The Glamourous Life of a Stay-at-Home Mom

I decided to give the help the day off today and tackle a few projects myself. You know, get my hands dirty, get in touch with the common folk.

Right.

You may remember I started remodeling our basement at the end of September. What was supposed to just be new flooring has turned into new flooring, mold mitigation (cursing the contractor who remodeled this house and finally understanding why Violet has been so sick), new drywall, and finally paint.

I say finally paint because it has taken me the last 3 months to commit to colors.

But, I am determined to finish this project before the new year. I have 30 hours.

So, here I am, covered in pumpkin and chocolate paint flecks, trying to get as much done as possible today, when down wanders that most precious of smallest children. Violet proceeds to sit on the stairs as I paint and talk to me. For 30 minutes.

Please excuse my eye. No, it doesn't always twitch. Just today.

As I'm thinking I have had just about enough of the wind up toy that is my youngest, she proceeds to inform me that I need to change the sheets on her bed.

Why?

Because she had diarrhea during her nap.

And just sat in it on my stairs for the last half hour.

My life is full of Chanel and Dior, I tell you.

Merry Christmas!

Praying God's blessings, peace and joy for you and your family today.

From the fireplace guardian and package quality control.

Sugar + kids = Chaos!!!!!

One of my fondest childhood memories was making candy with my grandma. This is my first Christmas without her, and all of our traditions seem bittersweet.

We certainly were missing the world's best candy maker, but I think my helpers and I did a pretty good job living up to her memory.

We made toffee, pecan brittle, dipped pretzels and peppermint sticks, peppermint fudge, chocolate rum balls, peanut butter balls, and popcorn balls.

The candy is finished, the presents are wrapped. All that's left is for us to go to Christmas Eve service and spend precious family time.

And, yes Mr Daddy, your candy is in the mail! Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

The Contents Of My Purse

This is my purse.

I had to clean it out this morning.

I found:

1 wallet, stuffed with coins

3 Christmas presents, ready for delivery

1 headband that changes color in the sun

God only knows how many pieces of paper

Violet's new wallet, containing only a plastic toy

my current cross-stitch project, my sunglasses, and Nina's extra glasses case.

And a close up to prove that it is a cross-stitch project and not a random plastic bag.

4 nail files, 3 packs of gum, 2 hand sanitizers, 1 pack of kleenex, random medicine and my inhaler

The remnants of the tampon box that exploded in my car (wish I could make that one up)

Two pocket knives (doesn't everyone?)

5 pens, 1 permanent marker, 1 Rudolph nose, 1 jingle bell from the dog's collar, 1 calculator, and a hair clip

2 playing cards and a broken honey stick

and a tampon angel from a friend.

I have two thoughts:

No wonder my back hurts.

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

What's in your purse?

Of Biscuits and Bruises

We got a dog two weeks ago.

Actually, we bought a horse with identity issues.

Meet Ty.

He is enormous. 94ish pounds of muscle and tongue. We think he may be German Shepard, hound of some variety, perhaps a bit of Airedale, and maybe some Shetland pony thrown in for good measure.

He is incredible. Loves every single last person on the face of the earth. Ignores the girls' food at dinner time. Tries as hard as he can to obey. Likes the cats, but not to the point of terrorizing them.

Except the crate. Hates the crate. Is terrified of the crate. Turned my body into a PSA for domestic violence the night I got caught between him and the crate. Aren't you glad I took one of those cheesy "iPhone in the bathroom mirror" photos as proof for you? And yes, my first thought was "blog fodder" when I saw that bruise.

Actually tore apart the crate the next day trying to get out of the contraption of doom.

So, we gave up on the crate. He sleeps in the living room at night. He pretends like he sleeps on his bed but we both know he climbs on the couch as soon as he thinks it's safe. He also stays in the house when we have to leave for a few hours. And he has yet to mess with a single non-doggy item.

I am so glad we brought him home. Our family was ready for another dog. And he was ready for us.

As long as the crate of doom stays in the shed and the biscuits stay on the floor.

Wordless Wednesday

Ninja assassin training or extra-long nap time gone horribly wrong. You be the judge.

Things I Never Thought I Would Say...

... we don't sing songs about our private parts.

... please don't pick your sisters nose.

... please don't chew on the letter u.

... We do not moon the check out line.

... Why am I washing poop off this rock?

Prayers for Ruby Grace

Our pastors rescued a beautiful, precious Ugandan princess.
Her name is Ruby Grace. She was literally dying when they met her and fell in love, and God moved Heaven, earth , and a few governments to bring her home.

They are now at Phoenix Children's with her. She has undergone 3 surgeries this week to reduce the numerous hydrocephalus cysts in her brain. There have been complications since the last surgery, and her situation is serious.

Please, my friends, I am begging you to hit your knees with me and plead for this sweet baby's life. You can read updates and leave a message of encouragement for them at:

http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

Tiffany

Diagnosis vs Prognosis

Since Katrina's surgery, we have spent a lot of time trying to sort through the mounds of information we received. At times, it is nothing less than overwhelming.

A great friend, and fellow doctor's office frequent visitor card holder, spoke some amazing words of wisdom over us. She explained the difference between a diagnosis and a prognosis. A diagnosis is a statement of fact. A prognosis is where God steps in and works his miracles.

Katrina's diagnosis was hard to hear. Mild cerebral palsy in the corpus collosum, probably caused by a lack of development during the first trimester of pregnancy. Her gait lab shows her overall muscle structure and strength is severely underdeveloped.

Her prognosis is a different story. We will be meeting with a neurological psychologist for extensive learning testing. This will give us a better idea of how the damage might affect her learning and how I can teach around it. She has already made strides just in the few adjustments I was able to make based on my limited knowledge. After losing the dreaded casts, we will be doing physical and occupational therapy to improve muscle strength and gross and fine motor skills.

But you know what I see? I see a beautiful young lady I was never supposed to conceive. A child we could have lost a birth. An intelligent, sensitive, caring, fun-loving giggle queen.

And in the end, that is all that really matters.

Here we go again!

My big girl and I get to take a road trip tomorrow. 7 hours, multiple pit stops (including the absolutely necessary visit to Cabela's in Provo), sushi at the mall, snuggling in a hotel room.

Thursday morning we report to Shriner's bright and early to get those blasted casts off! Kat is more than ready to be done with them. Then it's 5 hours on the road to Grand Junction to meet up with Grandpa at the orthotics office to make molds of her legs for her braces. Then another 4 hours and we're home again.

We are both looking forward to a big girls' road trip. Anyone want to meet up somewhere along the route?

Chaos adventures

Ok. I have really got to get some posts up. My computer is back from the shop with a brand new keyboard. Can I tell you how excited I am to have an apostrophe key again?!?!?!

And I have over 1000 photos from the new camera to sort through.

And Christmas presents to order.

And lessons to plan.

But, the new iPhone (that I got for free - booyah!) is calling. Especially my new pic collage app.

Questions and answers

Last week, we were getting ready for an early morning MRI at Primary Children's.

Tonight, the casted princess is resting on the couch while the littles chase each other down the hall with a plastic lei.

Last week, we were in a hotel.

Tonight we are home.

Last week, we had questions. Lots of questions. And nerves. And fears. And worries.

Tonight, we have answers. And pain meds. And more appointments to make. And questions.

But we have answers. We may not like some of those answers. No parent enjoys hearing the words brain damage. But we have answers.

God never promised that we would like all the answers. But He does promise to walk with us though the answers.

Sweet Dreams

We will sleep well tonight. The surgery went great. Her recovery has gone fantastic so far. She is amazing. The only tears we had today were right before surgery, and once after when the pain caught up to her for a bit.

She is in love with her casts. And, really, who wouldn't be? We had a sweet young man doing his residency with our surgeon attend to Kat today. When she described the casts she wanted, and flashed her sweet dimples, he melted. The OR nurses had to help him out a little, but he succeeded in cutting out a dozen little hearts to decorate her casts.

My reminder

Philippians 4:4-7 GWT

"Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus."

It was a long day. Hearing a doctor confirm what you have known in your heart for months is not easy. There is no amount of time long enough for you to prepare. 

Tonight was a hard night. We are all drained, emotionally and physically. All three of the girls had trouble going to sleep. 

But God knows. And He is enough. And He will sustain us. 

We check in for surgery tomorrow at 7. I will update as soon as I am able. 

Tiffany

Bravery and gratitude

Do you ever feel like you need an extra shot of one or the other?

30 seconds in a children's hospital should do it.

So many kids, facing so many scary possibilities. And yet, the hallways are filled with smiles and laughter.

On our way

I was planning on typing this post on my laptop.

I tried to drown my laptop in coffee during our home group tonight.

Sadly, this is par for the course lately. Praise God one of our home group members is also a super techie. But, since I am forbidden from even looking at my laptop for at least 24 hours, this post will be brought to you courtesy of phone.

Again, par for the course.

My lack of recent blogging comes down to one thing. Time. I can't seem to find mine. Between teaching, housework, breaking up miniature chic fights, laundry, and meal planning, any spare moments are spent napping. Or staring into space. Which leaves no time for blogging.

But, I knew I would be bloggy dead meat it I didn't update y'all on what we are up to. Tomorrow we leave for Salt Lake. Next week Katrina will undergo surgery to lengthen her Achilles tendons in her legs.

Our first trip to SLC in March opened our eyes. The doctors suspect that she may have a mild case of cerebral palsy. Monday she will have a brain MRI to confirm or deny their suspicions. Tuesday morning she is doing a gait lab, where they monitor and record her movements. Tuesday afternoon we will meet with the neurologist, and Wednesday is surgery day. If all goes well we should be able to come home Thursday.

Katrina's main concern is the color of her casts. Ah, to be young again.

I will try my darndest to post updates. But we would appreciate your prayers.
Tiffany

30 DPC: Missing You

I cant believe I made it through the 30 Picture Challenge!  There were days I doubted it, days I considered giving up (like the umpteen times I posted the challenge without a photo), but I finally did it.  Want to see all 30 days, or get the prompts for your own 30 Picture Challenge?  You can see them all here.


Day 30: A picture of someone you miss

Good Lord, she was a pain sometimes. 


She jumped up on people.


She licked the kids.  In the face.


She tortured the cats.


But she was our dog. 


She loved us.


And some days, I really miss her.

30 DPC Day 29: Smiles

Day 29:  A picture that can always make you smile

No matter how bad my mood is, my three little minions can ALWAYS make me smile. 

30 DPC Day 28: My Fears

Day 28:  A picture of something you're afraid of

Yup.  That's a rattler. 



Little snakes - love em. 


Bull snakes - think they are great cause they keep the mice and rattlers away.


Cobras/Vipers/Assorted Exotic poisonous snakes - never had to experience them, and don't plan on it anytime soon.


Pythons - pretty cool to look at behind glass.


Rattlers - no thank you.  Creepy, nasty, evil creatures.  Been almost bitten more times than I care to count, have no use for them.  Get the willies just thinking about them. 


And that is my biggest fear.

30 DPC Day 27: Family Photo

Day 27:  A picture of yourself and a family member

Nope.  Its not in focus.  Yup.  My hot pink shorts make my butt look huge.  But Kat took this photo.  And she was so excited that I let her take photos with my camera to document our science class that day.  That makes it worth any potential embarrassment.  Isn't that what we do as moms?  Embarrass ourselves for the sake of our kids?

30 DPC Day 26: Meaningful

Day 26:  A picture of something that means a lot to you



On January 31, 1983, my grandparents celebrated 50 years of marriage.


I was almost 3 years old.


My grandpa hunted for months for just the right present.


He finally found it.

Inside, two of the sweetest people I have ever known.

My grandma never took it off.  And now I will proudly wear it. 

I have girls...

Girls who love bugs

and dresses.

Girls who aren't afraid to play with the boys

And get a little dirty.

Okay, maybe more than a little dirty

Alright.  We get really dirty.

I have girls...

.... who can creatively figure out any situation.

who love snuggles with their Pepe

and playing with baby dolls

and their daddy

but do it in style.

I love my girls.

Summer in Review: May

Another summer is almost gone. 

Another summer full of memories.

Memories that I don't want to forget.  Moments in the lives of my children that are far too fleeting.

 

I am going to remember.

Remember branding calves

Yes, that is blood and guts dried on my neck.  Lovely.

And enjoying a treat while watching the big boys play soccer.

I want to remember the pouty faces when the lifeguard makes us get out for a break

And save this photo to use as blackmail someday

I want to remember my adventurous little climber

hanging out with friends

and playing card games together.

I want to remember the joy of exploring trains with friends

 

and guns for Mommy

 

I need to remember sweet notes left on the table

and a big girls first baseball game.

Because sometimes, the best memories

Are the ones that happen purely by chance.