First Day of School: Fifth, Second, Kinder and Kinder

I decided to break up my back to school posts today.  Learn more about Ruby and Eliza Claire's first day of Kindergarten here.

This year is a very special year.  This is the one and only year that all of my children will attend the same school, ever!  I intend to thoroughly enjoy the simplicity of having them all in one place for the short time it lasts.

It is also a special year in that it is Rehm's last year of Elementary and it is Ruby and Eliza Claire's first year. It will also be a special year for Charlotte as she will be receiving intervention for her dyslexia.  I think she is going to blossom this year with the extra confidence this intervention should give her.

The twins are in class together.  That probably surprises some who know me well.  They have been separated for the last two years of preschool and typically I try to separate when possible to give them more room to be individuals and not half of a unit.  We made an exception this year because we love their kindergarten teacher.  Rehm and Charlotte both had her and she is fabulous.  We could not in good conscious have one of the twins in her class and not the other.  And we didn't want either or both of them to miss out on the awesomeness of Mrs. Johnson.  So, they are together.  I think it will be a great year for them.

Everyone had a great first day.  They all have friends in their classes that they were very excited to see.  They all like their teachers.  I think it is going to be a very good year.


Jenn

My Babies Started Kindergarten

Eliza Claire came in my room at 6:00 am because she had "a bad dream."  She went back to sleep in my bed until 6:45.  When I came to wake her up, she scrubbed around for about ten seconds.  Then her eyes popped open and she exclaimed, "School!!!!" She hopped right up and ran to get dressed.

I went to wake Ruby up.  She was still snoring.  I gently woke her up, afraid she was going to yell at me.  I leaned over her, with an arm on each side of her and asked her if she was going to get up.  She said, "I would if you would ever move your arms!" I laughed and moved and she popped out of the bed.

Ruby and Eliza Claire with their wonderful teacher Mrs. Johnson

When asked about the best part of their day Eliza Claire immediately said, "Recess!"  and Ruby said, "my chicken nuggets, I guess."

They read the Kissing Hand.  They had art today.  They went to the playground twice!  I think that is all I've learned so far.  

I would say it was a successful first day of school. 

What Do You Mean "There Are Two?"

In writing my last post, I realized that I wasn't blogging when I got pregnant with the twins.  In fact I didn't start blogging until they were six months old.  I realized, I've never talked about what it was like to find out we were going from a family of four to a family of six.  So I thought I would remedy that.

In the Summer of 2005, Michael took a new job that required him to travel four days a week, every week.  At the time, Michael was making a career change and the travel was necessary to make the change.  We as a family were OK with it.  I had wanted another baby for a while and finally convinced Michael that a "third" child made sense.

Of course, I got to call  him in Chicago to tell him I was pregnant because he was traveling.  Then my first appointment arrived.  This not being our first baby and with Michael traveling so much, I didn't even try to schedule it for a time he could go. The appointment was going along just typically.  My OB was giving me the run down of the next nine months and then he did an ultrasound to check my dates.  At that point, he said, "Forget everything I just told you, there are two babies!"  I  started laughing.  My OB was more shocked that I was.  It was extremely funny and makes me laugh just remembering it.

Of course, I now had to tell my dear husband that not only had I talked him into having a baby, but oops, we are having two.  I was a bit nervous to make that phone call.  I wasn't 100% sure how he was going to react.  Knowing my husband and know his "well, there's nothing we can do about it now, so we are just as well to embrace it" attitude I wasn't overly concerned.  But having another baby had been completely my idea and while he agreed I was a bit afraid of him feeling like this was "all my fault."

After the exam, I called Michael, in Chicago and told him our news.  He was at lunch, luckily.  He said, "You're joking!"  I assured him I was not.  He started laughing and laughed uncontrollably for several minutes.  I think he was a bit overwhelmed.  I can't say that I blame him.  I was, too.

I came home, scanned the ultrasound picture and sent it to him so that he would have proof.  Then I scheduled an appointment for that Friday so he could see them with his own eyes. 

When we told the grandparents, they all started laughing.  Yes, at our house, twins mean laughter.  Five years later we are all still laughing.

Does that mean it has all been easy?  Absolutely, NOT!  Having four children in a span of five years with two being the same age has been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.  The twin pregnancy took a serious toll on my body for a couple of years after they were born.  It also took a huge toll on me emotionally, as I was determined to do-it-all, and I couldn't. Financially having one more than we planned on makes a big difference as well.

Has it been the best experience, ever? Yes, it has.  I wouldn't change it for a minute.  I am so blessed to have these special girls in my life. 

Jenn

Twins, it's not a choice, it is a blessing

I read this article today and was left horrified.  You see, I have twins.  Twins I never expected to have.  Twins, when I had a five year old and a not quite three year old.  Twins, when my husband was traveling four days a week, every week.  Twins, when I had to do some convincing of my dear husband to have a "third" child.  Twins, when I'd had plenty of complications with singleton pregnancies, including a child who died at birth, a miscarriage and two children who had varying length NICU stays. Twins!
 
It never occurred to me not to have one of them. It never occurred to my husband.  Even when they weren't expected.  Even when it wasn't convenient.  Even when it wasn't easy.  Even when it scared me to death to think of the additional pregnancy complications that come with twins.  Even when I couldn't imagine how we would possibly pay for college times four, or weddings times four.  It. Was. Never. A. Choice.

How could it be?  How can it be for some people*?  I don't understand. 

One of these precious girls would not be here.

I can not imagine.
Jenn

*I understand that there are unexpected medical situations that arise that could make a choice like this necessary.  Trust me, I know plenty about pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss.  But, this article was not dealing with medical necessity, just choice.

Grocery Shopping

I used to blog regularly about grocery shopping with all the kids in tow.  It was always such an adventure.  Especially back in the days when I had the twins in the stroller, which I pushed, and Charlotte strapped in the cart, which I pulled behind me, all while Rehm walked and talked our ears off. 

Grocery shopping is not that interesting anymore but it is still interesting when all four go along and we are doing a full shopping trip.  Today was no exception.  Overall, they are great in the store.  It doesn't hurt that they are big enough to send back an aisle or two to grab something we forgot or to send to the restroom in pairs when needed.  But, having five people trying to stay together in the store and out of everyone else's way is not an easy task. I'm lucky that most  of the other shoppers are patient with us and find them more endearing than annoying.  Notice I said most.

My kids are loud.  My kids are all over the place.  My kids are oblivious of their surroundings.  My kids have a short attention span.  My kids get in other shoppers' way.  My kids want to hold the lists.  My kids want to be done, NOW!  My kids are kids and no kid really wants to be grocery shopping.  I can't say I blame them as it isn't my favorite activity either. 

I do my best to make them aware of their surrounding and remind them to mind their manners.  I try to use the grocery store as a place to work on reading, math, budgeting and other life skills.  I try to keep them quiet.  I try to discourage running, dancing and spinning in circles.    But they aren't perfect and neither am I.  Grocery shopping is just not a fun chore for any of us. 

But, I had a giddy realization today.  I don't have to take any of my children grocery shopping for the next nine months! Oh, my, goodness!  Do you know how happy that makes me?  Do you realize I can cut 50% off my grocery shopping time?  Yay!  I'm just thrilled.  And you know what, I know four other people in my house who are also thrilled by this.

Now, I wonder how long it will be until I write a post about missing the kids while I'm grocery shopping?
Jenn

Rosemary Skewers

I found this recipe on The Pioneer Woman last fall. This has become my go to recipe when I need to take and adult appetizer to a get together. It is easy to make, in fact most of the time the kids help me assemble it, looks pretty, and tastes delicious.

Rosemary Skewers (Adapted from The Pioneer Woman's recipe)
24-30 sprigs of rosemary, each 4 to 5 inches long
8 oz hard salami
1 jar quartered artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 container bite-sized fresh mozzarella, drained
1 package cherry tomatoes
1 can black olives, drained
bottled balsamic vinaigrette

Starting about an inch from the top of the rosemary sprigs strip the leaves. You want some leaves left at the top for decoration. These will be your skewers. To assemble the skewers fold one slice of salami in quarters and slide it to the top of the skewer where the leaves start, add artichoke, and mozzarella. On half of the skewers end with a black olive, on the other half end with a cherry tomato. Alternate tomato and olive skewers around a plate. Fill the center with the leftover tomatoes and olives. At this point you can cover and refrigerate until needed. Right before serving drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over everything. Do NOT put the vinaigrette on early, it will discolor the salami.

Enjoy,
Jenn

Isn't He Handsome?

The glasses arrived yesterday. So far they are a hit. His favorite game is taking them on and off and saying "With," " Without," over, and over, and over.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Kindergarten, Here We Come

I can't believe it is time for my youngests to go to Kindergarten.

We attended orientation last night. It is clear that they are excited and ready. I just can't believe it is time or that we survived the twin baby, toddler and preschooler years.

School starts in a little over a week, Monday, August 22.

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Glasses

During Camp Papa and Cici my Mom mentioned that Rehm might need to have his eyes checked. She noticed a couple of times where he could not read signs that she could.



Wanting to verify this for myself, I turned to the Internet for a printable eye chart. Sure enough he could not read more than one or two letters correctly on the entire thing!

Today was eye doctor day. Our diagnosis was confirmed. Nearsighted, with weak prescription and slight astigmatism. Apparently, he inherited my eyes. He needs glasses but he isn't going to be lost without them.



We picked out frames and should have his actual pair by next Wednesday at the latest. We saved over $100 by going to Walmart for the glasses instead of getting them from the eye doctor's office.

I will be ordering a back up pair and a sports pair from Zenni.

He went into this process very apprehensive. I think now he is just excited about being able to see clearly.

While I had the chart on the wall I did check the girls vision as well. At this time they are all good.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Oh, What a Night

Michael got home from a business trip about 11:00 completely exhausted. He went to sleep, I read.

As usual Baron took up residence on the bed between us.

The cat started meowing in the hallway.

The cat meowing freaked Baron out. It doesn't tale much he is a skiddish dog to start with.

This caused Baron to pace in circles on the bed. When a 60+ pound dog paces on a bed with two people in it, it isn't pretty.

This woke Micheal multiple times. He was not happy.

I kept trying to get Baron off the bed but he was scared to get down because the cat was in the hallway right by our door.

The cat wouldn't leave the hallway because there was a cricket trapped in an overhead light fixture.

Baron wouldn't settle because the cat wouldn't leave the hallway.

Finally Baron and I went downstairs together. I slept On the couch and he settled nicely beside me on the floor.

Everyone could finally sleep.

I must really love this dog and this husband.

It is 10 am and the cat is still meowing in the hallway...

Jenn

PS. We have never allowed dogs on furniture of any kind until the last month. I'm not sure how Baron managed to get us to change that rule.

Random: Today's Pictures from my Phone

Looking at these pictures, this is going to be a very random post. 

My Granny, is in her late 80s.  She is declining both physically and mentally.  She used to be an amazing crocheter.  In fact one of my most prized possessions is a table cloth she made me at of very fine thread that probably took her an entire winter to make.  These days she makes little crocheted things to occupy herself.  They don't really have a design or purpose.  She gave Rehm one for him and each of his sisters while he was visiting.  So far, this is the best use we've found for them - Playmobil people clothing!  They are all dressed up and ready to go to the wedding.



With Ruby and Eliza Claire starting Kindergarten in less that two weeks (!), I am trying to round up the last few things they need for school.  They need a small pillow and blanket, I have one pillow and several blankets.  I took this picture to remind me to look for another pillow like this one while running errands today.  Unfortunately, I could not find any of these (it is about 12x16) but did find a baby pillow (it is about 8x10?).  Luckily thanks to my amazing Mom and Mother-in-Law I have plenty of pillow cases for both of these sizes of pillows.  I think we officially have all of our back to school supplies.  Now I just need to remember to pick up short to wear under dresses and pack a change of clothing in their backpacks in case an unfortunate and embarrassing accident occurs. 



Rehm and Charlotte had a playdate with friends this morning.  Ruby, Eliza Claire and I went shopping for a shower present for this weekend.  Ruby can not for the life of her get the baby's name right.  She kept calling him "Duck-lan."  His name is Douglas.  I know she is thinking of the name Declan, which is the son of good friends of ours.  I kept saying, "You mean Douglas," enough times that she and Eliza Claire are both calling him "Duck-las!"  I think it is so cute I can't bear to correct her in further.  While shopping for the baby gift I came across this lunch box set that I had a very hard time not buying to try out with my kids.  It looks like it could make a fun different lunch.  But it was expensive and as my husband would tell you, I have enough lunch stuff already.  But, I may have to try one at some time. 




I just realized in the lunch box picture you can see my crackle/shatter nail polish.  I'm blaming it on my girls and niece.  We bought two bottles of it while Brooke was visiting.  We bought the Sally Hansen brand as it was on sale at our grocery store.  We bought white and purple shatter.  So far we have not found an under color that makes the purple look good.  And the purple doesn't seem to crackle as well as the white.  It is very important to let the first color dry completely before applying the crackle.  The thinner the layer of crackle the more crackled the end result.  You have to be careful not to go back over a spot you've already painted with the crackle or you lose most of the effect.  I find painting with it to be similar to trying to paint your nails with White Out.  Please tell me I'm not the only one who did this when bored in class in middle school?





These adorable sweaters were at Babies 'R Us today.  The color came out funky in the picture.  They were much cuter in person.  I was very sad that my girls have outgrown Babies 'R Us sizes as I would have bought these.  In fact there were several darling pieces of girl clothing today.  But alas, I'm not sad we have outgrown the baby store.  In fact in kind of makes me giddy.





This pretty flower was made by my daughter and myself.  She has read in her Fancy Nancy  books about making tissue paper flowers and wanted to make some today.  Instead of tissue paper, I had her bring me a couple of regular tissues.  I showed her how I used to make flowers with my friend Anita in elementary school.  The step Fancy Nancy didn't tell her about was tearing the edges of the tissue to make them ragged.  It makes for a much prettier finished product.  She was impressed with her Mom's flower making ability and likes having her creation on display in the kitchen.



This, my friends, is a screen shot of the wallpaper on my phone.  If my husband reads this he will be shaking his head.  This is Pearl.  She is a dog currently in foster care with Houston Collie Rescue.  She is about a year old and deaf.  She doesn't look like a "real" collie because she is a double-dilute or double-merle collie and a smooth coat to boot. (Our other collie is also a smooth coat - just means he has short hair instead of the long coat you think of when you hear the word "collie.")  Her parents should have never been bred together. Breeding two merle collies leads to having dogs with hearing and/or vision problems and often puppy mortality.  I have totally fallen in love with this dog and would like to add her to our crazy household. From a practical standpoint I know we should remain a one dog house.  My head knows this, but my heart just loves this little lady.  Every time I turn on my phone this picture makes me smile.  I hope she finds the perfect family very soon.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

A Long Overdue Ode to Howdy

 Howdy 

January 10, 1998 - June 16, 2011

We lost a very dear friend in June.  Our beloved Howdy, also know as, Howdy Dog, Howdy-Howds.

Howdy was one of the best dogs I've ever had the pleasure to share a home with.  He arrived in our lives in the Spring of 1998 along with his sister Tobie.  They spent the first four months of their lives in Weatherford, Texas, with lots of room to roam and lots of other collies.  When we brought them home, they did not know how to go up and down stairs and we lived in a 3rd floor apartment.  They had never walked on a side walk or street and their poor little paws did not like it.  They quickly became such a big part of our lives.

From the beginning Howdy was such a laid-back, easy-going dog.  We joked about him not being the most intelligent dog, but I'm not sure that is true.  I think Howdy was always very content.  He was happiest to just be in the room with you.  He did not demand a lot of attention, he just liked being near his people.

Howdy was always very well behaved.  He wasn't one to chew on things, or get in trashcans or litter boxes.  He didn't try to get on the furniture.  He was a very good listener and always aimed to please.  We always described Howdy's personality as "Doh-de-doh-de-doh."

When someone would sneeze, Howdy would immediately come check on that person.  I don't know what he thought sneezes were, but they concerned him, greatly.   He had to get in your face and make sure you were OK. 

Howdy loved to play in the water.  He loved to curl up with his sister Tobie to sleep.  He loved to run laps in the yard while chasing his sister.

Howdy hated the vet.  For as laid-back as he was at home he was completely opposite at the vet.  He would go willingly but he did not want to be messed with at all!  He would not even cooperate for weighing.  He would not let them take blood, much less do anything more invasive.  It got to be a vicious circle of needing to do testing on him, but not being able to with out sedating him.  But he couldn't be sedated with out testing.  Yeah, confusing with no good solution.

Howdy had an ulcer when he was six or so.  We just happened to find it when doing routine testing as part of something else, though I don't even remember what the something else was now.

At eight and a half Howdy's gall bladder burst and we weren't sure if he would survive surgery.  Luckily, he did.  And had almost five more years with us.

In the last three to four years of his life, Howdy had severe arthritis in his hips and later in his neck.  He was on multiple medications multiple times a day for it.  The medication provided some pain relief but of course could not reverse the damage from the arthritis.  For the last two years of his life, Howdy was not able to climb the stairs in our house.  This was very hard on all of us as Howdy and Tobie had always slept in our room.

Baron (front) and Howdy (back) taking a nap together

After Tobie passed away, Howdy started losing weight.  No matter what we did, or offered him to eat, or how much he ate, he kept losing weight.  He also got very depressed and started pacing the house.  We realized that he was missing doggie companionship and decided it was in his best interest to adopt another dog, Baron.

Overall, Howdy and Baron got along well.  Howdy was definitely happier once he arrived.  Well, accept for when Baron would try to get Howdy to play with him.  Howdy wasn't able to play chase or tag and sometimes got annoyed with Baron for trying to play.  Honestly, I don't blame him as sometimes Baron would accidentally knock Howdy down trying to get him to play.

Howdy was always doing his best to please his people and loved being near them.  Even in the last year of life when standing was difficult and painful for Howdy, he would always follow me around in the kitchen with his head pressed up against my knee.  It was frustrating at times as it made it hard to cook, or I would trip over him.  But I miss that sweet boy when I cook these days.

In the last six months to a year, Howdy lost most of his hearing, his eye sight was not great, his mobility was limited and he would at times get confused.  Even with all of the decline he was still feisty at the vet.  In fact, just a few months before his death, it took three vet techs to clip his nails!  This was the dog that could only stand if moving and who fell over easily.  But he still hated having his feet touched and being messed with at the vet. 

It was very hard to come to the decision that it was Howdy's time to go to Dog Heaven.  His decline was so gradual but unfortunately continual.   As he declined, we kept doing new things to ensure his comfort and quality of life, but eventually we got to the place that there was no more we could do to achieve these goals.

Making the choice was so difficult.  Leaving with Howdy for his final vet appointment was very hard on our whole family.  That day, on the way to the vet, he stood and looked out of the back window of the van, something he had not done in years.  It took at least three people to place his final IV, because he still didn't like to be messed with.

But once we got to the vet and got everything ready, it wasn't hard.  It wasn't hard because it was the right choice at the right time for the right reasons.  I felt privileged to spend those last minutes with Howdy, hugging him and telling him how much we all loved him and that it was OK to go.  I walked out of the vet's office knowing we, as a family, had been good to Howdy, all the way to the end.  Knowing we would miss him, but have no regrets about the life he had lived and our parts in that life.

Howdy Dog, we still miss you.  You will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Thank you for being such a loyal and loving part of our family.

Doh-de-doh-de-doh.
Jenn

PS. More Howdy stories from the blog can be found here.

PPS. I planned to write this in June.  Actually I started it then.  Unfortunately, our laptop with all the pictures I took of Howdy in the last week of his life got dropped before I got the post written or the pictures backed up.  The laptop has been in the shop to see if it could be repaired or information off the hard drive retrieved.  I've been waiting to write this hoping that the pictures could be recovered.  I've given up hope and decided it was time to write this with or without the pictures.

The Bible in 90 Days: Two Months Down Less than One to Go

The last few weeks have been spent reading the Major and Minor Prophets in the Old Testament.  Assuming I finish my reading today, I will finally be in the New Testament.  Yes, I've been reading for 68 days and am just now starting the New Testament.

While reading the Prophets I have had a hard time deciding how they relate to me and my life as a Christian.  I have found a few things that really stood out to me.

God gave the Isrealites many, many chances to change their ways before taking action to get their attention and punish/correct them.  A Veggie Tales song immediately comes to mind - God is a God of second chances, second chances...  But they kept rejecting Him, over, and over, and over, again.

We have all dealt with rejection at some point in our lives.  It is a very hurtful experience.  Can you imagine what it is like to be God and have people continually and constantly reject Him, when all He wants is to have a relationship with us?   It is amazing that He keeps trying and He continues to be faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him. 

I have had many times when reading the Old Testament that I haven't liked the punishing God depicted there.  I have finally realized that it is because I know that I will and do mess up and I don't want to think about possibly being corrected myself.  But as a parent, I know that children learn from correction and while it isn't pleasant for anyone involved, it is a necessary part of learning. 

God has a plan for our lives.  If we follow that plan getting from Point A to Point B is usually a much smoother experience than when we decide we know best and do our own thing.  I believe we still get to Point B, where God wants us to be, but the path is just much more difficult as we have to learn along the way what God was so willing to show us. 

I found it interesting that the people whose faith was noticed by others were not people who were trying to impose their beliefs on others.  I'm thinking about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, aka Belteshazzar Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  I never knew that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had different names.  I find it interesting that they are know by their Babylonian names not their Hebrew names, yet Daniel is the opposite. 

Daniel kept praying to God even when the law said he couldn't.  He didn't go around telling everyone the law was wrong. Daniel just kept on living the way God told him.  Did he get in trouble? Yes.  But in the end because of his quiet, steady faith in the power of God, un-believers (King Darius) witnessed and recognized the power, greatness and sovereignty of God.

This same theme was seen again with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  They refused to go against God's laws for them, were willing to endure the consequences of that refusal, and confident in God's protection of them.  They did not go around telling everyone else how to live, or that what the were doing was wrong.  They just did what God told them to do and let their example speak for itself.  When God rewarded their faith and unyielding belief in Him, unbelievers were awed by the power and greatness of God.

I think it is such an important lesson for us to remember.  How we live our day to day lives matters so much more than anything we can say.  It is the true test of our faith and what those around us really notice.  To bring others to Christ, we don't have to even mention His name.  We have to live a authentic life for Him.

Are you reading the Bible in 90 Days?  What is standing out to you?

Jenn

Camp Papa and Cici: Installment 3

Oh my goodness, my son is getting so spoiled. He is going to be so bored when he gets back to reality.

Saturday he saw the Smurfs movie in 3D with Aunt Sherri and Zander. Then played at their house most of the day. That evening they had family dinner with all the aunts and uncles and cousins.



Sunday Rehm went to church with Papa and Cici. After that they spent the afternoon playing games at Cici's house and hanging out with Zander and family.

Monday included a tour of a local dairy farm. Rehm called from the farm to tell me the ice cream was as good and possibly better than Blue Bell.

Tuesday he zapped three squirrels! Actually he zapped one squirrel once and a second squirrel twice. I asked what they did when he zapped them. He said, " they go 'zzzzz' and then fall! Then they get up and try again!" I'm not sure if the squirrels are teaching a lesson in perseverance or stupidity.

Also on Tuesday he and Papa went golfing. This was a different course than last time. I haven't heard much about it yet.

Wednesday, Rehm got to go to Bo'Jangles for lunch. He loves their biscuits. Then they picked up Zander and all went bowling.

He called this morning to ask if he could stay an extra week. I told him "No!" I am not sure I'm going to recognize This boy of mine when he gets home.

I wonder what else they will do before putting him on his flight on Saturday?

Cici, what have I missed in the list of things you have done?

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

A Fun Summer Day with my Four Favorite Girls

My niece Brooke is visiting this week. We are having so much fun with just the girls, especially since Rehm is at Camp Papa and Cici. He isn't here to complain about all the girl focused activities.

Brooke has been coming to visit for at least a few days each summer since she was five. I absolutely love when she visits as do her girl cousins.

The week has been great but Tuesday was especially fun.

We went to breakfast at Einstein's.


We went to the movies to see Smurfs. Brooke and Charlotte really enjoyed it. Charlotte, surprisingly, didn't get scared at all. Ruby and Eliza liked it but it was a little too much for them and there was a lot they just weren't old enough to get.

Then we went shopping for shoes for Charlotte. She found shoes she loves! And now, really believes that waiting until you find the perfect pair of shoes is much better than settling for OK shoes just because everyone else found the perfect pair. I got talked into crazy socks for my three girls because Brooke has them. And, of course, if Brooke has them they must be awesome.

Then we went to the pet store to pick up something and look at all the animals.

Of course, then everyone was hungry so we had to get lunch.

Then we came home for a little quiet time.


After quite time everyone was ready to swim. Ruby and Eliza Claire decided to try the swim test to be able to go in the deep (4 feet) end. Ruby got off course due to the crowd and didn't quite make it. Eliza Claire had success! I was so proud of both of them for trying. (Do you see the crazy crackle nail polish from Monday's fun?)


After dinner and showers, Brooke finished up some of her first batch of cake balls. We still have another half of the batch to do.



We have spent so much time just talking and giggling together. I love getting to have this special bond with such a special girl. I'm so glad Brooke is willing to hang out with us and her parents are willing to let her visit.

I don't remember how it came up but I asked Brooke if I got to visit her for her first Prom. She said I could come, but just me. No girls and no Uncle Michael. I hope when the time comes she really means it :)

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Time for the Tooth Fairy Again

Charlotte lost her other top tooth. She had been working on it all day. Finally at bedtime I worked on it a bit with a piece of dental floss. I had it almost out and Charlotte did the final honors. She is one excited girl.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Camp Papa and Cici: Installment 2

Let's see. I haven't talked to the boy too much. When I have, he has been distracted and not very informative.

Tuesday he played golf with Papa. That night he had a sleepover at Aunt Sherri's with Zander.

Wednesday he went swimming with Aunt Sherri and Zander.

Thursday he went to Old Salem with Papa and Cici. I think they had the gunsmith look at a Civil War era gun, but I'm not sure of the details. I know they did a tour and had sugar cake from the bakery.

Friday was a lazy day.  They stayed home and according to Cici, "Rehm probably had too much screen time." He got to have ice cream and only ice cream for lunch. He thought that was awesome. I don't know if they went to video store for ice cream or somewhere else.  Tonight was obviously dinner out from the picture below that my Aunt Tracy sent me. After dinner they (not sure who all this includes) were all going on a Ghost Tour.



Yeah, I'd say he's having a good time.

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

The Latest in Locker Accessories

After swim lessons Charlotte thought this would be a fun way to entertain herself while her sisters changed clothes.



Not wanting to be left out, they decided to join her.



Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Who Knew it Was so Easy: Egg Drop Soup

I saw this recipe recently at Kingdom Twindom and thought I have to make that! So today I made it for lunch for myself.  I really think my girls will like it and they will probably be having the leftovers for dinner tonight along with this favorite Asian dish.  The Egg Drop Soup is super easy and took maybe 15 minutes to make.  The slowest part was waiting for it to boil.

Egg Drop Soup (from Kingdom Twindom)
2 or 3 green onions chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it, canned if you don't)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 eggs beaten well

Heat the oil in a sauce pan.  Add green onions and saute until wilted and starting to stick to the pan.  Stir in rice vinegar to un-stick the onions (de-glaze the pan).  Add stock and soy sauce.  Bring to a boil.  Once the soup is at a roiling boil, drizzle the egg into the pot while stirring.  Serve. 

I love how quick and easy this was and so flavorful.  I will definitely be making it regularly.

Jenn

Camp Papa and Cici: Installment 1

Rehm left Saturday for Camp Papa and Cici.  The experience started off with him getting to fly to NC by himself.  He was so excited. 

It has been so much fun to talk to him and my parents and hear about his experience.  He's been there a total of 48 hours and I think eaten out six times so far.  He has already hit all of his NC favorites (including Bo Jangles, Olympic, and El Maguey). I had bets on him already going to Krispy Kreme and the video store for ice cream but they haven't done either of those yet.

Saturday he got to fly solo.  Sunday he got to go to the movies.  Today he has spend the entire day shopping with Cici.

I've already warned them that he has to be able to get all of his new stuff home with him.  I had to laugh when he called to ask if it was OK for him to get a sport coat.  He then told me it was $2, apparently they found a really good sale.  Yeah, I was just fine with that.

I called this afternoon and talked to my Dad.  He started a story with, "I know you are going to hear about this so I'd better go ahead and tell you."  Of course, I could not imagine what had happened that would be prefaced in such a way.  He went on to tell me that they were unpacking a bird feeder that Cici gave Papa for Christmas.  This is a very special bird feeder in that you can shock those pesky squirrels that always try to eat all the bird seed.  It doesn't injure the squirrels, just gives them enough of a shock to make them think twice about eating bird seed.

My engineering brained son asked how the bird feeder worked.  Papa explained how the squirrel has to be touching multiple points on the feeder.  Rehm placed both hands on.  Then Papa said you would press the button on the remote.  Rehm said, "Do it!"  So Papa did.  Yep it shocks a boy enough to make him not want birdseed, either.  I thought this was the funniest thing ever.  Actually, is still makes me laugh every time I think about it.  Does that make me a bad mother?

My Dad went on to tell me that after the bird feeder incident Rehm was telling them that he had tried putting the charger end that plugs into his DS in his mouth while it was plugged into an outlet.  Apparently he did this five or six times and it made his tongue tingle which he thought was pretty neat.  Gives me flashbacks to 9-volt batteries... He decided maybe it wasn't a good idea when he started getting a headache from doing this.  I wonder how many brain cells he fried in this little experiment.  And I wonder why I am just now hearing about it.

Rehm is having a blast.  I think he is enjoying being the only Maniac and getting to do such big kid stuff.  I'm not sure though if he is having more fun or my parents.  They really seem to be enjoying having him there.

Tomorrow he and Papa are playing golf.

I'm going to have one spoiled boy when he gets home.
Jenn

PS.  Cici, send me some pictures please.

An interesting way to pick a slushy flavor

After grocery shopping today I took the girls to Sonic for "Happy Times." Eliza Claire chose a Blue Coconut slushy. She then told us the reason she chose that flavor was because....


....



....



....




It turns her poop green!

Ah, the bizarre logic of a five year old.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

The Bible in 90 Days: Halfway

I have now read half of the Bible.  I am halfway done.  Wow! 

The last week of reading has been very tedious for me.  We have been reading Psalms and Proverbs.  I know most people love these two books.  I, however, do not love one of them and the other, in my opinion, is not meant to be read in large chunks.  My real dislike is for Psalms. 

I think my problem with Psalms is my dyslexia.  I find all poetry difficult to read and Psalms especially so.  I have to focus so much on the actual task of reading because the poetry flows so differently that I start seeing words wrong.  One example came when I kept reading "a round of applause" as "a  round of applesauce."  The first time, I thought it was strange but chalked the wording up to poetic liscense.  The second time around I realized I must be missing something and looked a bit closer.  Yep, "applause" made much more sense.  The other mix-up I remember was reading "immortal" as "immoral," Yeah, that one I caught the first time because the verse was completely contradictory when I thought it said something like "the righteous will be immoral."  This word mix-up problem happened several times in Psalms and made the reading especially tedious.  It made it hard to focus on what was being reveled because so much effort was required just to read the words correctly.

Honestly, I've never liked Psalms, so finding it difficult this time is no surprise.  Here is an interesting aside.  Do you know that until my mid twentys I thought Psalm 23 started off saying "The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want."  Not, "The LORD is my shepherd.  I shall not want."  I know those look the same but that silly little "." in there makes a world of difference.  I always thought the Psalmist was saying he did not want God, which given the rest of the Psalm makes no sense at all and thus caused much confusion for me.  I now get that the psalmist is saying because God is his shepherd he wants for nothing.  Totally changed the Psalm for me. Totally.  See why I don't like the Psalms?  I just don't get them.

Proverbs is a book I really do like.  It is very straight forward and sensible.  What I haven't liked this week is reading it in a big chunk.  It is very hard to really take in all of the wisdom imparted in Proverbs in two or three sittings.  I will definitely spend more time re-reading Proverbs in smaller bits after I finish the Bible in 90 Days.

Part of the problem this week stemmed from the books we had to read, but I think I am also having a problem with complacency.  Reading the Bible in 90 Days is no longer a new and daunting challenge.  I've learned I am capable of doing it and that has taken some of the excitement and novelty out the process.

Some days my Bible reading now seems like folding the laundry, just another chore I have to do. And on those days, I am very tempted to put my reading off to the next day or to only do part of it.  So far, I have resisted that temptation and have kept up because I know if I get behind things will only get more difficult. I really hope that now that we are past Psalms and Proverbs I will find the reading more engrossing and enjoyable and the chore-like feeling will fade. 

I have been posting my daily progress to Facebook to help keep me accountable to doing my reading.  I do have to say that it felt good to post "Day 46 of B90Days complete, 44 more days to go" and have the days read be higher than the days left.  I can do this.  I will do this.  

I am glad I have taken on this process. In the end, I know I won't feel like it was a chore but a blessing God has given me.  I know I will not be the same person when I finish this process that I was when I started.  I know God has specific things He wants me to learn from His word and this exercise.  Now, I just have to stick to it and listen.

Jenn

The Story of a Tooth

Charlotte's top front teeth have been wiggly for six months. But not wiggly enough to pull.

Sunday our friends gave us cupcakes decorated like pies. They were adorable they had M&M "fruit" and then frosting to make the crust. The cupcakes had been refrigerated to keep the frosting from melting on the drive home.

Charlotte bit into hers and immediately exclaimed, "Ouch, my tooth!". Apparently the M&Ms on the cupcake had gotten pretty hard due to the refrigeration. Charlotte's gum was bleeding and her tooth was much loser, but still not pullable.

Yesterday I noticed her gum was really bruised I honestly thought she was being over dramatic about the M&M incident. I was wrong.

Today we went for an ortho consult. She needs a palette extender but not quite yet. She needs to lose her top front teeth and her six year old molars need to finish coming in. She will be eight in two months and her six year old molars are still not all the way in. We are very late with teeth related milestones around here.

While there the ortho asked her to wiggle her tooth. Then he asked her to push until it hurt she was still clueless as to what he was up to. Finally he took matters in his own hands and pulled her lose tooth. She now thinks he is the greatest. She will happily go back to see him again.

And that my friends is how Charlotte looses teeth.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

A New Approach to Eating

I've been trying for 5 years to loose my twin weight. I've tried several different things in that time all with various degrees of success.  No matter what I've tried I have not been able to lose the last 20 to 30 pounds.  I have tried doing it myself with just watching what I eat.  I have tried Weight Watchers multiple times.  I have tried Alli.  I have tried exercising.  I have tried ignoring it and doing nothing.

Finally after no success with any of the above mentioned plans I decided to try something different.  I decided to try Slow Carb.  It is the eating plan from the book The Four Hour Body. 

Now, if you go look up the book on Amazon you are going to immediately think that it sounds crazy, wacky even. And you are going to think the guy who wrote it must be certifiable.  I thought exactly the same thing.  The book kept showing up in the top 100 list on Amazon.  I kept reading the description and thinking, I just want to read this to see what it could possibly say, it sounds crazy - it's got to be an entertaining read.  Finally I broke down and bought it.  After reading about half of the book I still stand by my original thoughts that the guy who wrote it is crazy and there is a lot in the book that seems way out there to me.  But I kept coming back to the diet - even though on initial reading I thought it was crazy too.

Finally, since nothing else was working I decided I had nothing to lose and decided to try the Slow Carb diet for a day.  After a day, I decided to try it for a week.  At the end of week one I had lost five pounds.  At that point I decided to try for a complete month.  After two months, I've lost 16 pounds.  The most success I've had since having the twins five years ago.  I want to lose at least that much more and then who knows.

So what is the Slow Carb diet?  It is really very simple.  Six days out of the week you eat only protein, legumes and veggies. Since everyone asks, that really does mean no fruit, no starches like potatoes, and no dairy.  It also means very little artificial sweetener.  On day seven you eat anything you want.  Yes, I eat beans three times a day.  Yes, even for breakfast.  Yes, I only have at most one Diet Coke a day and many weeks none.  On my cheat day, Michael calls it my Jubilee Day, I truly eat whatever I want.  So far that consists of mostly pizza, cheese and chips.

After two months, I've found that I have a different relationship with food.  I'm not constantly trying to figure out what sounds good or thinking about the next thing I want to eat.  I'm not trying to figure out how many points I've eaten or how many I have left.  Food is no longer interesting to me, except on Jubilee Day.  This has stopped a lot of snacking or eating out of boredom or when stressed, etc.

I've also found that six days out of seven I eat much healthier than I ever have.  I now go out of my way to have veggies!  Those of you who know me know just how amazing that is for me. Food is no longer about what sounds/tastes good but is now simple about what is available that is on my eating plan. My parents just visited for two weeks and my Mom commented more than once about how crazy it was to see what was on my plate. 

The down side is that I don't really enjoy cooking anymore as it is now much less interesting.  This is a bummer for me as I love to cook but have no desire to now that food is just about not being hungry.  My family is missing all of the fresh baked bread and getting tired of chili.

Is this a magic combination of food?  Nope.  Do I think everyone should eat this way?  Nope.  Do I think it is better than any other plan out there? Nope.  At the end of the day, it is just another way to limit the calories you eat each day.  And right now, it is the way that is actually working for me. 

I have no idea how long I will continue to eat this way but for now I love the results, and by that I mean all of them, not just the weight loss.

Jenn

Sharing My Faith

In blogging about reading The Bible in 90 Days, I realize I have a hard time sharing my faith, especially in such a public way.  I had a really hard time hitting publish on my last post on the subject.  Why?  Fear that I would offend or alienate someone.

I know we are not all going to agree on all topics, and especially not on religion.  I was taught that politics and religion were personal topics and not ones that we necessarily discussed in passing conversation.   

It is easy to discuss religion with my church friends.  We are all starting from a common place.  It is harder to put my beliefs out for the masses.  Yeah, I know only a handful of people read Mayhem Mania, but still its out there for anyone to see.  Kind of the equivalent of wearing a "Christian and Proud" T-shirt or something.

I've seen alienating religion, I want no part of it.  I've also seen, "pat yourself on the back for showing up" religion, I want no part of it, either.  So where does that leave me?  Somewhere in the middle, where we are called to strive to be the best Christians we can be, to search for God's will in our lives, and continue to grow in our relationship with God.

I believe that God is real.  I believe in Jesus Christ.  I believe He is my savior.  I believe without Him I am nothing.  I believe that God has a purpose for my life.  I believe He is involved in my life daily.  I believe that God is merciful and full of grace.  I believe that we all mess up.  We are not perfect.  We are not deserving of God.  But He chooses us, anyway.  Loves us, anyway.  Protects us, anyway.  As long as we ask Him to do so. Just because I believe these things does not mean I assume everyone else believes as I do. 

If our beleifs differ, I'm not going to try to change your mind.  I'm not going to tell you your wrong.  I'm not going to bring up my beliefs in every conversation we have.  I'm not going to defriend you on Facebook. 

I am going to talk about how God works in my life when it naturally comes up in conversation.  I am going to pray for you when things aren't going your way.  I am going to happily debate religious topics with you if you are interested.  I am going to admit I don't have all the answers.  I am going to continue to blog about my faith. 

My beliefs are my own.  If you don't share them, that is your personal choice.  I'm OK with that.  I hope that my faith in God will not keep you from reading Mayhem Mania or hanging out with me in real life.  But if it does, I'll be OK with that, too.

Jenn

The Bible in 90 Days: One Month Down, Two to Go

I've been doing The Bible in 90 Days plan for 36 days and am currently on day 34.  It is a good thing I started two days before the rest of the church or I would be behind and stressed out.  As it is, Rehm's two week bout with pneumonia only cost me two days of reading, so I'm not behind.

The last week or so has been spent learning about the kings of Israel and Judah. For the most part, they have not followed God's laws.  And the ones who have, have not done so completely.  The thing that repeats over and over is God telling them to not worship the gods of the other people living around them.  Time and again the kings start setting up alters to other gods.  Even the good kings don't seem to ever completely wipe out the alters dedicated to the others.  They might spruce up the temple and knock down some idols but they don't completely get rid of it all.

The stories of the kings are repeated at least twice.  At least I've read them twice so far.  I suspect I will be reading about some of them in more detail at least once more.  I have to assume that these stories are important since they are repeated.  So what am I supposed to take from this?

What are my worldly idols?  What are the things in my life that take me away from my relationship with God?   What am I doing to remove those things from my life?  These are not fun questions.  Honestly, I haven't spent the time I should dwelling on them.  I think, I'm afraid I won't like all of the answers if I really look.


The other thing that I have been wrestling with since starting The Bible in 90 Days is how do Christians live differently than non-Christians without being cliquish, condescending, judgmental, and off-putting to others?

God repeatedly tells the Israelites that they are supposed to live differently than the people around them.  They are to follow the laws God gave them.  They are not supposed to take on the values and gods of the nations living around them.  He also tells them to welcome others in as long as they are following His laws.

How does this look today?  How do you respectfully live as a Christian? How do you live your faith to the fullest while not alienating those who do not share your beliefs?  What does that look like?  How do we do that as a church or as an individual?

So far, reading the Bible in 90 days seems to be generating  more questions than answers.  I guess it is a good thing I've only read 38% so far.  I'm hoping for a lot of answers in the other 62%.

Jenn

My Snacks at the Movies Trick

With a family of six going to the movies is not cheap. Adding popcorn and drinks makes it even crazier.

My solution? I bring baggies, a scoop (1 cup measuring cup) and Take and Toss straw cups. Then I buy a large popcorn and two large drinks. I divide the popcorn and drinks into the stuff I brought and pass it out.

Everybody has their own so there is no arguing about sharing. I'm not breaking the rules by bringing food in. And, I'm not spending nearly as much as if I bought them each a kid pack.

Remember to bring an extra baggie for the scoop to go in when you are finished. And, if your kids are extra hungry or thirsty most theaters offer free refills on their large popcorn and drinks.


Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

Ruby and Eliza Claire are Five!

I can not believe my youngest are five.  Wow, time sure does fly when you are having fun.  Honestly, I can't believe we all survived the last five years.  Some of those years were quite crazy.

I am so blessed to be Ruby and Eliza Claire's mom.  They are such amazing girls.  It has been so much fun to watch them grow into their personalities.  They are so very different from each other but have so much fun together.

Their birthday was mostly a quiet day.  This year all of my kids are foregoing birthday parties and other things as part of our way of involving them in the planning and saving of money for a trip to Disney World later in the year.  Michael was not in town for their actual birthday as he traveled to attend his uncle's funeral.  And Rehm was sick.

Once everyone was awake for the day we opened presents.  Then the three girls, Papa and Cici went out to breakfast.  After breakfast, everyone came home.  The girls played with their new things and I assembled the Playmobil things they received.  Mid-afternoon we stopped playing to have birthday cake.

The girls could not decide on a cake so I got to make two.  Ruby chose yellow cake with caramel frosting and Eliza Claire chose chocolate cake with butter cream frosting.  If anyone would like a slice of cake come on over.  There is still plenty.  

For dinner the girls could agree on a restaurant - Chuys.  Cici stayed home with Rehm and the rest of us enjoyed a fun dinner of yummy Tex-Mex. 

The girls both had a great day and Eliza Claire told me she had the best birthday.  I don't think they missed a birthday party at all.  I know I didn't miss planning one.  I think we might have to make the no-parties-take-a-trip-instead plan an annual tradition. 

Jenn

Age

Rehm and I have spent a lot of time together in the last week with him not feeling well.  I hate he has been sick but have enjoyed many of the conversations we have had.  Today's was especially funny and one I knew I wanted to record for him to read in sometime five to 10 years from now.

We were at the drug store picking up prescriptions.

Rehm: Mom you really are smart! (His reason for saying this had something to do with the way I've taken care of him during his illness.  I don't remember at this point if it had to do with what medicines I'd chosen to give him or something about the visit to the doctor today)

Me:  I'm glad you think so.  I hope in a few years when you don't think your Dad and I are very smart you'll remember this.

Rehm:  Why won't I think you are smart, because you are smart.

Me:  When you are older you will hit a period of time when you think Mom and Dad are old and our ideas are out of date and that we are just not smart.

Rehm: But you are old!

Good thing I was in a good mood because at that point we both laughed ourselves silly.

I really do enjoy spending time with my boy.  I love hearing how his mind works.
Jenn

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby

See bottom for an update on the swimming lesson fit.

-----------------------
This morning Ruby came in my room to snuggle. While chatting she informed me that she would like " a date with just me and mommy where I could have some bubble paper and salad!" by bubble paper she meant bubble wrap.

Later this morning she pitched a huge fit because I tried to help her with her swim cover up after swim lessons. She informed me that I was "pure evil!"

After we got home she had room time because the fit still wasn't over. From her room she decreed that she was NEVER coming out. I told her that was fine. Then I heard her yelling, "But you will bring me food? I've gotta have food! You must bring me food!"

She has now emerged from her room and is in a much more pleasant mood. I think the fear that we might not bring her food finally got her over her room strike.

Such a funny child. I just don't always fully appreciate some of the many facets of her personality.

Update: Later in the afternoon Cici, all three girls and I loaded into the van to go to the quilt shop. We picked out fabric to make a new table cloth for the dinning room. I love the fabrics and can't wait to see the finished product. But I digress...

We got in the van. Ruby sat down in her car seat and discovered it was damp. She proceeded to inform me that it is wet because she didn't wear her cover up home from swim lessons. I agreed and empathized with her that she chose not to wear it. At that point she informed me, "Yes,it is all your fault, Mommy, that my shorts are going to be wet when we get to the quilt shop!" And well, what was I really going to say to that? I chose to silently disagree with her on that point in hopes another full fledge fit would be averted.

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

The Bible in 90 Days: Two Weeks In

It has been a little over two weeks since I started reading The Bible in 90 Days.  I am so glad I took this challenge.  It has been an amazing experience so far.

I have had more discussions with more people about the Bible in the last two weeks than I can count.  It is so refreshing to have these conversations with my husband, my son, my friends, and fellow church goers.  It feels like everyone is talking about the Bible and we are all talking about the same parts.  It is great.

I have found that I have no time to read anything other than my Bible reading each day.  I'm an avid reader and on some level I am really missing my mindless, for entertainment only reading.  But, I am really enjoying reading all the bits and pieces that get left out between the Bible stories you learn in Sunday School. 

Rehm and I were talking about how tedious it was to read about the building of the Tabernacle.  I was telling him it was one of my favorite studies in Elementary Sunday School.  Of course, that was back in the days of flannel boards which I loved anyway. Apparently kids today think flannel boards are boring.  These kids, they just don't know what they are missing.  A well told flannel board story is awesome.

I loved watching my Sunday School teacher slowly build each layer of the Tabernacle.  I was completely amazed.  I didn't feel that way reading about it.  It was pretty tedious, but it did bring back the fond childhood memories for me.  Of course, in Elementary Sunday School we didn't talk about the logistics of actually moving about the wilderness for many, many years with this humongous tent building.  It never occurred to me then to wonder how it got moved.  But you know what?  Now I know the answer to that question!  How cool is that?

I have finished through Deuteronomy.  While I have enjoyed the reading, some of it has been pretty tedious.  There are many things that I don't identify with (the constant gore of the sacrifices, the harshness of God when wrong is done, the complete obliteration of nations).  It is hard to comprehend and reconcile with.  But I know every word was written so that I would know my  God better and deeper and so that I would fully appreciate the gift of Jesus Christ.

I am glad to be taking this journey and glad to have so many around me along for the ride.

Jenn

Finally a good way to dry beach towels

I just have to share this tip.  I have always had a hard time finding a place to dry towels after swimming. Now that problem is solved!

My solution for the last few years has been to wash them after each swimming trip. This gets old as with a family of six it adds an extra complete load of laundry every time we swim. Especially since I am always behind on laundry anyway. I got to where I avoided taking the kids swimming just to avoid the laundry.


The solution? I bought a second shower curtain rod and installed it on the back side of the kids bathtub. Then I bought the curtain rings that are S-shaped hooks. I hang the towels on the hooks. When I want to hide my drying towels and swimwear I just pull the curtain closed. If someone needs to use the tub then everything just gets pushed to the far end out of the way.

Now we are all happy. The towels have a place to dry, they aren't in the way, and I'm happy to take everyone to the pool to swim.

I can't take credit for this idea. I found it at The Frugal Girls. I just tweaked it to fit my needs.

Jenn - Posted from my iPhone

It's Time...But I'm Not Ready

There comes a point in pet ownership where the right thing to do for a pet is to let them go. That time has come for Howdy. We've known for months that his time was near and our vet agreed that the time is now. I know it is time. I know it is the right thing to do. But, I am not ready...

Having a pet in my life has always been important to me. I know that is shocking considering at this moment we have two dogs, two cats and four fish. I love what they add to our lives. I love their companionship and their constant acceptance, even on my grumpy days. No, I don't love the constant pet hair, or the unexpected vet bills, or the clawed recliner. But, they are worth every minute of it.

I agonize over making the best decisions for the four-legged members of the family when they are ill, or in this case, old and declining and no longer enjoying their lives but enduring them. I ache over making the choice too soon...or too late.

Howdy can't tell me what he is thinking and to the end he is going to do his best to please me. He still gets up, with help, when I ask him to. He still comes to get attention, even when his back half is almost dragging the ground when he stands still for more than a few seconds. He still goes on a short walk every evening, though he has started balking about halfway through. Even though he doesn't feel great, Howdy is still doing his best to be the best pet he can be. It is my duty to be worthy of his trust and love.

I am so glad that we have the ability to make end of life choices for our pets. And, at the same time, I despise having that responsibility. It is so hard. I am not ready...

I know it is his time. But calling the vet to schedule your dog's death is a horrible thing to do. In fact, I couldn't do it because I knew I would cry too hard while on the phone. Michael had to make the appointment. Knowing for 48 hours when my dog's life is going to end is gut wrenching. Trying to find the right time and way to break the news to my children is terrible. But, at the end of the day, the 13.5 years we have been blessed to have Howdy as part of our family are worth every single bit of the pain now.

I keep looking at Howdy and thinking,"Is this really the right choice?" Deep down I know it is. But, I'm not ready...

Unfortunately, he is...

Jenn

The Bible in 90 Days: Why I deciced to participate

Today's post is brought to you by a guest blogger, The Grinch himself.  Everyone please welcome Rehm to Mayhem Mania.

Well about 3 weeks ago I found out my church was going to read the Bible in 90 days. Having never read the whole thing I thought this was a wonderful chance to do so.  I am excited because I would get to do something I've never done.  I liked that lots of other people would be doing it.  Then I would have lots of people to discuss it with.

I was also a bit scared because there was a lot of reading.  I was afraid I might not have enough time to do it all sometimes.  I have lots of other activities planned for the summer.

The majority of the first 11 days have been good.  The good parts were when there was lots of action happening, like creation, the Ark...There were a couple of days that have been hard.  When it starts talking about the building of the Tabernacle, the alter for the Tabernacle, and all of the sacrifices it is really hard to continue on because it makes you tired and sleepy. 

I hope that I get though the whole thing. This is an amazing program.  I like how it is a short time period so I don't have to remember to do it everyday for a whole year.  It is quicker so I can make connections between the Old and New Testaments and different books.

Wish me luck,
Rehm

Summer is Going to Kill Me

We are only on Day Two of Summer Vacation and I am ready for the school year to start.  I know we are all just getting adjusted to the different pace and schedule that summer brings.  But, my goodness!  My kids are whiny brats! 

As of today, Day Two of Summer, I've already done the one thing I swore I would not do this summer.  I took all four children to the grocery store to do the weekly shopping.  Honestly, the car ride to and from the store were probably more annoying than the actual store time.  And this is after re-arranging seats this weekend to split up the bickering children.  Apparently, one certain child, that will remain nameless, just can't help but bug their seat mate. 

At the store itself, Charlotte got mad that I wouldn't let her ride in the cart.  She is almost 8!  What is she thinking?   Ruby and Eliza Claire insisted on riding in a cart even though I told them they are really getting too big.  Their argument consisted of reminding me they are only four.  So I'm taking that to mean when they turn five later this month the cart goes.

Of course, after procuring the  humongo cart with the added two seats that is impossible to steer, five minutes into the shopping the girls didn't want to sit in it.  Bummer for them, that wasn't a choice.  I told them they were the ones who wanted to ride and ride they would, for the entire shopping time.  I wonder if they will be so insistent about riding next time?

Rehm and Charlotte actually got a few Camp Life Skills lessons while shopping.  Rehm was in charge of keeping a running total of what we had spent so far and Charlotte was in charge of marking things off the list. 

Hopefully, we will all survive the first week of summer.  I know it will get easier as we all get used to spending so much time together, but I really hope I don't have to take them all to the store again any time soon.

Jenn

Eliza Claire Cuteness

She calls the refrigerator the refrigdidator (re-frig-di-date-or).

She and Michael are currently watching college baseball together on TV.  She is asking about a million questions.  It is too cute.  But the cutest thing is that she keeps calling the umpire the "empire."

Reading the Bible in 90 Days? Seriously?

Over 350 people from our church are participating in The Bible in 90 Days program this summer.  When it was first announced I thought "no way!"  How in the world would I read the entire Bible in 90 days?  Over the summer no less, with four kids to occupy. 

I've made an effort in the last year to get out of my comfort zone and push myself physically and emotional.  I've also made it a priority to understand who I am and what I am capable of and stopped beating myself up about not doing everything.  In this year of self discovery, I've determined that I am very much the tortoise and not the hare.

I can't do things in a fast and furious manner.  Especially when starting a new habit.  If I do, I burn out in a week or two and then feel like a failure when I don't stick to the new regimen.  I have found that I do better to make small goals and build on them.

For example, I started doing the Couch to 5K program in mid-March. The first day I almost talked myself out of doing it because I truly didn't believe I could do it.  But I realized I would definitely fail, if I didn't try and trying alone was a success in and of itself. I should have completed the program as of this week.  I'm not quite halfway.  Do I feel like I have failed?  Nope, because I have tried something new and stuck with it for nine weeks.  Will I ever complete the program and run a 5K?  Probably, but if I don't, I have still been successful. I've tried something way outside my comfort zone and given it my best effort.  I'm slow, but I'm doing it in a way that works for me and who I am.  

My personal motto this year has become, "I am tortoise hear me...plod."  Yep, boring and down right anti-climatic, but completely and totally who I am.  Progress, no matter how slow, change, no matter how small, are my successes. 

How does someone who has embraced taking the slow and steady approach to the world end up committing to read the Bible in 90 days? I don't really know. My first response to my Bible Study group was, "I'm the tortoise not the hare and this is totally the hare's approach.  I'm scared!"

I am scared.  I am a tortoise.  I am a slow reader.  I don't do well with big change.  This is a big change, requiring about 45 minutes of reading every day for 90 days! I've never read the Bible all the way through.  I've read chunks but never the whole thing.  I've failed at so many projects that required me to jump in with both feet and do something different.

I'm also very excited.  I'm out of my comfort zone and I've learned this year that is a good place for me to be.  I am growing and stretching and challenging myself by attempting something I don't feel capable of doing.  I feel empowered by trying something new and by testing myself. 

I'm four days in to the reading.  I've completed Genesis.  All the stories were familiar but this is the first time in my life I've read every last single word in Genesis and I did it in 4 days!

Will I complete this journey in 90 days?  I intend to.  Will I be a better person for doing this? Yes!  I will have accomplished something that I didn't think I was capable of and I know God will stretch me spiritually through this process as well.  I am excited.  I am the tortoise but for the next 86 days I will be impersonating the hare.

Wish me luck and say a prayer for my endurance.  I'm sure I'll be posting more about it as the summer progresses.

Jenn

PS. I'll be posting on Facebook everyday when I complete my reading.  This is my way of being accountable during the process.