Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sunday, November 22, 2009

What a fun week we had. It is now rainy season here in Longview so that means a lot of indoor activities. And since the holidays are right around the corner….it was time to get out the candy thermometer. We made turtles, caramels, mints, and peanut butter fudge. We also dipped some of these yummy concoctions in chocolate. The kids helped dip one piece of candy and then they focused on licking the spoons and the bowl. It is amazing how much chocolate McCabe and get on him. He had it all over his face, arms, chest, and leg. We had a great time and now I can’t wait to give them away (the chocolates of course).
Home made turtle chocolates.
Another fun indoor activity was building forts. I think we all did this as a child. Grab some couch cushions and a blanket and voila….a perfect fort to hide in. They really love these forts. In fact, I had to lure McCabe out of his so I could get a picture. He totally reminds me of Biff’s friend on “Back to the Future,” when he wears the 3-D glasses.
McCabe sporting 3-D glasses.
Jacinda loves to jump on the blanket so the “roof” crashes in. Speaking of crashes, today was a blustery day. The wind was kicking wild. It caused a 6 hour power outage and knocked down many trees ruining part of our swing set Tim built this past summer. Fortunately that was the only damage we encountered. Our neighbor had a huge tree fall on their car and part of their house. It shattered the back window and smashed the roof of the car. The house had minor damage.
Damaged swing set.
Well it has been six weeks since Xadia arrived. I am in the routine of things; however, I still need a nap to keep me going. I love this picture of Tim, Jacinda, and Xadia because it is a true representation of being a parent. The kids are wide awake while mom or dad is dragging along. Oh to have the energy of a child.
A true parent
I love the fact that Christmas is coming. It really changes my thinking and puts me in a good mood. (I know I should be like that all the time but there is a time and a season for everyone. Maybe when I am older I will be able to sustain it for the entire year.) You all know the saying, “one good deed deserves another.” We got to put that into practice on Saturday. Tim and I had a breakfast date. While at the restaurant there was a family of four sitting in the corner. I said to Tim, “Do you want to do something fun?” His response was, “as long as you don’t embarrass me.” I laughed and informed him that I wanted to anonymously pay the tab for the family in the corner. Tim agreed and we told the waitress our plan and she helped execute it smoothly. Walking out of the restaurant I was all smiles and walking on clouds. It felt so good to secretly surprise another person in a caring fashion. I do not tell that story to brag but to let you know that kind acts inspire. This once happened to me 12 years ago at Utah State. I was eating at JB’s restaurant with Bob, my buddy (from the Best Buddies program which is befriending a handicap person) and someone anonymously paid our tab. I was so appreciative especially since I was a poor college student. I will never forget that kind act and I will let it inspire me to do good (even if it takes 12 years). So now the question is what will you do today to inspire someone?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009


Bright eyed Xadia!


Happy halloween with an I love you sign from Jacinda.


Bike riding in the park.


Posing for a picture at the park.


Precious little gift from God.

I love being a mom of three kids. I just accomplished my first big challenge…..going to the store with 3 kids. Sure bribery was part of the trip but I had no stray children or tantrums in the aisles! I am getting some sleep. Some nights are better than others. Xadia wakes up around 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. for feedings. She is now 4 weeks old and starting to fill out. The kids absolutely love her. They always ask to hold her or kiss her head when I am rocking her.

I almost lost my wits the other day because the kids want to help take care of Xadia. I was loading the dishwasher and Xadia was quietly resting in her swing. After a moment, I heard her fussing. To my astonishment McCabe was carrying Xadia over to me. I gasped and ran over to assist McCabe. After the incident I had a little talk with McCabe. I had to break it to him that he cannot pick up Xadia without mom’s or dad’s help. He had a melt down and started crying. Ohhhh the joys of being a mother and having a determined little helper.

I had an oncology appointment Thursday. Taking the whole family was comical especially when waiting in the exam room. The kids wanted to blow up the latex gloves, or put the colored bandages on their arms, or climb on the exam table. In short they wanted to do everything they were not supposed to do. I don’t even know why we brought coloring books for them. The doctor said everything looks good. I am 1.5 years in remission. Once I hit the 2 year mark it is very unlikely (3% chance) that the cancer will come back (YES!!).

McCabe is cracking me up! He is at a fun age. He likes to walk around the house singing, “hot crossed buns, hot crossed buns, one a penny two a penny hot crossed buns.” Every so often he will sing his own version such as… “hot crossed buns, I like momma’s buns,” and then end with a huge gut laugh. My boy is so silly. He is spending too much time around his dad. In fact he tells us he wants to go on a mission and be a “missionmary.” When asked where he wants to serve, he says, “pillapeens” (aka Philippines just like his dad).