Whenever we have our final IEP....

... I am going to throw a huge party. What a relief that will be.

So, of course, Russ had his IEP (Individualized Education Progam) because he still has delays in fine motor skills, speech and language. Without going into great detail, I think this district has many issues with their special ed type services and their management of those services. And let me say that this IEP meeting was disorganized, again, and I have still haven't received my copy. That irritates me beyond belief.

Russell's IEP is renewed every year and last Friday we renewed what is essentially a contract with the district to provide Russell with appropriate services for his disabilities/delays. Like I said before, I wasn't expecting a surprise and I got several!! Let's start with the good ones. Russ's fine motor skills (handwriting and scissor cutting, etc.) have improved greatly this year and his therapist expects to release him at the the end of next school year. Terrific! Russ's speech and language therapist expects/hopes Russell will be released from those services by the 3rd grade. So, that was exciting to hear. They have never said anything like that before. Russell has done very well this year and we are glad that he may be caught up to his age level in these areas sooner rather than later.

The other surprise we have mixed feelings about. Russell is both speech and language impaired, meaning his speech (main issue is making correct sounds while speaking so he can be understood) and language (main issues are oral sentence structure, answering questions directly, making statements out of context) are behind grade level and he usually gets pulled from class to get therapy in school. Well, next year they have decided that all the children that will be in first grade who get pulled for language therapy will be put in one class together and the remainder of the class will be regular ed students. Apparently there are only three students now in Kindergarten that receive language therapy. So, the thought is that they will get more therapy in class together than being pulled out. We are not so sure about this for many reasons. For one thing, it seems weird that if there are only three students and they all aren't grouped together now and they are all doing well, what is the point? Our other issue is taht we want Russell mainstreamed in the sense that he is exposed to as many non-disabled peers as possible. I can understand that if they are all together and need the same type of assistance in class that it might be beneficial. The other pro is that the teacher of this class has experience with these types of kids and wants to teach the class. So, I know he won't get one of the old-school teachers that needs to retire. But, we still feel a bit wary.

It is a situation I will definitely watch and I have already let the principal know that if it doesn't work well for Russell (meaning his current success level isn't maintained) we will want a change in placement. Talking to Russell's principal is interesting. He is one those that isn't a real straight talker, but I make him give me straight answers to my questions. He's got a good sense of humor and he'll laugh when I am really making him to get to the point and not letting him talk around it. I don't think he used to that.

Anyway, I just thought it was funny that I wasn't expecting any surprises this time and even wrote that in this blog. But sure enough, I got one. Like I said in the beginning when Russell is released from all these services and we have our final IEP, it will be PARTY TIME!!

Okay, Saturday we're off to Orlando. We'll give our regards to Mickey Mouse and Shamu for everyone!!

TGIF

And let me say it again. TGIF.

It has been a very hectic couple of weeks. Russell's school had their spring fundraiser, Spring Fling (on Adam's bday). A carnival type deal with goofy games, bake sale, raffle, and silent auction. I was helping with the silent auction and then got put in charge of it and the raffle. So, that was a scramble getting it all organized on top of our normal schedule of tball twice a week, speech twice a week, dentist and doctor appointments, PTO meetings, strawberry picking with Rachel and friends, working in Russell's class, haircuts for me and the kids, getting the house ready for Adam's mom to come visit, getting over a lingering cold, (are you tired yet???) and baking for the bake sale, cake walk, AND soliciting donations for the auction. Plus it was Adam's birthday and trying to make his birthday special - nice dinner, baking his cake, gifts, etc. Luckily Adam's mom is a low maintenance guest and she fits right in with the chaos and is extremely helpful!!!

The Spring Fling. Now that I have done it, next year when I get roped in, it won't be as bad. I think if I do it from the start and I can do it my way, it will be easier. I was led to believe that the actual day of the event was my big commitment. But no, it was half the day Saturday and pretty much every morning and afternoon before and after school this week following up with all the bidders and making them pay and pick up their stuff. We had a lot of furniture donated from Target, so it wasn't easy. And except for Saturday, this was all with Rachel in tow. She now knows where all the goodies are in the front office and pretty much expects special treats every time she's there. Russell is in awe of the office and going behind the counter and seeing what the office really looks like and what/who is back there, that cracks me up. All in all the auction made about $5k, nothing to complain about, in my mind. I think the event all together is holding at about $12.5k. Again, in my mind, nothing to complain about. But last year they made $17k, so there is some snivelling, but not much!!

Yesterday as we were loading into the car I looked down and had a flat tire. So flat. So very, very flat. Of course, Adam was already at work. So, I call the neighbors, Lois and Ray, and Ray takes Russell to school, comes back and changes my flat tire to my full sized spare, (thank you very much!) and tells me where to go to get it fixed. I'm telling you, I have the BEST neighbors. I drop off my tire, they fix it and put it back on within an hour for free. The manager just said, 'Remember us when you need new tires'.

So, now it is Friday - hurray! I got to go back to aerobics, hurray! A normal day, hurray! Russell does have his IEP today. I am not expecting any surprises, but with this district, you never really know. So, I am prepared to fight the good fight, but hoping there's no need. I did warn Russell's teacher that I can be kind of a different person in IEP meetings and you may describe that with the b-word, and she laughed and said she was now really looking forward to it!!! It's sad that these districts just shove this info at parents and the parents don't realize they have a say in what types of services their child receives or how they receive it. I don't put up with THAT. I'll report on the outcome of the IEP next time.

Did I mention it is Friday????? HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Official

I entered the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest!

A few years ago, Adam and I saw a show on Bravo TV that was about the Current Bake-Off. They featured a few of the contestants and you got to see what the competition is all about and how it works. There are winners in each of the five recipe categories and one grand prize winner that wins a million big ones. I thought, hell I can use Pillsbury products to try to win a million dollars.

The recipe has to be original and completely yours, oh, and include certain ingredients in the Pillsbury family of products. My recipe that I have done for years is what we call Thai Chicken Peanut Yumminess. It is a peanut sauce with chicken, veggies, pasta, and topped with peanuts and cilantro. Very tasty. Well, peanut butter was never an ingredient and neither was anything else in my dish. So, I have been waiting. Finally this it. This year peanut butter is on THE list. However, pasta is not. So, I thought what I can do with my recipe and fit it into their products??? My answer was making my dish minus the pasta and putting it in a tortilla and baking it like a chimichanga. Da-da-da-daaaaaa the birth of Thai Chicken Chimichangas.

After many trials at home and in kitchens of friends and family, my recipe has been finalized and I entered it last night. It was interesting to see how much it changed after people tried it and made suggestions. (Thank you recipe testers!!!) It is definitely much better than the first version. I have searched and searched and can not find a recipe like it -I am thinking it is very unique!

So now all I can do is wait until like October of this year. They will choose 100 finalists who will all compete in the Bake-Off in April of 2008 in Dallas, Texas. I am really hoping to make that list of 100. I am still not sure if my recipe is good enough to win the big bucks, but the experience of competing would be unforgettable.

Adventures in T-Ball

Russell is playing on his first t-ball team. Our little city runs a pretty decent sized baseball league and has this very large park, baseball complex, community center, soccer and football fields, and the city pound.

At first the team was very organized and we were all excited. Then bad weather struck on most practice days and our little team started to get unorganized. We got it together for picture day, but then our coach became MIA. We have games twice per week. And while we all can't make every game, we do expect the coach to come to most games or call to say he won't be there, or state from the beginning that he scheduling conflicts and accept all the help he was offered from the rest of us. Well, he declined all of our help and then decided to not show. Then last night he shows up and tells some story about how he was filling in until the city could find a new coach.... BS in all of our minds. So, another dad took over coaching, his wife and I have taken over the team mom thing and I think we are getting it together. A disppointing start to the season. We were that team that was always unorganized and the other team parents would sort of give you that 'ugh, one of THOSE teams' looks. But, after last night's game, I think we are getting it together and hopefully we won't be one THOSE teams any longer. It is nice though that we are with a group of parents that will pull together and make it happen when the squeaky wheel falls off.

Miss Rachel. Well, her hair is finally long enough for some pig tails of some sort!! This picture is a little bit old, but you can see her little tails there! She won't leave them in very long and when she takes them out, her hair sort of stays in pig tail form, but they look like horns!!! Hilarious!! Yesterday was Field Day at Russell's school and the PTO was selling snacks and needed help. So, I said I'll stay as long as Rachel will let me. They all know Rachel and her personality, so they knew what I meant. That little stinker was so good! She even took a nap in her stroller when the time came. We stayed all day. I am sure her behavior had nothing to do with being the center of attention of all the parents and 5th grade students helping at the snack bar. Or that Rachel had the gym pretty much to herself to do what she wanted to do. Or that she had her fill of unlimited popcorn. OR that mom brought the little DVD player so she could watch a couple of videos. She was such a sweetie yesterday, we had a lot of fun staying at school all day. But, now that the PTO has seen I can be there with Rachel in tow, I think I'll be asked to do more....

Earlier this week, I got a chance to talk with my friend, LaDean. What a treat!! She is hanging in there. I thought she sounded terrific considering all that she has been through these last few weeks. You know you have a friend for life when you can pick up the phone and talk to someone you haven't spoken with in a few years, but it feels llike you spoke just the other day. I really treasure that.

Next week is Adam's birthday. His mom is coming for a long weekend and we always look forward to her visits. I hope we'll be able to squeeze in some jam making! The local strawberry farm is ripe and ready to be picked, a great time make some jam. I have always wanted to make jam, but feel like I need a jam making mentor. I emailed this to Jamie and she replied she'd try to get some fresh pectin to bring. I thought "What's pectin???" I definitely will need a jam mentor!!!

SSSSSPPPRRRIIINNNGGGGG BBRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!

This week, the kids are both on spring break. Yes, a bit earlier than other districts, but we did start school in the beginning of August. So, Friday after we got home, we had to make our annual call to Dawnie and brag how we were on break. Basically, ever since Russell started school and was talking well, we'd call Dawn and yell into her answering machine "SPRING BREAK!! WOOOO HOOOO! SPRING BREAK!" Well, you get the picture! This year, Russ reminded me we needed to call and brag!

We've been keeping busy this week. SLEEPING IN past 6am, running some errands, going to speech (of course!), playing in our little pools outside (it's been nearly 80 every day), building cornice boards for the kids' windows, I made an upholstered bulletin board for Rachel's room, a check up on an ear infection for Russell, spring cleaning, and watching Rachel's spring cold - will it get better? (The answer seems to be yes!) Tomorrow the beach is on our agenda.

Next week we'll be back to our regular schedule, but with a whirlwind of activity. Easter, then Adam's birthday, (his mom is coming to visit), the PTO fundraiser carnival at Russell's school that I have been involved with, t-ball gets back into full swing, dental cleanings, and, oh, did I ever mention we decided to take a trip top Disney at the end of April?

Watch out, Orlando, here comes the Bright family!! Adam and I have been deciding when to make the big trip. We knew we had to at some point while we lived here. We definitely wanted to go before Rachel turned three and we could save on her ticket costs! Will she remember? Probably not, but we wonder how much she'd remember when she was three anyway... So, then the decision came down to crowds (don't like the huge ones), the heat factor (needs to be hot enough for water rides and to wear shorts at night, but not oppressive heat), and availability of the $300/week condos available to military members (that's right, a 2 bedroom condo - $300 for the week). Yes, Russ will miss a week of school. But since he is doing so well this year, we thought it would be better to miss it now rather than the beginning of first grade. (Go ahead, Aim, rationalize all you want!!!!) Anyway, we are looking forward to it - it will be our first true family vacation (not counting trips to CA to visit family).

And, last but not least... Adam's grandmother passed away this week. I know, that's two in less than a week for us. Sad. Delcie Vuncannon. Her health had been poor for some time now, but to lose her so quickly was a bit shocking. We all seem to agree that her body had taken all it could take. Adam spent a lot of time with her while growing up. A couple of his favorite memories are of when she would take him on archaeological digs and when they would sit on her porch drinking lemonade just talking. He also remembers she and her friends discussing what they would do for New Year's Eve in 1999. Adam thinks he was maybe 7 years old at the time and although he didn't quite get the importance of the year 2000, he did understand that he wanted to go to that party!! So, he asked Delcie if he could go to the party and she did the math of what his age would be and she said that that would work out great, he would be a good age to come to the party! Like she would have told him no : )

Today a small group will spread Delcie's ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She loved to travel, she had seen so many places that most of us will never see, let's hope the water takes her to new places and back to some favorites.

Sad News

We received some bad news yesterday. My friend from high school, LaDean, and her family were in a car accident earlier this week and her husband, Jay, died. They were near Ely, Nevada when Jay swerved to miss hitting an elk, their car rolled and tragically Jay didn't survive. They have four children ranging in ages 11 - 4. They were all in the car and had very minor injuries. LaDean had some minor injuries - cuts on her face. They were all wearing seatbelts.

It is just heartbreaking to think and imagne what happened. Jay was such a good person. He really was someone you couldn't say anything bad about. He was a devoted father and husband. I remember talking with LaDean in high school and after about the type of man she wanted to marry - she knew exactly what she wanted. She wanted someone that was of her same faith, (Mormon), smart, caring, same family values, handsome (of course!) and someone that was taller than her - no easy feat as LaDean is probably 6ft. tall! I think that she had found everything in Jay and more. My heart just aches for her during this unfair twist of life.

I Miss California

When you live in places like Oklahoma City and southern Alabama, no wait, make that the Florida panhandle, you have to accept that it is a lot more conservative and everyone except you and a few others regularly attends church. And of course, once they figure out you don't go, they are always trying to invite you. We always politely decline. It's not that we have a thing against going to church, but I can't be a part of a group that discriminates against gay people. (Which most churches do around here) End of story. You can't really say that to your dentist as he holds the big needle in one hand and a drill in the other!!! So, my standard leave me alone line is something to the effect of we have been thinking about going to the church where Rachel's nursery school is. Apparently it's a fine church and everyone backs off and you don't have to get into the big, big gay discussion.

Anyway, our itty bitty local library has an 'Inspirational' sticker that it will put on the binding of the book to put it in yet another category. It's a pink sticker with an angel or something and about the size of a thumbail. Great, good, thanks for the warning. So, I checked out a few books one day while at the library with the kids. Basically I don't have much time to look for books for myself because Russell is trying to find books for me - Hey Mom, how about this book with this rocket, fire, beautiful woman, whatever on the cover? (He's is in the paperback racks) And then there is Rachel who looooooooooooooooooves to run thru the aisles and gleefully exclaim "Whoooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa". I try read about books online before we go to the library and then try to find them quickly. So, I saw one book by Dee Henderson. The name sounded familiar, the back said it was about a US Marshall and a forensic pathologist and there was no pink sticker. Worth a try!

I get it home and start reading. A mystery, not the greatest writing, but not bad either. Interesting enough to continue reading and then about halfway thru it hits. It's a total holy roller book. And not that the characters are just religious, they are on a mission to get all the other characters to church. And it isn't in the friendly way that people try to get you to church, it's the harassing, manipulating way and then that US Marshall turns into a pseudo-preacher. Ugh, what happened to the mystery? The new mystery is why this book is missing its little pink sticker! And, I am not against religion, but if I wanted it shoved in my face, I'd go talk to one of the neighbors or my dentist!

My new strategy when going to the library is to make a quick list ON PAPER. A quick funny about our library... I was trying to find the book "The Devil Wears Prada" before Christmas. When I asked the librarian for help, she said and I quote "Oh, I don't think we have THAT book". I miss California.

In All Fairness....

You know, sometimes we joke about Rachel and her strong personality. People will ask if we are going to have any more children and our standard answer is something to the effect of "Uh, no; you've met Rachel" kind of thing. And yes, she has been a handful since she was in the womb, (using my bladder as a trampoline- no wonder she's such a good jumper now), but she really is so stinkin' cute and so full of personality, I was thinking I would indulge in a little motherly bragging about Rachel. You are forewarned!!!!
Her big thing right now is to go to bed early, lights out, then she gets up turns on her light, plays with her toys quietly for about 30 minutes or so, then gets back in bed and waits for us to come turn out her light again. AND, when she gets up from her nap, she'll get up and play. We'll open her door to check on the lil' booger and she very calmly asks us to shut the door and she goes back to playing. And, when I say playing, I mean she's spreading her toys and hair bows all over the floor, so you can't see the carpet.
She is also into dancing at the moment. She does this thing where she says what she's going to do and then she does it. It goes like this "Oh! I know! Clap, clap clap. Stomp stomp stomp. Wiggle, wiggle wiggle. Sliiiiiiiiiiiide. Sliiiiiiiide. Ta-Da! Yea, Rachel!!!!" Her little wiggles are so cute - that diaper gives her a bit of booty. She'll even 'teach' the dance to a character or imaginary friend. Instead of saying ta da, yea Rachel, she'll say "That's great, Daisy. Let's try it again". I think Daisy is Daisy Duck. Sometimes she'll teach it to a character on the Little Einsteins.
Her new phrase at the moment is 'not really'. Rachel, do you want some ___________? "Not really Mom" Rachel, do you want to take a nap? "No (shakes head) not really".
She is a little stingy with the hugs and kisses. But sometimes, when you are lucky, she'll take your face in her hands (one hand on each of your cheeks) and give you tons of kisses. When she wants to snuggle or sit in your lap, she calls that 'me me'. "Mama, I want me me" and then proceeds to push anything or anyone out of the way. The pushing part is not so good, but her little voice gets a high pitch to it and it sounds so sweet.
Now, when she gets mad and is upset, she asks for a wipe. When she is all done wiping her face, she says "There, that's better". And when she is in trouble (what, Rachel in trouble???) she always asks for a hug, like that will make us forget she pulled the cats tail or did whatever it was that got her in trouble.
Okay, enough cute stories for now. But, tune in next time when we write all about Russell's t-ball adventures and how Aimee was convinced Rachel was running a fever and had to buy a new fancy thermometer because she was also convinced the old one was broken!!!!

I'll save the suspense on that - it wasn't broken. I did, however, get a really cool new thermometer!

The Big Trip to Dothan

Many of you may not that know that Adam and I LOVE museums of any kind. I guess you could call us museum junkies!! When Adam's mom was temporarily working in DC about 7 years ago, I had the opportunity to stay with her for a week and spend hours upon hours in museums. It was terrific! Of course, we are sharing our interest with the kids. In OKC there were lots of good local museums to get out and explore, but here in Panama City, not so much. And the ones that are here, well, they are, uhhhhh, well, you could say that they are___________ (you fill in the blank).

Because the museums here are ____________, that means we are off for grand adventures to find the good ones. We've been a couple of times to the air museum in Pensacola. It is terrific, but a long drive. We've been to a couple in Tallahasse - one bad, one good on that tally. And there are more to discover there, but last weekend we decided to head north to Dothan, Alabama. Doesn't it seem weird to think that Alabama is NORTH???? Anyhoo, we headed to Ft. Rucker, outside of Dothan to visit the Army Air Museum on its base. It was about 90 minutes away. Dothan is a pretty non descript place, but they do have a bigger mall than we do! I think Dothan is a farming area, what they farm, I have no clue. Anyway.....................

As we arrived at the museum, the kids were getting excited - a lot of helicopters and small planes outside and the building actually looked fairly large, so the potential was there. We get inside and discover that there is some ceremony taking place in the main exhibit hall where all the cool stuff is. Lots of people in uniform or dressed in suits, etc. And, it is so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Not exactly ideal circumstances for a 2 and 6 yr old. I'd tell you what the ceremony was if I knew, but noone seemed to know what it was for. Even the little lady in the gift shop was clueless. Oh, and there are a few tables with catering trays, punch bowl, etc. Good grief. I won't go into the details, but there was some screaming from a certain member of our family who is 2 years old. She very specifically said "I want that way" pointing towards the ceremony (they all ignored us). Finally the ceremony was over (we went outside for a while and came back in after it was over) and now it seemed appropriate to go in the main hall to look at the great displays. But then someoone wasn't happy with her sippy cup and was eyeing that punch bowl. The visit ended with me taking her to the car while the boys finished up oohing and aaahhing at all the big helicopter displays and then we made our way home.

"It Wasn't So Bad"

So, this morning was Russell's 6th Birthday Party! It was terrific! Look at the smile on this kid's face - I don't think he liked it at all!! Ha! 90 minutes of pure bouncing fun with about 20 kids and their parents. It was exactly how we had hoped it would be - a nice group of kiddos and their parents just having a blast and minimal work for us! I am now a convert; no more birthday parties at home.

I need to 'document' (for lack of a better term) that Russ has been so excited for his party and has been especially thrilled that his friend, Kerri, would be there. Here's what he has to say about Miss Kerri: Kerri has 2 Rs in her name and she's a very nice girl. Her dad is a firefighter and he helps people. It is so funny - he's just enamored with Kerri. Not sure if she is just as enamored, but she does seem to like Russ and they spent a lot of time playing together today. Pretty cute. Okay, you want a picture of Kerri...

So, we get in the car after the party and Russell is all grins. We ask him how he liked his party, what he thought of it, etc. His reply "It wasn't so bad".

Little fart.

What's the going rate for a tooth these days?

Russell lost his first tooth last Weds. at school. From what we know, it was during PE and according to him "it flew out of my mouth and into my hand and I ran and told Coach!" He is THRILLED!!!!! They have chart at school about losing teeth; they get a certificate and a box for the tooth, so obviously, it is huge deal in the land of Kindergarteners. On the way home from school that day, he said he needed to go to the dentist and get his new tooth. (You can forget trying to tell him it will grow in.)

Now, I believe that he actually lost the first tooth he got as a baby, but I'm not 100% sure. So, bedtime came and we put the tooth in its little blue box from school and put it under his pillow. I explained the tooth fairy would bring money and he said toys or candy would be okay instead. So then I had to tell him how small the tooth fairy was and she couldn't carry toys and candy. That seemed to be reasonable.

Well, would you believe she came and left a whole dollar for that one tiny tooth!?! She (well, he...) even folded it up really small so it would fit in the blue tooth box to go back under the pillow sans the tooth! Wow, a dollar! Needless to say the toothless boy thought it was amazing to get a dollar folded up in a tiny square and decided that his tooth fairy must be 'medium sized' and not tiny. How else could she fold up a dollar into such a tiny square?

Indeed.

On Thursday mornings, I am able to volunteer in Russell's class for an hour. (Rachel is at nursery school during this time, although she'd love to spend time in class with all the kids!) It is a real treat to get to know all the kids and work with them and get to know Russell's teacher and the aide in his class. Every once in a while Mrs. Reinstatler and I can 'conference' a bit about Russell and keeping him on his successful pace; something I really value. The latest Russell chat was about his reading level and critical thinking skills. On the scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the highest), Russell's indivual reading level is a high 4 almost 5. And apparently Russell will ask questions and make comments about everything they are doing in class that none of the other kids ask or notice. An 'out of the box' thinker at appropriate times! His teacher has said to me before that often times when they are repeating a skill he has already mastered in group, she can tell his mind is elsewhere and wherever he is, he's having a great time. She says she'll think to herself, Russell, where are you and can I go too???

On the potty front - Rachel used it twice last Sunday, but that is it. No new tinkles. Ha! It's a start, we'll get there.

And a 'Year of Fitness' (you know, THE voice) update - a bad sinus infection has set me back. I spent all of the last weekend on the couch or in bed and watched way more TV than I wanted to. Adam is still on track, using the treadmill and his workout DVDs. I hope next week I will have my stamina back to really get going again.

And one last Aimee story before I sign off. Earlier this week a fellow AF spouse (who I've never met) calls and invites me to a 'last minute baby shower' for another spouse (who I do know) this Sunday and wants to know that second can I come? Uhhhhhhh. Oh, and did I mention the kids are fighting over something trivial and are both screaming loudly AND Adam is at school, so I can't give him the 'quiet your children' stare!!! ; ) All I can think to say is "Isn't the Superbowl on Sunday????" Her: "I have no idea" Me: "Yes, I know it is. What time is the Superbowl on? I think it is in the evening." Her: "Yes, I think if it is on, it is usually on in the evening" Me: "I'm sorry, my children are screaming and my husband is not home. Here's the deal, if the Superbowl is on at night, then I can come to the shower that afternoon. But, if the two coincide, I can't come. We are big NFL fans." I am such a loser and I am sure she thinks the same. However, Peyton helped me win the Superbowl last year, I can't not root him on while he's playing in HIS Superbowl. That would just be rude!!! Ha! But, as it turns out, I can go to the shower and get home in time to watch the big game. Go Colts!

Someone Refuses to Use a Toilet...

And it isn't Adam. Ha! Of course, it is Rachel. During naked time after a bath or shower, she will tell us that she has to go pee pee. So, we sit her on the toilet - the big one or the small training one and she will not pee. Now on the big toilet she'll wipe until the tp is gone. The little toilet she cries and says no pee pee. She's getting pretty good at holding it until we break down and give her a diaper. Then it is full diaper very quickly! Ha! So, we are holding out on the diaper a little bit longer each night, hoping she'll do the deed. But for now, she refuses to use the toilet!

I did manage to keep her elbow in place this week! No dislocating whatsoever!

We, well, I have been busy planning Russell's 6th Birthday Party - 6 years old, sigh. This will be our first party out of the house and at someplace fun. Typically we have a big dinner party kind of thing for the kids' birthdays at our house. But now that he is older (and wants to invite classmates) and everyone in our Air Force circle has kids (finally!) it is time to take the party elsewhere. This year will be at "Pump It Up" party place - an indoor facility filled with with inflatable bouncy slide things. It will be chaos with kids of all ages bouncing for 90 min. But, I think everyone will thank me for the great naps that will follow later in the day!!!

And before I post this, let me update you on the "Year of Fitness" (you know, the voice!!) We are still using the treadmill, going to the gym, and Adam's infomercial of really hard workouts (Oh my God - OUCH!) finally arrived - so we are still at it! I have lost about 7lbs (yippee!) but really that was weight I gained on vacation last summer and at xmas, but it's a start and I am not complaining!!!

Bad Mommy!

Ugh. Well, apparently I pulled Rachel's elbow out of socket, otherwise known as "Nursemaid's Elbow", this morning while taking Russell to school. Bad Mommy! His school is on a very busy street and we have to park on one side of the busy street and cross it to get to school. There is a crossguard and it is safe, blah blah blah. Well, this morning Rachel decides to take a turn for the street and cross it herself in the middle of traffic. Of course, I grabbed her arm and pulled her back as she tried to pull away. I felt a pop in her wrist, yuck. She cried and I knew something hurt, but she wasn't full out wailing. So, we took Russ to class and went home. She is nursing that arm like I have never seen. Bad Mommy! So, I make my calls to the pediatrician, of course they are full for the day, so off we go to see somebody in town rather than on base. (Which in a lot of ways is so much easier, not to mention closer!) Here's a heart breaker - when I had to move her from her car seat to home or vice versa, she'd cry and say "I sorry, Mommy. I sorry." Ooh, Bad Mommy!

It turns out the in town Dr. was very nice and all the retired folks in the waiting couldn't say enough things about her. So, we did learn of a new Dr. to ask for when we can't see our treasured Dr. Bruno. During all the waiting to see the Dr. and take xrays, Rachel just looks pathetic. Bad Mommy! She's in her stroller, not moving her left arm, trying drink juice and eat a snack. She didn't want any help (stubborn booger!) and she finally manages to wedge her snack in her left hand to hold it steady so she could eat with her right. (That part was amazing - seeing her cope and adjust, smarty pants!) We took xrays of her wrist an elbow - all was clear. But, just like the Dr. said, if it is Nursemaid's Elbow, then usually after they move the elbow for xrays, it pops back in and she is immediately better. It was almost instant! And sure enough, she was right. But, the xray is done also, especially the first time to make sure it is nothing else (like Tyler Hurley's broken bone!!!).

So, the after xray talk, she explained that it will probably happen again and taught me how to properly move her arm to put it back in. The movement is very simple, not extreme - basically folding the arm in to the body (which the kids do usually by themselves) and rotating out and up to the 'swan' position and then lower the hand to give her '5'. And now that I have seen how she will feel better instantly, I will know if it doesn't work we go straight to the ER and demand xrays. All in all a good lesson to learn. But still, the guilt that you hurt your child is tough. And I know, it was better than getting hit by a car, it still makes you feel horrible.

2007 - The Year of Fitness

Adam and I have proclaimed this our year of fitness! Well, we haven't made the actual proclamation as much as taken all the steps to make this The Year of Fitness (imagine big booming voice). And, now that I have written about it in the blog, we'll have to stick to it, otherwise, it would just be embarrassing to not follow thru!!!
And what have we done, you may wonder? Well, my friends, let me tell you. The first thing is I joined a new gym. I have been going regularly, but I haven't gotten up the nerve to try a spinning class yet, although I hope to soon! Second, we bought a used treadmill from a friend/co-worker. Adam and I have both used it already. Third, Adam ordered some DVD workouts called PX90 or something like that. It was an infomercial that hooked him! (We haven't received them yet, so more info on those in a later post) And, of course our last bit is eating better and for me that means back to counting points - Weight Watchers. But, there aren't a lot of choices for meetings around here, so instead of spending money on WW, I joined the gym. But, I figure I can do program at home pretty easily. I just have to stick to it.
Losing the Rachel baby weight has been difficult. I am not sure why it has been so hard. Could it be age? Being home with the kids? Lack of sleep for so many months with Rachel? Whatever the reason, I can't really even call it baby weight any longer and it is time to get it off once and for all and get back to my normal size.
So, here we go, 2007, The Year of Fitness (don't forget the voice!!!). Let's hope it goes well!!!

Saying Goodbye to the Crib

We have officially finished with the crib. It's a little sad, but it is exciting too. The switch has been talked about for a while now. It started with Rachel climbing out of the crib. Then we took the side off of it and used a bed guard. Then began the returning the mattress to the crib dance twice and thrice a day. And, one of the stabilizer supports kept falling out. So, it seemed time. It was Russell's crib first and then Rachel's. It was good to us. Now it is in the garage awaiting its fate. We aren't sure what its fate is yet (blame it on sentimental value) But in its place is a full size bed, with a beautiful quilt. Our neighbors (Ray and Lois) gave us their granddaughter's headoard that she has finished with and they wanted to decide its fate (blame it on sentimental value!!!). As it turns out, its perfect for Rachel's room and Ray and Lois get such a kick out of Rachel, it worked out nicely.

Christmas and New Years were good, but quiet for us. We all ended up with colds, some worse than others. Rachel and Adam seemed to get it the worst. Rachel's ended up in her chest, yuck. But, we seem to be recovering and tomorrow Russ and Rach go back to their respective schools and our routine will get back to normal.

Santa and friends and family were very good to us this year! Russell received lots and lots of legos, which he adores. He got a Gameboy, which he LOVES!!! (Thank you Schell!!!) He was surprised to get that, he really had no idea. Rachel got a kitchen and lots of teasets (her favorite!). She also got a stroller for her babies too. Rachel also spent most of Christmas naked; her choice. However, considering her new found naked freedom, it is not surprising!

And In Other News.....

Well, today I finally got a picture of both of the kids with Santa. Rachel was squirming, not crying and I'll take it!! I hardly can ever take a picture with the two of them in it and looking at the camera, hence the reason why I did a border of photos on the xmas newsletter this year! I simply can not get them to stay still long enough for a picture! Today, oddly enough, I got like 3 pics of them together. One was with Santa and the other was them watching cartoons together in the chair.
Our Santa experience was a little different. We didn't get to the mall, it is so crazy and waiting in line with Rachel for anything is torture for all involved. Our little local zoo had Santa and 2 reindeer visiting from the North Pole. We decided to give it a try (after I called first to make sure it was a hokey Santa. They assured me he was very authentic, round, jolly and merry!!) And, they were right. Mrs. Claus was there too, they both looked great and there were probably 5 kids at the zoo, so no line!! Actually we went right up to Santa and started talking, I think we could have toured the zoo with him and the Mrs. - there just weren't a lot of kids there. A surprisingly enjoyable Santa experience. Russ was a little in awe, it was pretty cute. But, I think he thought it was weird to stand there and talk a lot to him, rather than say what you want and be shoed away for the next kid.

In other news... Rachel got her first haircut. My stylist, Ashley, did it and it looks great. She just snipped off the ends so they weren't so scraggly looking and all one length. It looks healthier and is still full of curls! Rachel loved it because she got a bag of Cheetos while the whole thing was happening.

Let's see... well in my world - I refinished a desk for Russell. I had found it during my desk obsession, but it was too high. I went back on a whim b/c it was still on my mind and it was there for the right price. I stripped it and painted it red, 6 coats of red thank you very much! Russ wanted a red desk and that's what he got, but please, everyone, don't let me paint anything red again. I have no patience for it!

I also have found some time to read a couple of books. I read "The Devil Wears Prada" - a fun read and the book is better than the movie. I also read a Phillipa Gregory book, "The Constant Princess" a historical fiction novel about Queen Katherine. It was very good. She also wrote "The Other Boleyn Girl" which is fromt he same time period. Both are great reads.

And in our final bit of news..... this is our last week of fantasy football. Adam has 2 teams playing in the "superbowl" this weekend and I have 1 team (named Vintage Crushers) playing for 3rd place and another team (named Martha's Monsters) playing against Adam for a championship. Martha truly has some monsters on her team, wish me luck creaming Adam again!!!

Whole New Adventure of Naked Babies

Well, Rachel has a new thing with being naked. It started after Thanksgiving. She will just all of a sudden take off all of her clothes, diaper included. So, we got her a potty thinking it is time and she is bothered by the diaper. Well, nothing happened except a lot of wiping. Then a few nights ago, she took off her jammies and diaper, threw them out of the crib, along with her blankets, stuffed animals, etc. Poor little thing was very naked and very cold by the time we checked on her in the morning. Then, in Michaels, she took off her shirt and tried to take everything else off while we were waiting in line. The little boy in front of me asked what she was doing and why. All I could say was, well, she's two??? And then, on Saturday, she went down for nap, was very quiet and when I checked on her, she had taken everything off, POOPY diaper included and had poop smeared all over her. It was pretty gross and smelly. So, you'd think she be interested in any potty, but no, just interested in being naked.

We don't remember Russell wanting to be so naked, especially in public!! Ha! But, he was naked a lot while potty training. In fact, when our friends, the Boyntons, would come over, it just became our joke that "it wasn't an evening at the Brights unless Russell was naked". (I should have Jess post some funny naked Russell stories) I guess now it isn't an evening at our house unless Rachel is naked. Good times!!!!

Here is Rachel loooking fabulous in her white coat with matching hat and signature sunglasses. She is all attitude when looking this cute!!!!

Here is our Student of the Month!! The bumper sticker is on "his" side of the car. Way to go, Russell!!!

My New Bumper Sticker

I am really not one to put bumper stickers on my car, but ...... Russell was Student of the Month in his class in November and along with all the hoopla, the bumper sticker came home. Russell was so excited that he wanted to put the bumper sticker on my car before we left school that day!! Of course, we made a BIG deal out of this, especially since he is the first boy in his class to earn SOM. (Russ's class is mostly boys and they are very rambucious!) With all this excitement, I realized that not all parents rush to put the semi-onbnoxious bumper stickers on their cars. I usually sort of cringe at the thought of all these school stickers. However, there was NO way I wasn't going to put it on. He is so proud and so are we! ( I tried to post a picture of Russ and his sticker on the car, but Blogger isn't going to let me do that at the moment...)

Now, if I had a bumper sticker for Rachel, what would it say??? "I do headstands in my crib" ? Or, "I took off my pjs and diaper in the middle of the night last night, plus I threw out my blanket so I was freezing cold, huddled in a butt naked ball in my crib this morning" ? Or maybe it would say "I am completely fabulous in my white coat, white hat and pink sunglasses" ? (picture to come when it will post) Or, "Cushions and pillows don't belong on the couch" ? Or, last but not least, "I like to climb the kitchen drawers like a ladder" ? All of these would be a perfect bumper sticker for our headstanding, naked, couch destroying, super climbing, fabulous little gal!!!

Ode to Joy

Adam fixed the garage door opener this past weekend!!! Ever since we have moved from CA, I have this thing about parking in the garage. It is a simple pleasure and necessity in my mind. Certainly with kids, it makes life easier in the heat, rain, sleet, snow, etc. I can't remember how long it has been broken, but it is as good as new and Aim is a happy camper!!! Joy! No wait, make that JOY!!!!!!!
Russell was "Top Exerciser" in his gym class yesterday. That's twice he's earned that award. Apparently his gym class picks a boy and a girl every day for the award and there are like 100+ students in his gym class. He's pretty funny about it; he makes a goal to get it one day and it is done. So, he is thrilled with himself and we are, of course, so proud. It is really cool to see him set a goal and achieve it.
We've got the Christmas tree up. It is such a pain to get it our fake tree ready every year, but it is so pretty once it is up. Adam is an excellent tree branch 'fluffer'. Rachel is loving the tree and all the ornaments. She'll swing an ornmament back and forth on the tree and exclaim "Wheeeeeeee!!!!" The picture ornaments seem to be her favorites. Russell is eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival and wishing everyone a "Happy Merry Christmas".
I have created a link that will let you subscribe to my blog. You just type in your email and it will email you when I have posted something new. In fact, it will just email you the new post from my blog. If you look on the right side of this page and scroll down a bit, you will find a box in which you can type your email. This blogging thing is so fancy!!! Thanks, Schell, for that tidbit of info!!!