I'm happy today because....

I get to see my baby sister, Pammy, today, and her baby, Dutch!!!!!

And because Carlye's journal is AWEsome!!!

Here is a sample entry:

"Once upon a time,
There was a dorf Family little dorf, mamma dorf and daddy dorf. One day a little girl came to the door an knocked. blam! blam! baby dorf opened the door. screech! And the girl said the big troll ate my family up, and now is after me! come in fast, from outside they heard. Thump! Thump! Thump! and little girl you can run but not hide. The mother dorf came and said little dorf why is a girl in here!! little dorf said her family was eaten by a big troll. mother dorf said oh dear little one stay here with us. Oh and I'll take care of you. And her husband shot the troll. And they lived happily ever after.

Bragging

I have to brag on my son, Nathanael. Yesterday he received the prestigious Michaelangelo award at school. Only one boy and one girl in each grade receive this award. It states that he received it for "Superior Creativity, craftsmanship and character in Art." Pretty cool, huh?

Oh, and Noah can't wait for his cousin Ditch to come and visit tomorrow.

For those of you who don't know, his name is Dutch.

Today

Today the things that makes me happy are pecan pancakes, antibiotics, cold medicine, Claritin, cough drops, tissues, sewing machines and Pride and Prejudice (the movie). (My family makes me happy every day and is too be assumed, even if they are not named).

Oopsy

Today the thing that makes me happy is Carl (his feelings were very hurt that I didn't list him yesterday, but what can I say? I was sick and not thinking clearly). He takes wonderful care of me when I'm sick, lets me sleep on his side of the bed and use his pillows, and brings me all of my meals in bed. He even let me eat crackers in bed, which is HUGE for him (there is no eating in the bed of any kind, but especially not of crumbly substances!). He took care of the kids, let me sleep, and overall took fantastic care of me. I still don't feel too great today, I'm achey and my chest kinda hurts, but overall I'm better then I was yesterday. My sweet hubby still let me sleep late and took the kids to school for me because he loves me bunches, I think. Or, he wanted to get out of the house. Hmm......

Sick

I'm sick.

I really stink at being sick.

All I can do is sit there and think about all of the 100's of other things that there are to do - like clean my house or sew Carlye's quilt (or curtains or throw pillows or...) or clean the toys out of the boys room and throw all of them away because they never play with them, or wash and fold the Mt Vesuvious of laundry that is in my laundry room and melting over into my kitchen.

Lots to do.

Instead, I've been reading and sleeping and sucking on cough drops until I think my teeth are going to rot out (sugar free, my elbow!) I can't believe how crummy I feel. I've started on an antibiotic and zyrtec and ibuprofen, so I should be right as rain by the time my youngest sister arrives on Sunday. Meanwhile, my house will look as though a tornado went through it, decorated, and then refused to put anything back in place. It's great. Also, I am not good at having a sore throat. I would rather do a LOT of other things then have a sore throat. Like give blood, throw up, or deliver a baby. I'm just saying is all...............

I'm supposed to be blogging for the next 8 days about things that make me happy. Here is today's list of what makes me happy:
1) Chicken noodle soup
2) Star wars
3) Soft fabric
4) Throat lozenges
5) Carlye, Nathanael and Noah

Movies and Bowling and Senna Tea

First, I have been to several movies, and I will enlighten you with my original and awe inspiring opinions:
1) Night at the Museum 2 - Better then the first one (yes, it is! I don't care what Carl says!!). Of course, the fact that my boys going around re-enacting the "boom, boom, Fire Power" line, while flexing helps, too.
2) Terminator Salvation - eh

Secondly, I need to tell you how amazingly brilliant my youngest son is at bowling. Truly, it's an art. He was the only kid in his group to get a strike, and he bowled it on his first try. Afterwards, however, many things went wrong. I will say, though, that I am incredibly impressed with how well my son can throw a bowling ball, and I am thinking of making him compete in the shot put. He was able to get some serious air underneath that bright orange bowling ball. The best part of the whole thing, though was the dance he would do every time he finished bowling. It looked like a combination between a seizure and an upper body spasm, and it was fantastic.

TMI Warning!!!

Lastly, I have a warning for all who will listen. Occasionally I will have difficulty evacuating my bowels. When this happens I will drink an herbal tea with senna in it. This works really well. However, when entering the bathroom in Target, it would be a good idea to check and make sure that there is toilet paper first. I didn't. And just as I was contemplating calling my best friend to come in and give me a hand a nice little employee walked in, and I requested some toilet paper. She was more than happy to oblige, and the world was a happy place once again.

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

Today is Memorial Day. Children are out of school, many parents are off work, and the inevitable barbecues and pool parties are planned to celebrate the day. Some will even commemorate this 25th of May with fireworks.

Meanwhile, my little sister and her girls are living over seas on an Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan, sacrificing their time with their daddy so that he can protect us and keep us safe. My brother in law is living in a tiny room, sleeping on a tiny bed, and corresponding with his family over the internet. And while yes, he can see them, those hugs and kisses that all of us so desperately need to live are miles and miles away. All so that he can protect us and keep us safe.

Like many military men, he'll tell you that he hasn't done much, and is often embarrassed when people thank him for what he's done for us and our country. But he has done so much. I stand in awe as I watch the sacrifices that he and my sister and my nieces make every day. All so that he can protect us and keep us safe. All so that we can have a barbecue and a pool party.

So that we can elect whoever we want to be President of the United States.

So that we can be free.

And on this Memorial Day I am so blessed. My children have many examples in their lives of brave and amazing men. My Popi - the most amazing man you will ever meet, Colonel Archie M. Brugger. My daddy - who is right up there with my grand father, Clyde L. Bailey III, Carl's Daddy, Carlos Edwin Pfiester, and my brother in law, Brandon Nordell.

Nathanael has told me for years that when he grows up he's going to fight the bad guys like his Uncle Brandon. And as a mother I couldn't be more afraid that he may actually grow up and choose to do that. And as a mother I couldn't be more proud that he wants to grow up and choose to do that. And as a mother I am so thankful that he has such incredible men in his life that he can look up to.

Thank you for all you do for our amazing country.

Thank you for allowing my family and I to live free.

Thank you for making it possible for us to have a barbecue today.

You are my heroes.

Dysgraphia

This is my son, Nathanael. He is AWESOME! He is a fantastic fisherman, a great swimmer - you should see him dive! - and one of the most thoughtful people I know. He is also a phenomenal reader, and great at math.

On Thursday his kindergarten class was learning the number 7. His teacher asked all of them to give her number sentences that ended in 7. The normal 5+2 and 6+1 came up, along with a few others. Nathanael then said 2+2+2+1=7. His teacher wrote it down on the board, and they moved on to subtraction number sentences. 8-1, 9-2 and even 10-3 were mentioned. Then Nathanael said, 11-4=7 and 12-5=7 and 13-6=7 and 14-7=7 and 15-8=7 and 16-9=7 and all the way up to 20!! I know Carlye gets annoyed when he tells her the answers to her math problems, but apparently math comes easy for him. He loves it.

They also did their reading achievement tests on Thursday. We haven't gotten the results back yet, but they have them start reading a book on their grade level, and they let them keep going until they hit a book that is hard for them. Nathanael was gone for a long time, which means that he read several books - we just don't know how far he went.

Nathanael is smart.

Nathanael loves school.

Apparently, Nathanael has dysgraphia.

Dysgraphia is the inability to write coherently.




I don't have a photo of his journal, or I'd show that to you.

After working one on one with him for several weeks, his teacher become more and more concerned and realized that there was a problem that went above and beyond him simply being left handed.

At first, I was really upset. Why? Because Nathanael is so smart, and he loves school so much that I don't want that to change. I want him to continue to excel and to love it.

His teacher assured me, though, that his dysgraphia wouldn't effect anything. He can even be put in the gifted and talented classes, they will just make adjustments for his writing skills. Allow him to use a smart pad, things like that.

So now I know a few things:
1) The school has made him a priority for next year and will give us the help he needs
2) He will still be allowed to grow and progress in other areas
3) I can work with him all summer on improving his handwriting skills
4) He doesn't need to know.

I know that many of you are probably having heart failure right now about this last one. However, I've really been praying about it, and I don't want him to believe that he has a disadvantage. Right now if you ask him he'll tell you he's the smartest in the class and the teachers favorite. A year ago my little Eeyore would have told you that nobody likes him and that he can't do anything. His life has changed and his self-esteem has increased. That's not worth ruining over some piddly little test scores. Sure, he'll know that writing is something that he has to over come, but that's all it will be. Nothing more, nothing less. And yes, if he asks me I'll tell him. I will not lie to my children about anything (which has really gotten me into trouble a time or two I must confess!), and I don't believe in keeping secrets. So while we'll avoid this topic, and encourage him to over come I will not deceive him. He deserves better then that.

Stay tuned as we dive into this new adventure together, and explore new territory. It may be hard, but it will be worth.

"Dr. Pfiester, please report to the operating room, Dr. Pfiester............."

Just Kidding. I think he wants to build houses right now. Or fight the bad guys like Uncle Brandon.

But even if he's a garbage collector I'll love him and be proud of him because he is just such an awesome person, and I am so blessed to have him.

Happy Birthday, Evie Lee!

Happy Birthday, my love! We all miss you more than you know! You have all our love and hopes for the best birthday ever!

Graduation

Noah and his bestest friend in the whole world, Brookie.



Today was Noah's Pre-K graduation. Sort of. He'll be back next year, since he's only 4 but that's besides the point. Most of the rest of the class is moving on. He proudly wore his little cap today, sang us a song about himself (it was actually about Noah's ark, but he is perpetually confused about this and no manner of explanation seems to help). He then proudly marched up to the podium and received his diploma as they announced that he would be a fisherman when he grew up. To this he loudly proclaimed, "I am not, I'm going to be an astronaut!" and sat down. You could tell by his little face that he was so happy that they were having this graduation celebration just for him and his friends. It would be horrible to put them through all of that stuff just for the parents!




Later on, they announced that another little boy was going to be a soldier when he grew up. Noah whispers very loudly, "I didn't know we were allowed to be soldiers! (they're not allowed to play with guns at school) I wanna be that!"

In the classroom they received individual awards, and Noah was given the Iron Man award. He couldn't have been prouder. And the hilarious part was that all of the other children in the room KNEW that he was going to be the one to receive it. They must see daily displays of his immeasurable strength and power.



Honestly, though, I am so thankful that I have one more year with my little man before he, too, is unable to kiss me as he exits the car and must pass up our evening snuggle to do homework or practice his letters. Yes, I am very, very thankful.

Hurry Fast!

My children are incredibly excited about the new movie coming out that they heard being announced on the radio. As a matter of fact, they encouraged me to "hurry fast" to buy. Nathanael in particular was enthused about this nautical gem. What, you may ask, is this amazing movie? Mega Shark vs The Giant Octopus starring Lorenzo Lamas and Debbie Gibson. I didn't know that Debbie Gibson was making a comeback!

Cool swimming pictures

My new stairs and Carlye's Room

So, Carl and I have had a very strong disagreement going on about the stairs for our house. I've wanted a small, spiral staircase that will take up very little space but look pretty. Carl didn't. He wanted a huge cedar staircase. Carl won. I was mad. But I think that I've changed my mind.

My cedar stair case (don't know what the spots are from). Mattresses and furniture from Carlye's room are in the background:



Steps (all the wood is from David, of course!)



Stairs leading up to loft and office:













Railing and alternate views: Beautiful!





These are the built ins in Carlye's room. She wanted her walls to be the darker blue, but we compromised with a light blue on the walls and the aqua inside the cabinets and closet.



This is her dresser, chair, bed and Grandma's old brass chandelier that Aunt Marianne gave me. I've painted all of them white, and recovered her chair with a fabric that matches her new quilt. Looks good doesn't it? The chair is one of our old dining room chairs. I've held on to it for sentimental reasons, and it works GREAT with Carlye's little desk!

Sci Fi Freak

In the past couple of weeks I have been to see 4 movies (birthday parties and stuff). I've seen Monsters vs Aliens, Wolverine, Star Trek, and walked out of Ghosts of Girlfriend Pasts. Here is what I have determined.

I LOVE SCI-FI!

I'm really thinking this is because of my dad. One of my favorite memories (and it could be completely made up - you never know!) is when my dad took us to the theatre to see Star Wars. The before part wasn't very great, because if I remember correctly the neighbor kid beat Heidi up right before we left (sorry sister - those kids were horrible!). But the movie itself was awesome. I also remember watching Indiana Jones and Star Trek with my daddy, along with other cool movies and tv shows that came along (Quantam Leap, anyone?).

All this to say, I have been waiting anxiously for the new Wolverine move and Star Trek.

They were awesome.

Although Wolverine was so violent that I would not recommend it to anyone.

Star Trek was awesome. I totally loved it. Seriously. I can't wait to see it again.

And here's a hilarious clip for all who care to see it: Seriously, it's worth it!!

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1910892

He's ALIVE!

Today we welcomed my computer back to the land of the living.....a few sticky keys, but none the worse for wear. Yea!!!!!

Light Saber Duels

As many of you know, my beloved children are FASCINATED with sword fighting. Sorry, let me correct that - light saber duels. My boys (for lack of a real sword) were using the broken off stick from a stick horse and a very heavy, very well made, wooden rifle for their duels. Thankfully, there have been no permanent injuries, but their dearest daddy, in fear for their lives, bought them each totally awesome foam swords (Carlye got earrings. They share,though, and only 2 can fight at at time any way). Mighty duels have been taking place in our abode, but I have learned a few things.

1) Time out means nothing to Carlye. She will fight to the death.
2) If Nathanael says time out 5 times and you ignore him, he WILL hurt you with the foam sword.
3) When Noah is scared he runs away. The others don't find this a desirable trait during a sword fight.
4) Apparently foam swords do hurt when they wack you in the face.

Obituary

Today, a mighty machine was lost. My laptop tragically drowned today in a sea of liquid that was spilled upon it while it rested innocently in my car. The Geniuses have informed me that if I allow it time it may be resurrected again on the third day. Or it may not be. We will see. So until Friday, sleep well my little computer, and COME BACK TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AR points

I honestly cannot say why, but I am very disturbed at present. You see, Friday past was the last day that the children at school could take their Advanced Reading tests. (I'm not sure why it's called Advanced Reading, because all books are included, but whatever.) Each book is worth a certain amount of points, and as they earn their points they go shopping with them at the AR store - when they have earned 60 points they get a shirt.

Here's the problem.

CARLYE WON'T TAKE HER AR TESTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She has read the first 5 books in the Little House on the Prairie Series (worth 6 to 8 points respectively), several American Girl books, 1-8 of the Bobbsey Twin books, along with some others.

Last week I told her to take her test on By the Shores of Silver Lake. On Friday she decided to take the test, but she got it confused with On the Banks of Plum Creek, thought that she had already taken it and didn't take the AR test.

When she got home and we were discussing it she realized her mistake.

"Huh. Oh, well." she said.

As I stated earlier, Friday was the last day of AR tests. Carlye has 58 points. She did not get a shirt.

She does not care.

I should not care.

I do care.

She doesn't know that I care.

But I know that I care.

And it bothers me.

'Cause I shouldn't care.


I mean, she read it, right? Who cares if she gets credit? Her mind has been expanded, her vocabulary enlarged her imagination sparked.......





And no, they won't make an exception and allow her to take the test now. I tried.

My day

Mother's day was wonderful! My kids made me beautiful things at school, including a puzzle piece picture frame and fingerprint blue bonnets. Carlye also made me a beautiful card which informed me that I make a house a home. I thought it was hilarious - where did she hear that? The gifts, respectively, were the best part:

Carl - Target gift card (woo-hoo!)
Carlye - hand made puzzle piece picture frame, with an enchanting picture of her, homemade card, and beautiful silver bangle bracelets (that fit her as well)
Nathanael - finger print bluebonnets, homemade card, and tiny silver hoop earrings that will "look beautiful" on me
Noah - a homemade card and a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese, when I asked him why he chose such a special gift he said, "Because, it's my favorite."
Mom in law - a beautiful lunch made especially for us girls with my favorite cream corn

All in all it was a great day. AND we got to watch Annie Duke get crushed on Celebrity Apprentice. Really, our joy was in who lost. Sad, I know. We even rewound it about 15 times and re-watched her lose because it was so exciting. Ahh, a day in my life....

P.S.

Happy Mother's Day to an incredible mom in law! I am so blessed to be married to the amazing son that you raised, and so thankful to count you as my mom and as my friend. Thank you for all that you do. I love you!

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time there was a little girl. She was blonde and tiny, and the firstborn child - as well as grandchild. She had the love of her parents and grandparents. Her mom volunteered at her school, spent time with her, and was always there for her as she was growing up. Many times, they would spend hours together, with the little girl lounging on her parents bed while her mom sat in her little green chair, and they would talk. As the girl grew, she made some choices that hurt a lot of people, but she always knew that her mommy loved her. One day, the little girl was "all grown up" and married, and became a mommy, too. When this happened, she realized many things. She first realized that as a mother, you immediately love your child, simply because they are yours. She also discovered that when your children are happy or sad, angry or joyful, hurt or broken, you feel those emotions with them. And suddenly, she understand - for the first time ever - so many things that she hadn't as a child. And as she realized these things, she began to understand and love her mother even more. She and her mother are closer now then they have ever been, and relationships have been rebuilt. And she now understands that:

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." (Elizabeth Stone)

Mom, thank you for loving me always, even when I was breaking your heart. Thank you for raising me and instilling into me the morals and characteristics that make me who I am. Thank you for loving my children, and for being such an amazing mom to me. Thank you for being my friend, my confidant and advisor. I love you, and hope you have a Mother's Day full of love and joy.

To all my sisters:

Heather - Happy Mother's Day! It breaks my heart that you are so far away, celebrating with a piece of your heart missing. I love you, and I'm so proud of the amazing person and mom that you are!

Heidi - Happy Mother's Day! In another new town, preparing to move to another new home. You can do it. You are remarkable, and this season, too, shall pass. I love you!

Pammy - Happy First Mother's Day ever! What a blessing to have little Dutchie in this world. May your first Mother's Day be as memorable and amazing as your incredible little boy! I love you!

Tamara - I know that this has been one of your hardest Mother's Days. Love and cherish the ones you have, and rest in the Lord for your peace and strength. I'm so proud to have you as my "big sister."

Tiffany - You are such a phenomenal mom! Happy Mother's Day - I hope that you have many more children that are as wondrous as our V. I had my doubts about you being a mom, but you've turned out ok (lol!). I love you!

Ashley - HAVE A BABY FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!!!!!


And Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing mom's out there. Go get a pedicure - you deserve it!



Carl did come home. He had a great time and caught a ton of fish - he landed two of these jack crevalle, caught over 30 red fish (only keeping his limit), speckled trout, and was nearly killed by a sea turtle riding a rogue wave. Apparently he also knocked himself in the head with a 1 oz weight when the fish he was fighting got off and the line came flying back at him. Guess Disney Land will have to wait. Maybe next year.

Day 5

My hubby comes home today. I think. He may not.

He may have run away with plans to support himself as a professional fisherman.

It's actually a great idea. Not the fisherman part, of course, but the running away part.

I may join him.

Actually, the kids and I were thinking of running away to Disney Land. I figure I can get them jobs as dwarfs, and I'll be Cinderella. I look just like her you know.

We should pack.

Day 4 - Noah

Today my son Noah was helping with a fund raiser for church that was held at Hastings. He loved climbing and standing on the pillar posts, and I had to get him down and warn him repeatedly. Just as we were leaving, he climbed the post, fell off, landed on his head and his body accordianed (sp?) after him. One huge shoulder bruise and head bump later, we're fine. Yes, I will be waking him up a lot tonight. (He's already had two concussions)

Also, all evening he told us that he was freezing and needed to go inside to warm up. It was 97 degrees. I think he was confused. And this was BEFORE the head injury!!!

Day 3

A List for today:

1) Two children are easier then three - no matter which two it is
2) 4 coats of Kilz will cover up red sharpie
3) My shoulders hurt
4) I need a massage

Day 2

Day 2 of the remodel of Carlye's room and Carl's annual birthday fishing trip with David.

I have learned several things:

1) It is lonely sitting next to a pool with 6 children in it (three who are not your own) and no adult conversation.
2) Adults, when away from children, will inadvertently forget that they have them, and leave you outside to watch them swim while they dine on hot dogs - which, by the way, you can't do anything about because you can't leave the children unattended.
3) Kilz is expensive.
4) When 3 children share a bunk bed bad things can (and will) happen.
5) When my husband leaves the house, apparently my children's sleep goes with him.
6) One incredibly messy room is way better then two sorta messy rooms.
7) When playing Lego Wii food becomes optional.
8) I need a vacation.

Red sharpies never die

Today began day 1 one of the remodel of Carlye's room, as well as the first day of Carl's annual birthday fishing trip with David. I have learned a few things.

1) If I'm gonna have a bad day, it'll be while Carl's gone.
2) Even after two coats of Kilz, red sharpies will still shine through in all their glory.
3) I need a vacation.

Swimming

Swimming and having fun at Nani's pool.

The Awesomest Kids Ever!!!!

I know you're jealous, but here's just another pic of how fantabulous my kids are.

Sad

I thought I was pregnant.

I'm not.
I'm sad.

Carl's not.

Remodeling is Ridonculous!

Yep. I said Ridonculous. That totally awesome word is from the movie Bolt, and it's one of my new favorite words. Anyhoo, in anticipation of the arrival of some of my favorite people we (my husband) decided to remodel our daughters room. You see, when people come and visit they stay in our daughters room. She has the biggest bed, and it has been our experience that grown men and women are often not appreciative when given the opportunity to stay in bunk beds.

Especially the top bunk.

So, when my husband suggested that we clean the carpet (did you know that orange juice and root beer stains will reappear years later? I did - but Carl didn't), I suggested that we paint the walls. He readily agreed. This is why:








You see, our beautiful daughter loves art so much that we allowed her to draw murals on her walls, and they were beautiful. Sadly, at her last birthday/slumber party her friends chose to color all of her walls as well. And they were much less discriminating in what they chose to draw/write. Some wrote their names, or made mistakes and scribbled out their pictures, some drew mazes, while others actually scribbled out pictures she had drawn. Lastly, the boys came in and drew targets on the animals that she had drawn. At first, I was angry. Then I was just sad. Now, we are going to re-paint, and there will be no more drawing on the walls. I can buy Carlye some canvasses at Big Lots, and she can create beautiful paintings/drawings that we can hang on her walls - and keep forever.

We are also going to put wood floor in. I win, I win, I win, I win, I win, I win......................

Of course, before you can remodel you MUST have a color palette. So, I asked Freckles if she wanted to buy a quilt brand new or if she wanted me to make her one.

She wants me to make her one.

Here's the catch, though. Two years ago when I made the boys their quilts Carlye picked out some fabric that I KNEW she was not going to like, but she insisted she would "love it forever." Two weeks later when I went to sew her quilt she informed me that she did not like it and would rather not have a blanket. I gave the $85 worth of fabric away 8 months later. This time, there is no turning back.

She WILL like it.

And she WILL keep it.

And that's final.

Here is what she chose:



She loves it, I love it, and it will grow with her for the next few years. Then comes the paint. Here is what we chose as a paint-swatch-choosing group:



She would like us to paint her walls the darkest blue that you see. We, however, are less inclined.

So, we'll keep you posted. I start painting on Monday. Carl leaves for his annual fishing birthday trip to the beach with David on Tuesday, and they will be gone until Saturday - very, very late Saturday. We'll see how much I accomplish in his absence. We're also going to paint her bed that is currently pink, white.



The dresser, however, is another story. She broke one of the doors in such a way that it is beyond repair. Now, I am unsure as to how to proceed. It would be very simple to paint it white and add new drawer pulls, but what do we do about the bottom part? I've considered hanging a spring rod with a piece of fabric that matches her quilt, but we'll see.



I'll keep you posted on all the remodeling madness, and wether or not we are able to finish it before company arrives or if my family will be sleeping on a blow up mattress on a carpetless, woodless floor.