Good Fortune (2)??????

I got back in town this evening, and after picking the boys up from friend's, that had so thoughtfully offered to watch them while I was away, we decided to go out for a quick dinner. Brayden, of course, requested his favorite Asian restaurant- which was fine with me, as they have a great sushi spread, and it meant that I didn't have to worry about cooking/cleaning.

Anyway, just thought I would share my fortune cookie- any chance that there may be any validity to it???? I am saving it, at least for a while, to remind myself that at there is some little person, stuffing cookies, on the other side of the world, is sending some good vibes this way- even if it is just by chance, I will take the vibes-- and hold on to the hope that the fortune holds true.

The Latest From our Crazy World

Seriously, I am pretty sure that this sort of stuff doesn't happen to most other people. I haven't "blogged", or even said anything in real life, much about what is really going on in our day to day life- too confusing, too boring (to others), too much drama, and just too depressing, and frankly, too unbelievable.

In a nutshell, things back in my home town are still beyond crazy. My mom's health is not improving, at all. She continues to bounce in and out of the hospital- most recently for more blood transfusions because her hemoglobin level can't stay where it needs to be, still on home health care. She is in need of surgery for another hernia and a fistula (don't read if squeamish..... at this point her body has eaten itself from the inside out, and she literally has bowels/intestines on the outside of her body), but they are not able to do the surgery because of her weakened state, and the fact that she has VRE (an antibiotic resistant infection). She is on TPN (tube feeding) for nutrition, but this is beginning to take it's toll on her liver/kidney/gall bladder- but there is no way to take her off of it because her body is unable to digest food like it should under normal circumstances. My heart goes out to her- she has been through so much, and is so tough, but this the worst I have seen. I can only imagine how depressed she is, having had many similarities when I was going through my pregnancy: Difference being, I knew that there was an end in sight---- and a happy ending at that.

And things with my Grandma/Joe were looking better. (I am her Power of Attorney, so I have taken over for any and all of her personal affairs- which has been stressful in and of itself.) They are all settled in at the nursing home, both have been pretty good health wise (well, since they have each had another hospital stay, followed by more rehab time). My Aunt, Jason, and I spent a week of hard work sorting through the house about a month ago- getting things out that the family wanted to hold on to, and what was to be left for the Estate Sale. I got the house on the market (just had 2 showings yesterday, actually), and got a wonderful man that does Estate Sales, that has been working around the clock on researching, pricing, and organizing the contents of the house.

Things were looking pretty good on that front. The Sale was scheduled for next weekend, the advertisements written, there have been having lots of showings on the duplex. I was really feeling like things were leveling out, and that we could start having our "normal" lives back for our little family (whatever "normal" means at this point).

My day today started off like any other, but suddenly took a nose dive. The phone rang a little before 9, a call letting me know that my grandma's house was, at that moment, on fire. The fire department had been on the scene for several hours at that point, and it was already deemed that the home had sustained "significant damage". In a very panicked state, I called Jason, the real estate agent, the insurance company, a WONDERFUL friend that volunteered to keep Brayden for the weekend- he had soccer and 2 b-day parties to attend, and we were on the road heading up to my home town.

Her side of the duplex (other side was unoccupied, but rental property for her) is pretty well destroyed- especially the bedrooms, master bathroom, garage, and basement--- seen below still filled with smoke several hours later. Obviously, many of the possessions that were intended to be sold in next week's sale, are a loss. However, we are quite lucky that many things that had just been placed in the front living room, just yesterday, survived. They will need to be restored/cleaned, but will be able to be salvaged and sold. I have taken the house off the market until a later date. I don't meet with the insurance adjuster, contractors, clean up supervisor, or get the official reports until Monday- but I was told today that an "unofficial" guesstimate on when the house will be repaired enough to re-list on the market will be about 4-6 months minimum. UGH, I am just imagining an insurance nightmare.

Here are just a couple of pictures I could get from where we could actually go in the house (many areas deemed structurally unsound):

(Looking through what was a wall in the hallway into the master bath- where they are thinking the fire started. The master bedroom was to the left, a second bedroom was on the right side of the picture.)

(Part of the basement that we could see well enough to go into- it was dark and very filled with smoke still. The picture is not blurry- that is the smoke still lingering, 8 hours later, tonight.)

More pictures can be seen HERE

I know "they" say you never get more than you can handle, but I am waiving a white flag high above my head. Does anyone else see it????? I am just thankful that no one was in there- there is no way that they would have survived. The fire department said that the blaze burned at 1700 degrees in certain spots.

Ok.... sorry for the "poor me", whining post. Only happy things to come from here on out- and that is what I will keep telling myself.

FaceLift

I don't know what got into me today--- I am not known for my "creative juices flowing" or my "eye for design". Nope, I am pretty much Plain Jane; whether it be my personal style, or decorating around the house. My mind just doesn't work like other's I know (and am jealous of their ability to envision these sorts of things).

Today I was at the fabric store looking for material for Rhylan's Halloween Costume, and after finding what I needed (another story, for another day....), I happened to walk through the upholstery aisle, and a fabric caught my eye.

Our dining room chairs are in sad shape. Dare I even say pathetic shape??? We probably didn't make the wisest choice, as a young couple with no kids, to get chairs with cream colored seats. Now that we are a (not so) young couple, with 2 kids--- and the messes that come with them, and a cat to boot, those cream seats have become more "multi colored" with stains, discoloring, pet hair, etc. It doesn't seem they ever come clean, no matter how much I vacuum, have the carpet cleaners clean them, or Scotch Guard them. YUCK.

So, I saw this fabric, and the vision popped in my mind of how our chairs would look with a bit of a Face Lift, and on a whim, I bought enough to recover all 8 of them. Due to some technical difficulties with a staple gun (stupid thing), I have only gotten 3 of them finished, but so far I am really happy with how they look. Not only is it an updated look, it matches our walls perfectly. They also will help hide the dirt, plus it is micro suede, so they will clean very well.

Here is a peek at my attempt:

Our Worker "B"

After getting a call from the US Geological Survey's Seismology Department, complaining that they have been getting a lot of activity, measuring rather high on the Richter Scale--- with the epicenter apparently being at our exact address, and correlating to whenever we would turn our dishwasher on, we bit the bullet and got a new dishwasher today.

The agreed plan was that I would hold out with our old one until we update the kitchen; which is the planned home improvement project for this winter (along with the foyer, and boy's bathroom). But I hit a breaking point this week when the windows were literally rattling when I turned on the darn thing, only to find that not a single dish actually got clean. So, as I sat there and hand washed each and every thing that I had to take out of there, I called Jason and told him that his plan to wait for the remodel was being vetoed!!!!!!!

Jason, who is a self proclaimed "do it your selfer/jack of all trades" decided that we didn't need to have installation or delivery (or wait for a special order). Nope, he decided to get one of the ones that I had researched, and narrowed our choices down to, load it in the van, and install it tonight. (Can I say that there are times when I really LOVE my husband? And that I am excited to clean the kitchen tonight! Funny how new appliances can make me "excited" to do chores......)

Turns out that we didn't need to have them install it anyway, as we had our own "Handyman's Helper". Brayden was up for the task, grabbing his tool box, his work hat (Jason and he have matching ones), putting a pencil behind his ear, and going to work. I caught this picture of him "on a break". When I asked him why he was drinking milk out of one of my mugs, he responded "Duh Momma, this is what worker men use for their coffee...."

I guess I should have figured that.... I mean DUH, everyone knows that!!!!!!!

Hayrack Ride 2008

Today was my Mother's Group Annual Hay Rack Ride. This is a fun family event at a local lake, that we put together each year. It is always a wonderful time- kids playing, husbands socializing (they don't exactly make it to playgroups too often) , good food, and of course riding on the hay rack. I think Brayden went around the lake 4 or 5 times. He just loves this event, and will be asking as soon as tomorrow when next year's will be taking place!!!

A perfect kick off for Fall!!!

Rhylan and Mommy riding the Hay rack

And Brayden on the Hay rack (again.... or still), with his good friends Zach and Audrey (and their Daddy). Notice how messy his face is? I am thinking that this is evidence that he enjoyed the food as well!!!

Our Little SnaggleTooth

Rhylan is quite the late teether. His first tooth broke through a little over a month ago, and the second made it's debut just a week ago. Funny thing is, he first got his lower, bottom tooth- so one would assume that the one next to it would follow. Nope, not our kid. His top "eye" tooth was the one to follow. It is looking like the opposite side eye tooth will be next.... with no sign of that other bottom one, or the top ones in between.

(The light is reflecting a bit on his lower gum- above my finger is a reflection, the tooth is on his right hand side- but you get the point. And, yes, I realize I am being mean, torturing the little guy so that we can snap a picture for our entertainment. Had to do it though, and he has already forgiven us....)

New Baby

Rhylan loves baby dolls. Wherever we go that he sees a doll, he is instantly drawn to it- I think it is that he is identifying that it is a baby, and he likes to show me "baby's eyes", "baby's nose", "baby's tummy", etc. I had been telling Jason for a while now that we really needed to get Rhylan a baby of his own, to which he agreed. I think he was agreeing only to shut me up, and hope that I would forget- as he didn't seem all that thrilled when Brayden and I came home from running some errands today, with a new baby in tow.

Rhylan, on the other hand, was thrilled. "Baby" got lots of attention and loves- and from the looks of it when I went in to check on him a little while ago, even got preference over "Snuggy Bear" for cuddles tonight.

Too cute.

A Friendly Visit :)

My wonderful, dear friend, Cassie stopped by today- rather spur of the moment- for a visit. Cassie, our friend Jennifer, and I were inseparable when we lived in Chicago. After Jason and I moved here, we all kept in touch, and remained close- but obviously didn't see each other all that often. Then, they both moved back to their native Texas within months of each other.

Today, Cassie was on her way back from a business trip to Toronto, and was able to swing by. It was great seeing her, and we had a wonderful visit. She had never met Rhylan, and not seen Brayden since he was an ity bitty baby.

Before she hit the road again, we all headed out to dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant. The boys had a great time (well, other than Jason giving Rhylan a tortilla chip, and him choking to the point that he couldn't breath and was literally turning a very scary color of blue. I was giving him the Heimlich and reaching as far back in his throat as I could trying to get it out, screaming "he's blue, he's blue, he isn't breathing, and hearing people all around us panic as they see my little purplish, blue baby trying to gasp for air. Quite scary, but I digress.....) Anyway, other than that we had a great time. There was a musician, Sergio Wals, that was singing traditional Mexican songs, but also has recently put out a children's CD (in English). The kids LOVED the music, and he even gave Brayden a copy of the CD. (For those in town, and interested, he will be performing on September 20th at Pages during story time).

Brayden was very excited to run into his buddy "C" at the restaurant, and asked that I get a picture of them together.

It was a great day- a long overdue visit with a wonderful friend that I miss so much.

First Steps

Just a couple of cute pictures of Rhylan reclining, relaxing, and enjoying a refreshment after a hard day's work.... of learning how to WALK !!!!!!

After we had pretty much given up all hope that he would walk sometime before, let's say, college, it seemed to be his one and only mission today. By no means has it taken the place of crawling as his main form of transportation, but it is more than he has ever done before. He is consistently taking between 6-12 steps before getting down to crawl the rest of the way to his destination.

This first (short) video was Jason's first time seeing him take steps. I was in the kitchen making dinner, and he thought to grab the camera:

This next video was just too funny not to share. We crack up every time we watch it. (Not such a successful try on Rhylan's part, but entertaining!)

No First Day Jitters

Thank you to all of you that have called/emailed to check in today: Brayden did BEAUTIFULLY.

I was a bit concerned after seeing his behavior/attitude yesterday, but when this morning came, he was nothing short of excited. He was in our room, before 7, saying "Daddy, why aren't you ready? I am all dressed, it's my first day at my new school."

Jason dropped him off, and he went right in and began his day- as if he had been doing it for years. When I stopped by (to drop off some forgotten items), he didn't even notice me in the room for at least a couple minutes. His teacher finally alerted him that I was standing there. I showed him what I had brought (his blanket and snuggy for nap time), and his response was "Oh, ok. Thank you Mommy, I will see you tonight". That was that, and right back to what he was doing- which at that moment was taking apart an old radio, disconnecting/reconnecting wires, and using tools, right up his alley.

Jason just got home with him about a half an hour ago. I heard the door open, and then an excited little voice say: "I love my new school Mommy!! I did ___, and ____, and ___ (honestly can't tell you because he was talking so fast). I had a super yummy lunch. And guess what? I made a new friend. Oh, and they let us play outside A LOT, like 4 times today!!"

He is excited to go back tomorrow. I knew everything would be fine, but it is always unnerving to venture into the unknown- especially after so many years of having your "comfort zone".

(Oh, and one more awesome thing about this new school: They have gymnastic lessons we can sign up for!! He has been begging to take gymnastics, so this is wonderful- he gets the lesson, without us having to lose another night/weekend for the activity, or giving up something else!!)

Tomorrow is a New Day

After 3+ years of Brayden being at his "school", he will be starting at a new one tomorrow. It comes with a heavy heart, and very strong emotions to make this move. Things have taken a dramatic swing at the school where we have been, and we have been contemplating a move for a few weeks. Last week he came home with a note saying that the director was leaving, this Thursday, with only a week's notice. We figured that our inner voices were right, and we better start looking around at other options.

This was all the harder of a choice for us, as we had deliberated over the decision to send him to kindergarten, or hold him back, for so long, and with so much turmoil. We were at peace with making the choice to hold him back, and continue him where he had been, and now he has to make a move from the place that he knows, and loves. ARGH.... typical for our world. I have had several people ask if it is too late to just put him in kindergarten, but that wasn't an option for us. The decision was already made to wait until next year (because of his late birthday, him still napping, everything going on with my family- not the way to start kindergarten, etc), and starting him 3 weeks into the school year is even less of an option for us.

I took the day yesterday to tour several area pre-kindergarten and private kindergartens, taking Brayden with me. I figure he is old enough, and understands enough of what is going on, that his opinion needed to be weighed in the decision. I honestly think that he could have been happy at any of them (we are blessed with a pretty flexible kid), but we came home and made a pros and cons list for all of them. After going through the lists, he made his choice, and I made mine--- and they were both for the same place.

After nap yesterday, we went to drop off the paperwork at his new school, and pick up his belongings at his old school. He was so excited to go to the new school again, and talk to the teachers a bit more. But, then, when we went to his (now) former school, the tears started rolling: "I changed my mind Mommy, I don't want a new school. I love my old school, I want to stay here".

Tomorrow morning, our little guy will wake up to a whole new world. He isn't the type of kid that shows anxiety over change, but I have seen a different side to him over this. I know he will be fine, it will just take a little bit of time to adapt to the changes.

Wish him luck!! It's a big change for a little guy.

Naked Pirates

What happens when Mommy leaves the living room for 2 minutes on a Saturday afternoon around here???

Naked Pirates invade!!

ARGH!!!!

First Weekend Widows Playgroup

It is a pretty common occurrence in our community for Mom's to be left at home with the kids on a Saturday afternoon during college football season. So between that, and the fact that the Mom's Group that I belong to has had an influx of members that work full time outside the home, a new weekend playgroup has started up. Today was the kick off group, and we had 5 moms and 10 kids join the fun at a local park. (Pretty good turn out for a first time meeting!)

I wasn't able to get pictures of a lot of the kids, because they were all running in different directions, and no one stayed in one spot for more than half a second. Who do those KIDS think they are? Running and playing, like they are supposed to do, while I am trying to get some pictures?!?!

Brayden, and his lifelong pal, Evie

Rhylan, Evan (Evie's little brother), and Garren (in the background) hanging out on the swings.

Brayden "monkeying" around

Evan (L) and Rhylan (R) "talking" on the slides

And lastly, the brothers going down the slide together. And, yes, they are- once again- dressed alike. I am sure you can guess who was the fashion coordinator at our house this morning. (Hint, Jason is gone, and I was brushing my teeth/doing my hair when Rhylan's outfit was pulled from the closet and laid out on his changing table..... and Brayden had already dressed himself.)

Having a Ball

Brayden has been begging to play soccer for a year now, since spending almost 2 weeks with his cousin, Dakota, in California- Dakota is 6 years older than Brayden, and quite a good soccer player. We went to one of his games last year (where Dakota scored a goal "just for Brayden"), and Brayden hasn't stopped talking about it since. Everytime we pass the soccer fields, I hear "when am I going to get to play soccer?"

Well, today was the day! He was so excited from the moment he got up today. We had one little issue with him pouting, because he apparently thought that he was going to walk right on the field and start kicking goals. After a brief chat with him, explaining that he needs to warm up and practice, in order to learn how to do it the right way, he straightened right up.

Here he is practicing his kicks and dribbling:

And, as I had promised, after some practicing, his chance came to kick some goals-- even making the goalie (his coach) fall down trying to save the ball (well, not really, but Brayden got to think that he kicked it that hard) !

Spider Man X 2

Anyone that knows Brayden knows that he frequently has to match (or at least coordinate) with his brother.

Today we went to drop off some clothes at a new consignment store in town, and while there, I decided to nose around a bit. Man, did I make a find --- or at least in Brayden's opinion. He has some Spider Man pajamas, which he just loves- they even have webs under the arms. I have to force him not to wear them (long sleeves/pants) in the warm summer months.

Well, as I was perusing the consignment store, what did I happen upon? Why, none other than the same beloved PJs in a 12 month size (and for only $1!). What else is a mom to do, but to buy the little matching PJs for Bubby?!?!

(Yes, the baby is in a drawer in his closet. Seems he has a bit of an obsession about crawling into things lately....)

Richmond Squirrel

Brayden is still in his "Abba phase"- as in that is all that we hear around here; blaring from his room while playing, or sleeping (usually whatever chosen song on repeat), anytime we are in the car, when he is on my computer. I have always been a big Abba fan myself, but at this point I am thinking we may have a 5 year old running a campaign to be the next president of their fan club.

As we were driving the other day, and (of course) listening to Abba, I hear a little voice from the back seat ask:
"What is a Richmond Squirrel, Momma?"

I couldn't, for the life of me figure out what in the heck he was talking about. Then I was instructed to go back to the previous song we had heard, which happened to be "Money, Money, Money".

As the the song played on, and we got to the chorus, I then hear the following lyrics being sung at the top of his lungs:

"Money, money, money- Must be funny.

It's a Richmond Squirrel.

Money, money, money- Always sunny for the

Richmond Squirrel.

All the things I could do, If I had a little money

And a Richmond Squirrel, it's a Richmond Squirrel"

(For those who may not be familiar with the real lyrics/Abba, first I have to ask what rock you live under- but secondly, I will fill you in that the actual lyrics are "Rich Man's World".....)

Last Day of Summer

We spent the Labor Day Holiday the way we have spent many days this summer..... AT THE POOL!!! All four of us went, and Jason was quite impressed with how far Brayden has come with his swimming ability this summer- and how fearless Rhylan is in the water.

Here is Brayden throwing his torpedo (it sinks to the bottom) in, and diving after it- he could do this for hours:

And, one last time down the "yellow slide" for 2008

After eating our picnic lunch, Jason brought the baby home for a nap, while Brayden and I stayed and played/soaked in the last of the summer rays. Once "Bubby" woke up, they came back to pick us up, and we headed over to the local petting zoo. Brayden has always loved this place, and we hadn't made it here all summer, so this was our last chance. Judging by the squeals of excitement, I would say that Rhylan is going to enjoy this place as much as his big brother has over the years.

Brayden is showing "Bubs" around a bit, beginning with telling him all about the ducks/geese. (To which Rhylan excitedly replied "DUCK!"- which until then his Daddy didn't believe me that he says.)

I think he found the goats just as interesting..... if not more so:

The brotherly education continues with the pigs:

Taking a break with Daddy:

Before we left, the boys played for a bit on the new tractor shaped play structure. As usual, Rhylan had to go UP the slide- which Brayden encouraged:

All in all we had a wonderful, family, day to close out the summer. (And some of us had some crazy hair, from sweating/playing so hard, on the way home......)

Hope everyone else had a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!!!!!