it's spring break!

reporting in mid-week spring break briefly (or not-so-briefly, as it turns out)--

I am packing, packing, packing - getting ready for our little trip up to a waterpark in the dells with some neighbors. It's the easiest vacation ever, because we share a condo and share meal duties and the kids amuse themselves quite well. This is our (let's see...) 4th year going. Yeah, that's right! Wow, nice tradition we have, now that I think about it! A couple of years ago, while we were there on Three's b'day, we left in the middle of a HUGE snowstorm. In fact, much of our group decided to delay their return because of the storm. This week? Sunny and 70's! The kids are hoping the outdoor water stuff will be open (ha! - now that's a true Wisconsin kid!).

In other news, One lost his glasses on Sunday, which resulted in a (now) hilarious search effort, including me deciding they must have fallen down a heating vent. I plotted and planned how to extract them from the vent, and my dear dad even came over to figure this out. I fashioned a fishing line out of string and a beaded wire handle from a gift bag. I tap-tap-tapped on the pipe, certain I could hear the glasses rattling around in there. Finally, with the use of a strong flashlight and my dad's handy little mirror, I could see 2 stories down into the basement and ... no glasses. In a last ditch effort to find them before concluding they MUST HAVE been thrown away, One moved the couch away from the wall in the den and ... GLASSES!

In other news, PT is amazing. I have been faithfully doing my exercises, and my knee is definitely feeling better. Take THAT, Mark - Mr. "you aren't just going to tough it out"? Nope, no toughing it out for me. I am excited to return to the PT this Friday and hopefully hear her earlier thought of a torn meniscus was wrong, given my amazing recovery.

On Sunday, we went to my nephew's 8 year b'day party. It was the typical affair -- grandparents and cousins abounding, good food and a clever cake. I had a very nice time. Good chat with my older bro, whom, I realize, doesn't get much air time in my life. I should work on that, because lately we've carved out a decent little relationship (we bonded over our injuries - my knee and his ankle - and PT - my success and his not-so-much). I saw lots of evidence again at how smart and good my 2 nieces and 2 nephews are. Glad my kids have them as cousins. And boy is it easy nowadays, without a baby or toddler to chase after. I pretty much set them free and saw them as infrequently as possible. Happy day for us all.

And lastly, for anyone still reading this fascinating report, One and I had a fun, unexpected afternoon on Saturday. We got a hot tip from one of Two's friends that Greg Jennings (#85 Packers) was at a bowling alley in McFarland. Two didn't want to go unless he could go bowling (???), so One and I headed down. For the record, One was already wearing his Packers' stuff that day, as that if pretty much his uniform. Anyway, for $10, you could bowl one ball with Greg, and if you hit down more balls than him, you would get an autographed football. Greg knocked down 7 pins, and One hit down 8! Greg was very kind and soft-spoken and took his time to chat with One about tips for success in life (go to school, get good grades) and football (the key to success is in your heart, keep trying, don't give up, and if you make a mistake just try, try again). And then they posed for a picture:

OK, the children are getting restless. Three is running around naked. Two is bugging me to help him get packed. One is demanding breakfast. Off to tend to these demanding, rotten little kids. :) Happy spring break (or non-spring break) to you all!!!!

randomness

Today, I went to the third doctor's appointment of the week and felt thankful (again) that we have decent insurance. Briefly, on Monday, One had a physical therapy appt for his previously dislocated shoulder. This was a new PT to us (we switched to sports medicine, which was a smart recommendation from a friend) and we liked the information and advice he shared with us, thankyouverymuch. Yesterday, Three had a well-child check, with turning four and all, and he did so well. First appointment in his little life where he did not scream during the entire time. Maturing is a good thing. Got the "news" that he's a happy, robust little boy. They inquired about his speech (after me needing to translate most of what he said), and they were glad to hear he's receiving services.

Today, I went to PT for my bum knee. In this case, however, maturing is maybe not such a good thing. The PT thinks it's a good bet that I have a torn meniscus, which is only fixed with surgery. I walked away with a handful of exercises to do in the hope that this may get me good enough. I was happy to hear that riding a bike is not only allowed, but recommended. I have been most concerned about not being able to ride around with my boys this summer. I just hopped off the exercise bike in the basement and completed the rest of my exercises. Felt good to sweat again, after taking a break from any real excursion for the past week or so.

With all of these doctor's appointments, Three and I have been playing doctor a lot. He's giving me such sage advice as to make sure to feed my baby (who had a fever) lots of french fries. HA!

Also this morning, I indulged in one of my current guilty pleasures -- watching Survivor online while snuggled on the couch with Three. He announces "good guys" and "bad guys" when the different teams are shown. He is rooting for the good guys. I am rooting simply for Boston Rob.

I am currently resisting the urge to eat a cookie. It helps that there aren't any cookies in the house.

Next week is Spring Break. Actually, it starts tomorrow with early release at (egads!) 10:45 am. What is up with the 10:45 am end time anyways?! I keep forgetting it's an early release day, and then one of the kids reminds me and I gasp in horror. I have no good plans and am a little worried.

I will end here, as this post is even boring ME.

three turned four!

There's a new sheriff in town. And he likes to wear his footie jammies under his costume, er, I mean, uniform.

The birthday party was very sweet (3 other little friends and their older siblings), complete with spider man cupcakes...
... costumes (optional) ...
... and a pinata!
Our little 4 year old is full of exuberance, creativity, and confidence. He makes us laugh. He makes us frustrated. He scares us (when he's a little too confident). He makes our family complete.

silver lining

I was in the middle of a fairly boring post updating my fairly regular life, and I thought, "oh, I should go and pull out the chicken from the freezer for the dinner party for 12 that I'm hosting tomorrow." (bunko group) Opened the freezer door and, hmm, the chicken is already thawed. And so is everything else. And it seems like the fridge isn't too cold either.

And now I'm waiting for the repair guy to get over here and do his thing.

Life is suddenly interesting.

Thank goodness for extended warranties and large, basement chest freezers.

ice skating video

I put together a little montage of classic ice skating moments from a lovely Valentine's day morning at our neighborhood ice skating rink. (Which, now, a mere 3 1/2 weeks later, is under water. Funny how that is -- felt like winter would NEVER end, and now ice skating seems ages in the past.) I thought of you, Aisha, when putting this together. I picture you laughing at their mad skating skillz. Enjoy!

(OK, I just watched it and I have two more comments. Please ignore my commentary. I'm chatting with a neighbor during part of it and it's really not a noteworthy conversation; however, I don't know how to turn down that volume thing. Second, there was a pick-up hockey game going on in the background that was cool to watch. 20 or so people skated really well and played a game for an hour or so. We tried to stay out of their way, and they were kind about our antics.)

medical minute

quick update:

Had mammogram #2 today and all is well. I'm back to annual checks. As my dad said, time for lots of prayers for thanksgiving.

Took One to PT yesterday for his shoulder. We heard frustrating news, and I'm trying to balance out what we WANT to hear with what is true. The PT, who was friendly enough, gave conflicting opinions about how restrictive to be with activity (and, of course, One wants to be less restrictive, especially since he feels completely FINE now). Mulling over what to do. Maybe a second opinion?

Three fell while trying to scooter yesterday (being taught by One, in a very sweet brother moment). He came in crying with a little scrap on his hand. He seemed fine after hugs and kisses and a bandaid. And then later, as I was rubbing his head in a moment of motherly affection, I found a huge goose egg on his forehead. Poor baby.

And in other news, I am reading High On Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips, and I am totally gripped by her story. It's good to read when you think you're having a I'm-not-a-great-parent day, because, trust me, NOTHING we do can compare to how John Phillips "parented" his children. I am very impressed by Mackenzie's honesty and insight. It's a good, quick read.

and then, and then

It all started Wednesday at 6:50 am when the phone rang. Our neighbor was in the hospital for a heart transplant (!) and I had previously agreed to be the dog-walker for this family.

So then, I got both boys off to their schools, walked our dog, walked neighbor's little doggie, and rushed back to school to prepare and deliver healthy snack to the classrooms at Two's school (a monthly volunteer job Three and I do).

And then, we returned home to regroup quickly and head back out, for a city bus adventure with some friends downtown. This included a visit to the police station for some finger printing, lunch at Ian's pizza, and some at the sweet but sad downtown library.

And then, after the bus ride home, we rushed back to school to pick up another neighbor's son. Two had lego club after school, so it was just this other first grader and Three, until One and third grader (first grader's sister) and Dash joined us at the playground. I was enjoying the sunshine and happy children playing...

And then! One started crying and holding his left arm. "It hurts! I can't move it," he cried. I quickly assessed the situation and feared that his shoulder got dislocated. (Although it has never happened to me, I have some prior knowledge of this due to other people in my life it has happened to. Sorry, again, about yanking your arm so hard when we were little, Mark, mon frere.)

So then, off we rushed to the pediatrician's office, which is fortunately only a mile or so away. Shoulder was put back in place, xrays were taken, and a referral to a pediatric orthopedic doctor was made. One left in a sling, with orders not to participate in gym or recess until the specialist had a chance to evaluate.

And then, we returned home. Walked neighbor's doggy again, made dinner, checked homework, and collapsed. I certainly fell asleep before at least one of my children that night.

And then, I woke up. Read my book club book from 1:30 - 4 am, and actually squeezed in a nice chat with Bob during that time too.

And then, woke up for good, did the morning routine, pleased to remember to walk little neighbor doggy too.

And then, ran to Woodman's for "just a few things". $90 later, we left to rush back home and put things away.

And then, greeted my parents, as they took Three to speech therapy so I could go to my mammogram. Third time is a charm. Got it done.

And then, returned home, to call about a cottage we are planning on renting for a week this summer in Door County. Turns out the rental contract hasn't been sent to me yet because the woman has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. "Get a mammogram," she said. "Just did!" I replied, feeling awfully good about myself.

And then, I made an appointment for early afternoon to take One to the orthopedic specialist. Figured out what to do with Two after school. Took a LONG OVERDUE shower.

And then. Received phone call saying that something didn't look right on my mammogram, and they want a second look. Felt not so good about myself, scheduled follow up for next week, and decided not to think too much about my mortality.

And then, rushed to school to pick up One. Took him to the doctor, where they confirmed the need for a break from physical activity (no gym for 6 weeks! no wrestling. delayed start for football.). Received order for physical therapy. Comforted very sad boy. Wiped away a lot of tears. Gave lots of hugs.

And then, picked up Two from after school play date. Made a quick supper. Ran to committee meeting for a local non-profit agency. Returned home, checked homework, considered having a glass of wine and reconsidered, knowing it would put me to sleep and I needed to stay awake to read my book. Instead of reading book, fell asleep during The Office. Never woke up mid-night to resume reading.

And then, slept until 5 am. Read for an hour. Felt relieved that my troubles are nothing like what people endured in Germany during WWII.

And then, got 2 kiddos to school. Walked 2 doggies. Went to One's school to watch their very sweet spring concert. Saw why One got a low grade for music. (He has such a lovely singing voice, and he barely opened his mouth.)

And then. I looked upwards and felt great gratitude that I live this life and am able to help neighbors, go on interesting field trips with friends, make emergency and frequent doctor's appointments, volunteer at school, volunteer in the community, watch other people's children sing in spring concerts, and ask people to help me.

dash's birthday, etc.

I just discovered Pandora internet radio. I'm so hip. I'm so hip I'm hep (which is originally what I typed).

I'm jealous of my brother's trip to Kenya last month. Mark - LOVED the photos. Gorgeous and lush. That coffee tree blows my mind. I keep slideshowing the pix.

Kids are happily playing some war game. I just overheard One say to Two, "c'mon, I'll upgrade your weapon," while three was following behind, chanting some a tribunal war cry.

I just typed up the "parent/child night out" schedule. My parents did this for us kids when we were growing up (each month, one parent and one child goes out to eat -- kid picks), and I've been waiting for my kids to be old enough. Three probably is a bit too young, but it felt like time for One and Two. Bob and One went out Friday night and had a blast, and they expanded the concept a little by also doing a little bit of shopping and indoor miniature golf. Meanwhile, I snuggled at home with the two younger ones, watching Monsters, Inc, all three of us squeezed together under one blanket on the couch. It was a very sweet night.

We've been enjoying basketball on Saturday mornings (Two is in a March Mania tournament at the YMCA). It's a nice new routine. It's getting us back in shape for our Saturday mornings on the football field, which will resume in April. April! Just around the corner!

Sun is shining. Snow is melting. Good day all around. Oh, and it's the first anniversary of getting Dash, so we've dubbed it his birthday. He made it a year! I have hope he'll be with us for a long while.