My to-do list:
Review 6 chapters of my text for tonight and create some discussion questions.
Maybe finish grading re-writes from the first paper.
Take Sarah to the Dr. to see why her ear and throat hurt and why the low grade fever showed up.
And, instead of doing this in the silence of my house, I get to do this while trying to keep two kids from driving me insane. It doesn't matter which room I move to to get my work done, they will follow me!
I've been looking forward to a day without kids for over a week. Last week, Sydney was home sick, then schools closed for Thanksgiving - I wanted a day off!! ALONE!! To finish my school work. and clean my house.
The worst part is that the snow didn't even cover the grass and we probably closed schools for the wind.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
She's growing up . . . .
KID COUNT! If you ever read, It's Just the Coffee Talking you know that Meritt occasionally has kid counts on weekends or over the summer. I have my first Sat morning with a kid count.
Yep, kids - 1.
Sarah is at her first sleepover in a LONG time.
When she was about 2, I think she slept over at a friend's house (or did we just talk about it. . . . ), she also spent the night at a friends house the night Sydney was born when she was 3. Other than that, she has only slept at Grandma's house. Sarah informed me that sleeping at Grandma's doesn't count as sleeping away because it's at a relative's house.
Sydney helped Sarah pack. She gave Sarah a picture of her so she could kiss it goodnight, and her little flashlight so Sarah could find her way around the house at night if she had to get up. It was too cute.
Syd went with me to drop off Sarah at her friends. Earlier in the evening, Joe had offered to let Sydney sleep in Sarah's bed so she would not miss her so much.
The girls each have what we have nicknamed "mommy shirts." Before I went on travel this spring, I printed pictures of me and the girls on iron on transfer paper. These were ironed on to shirts that they could wear while I was gone so they would have me near them. Sydney wore hers to bed last night, but announced that "for tonight, this isn't my mommy shirt, it's my Sarah shirt."
Sarah must have done OK, as we didn't get a phone call last night.
Yep, kids - 1.
Sarah is at her first sleepover in a LONG time.
When she was about 2, I think she slept over at a friend's house (or did we just talk about it. . . . ), she also spent the night at a friends house the night Sydney was born when she was 3. Other than that, she has only slept at Grandma's house. Sarah informed me that sleeping at Grandma's doesn't count as sleeping away because it's at a relative's house.
Sydney helped Sarah pack. She gave Sarah a picture of her so she could kiss it goodnight, and her little flashlight so Sarah could find her way around the house at night if she had to get up. It was too cute.
Syd went with me to drop off Sarah at her friends. Earlier in the evening, Joe had offered to let Sydney sleep in Sarah's bed so she would not miss her so much.
The girls each have what we have nicknamed "mommy shirts." Before I went on travel this spring, I printed pictures of me and the girls on iron on transfer paper. These were ironed on to shirts that they could wear while I was gone so they would have me near them. Sydney wore hers to bed last night, but announced that "for tonight, this isn't my mommy shirt, it's my Sarah shirt."
Sarah must have done OK, as we didn't get a phone call last night.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving ramblings
Yesterday, I realized that I have now hosted Thanksgiving for seven of the last ten years. I love Thanksgiving at home. For the past two years, I've been lucky enough that my friend Amanda and her family have come over for dinner. It's such a relaxed affair - we divide and conquer the menu with Amanda bringing the things that trasport well and I the things that should be cooked here. At the last minute, I bought a Cooking Light magazine. In there was a picture of a yam casserole with marshmallows. I ran out that night to get sweet potatoes. It turns out that Amanda was craving the same dish, so we were both thrilled with the last minute decision.
Growing up, my mother would move the TV into the kitchen, the first thing cooked was the chex mix, followed by the starting of the stuffing to put into the turkey. My days start in much the same way, same stuffing, same chex mix.
Four years ago, I found myself cooking thanksgiving dinner while watching the Macy's Day parade on the TV I moved into the kitchen, while eating Chex mix with a 9 mos old Sydney and a 3 year old Sarah.
I looked at the girls at my feet and just started to cry. I was just so grateful to be alive (if you remember, I almost died when Sydney was born and it was a bit of a miracle that I was here). To have the traditions I grew up with being passed onto my girls, to see them enjoy them. I can't listen to the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade without tearing up.
Christmas doesn't seem to have the same effect - maybe it's that I know the girls would have traditions, maybe it's that the focus isn't on being thankful as much, but Thanksgiving affects me almost more than Sydney's birthday.
Sarah decided we should go around the table and say what we are thankful for. By the time we got food on the kids plate, and on ours - we decided that we would wait until after we ate so we could have lukewarm food rather than cold. But, when we finally did, the only thing I could be thankful for was life.
So, for those of us who spent yesterday with our family - Thank goodness for life. For those outside the U.S. , I hope you enjoyed your Thursday.
Growing up, my mother would move the TV into the kitchen, the first thing cooked was the chex mix, followed by the starting of the stuffing to put into the turkey. My days start in much the same way, same stuffing, same chex mix.
Four years ago, I found myself cooking thanksgiving dinner while watching the Macy's Day parade on the TV I moved into the kitchen, while eating Chex mix with a 9 mos old Sydney and a 3 year old Sarah.
I looked at the girls at my feet and just started to cry. I was just so grateful to be alive (if you remember, I almost died when Sydney was born and it was a bit of a miracle that I was here). To have the traditions I grew up with being passed onto my girls, to see them enjoy them. I can't listen to the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade without tearing up.
Christmas doesn't seem to have the same effect - maybe it's that I know the girls would have traditions, maybe it's that the focus isn't on being thankful as much, but Thanksgiving affects me almost more than Sydney's birthday.
Sarah decided we should go around the table and say what we are thankful for. By the time we got food on the kids plate, and on ours - we decided that we would wait until after we ate so we could have lukewarm food rather than cold. But, when we finally did, the only thing I could be thankful for was life.
So, for those of us who spent yesterday with our family - Thank goodness for life. For those outside the U.S. , I hope you enjoyed your Thursday.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Yesterday's accomplishment
The fridge is clean and the T-day groceries are bought. I dumped the science projects and DH cleaned the containers. We are ready!! (I usually try to clean the fridge out every Tuesday, night before trash day) but class has interfered with my plans of late).
I also cleaned Sarah's bedroom. I mainly put everything in a place (i.e., where it belongs) and you can actually see the surfaces of the furniture that DH made for Sarah. I still need to clean off the top of her book case, but it's pretty much done.
Funny thing, she got home from school and didn't say anything about her room until I finally asked her. LOL. Now I have to do Sydney's room too (not fair for Syd to have to clean her room if Sarah didn't have to - and it's all about fairness when you are little!)I'll keep posting pictures as the house gets cleaned.
Funny thing, she got home from school and didn't say anything about her room until I finally asked her. LOL. Now I have to do Sydney's room too (not fair for Syd to have to clean her room if Sarah didn't have to - and it's all about fairness when you are little!)I'll keep posting pictures as the house gets cleaned.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Cool finds
I dropped Sydney off at daycare today. She didn't want to go, and I really didn't want her to, but I HAVE to get things ready for Thursday and I can't do it while she is home. Plus, she will nap at school and she needs sleep.
Shortly before she went to bed last night, I wanted to give her some cough meds so she could sleep. I had a choice of the prescription stuff with codine or the tylenol w/ cough meds. I decided on the tylenol version and gave her a couple of puffs of arbuterol. We spent the next four hours with her awake and coughing up a storm. I decided to try another round of arbuterol when she was coughing non-stop.
Sydney sits up when she sees me walk into her room and notices that I have the inhaler and the extension tube.
"Not again!" she exclaims as she falls back into her pillow. (when did my 4 y.o. turn into a 16 y.o.?)
"Sydney, we need to see if it will help your cough."
"But, we already did that."
"We need to try again."
It helped some, but what helped the most was waiting the four hours and giving her a dose of the prescription meds.
So, yesterday, we headed to the video store so Sydney could rent some videos. There, on the shelf next to the kids videos was the Ocean's Thirteen, Twelve, Eleven - and best yet - the ORIGINAL Ocean's Eleven. I'm so thrilled and really enjoying watching it.
The other day, I was at walmart to buy coffee (the only one in town that sells the coffee I use) and there, on the shelf, was Dunkin Donuts coffee!
I need to get the house clean, the fridge scrubbed, the menu planned, the groceries bought all before I pick up Sydney.
I've not heard back today, but my MIL got through her surgery and was in her room, in pain and nauseous.
Oh yea, I need to order flowers for her too.
Shortly before she went to bed last night, I wanted to give her some cough meds so she could sleep. I had a choice of the prescription stuff with codine or the tylenol w/ cough meds. I decided on the tylenol version and gave her a couple of puffs of arbuterol. We spent the next four hours with her awake and coughing up a storm. I decided to try another round of arbuterol when she was coughing non-stop.
Sydney sits up when she sees me walk into her room and notices that I have the inhaler and the extension tube.
"Not again!" she exclaims as she falls back into her pillow. (when did my 4 y.o. turn into a 16 y.o.?)
"Sydney, we need to see if it will help your cough."
"But, we already did that."
"We need to try again."
It helped some, but what helped the most was waiting the four hours and giving her a dose of the prescription meds.
So, yesterday, we headed to the video store so Sydney could rent some videos. There, on the shelf next to the kids videos was the Ocean's Thirteen, Twelve, Eleven - and best yet - the ORIGINAL Ocean's Eleven. I'm so thrilled and really enjoying watching it.
The other day, I was at walmart to buy coffee (the only one in town that sells the coffee I use) and there, on the shelf, was Dunkin Donuts coffee!
I need to get the house clean, the fridge scrubbed, the menu planned, the groceries bought all before I pick up Sydney.
I've not heard back today, but my MIL got through her surgery and was in her room, in pain and nauseous.
Oh yea, I need to order flowers for her too.
Monday, November 19, 2007
A little of everything
Sydney is still sick. Yesterday morning I thought she might be better - but by lunchtime her temp was creeping up.At about 2:30 last night I hear "Mom, did you hear me." From Sydney. I dashed to her room. She quickly asked for a throw-up bucket and some gaterade. I grabbed the throw-up bucket and gave it to Syd and then felt her head. I went to the bathroom and then got her gaterade and the thermometer. Her temp was 104. I got motrin and asked if she wanted to sit with me in the living room. I hate her being so sick.
Her temp was down all morning (it did the same thing yesterday) but it (knock on wood) seems to be holding down today too. If it stays down, I may send her to school for a bit tomorrow while I take care of a few things (then again, the four DVDs we rented today may keep her busy enough so I can get the house clean and she can shop for groceries with me tomorrow.
(later today - she is soooo well. She can't be still at all.)
Yesterday I emailed my two bosses and asked if we should cancel meetings or if I should attend them by phone. My one boss canceled the meeting. I attended the other meeting via phone, with a very impatient Syd wanting to leave for Blockbuster. Thankfully both my co-workers have had kids.
Sarah has been taking ice skating lessons for several years (this is her 4th year) Sydney is on her 2nd year. I took lessons for a bit after I was married. I had recently moved to central Virginia where DH was going to UVa for his grad work and working many late hours. One of my best friends from my high school years (she went to a different school) also lived in town. She has skated for years growing up and had decided to start taking lessons again. She dragged me alone as this town had a great lesson program for adults. I really enjoyed it. So, I skate along with the girls while they have practice time during the block of lessons.
Sarah was really bummed that she didn't earn her Basic 3 patch during the lessons this summer. So, while Sydney is taking her lessons, I've been pretty insistent that she practice with me. In the two weeks we've been doing this, she has really improved with her skills. She has 2 more lessons this session. I've told her that she might not pass this session (she has a better shot than she might have if we didn't practice). I'm not sure how she is on some of her skills, but during about a 5 min practice, she went from a split second hold of her backward one foot glide to holding it a bit. If her other skills are done on the right edges, we just might get her passed this session.
I'm on my 3rd week of skating some. The first night my ankle felt really good the first half-hour, but I could hardly hold myself up while skating with Sydney. I can feel that it is so much stronger now. *wonders if I should take skating lessons the third session* Maybe next year.
Keep my MIL in your thoughts today. She is undergoing a knee replacement. For some reason she thought it might be a good idea to have my family travel to South Dakota to see them for T-day (she'd put us up in a hotel), but I'm not sure that having 2 kids underfoot is great for recovery. She is thinking she will be discharged on thanksgiving morning. My SIL and her husband have traveled out and my BIL and his family live in the next town over (so his family, SIL, niece, nephew) will all be able to visit. The only ones missing are us. Having just recovered from surgery myself, I don't think she will feel too social, no matter how much she wants us there.
Maybe if I get enough around the house or work done I'll read some more of my Outlander book. It hooked me when in the first chapter she was putting the perfume my mother bought me (the first expensive one), L'heure Bleu by Guerlain.
Her temp was down all morning (it did the same thing yesterday) but it (knock on wood) seems to be holding down today too. If it stays down, I may send her to school for a bit tomorrow while I take care of a few things (then again, the four DVDs we rented today may keep her busy enough so I can get the house clean and she can shop for groceries with me tomorrow.
(later today - she is soooo well. She can't be still at all.)
Yesterday I emailed my two bosses and asked if we should cancel meetings or if I should attend them by phone. My one boss canceled the meeting. I attended the other meeting via phone, with a very impatient Syd wanting to leave for Blockbuster. Thankfully both my co-workers have had kids.
Sarah has been taking ice skating lessons for several years (this is her 4th year) Sydney is on her 2nd year. I took lessons for a bit after I was married. I had recently moved to central Virginia where DH was going to UVa for his grad work and working many late hours. One of my best friends from my high school years (she went to a different school) also lived in town. She has skated for years growing up and had decided to start taking lessons again. She dragged me alone as this town had a great lesson program for adults. I really enjoyed it. So, I skate along with the girls while they have practice time during the block of lessons.
Sarah was really bummed that she didn't earn her Basic 3 patch during the lessons this summer. So, while Sydney is taking her lessons, I've been pretty insistent that she practice with me. In the two weeks we've been doing this, she has really improved with her skills. She has 2 more lessons this session. I've told her that she might not pass this session (she has a better shot than she might have if we didn't practice). I'm not sure how she is on some of her skills, but during about a 5 min practice, she went from a split second hold of her backward one foot glide to holding it a bit. If her other skills are done on the right edges, we just might get her passed this session.
I'm on my 3rd week of skating some. The first night my ankle felt really good the first half-hour, but I could hardly hold myself up while skating with Sydney. I can feel that it is so much stronger now. *wonders if I should take skating lessons the third session* Maybe next year.
Keep my MIL in your thoughts today. She is undergoing a knee replacement. For some reason she thought it might be a good idea to have my family travel to South Dakota to see them for T-day (she'd put us up in a hotel), but I'm not sure that having 2 kids underfoot is great for recovery. She is thinking she will be discharged on thanksgiving morning. My SIL and her husband have traveled out and my BIL and his family live in the next town over (so his family, SIL, niece, nephew) will all be able to visit. The only ones missing are us. Having just recovered from surgery myself, I don't think she will feel too social, no matter how much she wants us there.
Maybe if I get enough around the house or work done I'll read some more of my Outlander book. It hooked me when in the first chapter she was putting the perfume my mother bought me (the first expensive one), L'heure Bleu by Guerlain.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Just your normal Saturday (not)
Friday night, Sydney was really tired and didn't want dinner (generally a sure sign that she is sick). We had her sit at the table with us, but didn't make her eat. After dinner, she went to get her jammies on, she was nakie for a few minutes and was visibly shivering. Temp 102/103 (depending on ear).. . . OK, sick.
She slept on me for a while, and we finally put her to bed. I woke up at 2:30 listening to her cough. At 3:00 am, I decided it was time to figure out how to get her cough to stop. She was finally ready for bed at 4:15 am.
She was ready to get up at 7:00 am, so I slept on the couch until 9:00 while she watched TV (Sarah got up at some point).
So, today Sydney wanted to rest and Sarah was raring to go. Sarah and I went and ran a bunch of errands. Sarah discovered that the magazine rack at the library had old copies behind the display rack that you could check out. She was SOOOOO excited.
Sydney pretty much spent Sat on the couch with a fever.
This morning she woke up ready to play a bit and without a fever. I guess she didn't get the 5 day high fever thing her friends go (knock on wood).
She slept on me for a while, and we finally put her to bed. I woke up at 2:30 listening to her cough. At 3:00 am, I decided it was time to figure out how to get her cough to stop. She was finally ready for bed at 4:15 am.
She was ready to get up at 7:00 am, so I slept on the couch until 9:00 while she watched TV (Sarah got up at some point).
So, today Sydney wanted to rest and Sarah was raring to go. Sarah and I went and ran a bunch of errands. Sarah discovered that the magazine rack at the library had old copies behind the display rack that you could check out. She was SOOOOO excited.
Sydney pretty much spent Sat on the couch with a fever.
This morning she woke up ready to play a bit and without a fever. I guess she didn't get the 5 day high fever thing her friends go (knock on wood).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
In the wee hours of the morning. . . .
I've not been sleeping well, so I've been tired (you know, the wake in the middle of the night unable to get back to sleep so you have two choices - either get up and start working on your papers at 3:00 AM or dump the idea of getting up at 5:00 to spend an hour or two before the kiddies wake up and you have to get everyone out the door for school/work.
So, last night hit crunch time. I promised my students they could pick up their papers from my office starting today.
3:30 - I'll just finish this one more.
4:00 - this one isn't too bad, I'll finish up this one.
4:30 - OK, I"m down to the ones I've read but I'm not sure how to grade - I'll do it tomorrow. I need at least a little bit of sleep.
Bless his heart, DH let me sleep and got the kids ready and to school himself. I did end up waking up a bit before I wanted as I needed to yell out things like "pack her snack from the stuff on the counter" and "her boots are at school." and "No, I'm not packing your lunch today (thank goodness it was food she would eat). But, I'm functioning.
We worked late the last two classes, so I don't have to teach tonight. Thank goodness because the house needs my help too!
So, last night hit crunch time. I promised my students they could pick up their papers from my office starting today.
3:30 - I'll just finish this one more.
4:00 - this one isn't too bad, I'll finish up this one.
4:30 - OK, I"m down to the ones I've read but I'm not sure how to grade - I'll do it tomorrow. I need at least a little bit of sleep.
Bless his heart, DH let me sleep and got the kids ready and to school himself. I did end up waking up a bit before I wanted as I needed to yell out things like "pack her snack from the stuff on the counter" and "her boots are at school." and "No, I'm not packing your lunch today (thank goodness it was food she would eat). But, I'm functioning.
We worked late the last two classes, so I don't have to teach tonight. Thank goodness because the house needs my help too!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
*head desk*
I ran away from home. I'm at the University library trying hard to grade papers.
It took me an hour to read through the first. She struggled big time on this assignment.
On to the next.
I have to have them all finished for Tuesday night.
It took me an hour to read through the first. She struggled big time on this assignment.
On to the next.
I have to have them all finished for Tuesday night.
Friday, November 09, 2007
The Accomplished
Rather than setting a to do list - I decided to post the accomplished list.
1. Get all kids to school on time.
2. Get way back seat into SUV so I all kids can have a proper seat.
Things I thought I would get done with DH was out of town.
1. Grade all papers
2. Finish sewing curtains
3. Prep dining room for painting
4. Clean basement
5. Keep house clean
Actually got accomplished:
1. Got everyone to school and work on time.
2. Fed everyone all required meals
3. Got everyone showers
4. Got everyone to bed - unfortunately not on time.
5. Only threw one tantrum at kids for not going to sleep.
Thankfully, DH comes home tonight.
Now to run to the store to pick up Mac and Cheese and get first round of kids.
1. Get all kids to school on time.
2. Get way back seat into SUV so I all kids can have a proper seat.
Things I thought I would get done with DH was out of town.
1. Grade all papers
2. Finish sewing curtains
3. Prep dining room for painting
4. Clean basement
5. Keep house clean
Actually got accomplished:
1. Got everyone to school and work on time.
2. Fed everyone all required meals
3. Got everyone showers
4. Got everyone to bed - unfortunately not on time.
5. Only threw one tantrum at kids for not going to sleep.
Thankfully, DH comes home tonight.
Now to run to the store to pick up Mac and Cheese and get first round of kids.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Potpourri
My week in review:
Last weekend we went Trick or Treating at the dorms. Every year the dorms sponsor a Safehouse - they decorate the halls with two paths - one for younger kids, and one that is pretty scary. We really enjoy going. The National Touring company of Peter Pan came to campus. Sydney, still wearing her Tinkerbell costume, and I went to see the show with some friends of ours. I loved the actor who played Tiger Lilly. Peter Pan didn't quite keep my interest (which made for a long evening).
Monday we finally managed carve our pumpkins. But, I already told you about that.
Wednesday was trick or treating. Unfortunately, DH's tooth was still bothering him from where he had a cavity filled the week before. He went to the dentist earlier in the day, but he was still tired for not sleeping well and feeling a bit sore. So, he drove while we walked to the close houses. We pretty much stuck to our street (I know everyone at least from the block party and almost no one T or T on our street so every house gives a few pieces of candy.
One house (with a couple I know vaguely) invited us to come in. As I did, I was thinking how odd it felt to just go in without thinking (they didn't know DH was in the car). We chatted with them for a bit about stuff and Sydney sang her favorite song for them. It felt so nice to live someplace where I could feel comfortable entering a house I didn't know well and feel safe.
Friday, a friend of Sydney's was hanging around here. Sydney and K have been playing together for several years. In this past year, they have really begun to play together as opposed to parallel. We got home from preschool and they immediate dashed off to Sydney's room to play. After an hour or so, I finally convinced them to break for lunch. Then, they headed outside for about an hour. I had so much fun watching them from the window as they created their various games. At one point, Syd came in and asked to take the umbrella outside. It seems the structure they had built needed a roof. I'm fairly certain they got the idea from Peter Pan (which they saw together) as when the Lost Boys built Wendy's house, they used an umbrella for the roof.
We need to dash and get a few things done this AM, so I'll save more thoughts for a later post.
This post is getting long, so I'll write about my class this week in another post.
Last weekend we went Trick or Treating at the dorms. Every year the dorms sponsor a Safehouse - they decorate the halls with two paths - one for younger kids, and one that is pretty scary. We really enjoy going. The National Touring company of Peter Pan came to campus. Sydney, still wearing her Tinkerbell costume, and I went to see the show with some friends of ours. I loved the actor who played Tiger Lilly. Peter Pan didn't quite keep my interest (which made for a long evening).
Monday we finally managed carve our pumpkins. But, I already told you about that.
Wednesday was trick or treating. Unfortunately, DH's tooth was still bothering him from where he had a cavity filled the week before. He went to the dentist earlier in the day, but he was still tired for not sleeping well and feeling a bit sore. So, he drove while we walked to the close houses. We pretty much stuck to our street (I know everyone at least from the block party and almost no one T or T on our street so every house gives a few pieces of candy.
One house (with a couple I know vaguely) invited us to come in. As I did, I was thinking how odd it felt to just go in without thinking (they didn't know DH was in the car). We chatted with them for a bit about stuff and Sydney sang her favorite song for them. It felt so nice to live someplace where I could feel comfortable entering a house I didn't know well and feel safe.
Friday, a friend of Sydney's was hanging around here. Sydney and K have been playing together for several years. In this past year, they have really begun to play together as opposed to parallel. We got home from preschool and they immediate dashed off to Sydney's room to play. After an hour or so, I finally convinced them to break for lunch. Then, they headed outside for about an hour. I had so much fun watching them from the window as they created their various games. At one point, Syd came in and asked to take the umbrella outside. It seems the structure they had built needed a roof. I'm fairly certain they got the idea from Peter Pan (which they saw together) as when the Lost Boys built Wendy's house, they used an umbrella for the roof.
We need to dash and get a few things done this AM, so I'll save more thoughts for a later post.
This post is getting long, so I'll write about my class this week in another post.
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