So last week my cousin had her track state finals. And I am so proud of her accomplishments! Please, just take a couple minutes to watch her races at the links below. Seriously, you won't be sorry--if nothing else take 30 seconds and watch the hurdles, she really is amazing. She is only a sophomore in highschool. So... with no further ado, I give you the privilege of watching what my friend aptly described as "graceful lightning".
Relay:
http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&video_id=12898
100 Meter:
http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&video_id=12905
Hurdles:
http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&video_id=12918
You can't miss her because she is in a green jersey every time and surprisingly is about the only dark skinned lass out there. And well, to keep it simple, she is the one that is winning! :o)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Como Pelar Un Coco
When I was 16 yr. old and in the Dominican Republic for the summer, my friend and I really wanted to make a coconut smoothie, so we saved up our precious ice cubes and on our day off somehow got our hands on a coconut and a machete. We had no idea what we were doing. By the grace of God we didn't lose any limbs...when we finally got that thing open we were exhausted...and lost almost all the water! I felt like crying!
I hadn't touched one since, but last week I saw some for about 75cents a piece at the grocery store. I don't know how much a coconut should cost but felt like that was probably too good to pass up. Some gals on my Blenderized Diet group are always talking about how great they are for weight gain and brain development, so I got one for Mic.
Someone from the BD group kindly passed me this link with a great tutorial for opening a coconut. (http://www.howtoope nacoconut. com/ ) And so with greater idea and NO machete I set about opening up the coconut yesterday. : ) And below are the pictures of my successful project.
Draining the water...
I hadn't touched one since, but last week I saw some for about 75cents a piece at the grocery store. I don't know how much a coconut should cost but felt like that was probably too good to pass up. Some gals on my Blenderized Diet group are always talking about how great they are for weight gain and brain development, so I got one for Mic.
Someone from the BD group kindly passed me this link with a great tutorial for opening a coconut. (http://www.howtoope nacoconut. com/ ) And so with greater idea and NO machete I set about opening up the coconut yesterday. : ) And below are the pictures of my successful project.
Getting the tools ready
Draining the water...note to self: next time make bigger holes and use a wide dish, not a narrow jar.
VICTORY!
YUMMMMMM!
VICTORY!
YUMMMMMM!
Monday, May 25, 2009
"Goodbyes"
Last night we prayed with and said bye-bye to my SIL. Then she got on a bus and was gone. An exciting new "everything" awaits her, so we are happy for her, but sad for us. It may be a long week as we adjust to her absence...my kiddos are so used to running across the patio to visit "Tia Angie" daily for any reason or no reason at all. Have fun, Angie,...we miss you already!
P.S.
And coming soon...PICTURES! : ) (why is emptying that memory card so difficult!?)
P.S.
And coming soon...PICTURES! : ) (why is emptying that memory card so difficult!?)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Hair Pulling Moments
I can't get my daughter to just use the bathroom straightforward and business like. Either she has an accident else where, doesn't "quite" make it and leaves a puddle directly in front of the toilet, or spends LONG amounts of time wasting water and making a huge soap mess all over the sink and handles. I have guided her through the correct routine oodles of times, made up little games to trigger memory and make it fun. ...and its not working. I really am ready to pull out my hair. But Wednesday took the cake! Upon realizing that she was in the bathroom and all was a little too quiet I made hasty beeline for the door to check the happenings on the interior of our bathroom. She had urinated in the toilet (miracle) and was happily dipping a shoe string in the bowl of pee water and then flinging it around. What!? I was NOT a happy mommy. Even recognizing that there may be humor to this in about 10 years when we re-tell it could not calm me...I was not happy.
And then there is the dear son. I have read and studied extensively on health, nutrition and healthy mealtime habits. I know all about the things that you should do and not do so as to avoid food jagging and picky eaters. Oh, I "KNOW" it "all" (please catch my sarcasm)...but really when it comes down too it, some kids just do not follow the rules. It seems a cruel twist of fate that dealing with a child that does not eat orally is not enough, I was blessed with a number two that does not obey the rule book. "They" say, "just place healthy choices in front of him and he will make healthy decisions". He says, "I'd rather just not eat...and then cry because I am hungry". Seriously, this week has been the culmination of this hair pulling situation. Tell me, what child does not like macaroni and cheese!? I made it lovingly, from scratch, with little bits of hotdog it it and lots of yummy cheese. He would not take a single bite of it. And yesterday, I saw the surely never-before-seen. He refused to taste a MacDonald's hamburger, preferring rather, to go hungry on our outing.
And since I certainly was going to pull my hair out if we did not get out of the house, yesterday we had a little fun! We met two other moms with young kids and took on the children's museum. I had never been there before. I was disappointed that even getting there early on a week day there were still a LOT of people, but we were able to find plenty of great areas appropriate for our kids' age and interest and as school groups entered the IMAX we had some areas a little more to ourselves and really had a great time in general.
In closing I will say that I am well aware that all moms have "hair pulling moments". I'm pretty sure it comes in the official job description. And thank goodness that even though this week in particular I feel like they have been spreading my patience a little thinner than usual, there are still a lot of moments when my kiddos are just cute and loveable and those are the moments I live for. This morning Mic had her stuffed kitty and was singing "head and shoulders" while moving its paws to make it do the motions--to cute. I waited a long long time to hear her sing...and just can't get enough of it!!! : )
And then there is the dear son. I have read and studied extensively on health, nutrition and healthy mealtime habits. I know all about the things that you should do and not do so as to avoid food jagging and picky eaters. Oh, I "KNOW" it "all" (please catch my sarcasm)...but really when it comes down too it, some kids just do not follow the rules. It seems a cruel twist of fate that dealing with a child that does not eat orally is not enough, I was blessed with a number two that does not obey the rule book. "They" say, "just place healthy choices in front of him and he will make healthy decisions". He says, "I'd rather just not eat...and then cry because I am hungry". Seriously, this week has been the culmination of this hair pulling situation. Tell me, what child does not like macaroni and cheese!? I made it lovingly, from scratch, with little bits of hotdog it it and lots of yummy cheese. He would not take a single bite of it. And yesterday, I saw the surely never-before-seen. He refused to taste a MacDonald's hamburger, preferring rather, to go hungry on our outing.
And since I certainly was going to pull my hair out if we did not get out of the house, yesterday we had a little fun! We met two other moms with young kids and took on the children's museum. I had never been there before. I was disappointed that even getting there early on a week day there were still a LOT of people, but we were able to find plenty of great areas appropriate for our kids' age and interest and as school groups entered the IMAX we had some areas a little more to ourselves and really had a great time in general.
In closing I will say that I am well aware that all moms have "hair pulling moments". I'm pretty sure it comes in the official job description. And thank goodness that even though this week in particular I feel like they have been spreading my patience a little thinner than usual, there are still a lot of moments when my kiddos are just cute and loveable and those are the moments I live for. This morning Mic had her stuffed kitty and was singing "head and shoulders" while moving its paws to make it do the motions--to cute. I waited a long long time to hear her sing...and just can't get enough of it!!! : )
Monday, May 18, 2009
...In case your curious...
Well I hoped for a much higher comment number on my playground post...but Oh well, I really enjoyed reading the comments that I did get.
So, just in case your wondering about what I did, I informed the child kindly but firmly that, "Of course she can come up too!" Mic was having one of those "I don't do stairs alone" days, so I proceeded to go up with her and then worked on introductions, small talk and making friends.
...it was very interesting. The child made friends and even actively included Mic in some play for awhile, but then I had to pull Mic from the play for a minute to give her a tube feeding. When we returned it was as though that time of play had never existed and the child was right back to where she started. At that point we moved to a different area of the playground.
...It made me feel sad and angry as I analyzed the other little girls actions. From what I was able to observe, I believe she was acting out a rejection that she is recieving on a daily basis in her home. ...very heartwretching.
...And after reading your comments I also found it very interesting to analyze my own internal reactions in the moment. You see, I wasn't a very "socially apt" child, myself, and really hope my children can have an easier time. I also have fears about Mic and her physical "defects" and find myself subconciously trying to protect her from rejections that she may have to deal with because of how she looks and eats. I don't have any profound conclusions at this point,...I just know that a lot of what we feel and do in "react" moments are affected by things we have hidden within--often things we ourselves are not even very aware of. And I know it was good for me to become a little more aware of some of those things in me so that I can seek the Lord's help in these areas and be more purposeful in my actions next time...
And...thats what happened!...just in case you were curious...
So, just in case your wondering about what I did, I informed the child kindly but firmly that, "Of course she can come up too!" Mic was having one of those "I don't do stairs alone" days, so I proceeded to go up with her and then worked on introductions, small talk and making friends.
...it was very interesting. The child made friends and even actively included Mic in some play for awhile, but then I had to pull Mic from the play for a minute to give her a tube feeding. When we returned it was as though that time of play had never existed and the child was right back to where she started. At that point we moved to a different area of the playground.
...It made me feel sad and angry as I analyzed the other little girls actions. From what I was able to observe, I believe she was acting out a rejection that she is recieving on a daily basis in her home. ...very heartwretching.
...And after reading your comments I also found it very interesting to analyze my own internal reactions in the moment. You see, I wasn't a very "socially apt" child, myself, and really hope my children can have an easier time. I also have fears about Mic and her physical "defects" and find myself subconciously trying to protect her from rejections that she may have to deal with because of how she looks and eats. I don't have any profound conclusions at this point,...I just know that a lot of what we feel and do in "react" moments are affected by things we have hidden within--often things we ourselves are not even very aware of. And I know it was good for me to become a little more aware of some of those things in me so that I can seek the Lord's help in these areas and be more purposeful in my actions next time...
And...thats what happened!...just in case you were curious...
Saturday, May 16, 2009
No Weigh Days
I made a spontaneous decision today. Not something I am very prone to do. Ask my husband! He will tell you how I research, debate, investigate, think, pray, TALK (how I process), think some more and then agonize because researching I realize how much I still don't know but there's no more time left to keep stalling...
Anyway today I invented something off the cuff--no research or debating! Its called "No Weigh Days".
Meals for Mic are a process. I have a digital scales the weights to the gram, and a spread sheet for the data. Each individual food is weighed then served. All leftovers are meticulously calculated and grams and calories eaten are figured out and added to the chart.
In case you haven't figured it out yet by my recent oral feeding reports...I am burnt out. After a serious sit down with God, I have a better attitude and outlook and am now getting through my days again without bursting into tears at awkward moments. But even that does not change the fact that I am simply tired. Tired of no change...tired of "striving for that which is not happening".
So my newly instituted No Weigh Days are just that! A day (like today) when it would be easier or far more convenient because of other plans to toss the scales and spread sheet, serve her plate, let her eat what she will and toss the leftovers (or give them to little D, or the dog...as appropriate). See, I have HUGE stacks of spreadsheets. And I already know that she is eating between 0 (really bad day) and 300 (excellent day) oral cals a day, and until I see this changing I think this is one thing that I can cut out and give myself a break on occasion...and so...I WILL! HOORAY!
On other news. Very abruptly our weather changed this week and from one day to the next we have obviously entered the rainy season. ...so, for all those who were jealous of my "wading pool in February" pictures. Be jealous no more. From here on out for the rest of "summer" your weather will get nicer and nicer and mine will get muddier and muddier...oh, well...such is life! As long as we can manage to get the wipers working on the car SOON, and keep the roof from leaking to bad we'll be OK.
Anyway today I invented something off the cuff--no research or debating! Its called "No Weigh Days".
Meals for Mic are a process. I have a digital scales the weights to the gram, and a spread sheet for the data. Each individual food is weighed then served. All leftovers are meticulously calculated and grams and calories eaten are figured out and added to the chart.
In case you haven't figured it out yet by my recent oral feeding reports...I am burnt out. After a serious sit down with God, I have a better attitude and outlook and am now getting through my days again without bursting into tears at awkward moments. But even that does not change the fact that I am simply tired. Tired of no change...tired of "striving for that which is not happening".
So my newly instituted No Weigh Days are just that! A day (like today) when it would be easier or far more convenient because of other plans to toss the scales and spread sheet, serve her plate, let her eat what she will and toss the leftovers (or give them to little D, or the dog...as appropriate). See, I have HUGE stacks of spreadsheets. And I already know that she is eating between 0 (really bad day) and 300 (excellent day) oral cals a day, and until I see this changing I think this is one thing that I can cut out and give myself a break on occasion...and so...I WILL! HOORAY!
On other news. Very abruptly our weather changed this week and from one day to the next we have obviously entered the rainy season. ...so, for all those who were jealous of my "wading pool in February" pictures. Be jealous no more. From here on out for the rest of "summer" your weather will get nicer and nicer and mine will get muddier and muddier...oh, well...such is life! As long as we can manage to get the wipers working on the car SOON, and keep the roof from leaking to bad we'll be OK.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Playground Etiquette
Yesterday morning we spent a bunch of hours at the hospital. Since getting there is such a journey I try to multitask as much as possible when there.
There are many things I DON'T like about the government run children's hospital that attends to my daughter's needs, but there are also a lot of wonderful things about them.
One of the more superficial "likes" is that they recently finished a HUGE construction project that includes a completely new facility for all the medical appointments equipped with (drumroll) really great playground equipment created in such a way that it is for the exclusive use of patients, is safe, and surrounded by transparent walls so that mom is on the inside waiting to be called in to see the doc but has full view at all times of her child. They also made it accessible for children of all capacities. This is slowly becoming less of an issue for Mic, but when they first opened it, it was huge! This was the only playground equipment I'd found that she could actually use independently!
So, here is the question of the day.
What is the correct manner in which to deal with someone else's rude child? For example, what would you say to the small girl talking to Mic saying, "Girl, Hey, GIRL! NO! You can't come up here with us." While her grandma sits complacently on a bench clear on the other side of the area and probably can't even hear what is being said...and doesn't look to friendly herself.
Really, dear reader, I'm all ears here, and dying to know!...what would YOU do?
There are many things I DON'T like about the government run children's hospital that attends to my daughter's needs, but there are also a lot of wonderful things about them.
One of the more superficial "likes" is that they recently finished a HUGE construction project that includes a completely new facility for all the medical appointments equipped with (drumroll) really great playground equipment created in such a way that it is for the exclusive use of patients, is safe, and surrounded by transparent walls so that mom is on the inside waiting to be called in to see the doc but has full view at all times of her child. They also made it accessible for children of all capacities. This is slowly becoming less of an issue for Mic, but when they first opened it, it was huge! This was the only playground equipment I'd found that she could actually use independently!
So, here is the question of the day.
What is the correct manner in which to deal with someone else's rude child? For example, what would you say to the small girl talking to Mic saying, "Girl, Hey, GIRL! NO! You can't come up here with us." While her grandma sits complacently on a bench clear on the other side of the area and probably can't even hear what is being said...and doesn't look to friendly herself.
Really, dear reader, I'm all ears here, and dying to know!...what would YOU do?
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Oral...
...I wish I had something profound to say... I wish something profound was happening...
In the last month two families have signed off of my Blenderized Diet support group because their child is now 100% oral. Or in other words...IT CAN HAPPEN...just,...apparently not to us...for now...
And its hard not to feel like it is unfair. Medically speaking Mic has never been better. Why won't she eat now? That's the rhetorical question of my life and I am tired of philosophizing on it. I feel a bit like I am trying to emotionally wash my hands of the whole matter. Not give up...not completely,...but deep down...almost...
I sort of feel I have done everything humanly and inhumanly possible to help make this happen...and if God and Mic don't step in and do the rest...well...then...I just don't know...
I really don't want or need any advise right now--empathy, maybe, but not advise...just thought it might be good for me to try and put this in words...and let myself cry a bit...
In the last month two families have signed off of my Blenderized Diet support group because their child is now 100% oral. Or in other words...IT CAN HAPPEN...just,...apparently not to us...for now...
And its hard not to feel like it is unfair. Medically speaking Mic has never been better. Why won't she eat now? That's the rhetorical question of my life and I am tired of philosophizing on it. I feel a bit like I am trying to emotionally wash my hands of the whole matter. Not give up...not completely,...but deep down...almost...
I sort of feel I have done everything humanly and inhumanly possible to help make this happen...and if God and Mic don't step in and do the rest...well...then...I just don't know...
I really don't want or need any advise right now--empathy, maybe, but not advise...just thought it might be good for me to try and put this in words...and let myself cry a bit...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What a Guy!
My little mister is the personification of language in explosion. It is such a blast! But yesterday really took the cake for me! We have a little book that teaches the alphabet in sign language, one letter on each page along with lots of pictures. He and I were pointing out objects that he knows--apple, baby, cat, car, dog, pizza, rabbit...etc. When we get to the page for "O" rather than point at something in the picture he pointed at the letter and declared "O!". And then just in case I didn't hear, he proudly repeated himself several times. All I can do is laugh! :o) I have no idea where or when my 1yr. 8mo. old taught himself the letter O. I have been working on the alphabet with his big sister...when he sleeps his afternoon nap in a seperate room!
And since I realized I've kind of been slacking on pictures here's a recent Sunday morning shot. They DO get along with each other...once in a while! ;o)Monday, May 4, 2009
Well, among other fun things I had my first ultrasound last week. It confirmed that yup! I am very pregnant (OK, that really wasn't in question), and yup! I am 13 weeks along...and what an amazing little kicker I have growing inside of me! Never had I seen so much detail in a plain old black and white ultrasound on a baby so tiny. We saw both little hand prints and could count out all five fingers clearly on each hand. And also got a clear look at his/her face--eyes, nose and mouth! And the whole time the baby was wriggling, kicking, moving and dancing. Just amazing, breathtaking, and unbelievably beautiful. What an incredible Creator we have!!!
The other fun thing about this weekend has nothing on my growing baby, but in its own way is exciting for me. I love to organize. I love when things have a place to go. And my little storage room as gone from messy to down right hazardous over time. But this weekend DH finished mounting the shelves in there! To give a little background...when we got married we didn't have a closet or wardrobe, but came across some free metal shelves. Imagine the type of thing that would typically go in a shop or in the pantry to fill with canning jars. We turned two of those and a big dowel into our temporary closet. Temporary turned to months and months turned to almost seven years. And then, whoo-hoo! Another heaven sent (free!) gift! A wardrobe! (Not the one I painted awhile back, that one is for the kids, I really need to take a picture of this one too, I love it, it is beautiful--AND, bonus, I didn't have to paint it.)
So, this weekend I finally got our clothes moved into a "real closet" and the metal shelves were demoted to what they were made for...organizing "stuff" in a spot where they won't be an eye-sore. I still have a huge pile of things in the middle of my living room to go through, and either toss or organize--this is no small task. But even that can't get me down today! I am just so happy to finally have a place to be able to put them when I eventually manage to get it finished. Not to mention that I have all kinds of great art and craft supplies that I couldn't even get to that I will now be able to start employing as we begin Mic's kindergarten.
And finally another little oral feeding note, I think its going a little bit better, but please don't stop praying for us. She really did hit her lowest low since therapy. At least she is eating again, a little bit the last couple days, after a few days of literally almost zero oral cals.
The other fun thing about this weekend has nothing on my growing baby, but in its own way is exciting for me. I love to organize. I love when things have a place to go. And my little storage room as gone from messy to down right hazardous over time. But this weekend DH finished mounting the shelves in there! To give a little background...when we got married we didn't have a closet or wardrobe, but came across some free metal shelves. Imagine the type of thing that would typically go in a shop or in the pantry to fill with canning jars. We turned two of those and a big dowel into our temporary closet. Temporary turned to months and months turned to almost seven years. And then, whoo-hoo! Another heaven sent (free!) gift! A wardrobe! (Not the one I painted awhile back, that one is for the kids, I really need to take a picture of this one too, I love it, it is beautiful--AND, bonus, I didn't have to paint it.)
So, this weekend I finally got our clothes moved into a "real closet" and the metal shelves were demoted to what they were made for...organizing "stuff" in a spot where they won't be an eye-sore. I still have a huge pile of things in the middle of my living room to go through, and either toss or organize--this is no small task. But even that can't get me down today! I am just so happy to finally have a place to be able to put them when I eventually manage to get it finished. Not to mention that I have all kinds of great art and craft supplies that I couldn't even get to that I will now be able to start employing as we begin Mic's kindergarten.
And finally another little oral feeding note, I think its going a little bit better, but please don't stop praying for us. She really did hit her lowest low since therapy. At least she is eating again, a little bit the last couple days, after a few days of literally almost zero oral cals.
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