tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40226910657759395992024-03-04T22:47:57.963-06:00Faith, Hope & Poop?We have plenty of each!Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-50367882923087568562021-01-21T08:20:00.001-06:002021-01-21T08:20:00.277-06:00"Get Ready to Go"<p> These are words I say every single morning. This is how I think they are interpreted by the children in this house...</p><p>Child #1: I think I should wander around the house not getting ready. Instead, I should be trying to create problems with whatever sibling is closest and if it can result in screaming on their part-even better!</p><p>Child #2: I shall wander around aimlessly and maybe even just stand in places as an obstacle in the kitchen to others trying to get around.</p><p>Child #3: I will magically be ready to go instantly. I should be able to stay in bed until mom yells that she is pulling out of the driveway.</p><p>Child #4: I will do all the things I need to get ready. I hope an adult remembers to tell me that my shower is done, that I need to get my things, and reminds me of the things I am missing once we are in the car.</p><p>Child #5: I can chill until someone helps me get ready. Who needs independence at this point? Everyone loves helping me!</p><p>To another morning tomorrow...</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-49832879268496648282021-01-20T20:19:00.003-06:002021-01-20T20:19:30.015-06:00Oh Happy Day!<p>Today is a GOOD day! </p><p>So glad to have the past 4 years of "leadership" as a thing of the "past" now. I have so much hope and faith in this country and its history! I know we will pull through the current challenges as we have before. It may take a while and it may even take a long while, but I think we have taken a step in the right direction today with the installation of a new and (I hope better) president to lead us back to the path we have strayed so far from in recent years.</p><p>I am a fan of positivity, kindness, and most of all LOVE!</p><p>I think our most important role in life besides loving God is to help make things better for those and the world around us. Anything I currently believe in stems directly from this belief...to make things better for others.</p><p>I have come a long way from the days of this <a href="https://faithhopepoop.blogspot.com/2008/10/election-blues.html">post</a>...I remember that naïve lady so set in her own ways. Life has offered me many experiences and as a teacher, has also given me the wonderful gift of insight. I have gotten to "see" into the lives of many students, their struggles, and different ways of thinking about the world. My empath-ish soul appreciates the gift of learning about what makes us different and what makes people tick. I have also grown into a much more openminded soul and try not to pass judgement too quickly. </p><p>This has put me at odds at times with some family members, but again, I will say in my world-LOVE wins. If it's good for someone else and isn't really hurting anyone else, let it be!</p><p>In addition, I got my first dose of the COVID vaccine today too...may this pandemic end sooner rather than later.</p><p>God Bless and also comforting thoughts to those that see this day with fear or sadness. I obviously don't feel the same, but I know how you feel as those feelings were very real over the past 4 years for both me and many others in this beautiful country of ours. </p><p>Let there be peace!</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-53655772734236249612020-12-29T19:23:00.000-06:002020-12-29T19:23:12.715-06:00Adios 2020!<p>I have always been a fairly positive person...able to see the bright side even in the most frustrating or dire situations, but this year seems to finally have caught up to me! </p><p>Now don't get me wrong, I'm still positive, but that being said...I am more than happy to watch 2020 go right on out the door too.</p><p>I was holding my own until these past 3-4 months. Things that did me in...</p><p>1) My grandma dying and getting to bury her and say final goodbyes on my 40th birthday.</p><p>I was honestly looking forward to turning 40 and not dreading it like many, but having my beloved grandma's funeral on the same day was TOUGH. I'm also not a crybaby (although I realize how ironic this must seem as I am complaining at the moment.) I am grateful for the close friends that did help me celebrate the next day as my own family here at home barely acknowledged my day.</p><p>2) Working my butt off thinking that I would still have the ability to improve myself within the messed up teacher evaluation system. I had been doing lots of extra things in the Spring while we were shutdown to stay connected to my students. I had not complained even once about anything we were asked to do due to the health department restrictions/pandemic concerns. I was trying to make school feel like a safe and special place while still sticking to the rigors of our curriculum as much as possible. Then my balloon was deflated because of one/two pieces of the evaluation system that just cannot be done right now because of those said restrictions and had to settle for just receiving the same grade as before. It was very defeating for someone who is always trying to better herself and her teaching to know that it did not matter one iota what I did or didn't do...I could not "improve".</p><p>3) Getting put on quarantine with my family just as December started. December is one of the best times to be a first grade teacher and I missed my class terribly. My own kids missed their teachers and friends terribly. Then just as we were to be able to return...my whole school switched to remote learning which means we've been home since December 1st. WE MISS OUR PEOPLE!!!</p><p>On the plus side, hmmm, you didn't think I could actually leave such a negative post for the world to read did you?</p><p>My family did give me a brand new laptop for Christmas...just mine...can you believe it?!? So, I anticipate visiting this space much more regularly because writing has always been very therapeutic for me and if it brings someone else just a bit of joy-even better.</p><p>I am so looking forward to 2021 and all that it might bring, although, I do wish my grandma was still here to share it with as I miss her terribly, but getting back to school, friends, and students will help immensely. I also have great hope now that the vaccine is being distributed, cannot wait to get mine, and am grateful that my job qualifies me to be one of the early "eligible" candidates to receive it!</p><p>Adios 2020, Glad you're leaving!!!</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-73391844274172746272020-04-04T16:58:00.003-05:002020-04-04T16:58:53.632-05:00Saturday School...Students had been slipping on their responsibilities and work completion this week at Home School Academy so Saturday School had to be implemented!<br />
<br />
Curriculum Agenda:<br />
<br />
1: Laundry 101<br />
<br />
2: Vacuuming 101<br />
<br />
3: Pick Up the Crap You Leave Everywhere 404<br />
<br />
4: Do You Need Your Ears Checked 305<br />
<br />
5: Where Did These Kids Disappear To 405<br />
<br />
Lectures Presented:<br />
<br />
1: "Butts Do Not Belong in the Dryer"<br />
<br />
2: "Vacuums Can't Pick up Trash"<br />
<br />
3: "Do You Throw Your Wrappers on the Floor in Your Classroom? No, Well This Is Your Classroom Now!"<br />
<br />
4: "Do You Think Shrieking Will Make Us Listen To You Better?"<br />
<br />
5: "Kids Missing, Grab a Beer!"<br />
<br />
Luckily for the students, everything is Pass/Fail and work can be attempted until a passing grade is achieved! <br />
<br />
Outcomes:<br />
<br />
Child no. 1 passed with flying colors which was a happy surprise for the teachers!<br />
<br />
Children no. 2, 3, & 4 showed moments of glory, but verged on the edge of failure most of the time. Eventually, they turned themselves around and pulled a passing grade<br />
<br />
Child no. 5 seemed to create distraction and lead to the non-completion of work by others. It was determined that he would be responsible for the informal observations at this time.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-75839359782508851202020-03-22T21:04:00.000-05:002020-04-04T16:42:31.416-05:00Life does continue on...Who knew how much significance that last blog post's title would hold at this moment in history! I wrote that post almost 2 whole years ago with every intention of checking in from time to time. What can I say-life happens and life with 7 people in the household resulted in blogging taking a back burner for me. It feels like the right time in the midst of COVID-19 quarantining to bring it back, but let's catch up first!<br />
<br />
In the last 3 years since Todd's birth, I have...<br />
<br />
*been transferred from a Reading Specialist position to that of a first grade teacher. It was a big change and a lot overwhelming at first, but I was ever so grateful that it also meant that I got to keep my job when others were losing their's around me. It has been a good change and I.LOVE.FIRST.GRADE! I never thought I would ever say that, but I do!<br />
<br />
*ran 2 full marathons! I always had that little dream in the back of my head and when my sister-in-law got picked for the New York City Marathon, it was all the push I needed to sign up for one of my own. She was going through a tough time emotionally so getting picked was actually a godsend for her as it gave her somewhere to focus her attention and I knew I could offer support as a training partner. It's no easy task covering all of those miles on your own. We then ran the Chicago Marathon together this past October too!<br />
<br />
*My kids have grown by leaps and bounds. I'm on the brink of having a highschooler in a bit over a year. I have also learned that I do actually really like 2 & 3 year olds. They are so much more fun and cute when you don't have several of them back-to-back-to-back. Haha! I am definitely enjoying each of these phases so much more with Todd. It's amazing what a couple of years gap between these stages will do for a parent.<br />
<br />
*That being said, if we can just conquer #2 on the potty, the world will be an even happier place!<br />
<br />
And currently, our world is filled with all things family, togetherness, and home because as with many others in our country, we are sheltering in place to help prevent the spread of the current pandemic. It has been quite a change, but I think it has been good too.<br />
<br />
Current thoughts:<br />
<br />
*We are making it through the homeschooling process okay. It is not my strong suit, but we're managing the best we can.<br />
<br />
*I miss my students something terrible! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying all of this bonus time with my kiddos, but those kids are my kids too and I only get so much time with them and it is slipping away in the midst of this event. I pray for them daily and hope that I will still get some more time with them before our year together is done.<br />
<br />
*My kids miss their teachers and friends something terrible too!<br />
<br />
*Online teaching-I don't want to do it, but may have to do it. I don't feel confident about it at all, but will do what I can if it comes to this.<br />
<br />
*Trying to be less focused on the daily to-do list and more focused on making some quality memories.<br />
<br />
*Hoping nothing happens to my dear grandma during this time or to anyone close to the people I love. Not being able to participate in a funeral of someone who has meant so much to my life would be quite unbearable.<br />
<br />
I refuse to end on a sad note! COVID-19 pandemic quarantine bonus-getting to enjoy dessert almost every single day! :)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-86834767055471405642018-04-15T11:08:00.003-05:002018-04-15T11:08:56.403-05:00Life continues on...Our little baby is now well on his way to becoming a 15 month old. The other kiddos are continuing to grow and move on through life as well with the last of the big 4 preparing to start kindergarten next year. Sniff, sniff!<br />
<br />
Things life is teaching me along the way...<br />
<br />
*Differences between children...some make me wistful for them to be adults-the logic and wisdom that comes from living life will be a great aid to them I hope; some make me wistful for their younger selves-more snuggles, more innocence<br />
<br />
*"Enjoy every second" is not an attainable goal...feeling crazy or acting crazy is not something I wish to hold onto for myself or them<br />
<br />
*I enjoy looking back at my kiddos "being little" pictures, but truth be told as I stated above...I would not want to go back to those days with all of them because life was CRAZY at times. Part of it was due to close ages, part of it was due to trying to understand behaviors, and part of it was due to fluctuating hormones on my part. :)<br />
<br />
I love these kids with all of my heart and I love the gift of time that I have been given with them. It helps me appreciate them and this same precious gift that several people I know have lost along the way either due to death or broken relationships.<br />
<br />
<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-31216395089824516912017-02-13T07:29:00.000-06:002017-02-13T07:29:29.003-06:00Newest Love!We welcomed TODD HUBERT to our family a couple of weeks ago! He was born on the 27th of January in the afternoon weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 4 oz. The doctor was guessing that he weighed at least 10 pounds when he arrived...lucky for me this was not the case! :)<br />
<br />
He's been a wonderful addition to our family thus far and all of the kids adore him. We'll see if those feelings remain as he grows and eventually becomes mobile.<br />
<br />
He has not suffered from the same tongue tie issue that Don did initially, thus, he has been gaining weight and eating like a champ! Mama appreciates it too as my milk supply seems to have been well established this time around...my baby is content when he eats, I am not pumping around the clock, and so.much.less.stress!!!<br />
<br />
Now off to sneak in some more baby snuggles and, hopefully, a nap at some point! :)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-47631264202215473402017-01-01T15:21:00.000-06:002017-01-01T15:21:42.849-06:00New Year, New BeginningsOur household now consists of a...<br />
9 year old boy,<br />
6 3/4 year old girl,<br />
5 year old girl, and<br />
a 3 year old boy.<br />
<br />
It can be a busy, CRAZY place around here at times so why not make it even more crazy, right? That's what the sane people always say, right? (Please just smile kindly and nod your head yes!)<br />
<br />
As of June, we have patiently been awaiting the arrival of another little one that I have been blessed to once again feel grow inside my body. One month from today is the official due date, but my gut tells me it may be sooner than that...time will tell.<br />
<br />
When this baby arrives, we'll be a house with...<br />
5 children,<br />
4 excited new big siblings,<br />
3 boys or girls (breaking the current tie),<br />
2 kids who won't have to deal with a new roommate in the future, and<br />
1 new little person for all of us to love and probably make crazy just like the rest of us.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-42926250160001165912016-03-30T21:21:00.002-05:002016-03-30T21:21:34.544-05:00KerThump!"THUD...THUD...THUD....THUD....THUD....THUD"<br />
<br />
These are the sounds of a little body coming down the stairs.<br />
<br />
Not falling down the stairs (despite how it may sound),<br />
<br />
But sliding down the stairs in 1.2 seconds flat.<br />
<br />
Belly surfing without belly calluses-magical!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. We do not even notice the sound of it anymore, but it sure does scare the H*** out of visitors! :)<br />
<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-83280504238968159232015-10-10T07:59:00.000-05:002015-10-10T07:59:33.377-05:00Life With My Two-Year OldMultiple times a day...<br />
<br />
I get to hear about the babysitter's husband and his harvest....<br />
"Bill horn" "twuck full" "Ma (short a sound there) dregon full" "dumpt out" repeat 4-5 times in a row<br />
Translation: "Bill's corn...truck full...Matt wagon full...dumped it out"<br />
<br />
He is also convinced that any tractor, corn field, or wagon belongs to the babysitter's husband...<br />
"Bill's horn" "Bill's twactor" "Bill's dregon"<br />
<br />
I have finally figured out that he doesn't say the "k" sound, instead he replaces it with an h sound...<br />
how=cow hat=cat horn=corn ohey=okay (Anyone see how this could be a little confusing)<br />
<br />
He likes to talk about farm animals...<br />
"Hows moo" "Pigs {insert snortish type sound" "Bugs bite hand" <br />
<br />
Sometimes animals are just referred to by their sounds<br />
dogs= "row rows" ducks= "quacks" cats="meows"<br />
<br />
He has learned to argue with his siblings, especially when he hears the phrase "No, Don, that's mine"...he responds quite quickly with a "No! Mine!"<br />
<br />
Being the youngest after two older sisters means that it is fun to play "Pincess"...<br />
"Look Mom! Me pincess! Pincess Don!"<br />
<br />
Nothing beats Curious George....<br />
He loves the show, the movies, and the books!!!<br />
<br />
When he get the choice to pick a show or even when it's not his turn, his vote is always....<br />
"GEORGE!"<br />
<br />
Cat food is considered one of his highest delicacies...<br />
If he helps feed the cats, he is constantly trying to sneak a handful for himself and stuff it in his mouth!<br />
<br />
And just like since he was a newborn, the kid is constantly smiling! He is one easy-going, fun-loving little guy who loves to be outside as much as he can!Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-70105135565193213992015-07-07T17:20:00.001-05:002015-07-07T17:20:27.219-05:00Oh, Happy Day!June 30th...the day we officially became a family of 6!!!<br />
<br />
We would like to introduce:<br />
<br />
Annabelle (formerly known as Big Sis)<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
Sadie (formerly known as Little Sis)<br />
<br />
These girls are plopped right between both of the boys in ages and at least for another month we have a 7, 5, 3, and 1 year olds in the house.<br />
<br />
Everything proceeded smoothly, outside of some last minute freaking out by Luke. We were also pleased that we got it finalized when we did as our license will be expiring later this month. At this point in time, we are done with fostering, but we will also never say never :)<br />
<br />
It has been a long road getting to this point and there were several reminders of our journey up to this point that day...<br />
<br />
*On the drive between court and our celebratory meal afterwards, Scott and I's wedding song came on the radio. I rarely hear the song played so it seemed extra special to hear it on this particular day.<br />
<br />
*Our lawyer was the same lady we had used for Luke's adoption and our failed adoptions, plus the adoption took place at the same courthouse as Luke's so there were lots of memories popping up throughout the proceedings.<br />
<br />
*We also had to drive past the place where we met Baby E's mama to go to the hospital with her on the day he was delivered and could have driven past the place where we had to eventually return him back to his mama (we missed this one due to a shortcut). The significance of these two events were also strong on my mind this day.<br />
<br />
*Don's birth came to mind, as well. It was not lost on me how relatively simple adding him to our family was (minus the years of childlessness, events listed above, pregnancy, and labor and delivery). We simply had a baby, signed a birth certificate, and were free to bring him home. There was no negotiating with several other people about their needs/rights to the baby, no lawyers involved, no courtroom appearances, no neglect/health concerns, no waiting on someone else to make crucial decisions about this little person in your care, no paperwork hassle, no waiting on legal work proving that we are indeed this child's parents, no need to wait on papers proving what my child's name is...no one questioning me in a courtroom about whether or not I will love this child (at least the doctors and nurses never asked)...you get the point.<br />
<br />
It was a good, happy day and it felt long overdue!<br />
<br />
P.S. The official count was 1,099 days in foster care...3 years and 1 day in our care.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-45847769341639913642015-05-16T13:59:00.002-05:002015-05-16T13:59:42.222-05:00It's That Time of Year Again!The end of school is once again at hand, which leads to....<br />
<br />
*Students becoming more and more pumped as each day passes. It really is amazing that teachers/schools can keep things running as smoothly as they do this time of year!<br />
<br />
*Despite their enthusiasm and energy during the course of the school day, these very same students (my children included) have become more and more difficult to motivate very first thing in the morning. Their little bodies have gone into summertime mode and refuse to more quickly or at all every.single.morning. It really is amazing that parents are continuing to show up to work sanely this time of year!<br />
<br />
*Not gonna lie-I was just part of a discussion about whether the first ten days or the last ten days of school are the hardest as a parent in the morning. The last ten days won hands down. Please weigh in if you have a strong opinion either way :)<br />
<br />
*My kids still have 4 days left...kudos to all of you who will finish up earlier this week. And my God be with those of you who still have a ways to go! ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-60979416777045859082015-03-21T09:43:00.000-05:002015-03-21T09:43:42.397-05:00The Little SpitballDon has learned to stick out his tongue and spit. How he learned this (ahem) I will never know?! ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, he uses this new trick whenever he is playing chase or at just the right exact moment in any given conversation.<br />
<br />
For this next story, you also need to know that he is an excellent scavenger. If anybody (especially one of his siblings) leaves a piece of food laying on the table, he will grab it as he is passing by.<br />
<br />
So, this morning he was doing just that and I said, "Don, stop and leave it there!"<br />
<br />
He looked straight at me, stuck his tongue out, and spit!<br />
<br />
(I did not laugh, but it is difficult because he is so dang cute when he does it, however, I also know it will not be in just a few years ;)<br />
<br />
I looked at him and said, "Should we roll you up into a ball and call you a 'Spitball'?"<br />
<br />
He looked right at me, wrinkled his little nose, smiled, and said "YA!"<br />
<br />
Oh, dear Lord have mercy on us for this child may have inherited my sense of humor! :)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-16380412780738970422015-03-01T19:24:00.000-06:002015-03-01T19:24:40.861-06:00Things I Will Never Understand. ..THREE YEAR OLDS :)<br />
<br />
*You say "No!" They automatically say "Yes!"<br />
<br />
*"Ok." This is the answer to anything until they realize that it is also actually not ok...<br />
<br />
*Then meltdown/tantrum begins.<br />
<br />
*Highly skilled at knowing exactly which buttons to push for each member of the family, especially when older siblings are in the picture!<br />
<br />
*Always innocent even when proven guilty!<br />
<br />
*Almost always guilty.<br />
<br />
*Also highly skilled at teaching younger siblings things. (Have I mentioned almost always guilty.)<br />
<br />
*Learn how to say "Sorry" quickly and sweetly.<br />
<br />
*Also learn how to retaliate while saying "Sorry" sweetly.<br />
<br />
*Fantastic ignorers of whatever you have asked them to do.<br />
<br />
*Type A personalitied which triggers meltdowns over important things like getting your drink in a green cup instead of a blue cup!<br />
<br />
*Full of sooo much sass and sweetness all at the same time!<br />
<br />
*"Why?"<br />
<br />
Experts say it's the child learning to assert their independence. I say it is the child's own personal game of "Survivor". We parents are the contestants and the child gets to be Jeff Probst throwing challenge after challenge at us!<br />
<br />
Having another three year old in the house also reminds me everyday of how very blessed I am to have had my prayers answered from all those years ago. It is a privilege to get to raise all of these children even when one of them is three years old and trying to make us insane ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-77017228871833110552015-02-26T20:54:00.000-06:002015-02-26T20:54:33.365-06:00THAT WAS GREAT!!!"That was GREAT! Confession is the best thing ever! It was just the best! I want another turn...can I go to Fr. Mark now?! It was just soo great!"<br />
<br />
Say all of that in one breath while running back and forth at the back of church. This is what it was like for Luke after his First Reconciliation last night.<br />
<br />
As soon as he got done talking to one priest, he was ready to make his second confession with the other :)<br />
<br />
We are so proud of him! He did a nice job last night and was so enthusiastic afterwards.<br />
<br />
I mentioned that dad and I would still need to go sometime during Lent, since we were not able to do it last night due to other circumstances. I also mentioned that he could go with us and do it again when we go if he would like. "YES! It is the best thing ever!" :)<br />
<br />
Can't believe he's old enough to be receiving these sacraments!Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-76421060146425180442015-02-21T09:27:00.000-06:002015-02-21T09:27:20.288-06:00The Lord Provides For Those That Wait!What have we been waiting for you ask?<br />
<br />
SNOW!!!<br />
<br />
Now I am well aware that some places have been blessed with an overabundance of the wonderful white stuff this winter and that many people are ready to be done with it, but here at the Faith, Hope, & Poop household not so much. <br />
<br />
Every reported forecast for us so far this winter has become rain by the time it actually arrived at our house.<br />
<br />
Now I do not want to completely mislead you. We have had one good measurable/play in the snow snowfall. Wait.....for....it.............on THANKSGIVING DAY! Not.even.winter.then.<br />
<br />
We have waited and waited through many false hopes and this past week we were rewarded with an ENTIRE week of snow days! :)<br />
<br />
Our sleds are no longer sad, our snowsuits were happy to be worn, and our boots felt so nice on our feet.<br />
<br />
AND it is snowing more as I sit here and type. Big, beautiful snowflakes.<br />
<br />
Yes, the kids probably should have been in school learning or whatever it is they do at school ;)<br />
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Yes, I should probably have been working or whatever it is I do at school :)<br />
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BUT...we have had a great week together and there is no better excitement than getting the call each day saying that you have another free day at home!<br />
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Yes, we will be going longer into May than we might have, but on the plus side....daily lunch recess duty is so much warmer in May than February! ;)<br />
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P.S. This post is (hopefully) brought to you in a coherent fashion despite Don's attempts at helping me type it.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-55659664796614999532015-02-17T12:19:00.000-06:002015-02-17T12:19:01.918-06:00Things People Say (or not!)The social media world is full of fun little sayings/themes like "Throwback Thursday"or "Fun Day Sunday", but around this house we are blessed with a husband/dad who makes up his own!<br />
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"Blue Jeans Wednesday" for example has arisen because (I think) that he is slightly perturbed by the lack of blue jeans wearing by our children. He has taken over the laundry and when girls only want to wear dresses and the big boy only wants to wear jogging pants aka "comfy pants" then the laundry guy feels the need to encourage the children to wear those nice clean blue jeans. In my humble opinion, the fight is not worth it, but to each his own :)<br />
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"No Carry Thursdays" is another one of his popular days. This is in regard to the third and smallest child in this house. He is in charge of getting her to daycare most days and continues to carry her inside, mostly because she has stayed quite petite compared to any of the other children (even her younger brother!) This one mostly occurs between she and her father because this mother stopped carrying her a looong time ago! :)<br />
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Another phrase that gets thrown around quite often is "Fine! You are not my best friend!" This one is all big sis! When she has been wronged, you can guarantee that you will be on the receiving end of this insult. No worries, though, once she has forgiven you then you will once again here "Ok. You can be my best friend!" :)<br />
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I can fairly guarantee that none of these will catch on in the world outside of this house, but if you hear otherwise feel free to let us know! ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-82997871966637704362015-01-31T12:43:00.000-06:002015-01-31T12:43:12.674-06:002015 Goals Status ReportGoal #1: Be healthier in one month than I was at the beginning of the month.<br />
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Status...good!<br />
I have been using the myfitnesspal app consistently again to record my food each day. I have lost almost 7 pounds total, but only a net of 3 pounds from my starting weight. I yoyoed around mid month. I have also been testing my heel with walks on the weekends. I am going to try to throw a walk in sometime during the week this week too. My heel is so close to being healed it's ridiculous. This also means that it is also in that place where it is very easy to reinjure it as well.<br />
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Goal #2: Be more organized.<br />
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Status. ..progressing.<br />
My silverware drawer does look good though! :) I have slowly been working on small steps towards organization. I have begun with the kitchen and a schedule for cleaning it little by little. It does look better and we have tackled the clutter in a couple of other trouble spots so overall the house is in a much better way. Now to continue fine tuning :)<br />
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Goal#3: Diffusing tension with humor.<br />
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Status...always trying! :)<br />
That's really all there is to say about that :)<br />
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<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-17521667694861432082015-01-01T09:30:00.000-06:002015-01-01T09:30:00.036-06:002015 Goals!I am going simple this year with the goals. It seems big, lofty resolutions are just setting people up for failure. Enthusiasm is high initially, things get stalled, people get tired, resolutions are thrown to the wayside within a few weeks/months.<br />
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I often have goals that I am working on anyway so I am just going to make myself accountable here (as long as I actually post about it! Ha!) My plan is to check in approximately once a month and tweak/change the goals as needed.<br />
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These are also going to be quite generic...super specific usually gets me into trouble.<br />
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Goal #1: I will be healthier in one month than I am today.<br />
<br />
-Not gonna lie...December was rough on me. I injured my heel at the end of November (after I had worked my way back up to running regularly and finally running 5 miles again). Any type of impact exercise caused pain/reinjured it so I did not do much outside of some stretching for the heel. All of my toned areas are now flabbier than ever :( On a good note, the heel has felt way better the last 3 mornings than it has in weeks. It is still a bit off and I am still doing the stretches/wearing the necessary splint, but I am going to attempt walking some distance over the next week. Still a bit early for running though.<br />
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-I would also like to lose at least 5 lbs a month, which could translate into 60 lbs by the end of the year barring any unforeseen situations aka "Baby Don 2.0" It stills feels odd that any of that even ever happened... 60 lbs would put me in a "healthy weight" range, but seems like such a major feat. 5 lbs a month seems like a much simpler task :)<br />
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Goal #2: I will be more organized in one month than I am today.<br />
<br />
Hello, my house. Or life in general :)<br />
-Not sure what exactly this will look like, but surely by the end of the month something somewhere will be more organized in my life even if it is only the silverware drawer!<br />
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Goal #3: I will create laughter to break frustration.<br />
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-We have a house filled with a wannabe diva, a 3 year-old, an often annoyed big brother, a little brother who often gets things taken away, a dad easily stressed by any of the above, and a mom often trying to maintain patience with everyone. So when frustration is riding high as oftentimes happens, then I will try to remember to create laughter instead of caving to the frustration. This is a successful technique when I have employed it in the past. Being purposeful about it may help me to employ it more often though. <br />
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-If you drive by and see me making silly faces and farting loudly, then just assume that I am working on goal #3 ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-84742937363587228482014-12-31T21:26:00.001-06:002014-12-31T21:26:42.150-06:00Happy New Year's Eve!It is the time to say good-bye to 2014! It was a good year here in the Faith, Hope & Poop house.<br />
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One of us learned to walk, climb, dance, practice orneriness, and to start talking.<br />
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One of us is potty-trained now and got to start preschool.<br />
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One of us is convinced that we must be part princess, practices diva skills, and loves to cuddle at any given chance.<br />
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One of us has matured even more this year and is about 75% convinced that having all of these siblings is okay.<br />
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One of us is much less forgetful than at this point last year, which comes in handy when coordinating this household's activities/appointments.<br />
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One of us is often left stressing over all of the blessings this household provides.<br />
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I will leave it up to you to decide which of us is which :)<br />
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I must say I am quite dismayed by the lack of postings this year...it just keeps decreasing with each passing year despite it always being close to my thoughts. Not really sure how this happens. I don't have a zero year yet though so keep those fingers crossed for 2015! ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-88054384389027150922014-10-15T13:55:00.000-05:002014-10-15T13:55:50.663-05:00Random Miscellaneousness...I enjoy referring to my littlest man as "Baby D". Maybe if he is ever a gangster rapper someday he will use it as his trademark name. Odds are probably not in his favor for this career path though.<br />
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I grew up with a houseful of girls so I feel like I understand girliness and girl drama, but Big Sis brings a whole new level to anything I have experienced. She is an outright Diva...maybe someday she will have a career that allows her to use her divaness for good!<br />
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Little Sis has a wonderful horse whinny sounding whine that she likes to pull out when she is extremely tired. Lucky for all of us, she now attends afternoon pre-k and misses her afternoon nap every.single.school day so we get to here it every.single.evening off and on from the time we arrive home until she finally gets put to bed. Lucky for her, I am also mature enough to handle it by making the sound back at her. She does not appreciate my sound for some reason...<br />
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As for my biggest little man, he has discovered Pokemon and dragons. The dragons I can handle...Pokemon episodes on the other hand are just one giant commercial-not too much of a fan about that.<br />
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We survived the August dumping of birthdays/parties/cakes/school starting and it seems that we have all finally settled into the routine of life again. We got there before November...making better progress each year :)<br />
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Until next time...Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-77166790702195765612014-07-18T08:54:00.001-05:002014-07-18T08:54:13.145-05:00Proud Motherhood Moments..."Cherish Every Moment" or "They grow up so quickly so enjoy them while they're young" are two expressions that are often thrown out at parents of small children. As much truth as both of these statements do hold, here are the moments that I am currently cherishing with my small children...<br />
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#1 Open bathroom door=An 11 month old bee lining it for the opportunity to wash his hands in the toilet if his attempt is successful!<br />
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#2 An almost 3 year old who can proudly declare "3" after pointing to each of mommy's "bellies" :)<br />
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#3 A 4 1/2 year old constantly trying to be 15 years old and 1 year old at the same time...<br />
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And last, but not least...<br />
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#4 An almost 7 year old who has taught his baby brother to "fierce growl" and promotes growling contests amongst his siblings at any given moment.<br />
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Cherishing, cherishing, cherishing ;)<br />
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(All kidding aside, I do thank God every single day for the opportunity to be a mama to these children-no matter how crazy they make me sometimes!)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-83170117992158031882014-07-02T08:36:00.001-05:002014-07-02T08:36:19.026-05:00Milestones, Baby!Poor Don!<br />
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His milestones are just not being recorded...<br />
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At 10 1/2 months, he:<br />
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*has 4 teeth-two on bottom and two on top (they started coming in around 8 months)<br />
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*is crawling up a storm. He has about 3-4 different crawling techniques (army crawl, one knee/one foot, actual crawl) and he moves effortlessly between each as he is moving from one place to another. If he really needs to get somewhere quickly, he goes into full out army crawling motion!<br />
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*is cruising all over the place and standing on his own momentarily<br />
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*can crawl up the steps, but has no idea how to come down safely<br />
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*has several words in his vocabulary..."Mom", "Dada", "Yay" (when he claps), "Hey"<br />
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*smiles constantly and loves to laugh<br />
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*giggles easily when he gets tired<br />
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*stopped nursing around 9 months. He was exclusively breastfed until around 3 months. My supply continued to gradually dwindle after I went back to work. Around 8 months, I dropped him to only 1 or 2 nursing times a day and at 9 months gave it up for good. I did miss it, but it was also amazing how much time I had dedicated at work to pumping...it was nice being able to actually talk to people again/have time to plan properly :)<br />
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*is eating solid food and loving it<br />
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*can do a pretty awesome imitation of a growl...those who know us personally are challenged to guess whom he learned that skill from ;)<br />
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*loves exploring everything!<br />
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*has brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and if I knew all babies would be this "easy" I'd probably have 10 of them! ;)<br />
<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-35153916585480356452014-06-23T17:34:00.002-05:002014-06-23T17:34:39.700-05:00Potato or PatahtoMy children will now be known as the following...<br />
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#1 "Fierce Growler"<br />
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#2 "Panicked Screamer"<br />
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#3 "Horse Whinnier"<br />
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#4 "Constant Smiler"<br />
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They have each earned their new name through their own merit...Congrats!<br />
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(I may try to make those sound muffling earmuffs a new fashion statement ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4022691065775939599.post-9050082605328372752014-05-29T06:47:00.002-05:002014-05-29T06:47:41.603-05:00What in the h___?If I somehow end up in hell when I die, I think the devil will have baskets and baskets lined up ready for me. Baskets? you ask. Yes, and they will be full of socks to match and fold....I HATE matching and folding socks.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Answer:<br />
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Each of the above socks is one from pairs that belong to my son, Luke. Please take note of the variety of lengths, anything from ankle to regular. This, in and of itself, is okay and not a big deal. Now look carefully, at the three pairs with writing on the toes, then pay careful attention that four pairs also have gray heels/toes, and then pay extra attention to the fact that some of them have ribbed tops and some do not.<br />
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Any one of these details by itself is wonderful, but when you put them into a variety of combinations/styles...it becomes quite maddening!!!!<br />
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Who is to blame for this? <br />
1) Me & Scott as we do buy him new socks for back-to-school season<br />
AND<br />
2) Santa Claus who also brings new socks at Christmas...maybe he is actually the devil in disguise...<br />
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And these are just Luke's socks! Same.exact.problem.for.every.single.member.of.this.household....<br />
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7 subtly different socks x 6 people in this household = Me feeling my mind slowly starting to break when dealing with this task<br />
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Life is too short. I may just start throwing random loner socks into each of our drawers. If you see us out and about with mismatched socks on our feet, please note that at least our feet are warm and we are trying to prevent insanity not display it! :)<br />
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And just keep it to yourself! ;)Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08740673503008057360noreply@blogger.com0