Hip Hip, Hooray

We had an unfortunate incident where our favorite baby, jammie baby, was lost. Yesterday morning Jenna lamented, "I not ever see my jammie baby again." You see, despite my repeated warnings that we should leave baby at home, Jenna took her to Jason & Jennifer's house, and took Landry a baby also. Somehow, jammie got lost during our evening of fun, and we all turned the house upside down looking. It's been emotional, but Jen's hung in there.

Tonight, Jennifer called with good news. The baby had been found. And, she was even wonderful enough to drop baby by tonight on her way to Home Depot - a fence supply run since they're building a fence this week.

School has been great, but keeping me entirely too busy. We're in research mode, and I'm making all new packets with new requirements since these are high schoolers. I am, of course, behind on grading. That seems to be the norm for me - I like the planning, designing, and teaching, but I HATE the grading. I would be all for school with no grades!

The kids brushed their teeth this morning. Isn't it just too cute! Hudson can climb the stool all by himself (getting down is another matter) and Jenna gave him his brush. You can tell he likes to do what sissy does.

Snuggle Me

I just love my kids. Tonight, Jenna was having a hard time settling into sleep. After a while I went and check on her. "Mommy, I think I need you to snuggle me a little bit." My heart just swelled. I gladly cuddled and held her, stroked her hair and face. After a little, she turned over, smiled, and said, "Goodnight, Mommy." I just love that!

Hudson is back to his funny little self. He has mastered the game of chase. He runs and then pauses to see if you'll come behind him or if you'll pop out in front of him. Then he just giggles. He also has his own language. We can't make out much, but he will get very serious, point, and jabber. It means something. This morning, he was complaining about his breakfast. I asked him, "Do you want this or that," indicating my toast over his oatmeal. He, very clearly, said, "That." He got some toast.

Jeremy surprised me with a visit after school today and put wheels on my podium (it comes up to my shoulder and weighs at least as much as I do). Now I can move it around a little easier. That's important, because we take roll online, but to get a signal from my little metal portable, I have to put my laptop right next to the window and aim it just right...

Sweet

We had about 130 people attend StoneWater's first public service on Sunday. It was amazingly smooth. It never would have been without our launch team - thank you to each and every one of you who helped. I felt kind of like a louse since I didn't get there to set up and didn't tear anything down. Since Hudson had been sick, and was still grumpy, I knew I didn't stand a chance of setting anything up without him tearing it down too early. Plus, I was still studying up on my lesson for the 2 & 3s. I REALLY enjoyed my time with those little guys and gals.

By the way, the next morning in my portable, all the power came on. The GISD electric guy came by about 2:00 and I told him the situation. Evidently, the middle school had a power surge the day before and that's probably what threw the AC. As for the other outlets, we're just "watching" them for now. I seem to have some short, but, no one's really worried! I think it's fine. The kids refer to my home as a "trailer" and the "ghetto." I told them it has character, and I like it.

Today I took the day off to accompany Jenna and Jer to a new pedi derm in Dallas. I find it funny that we just found her now that we have moved here. Anyway, I like her. She has a definite plan for Jen - tonight we begin atarax, tomorrow we begin Zyrtec, and tonight we begin with the lowest dose of creams. Since today is our last dose of steroids, we're preparing for the rebound. Jer and I still have a gut feeling that hers can be traced to foods, and we've got her off of all things we suspect - milk, eggs, red food dye, and, of course, peanuts. Yes, it's a pain, but if it helps, we're there. If, after a month, we're still clear, Dr. Carder suggested trying one of the foods we suspect, and we'll see what happens. She also wants to see Jenna in two weeks - great follow up!

Hudson is recovered from his fever. He is now cutting two molars - yipee! As long as we keep him on DYE FREE ibuprofen, he's good. After two days on pink profen, he was a red rash from head to toe. Funny, he's cleared up after taking him off colored goods. His skin is even soft again.

Jer did great Sunday, from what I have heard. He did a pre-game barf (sorry if that is too gross, but that is the best description), and it seemed to calm his nerves. I don't think I've ever seen him so nervous!

Well, it's still early, and I want to play with my sweeties!

School Days

First of all, I love high school. Yesterday was my first day of school, and I relished in it. They got my jokes, were respectful, and mostly focused...until 5th period. I haven't looked at the test data from last year yet, but I bet I have a lot of students who didn't pass. Unfortunately for 4 of them, I can tell they are very intelligent and very annoyed by their juvenile classmates.


Before I left yesterday morning(the first day of school), Jeremy told Jen we were going to pray. Jenna jumped right in with the best prayer she has ever said. She prayed for "mommy to have a good day and fun, mommy not to itch, me not to itch, and come home and play." I had a itching bump that she's implored me not to scratch. Hudson then waddled over and, clear as he has ever said a word, said "bye bye" as he buried his head in my lap. It was SO sweet that they BOTH knew I needed extra love.

Today started well, I figured out my approach for the day. I turned on the overhead - nothing. It worked just two days ago, but I checked the bulb. It looked fine. Tried again - nothing. So, I walked all the in and got a new bulb. Changed it - nothing. So, I carried the whole overhead in, got a new one, and carried it out. Set it up and, nothing. So, then I tried a lamp - nothing. Only one outlet out of 7 was working. So, today's lesson was greatly modified since I have a chalk board that is half covered with paper to serve as an overhead screen. I was LIVID. I filled a second service request and emailed the powers that be. During 4th period there was pop and the lights dimmed as the air cut on. By the end of 5th period I noticed it was getting warm and the temp was up to 80. When I left today I just threw the main breaker...we'll see tomorrow morning.

You have to know that just Wednesday I got word that the principal was working to move me into the building. But, knowing that it would displace another teacher, and not wanting to be the new kid on the block that gets everything she wants, I emailed her and told her I would rather stay put. I have found plenty of positives to my little schoolhouse. Ask me again today how I feel!

The bright point of the day today was the fact that I discovered, if I stand by one of my windows and put my laptop against the window, propped up on three books, I CAN get internet access from the building. The signal is weak, but there. So, that is helpful - I can submit attendance, read email, and access the grade system. This school communicates almost solely by email, so I have felt rather cut off from the world the last couple of days!

Hudson stayed home ill again today, but I think he's fine for tomorrow. I just can't wait until Saturday!

Daddy Daughter Day

Jeremy resumed his former ritual of Daddy Daughter Day today. It had become Daddy Daughter Dude Day, but since I have worked only part time for the last year, it didn't happen regularly. Anyway, today Jer & Jen spent the day. They went to Dr. Gahli (ped derm) - nothing new - and Cabela's. Jenna ordered ostrich without Jer's prompting because she remembered it from the Cabela's they visited on vacation in Buda. She's sharp, I tell you. She then bragged to me how much fun she was having with Daddy, which made Daddy's heart swell. He bought her one of those 'pop' guns where you pull the barrel, and it makes a pop. Tonight, as she watched her dinosaur movie, she shot the bad dinosaurs. It was really cute and funny.

Hudson is ill. Wouldn't you know it, the day before school starts. I can't miss the first day of school, and Jer has to meet Jay in Waco for a projector. Satan knows when to hit us. Luckily, my mom is on call tomorrow - We'll hit Melba up for Thursday, if need be (be warned, Melba). He had a 101.4 temp tonight and is lethargic. He ate like a mad man, though.

I am pretty ready for tomorrow. I have my roll, seating chart, piles of paper - letter home, rules/procedures. I don't have any lesson plans beyond tomorrow - which is VERY unlike me. I had planned the research paper with my fellow Junior teachers, but when someone scheduled their library dates, they overlapped with mine, so I had to move mine. Now I begin my research paper on Sept. 2 - too soon, but I'll manage fine. Just stressed because I don't have and ENTIRE six weeks planned, like usual.

Happy Anniversary to my dear friends, Jason & Jennifer Karnes. 8 years! Way to go guys!

Jeremy is AWESOME. He fine tuned my powerpoint presentation for tomorrow and helped me make sure the LCD projector is working. Thanks, babe!

11 months

Eleven months ago I met my little boy. I just love him so much! Tonight, during StoneWater Church, Teresa, my dear neighbor, came out of the house with a look of distress on her face. That isn't like Teresa, so I quickly did a scan of the children, who were all happily playing. Then she said, "Is someone watching baby on the ladder?" Guess who had made it almost to the top of the ladder to the slide. He had done great, but if had fallen it would have been most awful. Bad mommy.

Jenna has been doing good. Today, I lost her for a while. Well, lost is a strong word. She was in the garage and had been suspiciously quiet. So, I called for her; she just cracked the door to give me a response. That's a bad sign. Upon a little more inquiry, I noticed her little lips and around her mouth were red. Hmm, something red. "Jenna, do you have a sucker." "No." "Jenna, are you coloring something red in the garage?" "No." Then it hit me - yesterday I had a red snow cone, and I left it in the garage. Guess who found it and like it, even though it was melted and probably had bugs in it! Funny thing, later she broke out in red splotches from the waist down. Luckily, there wasn't any itching, but, boy is she red!

Tomorrow begins another week. This is reality, after all. Lunches are packed, blankets placed by the door, in hopes of a smooth Monday morning (if they exist).

Blessings

My kids are two precious little blessings from God.

Tonight as I rocked a very tired Hudson Reed (daycare has been difficult for him to adjust to only one 1 1/2 hour nap per day), Jenna came in. She placed a blanket on him, "all by myself," kissed him sweetly, stroked his face, told him "good night, sleep tight," and whispered in his ear, "Don't let the bed bugs bite." That's really cute if you know the whole story. For about a year my dad, whenever it is bed time at their house, will tell her "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." She thinks the "don't let the bed bugs bite" part is really funny. So, last night Dad and Jen went through the ritual, and she giggled out the last part. It was incredibly sweet to see her share her "secret" and special bond with PawPaw with Hudson.

The last few days have been busy. Thursday was Caden Samuel's birthday #6. Friday Jeremy took off out of town, so I scooped the kids up, and we went to my parents' for some tender lovin' care. Mom always cooks, does our laundry before we leave, and just makes me feel good. I got to do some shopping at Penney's (I saved $211 on my first trip. Which probably leaves you wondering how much I spent...I got some REALLY good deals, like shirts for 2.99.) Jenna got a little rough with Abby, my parents' dog. The result is a red nose with little teeth marks...oops.

Jer just called and report he will be home around 10:00, so he asked me to keep Jenna up. That suited her great since she had been complaining from bed for 30 minutes that, "I'm not tired yet." She's happily watching Blue's Clues on TV.

Here is a picture of Jen in my rain boots (for trucking to and from the portable at school), her rain hat, and coat when it sprinkled earlier this week. Hee hee.

You have GOT to be kidding me!

Today I had the pleasure (ahem) of finishing new teacher orientation for GISD. I am super excited to begin the year, which is interesting.

At 12:15 I got a call from FBC Preschool. It seemed that Hudson had eaten his lunch with gusto, but had turned red, broken out in "mosquito like bumps" (hives), his eyes were swelling, and he was screaming. Classic allergic reaction (I'm such a pro). I asked the necessary questions, "Are his lips swelling? Is his breathing labored?" He had already fallen asleep, so I determined it best to leave him until after nap and re-assess the situation. At 2:00 the call returned, he was still swollen eyed and red, so I left to get him. The nurse and I talked, no use taking him in, a little Benedryl is all that can be done, and watch his diet. He looks pretty pitiful, but not anywhere as bad as Jenna was with her peanut reaction at this same age. Two years ago I received a call on a teacher workday that Jenna had swollen eyes and lips - does history repeat itself or what?

Tonight I had a soire with the English teachers of GHS. I really like my new co-workers. They are a funny group, with some great personalities.

Jenna's favorite part of "school" is the "big slide." Every day I get a big slide report - I know she does other things, but that is her favorite! She is so loving these days, telling me how I am her favorite mommy in the whole world.

I love 'em, love 'em, love 'em.

sooo tired

I am just pooped. Hudson was too; he went to bed at 7:30. Jenna is trying now. I'm tucking myself in soon.

First day of work - first day of day care. Hudson marched right in with his "aakk" that means "fun." Jenna was okay until she realized I am not her teacher. Then she cried. She started crying again when she and her brother were separated.

Pick up time! I have to walk by Hudson's room to get Jenna, and who is sitting at the table like a big boy?! He sees me and the look on his face is a priceless mix of "I love her, I want her, how can I get there." Before I could reach him, he fell out of his chair. Poor baby. Jenna looked up and said, "Mommy, you came back." Like I might not - tug at my heart!

I have a cute picture, but I'm too tired to upload tonight - so I'll leave you hanging on for tomorrow.

Reality

Yesterday Granny and Papa Fulton, my grandparents, so the kids' great-grandparents, came for a visit with Dad (Mom's still sick). It was great seeing them all play. I hear my parents tell me how wonderful being grandparents is, and from the looks of things, it's even better to be a great granparent! Then we spent the evening actually being home for a change; it was nice.

Today we had a big breakfast and played for a while. Hudson skipped his morning nap for the first time. He babbled in his bed for a while and then started his "aak" and "aak," which means, "hey, I'm in here awake." Jenna looked at me and said, "I think he not sleepy." So, in we went for him, and up he stayed until afternoon nap at 2:00.

We had a small group tonight for StoneWater. I don't know where everyone was, but I had only two kids - Jenna and Payton. They were great, and it was pretty relaxing, for a change.

Tomorrow is reality, though. I begin 'new teacher orientation,' which is really annoying, other than the fact that I will learn about insurance and, hopefully, get the school issued lap top. Plus, being a veteran now, I have a list of questions to fire - how can I get internet to my portable, I need furniture, desks, tv/vcr, budget for supplies, teacher aides?

the itchies are returning...and that creates some serious anxiety in me. Will I awake tonight with cries and scratches that I can't fix? I pray I don't.

Beautiful Day

I consider this type of life perfection, and I want it to last forever.

Dr. Watts spoke with Dr. Robin Carder, head of ped. derm., in Dallas at Children's Medical. She is fearful of a rebound even after we taper from the steroid, so she wants to schedule and appointment within the week that Jen comes off. She, along with Dr. Gahli, our current ped. derm., is really willing to work with us to do anything we can to help her. It feels good to have a small army of doctors willing to come to our aid. I have also already decided, while I'm sane and rational, that if Jenna has another flare that bad, I will, without hesitation, drive to the doctor and wait in the waiting room until someone sees her in that state.

Enough medical stuff, today was another beautiful day. We spent the morning playing with Noah animals - Jenna likes to pair them up and pretend, Hudson likes to eat and throw. Joey and Caden came over for lunch, and we got news that Carson and Lisa were getting to come home! Then, we decided to take the kids to Nana and Pawpaw White's for an evening of fun.

On the way there I decided that Hudson is saying "jenna" FOR SURE. It sounds more like "nenna," but he is definitely using her name! He's back to being happy 99% of the time. Nana gave Jenna a pop ice, and he quickly discovered that those are some kind of good! Well, Jenna was sweet enough to continue to share, so she had a little shadow that would then intercept her with his mouth wide open. She would gladly give him some more each time. It was during this that he would pursue and say, "Nenna."

Jenna reveled in a couple of long gator rides, but she still didn't care for playing with the dogs too much. Four slobbering, overeager Weimaraners are a little overwhelming for a shortie; they're overwhelming for me! She downed lot's of pizza style garlic & cheese bread and even some ranch dressing along with at least three popsicles!

Our kids are so sweet and fun, thanks for letting me share!

Day in Heaven

I think my little man might be a little musical. Eric and others have always said that 'Hudson Reed' would make a good worship leader's name! All morning, any time ANY music plays (commercial, CD, me) he starts bopping up and down and twisting side to side and chattering - IN KEY!

The kids and I spent the morning playing - just plain, hard playing. No house cleaning, no working - playing. It was hysterical. Hudson danced and 'sung' while Jenna danced and did the 'jumping J' (she jumps up and down, she got it from Sesame Street). After nap we snacked and took a little walk and trip to the playground at the school. On the way, I allowed Hudson, who has discovered the stroller is mighty boring, to walk, too. He was SO excited, squawking, walking and waving his arms, that he accumulated too much speed for his baby legs, and plowed, face first, into the pavement. You can see the scrapes on his forehead and nose in the picture. Nevertheless, he refused his chariot.

Then we decided to do something FUN. So, we loaded up and took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's. It was SO much fun. We gave Jenna a token and let her use it by herself; she felt so liberated that she quickly approached Jer, put her little hand in his pocket, and said, "Dad, I need more money." She played a lot of games, including skee ball which became dodgeball for those on each side of us! (I, by the way, outscored Jer with a score of 270,000 to his 200,000).

It was so awesome to let her eat pizza and even eat tomatoes off of the salad bar. Those are her personal favorites, but cheese and tomato are two foods that are theoretical 'no-no's,' so we've cut them from her diet. Since she's on the steroid, we gave them to her. The whole time we ate all you could hear was her, "ummm, ummm" sound that she makes. Of course some of it was the ravenous appetite from the steroid, but mostly it was Jenna enjoying food, something she doesn't get to do often. We felt liberated; we could let her have anything and just watch her enjoy! It made us want to give her everything.

Hudson loved the moving rides. Bob the Builder rocked back and forth, and he just beamed the whole time. He kept walking to it and getting on. He also liked all the games with steering wheels and had to spin them all! Then, we made a trip to Toys R Us to look for birthday gifts. Jenna tried bicycles (and got a little crazy) while Hudson found a couple of push toys he really liked.

A whole day without itching or scratching, and no commands to 'pat, don't scratch' was awesome!

On the way out to the car, a little hand slipped into mine. A soft, affectionate hold from my little girl, not a 'you have to hold my hand even though you don't want to.' I wanted to hold that little hand, so sweet and so content, forever.

My heart is just bursting with joy!

Littlefoot and Sharptooth

Jenna loves the Land Before Time series of dinosaur movies, so we often hear stories or pretend play that involve Sara, Littlefoot, Spike, Petri, and the rest of the gang. Tonight we decided to make a quick trip to Dinosaur State Park in Glen Rose and show her the footprints and two giant replicas of a Sharptooth (T. Rex) and Longneck (?). She was impressed, but she and Hudson both liked splashing in the water better.

Last night I enjoyed a night with the girls of StoneWater at our first Girls Night Out. I took all my scrapbooking stuff and a salad, and ended up eating too much and just organizing pictures. Jennifer got 5 pages accomplished, way to go! I got all of my existing printed pictures organized into months and marked off my index prints...I'm pretty happy, but way behind.

This morning I met with Heather and Carrie to write lesson plans, and I am really excited about going back. I actually look forward to this year, getting into a routine and TEACHING. I do love it! Then, I returned to spend lots of time playing with the kids. I love play time! Wrestles, tickles, snacks (lots of snacks on steroids), and cuddles.

Jenna's skin is already showing serious improvement. If you have a strong stomach (mom and dad, don't go), you can see the pictures I took Monday versus those I took this evening after just 3 days of steroid & antibiotic. It really is amazing how fast she can clear up.

Please remember Carson; Lisa took off for the hospital about an hour ago with Carson. He has a 102 temperature, which means a trip to the emergency room and, very likely, a hospital stay of a few days - at least until his fever is down. It's something that has been going around - Joey, Lisa, and Caden have all had it, and Hudson is starting. Just pray for him and Lisa as they are away. Pray for Joey, he is home sick and couldn't go because he would just spread germs...

Special Report - Fairy Godfather

I've always hated those Special Report signals; as a kid, it meant that my TV show was going to be interrupted, and now, as an adult, it means that I'm about to hear bad news. So, when I heard the music, I knew it was bad...

Special Reports can be good. Dr. Gahli, our ped. dermatologis, phoned today in response to our inquiries. Dr. Watts, our ped., wanted me to call and include him in the most recent, severe saga. He doesn't like oral steroids, but from what I described (and cried about), he said it sounded best. He, however, wants to ween her back off very gradually as to avoid a "rebound reaction" that would be worse (I shudder to think of a 'worse'). So, we will spend the next 25 days on steroids, decreasing the amount by 1/4 teaspoon every 5 days.

He said there are other options past this, mostly stronger drugs where we seriously worry about liver function and stunting growth. He did say that if we end up on steroids two to three times a year, that is preferable and will not cause damage. He has two collegues, one in Dallas and one in Houston, that he said we would also consult to see if there is anything we're missing. He is in favor of the allergy testing again to try to pinpoint any allergies we don't know about, but he even said it could be something we're applying topically that is an allergy for her and will be difficult to identify(perhaps even one of the creams we've been using for treatment). It's going to be a battle, but, again, God has provided a doctor who DOES care and DOES want to help us. He is a father of a little boy about Jenna's age, so he can empathize from the parent standpoint.

As for the fairy godfather...Jenna received a cute little princess wand at a birthday party a couple of weeks ago. While Hudson received a very manly sword, he much prefers the wand. Jeremy repeatedly takes it away from him, calling it his "sissy wand." Here's a little picture of the dude with his favorite toy (favorite other than the CDs he's demolishing right now!)

Cheap Drunk

No, it's not what it seems. However, Jenna on prednisolone is a cheap drunk. It hit her about 8:00 pm, and it's been bubbling over since. She's peaking now, at 10:30, as we put her into bed. She's playing peek a boo with "jammie baby" and "bear." She's thirsty, but three times she's had a cup of water, and she has spilled each time. First she just missed Jer's hand by a foot, second she just knocked it over (while looking directly at it), and third, she missed pouring it in the sink, and hit the counter and floor. You just can't get mad when you know the medicine's messing with her, and while it is a little sad, for the most part, it is a good relief from the past couple of days. She's just jabbering on in her room...the language is unintelligible...

Hudson joined in the family story telling tonight. We went to the White House to find out some cool news (that I won't spoil yet, so contact the Joey White bunch to find out). Anyway, on the way home I was telling a Sneaky Snake story to pass some time, and when I included Hudson and his "squawk," he giggled and started squawking. Clearly, that is some word that means a lot to him...

Jenna just summoned me for a secret, at which point she stuck her finger in my mouth and giggled. Then she whispered in my ear, "I love you, and don't poop in the bed." Told you she was a cheap drunk!

Hope

I guess the last few posts you could tell that we had begun to run out of hope. I was getting really down, as a matter of fact, I had begun to wonder, "Do I need medication, again?" But, with a new morning this morning and a new month, came new hope.

Dr. Watts put Jenna on Prednisolone and Augmentin for the skin infection and inflamation. She has also taken on calling some of her collegues to see if there is a center here in Texas that is comparable to Jewish Medical in Denver. I have printed off all the information we need to refer ourselves (Watts would help, if needed) to Denver. This weekend I was ready to catch a flight and show up on their doorstep, crying for help. You see, we spent the last two nights up with Jenna most of night because she would scratch, scream, and itch. She is currently not itching, and has been asleep for a couple of hours napping, which is an answer to prayers. Last night a simple rinse in the shower resulting in blood curdling screams and serious sobs.

We are joyous today that we know she is healing, and our God is a faithful God. Jesus loves the little children, and Jenna is His child. Everytime she tremored last night or cried, I would squeeze her tight (to bind her hands) and sing, "Jesus loves you, this I know." Each time she would settle again sleep.

She was so sweet last night after church. I put on a video in her room, and she and Carson crawled into her little bed together. Grinning from ear to ear, you could tell they share some bond I haven't figured out. This morning she put some of her lipstick on me, which is quite a treat. She applied a huge glob of lipstick to my bottom lip and then instructed me to "rub." What a gooey, gross feeling! She is quite happy with her lipstick and fingernail polish. After lunch she even came up to my room today and drew on the board with chalk. She likes pink and purple the best.

Hudson has taken a liking to Jenna's magic wand. Daddy keeps taking it away from him and saying, "Give me that sissy wand." He runs with it (yes, he runs now) and just squawks, for lack of a better description of his sound.

Have a wonderful day!