Showing posts with label Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stuff. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
A Penny Saved 2.0
Last year I posted about our 2016 savings plan. You can read about it here. Well since this plan worked for us last year we are going to try it again. If you want to try it with us here is the new chart for 2017. Click view image then save as. Best of luck to all!
Monday, May 16, 2016
Changing, Again...
I am well aware that life is perpetual change. Most changes are small, some are very large and then there are the in-betweens. Where at the moment seem huge but really it's not so big. Or as I like to say, "At first it was life changing, now it's just life."
Small changes:
The weather is nicer which means it's time to climb the trees. This makes Squeaker very happy. Grumpa now calls her stuck-monkey. As you an imagine from time to time she gets in a spot she can't figure out how to get down from.
Poor Squeaker was waking up a lot of days with neck pain. One Saturday we spent about an hour trying out new pillows. Found the perfect fluffy, but firm, memory foam pillow. Since then we've been having to see the chiropractor less often. I was very thankful for the sale at Kohls that week. Making it a $12 pillow instead of $30.
Big Changes:
My new job. I worked at Churchill Downs for the week of Kentucky Derby. My shortest day was 8hrs. My next shortest day was 14hrs, the rest were 18hrs- 20hrs. I missed home and I was missed by Trey and Squeaker. The restaurant took me on full time after the Derby. My days are much shorter now but it is still a big change.
We are taking a break from infusion. In order to get new lab work, and check titers we have to stop he IGG therapy. The stuff has a 21 day half life which means a minimum of three months off. It will probably be 4 months once its all said and done. There is a chance Squeaker won't need to go back on therapy. These could be some very big changes.
The In Betweens:
Lots of medications. We've had some adjustments to medications the last couple of months. Each time requiring a change in routine. We quickly found a new normal with all of it.
Chores, chores and more chores. We are trying to teach young Squeaker how to be fairly normal. So she has chores and responsibilities in the house. Most are brush your hair, brush your teeth, get dressed, things of the nature. She is also required to fold and put her laundry away, empty the dishwasher, and set the table. These are all unpaid responsibilities. There are a few other things on her list that are harder tasks that if she does them we pay her 25-50 cents. These include but not limited to, sleeping in her own bed, making her bed and emptying the trash each week. Squeaker has had to learn some things, and do things when she doesn't want too. Overall she is learning about contributing to the household.
Last on our list today is reading books. For ages Squeaker has had very little interest in books or stories. I think she didn't like them because in order to read you had to sit and slow down. Slowing down made her sleepy and sleep is a scary thing for her. Well in the last couple of months Squeaker has started to like reading and being read to. Much to my delight she enjoys listening to me read Harry Potter to her. Trey bought me the illustrated copy for Christmas and Squeaker likes to see the colorful pictures. The downside to her love of the story is we read very little at a time. Just before Squeaker falls asleep she likes me to stop reading, that way she doesn't miss any of the story.
Small changes:
The weather is nicer which means it's time to climb the trees. This makes Squeaker very happy. Grumpa now calls her stuck-monkey. As you an imagine from time to time she gets in a spot she can't figure out how to get down from.
Poor Squeaker was waking up a lot of days with neck pain. One Saturday we spent about an hour trying out new pillows. Found the perfect fluffy, but firm, memory foam pillow. Since then we've been having to see the chiropractor less often. I was very thankful for the sale at Kohls that week. Making it a $12 pillow instead of $30.
Big Changes:
My new job. I worked at Churchill Downs for the week of Kentucky Derby. My shortest day was 8hrs. My next shortest day was 14hrs, the rest were 18hrs- 20hrs. I missed home and I was missed by Trey and Squeaker. The restaurant took me on full time after the Derby. My days are much shorter now but it is still a big change.
We are taking a break from infusion. In order to get new lab work, and check titers we have to stop he IGG therapy. The stuff has a 21 day half life which means a minimum of three months off. It will probably be 4 months once its all said and done. There is a chance Squeaker won't need to go back on therapy. These could be some very big changes.
The In Betweens:
Lots of medications. We've had some adjustments to medications the last couple of months. Each time requiring a change in routine. We quickly found a new normal with all of it.
Chores, chores and more chores. We are trying to teach young Squeaker how to be fairly normal. So she has chores and responsibilities in the house. Most are brush your hair, brush your teeth, get dressed, things of the nature. She is also required to fold and put her laundry away, empty the dishwasher, and set the table. These are all unpaid responsibilities. There are a few other things on her list that are harder tasks that if she does them we pay her 25-50 cents. These include but not limited to, sleeping in her own bed, making her bed and emptying the trash each week. Squeaker has had to learn some things, and do things when she doesn't want too. Overall she is learning about contributing to the household.
Last on our list today is reading books. For ages Squeaker has had very little interest in books or stories. I think she didn't like them because in order to read you had to sit and slow down. Slowing down made her sleepy and sleep is a scary thing for her. Well in the last couple of months Squeaker has started to like reading and being read to. Much to my delight she enjoys listening to me read Harry Potter to her. Trey bought me the illustrated copy for Christmas and Squeaker likes to see the colorful pictures. The downside to her love of the story is we read very little at a time. Just before Squeaker falls asleep she likes me to stop reading, that way she doesn't miss any of the story.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Karma
Karma
noun
(in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum
of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as
deciding their fate in future existences.
Over time people has restated this
as "what goes around comes around". How ever you want to think of it
or call it, it's real. This past week I have felt like a little good cosmic
karma has come my way.
About three years ago I made an
awesome Minecraft Theme BINGO game. You can find it here. It is a very nice set with
20 cards, a master card, and covers. As of today it has been re-pinned 2500
times, viewed on the blog 37,673 times, used in no less than 6 different countries,
and with 203 comments made. Most of the comments state how much they enjoy a
free finished printable. We all know that can be hard to find. Well this week I
found a free printable I needed.
I found Star Wars printables for movie night. On a
wonderful little site called Sandy Toes and Popsicle.
Okay let me back up just a second.
The reason I wanted Star Wars stuff was for our movie night. With Squeaker's
issues it can be really hard to take her to a movie theater. Lots of people
close by makes a momma nervous. Also because she is so small she has a hard
time sitting in the seat comfortable. Meaning she won't sit well for long, and
often can be disruptive to others around her. Combine that with the fact the
Star Wars came out in the middle of winter and everyone was sharing germs, well
Squeaker didn't get to see Star Wars in the theater. The rest of us took turns
and did, she felt pretty left out. We started watching the other movies at home
and then she pleaded for us to take her see the new one. It just wasn't
happening.
Well here it is a few months later
and the video is out. I got it in my head a few weeks ago we should do a
viewing party for Rayne. Make it a big deal with snacks, and special stuff. So
she can feel the excitement we did. I was trying to find Star Wars themed snack
ideas and that's when I found the printables.
This lady is a genius! Instead of
making whole new snack she just renamed them. Then she made the labels to share
with everyone. That's my karma. I sent awesome into the world and it came back
to me when I needed.
The only changes I made was the
chip cans. In the original pattern you have to cut the cans down to size. Well
the short stack Pringles cans are just about the right size. Not the super
small ones, the ones that from a distance look like full size, but when you get
close you realize they are smaller. Those ones are perfect, no resizing needed.
I also bought a giant bag of Gummy bears and put them in sandwich bags instead
of buying the pre-sized bags from the store. The other major change I made was
I used Ginger-ale in bottles not the traditional cans. The labels didn't fit as
well but they worked.
I hope everyone enjoys these as
much as I do. Please leave her thank you notes too. These things are hard work
and pats on the back are greatly appreciated by their creators.
May The Force Be With You!!!
May The Force Be With You!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Faith Restored!!!!
Not quiet a month ago Squeaker lost her iPad. I mean LOST her iPad. We were at Costco and she had been playing with her iPad for most of the ride over and in the store. As we are leaving Costco he iPad got left in the cart. We didn't notice until we made our next stop. It was only 10 minutes and we were back at Costco looking through carts for it. No luck. Talk to the guys taking the carts in, they hadn't seen it. They even radioed in to customer service to see if an iPad had been turned. No news. We went on our way. Ran our errands, saw the family, initiated a remote lock down on the iPad. The remote lock down would even flash a message saying "This iPad is lost please call ------". I Even called Costco a couple hours later and still no one had turned it in. Squeaker was heartbroken.
I spent the next 3 weeks trying to figure out if I could afford to replace the iPad. The new $50 Amazon tablet looked promising. But once you purchase a warranty and a case it is still just about $100. Which is almost my entire Christmas budget. I could make it work. We have most of Squeaker's presents already, and Trey and I don't need much. But I was hoping to do some fun things for us since it's been such a rough year, and clothes. I like to do clothes at Christmas. I thought about not getting a new tablet of any kind but Squeaker is far more likely to do her school activity apps on a tablet that is hers. When she asks for mommy or daddy's phones she usually like to play fun games or watch videos. That is what we taught her though. The iPad was for school and our devices were for play. I really wanted to get Squeaker a new tablet for Christmas but I wasn't sure I wanted to use the budget for it.
Then comes today. Squeaker, Gma and I went to Costco. The first time since she lost her iPad. Squeaker insisted that we ask if they had found her iPad. I tried to explain that the iPad was gone and that Costco probably didn't have it. She continued to insist that we ask, so we did. I made her actually ask the manager. All Squeaker said was "Do you have my tablet?" That's pretty good for her. I then explained what it looked like. The manager went and checked the lock up in the office. Guess what? It was there. I'll be honest I about cried and Squeaker jumped for joy. She even said that she would try her hardest to not loose it again. A pretty good promise for a 5 year old.
There are so many things in the world today that make you wonder where has humanity gone. Well today, with a little help from Squeaker, I was reminded that there are good and honest people in the world.
I spent the next 3 weeks trying to figure out if I could afford to replace the iPad. The new $50 Amazon tablet looked promising. But once you purchase a warranty and a case it is still just about $100. Which is almost my entire Christmas budget. I could make it work. We have most of Squeaker's presents already, and Trey and I don't need much. But I was hoping to do some fun things for us since it's been such a rough year, and clothes. I like to do clothes at Christmas. I thought about not getting a new tablet of any kind but Squeaker is far more likely to do her school activity apps on a tablet that is hers. When she asks for mommy or daddy's phones she usually like to play fun games or watch videos. That is what we taught her though. The iPad was for school and our devices were for play. I really wanted to get Squeaker a new tablet for Christmas but I wasn't sure I wanted to use the budget for it.
Then comes today. Squeaker, Gma and I went to Costco. The first time since she lost her iPad. Squeaker insisted that we ask if they had found her iPad. I tried to explain that the iPad was gone and that Costco probably didn't have it. She continued to insist that we ask, so we did. I made her actually ask the manager. All Squeaker said was "Do you have my tablet?" That's pretty good for her. I then explained what it looked like. The manager went and checked the lock up in the office. Guess what? It was there. I'll be honest I about cried and Squeaker jumped for joy. She even said that she would try her hardest to not loose it again. A pretty good promise for a 5 year old.
There are so many things in the world today that make you wonder where has humanity gone. Well today, with a little help from Squeaker, I was reminded that there are good and honest people in the world.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Survival
I See Blessings EverywhereIt is the only way I can survive. Life is hard. In the best of times life is hard. But you have to find ways to enjoy it. I like to look for blessings.
It's been about 6 weeks since Squeaker has had her infusion. She is having a hard time sleeping, and is achy all the time. Even with pain relievers and sleeping medication Squeaker has a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, and wake early in the morning. The blessing in all this? It didn't start until my shift at work moved from 7am to 9am. 2 hours may not seem like a lot but when you are up until 2am those extra hours are very helpful.
Trey was slowly running out of his medications because our insurance hasn't kicked in yet. Sadly just a few days without his medication and the vertigo and headaches were coming back and fast. We just decided to talk to the pharmacy and see what cash prices we could get. Our blessing? That day a new discount card came out and we were able to get both medications, 90 days supply for about $60. Not as cheap as a copay but do able. Very do able.
Sunday night I was on the brink of tears. Just worried, tired, and stressed about how I was going to keep being a working mom. All I wanted to do was stay home and take care of my little one. I feared I wouldn't be able to do the job. Then to come home and take care of everything I needed too. I was worried sick. What blessing did I find you may ask? I realized as much as this may suck I had a job. A job that was close to home, with decent entry level pay, and allowed me to be home during the evenings so that Trey can go to school.
Without the silver linings life is dull, irritating and a pain. I have found that if I can find a few happy things, or blessing everyday then I can make it through. Because life is hard. I can't state that enough. But it is also amazing and worth getting up for everyday.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
She's Given Them Up
Squeaker officially gave up her bottles today. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.... a 4 year old has no need to use a bottle, I am destroying her teeth by letting her use a bottle, 4 years old is WAY to old for a bottle how did you let it go that long? So this isn't a big deal, she is 4. Well guess what this is a big deal for OUR 4 year old. What makes it even more awesome is it was her choice. We've been working for months on getting Squeaker to give up her bottles. But to her they aren't just bottles. They are security. Taking away her bottles is the same as taking away a child's toy or blanket that they sleep with all the time. We didn't want to just rip it away from Squeaker. We were trying to use less and less bottles. We'd make her wait certain times before giving her more. It's been a struggle. But little by little it's been getting better. The last month or so we've been offering to buy her a new a new cup or bottle for night time. We aren't opposed to letting her have something to drink during the night it was just time to move on from baby bottles. Well today she did it.
We were at Wal-Mart and I decided to take her by the water bottle section. Just to see if there was something she wanted. As usual she found a bottle she liked. I told her the deal was I would buy her the new Elsa bottle she wanted but she would have to give up ALL her baby bottles. Usually at this point Squeaker gives back whatever she has picked out. Then tells us she will stick with her baby bottles. Today she didn't. I checked with her several times. Making sure she understood the commitment she was making. I even said we were going to go home and throw out all her baby bottles. There was no going back. Once home Squeaker wanted to gather up all her bottles and throw them out. We did and as luck would have it is trash night. She even helped me take the bag to the curb. And when it came time for bed she wanted her new bottle and we snuggled up. No fuss, no fight. She has even had one wake up so far. She didn't ask for her baby bottles, she just wanted a quick drink, fussed for a few minutes, and then back to sleep.
I'm still in a little shock and awe of how quickly this happened. I mean it shouldn't, Squeaker has always been one that once she decided she was going to do something she did it. Today was the day she gave up baby bottles.
Time to get back to work. Moving day is in 5 days!
Saturday, June 6, 2015
The Crazy Continues
I had very much intended to write a post in May. Sadly I missed that deadly. It feels as if May blew up in my face.
May 1st- My laptop died and we had to run out and by a new one. I am now using Windows 8. I am not a fan! Thankfully Windows 10 should be launching soon and I qualify for the free up grade.
May 2nd- The BAKE! The Baby And Kids Expo was my first time working the Juice Plus+ table. I spent all day talking to people about what Juice Plus+ is and how it can help the body. Squeaker stayed with Trey all day. A little scary for me but we all made it just fine.
May 5th- I finally breakdown and call the sleep doctor. For that 2-3 weeks prior Squeaker had been waking up at 12-1am and being awake for 2-3 hours. Yes folks that was as miserable as it sounds. We tried everything we could think of and it wasn't helping. Which meant it was time to call the doctor. The doctor thought about it for a day and then changed her Clonodine. It's now 1/2 Tab in the afternoon, 1 Tab at bed and 1/2 Tab 4-5 hours later. The goal being to get Squeaker back to sleep as quickly as possible. Not only does it get her more sleep but it helps re-train her brain. So far it's been going well. It's been a month and already she doesn't need that third dose every night.
May 7th- Left for Indiana. 7 HOUR DRIVE!!!! Stuck in traffic for 2.5 hours!!!
May 9th- The wedding! A sweet quiet little ceremony followed by a private luncheon. The full reception was planned for later when more of the family could come.
May 10th- Mother's Day. Drove to Nell and Jim's new house. It's wonderful to have them within 2
hours. We look forward to seeing them more often.
May 11th- Spent 3 hours re-writing my resume. And started applying for jobs close to my parents house. I'd already been applying in Alabama for 2 months with no luck. I figured it couldn't hurt.
May 15th- Started to get sick. Trey had already had flu symptoms for 2 days. Mine presented more as a sinus problem.
May 18th- Made it home in a normal 5 hours. Wahoo!
May 20th- Took Trey to get have some medical tests done. We've been waiting months for these tests.
May 21st- Full blown sinus infection and swollen lymph-nods, even took a nap by myself. What a gift.
May 22nd- I was notified of a job interview back in Indiana. For the following Thursday.
May 23rd- Very busy day and forgot it was my brother's birthday. #awfulsister
May 25th- Memorial Day. Our plumbing stopped working. The kitchen sick, the dishwasher, the laundry were all not draining properly. Just dandy. The day was so crazy we forgot to do Squeaker's infusion.
May 26th- Plumbing was fixed and I was able to start doing laundry so I could pack for Squeaker and I to go back up north. Trey was going to stay behind to take care of the animals.
May 27th- Took Trey to the doctor because he still wasn't better and his results were in. All normal... annoying. Had some lunch, drove Trey home and then Squeaker and I hit the road. 8 hours later we made it.
May 28th- Have my interview. It's actually a direct hire, so pretty much if you show up you are hired. So I have a job!!! Wahoo! Means we are moving. I don't know when the job starts yet so the moving plans are still up in the air.
May 31st- Drive around the area to see what places are safe to live.
Can you see why I feel like May blew up?? It's a little nuts.
As for June so far the crazy continues
June 1st- I was getting ready to go home when I get an e-mail to go interview for an even better job in Indiana. Wahoo! I decide to stay one more day.
June 2nd- Have the interview, pack the car, drive home, mow the lawn, pull some weeds, make dinner and do infusion for Squeaker.
June 3rd- Get an e-mail from job #1 that training starts June 10th. I have to option of waiting until the next training class but it's not scheduled yet. I became physically ill thinking about trying to move in a week. I passed on this training. 5 minutes after I decided to pass I get a phone call from job #2. This is a better job for our family. Better hours, more steady work, I wouldn't be on my feet all day. And it would allow me work around Squeaker's appointments. Well, I was offered the job. I do have to be up north to sign some
paperwork on June 10th, but the training doesn't start until July 26th. Plenty of time to pack and move.
Now we are busy packing the house, stripping wall paper, and making plans to move. Life is just a little nuts. But it's looking pretty good.
May 1st- My laptop died and we had to run out and by a new one. I am now using Windows 8. I am not a fan! Thankfully Windows 10 should be launching soon and I qualify for the free up grade.May 2nd- The BAKE! The Baby And Kids Expo was my first time working the Juice Plus+ table. I spent all day talking to people about what Juice Plus+ is and how it can help the body. Squeaker stayed with Trey all day. A little scary for me but we all made it just fine.
May 5th- I finally breakdown and call the sleep doctor. For that 2-3 weeks prior Squeaker had been waking up at 12-1am and being awake for 2-3 hours. Yes folks that was as miserable as it sounds. We tried everything we could think of and it wasn't helping. Which meant it was time to call the doctor. The doctor thought about it for a day and then changed her Clonodine. It's now 1/2 Tab in the afternoon, 1 Tab at bed and 1/2 Tab 4-5 hours later. The goal being to get Squeaker back to sleep as quickly as possible. Not only does it get her more sleep but it helps re-train her brain. So far it's been going well. It's been a month and already she doesn't need that third dose every night.
May 7th- Left for Indiana. 7 HOUR DRIVE!!!! Stuck in traffic for 2.5 hours!!! May 9th- The wedding! A sweet quiet little ceremony followed by a private luncheon. The full reception was planned for later when more of the family could come.
May 10th- Mother's Day. Drove to Nell and Jim's new house. It's wonderful to have them within 2
hours. We look forward to seeing them more often.
May 11th- Spent 3 hours re-writing my resume. And started applying for jobs close to my parents house. I'd already been applying in Alabama for 2 months with no luck. I figured it couldn't hurt.
May 15th- Started to get sick. Trey had already had flu symptoms for 2 days. Mine presented more as a sinus problem.
May 18th- Made it home in a normal 5 hours. Wahoo!May 20th- Took Trey to get have some medical tests done. We've been waiting months for these tests.
May 21st- Full blown sinus infection and swollen lymph-nods, even took a nap by myself. What a gift.
May 22nd- I was notified of a job interview back in Indiana. For the following Thursday.
May 23rd- Very busy day and forgot it was my brother's birthday. #awfulsister
May 25th- Memorial Day. Our plumbing stopped working. The kitchen sick, the dishwasher, the laundry were all not draining properly. Just dandy. The day was so crazy we forgot to do Squeaker's infusion.
May 26th- Plumbing was fixed and I was able to start doing laundry so I could pack for Squeaker and I to go back up north. Trey was going to stay behind to take care of the animals.
May 27th- Took Trey to the doctor because he still wasn't better and his results were in. All normal... annoying. Had some lunch, drove Trey home and then Squeaker and I hit the road. 8 hours later we made it.
May 28th- Have my interview. It's actually a direct hire, so pretty much if you show up you are hired. So I have a job!!! Wahoo! Means we are moving. I don't know when the job starts yet so the moving plans are still up in the air. May 31st- Drive around the area to see what places are safe to live.
Can you see why I feel like May blew up?? It's a little nuts.
As for June so far the crazy continues
June 1st- I was getting ready to go home when I get an e-mail to go interview for an even better job in Indiana. Wahoo! I decide to stay one more day.
June 2nd- Have the interview, pack the car, drive home, mow the lawn, pull some weeds, make dinner and do infusion for Squeaker.
June 3rd- Get an e-mail from job #1 that training starts June 10th. I have to option of waiting until the next training class but it's not scheduled yet. I became physically ill thinking about trying to move in a week. I passed on this training. 5 minutes after I decided to pass I get a phone call from job #2. This is a better job for our family. Better hours, more steady work, I wouldn't be on my feet all day. And it would allow me work around Squeaker's appointments. Well, I was offered the job. I do have to be up north to sign some paperwork on June 10th, but the training doesn't start until July 26th. Plenty of time to pack and move.
Now we are busy packing the house, stripping wall paper, and making plans to move. Life is just a little nuts. But it's looking pretty good.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Best and Worst
Sometimes just catches up to you. No matter how hard you try to be happy and see the good in the world. Every once and a while you just get hit with sorrow.
Last Thursday was a girls night out. I love these. Usually we just meet up at a Laura's house, hang out in the basement, talk and eat food. And it not just chit-chat. We talk about our lives, tell hilarious stories, talk about our opinions, overall really get to know each other better. Seriously something we need to do more often than the every 7 months we are averaging right now.
The night started out fantastic. We had a Usborne book party first, and books, hello, so much fun. After a couple hours of pouring over books we just switched into talking. It's what we are there to do. Large groups, small groups, back to one group it just flows as gentle river. And man do we laugh. I just can't explain how uplifting it is to hang out with these awesome woman. It is the best night I'd had in a long time. I was thinking about leaving because it was the time I told Trey I'd be home. I didn't want too, I was having so much fun. Then it hits...
I get a text. From my best friend Spammers. Yes I call her Spammers. She has had to take her son to the hospital. With is severe allergies trips to the ER aren't uncommon but this wasn't the ER. This was being admitted. This was going to require blood work, a CT scan and maybe an MRI in the morning. My heart just sank. I shut down. He'd been having some health issues lately and it's just heart breaking for me to not be there for Spammers. But Colorado is just too far away....
I get another text. This one is from Trey. Squeaker is having a hard time falling asleep. She is asking for mommy. Trey says they are fine but it makes me feel like a crummy mom. I'm not there when my baby wants be. Even though I know I need the night away, it still hurts. Now I'm really emotionally distraught. I don't want to leave because the idea of driving seems like too much. But I know I need to get home soon, mostly because morning comes way too fast. So I manage it sit up in the giant arm chair I'm lounging in. Laura has the best furniture.
Others are starting to make like they are leaving, which in girl world means we will probably standing up talking in front of the door for another 30-45 minutes before we actually leave. Since everyone else is kind of moving I start to move a little more too. Amber notices I'm all of a sudden very down and asks me what's wrong. I tell her about the texts I got and for some reason I just start crying. Not like big ole sobs, but I'm weeping, I have tears coming out. It's making me feel really uncomfortable. I am not a big fan of crying. I don't care how I look, or what I sound like, I just don't like feeling out of control of my own emotions when I cry.
So here I am telling my sad story, crying and just feeling miserable during what was 10 minutes ago the best night I had months. It went from best to worst that fast. Before I know it, it's going back to best again. Amber hops up from her sit and gives me a giant bear hug. Just wraps her arms around me and I feel loved. I feel safe. I feel that it's okay to hurt. Amber tell me it's all okay. That sometimes life is just hard.
I pull myself together and stand up. Seriously I have to get home soon. I talk for a few more minutes with some others and just get back to being happy. Then I get a text from Trey than Squeaker is out and he asked me to be home before 2am, it's only 11 at this point. I start to feel better. After then end of a really funny story I see a few others leaving so I leave with them. As we round the corner of the house and head down the driveway Stacy comes up the driveway asking who's gold van is on the hill. I say mine and Stacy tells me that her sister Brooke is touching my van with hers.
I just burst out laughing. I get on the road and sure enough there is Brooke standing on the brake in her van our bumpers touching every so slightly. In fairness Laura lives on a very steep hill. Brooke had just not given herself enough "roll space" for when she would change gears. And in Brooke's defense she had flown in from Denver that morning, and she is pregnant. Tired is an understatement in her case today. I'm just laughing like crazy at this point. And I ask Stacy "Why are we letting the tired pregnant woman drive?" Both Stacy and Brooke start laughing. No one was hurt, the cars are fine and seriously it was the perfect ending to my up and down night. I get in my car and drive home.
It was up it was down, it was everywhere in between. It wasn't my best girls night out but it sure was a memorable one.
The night started out fantastic. We had a Usborne book party first, and books, hello, so much fun. After a couple hours of pouring over books we just switched into talking. It's what we are there to do. Large groups, small groups, back to one group it just flows as gentle river. And man do we laugh. I just can't explain how uplifting it is to hang out with these awesome woman. It is the best night I'd had in a long time. I was thinking about leaving because it was the time I told Trey I'd be home. I didn't want too, I was having so much fun. Then it hits...
I get a text. From my best friend Spammers. Yes I call her Spammers. She has had to take her son to the hospital. With is severe allergies trips to the ER aren't uncommon but this wasn't the ER. This was being admitted. This was going to require blood work, a CT scan and maybe an MRI in the morning. My heart just sank. I shut down. He'd been having some health issues lately and it's just heart breaking for me to not be there for Spammers. But Colorado is just too far away....
I get another text. This one is from Trey. Squeaker is having a hard time falling asleep. She is asking for mommy. Trey says they are fine but it makes me feel like a crummy mom. I'm not there when my baby wants be. Even though I know I need the night away, it still hurts. Now I'm really emotionally distraught. I don't want to leave because the idea of driving seems like too much. But I know I need to get home soon, mostly because morning comes way too fast. So I manage it sit up in the giant arm chair I'm lounging in. Laura has the best furniture.
Others are starting to make like they are leaving, which in girl world means we will probably standing up talking in front of the door for another 30-45 minutes before we actually leave. Since everyone else is kind of moving I start to move a little more too. Amber notices I'm all of a sudden very down and asks me what's wrong. I tell her about the texts I got and for some reason I just start crying. Not like big ole sobs, but I'm weeping, I have tears coming out. It's making me feel really uncomfortable. I am not a big fan of crying. I don't care how I look, or what I sound like, I just don't like feeling out of control of my own emotions when I cry.
I pull myself together and stand up. Seriously I have to get home soon. I talk for a few more minutes with some others and just get back to being happy. Then I get a text from Trey than Squeaker is out and he asked me to be home before 2am, it's only 11 at this point. I start to feel better. After then end of a really funny story I see a few others leaving so I leave with them. As we round the corner of the house and head down the driveway Stacy comes up the driveway asking who's gold van is on the hill. I say mine and Stacy tells me that her sister Brooke is touching my van with hers.
I just burst out laughing. I get on the road and sure enough there is Brooke standing on the brake in her van our bumpers touching every so slightly. In fairness Laura lives on a very steep hill. Brooke had just not given herself enough "roll space" for when she would change gears. And in Brooke's defense she had flown in from Denver that morning, and she is pregnant. Tired is an understatement in her case today. I'm just laughing like crazy at this point. And I ask Stacy "Why are we letting the tired pregnant woman drive?" Both Stacy and Brooke start laughing. No one was hurt, the cars are fine and seriously it was the perfect ending to my up and down night. I get in my car and drive home.
It was up it was down, it was everywhere in between. It wasn't my best girls night out but it sure was a memorable one.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
An Awesome Day
I have had an awesome today. Sure it had it's ups and downs, but as I sit down at the end of it I'm feeling great. What made it great? Well it's the little things. 1- A clean kitchen. I was able to get the dishwasher run and emptied. The kitchen cleaned, some beef cooked and frozen. Then I cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen.
2- Laundry. I've been a little behind on laundry lately. I usually just do a load every day or two. So it never piles up. Well I feel behind. But with a day a of testing yesterday and doctors today I've just been focusing on getting the laundry clean. Once dry I'd just toss it in the tv room for folding later. Today I finished washing the laundry but getting it folded and put away!
3- Play time with Squeaker. The last few months with trying to take care of Trey and all his appointments I haven't had the energy to play with Squeaker as much as I used too. I feel pretty bad about it a lot of days. But I only have so much energy and when it comes to cooking dinner and playing I kind of need to make dinner. Today it was nice out I had decent energy so we opened the back door and played a game. 30 minutes of just her and me. No fussing, no meltdowns, just play. It was wonderful.
4- Picked up a book. There is a book series called Fablehaven. I have read the first two books, it's a five book series. When I was at the Library with Squeaker last week I saw the series on the shelves. And had the thought I should really finish it. Sadly Book 3 wasn't there, bummer. The librarians had it transferred and today I picked it up. Wahoo!!!
In all the craziness of the last few months I am so very glad to have and AWESOME DAY!!!
Monday, February 23, 2015
Hanging On
The nasty no sleep monster has decided to come back for a visit. He's been here almost 3 weeks and
his welcome is worn out. The biggest problem is the lack of cause. We know that Squeaker is un-well but poor sleep is pretty much the only symptom. Her nose has been a little runny but with no cough or serious congestion there isn't a lot we can do about it. We have the humidifier going, essential oils, upped her pain killers, not skipping inhalers, keeping the house cold. It is all helping some but not a lot. She is still waking every 45-90 minutes. There are times when she can get herself back to sleep but most of the time she needs some sort of attention.
So right now I'm in hanging on mode.
At this exact moment I'm in buried mode. I have Squeaker at my right, Zelda at my legs and Raek has plopped his 20lb self on my chest. I wish you could see it. Hahaha.
So right now I'm in hanging on mode.
At this exact moment I'm in buried mode. I have Squeaker at my right, Zelda at my legs and Raek has plopped his 20lb self on my chest. I wish you could see it. Hahaha.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
It's Just A Lot
Quick update and then I'm off to bed.
Trey has been in a specialized physical therapy program for 4 weeks now. And although he still feels like his brain is on the ocean he can walk in the house without a cane. Once out of the house he is supposed to use the cane because in less familiar surroundings you use more of your brain. We acquired a temporary Disabled Parking Permit for him. Especially when he has to drive himself to class. Yup Trey is still in grad school. We looked into pulling out for the semester but it was too late. It's been an adjustment in study habits but he is making it work. We have also started tracking calories, sodium, and sugar intake for the both of us. Not only is this helping us both stay on track about loosing weight but we can show all the doctors the sodium and sugar intake for Trey. Yes, they ask about that stuff.
Squeaker as you may have read is no longer squeaking. Looking back over that last few months though we have noticed she has been talking more. Sadly some of that talking is arguing and poor attitude. Hey she is 4 it was bound to happen. Sometimes it's kind of funny because she will try to take away our privileges when we don't do exactly as she asks. Sorry kiddo, that's just not how it works. Our biggest struggle has been when she gets hungry. Food can still be very painful for Squeaker so getting her to eat is a struggle. But if she doesn't eat oh my that's a horrible struggle. Trey and I have chosen our line in the sand and there were stay. We know it will get better and being a consistent parent is hard but we know it will pay off in the end.
As for me. Oh well I'm busy. If you didn't figure that out already. I am doing 99% of the driving, I try to entertain Squeaker daily so Trey can study. I try to keep laundry moving and cleaning done. I do the cooking, figure the calories, and pack up all the leftovers. I've also starting doing some testing site stuff to help earn a little extra money. Currently Trey is on short term disability insurance which is wonderful. But is getting to the point that it only pays 60% of his salary. I'm very happy it pays that, but it does leave us a little short every month. We have some savings but it won't last forever. I just figure if I can start now the longer the savings will last. I would love to pick up some work at home data entry. There are jobs out there but where Trey is not able to care for Squeaker, and do his rehab, I can only work during the night hours at home. In the future I may need to take a late night shift outside the home but we aren't there yet. Oh and to top it off I'm on day 3 of 5 of an antibiotic. I have a sinus and respiratory infection.
Which folks just proves how awesome my husband is. Trey has a lot going on. I know that chronic vertigo doesn't sound like much of a diagnosis but it is really hard to constantly feel like you are falling over. While I've been sick Trey has just been doing as much as he can. This weekend when he didn't have to study he's been letting me sleep. Since I still sit with Squeaker to put her to sleep he makes me warmed caramel milk and brings it to me. Then tells me "When she is asleep your bath will be ready." I mean honestly does a hubby get any better? He's just so awesome.
Well that's the update. I should get some shut eye. We see the Neurologist tomorrow afternoon. We aren't expecting much in the way of answers, but maybe a few ideas of what to do next or try would be nice. So ya know, we'll see. :)
Trey has been in a specialized physical therapy program for 4 weeks now. And although he still feels like his brain is on the ocean he can walk in the house without a cane. Once out of the house he is supposed to use the cane because in less familiar surroundings you use more of your brain. We acquired a temporary Disabled Parking Permit for him. Especially when he has to drive himself to class. Yup Trey is still in grad school. We looked into pulling out for the semester but it was too late. It's been an adjustment in study habits but he is making it work. We have also started tracking calories, sodium, and sugar intake for the both of us. Not only is this helping us both stay on track about loosing weight but we can show all the doctors the sodium and sugar intake for Trey. Yes, they ask about that stuff.
Squeaker as you may have read is no longer squeaking. Looking back over that last few months though we have noticed she has been talking more. Sadly some of that talking is arguing and poor attitude. Hey she is 4 it was bound to happen. Sometimes it's kind of funny because she will try to take away our privileges when we don't do exactly as she asks. Sorry kiddo, that's just not how it works. Our biggest struggle has been when she gets hungry. Food can still be very painful for Squeaker so getting her to eat is a struggle. But if she doesn't eat oh my that's a horrible struggle. Trey and I have chosen our line in the sand and there were stay. We know it will get better and being a consistent parent is hard but we know it will pay off in the end. As for me. Oh well I'm busy. If you didn't figure that out already. I am doing 99% of the driving, I try to entertain Squeaker daily so Trey can study. I try to keep laundry moving and cleaning done. I do the cooking, figure the calories, and pack up all the leftovers. I've also starting doing some testing site stuff to help earn a little extra money. Currently Trey is on short term disability insurance which is wonderful. But is getting to the point that it only pays 60% of his salary. I'm very happy it pays that, but it does leave us a little short every month. We have some savings but it won't last forever. I just figure if I can start now the longer the savings will last. I would love to pick up some work at home data entry. There are jobs out there but where Trey is not able to care for Squeaker, and do his rehab, I can only work during the night hours at home. In the future I may need to take a late night shift outside the home but we aren't there yet. Oh and to top it off I'm on day 3 of 5 of an antibiotic. I have a sinus and respiratory infection.
Which folks just proves how awesome my husband is. Trey has a lot going on. I know that chronic vertigo doesn't sound like much of a diagnosis but it is really hard to constantly feel like you are falling over. While I've been sick Trey has just been doing as much as he can. This weekend when he didn't have to study he's been letting me sleep. Since I still sit with Squeaker to put her to sleep he makes me warmed caramel milk and brings it to me. Then tells me "When she is asleep your bath will be ready." I mean honestly does a hubby get any better? He's just so awesome.
Well that's the update. I should get some shut eye. We see the Neurologist tomorrow afternoon. We aren't expecting much in the way of answers, but maybe a few ideas of what to do next or try would be nice. So ya know, we'll see. :)
Friday, January 16, 2015
Toothless
Today Squeaker went to the dentist, Dr. Brandon. The dentist is never
fun. Squeaker inherited my poor baby teeth. Combine that with teeth
grinding, antibiotics, inhalers, nebulizer treatments and overnight
drinking and well you have lots of teeth issues.
<--- This was while we were waiting for the medication to kick in.
This is how our day was supposed to go:
1) Stop liquids and food at midnight
2) Go to Dentist at 9am
3) Take the waking sedation medication
4) Wait and hour for Squeaker to get loopy
5) Get her in the procedure room
6) Start the nitrous oxide
7) Clean Squeaker's top incisors
8) Fit caps on incisors
9) Leave Dentist
10) Be home by 10:30-11 at the latest
It was all great until Step 7. At that point the plan went out the window and we went down a rabbit hole.
As Dr. Brandon trying to clean off the decay on Squeaker's teeth he started to worry about how much tooth would be left. He tried to figure out if he could even get a cap to fit. He went through what he had. I'm sure you have figured out that Squeaker is not happy about this. Poor Squeaker is being such a trooper. Even though she has been given a pain killer, nitrous oxide and Novocaine she was still uncomfortable and not afraid to let us know. Squeaker wasn't really kicking or wiggling but was pretty vocal that as she put it "I'm Done! I'm Done! I'm Done!". Poor Kid.
After about 5 minutes of pushing and trying to get a cap to fit Dr. Brandon stopped and turned to me. He told me our options. We could try to glue the caps on but we would be replacing them in 3-4 months. We could try just cleaning and run the risk of further rotting, chipping, or abscess. Or we could pull the teeth. My heart sank. Dang it.... after a minute I just said, "Dr. Brandon I trust you. You do what you think is going to keep Squeaker's mouth healthy." I could see Dr. Brandon's wheels turning, then his shoulders dropped and his eyes got sad and he said "We should take the teeth. I don't want to but if we don't you're going to back here in two months doing something else to these teeth. Or worse we will have to go back to the hospital because it will be a more complicated procedure."
That's what we did. The hygienist went and grabbed the tools needed. Dr. Brandon sat there with us and tried to soothe Squeaker while he waited for the tools. He was very sweet. Once we had the tools the teeth were out in less then 2 minutes. Squeaker was soooo not happy but the worst was over. After about 10 minutes of cool down time we were cleared to go pick out a toy and leave. We left at 11am.
Stopped in at Kroger to buy ice cream, popcicles, and some other favorites for Squeaker. Then finally headed home. Gosh it was a long morning.When we got home Trey was a wreck over the news. Trey has naturally good teeth. I mean straight, clean, self healing. At 35 he's had all of 3 cavities I think. Watching his daughter have poor teeth has been hard for him. Feeling that he should have been able to prevent every filling, crown, and pulled tooth. He thought dental health was something that he could help control. He was terrified that at this rate she would lose all of her baby teeth long before her adult teeth came in. Once I reassured Trey that the rest of her teeth were healthy and that there was little or nothing we could have done he started to feel a little better. He really started to perk up once Squeaker started to eat 5 minutes later. She didn't eat a lot but Trey was happy to see that even with less teeth Squeaker wasn't going to change her life, so it shouldn't change his.
The good news is with these teeth pulled all of the problem teeth are taken care of. She had 6 teeth pulled up top, and the top 4 molars have caps/crowns on them. Her bottom teeth and in perfect condition. Dr. Brandon said their isn't even plaque or tarter on them. He can tell we try our best but life and genetics were just against us. But by taking care of this now Squeaker's gums will be able to stay healthy and grow healthy adult teeth. And those teeth, my friends, are what she will have much longer. For now and the next few years Squeaker gets to be our Toothless wonder.
This is how our day was supposed to go:
1) Stop liquids and food at midnight
2) Go to Dentist at 9am
3) Take the waking sedation medication
4) Wait and hour for Squeaker to get loopy
5) Get her in the procedure room
6) Start the nitrous oxide
7) Clean Squeaker's top incisors
8) Fit caps on incisors
9) Leave Dentist
10) Be home by 10:30-11 at the latest
It was all great until Step 7. At that point the plan went out the window and we went down a rabbit hole.
As Dr. Brandon trying to clean off the decay on Squeaker's teeth he started to worry about how much tooth would be left. He tried to figure out if he could even get a cap to fit. He went through what he had. I'm sure you have figured out that Squeaker is not happy about this. Poor Squeaker is being such a trooper. Even though she has been given a pain killer, nitrous oxide and Novocaine she was still uncomfortable and not afraid to let us know. Squeaker wasn't really kicking or wiggling but was pretty vocal that as she put it "I'm Done! I'm Done! I'm Done!". Poor Kid.
After about 5 minutes of pushing and trying to get a cap to fit Dr. Brandon stopped and turned to me. He told me our options. We could try to glue the caps on but we would be replacing them in 3-4 months. We could try just cleaning and run the risk of further rotting, chipping, or abscess. Or we could pull the teeth. My heart sank. Dang it.... after a minute I just said, "Dr. Brandon I trust you. You do what you think is going to keep Squeaker's mouth healthy." I could see Dr. Brandon's wheels turning, then his shoulders dropped and his eyes got sad and he said "We should take the teeth. I don't want to but if we don't you're going to back here in two months doing something else to these teeth. Or worse we will have to go back to the hospital because it will be a more complicated procedure."
That's what we did. The hygienist went and grabbed the tools needed. Dr. Brandon sat there with us and tried to soothe Squeaker while he waited for the tools. He was very sweet. Once we had the tools the teeth were out in less then 2 minutes. Squeaker was soooo not happy but the worst was over. After about 10 minutes of cool down time we were cleared to go pick out a toy and leave. We left at 11am.
Stopped in at Kroger to buy ice cream, popcicles, and some other favorites for Squeaker. Then finally headed home. Gosh it was a long morning.When we got home Trey was a wreck over the news. Trey has naturally good teeth. I mean straight, clean, self healing. At 35 he's had all of 3 cavities I think. Watching his daughter have poor teeth has been hard for him. Feeling that he should have been able to prevent every filling, crown, and pulled tooth. He thought dental health was something that he could help control. He was terrified that at this rate she would lose all of her baby teeth long before her adult teeth came in. Once I reassured Trey that the rest of her teeth were healthy and that there was little or nothing we could have done he started to feel a little better. He really started to perk up once Squeaker started to eat 5 minutes later. She didn't eat a lot but Trey was happy to see that even with less teeth Squeaker wasn't going to change her life, so it shouldn't change his.
The good news is with these teeth pulled all of the problem teeth are taken care of. She had 6 teeth pulled up top, and the top 4 molars have caps/crowns on them. Her bottom teeth and in perfect condition. Dr. Brandon said their isn't even plaque or tarter on them. He can tell we try our best but life and genetics were just against us. But by taking care of this now Squeaker's gums will be able to stay healthy and grow healthy adult teeth. And those teeth, my friends, are what she will have much longer. For now and the next few years Squeaker gets to be our Toothless wonder.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Even The 4 Year Old
Even the 4 year old can tell that infusion is working. The last two month or so Squeaker's infusion hasn't be lasting all week. She has it Monday night and then by Friday she is starting to act sick. Saturday, Sunday and Monday just all stink in many ways. Lots of temper-tantrums, meltdowns, and lack of sleep. Its just a loooooong few days. Then Tuesday morning Squeaker wakes up cheery, happy and she is less likely to melt down. With the flick of a swtich life is good again, then over the week the light burns out.
Last week was just awful. With Squeaker fighting a cold, an unexpected trip to Florida over the weekend. Oh goodness it's just been so hard. Then last night was Infusion. Or course Squeaker pitched a bit of a fit. But it was said and done soon enough. This morning was Magic Tuesday again. Yes Squeaker is still a little sick, she just can't shake this cold. But there have been few melt downs but nothing major. Then around 1pm Squeaker and I had this conversation.
Squeaker: "Fusion today?"
Me: "No. 6 more days."
Squeaker: (Agitated) "But fusion today."
Me: "Not today sweetie."
Squeaker: (Stamping her feet) "Fusion"
Me: "Why do you want fusion."
Squeaker: "Fusion feel better. I feel better."
Me: "Does fusion make you feel better so you want more fusion so you can feel even better."
Squeaker: "Yeah. More better."
Not only was it just awesome for her to put her thoughts into words. But she gets it! I know she hates having needles stuck in her belly every week. Honestly who would. But that she understood what "fusion" does for her is just amazing. She really is a smart little kiddo.
Last week was just awful. With Squeaker fighting a cold, an unexpected trip to Florida over the weekend. Oh goodness it's just been so hard. Then last night was Infusion. Or course Squeaker pitched a bit of a fit. But it was said and done soon enough. This morning was Magic Tuesday again. Yes Squeaker is still a little sick, she just can't shake this cold. But there have been few melt downs but nothing major. Then around 1pm Squeaker and I had this conversation. Squeaker: "Fusion today?"
Me: "No. 6 more days."
Squeaker: (Agitated) "But fusion today."
Me: "Not today sweetie."
Squeaker: (Stamping her feet) "Fusion"
Me: "Why do you want fusion."
Squeaker: "Fusion feel better. I feel better."
Me: "Does fusion make you feel better so you want more fusion so you can feel even better."
Squeaker: "Yeah. More better."
Not only was it just awesome for her to put her thoughts into words. But she gets it! I know she hates having needles stuck in her belly every week. Honestly who would. But that she understood what "fusion" does for her is just amazing. She really is a smart little kiddo.
Friday, September 26, 2014
She's Normal!!
It is official Squeaker is normal... well partially. I was updating her binder because we have moved from liquid to all pill medicine. And let me tell you that is AWESOME!! The battle of the yuckies is not nearly the battle it was. Honestly it isn't even a battle more nights :) But I had to adjust the information in her binder and I decided to take a look at her height and growth chart. I was making sure all of her percentiles were right on the chart. Mostly because I was interested to see how she has compared over the years. Well I reached the last entry which was just after Squeakers 4th birthday. She was 29lbs and 40 inches. As you can imagine 29lbs is pretty light for a 4 year old. She is in the 5% percentile for weight. Honestly that is where Squeaker has been most of her life. I remember doing a happy dance when we Squeaker moved up to 5%. She from 4 months to 2 years and 4 months old she was less than 3%. TWO YEARS! So the first time we hit 5% I did a happy dance. Then the next month when it stayed up I did another happy dance. Sure I'd love for her to have more weight but as long as we are on the chart and gaining I'm a pretty happy camper.
Okay so 40 inches tall. This girl just seems tall, especially with weighing so little. I was very interested in seeing her percentile. Drum-roll please....... 55%!!!! That's right baby my kid is in a normal percentile! And, and, and it's the second highest percentile she's ever hit. (Height wise she was 90% at birth) WAHOOO!!!
Now if you can do the math this means her BMI is 0, yes I mean 0. The envy of everyone super model and she eats frosting all day :) Of course her doctors are happy about it, well neither am I honestly. I'm just going to ignore it for now and revel in the fact that for right now she is normal.
Monday, August 18, 2014
I Swear
I haven't forgotten about this page. The last couple months have just been crazy! In good and bad ways, mostly good though. Squeaker had a particularly rough day today so I can't stay long. To anyone who actually follows this blog I haven't forgotten and I will be back soon. Oh and I have A LOT of pictures to share. They will be worth the wait. Sunday, June 22, 2014
Fake It Project- Sharpie Tie-Dye
This visit up north Squeaker was already on a strong antibiotic so I decided it was a great time see all the cousins. I know it sounds a little backwards but it does work for us. It turned out that only Lizzie, Brad and their kids were available. But with 5 kids 7 and under and all with special needs well it's not like we could just go to the park, or zoo, or whatever. It takes just a little more planning. We need some focus or a project to help in keeping the kids focused on positive things. That's how we keep the kids from getting into fights.
The plan was made to go out to Lizzie and Brad's house. With all the therapy stuff, play stuff, and a pool there was a lot to help keep the kids happy. And then I thought, what about a "Fake It" Project to help keep the kids focused. Something fun and enjoyable but super easy to put together.
Every so often I do what I call a "Fake It" Project. It's not a perfectly finished edges, the lines may not be straight, or it may just be unfinished. It may not be the best but it does the job. And then some day I may take the time to make it nice, pretty, and perfect. So it's Fake It until I Make it! :)
I found some light/heat blocking fabric at Joanns. Cut it up and hemmed it so it would hang on a curtain rod. But that wasn't very pretty, curtains in kids rooms should be fun. So I thought lets but something fun in front of the Light Blocking Fabric. Why not Sharpie Tie-Dye Curtains!!!
Materials Needed:
Cut, Washed, and Hemmed for Hanging Fabric
---We used White Muslin. I Zig-Zag stiched the edges to cut down on the raveling
Sharpie Permeate Markers
---Sharpie brand work best. You can try fine and chisel tips. Extra fine point won't work.
91% Rubbing Alcohol
---We bought 3 32oz bottles and used 2 on about 8 yards if fabric
Spray Bottles
Cheap Shower Curtains
---Dollar Store ones work great
Masking Tape
Prep-
Clean off your table or work area. Outside works great since alcohol can be stinky. Lay down the shower curtains and tape them down. Then put your fabric down and tape down if you need too. Put the alcohol in the spray bottles.
Work-
Get out those sharpies out and start coloring! Big shapes and thick lines work best. And lots and lots of colors!!!
Once you are done coloring get ready to spray. You can spray in the same spot you colored or you can move it out to another table or grass. Just make sure it's a place you don't mind getting ink on, or cover it. We did it in the grass.
Now spray, spray, spray. You want to saturate the fabric with the alcohol. That will give the best run of the colors.
Then just leave it to dry.
To make sure the color is good and set toss it in the dryer for a few minutes. When you need to wash your project just wash on cold and dry.
It was a great project. All the kids (ranging from 7-2) enjoyed doing. The kids were super excited to have their own art work on the windows.
This style of Tie-Dye will work on pretty much any cotton fabric. Lizzie is planning on doing some t-shirts, and bags for the family. Last Christmas I did this treatment on homemade super hero capes, those were a hit too.
The plan was made to go out to Lizzie and Brad's house. With all the therapy stuff, play stuff, and a pool there was a lot to help keep the kids happy. And then I thought, what about a "Fake It" Project to help keep the kids focused. Something fun and enjoyable but super easy to put together.
Every so often I do what I call a "Fake It" Project. It's not a perfectly finished edges, the lines may not be straight, or it may just be unfinished. It may not be the best but it does the job. And then some day I may take the time to make it nice, pretty, and perfect. So it's Fake It until I Make it! :)
I found some light/heat blocking fabric at Joanns. Cut it up and hemmed it so it would hang on a curtain rod. But that wasn't very pretty, curtains in kids rooms should be fun. So I thought lets but something fun in front of the Light Blocking Fabric. Why not Sharpie Tie-Dye Curtains!!!
Materials Needed:
Cut, Washed, and Hemmed for Hanging Fabric
---We used White Muslin. I Zig-Zag stiched the edges to cut down on the raveling
Sharpie Permeate Markers---Sharpie brand work best. You can try fine and chisel tips. Extra fine point won't work.
91% Rubbing Alcohol
---We bought 3 32oz bottles and used 2 on about 8 yards if fabric
Spray Bottles
Cheap Shower Curtains
---Dollar Store ones work great
Masking Tape
Prep-
Clean off your table or work area. Outside works great since alcohol can be stinky. Lay down the shower curtains and tape them down. Then put your fabric down and tape down if you need too. Put the alcohol in the spray bottles.
Work-
Get out those sharpies out and start coloring! Big shapes and thick lines work best. And lots and lots of colors!!!Once you are done coloring get ready to spray. You can spray in the same spot you colored or you can move it out to another table or grass. Just make sure it's a place you don't mind getting ink on, or cover it. We did it in the grass.
Now spray, spray, spray. You want to saturate the fabric with the alcohol. That will give the best run of the colors.
Then just leave it to dry.
To make sure the color is good and set toss it in the dryer for a few minutes. When you need to wash your project just wash on cold and dry.
It was a great project. All the kids (ranging from 7-2) enjoyed doing. The kids were super excited to have their own art work on the windows.
This style of Tie-Dye will work on pretty much any cotton fabric. Lizzie is planning on doing some t-shirts, and bags for the family. Last Christmas I did this treatment on homemade super hero capes, those were a hit too.
Friday, May 16, 2014
BEST NEWS!!!
Squeaker had oral surgery today. Nothing too major just some caps, crowns, fillings, xrays and a full cleaning. Just much easier to do all of that when she is out. And I'll give a full details of our lives later. But right now I'm too excited about something we found out today.
Squeaker has GROWN!!!! I mean not just a little, A LOT!!!! In the last two months Squeaker has been the healthiest she has been in a long time. And 8 weeks is the longest stretch of healthy we've had in ohh.... ever I think. And guess what happens when Squeaker is healthy? Yep she grows! You ready for the numbers???
3/14/2014- 27lbs and 36inches
Today----
29lbs and 39inches!!!!!!
Yes you read that right. 2lbs and 3 inches!!! I knew she was a little heavier and most certainly taller but wow! This morning you could have knocked me over with a feather!
I know the infusion has been making a big difference, even if there are some side effects some days. But boy oh boy it is very much worth it to see growth like that.
Squeaker has GROWN!!!! I mean not just a little, A LOT!!!! In the last two months Squeaker has been the healthiest she has been in a long time. And 8 weeks is the longest stretch of healthy we've had in ohh.... ever I think. And guess what happens when Squeaker is healthy? Yep she grows! You ready for the numbers???
3/14/2014- 27lbs and 36inches
Today----
29lbs and 39inches!!!!!!
Yes you read that right. 2lbs and 3 inches!!! I knew she was a little heavier and most certainly taller but wow! This morning you could have knocked me over with a feather!
I know the infusion has been making a big difference, even if there are some side effects some days. But boy oh boy it is very much worth it to see growth like that.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
So Very Cool
3 Years of Breathing Treatment Co-pays: $3608 Months of Occupational Therapy
Co-pays: $104
Bubbles: $1
Seeing Your Daughter Blow Her Own Bubbles: Priceless
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Progress
Well last week we saw the Pulmonologist (Dr. Makris). We have not seen him for heavens 6 months I think? The last time we were at the office we saw one of his associates. But boy was the Dr. Makris was just thrilled with her overall progress. He couldn't believe how healthy she looked, how she talked to him and even followed him to another room to get a sticker. All things Squeaker was not doing the last time. Not to mention 27lbs and 36.5 inches (yup half and inch taller) is pretty good for Squeaker. Other great news was Squeaker is officially off the nebulizer except for illness or emergency. WAHOO! 3 years I've been waiting for that news. 3 YEARS!!! And poof it's all gone. I was doing a happy dance at that one.
We did talk about Squeaker sleep anxiety which is... um... just not going to go anywhere until we can
As for the rest of the family. Trey is half way through is first semester of grad school and is
Me? Oh well I mentioned the mommy time, working out, regular showers, projects. It's been nice. This week I saw the orthodontist for my check up. Things are going pretty well. Most of the major moving is done, now we are working on creating a nice arch and mid-line alignment. It will still be another year or so but it's been worth it. My last cleaning I had no cavities, no gingivitis, and they could floss without my gums inflaming or bleeding. And I am far from a great tooth brusher. Braces are making a great difference for me.
The braces have exacerbated a problem though. My 12 year old molars sit right up next to my jaw bone, always have. It's just how my crazy mouth was made. You should have seen the x-rays when my wisdom teeth thought about coming in. Anyway as my teeth have straightened and lengthened around my jaw one of my molars has been pushed even further up against my jaw. Which has cause the gum to be forced over the top of the tooth and inflame around it. Which leaves me chewing my own gum tissues. Yes folks that is as nasty as it sounds. So I saw an oral surgeon he would like to cut out the tissue shave off some of the jaw one and sew it all back up. He hopes that will be the fix. But he cannot give me a guarantee of long term results. I could have the same problem in as little another year. Joy oh joy. But being an awesome guy the surgeon decided since he cannot guarantee the work that he would not charge me. He really hopes it will be the fix I need but he'd hate for me to go through the expense just to have it find another treatment in a year or two. So I will be having surgery the first week of April. I'll admit I'm excited. This has been a bit of a problem since I was a teen and this last flare has been so bad I'm ready to try anything. The surgeon did give me an antibiotic to help calm the inflammation down and get rid of the infection. This infection is so strange all of a sudden I'll find some thing in the corner of my mouth and I'll spit it out and I'll think, "I didn't eat that?!" So strange. Oh well the worst will be over soon and then I have a shot at it being gone for good.
Holy Cow it's late. I need to catch some sleep.
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