Team Teddy Bear: another picture
I have people ask me about my kidneys. I try to explain how big they are, which is surprising to most people because usually kidneys shrink when you have kidney disease. I've been complaining that even though I've been losing weight (only about 10 pounds so far), my tummy still sticks out - especially just after I eat. I think it's because my kidneys take up so much space, but I wonder sometimes if people just don't believe me. That's why I've linked to the above post to show how large polycystic kidneys can become.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Soccer, a Sick Kid, Garage Sale-ing and Mother's Day
We enrolled both our kids in soccer this year. Initially I wasn’t sure what we were going to do if there were conflicts in game times seeing as we only have one vehicle, and last year Bruce did most of the taking Brendan to his games since I wouldn’t always be home from work yet. So I was quite pleased when I found out Brendan and Shaeleigh have the same soccer coach. Or at least I was. Until I saw their schedules. There are many days when both kids have a game at the same time in different parts of the City. Now how in the world can one coach be in two places at the same time? He can’t. Apparently that’s why they have assistant coaches. But we don’t have an assistant second car. It’s a good thing that we know some of the other parents with kids that go to the same school as our kids. Carpooling and having a busy schedule have taken on a whole new meaning.
Brendan is in an older age category now, and also has practices. So this last week he went to practice, even though he had a runny nose. He seemed to do well. But Thursday Bruce got a call asking him to come get Brendan because he wasn’t doing well and was sick. Apparently he was quite lethargic (keep in mind this is the boy who won’t sit at the supper table and can’t stay still for more than a couple minutes at a time, even when he’s playing computer). Thursday night Brendan complained about his throat being sore, so I tried to take a peek. I couldn’t really see, but the opening seemed smaller than it should be and I suggested Bruce call the doctor in the morning for a checkup. Good thing they went. The doctor said his tonsils looked really bad and put him on antibiotics (the pharmacist called it ‘freshly squeezed banana juice’). This kid has a VERY high pain tolerance. He had hardly complained, and yet we noticed that since he was sick we had a hard time understanding what he is saying (probably because his throat was so swollen). He was supposed to play soccer Friday night, but we kept him home. He was acting okay, but the doctor said it should be a rest day.
Saturday is our garage sale-ing day. There was a church near us that was having a pancake breakfast and sale, so we headed there. It was great. We picked up a couch pillow, fish tank with accessories, bread pan, strainer, square purple candle, suitcase with handbag, Ariel bedskirt (to match the Ariel sheets and quilt Shaeleigh already has), set of 4 matching placemats and set of 6 matching placemats, thermos and 4 Christmas tins for $10. We also ended up getting some books, puzzles, plates, gardening tools, and meat grinder for very reasonable prices. I picked up a book to learn how to use the sewing machine and serger that were my mom’s, as well as a Reader’s Digest How-To book. The lady I bought them from said my husband would be happy because I bought something for him, too. I looked at her and said, “No I didn’t. It’s for me!” I love Bruce, but he is about as handy as he is musical (see previous entry).
Since we spent all our day’s money at one place, we headed to a school in our neighbourhood that was celebrating 50 years by giving away free hot dogs and hamburgers. We stopped at home, picked up our kite, and headed to the school. It turns out we got there just in time (meaning just before the burgers ran out). We ate, went on a horse and buggy ride, and then flew our kite. I was wishing I had thought to bring the cameral, because it was such a great day. The wind was gusting, so the kite would go up and then come down again. But eventually I managed to get it high into the air. But no matter how long or high the kite went, both the kids had fun. (I’ll try to remember the camera next time and post some pictures).
By the time we got home, both Bruce and I were wiped. So we let Brendan play computer, put in a Barbie movie for Shaeleigh, and Bruce and I both laid down (he in the bedroom, me on the couch). When the movie was done, I pulled out some mini pizzas from the freezer to make for supper. Now Brendan has the ability to be an angel. He also has the ability to be quite the opposite. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say, he will do or say exactly the opposite. I had asked him to stop playing computer (because we limit the amount of screen time the kids are allowed), and while he eventually quit his game, he continued playing with the keyboard and was making it make all those noises that mean the computer is not happy with what you are inputting. When I told him to stop – well – you can guess what he did. So, probably because I was tired, I told him to go to his room. I had no energy to deal with his defiance.
I think it ended up being a good thing. Because when I went into his room to talk with him, he was lying under his covers with his eyes closed. I left him be until the pizza was ready, and then asked Bruce to go in to let him know his pizza was ready and to talk with him about whether or not he wanted to get up or if he wanted to rest. It turned out that he wanted to rest. Now he and Shaeleigh have Church School Saturday, and then we stay for Vespers. Brendan decided he was going to rest through Church School (both kids LOVE to go to Church School), but he wanted to go to Vespers. I talked with him and let him know that it was okay if he wanted to stay resting, that we weren’t going to make him go to Church when he was sick, but he insisted. So I said, well, we’d see how he was feeling when his Dad was going to go to Vespers (I was planning on staying home because I am sick with a sore throat and runny nose, too). Brendan rested for the hour, and then said he still wanted to go to church, so he went. I stayed home, got ready for bed and was in bed by 7 p.m.
I didn’t have a very good sleep, even though I was in bed for 12 hours. I woke up with a very sore throat. The amazing thing is, when I got to church, my throat didn’t hurt for the rest of the day. It’s starting to hurt again now. But I’ve been feeling like I’ve been on the verge of being sick for the last few months, so this isn’t much of anything new.
My Mother’s Day started with Shaeleigh yelling from her bedroom at 6 a.m. if it was time to get up yet. But I received some wonderful cards from my kids, and Bruce bought me an under-the-sink water purifier. The only problem is, some of the pieces are missing. (and I’m not sure how we’re going to install it when we do have all the pieces.)
Because of gas prices (and health reasons), I like to walk to church now. It takes about half an hour if the kids ride their bikes. We decided to let Brendan sleep as late as he wanted with the idea that Bruce and Shaeleigh would walk, and I’d take the van when (if) he woke up. Well, just as they were getting ready to head out the door, Brendan woke up and wanted to ride his bike as well. Since there was a baptism today, we knew we would have to make sure we got to the church on time (preferably early), so we gave him five minutes. He was ready really fast, so we all went without the van.
Baptisms are always exciting. The service went longer than usual. And even though there wasn’t a scheduled lunch, the families involved with the baptism provided a lunch. We helped clean up and ended up leaving the church later than usual. We are normally one of the last to leave (around 2), but today we didn’t leave until 3.
On the way home we say an Open House. We love stopping at Open Houses, even though the houses are usually way out of our price range or are too small for us. There’s almost always something wrong with the house, but Bruce and I still like to look. This house screamed out both our names. We both LOVE the house. It’s an old house, built in 1912 – 2 ½ stories with a basement. It’s in a neighbourhood we tried to get into when we first were looking at buying a house. The only drawback is the yard (and no garage). It is even in our price range of affordability. *sigh*
Then we started talking about it on the way home. 1. It doesn’t have AC. Summers on the upper floor would probably be unbearably hot. 2. Equalized payments for energy were listed at $136 per month. We currently equalize ourselves at about $85 per month. That would be a steep climb. 3. While it has a ton of room, I couldn’t see entertaining many people there. And I dream of a home where we can have many people over to visit. 4. It has a TON of stairs. One of the other ideas I’m getting used to about our house is that we could potentially be here until we have to move into a nursing home. 5. I’d lose my garden and space for the kids ice rink, and a place to park the trailer. There’s really no yard space.
*pout* I realized that while it was my dream home, it’s not my reality home. I love the character homes, but can’t realistically see it fitting my idea of my lifestyle. I really do love my home, even if I complain about it occasionally.
Now it’s the end of the day and I’m going to head to bed. I’m tired (and sick) and hope that tomorrow is a good day at work.
Brendan is in an older age category now, and also has practices. So this last week he went to practice, even though he had a runny nose. He seemed to do well. But Thursday Bruce got a call asking him to come get Brendan because he wasn’t doing well and was sick. Apparently he was quite lethargic (keep in mind this is the boy who won’t sit at the supper table and can’t stay still for more than a couple minutes at a time, even when he’s playing computer). Thursday night Brendan complained about his throat being sore, so I tried to take a peek. I couldn’t really see, but the opening seemed smaller than it should be and I suggested Bruce call the doctor in the morning for a checkup. Good thing they went. The doctor said his tonsils looked really bad and put him on antibiotics (the pharmacist called it ‘freshly squeezed banana juice’). This kid has a VERY high pain tolerance. He had hardly complained, and yet we noticed that since he was sick we had a hard time understanding what he is saying (probably because his throat was so swollen). He was supposed to play soccer Friday night, but we kept him home. He was acting okay, but the doctor said it should be a rest day.
Saturday is our garage sale-ing day. There was a church near us that was having a pancake breakfast and sale, so we headed there. It was great. We picked up a couch pillow, fish tank with accessories, bread pan, strainer, square purple candle, suitcase with handbag, Ariel bedskirt (to match the Ariel sheets and quilt Shaeleigh already has), set of 4 matching placemats and set of 6 matching placemats, thermos and 4 Christmas tins for $10. We also ended up getting some books, puzzles, plates, gardening tools, and meat grinder for very reasonable prices. I picked up a book to learn how to use the sewing machine and serger that were my mom’s, as well as a Reader’s Digest How-To book. The lady I bought them from said my husband would be happy because I bought something for him, too. I looked at her and said, “No I didn’t. It’s for me!” I love Bruce, but he is about as handy as he is musical (see previous entry).
Since we spent all our day’s money at one place, we headed to a school in our neighbourhood that was celebrating 50 years by giving away free hot dogs and hamburgers. We stopped at home, picked up our kite, and headed to the school. It turns out we got there just in time (meaning just before the burgers ran out). We ate, went on a horse and buggy ride, and then flew our kite. I was wishing I had thought to bring the cameral, because it was such a great day. The wind was gusting, so the kite would go up and then come down again. But eventually I managed to get it high into the air. But no matter how long or high the kite went, both the kids had fun. (I’ll try to remember the camera next time and post some pictures).
By the time we got home, both Bruce and I were wiped. So we let Brendan play computer, put in a Barbie movie for Shaeleigh, and Bruce and I both laid down (he in the bedroom, me on the couch). When the movie was done, I pulled out some mini pizzas from the freezer to make for supper. Now Brendan has the ability to be an angel. He also has the ability to be quite the opposite. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say, he will do or say exactly the opposite. I had asked him to stop playing computer (because we limit the amount of screen time the kids are allowed), and while he eventually quit his game, he continued playing with the keyboard and was making it make all those noises that mean the computer is not happy with what you are inputting. When I told him to stop – well – you can guess what he did. So, probably because I was tired, I told him to go to his room. I had no energy to deal with his defiance.
I think it ended up being a good thing. Because when I went into his room to talk with him, he was lying under his covers with his eyes closed. I left him be until the pizza was ready, and then asked Bruce to go in to let him know his pizza was ready and to talk with him about whether or not he wanted to get up or if he wanted to rest. It turned out that he wanted to rest. Now he and Shaeleigh have Church School Saturday, and then we stay for Vespers. Brendan decided he was going to rest through Church School (both kids LOVE to go to Church School), but he wanted to go to Vespers. I talked with him and let him know that it was okay if he wanted to stay resting, that we weren’t going to make him go to Church when he was sick, but he insisted. So I said, well, we’d see how he was feeling when his Dad was going to go to Vespers (I was planning on staying home because I am sick with a sore throat and runny nose, too). Brendan rested for the hour, and then said he still wanted to go to church, so he went. I stayed home, got ready for bed and was in bed by 7 p.m.
I didn’t have a very good sleep, even though I was in bed for 12 hours. I woke up with a very sore throat. The amazing thing is, when I got to church, my throat didn’t hurt for the rest of the day. It’s starting to hurt again now. But I’ve been feeling like I’ve been on the verge of being sick for the last few months, so this isn’t much of anything new.
My Mother’s Day started with Shaeleigh yelling from her bedroom at 6 a.m. if it was time to get up yet. But I received some wonderful cards from my kids, and Bruce bought me an under-the-sink water purifier. The only problem is, some of the pieces are missing. (and I’m not sure how we’re going to install it when we do have all the pieces.)
Because of gas prices (and health reasons), I like to walk to church now. It takes about half an hour if the kids ride their bikes. We decided to let Brendan sleep as late as he wanted with the idea that Bruce and Shaeleigh would walk, and I’d take the van when (if) he woke up. Well, just as they were getting ready to head out the door, Brendan woke up and wanted to ride his bike as well. Since there was a baptism today, we knew we would have to make sure we got to the church on time (preferably early), so we gave him five minutes. He was ready really fast, so we all went without the van.
Baptisms are always exciting. The service went longer than usual. And even though there wasn’t a scheduled lunch, the families involved with the baptism provided a lunch. We helped clean up and ended up leaving the church later than usual. We are normally one of the last to leave (around 2), but today we didn’t leave until 3.
On the way home we say an Open House. We love stopping at Open Houses, even though the houses are usually way out of our price range or are too small for us. There’s almost always something wrong with the house, but Bruce and I still like to look. This house screamed out both our names. We both LOVE the house. It’s an old house, built in 1912 – 2 ½ stories with a basement. It’s in a neighbourhood we tried to get into when we first were looking at buying a house. The only drawback is the yard (and no garage). It is even in our price range of affordability. *sigh*
Then we started talking about it on the way home. 1. It doesn’t have AC. Summers on the upper floor would probably be unbearably hot. 2. Equalized payments for energy were listed at $136 per month. We currently equalize ourselves at about $85 per month. That would be a steep climb. 3. While it has a ton of room, I couldn’t see entertaining many people there. And I dream of a home where we can have many people over to visit. 4. It has a TON of stairs. One of the other ideas I’m getting used to about our house is that we could potentially be here until we have to move into a nursing home. 5. I’d lose my garden and space for the kids ice rink, and a place to park the trailer. There’s really no yard space.
*pout* I realized that while it was my dream home, it’s not my reality home. I love the character homes, but can’t realistically see it fitting my idea of my lifestyle. I really do love my home, even if I complain about it occasionally.
Now it’s the end of the day and I’m going to head to bed. I’m tired (and sick) and hope that tomorrow is a good day at work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)