Early B-day Party

Chip's mom and youngest brother came in town last night (Woo-Hoo!)

We thought since Chip's family was here, we would celebrate his birthday a few days early.
(Chip is really a Ground hog's Day baby)

Chip requested a chocolate cake for his birthday. He didn't however request a cake pan shape. I figured that since he didn't say anything specifically, that I had ultimate artistic freedom.
I chose a Clown Cake.
Nothing is happier than clowns.... right?

He didn't request a specific dinner either, so I made Chicken Parm (with roasted red peppers), homemade rolls, spaghetti, and green beans. I'm so happy that for the first time in a long time I was able to eat a full meal (It was probably because I didn't eat lunch and had a measly breakfast...... ) it was so yummy.

The girls gave Chip a birthday crown made from pipe cleaner. They were tickled pink to give it to him. Towards the end of the night it ended up being a necklace.

Chip thought since it was his birthday, he was special.... and he wanted the to eat the Clown's tie part of the cake. Yep... he dug out the middle of the poor clown! I guess you only get your birthday one day a year....

Chip has made several statements since we've gotten married, that he only gets practical gifts from me (the kids) for his birthday... socks, ties, pants, etc.... nothing fun, and he was kind of tired of the practicality of them.

This year... the only thing I got him was fun.
Legos to be exact.

We are so lucky to live less than a mile from a Lego Store. Can we say, Awesome?
Chip got a few Lego sets... one of which being a Toy Story Army Guy set. They even have weapons. Woo wee!

Maggie loves playing with Legos too. She was more than thrilled to help Chip break in his new toys. (Under her scary hair, you can detect a smile as she's putting blocks together)

The brothers (Chip and Jeff) made it a personal project to put together the Army guys.
It was adorable to hear them chuckle (giggle) and 'man-talk' while they were putting it together. Priceless.

Happy 32nd Birthday Chip!

Date changing should be a sin.

Today was another Dr's appointment.

This time I had the pleasure of bringing the Mags with me. I am so surprised at how well she did! She thought that there were monsters in my tummy when she heard the heart beats of the babies. I tried to explain the procedures the doctor was going to do to me, before we went in. I tried explaining the Doppler to her and what the babies would sound like. Apparently, It didn't work. She started laughing hysterically. What a funny kid.

The doctor said the babies sound great and each had a nice healthy heartbeat.

He said (which I've never heard of before) that you have a larger chance of getting gestational diabetes when you are pregnant with twins, so instead of waiting until 26-28 weeks to take my yummy glucose test... I get to take it in 2 weeks (I'll be 24 weeks along). Look out Orange Drink... here I come.

The worst part of my appointment was when he told me that he looked over all of the ultrasounds he was going to push my due date from May 30 to June 5Th. B-U-M-M-E-R!
I think it should be a sin to tell a pregnant beached whale of a woman that she is going to be pregnant longer than anticipated. Grrr. But he had a little redeeming quality when he said that he would absolutely not let me go past 39 weeks. So worst case scenario is I will be delivering on May 30Th.

I got to ask him some questions pertaining to the delivery of these guys. One of my major 'on my mind' issues was how they were going to come out. For example: I have two babies. I have two placentas. I have two amniotic sacks. Do they come out in this order : Baby, Placenta... Baby, Placenta? or Baby, Baby... Placenta, Placenta? I know I'm a little crazy for thinking about this stuff, but it was really bothering me... and I couldn't find an answer anywhere on Google. In case you want to know the answer it is this: Baby, Baby... Placenta, Placenta. He is also perfectly fine if I am able to deliver one vaginally, and the other by Cesarean section. I told him that wasn't an option for me. I'm either going to deliver both vaginally, or both Cesarean.... don't waste my time... Why go through all the work when you are going to end up being cut open anyway?

I will keep finding out more about the delivery and such as time progresses. We just need to see if this Baby A will turn and stop being breech. (the little punk)...... Hopefully if my threats to these babies are heard and they listen... they will both turn head down and be rearin' to go come May. I'd like to start off my mothering to them in a positive way.... and not have to scold them first thing for making me get cut open. :)

The Address

Tonight was the State of the Union Address.

I'd like to call it: The State of the Democrat Address.

I am not a C-SPAN watcher. I am not a huge follower of politics. I think our government is so corrupt that it makes me want to puke (and not because I'm feeling the effects of morning sickness.)

I know I should follow politics more often and more vigilantly. I know that nothing will change until people are more informed and more involved.... but to be honest... I don't want to listen to the 99% bull crap to get the 1% of the pertinent stuff.... and I don't have the time to do it, even if I wanted to.

Here are some of the things that I observed watching tonight's address:

* I'm going to start calling Joe Biden, Bobble Head Biden. He was sitting behind the president's right shoulder. The entire speech that President Obama made, Biden was nodding so hard I thought that his neck would break from the wear and tear.

* President Obama was touting off words of unity and peace, then he would praise the Democratic party and then would jab the Republican party childishly with the same breath. (This was done quite a few times).

* There were hollow words of reform.... telling the members in the Senate to tighten their belts.... right after they voted for huge pay raises for themselves, and right after huge expense reports were filed after their little trip to Denmark. (Each Senator's expenses were about 3K per day.... not including all of their wives, doctors, and traveling companions expenses that accompanied them.)

* There were premature statements that Obama actually "fixed" things. In reality, nothing has been fixed yet.

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I know that this country cannot turn itself around without some sort of change.

Change cannot happen with close minded parties, stuck on grudges and 'one upping' another. (What ever happened to that whole part of government that said you don't have to belong to a political party to be heard and to make a difference?)

Like I said... I'm not proficient in the whole industry of government. I don't understand it all (or even a majority of it). The last government class I took was my junior year of high school. These are just things I have observed tonight during the address.

I don't want to make my blog a 'hot spot' for political discussion. I don't want any comments of negativity towards me because of what I observed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as far as government is concerned, and they should feel free write those opinions...... on their own blogs.

If you have any of your own observations as to tonight's speech that are insightful or made you think... you can feel free to say it in my comments. I would love to hear what you may have noticed. ( I did miss at least 20 minutes of the speech due to charlie horses in my calves and a cranky, tired, uncooperative Maggie... I don't know which one was worse......)

Bullies

Alli has always been a victim of bullying since she has gone to school. Part of it is that she is a little silly and likes to play goofy things by herself (which most little kids in our 'hood' don't have an imagination... so they don't understand.), another part being that she is a minority in her school (Chip and I counted 6 white kids in the entire school in last year's yearbook), and lastly, Alli doesn't have a posse of friends... so she is often alone and makes for an easy target.

This past week has been a particularly bad one. Last week a kid in her class threatened to bring a gun and shoot her. This week Alli got slapped in the face by another kid, and when Alli tried to get help... she was the one that got in trouble for getting off of the wall. The kid who slapped her didn't even get talked to.

I was able to go to Alli's school and talk to her teacher about the gun issues. They were resolved. The child is being worked with with the school and is having severe home issues. Everyone who should be in the know, is currently working with the kid.

The slapping of Alli's face was the last straw. I was done hearing Alli complain every day about some kid or another bullying her. Alli has a hard time with remembering names, so she can never tell on the bullies, because she doesn't know who to tell on.

Chip and I had a long discussion on how we should handle the situation. We tried telling Alli that she needs to stick up for herself and if she needs to, she can hurt them back. She started crying because she didn't want to hurt anyone. We talked of various situations with her that might help her deal with the bullies.

Chip and I also decided that maybe he should be the one to talk to the principal. He isn't a raging ball of hormones and he has a great skill of getting people to agree with him.

Chip called the school principal. This woman is the world's biggest, um.... not nice person. She is intimidated by intelligence, and tries to put off an air of sophistication... which she really doesn't have any. I like to call her a battle axe. She returned Chip's call 24 hours later.

At first she was really hesitant to talk to Chip, (As we've been known to e-mail every single member of the school board for issues dealing with that school.... and we know she has an issue with that...) but as soon as Chip brought up the bullying issues the principal went into 'full steam ahead' mode. Apparently the school's 'no tolerance for bullying' really means something to her. She wants Alli to talk to a guidance councilor to help her feel safe at the school, she wants Alli to report all bullying issues to her, and she also said that if Alli gets bullied on the playground just to go to her office straight away. The principal also is going to talk to the entire student body about a zero tolerance policy about bullying.

I have to say that I was quite surprised by her quick reactions to Alli's problem. It made my opinion of her go up a notch. :)

Today Alli said that there was no bullying done to her. Such a relief to hear. Only time will tell how long this change will last, but at least for now, people are well aware of the issues.

Mr. Clean

I have been so sick and lethargic this pregnancy.... more so than either of the previous pregnancies combined. I have been feeling so behind on pretty much everything that has to do with house keeping. Part of it being that I cannot stand the smell of the cleaning products... the other part of it being that I have no energy in which to actually do anything physically exerting.

It came to the point that last week I was talking with Chip- more like sobbing hormonally- about how I feel so stressed out with everything that I cannot accomplish. I literally loose my breath and the rest of the energy that I have for the day, just by bringing a laundry basket up the stairs. There have been so many limits that my body has put on me. I am just not used to not being able to get things done because of exhaustion.

I have been extremely lucky that my husband has always chipped in on housework. He takes out the trash (almost daily), cleans the litter box, vacuums floors, sweeps, does dishes, and on top of that keep the children entertained. :) Since this pregnancy has pretty made me as useful as a fish without a bicycle, Chip has stepped it up double time. He has done the majority of the dishes, laundry, and even feeding of our children, on top of all the stuff he normally does. He even has cleaned both bathrooms every week! (Chip is not one to volunteer to clean bathrooms... but then again, who wants to have that lovely job.... So this is a big thing!) All I had to do was buy him a toilet wand..... (I don't believe in them personally, so I never had one in the house)..... and he went to town on the pots.

So this post is a shout out to my personal Mr. Clean. He's been such a great help, and has relieved so many of my burdens.

Thanks Chip for all you do! Your services haven't been unnoticed or unappreciated.

You rock my argyle socks.

It's all about the Shoes.

It doesn't matter what the age of the girl- it's always all about the shoes.

For 18 entire months the only pair of shoes that I could get Maggie to wear was a $5 pair of Walmart brand fake Crocs. They were pink. They were too small. She wore them through winter and summer alike. She would wear them to church and to the beach. There was absolutely no other pair of shoes that I could get that kid to wear. (She has Fred Flinstone feet. Wide, puffy on top, and flat on the bottom.) I was complaining to my mom about the shoe dilemma and she was so sweet, and sent her a pair of REAL Crocs, this time purple. Maggie finally agreed to wear them, and has been living in them ever since.

When Alli was about 4 years old, my mom found these Minnie Mouse shoes at a yard sale and sent them to her. Alli would only wear these shoes. They were a hit! She wore them for about a year and a half before she out grew them. When she finally couldn't put them on anymore and I was going to give them a proper burial in the trash can, Alli threw a royal fit. She made me promise that I wouldn't throw them away. I kept that promise. I let them live a long and happy life in the shoe basket... for 2 years.

Two weeks ago, Maggie found the Minnie shoes in the basket. Rain, shine, church, or play....they have been on her feet ever since. She is even refusing to wear the Crocs.

I guess the girl knows what she likes.

It's all about the shoes.

( I wonder if these two boys will be just as into the Minnie Mouse shoes too......)

The world of Registering

Prior to getting married to Chip, I moved out to Idaho for about 4 months, while Chip stayed in Philly to finish out the semester of school. While I was back home, one of my rather, um, "ultra-fashionable" man friends told me that I needed to register for my wedding. I told him I didn't want to go alone to do it.... so he volunteered to be my 'groom-to-be'. We were quite a sight.... let me tell you. I don't think I even got to touch the scanner once, as he was quite busy picking out crystal vases that were heavier than dumbbells.

After being at the Bon Marche' for 3 hours of registering, we were given a gift of a cake knife and server from the store. After our reception I realized that I got exactly 0 items as gifts that "I" put on my registry.

Since then, I have thought of registering for things as kind of silly, as I personally have never used one to shop for anyone else..... and I obviously hadn't reaped any benefits from registering before.

This week, Michelle convinced me that I needed to register for my upcoming shower for these twins. Off to Babies R Us we went.

I had no idea what to register for, but 1/4 the way through, I started scanning everything. Why not? I probably won't see even 1/10Th of the items again.... (I mean, common, who's going to buy me the $800 glider/ottoman combo that I felt really cozy in.....) ... but I loved the beep of the scanner, so I kept scanning away.

I felt powerful holding that scanning gun. I liked how the items number kept getting higher with every click of the button. I even registered for silly things, like absorbent breast pads. How do you write a thank you note for something like that?

"Dear Aunt Esther- Thank you so much for the breast pads that you got me for my shower gift. I LOVE them! They will be well used. Love, Breezi "

It made me giggle.

When all is said and done, even if I don't get anything from my wish list.... at least this time I scored 3 tiny diapers and a 10 count pack of wipes just for pushing that little scanner button 160+ times..... and it was a fun girls night out too :)

Shout out.

With this past Monday being Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I feel it only appropriate to express some heartfelt appreciation for this great man. He was simply a man who knew how people should be treated, regardless of what color they were, and he did his best to change the the world. He was certainly a leader. It takes a special breed of people to stick their necks out for what they believe in. I honestly don't think I would march on Washington for my beliefs. (I'm kind of a coward when it comes to standing up for my thoughts).

He left a legacy of love, tolerance, and peace.
May we all strive to be like him.

Another Dr's Visit.

Today I met with the ultrasound tech at my Dr's office.

Thanks to Michelle being able to watch Maggie, Chip was able to attend today's entertainment. I think he finally believes me that there are two and they are both dudes. If he is still skeptical after this morning, he's got issues. haha.

I would have posted pictures of the proof that they are little boys, but Chip said that I wasn't allowed to show any 'man berries' on the Internet. :) But let it be said, there are some definite boys growing inside of me... and we have the proof.

Both of the boys are growing perfectly. All of their little fingers and toes are accounted for, both of their hearts are perfectly formed, there are no cleft lips (I had no idea that an ultrasound can detect that!.... ohh the things we learn!), and both of the babies are breach. Little stinkers. Luckily I still have plenty of time for them to turn. Which they will.... or we'll be having some serious talks once they get out. They are weighing in at 12oz and 13oz respectively.

Baby A is laying across the bottom of my uterus, and his head is touching the bottom of Baby B who is hanging out up in my right side ribs. I think Baby B will be a boxer.... or at least that is what he is aspiring to be... just ask my ribs. They are both squirmy little guys, they wouldn't hardly hold still for their pictures. :)

The ultrasound lady said that by their measurements, I am about a week later than what I thought... only 20 1/2 weeks, instead of 21 1/2 weeks... but she said that the doctor would look at the film and decide to push my due date back or not. I am meeting with him next Thursday. She also said it doesn't really matter what my due date is, since I won't be pregnant for 40 weeks anyway. That made my day :) I love hearing that my beached whale status will for sure come to an end before the month of May does.

I've had some funny conversations with people since I've announced the Twin status of my uterus. Reactions like "You're going to blow up like a blimp!" and "Are you wanting to be like Octomom?" and "Now you can be done for sure!" have been said so many times they should be bumper stickers. Since these have been such common questions/statements I should probably give answers to them... and here they are.

1- Yes, I know I will blow up like a blimp. If I ever pass out and wake up with the tattoo of "Good Year" on my side... someone is going to get it.


2- No. I am not actually trying to become like Octomom. It wasn't in the plans at all. Apparently I like shooting out eggs. Who knew?


3- I don't know if we are done for sure yet. It was in MY plans to only have 3 children. The Lord had other plans in mind. When we pray about the decision to have another child, I'm sure we'll be told the answer that the Lord has in mind for us.
So in other words, No... We do not currently have any appointments with a urologist to have Chip go through the 'Big Snippy-Snippy', nor will we have such an appointment until after we have a nice long conversation with the each other and the Lord. Until then- I cannot give any further of an answer.... but, I can guarantee that this conversation will take place well after the birth of these babies. Chip and I will not be making such a major decision on sleep deprived minds.



So that was the excitement of this morning. It was really reassuring to see these little guys in action. It was awesome hearing that they are both perfect, healthy little guys.

As a side note:
I think Maggie likes when I go to the Dr.... she ends up with a lollipop (or two) after each appointment. She asked me today when I can go back again.

Things that go Bump in the night

Last night around 2am I woke up to a startling scream. Then I could hear Alli yelling "I see it! I see it!" then running into my room where Chip was fast asleep (I have now gone to sleeping on the couch... it doesn't hurt my hips or back as much as my bed.... )

I heard Chip trying to comfort Alli... he made her repeat "Vampires are pretend, they aren't real!" about 10 times.

Not more than 15 minutes later (right after I fell asleep again), I woke up to the same scream... this time followed by another girl screaming too.

The Vampires were back.

The girls were petrified of going near the window, as that is where the vampire was. They both refused to go to sleep again in their room, despite reassurances that vampires were fake, and letting them look out the window, etc..

This morning as I went into my room to get clothes for the day, both girls were snoozing on our bedroom floor... wrapped up tightly in their blankets.

Throughout the day neither girl would stop talking about the vampire visitor.

Maggie came to me at one point this evening and said to me "Mom! You can't bite me anymore. Alli said you're a vampire!". She was convinced that I was a vampire.

It made me laugh.

I guess it's because I have very pronounced K-9 teeth.

Either way, I'm glad I have something I can scare them with. :)

New Beginning

On Friday afternoon, our world got turned upside down.
Chip and I had more to think about than ever before.

I noticed that as we called and announced our news to all our family each call got a little less conversation on our end. It was really happening.

We are truly amazed at all those who have stepped up and offered to help. People are offering to give us showers (which will be fun... I've never had a single baby shower before with either of the girls.... so I guess we were saving it up till we needed it). People are offering to watch our children. People are giving us some fabulous advice.

I have to be frank, when I first found out that it was twins I really thought that the Lord just had an excellent since of humor. I felt over whelmed. How was I going to be a mom to two babies and still be a mom to my two daughters? What would Alli and Maggie do over the summer... they couldn't be stuck in the house while I was trying to get it together.

I remember saying a silent prayer of "Heavenly Father, are you sure that you trust me?"

I have been reassured that Heavenly Father has never left me alone and he isn't giving me these two babies as a trial.... they are for my joy. These babies coming to earth together has been part of the plan all along. As I look back on the past few years, I see now that He has been preparing me for this next step in our lives. He has put people in my life who I know will be instrumental in helping me. He sent me Maggie first..... because heaven knows that if I can handle Maggie.... I could probably handle anyone. :) Little promptings, little reassurances.... they all have been there. I just didn't see/notice them until I needed to.

I figure that since this is all really happening, I just need to keep truckin' along.

This may seem like such a small thing, but I vow to do my hair and make-up every day.
Not because I am a high maintenance girl..... because I'm not. I'd like to consider it a public service to all those who might see me otherwise.

Getting ready for the day will make me feel less like a blimp, and more like a woman, a wife, and a mom. Putting on jewelry will help me feel my best... when I know that I probably am not looking it.

(plus, Chip... I mean... Santa, got me this really cool Mary Kay compact for Christmas, and I just LOVE using it!)

I vow to look forward to what the future holds.

I know it's not going to be easy having two babies, but it is going to be something that I am able to do.

I need to look forward to future events. I need to picture our first Christmas when the babies will be about 6 months old. It will help me get through those rough sleepless nights to come.

(Plus, I get to look forward to another winter of these bad-boys. Candy Cane kisses. They are my FAVORITE! I wasn't able to eat more than two this year, due to these babies aversion to sweets.... particularly any sweets that I want to eat. Next year... look out. Your store shelves will be neked.... as I will have every bag of them.)

I vow to enjoy the simple things in life.

Everything is going to get overwhelming soon enough. I just need to stop and enjoy the little things. Watching my girls pretend they are Barbie in Three Musketeers, watching them put on make-up, listening to their silly stories of adventures.... It's the little things that will bring me joy and peace.

Finally, I vow not to load my plate up with too many things.

I need to take time to relax, enjoy this pregnancy, enjoy things one at a time. Enjoy getting to know my two sons who are growing inside of me. I already know one is a pistol, he moves all the time... the other guy likes to chill.... he only moves when I am still and comfortable... and then he likes to do a tap dance on my bladder. So maybe they are both pistols... one is just more sneaky.

I will enjoy relaxing in my favorite pair of slippers... that are falling apart and stinking up the place... with a nice cup of hot cocoa.

My appointment

So now that I've announced our rather large surprise, I'll fill you in on the fun appointment.

When I went in today the lady at the desk informed me that since it was my first appointment, only the nurse practitioner was going to be seeing me, and we'd just be doing the nittty gritties ... blood work and all the 'fun' exams. I asked if they were going to give me an ultrasound, as I wasn't sure the exact date that I was due. They said that I wasn't going to get an ultrasound. I was a little bummed, but a sense of peace came over me. (I was a nervous wreck the entire morning).

After the exams were over, the nurse tried to find the heart beat. She was having some difficulty finding it.... as soon as she would find it... the baby would run away. Finally she got a good strong heartbeat.... only it was very, very irregular. She got nervous and said that she was going to find the doctor so that she could hear it.

The doctor came in and was having the same struggles finding a heartbeat. He said he'd like to see the baby on the ultrasound monitor. I was joking around and I said "great... now I can find out how many is in there!" He said, there is only one, your uterus isn't showing big.

Once I got on the table in the ultrasound room, the doctor said... "That explains why there was an irregular heart beat.... there are two of them!" I thought he was joking. He said... "Seriously... look at the monitor." I started crying and shaking (mostly out of shock).

Chip and I have always had the agreement that as long as there was only one baby in any pregnancy, we'd go the surprise route and not find out the gender. The one situation in which we'd find out the sex: If there was multiples.

I asked the doctor if he could tell what they were and he said that it looks like they are both boys.

I was shaking so much that the nurse practitioner came over and had to hold my hand. She asked me if she needed to call someone to drive me home.... haha

I have an appointment next Thursday with the actual ultrasound tech. She/he will then do more intensive measuring of the babies (and we can double check the gender(s).....). Since it was just the doctor doing the ultrasound, he didn't do any measuring of the babies... but he said they looked to be around 20 1/2 weeks.... which is what I was thinking. But I'll know more of an exact due date on Thursday.

When I told Chip the happy news, he didn't quite believe me.... until I showed him the ultrasound pictures when I got home.

We are certainly more than shocked.

I never thought I'd be a member of the twins-club. Ever.

We are happy, excited, and we've got the 'deer-in-the headlight' look.....

Guess What??

And....... They are both Boys.

Tender Mercies

I just wanted to take a moment to record two of the events that have happened to Alli in the past two days. This post is more to record it (as I don't write in a journal for the kids), and I don't want her to forget the lessons that she has learned.

On Tuesday when Alli got out of school I watched her dance and prance her way through the snow drifts to the car, with her backpack zipper undone. We were in a hurry to get home to drop Chip off at the airport for his trip to Chicago. As soon as we walked in the door Alli told us that she had an important piece of paper from school that we needed to see. She went over to her backpack to get the letter- and low and behold there was no school folder in sight. We looked in the back of the car and still no folder. Alli was panicking- we needed this paper that was tucked away safely in her folder... somewhere. I told her that it was probably still in school and she probably just forgot to put it in the book bag. She assured me that she did in fact put it in the backpack. She didn't stop worrying about that folder for the rest of the evening. Later that night before Alli started saying her prayers for bedtime, she and I had a discussion about Heavenly Father, and how if we sincerly pray for his help and have faith in Him- He will answer our prayers. She prayed so fervently for the safe recovery of her folder and all the papers inside. She said that she felt warm inside, and I was sure to point out to her that it was the Holy Ghost giving her comfort.

The next day after school Alli excitedly told me that she did find her folder. It was outside in a snow drift. The miracle is that on Tuesday night it was windy - but even though the winds blew, not a single paper was missing out of her folder. Even though it was outside in the snow and the weather, nothing was wet or ruined.

I am so thankful that Heavenly Father gave Alli an opportunity for her testimony of Him, Faith, and the power of prayer to grow strong and firm. He truly does care for and love His little children. Even if it was over something as simple and non-life changing as finding a folder- He answered her prayers.

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The second experience that Alli had was tonight. Alli came home from school and told me that her school was raising 'Pennies for Haiti'. She asked me for money so that she could bring it to school and put it in the jar. I want Alli to learn some value of money- and spending it, so I told her that whatever she wanted to donate out of her own money (Tooth Fairy money/random coins she finds around the house) I would match it with my money.

Alli went upstairs to fish out some coins- she came down with $1.27. She was excited as I put in my matching contribution. She looked at me and said "This will help 500 people!".

On Wednesday night before the kids went to bed I explained to them (in Child-friendly ways) what had happened in Haiti.... so that we could remember them in our prayers. Alli wanted to see pictures, so I went to MSN.com and we saw collapsed buildings and school buildings that were now tombs to hundreds of children.

After Alli made her statement of 'helping 500 people', I told her that $2.54 wasn't going to help many people, that it would probably buy lunch for one person... and that her own school lunch costs me $2.00 every day.

She said she wanted to watch the news and see if Haiti was in it. Luckily for me, ABC had a one hour special broadcast on it. Alli watched it for 20 minutes and told me that she couldn't watch it anymore, it was making her too sad. She got choked up watching segments of kids her own age going through all that suffering and pain.

We talked about how those people lost all they had. Family, housing, clothing, toys, food, water- all gone. We talked about how Heavenly Father has blessed us with more clothes than we could possibly wear, more food than we can eat, more toys than she could ever play with, safety for all our loved ones, and a home to live in safe and sound.

She went upstairs and grabbed her entire collection of coins and dollars and asked if that would help more people. It was $13.42 total- and she wanted to give it all to the people in Haiti. I matched it, by giving her $14.10. This little girl made me so proud.

She was saving all her Tooth Fairy money to buy a new fun toy, but knew that others needed it more than she did. She is just a sweet girl. It makes my heart swell. I know that she has the Light of Christ within her.

She went to sleep happy tonight. So will I.

What to do?

I am facing a dilemma of sorts.
I have no idea what to do with Maggie's hair.

These pictures I took of Maggie's hair after I brushed it when she got out of the bath this morning. It's long, curly, and everywhere in her face.

I've never had Maggie's hair cut, aside from doing it myself just a few inches at a time. She's a very opinionated child, and I didn't want her mid-barbershop cut to start freaking out and saying "I don't like this!" while wiggling more than a worm trying to get away from a hook.

Maggie has the thinnest hair in our family. Chips hair is super thick, My hair is super thick, and so is Alli's. Maggie's hair is probably like every other normal child's hair in the world.... but it's thin according to Kohrman Family standard. Alli's hair was so much easier to maintain when she was little. It was super curly, but then when it got thick- the curl just fell out and laid flat. I was able to do what I wanted to make her look not like a wild-child.

This is a picture of the front of her hair (taken two weeks ago). As you can see she's got some fly away bangs, some Farrah Fawcett front-end layering (natural), and some little fuzzies around her face. I'm afraid if I just get bangs cut they would kink up and get all weird. (She's not into letting me blow dry her hair.... so I doubt I could get a curling iron around these tendrils.)

Basically Mag-bag is going to start being called Shag-bag. She's looking a little homeless with her non-existent hair cut.

Any advice would be awesome.

Quilt of the Month

On Christmas Day when I opened up a gift from my mom, I instantly got excited.

My mom had chosen 6 family members to participate in a quilt block of the month club. She was providing all of the fabric for the actual block and the pattern each month to do it.

She had 3 color schemes (in the same fabric line) that she was giving out. Red, Blue, and Cream/brown. I was in the 'Red Block Club'.

After I put together the first block my brain was going over board thinking about how the rest of my mystery quilt would look like.

Yesterday I received January's block in the mail. I was surprised when it was mostly green-ish in color, but still had the same red in it. After I put the block together this morning... it's making me even more excited about the future blocks!

I put together a blog for all of us in the 'Block of the Month Club' to post our blocks, and show the progress that we've made. http://christmasquilters.blogspot.com

Even though everyone's quilt is in the same fabric line, all our quilts will be vastly different when all is said and done. We each get to pick out our own sashing (The fabric that goes in the middle of each block), our own boarders, how we place the blocks (as squares or diamonds) and the different placings of each of the blocks. I am so excited to see this quilt unfold.

Book Club

This past week a friend whom I met through the Photography Blog I joined, decided to start a book group blog.

I was really hesitant to join up. When I start physically reading a book, the entire rest of the world shuts down until it's done. I was afraid that if I started in a book club that other things would get lost on my huge plate (that I already can't keep up with).

In the end I joined.

I thought this would 'get me out of my shell' and let me read books that I wouldn't personally have picked out.

The first book that Candace picked to read was 'The Help' by Kathryn Sockett. I went to the library's website to check it out. Turns out I was # 521 on the waiting list for the copy of the book and #236 for the Book on CD. The girls in the group told me I wouldn't be let down if actually went to Barns and Noble and bought it. Saturday I did just that.

I only got to read the first few pages on Saturday, but I could already tell I was hooked.
Sunday after church, I dove in. I didn't stop except for a few times until I finished the book around 6pm tonight. I was sucked in.

My kid's hair didn't get brushed, no dishes got done, kids in PJ's from the night before, no cooking or cleaning, no playing with my children.... The world stopped. There was only me and my friends in that book.

My whole stomach was tied in knots worrying about my friends, I was worrying about their fate, I was waiting for the other foot to drop, I was so emotionally involved in their lives. My muscles physically hurt from tensing up with anticipation to see what the next page would bring. I. Love. This. Book.

After I finished the book and finally got around to feeding my real family dinner Chip made the comment that I really went through that book fast..... Why didn't I read more often? ( Instead of listening to books on tape) I made him look at our dirty children, the messy house, the dishes piled up, and finally the frazzled me standing before him.

He got his answer.

Nursery Graduation

This past Sunday was a big day for our two girls. First, Alli went from Jr. Primary into Sr. Primary (hot stuff!) and second, Maggie graduated from Nursery into Sunbeams (the 3-4 year old class)

Maggie's Nursery leaders did such a cute little ceremony. Each child got a graduation cap, a diploma, and a bag of cookies.

They called each child up one by one and did a presentation. All of the parents were invited to come and take pictures. Seriously... these kids are so darn adorable.

In case you think you're seeing this wrong... you're not. Maggie's class is all girls.... with one sweet little boy (although he was out sick on Sunday...). In 8-9 years Young Woman's will be overflowing!

Maggie was so excited to get her cap and certificate. She loved the attention!

Welcome to Sunbeams, Maggie. You'll do awesome.

Test Results and Appointments

Well, the tests came back on Alli's issues last night. She is perfectly fine. They are sticking to the Frequency Urgency Syndrome of Childhood diagnosis. At least I know she isn't dying.
We'll be keeping a close watch on her.


In more fun news:

(as many people saw on my FaceBook Status on Tuesday)

I finally tried scheduling my first doctor's appointment. I know... big step, right? I was turned down initially by my regular OBGYN because in her words "I was a liability, since I was 19 weeks". After getting some great referrals to other people's OB's, my appointment was set and made for this Friday (8Th).
After I set the appointment up, my regular doctor called back and begrudgingly said that she'd be willing to take me (I think she remembered her Hippocratic Oath....) I smiled, and told her nicely that her services were no longer required on my part.They were a little shocked that I thought I had other options... and told me so. I'm a little upset by her and her office's behavior! I have referred three of my friends to her, claiming that she was a great doctor. Grumble, grumble.
Anyway, all my trouble getting my appointment and new doctor will hopefully be worth it.... They called today and said they are canceling my appointment on Friday.... due to weather related issues.

Potty issues.

When Alli was a little more than one month old, Chip and I found ourselves rushing her to Children's Hospital at 2am. When she woke up to nurse, around 1:30- I noticed her body was lobster red... so I decided to take her temperature. When the thermometer didn't show signs of stopping after it hit 106-107 degrees, I woke Chip up and told him we needed to go to the hospital... now.

After some long and drawn out tests we were told that Alli had urinary reflux. It was a pretty severe case. Most one month old's don't get UTI's... and most cases of urinary reflux aren't even detected and often go away on their own by the time a child turns one.
We were given high doses of antibiotics and had to keep coming back every quarter to get VCUG's (they put a small tube into the child's bladder, add a liquid that can be seen on the x-rays, and see how your body processes urine.... ) and ultrasounds.

When she turned one and she still hadn't out grown the reflux, we were told to continue with treatments and hopefully she'd outgrow it by two. When her 2nd birthday came and went and still no signs of outgrowing it they told us the same story... wait another year to see if she outgrows it. They said if by 4 years old she was still experiencing the reflux that she'd have to get surgery... and if that didn't work, eventually a kidney transplant. We were very blessed that by age 3 1/2 no more signs of the reflux showed up on the tests.

HOWEVER... the long term effects of taking high doses of antibiotics daily took a huge toll on her immune system. If anyone near her and a runny nose, or sneezing or coughing, Alli would get severely sick for a month. I hated bringing her to nursery, because there were so many stupid and inconsiderate parents that would bring their children in with runny noses.... and then Alli would be the one to pay for it.
(remember: DON'T BRING YOUR CHILD TO NURSERY SICK... not even with a slight runny nose... you don't know what issues other children might have..... okay, rant done)

It's taken Alli some time to rebuild her immune system, but she is finally at par with her classmates.

Ever since she has been healed from her reflux, she hasn't had any problems with potty issues.... Until this past week or so.

This kid normally is like a camel. She can hold and hold her tinkles back. Once or twice we've even had an 8 hour drive and she hasn't gone once. Amazing. But lately this kid is needing to go every 15 minutes or so. She told me today that when she goes tinkle, it won't all come out. I was really worried that something wrong might be happening with her body again, so I called her doctor.

Our drive to the doctor's office (which normally would take 15-20 minutes..) lasted over an hour. Rush hour traffic mixed with snow and stupid drivers = not going anywhere anytime fast. The minute we pulled out of the parking spot Alli started complaining that she had to go 'right now!'.... I knew that I couldn't let her get out and go potty, as they needed a urine sample at the dr's office. Wailing, screaming, and gnashing of teeth doesn't even come close to describe my one hour of pure torture in the car with that child. Finally my silent prayers were heard and Alli went quiet, still, and calm for the last 10 minutes of the drive.

Who knew that peeing in a cup could bring such joy. It was Alli's first experience with actually getting to go in a cup. She was amazed. I don't know if she was happier finally relieving herself.... or getting to pee in a cup and hand it off to someone.

The tests came back that she doesn't have a UTI (or diabetes...) but..... the test wasn't exactly normal either. They are sending a sample down to a lab for more research.

The doctor explained that Alli might have 'Frequency Urgency Syndrome of Childhood'. She said I probably wouldn't believe her... but her daughter has the same thing. It could go away in a week, month, or year..AND keep coming and going at random times, but basically something is irritating her bladder and urging her to go every 15 minutes. She said we shouldn't get mad that Alli has to get up 27+ times every night before to pee, before she finally goes to sleep. She even wrote a note to Alli's school explaining her theory.

I'm waiting for the tests to come back.

Have any of you heard of such a thing before?

Lessons

For those of you who do not know, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.(aka: Mormon.) There are four basic missions of the church. 1) Proclaim the gospel , 2) Perfect the Saints, 3)Redeem the dead, 4) Help the poor and needy.
They just added the fourth one recently as a mission of the church..... it's always been one that has been of emphasis, but not one that was 'spelled out', so to speak.

I think I've had the basic idea of welfare on my mind lately. I've been thinking a lot about how people are screwing the welfare system of this country. There are a lot of able bodied people taking advantage of the rest of us, by using resources that are there to help those truly in need. I blogged a few weeks ago about the issues going around in my head about it, if you need update to my mental status check it out HERE. I think I've had a lot of anger in my heart and a lot of bad thoughts of judging others and condemning them. As we all know, we are not supposed to judge others. I was so focused on those who were abusing the system and those who don't 'deserve' the help, when really I shouldn't think those things. There are a lot of positives that come out of the help that welfare gives.

Today our lesson in Relief Society (the woman's group of Sunday School) was about helping the poor and needy. Again, I have struggled with this. I like to think of myself as a kind and giving person, but I have the hardest time helping those who just make foolish choices with their means. In the lesson we were given a sheet of paper that had 16 really great quotes about self-reliance and assisting the poor and needy. I instantly zoomed in on the one quote that put a fire under my seat (if you will...) the one quote that started me thinking about all those people making those bad judgement calls and taking advantage of others.

"Private choices are not private; they all have public consequences... Our society is the sum total of what millions of individuals do in their private lives." James E. Faust (Ensign, May 1987, P.80)

While those around me in the group were focusing on wonderful quotes that uplift the soul,

"And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you- that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God- I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he had, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants" Mosiah 4:26 (In the Book of Mormon)

and

"No, the Lord doesn't really need us to take care of the poor, but we need this experience; for it is only through our learning how to take care of each other that we develop within us the Christlike love and disposition necessary to qualify us to return to his presence. " Marion G. Romney "Living Welfare Principles" General Conference, October 1981

I was left thinking (half way fuming), about people who were selfish in their choices and just expected everyone else in society to provide for them.

I of course, consumed with the anger and judging of others in my heart.. decided that I should open my mouth and participated in the discussion. Bad idea. I should learn to speak out of love and not anger. I basically said I didn't think that we shouldn't be expected to help those people who made foolish choices in their lives- I mean, say for example that I decided that I needed some way cute new clothes and accessories, because I of course deserve them ..... so I bought them..... but I used the money that was supposed to be spent on my rent and bills on the clothing. Should my attitude be one that I would expect to be bailed out? Should I even go to the bishop and ask for financial help out of that situation? Would I be deserving of such help? No. We all need to deal with the consequences that we make. Should those people who have a plethora of children outside of wedlock, and without any means of supporting them, have the expectations in their mind that the entire country's population should support these people and their children by supplying money for food, housing, utilities, and medical care? It is the whole attitude of entitlement that the people in this country possess. They automatically think they deserve everything, without earning it.

Instead of my comment making people say "Yeah, You're right!".... I was basically chastised by the comments of others.

At some point in each and every single one of our lives we find ourselves in need. Whether it is temporal or spiritual, we will be in need of someone helping us out and finding our way.

Each one of us was given certain gifts and talents by our Heavenly Father. It might be that you are a wonderful cook who can make anything from scratch..... and you might find yourself one day helping/teaching/guiding someone who due to some circumstance or another is finding themselves short of food and can only purchase the staples (rice/beans/flour.....) but this person doesn't know how to cook anything that isn't inside of a box (Hamburger Helper and such...). That talent was given to you to help others. Through your help, eventually that person will find another who needs the same help and they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to help...to pay it forward... There are plenty of examples that I can give about the gifts and talents that Heavenly Father has given each of us... but this was one off the top of my head....

"Church members can show compassion for the poor and needy in many ways. They can minister personally to those in need, giving of their time, talents, and spiritual and emotional strength" (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders [1998], 256.)

I was so focused on the world's way of handling welfare, and not the Lord's way. They are two completely different things. We in the church are counseled to be "in the world, and not of the world".

I think sometimes I get so wrapped up in things that I forget to step back and realize that the Lord is the one in control, not me. I forget that I shouldn't be judging others. I forget that I am also imperfect and am still being helped with my spiritual welfare needs. I am indeed grateful for those who continue helping me on my way.

Sometimes the lessons in life that we need to learn the most are right there in the basic principles that are staring at you in the face, and have been there all along.

Busy Week!

Have you ever crammed so much into a week that you can hardly think straight?
That's been our week!
We wanted to have so much fun before Alli started back at school on Monday.

I decided I should probably start documenting this bump of mine. I figured that the most flattering view was probably looking down on it. I can't believe that in one more week, I'll be half way done! Wowza. This past week I had a dream that I was having twins. I dreamed that I went into the hospital because I was having loads of cramps. When the ultra sound tech had a look she said "Ohh! All four babies look great!" I was like "WHAT?!?!?" Then she said with a smile "Just kidding, there's only two.... do you feel a little bit better now?".

Yeah...
I've had a few dreams this week of twins. It's making me nervous to schedule my first appointment. I think if I did find out that it was two babies in there I'd probably pass out, and then you'd get a stumbling bumbling blog of me babbling because I couldn't think straight anymore. shudder.... let's hope that there is only one little person dancing on my bladder this time around.

On Monday, We started off the week by celebrating Alli's new found age by inviting some giggly girls to have a sleep over, and then we took them to see Princess and the frog in the morning. That movie was simply adorable!

After all the girls went to sleep on Monday night, Chip and I ate some yummy cheesecake, watched our own movie and celebrated our 8th Anniversary. If there is one bit of wisdom that I can pass on to anyone, it is: Don't have your first child the day before your anniversary. :) You'll never get to go out and celebrate it. hahaha. Although, it was really special to have Alli right there with us on that first Anniversary, that we spent together in the hospital.

The second bit of fun that we had was that Chip's four siblings and his mom came for a quick visit! Whoo-Hoo! It was a really quick visit (less than 24 hours) but we had a blast! It's been a while since all of the siblings have been together. (Chip's dad couldn't come because he was feeling really icky after the latest round of chemo, and traveling 8 hours one way would be too hard on him. Poor guy!)
I realized while I was loading up the pictures that I didn't take out my camera that much, and when I did, all the photos were so chalked full of action that they were blurry. I really need to read my manual to figure out the settings for non-blurry 'action' shots....
The following two picture are of Chip's sister, Molly (who is looking mighty stunning thanks to a Maggie Make-over.) and Chip's brother Brian (who was the resident fun-maker. Spinning, twirling and whirling are a few of his specialties!)
We all had a blast visiting together, and we can't wait until the next time!

On New Years Eve day, my friend Michelle called me and told me about this awesome fun place that she saw on another friend's blog. Boy, am I glad she saw it!
This place is called Recreations Outlet. It's located up by the Zoo. Every Tuesday-Thursday they have open play time (for FREE) from 9-11am.
It was a huge indoor play area! I cannot believe that I've lived here in Columbus for 7 years and haven't heard of it before! It was awesome!!
(again, I need to learn the settings on this camera! Every picture was blurry... uggg....)

New Year's Eve we celebrated by bringing our Wii over to the Beck's house and partied! Michelle had an awesome spread of food (to which we all stuffed ourselves.. ). We did boxing and bowling. Super fun! At "midnight"... (aka : 9:45pm) we decided to ring in the new year by banging pots and pans outside and screaming to our hearts delight. (I think the neighbors thought we were a tad bit crazy.) Since the weather was calling for ice storms/freezing rain, we decided to leave while the roads were still safe. Both the girls conked out in the car... 10pm is WAY past their bed time. After putting the girls in bed when we got home, Chip and I decided we'd already celebrated the fun, so we went to bed too. I can't believe how old I'm feeling lately!

Today was another crowning day: Alli lost her 3rd tooth. She is so excited! All of her teeth have been her bottom teeth. She's got two really wiggly ones on the top, so pretty soon she's going to look like a Jack-o-lantern. She was so proud of her new found hole in her head.

Hope the new year has proved to be a fun and exciting one for all of you.
My you find health, wealth, and happiness in the upcoming year :)