Category Archives: Family

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: May 21, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY May 21, 2012

Outside my window… dark. I think it was hot today — I didn’t go outside until 5:45 pm. Just saw on the news that it was in the 80’s today. This is an improvement over the 90’s this weekend. I hate heat.

I am thinking… that this migraine/neck pain has worn out its welcome.

I am thankful… for my family coming up to celebrate the communal birthday this weekend. (I’m a twin and my brother lives 45 minutes away.) We went to the town festival and the Relay for Life event at the high school. Dinner was a Mediterranean orzo dish and salad. Dessert was brownies that my mom made.

In the kitchen… I made the orzo on Saturday as well as some boxty for church.

I am wearing… navy blue maternity shirt and blue plaid boxers.

I am creating… this entry and a topic list/posting schedule for Brett’s Blogathon.

I am going… to hopefully feel better and less achy tomorrow. Fibro, you suck!

I am reading… not enough these days.

I am hoping… the pain in my neck and shoulders goes down with some ice.

I am looking forward to… a weekend without things to do. There’s also my

Around the house… it’s clean after having company this weekend.

I am pondering… various ways to publicize Brett’s Blogathon.

A favorite quote for today… Another song this week — “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” by Casting Crowns. I heard it on KLOVE this evening and immediately decided to get it off of iTunes.

One of my favorite things… my beautiful house panther who decided to settle on my chest while I am working on this. 🙂 Mommy loves her Edda cat.

A few plans for the rest of the week: whatever errands come up and a massage on Friday.

A peek into my day… The view of the eclipse from my porch.

The view of the eclipse from my porch.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Long Long Ago…

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in a galaxy far far away… (OK, it was Los Gatos. But anyway…)

My brother (left) and I (right) in our grandparents' laps.

I’m the sleeping one on the right. We’re 3 weeks old — I know because it was taken at home and I was in the hospital for the first three weeks. (Preemie + twin = NICU for a week and then local hospital to put some weight on. My brother went home after only 3 days.)

I celebrated today by sleeping in until 10:30 (in the living room with Daniel climbing on me — I didn’t even register it) and then going to the local town festival with my parents (who came up from San Jose). We also stopped by the local Relay for Life to see church members who were there. The evil twin (Sean) and my sister-in-law came over at 5:30 (she had schoolwork to do) and we had dinner (a Mediterranean orzo dish) and brownies (not special ones — this is northern California but my mom doing the baking) for dessert. It was good to see Jeanette (the sister-in-law) because we’ve missed her this quarter when we’ve had gatherings at our place. I’m hoping she has a lighter load this summer (if she goes) and this fall.

Meanwhile, the bear child is asleep and I’m hoping Jon goes that direction. Allergies in the Sacramento area have been insufferably awful and Daniel had the combination of no nap/stimulation/sun/allergies today. He was a cute boy but definitely needed his 8:00 bedtime.

Right now, I’m making boxty for church tomorrow. We have our end-of-the-year Sunday school potluck and one of our Confirmation kids suggested an international theme. Being the good Irish Lutheran I am, I decided on boxty because colcannon makes me sick. (There’s some bad juju between the two of us from when I was pregnant with Daniel.)

7 Quick Takes — Season Finales, It’s Too Darn Hot, and Promise Walk Highlights

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Oh. Em. Gee. CSI season finale!!! I so do NOT approve of it being a cliffhanger! I will be grumping about this until September. What oh what will I do on Wednesday nights?!?!?!?!?!? (Answer: He-Man reruns and Netflix probably.) It was good to find out what had happened between Finn and Russell and to find out that it was something innocuous and not that they had been involved romantically in an adulterous fashion.

— 2 —

Hart of Dixie was good this week. This show is my guilty pleasure. (I usually watch forensic shows or stuff like The Big Bang Theory.) I loved the scene where Lemon gets her head stuck in the bed frame. It was an interesting message this week in that we see that Zoe’s presence in Bluebell does make a difference. I think it’s applicable to us in that what we do has repercussions and we have the blessing/curse of impacting other peoples’ lives.

— 3 —

I totally loved Abby’s outfit on NCIS this week. I really wish I’d known what had been planned for the bachelor party by Abby because that so did NOT end up happening! I also wonder if there’s anyone else who finds Dr. Samantha Ryan (Jamie Lee Curtis) to have undertones of naughtiness. She evokes a feeling kind of like a few of the characters in an Austin Powers movie.

— 4 —

The wedding on The Big Bang Theory was awesome. I love that all the members of the group of friends were ordained so they all performed the marriage ceremony. I wonder if anything will happen with Penny and Leonard next season…

— 5 —

It has been in the 90’s for the past few days here in Gold Country. Have I mentioned that I hate heat? It’s awful regardless of whether or not it’s a dry heat. Additionally, it’s allergy season so all of us in the house are miserable and I’ve had to find something to work for Daniel. The only good thing is that the heat has tired him out and he’s usually gone down for a decent nap. He only got a 20 minute nap today because he fell asleep while we were running errands and I couldn’t get him back down. Enter in wailing and gnashing teeth on Daniel’s part. We just got him back down. I’m hoping that he was just overtired and that he doesn’t have an ear infection — it would be really hard to diagnose and I’m not sure when I could get him into the doctor tomorrow as we have his IEP in the afternoon.

— 6 —

I’d still love to hear from any parents of special needs kids on their experiences getting services for their kids as well as adventures in raising them. I’m the Guardian Angel for an adorable little boy through Reece’s Rainbow and I’m doing a series on this on my blog dedicated to getting Brett adopted. Please let me know if you’re interested.

— 7 —

The Promise Walk was awesome. I erroneously thought it was Saturday and showed up at Lake Vasona to find nobody there. Go me. I went back on Sunday (without Jon who had to head back up to Gold Country to lead worship) and had a great time. My parents participated too and Mom and I did the three mile walk with Daniel. (My dad bailed out at some unknown distance so we don’t know how far he walked — only that he cheated. :p) It wasn’t as many people as last year but it was still fun. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital was one of the sponsors and when I told them that I had been in their NICU about 32 years ago (when it was just Stanford Children’s Hospital), they took pictures. I’m guessing they don’t see many of their alumni that often? 🙂 I personally raised about $600 (will have the exact number this weekend) so I’m pretty jazzed.

For more Quick Takes, visit Hallie at BettyBeguiles.Com who is hosting this week while Jen takes some time off. Please keep Jen in your prayers — she witnessed a horrific motorcycle accident and is trying to process all the emotions and images in her brain.

7 Quick Takes: Grumping Drivers, Silly Boys, and Cute Preemies

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

Daniel had his 3 year old Well Child appointment on Wednesday. He’s looking good, has a healthy BMI, has a healthy curve on his growth chart, and was his normally chill self which was a rare sight for his doctor, especially during naptime. I’m bummed because she’s done with her residency in June. I’m happy for her to move on to bigger and better things (including her wedding in November — she had a lovely engagement ring that looked like it was a sapphire ringed with diamonds) but I’m sad to lose her. I first met her during our epic hospital stay last March when she was doing her PICU rotation and we ended up getting her as our pediatric resident. She’ll kick butt on her boards in October and I know she’ll be an awesome pediatrician when she goes into practice. Meanwhile… hey Katie, could you please come do a peds residency at UCD Medical Center?

— 2 —

To the white Ford F150:
It might be slightly safer if you waited until I was OUT of the lane before you try passing me IN it. You almost sideswiped my rear driver’s side and I would have taken the law into my own hands if you had hit me and something had happened to the cute three year old riding with me. You really don’t want to get between me and my cub.
Snuggles,
The white car with the Promise Walk ribbon

— 3 —

The lesson: never mess with University of Virginia grads. Apparently, public education actually works in states other than California. 🙂 And before I get a huge number of flaming comments, I’m the product of California public schools and Daniel is in an ABA class at a California state preschool.

And no, this video is not intended to be a political statement — I just enjoy her retort to the Speaker’s comment about “not speaking in little enough words for [her] to understand.” I admit to feeling like I need to use that phrase frequently (that is, speaking in small enough words) in comboxes and it’s awesome to see a rational and well-reasoned retort.

— 4 —

My parents are headed up on Saturday to deliver a frame for a raised bed for our garden. I know my mom is bringing up some tomatoes and I’ll pick up some basil plants from Trader Joe’s. I also need to start some pumpkins and perhaps a few other things. Our treasurer came over and rototilled it on Tuesday. We’ve had some rain so I’m kind of also hoping for no weeds.

— 5 —

I continue to be blown away by the awesomeness of Daniel’s preschool class. Not only does he have a teacher who LOVES her job (and it totally shows) as well as aides who love Daniel, I also have fellow parents in the class who are cool. One of the little girls in Daniel’s class came up and hugged him when he came to class on Monday and I met her mom on Wednesday. I was walking him to class when she walked by and greeted Daniel warmly. She then looked up and explained that she was this little girl’s mom. It was great to meet her and I’ve also talked with a few other parents while trying to teach our kids some basic social skills like waving good-bye and acknowledging someone talking to them. I didn’t realize how cool it was until today that I’ve got 10 other sets of parents who are dealing with the same stuff I am.

— 6 —

Brett’s adoption fund has moved up two orders of magnitude. We went from 1/25000 to 1/250 this week. Amazing what $100 will do, huh? Now for that other $24900… I’ve got some fundraising ideas but I also need to find him a mommy and a daddy. You can read about all of this at his adoption blog. I’ve also got a blogathon tentatively scheduled for July 27th and I’m trying to come up with ways to publicize it.

— 7 —

Need a reason to sponsor me in the Promise Walk? Is this one good enough?

Baptizing Daniel at 4 days old.

This would be Daniel at his baptism in the NICU at 4 days old. From left to right: my nasty-looking hand (dry skin cracking), Daniel, Jon’s hand.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: April 16, 2012

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window… it was sunny but now seems cloudy.

I am thinking… about where my printer cables are so I can print out my tax extension form.

I am thankful… Daniel is adjusting to preschool slowly but surely. He only cried for an hour today which is a huge improvement.

In the kitchen… some Bertolli soup for dinner, I think.

I am wearing… forest green v-neck shirt and capri sweats.

I am creating… tax files and this entry.

I am going… to hopefully find printer cables and stuff tomorrow so I can print out my extension form.

I am wondering… where they are.

I am reading… Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter by Hallie Lord.

I am hoping… I hear back from Reece’s Rainbow about being a Guardian Angel tomorrow.

I am looking forward to… the quiet of weekday mornings while Daniel is at preschool.

I am pondering… assorted things in my heart.

A favorite quote for today… ??I think we all sin by needlessly disobeying the apostolic injunction to “rejoice” as much as by anything else.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… Crystal Light peach tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week: probably errands, taxes, and a massage on Friday.

A peek into my day… Daniel and I at Miwok Park at his last physical therapy session

Daniel and I at Miwok Park for physical therapy

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

11 Things

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Ann of House of Estrogen tagged me in this meme going around the Internet. Whee!

Rules
1.) The first rule is to post these rules.
2.) Post a photo of yourself then write 11 things about you/your life.
3.) Answer the questions for you set in the original post.
4.) Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5.) Go to their blog/twitter to tell them you have tagged them.

OK… so let me find a picture I like.

Me after a haircut

OK… 11 things about me.

01.) I’m a night owl. I get most of my blogging done after 9 p.m.
02.) I’m 5’1 on a bad hair day. People tell me that I seem taller online.
03.) I’m incredibly shy and very introverted. I’d prefer to people-watch rather than socialize.
04.) I have a weird accent that makes me sound like a valley girl Canadian. It makes it really hilarious when I switch into academic mode and I’m using polysyllabic words while sounding like I should be on a beach in southern California tanning myself.
05.) I graduated from college in 3 years. I’m not smart — just strategic. The fact that I was sick of being in a long-distance relationship also didn’t hurt.
06.) I read murder mysteries for fun. I’m currently reading Buried in Buttercream by G.A. McKevitt.
07.) I have part of a Masters in Theological Studies. I’m incredibly good at it but theology in general bores me. I’m more of a historian and linguist.
08.) I’ve been singing Handel’s Messiah since I was 15. It was a holiday tradition for my mom and I throughout high school and college to do the You-Sing-It-Messiah with the San Jose Symphonic Choir.
09.) I love t-shirts with interesting messages. I love my We Will Not Be Silent shirt and am heartbroken that I’m having to replace it.
10.) My promise not to blog on the Republican candidates is grating on me. There’s SOOOOOOOO much snark I want to post!!!!!!
11.) I’m a princess darnit!

OK… my questions to answer!

1.) What is your favorite movie? It varies. I like the classic Disney cartoons like “The Aristocats” and “The Sword and the Stone” as well as “Forrest Gump”, “The Birdcage”, “The Spitfire Grill”, “Whale Rider”, and “Saved”.

2.) If you could go back and give your 16 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Stop worrying about what people will think and join a church. (I’m a convert to Christianity.)

3.) Why do you blog? So many reasons. Generally, I do it because it’s cheaper than therapy and I’ve made so many friends doing it. It also was my way of accessing the outside world when I lived in remote areas of the US.

4.) What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing that? I wanted to be a lawyer until I was 15 when I started wanting to be a doctor. I’m not doing either though I’m discerning doing training as a respiratory therapist because they’ve been the coolest health professionals that I’ve encountered in my own adventures and with Daniel.

5.) M&M’s – plain or peanut? Coconut.

6.) What was your first car? 1984 Volvo 240 GL.

7.) What is your favorite Halloween costume you’ve ever worn? The cat costume my mom made us when we were 3.

8.) What are your favorite blogs to read? I have at least 30-40 in my feed reader. They range from Canadian pastors to young Catholic women to Mormon housewives. Most blogs these day happen to be mommy blogs because all my bloggy friends have kids.

9.) If you were to have a boy and a girl tomorrow, what would you name them? Aidan Michael and Hannah Grace.

10.) What was your favorite class in college? Women’s Chorale, my advisor’s history classes, Religion and Social Change, Science and Human Values, the Making of the Modern Middle East, my Organic Chemistry labs, and my college’s Core course.

11.) What celebrity do you think it would be fun to be friends with? Definitely Pauley Perette (Abby on NCIS). She’s very much in person like she is on TV and she’s also incredibly socially conscious. I also love anyone who can pull off the goth look over the age of 30. (She’s in her 40’s.)

OK… now my questions!

01.) What food would you never eat even if you were paid to eat it?
02.) What is your favorite Bible verse or quote?
03.) Should jello at church be in the proper liturgical color?
04.) What was your high school or college mascot?
05.) What do you wish you could do?
06.) What book should everyone read?
07.) What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?
08.) Pretend I magically arrived on your doorstep. How would we spend your ideal day?
09.) Manicure or pedicure?
10.) What is the best type of ethnic food (i.e. Italian, Japanese, Indonesian)?
11.) Grey or orange tabby cats?

Now for the tagging!

Beth @ The Catholic Couponer

Nikkiana @ Authentic Experience

Kate @ ImperfectKate

Kathleen @ So Much to Say…

The Preoteasa @ Fear Not Little Flock

Dawn @ ladydusk

I know all of you have lives and such. Please find a way to mold this meme to your blog. If you can’t post a picture of yourself, post one of your kids or something that represents you.

Hymns That Speak to Me Right Now (IV)

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I’ve known the tune of the hymn “Let All Things Now Living” longer than I’ve known the actual hymn. The tune comes from a Welsh folk song called “The Ash Grove” and my mother used to love to play it on the piano when I was growing up. I learned of the hymn somewhere along the line but did not start loving it until I acquired Michael Card’s CD “Starkindler” in 2002 or 2003. When my grandfather was in the hospital in December 2005, a music therapist came in and offered to play the song. I sang the hymn while he accompanied me on guitar. I sang it again three months later during the week I spent in Washington with my mom before I had to say my final good-byes. (He died three weeks later.) My aunt and I sang the hymn at my grandfather’s interment of ashes while Jon and my evil twin brother Sean played the guitar. Almost a year and a half later, I was standing in Church #3 in Montana singing it while my mom and her siblings were placing the headstone on my grandfather’s grave.

Despite my history with the hymn, I love it and it’s a beautiful one for spring though we’re still in Lent at the moment. I love how it describes how all of nature answers to the authority of the Lord and how all things are to praise Him. There’s also the sheer beauty of the tune. (The Welsh rock in terms of hymn and folk tunes.)

Here are the lyrics:

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the creator triumphantly raise.
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God’s banners are o’er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.
Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
With glad adoration a Song let us raise
Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

Here’s the Michael Card arrangement with Darwin Hobb’s rich African-American bass singing part of it as well.