Date night....rescheduled. Dressing up, and actually doing my hair and make-up. A few Cosmos, a bottle of wine, an AWESOME fancy dinner and desert. Browsing our favorite bookstore. a perfect care-free evening thanks to our AWESOME babisitters:)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
365::59
Date night....rescheduled. Dressing up, and actually doing my hair and make-up. A few Cosmos, a bottle of wine, an AWESOME fancy dinner and desert. Browsing our favorite bookstore. a perfect care-free evening thanks to our AWESOME babisitters:)
Friday, February 27, 2009
I'm Home
By Cathy Anthony
(follow-up to the original Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley)
I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned.I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger, the pain and uncertainty. Inthose first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time.
I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends.
Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad.
I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today?
Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its tulips, windmills and Rembrandts.
I have come to love Holland and call it Home.
I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer.
Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined
By Cathy Anthony
(follow-up to the original Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley)
I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned.I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger, the pain and uncertainty. Inthose first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time.
I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends.
Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad.
I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today?
Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its tulips, windmills and Rembrandts.
I have come to love Holland and call it Home.
I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer.
Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined
Thursday, February 26, 2009
365::57
Not a good week. Sometimes....Motherhood feels like you are in the middle of a war, just hoping for pure survival of the day, sometimes taking things minute by minute. Today, we almost had to put Lucas in the hospital. He was still sick a few times because his digestive system is not working properly (the virus is long gone). BUT, after I called the doctor and was waiting for a call back, he did go pee finally. He may be turning the corner, but it is VERY slow going. He still is not eating or drinking much. He will nurse however, so I think just that little bit of a baby's perfectly digestable food might have saved him from the hospital. Honestly, this has been almost as stressful as Bre's heart surgery. Atleast with that, we knew that it would be over in a finite amount of time and knew what to expect. this, well has been horrible. God, please help my baby, I just want to see him running and playing (and EATING) again.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
365::55
Lucas is still sick (took him to the doctor, but not much we can do). I'm beside myself getting this kid to try to drink fluids or eat a little. Sometimes it's so hard to stay optimistic about things when you can't get a break from the stress of it. Trevor went to school half day today and as we were walking back from the bus we noticed how beautiful our house looked with the snowy background and all that sticky white stuff on the trees (I wish I had my camera with me.) But here's a little fun shot of these two and their newly discovered tea set. Hey, you need at least one smile a day, right?
Monday, February 23, 2009
365::54
What we have learned.....1.)to stay calm no matter what.
2.)Things can ALWAYS be worse.
SERIOUSLY, Let's just say that ALL the kids were simultaneously ill at exactly midnight last night. Poor Trevor was up sooo many times. That's night number 3 with no sleep for me and I just couldn't bear work today. Secondly, a ranging snowstorm was going on outside all night and we lost power at 2 in the morning. Thirdly, the second Josh pulled in with our rented backup generator, the power went back on (are you laughing yet?!?)
Today....the kids are eating a little soup, crackers, noodles, drinking juice, listening to quiet music, resting and getting some energy back. And me...about 10 more loads of laundry, and going from one child to the other getting needs met. Most of all, I hope they are finding comfort being carried and hugged by Mommy's arms...tired arms, but arms that are there just the same.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
365::53
Two more down for the count. Let's just say that Josh and Breanna had a "touch" of what Lucas and I had, and just needed ALOT of rest today. Lucas was still feeling bad, and was VERY needy. After Bleaching and Ousting every touchable surface inside, Trevor decided we needed to head out for some fresh air before the next snow storm rolled in. And Yes, he got Lucas' boots, jacket and hat on too:) Love this kid :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
365::52
Doing better, but just sticking close to home today, in my jammies and resting (and watching the Star Wars movie that Trevor was supposed to watch with a babysitter), more plans cancelled with cousins and a haircut.....
Friday, February 20, 2009
365::51
Change in plans......Date night, rescheduled. Today's picture was supposed to be Josh and I holding the camera out to take a picture of ourselves out getting a cocktail and then to one of our favorite resturants. BUT, Lucas started getting sick with a stomach bug early afternoon and then I followed (all night!)--nice timing (and Josh was fine)....
Thursday, February 19, 2009
365::50
The REALLY big first day (an skiis!). We spent most of the week worrying about the weather, but it all turned out fine Trevor absolutely loved it! He took a two hour lesson and then hit the lifts. He spent a lot of time on the ground (of course!), but never once complained, and by the end of the day he was riding the BIG chair lift and starting to get the hang of it. Maybe next time, I'll get to go:) We're so proud of you Trevor, We're so glad that you had such a great day to remember your February Vacation by!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
25 random things
About You (4 years old).....
1.) You Love Curious George and own every book, every TV show and Movie ever made.
2.) Your bedtime is 6:30 and you have to tuck your George doll in bed next to you every night
3.) You can almost comeplete a 24 piece puzzle completely unassisted
4.) You understand that you can't talk as well as other kids your age :(
5.) You love sports, soccer, basketball and trucks
6.) You like to pretend you are a dog sometimes
7.) You like to sit at a table by yourself for meals (so Lucas doesn't bother you)
8.) You wear a 4T shirt, 3T pants and size 8 shoes
9.) you pee on the potty successfully every 1-2 days
10.) You hate getting dressed in the morning, doing your hair and brushing your teeth
11.) You don't like people being loud or telling you what to do
12.) You like therapy now
13.) Every Friday you get to ride a horse named Firefly
14.) You love getting into trouble, clearing shelves, emptying baskets and drawers, , shoving things under the couch, and writing on things
15.) You know your colors, letters, numbers 1-10, and can read some words
16.) You adore your older brother (not so much the younger one...)
17.) You usually have a runny nose, although this year has not been that bad.
18.) When we get in the car to go to preschool you always ask for your little people music and when we pull into the parking lot you yell, "school!"
19.) You hate the cold and especially the wind
20.) You can take off your own coat and sometimes put it on
21.) Most people who meet you usually adore you
22.) You are getting better at holding hands and walking
23.) Your favorite foods are cheese, pretzels, veggie sticks, strawberries, pasta, juice and you just started drinking milk.
24.) Your nickname since you were a baby has been Boo.
25.) You give the best hugs:)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
365::48
Days are always better when spent with friends.....at the BOUNCE ZONE!
and having two six year olds for the day was like a breath of fresh air :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
25 Things
about you right now (6.5 years)....1.)You are All Star Wars all the time
2.) You wake up every morning and come into our room and ask to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog.
3.) You use words like apparently and for example, and you think it is boring being a grownup b/c "you have to pay taxes."
4.) You don't eat very much meat
5.)Your bedtime is 8 o'clock.
6.) You love snow and winter and sometimes you wear your snowpants home from school so you can play outside right off the bus.
7.) You get an allowance
8.) You are reading level 3 readers
9.) You wear size 6 pants, size 6-7 shirts, and size 13 or1 shoes. Just today, You wore MY socks!
10.) You are loving, patient, and kind and usually never fight with your sibllings
11.) You like to whine, complain and pout, especially when things are hard and you don't get your own way
12.) You surprise us.
13.) Your favortie breakfast foods are Mighty Bites cereal, waffles or cheese eggs
14.) You usually have a bowl of cereal before going to bed at night.
15.) You are so excited to learn new things at school and a delight to have in the classroom.
16.) Your best friends are Nick H., Zach, and Nial
17.) You love the game Sorry and play it at least 2-3 times a day (and you have to be green).
18.) You are so good at keeping track of your stuff at school
19.) You have lost one tooth, have 3 more wiggly teeth and are getting your six year old molars.
20.) One of your favorite perople in the world is your Gammie
21.) You can't wait to go to Disney World (neither can I!)
22.) When you get older you say you want to play the Trombone like your Grandpa b/c you can play Star Wars music on it.
23.) You fall asleep at night with your head buried in the pillows.
24.) You are really good at Math
25.) You are thoughtful, and love to give me hugs, and handmade I Love you things:)
365::46
Albert Einstein :
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all
we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire
world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
First grade.
Can I just say that I LOVE spending time in Trevor's classroom. It is just amazing to see those kids learn (and I LOVE this age.) I got to be there for the 100th day of school and the Valentine's day celebration. It still floors me how much candy and sugar most kids are allowed to eat. And INSIDE recess on top of that-OYE. Here's some inpiration for today here. Oh, to be in first grade again......
Thursday, February 12, 2009
25 random things.....
about you (almost two!)....
about you (almost two!)....1.) You love Matchbox 20 and wave your hands in the air every time you hear them
2.) You love standing up and eating and usually take your food "to go"
3.) You always ask for a snack , "in a bag"
4.) You have sixteen teeth
5.) You love to play outside in puddles and mud and usually don't get upset or cry when you fall down
5.) You love to play outside in puddles and mud and usually don't get upset or cry when you fall down
6.) You like brushing your teeth with an electric pink Dora toothbrush
7.) You LOVE trucks and run to the window whenever the trash truck or plow comes
8.) You are still nursing, but almost done
9.) You can speak in sentences and say PLEASE and THANK YOU.
10.) You love to color and hold your pencil with a Kindergarten grasp
11.) You are starting to know some colors and letters, and you know when you have two of something
12.) You nap in the car everyday (1-2 hrs.)
13.) YOu like to pretend you are playing the game "sorry" with your "own guy".
14.) you get into everything (unrollinf toilet paper rolls, climbing tables, enptying drawers and closets etc...)
15.) You wear a size 2T clothes, size 4 diaper and size 6 shoes
16.) You have gone on the potty a few times
17.) You like shrimp cocktail
18.) YOu love playing with your brother and sister
19.) YOu have stranger anxiety not at home but in unfamiliar places
20.) YOu repeat everything we say
21.) YOu can follow one and two step directions
22.) YOu love to help Daddy with the pellets and the mail
23.) YOu love playing, "get you."
24.) Waffles with maple syrup are your favorite breakfast
25.) You make us all smile everyday :)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
determination.
I seem to go through these cycles with Breanna and dealing with her diagnosis (probably will be a life-long process I imagine). Something happens and I look at her and the enormity of it just overwhelms me. I think it started last week at her IEP meeting. Helen, said it upset her a little to hear all the results of Breanna's testing (ie a 4 year old who is still at a 2 year level for a lot of things.) She said it is hard for her b/c in the back of her mind she thinks that if they work REALLY hard, Breanna will get up to level (Which in reality, just won't happen). The funny thing is that Josh and I are so used to it, that it doesn't even phase or or make us sad in the least (most of the time). It just is what it is. My daily struggle is wondering if Breanna is the best she can be, or if there is something more that we can do to help her. GOD, it is stressful. Right now, I just have this hardened determination to make her speech better. I'm reading all I can get my hands on and driving myself crazy. Ruth says that she thinks Breanna is the best she can be. We'll see.......
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
365::39
winter::2
Getting our vitamin D::Today the temperature broke the freezing mark, it felt so good to get outside. At one point, we were all laying in a snowbank sunning our faces and watching the clouds go by. Then, the snowball fight started, Josh loved hitting me with snowballs and Trevor thought it was so so funny he let out a HUGe belly laugh.....AHHHH this IS the good stuff....
Getting our vitamin D::Today the temperature broke the freezing mark, it felt so good to get outside. At one point, we were all laying in a snowbank sunning our faces and watching the clouds go by. Then, the snowball fight started, Josh loved hitting me with snowballs and Trevor thought it was so so funny he let out a HUGe belly laugh.....AHHHH this IS the good stuff....Saturday, February 07, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Project 365::37
And just to prove what a great big bother you are (as if we didn't already know), you were so patient trying to teach Breanna how to shoot a basket. After she couldn't get it up that high, next you made a basket with your arms down low so she could feel successful and then cheered when she got it in....moments like these just take my breath away.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Ispiration Part 2
He made the TODAY show.
But, what really made me cry tears of joy is the interview Patrick's Mom did on a local radio station this morning. She thanked all the teachers from the school for including Patrick over the years. She said that being included with his typically developing peers made a HUGE difference in Patrick's life, BUT that Patrick had probably made an even BIGGER difference in the lives of those other kids.....Hmmmmm, watch the story and see, I think she's right....
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Today's inspiration....
from here.
What I realized is that there is not just one big moment of courage in our lives. There are many. These moments come to us in different ways. At times we are forced into a leap (unexpected pregnancy, when parents or partners pass away, when we lose our job). At times we are called into a leap (when someone invites us for a trip of a lifetime, when our partner wants to move to a new city, when we are offered a chance, when we take the "money maker" role to support our family). Then there are also the daily tiny leaps we take for the sake of adventure (when we try new types of food, music, when we go out on a date, when we talk to a stranger, when we transition from blogger friends to real life friends). No matter how small, silly or hard, tiny, dramatic or forgotten... All leaps are important because little by little, we live through change, we figure out how to cope, we move forward, we learn who we are, and we build our confidence for the bigger leaps, the ones we seek for ourselves.
from here.
What I realized is that there is not just one big moment of courage in our lives. There are many. These moments come to us in different ways. At times we are forced into a leap (unexpected pregnancy, when parents or partners pass away, when we lose our job). At times we are called into a leap (when someone invites us for a trip of a lifetime, when our partner wants to move to a new city, when we are offered a chance, when we take the "money maker" role to support our family). Then there are also the daily tiny leaps we take for the sake of adventure (when we try new types of food, music, when we go out on a date, when we talk to a stranger, when we transition from blogger friends to real life friends). No matter how small, silly or hard, tiny, dramatic or forgotten... All leaps are important because little by little, we live through change, we figure out how to cope, we move forward, we learn who we are, and we build our confidence for the bigger leaps, the ones we seek for ourselves.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
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