Run, run, run

I am still running, and loving it! It feels good to run and be able to think beyond survival - surviving the run, that is.

School is good, and church is good. Let me tell you about my kids...

Hudson is learning to talk more and more - he is fascinated with 'cows' and he'll point them out yelling louder and louder until you acknowledge him. He still loves to be outdoors or playing in one of the cars. My car is pretty safe since he can't move the parking break. He'll spend an hour in there (and find things you have looked for for years (like the permanent marker that now decorates my console)).

Jenna is my princess. We cut about three inches off of her hair today, and it all curls so beautifully now. She is a little whiney, and a little moody, so that's a humbling experience for me. She loves to take care of her babies, and is a compassionate mother.

Jeremy continues to thrive in his hectic, crazy, and fulfilling job as pastor of StoneWater. Monday he will speak to the school board again in regard to renting a building downtown. Pray that it would go well and God's will would be fulfilled.

Love you guys - and - know there is a news email coming, somewhat soon!

Humbled

Tonight was StoneWater's 1st Women's Night. It was amazing - and humbling. There were 75 ladies in attendance, and it was amazing (I said that, didn't I). I can't believe the way that StoneWater has touched lives and hearts. I sat in my seat listening to testimonies and looking at the banner above with the logo. All I could do was think back to those days of church planting class, the dark days of depression following Hudson's birth, and the craziness of moving here and not knowing a soul. Those days when we were searching for a name for this new church and, then a logo. The number of times we receive a logo and said, "no." And the ones we looked at and said 'maybe.' Until the final - 'that's it!' And I sat in a room tonight (and karaoked - against my will, but what do you do when they are calling your name, specifically, because you skipped out on your group earlier?) with women who have been touched by God as a result of StoneWater. All the doubts, all the frustrations, all exhaustion seemed to wash completely away and thankfulness, adoration, and humility replaced them.

It has been a long week and this has been a short weekend. This morning we had a group of about 15 run in the Project Graduation GHS fun run. I ran the whole thing! Yes, all 3.1 miles. Woo hoo. I've been in training for 2 weeks (actually, I just decided to start working out again to see if any of my parts will return to pre-baby days, or at least, pre-Hudson days - the things that boy did to me!).

You can all be praying about StoneWater's location. Jeremy spoke at the school board meeting on Monday to propose leasing the former Methodist Church that is right on the square. The gym would be perfect for our needs...there is just some negotiating to take care of. Plus, we would lose our stadium seats - so comfy. But, the room for growth would be great. We have a plan 'just in case' for next week for overflow of sending video feed into the next theater in case we fill the 10:30 service. And, should God bless us like he has been, it will be needed.

Hudson is talking more and more, but has found his new talent of locating pacifiers (since we're trying to take them away). He comes out of his room, or any room, with one in his mouth and one in his hand. He smiles behind that paci and sticks his head out as if to say 'look at me, look what I found.' We think we may also be taking him off of soy - let's just say we've decide and discovered after one week of rice milk that our life does not have to be one of total diaper blow outs...He's beginning to get that 'little boy' look over a baby or toddler look, and it's beginning to tug at my heart strings.

Jenna is beautiful and brilliant. She is a compassionate mother to her babies (with the exception of an occasional trip in the swing in the back yard). She keeps me entertained with her barrage of questions during our running trips - some nights I just have to say, "Mommy - can't - talk - now." She likes night runs the best because of the stars. Her hair is now below her waist when it is wet in the bathtub, otherwise she still has her curls. I want to get it cut, but then again, that's the last of the baby hair...heart strings again.

Mom of the Year!

I blush and thank my Heavenly Father that I am able to write this, and I write it as a caution to you other moms that read my blog. My heart stopped today, literally and figuratively.

Our air conditioner has been out since Friday evening, and the repair man can't make it until sometime tomorrow, so we've been airing it out. That's difficult enough with the kids' allergies, but monitoring them has been a challenge, too. They can both open doors and wander about as they please. The front door has a lock and the garage stays closed. Well, we discovered there is a good breeze if we open the garage a few inches and leave the door open. I left it open a minimal amount (I didn't think it was even enough for a cat to get in), and somehow Hudson must have squeezed under. A very nice older lady and her walking partner returned him to me...he was out in the driveway playing all alone. He ran right to her, giggling. I almost threw up. My dear precious boy. Needless to say, heat or no heat, the garage will never again be propped open even two inches.

After that we had a thanksgiving picnic out back (plus it's cooler), and then I decided to drive the path I ran to see just how far I shuffled (still running, day 8!). Jeremy drives through the neighborhood with one of the kids driving in his lap all the time, so I decided it would be fun, and I'd be rebellious mom and let them just hang out. So, diaper dude Hudson was in my lap driving, Jenna was in the seat beside me and we took off to drive my path. I got to the intersection and who was sitting at the other stop sign but a Texas Highway Patrol. My heart sunk and I told Jenna, "Now we're going to talk to this nice police man." I had no license with me, and neither child was restrained, heck, I wasn't restrained! I calmly signaled and turned. He just kept driving right on past me! Thank you, again, God.

This is a lesson for me, never break the rules, because when you break or push the rules and you're Misti, you'll get caught every time!

That's why I'm Mrs. Paranoid.

Run, run, run

I have restarted my old running hobby. I have actually run 3 consecutive days (and for 20 minutes each day the past two days). I hurt, but I feel good. Now the rain will squelch that for a couple of days.

The kids are awesome - Hudson is talking more and more (and you can understand more and more). He is a hoot - he knows he is funny and is taking the time to show us. Tonight he ran up and down the driveway (well supervised, of course) just giggling all the way. He is also a hitter and a strong willed "no" machine, but a few time outs and a few spankings a day should be turing that around soon. His report from school today was that he said 'no' less that last week - progress, progress.

Jenna is beautiful. She is a delight and smart. She is a little egocentric these days, my nerves are wearing thin on "look at me" and "watch this" and "hey mommy." I love her but I would like to go 5 minutes without a Jenna moment. I hate that I even said that, but Jeremy even exclaimed, "Calgon, take me away" tonight in response. The funniest was our family run, Jeremy pushing the stroller, when she kept firing questions as we went up a HUGE hill and we could hardly breathe, much less answer who lived where and how much farther we needed to go to go home and why we were running, Daddy, and who is that...

Corban Dan

The little guy made it! Weighing in at 7lbs and 3oz with 18 inches of stature, he has quite a lot of blonde hair. What a shock, blonde! Lisa did great, she said only about 30 minutes were tough (she did it completely natural). We're proud!

For Tuesday, it has already been a long week - I'm pooped!

Back to life, back to reality

I think that was a song in the eighties...it's true for tomorrow. I'll be rising early (I didn't make lunches tonight, and I just want to retire early).

We had a STUPENDOUSLY WONDERFUL meal at the Karnes' (thank you, again, for that) and just got home to place the kids in bed. Baby boy #2 (Eric, 19) called needing a help on a paper (I love students who plan ahead), and I just finished the corrections (Who was his high school English teacher, anyway), and sent them his direction.

Now, it's off to bed for me.

Adios.

Matt did almost kill me - it was his idea and misguidance.

Spring Break

We have had the most wonderful spring break of our lives. This one beats even the ski trip on which Jer and I became a couple (and where Matt almost killed me - no hard feelings).

Monday I got to spend 5 hours scrapbooking with Lisa, my sister in law, followed by a new, summer hair cut. Tuesday we took off to the zoo with the kids and then spent the night in Grapevine. At the zoo Hudson constantly commented, "more" and Jenna asked all the necessary questions, "What does he say? Which is the mommy and which is the daddy?" We went swimming (indoor pool) and to the Rainforest Cafe. Hudson was just scared enough of all the commotion presented by the animals that he stuck to me like glue (cheek to cheek) during the whole meal. There was no power struggle, just some good snuggling and eating. Wednesday we headed back (after a terrible night of sleep, our kids are rooters and toss and turn and groan and cry in their sleep). Thursday we took a trip to my grandparents, Granny and Papa. We visited, fished, and visited some more. Hudson skinned his knee, and Papa doctored it; Jenna relocated Granny's geese and caught a big fish with her dad. It was a long overdue and delightful trip. Friday we hung out around here and then went to my parents to hang out a little.

Pure bliss...

up too late

Up too late...

The new trimester, though hectic, is proving to be my favorite so far...good kids, good classes.

The kids are wonderful, and, as usual, cute and brilliant.

This Crown financial class is killing me, but we're actually getting a budget and using Quicken to follow our progress. Two hours on the computer tonight recategorizing items, but it will pay off (the report is two pages vs. the old 4, so it's getting there).

Taxes still aren't done, and I had a BIG coke today, but we're making progress in both areas!

Pray for family health - more on that later.

Oopsie

Okay, I get a little side tracked from time to time, I don't know why really, but I forget to blog.

Hudson's personality is continuing to grow. Tonight we went to eat at Garcia's with the Karnes family, and Jason was lucky enough to be on Hudson's end. Hudson really appreciated Jason's laughter and attention, so he was at his best. H really has such a cute little personality, and if you see the facial expressions to match his jabbering and antics, he is really, really funny. His asthma is finally under control (thank you Singulair and Flovent), but he is still a runny nose booger monster. We're up to Nasonex, and it's fun squirting that up his nose - talk about facial expressions. It's a wonder he doesn't run when he sees me coming with some new contraptions - spacer for inhaler, squirter for nose, kleenex for boogs. He is a hitter, though. Lots and lots of time out.

Jenna is in a definite, "Look at me mommy. Watch me." She spins, jumps, and acts crazy. It's hard because Hudson is just at that completely adorable age, and she's trying to stay top dog. Of course, no one could deny that the princess is just that, the princess. She can recite most books from memory, sing dozens of songs, and amaze us with her reasoning skills (especially if it involves getting a BreathSaver or gummy worm).

I begin a new trimester tomorrow (and I'm up awfully late for that), and I'm excited. I'll go back to only 2 preparations (section B and AP section B). I have already taught B last trimester, so it's only one new preparation and it is more literature (and more writing - ug). I think it will be good. I have two classes with only 14 students as of today, rosters could and will still change a little. The kicker will be 3rd period - 26 kids and some real personalities (not charming ones). I'll have to work on that.

Church is going well. God continues to humble us in ways I never dreamed or even wished possible. I absolutely love everything with StoneWater, well, some of the busyness could go, but it's all an adventure. Last night Jer and I were discussing the fact that it feels like camp all the time. It's a good thing we both always liked camp! Of course, you get really tired at camp. This weekend is the annual church planter's retreat, and we're taking off Thursday. The other White family will keep our kids (that could put Lisa into labor) and then my parents will take over. Hooray for family!

We love you guys...

Booger, boogers, and more boogers

We are a congested, snotty family. Hudson's allergies are on high and we took him back to the doctor with asthma and allergies. We're trying another set of meds to see if it works, and if not, we'll be off to the specialist. Hopefully, this will work.

Jenna continues to amaze us. Tonight she helped me sign all of her Valentine's for her friends. Big girl! She is the lone well person in the family. She helped me survive at Wal Mart while I waited for sudafed (it really is silly to have to wait in line, but I guess if it helps prevent druggies, it's worth it). She was quite entertaining and uplifting.

Jeremy sounds (and feels) terrible, and I'm right there with him.

Come on weekend!

Curious George

I realized tonight that Curious George has a cousin, Curious Hudson. They even look a little alike. They definitely have a similar taste for mischief. I think H has been in time out 5 times today already. We're really buckeling down on teaching him limits and obedience. It's hard because he's just so darn cute. But, one year olds don't need to get into the fridge and smash tomatoes because it's fun.

Jenna loved the movie. The only time her attention diverted was when Landry announced a need to potty, and you know girls can't go to the bathroom alone, so it was Jenna's duty to uphold the time honored tradition. It is so heart warming for her to grab your arm when she gets a little worried or hear her sweet, sweet giggle.

The man in front of Hudson probably didn't think my kids were as cute - like when H put his extra clothes over his head, or flicked his Sprite straw in his direcion, or leaned in for a good, up close examination. Like I said, Curious George and Curious H - hand in hand.

Jeremy helped me a ton this morning as I cleaned house. It needed it - cabinets, floor, caulking, you name it. Now if I can just finish this laundry and some dusting! I am trying to take more time with my kids, I realized I so often feel frazzled because I want to spend time with them, but clean and prepare instead. I think we'll all be happier if mommy gets better at balancing her time!

Whew

It looks as if the identity theft might just be a scare. Colorado DMV says that the car is registered to Misti M. White - not exactly me. The lady in parking at CSU had a car accident and is out until Monday. So, Barb is now helping me, and she's trying to trace me to the old system to see how my info from Ft.W got in there. She said the ticket will be easy to eliminate, but wasn't sure how easy it would be to get the creditors to let go of it.

Hudson is wheezing a little again, so we'll put in a call for a different asthma med tomorrow. He's back to smiling H. He's funny, laughing, and licking. Yes, licking, we were wrestling and he kept licking me and giggling that deep belly laugh.

Jenna is too smart. She at some cookies at school today but declared, "There wasn't any milk, it's fine." You should have heard her say "it's fine" It was so funny. She's a laugh a minute.

I had a moment of frustration tonight at a baby shower. One woman made a baby quilt and I told the person beside me that I used to have time for those things. The one who made it told me that I had plenty of time, she just started it Saturday and had it finished. She has no kids, and no intention of having any...I just smiled and bit my tongue - HARD.

Jenna's speech evaluation revealed a little problem with some sounds, but not enough to warrant therapy unless she's still doing it at 4. We have a cool tongue depressor (flavored) and we can practice. She's already improving.

Now....off to relax.

Identity Theft

Well, I always had a feeling it would happen, no matter how careful I was. Today Jeremy received a call looking for me, with my social. When I returned the call, sure enough - collection agency looking for me. Since my credit record is perfect (nearly), and since the money is owed to Colorado State University, I knew it wasn't me. I spent an hour and half on the phone to various people in the good state of Colorado, and discovered that I (or my other self) was on the campus of CSU on August 29, 2003 and at 9:03am I received a citation in a grey Nissan 090IUI for parking on a red curb. I didn't pay, so now they are tracking me. Hmm. I'm pretty sure that I was teaching school on that day in 2003 or hanging out with my pretty little girl. I believe my exact words when the woman gave me my name and social as tied to the car were, "Oh my, that's me, but that's not ME." I wonder how far this will go? Lizzetta in vehicles at CSU is checking into some 'stuff' for me - like why they have my address from 2000 in their database as having attended an event (and I haven't). I'm going to call Colorado DMV and see if I own a car, if so, I think it's been stolen, and I would like to have it back!

In other news, pray for Carson, he is in the hospital with an infection. They are going to remove his central line, which means IVs for at least two weeks which means hospital for two weeks. Lisa is very pregnant, and this just isn't good in any way.

Hudson's asthma is coming under control thanks to steroids...that's another big drama. When I had his medicine on Tuesday, it didn't seem right. For one, this is the 5th time that one of my kids has been on Orapred, so I know it pretty well. Well, this is the first time it has been pink and then he threw it up right after I gave it to him, so I tried it. It tasted like a strong cough syrup - they've both really liked it before! Needless to say, I didn't give it to him more. After a call to Doc, the pharmacy agreed to give me a new bottle, without a copay. I think I received the wrong medicine in the container. I did a little internet research (good doctor that I am) and a similar steroid, prelone has red 40 (pink), alcohol, and wild cherry flavor - sounds like strong cough medicine flavor to me. I think I"m going to see if someone can tell me what is in that little bottle!

In light of all of this, I know that God is getting ready to do something HUGE. Every time we have trials like this, it's a preparation. So, I'm ready. Praise Him for protecting us all!

grump a lump

Okay, I seem to be coming out of it, but I've been a tremendous grump the whole week. I am coming out of the fog, but it's not been pretty. Today I almost jumped across the counter of Walgreens and took out the pharmacist assistant. Monday when I went to fill H's antibiotic, they told me 20 minutes; an hour later I left. Today Jer went to pick up an antihistamine, and they said it hadn't been called in. I phone, and it had been called in. I was then told they were working on it; when I arrived to pick it up, they couldn't find it. They said they were out of stock, but trying to find a generic. They found one, and I waited. As I waited to pay, the woman behind the counter rudely commented to another customer, "Yes, you were wise to take care of this in advance, people who get a script and expect it to be ready instantly should take a lesson from you" (direct look at me). I was FURIOUS. I phoned that morning to take care of it...and you know, the medicine was NOT generic, so I don't know what that story was about.

Today I was accused of failing a student because of a personality conflict. First, numbers don't equate and consider "personality conflicts;" they are just numbers. Second, I don't know when students misbehaving and giving attitude in class became a 'personality conflict' but when I was in school, it was called disrespect and disrupting class. Ah, the profession of teaching. After some raging crying, I am at peace again (and the numbers still don't calculate any differently).

dragging

I don't know what's up, but I'm grumpy and dragging. It could be that I stayed up too late working on a project for school (background of the 20s complete with Charleston dancing). It went well, I hope the rest of the novel does as well. I'm just irritated with school - students and co-workers. I wish everyone would get some responsibility & positivity (me included, today).

Hudson's asthma is still flaring, but we're trying a new preventative med. She also cranked up his antihistamine. Most kids respond by the time they get to Zyrtec, Hudson is an exception (how surprising). We'll see if this new stuff will dry him up. He actually had an ear infection from the constant presence of the drainage. Poor kid, when I think he's got an infection, he doesn't and when I think he's fine, he's not. His wheezing is bothering me.

Jenna is terrific. She's funny, charming, and loving. She is not a good bed buddy. She joined us last night, and squirmed constantly. It still felt good.

1, 2, 3, JUMP

I feel lately like I pay no attention to Jenna, but Hudson is such a hoot right now. He has now learned to jump from the ottoman to the chair, like sister does. Furniture is for jumping on at our house! Check out this action...









In other news, Hudson and I are still wheezing and coughing, presumably from all the smoke and mt. cedar in the air. I'm taking him in on Monday, I'll call eventually. He just can't sleep or play well. Jenna is still the princess. Last night, when she was supposed to be going to sleep, I walked in and she was in complete princess gear - crown, dress, shoes, scepter. "I just wanted to be a princess a little bit." The dress had to come off, and into bed the princess went - beauty rest, you know.

Tonight we had a family pizza picnic. I bought supplies, including pizza crust, for the kids to have their 'special' pizza, and Jer and I had a frozen. Jer was a little disappointed that we didn't have homemade. You know, I didn't even think about going to all of that trouble for him and me...

Happy Weekend to everyone.

Black Eyed Pea

I have a little extra 'make up' going. I have a black eye, courtesy of my dear son. For church yesterday I tried to cover it up, and it looked like I had a black eye that I was trying to cover up. Rather than look like an abused wife covering the iniquities of her husband, I just left it. I took the same road for today. There were several people and students who would look, but not ask, so I volunteered. Foot, toddler size 8. I find it funny.

Jenna is beginning to ask questions about God. She asked Jer the other night and me tonight, "Where is God?" We both explained, "in heaven and here with us." "But I can't see him." We explained that we can't see God but he's still here with us. Wow, the innocence and wonder of a child. I just want to shower her with kisses, she's so irresistible. Tonight we had a good game of chase around the house. I love her squeals and giggles with the insistence of, "just one more time." What a precious, precious gift.

Brain Fart

Friday I was responsible for delivering the kids to daycare. It's unusual because Jer is the daycare expert, but he had a few meetings. So, I got up a little earlier; kids, too. I was rockin' - I had the kids at daycare early enough that I was even at work by 7:45. I don't know how I did it, but it was smooth - no yelling or anything. Jer emailed me to ask what kind of diaper I put on H. We have Luvs 3 & 4 and Pampers 4, so I was worried one had caused a rash, reply "Luvs size 3, why." I had to laugh out loud when I received the response, "Nope, bare bottom size 16 months." OOPS. I had the same feeling last night. After scrubbing the grout between the tiles in the kitchen floor (it's been painted white, so the grout cleaner is too harsh) I set to shampoo the carpet in the dining room. Successfully finished, I was about to place the bag back on the vacuum...dirt fell out. My Kirby is never like that, so I inspected. Somehow the bag had come off of the hose and all of the filth had built up on the inside of the material bad - yuck, gross, disgusting. And, I discovered, I'm out of bags. Thanks, Karnes family, for bringing me one to church so I could clean up my floor. Spic and span, thank you very much!

Jenna just received a 'new' TV for her room from the grandparents White and the grandparents Fulton are contributing a DVD player. I never intended to let her have this, and I won't let her watch it yet, but I'm a little tired of some of the movies, and want her to have the opportunity to watch them in her room (and I"ll have the opportunity for some TV watching myself). It will also allow her to play her Interact TV Uncle Mike gave her back in September, but our DVD player won't support (dumb electronics).

Hudson is becoming a talking fool. Of course, you have to know what he's saying, and he isn't very forgiving when you get it wrong. His newest phrase is, 'oo a dat' = Look at that. I LOVE baby talk - love it, love it. He is happiest outside, so the mild winter is a wonderful thing for him. It will be awful when it's 120 this summer, though. He'll be a good swimmer, he already turns on his tummy and kicks in the bathtub.

Jen is the best big sister in the world. She's good to include Hudson - if she's playing with a baby, she gives him a tiger because "boys don't play with dolls." If she's doing something 'big girl' she'll close and lock her door, but when he starts to protest, she usually calls, "just a minute, I put it up little brother."

Ah, darling children.

In the Groove

It's Wednesday, and we're still not all back in the groove of work/school. On Monday, Hudson turned his head the other way at wake up time and Jenna stuck her head under the pillow. Yesterday the princess declared, "I'm just too tired, I need more sleep." After I changed her very wet pull up, she asked me, "So I can sleep more now?" Once she did get out of bed, she walked around with a baby blanket over her head because "it's just too bright." This morning she was in our bed (scared), and heard us up, so she walked in.

School is back in full swing...full frenetic chaos. I do love it, but I'm a little burned out. I'm ready to have time for 'me' in the evenings and read enjoyable books...

Happy 2006

Little Man Hudson is becoming quite the talker. He has 'get back' complete with foot kick for Howdy at the back door, and today he used 'ca kar' = cracker, 'doon' = done, and 'co' = coke. I forgot how cute and precious those first baby words are. He's learning body parts, he's a master of locating 'pee pee' (must be a boy thing), and he's got bellybutton, nose, eye, ear, and mouth.

Today I took a nap with Jenna (after staying up until 1:30am - bad idea), after just an hour of nap, she was awake. I told her she could stay in her room and play, but mommy was sleeping. It was a leap of faith, but I was exhausted.

Happy New Year!