Travis & Kelsey: Karibu Sana!

Travis and Kelsey have a page now! Hopefully they will be better at updating it together... since Kelsey has not updated her page in almost a year! Check them out, and keep them in your prayers. I believe there are 17 days left until the wedding. Fun times!!!

Travis & Kelsey: Karibu Sana!

Another really bad day...

If you read my blog, you may remember the post about my really bad day. Soon after I had written that, my friend Naomi sent me an E-mail with the story of one of her worst days ever. I finally remembered to ask her if it was okay for me to post it on here, and she said sure, so here it is:

I was thinking about your blog post about the day everything went wrong, and I wondered if I've ever told you about our "day". :) Gideon was 3 1/2, Elijah 2, Isaiah was 9mo, and it was Easter Sunday 2002. I had been up the night before until 2am making homemade cinnamon rolls to take to sunrise service breakfast, and then up at 4am to start getting everybody out the door. We had to leave by 5:30 b/c it was a 1/2 hr drive to church. It had been raining hard for days and we were under a floodwatch. I gave the two big boys some Ovaltine to help them wait until after the service for breakfast, got them dressed in their cute little matching white shirts and green corderoy overalls, put on my brand new Easter outfit, and we were ready to go. We were also teaching children's church that day and Jeremiah had completely lost his voice at a lock-in Friday night, so I was going to have to teach that too.

We managed to get everyone and everything outside and in the van and only slightly soaked. It was raining cats and dogs and still pitch black. We got about a mile from home, and Elijah threw up chocolate milk all over the back of the van. All over. Everywhere. Chunks. So we turned around and went back home, and transferred Gideon and his car seat, the cinnamon rolls, and the children's church material to our other vehicle, and Jeremiah and Gideon left for church, because Jeremiah was the youth minister, and now they were going to be late, and no excuse short of your own death was sufficient for that with our minister.

So I made about 10 trips out to the van, getting Isaiah in and in his crib where he would stay put, and bringing in Elijah's carseat and Elijah, then trying to scrub the worst of the vomit out of the car. When I finally got inside, I looked like I had climbed into the shower in my Sunday dress. Then I had to clean up poor Elijah. I was so grossed out by this time that I took the filthy car seat and stuffed it in our second bathroom and shut the door. I would clean it later. Bad choice. I gave Elijah his bath, and then we snuggled down in the living room to watch veggie tales. Over the next few hours he threw up several times, all without warning, all over the living room floor, hallway, etc. I tried desperately to stay awake on my 2 hrs from the night before.

And then, about 10am, it happened. We had a toy Sesame Street saxophone, battery powered and heavy, and Elijah was playing with it and managed to swing it around and hit himself in the head, just above his right eyebrow, and blood went everywhere! Even I could see that this would need stitches, and there I was at home by myself with two babies and a car and carseat covered in vomit! I tried and tried to call Jeremiah's cell phone while putting pressure on the cut, but he had turned it off for the service. I called the church number over and over, because there was a phone in the nursery. Finally I got Jeremiah, and he said he would head home right away. So I ran and got the carseat and scrubbed the cover out in the bathtub and tossed it in the dryer, then washed the frame, and the whole time Elijah was holding a bloody washcloth on his forehead! Poor baby! Rushing through the kitchen, I managed to whack my foot on a cabinet, and thought I had broken my toe! (It turned out to be just fine.) It hurt so badly, and I had just been wondering what else could go wrong, that I began laughing hysterically. I was still in this state 10 minutes later when Jeremiah got home. Thank goodness he can remain calm in a crisis! It had finally stopped raining, and we got the carseat frame and lined it with towels, since the cover was still soaking wet, piled everyone into Jeremiah's van, and headed for the hospital. Five hours and several stitches later, we finally had our Easter dinner--at the Burger King drive-thru! :) And Elijah has a distinguished-looking scar on his forehead as a momento of that day! :)

I hope you got a good laugh from that--I sure do! I look forward to telling this story to his wife and then to my grandchildren someday! :-) Thank goodness every day isn't this "exciting"!

I think it might be fun to hear about other people's "worst day"... or at least one of them, if you can't narrow it down to one. Feel free to E-mail me, and I will post them, or you can just leave it as a comment.

Laughing about it later really makes it easier, so let's share the laughter!

Life stories...

I have been playing around on Facebook tonight and linked to a group of former Shorter students. Check out the link http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11263359004
I have really enjoyed reading about where different people have ended up, especially spiritually. I am so impressed by the things that God is doing in the lives of people that I had no hope for. It is amazing what HE can do, after he breaks us. It is awe inspiring what can happen when we stop trying to do everything, ANYTHING, on our own, and just wait on HIM. This is going to sound very negative, but I had very little hope for the Christian Ministry majors during my time at Shorter. I knew they were learning lots of interesting Greek, and theology, but I had not seen much "ministry". Thankfully, God sees a lot farther than I, and had huge, amazing, wonderful things for some amazing men and women, and those amazing men and women came through. I am humbled by my lack of faith in them. I guess when it all boils down, it was a lack of faith in God. He called them... I should have trusted that He would shape them too! I feel like a cheerleader... Go God!!! Yeah!
I just re-read this before posting, and I am afraid it sounds like I think I was more mature, more in touch with God, more something, while I was in college. I truly don't mean it to sound that way. I just knew of too many people that were too worried about rules and regulations, and were convinced to forget about grace and mercy. I am so glad to see that grace and mercy and simply loving are priorities for them.
I should go to sleep before I say something stupid. I hope this makes sense!

More wedding plans

It is so much fun to be in on planning a wedding. I think it is a lot more fun to just be part of it, without being the person who is getting married. I get to have all the fun and excitement, without nearly as much stress! Kelsey's wedding it less than a month away now, and things are really starting to pull together. She still has finals, so poor thing, I don't think she is having any fun yet, but I think there is only one week left of school, so then she can really just enjoy her wedding plans. The sisters are throwing her a "personal" shower tomorrow. A bunch of giggling girls, with pretty lingerie. That is going to be a blast!
I am heading back to South GA on Sunday night. I miss my Andy, and I can promise you he has missed me. (6 phone calls a day, on average!) We will be home for about 3 weeks, then be heading back north again for the last week pre-wedding. Fun times!
Tonight I am going to a birthday party for my friend Carrie. I am amazingly excited. I haven't been to a birthday party that wasn't for a child in YEARS! I think that since we are leaving our children at home, all of us ladies may act like children ourselves! If you happen to be in Marietta tonight, don't laugh too hard at a bunch of crazy women wearing princess crowns at the ice skating rink!

Due Date

Today was supposed to be my due date. Surprisingly, it really wasn't bad at all. I remembered it this morning, because when I first found out I was pregnant, Carrie commented that my due date was the same day as a wedding her kids were going to be in. So, since the wedding was today, that reminded me that today was my due date. I really didn't feel like I should have been having a baby today though. I already went through that, several weeks ago, and today just felt like.... well, it just felt like today. Just like any other day. I commented to Andy about it being my due date this morning. I think I was starting to feel a little mopey. He was not sympathetic at all, which was the absolute best thing for me. It was much easier to be a little grumpy with him for a few minutes, then to be mopey all day. So, even though he slightly annoyed me, I am really grateful to him for being "uncaring" about it. The thought stuck around all day, and struck at random moments, but it wasn't a heavy thought, and it didn't weigh me down. God is so faithful.

Today is almost done, and I have mourned my baby very little. I did my mourning at other times. Today I celebrated the children I have with me, and the man I love. I needed to celebrate today. Enough said.

Normal

This morning around 8:15 one of my best friends called me and said, "I just want to have a normal day." She has had a lot of drama in her life recently, and when it was finally starting to slow down, her baby woke up with a fever of 105 degrees this morning, and she was rushing to the doctor. I totally understood what she meant... normal sounds nice. But, I really don't think it exists. Normal for her is not the same as normal for me, and probably not like normal for you either. It just got me thinking again about that word. NORMAL. Seriously, how can anyone define that? We had a lot of discussions about normal when I was growing up, since we were homeschooled, preacher's kids, who moved almost every year, and lived in a foreign country for awhile. We never even attempted to think that we were normal. But, we had our own normal. Our normal could be thrown off balance, just like anyone else's normal. Maybe what I am trying to get to is this question: "How do I want my children to define normal?" I don't want them to think that it is normal to use dirty, nasty, useless and pointless words. I don't want them to think it is normal to shout and scream at each other every time you have a disagreement. I don't want them to think it is normal to threaten violence to solve problems.

I DO want them to think it is normal to approach the throne of God with absolutely every issue in their life. I do want them to think it is normal to show affection openly to each other. I do want them to think it is normal to enjoy a good book, watch a good movie, spend time together as a family, help those less fortunate, and share love with everyone without exception.

There are so many things that can define normal. What is normal for you? Do you have a plan? You have to decide what your normal is, or you will end up following someone else's normal, which will be wrong for you.

On a lighter note... a piece of advice. If you remember really liking a movie as a child, yet haven't watched it since you were a child, don't watch it again. It totally ruins a movie to watch it again, after decades of memories! Canaan checked out the Ewok movie today at the library. The acting is absolutely horrid!!! I remember liking that movie. I think I just liked the Ewoks. Canaan thinks they are great. I guess I will let him love it, then make sure that he never sees it again, so he can hold onto the positive memory of it! It was scarier then I remembered too. Canaan is almost never scared, so I am not worried about him, but I am surprised that I was not scared by it as a child. We checked out both of the Ewok movies, so maybe the other one will be as good as I remember. Don't worry, I won't count on it! I have already planned to be disappointed.

Speaking of movies though, did anyone watch the PBS showing of Sense and Sensibility? It was so good. I liked it better then the one with Kate what's her name? Winslett? Titanic girl. Anyway, it was much better. S and S has always been my favorite, although Emma is a close second. I have always related to Elinor, so I was thrilled when that little survey matched me with her. The PBS version of the movie was very well done, and if anyone who reads this is someone who buys me presents (MOM, are you reading this?) I would love to have it on DVD so I can watch it again. If all else fails, Emilee will probably buy it for herself, and then I can borrow it!

Today was library day again. We were planning to ride our bikes, since my neighbor has a bike trailer for her daughter and Zion to ride in. When we were getting ready to leave it looked like rain, and my bike tire was flat, so we ended up driving. Story hour was great, and we stayed extra long, and when we were leaving the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Made me wish I had ridden my bike!! Next week I am going to plan ahead better, and have my tires ready to go!

Potty Training...

I just finished posting, and Zion came and brought me a present. It was his diaper, removed from his behind, and completely full. Just when I think we are finally making progress, that he is getting this potty thing, he proves me wrong. So, I clean him up, or so I think. A few minutes later he comes to climb into my lap, and I somehow end up with poop all over my pants. It seems he was hiding some behind his knee! How, I do not know, but he managed! Life as a potty training Mommy is quite an adventure!

A spring time walk

I feel like such a small town girl. Today my neighbor and I, and our kids walked to Story Hour at the local library. After story hour we walked down to the organic market and bought some fruit, then took a detour across the street to the thrift shop. By then it was 12:45 or so, and we were hungry, so we walked down to the tiny little diner and had sandwiches, then finally got around to walking home. It was nearly 2pm by then, and my stroller was fully loaded down with library book and produce, but I just felt so good! I love the fact that we can walk places! On the way home Canaan was not watching where he was going, and accidently ran his bike into a huge muddy ditch. The first person passing by in a car stopped and made sure I could get him out, and the people who came on the other side of the road waited patiently for us to get out of the way. Pretty much every car that we passed during the entire walk waved, and slowed down respectfully, and I never once felt unsafe, even though I was out with my four year old on a bike, and two two year olds in strollers. It has been a long time since I lived in a small town, and I had forgotten how wonderful it is.

I just wanted to brag about how adorable my little town is. In about 8 weeks, when summer gets here, I will not be bragging about walking anywhere. Summer here will be awful. But... I am surely enjoying the spring!

Easter picture link

I forgot my camera when I went home for Easter, but my friend Carrie took some pictures of our kids together. You can link to her page here, and see our Easter Egg hunt. I will try to get some pictures from Andy's parents too and post them. I haven't written in ages, and I feel like I am overflowing with words, but right now I have to go to bed, so I can get up and teach Sunday School in the morning.
Don't miss the pictures of my brilliant husband getting an egg thrown at him... for fun, just to see what would happen. (It was a confetti filled egg, which was really neat) Anyway... now that I have found my tongue again, I will try to use it often.

Someone else's words, my feelings

I added a new song to my playlist. It is a duet with Reba and Faith, and it is called "Sleeping with the telephone". I think it expressed beautifully exactly what I feel when Andy is deployed. All day long it is easy to be strong - I have too much to do, and to think about, to waste time worrying. But nights can be very long. I honestly and truly slept with the telephone every single night, every time he was deployed. I started that tradition after I missed his first call from Basic Training, and I expect the tradition will continue for many more years.
Anyway... I got the CD in January, and finally today actually listened to the words of that song. I had to share my feelings. Lots of people ask how I am feeling, how I am doing, etc, when he is gone. I am almost always going to say "Fine", but if you really want to know how I feel, listen to this song.

Thankfully, he is home right now and I will enjoy every second I have with him. Everyone, kiss the people you love tonight, and tell them how thankful you are that they are there. Appreciate it, because there are thousands tonight who are sleeping alone, with the telephone as their lifeline.

Just FYI

The average (30 day) month has 43,200 minutes in it. That is a lot of minutes. Last month I spent 1890 of them on the phone. Unbelievable!!!!! I really don't understand how that is possible, because I really don't feel like I talk on the phone all that much. I probably spent about 600 minutes in God's word. About 150 minutes brushing my teeth. About 1200 minutes a month reading to my kids. I guess when you put it in that perspective, it doesn't seem THAT bad. It just shocked me a little when I saw the total. I did mange to NOT go over on my anytime minutes this month. I had 3 left over. I am very proud of that fact!!! The only reason I can do that is because a large portion of the people I talk to are AT&T also, so they are free! Thank you Corey for getting Carrie a new phone!!
Since I am supposed to be making my words more meaningful, I will close now. I don't think this is especially meaningful, but it sure was funny to think about!!

Proverbs 31

A friend of mine asked me to type this up and E-mail it to her. I have "The Message" version of the Bible, and I enjoyed the slightly different sound of this version. This scripture is intimidating, in any translation. But, it is also inspiring. Please, enjoy....

Proverbs 31:10-31

Hymn to a good wife

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows, their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her: her husband joins in with words of praise.
“Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon faces.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

I was especially impressed by the "has something worthwhile to say". I know that I waste time, speaking, and writing, things that aren't really worthwhile. I am going to try to be more aware of making the things I say worthwhile. I can usually handle the "kindly" part, except where my husband is concerned. I am going to try to be more kind to him too. He deserves it more than anyone, but it is easiest to be annoyed with him, because I spend the most time with him, and because I am so completely comfortable with him. We talked about that at bible study yesterday. Our husbands deserve to be lifted up. If we give them praise, they will live up to it. They will strive to be what we say they are, and that is something we, as wives, should try to encourage.
So, hold me accountable my friends. I will try to be more "worthwhile" in what I say, and more kind in my words to, and about, my husband.

Engagement news

A few more details....
Kelsey's boyfriend, Travis, is currently in Africa. He is spending a year working as a pilot for a non-profit relief organization, in the Congo, I think. He has changed positions a few times, so unfortunately, I haven't kept up too well. Anyway... we have known his family for about 15 years. I was really good friends with his big sister in 8th and 9th grade, and we reconnected at Shorter College years later. She ended up marrying someone that Andy went to highschool with, which is just an "it's a small world" type thing. 15 years ago, when Travis was about 10 and Kelsey was about 7, he asked her to marry him. So cute! His family ended up moving back to Hondourus (sp?), where they were missionaries. Years later, when Travis was back in the states, they became friends again. She was not ready for more than friendship, so he was her friend. Mom and I have tried to convince her for three years now that he was "the one". She just ignored us. Finally, it seems that God told her he was "the one". I guess God's timing is better, because Kelsey was ready, and told Travis she was ready to be more than "just friends". That was in very early December. He left for Africa on Dec. 15th. So, their entire time of dating, he has been in another country. But, they have been very serious about this. I guess when you look back at it, God has been preparing them for each other for their entire lives. So, when she wanted to go see him in Africa for her Spring Break, no one in our family argued. Kevin and Emilee went with her, for safety, as well as appearances sake. They met up with Travis in South Africa. He proposed with a waterfall on one side, and the ocean on the other, kneeling down in the rock to ask for her hand. It sounds like it was beautiful, and I can't wait to see pictures. He will be in Africa until next December. I guess this will be a stressful year for Kelsey. Luckily for her, she has a sister that is a pro at being separated from the man she loves. She will survive.
Andy and I were there for, and fairly "involved" in the engagement of Kevin and Emilee. It seems appropriate that they were involved in, and there for the engagement of Travis and Kelsey. I am so excited!!!!! I love planning a wedding, especially when it is not my own.

Just on a side note here. I am listening to Jay Leno in the background. He has a phony "gameshow" going... It is hilarious. People are pretty stupid sometimes. Especially our generation, with anything having to do with history and politics. Sad times, but highly amusing, in a depressing sort of way.
When I run for Senate, I guess I will just have to hope that people vote for me because I am a woman, or because I have on the right clothes, or the right friends. Issues? What are those? You stand for what? Who cares....
Sad times. Really people, be prepared. I am going to do it someday, so you might as well get ready. When my kids are grown, I intend to continue making a difference in the world. My kids come first, and I have to make a difference in their lives first, but when they are grown.... watch out world.

Just a quick note...

I don't have all the details yet, but I am just so excited that I had to share! Kelsey and Travis are engaged!!! (Kelsey is my second sister, for anyone who doesn't know) Mom was at work, and the phone were ringing off the line, so I didn't get the full story, but when I get it, I will post on here. I am so excited!!!!!

Little bits

Just a couple of quick notes.

First, congratulations to my friend Christina on Emma Kate, born this morning!! I am so excited, and can't wait to see her. I am beginning to feel that I am lagging behind. Chrissy, Naomi, Diana and Nicole, four of my closest friends, all have a minimum of 5 kids!! As I was the one who always said growing up that I wanted a "bakers dozen", it just seems off for me to only have 2!!! Thankfully, I also have some friends with fewer, or no children, to remind me that families come in all different sizes.

- OH YEAH!! Speaking of families, congrats are also due for Sarah, who got engaged a couple of days ago! I am so excited for your wedding, and to finally meet your invisible boyfriend.

Secondly, Marcy asked about the BRAT diet. It stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. Naomi pointed out an interesting question though... is Toast really better for a recovering stomach, or did they just not want to say Bread, since that would make the acronym BRAB, and that just sounds weird? Any input anyone? Is toast really better for a recovering stomach? I know that I read somewhere that if you toast bread it changes the glycemic index, making it have less carbs, or easier to digest carbs, or something like that - better for "diets".

Thirdly, Zion is sick, AGAIN! This time he just as a fever. Woke up with it about 2am, and despite several doses of tylenol, it remains. He has no other symptoms that I can perceive, so I must assume that his body is successfully fighting off whatever it is fighting off. I have only given him two doses, since I prefer to let his body work it out itself. However, when it gets over 102, I like to give him a little relief. Anyway, since he is "ill", Andy and Canaan have gone out without him. He was very upset when they were leaving, running around saying "sock shoe" while they were getting ready. (that means that he wants to put on his socks and shoes, and go too) When they were leaving Andy asked him if he would like them to bring him a surprise when they come back. His response was "dang". Now, I am pretty positive that dang is not what he was trying to say, since he has probably never heard that word before, but it was really amusing. I wish I knew what he was trying to say, but we took "dang" to mean yes, he would like a surprise. We'll see what Andy and Canaan come back with. Andy had weekend duty this morning, and has been working on school pretty much every free minute this week, so he just needed to "get out". He gets stir crazy if he stays at home too long. I have become pretty much the opposite. I think I have become anti-social lately. I am perfectly content to curl up and read, absolutely every free second that I get. I have read 6 books in the last two weeks. That a little excessive, even for me... I expect this insatiable desire will pass eventually. For now, I am keeping up with my "chores", and Canaan's school, so I will allow myself to read in any "free time" I find after that. I have watched practically zero tv, and done no sewing, scrapbooking, phone calls, etc, For some reason, Jane Austen and I have become fast friends this week, as well as Nora Roberts. Oh well....
If you usually hear from me, and you haven't lately, that is why. It is nothing personal. I just keep forgetting that anyone outside my home and my books exist!!
One last note - I finally opened a facebook account. I still haven't really figured it out, but if you are on there, please drop by and make me your friend!

Florida trip

Canaan went to Disney with my sisters, Kelsey and Mary, and our foreign exchange student, Edna. He has talked mostly about the Pirates ride, the shuttle train, and his Pluto hat. K and M tried to talk him out of it, and into pretty much anything else in the park, but that was the one thing he wanted to bring home. He loves it! Funny, the things kids get attached to.

Getting well

First of all, thank you Chrissy, Marcy, Naomi and Corey for proving to me that Carrie is not the only one who reads my blog! Thank you Carrie, for always reading my blog too.
I did not go to Florida. It just didn't seem like a good idea to take a potentially sick child to visit my grandparents, who are not as young as they use to be. Canaan went with my parents and sisters, and has had a wonderful time. Zion stayed home with Andy and I, and I think he has had a wonderful time too. He has never had a chance to be the only child, and he has enjoyed it. He has been bored a few times too though, so I think he will really enjoy getting his playmate back. Canaan was much better at entertaining himself by this age. Zion almost never has to play by himself - he always has Canaan, or Emma to entertain him. This long weekend has probably been good for him. Lots of one on one time with Mommy, and a little bit of alone time to try to entertain himself.
Andy wrote 3/4 of his paper, created a powerpoint slide show for his presentation, and did about half of his case study. It has been a fruitful weekend for him. He still has to finish the paper and case study, but it is a huge relief to have them well on their way.
My family will be headed north in the next few hours, and will be here sometime this afternoon. I am so eager to see Canaan, and see some pictures of his trip to Disney. He called twice yesterday and was so excited. It is a little sad that my baby went to Disney without me, but Zion just wasn't old enough yet, and Canaan was, so I am glad it worked out the way it did.
Oh, by the way - thank for all the advice. As always, the BRAT diet works well. I finally broke down and called the doctor, and she recommended milk, and anything with live cultures. (yogurt, cheese) I forgot to ask about imodium, but after the 15th episode, I broke down and gave him some. I am so glad I did! He was much better on Sat. and completely well by Sun. I didn't take him to church, just in case, but he seems to be completely over it. Emma, the little girl I babysit, was sick on Sat. I didn't talk to her mom yesterday, so I don't know if she was still sick, but if so, I guess she caught it from Zion. I'm still holding my breath, hoping that nobody else gets sick.

more...

Since I posted this morning, Zion has had diarrhea (I looked up how to spell it!) four more times. I guess I was overly optimistic that it was a one day thing. After the third time I finally talked him into wearing a diaper again. He really prefers underwear, and sobbed and cried when I made him wear a diaper, but when he went again just 10 minutes later, I was really glad I had talked him into it! He seems to feel fine. He runs and plays most of the time, and has no fever. I don't know what is wrong with him, but I sure hope it stops. I don't want to take him to FL if he is sick.
Anybody got any ideas? (that means you Carrie, since you are the only one who reads my blog on a regular basis!)

Embarrassing moment

To start this blog off right, I am not even sure I spelled embarrassing right - adding to it all!
Zion has been doing pretty good with the potty training. He usually only has one accident a day in which he pees his pants. But, I have been cleaning poopoo out of abnormal places a lot lately. Sometimes his underwear, more often the floor. First I will tell you the funny story. Last weekend Andy's parents came down to visit. We put the boys to bed, and heard someone moving around, but just ignored it. Zion has gotten much better at going to bed, but still fights it, so we just assumed he was getting a new stuffed animal to sleep with, or getting a book. When it got quiet Andy went to check on him. He came back just laughing his head off. Zion was laying on the floor, sound asleep, buck naked. I went to go see it, and try to wrestle some pajama's on him so he would be warm. The reason he was buck naked was because he had pooped in his diaper, then taken it off, laid it neatly beside him, then proceeded to go to sleep. Maybe you had to be there, but it was really funny.
This week he has been doing much better. He had actually gone in the toilet a couple of times, and I was so proud. But yesterday we went to a new friends house. First time we were actually meeting in person. So I show up, and the kids are playing nicely, then I hear Zion crying. He had diarhia (sp?) running down his leg, all over his shoe, and onto the rug. First time I have met this person (we met through a homeschool online forum), and my kid poops all over her floor, and himself. I was horrified. Wanted to melt into the floor and die, beyond embarrassed. Poor Zion is just standing there, sobbing. Poor kid. He ended up having diarhia about three more times that afternoon, so he obviously had an upset stomach. I kept a diaper on him for the rest of the day.
Darlene, my new friend, proved herself as a real friend. She was fabulous, even finding a pair of her daughter's shoes for Zion. (he got to wear pink Dora shoes for the afternoon, and didn't mind one bit). I guess it could have been worse, but it was plenty bad enough for me. I am emotionally exhausted just by retelling it!
Zion is back in underwear today, and has already peed his pants once. I am afraid that wearing a diaper all day yesterday made him forget that he has to actually go to the toilet to pee. We'll just wait and see if he is reminded easily, or if we are going to have to start over again!
Since I am completely blaming the Domino's pizza for his upset stomach, we will avoid greasy nasty food for awhile, and hope that he is all better. I am going to my grandparent's in FL this weekend, so he better be well!!!!!
I have five kids today, so need to stay on my toes and focused. Thanks for listening, and I'll try to write again, and post pictures from our trip to FL.

A very full week

This week has been very full of exciting things. Zion started his speech therapy this week, and I think it has helped already. The therapist comes here to our home and basically just plays with him for about 30 minutes. It is very low key, but with lots of focus on talking about everything they are doing. He responds to her really well. I am almost jealous, because he says things for her that he will not even attempt to say for me. But, at least it is progress. Zion also decided to potty train this week. He insisted on wearing underwear. The first day he peed about 5 times in his pants, and I was about to give up. The second day he only had about 3 accidents. I think there was only one on the third day, but about 4 again on day number 4. Days 5, 6, and 7 have been accident free. He wears a diaper during nap time, and saves his poopy for that, but he stays dry all day long. I am pretty much in shock - I wasn't really taking potty training very seriously yet, but he wanted to do it. I am not sure what we are going to do about poopy, since he won't do that in the toilet, but for now I will take what I can get. Unfortunately for me, I had JUST BOUGHT 2 mega packs of diapers, and 2 packs of pullups. I found the receipt, and I think I can take at least one of them back, so that is good. We still need diapers at nap and bedtime, so have to keep a few in reserve anyway.
Canaan managed to stay dry at night almost all week. After five nights in a row, I let him wear underwear to bed. Of course, that was the night he peed. We'll just wait that one out I guess. He was so proud of himself, so I was sad for him when he had an accident again. Everything I read says it is pretty common for boys to wet the bed for several years, so I am not worried yet. He is doing so good at his school, learning to read, and write, and add, and write his numbers. He amazes me every day!
Andy got his birthday present today. His birthday is not until March 17. but he talked me into getting a new tv. He wanted bigger (then our current one), I wanted flatter and using less energy, so we are both content with the new LCD. It seems a little extravagant, but I know we will enjoy it for a long time, so will choose to be happy, instead of feeling guilty. Please, no one remind me of the starving children in Africa!
We are going to watch T3 on our new tv, so I better run. I just wanted to share some of my excitement about the comings and goings of the Freeman crew.