tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83231021048137319882012-01-27T13:35:47.036-06:00Attempting Motherhoodconfessions of an imperfect mom.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.comBlogger3241100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-316607999144285912012-01-27T11:08:00.002-06:002012-01-27T11:08:16.553-06:00Resolutions
In the past, you may recall, I've tasked myself with some nice and ambitious New Year Resolutions. After 20 years of that, I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not quite that awesome and should probably trade my perfectionistic desires for reasonableness. Which is surprisingly not as devastating as I thought it would be. Yay.
Here are my resolutions this year:
To take more everyday Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-35019846462845018962012-01-06T20:14:00.001-06:002012-01-06T20:14:24.984-06:00Happy Alive DayI'm not sure how to feel today. I can't choose between elation and dread. Either way, a year ago today, my mom's heart stopped and my dad had to start it again.
When we heard about it that afternoon, after she'd been stabilized, we thought the worst was over. We thought "What a scary fluke!! What a relief Dad saved her!"
Tomorrow is the anniversary of when we realized we had celebrated too Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-73648968040099450242011-12-14T00:02:00.002-06:002011-12-14T00:08:41.311-06:00The Help. (The real help.)My aunt (Brad's aunt) Diana called the other night. To say she was sorry. And to offer encouragement.
My Grandma called.
And then my mom called this morning. Crying. Told me she thought people were taking care of me here, where we live. Where she cannot be.
And (if I may be cliche for a moment) what she said hit me like a ton of bricks.
Because, yeah. Sunday was bad. All I could see on Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-15639245291989731082011-12-12T12:32:00.001-06:002011-12-12T12:40:08.789-06:00I really hope this is rock bottom.It might be the dreary weather. It could be the early onset of nighttime (4:00). It's probably just me. My choice. My attitude. Whatever it is, I've been having a rough time. Not quite sure how long it's been going on. It feels like forever. Like maybe since Wes was born. I just feel consistently overwhelmed. Never quite caught up. I'll get really close to under control, and then, suddenly, the Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-8799148780265297862011-11-05T10:39:00.001-05:002011-11-05T10:57:11.515-05:00Brought to you by our local elementary.I know people make mistakes. I'm not trying to be petty. But I did think this was sort of hilarious. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-87825090490379187292011-11-03T02:39:00.001-05:002011-11-03T02:40:24.063-05:00Giddy-upWeston made for a charming cowboy this Halloween. It was a last minute job. I dug Claire's build-a-bear out of the toy box, stripped it, and crammed Wes into its outfit. There are benefits to being mini.
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-15573420823054322992011-10-17T03:41:00.003-05:002011-10-17T03:46:11.202-05:00Back to bloggingI would apologize for not blogging. Seems like that's what is done when a large lapse between blogs occurs. But. I'm pretty sure you've been getting along just fine during my long silences. And so have I. I've been busy. For example. This week, my mom went to Utah to help my sister, Brittany, with her darling twins. (I will post pics when I get good ones.) While she traveled there, I went to HER Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-9565083561383077072011-10-01T02:33:00.000-05:002011-10-01T02:33:08.180-05:00Exciting News. Fer reals.My sister just had her TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have never used that many exclamation marks.
First baby (Lucy) born at 12:06. Second baby (Liberty) born at 12:13.
Just think. Ten minutes earlier and they would have had their own birthdays!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-29728469496762072972011-09-08T07:05:00.000-05:002011-09-08T07:08:03.319-05:00Curriculum: HistoryWhile I was contemplating homeschool, history was the one subject that excited me and ultimately threw me over the fence into the homeschooling population.
My own knowledge of history is pretty spotty. So I was pretty excited to join Grace in a study this year of Ancient History.
We use this text:
This text is written for elementary students. And it has its problems. For example. I am not aElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-36471267617637813592011-09-01T02:14:00.003-05:002011-09-01T02:21:53.935-05:00The Interweb.A few of you have asked me about the curriculum I use in homeschool. I'll get to that in another post. Maybe. No, no. I really will.
What I've come here today to post is the list of my favorite educational websites for children. My kids love computer games. And so do I. There are some great free websites. I've also found a few that are available by subscription that I think are worth every pennyElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-5393896324559186862011-08-21T14:09:00.001-05:002011-08-21T20:46:29.527-05:00On the way home from church.Me: "So. Girls. What did you learn in church today?"
Grace: "About temples."
Me: "What about temples?"
Grace: "Our bodies are temples."
Me: "Yup."
[Pause.]
Claire: "DAD. You are a BIG temple."Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-11802295615155457582011-08-19T02:26:00.001-05:002011-08-19T09:18:21.085-05:00How it's going.Homeschool offers a few perks. Like minimal sick days. That is a bonus I have really been looking forward to. Last year, during Grace's debut into the glorious and grody world of kindergarten, we caught everything. The flu, swine flu, RSV. This year I was giddily anticipating the flu fairy passing us by. Instead, we are somehow the only people in town with pink eye. And since my immune system Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-1605620979499485172011-08-16T01:35:00.004-05:002011-08-16T01:58:25.923-05:00This is not a manifesto.When I tell people I'm homeschooling--good friends, acquaintances, strangers--the responses I get make me feel like what I've really just said is: "Please tell me right now everything you think I'm doing wrong as a mother and how I am failing my children."
Okay. I'm totally exaggerating. But it is true that the simple phrase, "We are actually homeschooling," turns out to be a lot more Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-68047422271827694072011-08-08T08:59:00.000-05:002011-08-08T08:59:32.470-05:00Let's play a game.Time for you to post your school's AYP math proficiency scores.
Find them by googling [your school/district/state + AYP score], then leave your school's reading and math proficiency averages in the comments section.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-7723055111771016692011-08-08T00:04:00.001-05:002011-08-08T00:12:43.553-05:00A homeschooling update. Kind of.Last week, I received this in mail:
You are looking at the state testing results for all the schools in my city. This table shows the percentage of students that can read and do math at grade level. These scores are shown at grades 3, 4, and 5 (the grades they test). The table compares each school grade's score to the state average scores.
Take a look at it. Don't worry, I'll wait. Trust me. YouElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-7778719771188495692011-07-09T22:49:00.000-05:002011-07-09T22:49:17.092-05:00This is not a joke.Brad is sitting on our couch. He is reading a book. He just said to me, "Wow, she is REALLY laying into Mr. Darcy. I feel bad for the guy."
If you know my husband, you should be speechless. I am.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-48649027664134939312011-06-27T01:00:00.001-05:002011-06-27T15:39:53.635-05:00A simple equation.My parents have had a stressful year. In case you didn't know, my mom played dead at the beginning of this year.
That. Plus:
Death of mother/mother-in-law
Downstairs water damage (from interior fire sprinkler malfunction)
A dozen broken windows (due to hailstorm)
Severe roof damage (from later tornado)
Prematurely torn off roof (from roofers who eagerly started ripping up the roof of the wrong Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-41603589886800796712011-06-20T13:49:00.000-05:002011-06-20T13:49:19.669-05:00as close as we get.
They aren't perfect. But we can all agree that they are a drastic improvement over this.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-58951651362592063342011-06-13T09:46:00.001-05:002011-06-13T09:46:53.545-05:00Business Vacation Part Two.Ugh. I hate writing travel logs. And you probably hate reading them. But here it is anyway. We loved Maryland's dense trees. I had forgotten how woodsy the east coast can be. Man, I can't believe I live in the desert. Brad parallel parked on Pennsylvania Avenue. We went to the Museum of Natural History. What a pretty building. We even got a picture together in front of the Archives building (I Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-38965100107232469312011-06-12T09:26:00.001-05:002011-06-12T09:26:10.666-05:00LyricsThe words to "Hey Soul Sister" by Train as sung by Grace and Claire:"See saw, sister. How about a blister on the radio, stereo, how about a blister, yo?"We are so ready for "Don't Forget the Lyrics," friends. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-64329608292489394932011-06-11T09:18:00.000-05:002011-06-11T09:18:09.053-05:00Here's a tip.If you decide at some point during the day that you having a nap is necessary to the emotional and physical well-being of your entire family, I recommend that you hide your phone.
Otherwise, you may wake up to discover that your children have called half of the contacts in your phone including your entire family and in-laws, and have informed all of them that you have been sleeping for 45 Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-66054556112391171632011-06-02T09:50:00.001-05:002011-06-02T09:50:47.264-05:00A business vacation. Part 1.Last week Brad's company sent him to Maryland for some training. And they let me go too!! My wonderful brother and sister-in-law came to watch Grace and Claire, and we took Weston (since, as I have mentioned, he won't eat anything yet). We rented a Prius. Brad insisted. Seriously. I should have taken a picture of him in that little car. Hilarious. But it was worth it. We got 41 miles to the Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-46225156102371907572011-06-01T16:41:00.002-05:002011-06-01T16:49:23.028-05:00Tit for TatToday is my anniversary. Seven happy years. This is also the third year in a row that both Brad and I have completely forgotten. My sister, Brittany, reminded me by text this morning. And then she got all high and mighty about it and wrote this on her blog:
"Happy June, everybody. Can't believe it's June already. If any of you know my sister, Elise, feel free to wish her a Happy Anniversary Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-2118269294162061802011-05-25T09:44:00.001-05:002011-05-25T09:46:11.950-05:00Fine-tuned humorClaire: Mom, tell me a knock-knock joke. Me: Ooh. Okay. I've got a good one. Knock, knock. Claire: Who's there?Me: Boo. Claire: Boo who?Me: Well you don't have to cry about it. Claire: [stares blankly]Me: [excited] Get it? Boo hoo! It sounds like you're crying. Claire: [still staring.]Me: [deflated] Fine. Here's another one. Knock, knock. Claire: Who's there?Me: Truck. Claire: Truck who?Me: TruckElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-61394558840650336882011-05-25T09:33:00.001-05:002011-05-25T09:33:29.850-05:00We call this home.This morning Brad and I passed two men painting over new graffiti on a random building. The graffiti said, "City Police Corrupt-" The rest had already been painted over. I wonder why it was being cleaned so quickly... Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-24045475990389663662011-05-23T08:39:00.001-05:002011-05-23T08:39:48.988-05:00Morning again.I'm having chocolate ice cream with frosted flakes on top for breakfast. Don't tell my kids.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-59332606268092101812011-05-21T22:23:00.000-05:002011-05-21T22:23:42.828-05:00A couple miracles.First of all. When my oh-so-wonderful camera disappeared, the SD card happened to not be in it. Miracle (or oversight) number one.
Miracle number two: the last pictures I took were of my children. And. Well, you are all well aware of my family's photogenic handicaps. It is impossible to get a good picture. That is, it was. Until this one amazing moment when the universe must have realized that Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-63360191704910016912011-05-16T08:23:00.000-05:002011-05-16T08:23:10.626-05:00No more photos.I'm not a shopper. I don't buy things for myself. But I have two possessions that I love. One is my phone. The other is my Nikon D60. Brad bought it for me one year as a Valentine's Day gift. Best. gift. ever.
Yesterday, my Nikon disappeared from Grace's piano recital. And I am seriously bummed.
The end.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-61443856377819680532011-05-09T01:15:00.003-05:002011-05-09T01:44:44.670-05:00Again. With the Mother's Day thing.When I was young, I remember hearing my mom say she didn't like Mother's Day. This made no sense to me. She got breakfast in bed, heard us sing a Mother's Day song, and even got a potted plant at church, for crying out loud. What was there to complain about?
The unfortunate thing about my life is that whenever I'm critical of my mom, I eat it later.
Karma has insured that I also hate Mother's Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-22595727160932814022011-05-07T00:35:00.000-05:002011-05-07T00:35:22.109-05:00This dayClaire doesn't yet understand that "today" refers to the current day. So when I say something innocent like, "We're going to the pool today!" She usually responds, "We're going to the pool this day?!"
"Yes, Claire. Today."
"Is it today?"
"Yes, Claire."
Repeat.
She is a hilarious child. Sometimes intentionally. Usually not. She is polite (always asking "please," and "may I,") as long as Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-32184027610385966392011-05-05T14:50:00.000-05:002011-05-05T14:50:36.939-05:00Why going to the grocery store with three children is a joke.Can you find all four of us in this reflection? Ten points if you can.
Feel free to lecture Grace on safety. I do.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-83924249593402053402011-05-04T08:04:00.001-05:002011-05-04T08:04:23.131-05:00Loony BinI think I've decided to homeschool Grace next year. And I wasn't really expecting it, but I'm getting a lot of negative feedback about homeschooling from friends and acquaintances. Also. Carlsbad is about ten years behind the times, so support groups for homeschooling are almost non-existent. In other areas across the country, homeschool has made such great strides that kids can participate in Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-75601742850648451392011-05-02T10:21:00.000-05:002011-05-02T17:48:59.160-05:00This Mother's Day.Last year Mother's Day at our house went largely uncelebrated. We were broke. And Brad [who is an amazing gift giver when he has money to spend] didn't have any free gift ideas.
Our family was participating in our post-Sunday-nap ritual. It occurs after church, after a mandatory hour-long quiet time. The girls wander into our room, pile on the bed and Brad tickles them until someone's eye gets Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-22955744792177122122011-04-26T16:40:00.001-05:002011-04-26T16:40:07.301-05:00I'm better now.I took a nap. The world looks better after a nap. I woke up to find Wes. He had found the only thing available to pull himself up on in our long hallway. And he was stuck. His knees are about to buckle, and he is whimpering for rescue, but I had to make him wait while I grabbed the camera. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-43347201474607967812011-04-24T13:39:00.002-05:002011-04-24T20:46:34.440-05:00I ruined Easter.I don't usually mind giving talks at church. I usually spend a lot of time preparing. Sometimes I fast. I don't usually get too nervous in front of large crowds.
Maybe that's why it was so bad today.
Today, for whatever reason, was a train wreck. I had prepared a little. I had thought a lot about Resurrection, the Atonement. I had planned to talk about my grandma's death. I had planned to talkElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-3735154844117466982011-04-20T21:30:00.001-05:002011-04-21T09:08:46.381-05:00By plane.Wes is an awesome travel buddy. I strapped him around me with my Moby, and we strolled the airports passing grumpy, delayed travelers. He's too much for the determined grump. The kid could charm the socks off Oscar the Grouch. Strangers of all types cooed, grinned, and chuckled. I met amazing people with my giggling, bouncing conversation starter.
It probably helped that he didn't make a fuss inElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-58050109712264101722011-04-20T16:31:00.001-05:002011-04-20T16:31:29.442-05:00Adoption?Today Claire and I rehashed a conversation we've had several times.
Claire: Mom, are we still going to keep Weston, our son?
Me: Yes.
Claire: We're not going to give him to someone else?
Me: No. Do you want to give him to someone else?
Claire: No! He's our son!
Me: Oh. Okay.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-69068171983767730742011-04-20T01:42:00.003-05:002011-04-20T01:52:15.503-05:00Inviting Death.My favorite line from Disney's Pollyanna is the pastor's thundering cry: "Death comes... unexpectedly!!"
I suppose it's one of life's few nearly universal truths. Even when you're inviting death, it may come later than you want. My grandma had been on dialysis for some time when she decided it was time to quit. She lay at home in her bed, waiting for her departure time, waking up occasionally Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-43627084811732182252011-04-13T17:51:00.000-05:002011-04-13T17:51:57.685-05:00What a day.Right now I would rather be writing tribute posts to:
My dear grandmother
Grace, my birthday girl.
Instead, I have done this:
Spent two hours at Walmart while they replaced two flat tires on my car and repaired a leak in another.
Missed picking Grace up at the school bus because Walmart took so long.
Tried to resolve a bill we got in the mail yesterday for Brad's appendectomy. Which took place inElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-16875963787682130362011-04-08T15:47:00.001-05:002011-04-08T17:03:07.007-05:00For GGI don't usually post videos. I feel like they're too personal for a blog. I know. I'll tell you all about birthing a baby, but no videos. My thoughts on privacy are maybe a little demented. But. Today (and probably for a while after that) I'm throwing that out the window. I have a very ill Grandma (hi, GG!) who has never seen Weston. And she reads my blog. So. If you're bored by video posts, youElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-32240159659941474772011-04-07T11:00:00.001-05:002011-04-07T11:00:48.754-05:00Random PicsThis passes as appropriate attire in our household. Yes, that is a Halloween shirt that she is wearing in April. And this little guy is just the cutest thing I have ever seen. Look at that grin. These two are pretty good buddies. Most of the time. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-90968052239716498732011-04-05T00:13:00.001-05:002011-04-05T08:16:42.525-05:00Bedtime"DAAAAD!" Claire yelled in her most piercing voice. "Grace didn't say her prayers!!"
When Brad arrived, Grace happened to be kneeling at her bed with her head bowed. "Don't worry about Grace. But... didn't you see her kneeling down praying?"
"But I couldn't HEAR her."
"She said it in her head."
I have no clue what image this must have conjured in her brain. Claire stuck out her Buddha belly Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-6076502491802000392011-04-02T23:30:00.001-05:002011-04-03T21:05:09.686-05:00Can you hear me better if I stand on this box of soap?I don't get excited about politics. I have opinions. I'm just not that thrilled about them. Politics, to me, is a messy world. It's filled with lies, manipulation, special interests, uncertainty... I just can't seem to navigate to the truth sometimes. And when I don't see a really awesome solution, it's hard for me to get excited. I am surrounded by people who are practically pundits. They can Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-36122860644477259332011-03-31T09:45:00.000-05:002011-03-31T09:45:09.771-05:00A Betsy UpdateThis weekend was the first time I have seen my mom since I left her in the hospital two months ago.
Her heart is doing well. At her last appointment, her heart had experienced zero arrhythmia.
Of course, we gave her heart some good stress tests. First of all, Brad and I left our munchkins with her and Grandma Glennda when we went to the hospital with Weston at 4am. Apparently Claire woke up Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-87289690527998831842011-03-30T15:02:00.001-05:002011-03-30T15:04:14.178-05:00Now that's over with.On Sunday, us Nevilles (and my mom and Grandma Glennda!) packed up and drove to Lubbock, TX for Weston's orchiopexy. It was wonderful. A teaching hospital is a pretty amazing thing. Lots of people, lots of help, very thorough. We arrived at outpatient surgery at 5am local time. They started the surgery at 7:30. At about 8:30 we got a call saying that they had just barely begun operating. He was aElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-43536492011423918842011-03-21T09:05:00.000-05:002011-03-21T09:05:16.700-05:00Feeding TimeWes is 6 and a half months. He is scooting all over the house. He does sit-ups.
What he is not doing is eating. The kid won't have anything to do with baby food. And it's an issue I'm pushing. Because once my kids start to eat cereal, they start to sleep through the night. And I want him to sleep throught the night. He's still waking up 3 times every night.
So. I've tried fruit. I've tried Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-60390365723173344362011-03-10T16:51:00.001-06:002011-03-10T16:51:06.895-06:00I jinxed it.We've been trying to prepare Weston for a surgery since he was about 3 months old. We've had to reschedule the surgery once because he had a fever of 105 the day before surgery. Thank you swine flu. So his surgery was scheduled for the end of this month. But then On Monday I took him to his pediatrician for his six month exam. Instead of giving him his immunizations, she prescribed an antibioticElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-4756003106571217252011-03-10T01:42:00.000-06:002011-03-10T01:42:20.095-06:00Men's hearts shall fail them.I'm sure it happens all the time. I'm sure it happened all the time before.
But after what happened to my mom, it feels like I sure have been hearing about a lot of heart-stopping events. Stories of people who weren't so lucky. Like this guy. And this girl. And, heck. The wife of one of my dad's partners.
It's freaking me out.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-17968703309930554912011-03-07T11:35:00.002-06:002011-03-07T17:07:19.398-06:00Take a closer look at the basket.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-76881927912897732602011-03-05T17:37:00.001-06:002011-03-06T16:08:40.856-06:00From MomA lot of you have been asking for updates on my mom. She sent me this last night:True or False?1. A person requiring CPR is unconscious while receiving CPR. False: read number 2.2. Sometimes husbands and wives misunderstand each other. True: For instance, a husband can be giving chest compressions to his wife while yelling over and over, "DON'T LEAVE ME!!!" This can be interpreted by his wife Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-26719883796371850592011-03-01T21:24:00.001-06:002011-03-01T21:24:25.462-06:00Westerson. Buster. HalJay.So... I love this kid. The end. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-69555687398256446092011-02-24T17:25:00.001-06:002011-03-21T09:08:40.396-05:00Frowny face.Let me preface this by saying how much I LOVE Grace's kindergarten teacher. She is wonderful. Amazing.
My only beef is... This just doesn't look like a mop.
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-78245413792448563892011-02-23T16:39:00.002-06:002011-02-23T17:05:02.477-06:00A Winner!Only one of you guessed correctly. In all fairness, I exaggerated on the true ones a little more than I should have. I'll tell you where.
Swine Flu: True. Swine Flu apparently mutates just like every other flu. Which means I could theoretically get it every year. And that would just be mean. Exaggerations: I feel bad about this one. It's really more of a lie. Brad vacuumed up the Moon Dough. He Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-10310072328956843822011-02-22T17:10:00.000-06:002011-02-22T17:10:07.335-06:00Let's Play a GameWow. So I was not expecting that kind of response to Grace's dancing. I guess I'll put "Register Grace for dance classes" on my list of things to do.
Speaking of things to do. I have been a pretty bad blogger lately. I know you've really been concerned. I realize your entire life completely revolves around my riveting posts. But. I will have it known that I have a couple of semi-decent excuses Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-73970951666787799482011-02-21T08:01:00.003-06:002011-02-21T08:41:32.851-06:00Should this terrify me? Because it does.Brad is on a team in our city's basketball league. Games are held at the local Rec center (which used to be the city's power plant and makes for a seriously crazy building).
Anyway.
Last Thursday, the gym was packed. One side housed basketball players. The other side held Zumba participants. Grace could not contain herself. She watched them for a few minutes.
Then she jumped in. Front and Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-1203820121597173722011-02-10T10:41:00.001-06:002011-02-10T10:41:38.432-06:00This kind of exhaustion.Apparently Mom is now falling asleep in the middle of things. Like family scripture study. And it can happen so fast that her phone's backlight is still on. In case you're wondering, the fact that Dad is asleep next to her is no cause for alarm. He's always been part narcoleptic. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-63176344112790610652011-02-07T18:39:00.001-06:002011-02-07T18:39:01.939-06:00PerspectiveWe have had a crazy month. Not quite sure I can write about it yet. Not sure exactly what I would write. So I'll put a temporary hold on that. In the meantime, it's been difficult to get a good picture of how my mom's doing. I'm so far away. And phonecalls are few--she tires easily. That's hard to get used to. I'm one of those annoying children who calls her mom everyday and talks for an hour. SoElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-44712700716484913182011-01-23T22:26:00.001-06:002011-01-23T22:30:59.172-06:00From Elise's MomYa know.... sometimes you look to your children for encouragement....for strength....for leadership. Ours have given us that and much, much more, especially during the last few weeks.
Elise texted me a couple of days ago so she could add to the blog. Told her I went to Target with Grandma and Karlee and ran into two wonderful women I knew from the Stake. The love and excitement about didElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-57482300554394117442011-01-21T20:33:00.001-06:002011-01-21T21:23:45.691-06:00Bummer dude.This little guy is four and a half months old. He is scooting. Practically army crawling. I should be happy, elated, proud even. Wanna know how I feel? Seriously bummed. I know how fast my kids grow. I know how quickly they walk, talk, learn, leave my house. He doesn't have to rub it in. Also: can someone please explain to me why my girls are fascinated by pouring a full container of liquid soap Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-25571389827294012352011-01-21T08:41:00.001-06:002011-01-21T08:41:26.406-06:00Hanging in there.That's what mom will say if you call and ask how she's doing. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-31805511982806492752011-01-19T18:29:00.000-06:002011-01-19T22:11:32.375-06:00Catch up.A week away from home means catch up. Catch up on bills, on housework, on actual work... I had a lot of stuff to do when I got home.Usually when I am in a crunch like this, I turn on the TV and let my children watch Backyardigans and Sesame Street for. hours. And I end the day feeling ashamed for creating zombie children without social skills. So I thought I would be fun mom for a change and Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-65801633871957855902011-01-19T08:50:00.001-06:002011-01-19T08:55:27.729-06:00Another good reason for a resident doctor.My mom is still practically passing out every time she stands up. But she can stand. And that is progress.
In other news, her doctor prescribed her a medication. Well, he prescribed several. But the thing about this one is that our friends at the pharmacy substituted it for another medication they had handy. Problem with this substitution is that it strips the body of potassium. (You know--one Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-47142204879451814852011-01-17T15:51:00.001-06:002011-01-17T16:24:14.293-06:00Not. Again.Mom is home. I am relieved. It's always nicer to sleep in your own bed no matter how wonderful the nurses and food are at the five star Baylor Heart Center.
Unfortunately, about five minutes ago, we got this text from dad:
We are home. What a relief. But we've already had a yellow flag. Mom, Gma, and I were sitting in the family room watching TV. Mom said she had to go to the bathroom, so she Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-71694525395334274282011-01-17T10:40:00.001-06:002011-01-17T10:41:14.630-06:00Gracias. Danke. Tak. Xie xie.It's impossible to express the depth of my gratitude for you people.
We have been blessed with
Food.
Babysitters.
Gifts.
Love notes.
Friendship.
Anonymous breakfasts on our doorstep.
Cleaners.
Chauffers.
Flowers.
Drinks stuffed with electrolytes.
It is hard to go to my home and leave my mom. It is hard to not be the one caring for her.
It would be harder if I weren't leaving her in such goodElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-51181113467002684642011-01-16T14:11:00.001-06:002011-01-16T14:11:58.645-06:00Today from Dad*received by text this afternoon. We've had a great day. Mom's drips have been off for more than 24 hrs. She's on oral medications only. This morning Dr Khan turned her paced rate down to 90 from 100. She also shut off the overdrive feature, which means that instead of speeding up the rate when the device senses ectopy, it now inhibits the pacing. This will allow her myocardium to rest a bit Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-24677191738245144242011-01-15T23:47:00.000-06:002011-01-15T23:47:23.050-06:00Random Thoughts.Mom and Dad needed some things from home last night. He called me at about 6 and recited a list of items for me to bring. Grandma Glennda tackled my munchkins and put them to bed while I drove myself to the hospital and enjoyed the company of my parents.
It's always been a privilege to be in the company of both parents as a single child. I remember the first time this happened; I was living in Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-49334445217278124902011-01-15T11:16:00.002-06:002011-01-15T14:40:38.577-06:00Another Dad update*We children received this update from Dad via text at 9:15 Central Time this morning.
Mom has had a pretty good day. Nights are a bit hard to sleep with all the rest we are getting during the daytime. But a good piece of news is that she seems to have almost no ectopy [funky heart rhythms] when she is up, moving about. I've watched closely to see if this is a sampling error. The telemetry unitElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-52222224474781436842011-01-14T15:07:00.001-06:002011-01-14T15:07:51.426-06:00My poor momMy mom is still hurting. I should emphasize that while she does have broken ribs, most of her pain stems from complications she's experiencing from previous surgeries. We are hopeful that the pain subsides quickly. I say this because my mom is tough. Anytime she's sick she showers, gets ready for the day, and acts normally because she's sure it speeds up recovery. This is a woman who walked Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-55344137939957029042011-01-13T21:05:00.000-06:002011-01-13T21:05:14.537-06:00Also.Pretty much this blog is just the facts. I am really lame at any attempts to convey feeling. If you want the nitty gritty details of the ordeal, I suggest checking out Brittany's blog.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-10440563692810990832011-01-13T20:42:00.002-06:002011-01-13T20:51:50.563-06:00Walking.Mom came off the Lidocaine today and seems to actually be doing better without it. It was also the first time she was able to get up and walk a lap around the ICU.
Grandma Glennda and I came to the hospital to watch and talk with Mom while Dad went out and ran some errands for the two of them.
Dad called Mom several times during the three hours he was gone. Each time Mom urged, "Hurry. Come backElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-26614188671252275252011-01-13T19:13:00.000-06:002011-01-13T19:13:39.819-06:00Really Fast.Grandma and I spent almost all day with Mom. She is okay. No major emergencies. She is in a LOT of pain. If you feel moved in that direction, perhaps you could pray for her relief.
More later. Plus pictures. Once I get my munchkins in bed. Right now I have one screaming in my lap and two screaming behind me. Good for Mom we'll be gone before she's back!Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-84485255291808017442011-01-12T22:14:00.000-06:002011-01-12T22:14:15.725-06:00Tough Day.In her own words, "Today was a bad day."
That's how it is, I guess. A couple steps forward, a step or two back.
She specifically requested that I tell you how desperately she wishes to respond to you. Last night at about two o'clock in the morning she was up reading your comments. She was so moved by your words that she began to type. And then her nurse came in. She asked what Mom was doing Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-57508786658796784522011-01-12T17:17:00.002-06:002011-01-13T20:54:16.369-06:00You know what's funny?My mom is incredibly organized. I mean, crazy-awesome organized. She uses her day planner religiously, files and indexes interesting articles, and alphabetizes her spices. So, it really hasn't been a difficult stretch for me to come in and pay the bills or cancel/modify her appointments. She made it very easy.
The funny part, is among her to-do items I found a sheet entitled "Building a 'Red Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-58585531642638959032011-01-12T11:34:00.000-06:002011-01-12T11:34:33.167-06:00Sorry.I came home from the hospital last night and crashed on the couch and didn't wake up until 9. And I left my camera at the hospital. So much for promises about pictures.
But there are additional pictures from our previous visit. I'll post those.
In the video post, someone mentioned they were surprised at how quiet and calm it was in the room. It definitely was. She couldn't speak above a whisperElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-25183269369371531592011-01-11T15:58:00.000-06:002011-01-11T15:58:58.114-06:00Your messages here.So. I haven't been to see her yet. But Brittany and Heber went. Brittany washed her hair, Mom got up to go to the bathroom, and she seems able to read your notes a little!
If any of you want to comment directly to my mom, you can do so by commenting on this post. (For those of you who have done so thus far, I have already printed your comments for her, but you are more than welcome to post more.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-18288575566307532292011-01-11T14:23:00.004-06:002011-01-11T14:26:35.031-06:00To avoid confusion.It has come to my attention that some of you only know my mom, Betsy. Maybe just my dad, Karl. Or one of us kids. My dad suggested that I post a photo of our family for our friends so it is apparent who I am talking about.
Thank you so much for caring, praying, and helping even if you only know us a little.
The photo below was taken at the wedding of Elliot (Betsy's son) and Lilian this August. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-62341224863431047702011-01-11T11:47:00.005-06:002011-01-11T12:39:26.326-06:00Why.I don't have much new to say yet. Not sure whether we'll get to see her today. I'll post as soon as I know.
A few people have mentioned their curiosity regarding what caused her Sudden Cardiac Arrest to occur in the first place. The short story is, of course, that we don't know. But we do have a few ideas.
Mom has a lifelong history of what you could call head rush. (She has passed this along Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-64003796803138392352011-01-11T01:10:00.004-06:002011-01-11T10:25:58.202-06:00Karlee and MomAbout 1pm today.
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-24936122633613681692011-01-11T00:19:00.000-06:002011-01-11T00:19:44.627-06:00The latestShe has had a rough night. I don't know anymore than that. We know that your prayers have a great deal to do with her swift recovery thus far. Thank you for continuing. We are so grateful.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-77904261416134970452011-01-10T22:32:00.000-06:002011-01-10T22:32:05.452-06:00VisitingIt was a relief to see my dad in better spirits. I have never seen my father as emotional as he has been the last several days. His voice is hoarse, he's wept a lot, he has been exhausted and anxious. But today he was hopeful. And more relaxed. He even thought he might come home for a couple of hours later today (he didn't. She had a rough evening, apparently).
She saw family members one by one.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-22402581620072043992011-01-10T19:00:00.001-06:002011-01-10T19:00:09.824-06:00TodayIn the words of my dad, "This went as well as it couldve gone."Her improvement in the last few days is significant. I cannot emphasize enough how much we believe your prayers and positive thoughts have influence my mother's health. She smiled today and even chuckled a little. She is cautious. She asks often how her heart looks on the monitors. She wants to be sure to avoid defibrillation. I told Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-1579368299129292202011-01-10T09:56:00.001-06:002011-01-10T09:56:57.144-06:00QuicklyWe are headed to the hospital. We've been invited to see her. We are thrilled. The real purpose of this is to annoy her heart a bit to see how she responds. It's experimental. We'll let you know how it goes. As always, thank you for praying. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-56308612863232086432011-01-09T22:00:00.004-06:002011-01-09T22:17:19.426-06:00Another update from Dad...My dad has requested this be posted here to reach dear friends and family who are praying for us. We all thank you sincerely.
Some of us kids saw him as he was typing this to his sister. Dad was explaining to us a deep sense of the severity of her situation. He showed us charts of her heart rhythm (much of which went right over my head, but Elliot seemed to grasp most of it), and told us a Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-32055504138970201262011-01-09T15:26:00.002-06:002011-01-09T15:36:44.985-06:00RestMy deep apologies for the delayed update. I keep getting distracted by people wanting updates. :) I will tell them to check the blog from now on so I can get information out as much as possible.
Mom has been resting today. She is more heavily sedated than yesterday in measures to keep her heart calm and rested and to bring it out of distress.
This morning Mom said she wanted a blessing from Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-53654625252314656142011-01-09T09:19:00.003-06:002011-01-09T09:33:14.290-06:00From my Dad:We children received this text early this morning and he asked us to pass it on.
Betsy had a good night. No ectopy to speak of. Last shock by defib was 11pm Saturday night. She's responsive now, asking for food. She obviously benefits from a quiet environment. I know she would love to visit with any and all, but it is literally life threatening right now. Any emotional stimulation sensitizes her Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-65465577082391278742011-01-08T18:34:00.000-06:002011-01-08T18:34:37.171-06:00Earlier this morning.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-81757335051959872392011-01-08T17:45:00.001-06:002011-01-08T17:46:43.052-06:00Setbacks.She seems unable to cope with stimulation while awake. Her heart has fibrillated about 15 times in the last hour. They have sedated her again to prevent the fibrillations from recurring.
The hope is that with enough rest, her heart can relax and the continuous fibrillations will stop.
If not, they will consider more serious treatment. More invasive surgery.
We are hoping for her heart to Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-79256637823193973722011-01-08T15:40:00.000-06:002011-01-08T15:40:32.358-06:00Your continued prayersare much appreciated. As I was talking to her a few minutes ago her heart stopped, the implant defibbed her, and her heart stopped again, implant defibbed, etc. It was terrifying. I left the room. I'm afraid I was exciting her.
Thank you so much for your prayers. We can feel them.
I have this on my phone. And it's nicely distracting. And lovely. http://www.vimeo.com/18231148Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-51431110973011759702011-01-08T14:15:00.001-06:002011-01-08T14:15:40.994-06:00Coming to.Mom is slowly waking up. Hallelujah. And although I am relieved, there are still concerns. Her heart irregularity is continuing. That needs to stabilize. And she's not fully conscious yet. I think this was really hard on her body. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-5196141481544513462011-01-08T02:13:00.001-06:002011-01-08T02:13:19.800-06:00Thank youFor your prayers. They will be trying to wake her up early tomorrow morning. Or later this morning I guess. She seems able to hear us. Especially dad. Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-61204056445869311082011-01-07T12:29:00.002-06:002011-01-07T12:32:27.059-06:00Pray.Mom had a successful surgery this morning to implant the defibrillator. When they tried to wake her up, her heart stopped. The defib started it again, but then it stopped again. She was in a continuous state of heart stopping and starting. They attempted this 6 times.
She is now in a sedative induced coma. It is not good. We are going to see her.
Please pray. Pray with all your might. I beg Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-55750563571065626822011-01-07T11:09:00.002-06:002011-01-07T11:30:49.694-06:00Typical Betsy
Well, minus the tubes and gown and lying down parts.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-60076242958871468862011-01-06T21:44:00.001-06:002011-01-06T21:45:15.228-06:00To LifeMy mom's heart stopped this morning.
Did reading that make you sick? My stomach churns every time I've said that to myself today.
My mom's heart just. stopped.
She had gotten out of bed to go to the bathroom. She returned to bed, said something to my dad, and when he responded, she just... I don't know... didn't say anything.
I don't know how you know that the person lying in bed next toElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-3952987022831573852010-12-25T01:02:00.001-06:002010-12-25T01:02:44.742-06:00Wrapping paperBumbos are hard to wrap. And unfortunately, the midget at the receiving end of this Bumbo has no appreciation for something as meaningless as wrapping. You will have to pretend you appreciate it. You do, right?Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-23122458024016982512010-12-14T17:43:00.000-06:002010-12-14T17:43:42.197-06:00Finals WeekIt's like I'm cramming for tests. I've been holed up in our mini computer room for the last four days in an attempt to finish up my Christmas and wedding projects. My baby is crying from his swing, I have three loads of laundry waiting to be folded, and a mountain range of dishes spanning my kitchen counter.
I'm almost done. Almost. Done.
When I'm not feeling crazy, I'm feeling stoked. Because Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-58774522475694807312010-12-07T23:37:00.000-06:002010-12-07T23:37:19.922-06:00Carlsbad has its downfalls......things like a teen pregnancy rate so high that the high school has a student daycare. drug problems. a 48% dropout rate.
But stuff like this is why I like living here.
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-66709293505032267132010-12-04T23:16:00.000-06:002010-12-04T23:16:57.557-06:00Dinner Wars Part 2 and a series of unfortunate events.Last night I began devising a strategy to end the dinner wars forever. Phase one of the strategy was simple: get people excited about dinner. And for this, my friends, I had a fail-proof plan.
My daughters are crazy about Fancy Nancy. My mother sent them a Fancy Nancy book on CD, and they both have it memorized. On seeing this doll for the first time at Walmart, Claire giddily yelled, "MOM! Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-16994042540203836892010-12-02T08:46:00.001-06:002010-12-02T13:37:13.087-06:00Always on the road.I love me some good road trip pics. Unfortunately, these are nothing like good road trip pics. I took most of them from a moving car and with a new lens that doesn't auto-focus. Good excuses, yes?
I love this trip between Dallas and Carlsbad. We could take an interstate to get there, but it's more direct to take the highways. We pass through towns that appear completely abandoned and make you Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-44111353629925287432010-12-01T22:05:00.000-06:002010-12-01T22:05:36.486-06:00Dinner Wars.I live in a house of ridiculously picky eaters. If it were just the kids, I might not have dinner anxiety. But oh. Do I ever have dinner anxiety. Unless I want to engage in dinner warfare, the meal must be one of the following:
Chicken. Dry. Fried on the stove in a very small amount of olive oil. No sauce of any kind whatsoever.
Spaghetti. Sauce must be separated from the noodles. The sauce must Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323102104813731988.post-52401582788483725002010-11-30T09:56:00.002-06:002010-11-30T10:23:48.174-06:00Hanging in our living roomIt's our thankful list.
At some point grace took over the job of scribe.Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783856629294017384noreply@blogger.com0