We have been having some great fun as a family in the last couple of weeks since Rob came home. I know I'm behind in posting and pictures. Soon.
Yesterday we got to go to the zoo for my MOPS Park Day and had a great time enjoying the animals and the company of friends. Sadly, when we got home we discovered that Spot passed away while we were gone. We had still been battling her injuries which included a surgery to repair a hernia not discovered for a week after the attack. While the vet was repairing that she found a hole in her intestine which caused an abscess. She removed about 6 inches of intestine and cleaned her out. Spot seemed to feel better immediately but it only lasted for a couple of days. She kept refusing to eat (she's always been picky) and then drinking, then quit cleaning herself. She mostly just slept and purred when you pet her. The vet and I weren't sure if it was simply nausea from the injuries or something worse. We had just talked that morning and were going to try a new med which I was going to fill after the zoo. Poor Spot. I'm so sad and I am battling feeling like there was something else I could have done (like force feeding her more often). The vet and I were both so bothered that we agreed to have her take a look inside. She discovered that part of the surgery site had failed (not because of the doctor's work but because the tissue tore at the site). Spot also had a damaged liver caused by her not eating for so long. I have had Spot since she was a week old and fit in the palm of my hand and she was 13 this year. Almost twice as long as I've been married.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Oh My Word!
There simply isn't a word that I can think of that describes how excited Gideon gets in his swim class. We started the latest swim session on Tuesday. Gideon and Zion are both in the same parent/child swim class and Gabe has his class at the same time, other end of the pool so all five of us are in the pool at the same time. How fun is that?!
OK, so I thought it would be fun but wasn't certain it would be fun when I planned it. After all, Gideon has never been in a pool like that before. Sure, he has fun in the tub but you know how kids can be. A pool that large can seem very intimidating and scary to a baby. This pool has steps that go down into the water. I had Gideon on one hip and was walking holding Zion's hand until it got too deep for her and I lifted her to the other hip (Rob was taking Gabe to his teacher so he was meeting us in the water later). The moment Gideon's toes hit the water he started laughing. The second his hands could reach the water he started splashing and laughing. It only got better after that. Everything in class made him laugh. He doesn't mind going to the teacher for "motor boat" or coming back. He loves playing with the noodle. Today I think his squeals of delight could have been heard outside the building when we were playing with the ball. He did NOT want to share even though it was a circle time game. He is getting really adept at getting in the pool from sitting on the edge and can almost climb out of the pool on his own. In today's class he took every opportunity available to put his face in the water. It may end up being that this kid learns to swim before he learns to walk.
Before we hit swim class tonight we hit the local county fair. I almost enjoyed it better than the larger fair we kit every where simply because it was so much smaller. Spacious even. Not overcrowded, not crazy busy. We didn't see EVERY single there because we did have to get to the swim class but we saw enough. Zion got to ride on her first carnival rides and LOVED it! Tonight I asked the kids what their favorite part of the day was. Gabe said it was teaching Daddy how to play Paper Mario on the Wii. Zion said her's was riding on the "sycomotos" (motorcycles) - one of the rides she got to do at the fair. We shared corn dogs, a hamburger, garlic fries, licorice, apple kueleg (I have no idea if I spelled that right) and a ton of lemonade. There was a lemonade vendor that had $1.50 refills. Yeah. Can you believe it? I think they lost money on our family. It was also military day and "family day" so we got in for free. Sa-weet!
It was a fabulous day! The only damper on our sunshine, well, except for the fact that there wasn't really any sun (a relief actually!) was that my kitty Spot is still not doing well. She won't eat or drink. She hardly moves off the towel bed that I made for her. She prefers to stay in our bedroom closet. I have litter box for her there and bowls with water and food, which she ignores. Today I picked up the supplies to give her sub-q fluids at home. I also got a tube of NutriCal which is a high calorie vitamin paste. I'm hoping that a few more days of rest, fluids and some calories will get her eating and drinking again. Hoping.
OK, so I thought it would be fun but wasn't certain it would be fun when I planned it. After all, Gideon has never been in a pool like that before. Sure, he has fun in the tub but you know how kids can be. A pool that large can seem very intimidating and scary to a baby. This pool has steps that go down into the water. I had Gideon on one hip and was walking holding Zion's hand until it got too deep for her and I lifted her to the other hip (Rob was taking Gabe to his teacher so he was meeting us in the water later). The moment Gideon's toes hit the water he started laughing. The second his hands could reach the water he started splashing and laughing. It only got better after that. Everything in class made him laugh. He doesn't mind going to the teacher for "motor boat" or coming back. He loves playing with the noodle. Today I think his squeals of delight could have been heard outside the building when we were playing with the ball. He did NOT want to share even though it was a circle time game. He is getting really adept at getting in the pool from sitting on the edge and can almost climb out of the pool on his own. In today's class he took every opportunity available to put his face in the water. It may end up being that this kid learns to swim before he learns to walk.
Before we hit swim class tonight we hit the local county fair. I almost enjoyed it better than the larger fair we kit every where simply because it was so much smaller. Spacious even. Not overcrowded, not crazy busy. We didn't see EVERY single there because we did have to get to the swim class but we saw enough. Zion got to ride on her first carnival rides and LOVED it! Tonight I asked the kids what their favorite part of the day was. Gabe said it was teaching Daddy how to play Paper Mario on the Wii. Zion said her's was riding on the "sycomotos" (motorcycles) - one of the rides she got to do at the fair. We shared corn dogs, a hamburger, garlic fries, licorice, apple kueleg (I have no idea if I spelled that right) and a ton of lemonade. There was a lemonade vendor that had $1.50 refills. Yeah. Can you believe it? I think they lost money on our family. It was also military day and "family day" so we got in for free. Sa-weet!
It was a fabulous day! The only damper on our sunshine, well, except for the fact that there wasn't really any sun (a relief actually!) was that my kitty Spot is still not doing well. She won't eat or drink. She hardly moves off the towel bed that I made for her. She prefers to stay in our bedroom closet. I have litter box for her there and bowls with water and food, which she ignores. Today I picked up the supplies to give her sub-q fluids at home. I also got a tube of NutriCal which is a high calorie vitamin paste. I'm hoping that a few more days of rest, fluids and some calories will get her eating and drinking again. Hoping.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Adventure
So are y'all just dying to hear how things are going with Rob home? Yeah, I thought so. We were grateful with the airport and airline that Rob flew in on for allowing us to go through security as smooth as silk so that we could meet Rob at the gate. We had our kid-made "welcome home, Daddy" sign and got many smiles while we waited for the plane to come in. I noticed that the crew for the next flight was particularly interested in our reunion. I'm glad that we provided some heart warming entertainment for the folks waiting at the gate. The kids were thrilled when they saw him and Gideon quickly wiped out any worries that I had that he would not know his Daddy. Rob took him in his arms, Gideon was all grins. A little while later he passed him back to me in order to take Gabe to the restroom and Gideon was NOT happy. He pointed to the bathroom and grunted over and over until Rob came back and immediately leaned to go back to him.
And nothing welcomes home a deployed soldier like immediately taking them to a one-year old's birthday party. We were a little late due to the time of the flight but we went straight from the airport to my friend Nora's house so we could celebrate little Sarah's first birthday. I'm so glad Rob is a people person and was happy to go.
Sunday we got to go back to church as a complete family for the first time in a really long time. Even when Rob was home on leave last we didn't get to do this because of sick kids so it was really, really nice. We had a nice lunch afterward and a leisurely remainder of the day.
On Monday morning we awoke to a commotion outside. Neither one of us could identify what made the noise but then came a frantic knock on the door a few minutes later and I knew without opening it what had happened. As soon as I opened it my neighbor confirmed, her dogs had attacked one of my cats who in her backyard. I walked right over, in my pjs, my glasses, no shoes, hair a mess to find my poor kitty laying in a heap in the gravel. She was head to toe froth and slobber, she was panting, not moving, clearly injured. I wrapped her in a towel borrowed from my neighbor and took her home just long enough to ditch the pjs and don clothes and shoes. I drove the entire way to the emergency clinic with her cradled like a baby in my right arm, driving with my left and realizing how glad I was that Rob was home and I didn't have to try to take care of her and try to organize all three kids. They would have been frightened by seeing poor Spot kitty in that state not to mention me in mine.
Spot's injuries were not as bad as I thought but she's still in a sorry state. She came home yesterday with a broken sternum and damage to her liver and possibly her pancreas. She is a walking, when she can manage, bruise and has swelling all over. She refuses to eat or drink. This morning I had to force water into her with a syringe. But she purrs like mad when you pet her and tries to arch into your hand as it travels down her back. She has a towel bed in our master closet which is a small walk-in type, with a litter box on one side and food and water on the other. She doesn't have to move more than a couple of steps for anything that she needs and doesn't have any tempting places to jump up to or down from.
So, as I said the other day a new adventure is beginning. I wish it hadn't been quite like this but I'm so grateful that Rob is home. Things mostly feel like he was never gone. We are going to have a lot of fun this month before Rob goes back to his civilian job. Lots of down time and lots and lots of fun.
And nothing welcomes home a deployed soldier like immediately taking them to a one-year old's birthday party. We were a little late due to the time of the flight but we went straight from the airport to my friend Nora's house so we could celebrate little Sarah's first birthday. I'm so glad Rob is a people person and was happy to go.
Sunday we got to go back to church as a complete family for the first time in a really long time. Even when Rob was home on leave last we didn't get to do this because of sick kids so it was really, really nice. We had a nice lunch afterward and a leisurely remainder of the day.
On Monday morning we awoke to a commotion outside. Neither one of us could identify what made the noise but then came a frantic knock on the door a few minutes later and I knew without opening it what had happened. As soon as I opened it my neighbor confirmed, her dogs had attacked one of my cats who in her backyard. I walked right over, in my pjs, my glasses, no shoes, hair a mess to find my poor kitty laying in a heap in the gravel. She was head to toe froth and slobber, she was panting, not moving, clearly injured. I wrapped her in a towel borrowed from my neighbor and took her home just long enough to ditch the pjs and don clothes and shoes. I drove the entire way to the emergency clinic with her cradled like a baby in my right arm, driving with my left and realizing how glad I was that Rob was home and I didn't have to try to take care of her and try to organize all three kids. They would have been frightened by seeing poor Spot kitty in that state not to mention me in mine.
Spot's injuries were not as bad as I thought but she's still in a sorry state. She came home yesterday with a broken sternum and damage to her liver and possibly her pancreas. She is a walking, when she can manage, bruise and has swelling all over. She refuses to eat or drink. This morning I had to force water into her with a syringe. But she purrs like mad when you pet her and tries to arch into your hand as it travels down her back. She has a towel bed in our master closet which is a small walk-in type, with a litter box on one side and food and water on the other. She doesn't have to move more than a couple of steps for anything that she needs and doesn't have any tempting places to jump up to or down from.
So, as I said the other day a new adventure is beginning. I wish it hadn't been quite like this but I'm so grateful that Rob is home. Things mostly feel like he was never gone. We are going to have a lot of fun this month before Rob goes back to his civilian job. Lots of down time and lots and lots of fun.
Friday, July 31, 2009
This Adventure Is Near The End ...
...tomorrow I pick Rob up at the airport and a new one begins.
(And thus concludes what is possibly the worlds shortest blog post.)
(And thus concludes what is possibly the worlds shortest blog post.)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Prayers for Noah
A little prayer request. My friends Brian and Bethany have a son named Noah who is the same age as Gabe (they also have three other children). Little Noah recently started having seizures. Lots of them. Of many different kinds. My heart has been breaking for them but it only occurred to me today to pass on the prayer request for this lovely family. Bethany has started an online journal here The Strongest Gilpin. Please feel free to visit and read about Noah. You will have to sign up as a member but it's free and it's worth it. So prayers please for little Noah and his family. Thank you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sum, Sum, Summertime!
Have you heard? Washington is in a major heat wave right now. (Thank God for AC - seriously, I THANK God for AC!) Mostly we've been staying indoors lately. The kids try to go outside and play but the only one who doesn't turn around within a few minutes and come back in is Gideon. That kid doesn't seem to be bothered by the heat one iota. Blogger is not letting me rearrange my photos tonight so SERIOUSLY in no particular order:
Sunday I slaved away in the heat putting up a tent canopy over some of the kids' toys. Especially the ones that Gideon likes to play with, not that he seems to care one way or the other but I feel better having him in the shade. It looks like there's a ton of stuff under there and no room but things are more spread out than they appear. We made a tunnel and cave with cardboard the other day and Gabe is using their chairs to keep them upright.
We have a little wading pool. After putting up the tent I waded in. Gabe wants to know why the diving duck has a cupcake. I can't think of a valid answer to that question. Why would a duck have a cupcake underwater?
Gideon loves to climb up in a chair and kick back and relax. In the background you'll notice two pairs of little legs climbing and jumping.
I picked up a t-ball set at Target the other day. Gabe took to it right off. He can smack that across the yard and you better not be in the way!
Remember the planter that I had my brother build? It's nice and filled in now. The flowers are beautiful and the Allysium smells fantastic!
Look at that face! That's mischief right there! Like he's daring me to stop him. Since I had watched him put it in and out a few times before he noticed me I was going to do no such thing. I was really hoping that he WOULD do it again so I could get a picture. Good boy, Gideon!
This morning the kids asked to set up the ball pit. I thought it was so they could, you know, play in the ball pit. Apparently it was so they could play with the ball storage bag. Gideon had serious fun getting a ride on it from Zion. Zion is reluctant to believe me when I tell her it is not safe to climb in the plastic bag - no no! (Luckily there are holes for ventilation but still...)
Gideon is very creative when it comes to problem solving. Needing to carry your lovie when your hands are otherwise occupied? No problem. Just use your mouth.
Zion may need a little coaching when it comes to t-ball. Even after I showed her how to use the bat she preferred the wrong end. I guess whatever works, eh?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Random
Gabriel is the sweetest kid. I think I may have mentioned this once or twice. Lately he's been making all of the kids' beds in the morning. I never asked him too, never even hinted. He just started doing it one day recently. So after they all wake up and I take Gideon and Zion downstairs he stays upstairs and puts all their blankies on straight, sets up their stuffed animals in cute ways, sometimes at the head of the bed sometimes he tucks them in, he makes sure Gideon's paci is in his crib for the next time he goes to bed. I should take pictures. He also tidies the rooms sometimes too. Yesterday he folded one of Zion's extra blankies and put it on her wooden rocker as a cushion. I think Acts of Service may be his Love Language.
Speaking of Love Languages, there are supposedly five (find out yours here). Acts of service (which is mine - mostly), words of encouragement, physical touch, receiving gifts and quality time. I actually think there are five. Gideon has the sixth Love Language I think and that's "causing laughter". He is the funniest kid but not only that but he loves to tickle. Not be tickled but to tickle. He even says "tickle". He reaches out to me, his siblings, sometimes even a toy and flutters his little fingers and says "tika tika tika tika" over and over. I will try to get it on video and post it. It may just be the next YouTube sensation.
Gideon loves laundry. He loves to wrap it all over himself and hug it and cuddle with it. The only bad thing is that I had just folded it.
He also loves putting things on his head. This is appropriate when it is things like Zion's kitty hat but once Jamie was with us and went to get Gideon out of his carseat and he had a book balanced on his head. With no hands. He's quite talented actually.
Gabe made Play Doh pizza. He's got mad skillz.
Zion is smelling "Gi'eon's stinky feet". I'm sure this sort of thing goes on in other households. Couldn't just be ours.
Allie I think is full grown now and is a funny bunny. She loves to jump and play and is pretty much just a sweet little thing. We have "bunny time" at the end of each day still where she gets to run around Zion's room and be free of her cage for a while. She has only a few "small" faults like chewing on the wall by Zion's closet and digging in her laundry basket. On occasion she has been observed actually nibbling on the clothes. Naughty bunny! I may have to invest in a laundry basket with a lid so that Allie can start having extra free time when we can't be with her.
We have been enjoying a slower schedule than normal. Our last swim session ended and the next one doesn't start until August. I have signed all three of the kids up hoping that they will all get the same time slot. Both Gideon and Zion require a parent in their class and I thought it would be lots of fun for us all to be together for a session since Rob will be home.
This coming week will be my "home preparation" week getting things ready for Rob to come home. Mostly just making sure that I'm caught up on errands, cleaning and chores so I don't have to welcome him home with a honey-do list. As it stands we hope that he'll be home sometime between the 3rd and 7th. We all got to talk to him on the phone this morning. Zion's first question of him was "Daddy, you wanna come home?" to which of course he said yes. Zion's face immediately lit up and she shouted to me "He said YES!" Needless to say we are ALL excited for his homecoming.
Speaking of Love Languages, there are supposedly five (find out yours here). Acts of service (which is mine - mostly), words of encouragement, physical touch, receiving gifts and quality time. I actually think there are five. Gideon has the sixth Love Language I think and that's "causing laughter". He is the funniest kid but not only that but he loves to tickle. Not be tickled but to tickle. He even says "tickle". He reaches out to me, his siblings, sometimes even a toy and flutters his little fingers and says "tika tika tika tika" over and over. I will try to get it on video and post it. It may just be the next YouTube sensation.
Gideon loves laundry. He loves to wrap it all over himself and hug it and cuddle with it. The only bad thing is that I had just folded it.
He also loves putting things on his head. This is appropriate when it is things like Zion's kitty hat but once Jamie was with us and went to get Gideon out of his carseat and he had a book balanced on his head. With no hands. He's quite talented actually.
Gabe made Play Doh pizza. He's got mad skillz.
Zion is smelling "Gi'eon's stinky feet". I'm sure this sort of thing goes on in other households. Couldn't just be ours.
Allie I think is full grown now and is a funny bunny. She loves to jump and play and is pretty much just a sweet little thing. We have "bunny time" at the end of each day still where she gets to run around Zion's room and be free of her cage for a while. She has only a few "small" faults like chewing on the wall by Zion's closet and digging in her laundry basket. On occasion she has been observed actually nibbling on the clothes. Naughty bunny! I may have to invest in a laundry basket with a lid so that Allie can start having extra free time when we can't be with her.We have been enjoying a slower schedule than normal. Our last swim session ended and the next one doesn't start until August. I have signed all three of the kids up hoping that they will all get the same time slot. Both Gideon and Zion require a parent in their class and I thought it would be lots of fun for us all to be together for a session since Rob will be home.
This coming week will be my "home preparation" week getting things ready for Rob to come home. Mostly just making sure that I'm caught up on errands, cleaning and chores so I don't have to welcome him home with a honey-do list. As it stands we hope that he'll be home sometime between the 3rd and 7th. We all got to talk to him on the phone this morning. Zion's first question of him was "Daddy, you wanna come home?" to which of course he said yes. Zion's face immediately lit up and she shouted to me "He said YES!" Needless to say we are ALL excited for his homecoming.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Happy Birthday, Jameson!
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we last celebrated my sweet nephew's birthday, this his third heavenly birthday would have been his eighth earthly birthday. Blogger is apparently having issues still and not allowing me to rearrange photos so, again, in no particular order, some photos from this celebration of a wonderful life.
Zion on a brief break from the water table takes a moment to paint.
I left Gideon for a good while to play by himself. He loved this bus which had activities all the way around and on the inside too.
Gideon enjoying a ride on this little bike. He didn't figure out how to go anywhere but didn't seem to mind.
My nieces and friends dancin' on the porch.
Jamae attempting the hula hoop. I believe she won a hula hoop contest in elementary school. What happened, I wonder? ;)
For a little while Gideon joined Zion at the water table. I think we may need to get one of these.
Gideon and my dad (who is doing really well since my mom passed in May).
Gabe hit the water toy first thing.
This was the first thing I saw when I got there. Bob manning the barbecue. I think he needs bigger coconuts.
Zion on a brief break from the water table takes a moment to paint.
I left Gideon for a good while to play by himself. He loved this bus which had activities all the way around and on the inside too.
Gideon enjoying a ride on this little bike. He didn't figure out how to go anywhere but didn't seem to mind.
My nieces and friends dancin' on the porch.
Jamae attempting the hula hoop. I believe she won a hula hoop contest in elementary school. What happened, I wonder? ;)
For a little while Gideon joined Zion at the water table. I think we may need to get one of these.
Gideon and my dad (who is doing really well since my mom passed in May).
Gabe hit the water toy first thing.
This was the first thing I saw when I got there. Bob manning the barbecue. I think he needs bigger coconuts.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Yummy Summer Days
Oh man was today a good day. This morning I thought our heat wave had come to an end but it ended up getting pretty warm, just later in the day. Really, it was darn near perfect weather. We ended up spending a good portion of the day outside starting after lunch. We set up a tunnel and house out of cardboard and the huge Thomas the Tank tent that my mom got Gabe last year and the little playhouse with the slide. Gideon is perfectly happy to hang out and play wherever the bigger kids are so I sat on the porch swing and read for a while.
The boys ended up in the pool at some point. Just try to keep Gideon out of it. He is nearly to the point where he will be able to climb in on his own. Lord, knows he tries. Gideon just cracks me up in the water, he just seems so at home just sitting there and playing. The older kids splash around him and get all crazy and he doesn't care at all. Today he was trying to climb up the teeny little slide and kept sliding down and even being face to the water (but not in the water, just to reassure you) he was totally comfortable. Gideon also got to enjoy his very first Otter Pop. We shared an orange one, Gabe red (naturally) and Zion had green. What flavor is green anyway? They played until Zion and Gideon went down for a long nap all tuckered out from play and then went right back out to play. Zion was so eager to go back outside she didn't even bother to bring down her blanky and lovies. I cannot remember the last time she got out of bed with her menagerie. Made hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner.
The only way it could have been more perfect was if Rob was home. On that note, his coming home date has been pushed out by a few. :( We won't know for sure until he gets stateside and is being "processed" because it totally depends on how long that ends up taking. My irritation is that he pretty much could be back in the US and starting that process if the Army would just arrange for it. Right now they just have him sitting on some base in the desert waiting transport to the next base in the desert and then to another one. Then to the East coast, then the West for "processing" and then, only then, does he get to come home. Grrrr. Annoyed.
Can't end it on a bitter note though. The other night on the knitter's forum where I like to hang out online (and crocheters too, shouldn't leave them out) I won a skein of hand-dyed laceweight yarn in the color of my choice. How cool is that?! One of the groups that I'm involved in there is particularly for one of the projects that I'm working on (which shall remain otherwise in the dark - stop asking me to spill the beans!) and when you post a picture of your progress you get entered in the drawing. I'm just so excited that I won! When I get my prize I'll post a picture. Then I'll have to figure out what to make with it. Eeeee!
The boys ended up in the pool at some point. Just try to keep Gideon out of it. He is nearly to the point where he will be able to climb in on his own. Lord, knows he tries. Gideon just cracks me up in the water, he just seems so at home just sitting there and playing. The older kids splash around him and get all crazy and he doesn't care at all. Today he was trying to climb up the teeny little slide and kept sliding down and even being face to the water (but not in the water, just to reassure you) he was totally comfortable. Gideon also got to enjoy his very first Otter Pop. We shared an orange one, Gabe red (naturally) and Zion had green. What flavor is green anyway? They played until Zion and Gideon went down for a long nap all tuckered out from play and then went right back out to play. Zion was so eager to go back outside she didn't even bother to bring down her blanky and lovies. I cannot remember the last time she got out of bed with her menagerie. Made hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner.
The only way it could have been more perfect was if Rob was home. On that note, his coming home date has been pushed out by a few. :( We won't know for sure until he gets stateside and is being "processed" because it totally depends on how long that ends up taking. My irritation is that he pretty much could be back in the US and starting that process if the Army would just arrange for it. Right now they just have him sitting on some base in the desert waiting transport to the next base in the desert and then to another one. Then to the East coast, then the West for "processing" and then, only then, does he get to come home. Grrrr. Annoyed.
Can't end it on a bitter note though. The other night on the knitter's forum where I like to hang out online (and crocheters too, shouldn't leave them out) I won a skein of hand-dyed laceweight yarn in the color of my choice. How cool is that?! One of the groups that I'm involved in there is particularly for one of the projects that I'm working on (which shall remain otherwise in the dark - stop asking me to spill the beans!) and when you post a picture of your progress you get entered in the drawing. I'm just so excited that I won! When I get my prize I'll post a picture. Then I'll have to figure out what to make with it. Eeeee!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Question
Know what's great?
If I went out tomorrow and checked out a library book (which is actually pretty likely), there's a very strong possibility that Rob will be home before it is due.
Yeah. I thought it was pretty great, too.
If I went out tomorrow and checked out a library book (which is actually pretty likely), there's a very strong possibility that Rob will be home before it is due.
Yeah. I thought it was pretty great, too.
Oh Give Me A Home...
..where the buffalo roam... even though there really are no buffalo in the US, only bison but that's beside the point. Friday was a great day. Jamie had driven down the night before and that morning Jamae and Jessa joined us and we all headed off to NW Trek. The last time I took Gabe and Zion was the day before I went into labor with Gideon. To say I was more comfortable with walking this time around is an understatement. :) I think Gideon enjoyed it more too. Less cramped. Actually getting to SEE the animals. Getting to hitch a ride on "Tantie" most of the day.
At NW Trek they have about 400 acres that are open area for a number of animals and trams that take people through. According to our guide the only time the staff get involved with these animals is to provide extra food so that they don't overgraze the area and when the animals need medical attention. Otherwise they are left on their own. We are on the tram and ready to go.
"You can't see me!"
Moose taking a drink.
Zion sporting braids thanks to Jamae. SO cute!
Gideon started to run low on fuel, we took our tram tour a little too close to lunch.
Herd of big horn sheep including new babies.
They have a large herd of bison as well.
Cue diabolical laughter.
"Hm, I wonder what this stuff tastes like."
"Ew, I think I got a hair in my mouth."
Aw, cute sleepy little fisher.
Checking out the river otters (or so I thought, Miss Can't Stand To Not Text For Five Minutes!)
Gideon really got into pointing out the animals.
Mountain Lion. Or cougar if you prefer.
At NW Trek they have about 400 acres that are open area for a number of animals and trams that take people through. According to our guide the only time the staff get involved with these animals is to provide extra food so that they don't overgraze the area and when the animals need medical attention. Otherwise they are left on their own. We are on the tram and ready to go.
Deer.
"You can't see me!"
Moose taking a drink.
Zion sporting braids thanks to Jamae. SO cute!
Gideon started to run low on fuel, we took our tram tour a little too close to lunch.
Herd of big horn sheep including new babies.
They have a large herd of bison as well.
Cue diabolical laughter.
"Hm, I wonder what this stuff tastes like."
"Ew, I think I got a hair in my mouth."
One of the last animals we see is the Grey Wolf. Then we head to the discovery center where the kids get to color and make a couple of crafts then off to take my sleepy heads home.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
My Soapbox
Before you go groanin' about me gettin' up on my soapbox again I'll have you know that this is only a partial lecture. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you may have already guessed that my soapbox rantings usually involve horses (and Octomom). This little tidbit is for those of you who think a horse is old at twenty, who think "skinny" is a reasonable state for an old horse and that old horses should just be put out to pasture. But instead of going off with words, words, words, I'll just point out a few articles written about Elmer Bandit. Elmer is a 38 year old half-Arab who is, at his age, still participating in competitive trail riding. Last year, at age 37, he set a new national mileage record at a little over 20,000 competitive miles. Go read about Elmer:
Elmer celebrates his 38th
Elmer breaks trail-riding record
Just to list a couple. If you follow them they lead to more articles. It's nice to read about someone who goes to extra lengths to care for her older horse when so many right now are dumping their horses, old AND young, at auction where many of them inevitably end up on someone's dinner plate in France.
The following is my soapbox piece so if you want to end on the happy note above stop reading now.
Harsh economic times make it a scary world for a horse. More and more owners are irresponsibly letting their horses parish by starvation or taking them to auction and letting the meatbuyers pick them up cheap. Seriously folks, if you can't afford to feed your horse and can't sell it for some reason buck up and have it humanely euthanized. It is obviously better than dying slowly by starvation but because of the conditions in which horses going to the meat packers are shipped, it is a far better fate for them as well. Don't think for a second if you sell your horse at auction and it goes for cheap that some nice little 4-H girl just picked it up (just a tip, set a minimum bid just above what meat is going for so that the butcher won't get it). Be an adult, don't lie to yourself and do the right thing.
That said, if you have a nice little mare you're thinking about breeding how 'bout putting it off for a year or two. The market is already inundated with too many horses and young horses go to the packers too. No sense in making more where there aren't enough homes for them now and the prices stink anyway.
OK, off my soapbox now. My next post will be a fun one. Promise.
Elmer celebrates his 38th
Elmer breaks trail-riding record
Just to list a couple. If you follow them they lead to more articles. It's nice to read about someone who goes to extra lengths to care for her older horse when so many right now are dumping their horses, old AND young, at auction where many of them inevitably end up on someone's dinner plate in France.
The following is my soapbox piece so if you want to end on the happy note above stop reading now.
Harsh economic times make it a scary world for a horse. More and more owners are irresponsibly letting their horses parish by starvation or taking them to auction and letting the meatbuyers pick them up cheap. Seriously folks, if you can't afford to feed your horse and can't sell it for some reason buck up and have it humanely euthanized. It is obviously better than dying slowly by starvation but because of the conditions in which horses going to the meat packers are shipped, it is a far better fate for them as well. Don't think for a second if you sell your horse at auction and it goes for cheap that some nice little 4-H girl just picked it up (just a tip, set a minimum bid just above what meat is going for so that the butcher won't get it). Be an adult, don't lie to yourself and do the right thing.
That said, if you have a nice little mare you're thinking about breeding how 'bout putting it off for a year or two. The market is already inundated with too many horses and young horses go to the packers too. No sense in making more where there aren't enough homes for them now and the prices stink anyway.
OK, off my soapbox now. My next post will be a fun one. Promise.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Funnies
If you are a guy or a particularly modest lady you probably don't want to read the first paragraph. Just to warn you. Otherwise scroll on down...
OK, so we are at the YMCA this afternoon for swim classes, Gideon is in the nursery and Gabe is going potty and I have to go and that means Zion has to come in the stall with me. Well, it's that time of the month (see why the warning, you can stop reading still if you want) so I pull out a tampon which was in my pocket as I already checked my purse at the desk.
"What's that, Mommy."
"It's for Mommy."
"A special treat?" At this point I snort with laughter. In my own head of course.
"No sweety." (Definitely NOT a special treat.)
Gabe's turn and if you skipped you can start reading again.
On the way home from the Y we drive by a pasture that has two gorgeous bay horses. The traffic in front of me slows. Aw, too bad for mommy - yeah, right! Surprisingly I hear Gabe say in a dreamy voice "I wish I had a real horse." I sigh and say "Yeah, me too." Then he says "Well, not really. But I do wish I had a penguin."
Can't leave Gideon out. He drank using a straw today.
I suppose you want more than that. AND he's hilarious. He just is. Most of the time in fact. He has figured out how to climb up on Zion's toddler bed and has been having a blast practising getting up and down the last two nights. Tonight I had to leave the room for something and came back to find all three of them in Zion's bed. Oh, that's just too tempting for a mommy, all three in one place like that. So I stalked them across the room with my fingers all arched and ready to tickled saying "I-I-I-I'm gonna get you!" Gideon was so frantic to get away but was stuck in the corner so he eventually just flopped on his belly with his face buried in the mattress giggling hysterically and wriggling uncontrollably in a vain attempt to avoid the tickles. Too much fun. I left the room just so I could do it again.
Allie is not getting left out of the fun. We made her a "nest" box that is just a cardboard box cut low on one end. We filled it with shredded paper and every day or night we hide treats or veggies in the paper. We also found little treat boxes that are tiny cardboard boxes with holes cut in them and a special treat inside. She has to work at the holes to get to the treat. When these are used up we'll make our own using a paper towel tube, cut holes in it and stuff it with hay and treats. Lots of fun things to keep her busy and keep boredom at bay. No bored bunnies in our house!
Oh and I'm having fun too. I finished my keyhole scarf. The one that I started a long time ago that was supposed to be for Zion but turned out too wide. It's done but I don't have a picture yet. And I've cast on Zion's keyhole scarf and when I'm done with it we will have matchy matchy scarves. I have three projects on the needles right now and somehow they are all scarves. I don't make that many scarves either. Just weird. But I do have one project that I have ordered yarn for and am searching for the perfect pattern and I can't wait to start it. It is a surprise for someone. Not a gift exactly but I hope that it will be a wonderful surprise anyway and well, I'll just have to share more when I can and that's not now.
Rob and I talked again this morning. Now he is close enough to coming home that I have started asking him every call "Do you know when you're coming home yet?" I hope I won't make him nuts but he could get his travel plan any day really. Soon and very soon. It will still likely be about three weeks or so yet I can't believe it is that close. This last year has gone by SO fast. Many unfortunate things have happened. I'll have to do a "year in review" post and revisit some of them as well as the good things too. I am calling this past twelve months "Refiner's Fire", I must be pure as gold now (or pretty close to it) as I feel like I have definitely been refined. Over and over again.
OK, so we are at the YMCA this afternoon for swim classes, Gideon is in the nursery and Gabe is going potty and I have to go and that means Zion has to come in the stall with me. Well, it's that time of the month (see why the warning, you can stop reading still if you want) so I pull out a tampon which was in my pocket as I already checked my purse at the desk.
"What's that, Mommy."
"It's for Mommy."
"A special treat?" At this point I snort with laughter. In my own head of course.
"No sweety." (Definitely NOT a special treat.)
Gabe's turn and if you skipped you can start reading again.
On the way home from the Y we drive by a pasture that has two gorgeous bay horses. The traffic in front of me slows. Aw, too bad for mommy - yeah, right! Surprisingly I hear Gabe say in a dreamy voice "I wish I had a real horse." I sigh and say "Yeah, me too." Then he says "Well, not really. But I do wish I had a penguin."
Can't leave Gideon out. He drank using a straw today.
I suppose you want more than that. AND he's hilarious. He just is. Most of the time in fact. He has figured out how to climb up on Zion's toddler bed and has been having a blast practising getting up and down the last two nights. Tonight I had to leave the room for something and came back to find all three of them in Zion's bed. Oh, that's just too tempting for a mommy, all three in one place like that. So I stalked them across the room with my fingers all arched and ready to tickled saying "I-I-I-I'm gonna get you!" Gideon was so frantic to get away but was stuck in the corner so he eventually just flopped on his belly with his face buried in the mattress giggling hysterically and wriggling uncontrollably in a vain attempt to avoid the tickles. Too much fun. I left the room just so I could do it again.
Allie is not getting left out of the fun. We made her a "nest" box that is just a cardboard box cut low on one end. We filled it with shredded paper and every day or night we hide treats or veggies in the paper. We also found little treat boxes that are tiny cardboard boxes with holes cut in them and a special treat inside. She has to work at the holes to get to the treat. When these are used up we'll make our own using a paper towel tube, cut holes in it and stuff it with hay and treats. Lots of fun things to keep her busy and keep boredom at bay. No bored bunnies in our house!
Oh and I'm having fun too. I finished my keyhole scarf. The one that I started a long time ago that was supposed to be for Zion but turned out too wide. It's done but I don't have a picture yet. And I've cast on Zion's keyhole scarf and when I'm done with it we will have matchy matchy scarves. I have three projects on the needles right now and somehow they are all scarves. I don't make that many scarves either. Just weird. But I do have one project that I have ordered yarn for and am searching for the perfect pattern and I can't wait to start it. It is a surprise for someone. Not a gift exactly but I hope that it will be a wonderful surprise anyway and well, I'll just have to share more when I can and that's not now.
Rob and I talked again this morning. Now he is close enough to coming home that I have started asking him every call "Do you know when you're coming home yet?" I hope I won't make him nuts but he could get his travel plan any day really. Soon and very soon. It will still likely be about three weeks or so yet I can't believe it is that close. This last year has gone by SO fast. Many unfortunate things have happened. I'll have to do a "year in review" post and revisit some of them as well as the good things too. I am calling this past twelve months "Refiner's Fire", I must be pure as gold now (or pretty close to it) as I feel like I have definitely been refined. Over and over again.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Back to the Birthday
I realize I have a lot of catching up to do post wise. Particularly because I have a lot of photos. I was going to post about our trip to the zoo today but realized that I never posted Gideon's birthday pictures. I was getting his pics and videos ready and then my mom passed and I never got back to them. So without any further delay I present to you the photos from Gideon's birthday:
One of these days I will learn how to get the videos off my camcorder and post those too. I had already captioned these pictures prior to my mom's passing and only needed to write the post to put the slideshow on the blog. It was interest to go back and read some of the captions because Gideon has changed so much already. I point out that he's nearly crawling and now he's nearly walking. I point out that he's drinking soy milk with his cake and shortly after that we discover that soy makes him very sick and now he's on rice milk. I also got the pit for the balls so now the kids can all fit into a nice big ball pit in the living room (when I choose to set it up).
I also want to mention that Gideon has ten teeth. Yep. TEN! All eight of his fronts and two molars and one more molar just about to bust through. He's a silent teether for the most part, doesn't fuss about them (or I'm very unobservant which is equally possible). I never even knew he had molars until I was tickling him mercilessly one night and could see into wide open mouth.
He's also got a few words under his belt. I'm most excited about him saying "Hi Dada!" which we've been practising for a while. I went to show a friend the other day how he can say it and when I said "Say 'Hi Dada'" Gideon not only said it but put his hand to the side of his head when he did it as if he was holding a phone. I am very much looking forward to the near future when he will be able to say "Hi" to his daddy without having to do it over the phone. I've also noticed the last few days that when I tell the kids it's time to say grace before meals that he clasps his hands together too. Awwwww, so cute. Yesterday at bedtime he told Zion "nigh' nigh'" with his little fist opening and closing. One of Gideon's favorite things to say is "uh oh". Oh, and don't forget "kitty" which was one of his first words. He also signs "more" and I'll introduce "please" and "milk" next.
One of these days I will learn how to get the videos off my camcorder and post those too. I had already captioned these pictures prior to my mom's passing and only needed to write the post to put the slideshow on the blog. It was interest to go back and read some of the captions because Gideon has changed so much already. I point out that he's nearly crawling and now he's nearly walking. I point out that he's drinking soy milk with his cake and shortly after that we discover that soy makes him very sick and now he's on rice milk. I also got the pit for the balls so now the kids can all fit into a nice big ball pit in the living room (when I choose to set it up).
I also want to mention that Gideon has ten teeth. Yep. TEN! All eight of his fronts and two molars and one more molar just about to bust through. He's a silent teether for the most part, doesn't fuss about them (or I'm very unobservant which is equally possible). I never even knew he had molars until I was tickling him mercilessly one night and could see into wide open mouth.
He's also got a few words under his belt. I'm most excited about him saying "Hi Dada!" which we've been practising for a while. I went to show a friend the other day how he can say it and when I said "Say 'Hi Dada'" Gideon not only said it but put his hand to the side of his head when he did it as if he was holding a phone. I am very much looking forward to the near future when he will be able to say "Hi" to his daddy without having to do it over the phone. I've also noticed the last few days that when I tell the kids it's time to say grace before meals that he clasps his hands together too. Awwwww, so cute. Yesterday at bedtime he told Zion "nigh' nigh'" with his little fist opening and closing. One of Gideon's favorite things to say is "uh oh". Oh, and don't forget "kitty" which was one of his first words. He also signs "more" and I'll introduce "please" and "milk" next.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Just Put One Foot In Front Of The Other
..and soon you'll be walking out the doo--oo-or! (Little Christmas special flashback for ya there, do you know which one?)
I can't believe that I forgot to write about this yesterday (or maybe I DID write about it and I forgot that I did - either way my memory is terrible). Gideon took his first steps last night! We were playing in Zion's room and I stood him up to help him practice his balance and the next thing I know he took three (very quick) steps to me and fell in my arms. I don't know who was surprised more, me or him. The look on his face said "Good Lord, what am I doing?" as if it was the riskiest thing he'd ever tried to do. If only he knew how risky it was to try to eat the cat's puke he found on the floor earlier that day. Ew.
Adding that Gideon is nearly 14 months old. And just for the curious, Gabe took his first steps also at 13 months old and Zion took her very first step on her first birthday.
I can't believe that I forgot to write about this yesterday (or maybe I DID write about it and I forgot that I did - either way my memory is terrible). Gideon took his first steps last night! We were playing in Zion's room and I stood him up to help him practice his balance and the next thing I know he took three (very quick) steps to me and fell in my arms. I don't know who was surprised more, me or him. The look on his face said "Good Lord, what am I doing?" as if it was the riskiest thing he'd ever tried to do. If only he knew how risky it was to try to eat the cat's puke he found on the floor earlier that day. Ew.
Adding that Gideon is nearly 14 months old. And just for the curious, Gabe took his first steps also at 13 months old and Zion took her very first step on her first birthday.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What Could We Have Been Up To...
...for me to not have blogged in so long? Well, let me answer that. In no particular order:
Here's the scarf after all the rows have been dropped and pulled. It's still a smidge short for my taste but at least now it's actually wearable as a scarf. And I really love the colors. This picture doesn't give it justice.
We also went to a sprinkler park with Jamie and had a blast.
Gideon really loved the water.
Zion really loved the water.
Gabe really loved the water.
Absolutely LOVE scrunchy nose smiles!
At first he thought it a bit cold. (Don't blame him, I did too!)
Afterward we all enjoyed some Popsicles which we bought at the ice cream truck that appeared to permanently park right there in the park. Smart ice cream man!
We have also had some fun play dates right at our house. Sarah and Gideon are only a few months apart and are pretty equal as far as milestones. They frequently use each other to pull up and stand. Now we're just waiting to see who will walk first.
Gabe is passing on his love for trains. Whether he likes it or not. Gideon sometimes forces the matter and Gabe has to put up with his derailing the trains.
"You're not supposed to EAT them, Gideon!"
We've had some wicked cool storms lately. Here's one blowing in. The thunder has been tremendous. I love it! The one we had a few days ago had thunder SO loud and it seemed to be positioned right over our house that I jumped out of my skin every time it BOOMED! Zion and Gideon slept through it as it was nap time. Gabe says "It doesn't scare me." 
Gideon is done with his "no wheat" trial and got to enjoy one of his very favorite meals, pasta with marinara. Look at that satisfied smile. After reintroducing wheat Gideon has experienced some eczema and bowel issues but so far no vomiting. The thing will be to see if we can get him back on a full wheat diet without vomiting. So far so good though I'm working him up slowly.
And yes, that's a perfect handprint in marinara sauce on the side of his head. Now if I TRIED to make a handprint on purpose like that you KNOW he'd never cooperate. Well, at least I have the picture. :)
Turns out we are raising another lover of books. At first he just loved to clear off the bookshelf. Then one day he actually opened one and now I often catch him sitting and "reading" to himself. It warms my heart. We have also been enjoying a lot of stories at bedtime while we also have "bunny time". At the end of each day we all go up to Zion's room and let Allie out of her cage. She gets to hop and jump around while we do pjs, play, pray, and have a story. It has become one of my absolute favorite times of day.
And though this picture is on here last (only because that's how blogger added them on) Jamae is definitely NOT least. Isn't she beautiful?! *sigh* I got to go up to attend Jamae's high school graduation on the 9th. I know it wasn't as hard for me as it was my sister but all I could think about was how I'd been in the room when she was born. How did 18 years pass so quickly? As they say, the days are long but the years are short (my mantra on certain days). I love you, Jamae!
I also got to take Zion on a special "date" to see both Jamae and Jessa dance at their studio's end of the year recital. Zion and I got all dolled up, her more than I, and I got a sitter for the boys (thanks, Erika!) and we went just us girls. Well, and Uncle Bob and Grandpa Jim but still. She wasn't sure to think at first. She kept saying it was "scay-weee" but I think it was just the "bigness" of the theater and all of the people.
For starters, knitting has pretty much taken over all my spare time. And some of the time when I should be taking care of chores. Ah well, the laundry will still be there tomorrow. And the day after that... I knit the above towel and washcloth for myself! I've done a few before but gave them all away. I did knit a burpcloth for a friend and it was too small in my opinion so I kept it for a dishcloth. Now I'm in love with handknitted dishclothes. Oh my goodness! I want to keep knitting them to replace all of my storeboughts and then more for washclothes for bathtime too.
I think I showed this scarf once before and talked about how it was wider and shorter than I wanted it to be (one of those one-skein patterns so I couldn't add length, only had the one skein) so I frogged it (ripped it out). The whole thing. I knit it narrower and thus it came out wider. This pictures shows how it is all knit solid (and knit entirely of twisted stitches) and then every fourth stitch is dropped to make those cool gaps.
Here's the scarf after all the rows have been dropped and pulled. It's still a smidge short for my taste but at least now it's actually wearable as a scarf. And I really love the colors. This picture doesn't give it justice.We also went to a sprinkler park with Jamie and had a blast.
Gideon really loved the water.
Zion really loved the water.
Gabe really loved the water.
Absolutely LOVE scrunchy nose smiles!
At first he thought it a bit cold. (Don't blame him, I did too!)
Afterward we all enjoyed some Popsicles which we bought at the ice cream truck that appeared to permanently park right there in the park. Smart ice cream man!
We have also had some fun play dates right at our house. Sarah and Gideon are only a few months apart and are pretty equal as far as milestones. They frequently use each other to pull up and stand. Now we're just waiting to see who will walk first.Gabe is passing on his love for trains. Whether he likes it or not. Gideon sometimes forces the matter and Gabe has to put up with his derailing the trains.
"You're not supposed to EAT them, Gideon!"
We've had some wicked cool storms lately. Here's one blowing in. The thunder has been tremendous. I love it! The one we had a few days ago had thunder SO loud and it seemed to be positioned right over our house that I jumped out of my skin every time it BOOMED! Zion and Gideon slept through it as it was nap time. Gabe says "It doesn't scare me." 
Gideon is done with his "no wheat" trial and got to enjoy one of his very favorite meals, pasta with marinara. Look at that satisfied smile. After reintroducing wheat Gideon has experienced some eczema and bowel issues but so far no vomiting. The thing will be to see if we can get him back on a full wheat diet without vomiting. So far so good though I'm working him up slowly.
And yes, that's a perfect handprint in marinara sauce on the side of his head. Now if I TRIED to make a handprint on purpose like that you KNOW he'd never cooperate. Well, at least I have the picture. :)
Turns out we are raising another lover of books. At first he just loved to clear off the bookshelf. Then one day he actually opened one and now I often catch him sitting and "reading" to himself. It warms my heart. We have also been enjoying a lot of stories at bedtime while we also have "bunny time". At the end of each day we all go up to Zion's room and let Allie out of her cage. She gets to hop and jump around while we do pjs, play, pray, and have a story. It has become one of my absolute favorite times of day.
And though this picture is on here last (only because that's how blogger added them on) Jamae is definitely NOT least. Isn't she beautiful?! *sigh* I got to go up to attend Jamae's high school graduation on the 9th. I know it wasn't as hard for me as it was my sister but all I could think about was how I'd been in the room when she was born. How did 18 years pass so quickly? As they say, the days are long but the years are short (my mantra on certain days). I love you, Jamae!I also got to take Zion on a special "date" to see both Jamae and Jessa dance at their studio's end of the year recital. Zion and I got all dolled up, her more than I, and I got a sitter for the boys (thanks, Erika!) and we went just us girls. Well, and Uncle Bob and Grandpa Jim but still. She wasn't sure to think at first. She kept saying it was "scay-weee" but I think it was just the "bigness" of the theater and all of the people.
There is much more that we've been up to, like a trip to the zoo, but this post is getting a little photo heavy and I'd like to get some knitting done before bed (told you it's taking over). More to come.
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