The younger kids were all cheering this morning because there was no school. Brittney woke up in a panic and came running into my bedroom. "Is school really cancelled today because of all the snow?"
I naively expected her to be excited and I responded, "Yep."
"Darn it! I was going to wear a really cute outfit today and now I'm stuck at home with a bunch of loosers!"
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We love you too Brittney. We love you too.
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Monday, January 31, 2011
I Can Blog Again!!!
My internet is working again! And the long version is that because I had insurance on our wireless internet broadband card, Sprint tried to replace it when it quit working. But because they didn't have one like ours in stock, they gave us a different kind of card that we can connect to more computers. It's an upgrade! Now I can use it for my computer, Steve could access it for his computer and Brittney can use it for her iTouch - all at the same time.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Quick Coby Update
When my husband's gone, I find myself on the computer much less. Too much to do. He's home today (by that I mean he's in Brookings, not that he's literally "at home") and I just noticed that I hadn't updated about my nephew. Turns out he had rotovirus. He's out of the hospital, home and feeling much better now.
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Saturday, January 22, 2011
Coby
My nephew Coby, my sister Heather's 22 month old son, was admitted to the hospital yesterday. He's been throwing up for about a week now and can't seem to keep anything down. They admitted him for dehydration and gave him lots of IV's but also discovered serious bloating in his stomach. They ran tests for RSV and influenza and they've all come back negative so far. He's scheduled to have a CAT scan on his stomach this morning to help figure out what's going on.
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Friday, January 21, 2011
Happy Birthday Staci !!!!
Since it's your birthday, I wanted to let you know that you are so special to me that I wanted to give you a great big hug for your birthday!
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Unfortunately, this offer expires at midnight.
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But I'm pretty sure you hardly ever read this so I guess you'll miss out on the greatest hug ever :)
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PS: I asked your brother if today, the 21st, meant anything to him. He got a totally panicky look on his face but couldn't come up with anything. I could see him mentally ticking things off like, "not our anniversary, not Tricia's birthday, crap! What am I forgetting?"
But he didn't say anything. I finally took pity on him and told him it was his sister's birthday.
So I hope he at least calls you.
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Sorry
I usually try to post something everyday but obviously it hasn't worked out that way lately. Here's the latest:
Steve accepted a new position with a company based out of Yankton called Central Plains Insurance. After 12 years at Daktronics, he felt he was ready to move on. CPI offered him a higher base salary, plus commission, a vehicle, computer and phone. He started the 1st of January and loves it so far. He's been doing a lot of traveling lately - at least 3 days in a row each week - but that will be temporary. He'll eventually be based out of Brookings but for now he's doing a lot of training with other agents. He's also studying to obtain his license so that he can sell all types of insurance, including home, farm, vehicle and comercial. They are underwritten by lots of different insurers so he's not limited in cost by just one insurance company. Kind of like the Progressive comercial on tv where they compare lots of prices. The only difference is that he can sell you which ever one is the best deal for you :)
Steve's also going to be doing some marketing on the side for a multi-media company called Onderick Multi-Media. They specialize in website design. He's also still at the Swiftel center doing concessions some weekends. He's there tonight and tomorrow night for motocross.
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The kids were super excited to see Grandma Lori, Aunt Brooke and Uncle Nathan in Arizona. No, we didn't make a trip south, although it would have been nice to get away from this freezing cold. Brittney figured out Skype for us and we used the webcam on our laptop to visit with them since they also had a webcam on their end. At first, we could see and hear them and they could see us but couldn't hear us. So later we got a microphone we could plug into the computer and then the kids could talk to them too. I don't think the boys have talked to Brooke and Nathan since they were in foster care so it was fun to be able to connect the boys with them again. If we would have known how easy it was, we would have tried it years ago! Now that we know what we're doing, we'll easily be able to do it again.
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Steve, Riley & Anthony went to a pizza and basketball night last night sponsored by our men's group at church. They met with about 35 other dads and kids at the church around 5:30pm and had pizza. Then they went to the college to watch the SDSU men play basketball. The best part was that Steve and the boys got to spend some fun time together. The second best part was that it was free!
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Taylor is such a giving soul. She put $20 in the children's offering at church on Sunday. Bless her little heart. Unfortunately, it was the $20 she stole out of my drawer at home! So yesterday we had a discussion about if God really wants money that you took from someone else. Taylor thought probably not. I wonder if God will give my money back?
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Brittney has been busy with gymnastics. They practice after school every day until 6pm. Then sometimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she goes to the gym downtown after that until 9pm. They have gymnastics meets pretty much every week and she's doing really well and loves it. So far, she's keeping up with her homework and also with her socializing. I don't think she probably gets enough sleep but I guess that's what happens when you're 12 and loving life.
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Zeke is down to physical therapy once a week at the hospital and twice a week at school. He's totally ditched the wheelchair and is using the walker, except inside our house where he walks by himself. He can walk across a room without the walker if he concentrates and doesn't get distracted. He can do stairs slowly and can get out of the van by himself. I just purchased a little plastic stepstool so he can now also get himself into the van! He has another appointment in St Paul at Gillette Children's Hospital on February 10th.
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Sandy found an apartment in Brookings just a few blocks from us and moved in last weekend. Now she's able to have her own space and not be crowded into our chaotic little house. It's a two bedroom on the ground floor. She's still looking for a job in the Brookings area so keep her in your prayers. She's taking computer classes every day and really enjoying what she's learning. At this point, she still has her house in Redfield and spends some weekends there.
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I guess that just leaves me. I'm still doing the usual running kids everywhere and keeping up with the baby's busy schedule. Between all her visits and therapies, she hardly has time for naps! She'll be starting at my friend's daycare in a few weeks when I start my position at Headstart. I'll be a teacher's aid, specifically because they have some special needs kids who need a bit of "extra attention". Headstart must have figured that I would know a bit about that! I'm actually looking forward to being out in the world again.
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In the past few weeks, I've also been more intentional about my bible studies again. It seems like it wasn't as hard to find time the last year Anthony was home with me but this year we've just seemed to have a lot of chaos again. Which means it's even more important that I'm intentional about my walk with Christ.
Steve accepted a new position with a company based out of Yankton called Central Plains Insurance. After 12 years at Daktronics, he felt he was ready to move on. CPI offered him a higher base salary, plus commission, a vehicle, computer and phone. He started the 1st of January and loves it so far. He's been doing a lot of traveling lately - at least 3 days in a row each week - but that will be temporary. He'll eventually be based out of Brookings but for now he's doing a lot of training with other agents. He's also studying to obtain his license so that he can sell all types of insurance, including home, farm, vehicle and comercial. They are underwritten by lots of different insurers so he's not limited in cost by just one insurance company. Kind of like the Progressive comercial on tv where they compare lots of prices. The only difference is that he can sell you which ever one is the best deal for you :)
Steve's also going to be doing some marketing on the side for a multi-media company called Onderick Multi-Media. They specialize in website design. He's also still at the Swiftel center doing concessions some weekends. He's there tonight and tomorrow night for motocross.
.
The kids were super excited to see Grandma Lori, Aunt Brooke and Uncle Nathan in Arizona. No, we didn't make a trip south, although it would have been nice to get away from this freezing cold. Brittney figured out Skype for us and we used the webcam on our laptop to visit with them since they also had a webcam on their end. At first, we could see and hear them and they could see us but couldn't hear us. So later we got a microphone we could plug into the computer and then the kids could talk to them too. I don't think the boys have talked to Brooke and Nathan since they were in foster care so it was fun to be able to connect the boys with them again. If we would have known how easy it was, we would have tried it years ago! Now that we know what we're doing, we'll easily be able to do it again.
.
Steve, Riley & Anthony went to a pizza and basketball night last night sponsored by our men's group at church. They met with about 35 other dads and kids at the church around 5:30pm and had pizza. Then they went to the college to watch the SDSU men play basketball. The best part was that Steve and the boys got to spend some fun time together. The second best part was that it was free!
.
Taylor is such a giving soul. She put $20 in the children's offering at church on Sunday. Bless her little heart. Unfortunately, it was the $20 she stole out of my drawer at home! So yesterday we had a discussion about if God really wants money that you took from someone else. Taylor thought probably not. I wonder if God will give my money back?
.
Brittney has been busy with gymnastics. They practice after school every day until 6pm. Then sometimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she goes to the gym downtown after that until 9pm. They have gymnastics meets pretty much every week and she's doing really well and loves it. So far, she's keeping up with her homework and also with her socializing. I don't think she probably gets enough sleep but I guess that's what happens when you're 12 and loving life.
.
Zeke is down to physical therapy once a week at the hospital and twice a week at school. He's totally ditched the wheelchair and is using the walker, except inside our house where he walks by himself. He can walk across a room without the walker if he concentrates and doesn't get distracted. He can do stairs slowly and can get out of the van by himself. I just purchased a little plastic stepstool so he can now also get himself into the van! He has another appointment in St Paul at Gillette Children's Hospital on February 10th.
.
Sandy found an apartment in Brookings just a few blocks from us and moved in last weekend. Now she's able to have her own space and not be crowded into our chaotic little house. It's a two bedroom on the ground floor. She's still looking for a job in the Brookings area so keep her in your prayers. She's taking computer classes every day and really enjoying what she's learning. At this point, she still has her house in Redfield and spends some weekends there.
.
I guess that just leaves me. I'm still doing the usual running kids everywhere and keeping up with the baby's busy schedule. Between all her visits and therapies, she hardly has time for naps! She'll be starting at my friend's daycare in a few weeks when I start my position at Headstart. I'll be a teacher's aid, specifically because they have some special needs kids who need a bit of "extra attention". Headstart must have figured that I would know a bit about that! I'm actually looking forward to being out in the world again.
.
In the past few weeks, I've also been more intentional about my bible studies again. It seems like it wasn't as hard to find time the last year Anthony was home with me but this year we've just seemed to have a lot of chaos again. Which means it's even more important that I'm intentional about my walk with Christ.
Sioux Falls Gymnastics Meet
I didn't go because of the weather but here are Brit's results from last weekend:
The coach told her she was only competing on beam. So she only warmed up for beam. Her score was ok but she didn't place. Later in the competition, her teammates started calling her name at the vault. She discovered that she was also signed up for vault but the coach hadn't told her to vault. She informed the coach that she hadn't warmed up but the coach told her to compete anyway. I don't know her score but she placed 3rd!
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The coach told her she was only competing on beam. So she only warmed up for beam. Her score was ok but she didn't place. Later in the competition, her teammates started calling her name at the vault. She discovered that she was also signed up for vault but the coach hadn't told her to vault. She informed the coach that she hadn't warmed up but the coach told her to compete anyway. I don't know her score but she placed 3rd!
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
Bobcat Gymnastics
Brittney's results from yesterday's meet in Madison:
7.2 on beam (didn't place)
4th on vault with an 8.3
5th on bars with a 7.15
4th on floor with a 7.95
3rd in All-Around with a 30.6
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7.2 on beam (didn't place)
4th on vault with an 8.3
5th on bars with a 7.15
4th on floor with a 7.95
3rd in All-Around with a 30.6
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Friday, January 14, 2011
Insanity
My doctor asked if any members of my family suffered from insanity.
I replied, "No, we all seem to enjoy it".
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I didn't come up with this myself. It's thanks to my cousin Joslyn's FB post :)
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I replied, "No, we all seem to enjoy it".
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I didn't come up with this myself. It's thanks to my cousin Joslyn's FB post :)
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Opportunity
The baby is finally feeling better and I have the possibility of an exciting new opportunity. The Headstart program called this morning. They've been pursuing me for a teacher's aid position. The one they have in mind is Monday through Thursday, 8:15am to 1:30pm working with some special needs kids. My kids would already be in school and I'd be off work a couple of hours before they would be done with school for the day. I'd still have Fridays and Summers free. And the best part is that I'd be working with a wonderful teacher that I've known since Brittney was in preschool. She was wonderful with Zeke in headstart. It looks like the baby will be able to go to my friends daycare. I totally trust her with my kids so I was really happy that she had an opening. At first, she didn't think she would, but because of birthdates and numbers of kids, she discovered that she could take our little one. :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tidbits
I remember now why three hours of sleep is not enough.
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The baby's still sick.
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School was two hours late today because of snow.
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On a good note, Anthony's foster parents drove two hours through the snow yesterday to visit and take Anthony out to lunch.
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The baby's still sick.
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School was two hours late today because of snow.
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On a good note, Anthony's foster parents drove two hours through the snow yesterday to visit and take Anthony out to lunch.
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Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday
The baby was still throwing up and running a temp yesterday and last night but I think the worst is over now........ until the next kid gets sick.
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Friday, January 7, 2011
"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." - M. Scott Peck
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Last week my awesome dad wasn't sure we were all safe enough in our house so he replaced all the smoke detectors! And that was after he finished wiring up the light and outlets in the echo room. (The echo room is what the kids named the back half of the storage room that we converted into a room over the past month).
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Off to get the kids to school. Baby threw up during the night so we'll see what today brings.
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Off to get the kids to school. Baby threw up during the night so we'll see what today brings.
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Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Mixed Emotions
I'm having lots of mixed emotions about being subpeonaed to testify for court. The phone call about that probability came today from the assistant state's attorney. I can't blog about specifics or really even generalities, but it will be something that will be heavy on my heart during the next few months. Please pray with me that truth can be spoken and relationships can remain intact.
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Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Mon & Tues
Yesterday was filled with doctors' appointments and therapies. I'm excited because Zeke's doing well enough that we can cut down to one physical therapy a week at the hospital. (Plus his two at school).
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Steve started his new job yesterday so his boss brought over his laptop, phone and car. He travels to the Yanton area today and will be there until Thursday night.
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By 6pm, Brittney was on a bus to Watertown, Riley and Zeke were at Boys & Girls club to be picked up by Grandma Sandy, Taylor was with the Pickards, Anthony was with my parents, Sophia was with our friend Deb, and Steve and I were on our way to Brittney's gymnastics meet by ourselves. Thanks everyone!!!
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There were 3 teams competing at the meet; Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Watertown and Brookings. Brittney competed JV in floor and vault and took 4th in both. Their JV team took first place.
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Today will be another busy day. I have PPRT's all morning and into the afternoon at DSS. Then at 4:15, another person and myself will be representing Camp Adventure. The United Way board has asked to interview us concerning the Camp so sometime between now and then I'll be studying the books like crazy so I can sound like I know what I'm talking about during the interview.
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The kids go back to school on Thursday. I don't know yet if I'm looking forward to it or dreading it. It'll get them out of the house and back with all their friends and on a regular schedule again. On the other hand, it's that much more running around to drop off and pick up. I know one thing - the poor baby will be lonely when she's stuck with just me again!
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Steve started his new job yesterday so his boss brought over his laptop, phone and car. He travels to the Yanton area today and will be there until Thursday night.
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By 6pm, Brittney was on a bus to Watertown, Riley and Zeke were at Boys & Girls club to be picked up by Grandma Sandy, Taylor was with the Pickards, Anthony was with my parents, Sophia was with our friend Deb, and Steve and I were on our way to Brittney's gymnastics meet by ourselves. Thanks everyone!!!
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There were 3 teams competing at the meet; Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Watertown and Brookings. Brittney competed JV in floor and vault and took 4th in both. Their JV team took first place.
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Today will be another busy day. I have PPRT's all morning and into the afternoon at DSS. Then at 4:15, another person and myself will be representing Camp Adventure. The United Way board has asked to interview us concerning the Camp so sometime between now and then I'll be studying the books like crazy so I can sound like I know what I'm talking about during the interview.
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The kids go back to school on Thursday. I don't know yet if I'm looking forward to it or dreading it. It'll get them out of the house and back with all their friends and on a regular schedule again. On the other hand, it's that much more running around to drop off and pick up. I know one thing - the poor baby will be lonely when she's stuck with just me again!
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Sunday, January 2, 2011
Anthony Says
We took the easy way out and went out for lunch today for Anthony's birthday. That's what he wanted to do so that's what we did.
While we were there, Anthony asked if dad was old.
I asked if he thought dad was old.
"Yep," he replied matter of factly.
Then I asked a dangerous question. "Do you think I'm old?"
The wonderful child responded with, "Nope. You're not old".
Then, as I started to hug him for his wonderful answer, he continued, "but you look old."
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While we were there, Anthony asked if dad was old.
I asked if he thought dad was old.
"Yep," he replied matter of factly.
Then I asked a dangerous question. "Do you think I'm old?"
The wonderful child responded with, "Nope. You're not old".
Then, as I started to hug him for his wonderful answer, he continued, "but you look old."
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Saturday, January 1, 2011
Girls' Room (Taylor & Sophia)
Since Steve had the day off yesterday and a blizzard was raging outside, we decided to tackle the girls' room yesterday.
First our friends the Pickards came and hauled away another bed and double mattress - after we got to sit and chat with them and the kids played for a while.
Then Steve & I took almost everything out of the room except the dressers.
Our wonderful friends, the Rustens, came over in the middle of the snow storm with the loft bed for Taylor. Steve & Dave helped put it together while Sandy and I tried to help with directions.
We also got the crib put up and moved the changing table back in.
There are a few more things to finish, like hanging up a pet net and maybe trying to find some cute pink curtains, but the room is mostly finished!
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Then we headed off to a New Year's Eve Party with some friends. Brittney and I made a deal. She could have a friend over to spend the night if she would keep Zeke and Anthony at home. We got them ready for bed and she basically just hung out here while they slept. We took Taylor, Riley & Sophia with us to the party. We had a great time with friends, both old and new. And we even managed to stay up until midnight!
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Taylor Says
The kids are in the dining room playing with the big boxes from Tay's new bed. Pretty soon I hear Taylor yell, "MOM!!!! Zeke's in my habitat!!!"
Riley Says
While we were driving to our New Year's Eve party, Riley looks out the van window and says "I know who Mother Nature is. God's wife."
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