Daughter #1 is back in the nest.
We picked up Tess this morning from her first overnight church camp experience. She LOVED it! I loved how everyone was calling good-bye to her as we left, how the counselors and campers hugged her and said "see you next year!"
She was all smiles introducing me to her new friends. The high of camp carried on into the car ride home where she talked non-stop, sang every camp song she learned, re-lived every moment of each day, not to leave out a single detail. She gushed about how her favorite counselor did this and that (he was a boy named Jacob!) and how he was just so funny! yikes. her first crush?
Tess rode the "camp high" until about 1pm when she hit a wall of fatigue. I pleaded with her to please make it one more hour, so she could get through her re-scheduled piano lesson. Approximately 7 minutes after her piano lesson was over, she was in her bed, asleep for the next 3 hours. I'm so thankful she had a great time. But whew, was she missed! We didn't realize how quiet the house can get when just one girl is absent.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Update on Being Upright
Status Report:
One week ago I did nothing and injured my back.
I limped, cringed, cried, shuffled, hobbled, and medicated my way through an entire week of back and leg pain. Television, reading books, and taking naps kept me "busy" and I had to miss out on several activities with the kids because I just couldn't sit, walk, or stand for long periods of time.
My last day of work had to be postponed, (which is ironic because I was both excited about it and dreading it at the same time) until tomorrow, July 1st. Now I get to be excited and sad all over again. My doctor thinks I might have done some injury to my previously bulging lumbar discs, so I had an MRI done yesterday to find out for sure. I have a weird sense that nothing will have changed, but yet this injury is by far the worst back pain I have ever had. Does that just further clarify the obvious that I am getting older and need to start taking better care of myself?
Now it's one week post injury and I am without the intense, pee my pants/fall on my face/almost pass out muscle spasms and I can move without looking like a robot. Mornings are best because my back is rested and ready to start the day. By noon I start to feel some pain and tightness which means it is time to sit and chill out for a while. I am planning on going into work tomorrow and making it the full 8 hours. We'll see how it goes.
My sincere thanks to everyone that have offered to help me and/or said a prayer for me, and my family. My husband and children have been amazing. I know I have totally worn out the "mom's hurt" card.
One week ago I did nothing and injured my back.
I limped, cringed, cried, shuffled, hobbled, and medicated my way through an entire week of back and leg pain. Television, reading books, and taking naps kept me "busy" and I had to miss out on several activities with the kids because I just couldn't sit, walk, or stand for long periods of time.
My last day of work had to be postponed, (which is ironic because I was both excited about it and dreading it at the same time) until tomorrow, July 1st. Now I get to be excited and sad all over again. My doctor thinks I might have done some injury to my previously bulging lumbar discs, so I had an MRI done yesterday to find out for sure. I have a weird sense that nothing will have changed, but yet this injury is by far the worst back pain I have ever had. Does that just further clarify the obvious that I am getting older and need to start taking better care of myself?
Now it's one week post injury and I am without the intense, pee my pants/fall on my face/almost pass out muscle spasms and I can move without looking like a robot. Mornings are best because my back is rested and ready to start the day. By noon I start to feel some pain and tightness which means it is time to sit and chill out for a while. I am planning on going into work tomorrow and making it the full 8 hours. We'll see how it goes.
My sincere thanks to everyone that have offered to help me and/or said a prayer for me, and my family. My husband and children have been amazing. I know I have totally worn out the "mom's hurt" card.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Camp Wilderness
We dropped Tess off at Camp Wilderness in Lawson, MO this morning for three days and two nights of church camp. She was so excited. The girls all got top bunk beds next to each other so they can just look across and see each other at night. As soon as we walked into the lodge she got to make her bunk, decorate a name tag, etc....the counselors were doing a great job of getting the kids pumped up for a week of fun. I kept asking if she was sure she wanted to spend that much time away from us......"yes, mom. I'm very sure"(insert eye roll here)
She is growing up waaaay to fast for me. I'm not ready for this.
Maybe I'll let her blog about her camp time when she gets home. I hope she has a lot of fun, makes new friends, enjoys the "wilderness" and finds out just how much God loves her.....that not only does He love her, but He has had an amazing plan for her life since before she was even born.
I love you Brogan Tess.
Tess=JOY
She is growing up waaaay to fast for me. I'm not ready for this.
Maybe I'll let her blog about her camp time when she gets home. I hope she has a lot of fun, makes new friends, enjoys the "wilderness" and finds out just how much God loves her.....that not only does He love her, but He has had an amazing plan for her life since before she was even born.
I love you Brogan Tess.
Tess=JOY
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Where to begin....
I am so far behind in blogging I don't think I can ever truly catch up. I guess I will just spill out some thoughts and hope they make sense.
In no specific order.....
-Currently I am handicapped by a bum back. If anyone knows of a good surgeon that amputates or transplants lumbar spines, CALL ME. I have had problems for years, and after 3 pregnancies, the pain just never fully went away. I can honestly say that I have back pain every day. Not the oh-my-goodness kind of pain that I have now, but aches and pains. On Tuesday I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floors, sat down to talk to my mother on the phone, and when I tried to stand up I nearly fell down. The pain in my back has lasted waaaaay longer than usual and actually warranted a trip to the doctor. He started me on steroids to decrease inflammation, pain meds, and ordered a MRI for Tuesday. He is afraid the bulging discs, that I knew I had, have ruptured. Great news, right? So I am slowly starting to walk without using Andy as a crutch, and can stay upright for a few hours at a time. But want to know the REAL reason this is so painful?
This Friday and Saturday were supposed to have been my last two days working for the State of Missouri. Yep, you heard me....I gave my resignation two weeks ago and was planning on partying it up with my co-workers on Thursday evening and Friday. But NOOOOO, I had to hurt my back and be the loser that called in sick on her last two days of work. So embarrassing!!!
I still haven't figured out when I will be able to go back and see everybody and pick up my stuff....It is such a long walk from the parking lot to the unit, and Andy isn't allowed in the patient care areas, so no walking help! I can't decide if I want to just go in and say goodbye or try and work next Friday to make up for bailing on them this week. My back will be the deciding factor. The steroids do seem to be helping some.....
more on the new job in another post.
What else......Both girls are having a great time playing t-ball/softball and it is bringing our family such JOY to watch them. Kate's games are comical and it is fun to see their excitement as they hit the ball and run to first base. The kids are just so darn excited to be playing like "big kids" especially since most of them have older siblings that play ball. Tess's games are such fun. I am so proud of how much she has learned, and how she enjoys being on a team. The girls played in a tournament last weekend and did pretty good. They were one of the only teams that isn't a "competitive" tournament team. And when I describe a team as being competitive I'm saying they play year round, have many followers and the crowd all wears matching outfits to show their support....down to the same tennis shoes in the team colors! Tess got a hit every at-bat, and even caught a ball in the air to tag a girl out. May not sound like much, but this proud mama stood up and shouted "way to go BROGAN" (that's the name I use when I want her attention)
Jane had her 2 year pics taken this week. They went WAAAAY better than her 1 year pictures from that discount chain superstore that startes with a Wal and ends with a Mart. She was a total ham and we got some super sweet smiles. She is such a Martens girl. I'm starting to wonder if she is mine.
Tess leaves for church camp on Monday. This is her first time spending 2 nights away in a non-family/friend place. She will be going to Camp Wilderness in Lawson and is super excited. The theme of the camp is "Kids with a Purpose" and is designed to teach kids about God's plan for them. I hope she has a wonderful time and enjoys some spiritual growth as well.
How 'bout them Royals!? Please beat the Cardinals again and again.......
In no specific order.....
-Currently I am handicapped by a bum back. If anyone knows of a good surgeon that amputates or transplants lumbar spines, CALL ME. I have had problems for years, and after 3 pregnancies, the pain just never fully went away. I can honestly say that I have back pain every day. Not the oh-my-goodness kind of pain that I have now, but aches and pains. On Tuesday I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floors, sat down to talk to my mother on the phone, and when I tried to stand up I nearly fell down. The pain in my back has lasted waaaaay longer than usual and actually warranted a trip to the doctor. He started me on steroids to decrease inflammation, pain meds, and ordered a MRI for Tuesday. He is afraid the bulging discs, that I knew I had, have ruptured. Great news, right? So I am slowly starting to walk without using Andy as a crutch, and can stay upright for a few hours at a time. But want to know the REAL reason this is so painful?
This Friday and Saturday were supposed to have been my last two days working for the State of Missouri. Yep, you heard me....I gave my resignation two weeks ago and was planning on partying it up with my co-workers on Thursday evening and Friday. But NOOOOO, I had to hurt my back and be the loser that called in sick on her last two days of work. So embarrassing!!!
I still haven't figured out when I will be able to go back and see everybody and pick up my stuff....It is such a long walk from the parking lot to the unit, and Andy isn't allowed in the patient care areas, so no walking help! I can't decide if I want to just go in and say goodbye or try and work next Friday to make up for bailing on them this week. My back will be the deciding factor. The steroids do seem to be helping some.....
more on the new job in another post.
What else......Both girls are having a great time playing t-ball/softball and it is bringing our family such JOY to watch them. Kate's games are comical and it is fun to see their excitement as they hit the ball and run to first base. The kids are just so darn excited to be playing like "big kids" especially since most of them have older siblings that play ball. Tess's games are such fun. I am so proud of how much she has learned, and how she enjoys being on a team. The girls played in a tournament last weekend and did pretty good. They were one of the only teams that isn't a "competitive" tournament team. And when I describe a team as being competitive I'm saying they play year round, have many followers and the crowd all wears matching outfits to show their support....down to the same tennis shoes in the team colors! Tess got a hit every at-bat, and even caught a ball in the air to tag a girl out. May not sound like much, but this proud mama stood up and shouted "way to go BROGAN" (that's the name I use when I want her attention)
Jane had her 2 year pics taken this week. They went WAAAAY better than her 1 year pictures from that discount chain superstore that startes with a Wal and ends with a Mart. She was a total ham and we got some super sweet smiles. She is such a Martens girl. I'm starting to wonder if she is mine.
Tess leaves for church camp on Monday. This is her first time spending 2 nights away in a non-family/friend place. She will be going to Camp Wilderness in Lawson and is super excited. The theme of the camp is "Kids with a Purpose" and is designed to teach kids about God's plan for them. I hope she has a wonderful time and enjoys some spiritual growth as well.
How 'bout them Royals!? Please beat the Cardinals again and again.......
Monday, June 14, 2010
Slumber Party
Ah yes, now I remember why I don't like to have Tess's friends over.....especially overnight.
Because I spend most of my time trying to explain to Kate why she can't hang out with the bigger girls and needs to let them have time alone. Some samples of conversation between Kate and I tonight.
"Kate, you need to come upstairs now"
instant lip quiver and silent tears roll down her face. "But mom, I want to be down here too!"
"Kate, the girls want to be alone"
"No they don't mom! I like her(Tess's friend) too, she's my friend too!"
"Come on Kate, let's go upstairs and you can sleep in bed with me"
big tears and sobbing starts "but mooooom, I can be big like them! Who can I play with? I never get to have friends over.....please mom, give me a chance!"
ouch.
that last one went straight to my heart.
Kate is such a cool kid. Most of the time she is waaaay cooler and less spazy than the friend that is staying over. I just don't want Tess to be known as the girl who always has a little sister tagging along when friends come over. I would love any suggestions from people with sibling overnighter experience. Sadly it will probably be a few years before any of Kate's friends are old enough to spend the night, even though I think Kate would probably be fine sleeping away from home now. I wish I could engage the grandparents into taking her home with them so she got a special night too. hmmmm, something to think about for the future.
Now it's 11:00pm, the drama is over, and Kate is upstairs with me. She wasn't happy about it, but like a true champ she sucked it up and did what she was asked. I love her for that. She may not be happy with the results, but she doesn't hold a grudge. Currently she is laying in the middle of my bed watching Discovery Kidz.....and she just told me that she would like to have the whole bed to herself. "Mom could you sleep in Tess's bed tonight?" she asks with her big blue eyes and cheeks still wet from her tears. Nice job working the mom guilt.
I told you she was cool........ and smart.
Because I spend most of my time trying to explain to Kate why she can't hang out with the bigger girls and needs to let them have time alone. Some samples of conversation between Kate and I tonight.
"Kate, you need to come upstairs now"
instant lip quiver and silent tears roll down her face. "But mom, I want to be down here too!"
"Kate, the girls want to be alone"
"No they don't mom! I like her(Tess's friend) too, she's my friend too!"
"Come on Kate, let's go upstairs and you can sleep in bed with me"
big tears and sobbing starts "but mooooom, I can be big like them! Who can I play with? I never get to have friends over.....please mom, give me a chance!"
ouch.
that last one went straight to my heart.
Kate is such a cool kid. Most of the time she is waaaay cooler and less spazy than the friend that is staying over. I just don't want Tess to be known as the girl who always has a little sister tagging along when friends come over. I would love any suggestions from people with sibling overnighter experience. Sadly it will probably be a few years before any of Kate's friends are old enough to spend the night, even though I think Kate would probably be fine sleeping away from home now. I wish I could engage the grandparents into taking her home with them so she got a special night too. hmmmm, something to think about for the future.
Now it's 11:00pm, the drama is over, and Kate is upstairs with me. She wasn't happy about it, but like a true champ she sucked it up and did what she was asked. I love her for that. She may not be happy with the results, but she doesn't hold a grudge. Currently she is laying in the middle of my bed watching Discovery Kidz.....and she just told me that she would like to have the whole bed to herself. "Mom could you sleep in Tess's bed tonight?" she asks with her big blue eyes and cheeks still wet from her tears. Nice job working the mom guilt.
I told you she was cool........ and smart.
Girls Rule
I love my girls. They are so crazy cool. Here are some updates about each one of them that are long overdue.
We'll go in reverse order for a change......
Jane Gracen will be two years old in less than a month. Wow. She is the entertainer, the family clown, the one that was born to make us laugh......a lot. Her vocabulary is growing to include sentences, and most of the time we can figure out what she wants. I am proud to announce that she knows how to say "thank you" and uses it generously to show her gratitude. She loves to dance and when we say "shake your booty Jane" she dances as if her life depended on it. Playing outside, riding her bike, swinging in her swing, watching 'toons(cartoons) especially Dora and Scooby Doo are a few of her favorite things right now. She still loves her papas(grandpas) the best, but will snuggle with her oomas(grandmas) if they aren't in sight. When we can't find something/someone she shouts _______, where are you? When she runs she involves her entire body and has recently decided that she loves to march and pump her right arm up and down like she is a drum major leading a band. Wonder where that idea came from? Hugs and kisses are given out when she has time, and she loves to clap for her sisters when they are playing ball. Likes to say NO/NO WAY, Yes peas, and Tink You. She also says Oh Man, when she is disappointed. I could go on and on and on.....but will just save it for a birthday post next month.
Kate Sinclaire is 4 1/2 and has really matured this year. She is more confident and can hang with big kids without being a total fun wrecker....much to the pleasure/horror of her big sister. She loved preschool and loves to remind people that she is now in "Pre-K" She is looking forward to being able to have playdates with her friends this summer, something she is always so jealous of Tess getting to do. This summer she is playing blast ball, which is the precursor to t-ball. She takes each game seriously, and swings for the fence with each at bat. She LOVES to wear her ball uniform. This summer she will be taking swimming lessons for the first time, and is already "practicing" in the bath tub and when we go to the pool. This will be her second year attending VBS, and I can't wait to hear her sing the songs and bring home her handmade projects that she is so proud of. Kate's emotions are still my favorite characteristic, as they can go from mad to happy, scared to courageous, silly to serious in seconds. Her facial expressions can make my heart sing and then weep in just as little time. I love her big blue eyes that can look right into my heart. When I need a helper I know I can count on her. She manages to make even the most dreaded household chores bearable and I love her company while we work. Her laugh is infectious and she makes us laugh without even trying. Just Kate being Kate makes us smile.
Brogan Tess is my almost 9 year old. I still can not even believe I am old enough to have a kid her age. She had a great year in second grade, and we are so proud of her grades, end of school awards, and how much she learned. I am so thankful that she is so adaptable and is able to make any situation work. She makes friends easily and for that I am so proud. This summer she is in piano lessons, playing softball, taking swim lessons, going to overnight church camp, and attending VBS. In between these activites I have sworn that I would be better at scheduling playdates/overnights with her friends. I love that she reads because it is fun, and her favorite television to watch is the Discovery channel and Nat Geo. I love how she looks, and acts like me, but is built tall and lanky like her dad. Our personalities are so similar that we are in for some rocky teenage years, I'm sure. When I listen to her talk, I can just hear how her mind is working/thinking and feel such a connection with her soul. Someday I hope she will be okay with how much like her mother she really is. Tess brings me so much joy it brings tears to my eyes.
Stupid blog site still isn't letting me upload pictures. That would have been a totally cool way to end this post. You'll just have to use your imagination.
We'll go in reverse order for a change......
Jane Gracen will be two years old in less than a month. Wow. She is the entertainer, the family clown, the one that was born to make us laugh......a lot. Her vocabulary is growing to include sentences, and most of the time we can figure out what she wants. I am proud to announce that she knows how to say "thank you" and uses it generously to show her gratitude. She loves to dance and when we say "shake your booty Jane" she dances as if her life depended on it. Playing outside, riding her bike, swinging in her swing, watching 'toons(cartoons) especially Dora and Scooby Doo are a few of her favorite things right now. She still loves her papas(grandpas) the best, but will snuggle with her oomas(grandmas) if they aren't in sight. When we can't find something/someone she shouts _______, where are you? When she runs she involves her entire body and has recently decided that she loves to march and pump her right arm up and down like she is a drum major leading a band. Wonder where that idea came from? Hugs and kisses are given out when she has time, and she loves to clap for her sisters when they are playing ball. Likes to say NO/NO WAY, Yes peas, and Tink You. She also says Oh Man, when she is disappointed. I could go on and on and on.....but will just save it for a birthday post next month.
Kate Sinclaire is 4 1/2 and has really matured this year. She is more confident and can hang with big kids without being a total fun wrecker....much to the pleasure/horror of her big sister. She loved preschool and loves to remind people that she is now in "Pre-K" She is looking forward to being able to have playdates with her friends this summer, something she is always so jealous of Tess getting to do. This summer she is playing blast ball, which is the precursor to t-ball. She takes each game seriously, and swings for the fence with each at bat. She LOVES to wear her ball uniform. This summer she will be taking swimming lessons for the first time, and is already "practicing" in the bath tub and when we go to the pool. This will be her second year attending VBS, and I can't wait to hear her sing the songs and bring home her handmade projects that she is so proud of. Kate's emotions are still my favorite characteristic, as they can go from mad to happy, scared to courageous, silly to serious in seconds. Her facial expressions can make my heart sing and then weep in just as little time. I love her big blue eyes that can look right into my heart. When I need a helper I know I can count on her. She manages to make even the most dreaded household chores bearable and I love her company while we work. Her laugh is infectious and she makes us laugh without even trying. Just Kate being Kate makes us smile.
Brogan Tess is my almost 9 year old. I still can not even believe I am old enough to have a kid her age. She had a great year in second grade, and we are so proud of her grades, end of school awards, and how much she learned. I am so thankful that she is so adaptable and is able to make any situation work. She makes friends easily and for that I am so proud. This summer she is in piano lessons, playing softball, taking swim lessons, going to overnight church camp, and attending VBS. In between these activites I have sworn that I would be better at scheduling playdates/overnights with her friends. I love that she reads because it is fun, and her favorite television to watch is the Discovery channel and Nat Geo. I love how she looks, and acts like me, but is built tall and lanky like her dad. Our personalities are so similar that we are in for some rocky teenage years, I'm sure. When I listen to her talk, I can just hear how her mind is working/thinking and feel such a connection with her soul. Someday I hope she will be okay with how much like her mother she really is. Tess brings me so much joy it brings tears to my eyes.
Stupid blog site still isn't letting me upload pictures. That would have been a totally cool way to end this post. You'll just have to use your imagination.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Busy
So much to type but so little time, or energy, to blog it.
We are so busy, but I don't know why.........just life stuff, I guess.
We have been to Bennett Spring State Park and had a blast. Once again I totally enjoyed the time with my parents/Andy's parents/Andy's sister Missy and hubby Ben, and we have already booked our cabin for June 2011. I am still doing laundry and now we turn around and leave town again tomorrow morning. good times.
A few posts ago I mentioned change was brewing in Crazytown. Well, change is staring me right in the face and I am freaking out....but I am also smiling right back.
Change is so scary, and exciting, and anxiety producing, and fun, and nauseating, and important, and did I mention SCARY?
I have been trying for several days to post some pics of Kate's 1st T-ball game, Jane stuff, and now trip pics from Bennett, but for some reason the blog site is being difficult. I will keep trying, but for the meantime, picture the cutest little blonde 4 year old playing T-ball like she is a major league all-star.
A-dorable.
We are so busy, but I don't know why.........just life stuff, I guess.
We have been to Bennett Spring State Park and had a blast. Once again I totally enjoyed the time with my parents/Andy's parents/Andy's sister Missy and hubby Ben, and we have already booked our cabin for June 2011. I am still doing laundry and now we turn around and leave town again tomorrow morning. good times.
A few posts ago I mentioned change was brewing in Crazytown. Well, change is staring me right in the face and I am freaking out....but I am also smiling right back.
Change is so scary, and exciting, and anxiety producing, and fun, and nauseating, and important, and did I mention SCARY?
I have been trying for several days to post some pics of Kate's 1st T-ball game, Jane stuff, and now trip pics from Bennett, but for some reason the blog site is being difficult. I will keep trying, but for the meantime, picture the cutest little blonde 4 year old playing T-ball like she is a major league all-star.
A-dorable.
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