Mrs.Weber, the boys' kindergarten teacher, has a mailbox in her room where people can leave mail for the students to receive each day. I left a note for each of my sons last night from being at the school for Back to School Night.
When I picked my boys up today from school and asked if they got mail, Tucker replied that he did. I said, "Who was it from?"
Tucker's response: "Someone's mommy".
_____________________________________________
September is "Teddy Bear" month for Mrs. Weber's Kindergarten class. For Kindergarten cafe which they do once a month, they will be making root "bear" floats. Judah was very excited about this as he told me about it today. He said, "Mom, we're going to mix icecream and beer; it's going to be so good!" :)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Night Before the First Day of Kindergarten
Pants are hemmed, ironed and laid out along with their white polos and brand new sneakers.
Backpacks are packed with their first pencil boxes filled with scissors, glue, crayons and of course, a brand new pencil.
Snacks are prepared for their mid-morning snack. Judah will have an apple; Tucker, a banana.
Boys are in bed.
Mom is trying to capture every last moment of her babies being pre-schoolers.
Tomorrow, at 8:30 am, one season ends and a new season begins.
I had big plans to make this transition from one season to the next very momentous. We were going to do an "end of summer" trip to Broom's Bloom, our favorite local dairy where they serve the best hand dipped icecream in the county. I thought of a special breakfast such as chocolate chip pancakes or Dunkin Donuts (to have on a Monday would be very special at our house). These were two ideas among others. Somehow, special events always seem to be accompanied by food, and for the Almengor's, it's usually something sweet.
But, we've been hit with a small trial here that required me to re-think my plans. As I mentioned in the post previous to this one, Tucker has been having some issues with his throat, what was being treated as reflux. We have seen a GI specialist, and are waiting to hear back from a scheduler at the hospital for Tucker to have some further testing done. In the meantime, my son is in so much discomfort, and to hear him describe his affliction to me, to see him not be able to eat, disinterested in play, lethargic and constantly distracted by the pain in his throat without being able to do anything to help him has been such a test for me....a test in trusting God, trusting that He hears our prayers for mercy and healing, a test to trust that God is always working ALL things together for my good and the good of all who love Him.
But, I've been given this test before, in fact many times throughout my life. And, to my shame, I have failed this test many, many times. After the first real test of losing my father to brain cancer when I was 12 yrs. old, I spent years wrestling with this issue of God's unfailing goodness to me.
So, now, as a mother of children who seem to have a number of health issues, a context that can often tempt a person to doubt God's kindness, mercy and love for them, I am keenly aware of the opportunity I have been given to help my children grow up with an unshakable confidence in God and in what He says about Himself in His Word. I recognize that when my children get sick, it is not only a trial for me, but for them. Furthermore, it is not only an opportunity for God to work in my life but also to be at work in the hearts of my children as well.
My prayer throughout the last several weeks as I've prayed for my son has been two-fold. One, that God would heal my son's physical ailment. Two, I've been praying that God would give me eyes to see not only what He is wanting to do in my heart but also what He is wanting to establish in my son's heart.
I wish I could take my son's suffering. If I could snap my fingers and make it go away, I would. But, my wisdom is faulty and short sighted. God's wisdom is perfect. And, somehow, in God's perfect wisdom, He has chosen for Tucker to continue to suffer. I want to impart to my son a full confidence not in his or his mommy's wisdom but in God's perfect wisdom. I want to impart to my son a confidence that accompanying God's perfect wisdom is His perfect love and mercy. I pray Tucker will feel better soon. I pray that God will heal him fully or provide means of grace through medication and/or medical intervention of some sort that will bring health to his body once again. But, I also pray that God would sure up in my son's heart at this young age an absolute confidence that God is for him, that God loves him enough not only to heal Tucker's physical body but moreso to send HIS Son to suffer and die on a cross so that Tucker's soul would be made pure and right with God.
Would you pray this way for us as well?
As we embark on a new season here at the Almengor's, we will trust that God has gone before us, will come behind us and has His hand upon us. We will trust that the same measure of love and mercy that God has shown us up until today will follow after us all the days of our lives.
And, I will try very hard not to cry tomorrow as I leave my sons in the very capable care and instruction of their first school teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Weber.
Backpacks are packed with their first pencil boxes filled with scissors, glue, crayons and of course, a brand new pencil.
Snacks are prepared for their mid-morning snack. Judah will have an apple; Tucker, a banana.
Boys are in bed.
Mom is trying to capture every last moment of her babies being pre-schoolers.
Tomorrow, at 8:30 am, one season ends and a new season begins.
I had big plans to make this transition from one season to the next very momentous. We were going to do an "end of summer" trip to Broom's Bloom, our favorite local dairy where they serve the best hand dipped icecream in the county. I thought of a special breakfast such as chocolate chip pancakes or Dunkin Donuts (to have on a Monday would be very special at our house). These were two ideas among others. Somehow, special events always seem to be accompanied by food, and for the Almengor's, it's usually something sweet.
But, we've been hit with a small trial here that required me to re-think my plans. As I mentioned in the post previous to this one, Tucker has been having some issues with his throat, what was being treated as reflux. We have seen a GI specialist, and are waiting to hear back from a scheduler at the hospital for Tucker to have some further testing done. In the meantime, my son is in so much discomfort, and to hear him describe his affliction to me, to see him not be able to eat, disinterested in play, lethargic and constantly distracted by the pain in his throat without being able to do anything to help him has been such a test for me....a test in trusting God, trusting that He hears our prayers for mercy and healing, a test to trust that God is always working ALL things together for my good and the good of all who love Him.
But, I've been given this test before, in fact many times throughout my life. And, to my shame, I have failed this test many, many times. After the first real test of losing my father to brain cancer when I was 12 yrs. old, I spent years wrestling with this issue of God's unfailing goodness to me.
So, now, as a mother of children who seem to have a number of health issues, a context that can often tempt a person to doubt God's kindness, mercy and love for them, I am keenly aware of the opportunity I have been given to help my children grow up with an unshakable confidence in God and in what He says about Himself in His Word. I recognize that when my children get sick, it is not only a trial for me, but for them. Furthermore, it is not only an opportunity for God to work in my life but also to be at work in the hearts of my children as well.
My prayer throughout the last several weeks as I've prayed for my son has been two-fold. One, that God would heal my son's physical ailment. Two, I've been praying that God would give me eyes to see not only what He is wanting to do in my heart but also what He is wanting to establish in my son's heart.
I wish I could take my son's suffering. If I could snap my fingers and make it go away, I would. But, my wisdom is faulty and short sighted. God's wisdom is perfect. And, somehow, in God's perfect wisdom, He has chosen for Tucker to continue to suffer. I want to impart to my son a full confidence not in his or his mommy's wisdom but in God's perfect wisdom. I want to impart to my son a confidence that accompanying God's perfect wisdom is His perfect love and mercy. I pray Tucker will feel better soon. I pray that God will heal him fully or provide means of grace through medication and/or medical intervention of some sort that will bring health to his body once again. But, I also pray that God would sure up in my son's heart at this young age an absolute confidence that God is for him, that God loves him enough not only to heal Tucker's physical body but moreso to send HIS Son to suffer and die on a cross so that Tucker's soul would be made pure and right with God.
Would you pray this way for us as well?
As we embark on a new season here at the Almengor's, we will trust that God has gone before us, will come behind us and has His hand upon us. We will trust that the same measure of love and mercy that God has shown us up until today will follow after us all the days of our lives.
And, I will try very hard not to cry tomorrow as I leave my sons in the very capable care and instruction of their first school teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Weber.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Day at the doctors
Originally when LA took the day off today, it was to have some much needed down time for himself and family time with us. God had other things in mind, and that's fine...He is omniscient after all (or how I often put it, "God knows").
Judah began taking a new medication about a month ago, and the time was approaching for him to have some bloodwork done to see how his body was responding to the new medication. I thought it would be nice (for me anyway) for my hubby to take Judah to the lab. Tucker went with Judah, and was a great source of encouragement and distraction. On the way out the door this morning, I heard Tucker say to Judah, "Judah, you've got to be brave." I'm so grateful God has given them to each other as a constant companion.
Later in the day, we had to take Tucker for a consult with a G.I. doctor for some issues he's been dealing with all summer that we have, up until today, thought was reflux. Working with our pediatrician throughout the summer, we've adjusted Tucker's diet and tried a variety of medications/doses to little or no avail. So, today we took him to see a specialist.
After a long dialogue about Tucker's symptoms and a brief exam, it was decided that further testing is required to determine exactly what is ailing him. The GI dr. doesn't believe it's the "run of the mill" reflux but may be something called, "Eosinophilic Esophagitis" instead. I don't understand all the implications of this, but do know that it results from the body responding to some food as an allergen. Tucker will have to go under anesthesia to have several biopsies taken from his esophagus, stomach, lower GI tract and rectum...yeah, not pleasant. I'm glad he'll be under for this.
Though it would probably be a miracle, I'm praying we might be able to get this procedure scheduled for next week, before Judah and Tucker start school on the 14th.
It has been difficult to watch Tucker suffer all summer with what we thought was reflux. He will often say, "it feels like I'm going to throw up and sneeze at the same time." He's gone through periods where he hasn't been able to eat well if at all. The symptoms have gotten better at times but always come back. Most recently, he's been sleeping propped up on his pillow because it hurts too much to lay down. He'll wake up crying, and knows where all our "stashes" of Tums are located throughout the house. Poor guy.
It's not easy watching my 5 yr. old, Judah, brace himself for another blood draw. Nevertheless, I trust that God is using it for the good of all of us. While these are unpreferable circumstances, they are ripe with opportunity to impress upon my children the nearness of God, how He hears our prayers and furthermore, that we were not made for this world, but to live with God in eternity with perfect bodies. It presents a natural context to talk with them about sin and how it has reaked havoc on this world and our bodies, minds and everything else about us. It allows us to freely speak of Heaven and encourage our children to put their hope in Christ's return when He will make everything right again and take us to the perfect place that He is now creating for us.
For all this and more, I end this day giving thanks and affirming my trust in the One who created Judah and Tucker, who knit them together in my womb, who has numbered their days and knows the number of hairs on their heads, who loves them way more than I ever could...enough to send a His Son to die for their sins.
Judah began taking a new medication about a month ago, and the time was approaching for him to have some bloodwork done to see how his body was responding to the new medication. I thought it would be nice (for me anyway) for my hubby to take Judah to the lab. Tucker went with Judah, and was a great source of encouragement and distraction. On the way out the door this morning, I heard Tucker say to Judah, "Judah, you've got to be brave." I'm so grateful God has given them to each other as a constant companion.
Later in the day, we had to take Tucker for a consult with a G.I. doctor for some issues he's been dealing with all summer that we have, up until today, thought was reflux. Working with our pediatrician throughout the summer, we've adjusted Tucker's diet and tried a variety of medications/doses to little or no avail. So, today we took him to see a specialist.
After a long dialogue about Tucker's symptoms and a brief exam, it was decided that further testing is required to determine exactly what is ailing him. The GI dr. doesn't believe it's the "run of the mill" reflux but may be something called, "Eosinophilic Esophagitis" instead. I don't understand all the implications of this, but do know that it results from the body responding to some food as an allergen. Tucker will have to go under anesthesia to have several biopsies taken from his esophagus, stomach, lower GI tract and rectum...yeah, not pleasant. I'm glad he'll be under for this.
Though it would probably be a miracle, I'm praying we might be able to get this procedure scheduled for next week, before Judah and Tucker start school on the 14th.
It has been difficult to watch Tucker suffer all summer with what we thought was reflux. He will often say, "it feels like I'm going to throw up and sneeze at the same time." He's gone through periods where he hasn't been able to eat well if at all. The symptoms have gotten better at times but always come back. Most recently, he's been sleeping propped up on his pillow because it hurts too much to lay down. He'll wake up crying, and knows where all our "stashes" of Tums are located throughout the house. Poor guy.
It's not easy watching my 5 yr. old, Judah, brace himself for another blood draw. Nevertheless, I trust that God is using it for the good of all of us. While these are unpreferable circumstances, they are ripe with opportunity to impress upon my children the nearness of God, how He hears our prayers and furthermore, that we were not made for this world, but to live with God in eternity with perfect bodies. It presents a natural context to talk with them about sin and how it has reaked havoc on this world and our bodies, minds and everything else about us. It allows us to freely speak of Heaven and encourage our children to put their hope in Christ's return when He will make everything right again and take us to the perfect place that He is now creating for us.
For all this and more, I end this day giving thanks and affirming my trust in the One who created Judah and Tucker, who knit them together in my womb, who has numbered their days and knows the number of hairs on their heads, who loves them way more than I ever could...enough to send a His Son to die for their sins.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Summer Pleasures in Pictures
One thing we love to do is go to Jerusalem Mill or what my children refer to as "the river". There are hiking trails, picnic tables and one precious spot that is perfect for pre-schoolers. A shallow spot of flowing river with plenty of shade and just enough of a shore for the mommas to park a seat and a packed lunch. We spend the entire morning there and finish up just in time for naps! I love seeing the kids explore the shore line, the water, throw rocks, dig in the dirt, watch the butterflies and just enjoy being outside in God's creation. What a blessing this little spot on the water has become to our family.
This would be Tucker indulging himself in his birthday treat. One of the things we did for the boys' 5th birthday was take them individually out on a date with mom and dad. We took them to a family favorite, Dunkin Donuts, to get a donut and milk. Then, we headed to Cracker Barrel where they were allowed to pick up to $5 worth of candy. This is one thing Tucker chose. I honestly thought he would bug me about eating it until it was finished, but he sucked on it during our date with him and hasn't asked for it since. And, I haven't exactly reminded him about it either. :)
This is Bella chompin down on a roasted corn from the Latino Fest. My girlie can eat!
What's summer without watermelon?! Here are my 3 buddies enjoying a slice out on our front steps.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Free Sundaes
After sweating buckets at a local playground, I decided (upon the kids' suggestion) that an icecream treat was in order. I had coupons for free sundaes at McDonald's thanks to our local library's summer reading program, so decided to take the kids there. As we walked in, Bella screams, "Mom, where's the cow? Where's the cow, mom?"
Redneck Swimming
We had one of those great blow up plastic pools for the kids to swim in, but we found it would get slimy and full of dirt too quickly. That and a slow leak in it prompted us to pass it along. Instead, we find this does the trick when the kiddos need a little water refreshment:
Friday, July 24, 2009
Every Momma's Dream
We are observing that our son, Tucker, is a "natural-born" leader. He is an initiator (only for now it usually gets him in trouble). He typically receives much admonishment from us about being bossy, though we trust that one day that will turn into a gentle guiding of others into doing what's right. At least we pray so, and that's what we're aiming to accomplish in our training and discipline of our son.
This week, he's endured a lot of time in the "discipline spot" for helping himself to things without permission, for not appreciating his boundaries as a 4 year old and, instead acting as if he's in charge. We've talked a lot about this especially this week.
This morning, he brought his medicine to me in bed so I could give it to him (something he's learned to do rather than helping himself to his medicine....no, I'm not kidding), and told me he had a surprise for me out in the hallway. He couldn't wait for me to get out of bed to see it. I was thinking it was probably a lego tower of some sort or that he had brought his bowl of cereal upstairs to eat in the hallway (another thing he has done that he's not allowed to do).
Instead, I came out to the hallway to see nothing. That's right. Nothing. Tucker had taken all the dirty laundry from bath night the night before downstairs to our laundry room all by himself without being asked! Well, you can imagine my delight. I praised and thanked him and told him how blessed I was by his servant's heart to bless his momma. His smile could have lit up a room.
This week, he's endured a lot of time in the "discipline spot" for helping himself to things without permission, for not appreciating his boundaries as a 4 year old and, instead acting as if he's in charge. We've talked a lot about this especially this week.
This morning, he brought his medicine to me in bed so I could give it to him (something he's learned to do rather than helping himself to his medicine....no, I'm not kidding), and told me he had a surprise for me out in the hallway. He couldn't wait for me to get out of bed to see it. I was thinking it was probably a lego tower of some sort or that he had brought his bowl of cereal upstairs to eat in the hallway (another thing he has done that he's not allowed to do).
Instead, I came out to the hallway to see nothing. That's right. Nothing. Tucker had taken all the dirty laundry from bath night the night before downstairs to our laundry room all by himself without being asked! Well, you can imagine my delight. I praised and thanked him and told him how blessed I was by his servant's heart to bless his momma. His smile could have lit up a room.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Father's Day, 2009
Here's a link to see some of our Father's Day from back in June:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lnalmengor/FatherSDay2009?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lnalmengor/FatherSDay2009?feat=directlink
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Motivational Speaker or Manipulative Brother?
This morning, I asked the boys to help me put the laundry away by putting their own piles of laundry in their drawers.
Tucker "cleverly" enticed his brother to do the work for him by saying, "Judah, you do the housework; you'll get blessed!"
Tucker "cleverly" enticed his brother to do the work for him by saying, "Judah, you do the housework; you'll get blessed!"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Judah's growth
Judah had a follow up appointment with the endocrinologist today. I took Tucker along today and left Bella with a sitter. I am glad that Tucker is now old enough to join Judah on some of his doctors' visits. I am trusting that bringing Tucker along will benefit both the boys in the long run.
Judah's endocrin. visits consistently tempt me with anxiety as it's been confirmed that Judah has a partial growth hormone deficiency, and the recommendation is to treat him with human growth hormone (HGH) shots daily. We have held off on this course of treatment as Judah has shown to be staying on the growth curve and steadily growing since we began tracking it closely about 2 years ago now. Granted, he's only on the 5th percentile, but he's on the chart, and he keeps growing at a "normal" pace. So, the doctor has been satisfied by that and been agreeable with our decision to hold off on beginning the HGH shots.
Today, the doctor reiterated that Judah's IGF1 levels are low (not that that means much to anyone reading this) and that his thyroid levels, though within normal ranges, are in the lower end of normal. When she recorded his growth and charted him in about the 6th/7th percentile, she declared, "his growth is amazing given the clear deficiency in growth hormone." I smile and silently give thanks to Judah's Creator who I know is ultimately in control of Judah's growth.
After asking the doctor if she has seen any other children follow this pattern, she says she has but it's unusual and that eventually, Judah's growth will "poop out" (her words) and match what we're seeing on his blood work.
For today, she was satisfied with taking another blood draw, to our surprise but Judah did remarkably well, and seeing Judah again in 3-4 months for another height/weight check.
Walking out of the clinic today with my little men at my side, I gave thanks to God for His mercy on Judah's life once again. I gave thanks for being given more time to pray and wait in faith for God to heal Judah of his apparent growth hormone deficiency.
On the way to the doctor this morning, Tucker asked if we could listen to worship music (as opposed to the "spanish CD" that the boys typically like to listen to). I was glad to oblige him. He suggested I play, "It is Well With My Soul" for Judah. Very sweet, thoughtful evidence of God's grace on that little guy's life. I have had the kids listen to a Jars of Clay version a lot recently on youtube. We all really like this version, and you can listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnLOBwRbg_M
While in the clinic, the boys were coloring in a book the nurse gave to each of them, and ironically, on one of the pages they were asked to write their favorite song. Judah quickly said, "It is Well With My Soul". I am grateful for those precious times when God uses my children to remind me that HE is indeed near. Today we had a few of those moments.
I do want to be able to say, "It is well with my soul" no matter what path God will choose for us to walk with Judah. I do believe that's a part of the work He's doing in all our hearts here in the Almengor home. Thanks for your prayers.
Judah's endocrin. visits consistently tempt me with anxiety as it's been confirmed that Judah has a partial growth hormone deficiency, and the recommendation is to treat him with human growth hormone (HGH) shots daily. We have held off on this course of treatment as Judah has shown to be staying on the growth curve and steadily growing since we began tracking it closely about 2 years ago now. Granted, he's only on the 5th percentile, but he's on the chart, and he keeps growing at a "normal" pace. So, the doctor has been satisfied by that and been agreeable with our decision to hold off on beginning the HGH shots.
Today, the doctor reiterated that Judah's IGF1 levels are low (not that that means much to anyone reading this) and that his thyroid levels, though within normal ranges, are in the lower end of normal. When she recorded his growth and charted him in about the 6th/7th percentile, she declared, "his growth is amazing given the clear deficiency in growth hormone." I smile and silently give thanks to Judah's Creator who I know is ultimately in control of Judah's growth.
After asking the doctor if she has seen any other children follow this pattern, she says she has but it's unusual and that eventually, Judah's growth will "poop out" (her words) and match what we're seeing on his blood work.
For today, she was satisfied with taking another blood draw, to our surprise but Judah did remarkably well, and seeing Judah again in 3-4 months for another height/weight check.
Walking out of the clinic today with my little men at my side, I gave thanks to God for His mercy on Judah's life once again. I gave thanks for being given more time to pray and wait in faith for God to heal Judah of his apparent growth hormone deficiency.
On the way to the doctor this morning, Tucker asked if we could listen to worship music (as opposed to the "spanish CD" that the boys typically like to listen to). I was glad to oblige him. He suggested I play, "It is Well With My Soul" for Judah. Very sweet, thoughtful evidence of God's grace on that little guy's life. I have had the kids listen to a Jars of Clay version a lot recently on youtube. We all really like this version, and you can listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnLOBwRbg_M
While in the clinic, the boys were coloring in a book the nurse gave to each of them, and ironically, on one of the pages they were asked to write their favorite song. Judah quickly said, "It is Well With My Soul". I am grateful for those precious times when God uses my children to remind me that HE is indeed near. Today we had a few of those moments.
I do want to be able to say, "It is well with my soul" no matter what path God will choose for us to walk with Judah. I do believe that's a part of the work He's doing in all our hearts here in the Almengor home. Thanks for your prayers.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Letters for Grandma
My boys were working on "books" of their art for grandma. Tucker wanted to send his to her in the mail. He told me he wanted an envelope to put his name on the front so that grandma would know it was from him and not the mail lady.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
First Fishing Expedition
"You get a line, I get a pole
We'll go fishin' in the crawfish hole...." (lyrics from Little Big Town's "Boondocks", see video here)
The boys had their first fishing experience with their Papi yesterday. LA has been looking forward to this since before they were born. Behind the tears of having just been stabbed by the fish, Judah is having the time of his life. Tucker and Judah caught 6 fish each!!!
"Props" to the Neumann's who so kindly stock their pond extended an open invitation to our family to fish from it and to Vince, a co-worker of my hubby's. whose fond memories of fishing with his dad motivated him to help LA teach our boys how it's done. His fishing expertise played an integral part in making the boys' first fishing experience such a success.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Mother's Day, 2009
These are a little late, but without having a digital camera, it takes me a while to get pictures developed, uploaded onto my computer and then finally onto the blog. I know; we live in the "dark ages" here. One day, we'll have a digital camera, God willing.
Lawrence did really well with the kids this year (with a few reminders and I think only one, more heated discussion about the upcoming Mother's Day). He surprised me with his creativity and I was very blessed by what he put together to honor me on Mother's Day.
More significantly, this year I was sincerely able to wrestle down my heart that, in its pride, thinks I should be honored, have the day off and be pampered with all the earthly pleasures that delight my fancy. While it is not wrong to be honored, have the day off or be pampered, it is wrong to consider oneself deserving of these things and demand them. Instead, benefitting from the prayers and accountability of a friend, I was able to honor my Mother in law this year by making her dinner and seeking to honor her on Mother's day.
Sadly, yet in typical child-like fashion, I forgot to even call my own mother. Oh, what a hypocrit I can be...demand something from my own children (who are 4,4 and 2) that I didn't even give it to my own mother when I am how old? My mother was very gracious when I did finally call her a day or two later. I want to be like her when I grow up! :)
Enjoy these pics. of what my hubby/kiddos did for me this Mother's Day.
Our time at the "Beach"
The day after tax day, April 16th, my hubby took the day off (a much needed day off for all of us). We took the kids to a local park that had a beach head. We had the beach mostly to ourselves. It was a brisk, but beautiful sunny day. In fact, it was the only sunny day that entire week. And, our kids were actually sick the days before and after this day off. But, for this day, God seemed to have suspended all woes for us and gave us a wonderful family day together.
Here is a slideshow of our time together at the beach.
Here is a slideshow of our time together at the beach.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Benadryl
The boys have been taking Benadryl before bedtime due to seasonal allergies. The other night Judah asked if they had gotten their "Conner-adryl". I was rather confused as all three of my guys laughed their heads off at this.
You see, the boys have cousins named "Ben" and "Conner". I heard Judah tonight say, "Come on, Tucker; let's go get our "Josh-adryl". (that would be Ben's brother).
They are clearly on a whole different humor playing field from their momma. I think Judah gets his humor from Lawrence. Either way, he keeps us laughing (when I get it anyway).
You see, the boys have cousins named "Ben" and "Conner". I heard Judah tonight say, "Come on, Tucker; let's go get our "Josh-adryl". (that would be Ben's brother).
They are clearly on a whole different humor playing field from their momma. I think Judah gets his humor from Lawrence. Either way, he keeps us laughing (when I get it anyway).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sucking the Thumb
Judah has a habit of sucking his thumb. As he's grown older, it's become something he does only when he's tired or upset about something, usually. On occasion, I'll find him simply zoning out with his thumb in his mouth, especially on a day like today when he's had less sleep than he's needed, his routine has been upset, and he's had 2 of his least favorite kinds of doctor's appointments within the span of 4 days. So, I wasn't surprised to see him with his thumb in his mouth as he watched Thomas the Tank Engine this morning.
Nevertheless, I try to encourage him to take his thumb out of his mouth, letting him know it's not good for his teeth.
This morning, Judah asked again what it will do to his teeth. So, as I explained that his teeth will get pushed out further and further which could make talking correctly and eating more difficult along with other potential problems, he responded with, "...and I'll have to get BRACELETS on my teeth."
Braces, my son, braces.
Nevertheless, I try to encourage him to take his thumb out of his mouth, letting him know it's not good for his teeth.
This morning, Judah asked again what it will do to his teeth. So, as I explained that his teeth will get pushed out further and further which could make talking correctly and eating more difficult along with other potential problems, he responded with, "...and I'll have to get BRACELETS on my teeth."
Braces, my son, braces.
Friday, May 01, 2009
More than Scribbles
For the longest time, I really thought my boys would only scribble when given a piece of paper and crayons. But, alas they have moved on beyond scribbles and now actually draw decipherable pictures. They love to draw. Apart from playing with their Thomas the Tank engines and tracks, reading and drawing are their 2 favorite past times. Here are some pictures of my little artists:
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My Answering Machine Messages....
... a glimpse into my life:
#1 a message from myself when I was on the road somewhere and didn't have paper to write down something I needed to remember.
#2 Elisha from Eyedentity to let me know my contacts are in (she's actually left 2 messages because they've been there for weeks as I haven't had time to go get them).
#3 Judah's endocrinologist communicating the results of some recent bloodwork Judah had done.
#4 A random woman I met shopping at Aldi's about a month ago. She and her family are from Kenya; she's new to the area and has a very thick accent. Something prompted me to reach out to her while standing in line at Aldi's. That something was likely the fact that my hubby had the kids out in the car and I was free to actually engage in conversation with an adult nearby. :)
#5 and 6 Call backs from sitters who aren't able to babysit for us....sitters: something we always seem to be in need of.
#7 a call from a gentleman in my church wanting to buy Pampered Chef product from me.
And, that pretty much is a good picture of my life. ;)
#1 a message from myself when I was on the road somewhere and didn't have paper to write down something I needed to remember.
#2 Elisha from Eyedentity to let me know my contacts are in (she's actually left 2 messages because they've been there for weeks as I haven't had time to go get them).
#3 Judah's endocrinologist communicating the results of some recent bloodwork Judah had done.
#4 A random woman I met shopping at Aldi's about a month ago. She and her family are from Kenya; she's new to the area and has a very thick accent. Something prompted me to reach out to her while standing in line at Aldi's. That something was likely the fact that my hubby had the kids out in the car and I was free to actually engage in conversation with an adult nearby. :)
#5 and 6 Call backs from sitters who aren't able to babysit for us....sitters: something we always seem to be in need of.
#7 a call from a gentleman in my church wanting to buy Pampered Chef product from me.
And, that pretty much is a good picture of my life. ;)
Shop-Rite
Recently, I took the kids to a grocery store they had never been to with me. Formerly Kleins, it is now known as "Shop-Rite". Pulling into the parking lot, Judah asked where we were and when I told him, "Shop-Rite", he responded with, "What if we shop wrong?"
Judah doesn't even know how funny he is sometimes.
Judah doesn't even know how funny he is sometimes.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March
In like a lion with a snow storm at the beginning of the month. I'd like to believe it'll go out like a lamb, but it's been cold, rainy and wet for a while. We've got several days for it to turn around, and this girl is really ready for some warmer, sunny weather!
We've had a number of doctor's appointments this month, and there is much to give thanks for in regards to them. The kids all went to the dentist early in the month, Bella for her first visit. She did great!! If I haven't said it before, I will say it now. We LOVE our pediatric dentist and her office staff. I take the kids to "Growing Smiles". Sadly, they dropped our insurance last fall, but because the dentist, Dr. Capobianco, is so knowledgable about the oral issues Judah could/will be facing with his SWS and PWS, I am willing to pay the out of network fees in order to keep at least him there, if not all my kids. I'm still waiting to see just how much out of pocket it's going to mean for our kids to keep going there.
Judah had a follow up visit with his endocrinologist this month as well. Much to my surprise and absolute delight, Judah has a growth average within normal ranges. FYI: Normal range for a child Judah's age is 5 cm or more a year. Judah has an average of 5.2 cm. Way to go, Judah!!! And, we are giving much thanks to God for this as well. In addition, Judah has not gone above the 5 percentile in height for years. This last visit, he was in the 6th percentile! I was fully expecting the doctor to want to repeat a test Judah had last year which requires a 3 hour IV and blood draws every 1/2 hour. But, because Judah's numbers were so good, she was satisfied having some simple blood work done right there in the office (which went surprisingly well given I had all three of my kids with me by myself) and taking another height measurement within 6 months.
This week, Judah saw his opthamologist, and there was good news there as well. In regards to his vision, Judah's weaker eye seems to be holding its own, not getting a whole lot better but not getting worse. His pressure appears stable indicating that the glaucoma surgeries he had a couple years ago now are continuing to do their job.
We go tomorrow to Dr. Cohen, Judah's dermatologist, for the dreaded laser treatment. But, last time, Judah resolved not to cry and did amazingly well. We are having his face lasered this time which is much more difficult for him, but we're taking Miss De, and Tucker and Bella will join us this visit as well. Dunkin Donuts will be enjoyed by all afterward, and I'm hoping it'll be a positive experience overall. The nice thing about the scheduling of Judah's laser treatments is that they fall on Friday's which are our "Pizza/Family Night", something the boys have now come to look forward to and enjoy every week. Along with the promise of Dunkin Donuts, Judah also has Pizza/Family Night to look forward to after his treatments. I think that all helps.
I've had a pesky molar tooth that has needed some attention this month as well. It is a tooth that had a root canal 4 years ago. Apparently, the infection is back. (I did not know this could happen before it happened to me). So, I've had a 2nd root canal done now and go back next week to see if the infection is clearing up with the additional work that's been done on it. If the fact that it throbs everyday and I can't eat on that side of my mouth is any indication of how it's doing, I'm thinking it may not be doing so well. I'll wait and see what the doctor says next week.
While it's been a month full of doctors appointments and other medical issues (I have spent many hours on the phone trying to work out some hospital bills that were incorrectly processed), it's also been full of more enjoyable events as well.
LA and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on the 16th of this month. We took an overnight trip to Annapolis back at the end of January as our V-Day/Anniv. celebration. So, on our actual anniversary, we pulled out our wedding album and took the kids through it. It was a sweet way to commemorate our day and begin to draw the boys into that aspect of our life together.
I know I'm not the first mom and won't be the last to say her kids are growing up too quickly. My boys and I went into our church's school early in the month for a Kindergarten open house. The boys got to "meet" their teacher, Mrs. Weber (who they already know from church), and watch her in action. They also got to meet Mrs. Eberwein, their potential music teacher next year, and played "Bingo" in her music class with the rest of the kindergarteners. My boys are simply thrilled about going to school. The only disappointment is that they won't ride a school bus. :) They'll have some testing coming up in April to ensure that they're ready for Kindergarten. I think they'll do fine. Good thing there's no test for the parents to see if they're ready to send their kid(s) because I'm sure I'd fail!
We are all greatly looking forward to and anticipating April 15th, the official "end" of LA's busy season. While it seems his job continues to demand more time of him than any of us would prefer and he seems to always be in a "busy" season of sorts, God willing, Saturdays at the office will stop for certain come mid-April. And, God willing his days won't be as long as they are now. We are all really looking forward to having more of his presence in our home again, especially with the warmer weather coming. We love getting out together as a family to hike, play at the park, take walks, visit friends, and icecream/snowball places, etc.
SO, on that note...I do hope March will settle down into some more mild weather soon. I'm ready to pack up the kids' coats and pull out their crocs. We'll see!
We've had a number of doctor's appointments this month, and there is much to give thanks for in regards to them. The kids all went to the dentist early in the month, Bella for her first visit. She did great!! If I haven't said it before, I will say it now. We LOVE our pediatric dentist and her office staff. I take the kids to "Growing Smiles". Sadly, they dropped our insurance last fall, but because the dentist, Dr. Capobianco, is so knowledgable about the oral issues Judah could/will be facing with his SWS and PWS, I am willing to pay the out of network fees in order to keep at least him there, if not all my kids. I'm still waiting to see just how much out of pocket it's going to mean for our kids to keep going there.
Judah had a follow up visit with his endocrinologist this month as well. Much to my surprise and absolute delight, Judah has a growth average within normal ranges. FYI: Normal range for a child Judah's age is 5 cm or more a year. Judah has an average of 5.2 cm. Way to go, Judah!!! And, we are giving much thanks to God for this as well. In addition, Judah has not gone above the 5 percentile in height for years. This last visit, he was in the 6th percentile! I was fully expecting the doctor to want to repeat a test Judah had last year which requires a 3 hour IV and blood draws every 1/2 hour. But, because Judah's numbers were so good, she was satisfied having some simple blood work done right there in the office (which went surprisingly well given I had all three of my kids with me by myself) and taking another height measurement within 6 months.
This week, Judah saw his opthamologist, and there was good news there as well. In regards to his vision, Judah's weaker eye seems to be holding its own, not getting a whole lot better but not getting worse. His pressure appears stable indicating that the glaucoma surgeries he had a couple years ago now are continuing to do their job.
We go tomorrow to Dr. Cohen, Judah's dermatologist, for the dreaded laser treatment. But, last time, Judah resolved not to cry and did amazingly well. We are having his face lasered this time which is much more difficult for him, but we're taking Miss De, and Tucker and Bella will join us this visit as well. Dunkin Donuts will be enjoyed by all afterward, and I'm hoping it'll be a positive experience overall. The nice thing about the scheduling of Judah's laser treatments is that they fall on Friday's which are our "Pizza/Family Night", something the boys have now come to look forward to and enjoy every week. Along with the promise of Dunkin Donuts, Judah also has Pizza/Family Night to look forward to after his treatments. I think that all helps.
I've had a pesky molar tooth that has needed some attention this month as well. It is a tooth that had a root canal 4 years ago. Apparently, the infection is back. (I did not know this could happen before it happened to me). So, I've had a 2nd root canal done now and go back next week to see if the infection is clearing up with the additional work that's been done on it. If the fact that it throbs everyday and I can't eat on that side of my mouth is any indication of how it's doing, I'm thinking it may not be doing so well. I'll wait and see what the doctor says next week.
While it's been a month full of doctors appointments and other medical issues (I have spent many hours on the phone trying to work out some hospital bills that were incorrectly processed), it's also been full of more enjoyable events as well.
LA and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on the 16th of this month. We took an overnight trip to Annapolis back at the end of January as our V-Day/Anniv. celebration. So, on our actual anniversary, we pulled out our wedding album and took the kids through it. It was a sweet way to commemorate our day and begin to draw the boys into that aspect of our life together.
I know I'm not the first mom and won't be the last to say her kids are growing up too quickly. My boys and I went into our church's school early in the month for a Kindergarten open house. The boys got to "meet" their teacher, Mrs. Weber (who they already know from church), and watch her in action. They also got to meet Mrs. Eberwein, their potential music teacher next year, and played "Bingo" in her music class with the rest of the kindergarteners. My boys are simply thrilled about going to school. The only disappointment is that they won't ride a school bus. :) They'll have some testing coming up in April to ensure that they're ready for Kindergarten. I think they'll do fine. Good thing there's no test for the parents to see if they're ready to send their kid(s) because I'm sure I'd fail!
We are all greatly looking forward to and anticipating April 15th, the official "end" of LA's busy season. While it seems his job continues to demand more time of him than any of us would prefer and he seems to always be in a "busy" season of sorts, God willing, Saturdays at the office will stop for certain come mid-April. And, God willing his days won't be as long as they are now. We are all really looking forward to having more of his presence in our home again, especially with the warmer weather coming. We love getting out together as a family to hike, play at the park, take walks, visit friends, and icecream/snowball places, etc.
SO, on that note...I do hope March will settle down into some more mild weather soon. I'm ready to pack up the kids' coats and pull out their crocs. We'll see!
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