemed that the doctors were not honoring her request or offering another option.

I most certainly did not respect MckMama more when she admitted that she was pissed, and that she was tired.

I hope that you all decide to join in this week in the honoring of MckMama and Stellan.

Until next time...

It's just Tuesday...

2009-03-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Whew! I'm so glad that today is just about at an end. I had the hardest time getting to sleep last night, that I ended up getting up out of bed and reading until 1:30 or so, and then when the alarm went off at 6 I was a bit reluctant to move. But I rallied, and got Carchie's clothes ready for a day of teaching, I mean, going to middle schools to persuade such students to continue on at his high school, and what they have to offer over other high schools in the area.

Pookie and I stopped at the store on our way home this evening to pick up acceptable snack for Carchie and I to have on our diet. This is getting to me I think. I want pasta, and Alfredo sauce with more Parmesan cheese, not broccoli, steak, and salad. Although I've done fairly well this time around, we can only hope and pray that this weight loss is making the difference my body needed to work properly. Only time will tell, huh?

I have a baby shower this weekend that I need to get my dairy err is move on. I have all these plans and then leave them till the last minute...what is wrong with me? Frustrating!!! I dislike this quality about myself BIG TIME!

Please don't forget Stellan tonight in your prayers, or any prayers offered. He's still in PICU and struggling, he and his family need all the support and prayers we can give them.

Until next time...

Please please pray for little Stellan!

2009-03-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already been introduced to MckMama and her family, it is time, beyond time actually thatyou "meet" them! Head on over to her blog My Charming Kids and read up on little Stellan. Long story short: In the womb last summer they were told Stellan would surely die, however, God is good...he was born without a heart condition and has lead a happy and filled life...until now. They need your prayers right now. Little Stellan is in the hospital with SVT, which is a very high heart rate....

Until next time....

Did I forget to mention?

2009-03-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

I think that I've forgotten to mention in my last post about some really exciting news! In 2006 while returning from a wedding, I was in a bit of a fender bender...needless to say the car I hit, was fine...the baby that the passenger was nursing while in a car at a stop light, but that was about to travel at speeds around 50+ mph, without wearing a seat belt, was fine too. However my car suffered damage...while they ended up with a cracked taillight. Anywho....I never really felt safe in my car again since then....you know the feeling of stepping on the brake to slow down and have nothing...and I mean nothing there. I down shifted as fast as I could and pumped the brake...but still hit the very corner of their SUV. So Carchie decided, that I needed a new car the last weekend of February. I told him to wait, the car was getting us by, I'd rather have a house instead. But with us driving back and forth to Ellensburg to care for Grandpa, he wanted us to be safe. He chose everything...the only this I did was come down to drive it away. Without further ado....Here is my new car!!!!!

I LOVE IT! Couldn't be more pleased! It's a 2007 Toyota Highlander with 4x4. Thank you Carchie...I love you!!! ;)

Quiet...strange but wonderful quiet

2009-03-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I've been able to post. We've been so busy with finals, (Carchie and I are both working on our MBA's, his in teaching, mine in Business Admin and Healthcare Management), taking care of Grandpa, Carchie had Boy's swimming State to attend, and has since started track season. I've now lost 20 pounds, and Carchie has lost 30, we feel great, more energetic and just enjoying our time together while we exercise. However, this past weekend our wall sharing (we live in a duplex), neighbors moved out. Hence the quiet. Pookie went to Colville for 4 days, hence the quiet.
Now, don't get me wrong the neighbors we had were wonderful. A couple, with 2 children...who were older than Pookie, and were not interested in playing with her because she was a baby...which hurt her feelings but she seemed to deal. Anyhow, they are no longer there, they were relatively quiet, so it really shouldn't be strange for them to be gone, but with Pookie gone also, Carchie and I went out 2 nights in a row! I know, I know...how silly. But the dishwasher was broken, and I have a thing with washing dishes...so we went out. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Friday night we only went out to dinner...but it was a fancy dinner of salmon, shrimp, risotto, crab cakes, and steamed clams....YUM!!! I was in heaven! Carchie, went for a wonderful steak with chimchiri sauce, we have no idea what it is...but he said it was very good!
Saturday Carchie had a track meet, I did some house work and ran some errands that needed tending and then got ready to go out yet again with my darling husband. Seafood it was again, although we both went with salads this time, they were still devine. Then we saw Grand Torino with Clint Eastwood. This movie is touching, funny, and truthful all wrapped in one. Both a guy and gal flick. My opinion anyway. Carchie really liked it also. I was hesitant of seeing it, thought it would be to grusome, but it only had one part that I cringed at, and I think everyone in the theatre did also...so I didn't feel whimpy about it in the least.
As I mentioned a bit eariler, our dishwash stopped working last week. Apparently, to keep a dishwasher running properly, you need to run your dishwasher once a month without anything in it, and during the rinse cycle add 1/2/cup or vinegar or 1/4 cup of lemon juice and let it finish running. This will clean out the tubes, so to speak...so the guy comes to fix the dishwasher and all he does is push the start button and guess what? The darn thing drains! I couldn't believe it! He ran it a couple more time to get rid of the smell....and that was it! Can you believe it? I've since ran it with dishes in it, and I think that they are cleaner than they were when we first moved in. Makes me happy!
I'm trying to develop ways to get Pookie to eat. She is not a big eater, but I'd like her to have 3 meals a day...currently she's eating one and that's if I'm lucky. Any ideas?
Until next time...

Decisions

2009-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you have an obligation to fullfil, but feel that you shouldn't, because you have a cold? I already took a chance and went to mom's to care for Grandpa yesterday. But I tell you I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to attend a birthday party for one of my dear friends mothers. She has Cancer, and has been going through radiation, and chemo. Which has left her without an immune system. Yes, I'd like to go and celebrate her life, but man! I sure do not want to give her this darn cold. It would be a bad thing for her to even dream about. I think that I'll stay home today. It would be best for everyone concerned.

Carchie is away at a Boys Swimming State meet. He's had a rough time around this time. I really feel for him. Apparently he had a swimmer who did not make the state cut show up unannounced and expected to swim because he showed up. To make matters worse when Carchie called the parents of this swimmer, the swimmers father made a stink and has decided to sue the school for a poor coaching decision. In case anyone is wondering...Carchie can't swim for the kid...if he didn't make the state cut, he didn't make the state cut. That's all there is to it. Swimming is an individual sport. Thankfully, the school district is behind Carchie and his decision not to pull at boy who made the state cut and replace him with a less qualified swimmer. But the stress I'm sure has done a number on Carchie and he'll need some serious TLC upon returning home. He is so sensitive...don't tell him I said that. He'll deny it. ;)

On the up side to Carchie's State meet, he has these 2 divers that are just awesome. They have broken school records, district records and are now neck and neck in the state competition. They currently are 2nd and 3rd place. They have flip flopped over each other for the past 3 years, but have always placed well in competitions. I pray that they continue to do well today, as it is there last time to compete together this year, as they will graduate and move on to bigger and better things. Good luck guys!

Last evening Thomas the Tank Engine came to town. Pookie was so looking forward to seeing him in person. I feel horible that we did not make it. However, trueth betold, if all works out next weekend, she'll not only get to see Thomas, but a day at the Children's museum in Seattle, will be a BIG plus. I'm hoping that Carchie will agree when he gets home today.

I have had the pleasure of making cloth diapers for a customer. I'm so excited, she's been able to help me construct a diaper that I think that Smurfette and I will be able to add to our line at Diva Duds.

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I'll tell you what, this week I most certainly did not purposely leave Pookie in the capable hands of Carchie while I cared for Grandpa. Even though she really wanted to go with me and Carchie had to coach a qualifier for state swimming, and I most certainly did know that I would not make it into town in time for him not to take her with him to practice. Only because I needed a break of caring for both Grandpa and her, as they've both been rather demanding this week.

I most certainly have not given Pookie a dose of Benedryl in hopes that this rash that has broken out on her is an allergic reaction. I do not believe in medicating my child without Doctor's approval. However, the last time this happened this is what his nurse said to do. So, in a round about way I guess it is medication with doctor's approval, even if the bottle says not for children under the age of 6.

I have not brought my sewing machine table, sewing machine and serger out to the living room. I have an office for my crafting ideas. There is not a chance on this earth that it is full to the brim and needs a good cleaning out.

I did not teeter on the edge of my seat last week as grades were posted for my Finance class, as if I did not get at least a "B" I would not be able to continue on with my MBA. (Yes, I got a "B" and am now taking a Managed Healthcare class).

Pookie has most certainly not gotten away with eating chicken nuggets for every meal 3 times last week. I give her a selection of good wholesome foods every meal.

I most certainly have NOT neglected my husband or my marriage this week due to the fact that I'm so darn tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open past 7 pm. I most certainly made an effort yesterday to spend the day with him watching the Daytona 500 on TV at our friends house, even though I had to mind the children, because the other parents were to caught up in the race to care what they were doing. I'm also not bitter that this happened, I enjoy making sure that children that are not mine are behaving in a good manner at all times.

I have not neglected the laundry to the point that I ran out of underwear, and had to go commando until there were clean ones available...am I blogging about this? Why, yes I am!

And lastly, I most certainly did not ask the neighbors to pick up after thier puppy because we could not play in our yard due to the MAJOR landmines in our shared back yard, and make them upset because I mentioned it in the first place. I'm all about keeping the peace in the neighborhood. We are new to this neighborhood and I do not like to rock the boat.

Well, I do hope that you will join in on this carnival...I tell you the therapy that this Not Me Monday's gives is worth millions!

Until next time...

PHEW! It's over!

2009-01-31T09:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks, where you feel like you are running around getting a lot accomplished only to find out that you got almost nothing done? I tell you that has happened to me. This week I've run around getting stuff done or at least believing that I was only to find out that I've run around doing nothing! Such a frustrating time, SHHHEESH!

Anyhooo, this week has also been a joyous one. The Child Protection Saftey Association has put a 1 year stay on the lead testing for handmade apparel. I praise GOD for this, as being required to do this testing would of put Smurffette and I out of business. It's already taken it's toll on a wonderful clothing consignment store in Ellensburg, WA. They are closing it's doors due to the fact that they just can't take the risk of someone bringing in an item that has high lead levels and accidentally selling it, and then being caught, and going to jail or paying such huge fines. So, she is shutting her doors on the 9Th of February.

Carchie and I are still dieting and doing fairly well. Although Pookie is not quite sure what to think of all the fish that we've been eating. I allow her to try it, but usually she opts for some chicken instead.

Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday...We've been invited over to a friends house for a Super Bowl Party...however unsuperbowlish I am, the spirit of the party should be fun. Pookie will get to play with her friends and I will just be. What a feeling to just be.

As I'm sitting her writing this post, I realize that I've missed all the fun blog carnivals this week, and have nothing to show for it but a seriously high pile of unwashed laundry.

I'd like to send Tiffany a BIG Thank you! What an honor to be awarded on your blog. I'm turning red with embarrassment and gratitude, so I pause... I look forward to hearing about your new adventures in your new home. Much love! Head on over to the boren life and check out Tiffany's blog.

I hope to share some every exciting items with you all in the coming weeks. So stay tuned...

Until next time...

Favorite Things Friday

2009-01-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sending a shout out to Tiffany who hosts this carnival of fun on Fridays. Drop by her blog The Boren Life and see what she and her family are up to these days.

1.

Yes...that is my Pookie, who was completely wiped out and fell asleep on the couch next to me...and yes that is drool...but isn't she just precious? I think so.

2. Today Pookie was playing with a friend, and Pookie told her friend that she really liked her. Her friend looked at her and said, "Well, I don't like you." Pookie asked why, and her friend said..."Well, because I like you." Pookie then looked at her and said, "That's ok, I forgive you." WOW!!!!!

3. Carchie and I are on a diet....4.5 pounds gone! And an even bigger celebration is Carchie who's lost 8 pounds!

4.

ZERBA SOCKS!!!! Thanks Uncle!!! We LOVE OUR SOCKS!!!!

Ok, well my eyelids are starting to droop...

Until next time...

Not Me Monday!!!

2009-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I say, I say...I most certainly did not break into tears this morning when I read a comment left by Courtney on my last post. Thank you Courtney for your words, and I would be honored if you stuck around!!! :)

I did not pull Pookie out of bed at 5am on last Monday so that we could get to my mom's house on time to help with my Grandfather. Pookie was not at all thrilled about this, I might add.

I did not order pizza from Pizza Hut on Thursday because I was to tired to cook. Knowing full well, that it would give Carchie a stomach ache from all the grease. But I could order online, and they would bring it to my door stop....Ahh, the life!

This weekend most certainly was not a weekend of miss-communication between Carchie and I, in that he invited guests to our home, and I accepted an invitation to someones house for dinner for the same night and time. Carchie and I always communicate well...

I most certainly did not sleep in Pookies room this week (on her bottom bunk) so that I wouldn't wake Carchie when we got up, and because she was scared and didn't want to sleep by herself. We all know that it is important for them to fall asleep on their own in their own rooms, and beds.

I did not break down in tears several time this week due to the fact that this law that will take effect on February 10, 2009, that could possibly put Smurffette and I out of business. Just looking at my sewing machine brings me to tears, that we may not be able to share our creations with anyone anymore. On the bright side, they are making some amendments, so hopefully we will not have to create our boutique clothing out of undyed, natural fabrics...I'm all for the natural fabrics, don't get me wrong....but undyed? Can you imagine how boring that could be? Who's gonna miss bright pink jumpers for your Lil' Diva?

Alright all....what did you not do this past week?

Until next time...

It's FINALLY friday...not only friday but It's Favorite Things Friday!

2009-01-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

Greetings one and all, I tell you I missed doing Not Me Monday this week...I was bound and determined not to miss Favorite Things Friday also. Favorite Things Friday started by Tiffany at The Boren Life...you should check out her blog, get to know her family.

1. As you know I'm caring for my grandfather at my mothers house, and I have to say that it is one of my favorite things to see my Pookie so attentive to grandfather. Getting him Kleenex, or showing him her baby doll. She even shared her lunch the other day with him, and it was her favorite! PB&J...all the way! She sure is a blessing!

2. I'm not sure if I've shared with you or not, but I'm working on my MBA in Business Administration and Health care Management...getting A's on my work is definitely one of my favorite things!

3. Another favorite thing of mine is chatting with Pookie on the way to mom's house early in the morning. We have conversations like:

Pookie: Momma~
me: yes?
Pookie: I can't see out my winow.
me: well, it's still dark outside.
Pookie: No, I tink tat you dinit do it.
Me: I didn't do what?
Pookie: My winow.
me: I didn't have to scrape your window today. The sun is still in bed.
Pookie: Why he in bed?
Me: the Sun is in bed, because Mr Moon is still up.
Pookie: I tink tat Mr. Moon needs to go to bed.
Me: Why?
Pookie: So I can see!
Me...snickering to myself, ok Pookie, I bet he'll go to bed soon.
Pookie: Ok.

4. Another favorite thing of mine is the communication between Carchie and I. Let me explain why. Monday I tell him, we've been invited to friends house for a get together on Saturday. Yesterday he calls me and says...I've invited 6-8 people over for the UFC fight on Saturday night. I say...we've already been invited elsewhere for Saturday night. Oh, he says. And that is the end of the discussion...or so I thought. He comes home from Swim practice and says that he'll know for sure how many people will be coming tomorrow (today, Friday). I said to him, what am I supposed to tell the Helm's? He said, invite them over. I said, they have other people coming to their house besides us. Oh is all he said. Soooo....I now have to cook dinner for these guests, and break the news to the Helm's we will not be attending because of a lack of listening from my Carchie. Which is sad because I was actually looking forward to it. OH WELL, there is always next time.

Until next time....

Changes.....

2009-01-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

This week has been a very hard one to say the least. I can honestly say that this experience is not one that I'd like to do...but it is one that I will do, and one that I wouldn't trade. As contradicting as that sounds. My Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease, and can no longer stay in his assisted living apartment. So...after much debate and tears, my mother has brought him back home with her and my step-dad. However, Grandpa needs 24 hour care, so while mom is at work, I am caring for him. This caring for him is not hard but at the same time it is. He doesn't remember me, doesn't know where he is, can't remember if he puts his underwear on first or his pants, can't shower by himself...you get the picture. I've worked in home health care for years, I even took care of my Grandmother (dad's side) while she was dying. I don't mind caring for him. I just never thought that it would be so hard to care for him when he doesn't remember me. It is emotionally trying. On top of dealing Grandpa's never ending questions, I also have a 3 1/2 year old with her set of unending questions. I'm sounding like I'm complaining, truly it is the complete opposite. I'm sharing, and asking for a bit of prayer. God is the only one who can help me through this time with my grandfather. My grandfather is not a Christian, although knows that there is a God. I'm not sure whether to share Jesus with him, or not. I feel so torn. He's been to church but mostly Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, as their missionaries would always stop in and see him at his house. He was a single man for sooo many years. I need God to help me with the right words. To give me strength, to show him Jesus as best I can. So if you wouldn't mind saying a quick prayer for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Oh boy!!! It's Favorite things Friday!

2009-01-09T14:47:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Tiffany at The Boren Life for starting off this fun Friday adventure. Now we can start out week with Not Me Mondays...and end with Favorite Things Friday.

Pookie, our wonderfully full of life 3 1/2 year old has been so much fun to have and to hold, teach, nuture...She talks as if she is a teen (I swear), has fashion sense to rebel with the celebrities (especailly when she dresses herself...;-P), and so so so thoughtful, that sometimes I wonder where she got it from!!!

I LOVE nuggle time with Pookie! This week I have been so blessed with LOTS of nuggle time as she's been fighting a cold. I can't tell you how it just sets my heart to singing when she stops me and says, I wanna nuggle moma. My heart be still.

Not only did I get nuggle time with Pookie, but family game night was a hoot! Pookie got a Momory game for Christmas and she has so much fun with it! Anyway Carchie set it up to play, and Pookie sat down and started turning the cards over, then proclaimed in a squeaky voice (due to her cold) I WIN!!!! I WIN!!! I got matches...wait, how come Daddy doesn't have any?
We started laughing so hard!! Her face was priceless.

Until next time...

New laws for lead and phalaphates....

2009-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

My head is screaming in pain. Today I have been trying to research and understand a new law that could possibly put me and Smurfette out of buisness. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for safe laws and constituants for protecting our children, but taking away the crafting market is a hard thing to swallow. This new law would require us to have each and every product used to be tested and then once the finished product was complete it would then have to be tested yet again. These tests run anywher from $50 an hour to $2400 a test. I'm sorry for a artisan/crafter who doesn't make much over the cost of supplies, it just won't work. Plus, the items will have to be shipped to the proper lab and shipped back to us for sale. It's such a mess. The way that they have written the law, they contradict themselves over and over. So, none of us know what is exempt and what is not. First it was just toys, and items involved in eating/sleeping. Now it is everything that is invovled with a child that is under the age of 12 that has to bed tested for lead and phalaphates and kept at a certain level for now and then down to a zero balance by August 09, of sometime in 2010.

So, now my head aches, and my butt cheecks are numb from sitting for extended periods of time trying to get a grasp on the situation at hand. Although my darling Carchie might be glad if we were put out of business after seeing how much money we spent on gas this year, with me driving back and forth.

So with that in mind, I'm going to finish watching The Biggest Loser with Carchie and go to bed.

Until next time...

oh...before I forget I finally figured out how to put the blogs that I follow in my sidebar. Give a look, I'm sure that you will find them interesting as I have.

Not me Monday....

2009-01-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

UPDATED POST: Er....to error is human? Apparently I have my days completely switched around. So, when you read Not Me Wednesday...please understand that I am deprived of sleep (to much baby making trying happening I guess....I so did not blog about that again!) and I have this cute, sweet 3 1/2 year old who demands my attention all day long and so I must of thought it was Wednesday when in fact it is Monday, and the deal of the day is Not Me Monday! Not,...Not Me Wednesday! Sorry for the confusion! Read on.....

Ok, so I played along a couple of weeks ago and it was so fun, that I thought I'd do it again. MckMama and her Not Me Wednesday is on once again. So let's see what I didn't do this week...

I did not tell my husband while he was on the phone that I was ovulating (at least according to the ovulating kit thing from the store I was/am) and that he needed to get off the phone. The joys of trying for an addition to your family, huh? Did I really blog about that??? No way would I ever dream of it.

I did not pull everything out of the office and leave it in the hallway, only to have to stuff it back in because we were expecting company and then pull it back out and still have not put it back where it is supposed to be. Why would anyone do that?

I did not stop pulling stuff out from the office to put Pookies bunk beds together, because she promised that she would start sleeping in her room if I did. No way! I love our family bed, and getting kicked out of a king size bed every night is something that I will miss.

I did not allow Pookie to lick the beater after mixing up cookie dough and the continue to eat raw cookie dough while I was baking said cookies. After all I did that growing up, and I'm ok. Who thinks like that?

I did not ignore the fact that Pookie told me that she didn't like me and liked her Daddy more because it actually hurt my feelings. Even though she was just playing around (I hope).

I do hope that anyone who reads this goes to MckMama's blog and reads her very exciting tale, and participates in her crazy carnival of Not Me Monday's, because it is so liberating to get some of these things off your chest. Man do I feel better!

Until next time...

The New Year

2009-01-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope that the new year brings you all good health and happiness.

I'll tell you that I am so looking forward to the "fresh" start that I feel that the New Year represents.

Enjoy!

Can't imagine

2008-12-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

I can't even imagine what MckMama is going through while watching her 7-8 week old struggle for breath. Not being able to nurse when you know that your child is hungry and wanting to fulfill that hunger for your child, has to be mind wrenching.
Please read the update on Stellan and keep praying for him and his family.
I've truly been blessed when it comes to sickness in my family. Pookie has never really been sick. Sure she's had the flu, a cold, and just recently an ear infection...but no hospitalizations, always snapped right out of it. She's quite healthy, if you ask me.
I sit here listening the air being forced through our vents to heat our home and think about how cold it can be in a hospital while waiting for answers, clues, anything that will help the feelings of helplessness sease.
Today I've decided that my quest for life has to change. I've become a lump on a log so to speak. This is so not good for my health, nor is it good for Pookie to see me be this way. So, on ward and upward. I'm sure that I'll have to spill some trials and tribulations here as I venture forth on my journey, to a more healthier me. It will be some form of therapy. That's what I'll call it anyway.
Well, time to start making those changes.

Prayer request

2008-12-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

One of the blogs that I follow, my charming kids has posted on her blog that their youngest is in desperate need of prayers now. I ask you to visit her blog and get to know them, and say a prayer for baby Stellan and for the Mckfamily. Thank you and God Bless you.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

2008-12-28T20:54:00.001-08:00

So...one of these blessed days I will (I promise) to remember to change the date on our camera. We were very blessed to have a white Christmas in Colville this year. I thought I'd share a few pictures of our snow. This tree is well...almost burried in snow.

This looks down the driveway. The neighbor who plows the snow for mom and dad got stuck Christmas morning in one of the banks of snow along the side seen here.

The trees were so laden with snow that the snow would fall from the branches and look like an avalanche. It was pretty and grusome all at the same time. I'd hate to be standing under one of these trees when it decided to "unload" its heavy burdon of snow.

We had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We/I sure hope that you all did also.

Carchie's sisters' boys were all sick with colds...to which I am praying that we do not get, but realize that it is enevitable that we will get it...but boy they seemed/looked miserable.

Our travel on the roadway was less than desirable in spots but...we were able to make it to our destination to and from our Christmas celebration. We are home and enjoying a day of PJ's and napping. Tomorrow will be back to normal except Carchie's teaching...he'll only have to coach tomorrow.

Many blessings!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T16:49:00.000-08:00

I know that this is early....but we are leaving and therefore...I will wish you all a Merry Christmas now just before we leave town.
We are going to spend Christmas with Carchie's family in Colville. I still have some sewing to do so I'm taking the machine with me....YIKES!
Hopefully everyone will like what I've made them this year. The family will be green grocery shoppers for sure! :)
Any way...Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Am I losing my mind????

2008-12-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

The bride and Pookie being so silly during pictures!!!!

Here is the Scott family, it has always made me wonder how they ended up with all their kids "looking" like them, when two of them are adopted. Can you guess which two? Ok, no fair to those of you who already know!!!! ;)

Although I just realized that Jim has his eyes closed in this picture...here is the happy bride and groom!

I so forgot that I was going to post these...Christmas chaos at my house is at full throttle!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Not me Monday!

2008-12-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, so MckMamma does this really cool Not Me Monday on her blog, my charming kids to which I follow and have seriously enjoyed getting to know her and her wonderful family. So today I decided that I would attempt to join in on the fun. So here we go....

Yesterday I DID NOT turn on a respectable children's Christmas show (Veggie Tales) for Pookie so that I could attempt to get a couple more hours of sleep. Nope not me.

I most certainly did not spend most of the week in Pj's along with Pookie while doing stuff around the house. Who would do that? Not me!

I most certainly did not let Pookie lick the spoon, bowl and other accessories for the Christmas cookies that I made for Carchie to take to work as gift exchange. I don't approve of such things in my kitchen.

I did not allow Pookie to stay up all hours of the night so that I could get things done in the early AM hours while she slept. Why oh Why would I do that to myself????

Christmas is a coming!

2008-12-21T18:00:00.001-08:00

I'll tell you, I can not believe that Christmas is right around the corner! Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. Not only is it the birthday of Jesus, but it is so full of fun, laughter, family, and snow!!!! This year we will be in Colville with Carchie's family. They live on a mountain, and will have LOTS of snow for snow angels, and snow man building! Last year Pookie wasn't thrilled about being out in the snow. This year seems to be different. Today while Carchie and I were shoveling out drive and sidewalk out, Pookie played in the snow. She made a "no angel" = snow angel right away and then of course had to "taste" the snow. To which she proclaimed tasted like ice cream...hhhhmmmmm, not sure I agree, but ok. We'll go with it.

I can tell you that I'm not looking forward to the 5+ hour drive to Colville with a 3 and 1/2 year old. When we came home from the wedding last weekend...I was seriously thinking that my child was indeed possessed. She just kept going and going and going...just like the energizer bunny. We eventually made it though. Thank GOD!

Well, I have market totes to make for Christmas presents. So I'd better be sewing.

What a wedding!

2008-12-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

We have all returned from Carchie's sister's wedding. Yesterday I spent the day doing laundry and trying to figure out how to work some extra rest into my day. I'm not sure if that will work or not. But I did get the laundry almost done, so that is good.

The wedding was beautiful! (as was the bride). I will post some pictures here in a second. Of course the first major snow storm hit on Friday, the day before the wedding, so many guests were unable to attend, but it was still lovely. I was able to get to know Jim's children just a bit more which was great! Got to spend some good time with the newphews...always good times there, as did Pookie. She loves her cousins! Bubba is the oldest at 4, Magoo will be 3 in 4 days, and the little man, is 1. Then we have The Diva who will be 19 at the end of the month and who was just accepted into cosmetology school and JC who is 20 and I believe aspiring to be a cook. (he's very good at it anyway).

Wedding Bells are ringing...

2008-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Usually this time of year you hear Christmas bells ringing. However this year we are hearing wedding bells. My SIL is getting married this weekend, Saturday the 13th to be exact. A Christmas wedding, how beautiful! I am actually in the wedding as a bridesmaid and Pookie is the flower girl. Her dress is gorgeous, that is Pookies and of course the brides. I'm still not certain if I will fit into my dress very well as I still have some swelling in the tummy area. But hopefully it will be nothing that a little corset/girddle can't hide. :) That being said, this is a farewell for the rest of the week.

I will of course have pictures upon my return to share with you.

Hats, hats, and more hats

2008-12-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

Today Pookie was very helpful in modeling the hats that I made this morning. You will have to ignore the hot coccoa that is smeared across her face...it was a chilly morning!

After our modeling session Pookie and I drove to Ellensburg to set up the Diva Duds Booth at the "old" Thorp Highschools gym for tomorrows big event. But before going there we went to Halina's Consignment shop and had a visit with Smurffette and made a tutu for the window there at the store.

We set got our stuff in the gym and we'll finish setting up tomorrow morning. After packing all our goods in, I drove home to Carchie.

After dinner Carchie went out to his truck for an evening smoke...(I wish he'd quit...in His/his time...not mine, I suppose), and found smashed raw egg all over the side of his truck.....My car had been egged a couple months ago, now his truck. People seriously need to get a life! Luckily there is no damage to Carchie's truck as the egg was not dried on, unlike my car. We just moved into this neighborhood in May and more things have happened here than at our old house which was not in the best of places. I do not understand why people/kids/teens/whomever they are feel that egging peoples vehicles are fun.

I have come home and attempted to make more hats...but for some reason the tops will not fit right. I'm not sure what I did wrong. So with that I think that it is time to hit the sack.

Have a wonderful night everyone.

I'm back...well...sorta...

2008-12-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that it is already December and Christmas is days away. I went the entire month of November without posting a blog! But a busy month it was! I'll give you a quick run down:

Oct 31, we found out that we were going to expand our family. Carchie was at Swimming Districts Oct 30-Nov. 1.
Nov 8, Carchie's 30th Birthday in which his ever adoring wife threw him a surprise party at a friends house! He cried!
I spent the night at Smurffettes house Nov. 13 to help prepare for a Holiday Bazaar on the 15th.
Nov. 14 Smurffette and I drove to Selah to set up our first holiday Bazaar, Smurffett stayed at my house. Carchie was at Girls State Swimming in Federal Way.
Nov. 15th Bazaar in Selah, WA
Nov 21st stayed the night at Smurffettes house again getting ready for a Christmas Bazaar at the Ellensburg Christian School
Nov 22nd Christmas Bazaar at Christian School
Nov 24th went to Doctor for blood work
Nov 25th had to go back to the Doctor for more blood work. A very sad and dark day as we found out that we were no longer pregnant.
Nov 27th Thanksgiving at Uncles house.
Nov 28th Black Friday...went to JoAnn's with Cheryl. Went to Smurffettes house to get ready for lighting ceremony in Ellensburg at the Fair Grounds that evening.
Nov 29th Lighting Ceremony in Rosyln holiday bazaar

The past two days Pookie and I have had PJ days. There is much to be done, but no energy to do it. Slowly I guess I will come to terms with why everything happens for a reason and get my life back in order, but until then, I live in complete in utter chaos. At a loss as what exactly to say to anyone who asks how I'm doing. Honestly, I'm doing the best that I can. I feel like I've failed in every aspect of my life. Couldn't make it through my Masters program, had to re-apply, can't find a job, can't have a baby, can't do this, can't do that. I'd say I'm having a pretty good pitty party for myself. But the sun will shine again, I just need to get through this week. Maybe I should say that I need to get through this day and tomorrow.

I will be leaving next week for approximately a week, in preparation for my SIL's marriage on the 13th of Dec. Pookie is going to be the flower girl, and I am a bridesmaid. She has found a wonderful man to spend the rest of her life with and I am very happy for her.

Pookie is now informing me that she'd like to do my make-up. Being a Mary Kay Consultant does have its advantages. :)

Until next time...

Reese

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Today will be sweet day for Pookie, I'm sure. We will start by going to the Mall for trick-or-treating at 5pm, then back to the house for handing out candy, which will be Pookies job for the night. She's very excited.
This year Pookie told us right away what she wanted to be for Halloween, and she did not bend at all on this decision. Though mommy and daddy did try, as we found this adorable cheerleading outfit that was Cougars...Wouldn't Pa be proud? Alas, she was not in for cheerleading this year. So a pumpkin she will be. Stay tuned for pictures.

Just as it should be...

2008-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bubbles it is....after running errands and lunch we shared a bit of mommy and me time. The afternoon sun was so warm and inviting. After some bubbles we played a bit of ball, which ended up being a keep away match.

After playing ball, Pookie decided to swing, missed the swing on her first attempt...I see a drama unfolding.

As you can tell I've forgotten to reset the date on our camera after changing the batteries... OOOOPPPSSS!!!

Enjoy this wonderful fall day/evening. I know we will.

Where is Carchie now?

2008-10-26T14:46:00.001-07:00

LAST UPDATE***
The concert is over. Carchie said that it was a kick in the pants. Stanley got to shake Brian's hand, and now they are on their way to their hotel to get some sleep. The concert sure didn't last very long, but as long as they had fun, length is not important.

I'm off to find directions to their hotel for them, and finish up the turkey hair clips for the November show.

UPDATE***
They are in the area and having a good time...or at least I think that they are. I couldn't hear Carchie over all the "music".

UPDATE**
Carchie and Stanley have made it to there destination in plenty of time and are excitedly awaiting for the concert to start. Although Carchie was in route of a lighter as the airlines made him dispose of his upon boarding. But SHHH...no one is to know about his habit. :(

ORIGINAL POST**
Today is the day! Carchie left this morning at 2 am for his beloved AC/DC concert. In hopes of an uneventful trip I'm sure...he was not so lucky. I've spoke with him a couple times via cell phone only to learn that the flight out of Seattle this morning was delayed and almost made them miss their flight out of Chicago (had that flight also not been delayed...he'd miss his concert). Finally made it to Harrisburg Airport, only to be hasseled by the car rental place, and is now frantically driving a Dodge Nitro to the Wachovia Area at 55 MPH in the middle of some sort of construction. So he and Stanley will arrive in just the nick of time. Whew! I look forward to hearing how the concert was and seeing pictures of Carchie and Stanley with their cheesesteaks with the Rocky statue. A true Pennsylvania moment I'm sure.

Pookie is still at Honey and Pa's house, although she has suffered a bit of the stomach flu. I pray that Honey and Pa stay well and do not catch what she has. It does not sound fun. Although she was coloring with Marti when I called and did not wish to speak to me viz telephone. No thanks, she says, when asked if she'd like to talk to me. I'm glad I'm missed. :)

I am enjoying some much needed peace and quiet and can honestly say that, as the neighbors are not home. Duplex living does have its moments, let me tell you.

Boppa and Grandma are grinding hamburger today at the neighbors house. Luckily Grandma has a serger for me to borrow tomorrow so that tomorrow Smurfette and I can sew baby leg warmers for our craft show on the 15th of November.

Speaking of the 15th of November, please feel free to stop in to the Civic Center in Selah, WA and see all our wonderful handmade children's items. We've been working very hard to have a nice selection for all you to come and purchase.

I think that is all for now, I'll let you know what Carchie says about the concert soon....
Stay tuned.

Reese

Lazy Saturday

2008-10-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

I tell you, this happens not very often...but when it does, I almost do not know what to do. Currently, Carchie and I are enjoying being childless, as his parents has our darling Pookie. To which we've been informed is going well, except for the fact that she became ill this morning in Honey's car. Luckily the cars leather seats were spared...but bunny, the carseat and herself didn't fare so well. So much for going to get apples Honey. I do hope that she is feeling better. My poor baby, it is hard to be away from her while she is sick.

I'm not sure what all the evening has in store here at home while she is away, but Carchie does have homework to do before leaving me at 2 am with his friend Stanley to go to Pennsylvania for an AC/DC concert. I know what you are thinking....Pennsylvania?? For a concert...yes that is almost all the way across the US from us, but come on, his favorite band, who is possibly on thier last tour? Who wouldn't go? Especailly when he is already going to see his favorite band at the end of November in a location that is a bit closer to home....

I have a fun little tid bit to share with you. Today I was in the office working on some hair clips when I heard children in the front of the house. I couldn't really hear what they were saying well, but I did hear one say..."I double dare you to go....then run away". Needless to say, our doorbell rang shortly after. I hear Carchie getting up and I told him to continue with his homework as it was just a prank. He asked if I was sure, I told him yes, not to worry. The doorbell rang again, he opened the door to a boy who was speachless to say the least. Carchie asked him if he could help him, to which the boy responded no. Carchie then asked if he needed anything, and the boy again said no, that he'd forgotten what he was going to ask. I wish that I would of had a camera to commemorate this small boys face. It was priceless. Shortly after, another child came and rang our door bell, we didn't answer this ring though as we saw her run off through the glass in the door. Kids! We of course were not upset as children will be children and they were only looking for some fun. However we were really pleased that it didn't happen all afternoon.

I look forward to seeing Pookie in a couple of days. She's had some good experiences with Honey and Pa though. Her first deer hunting trip happended on Friday. To which she told Honey after Honey shot a deer that she didn't hurt it because it ran away. Sweet girl!

Enjoy your evening. The fall colors and the feel in the air is just devine.

Reese

Let's give this a try...

2008-10-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that I'm completely new to this whole Blogging idea. But the idea does fascinate me so...here we go. I don't even know if I send my URL out to people I know or if people just follow from link to link, or whatever. But I guess I will send this out to family as we do not live close.
This morning I tried so hard to get up and get moving, but I was so exhausted that I slept until Carchie got up to go to work. Coffee was definitely a must today. I've decided to try writing a schedule to get myself organized again...not sure what happened, but I seem to have become pretty scattered the past few years. I'd like to get back to at least semi-normal. Whatever normal is.
Pookie and I went to see Daddy during his lunch break. She has so much fun playing hide-n-seek under the students desks and coloring. Just spending extra time with Daddy is always a plus. Especially since Daddy has a swim meet today and will be home late. She is napping now, although the country music that is coming through our walls right now is a bit distracting, but she doesn't seem to mind much.