Scott and I sat down to chat this evening for the first time in several days - you know, a meaningful conversation! - and we both commented on what a really junky month February has been. As fate would have it, two more boys got fevers this weekend and we finally threw in the towel. I'm getting the house cleaned tomorrow and hopefully we can get this "junk" officially gone.
It's my hope to get some great posts up on the blog this week: a recap of the basketball season, Will's upcoming 10yo trip, Lenten preparations and some fun quotes.
All I know is this...life is crazy busy here. And there are so many things brewing in the pot. So many decisions to be made, papers to be signed, work to finish, honey-do projects lingering. We will get to them all in good time. What I'm most looking forward to is Lent. I've been thinking and praying quite a bit about what to give up, what to take on and how to make it count this year. I'm really looking forward to sharing that insight with you this week.
Oh, and I most definitely married up. Scott is just amazing. I love that boy to pieces.
Make it a great week!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It's so bad, I have to laugh
Yet two more Whitaker children bit the bug dust yesterday. All the boys are down for the count. I'm hoping (beyond hope?) that I can get everyone back to school tomorrow. Luke isn't doing too well. We're on day 5 of no eating. Still throwing up now and then. I am SO not looking forward to the gastro visit in two weeks. Wonder if she'll notice the ankle weights I put on him to tip the scale?
Prayers for all, but especially the little guy please.
In 60 hours I have done 26 - TWENTY SIX - loads of laundry. That's just wrong on so many cycles. Over the last two weeks, the last count put us at:
FLU: John Paul x2, Anna-Laura
CROUP: Will, Clare
EAR INFECTION: Clare
STOMACH VIRUS: Luke
RIDICULOUSLY SORE BACK: Momma
SEVEN VERY TIRED PEEPS
Back in the saddle ... soon, I hope.
Prayers for all, but especially the little guy please.
In 60 hours I have done 26 - TWENTY SIX - loads of laundry. That's just wrong on so many cycles. Over the last two weeks, the last count put us at:
FLU: John Paul x2, Anna-Laura
CROUP: Will, Clare
EAR INFECTION: Clare
STOMACH VIRUS: Luke
RIDICULOUSLY SORE BACK: Momma
SEVEN VERY TIRED PEEPS
Back in the saddle ... soon, I hope.
Monday, February 21, 2011
For the love of all that's holy
Just when I thought we were done with sickness, rounds 3 and 4 hit us right smack in between the eyes. I have a couple of choice words I'd like to share with FLU (x3), CROUP, DOUBLE EAR INFECTION and STOMACH VIRUS - but this is a family blog. Trust me when I tell you, my words are not polite.
Clare got three of the four. Poor thing. She was crankeeeee all week long. I'm glad to have lovable, funny Clare back in da house. Luke got the horrific stomach virus and had it coming out both ends. Yeah, THAT didn't send us into freak out mode or anything. Bowels + stomach virus + Luke = Ah, freak out (sing it with me...)
We were seriously about a half-hour away from calling his on-call gastroenterologist and heading to the Dell ER. As providence would have it, just after his first nap and after he'd tossed his cookies six times, I started leaking (sorry for the TMI). It had been 48 hours since I'd stopped nursing which is why I was surprised. Anyhoo, not to be too much of a sharer, he actually nursed for 20 minutes and that's when he turned the corner. He was able to keep all fluids down after that. I'm reserving judgment on how well he's doing until we see how today goes.
I'll admit I shed a fair amount of tears in the shower. Just the thought of having to go back to Dell "for observation and an IV" brought back some really painful memories. Like getting 100 bandaids ripped off at the same time. It was not one of my finer moments in being calm, cool and collected.
The kids have the day off of school and I'm part grateful, part frustrated. I had big plans to take them all to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham and tour the ice cream factory. Surely, that would've bumped me up in the "Mom of 2011" standings. Another day, another dollar. Guess they'll have to settle for "Just Dance" on the Wii and some ice cream from Sonic.
We did manage to have a great weekend in between laundry cycles. I enjoyed a girls' night out on Friday (shout out to the girls in the hood). The boys played great basketball - both won their games - and John Paul make his FIRST basket. We even spent some time with Aggie Catholics and ALG's Godfather (pics to come).
Here's hoping for a pharmacy-free, tylenol-free, three-outfits-a-day-free, stress-free(ish) week.
Clare got three of the four. Poor thing. She was crankeeeee all week long. I'm glad to have lovable, funny Clare back in da house. Luke got the horrific stomach virus and had it coming out both ends. Yeah, THAT didn't send us into freak out mode or anything. Bowels + stomach virus + Luke = Ah, freak out (sing it with me...)
We were seriously about a half-hour away from calling his on-call gastroenterologist and heading to the Dell ER. As providence would have it, just after his first nap and after he'd tossed his cookies six times, I started leaking (sorry for the TMI). It had been 48 hours since I'd stopped nursing which is why I was surprised. Anyhoo, not to be too much of a sharer, he actually nursed for 20 minutes and that's when he turned the corner. He was able to keep all fluids down after that. I'm reserving judgment on how well he's doing until we see how today goes.
I'll admit I shed a fair amount of tears in the shower. Just the thought of having to go back to Dell "for observation and an IV" brought back some really painful memories. Like getting 100 bandaids ripped off at the same time. It was not one of my finer moments in being calm, cool and collected.
The kids have the day off of school and I'm part grateful, part frustrated. I had big plans to take them all to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham and tour the ice cream factory. Surely, that would've bumped me up in the "Mom of 2011" standings. Another day, another dollar. Guess they'll have to settle for "Just Dance" on the Wii and some ice cream from Sonic.
We did manage to have a great weekend in between laundry cycles. I enjoyed a girls' night out on Friday (shout out to the girls in the hood). The boys played great basketball - both won their games - and John Paul make his FIRST basket. We even spent some time with Aggie Catholics and ALG's Godfather (pics to come).
Here's hoping for a pharmacy-free, tylenol-free, three-outfits-a-day-free, stress-free(ish) week.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Art Camp 2011
I love, love, love art!! Especially spectacular art created by my children. We have it hung all over our house. It is a reminder that little people can make beautiful things with simple mediums.
For the past few summers we've had the honor of attending Art Camp, led by the fabulous Celeste Ingraffia. She was formerly the art teacher at Will's school, left for a year, and now she's returned as the fine arts chairperson at St. Dominic Savio HS. You won't find a more creative person.
If you're looking for a spectacular camp to send your kids to this summer, look no farther. You don't need to be Catholic, just a lover of all things plaster, oil, charcoal and paint. She does camps for kids, ages first to eleventh grade (entering grade as of Fall 2011). The best part is the art show at the end of the week!
Here's a few shots from past years. Information about the camps is below. Happy creating!
SESSION 1: JUNE 6-10
Each session has a MAX of 12 students. Camp is held at St. Dominic Savio. Cost is $185, includes snack and all art supplies. For more info: Celeste Ingraffia, cingraffia@saviochs.org, (512) 507-5473.
For the past few summers we've had the honor of attending Art Camp, led by the fabulous Celeste Ingraffia. She was formerly the art teacher at Will's school, left for a year, and now she's returned as the fine arts chairperson at St. Dominic Savio HS. You won't find a more creative person.
If you're looking for a spectacular camp to send your kids to this summer, look no farther. You don't need to be Catholic, just a lover of all things plaster, oil, charcoal and paint. She does camps for kids, ages first to eleventh grade (entering grade as of Fall 2011). The best part is the art show at the end of the week!
Here's a few shots from past years. Information about the camps is below. Happy creating!
2010
(Wow, am I prego there or what? I delivered Clare just 3 weeks later!)
SESSION 1: JUNE 6-10
1-3rd grades
9:00 am-12-noon
SESSION 2: JUNE 6-10
4-7th grades
1:00pm- 4:00pm
SESSION 3: JUNE 13-17
1-3rd grades
9:00 am-12-noon
SESSION 4: JUNE 13-17
4-7th grades
1:00pm-4:00pm
SESSION 5: JUNE 20-24
4-7th grades
9:00am-12-noon
SESSION 6: JUNE 20-24
8-11th grades
1:00pm-4:00pm
Each session has a MAX of 12 students. Camp is held at St. Dominic Savio. Cost is $185, includes snack and all art supplies. For more info: Celeste Ingraffia, cingraffia@saviochs.org, (512) 507-5473.
Friday, February 18, 2011
QOTW: February 18, 2011
"Nanacotti!"
Clare, trying to say we were having "Nana's manicotti" for dinner. So cute. Three-year-old lingo rocks.
"Oh, yeah. That's definitely a double ear infection."
Well that's just awesome, doc. Sweet Clare got croup just as we were winding down Flu 2011 and it developed in a nasty, nasty case of the ears. What are the odds? She's only had ONE ear infection. Ever. Well, technically, after this week, she's had two. Stop the sickness madness. Now.
"Let's get this best and worst stuff over with. I'm hungry."
Will, letting us know that he was, indeed, starving. We started asking the kids to share with us their "best" and worst" parts of their day during dinnertime. It's been very insightful, a little humbling and totally worthwhile. You should try it.
"See you in three weeks at the next weight check."
The gastro nurse. LOVE. HER. Luke gained an amazing 1lb.6oz. since his visit three weeks ago. I was shocked. He now weighs 18lbs.6oz. That means he gained roughly an ounce a day. And this kid moves...alot. Speaking of moving...
"LUKE'S WALKING MOMMA!"
Yes, kids, he is. I WILL blog about that separately because it definitely brought me to tears. To be fair, I've had a fair amount of those this past week. It makes me realize that my nearly week-long absence from the blog made me miss chatting about a ton of stuff.
"Like water off a duck's back."
Scott, to me, on a day I really needed to hear it. Somebody did something really nasty and totally uncalled for about a week ago. No need to dish on the details. But I was really hurt. Mad, at first, but mostly just really disappointed. I thought she was my friend. Evidently we're not as chummy as I thought. Eh, you live and learn. The same day I was feeling all sorry for myself, a sweet friend shared that she miscarried her baby. That put my perspective back where it should've been all along.
"How many times are you going to read 'Twilight'?"
Don't ask, everyone else is. I'm slightly addicted. Thank the good Lord for my friend Shannon who is my enabler. When's the next movie night??
"So, Luke's done nursing, huh?"
Scott, to me last night. I can't even bring myself to fully share how sad that makes me. Another day, maybe :(
We have a fun weekend ahead. Basketball, perhaps a honey-do project and tax preparation (fun, fun). The joys of being a sole proprietor! At any rate, make it a great weekend. There's lots to love around here. I hope you do the same.
Clare, trying to say we were having "Nana's manicotti" for dinner. So cute. Three-year-old lingo rocks.
"Oh, yeah. That's definitely a double ear infection."
Well that's just awesome, doc. Sweet Clare got croup just as we were winding down Flu 2011 and it developed in a nasty, nasty case of the ears. What are the odds? She's only had ONE ear infection. Ever. Well, technically, after this week, she's had two. Stop the sickness madness. Now.
"Let's get this best and worst stuff over with. I'm hungry."
Will, letting us know that he was, indeed, starving. We started asking the kids to share with us their "best" and worst" parts of their day during dinnertime. It's been very insightful, a little humbling and totally worthwhile. You should try it.
"See you in three weeks at the next weight check."
The gastro nurse. LOVE. HER. Luke gained an amazing 1lb.6oz. since his visit three weeks ago. I was shocked. He now weighs 18lbs.6oz. That means he gained roughly an ounce a day. And this kid moves...alot. Speaking of moving...
"LUKE'S WALKING MOMMA!"
Yes, kids, he is. I WILL blog about that separately because it definitely brought me to tears. To be fair, I've had a fair amount of those this past week. It makes me realize that my nearly week-long absence from the blog made me miss chatting about a ton of stuff.
"Like water off a duck's back."
Scott, to me, on a day I really needed to hear it. Somebody did something really nasty and totally uncalled for about a week ago. No need to dish on the details. But I was really hurt. Mad, at first, but mostly just really disappointed. I thought she was my friend. Evidently we're not as chummy as I thought. Eh, you live and learn. The same day I was feeling all sorry for myself, a sweet friend shared that she miscarried her baby. That put my perspective back where it should've been all along.
"How many times are you going to read 'Twilight'?"
Don't ask, everyone else is. I'm slightly addicted. Thank the good Lord for my friend Shannon who is my enabler. When's the next movie night??
"So, Luke's done nursing, huh?"
Scott, to me last night. I can't even bring myself to fully share how sad that makes me. Another day, maybe :(
We have a fun weekend ahead. Basketball, perhaps a honey-do project and tax preparation (fun, fun). The joys of being a sole proprietor! At any rate, make it a great weekend. There's lots to love around here. I hope you do the same.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Luke's First Haircut!
We have been meaning to get Luke's haircut for several weeks. Admittedly, I was putting it off. First it's the haircut, then potty training and before you know it they're starting school. You laugh. But you know I'm right.
I was just trying to hold on to the baby locks for as long as I could...
Kristen, my hairstylist, gave the girls their first trim, and it seemed fitting to have her do Luke's first haircut as well.
After all, it was in her chair that I shared the Luke saga, as it unfolded. We shared some tears, some laughs, some nods of understanding. But at the end of the day, I always walked out of the salon looking better than when I'd walked in - both figuratively and literally. K, thanks for listening and empathizing. You are a special person.
True to Whitaker fashion, it was mayhem. We brought all the kids, sans Will who as at school movie night, with us to the big event. Luke was squirmy, so John Paul kept him entertained by playing peek-a-boo, pick-up-the-thing-I-just-threw and telling funny jokes. The girls were fighting over who got to sit in the chair. I was trying to keep Luke from squirming out of my arms. Scott was trying to take photos. Kristen was trying to keep the snips even.
On second thought, we should've ditched the still camera and brought the video!
At the end of the day, we didn't really trim that much off - mostly fuzz. But somehow, he looks like an older little boy. I'm catching glimpses of a toddler. How did that happen?!?
I was just trying to hold on to the baby locks for as long as I could...
Kristen, my hairstylist, gave the girls their first trim, and it seemed fitting to have her do Luke's first haircut as well.
After all, it was in her chair that I shared the Luke saga, as it unfolded. We shared some tears, some laughs, some nods of understanding. But at the end of the day, I always walked out of the salon looking better than when I'd walked in - both figuratively and literally. K, thanks for listening and empathizing. You are a special person.
True to Whitaker fashion, it was mayhem. We brought all the kids, sans Will who as at school movie night, with us to the big event. Luke was squirmy, so John Paul kept him entertained by playing peek-a-boo, pick-up-the-thing-I-just-threw and telling funny jokes. The girls were fighting over who got to sit in the chair. I was trying to keep Luke from squirming out of my arms. Scott was trying to take photos. Kristen was trying to keep the snips even.
On second thought, we should've ditched the still camera and brought the video!
At the end of the day, we didn't really trim that much off - mostly fuzz. But somehow, he looks like an older little boy. I'm catching glimpses of a toddler. How did that happen?!?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
TOP TEN: It's snowing?!?
That's two years in a row. Crazy talk.
We got a dusting and the schools closed up shop and cancelled classes for the day. Hoo-rah! Scott's office even closed so we got a jump start on the weekend. It was really fantastic time together. Me? I prefer to ski in it. But the kids were perfectly content to play in it. And by "kids," I mean Scott, too.
Luke was good for all of five minutes, so I happily brought him indoors and we whipped up alot of hot chocolate and watched the craziness from a warm house.
Enjoy my favorite ten photos from our "blizzard."
We got a dusting and the schools closed up shop and cancelled classes for the day. Hoo-rah! Scott's office even closed so we got a jump start on the weekend. It was really fantastic time together. Me? I prefer to ski in it. But the kids were perfectly content to play in it. And by "kids," I mean Scott, too.
Luke was good for all of five minutes, so I happily brought him indoors and we whipped up alot of hot chocolate and watched the craziness from a warm house.
Enjoy my favorite ten photos from our "blizzard."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Our weekend with Chester
In kindergarten they always do lots of fun things. Sometimes makes ME wish I was still 5. Oh, the joys of simple living.
This past weekend, Anna-Laura was chosen to bring home the class pet racoon, Chester. He's a delightful fellow, hardly ever complained and slept wonderfully. Maybe his good habits will set an example? I do know that he instilled some mighty good behavior in a certain 5-year-old princess. Not naming any names.
He enjoyed a little Sonic Friday. It's a tradition around here. Every Friday, during happy hour, we head up there for a sweet slushy treat. Some weeks, it's the highlight :)
Luke enjoyed his first haircut {more pics and a story on that later this week} and Chester got to witness the chaos. I'm amazed that he didn't run away then. He actually stuck it out here all weekend.
Then there was snuggle and kisses time. Yes, I did Lysol the nose. Hi! I'm a germaphobe.
He watched a little basketball action with the older brothers. One won, one put up a valiant effort. Super proud of them both.
Sunday we split Masses, as Luke won't be partaking in that family activity until after cold and flu season. We gave some hugs to a friend, Fr. Danny and the Sisters. Loads and loads of fun.
Then, we topped off the weekend with a Valentine dinner at Maggiano's with the grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin. Buono note!
Thanks for visiting our house, Chester. Come back anytime!
This past weekend, Anna-Laura was chosen to bring home the class pet racoon, Chester. He's a delightful fellow, hardly ever complained and slept wonderfully. Maybe his good habits will set an example? I do know that he instilled some mighty good behavior in a certain 5-year-old princess. Not naming any names.
He enjoyed a little Sonic Friday. It's a tradition around here. Every Friday, during happy hour, we head up there for a sweet slushy treat. Some weeks, it's the highlight :)
Luke enjoyed his first haircut {more pics and a story on that later this week} and Chester got to witness the chaos. I'm amazed that he didn't run away then. He actually stuck it out here all weekend.
Then there was snuggle and kisses time. Yes, I did Lysol the nose. Hi! I'm a germaphobe.
He watched a little basketball action with the older brothers. One won, one put up a valiant effort. Super proud of them both.
Sunday we split Masses, as Luke won't be partaking in that family activity until after cold and flu season. We gave some hugs to a friend, Fr. Danny and the Sisters. Loads and loads of fun.
Then, we topped off the weekend with a Valentine dinner at Maggiano's with the grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin. Buono note!
Thanks for visiting our house, Chester. Come back anytime!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Guest Blogging today!
I posted over at Catholic Mothers Online, in honor of St. Valentine's Day. Happy love day to all the people I hold dear!
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Flu...and croup...and all other craziness
HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!!!
I'll be back in the blogosphere saddle tomorrow. Cross my heart.
I'll be back in the blogosphere saddle tomorrow. Cross my heart.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Home Invasion
It's likely you won't hear much from me this week. The flu has taken up residence, even though we are not very accommodating houseguests, he's decided to stay a while. So far, he's claiming two victims.
Damn you, flu.
In other fun news, we had SNOW in Central Texas. YES! It was perfect, we played in it, tracked it in the house, and then 24 hours later it all melted. Lovely. So, perhaps on Thursday I'll dig out of this germy nastiness and bring you some lovely photos and sweet stories. Until then, I'm knee deep in laundry, Clorox wipes, Lysol and handsoap.
Fun. Times.
Damn you, flu.
In other fun news, we had SNOW in Central Texas. YES! It was perfect, we played in it, tracked it in the house, and then 24 hours later it all melted. Lovely. So, perhaps on Thursday I'll dig out of this germy nastiness and bring you some lovely photos and sweet stories. Until then, I'm knee deep in laundry, Clorox wipes, Lysol and handsoap.
Fun. Times.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happy {Belated} Birthday Cousin Alex!
I didn't forget, just didn't get my act together yesterday. Alex, you are so cute and we are so happy to be your aunt and uncle. We love how you're getting your own personality, meeting new people and schooling our kids in letter sounds :) So smart.
Cory and Jen, you make cute people.
We love you, Alex! Happy 3rd birthday big boy!!
Cory and Jen, you make cute people.
We love you, Alex! Happy 3rd birthday big boy!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Boys {sigh}
Just when I think I have nothing to blog about enter: my children. More specifically my boys.
Everyone was like the dishes, washed, dried and put up. I was heading downstairs after putting Luke to bed when I hear an awful THUD coming from the boys room.
Small digression. Being the mom of boys allows you to see what your husband was like at that age. I can only imagine. As many things are there to not love about being a girl, I will take them anyday. Boys are just a species I can't quite figure out.
Ok, so the thud. I head up to their room, open the door and find John Paul standing on the top bunk in his pull up (yes, still wearing one - another blog post) shaking his hiney like he's on the dance floor and Will, standing next to the bed, quickly looking for a place to hide. He immediately shouts out, "Mom, John Paul won't let me sleep."
Really? So is that why since you sleep on the TOP bunk, you're now on the floor, next to your brother's bed? Nice try son, but we need to work on your lying skills.
I'll spare you the rest of the convo, but OH. MY. GOODNESS. And I thought girls were dramatic.
(Shannon, yet another blog post to add to your vault of love stories for your favorite Whitaker)
Everyone was like the dishes, washed, dried and put up. I was heading downstairs after putting Luke to bed when I hear an awful THUD coming from the boys room.
Small digression. Being the mom of boys allows you to see what your husband was like at that age. I can only imagine. As many things are there to not love about being a girl, I will take them anyday. Boys are just a species I can't quite figure out.
Ok, so the thud. I head up to their room, open the door and find John Paul standing on the top bunk in his pull up (yes, still wearing one - another blog post) shaking his hiney like he's on the dance floor and Will, standing next to the bed, quickly looking for a place to hide. He immediately shouts out, "Mom, John Paul won't let me sleep."
Really? So is that why since you sleep on the TOP bunk, you're now on the floor, next to your brother's bed? Nice try son, but we need to work on your lying skills.
I'll spare you the rest of the convo, but OH. MY. GOODNESS. And I thought girls were dramatic.
(Shannon, yet another blog post to add to your vault of love stories for your favorite Whitaker)
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