Progress....Progress....Progress

If I could tell you the theme of this past week it would be Progress......

We have baked 5 different kinds of Christmas Cookies in the last 7 days.....and have 1 more kind to go for today or tomorrow....equaling neighborhood gifts and Santa treats almost done. We made butter cookies, oreo truffles (yummy), white and chocolate "moon cookies" (Gideon calls them) white and chocolate Santa Sandwich cookies and brownie tassies...I know...I am so not traditional with my cookie baking but I actually let Gid pick the recipes this year and these are the ones he picked. Anyway so cookie baking is almost checked. Christmas Shopping is almost done. I have my list for our gifts to the local homeless house and we just have to hit Walmart tomorrow night with the kids for those....almost check. All but one of our online purchases has arrived and it is suppose to be delivered today ...almost check...(I feel like I'm almost checking a lot of these...but really by tomorrow night all will be checked off hopefully.) I have my assignments for what to bring to at 2 Christmas' Parties (of course not the Roynons...my parents won't decide either of those til like next Wed or Thurs :):) Anyway I just feel like the hustle and bustle of Christmas prep is finally coming to a close...and I am sighing...ahhhhhhh.........

Lucy is also progressing really well. We had her PT evaluation today and it was GREAT!! Starting after the first of the year we are going to go to Physical therapy every Thursday morning. This will help with muscle strengthening, bone correction, stability, joint displacement...etc....anyway her therapist will work directly with our Orthodic Therapist to get Lucy what she needs for her feet. She has very poor tone all over but especially on her legs and butt. Because she is flat footed and has very poor muscle tone in her ankles and feet her natural foot position is for her feet to tip inward. The therapist says she has done an awesome job compensating by adjusting her feet to the correct position but her inner ankle/foot bones have developed strangly because of this and also she has learned to walk/run without using the muscles on her upper thighs and butt much at all...therefore she needs some major strengthening there and she WILL NOT like the orthodics because they will make her work harder. She will have to wear them at all times so she might be an unhappy camper. Anyway....so once a week we will drive 45 minutes for 1 hour of physical therapy, eventually once a week we'll have to drive 45 minutes for 1 hour of occupational therapy...and starting the first of the year...we will probably drive 45 minutes a week for speech therapy as well. Hopefully they will combine or at least back to back some of the appointments so we are not always on the run....I am excited about this Physical Therapy. The therapist stated that her coming 1 time a week will strengthen her body better for her other therapies and we may see quicker progress in the other areas as well. Plus it will help her during her growth spurts so she doesn't fall so far behind physically as she grows. Also...total praise. I learned that God truely provided for us with Julie Miller. We saw her unexpectidly on a Thurs morning...the following Monday she stopped taking new patients....Praise God...he truely loves us and not only wants what's best for us but makes it happen!! Oh how he loves you and me......Good news...Good news....

Other than that...our lives have been great. We just got our little Maxie girl....And she is doing great. Check my facebook for a picture. She is a little puff ball of fur and really quite well behaved. So far...all my research has payed off......last night I said to Keith..."ok...we started out with the TOTALLY wrong dog for us with our first puppy Maddie....this one is already sooooo much easier"....the dog is mellow...had few accidents...and other than getting up to let her out a couple of times at night (which will soon be done with) she's behaving great...already going into her crate to sleep during the day by herself and not really barking all that much to be let out at night! Whew.....so far so good! :) :) :)She'll run around and play with the kids and get all hyper and you pick her up....and she cuddles like a baby...and doesn't try to squiggle away....LOVE IT!!! Anyway that's the scoop on our little family!! Hope all's well with everyone else!!

Blow Wind Blow and Go Mill Go

Holy Cow!! It is SOOOOOOO windy today! My front window...that I officially broke the storm window out of while cleaning it this summer is rattleing and I think it might just break out and fly away! I am trying to avoid going outside at all costs...but I may have to walk to the mailbox...and to the barn to shut the door that blew open last night! MAN!! It hasn't been this windy around here in a LONG time!
We've had quite a busy week so far....for us...Friday and Sat Keith and I went Christmas Shopping. We are almost done! Whew!! It was really busy while we were there....I stood in a line at Kohls that wrapped all the way to the back of the store!! Luckily it went really fast but when I got there I thought...do I really want to be shopping here? Anyway Sunday was our official day to teach Sunday School (the whole 13 4 year olds in a shoe box thing)....quite stressful but they were actually all well behaved this time! We had a lot of fun with them...some of them are just adorable and even though the room is WAY too small we managed to keep them all focused and entertained for the hour and a half that we had them. Monday was Lucy's therapy day....which we got a GREAT report...I don't remember if I talked about our unexpected blessing last week but Dr Julie Miller...who we were going to have to wait 6 weeks to see...called us unexpectedly on Thursday and said she had a cancellation and wondered if we could come see her at 1 that day....we rushed around....praised God and went...SHE WAS AWESOME....she spent 1 and 1/2 hours in the room with us...yeah....totally unheard of for Doc's and she observed Lucy and did different activities with her...she tickled her and had her jump and run...watched her eye movements and hand movements....AWESOME....she actually TOOK TIME to see that there was something up with Lucy and she (although she's been diagnosed with Lymphoma and is going to be undergoing chemo) took a real interest in Lucy and wants to help her ALOT...she even stated..."I'm going to be going through some tough stuff the next few weeks but I don't want Lucy to fall through the cracks...we need to find out what is going on with her...if I haven't called you back in 4 weeks...call my office and they'll know how to get ahold of me"...Yeah...any doctor that is willing to think of your child while undergoing crap like chemo shows the character of her heart and her willingness to help....WE LOVED HER!!! She ordered PT, and Speech therapy so our lives are about to get really hectic. She also ordered orthotics for Lucy which cost...get thsi $400.00 a pair and are only good for as long as the foot stays the same size...luckily insurance will pay but HOLY COW!!! Anyway those will help her with her stability and balance issues and coordination. She also asked that we get Lucy back into dance or gymnastics or karate to help with her coordination. So between going to Toledo possibly 2 times a week and mixing in Dance or something and doctors appointments with like 4 different docs we are going to be busy...but the good news is Lucy is improving in therapy and meeting her 3 month goals..she is able to stick out her tongue now...not up but down and out which is HUGE for her. She is also getting much sturdier in balence and able to climb and swing better without falling so much! We will probably be going through some genetics testing in the next few weeks also which might help answer some of our questions about the "whys" of everything. Lucy is also starting to have more of a body awareness....so that will also help her. She has some Apraxia which is when the brain knows what it wants to do but can't get the fingers/mouth to do it fast...anyway that's why she gets so frustrated and takes time to do things...the Doctor told us...she's a beautiful girl who's doing AWESOME with her uncooperative body...but we can help her do better! GREAT NEWS!! Anyway...such good news....
So anyway last night we had Gideon's Christmas Concert. He was so cute singing on the stage...although the girls were moving THE WHOLE TIME...so it was hard to listen to all the grades sing but it was fun...and when we left the school it was snowing...perfect night for a Christmas concert. So that's an update on our busy lives...Today we are doing laundry to catch up and starting to make some Christmas cookies (to freeze)...because.....THE PUPPY COMES SAT!!!!!! Wish us good luck!!!! Hope all's well!!

Have you seen the Gingerbread Man?

If any of you reading my blog have seen the Gingerbread Man, Gideon would really like to know where he is. Evidently yesterday at school...they made a Gingerbread man in class and took it to the oven in the cafeteria to bake it. They took it out to cool and when they went back to pick it up later.....IT WAS GONE!!!!...there were just sugary footprints off the pan.....His class is now on a search for the Gingerbread man so if you've seen it please call us! HAHAAHAHA!! Gideon told me...."Mom...me and Meleah thought it was just a fairy tale...but it wasn't...ours really ran away" He's having SO much fun with this story. On Monday his homework was to decorate a paper gingerbread man that he had cut out at school...he gave it button eyes and a jingle bell nose..it was really cute. I'm excited he's having fun learning....I wish that momentum would stay through all of his school years!
Our lives have been "steady" this last week but not too busy. We had an awesome Thanksgiving...incredibly relaxing....we really didn't DO anything....except get the Christmas tree and decorations up...which is always a hassle....seriously every year I say I am going to get a new tree because ours is just MASSIVE. and a PAIN to put togethor...but once we get it decorated...the "King of the Mountain" is so pretty I just can't part with it...but really....it's going to have to go soon...it's getting really dirty and rusty in the joints and it's starting to tip a little bit at the top...next year I want to get a real tree. I can still remember as a child living in Virginia climbing up this mountain with my brothers and parents in snow up to my knees to pick out a Christmas tree...I Sooooo want to let my kids experience something like that.....of course there are not even hills here...but still the cutting down and picking out is still worth it to me. I did get a real pine wreath for the front door...so we are partially real I guess :) :)
We are going Christmas shopping on Sat if all goes well and I hope to get most of it done then because next week is D-Day...and I'm not talking about the beaches of Normandy......Yes...the time has officially come.....the Dog is only a week away. I have my game face on and I'm getting ready...actually I am SOOOOO excited. I have been researching crate training on the internet and any other information I can. This time...despite what all goes on...I'm determined to be intellectually prepared :) I want to do this right!! I want a good dog so I need to put some effort into getting it that way. Plus...I think I've matured from the previous experience (at least I hope so) I hope that three kids have made me more responsible :) :) I am a little more used to cleaning up poop and pee now than I was...and getting up in the middle of the night. :) :) So Sat morning the 12th our lives are going to change forever......and I'm so ready for the kids to know...Keith has been telling them they are NOT getting a dog for Christmas...he about had Gideon in tears the other night...I told Gideon that it was between him and Santa...Daddy said...."Santa and I are like this (crossing his fingers) so he won't give us a dog without my approval"....It should be a good surprise!! I am going to wrap up a copier paper box I got at work and put it in there with a towel (they have a story about a Christmas puppy like that) anyway other than that...I have no idea what I 'm going to do. Soooo.....needless to say...everything has to be done or almost done by next Sat because after that our lives will be busy with puppy training!!
That's the big update on our little lives....Hope all's well

Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a goodnight....

Hope everyone has an awesome thanksgiving tomorrow.... we are going to have a very relaxing time. The folks on both sides are absent.....mine in Maryland...his in Myrtle Beach.....I have just eaten my first thanksgiving meal at 10 in the morning with Gideon's class at school. The next one will be tomorrow evening at my grandma's where me...my kids...possibly my husband...my aunt and uncle and grandparents (the only family around) are gathering for a Spiessy Feasty.....anyway...it should be fun. Keith is currently on the couch...recovering from his minor surgery this morning so that leaves me in sole possesion of the chilens for the day......so that's our holiday game plan...lay around....eat some....lay around some more....eat some more..... put up the Christmas tree....eat some more.....lay around some more.....if we blink it will be over so I am hoping the clock ticks slowly for our lazy thanksgiving weekend.....
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Boy Turns 6

Yes...yesterday my little boy turned 6!! Holy Smokes (his words) he's getting big...I cannot believe it was 6 years ago that I gave birth to the little booger!! He's always suppose to stay my little boy and everyday I see him growing bigger and I have to give him up a little bit more....so sad but so exciting too! He requested Subway for his birthday and wanted to eat in the restaurant (it's so exciting to a 6 year old (I guess) to sit in the restauraunt rather than drive thru and take it home :)) Anyway we met the grandparents there and ate and then headed home for presents and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting (the ONLY cake worth eating in Gideon's book :) ) Anyway he then opened his gifts and was "unable" to talk to anybody else on the phone (jacob and uncle colin called) because he was too "busy" trying to figure out his new transformers:) It was a great day! He is getting so big and learning so much. He's reading now which is so weird...funny thing...Keith and I have tried to switch to pig latin because he's understanding spelling words now so the other day we were talking about getting Gideon his "esentprays" and he said...."presents??"...GREAT!! Now what do we do as inconspicuous parents trying to disclose info from our kids in plain sight??? Oh well...guess we'll have to work on it! Anyway we are proud of our one and only and don't know what we'd do without the funny things he says and does...his laughter and his hugs and kisses....his imagination and his fun personality! We love ya gid!! Happy Birthday!!!

Chicago Recap

Gideon loves to use the camera...this was his shot of us in the hotel room..actually turned out pretty good! Good job Gid!

So...Chicago was a blast! As you can see in the above picture taken at Shedd....we just happened to sit in front of these people we didn't even know who had girls our same ages in the exact same dresses....HILARIOUS!!!! What are the chances of that! The same age girls even had the same color dress...though it could have been switched...SO FUNNY...the crowd kept asking us if we were all togethor as a group....we were like..."no...we just sat down and turned around and realized that we all have a Great sense of style :) "

So on Friday when we got there...we checked into the hotel and gave the kids a choice....Chicago style pizza...or Chicago style hotdogs.....they chose the hotdogs....Keith took us to Portillo's...now in all the millions of times I've been to Chi-town...eating hotdogs has not exactly been my priority so I've never tried one...but Keith said I "had to try it" so...me being the adventurous eater that I am sat down to a hotdog with tomato, pickle, relish, ketchup,mustard, onion and hot pepper on a poppy seed roll. It was actually really yummy....that is until I got to the hot pepper.....I will quote my husband when I asked him if the pepper was really hot or not..."It's hot...but not really that bad"......Famous last words....I bit into the hot pepper hotdog....The entire pepper was in my mouth...about 2 1/2 inches long....the minute I bit into it.....I lost all feeling in my tongue and started crying....I could not spit it out because we were surrounded by people and I had no napkin....so I choked it down...and spent the next 1/2 hour shoving bread, french fries...pop...anything into my mouth to cool it down....an hour after...my tongue was still burning! Thanks Keith!! I am never trusting my husband again...(he was laughing at me by the way as I struggles to keep the food in my stomach as it burned all the way down)....

So...he owed me big time and let me order up a nice big slice of cheesecake to the room later :):) Sat...we hit Shed and the AWESOME new aquatic show....Their new arena sits right on Lake MI...I mean right...like the water in the tank looks like it just keeps going out into the lake...The show was great...they let the penguins, hawks and even a sea lion (huge) come out into the audience....and people got to pet them!! Amazing...then they had a Beluga Whale show...so cool and a dolphin show..like seaworld....so great! We also saw the sharks which were swimming on our sides and above our heads in a almost 20 foot high tank that wrapped around the sides of the room and the ceiling...the sharks were huge and Lucy was really scared of them...she kept covering her head and telling me she wanted to leave....

We tried MI ave for a little bit on Sat but it was waaaayyyy too busy...more than I've ever seen it so we ordered take out Gino's pizza and headed for the hotel pool...which was on the top floor of the hotel...and was surrounded by John Hancock...the clocktower etc....BE-autiful! We had a blast!...even though the pool water was FREEZING!! Sunday we hit MI ave with the Kreigers (Keith's bosses family) while Keith and his boss did some competitive shopping and hit Navy Pier for the Sofa Show (the reason we were there)...we met the guys for lunch at The Rainforest Cafe and then hid out in the hotel until the guys were done with the show and took off for home. It was an awesome trip...very laid back and easy...great for the kids first real trip to the big city.

On another note Lucy met her new opthamologist yesterday and to make a long story short....she does not have Duane's Syndrome...but she is just cross eyed....crossed out rather than in....like her cousin Josh....treatment is the same....not much ....but it may get worse with age and we will cross that bridge when we get there....So that's a recap of our lives....busy but fun. Today is my first day that I don't have to be anywhere and I am loving it! I got a cold and am achy and it's so nice to sit around in my flannel pj's all day and just be comfty!! Hope everyone's doing well.....tune in next week...same blog time...same blog channel (that was for Gid)

Holding On.....

As you can see.....the kids had a pretty fun Halloween! Gideon sported his Homemade Mr Incredible outfit yet again (I think this is the last year I'll get away with putting my underwear on him for a costume :)) Lucy was of course Bell and Ella a little Giraffe. They looked great and did great also. We hit mom and dad's a few of our friends and then went to A. Evan's Trunk or Treat in which the kids reeled in the loot! Anyway, cousin Jacob was along so that ALWAYS makes my kids happy. We had a lot of fun. On Friday night (before Halloween) Keith and I went to pick out our new puppy. I fell in love with the little girl. She is going to be brownish and white. There was an 8 week old there that was her same coloring and both Keith and I loved it....however it peed on the already hesitant about the whole thing daddy...so he didn't get quite as attatched as I did but he was still LOVING holding our little Maxie girl (the kids want to name the dog max....we'll see if the name stays after they get it) Anyway we are keeping it a secret from the kids so SHHHHHHH!!! We will give it to them as their main Christmas present but it will be given 2 weeks before Christmas because the breeder won't hold it any longer than that. The kids will be so excited...I am so excited to give it to them...5 more weeks and she'll be all ours...then my posts will consist of venting about dog potty training I'm sure...but at least this time around and 2 years worth of doggie research will pay off with a small compact dog that doesn't shed (my number one priority), doesn't eat or poop much (Keith's number 1 priority) doesn't need to be walked everyday...hence...a lap dog. And isn't hyperactive!!....this puppy is breeder gaurantee'd to be easy to potty train and not a yapper!! We will see...we will see....although I must admit...when we went into the barn to pick out the puppy...every other dog in the place was whining and yapping...except for these puppies and their mommy and the other mommy of the same breed and her puppies...here's hoping the research and careful search pays off!! Anyway we get her Dec 12~~

Sunday was our day to teach the 14 ....4 year olds in Sunday School...it is a huge handful and I am always stressed at the end...seeing as thought the classroom is the size of a tissue box but we survived! Today Keith is in The Windy City...he'll be home tonight...only to be home for one day and then all the family is leaving (provided no one is sick...PLEASE LORD!!!) for a vacation/work trip with Keith back to Chicago for the weekend. We plan to hit Shed and Willis and maybe a few shops...just to entertain the kids...no purchase necessary :) Thanks to Sauders for eating the bill (granted Keith has to work sometime while we are there and I will be left with 3 crazy kids in a big city..after we check out of the hotel.but we'll have fun!) So...if anyone is wondering what to pray for us...PRAY FOR GOOD HEALTH til Monday when we get back so we can have a wonderful time!! Hope everyone is happy and healthy!! Love to all!

Praise Jesus For His Provision!

As you can see.....Lucy has officially pooped on the potty 30 times and therefore is not only completely and totally potty trained (ie...not pull-ups, diapers and doesn't have to be reminded to go pee/poo on the potty just tells us she has to go) but has earned her much desired BELL DRESS!!! WOO HOO!!!! GO LUCY!! I actually teared up last night. She hasn't had any accidents for like 3 weeks now but this was the official pinacle achievement for her and I am so proud of her. Let me tell you ...with her issues this has NOT been an easy thing...not that it ever is...but she did it! She was so thrilled to get her dress she had to call everybody! Unfortunetly Daddy was traveling last night but will be back today and Lucy is determined to put on her dress and parade around the room for Daddy! She told me last night..."I am the loveliest girl ever"...I don't even know where she gets this stuff! She's a true princess at heart I tell ya!! So...I am on a high today....I thought 6 months ago this time would never come...6 months....even 3 weeks ago when she pooped all over the basement... (yes...totally nasty) I thought....there is something wrong with her...she is never going to learn...I hope we don't need to see a doctor about this....but SHE DID IT ON HER OWN!!! WOOHOO!!!! So...that's all for this week and that's enough to make this mommy praising Jesus for his constant love and provision...even in the small stuff!! :)

Ebay Obsession....

So, as many of you know, I have a slight obsession with ebay. I love to buy and I love to sell. Currently I have some items up for the bidding but I am totally not happy because this is the second time I've put them up and they are being "watched" but not being "sold". So frustrating. It's really good stuff. I hope it goes soon! I could use the cash for Christmas! :) I think I'm also going to be having a garage sale in the spring if anyone is interested in contribution. It will probably be close to June. The other homes in my neighborhood usually do it then. I will be selling all the baby stuff that hasn't been snatched up by a friend or relation. I hope it goes well. It will probably take me all winter to price but I figure it will be a good distraction from the hum drum winter days!
Our family is doing well right now. We are holding our own against the influenza. Of course it hasn't hit Gideon's school very much yet so that is a BIG part of our current good health. With the help of Papa Keith finally got the little barn roofed last night! (it's only taken us like a month and a half to do it...because of weather and schedule) It looks great and it is now time to tackle the overwhelming task of back yard furniture/toy winter clean up. I got the kids started on it yesterday afternoon which incredibly went REALLY well except that where they were suppose to put all the toys (in the garage) was a mess in itself...I'm thinking this is going to turn into a Sat project...clean the garage...rack the leaves in the yard....clean up outdoor stuff (sounds like a morning that needs to start with a lot of Stella Leona steamers and Tuxedo's YUM!!!
Anyway Lucy will have her first real OT appointment next week! Such an awesome experience. Pretty much the OT confirmed and acknowledged absolutely everything I saw in Lucy and said...in fact YES I see the muscular issues!! FINALLY someone who can offer some explanation and help! She stated that it could all be from Lucy's lack of muscular tone....tone that goes all over her body that is so low that the muscle reactors that actually move the muscles do not have enough tone to work with so they either quit working all togethor or not work very well. So, at this point without another neurological diagnosis we are going to work on Muscle building...which means lots of jumping and bouncing for Lucy on the balls, swings and trampolines! She's going to love this therapy :) Anyway we happen to get her into the BEST ped's PT/OT/ST in the tri-state area and God got us into one of the two best OT's in the joint!! PRAISE YOU JESUS!! We are really excited. The facility has an indoor and outdoor gym and lots of rooms to do different therapy things. Lucy LOVED it. She was very comfortable..within 25 minutes of us being there she was playing in the gym with the therapist while I was in a completely different room with the door shut doing paper work...she can't wait to go back! Ella is being a stinker and saying more words everyday. She talks a mile a minute...yesterday when I turned on word world for her she said..."Good Girl Mommy...Tank You" :) So funny! Since Lucy is completely potty trained (3 poops away from her Bell Dress :) Ella has taken an interest. She is constantly wanting to be put on the potty...she points to her diaper and says "off mama, I go peepee" So funny. The other night I put her on and she actually went...she giggled the whole time. She is obsessed with tooting and burping (come on!! She's only almost 2 ) She laughs so hard anytime she or anyone else blows either way :) :) :) Anyway that's the scoop on our lives! We are looking forward to a family trip to the Windy city (we're going with Keith on a work trip --FINALLY!!) in early November and we are actually going to spend THanksgiving alone this year...am I going to attempt to make a turkey for just us??? I doubt it...Keith has requested chicken wings, taquitos and about 4 different dips (we'll see about that) Hope everyone is good...Good health and blessing to everyone!!

It's a Party in the USA.....

Pirates minutes before they found their buried treasure

ARGGGG Matey's

This stuff was squishy!

I have peas on my head!

It was quite a party weekend. It started out with a girly visit with Lucy and Ella's favorite girl cousin Jessica (and little chubby Lucas) We all had a nice visit but I think the girls could not quite get enough of eachother! They had a blast! That was Friday...Sat we had the annual fall party/grammy's birthday weekend. The kids carved pumpkins, went on a treasure hunt, went trick or treating...played with cousins....got sick (at least Gid and Ella did), but had an awesome time anyway! Hope we didn't get anyone else coughing and snotting it up! So that was a very quick review of the weekend. Keith is gone today to Minnesota and I am taking Lucy to her first OT appointment. Hope all goes well (thanks for the prayers). Friday or Sat we are going to go out for my b-day...I hate getting older but I love Keith taking me out on a date so I guess you gotta let go of somethings to enjoy the rest :)....anyway Hope everyone is happy and healthy!!

Straight Talk, Straight Cut

So...the question is....do I look more or less like my daughter with straight hair?....Unfortunetly I still don't see much of a resemblance (though I would LOVE to loook like her-she's a beaut!)
Anyway so....I decided to post a pic of me with straight hair because....it just doesn't happen that often and I thought I would document it. I never do it myself....it would take too much time...so I leave that up to my lovely friend (and hairdresser) Janel every 3 months :) It stays for about 48 hours and then goes back to the massive curl. I like it straight but I tend to think it makes my chin look even more narrow and big....as in the above picture....oh well...it's fun while it lasts and is a good change. Anyway so What's up with us you ask well....nothing really....we are just living the days away....without much change....Gid's still going to school, Lucy starts OT next week and has pretty much mastered potty training...I don't really even ask her anymore...she just tells me and then goes...I thought this would never come but we've gone a good 8 days without accident (I know it will happen sometime) and Ella is getting more and more personality every day. I have realized that I absolutely LOVE 1 and a half to 2 and a half...they are HILARIOUS!! Ella's recent comical act is to say "MAMA NANANANANA) which means I am suppose to sing the batman (1960's) theme song...and she'll run around in a circle and then say "MATMAN"....it's sooooo funny...she will also say ....1 2 Frwee GO!! And start racing around the house...stop and start all over again....so she keeps us entertained. Keith as of yet, does not have to go to China this fall...which is awesome since we thought he might have to go over Thanksgiving. Of course nothing is solid because at anytime the accounts he works with could go over...forcing him to but as of now....it's a No....YAY!!!! I am going to start working at the hospital another 1/2 day a month. They are in need of someone and even though I really don't want to I feel like I need to be flexible so in the future I am better off there. Anyway that's about all.....it's a beautiful fall afternoon and as I listen to the constant machinery moving dirt across the road from my house (building a new park and ball fields) I think I may be lulled into a peaceful afternoon nap......

New Thoughts...

So...in my Bible Study we are studying the book of Ruth. We've just begun so we are only in chapter 1 but already I feel the spirit moving me a bit....well to be quite honest...he's been moving me for awhile but by the grace of God it is slow and gentle. God is not a harsh cruel God Praise the Lord!! Anyway so we were studying when Naomi and Ruth go back to Israel and the people don't even recognize Naomi because she is so altered. She actually asks the women to call her by another name...Mara which means bitter. What is assumed is that Naomi was in such a negative state compared to her former self that they were not even sure who she was...ok so we questioned why Ruth would stay with her...why Ruth, who had no "relationship with the Lord" would stay with someone after that someone had lost their faith in that Lord.....So here's the deal.....I am extremely negative....grew up in the church...accepted Christ as a kid...grew into the faith....never had much of a rebellion or "life on the other side"....definetly questioned my faith (poor Keith) but never really lost it......but still am incredibly negative...My mother in law accepted Christ later in life....fully experienced life outside of Christ.....never wants to go back.....and has GREAT faith, not to mention....POSITIVITY!!! So granted I see myself as Naomi and my mom in law as Ruth (quite the opposite of the original story but still true)So I am wondering....are you born with the disposition to be negative (ie...have a hard time with faith) or positive (ie naturally led to "believe") or is it something that your parents help you see....or is it that you have to consciously make a decision to be one or the other every day.......In my case...I think it breaks down to decision which totally stinks.....(more negativity :) All those out there that positivity comes natural to are incredibly lucky! Praise the Lord you were made that way or your parents led you in that direction etc.....it's going to be a long struggle in my life to break the chains that I have built up in just 30 years. I am incredibly thankful that I have a loving family-in-law that seem to be blessed with this positive attitude and had I not married my wonderful husband I don't know where I would be...so everyone...please be patient with my negativness....I'm a work in progress :) :) :)

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy oh so Yummy for me...

We are surviving.....and almost done......36 hours from now all will be completely and totally as it should be :) So.....this posting is going to be about my favorite thing FOOD!!! I love to cook it I love to experiment with it....but most of all I LOVE TO EAT IT!!! So here's my most recent melting pot of recipes..........the delicious apple crispy..........

4-6 apples peeled cored and sliced
2 tbls of lemon juice
1/2 c brown sugar

mix these togethor in your baking pan

Topping:
1 1/2 cups of flour
2/3 cup of oatmeal
1 1/2 cups of white sugar
2 tsp cin
1/2 tsp salt

Mix togethor

Then add

2 eggs beaten
6-8 (Yum Yum Yum) table spoons of melted butter

Mix it up and put it on top of the apples.....put it in the oven at 375 for 40 minutes and you got one totally unhealthy but totally delicious and worth EVERY calorie apple crispy cobblery piey sort of dish.......YUM....my mouth is drooling......

Good Eats (that was in honor of you Drewbs)

Survival Mode....

Have you ever just gotten really depressed and wanted to wallow in it for awhile? I know I am being REALLY negative and bluntly honest but this is one of those times I feel like swimming in the sea of other peoples pity for a little while....The last month has been a really tough one, to say the least. I don't know what has been up but I have been a mean mommy and a very unsympathetic wife, a whining daughter and a lathargic aunt. What has got me feeling like this....one can only guess. A lot of it centers around Keith traveling a whole lot, making my job a 24/7 one...not to mention all the stuff going on in our lives with Lucy and the testing.....but it's more than that...it's like a lack of enthusiasm and general unhappines....don't worry...I am NOT suicidal....just having a rough time. I should try and be grateful for what we have...a house, health, jobs, family that is not sick, friends that love us and we love, a God that is good.....but it's really hard for me to think about all that when what is present is so pressing. Ok...that's enough of my personal venting session....on to more important things....
So Keith is gone in Las Vegas for awhile...then he'll be home for like 1 day and then he's leaving for his annual fishing trip (I know....I need to be supportive...I'm trying)....So I'll be a fishing/work widow for the next 2 weeks. Currently, my parents are also missing in action taking a much needed vacation to see my brothers and their families...this is all well and good except that they have Chickens, Cats and Dogs I have to take care of in their absence....Two wild dogs....three kids scared of the dogs....4 new baby kittens to keep the dogs away from, a bucket of slimy chicken water and a dusty poopy pen have been my friends these last 4 days....I shouldn't complain the chickens are mine and I paid for them (with mom) and I only take care of them when they are away...but right now....store bought eggs sound really good. Gideon is going to school...most days....this morning he missed the bus....the neighbor lady took him so grammy didn't have to (I was at work) He loves it and wishes it was all day everyday....the only bad thing is he's picking up attitude and we are having MAJOR issues combating it...hopefully that will turn around soon. Lucy's test all came back negative....which is good....nothing is wrong with those things and I should be rejoicing but a part of me wants some sort of a diagnosis....my reaction was....."then what in the world is wrong with my child !!!"....I guess I just want some answers and that's not going to happen for awhile....we are attempting 4 months of Occupational Therapy and then if that doesn't work we'll go to another specialist or have some more tests done....poor little Lucy! Ella is doing ok...she's still having some temper tantrums but she's happy most of the time and her smiles, hugs and kisses are bright lights to me right now...anyway I hope I have not depressed anyone by this update...it's just the scoop on us we are eating, sleeping and living through each day which is enough for me at this point in survival mode.

Almost a month later.....

It's been waaaaayyyy too long folks...way to long....what can I tell you about the past month.....it's gone...that's one thing! :) Man! Have our lives been crazy! We are in constant movement...well not at the beginning of the month...we were literally home 13 days straight with sick kids...if you've ever heard of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease pray that you never get it!! It's horrible and the girls were really sick. Ella was actually in the hospital for a couple days! Anyway we moved straight from that to the Roynon family vacation. We didn't go anywhere but it was fun to spend time with family and friends...moving on the Gideon's first day of school and Lucy's neurologist appointment which both went well....Gid's been in school now for a week and a half and absolutely LOVES it ....he feels like big stuff riding the bus (even though we are like a 1/2 mile from the school :) He brings home homework everynight and has adjusted to the time change (as in waking up early) very well!! If I could just get my girls adjusted!! Can we say cranky!! Anyway Lucy's appointment went well...in the next 2 weeks we have an MRI, MRA, Swallow Study, Genetics testing, Muscle Testing and Occupation Therapy to endure but hopefully in the end we will have a happy healthy and "able" Lucy! So...that's the brief synopsis of our last month!! I've attached a couple of pic's! Hope you enjoy~~

Beach Days and More

So we had a great beach vacation....like a month ago...man time just flew!! We had an awesome vacation with lots of great sunny weather, boogie boarding, sun bathing and people watching :) We saw several schools of dolphins which we could have swam out and touched...they were swimming around the surfers and boogie boarders(yes they were dolphins not sharks :)) Anyway we also saw lots of sand crabs and jelly fish. We ate our normal Mac and Manco's pizza, had icecream and had our annual "seafood dinner". I won't bore you with any more details but it was great like it is every year and we were all sad to leave. We left Sat night late and we to my aunts to pick up my cousin Grace and take her home with us for a few days. We had a busy week of 4 days before we turned around and headed back out to the east coast of a wedding and funeral. Chad and Greta got married on Sunday and one of my best friends Traci's mom , who passed quickly from cancer on the Thurs before, had a funeral on Tuesday. So, Keith went back to Ohio early Monday morning and I stayed an extra day to attend the funeral. I spent Monday with my beautiful cousins Maria and Grace. We did a major girly day and had a blast. We went shopping at stores I have never shopped at like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe (granted I'm not 21 anymore) but I did find some cute tops. We also decided to pierce my cartilidge which I absolutely love...except for the pain :() Anyway we rented a total girly movie North and South (BBC) totally recomment it for those who love Jane Austin, Elizabeth Gaskell or any period writers....and got professional manicures while drinking frozen lemonade and eating warm chocolate chip cookies from Panera Bread...YUMMY! Anyway on Tuesday, after the funeral , I flew out...or tried to (one cancelled flight...two delayed) to finally get home to my family at aroun12 midnight. Wed morning at 6 Keith flew out to Minnesota for our anniversary! He got back that night at around 1130. This past weekend was the Bullthistle Festival in which we got to see Brendan and Mary's dog Oscar(as in Oscar Myers--he's a miniature weiner dog) He was so adorable...almost made me want a dog again....then we got some major loot during the parade route.....we hit the rides and food at the festival and then headed back to grammy's for some rest time, hot dog roast and lastly fireworks...on Sunday we got to see the Mortons home from Albania which was awesome! It just makes me miss Ang all the more! This week has been a catch all week...doing laundry, cleaning house and potty training Lucy...PRAY FOR ME!! This potty training thing is killing my sanity...it's really difficult but she's almost 4 and needs to be trained pretty soon. Her appointment is August 25th so we'll see if any of her Delay is neurologically related. I am ready to get this all checked out!
So...that's the latest scoop....we're back and hopefully you'll be updated more frequently now that our lives have officially slowed down!!

Back Home to Stay.....

The whole gang on the Boardwalk from left..Andy and Sarah, Caleb and Gideon, Danielle, me and Lucy, Keith and Ella, Jason and Traci

Say Cheese!!

The whole time Ella would run down to the beach, fill up her bucket and carry it to another bucket farther up on shore...fill it up and do it all over again!

We dug a ton of "pools" and let the water fill them up and made a lot of drippy castles the kids would have a blast

We're Back....for a little while...

We are back from the U.P.....for a little while....actually only 1 more day. We leave Sat for PA and then NJ shore. I hope it's warmer there than it was up north. Don't get me wrong the kids had a blast with their cousins and barely noticed the fridged(for summer) temps but us adults were quite disappointed. Kelli and Marc even bought a tube so we could go tubing and we did go the first day and had a blast (but were sore afterward for about the next 3 :) but unfortunetly that was the first and last of water playing. It was a steady 60 degrees or cooler almost everyday and was drizzly a lot as well. We decided to travel a lot because of the weather so we headed up to the Soo Locks to see the big boats come through the canal and then had yummy white fish at the famous Goetz Restaurant. We then had icecream and tried to keep the kids hands off the many fun little things in the little shops. The girls (moms and gramma's) actually got a girls day out this year which was really fun too. We got to go to Mackinac Island, do some shopping...took old time photos..(hilarious) ate at The GateHouse (of the Grand Hotel) and tried to sneak up onto the porch of the hotel as well...we are so bad....it costs $10 to just walk up on the porch so we tried to sneak our way around but they had porch nazi's everywhere so we didn't get very far. We did get pictures though and got to walk through some of the nice gardens. It was a great day and a very beautiful island. We headed to the bear farm with the kids this year again as well as did our usual fishing, taking walks and trying to feed the deer (of course the kids were more interested in a cardboard cut-out of a bear roasting a marshmellow than the actual deer). The weather cleared up just in time for us to leave on Sat morning. As we left the lake at 9 it was already almost 70 degrees and the water was as clear and still as glass. ...if only we would have had 24 more hours there!! Anyway it was fun to be with family. It always makes a cruddy weather trip better when you can laugh with family!! (Thanks to aunt jean, Kelli , mom Myers and Les for making me laugh and making the weather not seem so cold :)

We are headed out Sat for the shore so you won't hear from us for another week and a half probably and the week after we get back we're going back out to Chad's wedding in Lancaster so if I don't get around to writing...I didn't drop off the face of the earth...I am still here!! Stay tuned!! :) Love to all!!!

4 Bears in the Bed and the little one said....

What have we been up to....

As of late I have been particulary absent from the computer world (sorry I have been reading a lot of Jane Austin novels lately) :) Anyway, the weather has been nice and we've been busy busy busy. I feel like I can actually breathe this week. Last week was a total blur! I'll try to remember what's all happened so you can all get caught up.
Well....last week, from Sunday night to Thursday night the kids had bible school at my mom and dad's church. That left me and Keith and Ella alone for the evening and though that might seem like a break....it was a bit...but it's not really a complete break when the most dependent one is left at home and severly misses her brother and sister to the point that she has to have extra care and be extra needy...:) We survived though....Sunday night we took the boat out to the river and Ella absolutely loved the ride. We road down the river quite a ways and she was laughing and saying hi to every boat we passed. It was really funny. After we loaded up the boat we went to the dairy freeze and Ella ate a chocolate cone and giggled as she watched a puppy in the car next to the table eating it's very own vanilla cone.:) Monday and Tuesay nights were spent managing Ella while Keith had to "entertain" Target rep's that were in town. Wednesday night my mom and I made a TON of Strawberry Jam (yum yum) and froze some for this winter. Thursday was the Bible School program but unfortunetly neither I nor Keith could go. I had an auction and Keith...more shmoozing of the reps. Friday was a trip to the Relay for Life benefit where we ate fried pickles cheeseburgers and pizza and walked around looking and donating at the displays. It was really fun for the kids with clowns and blow up games and other "carnival" type games to play. Saturday was a major work day for me. We cleaned windows, cleaned carpets, cleaned highchairs, table and chairs and stools and the van (which was very gross :) Finally we ended the day with an evening at grammy and papa's around the fire roasting dogs and marshmellows. After supper Ella proceeded to take a rollarcoaster ride off the back end of the deck and bang her head so hard that her head and nose were bleeding. She about gave me a heartattack!! But she soon recovered and we took her home to wash her up good. On Sunday we had our annual church at Streetfest it was nice but the kids got antzy so we skipped out on the last song. We came home and sat outside in the sun and relaxed. Later that night Lucy took a tumble for round 2 of the scraps and bruises (I think this is going to be a rough summer :) Anyway hers was more knees and elbows than head which always makes a mommy more at ease:) Yesterday was a catch all day with odds and ends trips in the morning and the grocery store in the evening while Keith went to a Audio Adrenaline concert at our church...if you've ever seen the video "Big House" by audio adrenaline our pastor is the enourmously large guy in the video. He's hilarious...not your typical pastor but has a huge heart for God. Anyway it was a good time. I worked this morning at the hospital while Gideon, Lucy and Ella played with Nani. Tonight it's a t-ball game and supper out. We are keeping majorly busy preparing for vacation which is less than 2 weeks away! I have a lot to do! So--hope all is well and everyone is healthy and happy! Love to all!

Fresh and alive...bright and young...spring is a love song sweetly sung.....

Ok....name that musical....I know no one has a clue because no one (but perhaps my cousins Grace and Maria) are as obsessed with musicals like I am....

Anyway it is another beeeeauuuutifuuuulllll day! I should be outside instead of sitting in here on the computer but I'm not. I just got done making shortcake for tonight. We're having friends over for pizza and strawberry shortcake and I am really excited. My kids are going to absolutely bombard Nat-Cat but that's ok...we will survive. So today is Lucy's last day of preschool this year. She should be arriving home in about 25 minutes. I have enjoyed my "quiet times" when she is away but have missed her a lot so I'm glad she's now a "less-scheduled" child. We had an appointment with her opthamologist on Wednesday and it went really well. Her eyes were better this time than last and the doc was excited about that (so was I") Anyway she was VERY excited to learn that we were thinking of taking Lucy to a pediatric orthopedic and couldn't encourage us enough to follow that route. She stated that Lucy's eye thing was muscular and she was interested to find out as well if it was a whole body muscular issue or just eye. She strongly recommended a orthopedic in the area...one of which has an uncanny way of diagnosing those kids that (like Luc) are difficult to diagnose...plus she is REALLY good with kids. Hopefully she will be in our network...so here we go...I am excited...nervous and apprehensive but Really Ready....hopefully we can get this show on the road faster than 6 months!!
Well...that's the latest. Tomorrow we are going to pick up Grammy and Papa from the airport...and the kids are really excited....I must admit I am excited to see them too...they've kinda grown on me over the years ya know :) Anyway I hope everyone is having a great week! Enjoy the beautious weather!! Me Encanta Mucho!!

It's a Beauty!

Well....obviously my dedicated readers (all two of you :)) have probably noticed my lack of blogging...basically it is because it is absoluetly beautiful out and I just can't sit inside my house long enough to type a message....so anyway...today is once again gorgeous but I got a little bit burn't outside yesterday so I'm sticking to the shade today....even though I'd rather be out on my patio watching the kids run through the sprinkler as I sip on my choice of beverage (ice tea of course:) Anyway so the past couple weeks have been fairly uneventful but really nice. Keith just got back from a 2 day trip to Arkansas...I missed him mucho this time (some times are harder than others) so I'm glad to have him back. Gideon has been home all week since he got finished with preschool last Friday. It's interesting how you get used to a child being gone certain times of the day and when they are there again somehow the normalcy gets all messed up again....but still I'm glad to have him home. Lucy's got 2 more days next week and then we'll be all done. Gid starts t-ball on June 2nd and that will run until July 9th so every Tues and Thurs morning we will be at the ball park! It should be fun. He's really excited about it all! He's been "working on his moves" every night in the back yard with the neighbor kids and he does pretty well. He can hit the ball pretty far compared to last summer. So that's what's new with Gideon. Lucy will be going to another opthamologist appointment on Wed and we'll be asking her about her take on Lucy and if she would suggest any pediatric orthopedics and then we'll begin the long process of appointments with the suggestions...I'm kinda dreading the process but really wanting the end result to happen so I've got to get a move on! Anyway, Ella is still a little stinker. She has discovered now that she can pull stuff she wants off the counter and does so all the time...even dirty greasy dishes....YUCK!! Anyway she's talking and singing up a storm...maybe only understood by mom and dad and grandparents but still...it's so cute...she says "Hi Guys" all the time now and yells out the window at the neighbor kids all the time....we have no clue what she's saying but she seems to know :)
Keith and I are about the same...nothing really exciting going on. This weekend we are sending Jim and Nancy off to see Scott and Alicia. We are driving them up to the airport and then coming home to mulch our lives away....that is a huge job that I am dreading....anyway Gideon was saying the other day "Mom-when grammy and papa get to uncle Scotts house they are going to open the door and have to be really quiet because the baby will be sleeping" I answered..."Really, what baby?"...."Uncle Scott's new baby" he said...like Duh mom! So Scott and Alicia....sorry I hadn't heard the news....Congrats!! Hahahaha!! :)

Our Little Boy is Growing Up.....

I downloaded a video of Gideon at his end of the year preschool program last night. I CANNOT believe that it has been a year. I almost started crying last night at the program. I don't think I am prepared for the mad rush of years that lies ahead.....arn't they suppose to stay little a little bit longer :(......He did really well during the presentation....if you listen closely you can hear him singing. I am so thankful for the preschool. Even though Gid will be going to a small school they still can't talk about Jesus because it's public and it was so nice to have Gideon learning SO MUCH about Jesus. His preschool teachers were great and energetic and I can't wait for Lucy to go in a couple of years. So....he graduated...so sad and so exciting all wrapped up in the same.
The rest of the week has been very busy. We've had something almost every night and have been needing to get out and mulch our flower beds but haven't had the time or the weather cooperation for it. Hopefully next weekend we'll be able to get that done. Anyway this weekend looks like it will be busy too with a bridal shower and Mother/Daughter banquet Saturday and Sunday we are leading worship (scary) at our churches camp out. I hope everyone is doing well....on a side note....little Walter congratulations on your first 100 days! I wish I could be at the party and squeeze your little cheeks! We love you!! ---Drew and Mel why don't you guys get transferred to a Michaels around here.....:)

Our Little Boy is Growing Up

Pick a little Talk a Little Cheap Cheap Cheap

So...it's garage sale time of the year again....YES!!! I love a good cheap steal!! My neighbor, who happens to be in her 60's has a garage sale every year and her daughters bring their sons gently used clothing for the sale. This year....(excited exhale).....she came down and asked me if I wanted to come down early and go through all the stuff!! So I picked through the stuff and got some great deals....including.... new jeans for 1.00 and a pair of new khaki cargos for 1.00 as well! We also splurged and got a OSU coat that was never worn for 4.00 (kinda expensive but in Keith's opinion...totally worth it) I also got 3 pairs of shorts and a swimsuit for .50 cents each and a pair of long pants for .75!If I could only find a good source with girls clothes....we'll have to wait and see.

Our lives have been kinda chaotic lately but hopefully they will be slowing down some soon. This past weekend we had an awesome time with our new nephew/cousin Lucas...he was really cute and Gideon loved to hold him...plus the girls had a blast with Jessica. Jessica is getting so big and was so hilarious...she would dance and "shake it down" with her Elmo doll and she was soooo funny! It was really great to see them all. Keith left for Arkansas yesterday afternoon but he'll be back tonight late after Lost......I'm so thankful for quick trips!!
Ella has been talking a ton lately......she's learning new words every day and totally surprising Keith and I with her vocabulary at only 16 months the words she speaking include the obvious Hi, Bye Bye, Mama, Dada...but she's also saying chocolate, pretzel, graham cracker (I know they all have to do with food uh oh:) and chip. This weekend when we were in Chicago my sister in law was asking Gideon, Lucy and Jessica if they wanted a little chip. Lucy and Jessica said in unison "I want a chip".....and Ella looked at Aunt Jana and said "I wan chip" . She is answering our questions alot more as well....like when we affirm that she wants something she nods her head yes and no and when I ask her if she wants a graham cracker or a pretzel she says.....Uhmmmmmmmmm....and then chooses. Last night I said "Lets go outside" and she said "ok" and went and got her shoes.....she is amazing us (maybe we are just excited parents...she just seems so young to be doing this stuff) She also says...."Stop" when her brother and sister are picking on her or when mommy and daddy try to take something away. The diction (sp?) of course is not completely there but it is enough that she is very understood! So fun!
Well hope everybody has a great mothers day weekend!....for some of you HAPPY FIRST MOTHERS DAY!!!

Little Girls, Little Girls...Everywhere I look I can see them....

Tomorrow...Tomorrow...I love ya....Tomorrow...You're only a day away.......

Guess what Lucy did on Sunday with Nani and Papa....(Gid too).....She went to see Annie!! Doesn't she look so cute...of course I'm biased but I thought she looked adorable! So here's the scoop....my mom and dad have season tickets and when kid friendly shows come in they love to take the kids. Gideon has been to The Lion King before this and Lucy and Gid went to Beauty and the Beast but this was extra special for my family because of our family attatchment to this musical. When I was little my mom and dad L-O-V-E-D the show and when i was about Lucy's age the original movie came out and mom and dad took me to see it at the Drive-in. I, being the dramatic...fantasizing child that I was...(I know you are all shocked:) realized that I had curly short hair just like Annie....and probably thought I was Annie herself because I would sing "The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow" for just about everybody. My mom, in true form, sewed this Annie dress for me and I, of course was thrilled. Anyway long story short...Sunday at lunch mom had me go up to the attic at their house and see if I could find this dress for Lucy to wear. It wasn't up there and mom was sad because her and dad assumed they gave it away....well, as they were discussing this I happened to think....."I think they gave me that dress a long time ago" So, after we left their house I went home and climbed into our storage area in the garage. The second box that said "Taryn's chilhood things" came up gold. I was sooooo excited and a bit weirded out because I remember wearing the dress and it didn't seem possible to have my daughter wearing it. Well anyway, Lucy was absolutely thrilled. We found little shoes and curled her hair...as curly as it would go anyway.....When Nani and Papa arrived to take them to the show Gideon ran out on the porch and said very excitedly..."Presenting....Annie" and Lucy stepped out....My mom teared up and so did I ....she looked so cute...(I know...we're so dramatic) anyway as Lucy was getting in the car to go I said " Bye Annie" Lucy said..." I not Annie....I Lucy Annie" she was so cute. At the show she was the only little kid dressed up like Annie and she got aww's from the other little kids as well as from the elderly people there. What a cutie!

This Week in our lives........

So far this week has been fairly uneventful.....FINALLY!!! We are now in the first week of April of which no one has been sick.....Knock on Wood....Anyway although the weather has been H_O_R_R_I_B_L_E the past few days...today is panning out pretty well. It's suppose to be 53 today 63 tomorrow and 80's for Friday Sat and Sun....WOOOO HOOOO!!!! Warm weather...I love it I love it!! I'll tell ya what I am not a cold person....I don't mind it around Christmas and in Jan-Feb...but once mid-March hits I go stir crazy!! Anyway so this weekend will be great but the bummer is that I have to work ALL NIGHT friday at the auction...in a building...when it's going to be absolutely beautiful outside and Sunday morning early Keith leaves for NC for 3 days which is always sad to me...but Sat should be good...lots of Family time I hope!!
Keith was gone yesterday all day too in Arkansas but thankfully he's back today...he's stressed....but he's back....times are so tense now in the work field and I really worry for his sanity and health sometimes! Thankfully he's got a job that pays pretty well but I'll tell you what...I would take less money in return for less stress and travel for him anyday!! His job completely monopolizes his time and energy to the point that when he comes home he's unhappy with a major headache and though he wants to play with the kids he doesn't have much energy. He doesn't sleep and has constant neck and back pain from all the travel! Please pray for him if you think of it! I want him around for a long time and all this stress is not good!
While Keith was gone yesterday I unexpectedly babysat for 2 of my friends kids for a couple hours...it was great socializing for the kids and provided time for me to be by myself for awhile!

So...I should update you all a bit on Lucy....pretty much Sat...did nothing...Yah I was pretty disappointed....they barely examined her and then said pretty much...well if what you are saying is correct she should qualify to be examined by an pediatric orthopedic in our hospital in 2-6 months in Chicago.....well I guess I was hoping for a little something more than that....plus I want someone to examine her who actually knows something about conditions such as these sooner than 6 months ....so it's in debate as to what we are going to do right now....Please continue to pray as right now we're not sure quite what to do next!

Ok well that's enough babble for now!! Hope all are well!

Breaking News Bulletin....

We interrupt normal programming to bring you this Special News Report:

Chad (known to his close male friends and Maynard Sauder as Jack) has officially become.....ENGAGED!!! Yes this long time "King" of the Bachelors and former (but forgiven:) basher of the female sex has found himself taken by one...INCREDIBLE....(nice and sweet also I might add)...lady named Greta and we are all Sooooo Happy for him and Soooo sorry for Greta... :) JUST KIDDING!!! Yes my friends...this is not a joke....it is total and complete truth and we all couldn't be more excited!!! CONGRATS CHAD AND GRETA!!!!
When I told Gideon that Uncle Chad was getting married (which he equates to kissing) he said EEEEEUUUWWWWW!!! Then I said...No Gid...it's a good thing for Uncle Chad to be married and we should be happy for him! Gideon's response was...."Yah mom...now YOU have a friend"...I guess since he knows so many of daddy's friends ie..Todd (T-dog), Chad, Jeff etc...he assumes I have no friends.......Oh well!!! Thanks Chad for getting married because now when we get togethor I will have a friend :)....



CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Watch Out Luc...." :)

Lucy Update

So here's the scoop on the latest with Lucy....Although her speech and talking has greatly improved since she began attending this preschool we have not seen a whole lot of progression in her fine and gross motor stuff. It is really scary and frustrating. We are not sure now what the issue is and we are thinking possibly that it may be an over-all muscle and joint issue. She's smart but just can't seem to get certain things...so anyway the solution right now is to get her a "physical" work up to see what's going on. Therefore, this Sat. we are taking her to a hospital where the Shriners are doing a free screening for issues such as cleft palate, joint and muscular issues, hand problems etc....anyway we have an appointment for a 1/2 hour session with a seasoned physician who knows what to look for and can suggest treatment and or further referrals to specialized doctors. I am really nervous about the whole thing but also ready for it. I am getting really tired and really sad as I watch her struggle with things that kids a year younger than her can do fine with no problems. I guess I just want solution to the problems. If it is developmental...then so be it....we will kick it into high gear to try and help her work through all of this...if not...I am ready for a diagnosis and/or treatment. I just want to help her overcome her disablilties and work with her so that she can do the fun stuff that kids her age love to do...like ride a bike/trike...climb up a ladder.... jump on a trampoline...open a door to go outside for pity sakes!!! My heart really hurts right now for her as the school year closes out and I see how far we need to come with her in the next 2 years to prepare her for Kindergarten...the road ahead is long but I know God already knows and I'm trying to trust in him..Please pray for us on Sat around 11:30. Pray that we remember to tell the doctor everything...pray that Lucy cooperates...Pray that God will give the doctor wisdom...and most of all ....pray that it won't be a waste of our time but that some real solution (one way or the other) would come of this and we could have some peace about our little girl!! Thanks!!--Taryn

The Easter Scoop

I hope everyone had an awesome Easter Holiday! We had a very relaxing enjoyable time! It started out Thursday night with Gideon going to a --let me spell it right this time dad--Sadder meal. He actually did really well at the meal and even tried everything including the horshradish!! On a side note: the women at his table asked him if he knew any other Gideon's and he answered..."yes, I know 2. the Prophet and me"....pretty funny! Anyway, while Gideon was there I went and had my cherished hair-cut and color....I love that time! As a mom who doesn't get pampered that much, it's so nice to get out of the house and not only that but a really good friend of my cuts my hair and she always washes it and cuts it and then styles it for me (usually straight--which is a nice change) so I go home feeling so relaxed! Anyway Nancy ended up spending the night because the Sadder meal went long which was great. On Friday she took Lucy to her house for the afternoon while I ran to get my ring back and do some shopping without kids. (I really felt spoiled) We met Keith's mom and dads at a restaurant for supper and then headed back to thier house for a relaxing evening. On Sat. we just kinda hung around the house. In the afternoon, our friends from PA stopped with their new baby...she was soooo cute!! We had a nice visit with them and then ran to Walmart and picked up Tiny's on the way to Nani's house for supper! Nothing beats a Cherry Slush Shake and greasy cheeseburger!!
Now for the big news.....At Nani's after supper we went out for a walk and a practice bike ride with no training wheels for Gideon...my mom has a really long country road where no cars go down...it's nice and straight...ideal for this situation...and....although it was only Gideon's 3rd time out to try....HE GOT IT!!!!! He was riding down the road with daddy just running beside him (in his socks by the way.....he will remember to wear runable shoes in the future:) HE DID AWESOME and the whole time I was thinking...where is my camera!!!!! So, sadly I have no video but he did end up riding by himself for probably a half mile total without any fall...in fact he only falls now when he has to stop...we've got to work on the starting and stopping thing!! Anyway, we are so excited!! Those training wheels are just a pain in the rear end and it's so nice to not have to worry about them anymore!! I was so shocked that he did it...it didn't take him long at all we were only out about about 2 minutes when he started doing it and it was only his 3rd try! GREAT JOB GID!! YOU MADE MOMMY SO PROUD!! Now if we could just help Lucy focus her eyes in a way and strengthen her muscles enough that she can ride her trike!
So that was the major excitment of the weekend! On Sunday we headed to my grandparents for Easter and had a great time visiting with cousins and aunts and uncles. We had an Easter egg hunt and a great meal! Hopefully I can get some pictures uploaded of the day! Gideon and Keith went fishing back at the pond and got 5 fish each so it was a great day for my fisherman as well!! Of course last night the holiday feelings abruptly ended with Ella starting in with the Croup but over-all it was a great time!!
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!! PRAISE TO JESUS FOR CHOOSING TO DIE FOR US AND GIVE US FREEDOM THROUGH HIS AMAZING GRACE!!!

Croup...Croupaa Doop Croupaa Doop

Yes.....it is official...we are sick yet again.....Ella came down with Croup around 11:30 last night...Keith and I decided to watch a movie to try and extend the holiday after the kids went to bed...which...the movie was really good....it was called Stardust....I had never heard of it but it ended up being pretty good....it's kinda a fairy tale type story....but not really for kids...anyway we finished the movie and literally layed down in the bed only to pop back up as we listened to Ella's barky cough....Keith went and got her and she had a temp of 102-103 and she couldn't catch her breath.....totally scary....i quickly called my mom...woke her up out of bed and she told me to quickly throw a blanket over her head and take her outside so that her airways would relax....that worked....then we gave her tylenol and set up a Croup tent in our bedroom...in which she did not fall asleep but tossed and turned and coughed (I was in there with her to monitor her breathing) until about 1:30...we decided at that point that this was not working and got out the pack n play...put it right beside my side of the bed and set up the Croup tent there....she cried and coughed until about 200 until I picked her up....finding she was still really warm...gave her some Motrin and put her back down in the croup tent...she fell asleep after some crying until about 300 then awake again at 400 where she was wheezing enough again that I took her out and sleep in a rather uncomfortable position with her until the sun actually came up...needless to say i am really tired....better than dealing with the puke flu....but still....I am exhausted! Winter weather....please end...warm weather come quickly.....enough cold warm cold warm cold warm....some steady temps are needed to kill all that's attacking!

Apology

So.....I just reread my blog.....could I have been any meaner and cruel.....Sorry to all of you who got offended by what I said.....I was being really sarcastic and it came across as just plan mean....so....Sorry to everyone....especially Adam Lambert....(like he really reads my blog) anyway I do owe him one.....He is talented...and the show is not real life....I am humbled by my earlier comments.....SORRY TO ALL!!

My Pathetic Obsessions.....

Ok...so...I am obsessed with 2 shows currently....

#1 is Lost...of course...I love the show and have since the beginning....and that's probably why I love it because if you've started watching it from anytime other than that...you are totally confused and probably wonder why people get so hyped up about it....well anyway....I'm one of those "hyped" viewers....I love the plot and can't wait til the final season next year and the "conclusion" to those unanswered questions...like..."Who exactly is Richard Albet....or what is he?"...."Who exactly is "Christian" or "Jacob" or whoever Jack's dad is....."What does losing your innocence mean?" and finally...."What is the island"...amidst those questions are a million and 1/2 other questions but I would like those answered...Can't wait until tonight with another exciting episode planned.....like I said...."pathetic" obssesions!! :)

#2 is Amercian Idol.....and I must admit...I was actually disappointed that it ran long last night and my DVR didn't record Adam Lamberts song....even though I can't stand the guy.....Ok so here's my beef on him....Does he have a good voice....Most definetly...is he talented...Most definetly...does he sometimes sound like a woman when he sings...Most definetly...is that any different that other lead singers of rock bands like those of Queen....Most definetly not any different...But I have to say....is the theme of the show not to discover "undiscovered" talent? All of the other people on that show are undiscovered...pulled out of piano bars....classrooms...business offices....wherever...they have "undiscovered" talent...Unfortunetly the worshiped Adam.....is N-O-T undiscovered...he's been living in L.A. for at least 5 years with I believe his sole "occupation" being trying to "make-it"...he also has traveled with broadway shows and been in fact lead on stage many times....I would once again N-O-T call him undiscovered talent and it bugs me when the judges worship him like they have been doing!! I want to say...DUH!!!! Of course he's good....of course he can sing....no surprise....THAT IS HIS FULL TIME PROFESSION!!! He is not "undiscovered" talent....he just hasn't had his "break" into the current "pop" scene....I'm sure it would have come sooner or later since that is what he was doing once again for his Full Time Profession....I'm also getting annoyed at the screaming teenage girls...when they say they love him.....Don't they know he's never going to "love" them back---sorry baby girls....he follows the lead of some of the other rockers of the 70's 80's and 90's batting for a different team...or ....the same team....or something like that....not that that has anything to do with his performance...the girls are just getting on my nerves....as is the show with regard to him.....I much prefer some of the other guys and girls with "authentic-undiscovered talent" David Cook was great too and his performances were similar to Adams....very original...but theres a big difference...David was truely "undiscovered" and though I have heard it rumored he sang in clubs and bars...he had not moved to L.A. and spent several years trying to "make-it" in the business....nor had he made it big already on stage and wanted to just take a different direction in his life and try pop music! Alright....for all of you who are thinking...."ok Taryn...seriously....are you insane and is this really worth all the fuss...I would completely agree with you....I am obsessed and this has absolutely NOTHING to do with real life or reality....I need to give my nonsense a rest!! See ya!!

I'm getting Bigger!

Gideon came up to me last night in the kitchen and said quite proudly

"Mom, look how tall I am...pretty soon I'll be up to your udders!" :):):)

Lucy's Take on Heaven

After this video was taken....Lucy sang a little song about Heaven in which she said that when she gets to heaven Big Nani will hold her and she won't be afraid....I started to tear up....so sweet!

Sick and Tired

Well....we've got something going around this house....Ella was sick Thursday and Friday....still looked kinda droopy eyed and is still kinda cranky today....Lucy came down with a fever mid-day Sat....and is still sick today...laying on the couch......in fact she woke up at 4:30 in the morning never to fall back asleep...not sure what exactly is going on...Lucy sounds like she's got a frog in her throat...she's eating some but not a lot...especially when the fever goes up...she's also coughing some....I'm thinking it's respiratory...who knows...anyway Keith got up at 3 to get on a plane for Arkansas....I woke up at 1130 when Lucy woke up the first time...at 2 from a nightmare (I hate that).....at 3 when Keith got up....got back to sleep by 4 and then woke up and stayed pretty much awake with Lucy until 730 when I couldn't take her moving around in my bed anymore....I am cranky and tired and my patience is running thin....not to mention that it's snowy outside ---and I don't want any more snow and my old Aunt Flow is on her way and I haven't seen or heard from her in almost 2 years...so you can imagine how it has been prior to her arrival :) Anyway, I had my dad come and get Gideon and take him to preschool and he will pick him up too so I don't have to leave the house and Lucy won't have to leave the couch...despite her fever...we still went to Keith's parents both Sat and Sun for Easter celebration....I pray no one else gets what they have had!! I feel bad now that it's day 3 and I know it's gotta be some kinda virus....SORRY EVERYBODY!!! Anyway I think we wore her out to much so much to her dislike...I'm keeping her on the couch today....
Luckily Keith arrives back late this evening so I don't have to do a complete night with him away. But....on a sad note...it's travel season again...with trips to Arkansas, North Carolina and Minnesota or Chicago...I can't remember...scheduled for the next 3 weeks.

This week is filled to the brim with lots of fun (if everyone gets healthy and stays healthy) if Lucy can...she's got school just tomorrow and Gideon's last day is Wed...then they are both on Spring Break....not sure what we're gonna do but we'll think of something fun...I hope. Gideon is going to go to a Satter (spelling) meal on Thursday with Keith's mom and dad. I have been reading him the Easter story...talking about Moses and the Egyptians and the origin of the "Passover Feast"....we even just recently watched Prince of Egypt which helped with his grasping the concepts...anyway last night we got into a discussion about Heaven and Jesus dieing on the cross and going to heaven and how we'll go someday....Gideon was talking a mile a minute excitedly about what Heaven was going to be like...Lucy was a bit hesitant....she was sick already so her emotions were on the edge but I asked her what she thought heaven would be like..."she started tearing up and said...."It will be scawy"....I said "Oh no Lucy it won't be scary it will be fun....like the best day you've ever had.....forever....you'll be princess and live in a castle with Jesus!!"....she started tearing up and I said..."Lucy what's wrong?"....she answered through tears...."But....I wilw miss you guys...." My heart just broke....I said "Lucy....you won't miss us because we'll be there with you....then she really got into it....thus the above video!! Hope you enjoy!

SORRY FOR THE INCONVIENIENCE

WEBSITE UNDER RECONSTRUCTION.......

Winter 09

Kindergarten Update.....

Well...Gideon is now officially ready for Kindergarten!!! We went yesterday to the registration and testing and it went great! I had NOTHING to worry about! He was seen by a nurse that tested vision and hearing and got a health history, met his bus driver, met the guidance counselor and answered some..well what I call "abuse screening" questions--I assume they have to do that by law.....met the morning Kindergarten teacher and took his test with her (We still have not been forced to do all day every day Kindergarten by the state)...which he did assumedly good at...I don't know...he was very independent during this whole thing :) and went to the Kindergarten classroom where he got to explore and join the class for the activities they were doing...he saw a friend from his old sitters house right away and jumped right in with the other kids...he even got to eat snack with them (the teacher has a cafe' and they pay with fake money for their food) It was a really relaxed atmosphere and a really good experience for Gideon. He didn't completely pass his vision test...I guess he couldn't see 3-D and that was part of the test...although I tested him at home later and he was able to see it so I think...and the nurse even said, he was probably just nervous and not to worry about it at this point. When he was done with his bus driver he got a little coloring book with bus saftey rules in it and Diane asked him if he had any questions... he said "Yes...when do I get to meet the principal" (I had told him before he might get to meet the principal) Diane asked Mrs Aschliman if he was going to be able to and she said it wasn't scheduled but he could. He replied "I want to ask him if I am going to be in the morning or afternoon class" --(I had told him earlier that he was a "town" kid and the principal doesn't determine when he'll go until the summer--I guess he didn't trust me and wanted to find out for himself if that was true) so....off to the principals office we went...I must admit I was a little embarrassed....we had already met the principal once at one of Lucy's things but Gideon was bound and determined to meet him again. He marched into the office and the principal introduced himself and then Gideon said confidently..."Uhm...am I going to be in the morning or the afternoon?" The principal told him that they hadn't decided that yet but it wouldn't be too long. I guess Gid was satisfied with the answer because he just nodded his head. What a funny little guy.
On a side note...Ella was sick with something yesterday...who knows what....she had a fever axillary of 103.5 !!!! and just laid on the couch and cried and didn't lift her head most of the day....last night in the middle of the night we lost electricity sort of ....most of it that is...it was enough to power the sound machine in Gideon's room and the night lights but everything else turned off....weird....anyway I praised Jesus in the middle of the night because if the sound machine would have turned completely off....I'm sure the girls would have woken eachother up....as it was Ella only woke up once..enough for some tylenol and water and went back to sleep. This morning she still looks sick but is eating and drinking better and the temp...though not gone is down quite a bit....I am relieved!!! It makes me really nervous when their temps go up that high...my kids don't usually run high high temps like that....I just keep thinking.....if it's axillary 103...it's like 104-105 internally!! Scary Stuff.....anyway glad that parts over....hopefully no one else comes down with it since we have family Easter at Keith's parents this weekend and Keith begins travel season again on Monday....oh well....hope everyone is good....just thought I'd update.