Trick-or-Treat

Jenna was Magenta from Blue's Clues and Hudson was Blue. Mom and Dad are just plain ol' Mom and Dad.



Wow, we heard that Misty Meadows, our neighborhood, was crazy on Halloween night, but it was CRAZY! It's 7:00 and we're out of candy, and I bought more candy than I ever have! Of course, Jenna helped some, and those people got 'a bunch' by Jenna standards (she's very generous).

The kids had a ball on our outing. Hudson wasn't into it until he saw a sucker was involved! Tonight he's eaten four suckers - all in a row, and two at once at one point. He likes Halloween; he's sticky! Jenna was very good about letting us go through her candy and sift it for her 'approved' pieces. Since we really only did our street, we didn't get too much - a definite plus!

Enjoy the pictures!

DraMA

There's been a lot of drama in my life lately.

Friday was a very dramatic day at school. I'm not going into it, but it was bad.

Friday morning Jenna woke up with a tummy ache that ended with a 'special' trash can keeping her company. She stayed home with Jeremy. We were supposed to go on a StoneWater family campout that night, but we couldn't take her after being sick all day. Since she was better, Jer went and got firewood and marshmallows and we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace.

Today, Hudson fell and busted his lip in the garage. There are blood drops out there, it was so bad. He's fine, not even a swollen lip! Jenna would still be crying.

Jenna's really itching tonight. I've used the strongest cream we have and she's got gloves on, whew!

Tomorrow is StoneWater!

been awhile

When Mom notes that the blog isn't up to date, you know it's been a while (no offense, Mom).

It's been a crazy week, but that's always my excuse. StoneWater welcomed 234 people to the service Sunday, so we had to regroup with Joey & Lisa Tuesday night. They and the boys came over for supper. I had a turkey Mom gave me (thanks again, Mom) and made corn and green beans. Lisa made dressing, dumplings, pumpkin bread, a salad, and brought cranberry sauce. Together, we had Thanksgiving (and we must be getting older because it all tasted like our grandmother's).

Wednesday I went to a TAKS workshop to see how those silly essays are graded. Since we are 'unacceptable' according to TEA because of that test, I'm arming myself with knowledge. I think I can talk the talk and teach the material according to my standards and work in what the State wants. I just can't bring myself to teach to the test, but I will incorporate what the kids need to be successful. Really, it's just plain ol' good writing, unlike the days of TAAS. (Teacher talk can be awful, huh). But, when I woke up I felt a little sick, but shrugged it off. Hudson 'gave back' his breakfast and then I discovered his supper was on his pillow (and he never even cried Tuesday night). Anyway, little H stayed home with Jer, and I went to Ft. Worth for my training. I felt worse, and worse, and worse. By 3:30 when we got in the van, I just wanted to die. I got home at 5:00 and crawled into bed. I just couldn't make it; usually I can limp along until the kids make it to bed, but my head hurt too bad and my tummy too. At 5:30 this morning, I was 100% better. Not 100%, but better.

Today was good. The kids were happy when they got home. We had small group (Life Group) and had 17 people and 11 kids. The kids were at our house with some FABULOUS care takers (Denise from Hudson's school and Amber and Alyssa from next door)!

time flies

What a week.

Sunday began with Howdy biting the next door neighbor's little boy's finger (did you get that) that he was sticking through the fence.

Monday was a scramble to get rabies records and figure out what to teach.

Tuesday was the parking fiasco.

Wednesday, ah Wednesay. Jenna threw a tremendous fit about taking a bath. While I was attending to her, Hudson (seeker and destroyer) was loose in the house. Not usually a bad thing. While I took care of her, he managed to pour syrup all over the carpet (he climbed up on the kitchen table and poured it). Then he made his way into the bedroom where StoneWater's office is. StoneWater purchased a very nice laptop computer to run all of our media for services. When I came in the room, Hudson was standing on a chair and the computer, normally on the desk, was upside down, sideways on the floor. I picked it up and prayed,"Please be okay." It wasn't. The internal workings of the screen had been shattered. That takes care of our $700 we just got back on our old house from insurance.

Just now, the kids arrived home. A little boy in his class spilled his milk today. Hudson splashed in it and then licked his hands. He's a little puffy and has had a big dose of Benedryl...ah the joys of motherhood.

fixed

We have the computer back! It was a speedy fix, and if you live in the area, I am another fan of Tweak Geeks. He cleaned A LOT of stuff up and added some RAM - only $140- that's a bargain compared to other quotes!

Kids are good - a little itching, but October seems to be a tough month - if only the weather would cool off again.

It's just so nice to open a program or click on a page, and the computer actually GOES!

Now, as for school, today was AWFUL. It is about a mile (okay, only 1/2) from my parking spot to my portable. So, on mornings that I have a lot to carry in or I am running late, I just park by the rail, off the road, by my portable. I was told to stop. So, I scaled it back and haven't parked there in a month. Well, this morning I had to take my school laptop in (lots of issues, mostly my gradebook and progress reports go out Friday) after my first class, so I decided to park there for ONE HOUR. As my first class began, I saw the police car beside mine. I finally decided just to face up and go and take my ticket face to face. Well, he was REALLY rude, and I started crying. He told me I was a constant violater (and I'm not) and that I had to move my car immediately or it would be towed. I had students arriving to my class and I just couldn't leave them alone for the 15 minutes it would take me to move it. I begged him to let me wait, and he got on his CB and began to call for a tow. I apologized, but told him that the safety and responsibility of my class was more important...I went to class - crying. Then, I got a nasty email from the front office about my "flagrant disregard for school policy and city law". Those of you who know me understand that this KILLED me. Well, long story short, by 10:00 (when class was over) I had not been towed, and I moved the car (since I had to take my dear laptop in). I vowed to all of my administrators that I would NEVER park there again. I feel like a heel and I feel stupid and I don't really want to show my face there again.

I will be away...

Well, it's time to finally take it in. The computer, that is. We've had problems for awhile (very slow loading), but we've not taken action. Now programs are shutting down in the middle of operation, or you step away and when you return, everything has closed itself. I'm sure it's a virus. Add that to the fact that DSL is taking longer than dial up, and I think it's a given that something is wrong. I've spent the evening backing up the important stuff - finances, pictures, StoneWater, teaching...see you in a few days.

In the mean time, our next door neighbor came over. It seems that her little boy had a bad cut, and she wanted to look at our fence. Well, no nail. A little later, daddy neighbor came over; he thinks it's a dog bite and the little boy admitted to sticking his finger through the fence. In any case, we're getting Howdy's vaccination records and he's in quarantine for 10 days...poor Howdy. At least he gets to quarantine at our house.

StoneWater had 190 this morning! Praise God!

Oh, and since it will be awhile, here are cute peek a boo pictures from Hudson this morning...

Free at last, free at last

Thank God, Almighty, I am free at last...I hope Mr. King is not rolling in his grave at my use of his quote in reference to research papers. I finally finished those boogers. I cannot express the weight that is off of my shoulders! Now I can get caught up on the 'easy' grading. School is going well; students like anything with sex in it, and we're reading "The Crucible," so they're into it.

The kids are cute and cuddly as ever. Although, I am having a mommy moment. It's time to remove the baby paraphanelia - and I'm having a hard time. I know I don't desire any more children (and it's a good thing, because we took care of that), but it's hard to let go of your babies being babies. I cleaned out the bottles, which is hard, because that was our special cuddle time, the only time he would really cuddle and not struggle to get down. I also cleaned out the baby towels, those hooded cuties don't really work anymore. While I love the newfound cabinet space, it just means my baby is growing up...I'm a little nostalgic today, it would be a good day to scrapbook!

terrific kids

I just love our kiddos. Yesterday we had a beautiful day with church in the park. The kids played and played; Hudson got to do some much needed and permitted climbing. Jenna ran and climbed and played. Hudson and I headed to Wal-Mart for our weekly trip, and he slept during the first half of our trip. It was pathetic and sweet to see his little head bob around. I got some great decorations for the house for fall. I've always wanted to do the bale of hay, mums, pumpkins, and scarecrow. I think it turned out pretty well.

Tonight we have had a big night of playing. The kids biked and tricycled in the garage, played in the tunnels and tents in the house, and have now both started screaming because I took away the toy they were fighting over. Here is the picture when they were both happy...because they aren't now!

Yesterday we went to Nana and PawPaw Fulton's. Pawpaw has a new John Deere tractor. Hudson was in love. He rode with PawPaw and rode some more. He wouldn't even eat supper. Jenna picked cucumbers, beans, and flowers. She's really a country girl, too. After Hudson had his time with the tractor, she took her turn. While we ate, she took the opportunity to boost her brother up, she climbed up, and they were up on the tractor together. The pictures are on mom and dad's camera, so, in time I'll get them on CD and post them.

Too cute, too perfect.

Drop back and punt

I feel like it's time to just drop back, punt, and start over at 1st and 10 on Monday. From Pimpleday to today, I just keep getting sacked. Today my computer crashed at least 3 times, and the last time it wiped out my gradebook. Luckily, I had backed up this morning, but I have 3 sets of grades to enter, and no way to do it. I don't know how long it will take tech support to fix it, but I'm hoping it's soon.

I'm also straining myself to be a more active learning teacher. I hate reading and discussing - I want the students to dive into it, mark it, make something, apply it to their lives. It' just SO time consuming. Plus, I really need to drop back and just learn the material. Movie day! It will take 4 days to watch this movie on the real events of the Salem witch trials, then to the Crucible. I like it, but it's work.

Kids are good. Jer gave Hudson a haircut. It got a little too short, so, he's got a REAL Aggie haircut of short and high. He pooped in the bath tub TWICE for tonight - first his, then ours. Yuck - antibiotic poo. Jenna's face is a little red and itchy, but she's clear most everywhere else.

Jer is a saint; he brought home "wonic" or "sonic" for supper. Now he's finishing baths...I love him.

It's LOST night! Woo hoo!

Pimple

I have a huge pimple right in the middle of my forehead. It's all you really see right now. It's been the subject of my life all day, and that's all I really have to write about. It sums up my whole day, actually, if that tells you anything. We played 42 at Jason & Jen's tonight, and Jer (my partner) kept looking up and making comments or gestures about my pimple. Jenna bumped heads with me, and I thought I might die. So, her prayer tonight, "Please, God, help mommy's pimple, Please God." My life today has been a pimple.

Snowed Under

The lack of posting should clue you in that this week has been a monster. The kids, work, housework, it all came crashing in on me this week. This is the first week that I've even had the thought, "Why did I sign up to work." Fortunately, I love my job and co-workers, AND I got paid this week.

Jenna started battling eczema and nasal/eye allergies on Tuesday, and last night I was up with her as she scratched and screamed. I think it was more a hallucination of the medicine (atarax always weirds her out), but it was agony until 12:00. Today she's been happy and good.

Hudson was so cranky and not sleeping for the first part of the week and last weekend that I was convinced, by Monday night, he was getting an ear infection. Tuesday's doctor visit revealed no infection, but 4 molars and two canine's coming in. So, cranky and sleepless he was. His scream, by the way, is the MOST ANNOYING SOUND IN THE WORLD. It drives me batty. He's back to his antics and laughing. As a matter of fact, he was up until about 20 minutes ago - happy. He's never up past 8:30 and still happy, unless we're with friends. I looked at him as he laid his head in my lap and asked, "Are you ready for bed?" He popped his head up and nodded. He's still learning to nod, so his nodding, grinning self fell over in the floor since he lost his balance. Oh, if I could have found the video camera!

Jeremy has been the most stressed I've seen him since we moved. You know in psych class they always talked about 'stress' and 'eustress' and how one was good (I think it was eustress - help me out here, folks), any way, he's been living on 'eustress' but the 'stress' got him this week. His message just wasn't working. He saw that as a sign that it wasn't the right message. Seeing everything else that has happened this week, I saw it as a sign that it was right on target. I talked him into taking a nap today (since I was off for the allergist visit), and after he woke up, within 30 minutes, it all just gushed out. Presto, message finished!

Allergist - Hudson can have soy and wheat, they are only level 1 and 2, but no milk, eggs, or peanuts. So, the life I have adapted to with Jenna over the last year, will carry over to Hudson. Jenna will have a blood allergy test next week, so we'll know if she's really allergic to milk and eggs, or if we're just making life harder. Of course, if she's not, I still have to modify for Hudson, so, it really doesn't matter (except she can have all the good stuff). I, meanwhile, have dropped the whole 'healthy food only' rule. I fed Hudson all organic, fresh, homemade baby food, and look at him - he's an allergy mess. So, I now let him eat potato chips - Lays are just potatoes and fat (and he likes the salt)!

I woke Thursday, barely able to move, and my back still has some awful catch in it. I need to grade 91 more research papers, and haven't read anything that I"m teaching this week. I have one load of laundry to fold (the one in the dryer doesn't count since I can't see it), three to wash, a house to clean, oh, and I haven't studied the Stepping Stone lesson, yet. Hmmmmmm......

Weekend

Finally. It is the weekend.

I survived the day research papers were due. You see, at GHS, if you don't submit a Junior research paper, you fail the ENTIRE trimester (we have trimesters instead of semesters, so I only have a class for 12 weeks instead of the usual 18). So, in an effort to head off disaster, I phoned 63 parents yesterday afternoon and evening. Whew-eee.

My students showed they actually cared about me yesterday. The forecast for Rita yesterday was that winds would gust here at 80 MPH. I hadn't really thought about it, but my students were all offering to help me move my stuff. I looked at them and asked what they meant. "Mrs. White, I hate to tell you this, but if the wind blows that hard, your classroom is blowing away. You better take your good stuff home." You know, I'm not sure a portable WOULD stay put in that situation. Luckily, they downgraded our risk. Of course, everyone offered to take home the "comfy chair" that I have for reading days...

I have no voice, thanks to the cold/allergy issue that I have had all week. I also seem to not be able to breathe through my nose, so I spend the night sleeping with my mouth open, and then wake up every hour feeling like I've been drinking sand. Decongestants just aren't helping.

The kids are awesome, check out Hudson's new trick. He can climb up on the kitchen table!

Peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, dog & cat

That's a list of what Hudson is allergic to according to his RAST test. Since he had the big outbreaks to pudding and mac & cheese, Dr. Watts ordered a RAST test with his 1 year CBC. Luckily we skipped the flu shot just in case because it is egg based. Good choice by us, or we would likely have been in the hospital. The first three he is highly allergic to, the other three are in the moderate range. He's been on soy formula his whole life, so I'm not sure what to do about that. He's having soy right now for breakfast. We head to the allergist next Thursday and, probably, a nutritioninst after that. I don't really understand what I CAN feed him right now. I guess he's a true meat and potatoes man!

Goodbye, Gig 'em

No, that's not a reference to the Aggies today. No, we didn't put the dog down. Today, just a little while ago, Gig 'em went home with John. John is the guy who called first to respond to our ad for a free dog. Howdy & Gig 'em joined us at our house last week, and we knew we couldn't keep both. I've been supposed to place the ad for months now, and I either forgot or put it off. Well, this was the week. The ad hit the internet & paper yesterday, and around 7:30am we had our first call. Gig 'em is heading for a family where she will have 10 acres, cows to chase, kids to sleep with INSIDE at night, and a truck to ride in. Yes, I'm crying, but, wow, she hasn't had it that good since before we had kids. As confirmation, after we all played outside a little this morning, Jenna's neck, eye, and face swelled where Gig had licked her. Howdy's not a licking dog, and he's Jer's hunting dog, so he is staying.

Otherwise, we're having a plain ol' weekend. We actually have nothing scheduled for the day! I have a teacher's files from school, so that just made my life a little less stressful.

Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Hudson! I can't believe he's already one! He's had a wonderful day. Usually, when he comes home, he's cranky, fussy, and screams a lot. If we're lucky, we get him to take a 30 minute nap before supper, and he's a little more bearable. Well, yesterday Jer and I discussed what would be Hudson's ideal day. Outside. Anything outside would be his favorite, so we decided to make today outside day. As soon as we got home, I opened the back door and let him go. We spent the evening playing, and after supper we went out some more. When we came back in, we threw the pillows from the couches in the floor and let him flop all over (that's his other favorite, along with being naked). He's still giggling and going strong now - which is unheard of. Maybe it's the sugar he had at his school party today.


Teaching is kicking me in the tail right now. I live to have everything planned out, and I don't right now. I'm also facing 3 preps next trimester, so I'm stressing a little. But, it will all work out okay. I met the librarian today; she's been out with a terminally ill sister. We're going to get along just fine; I'm glad that I've taken the time in the past to get to know my librarian, it sure makes it easier now.

Jenna is still clear, minus a few spots here and there. It's amazing how different life is with a clear kid - it's WONDERFUL!

Since I forgot, here is a picture of Jenna from her offical birthday last week (with her favorite new Barbie that she plays with after lights out)...

Goober

Yes, that is me! I am a goober. As I balanced the checkbook tonight, I did a double take. See, four bills for StoneWater were on our personal account. Always ready to point fingers, I asked (or accused) Jer. He nicely pointed out that it was the date that I paid bills for him. In his account you have to choose between StoneWater and personal, and I didn't choose, so it defaults to personal. Oops. So, our biggest frustration and fear has been that someone would accuse us of paying ourselves out of StoneWater, and now I created a big mess that we have to justify. So, for the public, right now, I messed up...and it's legitimate. At least we had enough money in the personal to cover those extra expenses, and now we can pay the credit card bill. I was wondering where a few hundred extra dollars went...

Otherwise, things are good. Hudson went to bed at 7:00 tonight; tired, tired little boy.

Woo hoo

I got to go to StoneWater Church service today. I admit I still feel guilty for having someone else teach (especially since she had 15 2&3 year olds), but I loved being a part of the service. We had about 140 people attend, and Jer gave a great message. I was impressed.

I scrapbooked all night Friday night. I really mean it, all night. We began at 6:00 pm on Friday and I stayed until 7:30 am Saturday morning. I got 15 pages done, and now I'm on a quest to get all of my pictures printed (it may take a loan from the bank) and organized. I hope to get that kind of time for myself about once a month. I'm not sure about the all night thing again, I'm still hurting pretty bad, but I was really productive. I talked Jennifer into going with me, and I enjoyed our time together. I was impressed, she stayed until about 5 am, and I don't think, in all the years we've known each other, I've ever known her to stay up that late!

I'm three, my brother's one

This is Jenna's catch phrase the last couple of days. We celebrated the kids birthdays on Sunday with a joint Blue's Clues party. Jenna had a pink Magenta cake and Hudson had a blue Blue cake. Check out my handiwork...

Hudson was a little confused by the cake thing. He spent most of the time just feeling it with his little hands. Finally he licked the foil. With PawPaw White's prompting, he tasted it, and made an awful face. He took a few bites, but was done fairly quickly. The link at the bottom has the cake pictures - they are too cute.

Jenna loved everything about birthday. She got a big girl bicycle from us, the pictures from that are in the link, too.

Her skin is staying very clear, and is even soft. She is being very big right now and called Aunt Jacki all by herself (with Dad's instruction) and is walking around talking just like a big girl. We've been up just talking with her. I love it.

School front - I had one girl call me "psychotic" in front of the class, so I called home at 8:00 tonight. Very effective. I chose another girl that I have had problems with, but she did great today, so I called home to brag on her. She happened to be the one taking the message (I really thought it was her sister), so that should be a good reinforcer for her.

We passed out water for StoneWater tonight. It really is fun. At first I am always nervous and don't want to go, but once I get started, it's a lot of fun.

Refugee

Today was my first personal contact with Hurricane Katrina. During 4th period today, I met 'Angie.' I perkily asked Angie where she was from, and she told me, "New Orleans." My heart dropped. I asked her when she left, and she told me about a week ago. While we were visiting I found out that she knows nothing about the status of her home. She did know that it was in one of the areas that wasn't hit as badly, but the roof could be off and it could be looted already - her words. I asked her how she was taking all of this, and she replied, "It's kind of surreal, like it hasn't really happened." I've been a little emotional tonight. This girl is positive, ready to start in a new school. She had started doing her research paper in Louisiana, and she really wanted to keep working on her topic - talk about resilience!

On the home front. We're all good. We're getting ready to celebrate birthday #1 and birthday #3. I can't believe my baby is almost one and my baby girl is almost 3! Is that really possible? They are so precious.

Got Milk?

Yes, and I'm 95% sure Hudson is allergic. Last night began our big "experiment - milk" process. Jenna has stayed incredibly clear since she has been off the steroid, despite the warnings from both pedi. derms. that she would greatly rebound and relapse. She has been on a tight, strict diet that alternates between beef and chicken, carrots and green beans, broccoli and corn, peas and pears. I am not exaggerating. So, last night, we gave her cow's milk. She took a big gulp and declared, "This is not my blue milk. It's yucky." Rice milk is in a blue container. Well, we forced her to down about a cup. Within 30 minutes she was complaining that her tummy hurt and then threw up. We suppose milk on a tummy that hasn't had it in a year is a little hard.

So, tonight I got a little more creative. I made homemade mac and cheese with velveeta. I gave Jenna a little and Hudson, too. Jenna said it was really yummy, until bite six, and then she proclaimed it was "pooey" and spit it out. Hudson loved his, but 5 minutes after he ate it, he started screaming and scratching. He had the whelps all over his hands, arms, and head that look like mosquito bites. Best I can tell, those are hives. In any case, after pudding AND mac and cheese, I think it's time to retire milk from his diet. And I thought that I was going to escape the fate with Jenna - who is just beginning to scratch now. However, her skin so SO dry, that it is actually flaking. Just dry, big flakes. No redness, no rash. It's almost like the skin that has been damaged for so long is now sloughing off. We'll see. I am really more suspicious of red food dye right now, still.

School is great. I began the research in the library with the kids today. I LOVE being in the building - it is so convenient, and I see so many more people. I dread returning to my trailer next week...alas, next year.