Hi, I'm Lisa

buh bye blogger

2007-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

ignore the crying

2007-09-09T21:04:00.001-07:00

It is now 9pm, the kids have had showers, dinner, stories, drinks, prayers, and have been tucked in. All that was over 30 minutes ago. I sat peacefully in the doorway doing paperwork for my new job and was very pleased with how bedtime was panning out. Suddenly Johanna climbed out of bed, "scared". I am sitting right here...nothing to be afraid of. Then Quinn's turn, "Mommy? Mommy? over and over again. Johanna back in bed whimpering, now asking for drinks again, Quinn gets out of bed. I leave the doorway (deal is you stay in bed and I sit). Now both kids are crying, Quinn in the doorway Joey in her bed.

9:10pm Quinn has figured out what he needed/wanted and has quietly disappeared from my view at the kitchen table. Johanna has realized for the first time in three days that she "misses her lost yellow blankie" and is now crying about that..in the kitchen.
Nathan calls and informs me that his shopping took too long and my indulgence of DQ is closed. (sad but no need to seek anything else. just come home and deal with your children)

9:15 Joey is back in bed and Quinn has reappeared crying for milk (instead of the lemonade he already has). Nathan home.

Kindergarten!!!

2007-09-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today was Johanna's first day of kindergarten. She had a great time and was surprisingly bold. She actually introduced herself loudly and stated her favorite color proudly during her turn of introductions. Her favorite thing about today was..."the swing". The primary kids have a rope swing hanging from a tree and I spent quite a while pushing various kids around in circles during our outside play time. Today (Tuesdays) happened to be my day to volunteer, I will not be staying at school with my daughter. :-) Nathan posted a picture of Joey ready for school.

What to do?

2007-08-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

I thought throwing your child in the cold shower after he craps his pants was supposed to deter him from doing it again. My son laughs hysterically and asks for more shower. He stays clean and dry at school, but as soon as we are home he just sits there. HELP

No wonder..

2007-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was at Vons this morning and saw a tons of carts with stuff in them lined up against the wall. I briefly wondered why and went on with my shopping. After I paid I saw a quite elderly lady with about 15 carts lined up at a register and it hit me. These are the people who do the shopping for Vons.com. Its no wonder the orders are screwed up, late, and frozen items funky. This poor woman was struggling trying to figure out what she was doing for each order. Completed orders sat against the wall waiting for the next step. It was a chaotic mess and I'm sure that their choice in "multi-tasking shoppers" isn't the most effective. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the elderly.

Quinn's first board game

2007-08-23T20:51:00.001-07:00

was a great success. And I won. haha

Commercial kid

2007-08-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

"Mom, some day we should get Bam. It cleans away tough stains and grease without scrubbing."

After I laugh a lot I asked, "So what does Bam do?"

Joey: "It cleans everything without having to scrub it. But you have to put it on first, then you just wipe it away."

Happy Tummies at our house!

2007-08-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Ever since Nathan got his new job he gets home early enough to make dinner. So we traded jobs: He cooks and I do the dishes! Everyone is so much happier. He loves to cook and I hate it. He hates doing dishes and I am willing. The kids actually eat dinner with very little complaining. Now that is HUGE!!
Thanks babe for being our chef.

Big boy!!

2007-08-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Today was Quinn's first day of preschool. He was so excited when we got there and put his backpack and lunch bag in his cubbie. Then we went outside and he got straight to work painting. I left after the kids were brought into the class and then it dawned on Quinn that I was leaving. He started crying and pulling away from the teacher, but she said that only lasted a few minutes. When I picked him up at 12:30 he was happily eating his lunch at the table with the other kids. All in all a great success! We will see how tomorrow goes when I am working in one of the other classes at the school. Johanna will be there with me, too, so it should be interesting.

Did I mention I got a job 2 or 3 days a week working as an aide at the preschool. Haha, yeah...my school didn't work out this semester so I was offered this job at the last minute.

Butterflies everywhere!

2007-08-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

We went with Nathan's Grandma to the SB Natural History Museum today. The Butterflies Alive exhibit it awesome but I thought we got nectar to "feed" them and encourage them to land on us. Instead we were told not to touch them. Joey did finally have one land on her shoulder, but Quinn was very disappointed that one didn't land on his head. He kept sticking his head into bushes full of butterflies and coming out empty. Poor guy.

Later we walked down the pier. The water was so clear I could see a few sting rays swimming around and tons of tiny fish swimming in huge schools. Surprisingly there were very few pelicans around.

gmail

2007-08-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Nathan set up gmail accounts for each of the kids. first.last@gmail.com
Johanna just wrote her first email to her friend Kara. It only took 20 minutes to write three short phrases. :-)

HUGE!! Rummage Sale

2007-08-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Benefiting Aaron Boydston, to help pay for medical bills not covered by insurance. Everything from entertainment centers to tiny toys, baby stuff, Honda Scooter, more clothes than we had room to lay out. Three inside rooms of the church full of antiques and knick-knacks, the parking lot is full of endless amounts of electronics and toys and books.
Sorry for going on and on but there is seriously an insane amount of stuff that has been graciously donated for the sale.

Saturday August 11
8:30am-?
Ojai Wesleyan Church, 105 E. Topa Topa Street

Check it out! You won't be disappointed.

Still here

2007-08-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

I have had sinus infections before but this is a doosey. Still having horrible headaches and unable to breathe. A few days ago my mom thought I had meningitis, but the doc said he didn't see any brain swelling so I guess its just my nasal passages deciding they want to get little closer. Okay I don't know what I'm saying, I guess I will go drug up and sleep a bit.

Oh, and I'm bored and want to play! Anyone want to babysit tomorrow night so I can go to the Just One Launch?!!!

Future baseball star?

2007-08-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

This week at Johanna's preschool the kids have been participating in VBS "Game Day" at the church. Today Quinn joined in. He was most interested in the baseball: Half a noodle for a bat and a small whiffle ball. I pitched to him and he actually was hitting the ball. He also likes to pitch to himself and hit the ball.

When we got in the car to come home he said "Mommy! I play basketball!"
oops. We'll have to work on that one.

Done

2007-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my last day of work! YEY!!! Now if I just weren't sick maybe I could conquer some of my to do list.

Rotten day

2007-07-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Quinn decided he wanted nothing to do with the potty today. Instead he stood naked behind me on my bed, held his penis and peed on my back, shorts, pillow, and bed. When I was "scolding" him he laughed and said very proudly, "mommy I pee pee your shirt. I pee pee your shorts too." I said, "yes, you pee peed my bed too and all that was a wrong choice and you are in serious trouble now." "I make wrong choice (smile) I take shower?" and oh was that shower cold :-)

Kittens for sale!

2007-07-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

My sister has somehow gotten involved with rescuing, spaying and neutering ferral kitties. (yes, that is why I took on caring for Oliver) Anyway, one of the cats she was feeding was pregnant and her kittens have now been trapped, loved, fixed and vaccinated, and are ready for adoption! The cat rescue people Becky is working with requires the cats are indoor and never declawed. they encourage adoption of two kittens at a time for families who don't already have a cat or are gone frequently so the kitty has company. The cost is $125 which enables the rescue group to keep doing what they do. If you are interested let me know. Trinny is a girl and the others are boys.

two part story

2007-07-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

part one: yesterday we went to the zoo. Nathan took Quinn into the mens bathroom to pee. Quinn chose the urinal between two men and intently watched them pee. (much to Nathan's dismay and embarrassment)

part two: today at work Quinn watched himself pee. Walking back to children's corner he proudly announced "It's not an elephant, it's a man!"

Note to "a"

2007-07-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

I did not apologize because I feel like I am doing something wrong directed towards you. I am apologizing because I tried to help and you turned me down and now I leave you in an even worse position than you were in before. So, "Sorry you are a pompous ass and don't know how to accept help when it is offered. Sorry you are a dick and unwilling to accept an apology because its not "your personality."" So really, my "sorry" means SUCKS TO BE YOU!

Note to people who read my blog and to friends of those who read my blog:
This is not directed at anybody most people know so don't freak out

I did it once...

2007-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

so how come I can't seem to redesign my myspace page. I guess I have truly become computer inept.

July 30

2007-07-16T22:07:00.001-07:00

is my official last day at the YMCA!

The first camping trip!

2007-07-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

New tent- check
sleeping bags- check
food list- check
swim suits- check
sunscreen- check
life jackets for boating with kids- check
ipods for the kids- what? yea we somehow received 2 gifts and a free one with our new laptop. so I am downloading kids music and some special joey requests like green day, pigeon john,gnarls barkley, and james kochalka to put on our shuffle and extra nano so the kids can have their own car entertainment.

Quinn's new game (TMI warning)

2007-07-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

While sitting on the potty, Quinn has discovered that if he closes his legs his penis disappears. "Daddy! Where did my penis go?" opens legs "Here it is! Ta da" repeats game for many minutes until he finally pees and hops of the toilet.

As for the status of our no more diapers: we are getting close! Last night, while in a pull up, Quinn got out of bed to poop in the potty. This morning, instead of going on the floor, he ran to the potty with a book and took care of his business again. VERY exciting!!!!

Time to quit?

2007-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

We have no program director and no supervisor/coordinator at work right now. I went up to talk to the "acting" boss and he pretty much said it would be a while and that the job description for the coordinator, the job I wanted, would be different. Someone who is available to work M-S etc.....not me thank you very much. So do I sit around and wait for things to possibly get better? Or do I get out now while I am still sane? How much am I willing to put into this place and willing to put up with?

In the nick of time

2007-07-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Potty training of sorts.
Quinn sits naked on my bed reading a book. I notice him glance down at himself just as two drips fal on my bed. I say "AH AH AH"...he stops and we run to the potty for quite a big success. My bed might have floated away :-)

First harvest!

2007-07-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we planted some pumpkins and zucchini in the yard. The leaves have been getting huge and have started to flower. I took my mom out back yesterday to show her how big and over grown the plants have gotten. When she lifted up one of the leaves there sat a perfect size zucchini ready for pickin' and eatin'.

Day 80

2007-06-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

We spent most of the day at the hospital hotel today visiting Aaron and Natalie. Reunion of old friends and new and celebration of birthdays. It was great fun and such a blessing to see everyone and reconnect. Aaron has 20 more days until the 100 day "critical" period ends. The doctor has told them he would have sent them home two weeks ago if it weren't for Aarons severe nausea. His progress otherwise is superb. They are applying for an apartment on Monday which looks highly promising, so they will have a home to go to when they leave Westwood. God is awesome! Please keep them in your prayers.

Dear moo moo,

2007-06-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

why must you puke so far under the bed that I cannot clean it up. Why must you poop under the bed at all? Shaft at least poops infront of the litter box where it is easy to see and easy to clean. Why do I have indoor cats? Oliver is so great outside. I can feed him and pet him and hold him for a few minutes, and then shut the door and not think about him until tomorrow.

out of the wood work...

2007-06-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

came another old friend. For all you Ojai folk, James Dills is in town for the week!!! We will be having a CABSAPGIOV reunion sometime this weekend (maybe at UCLA).

I know most of my current friends have no clue what I am talking about, but thats okay...everyone knows I like reuinting with old friends.

Honey, I wish you were home:

2007-06-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

-so you could clean up you cat's poop from the carpet
-clean the litter box
-take out the trash when its dark outside
-deal with Quinn at bed time

but mostly, just because its lonely sleeping without you snoring :-)
I love you

waterslide fun

2007-06-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Blow up kid pool + little tykes climber with slide= way too much fun

relax

2007-06-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

nathan has been at a conference in Vegas since Sunday. Yesterday I worked my usual split shift at work, but instead of sleeping for two of the three hours in between shifts, I vacuumed and cleaned up around the house. Today is a day off of work and school, only piano lessons. Last night was pretty rough...Quinn had no nap yesterday and the kids didnt get to bed until after 9:30pm. We have been up and down since 3:30am blahhhhhh. So I announced a day of rest. No piano, early nap. And, I don't feel guilty because my house is CLEAN! haha

Big Girl

2007-06-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

My sweet Johanna graduated from preschool today. She stood on a stage in a church wearing a little cardboard graduation cap twirling her hair nervously. And then she shocked the whole family...My Gracie Joe started singing and doing the sign language motions with no fear or shyness. Wow! She was suddenly so confient, it was amazing. We are so proud of her. When the teacher called her name to receive her diploma, Ms. McLain read a few notes about each child. " When Johanna grows up she says she wants to be a ballerina, and I think she will be wonderful at that because she likes to play with her feet in cirlce time and she is always wearing fancy glittery shoes." Johanna took off one of her shoes and held it up for everyone to see. (today she was prompted, yesterday she apparently did that on her own during rehersal). Way too cute.

Somebody has to work

2007-06-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

I wish summer was actually vacation time, like it was during my childhood. I do realize that not everyone could have summer off, but I wish it were us. Johanna graduates from preschool friday and summer session starts monday. Will she even acknowledge a difference? Should I let her have a "summer" before kindergarten? Maybe, but Nathan and I both have to work so she would just get dragged to the Y everyday like Quinn does. I want to go to the beach and the zoo and the water park with friends, but I am stuck in a frezzing cold very loud room with other peoples Vacationing punk kids. And did I mention I still can't function without a stinking nap. I WANT TO PLAY!!!!!!

Me again

2007-06-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

After some changes I feel like me again. Still too tired but at least I feel human and can handle life. Yey!

Crying

2007-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Apparently twenty minutes of crying somehow energizes me like a two hour hour nap might have. Laundry is almost done, kids have clean sheets, and Quinn's crib is now a toddler size "day bed". What was I thinking? I don't know but I will let you know tomorrow.

More lost friends

2007-06-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have gone on another "hunt for old friends" via my space and googling and turned up two more friends. One was mostly out of curiosity and I probably won't do more than an occasional Hi on my space. The other was truly my best friend in high school and a girl who showed me the love of Christ in so many ways. I realize not very many people have such great needs and desires to reconnect with old friends, but it is one thing that really makes me feel blessed. I transitioned so much in the past 15 years, I want to share that with the ones who have been a part of my life. I am not one to forget friends. Ever. I have a hard time not thinking about everyone I have ever had close ties to, all the time. Unfortunatly sometimes it aids in depression, but then when I find them again it is so awesome. All right I'm crazy, I will stop gushing :-)

Internet: a child's perspective

2007-06-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Johanna has known the term internet for a while, although whether or not she truly understands I don't know. She does know it is related to computers. This afternoon she and her friend had an intresting conversation.

Joey: his name is internet (her stuffed horse)
kara: huh?
joey: come on internet lets go for a ride
kara: thats not an internet, internet is the thing you like type on
joey: no it's not, it his name

Bowel obstruction

2007-05-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Aaron Boydston is back in the hospital. Today is day 50 of 100 very critcal days after his transplant. He has been out of the hospital staying at the "hotel" across the street for a week or so. Please pray this is resolved quickly and that they can return to the Tiverton soon.

side tracked at bedtime

2007-05-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

We went for a walk tonight, like we often do. When we got home the kids got jammies on and I realized Joey needed to practice piano...we did. Then we had stories followed by potty, which is usually immediately followed by prayer and bed. But tonight Nathan started talking about stuff while Joey was in the bathroom and by the time she came back out to the living room Nathan and I were in the middle of a conversation and Quinn was quietly playing with his little people bus. With some promting Joey began quiet play as well. Now it is 9pm an hour past bedtime and they are playing so nicely with their toys I don't want to interupt the peace and turn it into screaming bedtime. What to do?

Deep breath

2007-05-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Joey got into the charter school during the first lottery draw! Yeah!!!! We go Tuesday to visit the class and meet the teachers.

Home from Portland

2007-05-28T22:14:00.001-07:00

Now I need a vacation.
Congrats to Jaime and Jeremy on their beautiful wedding!

My hubby's so cute

2007-05-21T21:54:00.001-07:00

i wrote your eyes into a poem of the spring
and fretted simple chords while i watched you do your thing
and gave it simple voice though my own is much too nazel
but how can i write about your eyes, when nothing rhymes with hazel?

thanks babe.

Notes to us

2007-05-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

- Quinn can't sit through an entire movie theater movie yet

- don't sit in between two large groups of people if you have chilren with you

- theaters start charging at age 2

Concentration

2007-05-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

According to my mom, my dad, sister, and I all have a poochy lip when we are working hard on a something. I turned around to see what Quinn was doing because I heard a lot of heavy breathing. He was busily collecting little people to put on a bus...with his little upper lip pooched out. So cute

yuck

2007-05-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

Quinn was at a friends house this morning. He and his little buddy were flushing the toilet. When the other child's mom checked on them, Quinn was drinking toilet water using a small nyquil cup that had been in the trash. I cringe at the thought, but i don't think there is anything to do now.

Trapped

2007-05-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

I caught Oliver this afternoon, somewhat unexpectedly. I had set the cat trap we borrowed but really wasn't anticipating seeing him until tonight and then figured he would be too smart and not go inside for the food. So he is getting neutered tomorrow morning and until then sits very disgruntled inside his cage, meowing sadly at Shaft who sits inside taunting him through the glass and meowing back.

Now what? I am not so sure.

I have Won

2007-05-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

the affection of Oliver the cat. Tonight I picked him up and gave him hugs and kisses. When I set him back down he turned around and walked right back for more loves.
Anybody want a cat?

Guacamole and chips...

2007-05-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

make my day a little better.

Very long story short: No promotion, no raise, still working regular job. I am leaving out the details because everyone ends up looking bad, myself included, and I wouldn't want to do that publicly...although I wouldn't mind if it were just me :-)

so I am sitting eating a bowl of guac and a bag of chips.

Promotion

2007-05-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

After suffering an waiting for things to change at work I decided to step up and offer to help fix things. My offer was accepted with much more excitement from managment than I had expected and I was offered a promotion to associate chidcare coordinator (a position built specifically around what I offered to do) Essentially I am assistant to my immediate supervisor and will help with scheduling, planning, organizing programing, hiring/firing, and motivating the staff. I will still be working my normal shifts in childrens corner and adding a few extra hours a day for the new position. I am excited to get going with all my ideas and implementing new/old policy. We have a staff meeting next week where my bosses wil "introduce" me. Thats a bit nerve racking, but still exciting.

So many things

2007-05-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

My dad came home from the hospital today. He is doing pretty good, but still needs a lot of help with stuff.

Oliver (the cat) is letting me pet his head again.

Johanna's piano class earned a pizza party for how many minutes they practiced (full candy jar).

Quinn pooped in the potty, and told me many times when he needed to pee. Only had three wet diapers today the rest was in the potty! Yeah Quinn!!!!!

We finally planted the flowers and seeds we bought three weeks ago. My yard is pretty now.

A month of faith

2007-04-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

April has been full of lessons in faith and trust, and especially of hope. Sixteen days ago Aaron had his stem cell transplant. Today, blood tests showed the first signs of engraftment! Praise God! Tuesday the 17th my dad had surgery to fuse his lower spine. He was supposed to go home Friday, but is still in the hospital rehab unit finally able to manage his pain and learning how to get in and out of bed, get dressed, use the bathroom, eat, and all the other basic stuff. He will have a special brace contraption for at least six months until the new bone starts to grow. It has been difficult to see my dad in so much pain, but encouraging these past few visits, seeing him sitting in a wheel chair and smiling at the kids. The 20th as many know was the two year anniversary of Tim's death. That day, for me was full of frustration. I wanted to be quiet and remember and grieve and smile and hope for the future. I wanted to be with friends. Instead it was a very loud, busy day. I had to return to work in the afternoon, my dad was supposed to go home that day from the hospital and he didn't, we had no one to watch the kids so we couldn't be with friends at the dessert gathering. I was sad, frustrated, overwhelmed. So as the month ends, I am grateful for the growth God has allowed, thrilled at the blessings and healings he has had His hand on, and especially hopeful in looking to the future, seeing what God has in store for all of us...friends and family.

The Great Escape

2007-04-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

I had him, it was so close. After many missed attempts at catching Oliver the past two nights, last night he walked into my bedroom to visit with Shaft. I reached over and shut the screen door, and then the excitement began. Oliver jumped into the screen trying to run out the door. Being unsuccessful he launched himself into the air and grabbed hold of the screen about four or five feet up. He shimmied across the screen away from my hands (I was trying to grab him) and wedged himself between the glass slider and the screen. I reached into the opening and he slid down head first walking his hind legs up the screen and his front legs away from me. I though I was hurting him because he was yowling and screaming. Shaft was terrified because his sweet little friend was making such horrific noises. Nathan took over. He reached into the opening with both hands to grab Oliver, and in one amazing fast and furious move the kitty clawed Nathan's wrist and pushed the screen door off the track making himself an very small exit, and a very fast get away.

Needless to say he still needs to be fixed; but he did come back for a visit tonight and to eat his supper, even in the rain.

Stop the Traffik

2007-04-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

In response to my sister's request for a link to "good chocolate" and Nancy's question about what can we do. Here is a link to the organization we are involved with. There are many actionable ideas and suggestions on what one person can do to make a difference. Signing the declaration is a simple first step.

Snip Snip

2007-04-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

There is a free spay/neuter clinic on Sunday so I am going to try and catch my kitty friend. When I called to make an appointment the nurse asked me for his name (yes its a boy for sure). Nathan had asked me not to name him so I hadn't. After stalling a few minutes and asking Joey, who wouldn't give me a name, I told her to call him Spaz. I hate it, Nathan will hate it, Joey hates it. After hanging up she suggested Cinderella, and then Gavin. Hmmm. Any suggestions? Anyone want a kitty to tame and love? He really is cute!

Think before you eat

2007-04-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

end slavery now

Boy or Girl?

2007-04-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Boy with small nuts or girl in heat with swollen glands?? We vote girl, but aren't positive. By the way don't google cat in heat images unless you want yucky pictures...ooops.

Sweet baby

2007-04-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

The kitty slept on the door mat outside our room last night and was so happy to see faces at the window this morning. (S)He was rubbing against the screen, purring I'm sure. I want to adopt the her(him) but I know I can't. This SUCKS

Here kitty kitty

2007-04-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

We have a little grey friend that has been visiting our bedroom screen door every night. It has a sweet little cry that makes me want to love it and pet it and give it a home. Unfortunately my cat moo moo is somewhat bitchy and doesn't like to share my attention. While I sat in the yard making kissy sounds trying to coax the kitty over to me, moo moo sat in side growling her evil, "I will kill you" growl. So I haven't even been able to pet the little guy, but I want to find him a home, and he seems like he really wants to try to make friends...just a little scared.

New Life

2007-04-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Kathleen gave birth to her second boy yesterday. Evan James is a healthy 7lbs 10oz. Congratulations to Kathy, Rick, and Erick on their new addition.

Aaron had his stem cell transplant yesterday. All went well. It took a whopping 15minutes. Now we wait and pray that the new cells makes themselves at home.

Bible Lesson

2007-04-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

We were driving home from lunch today and saw a group of 30 or more people walking across the street. The guy in front was carrying (rolling on one wheel) a cross. I asked Joey what they were doing. Her response is here. I continued to talk about the cross and resurrection taking the opportunity for some bible time. She was quiet and seemed to be listening. Suddenly she made an excited sound and yelled "Jamba Juice!"

And Bible lesson over.

Sojourners today

2007-04-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks/months? ago Greg challenged us to sell something and give the money to the farmers who had lot so much in the crop freeze. I had a major freak out and decide we had way too much stuff and need to sell everything. So, I started sorting and stacking and removing crap from every cupboard and room in the house. Sunday we cleaned up and sorted everything piled in the garage, and now we are pretty close to ready to sell.

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.' " He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
- Mark 10:17-21

My heart say give it all, our finances question my heart.

shhhh!

2007-04-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

I'm reading.

Watching

2007-03-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am inside watching Quinn and Asher playing the the backyard. Asher is hiding in the "tunnel" under our little climber while Quinn is on top tearing leaves off my plant and dropping them through the holes onto Asher's head. Both boys are saying "no" a lot and "mine" and there is much pushing and squealing, but they are working things out without much assistance. Boys are so cool.

Keeping the Faith

2007-03-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's truly hard when a constant suffering and more not so good news is in play. Aaron started brain radiation Monday. He was told it shouldn't be a big deal comfort wise, but it is. Not to mention the mass in his brain is getting bigger. They will begin full body radiation early next week, followed by the cord stem transplant. I suppose that the harder the trial, the more joy and partying we get to have in the end.

Please continue to fervently pray for wisdom, strength, patience, and comfort throughout these next few weeks and months.

freedom

2007-03-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am not very good at typing my thoughts on serious matters, such as human traffiking, but I will say that I am very much affected by the information and stories we heard on Sunday. As many of my readers (not that there are too many) know I love finding old friends. Well Freedom Day made that possible. A friend from the first Christian church I was ever a part of, actually recognized me after 15 years and reintroduced himself. I cannot say how excited I am to reconnect and be able to catch up with him. Since I'm not so good with links and stuff you can find him on nathan's blog :-)

summer days!

2007-03-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

= Water play!!

Heart of a Child

2007-03-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

An eight year old girl brought some stuffed animals that curl around themselves and become various balls to the Y last week. She had just bought them at the dollar store, and wanted to share them with the kids. Quinn really took a liking to the kangaroo/basketball, and was very sad to see it go..."bye bye kangaroo" so sad. On Friday the family came back and the little girl had a gift for Quinn. She had gone back to the store with her own money and bought Quinn a kangaroo to keep. It was sooooo sweet.

Growing up

2007-03-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Both my babies are getting big. Quinn had his 2nd birthday last week and Johanna turned 5 on Tuesday. It is a strange feeling knowing she will be starting "real" school in the fall. I'm so tired from Disneyland fun, work, and busy weekends that its hard to truly enjoy my kids right now. All I want to do is sleep!

Mommy's little "helper"

2007-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to happy noises in the kids' room (a nice change). When I went to say good morning, I found Joey reading books to Quinn and then trying to teach him to climb out of his crib. "Like sissy Quinn; first you put your leg over the edge, and then push up." "Help me sissy, help me" "Quinn, you have to learn how to get out of you own bed by yourself so you can go in you toddler bed, cause your two now."

email

2007-03-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

It has been almost five years since I have had my own, functional, email address. With the new blogger stuff I had to have a google account so nathan invited me to gmail (so thoughtful). So be be mildly subtle, my new address is my first name dot my last name at gmail dot com. Send me nice notes :-)

I'm back

2007-03-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Nathan promised he would help me redo my blog for my blogoversary, but that never happened. Then blogger decided to update their site and forced me into eventually switching to their new stuff. So I finally gave in, with nothing new to show for it. WOoo

Another family affair

2007-02-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Nathan was home puking/pooping all day...sunday Quinn got it...wednesday it was my turn...Joey seemed like she might get off scott free, but alas, on our drive to Panda Express (at her request) Johanna puked in the car. Thank you God for preparatory buckets!

Silly Apple

2007-02-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

I cut Quinn some nectarine today and he screamed that he didn't want apple. So I force fed him his first bite of yumminess. "Yummy apple!" "Quinn, it's not an apple, it's a nectarine." "Silly apple."

"Thank you God, I don't have to kill my child"

2007-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today is piano lessons...Quinn wakes up at 3:45am (so do I) so we were running late because I went back to sleep about 7. I usually drop Quinn off at jaime's house at 9:30, but today at 9:30 Joey announces that she needs to go potty. I tell her to go quick or we will be late. Five minutes later I knock and go in the bathroom only to find my daughter's butt sunk into the poopy toilet water all the way up to her hips. I tell her to get up, finish, etc. and slam the door out of sheer frustration. As I sit on the couch to call Jaime to tell her I will be throwing Quinn out the window as I speed by her house late, my phone rings...piano lessons are cancelled because the teacher is sick. Praise the Lord! Shower time for Joey, breathing time for mommy.

*Please note: No children were harmed or will ever be harmed in the creating of this story. Sarcasm and frustration alone prompted the language involved. :-)

Pray again!!!!

2007-01-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

Aaron Boydston is out of remission and heading down to UCLA tonight.

B.R.A.T.

2007-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

Quinn has had diarrhea all day...Every 15-20 minutes this afternoon/evening. I called urgent care hoping for a remedy because he is in pain and his poor tushy is raw and he screams when I try to wipe and put ointment on it :-(. The nurse said there is no medicine for young kids and that he needed to be on the BRAT diet strictly for 2-3 days. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (crackers, noodles) and Pedialite. Poor baby: it makes me so sad when he is in so much pain and discomfort.

A bit of relief

2007-01-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

The girl I needed to apologize to was working on the same shift as me yesterday, so I was able to talk in person to her. She seemed very forgiving and understanding of my mistakes so the was a huge weight off my shoulders. As for the other staff involved, they just need to get over themselves. Thanks for all your continued prayers.

I should also mention that as I ran out of the building crying the other day, God provided comfort to me instantly. Sara happened to be driving into the parking lot at that moment and jumped out of her car to make sure I was okay. Thanks God and thanks Sara. You are a great friend.

Drama

2007-01-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a knack for starting "shit". I don't really know what my drive is behind my actions; although I would like to think they are not centered around making myself look good (but I don't know). I try to follow rules/laws, I try to please/respect the authorities over me: God, bosses, government. I suppose it may be righteous, but I expect others to do the same, especially in a work environment. If there are required meetings or classes I attend them at the specified time (to the best of my ability), I expect my equals to do the same. When there is an attitude of "I don't need or want to do that" it is really frustrating to me. I acknowledge that it is not my business, but I feel like in a way, if I am to help my place of employment improve its ability to serve the community in the best way possible it is important for my bosses to be aware of the dissensions and attitudes, the lack of work and caring, that is prevalent in the child care site where I work. I am a bit embarrassed that I have become the tattle tale, and maybe its an excuse, but I feel like it is for the safety of the kids.

Yes I am evil in my own way, and report things upstairs with the hopes of bettering the environment and helping the bosses to move forward in creating a safe environment. Consequences: staff talks about me behind my back (whatever), staff ignores me completely while working on a shift together (grow up)

Then something quite a bit more serious happened. My suspicious nature and fat mouth name an employee, to the bosses and a handful of staff, as a person of interest. After much she said she said and not having a single staff on that shift who was supportive of me... Three people were ganged up on me now...I left the room trying not to cry. I told them I was leaving and that they should watch the kids inside since all four of them were sitting outside. I made it into the hall with my bag and my son and burst into tears. As I was heading upstairs to let my boss know I was leaving she was coming down. I told her I would be back for my afternoon shift but that I couldn't work right now with these people.

A few hours later my boss called to see if I was okay. I told her I planned to call the girl I had labeled suspect and apologize...(she won't answer her phone or return my phone calls)

So pray for me in many respects...I think all are pretty obvious. Tomorrow I work with most of the same crew including, this time, the one I named. My spirit is crushed, I feel stupid and mean, but I also feel like other than naming someone to the staff I was in the right. The parts I was wrong about I hope to resolve.

Bad mom

2007-01-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

It is sooo cold in our house, so I have started taking afternoon refuge in my bed with my electric blanket on high. Quinn is in the living room watching movies and Johanna and her friend are bickering endlessly in whatever various room they have locked themselves into. I slept (during Quinn's nap) while they shut themselves in the bathroom and put makeup on. I have yet to see the damage in there although their faces were't too bad.

I feel special

2007-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

I've never been tagged before. Thanks Kristi!

A- Available or married? Married

B- Best Friend? I don't really have one

C- Cake or Pie? chocolate cake with white frosting, yellow cake with chocolate or white frosting, lemon cake with white frosting, mmmmmm. French silk pie, chocolate satin pie, mmmmmm.

D- Drink of Choice? Ice tea

E- Essential Item? warm bed

F- Favorite Color? too many to specify one

G- Gummi Bears or Worms? yum

H- Hometown? San Diego, Ca or Chicago, Ill

I- Indulgence? sweets followed by salty followed by sweets followed by a bite of salty

J- January or February? January- we get to start over

K- Kids & names? Johanna- almost 5, Quinn- almost 2

L- Life is incomplete without? Love

M- Marriage Date? Nov. 4, 2000

N- Number of Siblings? 1 big sis

O- Oranges or apples? yes please

P- Phobias/Fears? losing my kids

Q- Favorite Quote? "I found a moonrock in my nose" -Ralph Wiggum

R- Reason to Smile? watching my hubby play with the kids

S- Season? fall- I like to crunch the pretty leaves on the ground

T- Tag three people! Rebecca Kerr, Michel, BrookeB

U- Unknown fact about me: My last name would have been Frankenstein, but my grandpa didn't want to be Dr. Frankenstein

V- Vegetable you hate? I guess brussel sprouts because I won't taste them

W- Worst habit? biting my nails

Y- Your favorite food? chinese

Z- Zodiac? Sag

Insider

2007-01-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Since I was excused from the jury I figured I would potentially never know the verdict of the trial. Yesterday when i went to my mom's office for lunch her boss and some of the investigators involved with the case said that the defendant had changed his plea to guilty so there was no trial after all. I guess the guy got scared and realized there was no way he was going to get let off with all the evidence they had against him.

It pays to not know people

2007-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I had Jury Duty yesterday. I have been every year since I was 18 and NEVER even had my name called. I have always been more than willing to sit on a jury, but they never called me. So yesterday after not being called for the first 2 groups of 50 when they came back for 70 more prospects I was thrilled to hear my name. In the court room yesterday we were asked for "hardship" excuses and the Judge released very liberally all but 28 of us. He asked us to come back today because they had to have a total of 60. This morning I got to the court before 9am and we all waited until a quarter to 10 before the doors opened. She called 12 names for the first jury box selection and I was number 2!! When they finally told us about the case and we heard there was a death involved I knew I was out. Thanks mom. On the list of witnesses I knew at least 5. The defense attorney released me "without cause". What a bummer. I was so close and so excited. Oh well, maybe next year there will be a drug case or something that doesn't involve people I know.

Surviving

2007-01-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

So far Quinn and I have been doing okay. Today has been the hardest for him I think, based on his behavior and crying all day. He accepts the fact that "nurse is gone" but then he doesn't know what to do so it has been hard to keep him occupied and happy. Movies and chocolate are his friends. After he satisfies his oral needs he climbs up in my lap and snuggles me so tight, hugging my boobs. So sweet and cute, but OUCH! Tomorrow I have Jury duty so we will have a full day apart which is good. Hopefully my pain will go away in the next day or so; then the snuggles will be more than welcomed.

Happy New year!!!

2007-01-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

To start off the new year I decided to begin on a painful note. Weaning the boy! Cold turkey, and we are off to a rocky but successful start. I'm engorged and miserable, Quinn has had more candy and treats today than in months (bribes to distract him from boobs), but he finally screamed himself to sleep tonight and I didn't give in. So wish us luck and if anyone wants an extra kid for a few hours sometime this week he is all yours!
Oh and if something smells...its the cabbage rotting in my bra :-) !

Surprise!!

2006-12-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all you folk who were able to come to my surprise party on Sunday. It really meant a lot to have so many people lovong on me. Sara and Nathan (esp. sara) did a great job! You guys are the best. For thems of you who didin't make it because of the timing or whatever thanks for wishing you were there :-). Tomorrow is my actual birthday and we will be celebrating some more at the Pearce's house for common meal! Hope you come.

MMMMMMM

2006-12-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. We just got our tree and the whole house smells yummy. I'm sure Nathan will post pictures when it's decorated.

Cleanliness is Godliness

2006-12-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

I stayed home from church today and cleaned. It feels good.

Formulary drugs suck

2006-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

In September we switched insurance companies in order to keep the kids' doctor. Apparently for me this also meant switching medications. I have been on Zoloft very effectively for 15 years, but Kaiser "doesn't cover that drug in their formulary" so I had to switch drugs. I was more or less willing to try something new, and seemed to be doing well on the new med. Or so I thought...remember my lovely week long misery of hives and horrible itch? It seems that we may have narrowed down the cause to my wonderful new drug. It's the only thing I can think of. So now I get to try another new drug, yeah!! Now I just have to wait for the dang itching to stop.

Shot in the butt

2006-12-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

I am completely covered scalp to ankle with ITCHY bumps. No one knows what they are or why I have them. So the doc gave me a shot of anti-inflammatory, and oral anti-histamine, plus some cream to rub on the "affected" area. Just give me a bath of calomine lotion please...make it stop.

Where are my groceries?

2006-11-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I have ordered groceries on line, but this week was pretty busy and my toe is infected and hurts to walk, so Sunday night I sat down and planned out my menu for the week and ordered my food to be delivered Tuesday between 12 and 2. That was the only time slot I was going to be home and I needed my food by Wed. morning for breakfast. At 2:15 I got a call that the delivery was running an hour and a half late. I was leaving the house in 45 min. No groceries Tuesday. Wednesday I wasn't able to call for redelivery until 9pm...we had lunch and dinner out. So I arranged for redelivery today after 3pm. At noon today I arrived home, driving past a Vons.com truck who was leaving from the direction of my house. I called to find out what was up with my groceries and they claim that wasn't my delivery (there would have been a note on the door saying they missed me) So I called again after three to get a more specific time slot because I need to get a prescription filled by 5:30pm. They can't tell me anything; I'm waiting for a call back and it is now 5pm. I guess we will be eating out again tonight. I know I will get free delivery, but I want free groceries and I want them NOW!!

inFLUenza strikes the Stryker Clan

2006-11-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Johanna has a fever of 103+, chills, body aches, and bitchyness. Quinn had his flu shot and was hopefully spared the worst of it, but had a fever over the weekend and is still crabby as ever. Nathan got a flu shot last week, but has a sore throat. I have a sore throat and am crankier than everbody put together. Blahhh. And to make things worse we will likely miss Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house.

Well that explains everything...almost

2006-11-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

Quinn has been really out of sorts all week. Meltdowns at work and after good naps. Not eating only nursing. This morning he had a fever of 102. Now its 102.6 Yikes! By the way, Quinn, I don't know what "dis" and "dat" you want!! Use OTHER words. Arg.

Good little mommy

2006-11-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

I tucked Joey in bed tonight and went to get her "tiny sip". When I came back and handed it to her she fumbled a bit. It wasn't until she handed the glass back and slid her hand under her shirt that I realized she was "nursing" her teddy bear. As I left the room I saw her switch animals. She was nursing ALL her sleeping buddies.

Poop!!

2006-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

It's time to move the potty seat onto the real potty. GAG!

Unsanitary play

2006-11-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

We went to the SB Zoo this afternoon. As we were walking down the hill to see the giraffes a little boy, maybe three years old, was running up the hill ahead of his mother. His shorts were pee soaked and mom looked a bit flustered trying to carry another child, push a double stroller, and keep up with her soaked son. A while later we were at the playground in front of the bathrooms and saw the same family. This time the boy was sans shorts or underwear. His naked little tush sliding down the slide. Not to mention other "sweet little boy" parts free hanging while climbing the ladders and hanging from the bars. A few minutes later I noticed his 18 monthish little sister in the same state of missing clothing. The mother acted as if there was nothing unusual or inappropriate about playing naked at a park. Non of the other parents said anything, but I did notice people leaving a little sooner than they might have otherwise. I thought about offering her a diaper and gently saying "because it is unsanitary for them to be naked on the playground" but Nathan said we should just go. I told an employee who was about to feed the goats. She said she would do something after she fed the animals. I don't know if she ever did. As we walked to our car I saw the woman in her car with the kids. I behaved myself and stayed quiet.

Singing the potty song!

2006-11-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

Pee pee in the po-tty. Pee pee in the po-tty. Woohoo! Way to go Quinn!

Anniversary in SD

2006-11-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

nathan and I have been married six wonderful, exciting years. This weekend we are in San Diego having fun with friends, leaving the kids and having fun alone, and going to Sea World. Happy Anniversary babe, I love you!!

Happy Birthday!

2006-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

My friends Lisa and Ben (James' brother) gave birth to thier third child...Noah Benjamin. Conratulations!

Extra credit

2006-10-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who don't know, Nathan and I are doing Weight Watchers. Today was our one week weigh in and I lost 3.5 lbs. The way our program works is you can eat as much food off of the "list" they provide in order to feel satisfied. Each week you are given 35 extra points to use on foods not on the list. Example: Chocolatechip cheese cake (WW recipe) 5pts/slice. In-n-Out fries small is 9 pts.
If you exercise you earn extra points. Today I cleaned (vacuum, laundry, pick up toys) for 1 1/2 hours, and earned three extra points!