When I was a little girl my parents had the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas cassette tape. We used to listen to it over and over every year. (mostly cuz we had, like, 3 Christmas cassettes) One of my favorite songs was called "Thank God for Kids" The chorus goes...
Thank God for kids there's magic for a while,
A special kind of sunshine in a smile.
Did you ever stop to think, 'I wonder why, the nearest thing to heaven is a child'?
The verses are just as good if not better.
I got a taste of that yesterday and today.
Last year, Dani was still 6 months and not really aware of most that was going on. This year at the IL's we had Dani at 18 months and Amos at 12 months and it was a riot. They were so cute and really got into opening the presents. And even if they didn't understand it all (which the obviously didn't) they did understand that this was a special time and they were front and center of it all.
I was sitting in my IL's living room taking pictures on the couch. The 2 kids were playing with some blocks. We were all watching them while we finally got our turn to open a present or two (actually more like 5 or 6). The kids were squealing and having fun. We were opening presents from each other and just having a good time. I know this sounds so cheesy but I had this overwhelming thought that said "Now, THIS, feels like Christmas" I haven't had so much fun on Christmas morning since I was a child myself. Kids add so much to the mix. I can't wait till next year when we'll have another one. (my brothers baby not me!) I love to watch them smile and hear them squeal with excitement when they see what's inside the wrapping. I know too that Dani will only get better over the next few years as she learns to anticipate the day.
It was a good day!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Glad I don't live in Canada
I am so not loving the cold spell we are finding ourselves in right now! If I could just simply stay inside, sip hot chocolate, snuggle down under a blanket and watch bad Christmas movies I'd be fine but that is not my life!
First of all, we live on a lane that will drift shut with 1 inch of snow. Throw in some ice and we have Saturday night. CJ and I were leaving to go on a much-needed date when we had white-out conditions on the lane! I couldn't see anything and the van was going at a decent clip so not to get stuck. I ended up getting off to the side into a rut that Dad had accidentally made just the day before. We couldn't move an inch! So here we are, it's -30 degrees windchill and we are stuck in the middle of nowhere with "date" clothes on. Dad was at work and Mom was on call and recovering from a nasty sinus infection. We really really didn't want to walk home. (I had on dress shoes) Finally, Mom was able to come out and pick up CJ in the truck. He took her back home, bundled up in Dad's coveralls and got some gloves and a hat and then came back over. I tell ya, even though I knew he was coming back and I wasn't stranded alone, I really struggled with a small panic attack! I was sitting in the middle of nowhere, with 40 mph winds and whiteout conditions. It was cold and it took CJ nearly 20 minutes to get back and we'd already been sitting there for nearly 30 minutes before Mom came. It was surreal. Anyway, Dad told CJ to just find something solid under the van and wrap a chain under it. Then hook that chain to the truck and pull! Well... he found our heating line and broke it. There was absolutely nothing else under there!
So to make this long story short, we ended up leaving the van there until the next morning when Dad and I spent 2 hrs trying to find something to hook up to, that would hold strong so we could pull it out. It was cold and miserable!!!
I can't imagine living where every winter is bad and worse! I'm sure we'll end up being one of those old couples that "fly" south for the winter. ;) Fine by me!!
First of all, we live on a lane that will drift shut with 1 inch of snow. Throw in some ice and we have Saturday night. CJ and I were leaving to go on a much-needed date when we had white-out conditions on the lane! I couldn't see anything and the van was going at a decent clip so not to get stuck. I ended up getting off to the side into a rut that Dad had accidentally made just the day before. We couldn't move an inch! So here we are, it's -30 degrees windchill and we are stuck in the middle of nowhere with "date" clothes on. Dad was at work and Mom was on call and recovering from a nasty sinus infection. We really really didn't want to walk home. (I had on dress shoes) Finally, Mom was able to come out and pick up CJ in the truck. He took her back home, bundled up in Dad's coveralls and got some gloves and a hat and then came back over. I tell ya, even though I knew he was coming back and I wasn't stranded alone, I really struggled with a small panic attack! I was sitting in the middle of nowhere, with 40 mph winds and whiteout conditions. It was cold and it took CJ nearly 20 minutes to get back and we'd already been sitting there for nearly 30 minutes before Mom came. It was surreal. Anyway, Dad told CJ to just find something solid under the van and wrap a chain under it. Then hook that chain to the truck and pull! Well... he found our heating line and broke it. There was absolutely nothing else under there!
So to make this long story short, we ended up leaving the van there until the next morning when Dad and I spent 2 hrs trying to find something to hook up to, that would hold strong so we could pull it out. It was cold and miserable!!!
I can't imagine living where every winter is bad and worse! I'm sure we'll end up being one of those old couples that "fly" south for the winter. ;) Fine by me!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Expectations
Friday night we all ("all"=CJ, Mom and Dad, Erin and Donnie and their friend, Andy)went to the lighted Christmas parade. I was the one that kind of pushed it because, lately, as we've been driving around town I'll hear behind me oohs and ahhs from Dani when she sees Christmas lights. I thought she'd love the parade. She was fine while we waited. She was a little frustrated because I had her on a harness cuz she kept wanting to run away but otherwise good. The first thing of the parade was a fire pickup that had it's lights flashing, I think it freaked her out. She started crying and squirming and then everything freaked her out after that. I don't know if it was the floats moving by her or the noise of the generators 0n the floats or what but she hated every float. She ended up burying her face in my mom's coat and eventually falling asleep.
Confession... instead of taking her and comforting her as a "good" mom should, when I saw her freaking out in CJ's arms I got frustrated. This is the third time something like this has happened. By "like this" I mean, we planned an outing that I thought she'd love and she hated or acted up.
The first was the rodeo parade. She got over stimulated by all the sirens in the beginning so she was skittish the whole time. And the bands, which I thought she'd love since she loves music, freaked her out the worst.
The second outing was to the pumpkin patch. First, CJ's family all backed out at the last minute so that already had me frustrated. Secondly, Dani was in a foul mood the whole time we were there. She literally screamed in protest every time I took the camera out. I got a few candids but nothing with her in front of a hay bale or corn stalks or ya know, any picturesque photos that you view in your head. She didn't want to do anything. She even threw down a "Dani" sized pumpkin I gave her. I literally left the pumpkin patch in tears.
The third outing was this parade. I really didn't think we could go wrong with this because she's been loving the Christmas lights lately and she isn't bothered by crowds. How could we go wrong right?
I know they say not to have expectations and you're probably thinking that I need to let them go but how can I? In the 5 years we tried to conceive, I used to dream about these moments and how they would look. I can't just throw that all away can I?
Am I the only one who this happens to?
Confession... instead of taking her and comforting her as a "good" mom should, when I saw her freaking out in CJ's arms I got frustrated. This is the third time something like this has happened. By "like this" I mean, we planned an outing that I thought she'd love and she hated or acted up.
The first was the rodeo parade. She got over stimulated by all the sirens in the beginning so she was skittish the whole time. And the bands, which I thought she'd love since she loves music, freaked her out the worst.
The second outing was to the pumpkin patch. First, CJ's family all backed out at the last minute so that already had me frustrated. Secondly, Dani was in a foul mood the whole time we were there. She literally screamed in protest every time I took the camera out. I got a few candids but nothing with her in front of a hay bale or corn stalks or ya know, any picturesque photos that you view in your head. She didn't want to do anything. She even threw down a "Dani" sized pumpkin I gave her. I literally left the pumpkin patch in tears.
The third outing was this parade. I really didn't think we could go wrong with this because she's been loving the Christmas lights lately and she isn't bothered by crowds. How could we go wrong right?
I know they say not to have expectations and you're probably thinking that I need to let them go but how can I? In the 5 years we tried to conceive, I used to dream about these moments and how they would look. I can't just throw that all away can I?
Am I the only one who this happens to?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Flies!!!
Ok this is going to be a stupid post but I have to vent...
What is with all the stupid flies and how do they get in my house???? I just killed about 10 flies that were on my bedroom window this morning. Then I go in there after being gone for a couple hours and there was 20! It's like plucking a gray hair, 2 grow in it's place. I thought the cold was supposed to kill them anyway! I have more than in the summer time. Plus I absolutely abhor flies! They are so gross and dirty! You'd think I'd be used to them, growing up on a farm. They love manure and we had a ton of it with all the animals around. I never got used to them. I can remember going outside where they used to congregate on our garage doors with a fly swatter and going crazy with it. I guess I thought that if I killed enough of them, they'd quit hanging out there. I don't think it ever worked but I sooooooo wanted to get rid of them that I kept trying. Well, I don't do that anymore but I still try to keep them out of my house. Ugh! They are gross!
What is with all the stupid flies and how do they get in my house???? I just killed about 10 flies that were on my bedroom window this morning. Then I go in there after being gone for a couple hours and there was 20! It's like plucking a gray hair, 2 grow in it's place. I thought the cold was supposed to kill them anyway! I have more than in the summer time. Plus I absolutely abhor flies! They are so gross and dirty! You'd think I'd be used to them, growing up on a farm. They love manure and we had a ton of it with all the animals around. I never got used to them. I can remember going outside where they used to congregate on our garage doors with a fly swatter and going crazy with it. I guess I thought that if I killed enough of them, they'd quit hanging out there. I don't think it ever worked but I sooooooo wanted to get rid of them that I kept trying. Well, I don't do that anymore but I still try to keep them out of my house. Ugh! They are gross!
crazy plans
Wow, when I think about the schedule we have the next two days I feel like I need to sit and catch my breath! Here's a run down...
Tonight, not too bad. As soon as Dani wakes up (she's napping) we are going back over to my mom's and Erin and I are going to start making supper for everyone. It's going to be huge!
Tomorrow is busy. We start by volunteering from 8-11 at Burlington High School at the big dinner they have there every year. We are packing box lunches early so they can be delivered to shut ins around the area. Then I'll have to run home and get ready and let Dani take a nap. At 1 is the Miller get-together lunch. As soon as we're done there, we are hitting the road to go to CJ's parents for supper with them and his sister's family.
Friday is even busier. We are going shopping in the morning, then back in time for Dani's nap. Then CJ and I are going to the Shaffer's get-together over in Illinois. Then we have to be back in time for the lighted Christmas parade in Fort Madison. I absolutely can't wait to see Dani's expressions as she sees all the lights. She's so animated!
If this was just us, it would be fine. However, poor Dani might have a hard time. I hope she adapts easily. She's getting less and less flexible as she's getting older.
I hope everyone has a great week. Don't forget to take time to be thankful, even if it's simply time taken in the car, going from one dinner to the next.
Tonight, not too bad. As soon as Dani wakes up (she's napping) we are going back over to my mom's and Erin and I are going to start making supper for everyone. It's going to be huge!
Tomorrow is busy. We start by volunteering from 8-11 at Burlington High School at the big dinner they have there every year. We are packing box lunches early so they can be delivered to shut ins around the area. Then I'll have to run home and get ready and let Dani take a nap. At 1 is the Miller get-together lunch. As soon as we're done there, we are hitting the road to go to CJ's parents for supper with them and his sister's family.
Friday is even busier. We are going shopping in the morning, then back in time for Dani's nap. Then CJ and I are going to the Shaffer's get-together over in Illinois. Then we have to be back in time for the lighted Christmas parade in Fort Madison. I absolutely can't wait to see Dani's expressions as she sees all the lights. She's so animated!
If this was just us, it would be fine. However, poor Dani might have a hard time. I hope she adapts easily. She's getting less and less flexible as she's getting older.
I hope everyone has a great week. Don't forget to take time to be thankful, even if it's simply time taken in the car, going from one dinner to the next.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
a common cold??
I HATE being sick. Always have but even more so since I've had Dani. Gone are the days when I can simply call in sick and take care of myself till I'm better. No...now I have to either suck it up and get up anyway to care for my little girl who still needs to be fed, diapered, played with and read to, or I have to find a babysitter on short notice. Well, Thursday I simply sucked it up and played with Dani myself. Friday and Saturday (today)that just didn't seem to be an option, I could barely function enough to get up and go to the bathroom but less take care of a lively, busy toddler. Plus, I really didn't want her to get what I had/have. So, God bless 'em, the Eagens have watched her for me the past two days.
She absolutely loves going there! There are 3 kids who just love on, dote on and play with her all day. For a little girl who loves being the center of attention there is nothing better.
So needless to say the past two days have been much more fun for her than for me. I've been so sick with a cold. I can't remember the last time a COLD knocked me out like this. Last night, I went out and bought humidifiers for ours and Dani's bedrooms. They made a decent difference. Dani has been having a cough and been congested too but this morning when she woke up it was all gone. That makes me feel a lot better. I'm hoping it was all just because of dry air and not because she's got the same bug as me. As for me, I did sleep better. I didn't wake up with a mouth full of cotton balls like I have been (since I have to breathe exclusively through my mouth since my nose is so stuffed up) and my nose was actually less congested. I pretty much stayed in my bedroom today reading and napping so I got a lot of benefit from the humidifier. As much as I hated to spend the money (they are expensive! I bought cheap ones last year from Walmart but I threw them out because they made no difference whatsoever), they were worth the investment. Even if just for Dani's sake. She slept through the whole night and woke up completely congestion free and hasn't coughed once. Yeah!
I don't think I'll be making it to church tomorrow. Even if I feel better I don't want to infect everyone. Plus I really need to not push it tomorrow cuz I have to work Monday and Tuesday so I need to conserve my energy to make it through. I'm always exhausted by Wednesday anyway and I've never had to make it through while being sick. I already know the Eagens are going to take Dani Tuesday all day since I work till midnight Monday night and then go in again at 4pm till 10pm Tuesday night. Hopefully I'll get a nap to get me through on Tuesday. If I can just make it through, hopefully I'll be able to take it easy through the rest of the week. My brother and sister-in-law are going to be here (yeah!) but we don't have any big plans so hopefully we'll just sit around and do nothing. That's my kind of vacation!
I'm starting to ramble and it's time for my drugs-I can tell, my nose is getting more stuffy again...
She absolutely loves going there! There are 3 kids who just love on, dote on and play with her all day. For a little girl who loves being the center of attention there is nothing better.
So needless to say the past two days have been much more fun for her than for me. I've been so sick with a cold. I can't remember the last time a COLD knocked me out like this. Last night, I went out and bought humidifiers for ours and Dani's bedrooms. They made a decent difference. Dani has been having a cough and been congested too but this morning when she woke up it was all gone. That makes me feel a lot better. I'm hoping it was all just because of dry air and not because she's got the same bug as me. As for me, I did sleep better. I didn't wake up with a mouth full of cotton balls like I have been (since I have to breathe exclusively through my mouth since my nose is so stuffed up) and my nose was actually less congested. I pretty much stayed in my bedroom today reading and napping so I got a lot of benefit from the humidifier. As much as I hated to spend the money (they are expensive! I bought cheap ones last year from Walmart but I threw them out because they made no difference whatsoever), they were worth the investment. Even if just for Dani's sake. She slept through the whole night and woke up completely congestion free and hasn't coughed once. Yeah!
I don't think I'll be making it to church tomorrow. Even if I feel better I don't want to infect everyone. Plus I really need to not push it tomorrow cuz I have to work Monday and Tuesday so I need to conserve my energy to make it through. I'm always exhausted by Wednesday anyway and I've never had to make it through while being sick. I already know the Eagens are going to take Dani Tuesday all day since I work till midnight Monday night and then go in again at 4pm till 10pm Tuesday night. Hopefully I'll get a nap to get me through on Tuesday. If I can just make it through, hopefully I'll be able to take it easy through the rest of the week. My brother and sister-in-law are going to be here (yeah!) but we don't have any big plans so hopefully we'll just sit around and do nothing. That's my kind of vacation!
I'm starting to ramble and it's time for my drugs-I can tell, my nose is getting more stuffy again...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
No room at the inn
I'm very excited by little things sometimes and today it happened again. CJ and I are going to Des Moines for the Tyler get-together on Dec 6th. We went last year and stayed at my Uncle Glen's house which worked out great. (we usually stay there anytime we go to Des Moines) However, this year there is no space for us to stay there since both his daughters and both Grandbabies moved back in. The one guest room he has is always occupied by my aunt. So my Grandmother graciously offered to pay for a hotel room. When I first heard about it, it felt like an answer to prayer. Then I got to thinking of the challenges it presents. First of all, Dani can't sleep in the same room as us. She cries if she sees us. Also, she is still having a bottle when she wakes up and before she goes to bed. That requires a fridge to store the milk (we could do with a cooler if need be so this isn't a huge issue) and a microwave to warm it up. (we've tried weaning her off to cold milk but she won't have it so this is a huge issue) Today I was looking online to book a room and discovered a hotel that specializes in long stays but will still book a room for 1 night if need be. It has a kitchenette (with fridge and microwave included) and is L shaped so we should be able to put Dani out of view. Plus it's only about $15 more than others we were looking at and is still within the budget given to us. Yeah!!! It makes me happy! I know it seems little to most of you but this really takes a lot of stress out of this trip. I no longer have to worry about this stuff. I have literally been stressing about these two issues for weeks, ever since the room was offered. Yeah!
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