Memorial Service 2008

Each year, the local children's hospital puts on a memorial service for all the children that have left us behind. This was the second year we have attended. It wasn't any easier this year from last year. Sitting in a room full of people, families, parents, knowing that all of you have in common the loss of a child, is not ever a place I imagined myself to be.

Someone recently asked me how I could even go (this is also a mother who lost her son after 4 short weeks), and I guess I just feel like this is one way I can publicly honor and remember our Noah. As time goes by, his name is hardly ever mentioned, even though he is with me every day.

Each year, families who lost a child are able to contribute a quilt square to be made and hung at the hospital. At the memorial service the previous year's quilt is unveiled and put on display before being permanently hung in the hospital. Below is a picture of the 2008 memorial quilt and the next picture is Noah's square, lovingly made by my aunt Margie. It looked great and if you are ever at Children's Mercy, stop by and see it!




At the end of the service, everyone is given a box containing a butterfly. We all go outside and after a few words, we release the butterflys into the sky. The kids really love this part and I'm sure the butterflies enjoy it as well!

parades, pumpkins, princesses and preschool

Be prepared: This is going to be a group of posts all rolled into one!

One of the high schools had their homecoming parade about a week and a half ago. Schools got out early and we loaded up to go watch. Most of the clubs/organizations/teams had a float and were throwing candy from them (probably the reason we went). We went with our friends and everyone had a good time and now we have enough candy to last us until Easter.

Even Nate enjoyed his very first sucker!

We decided to hit the pumpkin patch early this year, as last year, all the pumpkins in the field were pretty much rotten. I also thought I would take advantage of our warm weather and go on a nice day instead. Much to our surprise, we were sweating heavily out in the patch as it ended up being over 80 that day! Didn't get a lot of pics, probably because my mom went with and I usually let her take the pictures, but here are a few from the wagon ride out to the field. By the way, when we got out there, most of the pumpkins were rotten and very picked over (so much for my theory of going early).

Last weekend, after soccer, Grace and I attended a princess party, a fundraiser put on by a group providing free dental care for children. This year, she decided to go as Ariel (the mermaid), and I went as myself! We listened to princess stories, visited the wishing well, decorated cookies, got the royal primping, face painting, visited the tooth fairy (whom Grace knew was not the "real" one, because the "real" one is much smaller -- small enough to fit under your pillow and all), did crafts, got her nails done, and listened to the "real" princesses in concert! It was a busy day. Grace is sure that Aladdin must fly in the "real" princesses (high school girls dressed up like the Disney ones) on his magic carpet all the way from Florida. I don't let her think otherwise! Several friends were there also, which made it a fun day for all.






Today was Sam's first day of preschool. It is held at the high school, and is put on by the child development classes there. He was so excited and loved being a big boy. He walked in, put his backpack in his cubby, put his lunch in the fridge and began playing. He might have looked up to say "bye, mom", but I don't even know if he did that! He has no problem being away from me!

And finally, around 4:45 this afternoon, he is alseep like this, worn out from his busy day.

We are also in the process of renovating our bathrooms, in which work began today, hooray! Most all of the demo is done and now we (I mean, Dave, our workman) start to put everything back together. I can't believe I forgot to take "before" pictures (well, actually, I can believe it), but I will definitely take some now and also after the work is complete.

It is well, with my soul.

Just an update to let everyone know that Nate's surgery went very well and he is back to his sweet self already. I was so relieved when anesthesia informed us that he would not be getting an IV, but instead, just a mask with the anestetic gas to breathe. As Ed handed him off to the nurse, he was sound asleep and when they came for us less than 30 minutes later, he was handed back to us still asleep. I don't think he ever knew what he went through.

Already I think he is feeling better. I have been somewhat concerned about his appetite of late, as he won't eat much of anything for the last couple of weeks. This morning alone, however, he ate 2 regular sized pancakes and a handful of cereal. He seems to be eating better and he is much happier in his temperament. He has been so clingy and fussy lately, and while I love holding and snuggling with him, it has really started waring on me. He has been altogether pleasant and not really fussy at all. My hopes are that this will be his last surgery for a very long time and that he will continue to thrive as he has to this point.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers yesterday. Ed and I were very calm and not consumed with worry throughout the whole morning. Glory to God for watching over us during this time.

Oops, I did it again!

I ran across this picture and wanted you to see that this is indeed a common occurance in our household. This time, however, since all the paper was in the hall, I just scooped it up and trashed it and started a new roll.

We have been busy lately. I thought once summer ended, our calendar would slow down. No such luck. Our weekends are filled with soccer each Saturday and then usually some other event. Grace enjoys playing, but I don't think it will ever amount to anything more than just recreation (which I am secretly glad). She has been caught on tape running by us and waving at the camera, all the while the other team is scoring! That really made her daddy proud -- and speaking of her daddy, look who got in on the coaching action a couple of games ago.

By the way, I did get my menu planned for the week and went to the store today. This is the third week, now, how many times does it take for a new habit to be formed? I hope I'm on my way! Speaking of the store, as I was standing at the deli counter getting lunchmeat, Nate began screaming (out of character for him) and as I turned around and questioned the happenings, Sam explained that he had just bit him on the arm. This was just the beginning of the trip, but needless to say, I did get what I went for (it was a short list, thank goodness).

Now, as I sit here, both boys are in their rooms napping! I have fixed myself a sandwich and am hoping to get at least an hour to myself. Sounds nice, except I need to finish up a load of laundry from this morning, clean the kitchen, pick up the living room and finish my cleaning out of Grace's room.

Nate awoke early yesterday, but I let him just stay in his bed until I was ready to get him up. I guess for that, I got what I deserved. See, I went in and there was an awful smell -- yes, he had pooped, diarrhea, out of his diaper, down his legs, all over his bed. Yuck! Double yuck, that I didn't notice all of this until I picked him up and got it all over myself! Even after three babies, this still grosses me out. I guess it was time to change the sheets in his crib, after all, it has probably been at least a couple of weeks or possibly three (who's counting) since they were changed. What a way to start the day.

While I was trying to be productive this morning, the kids were watching t.v. (I hardly ever allow that)! Some movie was about to come on and I told Grace that if it was something inappropriate, she would have to change the channel. It ended up being a Garfield movie and they were so excited. They saw one once while we were on vacation. She said to me, "mom, the only thing bad about this is that sometimes Garfield burps." How lovely to my ears that she is still so innocent that this is cosidered a "bad" thing. Sometimes, I hate the t.v. I wish I could just get rid of it totally like McMama did with hers. I don't know if I could ever really do it, and if I did, it would have to be in the late spring/summer when all that is on is reruns or something.

Tomorrow is Nate's ear surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. We are to check in at 6:00 AM -- yes, that's right, at the children's hospital. Even though the surgery is relatively minor, I am very anxious about it. I am having a hard time with not being afraid that it might be the last time I ever see my child, which I know is probably normal after losing a child, but I still want to be at peace and not get so worked up. Hopefully, this will be the last surgery for a long, long time.

I really need to get back to my chores, as two little boys will be waking up before I know it. Have a great day!

Muffins and Makeup

Today was an early release day for Grace's school. I really think they are trying to keep me on my toes! When school is out early, the afternoon kindergartener's go to school in the morning along with the morning kids. So, not only do we have to get up and going earlier, but our bus number is different as well. On top of that chaos, today was Muffins with Mom day, where all the moms are invited to come and have breakfast with their child before school starts. Thank goodness Ed was able to go in to work a little later so he could stay with the boys this morning.

Knowing it would be an early morning for us, I made sure and prepped Grace for our busy day last night. Much to my surprise, she awoke extra early, got herself dressed and ready for school all by herself and came in and surprised me as I was getting ready. This is what she looked like!


I told her how beautiful she looked, then told her to go and show her daddy how pretty she was. Holy cow! Who taught this girl makeup application? Finally, after I came downstairs, I kindly let her know that her school did not allow girls to wear makeup. I washed as much of it off as I could. I then convinced her to change her clothes and comb her hair. She was so proud of her hair, as she even said, "mom, I even got my rooster tail to lay down".

She is growing up and becoming quite the little girl. I don't think that a career as a makeup artist is in her future, though!

Teach, Your Children Well . . .

While Grace is at school, Sam has gotten quite helpful. He really is bored. I decided that it's never too early to teach them how to do the laundry. I have been blessed with a husband who's mother taught him to do laundry also, and I hope to pass that along to both my boys.

Who needs a gym membership when you can strap on an 18 pound pack and proceed to scrub the kitchen floor? I venture to bet that not many people still carry their almost 2 year old around in one of these! Nate has been very clingy lately, he just follows me around like a little puppy and whines. I usually can't resist picking him up and doing whatever it is that needs to be done. It does get quite strenuous at times, though!

Have a great Wednesday!

Meal Planning

Because so many are dying to know, I have again successfully planned another week's menu and have my shopping list all ready to go. We have a busy week ahead and it will be so nice to actually know each day what the plan is. If you would like your own menu planning ideas, check out http://orgjunkie.com/ and browse through all the menus posted there. How much easier does it get than copying someone else's ideas?

Mid Afternoon Musings

Ever feel like a feminine napkin?

That got you looking, didn't it? Anyway, this is not going in the direction some of you may be thinking (clean up your minds - you know who you are!).

This afternoon, while trying to clean up the kitchen, including the floor, I was also feeding Nate a bite of peach yogurt each time he circled through the room. After about the 5th time or so, his face was getting sort of messy. Did I bother to wipe his mouth - NO! Instead, he must have felt the need to wipe his own mouth, all over my pants. Good thing I decided early on that I wasn't going to shower today.

All this, and my sick sense of humor really began to tick. Halloween is just around the corner - how about dressing up a little fancier than today, letting all my many small children rub their grimy hands and faces all over me! A feminine napkin -- I think I am on to something!

Ride, Sammy, Ride!

Sam is now able to ride his bike. I knew all along that he really could pedal, but he always seems to use his feet on his big wheel like the Flinstone's did. He now only wants to ride his big bike (thanks Aunt Wendy for the bike and Grandma and Grandpa for bringing it to us) and can go quite fast. He is not a fan, however, of his helmet and promises me to go slow without it! Where does the time go?

Busy, Busy

Yesterday morning we went to the community center for a Barn Yard Bash activity. Upon leaving, we needed to get lunch and hurry to get Grace to school by 1:00. Then, we had the nutrition/dietition appointment at 3:00. Then choir at church at 6:30. What a busy day! Anyway here are some pictures and videos of our day.

Yes, this is Nate eating glue from the bottle while I was busy helping make some of the crafts. I believe it is non toxic. No wonder he has trouble with his weight, he belly is always full of these other "fillers". He especially likes to munch on cat food while I'm not looking!