Whew! I have officially finished all of the Christmas shopping. Yes, I braved the stores on the weekend before Christmas. Am I crazy? Well, I would have been had I went to the Town Center, but I chickened out and settled for good ol' Bi-Mart and the Dollar Tree here in Damascus. They were busy enough, but most of the fellow procrastinators were in a fairly good mood so it was kind of fun.
I finished wrapping the presents in less than two hours and managed to keep the boys from peeking, though I enjoyed quite a bit of giggling and whispering on the other side of the door. They then helped me put candy canes on all the presents and transported them to the wood stove, where all the presents are being displayed. Of course I let them have a candy cane for all their help. I didn't realize how much sugar went into those innocent looking, cheery little hooks of hyperness, but let me tell you... there's a lot. Just a little fyi.
I find that I am actually enjoying this year's Christmas quite a lot. A good part of that is because the boys are older and are really starting to grasp what the holiday is all about. It's fun to relate the story on a child's level and try to be as creative as possible when discussing it with them. When going through the story of Jesus' birth, they learned about him having to sleep out in a barn where the cows eat. Kristopher was a little concerned that He would be eaten by mistake.
A lot of us just don't have oodles of money lying around to spend on everyone this year, so there's kind of a laid back feeling. More of a focus on family and the simple things. We've been having fun celebrating and decorating in honor of Christ's upcoming birthday in a variety of ways I have to say. For example, decoratively themed table cloths are thrown over the extra boxes that we haven't found room for yet from our moving in with Dad and Mom. Also, we took all the lights we could find and decorated the maple tree and the tulip tree (which I climbed late at night to do so...but Jacob caught me and made me come down). They look sooooo pretty and cheerful. We've dug out other decor from years past including a wreath which served to hang the ornaments upon. There just isn't room for a Christmas tree haha... By the way, Dad wants to get one now. So, Monday we're going hunting for one.
Also, since this is the first Christmas we've spent with my family in a number of years, there's an extra excitement. I can tell the boys feel it too. They are loving being with family. They have a confidence and security about them that Jacob and I find priceless. They feel right at home here at Dad and Mom's and feel it is their home too. Even Kolbein. He's always toddling (or should I say running with gusto?) around helping himself to this or that. "This" or "that" include anything from the pans in the cupboard, opening his brothers' dressers, to of course, his favorite, the bathroom toilet.
So, until the next post, Merry, merry Christmas and a bright, fresh Happy New Year!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Kolbein's First Birthday
This was the morning of July 29th before we headed back to Idaho. 
Out of order, but he was cautious at first about the piece of cake. It was a leftover piece of Great Grandpa's cake. Due to everything going on, there was no time to bake him one of his own.
Great Grandpa's 80th back in July
Kris got stung by a bee that day. "Right on my freckle!"
Kolbein loves Great Grandma!
They boys love hanging out together. They couldn't wait for the cake.
Well, we TRIED to get all the great grandchildren in there. I think just Kristopher and Kolbein were missing, and of course the three "Howell girls" Katie, Reagan and Georgie who were in Texas of course. :)
Kolbein has officially got Mom wrapped around his little finger.The Big Move
As many of you know, we have moved back to Oregon. We are currently residing at my parents' home in Happy Valley which truly feels like it's living up to its name. :)
Yes, we miss our home up North in the mountains, and we both agree that we will DEFINITELY miss all the wonderful cold, cold weather and snow. (I wish I could bring it down here. Life would be perfect! Don't you agree, Noelle?) It is good to be around all the family again, however. I can't even begin to describe how much we missed everyone. We also both agree that it was a wonderful experience that has done wonders for our marriage! If nothing else, it was the grandest of adventures.
Now, about the boys. They, to put it mildly, are drunk with attention. They absolutely LOVE being with their grandparents! They are surrounded by a lot of cousins and aunties and uncles. Riding their bikes outside and climbing the apple trees are their top favorite things to do, and they have discovered several new parks close by us. Jared is insistent we visit the zoo soon, and he heard there's an ocean near by too. It's all very exciting and new to them. I guess they don't remember as much from a few years ago. They were just little, little guys. I forget that. I have spent most of my life in this state. To them it's all new.
Every morning they eat breakfast at the kitchen table with Grandpa, Grandma and myself after a rousing rendition of O, the Lord is Good to Me. If you don't know that table prayer song, call them. They would be happy to sing it at the top of their lungs. I am happy to report that they are learning to sing it all in the same key together. lol It's so stinkin' cute! (sigh... Mom moment...) Anyway, the song goes like this:
O, the Lord is good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me
The things I need
The sun and the rain and the apple seed
The Lord is good to me.
(and then some table thumping/clapping)
*Bum Bum Bump Bump Bump!*
Then we all clear the table and chores are commenced. The boys head out to check the chicken eggs, (Very serious business for them), in which they have learned that chickens in a nest are going to cackle when finished laying. And cackle LOUD! They aren't too scared about that anymore. They just refuse to go in till the hen is finished with her business. They help feed and water them as well. Oh, and next time you talk to me, ask me how the conversation went when they questioned how the egg came out. Take a wild guess and you're probably right.
Once Kolbein goes down for his morning nap, we do some school. They are both doing really well. I am so excited that Jared is really learning to read. He's very self motivated which helps tremendously. Kristopher is doing really well also. He has his own workbooks that he loves to do along side Jared. All in all, the quality time together is priceless.
So, we've settled in pretty well finally. Only took us a few weeks. Poor Mom and Dad, though. Their stuff is being shuffled all over the place! They are being so gracious about the whole thing. I think they might just be a little happy to have us all back. It will probably take us a few more months to get everything where we all have it planned. So we are all trying to be very patient with each other and give each other space. Auntie Tessa has been a great help as well. They love it when she's home. Auntie Tiffani has been a great babysitter. They love playing with Charlie and Sydney so much that they usually don't want to leave. I always have to promise we'll come back.
I will mention the boys asked me yesterday when they could go play with Nathan and William, their cousins in Idaho. They said they missed them. Kristopher asked about Kayla and Patrick. (We already miss them too!) I know that some part of them hasn't quite connected how far we've moved. I don't think they grasp what a paramountal change has happened in our family. (We're going to try hard to keep that relationship strong!) They did have a LOT of fun up there and remember a lot about it of course; however, Jared told me in the car today, "It's nice down here in Oregon, isn't it, Mom?"
Yes, we miss our home up North in the mountains, and we both agree that we will DEFINITELY miss all the wonderful cold, cold weather and snow. (I wish I could bring it down here. Life would be perfect! Don't you agree, Noelle?) It is good to be around all the family again, however. I can't even begin to describe how much we missed everyone. We also both agree that it was a wonderful experience that has done wonders for our marriage! If nothing else, it was the grandest of adventures.
Now, about the boys. They, to put it mildly, are drunk with attention. They absolutely LOVE being with their grandparents! They are surrounded by a lot of cousins and aunties and uncles. Riding their bikes outside and climbing the apple trees are their top favorite things to do, and they have discovered several new parks close by us. Jared is insistent we visit the zoo soon, and he heard there's an ocean near by too. It's all very exciting and new to them. I guess they don't remember as much from a few years ago. They were just little, little guys. I forget that. I have spent most of my life in this state. To them it's all new.
Every morning they eat breakfast at the kitchen table with Grandpa, Grandma and myself after a rousing rendition of O, the Lord is Good to Me. If you don't know that table prayer song, call them. They would be happy to sing it at the top of their lungs. I am happy to report that they are learning to sing it all in the same key together. lol It's so stinkin' cute! (sigh... Mom moment...) Anyway, the song goes like this:
O, the Lord is good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me
The things I need
The sun and the rain and the apple seed
The Lord is good to me.
(and then some table thumping/clapping)
*Bum Bum Bump Bump Bump!*
Then we all clear the table and chores are commenced. The boys head out to check the chicken eggs, (Very serious business for them), in which they have learned that chickens in a nest are going to cackle when finished laying. And cackle LOUD! They aren't too scared about that anymore. They just refuse to go in till the hen is finished with her business. They help feed and water them as well. Oh, and next time you talk to me, ask me how the conversation went when they questioned how the egg came out. Take a wild guess and you're probably right.
Once Kolbein goes down for his morning nap, we do some school. They are both doing really well. I am so excited that Jared is really learning to read. He's very self motivated which helps tremendously. Kristopher is doing really well also. He has his own workbooks that he loves to do along side Jared. All in all, the quality time together is priceless.
So, we've settled in pretty well finally. Only took us a few weeks. Poor Mom and Dad, though. Their stuff is being shuffled all over the place! They are being so gracious about the whole thing. I think they might just be a little happy to have us all back. It will probably take us a few more months to get everything where we all have it planned. So we are all trying to be very patient with each other and give each other space. Auntie Tessa has been a great help as well. They love it when she's home. Auntie Tiffani has been a great babysitter. They love playing with Charlie and Sydney so much that they usually don't want to leave. I always have to promise we'll come back.
I will mention the boys asked me yesterday when they could go play with Nathan and William, their cousins in Idaho. They said they missed them. Kristopher asked about Kayla and Patrick. (We already miss them too!) I know that some part of them hasn't quite connected how far we've moved. I don't think they grasp what a paramountal change has happened in our family. (We're going to try hard to keep that relationship strong!) They did have a LOT of fun up there and remember a lot about it of course; however, Jared told me in the car today, "It's nice down here in Oregon, isn't it, Mom?"
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Silence
As many of you know, about two weeks ago, we, our whole family, came down to Oregon to celebrate my grandfather's 80th birthday. We saw a lot of people and got to stay at a few different places. All in all, we had a marvelous time!
Last Wednesday, July 29th, we headed back for home. It was also Kolbein's first birthday! We really didn't do too much for his first birthday, except a few people were nice enough to give him a couple presents to open. (Thank you!!) Then we decided to have some fun and put a candle in a slice of leftover cake from Grandpa's birthday. He really didn't know what to think of it at first and then... well, let's just say that he LOVED it. He almost put his whole face in it. lol
At home, I quickly went back to work and tried to spend as much time as I could with Jacob and the boys since they were turning right back around Saturday morning and heading for Oregon again. This time without me.
Jacob's dad, Richard, went in for open heart surgery the following Monday morning on the third. It was successful, and he just got out of the hospital yesterday. Just in time for his own birthday today! Happy birthday, Pops! So, Jacob and all three boys are down there helping out with his recovery etc...
Meanwhile, for the first time in our marriage, I've been by myself. Completely. Oh, I've enjoyed the average afternoon off, but not for this amount of time. It's been very weird. Of course I cried a little when I saw them drive off with there little manly-boy voices yelling, "See you later, Mom!" and "We'll miss you!" (OK, I cried a lot.) But then I focused on the novelty of it all. I could do what I wanted, when I wanted for the most part.
I put in a lot of hours at work the first few days to try to make up for a little of the time when I was gone. I also re-poisoned the perimeter of our house for carpenter ants. (I was waking up and stepping on them in the middle of the night, fishing them out of my coffee, having them drop into my hair AND waking up in the middle of the night to them crawling on me more than once! In fact, one even bit me!! The nerve!!) I caught up on all my recordings of TLC's What Not to Wear, read a book all the way through, embroidered a little, played some computer games and painted my toenails blue. I even took my cousin's dog, Cupcake, for a walk.
By Wednesday it was time to catch up on some chores. I think that's when it really hit me that they were gone. Any mother knows how - what's the right word? - "interesting" it is to try to get everyday chores done with a houseful of little children. To accomplish the simplest of tasks usually requires creative, premeditated planning and organization on our part. Get them distracted or busy with certain tasks if they're old enough, or figure out a way to contain them if they're little babies... without crying.
I think I got ALL my chores done in two hours flat. I couldn't believe it. I folded laundry and it stayed folded. I put things away in the cupboards, and they stayed where I put them. (Kolbein likes to take things out of the cupboards for fun.) I cleaned up the toys and they stayed in the toy box. I cleaned Jared and Kristopher's room (at Jared's request), and it stayed clean. It's still clean. I finished their laundry and there's still not a single dirty sock in the basket yet days later.
I have slept all the way through the night for days on end. I wake up and actually eat breakfast at breakfast time. Usually by the time I feed them and clean them up and get them going for the day, it's almost lunch before I remember to eat. There are no toys to clean out of the tub. No sippee cups to wash or baby bottles to sterilize. No diapers to change and the lid on the toilet stays down.
So, I go to work, come home, and talk to them on the phone as much as I can. I look at photos of the years past and realize how fast they're growing. Yes, I feel sentimental tonight, but for the last few years, they've been the first thing I wake up to in the morning, and I've been able to kiss them goodnight every night since they were born. I've clocked my days by them. I feel as if I'm missing the sun and the moon. I can't wait till they come back!!
PS
How much I miss Jacob too would take another page!
Last Wednesday, July 29th, we headed back for home. It was also Kolbein's first birthday! We really didn't do too much for his first birthday, except a few people were nice enough to give him a couple presents to open. (Thank you!!) Then we decided to have some fun and put a candle in a slice of leftover cake from Grandpa's birthday. He really didn't know what to think of it at first and then... well, let's just say that he LOVED it. He almost put his whole face in it. lol
At home, I quickly went back to work and tried to spend as much time as I could with Jacob and the boys since they were turning right back around Saturday morning and heading for Oregon again. This time without me.
Jacob's dad, Richard, went in for open heart surgery the following Monday morning on the third. It was successful, and he just got out of the hospital yesterday. Just in time for his own birthday today! Happy birthday, Pops! So, Jacob and all three boys are down there helping out with his recovery etc...
Meanwhile, for the first time in our marriage, I've been by myself. Completely. Oh, I've enjoyed the average afternoon off, but not for this amount of time. It's been very weird. Of course I cried a little when I saw them drive off with there little manly-boy voices yelling, "See you later, Mom!" and "We'll miss you!" (OK, I cried a lot.) But then I focused on the novelty of it all. I could do what I wanted, when I wanted for the most part.
I put in a lot of hours at work the first few days to try to make up for a little of the time when I was gone. I also re-poisoned the perimeter of our house for carpenter ants. (I was waking up and stepping on them in the middle of the night, fishing them out of my coffee, having them drop into my hair AND waking up in the middle of the night to them crawling on me more than once! In fact, one even bit me!! The nerve!!) I caught up on all my recordings of TLC's What Not to Wear, read a book all the way through, embroidered a little, played some computer games and painted my toenails blue. I even took my cousin's dog, Cupcake, for a walk.
By Wednesday it was time to catch up on some chores. I think that's when it really hit me that they were gone. Any mother knows how - what's the right word? - "interesting" it is to try to get everyday chores done with a houseful of little children. To accomplish the simplest of tasks usually requires creative, premeditated planning and organization on our part. Get them distracted or busy with certain tasks if they're old enough, or figure out a way to contain them if they're little babies... without crying.
I think I got ALL my chores done in two hours flat. I couldn't believe it. I folded laundry and it stayed folded. I put things away in the cupboards, and they stayed where I put them. (Kolbein likes to take things out of the cupboards for fun.) I cleaned up the toys and they stayed in the toy box. I cleaned Jared and Kristopher's room (at Jared's request), and it stayed clean. It's still clean. I finished their laundry and there's still not a single dirty sock in the basket yet days later.
I have slept all the way through the night for days on end. I wake up and actually eat breakfast at breakfast time. Usually by the time I feed them and clean them up and get them going for the day, it's almost lunch before I remember to eat. There are no toys to clean out of the tub. No sippee cups to wash or baby bottles to sterilize. No diapers to change and the lid on the toilet stays down.
So, I go to work, come home, and talk to them on the phone as much as I can. I look at photos of the years past and realize how fast they're growing. Yes, I feel sentimental tonight, but for the last few years, they've been the first thing I wake up to in the morning, and I've been able to kiss them goodnight every night since they were born. I've clocked my days by them. I feel as if I'm missing the sun and the moon. I can't wait till they come back!!
PS
How much I miss Jacob too would take another page!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Gross. Just Gross.
"Mom, yuck this is dis-GUS-ting!" announced Kristopher.
"What is, Honey?" I asked as I was chasing Kolbein out of the bathroom...again. I had just gotten home from work yesterday and was trying to settle in with Jacob and the kids for the evening.
"There's a booger in my mouth! Doesn't taste very good."
I just about dropped Kolbein.
"What?!?"
He just looked at me with a screwed up expression and declared, "Yeah, it's gross."
"I bet it is," I agreed solemnly secretly trying not to throw up.
"It's yucky."
"Yes. Very. Let's not do that again, okay?" Then, I'm not sure why I asked, but I did, "Why did you have a booger in your mouth? It's --"
Then he looked at me as if amazed I didn't already know and interrupted, "Cause it was in my nose, and I needed it out."
I know this was probably not the greatest opening without warning for a blog post, but that's exactly the point of this posting. Usually, I'm completely taken by surprise. Perhaps it's just with boys. A MOBO perk. Moms of girls, you'll have to let me know.
Meanwhile, being at work for the good part of the day, I miss these little stories (even the booger ones). Bless Jacob! He has been so faithful to share as many as he can remember daily.
Some of today's included Kolbein being caught playing in the toilet then having to be scrubbed down. (And he was NOT happy at all about that either.) Kris learning more efficient ways of using the potty. Sharing toys, even though Kolbein wants to be the tornado. They also were really excited that Dad found the old school original Nintendo console. So, they get to have it set up in their room. And of course Jared is continuing to learn to read. Jacob includes all the details of what they ate for the day. Pancakes were a hit for dinner I hear. Pancakes. I would love to eat pancakes with them.
Well. It's one in the morning. I suppose I should sign off. The grammar is terrible. Forgive me. I had to write while I had time though. I miss you all. Take care. :)
PS
Kristopher, I'm happy to say, has a new found respect for the invention of tissue.
"What is, Honey?" I asked as I was chasing Kolbein out of the bathroom...again. I had just gotten home from work yesterday and was trying to settle in with Jacob and the kids for the evening.
"There's a booger in my mouth! Doesn't taste very good."
I just about dropped Kolbein.
"What?!?"
He just looked at me with a screwed up expression and declared, "Yeah, it's gross."
"I bet it is," I agreed solemnly secretly trying not to throw up.
"It's yucky."
"Yes. Very. Let's not do that again, okay?" Then, I'm not sure why I asked, but I did, "Why did you have a booger in your mouth? It's --"
Then he looked at me as if amazed I didn't already know and interrupted, "Cause it was in my nose, and I needed it out."
I know this was probably not the greatest opening without warning for a blog post, but that's exactly the point of this posting. Usually, I'm completely taken by surprise. Perhaps it's just with boys. A MOBO perk. Moms of girls, you'll have to let me know.
Meanwhile, being at work for the good part of the day, I miss these little stories (even the booger ones). Bless Jacob! He has been so faithful to share as many as he can remember daily.
Some of today's included Kolbein being caught playing in the toilet then having to be scrubbed down. (And he was NOT happy at all about that either.) Kris learning more efficient ways of using the potty. Sharing toys, even though Kolbein wants to be the tornado. They also were really excited that Dad found the old school original Nintendo console. So, they get to have it set up in their room. And of course Jared is continuing to learn to read. Jacob includes all the details of what they ate for the day. Pancakes were a hit for dinner I hear. Pancakes. I would love to eat pancakes with them.
Well. It's one in the morning. I suppose I should sign off. The grammar is terrible. Forgive me. I had to write while I had time though. I miss you all. Take care. :)
PS
Kristopher, I'm happy to say, has a new found respect for the invention of tissue.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Our First Camping Trip
Well, here's the long overdue pictures from our camping trip Memorial Day weekend with Patrick, Kayla and their boys, Nathan and William. Unfortunately, I misplaced my camera until the last evening we were there. (At least I took a few pictures!!)
We spent a few days at a campground not 5 miles from where we live called Springy Point. We thought that would be a good place to start for the year. Close by in case we forgot anything. Ha ha... we made probably three trips back the first evening. And at least went back for a shower once a day. It was great! Definitely an awesome advantage of living in the middle of the mountains.
The campground is right next to the lake where they are fishing in a little cove of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced Lake Pond Oray). If you notice all the mud, it's because they hadn't completely let out all the dams yet to control flooding from all the snow melt off, so it's actually part of the lake bed. Now the shore is up quite a ways further.
We all had a great time. There was a little paved road that wound it's way through the campsites. It was perfect for walks with strollers and all the HOURS of bike riding the boys wanted to do. There was also a place to go swimming... if you like swimming in glacier water! The boys didn't seem to mind. I think I'll wait till it warms up a bit. I was told around late July or August. All in all, very relaxing.
I wish I would have taken pictures of my ducks there. :) I think that was one of my favorite moments. Especially when I got to feed them with Charlie who was able to visit with his parents and sister of course Sunday afternoon. We fed them Cheerios.
We also had the privilege of observing a pair of eagles that had nested in the area. While we were down by the lake, they would swoop over us. Back and forth. They are huge! I know why people associate them with being "majestic". It's because they are. They are king and queen of their territory. When they peer down at you from a tree branch with those intense eyes, it's as if they are observing you as a monarch would a commoner who appeared in their castle. (It's not quite the same when they're in a zoo.) It was absolutely breathtaking to watch them in the wild.
I've also had an eagle swoop over my car a few times while crossing the Long Bridge into Sandpoint. Might be one of the same pair. One time he/she came so close, about 15 feet, to my car that I could clearly see the huge trout still writhing in it's grasp. It was a National Geographic moment. It was nearing a sunset. The sun was glistening off of the fish and the eagle's wings were spread wide. OH! That's the other thing. When they fly, the sound of their wings is like something out of Jurassic Park. Wooomp! Wooomp! Not a whhooosh. Definitely a Wooomp!
At the end of the trip, the boys declared that they LOVED camping! In fact, they had no desire to go home. I think part of it was, that we didn't make them eat anything they didn't like, they got to get dirty and it was okay, and they could run and play to their hearts content. Oh yeah, they thought the tent was cool too. I have a feeling this is the first of MANY, MANY camping trips with all my boys.
Our next trip is going to be the weekend of the Fourth of July. We have some relatives coming up to camp as well. I'm so excited. I requested those days off, so please pray I get them. At least the next campground isn't too far away either. It's only about 30 minutes.
Now I'm going to finish my Junior Mints that Jacob brought me then get ready to work. I get to work from 3pm till probably 1-2 a.m.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
May I Take Your Order?
Good morning! Well, it's morning here anyway. :) I have been thoroughly enjoying the updates of all your blogs. Keep them coming. I haven't been able to do as many on my blog 'cause I'm a working woman now. Yeah. Don't know what I told you all since Jacob lost his job, but he is now collecting unemployment while searching hard for a long-term career. So, while his unemployment checks are rolling in, I took a job at McDonald's and am in training for management. Thanks to my resume, they are starting me somewhat higher than minimum. (I can hear you laughing! haha Bet you never thought to hear of me working there again.)
Actually, for it being a grease factory, as I jokingly refer to it, it's not too bad. The people there are a good bunch. They all are very grateful for there positions, since jobs are VERY scarce up here right now. I know Jacob and I are really thankful for it. The only thing I might have to complain about is that at this location, they aren't very good at scheduling the breaks. For instance, I was scheduled to work eight hours. They gave me my half hour lunch two hours after I got there. Then they had me work an extra hour and a half after my shift ended. My feet and back were killing me!! At least it was extremely busy all day. It helped the time go by quickly. Couldn't wait to go home to see Jacob and my monkeys!!
Yes, the automated, fast food chain has changed quite a bit since working there fifteen years ago. It's like learning everything all over again. Even the salt for the fries is now premeasured! Crazy! They also have a thing called a "McWash" timer. It beeps out a reminder every hour for everyone to go wash there hands. Everything has a bleeping beeper!! I dream about them. One sounds like the Jaws theme. Oh, and everything, of course, is still prefaced with Mc-.
So, I am supposed to be working full time and then some. I decided to take this avenue since it would be an easier schedule to work with. I would have more time with the boys the way they set up the shifts. Also, they are so well staffed, it would be simple to exchange shifts or change them if necessary let's say, if Jacob had an interview or something.
We're still asking for prayers for God's guidance in what we're supposed to do long term. Again, we have appreciated all the prayers and support emotionally and financially! Thanks again.
On a personal note, I have to say I already miss my boys a lot! I'm used to their chatter and presence all day. They think my job is "Awesome!!" as they put it. They keep asking me why I haven't brought home Happy Meals yet with the toys. I think they are enjoying their time with Dad too. He's been so good with them, and I can tell they are quite content. It's been a nightly routine now when I get home for them ALL to want to sit on my lap at the same time. And I let them. They are wiggly, giggly, and very squirmy, but I look forward to this and will let them sit there till my legs fall asleep.
Actually, for it being a grease factory, as I jokingly refer to it, it's not too bad. The people there are a good bunch. They all are very grateful for there positions, since jobs are VERY scarce up here right now. I know Jacob and I are really thankful for it. The only thing I might have to complain about is that at this location, they aren't very good at scheduling the breaks. For instance, I was scheduled to work eight hours. They gave me my half hour lunch two hours after I got there. Then they had me work an extra hour and a half after my shift ended. My feet and back were killing me!! At least it was extremely busy all day. It helped the time go by quickly. Couldn't wait to go home to see Jacob and my monkeys!!
Yes, the automated, fast food chain has changed quite a bit since working there fifteen years ago. It's like learning everything all over again. Even the salt for the fries is now premeasured! Crazy! They also have a thing called a "McWash" timer. It beeps out a reminder every hour for everyone to go wash there hands. Everything has a bleeping beeper!! I dream about them. One sounds like the Jaws theme. Oh, and everything, of course, is still prefaced with Mc-.
So, I am supposed to be working full time and then some. I decided to take this avenue since it would be an easier schedule to work with. I would have more time with the boys the way they set up the shifts. Also, they are so well staffed, it would be simple to exchange shifts or change them if necessary let's say, if Jacob had an interview or something.
We're still asking for prayers for God's guidance in what we're supposed to do long term. Again, we have appreciated all the prayers and support emotionally and financially! Thanks again.
On a personal note, I have to say I already miss my boys a lot! I'm used to their chatter and presence all day. They think my job is "Awesome!!" as they put it. They keep asking me why I haven't brought home Happy Meals yet with the toys. I think they are enjoying their time with Dad too. He's been so good with them, and I can tell they are quite content. It's been a nightly routine now when I get home for them ALL to want to sit on my lap at the same time. And I let them. They are wiggly, giggly, and very squirmy, but I look forward to this and will let them sit there till my legs fall asleep.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dragonslayers
"Mom, your the princess, OK?" says Kris this week as I was feeding Kolbein a bottle.
"And we're going to protect you!" exclaimed Jared as he brandished his home made sword of taped together Hot Wheels tracks. (Electrical tape has many uses.)
"An' we're going to chop off the heads of the dragons!!" Kristopher declared swinging his own Hot Wheel tracks sword.
"I'll get the red one, Kris! You get the green one!!" Orders my oldest knight in shining armor. (In reality, they were both still in PJ's.)
"Watch out so you don't get fired!!"
"Quick behind you!!"
"I got 'im!!"
I lost track of who was saying/yelling what, but there was quite the battle going on in our little living room. Luckily, I was stowed safely upon my royal couch and was advised that I should continue to "stay put" if I didn't want to be eaten. Since this princess had no desire to be ripped to shreds by rude, fire spitting dragons, (or wayward swords whacking at everything imaginable) I did as told protecting yon baby prince as best as I could.
"I'm dead!" hollered Kris spralled on the floor unmoving. "Help me, Jared! He took my sword!"
"I'll save you!" roared Jared as he crawled over what I was guessing to be imaginary vertical rocks. "I'm coming!!"
Kris arose with the touch of Jared's healing hand. Swords were recovered. The dragons were slain. "Chopped to pieces with blood everywhere," was the official royal report.
The weather has been very wet and rainy out this past week and a half, so besides a trip to the podiatrist for me and a library visit, the kids have been cooped up in the house. We've had to be creative in order to keep them entertained. We don't like them completely zoning out on the TV or video games all the time. Anyway, who needs TV with their little imaginations going at full speed?
I've included pictures of them in the middle of playing this or that. We've done everything from putting villainous teddy bears in jail (under a laundry basket) to finger painting. Even the laundry plays a roll. We no longer just switch the loads. We have a top secret delivery that must make it from station one (the washer) to station two (the dryer), but we have to watch out for the bad guys that want to steal it or we might have no clothes to wear! Swords are always worn as a precaution.
Kolbein has tried his hardest to be included in whatever his older brothers are doing too. Sometimes they love it, other times I hear the inevitable "Moooooooooom!! He's eating our play dough!" or "Moooooomm! He's eating our train track!" It's actually been a real joy watching them together.
Kolbein is pulling himself up and standing now. Now that he got his second tooth in, he thinks he's something else. Anything he can pull himself up on, he does. I included a picture of him doing it to the little barn that the kids were playing with. You can tell Jared is at a loss what to do. He wants to open it back up, but Kolbein was in the way.
Through all the thunder and rain this week, I've enjoyed all their antics. I think their top favorite thing is the sword fighting. That's when their imaginations become the most vivd. They forget that I'm listening and other times include me right along in their play. (I couldn't ask for a better compliment.) I think when they play at sword fighting, that it's my favorite too... as long as someone isn't being whacked with one, particularly myself. There's been a few welts here and there, but no blood, which is always a good thing when measuring the quality of play time when you're dealing with boys.
They love to play the hero. Some might think it's too violent, but I think it's little men in the making. They always have the view of keeping someone safe, or trying to protect me from bad guys. They also want to do thorough jobs of it. When they are saving their teddy bears or me, they always show the utmost gentleness and chivalry. (Which to them is yanking me around by the hand or pushing me as hard and as fast as possible so that I can scurry out of danger.)
So, they kill the dragons of boredom and grey skies. They get me in touch with my own childish imagination. Through their eyes, the world can be anything you want to make of it. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are indeed my little heroes!
"And we're going to protect you!" exclaimed Jared as he brandished his home made sword of taped together Hot Wheels tracks. (Electrical tape has many uses.)
"An' we're going to chop off the heads of the dragons!!" Kristopher declared swinging his own Hot Wheel tracks sword.
"I'll get the red one, Kris! You get the green one!!" Orders my oldest knight in shining armor. (In reality, they were both still in PJ's.)
"Watch out so you don't get fired!!"
"Quick behind you!!"
"I got 'im!!"
I lost track of who was saying/yelling what, but there was quite the battle going on in our little living room. Luckily, I was stowed safely upon my royal couch and was advised that I should continue to "stay put" if I didn't want to be eaten. Since this princess had no desire to be ripped to shreds by rude, fire spitting dragons, (or wayward swords whacking at everything imaginable) I did as told protecting yon baby prince as best as I could.
"I'm dead!" hollered Kris spralled on the floor unmoving. "Help me, Jared! He took my sword!"
"I'll save you!" roared Jared as he crawled over what I was guessing to be imaginary vertical rocks. "I'm coming!!"
Kris arose with the touch of Jared's healing hand. Swords were recovered. The dragons were slain. "Chopped to pieces with blood everywhere," was the official royal report.
The weather has been very wet and rainy out this past week and a half, so besides a trip to the podiatrist for me and a library visit, the kids have been cooped up in the house. We've had to be creative in order to keep them entertained. We don't like them completely zoning out on the TV or video games all the time. Anyway, who needs TV with their little imaginations going at full speed?
I've included pictures of them in the middle of playing this or that. We've done everything from putting villainous teddy bears in jail (under a laundry basket) to finger painting. Even the laundry plays a roll. We no longer just switch the loads. We have a top secret delivery that must make it from station one (the washer) to station two (the dryer), but we have to watch out for the bad guys that want to steal it or we might have no clothes to wear! Swords are always worn as a precaution.
Kolbein has tried his hardest to be included in whatever his older brothers are doing too. Sometimes they love it, other times I hear the inevitable "Moooooooooom!! He's eating our play dough!" or "Moooooomm! He's eating our train track!" It's actually been a real joy watching them together.
Kolbein is pulling himself up and standing now. Now that he got his second tooth in, he thinks he's something else. Anything he can pull himself up on, he does. I included a picture of him doing it to the little barn that the kids were playing with. You can tell Jared is at a loss what to do. He wants to open it back up, but Kolbein was in the way.
Through all the thunder and rain this week, I've enjoyed all their antics. I think their top favorite thing is the sword fighting. That's when their imaginations become the most vivd. They forget that I'm listening and other times include me right along in their play. (I couldn't ask for a better compliment.) I think when they play at sword fighting, that it's my favorite too... as long as someone isn't being whacked with one, particularly myself. There's been a few welts here and there, but no blood, which is always a good thing when measuring the quality of play time when you're dealing with boys.
They love to play the hero. Some might think it's too violent, but I think it's little men in the making. They always have the view of keeping someone safe, or trying to protect me from bad guys. They also want to do thorough jobs of it. When they are saving their teddy bears or me, they always show the utmost gentleness and chivalry. (Which to them is yanking me around by the hand or pushing me as hard and as fast as possible so that I can scurry out of danger.)
So, they kill the dragons of boredom and grey skies. They get me in touch with my own childish imagination. Through their eyes, the world can be anything you want to make of it. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are indeed my little heroes!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Yaaaaawwwwn
Can't believe it has been so long since I last wrote. It's been a busy few weeks with a lot going on. The kids are doing well besides a sore throat-head cold all three of them have. Jacob came down with it a few nights ago as well. I have a little bit of the sore throat, but not nearly to the scale they do so I can't complain.
I do feel sorry for Kolbein though. I think he's got it the toughest. He's teething, and he's got this cold thing. He's been waking up every hour for the past four nights. Needless to say, that leaves for a very cranky baby. (And very tired parents!) It's not slowing him down while he's up and about. Not one bit. In fact he's getting pretty good about voicing his opinion when removed from something he considered fascinating.
I think the biggest thing for us lately, was a little job issue. I won't go into details on this blog, but it kind of threw us for a HUGE financial loop! Completely unexpected. We were reminded how to pray really hard and are still praying. We are very thankful for all the prayers sent on our behalf as well some gifts that a few family members surprised us with. We would be a lot harder off without it. So thank you! Thank you!!
We are still waiting for everything to get back to normal with Jacob's company, so please feel free to continue praying. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it! After finding out some info and seeing some company paperwork today, we are happy to report that it looks as if things are going to be set right very soon. It just takes time. (If you wish to know more, feel free to call me.)
I do have some pictures I've been taking of the boys, sunsets etc... I think after doing a ton of housework today that involved a lot of standing, I just want to go to bed. So, I'll try to post them tomorrow.
Good night!
I do feel sorry for Kolbein though. I think he's got it the toughest. He's teething, and he's got this cold thing. He's been waking up every hour for the past four nights. Needless to say, that leaves for a very cranky baby. (And very tired parents!) It's not slowing him down while he's up and about. Not one bit. In fact he's getting pretty good about voicing his opinion when removed from something he considered fascinating.
I think the biggest thing for us lately, was a little job issue. I won't go into details on this blog, but it kind of threw us for a HUGE financial loop! Completely unexpected. We were reminded how to pray really hard and are still praying. We are very thankful for all the prayers sent on our behalf as well some gifts that a few family members surprised us with. We would be a lot harder off without it. So thank you! Thank you!!
We are still waiting for everything to get back to normal with Jacob's company, so please feel free to continue praying. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it! After finding out some info and seeing some company paperwork today, we are happy to report that it looks as if things are going to be set right very soon. It just takes time. (If you wish to know more, feel free to call me.)
I do have some pictures I've been taking of the boys, sunsets etc... I think after doing a ton of housework today that involved a lot of standing, I just want to go to bed. So, I'll try to post them tomorrow.
Good night!
Friday, May 1, 2009
May Day! May Day!
May Day turned out to be a pretty typical day, for the most part. The normal chores followed by more regular chores. Kids constantly hungry and full of energy. Kolbein eating everything in sight.
As far as Kolbein goes, this is a milestone week for him. On the twenty-ninth, which was the day he turned nine months, I swabbed his mouth out to discover his first tooth!!! FINALLY!! When you're looking at him, it's his bottom, right, front tooth. (Adrianna would know the proper name for it.) He's a much happier baby. I think it's been bugging him for a while.
I've also decided to keep a list of what he puts in his mouth. He's better than a Kirby vacuum! Today he managed to eat blue play dough, sheet rock, a piece of snipped cable, paper, old cheerios he stashed under his high chair, a plastic ring, a bread bag clip and who knows what else.
Speaking of teeth, poor Kristopher! He and Jared were playing outside climbing on some giant boulders. Just as I was thinking that I might make them get down, he slipped. Of course he was screaming as I ran over to assess the damage. There was some crumbs of something on his bloody lower lip. As I was quickly brushing them off, I realized that they were parts of his top, front tooth! He had hit his teeth again! Other than his tooth being severely fractured, and his gums were a little red, he looked okay. It didn't look like any nerves were exposed, but I gave him some ibuprofen anyway. We'll have to keep an eye on him for the next few days. He did manage to eat the pizza I made at his request pretty well. Had to be cut up however.
While Kolbein took his first of two naps, Jared, Kristopher and I went for a walk. We just went down our driveway a little ways. They of course threw every stick they found. They told me they were getting it out of the way for Dad when he came home. When they found out they had to go back up the hill, they were none too pleased. I really thought I was going to have to carry them/drag them back up. That is until the blue butterfly showed up.
The boys were fascinated with the little bluey-purple butterfly. It proceeded to flutter up the driveway showing off its delicate wings. From somewhere the boys found bursts of energy to chase it a ways. Jared almost caught it several times. Then it played a game with us and landed on each of us in turn. Kris wasn't so sure about that, but Jared was thrilled that he had a new little pet. I managed to catch it (without touching its wings of course), and it happily sat on my hand for a moment before it danced away. We observed all of its marvelous details, such as the dots on its wings and its curly tongue. I hope I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Such a simple thing to experience with my boys. It reminded me of what babies they still are and how brand new this whole "living" thing is for them.
Well, I hope to be writing more often. I came down with some weird eye-lid infection last Sunday. Kind of like a sty. It got pretty bad and looked like someone had punched me. haha. It was almost swollen shut and the swelling was below my nose into my cheekbones. A real beauty queen. Between Jacob and Kayla, they made me go to the doctor. Glad I did because it turned out I needed antibiotics. (I never want to go when I really should go.) Ended up getting some foot x-rays while I was there too. Still waiting to hear on those, but I am so happy that the eye is doing much, much better. Just a little redness around the lid. That, and I can see again! Yahoo!
Well, the last notable was Tessa and Mom coming up for a night on Tuesday and left Wednesday morning. Tessa just needed to pick up some things before she headed back for Portland. I was so glad to see her again and even more glad to see Mom. I have to say that I miss them both very, very much already. I wished it had worked out for Tessa up here, but who knows? May be she'll give it another shot someday. :)
Now that the movie in the background is over, Jurassic Park II, I think I'm done. That was interesting trying to write with dinosaurs screeching in the background. Always love a challenge.
More later.
As far as Kolbein goes, this is a milestone week for him. On the twenty-ninth, which was the day he turned nine months, I swabbed his mouth out to discover his first tooth!!! FINALLY!! When you're looking at him, it's his bottom, right, front tooth. (Adrianna would know the proper name for it.) He's a much happier baby. I think it's been bugging him for a while.
I've also decided to keep a list of what he puts in his mouth. He's better than a Kirby vacuum! Today he managed to eat blue play dough, sheet rock, a piece of snipped cable, paper, old cheerios he stashed under his high chair, a plastic ring, a bread bag clip and who knows what else.
Speaking of teeth, poor Kristopher! He and Jared were playing outside climbing on some giant boulders. Just as I was thinking that I might make them get down, he slipped. Of course he was screaming as I ran over to assess the damage. There was some crumbs of something on his bloody lower lip. As I was quickly brushing them off, I realized that they were parts of his top, front tooth! He had hit his teeth again! Other than his tooth being severely fractured, and his gums were a little red, he looked okay. It didn't look like any nerves were exposed, but I gave him some ibuprofen anyway. We'll have to keep an eye on him for the next few days. He did manage to eat the pizza I made at his request pretty well. Had to be cut up however.
While Kolbein took his first of two naps, Jared, Kristopher and I went for a walk. We just went down our driveway a little ways. They of course threw every stick they found. They told me they were getting it out of the way for Dad when he came home. When they found out they had to go back up the hill, they were none too pleased. I really thought I was going to have to carry them/drag them back up. That is until the blue butterfly showed up.
The boys were fascinated with the little bluey-purple butterfly. It proceeded to flutter up the driveway showing off its delicate wings. From somewhere the boys found bursts of energy to chase it a ways. Jared almost caught it several times. Then it played a game with us and landed on each of us in turn. Kris wasn't so sure about that, but Jared was thrilled that he had a new little pet. I managed to catch it (without touching its wings of course), and it happily sat on my hand for a moment before it danced away. We observed all of its marvelous details, such as the dots on its wings and its curly tongue. I hope I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Such a simple thing to experience with my boys. It reminded me of what babies they still are and how brand new this whole "living" thing is for them.
Well, I hope to be writing more often. I came down with some weird eye-lid infection last Sunday. Kind of like a sty. It got pretty bad and looked like someone had punched me. haha. It was almost swollen shut and the swelling was below my nose into my cheekbones. A real beauty queen. Between Jacob and Kayla, they made me go to the doctor. Glad I did because it turned out I needed antibiotics. (I never want to go when I really should go.) Ended up getting some foot x-rays while I was there too. Still waiting to hear on those, but I am so happy that the eye is doing much, much better. Just a little redness around the lid. That, and I can see again! Yahoo!
Well, the last notable was Tessa and Mom coming up for a night on Tuesday and left Wednesday morning. Tessa just needed to pick up some things before she headed back for Portland. I was so glad to see her again and even more glad to see Mom. I have to say that I miss them both very, very much already. I wished it had worked out for Tessa up here, but who knows? May be she'll give it another shot someday. :)
Now that the movie in the background is over, Jurassic Park II, I think I'm done. That was interesting trying to write with dinosaurs screeching in the background. Always love a challenge.
More later.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Feast or Not to Feast
Today has been a pretty relaxing day. Jacob and the boys went to the dump with all the garbage (there is no roadside service where we are) while Kolbein was fed and is now napping. I could be doing the dishes I suppose, but I'm having more fun procrastinating! Ha!
So, I've finished my second cup of coffee and decided to download a few pictures from April. The snowy one was God's precious April Fool's day surprise. The rest are self explanatory.
I've taken a lot of pictures of Kolbein eating lately. He's so fascinated with putting everything in his mouth for the last few months. I was telling someone, that changing his diapers are always a surprise. So far, I've found wads of paper, wood, gravel, a penny plus a few unidentifiable things that I just figured we'd leave at that.
It seems as if he's always finding something. It doesn't matter how much I clean or vacuum. I've come to the conclusion that it will never be enough. No. I can't keep him in a cage either. Not all the time anyway.
Gravel is always being tracked in, so that's a given. Straw is another. Just this morning I've taken away paper, toilet paper he grabbed in the bathroom, some old food he found and a mouse trap. Yep. A used mouse trap. Can't tell you how grossed out I am. He's getting so quick, and I'm not sure how he got back there in the first place to tell you the truth.
I now know why God designed little ones to take naps. I'm certain it's to give us moms a break from the frequent, heart stopping adrenaline rushes.
Here's a few pictures of Jacob feeding him something he actually DIDN'T like the other morning.
We have made it a habit to lean as far away from him as possible when attempting to feed him. He has a trick of blowing raspberries and spitting things out directly if he doesn't approve.
Then there's a classic picture of him eating his prunes this morning. He loved those.
Well, Jacob is back with the other two boys. He's grabbed some stuff from the storage unit. I want to go help him. Enjoy the weekend!!
So, I've finished my second cup of coffee and decided to download a few pictures from April. The snowy one was God's precious April Fool's day surprise. The rest are self explanatory.
I've taken a lot of pictures of Kolbein eating lately. He's so fascinated with putting everything in his mouth for the last few months. I was telling someone, that changing his diapers are always a surprise. So far, I've found wads of paper, wood, gravel, a penny plus a few unidentifiable things that I just figured we'd leave at that.
It seems as if he's always finding something. It doesn't matter how much I clean or vacuum. I've come to the conclusion that it will never be enough. No. I can't keep him in a cage either. Not all the time anyway.
Gravel is always being tracked in, so that's a given. Straw is another. Just this morning I've taken away paper, toilet paper he grabbed in the bathroom, some old food he found and a mouse trap. Yep. A used mouse trap. Can't tell you how grossed out I am. He's getting so quick, and I'm not sure how he got back there in the first place to tell you the truth.
I now know why God designed little ones to take naps. I'm certain it's to give us moms a break from the frequent, heart stopping adrenaline rushes.
Here's a few pictures of Jacob feeding him something he actually DIDN'T like the other morning.
We have made it a habit to lean as far away from him as possible when attempting to feed him. He has a trick of blowing raspberries and spitting things out directly if he doesn't approve.
Then there's a classic picture of him eating his prunes this morning. He loved those.
Well, Jacob is back with the other two boys. He's grabbed some stuff from the storage unit. I want to go help him. Enjoy the weekend!!
We're Boys!
Yesterday was Jared's turn to go to the doctor's. The appointment wasn't until the afternoon, so I endured many questions of, "Is it time to go yet?", "Now can we go??" and "Why is it taking soooo long, Mom?!?" I have to admit, after Tuesday's round of doctor visits, I was surprised that Jared was so eager to go for his appointment.
So, to pass the time, I had them take a shower, clean their rooms, make their beds, surprise the wild turkeys outside, etc... The usual.
When they were told that it was finally time to go, they got their shoes on and zipped out the door so fast. I followed with Kolbein. As I was buckling Kolbein in his car seat, I asked over my shoulder if either of them had to go potty one last time before we left. I heard them both yell, "I do!!" So, I replied for them to hurry and go really quick.
I clasped the last buckle for Kolbein and quickly fixed his window shade. As I turned around to go inside and make sure the boys were hurrying (they get side-tracked easily), I heard their voices around the other side of the shop near the ledge. What on earth?? So I jogged over to find out what in the world they were doing over there.
Lo and behold, right at the edge they had both dropped their drawers and were laughing at each other. I heard one of them say, "My rainbow is bigger than yours!!" The other replied, "Na-uh, mine is bigger!!"
Does everything have to be a competition?, I thought for the hundredth time this week I think. It was so funny. I was afraid if I disturbed them while they were "launching their rainbows", we'd have a real mess on our hands. One I didn't have time for. So, I waited for them to finish.
When they discovered I had been watching them, they were very unabashed. In fact they were pretty proud of themselves.
"Did you see me, Mom?"
"Yes, honey, I saw alright."
"Mine went farther than Kris'!"
"I hit a rock with mine, Mom!"
"OK, good job! Now, please get into the car. Why didn't you go in the house to go?" I queried.
They just looked at each other and laughed. "We don't need to, Mom," Jared informed me as if it was clear as day. "We're boys!"
Good to know.
I was so glad Jacob met me at the office to help with the younger two. This appointment we were going to discuss Jared's peanut allergies, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't as distracted.
The appointment, once again, went well. He's 42" tall and 42 pounds. We discussed the allergies and the doctor prescribed him some EpiPens to keep on hand. They're quite handy, for those that don't know. They're an emergency injection of epinephrine dispensed in the thigh to help prevent anaphylactic(sp?) reactions. Since his allergic reactions have been getting progressively worse, we need to keep one nearby at all times. (Last time his face swelled up pretty good.)
I really, honestly didn't know if he would get immunizations that time, because I thought they might make him wait till he was five. Well, he wasn't so lucky. His weren't able to be combo injections either. He got six of them. He was quite brave through it all, even though he shed more than a tear. He's at that age where he's able to understand some logic, so he understood why he needed them. He made it clear to the nurse though, that that was it for a long time. It is until he's eleven.
He also asked her, "I get stickers and a book now, right? 'Cause you gave me lots of shots." Yes, he received his stickers and book.
I didn't have the heart to tell him we had to go to the lab next to get his blood drawn for an allergy screening of the major food groups. But to my surprise, he actually ENJOYED getting his blood drawn. He told me it was cool. Didn't even cry. Just watched the whole thing with a curious fascination. (The man was really incredible with him! I was so blessed. I was expecting a bolt and chase scenario!) He was even more ecstatic that he got four more ninja turtle stickers AND a toy from the toy chest.
"Mom, I scored!" he smiled.
"Yes, you sure did."
"I was brave, huh?"
"Yep, you were. I'm so proud of you!" I told him.
"You know why?" he asked.
"Why?"
"'Cause Jesus was right there by me."
So, we went to show Dad all his band aids. He was so proud of them. Kris was pretty horrified to think Jared got SIX shots. He sighed, "Ohhh!" so sympathetically as Jared nodded that it was quite true.
So, after a trip to Dutch Brother's for lolli pops for them and a coffee for me we headed home to have a pancake dinner and watch a movie together.
So, to pass the time, I had them take a shower, clean their rooms, make their beds, surprise the wild turkeys outside, etc... The usual.
When they were told that it was finally time to go, they got their shoes on and zipped out the door so fast. I followed with Kolbein. As I was buckling Kolbein in his car seat, I asked over my shoulder if either of them had to go potty one last time before we left. I heard them both yell, "I do!!" So, I replied for them to hurry and go really quick.
I clasped the last buckle for Kolbein and quickly fixed his window shade. As I turned around to go inside and make sure the boys were hurrying (they get side-tracked easily), I heard their voices around the other side of the shop near the ledge. What on earth?? So I jogged over to find out what in the world they were doing over there.
Lo and behold, right at the edge they had both dropped their drawers and were laughing at each other. I heard one of them say, "My rainbow is bigger than yours!!" The other replied, "Na-uh, mine is bigger!!"
Does everything have to be a competition?, I thought for the hundredth time this week I think. It was so funny. I was afraid if I disturbed them while they were "launching their rainbows", we'd have a real mess on our hands. One I didn't have time for. So, I waited for them to finish.
When they discovered I had been watching them, they were very unabashed. In fact they were pretty proud of themselves.
"Did you see me, Mom?"
"Yes, honey, I saw alright."
"Mine went farther than Kris'!"
"I hit a rock with mine, Mom!"
"OK, good job! Now, please get into the car. Why didn't you go in the house to go?" I queried.
They just looked at each other and laughed. "We don't need to, Mom," Jared informed me as if it was clear as day. "We're boys!"
Good to know.
I was so glad Jacob met me at the office to help with the younger two. This appointment we were going to discuss Jared's peanut allergies, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't as distracted.
The appointment, once again, went well. He's 42" tall and 42 pounds. We discussed the allergies and the doctor prescribed him some EpiPens to keep on hand. They're quite handy, for those that don't know. They're an emergency injection of epinephrine dispensed in the thigh to help prevent anaphylactic(sp?) reactions. Since his allergic reactions have been getting progressively worse, we need to keep one nearby at all times. (Last time his face swelled up pretty good.)
I really, honestly didn't know if he would get immunizations that time, because I thought they might make him wait till he was five. Well, he wasn't so lucky. His weren't able to be combo injections either. He got six of them. He was quite brave through it all, even though he shed more than a tear. He's at that age where he's able to understand some logic, so he understood why he needed them. He made it clear to the nurse though, that that was it for a long time. It is until he's eleven.
He also asked her, "I get stickers and a book now, right? 'Cause you gave me lots of shots." Yes, he received his stickers and book.
I didn't have the heart to tell him we had to go to the lab next to get his blood drawn for an allergy screening of the major food groups. But to my surprise, he actually ENJOYED getting his blood drawn. He told me it was cool. Didn't even cry. Just watched the whole thing with a curious fascination. (The man was really incredible with him! I was so blessed. I was expecting a bolt and chase scenario!) He was even more ecstatic that he got four more ninja turtle stickers AND a toy from the toy chest.
"Mom, I scored!" he smiled.
"Yes, you sure did."
"I was brave, huh?"
"Yep, you were. I'm so proud of you!" I told him.
"You know why?" he asked.
"Why?"
"'Cause Jesus was right there by me."
So, we went to show Dad all his band aids. He was so proud of them. Kris was pretty horrified to think Jared got SIX shots. He sighed, "Ohhh!" so sympathetically as Jared nodded that it was quite true.
So, after a trip to Dutch Brother's for lolli pops for them and a coffee for me we headed home to have a pancake dinner and watch a movie together.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sticky Poky Thingies
Since we were blessed with recieving awesome group health coverage, I thought it was time to get a slew of "well child" visits done. All three boys were due for their check ups and needed to get more immunizations.
On Tuesday, it was Kristopher and Kolbein's turns. They were so excited to take the trip to Coeur d'Alene, a 45 min drive, to the pediatric center. I decided to go ahead and keep the doctors down there since I heard that the pediatrician center up here is always way overbooked. Jared approved. He loved his visit when he was sick last winter and had to make an office visit. So, he made sure he told Kris all about it the whole way down. A regular little tour guide.
Both little guys did pretty well. Kolbein of course was husky for his age and scored in the 90th percentile for his height. Kris was a skinny fella with average height scoring in the 50th percentile across the board.
The doctor was so nice. She checked for potatoes in Kristopher's ears on Jared's suggestion. We were relieved there were no jelly beans either. When it was Kolbein's turn, she was checking for teeth using one of those tongue suppressants. No teeth yet. The older brothers thought it was hilarious, which encouraged Kolbein to try to grab it and eat it.
All in all, it went well until the nurse brought in the vaccines. Kris somehow knew what they were. (Perhaps it was Jared asking, "Is he getting a shot? Mom! Mom, is he getting some shots now??!) So, we held him tightly, but gently on the table. I just put my face right into his and kept telling him he was doing so well as the tears came pouring out of his eyes. I think I had a few tears myself. So, we snuggled a minute after the three shots were over and the bright, neon bandaid dots were in place. (Thank goodness they can mix some of them now days!) He turned to me with those big blue eyes of his after a moment and said, "Mom, I didn't like those sticky poky thingies!"
Then it was Kolbein's turn. Deep breath.
Afterwards they both recieved books from the office as well as some very cool Spiderman stickers. Kris was quite proud of his. Then I hooked up Kolbein back in his stroller, being careful of his leg. I noticed that one of his band aids had disappeared, but the poke looked dry, so I didn't think another thing of it.
Kris reminded me again while lunching at McDonald's that he really, really didn't like those sticky poky thingies. And once more at home. He told me it made his legs hurt really, really badly and made him cry. I told him he did so well, and we wouldn't need to do that for a loooong time. He seemed satisfied with that.
Ok, Kolbein was really hungry now and throwing a complete fit. So, I made a bottle and he seemed really happy to see it, but then kept yanking it out of his mouth. I thought he was just dawdling and being difficult, so I shoved it back in. He started gagging and choking. I sat him up and as I did, out came a ton of spit up and... the band aid. He must have been gumming that thing for over two and a half hours!!
On Tuesday, it was Kristopher and Kolbein's turns. They were so excited to take the trip to Coeur d'Alene, a 45 min drive, to the pediatric center. I decided to go ahead and keep the doctors down there since I heard that the pediatrician center up here is always way overbooked. Jared approved. He loved his visit when he was sick last winter and had to make an office visit. So, he made sure he told Kris all about it the whole way down. A regular little tour guide.
Both little guys did pretty well. Kolbein of course was husky for his age and scored in the 90th percentile for his height. Kris was a skinny fella with average height scoring in the 50th percentile across the board.
The doctor was so nice. She checked for potatoes in Kristopher's ears on Jared's suggestion. We were relieved there were no jelly beans either. When it was Kolbein's turn, she was checking for teeth using one of those tongue suppressants. No teeth yet. The older brothers thought it was hilarious, which encouraged Kolbein to try to grab it and eat it.
All in all, it went well until the nurse brought in the vaccines. Kris somehow knew what they were. (Perhaps it was Jared asking, "Is he getting a shot? Mom! Mom, is he getting some shots now??!) So, we held him tightly, but gently on the table. I just put my face right into his and kept telling him he was doing so well as the tears came pouring out of his eyes. I think I had a few tears myself. So, we snuggled a minute after the three shots were over and the bright, neon bandaid dots were in place. (Thank goodness they can mix some of them now days!) He turned to me with those big blue eyes of his after a moment and said, "Mom, I didn't like those sticky poky thingies!"
Then it was Kolbein's turn. Deep breath.
Afterwards they both recieved books from the office as well as some very cool Spiderman stickers. Kris was quite proud of his. Then I hooked up Kolbein back in his stroller, being careful of his leg. I noticed that one of his band aids had disappeared, but the poke looked dry, so I didn't think another thing of it.
Kris reminded me again while lunching at McDonald's that he really, really didn't like those sticky poky thingies. And once more at home. He told me it made his legs hurt really, really badly and made him cry. I told him he did so well, and we wouldn't need to do that for a loooong time. He seemed satisfied with that.
Ok, Kolbein was really hungry now and throwing a complete fit. So, I made a bottle and he seemed really happy to see it, but then kept yanking it out of his mouth. I thought he was just dawdling and being difficult, so I shoved it back in. He started gagging and choking. I sat him up and as I did, out came a ton of spit up and... the band aid. He must have been gumming that thing for over two and a half hours!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
MoBO in Idaho
Me, holding Kolbein (here 7mo), Kristopher 3, & Jared 4(at my grandparents in Oregon)
So, I've decided to go ahead with this blogging thing, since I've really enjoyed subscribing to a few of yours out there (you know who you are). It's brought me joy and many times has put the biggest smile on my face for the day. It's also a great way to stay in touch with those that live so far away.
I also find writing to be very relaxing but a rare treat these days since my boys are always on the go. So, bear with me, my followers. Sometimes the grammar may not be the best. Sometimes I'll just have to settle for a few quick notes.
My blog (I love that word) entitled "The life of the MOBO" means Mother Of Boys Only. It's been a whole new experience for me living amongst the life of boys. I have two sisters and one brother myself, so estrogen pretty much dominated in our family. (Sorry, Dad and Tanner!) I now understand what it feels like to be outnumbered. It can be fun and an advantage at times, and I do find myself REALLY liking the color pink for the first time in years. May be because it's one of the "not allowed" things here in man-land. (Purple, I've been told is a close second.)
Boys. Their emotions, antics and energy leave me amaaaaazed at the end of each day. It's never the same ol' - same ol' around here! Always an adventure. My goal is to share the stories here on the mountain we call home in Sagle, Northern Idaho. Perhaps some of you can already guess what the boys will be up to tomorrow since you might have had a few brothers/sons yourself; however, may be you'll get to enjoy the experiences from the point of view of someone who finds herself on occasion... well... completely clueless.
I also find writing to be very relaxing but a rare treat these days since my boys are always on the go. So, bear with me, my followers. Sometimes the grammar may not be the best. Sometimes I'll just have to settle for a few quick notes.
My blog (I love that word) entitled "The life of the MOBO" means Mother Of Boys Only. It's been a whole new experience for me living amongst the life of boys. I have two sisters and one brother myself, so estrogen pretty much dominated in our family. (Sorry, Dad and Tanner!) I now understand what it feels like to be outnumbered. It can be fun and an advantage at times, and I do find myself REALLY liking the color pink for the first time in years. May be because it's one of the "not allowed" things here in man-land. (Purple, I've been told is a close second.)
Boys. Their emotions, antics and energy leave me amaaaaazed at the end of each day. It's never the same ol' - same ol' around here! Always an adventure. My goal is to share the stories here on the mountain we call home in Sagle, Northern Idaho. Perhaps some of you can already guess what the boys will be up to tomorrow since you might have had a few brothers/sons yourself; however, may be you'll get to enjoy the experiences from the point of view of someone who finds herself on occasion... well... completely clueless.
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