tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41496234926290010312024-02-19T08:22:50.232-08:00TexasCalfasVickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-54326667298404015282013-04-25T07:45:00.002-07:002013-04-25T07:45:26.768-07:00The school year is rapidly coming to an end. I think I'm more excited than the kids. Helping five kids with homework every night is wearing on me. I'm tired of following rules. Even though I expect it from my children, I'm not good at it. I tend to blow off things that aren't important to me. Every summer I invest a great deal of time in educating my kids. We aren't doing that this year. The kids will be expected to read, and we will do some math, but mostly we are going to swim and hang out and be lazy!! I can't wait.<br />
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The kids are growing like crazy. In the fall, Angie will go to jr high, and Emi to Kindergarten. I may actually get my laundry done for the first time in 11 years. Well, not likely, since I'm taking classes.<br />
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I will post end of the year stuff next month.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-29022742519970875902013-01-10T07:10:00.003-08:002013-01-10T07:10:41.475-08:00Happy 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If I would have managed to get Christmas cards out this year, this would have been the picture I used. Photographing Five kids can be challenging and the kids were totally uncooperative that day. Brian didn't feel that it was good enough quality, and we just never got around to taking another one. I have great intentions. Maybe in 2013 I will work on my follow through. Hey maybe this year I will remember that Christmas is on the same day every single year. Haha.<div>
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School is back in full swing. It's hard to believe that the school year is half over. We say it all the time, but time sure does fly. I have always read to my kids at night, and last semester we just didn't seem to get around to it. We got back into it over the Christmas break, probably because we didn't have any activities to go to, but I am trying to keep it up. I can read Aiden and Emi the same books, but they are in separate rooms. So far Aiden has been content to come in Emi's room for a story, but its only a matter of time before I hear that it's not fair. Their current favorite is a book called Press Here. It is an adorably fun book for their ages. </div>
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Zac has been reading age appropriate graphic novels. I know, some would argue that this is not real literature and a waste of time, but he's enjoying reading and that is all I really care about. The Lunch Lady series was actually very cute. Tony and I have been trying to get through The Mysterious Benedict Society. It's been a slow process. This book is actually on the Duke Tip Reading Club, and Tony seems to be enjoying it. I'm not saying that it's not good, just that it wasn't the best choice for Reading aloud. Somehow, I got conned into reading Angie The Host. Ok, I was reading it because I really want to see the movie, and I think that there should be more girl sic-fi. So far so good, but this puppy is 1000 pages long, and I find myself wanting read ahead after I send her to bed. Generally I like read aloud books to be a bit shorter. Ok A LOT shorter. </div>
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-83798515730216679532012-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:002012-10-30T12:13:57.330-07:00Accomplishments. Next post will have pics, well probably. I'm fighting a bug that all my kids have had. Right now the score is Bug 2, Me 0. This is the second day, so I am hoping to feel better by tomorrow. I'm teaching a grossology unit at the kids school, and I'm not all that into it because I feel bad. Tomorrow we are touring the hospital lab which all the kids are excited about.<br />
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Last week was a week of accomplishments. My struggling reader has made tremendous strides. I'm super proud. It was just crazy, and his teacher and I have met several times to figure out how to help him. He had zero fluency. They are supposed to have a fluency score of 80% and he had 14%. You'd listen to him read and think that there is no way he is grasping any of this, and then he'd get every single question right. So, it became a question of bumping him back to easier books, or letting him struggle with the harder books? At first we did one of each, but eventually we decided to scale back to easier books. I want my kids to enjoy reading. Not for it to be a daily torture session.<br />
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Angie got her bridge up kick over in gymnastics. It was so exciting. She is in a group of kids much much younger than her. One of her coaches praised her leadership skills, but I could tell that she was getting discouraged. Her other coach told me that gymnastics is really hard at her age, and even girls who are much more advanced lose skills because they lose power for a little while because their bodies are changing so rapidly. Anyway, it was a huge confidence booster for her and for me a parent. I got to say, see if you work hard, eventually it pays off. I'm curious to see what she does next<br />
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Zac and Aiden's flag football team won the championship on Saturday. I was more excited that the other team lost than that we won. I'm not a sports fiend, so let me explain. These are boys K-2, and I felt that the other team was unsportsman like. Zac was punched in the chest, Aiden was pushed down for no reason. This is flags and the rules say no contact. I can understand boys getting a little excited and tripping each other up etc, when they go for a flag, but my friends son was hit in between plays just because he pulled the kids flag. It happened right in front of the ref and nothing happened. We made a touchdown and the coach had the ref call a penalty flag for illegal blocking. It was behind the scrimmage, the ref didn't see it, but he overturned the touchdown. Then the other team worked the clock for EIGHT minutes. They had time for one last play, and then they fumbled! Karma. So, we won 16-14. I tell my kids that you can't always make people do right, but you still have to set a positive example and not let it get to you. Again, not a sports expert, but I think that flag should be about playing as much as possible and that every kid should play. One of their kids sat on the sidelines the entire game.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-69373386119099871582012-10-07T09:22:00.001-07:002012-10-07T09:22:42.502-07:00Nothing this brag about Well, I'm 8 weeks into my class. I have to say that I am enjoying this second half of the class which is focusing on legal and ethical issues much more than I thought I would. I was doing really well in the class, and then this week I had a quiz that I made a 72 on and it really dropped my average. I never have done well on quizzes where all the answers are right, and you have to pick the most right, or where they ask you which you will do first. In nursing, the "most right" answer is situational, and we often work as a team and in reality there is no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, but rather each person takes a task and carries it out all at the same time. <br />
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Going back to college in your late 30's is so much different than going to college in your late teens. I am a much better reader now, I have better time management skills, and my life experiences add interest to my written papers. While I am better able to accomplish the work, it is so much much harder. Online classes give you the flexibility to do the work at your own pace, in your own time, but I have more assignments than I ever had in a traditional class. We also have discussion boards to interact with each other. If you know anything about my antisocialness, then you know that this is the hardest part for me. And let's not even mention how hard it is to balance home, work and family without adding in school.<br />
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I'd like to say that I have lots of help and support from my family, but that only comes every few weeks after a meltdown, and it doesn't last long. Just the way it is when you have worked so hard to make yourself irreplaceable I guess. Totally kidding. The reality is that there are some things that just don't get done unless I do them. I'd like to be able to "brag" about the kids in this blog, but we have had a rough few weeks, and are experiencing some important growth trials right now. I have a GT kid in tutorials for math and other struggling to read. I have a kid with severe anxiety and can't cope. Another who wants to only do activities in which they can come in first. Another prone to fits if they don't get their way and one that is extremely sarcastic and disrespectful. The last several weeks have been kind of rough for me and not exactly what I'd call joyful parenting. Sometimes I wish my kiddos were more cookie cutter. It's interesting that they are all different, but it means that each time they face the same trials, I have to come up with a new way to help them so its like failing over and over.<br />
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Hopefully, I can write in a couple weeks with some proud moments, but right now I got nothing.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-51914700642875848442012-09-18T08:05:00.000-07:002012-09-18T08:05:04.627-07:00My New School YearIn my last brief blog, I talked about the kids starting back to school, but I didn't talk about me going back to school. Yikes, I know. Since Emi is doing a half day pre-k, I decided that I would start working on my BSN. I went to LVN school after I graduated from A&M, and then I earned my ADN from Angelo State over 11 yrs ago. I was always pre-something, and nursing was a job to do in the meantime. There are rumors that my hospital will elimate associate degree level nurses in the next 8 years. This has not been confirmed by higher ups, but I believe it is possible. So, I decided its now or never. In 8 years I will have TWO college age kids.<br />
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I am attending UTA and all my classes are online. It's a love/hate relationship. I love the instant feedback from professors/coaches, and I love the library access. I was able to instant message a librarian and she was a great help to me. She then emailed the transcript of our conversation to me, and I was able to refer to it while writing. But, it is much much more work than going to class, about 20 hours of work a week for ONE class. APA format is so complicated to me. I have to check and recheck my references and even then I'm still not sure I'm doing it right. I have done very well in my first 5 weeks, but I'm already trying to decide how much I can slack off and still make a decent grade. Sad, but true. I am very flawed this way. But, I think about my kids and the example that I want to set, and I trudge on. Don't be like mom!<br />
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It has been good for me, because I am starting to think of nursing as a profession rather than a job, and that is a good thing.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-32538763412743818242012-08-31T10:11:00.000-07:002012-08-31T10:11:23.787-07:00New School YearWell, school has started up again for us. I am the mom of a 6th, 5th, 2nd, K and Pre-k child. I am also taking college classes again. Shew!<br />
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The kids are adjusting, with Aiden being the most tired. As a kindergartener, its his first day of all day school. Angie started band this year, and is playing the clarinet. She says this is her favorite class.<br />
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Here's a rundown of activities, hopefully I will get pics up soon. Aiden and Zac are playing flag football. Aiden, Emi, and Angie are taking gymnastics. Zac is doing boxing and taking drum lessons. Tony is taking piano lessons, fencing, and doing cardioboxing with Brian. Angie is taking voice lessons and has signed up for the 4H food challenge. Each kid is only in one or two things, but when you multiply x5 its craziness.<br />
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My three oldest kids will be in GT this year. That means lots of projects. I have agreed to teach a unit called grossology. Ewww. Wish me luck. Somehow I also got roped into being on the parent involvement commitee.<br />
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I just booked a cruise for February. That's going to keep me going until then.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-21580319867414747622012-06-30T09:44:00.000-07:002012-06-30T09:44:32.994-07:00NGUNGU. Never Give Up. That's the phrase of our high school girls softball team. I guess you see phrases like this a lot in sports. I've been thinking about this ideal quite a bit. Parenting is tough. We want so many things for our kids. My kids are reluctant to try new things, and if there is something they aren't good at, they won't do it at all. I wonder where I would be today, if just once, someone told me, not to give up. Example,<br />
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I have short little legs, asthma and am super slow. I never could run a mile in school. What if someone told me, you don't start at a mile? Just alternate walking and running and eventually if you don't give up, you will be able to do it? Or, it doesn't matter if your slow, just keep going and eventually you will be able to add speed. Or yeah, your brain is telling you to stop. Its normal, you aren't dying, tell it to shut up.<br />
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The point is, if we only do the things we are good at, we will never know what we can accomplish. Do the things you love, even if you aren't the best. Or, in a small town, even if the judging is unfair.<br />
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I'm not pointing the finger, or blaming anyone. It's something that I honestly didn't know growing. I didn't realize it until I began to try to inspire my own kids. I think they teach me more than I teach them.<br />
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This is a great quote from Krissy over at the venspired learning blogs:<br />
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Try.<br />
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Even when its hard. Even when you think you might fail. Even when you feel like you're not going to reach your goal. Because trying? Taking a risk? Reaching a goal? That's learning.<br />
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And, its never too late.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-36676538966894418492012-05-17T14:43:00.001-07:002012-05-17T14:43:03.950-07:00Ah, blogspot has updated. Lets see if I can figure this out.<br />
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End of the school year is quickly approaching. Summer is around the corner. Busy. Busy. But it's mostly good. Last week Brian and I joined the gym. It's rough going, we don't have a routine yet, and I hate every minute of it, but after, I am so glad I pushed through. I'm not weighing, I'm not measuring. I may change my mind later, but right now, I don't want to track progress. It won't take much for me to get discouraged and quit.<br />
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So far this month, I celebrated my birthday, mother's day, and Emi's birthday. whew. Here's a few pics. The top two are the end of year recital. The bottom is a vortex cannon they made in GT.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-16547781460563296062012-04-24T07:51:00.002-07:002012-04-24T08:32:56.198-07:00Spring, oh how I love and hate this time of year! I am taking a break from my giant load of dishes and laundry to blog. We will see how long I hold up with a five year old at my hip asking tons of questions. Days like this, I would give anything for five minutes alone. Ahh, he's going to nana's to look a baby kittens, but will be right back. Type like the wind!!! LOL. Yeah, I know hardly anyone is reading this anymore, but its still good for me. I can't say everything random I want to say on FB and now that I'm on twitter, I can barely figure out how to follow it. It's almost seizure inducing.<br /><br />We are knee deep in tball/softball/baseball right now. Tony is playing out of guilt because there weren't enough kids to make a team for Zac. He actually didn't do too bad yesterday and its good for him to get outside once in a while. Zac hit 9 out of 10 balls thrown to him. Aiden's tball team is.....interesting. There are 18 kids on the field. I asked the person in charge of the league, and she said that she only had forms and money for 11. Hmmm. I guess I will stay out of it and grin and bear. Angie had an off game in softball last week, but overall, her team is doing pretty well. There is one team that they never beat, and I'd like to see it happen. They aren't better, but the girls end of letting them into their heads, and end up beating themselves. Their coach argues every point, every play, and the girls in the dug out are just rude sometimes. One girl got hit with a ball, and they yelled "take that, you deserve it." I just don't understand people. But, each year our girls are a little better, and have just a little more self confidence.<br /><br />This time of year, is the fun stuff at school. Field trips, etc. Friday Angie and her friend are going to the movies with their principal because of AR points. Angie and Tony will have a music recital next week. Today is Emi's last day of Tuesday school, so there's a program tonight. Not sure if she is going to pre-k, we are on the waiting list because the school is now requiring kids to qualify. Ugh. I really want her to go, but she will be ok if she doesn't. We will do another year of Tuesday school.<br /><br />I've been trying to put together a summer reading list. Taking suggestions. I haven't found a single list on the internet that I like. I'm looking for "smart" books. Books that an adult won't mind reading, but geared toward children. Books that aren't just great stories, but teach kids about something, a period of time, science, how we relate to others. I've found several "gifted kids" lists, but usually the main character is gifted in some way and these books are about how its ok to be different. Well, we (including me) already know what thats like.<br /><br />Well, unfortunately the laundry isn't going to fold itself.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-74302467665992217422012-04-22T18:43:00.001-07:002012-04-22T18:49:12.614-07:00Happy Easter<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWe_PVZXSMWF7WiHLUTGurO1rdoE-_-3J5-seAkc2W9nHIyiP4SnzxgrtVtxJDDf58UFfgQczU93CzkHuzkzIZcSNmRJ4SmGF1sT93upwOC7E_qQ6QdvzPbAWsyPelFA4fqUBL5eTvl7u/s1600/DSC00079.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWe_PVZXSMWF7WiHLUTGurO1rdoE-_-3J5-seAkc2W9nHIyiP4SnzxgrtVtxJDDf58UFfgQczU93CzkHuzkzIZcSNmRJ4SmGF1sT93upwOC7E_qQ6QdvzPbAWsyPelFA4fqUBL5eTvl7u/s200/DSC00079.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734406809529953282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_GrzACcUSMJcQ38Eky7XfSLpsf2OMsR0ZhccpfzWeBReS-vZryNrdm8jf4iZQny0UcCzxvfoCw9-SHWPY31tQmRductMrepJcCMkrKfi1JrYWH7-Nx71RZd1EC6E1KpdkKavb0bDzfrn/s1600/DSC00088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_GrzACcUSMJcQ38Eky7XfSLpsf2OMsR0ZhccpfzWeBReS-vZryNrdm8jf4iZQny0UcCzxvfoCw9-SHWPY31tQmRductMrepJcCMkrKfi1JrYWH7-Nx71RZd1EC6E1KpdkKavb0bDzfrn/s200/DSC00088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734406801562793026" /></a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-50662179334712803162012-03-16T14:51:00.002-07:002012-03-16T15:09:28.318-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0350gGXeuX7MotU1JTlRn9lp_L4tP8udYCPV_rcKtypkxBEK13aLQbpryu0GkI8oIU2aZYCuf93NpEEKDYgqMStf_W6ixfyWfSSshNpHQVhqEl8DnmEB-izi_SjS6WWYA0RPtxL1lmpFV/s1600/100_3068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0350gGXeuX7MotU1JTlRn9lp_L4tP8udYCPV_rcKtypkxBEK13aLQbpryu0GkI8oIU2aZYCuf93NpEEKDYgqMStf_W6ixfyWfSSshNpHQVhqEl8DnmEB-izi_SjS6WWYA0RPtxL1lmpFV/s200/100_3068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720616989688952290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0BLWc5vs-JdZ-ndoG-ZsK3rK4M4_HGl76xJVmvCDzAmX492cD8szg-2QrVivhaL62kSM-GGZotyAm8AbeWhdd8K5JsuiRTXJZC9gX7ecltA_fcI1EpM_jbHpoA6Rs54EYL7OMte1Pl5E/s1600/100_3044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0BLWc5vs-JdZ-ndoG-ZsK3rK4M4_HGl76xJVmvCDzAmX492cD8szg-2QrVivhaL62kSM-GGZotyAm8AbeWhdd8K5JsuiRTXJZC9gX7ecltA_fcI1EpM_jbHpoA6Rs54EYL7OMte1Pl5E/s200/100_3044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720616979040546386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUCqqEzh7_VInlyti-ickIKqxeqn-KDxi7EqWbbDoBjs7LzNbi-rNN7l8istXOx22po8AEzWH76XraPkShlhkEangBMw7vUXpJOyTNgcLfb0vzhrXzSo3xil0S87D0hyphenhyphen4MVAfOYkUCbkb/s1600/100_3047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUCqqEzh7_VInlyti-ickIKqxeqn-KDxi7EqWbbDoBjs7LzNbi-rNN7l8istXOx22po8AEzWH76XraPkShlhkEangBMw7vUXpJOyTNgcLfb0vzhrXzSo3xil0S87D0hyphenhyphen4MVAfOYkUCbkb/s200/100_3047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720616973614836002" /></a><br /><br />Our spring break was pretty tame. I worked the beginning of the week. Wednesday we did basic stuff like grocery shopping. These pics are a few that we took on Thursday when we went on a 4H photography field trip. We didn't spend much money, but we walked tons and the kids were tired. I think Angie got some great pics. We will see. We really need to do more inexpensive day trips. Today we went to the lake and had a picnic with friends. We will soon be on the downhill slide for the rest of the school year.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-2314842239063944622012-03-06T08:01:00.002-08:002012-03-06T08:52:32.272-08:00Yeah Yeah yeahI know that my posts have been lacking, uninspired for a while. There are things that I just don't want to relive and hash out on paper. Not because they are bad, but because its just not interesting. No brilliant parenting tips here. I'm just winging it, trying to do the best I can, and I'm pretty sure most of the things I do will never grace the pages of a book. Unless I were to write one titled "Yeah that's really not gonna work for me." haha. Have a child and the mommy wars begin, especially if you really want to do it right. You know better than your parents. Oh, wait, were they winging it to? Doing the best they could in the situation they were in? Nah. That can't be right.<br /><br />I've come to terms with the facts: I liked using diapers. I wasn't able to breast feed my newborns, much less send some in my 3yr old's thermos to Tuesday school. I love the idea of homeschooling, but it wasn't meant to be for our family, and I fell in love with our kids school....public school. Shudder. I have no idea what attachment parenting really is. Yeah, we had a sling but my husband used it more than I did and and while a couple of our kids have "coslept" with us it was not by my choice. Those little bodies produce a lot more heat than you'd think.<br /><br />I could go on and on painting a picture of how "bad" of a parent that I am. No really I could. But, somehow, I have great kids. Yeah I know being their mom makes me a wee bit biased, and they aren't perfect, they are kids, after all. But, they are intelligent and kind and funny. Someday they will make great parents. That's everything we're all striving for right? We get caught up in the other stuff, and the hustle and bustle, but really all that matters is the kind of people they grow up to be. <br /><br />It's been an interesting school year for me. I'm learning to let go and see what they can do. This year, I told the kids that I didn't give a flying flip about their grades, but we would continue to go over the things they missed. Amazing how they take off when they no longer feel pressure to perform a certain way. We've been talking a great deal this year about initiative as well. With technology, there is no reason for them to sit around and wait for someone to teach them. If you're curious look it up. Its ok to go beyond the classroom at home, to delve further into your interests. <br /><br />Still working on the middle child. We are still figuring each other out. He's not like any of my other kids when it comes to learning. Above average intelligence with a big chip on his shoulder. I keep thinking that one day he will realize that he's younger than his brother and sister, not less. The things that he can't do are things that he can't do YET, because he is younger. And of all things he doesn't like praise. I mean, ever know anyone who doesn't like praise? It shuts him down. You gotta be sneaky about it. After the first six weeks of school, I pretty much left him alone, just doing what had to be done for school. This seems so wrong, but he flourished. It's gotta be his. He has to own his accomplishments. Lately, I've been working a few things in here and there if he asks. Reading a story about bats and his questions and we looked up some very interesting facts. Reading a required story about diego rivera and we looked up pictures of the actual places that were cartoon drawings in the story. And, interesting enough, things that I thought were a waste of time for him in the past, left a bigger impression than I thought. He tells his younger siblings so many interesting things. He is a great teacher. His younger brother is reading because of him.<br /><br />You can only do so much. They are what they are. So, enjoy today.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-51847187669458041932012-02-17T15:06:00.003-08:002012-02-24T14:09:52.292-08:00New computer, new post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI_vnqnZ1-Jz8KDeDHpSQs6t7JHZ-3dFwtP1P9jwF7JTcWp75o2jfZYUz_qRkjI6yPXOgX80FVTRLm1rC2ndkXD-GJk9skQJxWoIfweBoX5sCQBVng3HYsO58g8caHeo6FUIvDYAMIL3A/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI_vnqnZ1-Jz8KDeDHpSQs6t7JHZ-3dFwtP1P9jwF7JTcWp75o2jfZYUz_qRkjI6yPXOgX80FVTRLm1rC2ndkXD-GJk9skQJxWoIfweBoX5sCQBVng3HYsO58g8caHeo6FUIvDYAMIL3A/s200/IMG_1756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712826688788527202" /></a><br />Ok, I know that the pic won't correspond to my post, but my inner geek is in love. We finally broke down and bought a new computer. I was lying down last night and Brian came in and asked me to help him set everything up. When did this reversal occur? When did I become the techie in the relationship? I used to loathe technology and here I am embracing it. <br /> <br />Wednesday was an interesting day. We went to Baylor and found out that Brian has a virus. He has to do treatments to boost his immune system, but I don't want to talk about that other than to say that its been a huge source of stress the last several weeks. Brian also found out that he is going to get to cross train for MRI. This has really put a pep in his step. He has been in an obnoxiously good mood. It's a little more money, but its a different kind of work than he does now. I am excited because I think it will help him stay well.<br /><br />When we got home from Dallas, Emi handed me an envelope that was in between our doors. A check. A check that we thought we would never see. Not the lotto by any means, but a cushion. We haven't had a cushion in four years. I am a doubter. Its what I do. But Wednesday was a reminder that there are things bigger than me if I just have faith.<br /><br />Thursday I found out that we lost our neighbor. Oh, how the kids loved him. He will be missed. Yes he was elderly, yes he had health problems, but we weren't ready. We don't know his family, but they have to be hurting.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-77289858763729158472012-02-04T14:55:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:09:14.464-08:00Brian is still sick, still getting IV antibiotics, but he had a better week this week. His blood counts remained up, and he's pale, but no longer grim reaper green. He's halfway done with his last block of maintanence treatments. Praying he makes it through with no more hiccups and that this is it for a while. His always positive attitude is taking a beating here lately.<br /><br />Paid off my student loan today. woo hoo!!!!! Exciting. Getting back on the Dave Ramsey band wagon. I am going to take a much more active roll in budgeting and bill paying etc. Frankly, Brian doesn't have the energy to do it right now. Praying that I am able to work some extra, as long as it doesn't burden him.<br /><br />Kids are doing well.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-88980198793483749442012-01-25T07:27:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:10:43.025-08:00Oh, blog, I know I'm neglecting you. Truthfully, we are having technical difficulties at the Calfa abode. We are at a crossroads, needing a new computer. Funny, I guess its not technically a NEED, but I feel like it is. We have a little netbook, slow, but we can stream, check our bank, pay bills etc. We also have a borrowed laptop, and the phones. So, we are by no means cut off from the world, but I am impatient with the time it takes to load this blog up on any of these devices, especially when a quick FB update can be done in a matter of seconds. But, truthfully, I can't always say what I want to say on FB. I can say whatever I want here, I don't think anyone is reading anyway:)<br /><br />So, today, I am going to skip the health updates (Brian is really sick and taking IV antibiotics right now) write about something Brian and i talk about at home often: Our kids are smart. Not just one or two of them, ALL five of them are very smart. As we had one, then two, then three, then four enter school, this is how we started to acknowledge it as well. <br /><br />Our kids are receiving a public school education. It's just how the dice rolled, and I am getting comfortable with it. Do we supplement? You bet your bottom dollar! Truthfully, sometimes more than others, and its been a learning process for sure. And, when I find something that works great for one kid, it doesn't work for the next one. So, for now, our focus is BALANCE. First and foremost, our kids are going to be kids. Yeah they will probably grow up with things they hate about us, but hopefully, there are a few things that they love as well.<br /><br />I read a blog recently about a mom frustrated because her 13 yr old won't take their last 3 classes to graduate from college. Think about this.....what a proud moment....your 13 year old accomplishes what all those other 20 somethings did, and probably made better grades....what comes to mind? Pride? But, this isn't your accomplishment, its theirs. And what did they sacrifice to get there? This particular kid, never saw a Disney movie because it had no educational benefit. And, what do you do with your life when you finish college at 13? Are you free labor to the university in the form of "research"? Do you get an advanced degree? Another degree? You fastworwarded your life to live in limbo? Now,I'm not saying that this is wrong. It may be just fine for some people. It's just not a perfect fit for us. <br /><br />Yes,we will do some advanced testing. We may do some college work early. But, we aren't going to go overboard.<br /><br />This week I told the kids that I expect them to read one piece of nonfiction a week. Crazy, because that's all my daughter read last year, and we encouraged her to read fiction once in a while. Now she is only reading fiction. Again: balance. This backfired, but in a way even better than I ever imagined. She read her nonfiction: to Zac and Aiden! I walk into the living room and she is reading them a book on mummies! But she is really getting into this and explaining the mummification process to them in much greater detail than the book and they were loving it! So, I didn't need to worry.<br /><br />Tony and Zac are reading to each other at night. I love it. And it frees me up to read stuff I want to read!Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-55452047090524992612011-12-17T15:41:00.000-08:002011-12-17T16:44:18.586-08:00I havent been on the blog much lately. I've been creeping around adding more and more GT blogs to the list of blogs I am following. I have been thinking that I probably need to come up with a theme since I don't think random counts. LIfe is pretty good right now. Brian had a clean scan so we get to pretend to be normal until his next treatment in March/scan in April. Can't beat that. It gives us a few months to get some medical bills paid off before we aquire some more. I really should go back to work full time or pick up some more work to get us out of debt, but so far I haven't found the time nor the energy. <br /><br />The kids are doing well. Let's devote a paragraph to each one. lol.<br /><br />Angie is growing up and such a good kid. I'd like to brag that its because I'm such a great mom, but really its just her. She is very in tune to other's emotions and feelings. When I was in Vegas she competed in the 4H food challenge competition and her team got second. This semester she completed a whole year of theory work in voice, so when she goes back in January, she will be at grade level. She did awesome at her UIL meet this year. 1st in ready writing, 1st in music memory, 1st in artsmart, and 2nd in listening.<br /><br />My sweet Tony is an avid reader. So far he is the top reader for his grade. It took some trickery on my part. He's always read a lot, but he wasn't testing on his books. Last year their school went to a web-based instead of a school based testing program. So, every book we have in our house so far has had a test, but he wouldn't take them unless the book was also in their library, which was true under the old system. So, i broke the ice by buying the library a copy of the book he was reading at the time. Lol. I just want him to read what he's interested in, and continue to love it. He did UIL music memory and got 1st place. T doesn't do pressure too well.Can't remember if I've blogged about the fact theat he's developed a tic. The ped says that its stress related and that he should grow out of it. So, house rules are one event. I'm hoping that healthy pressure in small quantities will help him in the long run. Same with piano. He has a wonderful teacher. I'm thankful that she understands him and is focused on making it fun with just small amts. of pressure. She says that I don't have to enter him in the competitions in the Spring, so we will see.<br /><br />Zac has made huge strides in school this year. I'm so proud of him. Parenting him is always a challenge, but I love that kid. Hopefully I do right by him. He is really really bright. He may actually end up passing up his siblings, but he doesn't want anyone to know he's bright. And I have to leave him the heck alone. He's made a great deal of progress with his reading mainly because he loves to read to his brother and sister. ANother thing he doesn't want anyone to know, he is very caring and tender hearted. Today we drove by the old Santa Anna hospital. Zac says there's that creepy ass old hospital. Funny. I should be more upset by this. But, he's not calling anyone names and he knows knows not to talk this way around others.<br /><br />Aiden is enjoying pre-K and often asks to 'do school' at home. I could teach him to read and he would have no trouble learning, but I have debated the semester away. He knows all the letters and sounds and Zac has taught him some words. He often asks to spell 3 letter words. I just don't know if it's better to teach them to read early or to fill them up with facts. What I'm saying is, I just want it to be fun. If there's a mistake, I've made it. Aiden still loves me lots which is nice.<br /><br />Emi is growing like crazy. She is a smart one too. Super girly and she knows how to manipulate us. Right now we are trying to teach her that crying won't get her way. I think that's just part of being Three. Sadly, she has all her siblings wrapped around her finger too. This week we've had several conversations about them staying out of it when we are parenting her and she is crying. LOL. Funny when you have more kids, you worry that they aren't getting what your older kids got. When Angie and Tony, and even Zac to some extent, were younger, we holed up at home, played with them, read to them etc. So, this fall I've made a big effort to try not to drag the younger kids to every football game etc, but funny thing is, Emi WANTS to be at the older kids events. She wants to do things with them.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-69039762844300108572011-10-25T09:03:00.000-07:002011-10-25T09:19:47.150-07:00Brian finished up his last radiation treatment today. Tomorrow will be his last rituxan. He has done awesome with it this time. His counts have held, and he hasn't had as many side affects as he usually does. I am finally getting over the worst cold I've had in a long time. I've been super stressed and kind of in a funk. Let's talk about the kids instead.<br /><br />Zac finished up his football season. Overall, it was a good experience. I definately recommend flag football. It has been great for Zac. I have to tell you, people are serious about their pee-wee football though. The first game we went to they had a tent set up with tables. I told the kids "I don't know what they are selling but do not make eye contact". Lol. I learned the next game that they were selling tickets to get in. Haha.<br /><br />School is zipping along. The first semester will be done before you know it. The kids are enjoying the papa and nita book club. Once a month they sent an email with their book requests. Then they send them in the mail. The kids are loving this!! They are so excited when that package arrives. This has been especially great for my reluctant reader.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-84233480725014066982011-09-27T10:57:00.000-07:002011-09-27T11:11:41.480-07:00MOndys I get two whole hours to myself. So, today I am spending the first part blogging. Then I'm going to read a little. Yeah, yeah. I know there are dishes to be done, laundry to wash, etc, but that stuff is always there. It NEVER goes away.<br /><br />Things are still not finalized with Brian's treatments. As you know, his biopsy was positive for lymphoma. We can look at this lots of ways. We can say the transplant cured everywhere but that spot, or we can say the transplant now has this cancer behaving in a usual way. Brian has an indolent for of non hodgkins lymphoma. B-cell follicular to be exact. These cancers are supposed to be slow growing, you wait and watch and treat when necessary. But they are persistant little weeds and are hard to cure. Boo, but the good news is there are lots of treatment options. <br /><br />In the past, Brian's cancer has not behaved this way. It has been very aggressive. The first time he was diagnosed, it was in his neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis and very large. He had fluid in his lungs and a blocked off kidney. The second time, 18 monts later, it was very large in his chest and wrapped around his spine.<br /><br />This time, 18 months after transplant, it was about quarter sized and in his groin. He had surgery to remove it, and he will continue his Rituxan and do radiation as well. He needs at least another week for the incision to heal, and the radiation oncologist is waiting on the cd of the PET scan to arrive by courier before she can make treatment recommendations. I would really like to know, but that is just because of my constant compulsion to plan. I need to plan my work schedule, someone watching the kids etc.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-70519321341879118672011-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:002011-09-19T07:31:32.937-07:00The kids have finished up their 4th week of school, and I still don't have a routine down yet. That's the goal for this week. Missing a whole week and then having a whole week of make-up work threw me off. Ok, to be fair it threw us all off. We started out last week pretty well, and then Brian and I spent the end of the week in Dallas. Not sure if we will get results this week or next, so maybe my plans for getting a routine down will be shot this week too.<br /><br />Brian did pretty well with his biopsy. He was really sore Saturday so we went ahead and took Sunday off from work, but he went this morning. He incision is neat and clean so I don't anticipate any problems there. Not sure if I will have to miss work this week to go with him. That part isnt too big an issue for me, but I will have to coordinate someone watching the kids. <br /><br />Bragging a little, the kids havent had a tardy yet. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner, but I'm not waking Aiden and Emi up in the mornings. They are sleeping in and then i just carry them sleeping to the car, pjs, blankies and all. I can focus on the older kids, and not have to fight with the little ones who aren't ready to eat, get dressed etc. Angie has to be there in time to turn in her homework to ALL her teachers before the bell rings. Interesting. Is this so they can't cheat or work on it in earlier classes? Hmmm. Tonight is open house. I have no idea how I'm going to see all their teachers. Brian is going to meet me there, and we will divide and conquer.<br /><br />Meal planning and budgeting again. I signed up for some extra shifts next week and the week after. Ok, maybe its pointless to even be thinking about a routine, but it will help us get back on track after our trip and Brian's treatments.<br /><br />Looks like it will be into the second six weeks before I start working with Aiden on reading. I have mixed feeling about it anyway. He seems ready, but I'm not sure that being an early reader does a kid any favors. I've focused on reading alot with Zac, I think because he doesn't really like it, and I want him to. Maybe I should have been focusing on filling him with facts, math skills etc? So, that's what I'm doing this year. We are doing required reading and spelling etc, but then its just fun learning after that. Overall, I think he is doing well with that.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-27315463634417985662011-09-14T19:43:00.000-07:002011-09-14T21:28:12.313-07:00Cooler weatherWe are getting into the swing of things after missing a full week of school. The kids had tons of make-up work otherwise I would have blogged about our trip sooner. Really content with the direction of my kids education right now. They are happy, healthy, and well adjusted. Aiden is doing well with pre-k, and Emi seems to love Tuesday school. Going full force with activities as usual. Zac is playing flag football and they won their first game 20-12. All the kids are in gymnastics on Wednesdays, and Angie and Tony are taking music lessons at Howard Payne. Angie is continuing with voice, and Tony is taking piano. Tony's teacher says that he has good natural rhythm. Lol. His whole world is a musical. Angie is in 4H this year, and she is doing the food and nutrition because they have a team event similar to Chopped or Iron Chef. <br /><br />We left on Tuesday the 30th and spent the night in a hotel close to the airport. Our flight left at 7:50 in the morning. Mom and Pam had to hightail it home because Pam forgot her passport. They got back to the hotel in time to shower and head to the airport. It was funny because Pam kept telling everyone not to forget theirs, and she brought her fancy passport book, but not her passport. The kids did great on the plane. Aiden and Zac sat next to each other and played and giggled. Pam was super grumpy, but they weren't bad. We did separate them on the way home, and they both slept. Tony was terrified to fly, and I was seriously wondering if I was going to have to sedate him. He kept saying things like "I'd rather crash and burn up after I graduate from High school," and "if we make it to seattle" As we took off, he said "remember that time you tricked me into going on the roadrunner at fiesta texas? well, its like that only not as scary. I bet I've matured enough to try that ride again".<br /><br />We got to Seattle about 10:30 in the morning, so we headed over to the Experience Music Project, EMP. This place is just cool. Brian was super excited because they had a battlestar gallactica exhibit. Brian and my mom used to have a date every Friday for sci fi Friday to watch it. The exhibit talked about how playing different music with the same scene invokes a different emotion. Since we had already paid for parking, and the Space needle was next door, we went up. Really, its not a big deal, and doesn't take very long, but my kids were super excited about it. After that we drove to Bellingham, Wa and stayed the night. The kids swam in the pool, then we bought a few groceries to take across the border, and went out to eat with John and Kristi. We went to some restaurant called Billy Mchales. The food was delicious. Angie wanted the seafood chowder. I normally am not a fan, but it was super tasty. It had salmon, scallops, shrimp, potatoes, and the ingredient that makes anything taste good....bacon.<br />The next morning we ate breakfast outside on the patio. Seriously, I could have sat there forever. It was in the 60's, there were birds, flowers and these big huge trees. <br /><br />But, we had a border to cross. It wasn't far to the border at all. Less than half an hour. The peace arch is no longer there, but that border crossing is beautiful. We drove to tswassen and boarded the ferry. It was about an hour and a half to the island. John and Kristi were 2 cars behind us. We had reservations for the ferry, but they put us in an overflow line, and said that we might get on an earlier one. Well, we were the last car on. The ferry was literally pulling out before we even got out of the rented 12 passenger van, leaving our friends to catch the next one. The ferry really is a neat experience. its very comfortable and you can sit inside or outside. There are cafes, arcades, a play area for small kids etc.<br /><br />We got the the island and the drive to Tofino was longer than we expected. The island is wild. Dense trees, mountains, lakes, streams...amazing. You really get the feel that maybe there are things yet to discover and explore. We stopped and walked around this place called cathedral grove. It was breathtaking walking around 800 year old Douglas fir trees. We drove onto our house we rented. It is definately the way to go. We had a hot tub, three bedrooms and 2 baths plus a full kitchen. Tofino is a tourist place, but they weren't overly friendly. Most places were cash only, but took American money. <br /><br />Friday we went to our friends wedding on Chesterman beach. Brian and John went over early to hang out with Jack and Kristi and I walked around town and went to lunch. Everyone wore thin strapped dresses to the wedding. It was 60 degrees that day on the beach, I wore pants:) Kristi and I arrived to see John and Brian sweeping the beach and arranging chairs. It was nice even if I thought it was comical. There reception was at their rented house and it was nice. They had a brunch the next day and said we could bring the kids. We stayed maybe and hour and a half and then walked down to the tide pools and looked at starfish, anemones and hermit crabs etc. Then we went to some ladies house and bought fresh live dungeoness crabs. She killed them for us and removed the lungs. My kids were super curious about that and wanted to watch. I went outside at the first crunch. But we took them home and had a huge crab boil. <br /><br />Sunday we went out on a boat and went whale watching. We saw an eagle, puffins, Stellar sea lions, which are the largest in the world. I'm talking massive. Then we saw a humpback and grey whales as well as a few harbor dolphins. The boat took us to the hot springs and we hiked through the forest maybe a mile and a half of boardwalk, lots of stairs. The hot springs were beautiful. THe hot water bubbled out of the rocks and mixed with the cold ocean water, plus the view! Well, may legs were jello walking back, and Emi was super tired but it was so worth it. On the way back we saw Orcas! Mommas and babies. One even breached for us! Not something they normally do in the wild, and they are transient, so they are only there every few weeks. Such a lucky day.<br /><br />Monday we drove back to Seattle. As we were leaving we saw a bear and some otters swimming on the lake. It took us the whole day to get there. We stayed at the Comfort Suites in Tukwila and it was lovely. We had two queens, a king and a sleeper sofa. Plenty of room, and mom, dad and pam had their own room. They had a really nice indoor pool, good breakfast, and they had an afternoon snack from 5-7, salad, fruit, wings, and muffins. There is so much to do in Seattle, but we got to see the aquarium. Highlight for me, the kids got to ask a diver questions and Aiden asked her how an anemone eats. She said "here I'll show you," and she fed it a fish! It slurped it right in. They had several touch tanks which was cool. We had a delicious lunch at the waterfront and walked around some. There are lots of people there and my anxiety was building, so we didn't get to see Pikes market. Another time we will have to see them throw the fish. But, we went to the museum of flight. Man, this is a must. We didn't get to see nearly half of it. I should have alloted more time. They have Johnson's Airforce one, a concorde, and countless other planes. They have a space exhibit, a full WW1, WW2 exhibit, and a control tower.<br /><br />Our week zipped by. This was a huge vacation for us that required alot of thought and planning. We now know that we can do it. Next big vacation will have to be someplace tropical, but I can't tell you what a blessing it was to escape the heat for a little while.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-21017184754756625022011-09-13T07:08:00.000-07:002011-09-13T08:08:24.901-07:00Scan update.Well, I have so much to blog about, lets start with the not so cheery stuff first...<br /><br />Brian had his routine PET scan and check up this past Friday. We were both super excited that he was able to fight off a cold for the first time since he started treatments on his own without meds. You may recall that he wasn't producing blood back in March and April and had to have a bone marrow biopsy. Well, his lab work is beautiful, right where it needs to be. He also had some esophageal inflammation on his last PET that is no longer there. Praise God. But....there's always a but. They've been watching a lymph node in his groin for a while. The lymph system empties into the groin, so they didn't want to unnecessarily poke around there for remove this node if they didn't have to. There are risks, mainly, lymphedema. But, this node is larger and its glowing more intensely on the PET. So, Thursday and Friday we will be in Dallas meeting with a surgeon. Thankful that my husband has such a kind hearted, pro-active oncologist. He made it very clear to the surgeon that he doens't want to wait, that we need these results because it will determine the next course of treatment. Praying its nothing, but as always, its not in our hands. <br /><br />Thankful for my family, specifically my mom, who has taken off work to be with our children. Thankful for my job, and the people there who are so understanding. My boss is having a particularly hard time. Continued prayers for her. A few years ago, her brother was murdered at a bank while he was making a delivery. The trial has been going on and the sentencing is next week. Her baby sister has been battling breast cancer. Her sister slipped into a coma this weekend and its a matter of time until she passes into the next life. Her family will more than likely be planning a funeral next week. So much for one family to deal with.<br /><br />I'm sure this biopsy result will take a week or so, but that works out perfectly with my blogging schedule.<br /><br />Beginning of school and Canada trip to follow.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-59038347226190453192011-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:002011-08-16T19:23:44.264-07:00Brian and Zac are out tossing the pigskin. Zac is a natural. He starts practicing with his flag football team this Thursday. When we signed Zac up he wasn't too happy about it. He says that he is more of a sitting on the couch eating chips watching footbal kind of guy. I hope that he enjoys it. He seriously needs a physical outlet. I've seen a huge change in him this summer and I can't wait to see what this school year brings. I ran into his teacher for the upcoming year at the technology institute last week. Soo excited that he has Mrs. Lee. Actually I would have been happy with either first grade teacher, but I think she will be good. She actually taught kindergarten and GT at our school and then left for 2 years and is back now. Her daughter will be in Aiden's pre-k class.
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<br />Aiden will be going to school from 12:30-3:30. Not too bad. That means that we can do the toddler class at the zoo for one more year. I plan on working with him with the book Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Emi will be spending Tuesdays at Joy Station Tuesday school. And both the little ones will be continuing gymnastics.
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<br />Tony will be entering the 4th grade. He will have the same teacher that he had for second grade. She gives alot of homework, but I do like her as a person. She scores points for her husband. She's married to my friend Phillip's brother, Michael. I know that Tony will do fine, I'm hoping that he and I can work on some personal goals. He's never had a friend.
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<br />Angie will be starting a new adventure. The 5th grade changes classes, so he will have different teachers for different subjects. And for the first time, her grade will be divided. She has some bright kids in her class, so I'm expecting it to be a good year.
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<br />well, someone forwarded me an interesting link. I'll write more later.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-80667181530604576712011-08-11T19:30:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:49:20.138-07:00Back on the budget, meal planning in summer months is a challenge when nothing sounds good. Last night I made quiche for the kids for the first time. General consensus was positive. Zac made me laugh because he said "just pretend its pizza, just pretend its pizza." He closed his eyes and took a bite going pizza, pizza, pizza. Hahahaha.
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<br />Brian and I spent the last two days up at the school at the summer technology institute. This is actually a continuing education event for teachers, but its open to the public, so Brian and I spent the last to days building rockets. It was awesome. Ok, so we know nothing about physics, but we learned. Can't wait to build them with the kids.
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<br />Pam was so good to watch the kids for us. I just have to pay her in Pioneer woman cinnamon rolls that she can take to her sunday school class. Well worth it!Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-9462951749626587832011-08-06T12:51:00.001-07:002011-08-06T15:05:54.723-07:00Summer scorcher.Well, its hot here. Duh, you say? I'm longing for the days of the train when a drought would send me and the kids packing to the relatives back east and Brian would be stuck here tending the ranch until the rains came again. But, its not to be. Sigh.<br /><br />We are rationing water here. One minute showers. Wet, turn off water. Lather, rinse. Paper plates, paper cups. And, saddest of all, the pool is now turned off. I know its materialistic, but I can't help it. I am a daughter of Poseidon. Water is comforting to me, lack of it is heartbreaking. <br /><br />Our trip to Seattle and Canada is next week. I suspect we will freeze in the 70 degree weather. So nice to have something to look forward to. I told Brian that we may have to plan all of our summer vacations for August so that we can escape the heat.<br /><br />Angie and I are working through the Love Comes Softly dvds. I'm sure that the books are fabulous, but we are really enjoying the movies. She is watching on me so that we can watch #5. More on that later.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149623492629001031.post-28961775288250860522011-07-30T15:21:00.000-07:002011-07-30T15:48:45.053-07:00Summer campsThis week will be the last of the summer camps. Yeah. You should know that I'm a little neurotic when it comes to this venture in parenting. I start in March planning our summer including reading lists, workbooks and other educational items, and yes, summer camps. Every summer, I come away with a few more things to add to the list of things that just don't work for us. Hopefully, along the way I have given the kids a good memory or two.<br /><br />I posted pictures of Threshold, the GT camp at Hardin Simmons. THis mom gives it two thumbs up! What a great experience for the kids. They get to spend the whole week with other kids who love to learn.<br /><br />Last week, Angie, Bella, and Angie's friend Marin spent the week at The Grace Museum Culinary camp. Wow, it was amazing. I was more than a bit jealous. TSTC provided the instructors and they spent the week cooking healthy versions of kids favorites. For example, they made pizza with honey instead of sugar in the dough, and ranch dressing with yogart instead of mayo. Each day there was a drink of the day, watermelon lemonade, coconut smoothies, old fashioned low fat chocolate malts. Yum. They got a cookbook and a t-shirt as well that they decorated during camp. Angie was really excited to learn that their instructor won the very first episode of chopped. We even pulled it up and watched it on youtube.<br /><br />Tony and my nephew Landen spent the week at a drama camp at the Methodist church. They did a musical version of the jungle book. It was so good. My son was definately in his element this his microphone and killer dance moves! Gosh I love that kid.<br /><br />Tony spent this week at zoo camp. This is his third year, and probably last, at least at the Abilene zoo anyway. The boy knows alot about animals! Thankfully, midweek I decided to pay for the after care program. T stayed at the zoo and Katie picked him up when she got off work. It was his favorite part!! He helped feed animals and then played zoo tycoon. And, I saved a ton of money on gas!!<br /><br />I picked up a book called Parenting Gifted Kids, by james Delisle. In between other "fun" mindless escape reading, I've been reading this book here and there. I have to say, its a great read, and not just for parents of kids who are "gifted". Over the last year I have read several snoozers in this area, and this book has really been speaking to me. Maybe, its because I believe in his messages. It talks about teaching your children that "better at" does not mean "better than". Amen preach it to the choir!! Seriously though. Everyone wants their kids to be smart and successful, but its kind of a waste if we don't teach them to be good people.<br /><br />In a few weeks it will be back to school time. Not a major transition in our house. I bought the Target boxes from the school, so I just have to go pick them up. We reuse backpacks and I have a few in the closet I bought on clearance should anyone need a "new" one. I will make sure everyone has tennies that fit, and that's about it. They can usually wear shorts into October, so I will usually buy jeans later after the back to school hoopla wears down. A friend at work gave me a list of a couple of consignment type places to try. We'll see.<br /><br />Big trip to Canada the last week of August/first week of September, and then its back to the Dave Ramsey attacking the debt plan.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191651483921715263noreply@blogger.com0