A day in the life...

Genetic Mutant...

2012-01-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

Laney has been diagnosed with TRAPS. It is a genetic, Periodic Fever Syndrome. The Genetic Testing she was sent for, back in October came back w/ the results a few weeks ago.

When her Rheumatologist called and told me her results, he was surprised, as was I. All along, we thought, and were assuming she had PFAPA. This fits her symptoms just about perfectly. And on the positive side, it is not genetic and children usually grow out of it. If they do not grow out of it, symptoms lessen and there are no side effects, whatsoever. Her Dr. was actually going to skip the genetic testing b/c he felt so sure this is what she has. You need insurance approval to get genetic testing done. Thank God her insurance (thank you CHIP) approved it and we were able to get the entire panel of tests done, instead of just two or 3. (There are 7 periodic fevers).

It was hard to hear that she had this genetic mutation. If you search TRAPS, online (which I was told not to do), it sounds scary. Her Dr reassured me that she has a 'mild' case of it. Which, I am assuming means her mutations can show that. She should not develop amyloidosis and her symptoms should lessen as she gets older. I hope this is the case. No one wants to hear there is something wrong with their child. And this was difficult for me to face. Obviously, Dr.'s can be wrong. They are only human. And I am a bit of a pessimist (esp when it comes to my children's health). I always think the worst and blow it out of proportion. I know there are parents out there that are dealing with a child that has an illness way worse that what Laney has. I feel selfish for getting upset about Laney's DX. Honestly, I can't help it. I (we all do) just want my kids to grow up and have a happy, healthy life.

On a different note, as soon as I got off the phone w/ Dr. G (Laney's Rheumatologist) I started blaming Matt for her 'mutation.' It is Autosomal Dominant, which means only one parent has to have the 'mutation' for the child to get it. After reading more into it, they said there have been cases where no family members have the mutation and a child still has it. It usually occurs at conception. Also, there are people who have the mutation and have never had one symptom of the disease. Genetics are weird. And go figure, Laney has a mutant gene. Only Her! ha! ;)

Dentist

2011-12-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

We took the girls to the dentist yesterday. They have never been to this dentist before but luckily, it turned out to be a good experience. I don't know about you, but it was hard for me to find a dentist for my kids, that we all liked. This place was nice, simple and not hard to get to. We also didn't wait forever in the waiting room and they cleaned their teeth pretty fast...which makes it a lot easier for the kids to not be so nervous when they have to go back.

Kayli needs braces. Shocker!! lol We have an appt. in March, for her to see an orthodontist for a consultation. The dentist told me that Kayli's over-bite is over-pronounced. Which is a nice way of saying, 'your daughter has some major buck teeth...her grill needs mad help!'

Neither of them had cavities. So that is awesome!

Kayli

2011-12-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

My kids are not perfect by any means. They get punished a lot. But we praise them a lot too, when praise is what they deserve...

Each month, starting after the 1st marking period, 2 kids from each class and each grade win the Wall of Fame, for some reason or another. Last month, we received a note in Kayli's folder saying she was selected for the 'Wall of Fame' for the month of Nov. It was a surprise for Kayli. We were not to tell her anything about it. The day of the assembly, Laney, Matt and I were sitting in the bleachers at Wrightsville Elem. School, waiting to see our baby girl win the award.

Their teacher calls them up to get their certificate and tells everyone why this child is getting the award this month. Kayli won hers because she is respectful to others. Her teacher said, Kayli is so easy to get along with, is always smiling and happy. Helps other kids out when they are having trouble. And she can count on Kayli to always get the work done. My eyes filled with tears as I heard what the teacher was saying and as I watched Kayli walk up to get her award. Her little fists were clenched from excitement and she had a huge smile on her face. I was (am) so proud of Kayli. I know it is not a huge deal. It is just a 2nd grade award. But for an 8 year old to win a 'respect' award, is something in my book. Esp. when that child has a mom like me...not too sensitive, usually selfish and swears like a sailor.

I hope Kayli always has pride in her heart. I hope she grows up to be un-like me. She is so amazing and I love her to pieces.

Well, well, well...

2011-12-13T20:03:00.000-05:00

So, guess what I did today? I went to the gym. I did 45 mins of cardio and burned about 700 calories. What? What? I lifted weights, too and did sit ups. I came home and noticed how damn good I looked, after doing all that. Ha! NOT!

Anyway, after the gym I went to McDonalds for a coffee. I love their coffee, so much! When I got home, I sat and watched Laney play the Wii, while I drank my coffee. Laney told me, "Look mom at dis game. Jus look at dis. Imma real gangsta ninja. For real...a life one." She was playing Scooby-Doo and did pretty well. I was impressed.

After lunch, we headed over to a friend's house for a playdate. Ever since Laney started pre-school she and Brecia have been really good friends. Brecia is Laney's first 'friend'...a friend that she made on her own, away from mom/dad/Kayli. I love the way they play and their convos they have. They have some deep conversations, let me tell you!! ha! Brecia's mom, Jess, is pretty cool too. I like talking to her. We get along well and have a lot in common. Better than going to a playdate and not being able to stand the mom or dad. :)

Today was a productive day. I am glad I went to the gym b/c not one time did I get pissed off today. I am serious when I say that exercising makes you a happier person!

Slacker

2011-12-12T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have been totally slacking in going to the gym, lately. It started last year when Kayli was off of school for Christmas break. I promised I'd start after the New Year (2011). I went here and there, but not near as much as I did in 2010. I stay the same weight no matter what I do. I am destined to be festively plump. I mean, we all know skinny is overrated. I think I weighed my lowest, in my very early 20's, when I was 120 lbs. And even then, I thought I was fat. I looks at pictures of myself from back then and I cannot believe I thought I was fat. Whatever, being 'fat' or not, isn't really the point. When I was going to the gym on a daily basis, I was happier and had more energy. "Exercise builds endorphins. Endorphins make people happy. Happy people do not kill their husbands." That is so true! But, guess what? I had all my gym stuff out and ready to put on this morning. I was even up at a good time to get the girls ready for school and have them there, on time. Did I go to the gym? Nope! I had my workout clothing on, breakfast ate and decided I didn't feel like going. How bogus am I?! I'd rather sit on my fat a$$, drinking coffee, while watching Regis and Kelly. Tomorrow I am planning on going to take Zumba. Hopefully, I can get out of this funk, b/c I hate being lazy.

20 months have passed...

2011-12-11T20:35:00.006-05:00

I don't know why I stopped blogging. Too busy? Bored with it, maybe? Who knows? Sometimes I have nothing to say or nothing that is worth writing about, anyway. This post may even be my only post for a long while...I just don't know. :)

Since I blogged last, many thing have happened. I will share some with you, my 2 or 3 readers...

Matt is currently unemployed. It is so wonderful spending time with him. Every single minute of every single day...such a beautiful thing. (note the sarcasm). I think unemployment is 'code' for 'lets play Xbox all day long.' I don't know, I could be wrong?!

Laney has been diagnosed with PFAPA. I discussed this in my older posts...I dont want to explain what it is, again. If you want, you can Goggle it. If you don't want to, I don't care. It is not life threatening and she should grow out of it.

My dad was in the hospital again, in September of 2011. His kidney's were failing. Don't know why, though. The Dr.s do not know either. Doug is a medical mystery. The only man that can go to the hospital on his death bed. Not only once, but 2 times in the past 2 years. And yet, he recovers fully and goes on living his life as if nothing ever happened. Weird!

Laney has been going to preschool. She started in September 2010. She is currently in her 2nd year of PS and is doing awesome. Laney makes me proud. She is very different than Kayli. Not too sensitive, unless being told, "no." Her drama is at a minimum, usually. I mean, she is a girl, so of course there is drama. She says the silliest, weirdest things, that only a 'Laney brain' could come up with. I love her to pieces and I am dreading the fact, that she is my youngest and starting Kdg in the fall. I love Laney's hugs and kisses and when she wants to cuddle with me. She is so awesome, sweet and a wonderful little sister. She tries so hard to be like Kayli, and although she may never admit this, I know she looks up to her big sis. She loves playing the Wii and is so good at all of the games! She is perfect from head to toe (in my eyes) and I could not live without my little Laney 'Loo.'

Kayli is in 2nd grade. She is a fabulous, awesome, dramatic, talkative child. She is so caring for a kid. Her heart is genuine. And I cannot begin to say, how proud I am to be her mom. Yes, she gets on my last nerve. Bugs the shit out of me, a lot of the time. But I could not ask for a better child. I am her mother and that is why she gets on my nerves, so much. But I know, she is 110% pure awesome-sauce when in school, or any place, other than home with me. She is a great big sis to Laney. She always tries her best at everything and usually succeeds. She is not too good at video games, but is excellent at art and reading/writing. Kayli is the one who made me a mama and to me, there is no better gift. I <3 both of my girls too much to explain. They are my world and I know they think I am pretty cool, too!

We got another kitty. She was born in March of 2011. We got her in May of 2011. Her name is Princess Bubblegum. She is a spaz. She is cute and fluffy and got so big, so fast!! This brings our kitty total to 3. Yes, I know a lot of people do not like cats. But I don't care, because I do. If I could, I'd have like 20, b/c there are so many that need homes!

Happy easter

2010-04-06T21:36:00.005-04:00

Easter was great this year. A perfect day in every way! Hope you all had a very Happy Easter!

chocolate in my egg!!

chocolate in my mouth

chocolate on my mouth

photo shoot...

Cheers

2010-04-06T21:24:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday, Kayli started cheerleading. It is only for 6 weeks and only held on Saturdays. She has been telling me she wanted to do cheerleading for the past 2 years. Matt and I were sort of leary about putting her in it...I dont know why. I guess the whole cheerleading thing and I dont mix. I mean, I am sooooo not the cheerleader type and I never wanted to be one of those crazy cheerleader moms. Since Kayli is only 6, we figured it couldnt hurt to let her try. Her age group is only for 5 and 6 year olds and all of the girls seem to be equally as bad as the next! Kayli loved it and was so excited. She literally had a smile on her face the whole time. Laney took the pictures so I do not have too many good ones. However, for a 3 year old they arent too bad.

Mmm good

2010-02-22T21:05:00.001-05:00

I fell in love today...Laney loved them too! So crunchy and flavorful! Yummy goodness :)

Kitties,again

2010-02-22T20:54:00.004-05:00

I really love these two furry, little things! They are so cute and sweet. What makes me love them even more is the fact that they are both very good w/ the kids'. Laney hangs on them, shoves their heads down almost like she is pinning them against the floor just to give them kisses/hugs. They are a great fit to our family. I am glad I became a kitty lover!

Willis adores Moxie!

so cute!

quotes by kids

2010-02-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

I feel the need to jot down some of these sayings my kids have. They are very unique and odd. But I find them interesting. I wonder what really goes on in their little noggins. I will translate some for you since Laney speaks an entire different language.

Laney will burst out in laughter no matter what she is doing, where she is at or who she is around just to say, "I fawted."

Kayli said to me, "I liked Logan. You know, more than a friend. But he wanted to be just friends. And I understand the just friends thing, you know mom? I was OK with that. But now he is in love with me. But I hate to tell him that I am not going to marry him."

Laney loves to play "house disney play" Playhouse Disney. She loves to eat "koookies" and "trackers" but she hates "humberg barbecube" and the color, "whipe" (white). She calls all bras "boops" and when I correct her and say, "no it is 'bra'" she says, "oh brawps" She just starting saying "frog" for frog. It used to be "the fuck says riffit" She also used to call the beach "bitch."

Kayli always says something is "my favorite and my best". I think she got that from Charlie and Lola?! Love that show by the way! When she gets mad she says, "oh pickles" "oh tuna" or "oh barnacles" and some other things I cant put on here out of embarrassment. haha What else is funny to me, because she really has no clue. She will ask me when (someones) baby is due if she sees a heavier lady. (She doesn't say it to them). If it is someone she sees often she will say, "wow, that baby has been in there for a long time. When is it coming out? There has to be more than a head in there now." She thinks the head of the baby grows first??!! And lately she has been telling me, "mom you don't have a muffin anymore...it is more like a little cupcake. You know, since you've been working out." She knows what a 'muffin top' is because I have had way too many comments about muffin tops!

And the last thing, off the top of my head...Laney always says, "my do it" OR "mine turn" It is always my or mine no matter what 'tense' it is in. Crazy kid!

Matt

2010-02-21T21:27:00.003-05:00

I had a great day. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. My mom came down to watch the girls so Matt and I could have some time away...some time to ourselves. Thank you mom! You have no idea how much we appreciate it and how much the girls loooooove when you come to babysit or visit them.

Matt and I went to Friendly's for lunch. Our favorite unclassy place to eat. They have great ice cream. Yum :) I love being with Matt. I love being able to sit and talk to him about anything and everything. Especially w/out the kids' interrupting us. I don't think he will ever know just how happy I am when I am with him. We agree on a lot and also disagree on a lot too. He likes salty, I like sweet. He likes ham, I like turkey. He loves ketchup and I love mayo. We are so different but a lot a like too. I was just very happy to have a few hours with him.

Obviously we do not have a 'perfect' relationship...who does? But he is perfect for me. I am pretty sure he feels the same about me because anyone who knows Matt knows he doesn't like a lot of B.S. He is not the fancy kind of guy who needs a fancy kind of gal. And I certainly am not a fancy kind of gal. I know that because when I wear a pair of pants (other than jeans) and a shirt (other than a hoodie) Kayli tells me I look very "sassy and fancy." I bet she'd have a heart attack at the tender age of 6 if she saw me in a dress!! haha

I am just so lucky to have wondered around aimlessly for so long in my life, that I bumped into Matt on the way. He is the butter to my bread. And we both love butter bread!!!

Mine bounce

2010-02-21T10:11:00.003-05:00

Laney's exact words were, "look...watch MINE bounce." After she was done bouncing she said, "look at mine run."

happiness

2010-02-21T10:01:00.002-05:00

I love the way my girls are always wide awake (at 6am) ready to start their day, every single day! They never wake up grumpy. They are always happy and grateful to be alive. They love life and every single thing that comes their way. Even the little things that we as adults take for granted they appreciate. Like the sunshine waking up for the day. Or a pair of sparkly jeans w/ butterfly pockets. If that isnt refreshing then I do not know what is?!

2010-02-20T22:22:00.002-05:00

On Valentine's Day we went to my parent's house for dinner and some cake that Kayli and Nanny made. Kayli and I went to their house early, while Laney was at home napping, so we could...ehhhem, let me rephrase that...so THEY (Kayli and Nanny) could bake a cake.

Kayli's favorite person, ever! Her Nanny :)

the cake was a big hit!!

the new dresses nanny and pop bought for them

Wall Of Fame

2010-02-20T18:56:00.003-05:00

My sweet little Kayli won this award yesterday for being an outstanding artist and kid writer. My mom, dad, Matt, Laney and I all went to the little assembly they had at the end of the school day. How cheesey is it that I had tears in my eyes when her teacher called her up for it. Oh, but I am just so proud of her! Yay, Kayli!! We love you :)

ranting...

2010-02-20T17:57:00.005-05:00

This post will be all about me...bitching about stuff. Well, not so much "bitching" as maybe whining. Maybe not even whining...you can say I am just wishing for 'stuff' that is unobtainable at this time in my (our) lives and there are times when it really makes me sad (I guess that's the word).

Where to begin?? Let's see, today, Matt went to the VW dealership to talk to someone about the lease that is ending on our car in April. Obviously, we were excited because we were thinking we could get a new car out of it. Another lease of course. He came home to talk to me before he made any decisions. Basically, it came down to us keeping the car and paying for the inspection next month and having to have everything (literally) fixed or replaced. And still having a monthly payment close to what we pay now for 4 more years. OR putting some cash down and getting a new car. We chose the new car route, well, because we really love new cars. Who doesn't?! And if we hand it in before the end of March, we won't have to pay for our car to get inspected and all the other things that need done to it.

I am very glad Matt decided to come home and talk to me first. I appreciate that in him...he does always ask my opinions. They want $3200.00 and that is including the 'loyalty cost' that they deducted. it was $4000.00. To me, that is CRAZY!!! Literally I was amazed at how much everything is these days. I just sat there and wanted to cry. We got our tax money back a few weeks ago. And every year we try to do something to our house. Last Year it was the deck. The year before that, we replaced the computer desk, the TV, our kitchen/dining room floors. You get the point. This year we were all set to get 2 replacement windows. One in Kayli's room and one in Laney's room. Our house has all newer windows except, those two and the one in the bathroom. We do not even have screens to fit in the windows so over the summer/spring the upstairs in always so stuffy since no windows are open except for the two in our room. We went to Lowe's the end of January to get an estimate. They came out to measure and check out the windows. They called us w/ a price and we were all set. We were going to get 2 new windows. We haven't called to set up a date for them to put the windows in because of the snow. I guess I am glad we didn't do that yet. Even though, I really, really want new windows. If we get this car we most likely will not be able to afford the windows. I tried talking Matt into getting a used Jetta and he said no because then nothing is covered on it. Oh yeah, did I mention all the maintenance services of the (new) car are covered?! Never heard of that but that is what Matt said the salesman told him.

Anyway, I just sit and think of how much there is I want to do to our home. The windows, the garage, the garage roof, a new fence, carpeting our stairs, getting the electric updated (we only have one outlet in each room upstairs),new furniture in Laney's room. And the list goes on! If I had a job, a good job. Maybe we could afford these things. If Matt would actually get a pay check when he is supposed to maybe we wouldn't have some of the problems we have. Considering he works his butt off for pretty much nothing these days! But I wont get into that now...that is a whole other post!! I really should say, we do not have money problems. We do fine with what we have and we have no debt. I really do just want more for us. Don't get me wrong. I am grateful for what I have. I (we) have a roof over my head. Clothes on our back, food in our fridge and my kids are spoiled rotten. I see all these homes for sale and I always say, "oh wow, I wonder how much they're asking for that?" And the response is always the same, "it doesn't matter, we cant afford it." I know not many people can just up and go buy a house. And I do not expect to ever be able to do that. It just seems that so many things get put on hold for so long.

I want a bigger house w/ a (nice) fence. A house w/ a hallway and doors (we have no bedroom doors upstairs). I want a yard where my neighbor doesn't let her fence fall into ours and just let it lay there until Matt picks it up. I want to be able to do whatever it is we have to do with our car and not have to put anything else on hold for another year. I get frustrated and discouraged. It is partly my fault. I could have went to college and had a 'real' job that pays decent money. I see all these other people my age or even younger. People I went to school with, etc...and they have the huge house with several sassy cars, a pool w/ a jacuzzi. A Maid, a nanny, a pet sitter. And to top it off, they stay at home w/ their children while their husbands work. WTF??!! That gets me. And I will say, I am sooooo jealous!

I am grateful for my family (all of you). I am grateful for my home. I am grateful for our cars. I am grateful for the health of my children, my husband and myself. I am grateful for my cute little kitty cats. So after reading this do not think I am not grateful. I just get in that zone where I linger on the 'wants' instead of what is right in front of me. I am going to admit it...even after knowing, seeing and feeling all the love in my life and all the things I am grateful for I still want those windows damnit!!! LOL

If you read all of this go get yourself a cookie or something. You deserve it!! But please tell me I am not the only one who feels like this at times?!!

loves the small things...

2010-02-16T15:10:00.002-05:00

she just loves her new crown, earrings, necklace and dress her Nanny got for her! Thank you so very much Nanny and Pop Pop!

Laney's new bed

2010-02-16T14:59:00.003-05:00

We finally got rid of Laney's crib. She is now in a big girl bed and so far she is doing well. A couple times she gets up during her nap but at night she sleep the entire time. I am so happy to have her in a big bed now. She looked ridiculous sleeping in a crib!

all snuggled up for her first nap in her big bed

excited, she's a big girl now!

we added stickers and a night table

her little step stool...

new 'pegs' to hang stuff on!

Snow

2010-02-10T14:01:00.005-05:00

It has been snowing here a lot lately. Friday Feb. 5th-Feb. 6th it snowed about 2 feet. And here we are again 4 days later with more snow...a lot more snow. We have no where else to go with this snow! But it is pretty and it gives Kayli snow days. I just do not like to shovel. Thank God Matt does'nt expect me to. Lucky me we only have 1 shovel!!! haha

our neighbors car...buried!

snow snow...

she loves the snow

it is up to our bathroom window...

look how high it is here too...our sidewalk

winter wonderland!

Princess and the Potty

2010-02-10T13:58:00.003-05:00

Such a little Princess sitting on her throne! She has finally mastered the potty perfectly. Hey, better late then never!!

Laney

2010-01-31T12:12:00.002-05:00

Little Laney is sick, again. She woke up on New Years day w/ a fever. It lasted about 2-3 days. Took her to the Dr. They did a strep test (like always) and it came back neg. (like always). Now, 4 weeks later she has it again. I even said to Matt the other night, "it has been 4 wks since her last fever episode so be prepaired." I swear I always call it...I can feel when she is going to get it again.

This time, along with every other time. She is complaining of a sore throat. She has a high fever and swollen glands in her neck. when I give her Tylenol or Motrin she acts fine...even has an appetitie. I noticed the pattern with her 'fever thing' has changed a little since she was younger. I am assuming it is because she is older now and can actually tell us what hurts. She complains about a spot in her mouth hurting. This time it is on the inside of her cheek. Maybe she bit it?? Maybe it is an ulcer?? She only mentions it when she is eating though and not every time she eats! She says her neck hurts because her glands are swollen. That has been happening before the fever even appears. I know she will vomit tonight. She always does the first night of her fevers. Only the first night though. I thought that was due to the spike in her fevers but I dont think it is. There have been several times she doesnt even feel warm to me when she vomits because I do give her meds. before bed. I am still trying to figure out if it is an actual 'symptom' of what she has or just from the fever. Every Dr. we have seen in her practice says it is from the fevers.

She has gotten blood work done and it is all normal when she is not sick. But when she is sick she has a pretty highly elevated CRP and ESR. That's about it. Her immune system was checked and that all came back normal. So weird!! Most of her Dr.'s are saying it is "Periodic fever Syndrome" and the exact one they are saying it is, is this one, PFAPA. The symptoms they describe are exactly like hers. It just bugs me that there isnt much they can do for her! I am not too worried about it anymore only because she does bounce back quickly. She is 'thriving' and developing normally. I just hate seeing her sick. :(

Report cards

2010-01-31T11:59:00.004-05:00

This little girl just recieved a fantastic report card. Yes, I know she is only in kindergarten. And it does not mean she will be going to Harvard or anything. But she went from Basic to Proficient or Proficient to Advanced in everything. Pretty much nothing stayed the same...all areas improved! Most of her report card was Advanced for the 2nd marking period. How awesome is that!? She HAS to get that from her Mom!! hahhahhahah Matt and I are so proud of her.

Kayli's writing

2010-01-31T11:48:00.004-05:00

I have been MIA from the blogging world lately. So for all of my 6 readers I am sorry. I just get busy and too lazy to take the pics off of my camera.

Anyway, Kayli said to me, "mom, I am going to go do an activity. I am going to work on my kid writing." I asked her if she needed help and she said, "no mom, kid writing is for kids. No mom's, dad's OR adults can do kid writing. It is way too hard!" In her eyes I guess I am not an adult...I am just a mom! haha Check this out...I think it is pretty good. She sounded out all the words herself. Of course it took me some time to figure out exactly what it said. I will translate for you.

Translation:

I love February because I get valentines. Getting Valentine's is fantastic (fantassic)! I give Valentines to my class. Vaelntines is fun.

It really cracks me up because since I can remember she has called Valentine's "Valentimes" and that is exactly how she spells it.

Pussy Cat

2009-12-30T21:22:00.004-05:00

We have a new addition to the Hose house! She is small, cute, furry and pretty vocal! Her name is Moxie and Willis dis-likes her very much! I have never ever seen Willis hiss or swat at any other cat. We had Galaxy, Mickey and Pepper when he was brought into our home. They all treated him like poo. He still followed them and got in there faces and licked/sniffed them. This went on forever, it just became a little more tolerable to them. Ever since we put Mickey and Pepper to sleep we thought Willis might like a friend since he was always so playful. Guess I was wrong. He is just pissed off that we brought her into this house. I guess now he thinks it is HIS territory.

FYI...In case you were wondering, we had to get rid of Galaxy b/c she was shitting on everything after we got Willis. She cost us a new couch, crib mattress and changing table pads. So right before I had Laney we took her to a shelter. I know, so mean, but she was such a bizzzznatch!! :D

Willis hiding under the table

Moxie

better pic. of Moxie

Christmas

2009-12-30T20:51:00.003-05:00

We had a pretty busy X-mas this year. On Wed. (Dec 23) we went to my Aunt and Uncles house to celebrate w/ them. My cousin, Erik and his wife Jerusha were there w/ all of there children. It was a wonderful time for all of us. The kids all played very well together. It is always fun spending time w/ them. Cant wait until the next time we get to see them!

On Xmas Eve. We headed up to my parents house. The girls opened their awesome gifts that nanny and pop bought for them and we had lasagna for dinner. It wasnt a long celebration because the girls were getting cranky and needed to go home to get ready for the fat guy in the red suit to arrive! Needless to say, Matt and I had some gift wrapping to do after the kids were in bed.

Finally, on Xmas after we opened gifts and got ready. We went to Matt's mom/dads house for breakfast. It was so good! Both kids ate really well. Pappy Cappie and Joan got them some really cute gifts and the girls love them. It is always good to see them! I am so happy they live closer to us this year!

dressed up for Xmas

posing

Family (excuse my fatness)

lovies

giddy up Kayli!!

Victory Club Xmas

2009-12-18T13:32:00.003-05:00

I know how jealous you all are going to be (not) when I tell you that we went to the Xmas breakfast at the Victory Club this past Sat. The girls really like it there. They love Eydie, the bar tender and Mary, our usual waitress. But on this day Santa and Mrs. Clause were going to be there. Incase you didnt know, Santa and Mrs. Clause are way cooler than Edyie and Mary! And what child doesnt want the chance to tell Santa what they want for Xmas?

santa gave her an orange!

Kayli looks like she had 1 too many beers! lol

the girls w/ Victory Club Santa

So happy...

2009-12-18T13:18:00.002-05:00

My blogger friend, Michelle and her husband Nick just found out that they are able to adopt again. What is really exciting, is the baby they are adopting is the brother to Kayla (the little girl they adopted about 17 months ago). They live in Guam because Nick is in the Air Force and that is where they will live until 2012. I am so excited for them and I wanted to share it with all of my readers...you know, all 6 of you!! LOL if you get time, check out her blog. <---- Just click there.

My Dad

2009-12-18T13:03:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to put this on here for some of you who read this. My dad had surgery last Thursday, Dec. 10th to reverse his colostomy. He had no complications during or after the surgery. His Dr. was very pleased all went as planned. He was able to come home Wed. Dec. 16th after he passed gas and had a poo! Who would have ever thought farting and pooing would be such an exciting thing!!?? Sorry, dad...hope this doesnt embarrass you! haha He is doing well and is very happy this crazy stuff is all behind him. He still has a pretty long recovery but that is a lot better than what we thought it was going to be like. It is weird to think just 4-5 months ago we were told he had cancer and he was going to have to get chemo./radiation. Back in this post is where we all found out is wasnt cancer. Before that we all were 100% sure this was going to be a long, hard journey for my dad. Now that this is all over for him we all need to be grateful for the things we have. HE needs to realize that he has been given a second chance at life, pretty much. And my mom needs to see just how sexalicious my dad is! hahah!!! :D God is good for providing us w/ this miracle, for seeing my dad had the strength to go through this and for keeping the complications away! I hope my dad sees that too!!!

Christmas Magic

2009-12-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

Matt and I took the girls to Rocky Ridge to see some Christmas lights. This is only the second time we have been there. We took Kayli 3 years ago when she was 3 and she was scared of everything. She wouldnt even let us take her picture with any of the little snowmen and I had to carry her half the time. Needless to say, we didnt go back again until this year. Now Kayli is 6 and Laney is 3. This time Kayli loved it and Laney did too. They wanted me to take their picture standing next to everything! I would recomend this place to anyone. With kids, w/out kids, young or old. It is fun and it is a great way to spend quality time w/ the ones you love the most! :D I took quite a few pics. but most of them did not turn out at all. Hope you enjoy the crap-tastic pictures I did keep!

Laney had a mini camera santa gave her...

Ho Ho Ho

all 5 of my pet penguins

blury "flowler"

Haircut

2009-11-04T20:56:00.003-05:00

Kayli got a haircut on Sunday... I think it looks pretty cute! Like a little muffin head :)

she was so mad I curled her hair for her school pic. :D

Some Fall Happenin's

2009-11-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

outside @ the Hands on House

Hands on House

Kayli Caterpillar

I just like this pic.

Dutch Wonderland, again

2009-11-02T20:47:00.005-05:00

Back on Oct. 11th my wonderful friend, Michelle and I took our older girls to Dutch Wonderland one last time before the regular season ended. She was given free tickets and was nice enough to give 2 of them to us. So all four of us got in for free. It was the last day of the regular season so it was very busy! We were there for about 4 hrs. and I think we got on about 10 rides. It was great being there and not sweating while standing in line. (usually we go over the summer when it is 90 degrees and humid.) We picked a great day...it was cool and sunny. A perfect fall day! We had lots of fun. Thank you Michelle and Andrea for including us!!

the whip

no matter how sassy they act...they really do love each other!

my coaster buddy!

Kayli and Matt...I mean, a horse! :D

besties <3

Duke and the girlies

Andrea looks sooooo cute here!! Love this pic.

see ya next year Dutch Wonderland!!

Halloween

2009-11-02T20:28:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, Halloween was on Sat. Oct. 31st. At our house, Halloween is an exciting 'holiday.' The girls love to help carve and paint pumpkins. They love putting the window cling stickers all over the door/windows. They love scarecrows, trick or treating and anything scary! We took many walks the weeks before Halloween just to see the decorations people had out.

We went trick or treating this year 2 nights. On Friday we went to Lancaster since it was supposed to rain on Sat. And we ended up going again on Sat, eventhough it was raining. It was still a fun night. Kayli invited her friend Jessie, from school. And Andrea and her family also came along. It started out pretty crappy weather wise but eventually it stopped raining and we did make it to tons of houses. I am happy to say Laney even walked around from 6-8 w/ no fuss! That is good for a 3 y/o, esp. a 3y/o that whines and screams about everything!!!!!! Needless to say, now we have so much candy in this house. I need it gone soon...those little kit-kats and dark chocolate bars are my weakness!! I am such a fat terd :)

pumpkins on our porch

grumpy Strawberry Shortcake

Supergirl and a Shooting Star (Jessie)

before heading to LanCo. to trick/treat

the girls ready to get some candy!!

my ladies

Ms. Shortcake

cutest Strawberry Shortcake ever!

Atleast I think so :D

Fall Festival

2009-10-06T20:53:00.004-04:00

On Sat. we went to the Fall Festival at Stauffer's. We have gone every year since Kayli was 2 and it is really fun. Not to mention, super cheap. Besides the Hayride, which is only 1$/person. Everything is free. Unless you want to paint your pumpkins...then you have to pay for them.

I was very impressed this year. Laney did not scream one time on the hayride. Last year she cried almost the entire time. She likes nothing off of the ground, especially when it moves! haha Like always we had tons of fun. I love watching my girls have fun and smile. It makes me so happy!!!

hayride

cheese

hayride

painting pumpkins

fun fun

skeeball

checkin' out the pond thingy

sisters are the best! :)

Halloween costumes, the prequel

2009-10-06T20:46:00.002-04:00

My mom was extremely kind and bought the girls their Halloween costumes this year (among many, many, many other things). As you can see, Laney wanted to be Strawberry Shortcake and Kayli, Supergirl. I wanted to try them on to make sure they fit before Halloween. And to my suprise both costumes fit them perfectly. Yah!! Thank you mom (nanny) for the costumes!! We love you :)

holding her new sparkle crocs nanny bought too!

Day of Play

2009-09-27T19:59:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we went to the annual 'A Day in the Park' at Springettsbury Park. It was rainy and wet but we decided to check it out anyways. I am glad we did because it wasnt crowded or hot. And the girls loved it, eventhough they ended up soaked after the first 'bouncy thing' they went on.

It was also a chance for Matt and I to see just exactly how different our girls are. Kayli went on everything. No fear! Laney was so cautious, careful and apprehensive. When she first got her sock wet (since they had to take their shoes off to get on the 'stuff') she freaked out. She started crying and trying to take her socks off while asking me to "get her out of here." But it didnt last long...Kayli stepped up and got her to move along and not worry about it! Suprisingly, Laney listened to Kayli and never said another word about how wet her clothes/feet were. Yay!

Another thing that made me very happy was to see how Kayli is always trying to help Laney any way she can. She cheer'd her on and tried helping her climb the walls of the obstacle course. She even told the 2 boys that came in behind them to "be patient because my baby sister is really slow and you cant hurt her or push her aside!" She is just the sweetest thing. No matter how much she and Laney argue I know they truely adore each other. I am so grateful for my 2 beautiful, goofy girls. And I am proud to be their mamma!!

I took a lot of pics. yesterday. But I forgot my camera...had to use my cell phone. Please excuse some of the pics. they arent the best quality.

Kayli on the rock wall

go Kayli...

coming out of the blow up moose thingy. Laney
refused to go in this one!

up the steps...

down the slide. Laney refused this one too!!

down...

waiting for Laney...but
she never showed. Too
scared!

in the obstacle course

right behind Kayli

climbing...

finished the course...

look at Laney go...

Kayli cheering her on...

she made it

sat there for about 10 mins. before she

decided to go down...so scared!

look at me, I did it!! Yay, Laney!

Oh what-a week(end)

2009-09-13T19:52:00.002-04:00

For some reason this past week felt like it was dragging on and on. I think I have had a headache for most of the week. Thank you PMS! I went to the Dr. on Wed. because I have been getting these really weird heart beats. Esp. at night when I start to doze off or after sitting from running around all day. My heart isnt beating out of control or anything. It simply makes a thud in my chest and it feels like it skips a beat. I have no ther symptoms. And my Dr. did say that is probably is something simple. But it is better to be safe than sorry! Ever since Kayli started school I noticed this happening every night/day. I thought it would go away but it didnt. So I made an appt. w/ my family Dr. He said he'd like me to get blood work to check my liver, cholesterol, a complete CBC and my thyroid. He also wants me to wear a Holter Monitor for 24 hrs. I am to get that on Thursday. However, I have stopped the caffeine and my heart palpitaions have really subsided. I am sure some of it is due to stress. I am, by nature, a high-strung person...have you met my mother? haha! I worry too often. Between my Aunt, my dad and Laney getting this fever thing. Which, by the way, she has that again. She woke up w/ it today! And Matt with his shitty job. It's just me worrying, non-stop. I cant help it, it's what I do!! Thank God I have Matt as a husband. He doesnt worry about a thing, ever! He is my sanity. I probably do not need a heart monitor, I need some meds to calm my butt down! haha!

Anyway, like I said in the above paragraph by sweet little Laney has a fever again. I think I had, what most people would call a nervous breakdown this morning, really. I just sat with her and started to cry because I can see, when her fever is high, before the Tylenol kicks in, she is miserable. I wish I could help her more than by just giving her meds. Sometimes I feel like I am giving her too much medication but it is all that works to keep her fever down. I also hate the fact that she keeps getting these fevers. I scares me too much. They come one suddenly and leave just as quickly. No side effects or warnings of them coming. I am going to take her to the Dr. tomorrow. I know what they will say if I do not have Dr. S. It is probably just a virus. Bla, bla, bla! She is to have her blood work done again in about 3 weeks. I think I may ask if she can try a single dose of a low dose steroid to see if that works on her fever. If it does, then most likely, it is PFS (Periodic Fever Syndrome). But we will see. I have also heard a lot of negative things about steroids. Esp. in children.

I just dont know which way my mind is going these days. I need to calm down and stop worrying. It doesnt get me anywhere except in the Dr. office telling him how I dont want a pace-maker. haha! I am so stressed and need to stop being like this! I want everyone to be alright. I want my Laney to stop getting these fevers so I know she is OK. really, OK! Oh Lord give me strength!!! *Whenever I think or say that it reminds me of my mom...when I was young she would talk threw her teeth and say that to herself whenever I pissed her off!!* haha!

One last note...this picture is great!! It is my Aunt and Uncle with their many grandchildren. I just thought I would share because it is a lovely pic. and I pray that they are around for many years to come so they can see those beautiful little babies grow!!!

Ode to Rosie Mantis

2009-09-08T20:45:00.005-04:00

Meet the lovely lady (pics below) that was hanging out on our back porch up at the top of the door jamb. We are assuming it is a female Mantis. Her abdomen was bulging and it looked like she had some babies in there!? The girls named her Rosie Mantis. She was there for 3 days. I kid you not, everytime we went outside she turned towards the back door like she wanted to go inside. She would turn her head to us everytime we said anything. Yesterday Matt took her over and put her in the bush by our fence. We agreed she'd be happier in a place where there was more foliage, bugs and stuff. I really do think she enjoyed her time at the top of our door. We do miss her and we hope she is safe and sound in the big green bush!!

I have been telling Laney about bugs lately. Crickets. Praying Mantis's and locusts mostly. She calls crickets, "crocs" and says, "oh mommy da crocs are derpin (chirping)" I asked her, "what is the bug called above our door? do you remember?" She looked at me and said, "Rosie" so I said, "no what KIND of bug is it? not a cricket or bee...but what kind? now think about it. Think..." She whispered, "think bug." Maybe you had to be here but it was so funny! Sometimes that girl is just clueless!!

Rosie w/ her beady black eyes

staring at me while I took her pic.

ramblings of stuff

2009-09-08T19:55:00.004-04:00

Hello all! I have not blogged in a bit. I just don't have much to blog about right now. But right now I just feel like jabbering. So I will dig deep down in my cranium and type some stuff.

On Sunday Kayli was sick. Out of the blue she said her belly hurt really bad. I told her that she had to go poo. She said that wasn't it. I offered her food and she just about gagged. Then she asked me if she was going to "frow up." And I said, "nooo, you're fine." And what happened about 2 Min's later? You got it, she ran to the bathroom and "frew up". I felt bad for her but not bad enough to escort her to the bathroom. I made Matt do that part...every single time. She ended up throwing up about 10 times between the hours of 2:30 and 7:30. It was the kind when every time she took a tiny sip of water, juice, soda...anything. Within 10 Min's she was barfing that back up. I thought it was going to be a long night w/ a sick kids running to the bathroom every hour or so. As luck would have it she went to bed at 7:30 and slept all night. She didn't get sick again. What a relief! Kayli very rarely gets sick. She gets her occasional cold over the winter months but she has been very healthy so far. Knock on wood! I am very lucky that she is healthy. Since Laney has those crazy fevers pretty often. But even that is nothing compared to what some people deal with.

Today Kayli went back to school after a 3 day weekend and she did great. I didn't even go into the school with her. I showed her where her class was lined up and she went over and stood there an immediately started talking to a boy that was in front of her. She didn't even turn around to see if I was still there or to say goodbye. I even yelled goodbye to her and she must not have heard me. Probably because her mouth was running like a ducks behind :) She is such a social butterfly, haha! I was so not a social butterfly, ever. And neither is my husband. I wonder where she gets that from??!! Could it be her nanny?! haha

I haven't been taking too many pictures lately. OK, well I have been but I have been doing it on my new phone! I just figured out how to get them on my comp. So I do have some new ones. Enjoy!!

Kayli being an "old lady w/ her walker"

the morning after she was sick

my big girl

sweet little ladies

Laney took this w/ my phone!

First week of school

2009-09-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

Kayli finished her first week of school successfully. Laney also went the rest of the week with no more temper tantrums (on school property). I am so proud of my girls. I cant believe Kayli goes to school all day. Eats lunch at school...not to mention carries her tray to her table w/out spilling anything or dropping the tray. She gets so excited to be able to choose different things at lunch. She loves the fact that she can have 'pink milk' and she thinks it tastes like cotton candy. We have had pink milk here too. The Nestle Quick stuff. It is strawberry milk and she has always hated it! It just makes me laugh when she tell me how much she loves the pink milk.

She has made a few friends and she is so proud of herself. She always has a story of what one of her new friends did to make her laugh. Or what game they played in class or at recess. It is so cute and I love hearing all about her day!

Kayli goes to Kindergarten

2009-08-31T13:02:00.003-04:00

Today was Kayli's first day of Kindergarten. She did awesome! No tears or apprehension. She was excited and happy to start her first day at a 'big kid school.' Laney apparently thought she was staying at school too. She was very, very upset when we left. I had to carry her through the school kicking and screaming. I cant even tell you how loud it was! A few times I almost dropped her b/c she was flailing around in my arms. I have a huge bruise on my hip from her kicking me. And the 2 times I did try to put her down to walk she threw herself on the floor (in the school) and screamed. Then she'd try to get up and run back to Kayli's class room. I was so embarrassed I almost started to cry. She was screaming, "I wanna go to Kayli's kindiepreegool too." And this continued for about 15 mins after we got home. Oh I was so mad! Hopefully tomorrow will go smoother w/ Laney. I know Kayli will love school! I cant wait to hear about her day!

waiting at the car...

my big girl!

walking up to school...

"No Kayli, mine lunchbock" NOT!

pretty lady in her classroom

stop w/ the pictures, mom!

at her seat

the calm before her HUGE meltdown!

Iron

2009-08-30T09:38:00.003-04:00

Laney has been prescribed an iron supplement. Her Dr. said she is slightly anemic. 'Slightly' being the key word here. Maybe not, but I would think a lot of kids are anemic or slightly anemic. Laney just so happened to get her blood drawn to be tested for all her fevers. Anyhow, her iron supplement is called ferrous sulfate. Her dosage is 1.5 Ml 2x/day. [elemental iron 15 mg/0.6 mL] 0.6 ml is 150% RDA for someone under 4 years of age. This means she is getting 750% of her RDA of iron. And her Dr. also told me to keep giving her, her usual multivitamin, which contains 100% of her RDA of iron. Maybe I am clueless as to how this all works...but doesn't that seem like a lot of iron for such a little person?! If she was showing signs of being anemic, then maybe I could understand better. Not to mention, again, her Dr. said, "slightly anemic." At least cut the dosage in half or something?!! I am going to have to call the Dr. tomorrow to see if this is correct. On the positive side, she likes it. I mix it w/ applesauce and she takes it w/ no problem. Oh, I am just a mamma that worries too much about her wee ones! In saying that, on a scary note, iron poisoning is the most common kind of pediatric poisoning...or something like that.

Also, Kayli starts preschool tomorrow! So far she is excited and so am I. :)

anniversary

2009-08-28T20:55:00.004-04:00

Five years ago today, Matt and I were married. At my Aunt and Uncles house in their lovely back yard. An extremely small wedding but that's how we wanted it. I will never forget the day that my baby's daddy became my husband! hehe

I love you Matthew. Thank you for being the best husband in the Tri-State area! I dont know what I would do w/out you. You really do keep me sane. You make me smile. And laugh. You are my best friend. You are a wonderful daddy to your 2 little princess's. You work hard to put a roof over our heads, clothing on our back and food in our bellies! You always support me, except when I want to buy goat milk soap (at 5$/bar).

Thank you for the best 5 years of my life. I love you so much!! You are my true love, my soul mate! I would be lost w/out you :) And thank you for my new cell phone, I love it!! I cant wait to spend the rest of our life together and make more memories.

blood work, works?

2009-08-28T20:28:00.004-04:00

Today I took Laney for another set of blood work. She did wonderful, didnt wince or make a peep. Yes, I was supposed to do it about 6 weeks ago and her Dr. did not hesitate to remind me of that. But she had insurance issues that were just fixed this week. Anyway, I posted earlier in the week about Laney having another fever. She was over this fever late Wed. So I thought it would be safe to get her blood work done since she wasn't sick anymore. I wasn't too worried about it but then the Dr. called with her results. She is still slightly anemic. Her ESR was elevated. White blood cells were a hair low and the red blood cells were fine. I asked the Dr. what it could be and she said, "an elevated ESR is very nonspecific finding. There are many things that cause that." Of course I asked about cancer and she said that her blood work doesn't show that, but she wants to rule everything out. So what are we doing? Repeating blood tests in 6wks. And I bet it will be the same ones CBC, anemia and Elevated ESR. I will admit, I dont think it can be something 'major', (like cancer). Since she has been getting this since 8 months old. And it is clockworked, every 4-6 wks. And she has never had any other symptoms. Ok, well sometimes her throat was a little irritated so they did a strep test and that always came back neg. I am at my wits end w/ this. I looked online many times and the Periodic Fever Syndrome fits Laney to a T. The Dr. said that could very well be what she has. But I also found that being anemic causes elevated ESR. Fevers cause elevated ESR (she just got over hers on Wed. maybe that is why it was elevated, still) and viruses cause low wbc. Everything fits together but I know there is more to the story. I want to know why she gets the fevers. Even if there is nothing to do for her, I need to know WHY?!

I am so stressed about everything lately. I hate seeing my baby sick. I hate knowing there is something going on in her little body that is causing these fevers. I just hope and pray that it is something more on the simple side. Sometimes it amazes me how Dr. just watch and wait for everything. Then again, what else can they do?Maybe I should be more 'proactive' about it.

see, she's not a sickly girl! :)

My portrait

2009-08-26T21:26:00.003-04:00

The picture below is a picture of me, according to Laney! I have a head growing on my face. I think it is cute how she even drew the arms and legs. And she told me she gave me a toe too! :)

Miracle

2009-08-26T20:14:00.003-04:00

My mom and I were at the hospital visiting w/ my dad this eve. When we arrived he was sitting in bed, watching TV. His nose tube that went into his belly was gone. His hair and face were washed. He looked great and I was very happy w/ what I saw. I felt relieved! His nurse came in and emptied his catheter drain...kidneys are fully functioning, still. He was drinking water. And was told tomorrow he can start on jello and more clear liquids. This also made me very happy to hear all this!! I felt, that after I left the hospital I could maybe get a good night sleep and not worry so much about my dad. Not worry about how much pain he is in. How he is holding up being in the hospital, again. How he is progressing. How lonely he must feel just sitting there all day mostly by himself. I was pleased and knew his road to recovery was really beginning.

After being there about 30 mins. Dr Tiru (I love this man) came in the room and shut the door. He looked right at my dad and said, "I have GOOD news for you. You have no cancer." Astonished and shocked we listened to him explain that he had diverticulitis. He said he has never seen anything like it before. He is amazed that the mass in his colon was that large and it was all scar tissue that formed. His sigmoid colon was blocked completely (they couldn't even get the colonoscope passed it). Not to mention it was pressing on his small intestine and caused a fistula. In return, that is what caused the abscess in the first place! Dr. Tiru said that they double checked everything to make sure they didn't miss something. And not a sign of cancer was found. His lymph nodes were swollen because of infection. I felt like I was in a movie. One that you watch and at the end you say to yourself, "that was good, but stuff like that just doesn't happen. It's too good to be true." Dr. Tiru said all the Dr.'s that were in on his case were amazed. It looked like cancer and felt like cancer. They all saw the Cat Scan and MRI. They saw how sick my dad looked. And they all said it was cancer. When Dr.'s are amazed...you know it is amazing!

At that moment my dad had tears in his eyes. As did my mom and I. Dr. Tiru hugged my mom and dad. He said they just have to get my dad better/healed now. His nutrition level needs to be higher so he will stay on TPN for a little longer.

I am overjoyed at all of this. I am so grateful for what I have witnessed...a true miracle. But I am more grateful that my dad will not have to go through any more. The tough stuff is done with. I hope he heals quickly.

I love you dad! I am so proud of you for going through this! I hope you realize you are a product of a miracle!

Fever schmever

2009-08-24T12:16:00.003-04:00

Laney has a fever, again. Five weeks ago today she also started getting one. It lasted about 4 days. I hope this one doesn't last as long. I hate when she is sick. Even the Tylenol/Motrin doesn't take the fever away. Just makes it go down. Which is good...but I'd rather she just didn't get these fevers so often. It scares me! Even though, I have taken her to the Dr. several times for it. And they always say the same things. It's a virus or Periodic Fever Syndrome. Her fever gets so high sometimes she vomits. It's just crazy and I wish she'd out grow this. Too much stress for me!! :) And I am sure she isn't too happy about feeling this way either! Poor girlie. Get better soon. If ANYONE has ever heard of a child or has a child that has had the same experience w/ fevers. Only fevers w/ no other symptoms at all. Please let me know. How was it treated? Did the child out grow it? Any info. would be a huge help

More DAD news

2009-08-21T21:11:00.003-04:00

Today my dad was admitted to the hospital. He is going to be having surgery on Monday. Finally, things are going forward w/ this! Such a relief for him...he is more than ready to have this behind him. As are we too :) I do not know exactly why he was admitted today (2 days before his surgery). Possibly for the Dr.'s to try and get his nutrient levels up w/ 24 hr. TPN (as opposed to 8 hr. TPN at home). Maybe to run some last minute tests. Who knows! Dr. T said he is going to go in and repair the fistula in my dad's small intestine. Cut out the mass in his colon and do a colonoscopy during the surgery to see if there is any good tissue left in his colon. If there is enough, he will re-sect it. If not, he will remove all of his colon and my dad will have a colostomy for the rest of his life. Hopefully this is the worse case scenario!!! Dr. T will also remove as many lymph nodes as possible. As of last Cat Scan, done back in July, the cancer did not spread to his liver or lungs. Hopefully(again) this is still the case. The Dr.s do not really know what they are going to find in there. Because of the abscess he had initially and since they couldn't do a colonoscopy because the mass was too big. They have nothing to go by. Maybe they will do an MRI or something to give them a better idea of what they are going to find?! Either way, I am just so happy this is going to be out of the way. What a long awaited surgery.

My dad has been quite a trooper through all of this. I am more than proud of him. For hating anything medical related he has been super brave!! He is still really skinny and several nurses/Dr.s have said his nutritional levels are not very good. They even said he could not handle chemo. right now. If he was healthy enough I am pretty sure he would be getting chemo. before surgery. But that just isn't the way this is working. I am glad they are doing surgery first. I think everyone else is too. He needs this cancer out of him!!

Please say a prayer or 2 for him. He needs strength to pull through this. I have no doubt he will make it through surgery. I just hope he heals smoothly and quickly. He does not need another set back.

Love you dad! Hang in there. We are all pulling for you :)

Kayli

2009-08-18T22:38:00.006-04:00

I can't believe that on Aug. 31 my baby will be starting kindergarten and turning 6 in Oct. How time flies! This is such a bitter sweet moment for me. I miss her as a baby. But I love watching her grow. I have so many memories of her and I will cherish them always. I wish you nothing but health, happiness, joy and love on your journey through life, my sweet little Kayli Rhyse! I am so proud to be your mamma!!

my sweet baby girl

always smiley

always content too

smile that melts my heart

loves with all she is

caring and kind

not a perfect set of eyes...but they soothe my soul

kitty

I love her heart!

More pics.

2009-08-18T22:11:00.005-04:00

As you know we bought a trampolene. As you can tell, they are the only pics. I get lately. This is all they want to do. Laney gets 'berry, berry mad' as she would say, when Kayli jumps and Laney cant get back up! I have not been able to get many good pics of Kayli. They turn out so blurry b/c she really jumps high and runs around fast. However, I have gotten many pics of Laney crying. ...why not celebrate the good and bad?

Laney screams a lot

she can be happy too

they <3 each other

carefree

joy

lovely lady

sweetest big sister ever!

did I mention, Laney likes to scream, a lot!?

I have proof...

2009-08-18T22:03:00.004-04:00

Granny's like to bounce too!!

if this doesnt say "happy" I dont know what does!

Laney and nanny

Kayli and nanny

My dad

2009-08-16T22:40:00.002-04:00

Again, who ever has time please pray for my dad! He gets his colonoscopy tomorrow and things have not been going too smoothly for him. Thank you my few readers :) I appreciate it!!

We got a...

2009-08-14T22:13:00.004-04:00

Trampoline! If you have ever seen our yard, it is sort of too 'skinny' for it. But ohwell, ya only live once and the kids LoVe it!!!! I took a few pictures today since it was the first day we had it set up. I couldnt get many of Laney because she kept screaming and throwing a fit when she'd fall down. Kayli would keep bouncing and Laney cant get up when someone is bouncing w/ her. We did try to explain it to her to ask Kayli nicely to stop and help her up. Which is something Kayli is always willing to do...help her 'baby sister'. But Laney thought screaming very loudly and crying would help more. We made her get out of the trampoline for her 'punishment.' However, 20 seconds later Kayli got out so it ended up not really being a punishment at all. Where ever Kayli goes, Laney isnt too far behind. Pete and Re-Pete!!

boing!

wooosh

when Kayli smiles (laughs) like this, it melts my heart!

they see me jumpin' they scared!

high jumper

bounce with me

Girlies

2009-08-13T14:42:00.002-04:00

On Monday, Kayli lost her 2nd tooth. The tooth fairy brought her another golden coin (a gold dollar). It is really cute because she thinks only fairys have the gold coins because they sprinkle them with their fairy dust. I hate to break it to her but Matt and I use the same gold dollar each time she loses a tooth. We take it back out of her piggy bank, since she only has one. And put it under her pillow. How ghetto is that?! She has another tooth pretty much just hanging there ready to come out any second. So this will be her 3rd tooth lost! I hope she put that gold dollar in her piggy bank or she may have to settle for a dollar bill! haha!

Losing teeth and starting kindergarten in a few weeks...this is hard on a mamma's soul!!!

2 on the bottom gone...the 3rd one hanging there
a bit crooked too!

look into my eyes!

close up

another close up

coloring!

The Deck is...

2009-08-13T14:29:00.003-04:00

Our deck is finished. All of it except the staining/waterproofing part. That is so time consuming...but it will be done soon. We went to Kmart last night to get this table and chairs. It was super cheap and I liked this stuff more than the table and chairs Ollies had. Matt, being the super wonderful husband he is bought twinkle lights to put on the umbrella (the underside of it on the arms) and he also got tiki torches for around the deck. I didnt even ask him to get these things, he just did. It is a very nice touch and I love it!! I am so proud of him for doing this deck. His dad helped measure it out and helped lay the foundation too. Matt did the rest by himself. Pretty good for never doing a deck before. Hopefully we will spend a lot of time outside now. I know the kids are excited to eat dinner out there and I cant wait to try out the twinkle lights!

Oh what a deal

2009-08-10T20:12:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we all went to Ollies Outlet to see if they had a small table and chairs for our deck. And they did. They also had a lot of other things at a great price. I found an (new) large area rug for my living room and it was only 100$. I didnt get it yet, but they seem to always have the rugs...we will wait a bit for that since we are focused on the deck right now. Someday this week I think Matt will bring his work truck home and go pick up the table and chairs. I am excited...did I mention the deck is completely done being built. We are in the process of staining it. And oh what a process that is! Hopefully tomorrow Matt can get the sprayer from his dad and it will take less time. We shall see! But anyway, where was I going with this? Oh yes, I walked into the store, Ollies, remember? I saw a huge table w/ CROCS. I bought Laney a pair of Disney Princess Ariel Croclings. And Kayli got a pair of Dora Crocs. They were not her first choice. Of course she wanted a pair of the princess ones also. But Dora was all they had in her size. She was very happy with her Dora Crocs and Laney was happy w/ her Ariel Crocs. I think I forgot to say they were only 10$. All sizes and colors...only 10$!!! I love Ollies. They really do have 'good stuff, cheap.'

Trip to the park, again

2009-08-10T13:52:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday we went to the park. It was a perfect summer day to play outside! We packed a picnic and headed on over to the Mountville park. The girls love it there and there are usually so many kids there for them to play with. Hands down, it was a fun time for all!

being a monster

yeehaww tires!

she actually said, "look, it's Phineas"

sweet terds!!

across the bridge

taking a break to smile for the camera

head in hole

awww so cute!

Nanny and Pop-Pop's House

2009-08-09T21:01:00.003-04:00

This past Wed. we took a trip up to nanny and pop-pop's house to visit for a bit. As usual the girls had fun. They love seeing their nan and pop! On the way there I stopped to get them McDonalds. They did not eat their dinner but nanny made sure they had a popscicle. Leave it to her to feed them whatever they want. But, hey, that's what Nana's are for! After they ate their popscicles we blew some bubbles and played hide-n-seek. The neighbors saw we were out playing and invited us over to bounce on the trampoline w/ their 2 little boys, Elias (sp?) and Owen. It was so much fun watching them bounce. They were both so excited to make new friends.

The entire way home the girls kept asking me to go buy them a trampoline...I told them to ask their Nan and Pop...that's a sure way they will get one! haha!

Laney on the trampoline

again...

chasin' a bubble

sweet little lady!!!

hiding

Yummy...dinner

"no puppy, mine popscicle"

bubbles

there they are...

Kayli playing in the sandbox

a bit blurry!

Kayli w/ her fav. person, ever!! Kisses :)

my sweet big little lady!

Kid talk

2009-08-05T13:42:00.004-04:00

Today I've had several convo.'s w/ Kayli. And each time it took all I had not to laugh. I wasnt laughing 'at' her. But she says the funniest things. I know what she means when she says them...but she doesnt always get it out right. Here are some parts of our 'chats' today...

I was outside w/ her and I was holding our kitty, Willis. He isnt an outdoor cat at all. So I figured I'd just mosey on out while holding him. Kayli says to me, "mom, why dont you just put him down and let him play in the yard?" I tell her no b/c he is not an out door cat and he will get fleas, etc... She said, "I have the greatest idea...we can get him a termite colar, a pink one w/ sparkles and flowers and diamonds and a leash and walk him all around town. He'd love that." The termite color just got me! I couldnt stop laughing.

At the gym this morning there was a little girl (we'll call her A), maybe 14 months old, in the play room w/ the kids. Kayli was telling the story of how "she was been bad." As we were leaving, she stopped at the front desk and proceeded to tell the lady behind the desk about her little friend. She said, "A has been been-ing so bad...Her was not listening. She was just running around. Do you know why A is been-ing so bad?" Talk about confusion w/ the past, present, future tense. Ha! Kayli also asked her friend, "is you coming to the gym tomorrow? My mom is brought-ing me tomorrow." Oh boy!!

Yesterday Matt went to Home Depot. Laney asked where dad went. I told her. Then today all she kept saying was, "daddy at hoheho?" For the life of me I could not figure out what she was saying. Kayli chimes in and says, "mom! She is saying Home Depot, duh." WOW! Sorry about that Kayli! hahaha!

I just love the way they talk sometimes. It craks me up!

Random happenings...

2009-08-04T21:25:00.005-04:00

The past few days we have done a lot of random things. We went for a few slushie walks w/ friends, watched Matt build the deck, cleaned up the yard, had races to see who could run the fastest. eventhough Laney got 3rd...she thinks she won! :) haha! We also watched Matt shoot some paintballs at the new target he got. Yippee. Anyway, I did snap a lot of pics in no particular order.

she did this, then said, "taaa-daaa"

my little Laney-loo

picking leaves

queen of the slide

ready, set...

jump!

again, jumping

Laney was actually saying, "cheese"

and some more jumping

besties!

too sweet!!

sista's

put that tongue in!!!

Update on Aunt Sam

2009-08-03T21:39:00.005-04:00

I (among many others) recieved this email tonight. My Aunt had her first MRI done last Wed. And they got the results today. Erik, my cousin (my Aunt's son) wrote this email to let everyone know the results. He words it better than I ever would so that is why I am just copying the email he sent...

The last few months have been filled with many doctor's appointments, as Sam completed radiation a few weeks ago, along with the co-existing 36 day chemotreatment. Honestly, though there were a few bumps along the way, she breezed through all of it thanks be to the mercy and kindness of God. She would add, "that's fruit from working with sick kids for years."

I would want to also share that my Dad has served my Mom heroically dayafter day. He always prized himself as being a flexible servant, well now folks, he takes first prize in my book. Dad, thanks for being there for your wife of 35 years, especially this one!

Today was the big day as we got the results from the 3 month MRI from Dr.Whiner. Basically, everything looks good at this point, which is exactly what we were hoping for. Again, we were celebrating with tears together today, thanking God for the good results.

The next 3 months will be filled with more doctor appointments, as well as a 23 day off and 5 day on chemo treatment. This chemo treatment is 3 times the dose she was on prior, but Sam is doing great with this too. Hopefully Sam will have some memorable moments ahead with the grandkids at the beach,the leaves changing colors and the cool Autumn nights (which she loves).Around early Nov. we will provide another update as we get the results fromthe 6 month MRI.

Thank you for your prayers and support along this journey, so much grace has been extended to us through them.

On behalf of Jim and Sam Sheffer,

Erik

R.I.P Kitty

2009-08-03T14:48:00.003-04:00

This eve. at 4:45 we are putting another one of our our sweet, cuddly kitty's to sleep. We put Mickey down back in March. That really hit Matt hard! I have never seen him so upset in the 12 yrs. I have known him. Infact, he still gets teary-eyed if he thinks of Mickey. Now it is Pepper's turn. She has been having tummy troubles for a long time. But in the past few weeks it has gotten a lot worse. Just this past Sat. it has become unbearable. She has pooped (like water) in every room and vomitted several times a day. I feel bad for her but I really do not like poo in my house. Or vomit. From any animal!! I think she knows it is her time b/c today she just kept falling down and rolling up into a ball. She cant even meow anymore. She was such a sweet skinny girl!! I will miss her cuddles, her cute meows and her soft fur. And I will miss, that no matter what she always gave us love, unconditionally. Rest in Peace Pepper! You were a wonderful kitty and we will miss you. Dont poop or vomit in kitty heaven...it smells terrible! :D

Oh I am terrible but I will be so relieved to not have to clean up poo/vomit anymore. We still have one kitty left. His name is Willis and he is very young. He will be lonely but he will still have Matt. I think if Willis was a person he would be gay and he would be in love with Matt!! ha !

Carnival

2009-08-02T21:28:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Matt and I took the girls to the Hellam Carnival. It rained while we were there. We were all soaked but since we bought our tickets and it seemed it was going to clear up we decided to stay. Really, whats a little rain in the middle of summer!? It really cooled us off :) Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so there are no pics. But this was Laney's first time at a Carnival. She was so excited she kept clapping. And here and there you'd hear a, "whoohoo" come out of her mouth. She rode the carousel w/ Matt and Kayli. Matt had to get on with her so he stood beside the horse she was on. At first she was scared and everytime she went around and went by me she'd say, "momma off, hold you." She had tears in her eyes and everything. Something must have clicked because all of a sudden she was smiling and laughing telling the horse to "giddy up." I think she rode the carousel 3 times. She and Kayli also went in the little 'fun house' maze thing together. It was a walk-through and they both liked it. I think Laney went in that 3 times too. Once again, Kayli proved to be a wonderful, caring, big sister. She stayed by Laney's side the whole was through. Holding her hand and lifting her up when Laney asked for help. She even told some of the other kids to, "watch out for my baby sister...she's little and if you hurt her I will be very mad at you." It was so sweet!! Kayli is a wonderful soul and I just love her little heart!! Laney would not get on any other rides. Not the little cars or the dinosaurs. I had her in line and even gave the tickets to the guy and she changed her mind everytime. She did enjoy herself despite her lack of interset in the rides. She loved watching Kayli riding the rides. She was cheering for her, clapping and telling Kayli, "good job."

Now Kayli, she is a carnival champion. She rode all the rides. Matt had to get on a few with her because she was too small. Kayli also made a friend. Her name was Neveah and she was there w/ her grandma. I think Kayli and Neveah rode every ride together. And the best part was, Neveah's grandma gave Kayli all her tickets for every ride she rode w/ her. She said she'd rather have a friend for her grand daughter to ride with and she insited on paying for Kayli's tickets. We tried to give her money for them but she refused and said she'd be very insulted. She also said there isnt enough kindness in the world anymore and it was the least she could do. Talk about a sweet sweet lady!! I couldnt thank her enough for her kindness :)

While we (Neveah grandma and I...I never got her name) were talking about the kids and what not, I found out that she and her husband also live in Wrightsville. But Neveah lives in NY w/ her mom and dad. She was just here visiting for the weekend. Small world. I really hope that we run into them again sometime. Kayli adored Neveah, they were the same age and the got a long very well.

All in all the small carnival here in Hellam was a hit. I am so glad we decided to take them. I love seeing my kids have fun. I loved being out in the rain on a hot summer eve. I loved seeing Laney get excited over watching Kayli ride the rides. I loved seeing Kayli's smile as she talked to her new friend. I loved watching Laney show off how proud she was that she rode the carousel a few more times and didnt cry. She kept telling us, "I did it." And bless Kayli's heart, she hugged Laney and told her how proud she was of her! I just love being with my family. Matt makes me smile from ear to ear. My kids make me laugh so much! I am so proud to be their momma!! I love these kind of moments...the simple ones...that the memories will last forever!

Hummus among us

2009-08-01T14:55:00.004-04:00

I have been really trying to feed my kids healthier foods. Sometimes I get lazy and I think, "oh whatever, eat whatever." Pop-Tarts for breakfast, pbj on white bread for lunch and chicken tenders or mac and cheese for dinner. There you have it, my kids fav. things. They do eat brocolli, green beans, lima beans and cauliflower sometimes. Usually Kayli eats whatever I give her and she is always willing to try different things. Now, Laney. she doesnt like much of anything. Not even corn on the cobb! Sometimes she will eat her veggies...only sometimes and only if I am lucky.

The other day I went grocery shopping and I decided it was time to try new things. Feeling very hesitant I did buy a few items that I was hoping they'd atleast try. I bought, granola, yogurt (they already do eat yogurt but I switched to organic), hummus, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, organic salad mix (mostly for me), avocado and asparagus. Along w/ 2 different kinds of nuts, almonds and walnuts (for snacks). I aslo bought all natural whole grain bread. And whole grain pitas.

So far Laney loves the granola and yogurt (organic). Kayli does too but she like it w/ some blueberries. They both love the hummus w/ carrot sticks and pita bread. The hummus has been a huge hit. They dip a lot of veggies in it :) and it tastes great! They will both eat the whole grain bread...it is even organic! kayli loves asparagus, avocado, tomatoes and cucumbers. Laney has tried one of everything but has spit several out. The avocado made her gag to the point where I thought she was going to puke! I know some of this stuff isnt for everyone. I have never bought organic foods before. I do think they are pricey. Luckily Matt didnt say much of anything about the price...he just said, "ewww this stuff is nasty!" I know I will still give them the pop-tarts, pbj's and mac-n-cheese. But hopefully they will grow up knowing there are more things out there than junk, fast-food, fried food, cookies, candy (this is how Matt eats). As for the nuts, Laney just plays with them but I can mix some into her granola. Kayli likes them...but doesnt prefer them over other things. They are a good snack for me. I love nuts...I have to since I like with 3!! HA!

Pepper (kitty) and Kayli enjoying her lunch

this plate had cucumbers and cherry tomatoes too.

She ate all of it!

Oh heck, lets build a deck

2009-07-30T12:58:00.006-04:00

My husband and I have been saying for a while how much we'd like a deck (in our long and skinny backyard). About a months ago Matt and his dad (pappy Cappie) started building a deck. Ok, well, they started laying out the 'floor plan' for the deck. And now it is very much under way! pappie cappy has come up a few times to help and I cant say how much we apprecite that. Pretty soon we will have a little deck in our yard and I cant tell you how excited I am about it!

watching dad w/ the saw.

since I took these pictures...

it is even closer to...

being finished!

what's this life

2009-07-29T22:20:00.002-04:00

Tonight is one of those nights. The kind where you cant sleep. Tiredness never comes. Mind racing. Worry. Fear of the unknown. Wondering why 'stuff' happens...and the way it happens?!

I talked to a few people today. On the phone, via email, in person, on facebook and even some here in blogland. Actually, I did not talk to the people here in blogland. I have heard of their stories through friends here. To start I woke up worrying about my Aunt and Uncle. As my previous post states, she has her first MRI today since her surgery and treatments. She will get the results on Monday. And today she started her new chemo. treatments. This is just something that is always in my mind. I pray for her and her family, daily. Yes, I worry about her b/c she has cancer. But when I see her I feel at ease because she is doing great. She makes it less worrisome for all of us I am sure, with her faith and courage.

I talked to my mom a few times. My dad is home for now. Doing ok, I guess. But she and I both think there is more to the story than what we are being told. We know he has colon cancer and it has spread to his lymph nodes. For now that is all we know. Until he is healthy enough to endure another surgery and treatments, the cancer is stuck in there hopefully not spreading. He is scared. My mom is scared for him and just so exhausted. And I am worried. As usual. Worried!

My close friend works at a daycare. She told me today about this little girl that has been going there since she was a baby, who is now 18 months old and was just diagnosed w/ leukemia. I do not know her, never saw her in my life. I do not know the parents either. But being a mother, I just cant imagine going through something like that. I cant imagine what they are feeling. To think just a year ago she was a healthy baby girl. And now she is at Hershey Medical Center being treated for cancer! What is this cancer and why does it happen? I hate it!

I read this blog and it breaks my heart. This little boy (Stellan) and his family have gone through and are still going through so much. He is only 9 m/o. If you have time check out their blog. Also, please pray for him and his family.

So, now I know why I cant sleep. I am just so worried. I wonder why bad things happen to good people. Wether it is someone I know personally or not...it is sad. All day it seemed there was just bad news all around. I try to think positive but then I hear all this stuff and my heart breaks. I really wish things like this just didnt happen. Everywhere you turn you hear something about cancer or a child that is very sick. I hope GOD does have a plan. And I hope it is a good one. And I guess I have to learn to accept the things I cannot change. I will be thinking of all of these people. I will be hoping for the best. I will pray for them. But in the meantime I can't help but wonder, what's this life for if there is pain and sickness for so many people?!

Aunt Sam

2009-07-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

Today my Aunt gets her MRI done. The first MRI since she has had her surgery to remove the cancer (glioblastoma satge IV) from her brain. The first MRI since she started her chemo. and radiation. They are checking for regrowth or new growths in different areas. She has gone through this amazingly well. No side effects from her treatments...only fatigue but not enough to keep her from doing stuff. I have a very strong feeling that all will go well. I have been praying for her as many others have also. She is so strong and courageous. I cant wait to hear how everything went! Love you Aunt Sam!!! You are an awesome person :)

Tickets to the Gun Show!

2009-07-29T13:56:00.003-04:00

Matt (my husband) loves guns. He loves swords, guns, knives...anything that can destroy stuff. Or just make a mess of things... like his paintball gun. He bought spray paint and extra little gadgets to add on to it. The funny thing is, when he buys this stuff and I am w/ him. I will ask him what it's for and he seems embaressed to answer. He just smirks and says, "nothing". HA! He knows he is a nerd. I know he is a nerd. But I love my nerd. I think it is funny how he spray painted the gun camoflauge and then asks me how I like it. It just makes me laugh. It's like me asking him how he likes my granny-panties! :) Along w/ all this paint ball shenanigns he also made his own target out back. It is up against our shed and he painted a bullseye on it. So now our shed and the target have pink and gray paintball paint everywhere. And it doesnt seem to wash off. Here is a pic. of his gun he designed, kind of.

Birthday

2009-07-29T13:28:00.005-04:00

Sat, July 25th was my b-day. Wed., July 22 was my dad's b-day. We celebrated, like we do every year, at my Aunt and Uncles. It wasnt quite the same this year though. My dad was still at Manor Care. He was able to join us for a little, which was great. But after about 2 hrs. he was tired and wanted to go back to hang out w/ the white hairs and have his liquid dinner! :) We were also missing Erik and Jerusha and their 4 kids!

Kayli and Laney enjoyed swimming in the pool. I think they were in the pool majority of the day. They loved being w/ their 'Ammie Sammie' (as Laney calls her) and Uncle Jimmy! They both missed Karis, Jot, Mercia and Jedi. Kayli cant wait to see Karis and swim w/ her! And I cant wait to see everyone. I had a great b-day but my one wish is that next year we can all be together again as a family and all of us healthy :)

big cheese

momma, yook, I swippim

boat ride

laney, 'swim-soup' on and 'nooble' in hand!

my ariel swim-soup

they will never drown! Floatation-nation

I like this...

2009-07-25T21:21:00.002-04:00

I got this great email from my Aunt. I really enjoyed it...it's so true!

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. "

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she
handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled
Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt
on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

“I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Laney

2009-07-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

I am pretty sure this is what Laney has. Esp. the part about PFAPA. Her DR agreed. Unfortunately, there isnt much we can do for her. She is basically a very healthy little girl. She doesnt get 'sick' too often. Atleast not w/ colds, flus, stomach viruses, etc...This is not contagious, which is great. It just makes her feel like poo for a few days. It says on here that parents can usually predict when their child will get a fever/when one is coming on and that is so true!! I hope she grow out of this soon. I just feel so bad for her when she gets these fevers.

Infectious diseases - Periodic fevers - Children's Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL)

Shared via AddThis

My poor girlie

2009-07-21T11:48:00.003-04:00

My little Laney is sick. She has a fever. No other symptoms. She has been getting this fever thing since she was about 6 months old. It is always just a fever. And when I take her to the DR they always tell me it is just a virus. Like yesterday...Dr. Kirby said it is just a viral infection because besides the fever she had no other symptoms. The last time she got this was on May 21st. So, it has been 9 weeks. This is the longest she has gone w/out getting it. However, back in May when she got this, I was so concerned. I took her to the DR. This time I had Dr. Sirolly. I told her my fears of Laney getting this fever, literally, every 4-6 weeks on the dot, like clock-work. And there has been a few times where she has only gone 2 weeks between fevers. It didnt seem normal to me. Kayli has not been as sick as much as Laney has been and Kayli is 5. Laney has had more fevers, I think, than I have had in my 33 years. Finally, this time, I got a DR who was going to do something about it and not brush it off as a virus and tell me, "oh it is normal for kids to get 10-12 colds a year." Since Laney had no other symptoms and such a high fever for 2 days at this point, she did a urinalysis. And sent her for blood work. Everything ended up coming back pretty normal. She was a bit anemic but she told me that iron supplements would do the trick. And she also said that something was elevated from her Sed. Rate...but that was due to the fever and was normal. She wanted to repeat the blood work in about 8-10 weeks. I was going to take her for her blood work but now I have to wait since she is sick right now. Dr. Sirolly did mention to me that she could have something called, Periodic Fever Syndrome. But there isnt really anything you can do for that. Hopefully this is something she will grow out of. I hate seeing my poor girlies sick. I know it is just a fever but it bugs me. Last time she had this, her fever got up to 104.5 the one night. So scary! I will admit, this time she doesnt seem as sick. When I give her meds. Esp. during the day (yesterday andso far today) she acts like she isnt even sick. She is running around, screaming, hitting Kayli, pretending to be Tinkerbell. I hope this time it passes quickly. I know she hates feeling sick and I hate seeing her sick. Also, I do need to go to the gym. I feel so disconnectedwhen I dont get to work out and have 'me ' time. haha!

8am today. She felt terrible! :(

1 hour later after Motrin.

outside and slushies

2009-07-19T20:32:00.005-04:00

Today we had the girls outside for a little while Matt was shooting paintballs at the target he made. haha How ghetto is that!? Anyway, it was a fun eve. for a Sunday. We ended up taking a walk to Turkey Hill w/ our friends a few houses away to get slushies for all the kiddies.

Laney peeking

dancing

again...dancing

goofball

Kayli and Andrea enjoying their slushies

all the girls realaxin over a cold one

Best Friends Forever

swimming

2009-07-19T20:10:00.004-04:00

Yesterday my mom and I headed over to my Aunt and Uncles house to visit and to take a dip in their pool. I love going to their pool. We dont get to go too often since Laney still takes a nap and I go to the gym during the week. But on weekends we find the time and take advantage of the pool and good company! :) Both girls really love swimming. Kayli can swim w/ no "floatie devices" as she calls them. But she loves to use them anyway. Laney also loves all things that keep her a-float, all at the same time (as you can see in the picture below)!

Down in the dumps

2009-07-17T19:58:00.004-04:00

This morning my mom called me as she left the hospital from visiting my dad. She said she talked to the DR. Well, actually it was the intern of my dads DR. (DR. in my book either way). He said they were sending my dad home in the next few days. His PICC was staying in so he could be fed that way (TPN). Also they will continue his antibiotics via the PICC too. He has a vacuum like thing attached to his abdominal incision (the part that was previously packed w/ gauze) to suck out all the infection and to heal it faster. This link describes it. My mom was not too happy they decided to send him home this quickly w/ all his attachments. She started to cry and just said what was on her mind. She has to work. There is no way around it. She feels terrible having my dad home alone all day. They had visiting nurses lined up but she only had a few days left due to the insurance. And my mom is not a nurse at all. She knows she couldnt handle changing all that stuff herself. Can you imagine emptying a canister filled w/ bacterial puss like infected smelly fluid that came out of someones gut?! Gag-o-rama!! She even went on to say how we dont even have a 'diagnosis' yet. No one has told her anything or what's to come or what they will be dealing w/ down the road, etc... She told me the intern just looked at her, shocked, and said, "m'am, your husband has cancer." There ya have it. Cancer! It is so different when you hear it then it is just worrying if you/someone has it. It was my dad's biggest fear. Obviously, we were sorta of expecting it to be cancer. A large mass in your colon isnt promising. Esp. w/ his family history. Literally, everyone on his side of the immediate family dealt w/ cancer. His brother. His father, who later died of Parkinsons disease. And his mother who lost her battle w/ recurring breast cancer. The intern explained that the mass was so big that my dad will need chemo/radiation before he has surgery to shrink it. It most likely started growing as a polyp maybe 10 yrs. ago. It does not seem to have spread to any other organs. His CTscan showed his liver and lungs were clear. That's a good thing (to me atleast). Intern told my parents that my dad will not make it if they do not remove it. They have to wait until the infection is cleared up to start the treatments. They are hoping in about 3-4 wks he will be ready to go. However, like I said in my previous posts, my dad is so weak right now. Hence, the TPN! And right now, he most likely could not handle anything else...no surgery or treatment. My dad has a chance to make it through this, though. But he needs to get healthier and gain weight. Mr. Intern even said that he has a hard road ahead if him and they are there to try to get him past all this and healthy again. They need his help, he NEEDS to be a fighter. He needs to stay strong and positive.

After they do the treatments they will do the surgery to remove it. Hopefully the chemo/rad. will do it's job and shrink the sucker! Hopefully my dad can handle it! At this point they do not know if he will need more treatments after surgery. They are going to remove lymph nodes too and check around for other signs of cancer while they are in there. Again, they said his CT scan showed that it didnt seem to have spread to them (or anywhere) but they are doing it as a precautionary measure. If they remove this mass, my dad has a good chance. That makes me so happy, relieved and full of joy. I am just scared to death he isnt strong enough for this, physically. If only you saw him... nothing but skin and bones.

As for now, my mom was able to get him into a home care place for about a week. More if he needs it. Not rehab or a nursing home, so to speak. It for 'short stay' patients who do not need the hospital but really arent ready to be on their own yet. Thank GOD for that. It makes less stress for my mom and suprisingly, my dad was OK with it. He will most likely be leaving the hospital on Monday and going to this new place. Sorry, I forget what it is called?! This is all I know for now. I will keep my blog updated for my small amount of readers who want to read about it.

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. This is a very hard time for our family. My Aunt dealing w/ her diagnosis of GBM back in April and my dad w/ his new diagnosis of 'extensive sigmoid cancer'. I hope and pray for both of them every single day. I love them both dearly. They are staples of my life. Whatever comes their way I wish them peace. I want them to both know they are so loved by many. And tons of people are praying for them. Hang in there guys! Esp. you dad...Sam already has the concept. Be strong for yourself and for you family. Love you! xoxo

Good ol' daddy-o

2009-07-15T22:25:00.005-04:00

Tonight my mom took my dad back to the hospital. When he had his surgery, on Tues June 30th, they didnt sew him up. The packed his incision. I am not sure exactly why. I think it is b/c they are planning on going back in (to remove the mass on his colon). He has been home since last Wed, July 8. So, 1 week. He has had a visiting nurse come out and change his bandages every day. The past couple of days I think it has been oozing. Today while I was there mowing the lawn he showed the bandages to me. I did see the gauze that it was packed w/ had a light brownish color to it. My mom ended up calling his DR when she got home from work to see if this was normal. Apparently it had a very bad odor to it and it was puffy on the one side too. YUCK! His DR. said to pack a bag and go to the hospital. My mom took him this eve. he was admitted to the ER as an emergency so he did not have to wait. They did cultures of the incision. And tonight they are doing a Catscan w/ dye to see whats causing the oozing. They think it may be his bowels. Ugh, terrible! He may need another surgery. If he does get another one I am not sure they will remove his colon mass or not. He is so weak. Literally has no energey, ever. He weighs about 150lbs. He looks terrible! I have never seen my dad this thin. And my mom said since she has known him (40 yrs) he has never looked so skinny! There is skinny and there is 'sick skinny' and he is beyond sick skinny. Although, I do not understand why they think, IF the mass is cancer, that will help him gain his strength back. It's like a no win situation. Not healthy enough for surgery but not healthy enough to keep it in there either. I can honestly say my hopes are not high. I feel so bad for my dad. He is so scared!! Some people would say, it is his fault b/c he put it off so long. And I see that perspective. But just imagine if you were in this situation he is in. No matter how or why you got there it would be scary! I know I would be scared to death. My mom is scared for my dad. I am also scared for my mom. Everything is so unknown right now. But I have a feeling actually knowing more wont help the situation. What else could a mass in his colon be? Not to mention on his sheets he has at home for the nurses to sign, under diagnosis, it says, "extensive sigmoid ca."

Please keep my dad/family in your prayers if you think of it. They are so so needed right now! He may not have physical strength, but he needs spiritual strength to guide him through this time. Like my mom always says, "your dad never claimed to be a big-mocho, brave man." He may have not gone to the DR in aeons but he is a son, a friend, a father, a husband, a grandfather, an uncle, a father-in-law, a brother, a cousin, a nephew...he is very loved. And we dont want to have to miss him too! I love you dad! I hope you can make it through this...I am praying for you, as are many others.

Potty?

2009-07-13T18:40:00.003-04:00

Today is the day I decided we (I) need to start getting Laney more acquainted w/ going to the potty. She has sat on it several times, starting back before she even turned 2. I do not think she ever did anything in it though. She plays w/ the toilette paper like crazy and just likes to sit there and look at books/magazines. It seems when she really has to go, she wants to get off of the potty and asks for a diaper. I put "pull-ups" on her today. She was so very excited she did a little dance and everything. She even told me to take her pic to show off her beautiful pull-up! I do not know how smooth this will go. But I will keep ya'll posted! Wish us luck!

hey everyone!!

Looky!!

shakin' the booty in the pull-up

whole lotta pictures

2009-07-12T20:17:00.006-04:00

Yesterday morning after breakfast we took the girls to Greenfield Corporate Center (where Matt works) to feed the ducks, walk around and play on the playground. I love this place. It is so pretty. They have a path all around the park, which is huge. There are usually many ducks, geese and swans. However, yesterday there were so many that we actually had to put the bread away. Otherwise we would have been attacked! The last time we were there two different sets of geese had gosselings. They were so tiny and you could tell they were very young. Laney fell in love w/ these baby "cucks", as she calls them. She was dissapointed to see that they are not small anymore. You really couldnt tell a difference between them and the older geese. Except the younger ones did have a hint of the fluffy feathers left...Laney did not notice that. She thought all the babies were taking their nap. We did have a lot of fun. The girls were chasing each other on the playground and making a game out of me trying to take their pictures. That's probably why I was able to get so many good ones. It seems they turn out better when they are random and the kids are not "posing." I always seem to get a generic, cheesey smile. But this time I got real laughs and giggles. Even some irritated looks from Laney. Enjoy!!!

just some of the geese we fed

Kayli riding the wobbler

Laney was screaming...she said she was stuck

on the wooden push-up table

Laney on the wobbler

weeeeeeeeee

tube slider

hangin' out

attacking me...she was mad I was taking her pic. again

giggle

some more giggles

shocked I got her pic while she was hiding

in front of the fountain

rock-n-rolla's

big wooden chair

pouting, she didnt want to go home

weeeeeee

yelling for Kayli

on the balance beam thingy

just love the smile :)

Lets just vent a little...

2009-07-08T12:56:00.003-04:00

I do not know how many of you get frustrated easily. But I know I do! It is something that I am aware I need to work on. Especially with my children. From the minute I wake up each day, all I hear is, "I want this or that or anything in between" from my kids. Some day I deal better but other days, like today, I could just explode I get so mad. Being a mom means putting all your wants, desires and most of the time, needs aside until it is convenient for everyone else. I hate saying this because it is so selfish. But that just bugs me sometimes. I know I am selfish and I always have been. I clearly remember, before I had kids...when someone would ask me if I wanted children after marriage and all that jazz...I would say, "I dont know, I am too selfish for kids." My five year old, Kayli, is the queen of asking for things. Matt and I have tried time and time again to explain to her that you can always get what you want. And you shouldnt always ask for things...she asks for unattainable things all the time. There are times, when I hear one of them ask for more juice or a snack and I find myself cringing because all I want to do is sit and not hear anyone ask me for things. I do think this is wrong of me because, I am their mom and thats what moms do. DO any of you have this issue too? Or is it just me? But then there are times like today, as soon I opened my eyes at 6am, Kayli was right there and asked me if we could go to Dutch Wonderland. I said, "no, we have already been there this summer." I did not say it mean or snappy and she immediately threw a fit. whining, crying and thrashing around like a baby. And what did I do? I freaked on her! I was mad because she woke me up. I was mad because she asked such a silly question. And I was mad because she threw the fit. I just wonder how long it takes to get it through her head that acting that way is wrong?! I know she is young and she doesnt do it to be mean. But I swear she purposely thinks of things to ask for just to ask for something. And it usually is something that we cant do that day. Like go to the beach or to Disney World. She gets so mad when I say, "no not today...but possibly sometime" She didnt act like this before Laney was born. And Laney does throw her share of fits too. But for some reason it just really makes me mad when Kayli does it. How do you teach your kids to be grateful for what they have? How do you get them to not throw fits everytime they hear the word, "NO?" I am sure some of the blame is mine/ Matts. I dont think we raised either of our children to do this. They do not get what they want all the time. And I keep thinking that it should pass and it is just a stage. But so far it hasnt and it seems to be getting worse. Dont get me wrong, I love my kids with all my heart. I am just at a loss sometimes on what to do to get this to end. If any of you have days like this, please share! I just had to get this off my chest :)

Update on Dad

2009-07-07T21:19:00.003-04:00

Since my last post on my dad a few things have changed. Lets see, tomorrow he is coming home. Good news...however, he does have a long road ahead of him. Since last Tuesday (his initial surgery for the abscess) he was put on IV antibiotics. He had a tube going in his nose to his stomach, I think it is called a nasogastric suction. http://www.enotes.com/medicine-encyclopedia/nasogastric-suction. That was removed on Sat. morning. He has been eating very well. Since he didnt get any food at all until the 3rd. day and even then it was only liquid for a day or so. YUCK! He has gotten a PICC line put in his arm on Sat. also. That is for his antibiotics and for nutrients. My mom said he has large bags of different colored mushy stuff that goes into his PICC to give him everything he needs to build his strength back up and help him gain weight. He is currently about 145lbs and is 6 feet tall. Skinny! His kidney failed at some point. We do not know if it was before he went to the hospital, during the surgery or after. But today he had some procedure done by the urologist to get his kidney back up and running properly. From my understanding it worked. The Urologist said he did very well in the surgery and everything looks great. My dad is still in pain from his abdominal incision. They didnt sew it back up. They just pack it shut w/ gauze since they are going to go back in to take the mass out of his colon in a few weeks. He has been walking a lot. He gets around well. And his Dr said he is doing great. My parents are going to have a visiting nurse go out to the house once a day, for a few weeks, to change his dressing on his abdomen and to give him the antibiotics via the PICC. I dont think they are sure about the food bags yet. They may not send them home w/ him. My mom will learn how to do all this, but changing the dressing is very iffy for her. I dont think I'd be able to do that either!! ha!

Overall my dad is doing well. We are all worried what the future holds for him. I mean, a mass in the colon never sounds good. The Dr. never mentioned how big it is or anything. When he has that surgery he will remove the mass along w/ part of the colon a few inches above and below. And then sew the good parts of the colon together. This article will describe it best.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002941.htm

We do not know wether he will need any further medical treatment after that or not. We pray he doesnt. He will need to go get frequent colonoscopy's after all this. Fun times! But hey, would you rather have one of them done OR have a mass growing up in your ass? As of now his spirits are good. Better than they were a week ago. I am sure he is dying to get home to take a shower...a real shower. And sleep in his own bed! Please keep him in your prayers. It was stupid of him to put off seeing any Dr. all these years and because of that he is in this position. But that isnt what is happening NOW. I am sure he is learning his lesson and he feels like a jerk for not listening to everyone. And oh how I wish this didnt happen. But we all live and learn. I could kick him, throw rocks at him, yell at him, but that doesnt take away that, right now, he is dealing with. As some dude once said, "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."

random stuff

2009-07-07T21:08:00.003-04:00

This post is rather ho-hum. But I thought it was funny...you may not since you werent here at the time but it really made me laugh...hence the, "guess you had to be there" phrase comes to mind. Kayli and Laney were in the living room the other morning. Laney was fake coughing and sneezing. I even heard her say a few times, "oh Docta, Imma frowup". After she said that a few times it got my attention and I turned around to this...

Dr. Kayli said her patient had the 'swamp flu'

Laney said, "docta, yea I hadda pamsfuuu"

This is just a pic. Kayli drew of her fav. cartoon. Phineas and Ferb.

Candance and Perry are on the left. Phineas and Ferb on the right. It is jumbled together but let me tell ya...this kid can draw. And I know she doesnt get that from me!

Independance Day

2009-07-05T18:32:00.006-04:00

Our 4th of July was simple but fun! My mom came down to enjoy the day w/ us. We all had a long day but it was well worth it. The girls behaved very well and I was pleasantly suprised that both of them loved the fireworks. This was Laney's first time seeing them and she was so excited. The entire time she kept singing "oh Christmas Tree" because a few of the firt fireworks were green. It was a fun day! I was able to get tons of pics.of our day. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend! Independance Day, is one of my favs. Nothing like being w/ your family for some food, fun and fireworks.

Kayli w/ her sparkler

singing "twinkle twinkle Little Star"

waiting for dad to light her sparkler

watching dad fire it up

Kayli and Laney's fav. person, Nanny! (my mom)

smokin'

my girls <3

laughing

running to find Andrea

so excited she started dancing

I gotchu sucka

beach babes gone pool side

Kayli w/ her water soaker

silly

her "amika" t-shirt (as she calls it)

and Kayli's America t-shirt!

playdough and fun

2009-07-03T12:21:00.005-04:00

up close

playdough drink

swinging the wrong way

love the smile

Long lashes

cheesin' for the camera

having a playdough tea party

she said, "no more pics mom!"

me as a playdough figure

Matt as a playdough figure

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-03T11:40:00.004-04:00

Wow, what a week it has been! Between my dad going to the hospital getting emergency surgery. Going to visit him or help my mom out. Then, I was sick yesterday and went to the DR. He said it looked like I had strep but he didnt do a culture...just gave me some zithromax and good cough stuff. And already today I can tell I am getting better. My throat isnt near as sore as it was 24 hrs. ago!!

And now it is the beginning of Fourth of July weekend. Yah!!! I am so glad my girls didnt get sick too. Usually it is them who are sick first. Tomorrow we are doing nothing exciting. But we live near the river so we can see the firework display from our front porch. My mom is coming down for a little cookout and then we are going to try to keep the girls awake to see the fireworks. Hopefully they wont be scared. Here are a few pics I took of the kiddos in their 4th of July digs! I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!

My Dad

2009-06-30T23:35:00.004-04:00

I dont even really know where to begin w/ this one. I'll start where I think it's best but my mind is all jumbled right now. Sorry if this doesnt make sense...My dad, Doug, HATES Dr.'s. He hates anything medical near him. No needles. No hospitals. No Dr. visits. Infact he has not been to the Dr. in atleast 35 yrs. Not one time. Seriously! He has 'white coat syndrome' as he likes to call it. He has had a hernia for about 8 yrs. It never seemed to cause him any problems until recently.

He actually did go see his family DR back in March for his hernia. But never followed up w/ any tests. He let this go so long now...and this is where it got him...

Because my mom literally made him go to the DR. today, my dad was admitted to the hospital after a brief visit w/ his family physician. In the past several months he has been complaining of not feeling well. Frequent trips to the bathroom, rapid weight loss, no appetite and pain in his stomach. He never wants to go anywhere or see anyone. He has even been uninterested in his grandchildren's lives. My mom, bless her soul, has been dealing w/ his 'negativity' for quite some time. She has been asking and asking him to go get all this checked out. He simply refused everytime. However, the Dr. took one look at his stomach today and saw a lump the size of a football. Then said he must go to the hospital NOW. He arrived at the hospital w/ my mom as his driver. They did lots of blood work and a CTscan to make sure exactly what they were looking at and how much damage his hernia caused. From what they saw his hernia was wrapped around his lower bowel. They also found a mass in his colon and something going on in his pancreas. They did the surgery around 7PM tonight. His surgeon opened him up and found an abscess, which is a large, infected, puss filled sack. He said he has never seen this before and he has no clue what caused it. He was planning on doing a biopsy or atleast looking at the mass on his colon, but because of the infection he found, he didnt want to poke around in there. They closed him up and put him on high dose antibiotics and put a drain in his stomach to drain all the extra goo out. The Dr. told us that my dad has a long road ahead of him and his stay at the hospital may be quite lenghthy. He is going to do all the tests my dad needs. He also still has to take care of the mass on his colon.

All along my mom and I have been saying that he is just unhappy and he is making himself believe he is literally dieing. Almost like it was all in his head. We didnt have pity for him because he wasnt doing anything about it. We both asked him so many times to follow up w/ the tests the Dr. wanted him to get. But he just kept refusing. I think we both knew at some point, my dad would end up in this situation. He has lost 45 lbs in 3 1/2 months. He is 6' 1" and weighs 147 lbs. completely dressed w/ shoes on. All along I have been saying that I didnt understand his logic. I still dont, to be honest. But now that I (we) are put in this position I can see why he was so scared. He was scared that exactly what is happening, would happen. I feel terrible that I thought it was all in his head. I mean, nobody wants to go to the hospital. I am sure everyone is scared when it comes to any surgery, treatment, possible outcomes, prognosis...it is all the unknown. I know I would be scared too. I just wish he had the will to put the fear aside a little early than today. We dont know what the mass is on his colon. The Dr. said it may be cancer or it may not be and they wont know for sure until they can do a biopsy. Obviously, that will be put on hold until my dad heals from the surgery he had today.

I miss the dad I once knew. He was witty, sarcastic, had a sick-but fun sense of humor. He was never very compassionate but he did care in his own way. No matter how upset you were my dad could make you laugh. My mom misses the husband she once had. For the same reasons. Hopefully after all this is over and done...we can have that fun loving guy back. I pray he pulls through this. He needs the strength to do so. Yet again, I am asking all of you to add my Dad to your prayers. It's times like these that put it all into perspective. You must appreciate all the people you have in your life. Take the good w/ the bad. I will be praying for you, dad and for Aunt Sam. Hang in there! Stay strong! Have faith! Just believe :) Love you!!!

One Flaw in Woman

2009-06-28T12:03:00.001-04:00

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, If There Is One Flaw In Women,
It Is That They Forget Their Worth.

~Author Unknown~

Great story

2009-06-28T11:56:00.002-04:00

I thought this was wonderful. I recieved it via email this morning from a friend! This is something I deffinately need to work on... appreciating what I DO have and now dwell on the negative... Enjoy!

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After Many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description Of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. 'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' 'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day And all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing. '

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Jacko

2009-06-26T21:31:00.006-04:00

As I am sure you have all heard that Michael Jackson pased away yesterday. He was the King of Pop! I loved him back in the day. I remember listening to the Thriller album. My dad bought the record and we would listen to it over and over. I remember when we bought our first VCR, circa, 1982. The first 2 movies we rented were The Karate' Kid and The making of Thriller (the music video). That scared the crap out of me! To this day I will never forget the zombies dancing around and MJ changing into the wolfman! Spooky! And Vincent Price's voice made it even more creepy! Throughout the years MJ changed a bit...in appearance. He seemed a bit strange, esp. w/ his children. There was a lot of speculation of him and little kids. But we did lose a very talented musician. I feel for his family during this terrible time! RIP MJ and thanks for all the great childhood memories!

Here are some cruel jokes I heard to lighten the mood...Oh I am mean!

~I heard MJ choked on 12 year old nuts.

~Farrah Fawcett died and went to heaven. She met God and he granted her one wish. She asked for all the children in the world to be safe. So he killed Michael Jackson.

~I heard MJ overdosed on Webster.

~Due to the fact that Michael Jackson is 99% plastic, he will be melted down into lego blocks so little boys can play with him for a change!

Sunny Days

2009-06-26T20:49:00.002-04:00

A few of the days this week we were able to spend outside. It was a beautiful week! I was missing the sun and so were my kids... and finally it came to visit for a bit! No matter what we do outside we always end up filling the pool. The girls asked several times if I could put water in the pool. In response, I asked them several times if they would actually get in and play. Everytime they said yes. I filled the pool, Kayli got in for a little bit but did not want her hair wet. Laney went to get in and saw some grass floating in it then refused to get in at all. She just put her face really close to the water, while standing beside the pool, to examine each and every little speck of whatever was in the pool and insisted it was poo. She just kept telling me, "ewww, momma, Kayli pood in pool." It doesnt matter what it is...grass, a gnat, a piece of dirt, a bubble...Laney thinks it's all gross and tells everyone, that, whoever is in the pool at the time pooped in the water. Needless to say, no one really used the pool that day. After a while I realized that I was the only one in it. My big fat a$$ sitting in the 3 ring blow up pool as my children run around the yard and play...and then suddenly, Laney came to the conclusion, I was the one that poo'd in the pool! haha :) Here are some pics. of one of the days outside.

Peek a boo

pretty little lady

no more pictures!

concentrating on her playdough

trying to get on Kayli's bike

she looks so sad here...but she wasnt :)

cheezin' for the camera

Blogger coolness

2009-06-26T20:28:00.002-04:00

I have been searching through different blogs the past few days. I found so many of them that I love! There are so many creative people out there. Even if they are not 'creative' in the exact meaning of the word, they have a very interesting Blog (life). I have never tried scrap booking or rubber stamping or soap making or knitting. I have never been an artsy type of gal. It takes all I have to draw a crappy stick figure. My five year old draws better than me :) So I have nothing to blog about when it comes to that sort of stuff. And honestly, it wouldnt really be fun to me to even try it! Ok, well, I cant say it wouldnt be fun if I have never tried it or if I refuse to try it...but c'mon people. Can you picture me knitting or making soap? Never! ha! However, I do enjoy reading others blogs... even if it is about all the crafty shenanigans I wont try. I look at all these other blogs and wonder how they get it to be so neat and interseting. I do not have the slightest clue on what to do to get my blog cool and snazzy. My life is just very ordinary...but I do like it like that! Anyway, if you ever get time check out all the other blogs out there. There are so many and you may like them as much as I do!

Paintball Mask

2009-06-21T17:31:00.004-04:00

Matt played paintball yesterday. Laney wanted to try on his mask before he left...

Baby Daddy Day

2009-06-21T16:44:00.005-04:00

Today is Father's Day. Happy Father's day to all the father's I know. All the soon to be Father's. And all the Father's to somebody elses baby's momma!

I am so happy that my girls have such a wonderful daddy! They adore him... They get so excited when he comes home from work (everyday). They ask about him many times throughout the day. Every morning when we come down stairs. The first thing Laney says to me is, "momma, daddy workin' day?"

I asked Kayli a few questions about her daddy the other day. This is how she answered...

1. What is something dad always says to you? "stop screaming"

2. What makes dad happy? "food and me"

3. What makes dad sad? "meaness and Laney screaming a lot"

4. How does dad make you laugh? "by farting"

5. What was dad like as a child ? "a prince"

6. How old is dad? "67"

7. How tall is dad? "this tall"...holding her hand up in the air.

8. What is dad's favorite thing to do? "play xbox"

9. What does dad do when you're not around? "play games or cries"

10. If dad becomes famous, what would it be for? "he is cool and romantic"

11. What is dad really good at? "paintballing and hockey and making chips"

12. What is dad not very good at? "playing basketball, cuz it is tricky"

13. What does dad do for a job? "making chips and pennies"

14. What is dad's favorite food? "cupcakes, chips and candy"

15. What makes you proud of dad? "cuz he loves me and he is always in my heart."

16. If dad was a cartoon character, who would she be? "Prince Charmin'"

17. what do you and dad do together? "we go to the park, go to Friendly's and go to 'Uncle' Mike's house"

18. How are you and your dad the same? "we are not. I am a girl."

19. How are you and your dad different? "He play games (Xbox) and I dance"

20. How do you know your dad loves you? "cuz he tells me lots"

21. What does dad like most about mom? "ummm...her smile, her prettiness and the way she makes him laugh" (good answer Kayli) haha

22. Where is your dad's favorite place to go? "the park with his ladies" (this made me laugh)

So this is how Kayli looks at her dad. I thought some of the answers were pretty good. Most of them she really had to think about...her answers didnt make sense so I tried to word it to make better sense. But what's great is she knows her dad loves her. And so does Laney! I really couldnt ask Laney any of these...she just shakes her head yes to everything or says, "ewww". That really wouldnt have made sense at all! haha Matt all your girls love you so much. The kids couldnt ask for a better daddy and I couldnt ask for a better husband! You are the best! :) We love you <3

Matt helping Laney on the slide

I took this pic. secretly...I think he may be smiling :) hehe

Welcome to the Matt Hose Show

2009-06-20T13:12:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we took the girls to Rita's for some gelati's and then headed over to the park. It was finally a nice day. No rain, atleast not in our neck of the woods! It was very sunny, sort of hot/sticky but over all a great day! I took tons of pics...even one of Matt. He will kill me if he knows I put this on here. He gets a glare on his face every time I point the camera in his direction...as you can see below! The girls had tons of fun. They didnt want to come home but after 2 hrs. at the park it was time for dinner. After dinner it was bath time and then off to bed! I hope you all enjoyed your day as well. Because today is another rainy day here in York, PA!

Captain Happy! haha

looking for Kayli

Laney made a friend

Kayli hiding

playing in the sand w/ the friends they made

The Ship...Kayli is peeking out the window

running from some other kids

see-saw, yee-haw!

sweat much?

a pyramid in the sand area

Kayli running after her friends

Laney trying to walk across the bridge

slide...weeeeeee

"Momma, look I 'dumpin' "

climbing

some funny pics...some not so funny pics

2009-06-15T20:33:00.003-04:00

The first 2 pictures of Laney are not funny, I know. But on Sunday morning Kayli just started sticking her 'high bounce balls' in her shorts and shirt and it was funny at the time. Maybe you had to be here to get the full effect...but it made me laugh! I went out in the kitchen to get my daily cup of coffee and when I walked back into the living room Kayli said, "mom, look, my hips are really big." Because I laughed at that she just kept going w/ it. It did get old after a while...but Kayli is the kind of kid, that, if you laugh at something she does, she never stops doing it!! I thought if she saw that I was able to capture the moment in a pic. she would stop...and it worked! I hope you atleast get a smile on your face by some of these pics. Enjoy!

showing off her Ariel suit

she was all posed and ready to have her pic. taken

nerd w/ knockers

big bozongas

she told me she had big hips!

Busy busy!

2009-06-15T20:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my mom came down to watch the girls for Matt and I. We went to Marino's for lunch and then ran a few errands. It was a nice time away from the kids. So, again, thank you Granny! Kayli and Laney love their 'nana' so much. There is never a day that goes by that they do not ask about her. Every day we go to the gym... as we pull into the parking lot, Kayli asks if Nan is going to be there. And every day when Laney wakes up from her nap... she asks if we are going to nanny's house! It's too cute!

Later that day the girls and I played out side the rest of the day/eve. I got the pool out and they ate dinner out there too. They had their fav. Pizza, leftover from Marino's, strawberries and cantalope (sp?)! Yum!

Today wasnt too exciting...just another Monday. Gym, breakfast, nap, lunch. When Matt came home from work he said he was starving. Kayli was hungry also and Laney just woke up from her nap. We decided to take the girls to their favorite restaraunt...Friendly's! They both ate very well and also wanted ice cream...they love ice cream! After dinner we went to check out a park we have never been to. Matt and I think it is the best one yet. It is in Mountville (Lancaster co.) and it's called Mountville Woodworks. We were there for about 1 1/2 hrs. We all had fun and the girls were worn out from all the running they did! After that we came home, gave the kids a bath and now they are in bed...sound asleep! So peaceful! :)

Fun day but no camera

2009-06-13T20:42:00.004-04:00

Today was fun! At first I didnt think we'd do much at all since yesterday I took Kayli to D.W. But after Laney's nap we headed to see Pappy Cappie and Grandma Joan at their brand new house! They just moved from Phoenixville, PA to Lancaster, PA. Now they are only 10-15 mins away as opposed to 90mins. Kayli and Laney always love seeing them! Pappy Cappie is so funny to them. And they adore grandma Joan. Laney refers to them as, Cap-cappy and Jo. It's so funny to hear her say that the whole way to their house and back.

After we left 'Cap-Cappy and Jo's' we headed to Long's Park. I packed a picnic lunch for them since I knew we would most likely end up at a park. They ate their lunch, well at this point it was dinner... and then played for a while on the different playgrounds there. Kayli is so outgoing and walks around asking random little girls to play w/ her. She is also an awesome big sister because several times I asked her to come help Laney find her way through the big wooden playset and she did every time w/ no fuss. She even wanted to leave her little friends to come play w/ Laney on the smaller playground. She is very protective of her little sister. I am so proud of her for that. What I also love is that no matter where we are or what we are doing, when Kayli meets someone for the first time, she says, "this is my baby sister Laney, my mommy and my daddy, right over there." It is so sweet! She has such a big heart and I am proud to be her (and Laney's) mommma!!!

I wish I would have remembered my camera today! I could have taken tons of good pictures. I am sure we will end up back at that park again soon. The girls loved it!

Tooth Fairy

2009-06-12T20:30:00.004-04:00

This morning when I went to get Kayli out of bed she was so excited to tell me this..."mom, look my tooth came out lastnight when I was sleeping. I put it under my pillow and I have been waiting for the tooth fairy to bring me my gold coin but she never came...oh pickles!" I then told her that she has to tell mom and dad first so they can get a hold of T. Fairy and let her know her (Kayli's) sleep schedule. And, get this...Matt and I found a gold dollar in her piggy bank and that is what we are putting under her pillow tonight. How ghetto is that?! Anyway, my sweet little 5 year old lost her first tooth. Therefore, Laney thought she lost a tooth too! :)

Dutch Wonderland

2009-06-12T20:09:00.007-04:00

Today, Michelle and I took our big girls, Andrea and Kayli, to Dutch Wonderland. We had a blast! The weather even coperated with us! I am pretty sure we were able to ride all the rides, except the ones that they just didnt want to get on. Michelle had to ride a few of the rides w/ Kayli and Andrea because I can not tolerate 'circle rides'. So, thank you Michelle!!! We didnt make it to Dukes Lagoon. At first we thought it may have been too cool for the water. By the end it was hot and sticky but at that point we just didnt have the time. Either way, it was a great day. I was able to get some pictures. Not all of them turned out too well. Here are the ones I salvaged!

Duke the Dragon and the girls!

A real live princess and the girls

Frog Hopper happiness

The Whip

The Whip, again

Charlie's Angels on the space ships

Michelle and Kayli on the Twister