Saturday, June 27, 2009
A sweet way to wake up!
This week sleep has been somewhat interrupted by my precious baby as we are trying a new supplement. I hope my broken sleep was the reason I didn't hear the sounds of my girls waking up and beginning to shuffle around. But, I couldn't have asked to awaken to any sweeter sounds than that of my baby's mumbled words with a clear "Mamma" mixed in every little bit. And then the answer of, "It's just me coming in Baby. Don't be afraid. Good morning Baby Mackenzie!! I know you want Mamma, I'll go get her." I guess it wasn't only the words exchanged, but the very soft and gentle tone in which the day started for both Mackenzie and me!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"Dear Mom..."
While opening the morning can of peas for Mackenzie I heard, "Dear Mom." I glanced to the table to see Haleigh working hard on writing me a letter on the back of the library receipt. "Thanks for taking me to Great Wolf Lodge. It was exciting and I really love it. PS I can hardly wait to come back there. I really really really love you!"
What strikes me is that we are now reaching almost 2 weeks since our trip and still out of the blue from both big girls we are thanked for the fun. Just this morning Haleigh gave in to taking off her bracelet/ pass to the water park. (She gave in because she was tired of getting the little button caught in her hair during the night.) It has already taken a special place in her jewelry box.
During our trip I got to see such expressions of pure joy, excitement, wonder and thankfulness. One of my favorite pictures is one where Sophie and Haleigh were getting their first look at the water park from an overlook window. The look in their eyes was priceless. Another favorite was the look of pure excitement when we rode down the "River Canyon Run." My big girls would sit on one side of the inter tube and I sat on the other side facing them. The ride was great, but watching their faces was unbeatable, their smiles couldn't have been any bigger if they tried.
Some days Haleigh was able to ride and other days she didn't pass the height requirement. It greatly depended on the onlooking lifeguard. One day we had the traumatic experience of climbing all the way up the stairs, waiting in the line, only to be told she didn't meet the requirement. A supervisor was called to double check her, he said "sorry, I can't let her go." (Did I mention she had already gone on this ride 3 times the day before?) She was so sad and pathetic on the way down the steps that the supervisor couldn't stand to follow us anymore. We passed him again as we found our spot to get "emotional control." He then came over and asked us to come with him to the front of the park where the measuring stick was more accurate. Let me just tell you, a giraffe couldn't stretch its neck any longer than my Haleigh did. The result of water shoes, a ponytail strategically placed on the top of her head, and a giraffe-like stretching neck she received the prized initials of the supervisor on her bracelet, which would signal to all that she was able to ride any and all of the rides that required 42 inches of height!!!
Sophie's "golden prize" of the trip was that she and her daddy worked so hard to defeat the dragon of Magi-Quest. They worked to hard to collect all the needed ruins in the right order, give the bear its jewels, and finally on the third day and several tries at the dragons lair they defeated the dragon and received the title of Master Magi. If truth be known I think Mark was as into it as Enchanted Unicorn (Sophie's Magi-Quest name:)
Mackenzie didn't miss out on too many special moments. She packed in a LOT of one-on-one time with (mostly) Daddy and Mommy as we did the divide and conquer trick that must come with three of all different ages. Mackenzie was trooper about the whole thing. She took 2 hour naps each day right in the middle of all the action. No matter if we were questing or splashing in the water park she would just check out, right there in the midst of it all in the comfort of her stroller with a tray full of peas.
All in all, the trip was a BLAST. At the end of each day the girls were asking if they could go to bed. Mark and I were happy to say yes and see if we were able to stay awake until they were all asleep. As my Grandma would say, "Whoever goes to sleep first whistle." We would have had quite a chorus of whistles :) It was a precious time of packing memories and fun as it was put in the books as our first family vacation with just the 5 of us.
What strikes me is that we are now reaching almost 2 weeks since our trip and still out of the blue from both big girls we are thanked for the fun. Just this morning Haleigh gave in to taking off her bracelet/ pass to the water park. (She gave in because she was tired of getting the little button caught in her hair during the night.) It has already taken a special place in her jewelry box.
During our trip I got to see such expressions of pure joy, excitement, wonder and thankfulness. One of my favorite pictures is one where Sophie and Haleigh were getting their first look at the water park from an overlook window. The look in their eyes was priceless. Another favorite was the look of pure excitement when we rode down the "River Canyon Run." My big girls would sit on one side of the inter tube and I sat on the other side facing them. The ride was great, but watching their faces was unbeatable, their smiles couldn't have been any bigger if they tried.
Some days Haleigh was able to ride and other days she didn't pass the height requirement. It greatly depended on the onlooking lifeguard. One day we had the traumatic experience of climbing all the way up the stairs, waiting in the line, only to be told she didn't meet the requirement. A supervisor was called to double check her, he said "sorry, I can't let her go." (Did I mention she had already gone on this ride 3 times the day before?) She was so sad and pathetic on the way down the steps that the supervisor couldn't stand to follow us anymore. We passed him again as we found our spot to get "emotional control." He then came over and asked us to come with him to the front of the park where the measuring stick was more accurate. Let me just tell you, a giraffe couldn't stretch its neck any longer than my Haleigh did. The result of water shoes, a ponytail strategically placed on the top of her head, and a giraffe-like stretching neck she received the prized initials of the supervisor on her bracelet, which would signal to all that she was able to ride any and all of the rides that required 42 inches of height!!!
Sophie's "golden prize" of the trip was that she and her daddy worked so hard to defeat the dragon of Magi-Quest. They worked to hard to collect all the needed ruins in the right order, give the bear its jewels, and finally on the third day and several tries at the dragons lair they defeated the dragon and received the title of Master Magi. If truth be known I think Mark was as into it as Enchanted Unicorn (Sophie's Magi-Quest name:)
Mackenzie didn't miss out on too many special moments. She packed in a LOT of one-on-one time with (mostly) Daddy and Mommy as we did the divide and conquer trick that must come with three of all different ages. Mackenzie was trooper about the whole thing. She took 2 hour naps each day right in the middle of all the action. No matter if we were questing or splashing in the water park she would just check out, right there in the midst of it all in the comfort of her stroller with a tray full of peas.
All in all, the trip was a BLAST. At the end of each day the girls were asking if they could go to bed. Mark and I were happy to say yes and see if we were able to stay awake until they were all asleep. As my Grandma would say, "Whoever goes to sleep first whistle." We would have had quite a chorus of whistles :) It was a precious time of packing memories and fun as it was put in the books as our first family vacation with just the 5 of us.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Quiet Time?!
Quiet time is such a funny little title for what is supposed to happen in our home in the afternoons. For starters Haleigh and quiet really should never be mixed together in one sentence. Her quite times are so funny to hear. If one did not know any better they would swear that there was an entire cast in her room playing out some grand event. Sophie needs to announce the end of each book that she reads. In the backround Music Machine is blasting because as Sophie states, "I can read and listen to music at the same time "- I call it training for future "mommy-hood" where multi-tasking is a must. And, my precious Mackenzie is sleeping to her beloved Baby Van-Goat DVD.
As all this "quietness" began, my goal was to get to my bath tub for my own quiet time. As I tried to make my way I remembered all the business I was supposed to take care of today after our errands were completed. (That list included the library, the mall, Old Navy, Shoe Carnival, McD's, Family Christian Book Store, Staples, Sam's, Good Will and finally the car wash - drive thru only on the car wash ;) I was coming to the reality that I was not going to get to my tub so I headed to our newly acquired massage chair with computer in hand to at least relax a little while goals were being checked off the list. Let's just say it was a good thing that I was enjoying my massage chair calm when I finally reached the office of the doctor we are waiting on re: Mackenzie. They had no records, no recollection, absolutely no idea who I was talking about. After some more calls I am again waiting, but with the promise we will hear something by tomorrow noon.
Now as I am finishing up my quiet time, Haleigh is getting the snot thumped our of her in the massage chair. Sophie is on my couch reading asking how much longer until her turn to shake. I may try to get to my tub, but I know as soon as I step in, yep Mackenzie will be ready end her quiet time :)
i'll post about our fantastic trip and fun when i'm not realing from researching the research hospital.
As all this "quietness" began, my goal was to get to my bath tub for my own quiet time. As I tried to make my way I remembered all the business I was supposed to take care of today after our errands were completed. (That list included the library, the mall, Old Navy, Shoe Carnival, McD's, Family Christian Book Store, Staples, Sam's, Good Will and finally the car wash - drive thru only on the car wash ;) I was coming to the reality that I was not going to get to my tub so I headed to our newly acquired massage chair with computer in hand to at least relax a little while goals were being checked off the list. Let's just say it was a good thing that I was enjoying my massage chair calm when I finally reached the office of the doctor we are waiting on re: Mackenzie. They had no records, no recollection, absolutely no idea who I was talking about. After some more calls I am again waiting, but with the promise we will hear something by tomorrow noon.
Now as I am finishing up my quiet time, Haleigh is getting the snot thumped our of her in the massage chair. Sophie is on my couch reading asking how much longer until her turn to shake. I may try to get to my tub, but I know as soon as I step in, yep Mackenzie will be ready end her quiet time :)
i'll post about our fantastic trip and fun when i'm not realing from researching the research hospital.
Friday, June 5, 2009
... and I'm spent!!
We did it!! We finished up school today for the year. I think we will take June off and then start up 1/2 way in July and then all the way as August brings the high temps. Today itself was a struggle as we were testing to end on a note that we could be sure we could call it a successful year of learning. As testing was happening, it all hit the fan. Not that the answers weren't right, but the attitudes stunk. I wanted to finish school so I could more quickly move through my own "to do list." Sophie wanted to get any answer on a page so she could get to her "to play list." Let's leave out a lot of negatives and just say after a 2 hour nap and several losses of fun, Sophie was up and taking another full Math test with a smile on her face and the right answers on the page. She had changed her tune from, "I can't do these without your help!" to a sweet, "Wow, I really am good at this!"
What always gets me is the line. How far and hard to push to make her realize her potential without pushing with the wrong intentions of me being a successful homeschooling mamma instead of teaching her to her highest ability so she can be the best at whatever amazing thing God has already set her in motion to become.
Oh well, it all ended well. She aced the second math test and her spelling test spanning 5 lessons. Her attitude was so much sweeter after her nap. I actually cleaned the pantry and fridge, and had a tasty meal on the table (that I really did cook.) So this weekend will hopefully be one of getting things done, relaxing, and gearing up for the next sermon on Sunday that seems to always be as refreshing to my soul as sweet tea. I aparently need reminded weekly that God is in control of all of this craziness!!
Grace and peace...grace and peace with a little sweet tea :)!
What always gets me is the line. How far and hard to push to make her realize her potential without pushing with the wrong intentions of me being a successful homeschooling mamma instead of teaching her to her highest ability so she can be the best at whatever amazing thing God has already set her in motion to become.
Oh well, it all ended well. She aced the second math test and her spelling test spanning 5 lessons. Her attitude was so much sweeter after her nap. I actually cleaned the pantry and fridge, and had a tasty meal on the table (that I really did cook.) So this weekend will hopefully be one of getting things done, relaxing, and gearing up for the next sermon on Sunday that seems to always be as refreshing to my soul as sweet tea. I aparently need reminded weekly that God is in control of all of this craziness!!
Grace and peace...grace and peace with a little sweet tea :)!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
funnies
Lunch time brought some laughs today and I have to get them down here...
We were discussing going to Rolly Polly's, a little wrap/ sandwich shop just down the road. Many Thursdays after violin lessons we meet Mark there for dinner on the way home. A few weeks ago some of our small group families met us there. Today we were talking about going there and Sophie said she would like to get a turkey and cheese wrap. What I thought I heard Haleigh say was, "I want a grilled cheese." The discussion that followed cracked me up! Sophie, "Haleigh I've just got to let you know, it's GR-illed cheese not GIRLed cheese and yes boys can eat them!" I watched Haleigh's reaction to see if that is what she was thinking and indeed she did think it was a "girl-ed cheese" sandwich only for girls to eat.
Then Sophie asked to if we could meet our small group families meet us to eat. I told her that 2 of the families had left to go on vacations. Then she asked about another family that lives about 30 minutes out. I said, "Sophie, that's a long way to drive for a sandwich." She laughed at me and said, "Mom a sandwich can't drive!"
Just wanted to share some laughs and smiles :)
We were discussing going to Rolly Polly's, a little wrap/ sandwich shop just down the road. Many Thursdays after violin lessons we meet Mark there for dinner on the way home. A few weeks ago some of our small group families met us there. Today we were talking about going there and Sophie said she would like to get a turkey and cheese wrap. What I thought I heard Haleigh say was, "I want a grilled cheese." The discussion that followed cracked me up! Sophie, "Haleigh I've just got to let you know, it's GR-illed cheese not GIRLed cheese and yes boys can eat them!" I watched Haleigh's reaction to see if that is what she was thinking and indeed she did think it was a "girl-ed cheese" sandwich only for girls to eat.
Then Sophie asked to if we could meet our small group families meet us to eat. I told her that 2 of the families had left to go on vacations. Then she asked about another family that lives about 30 minutes out. I said, "Sophie, that's a long way to drive for a sandwich." She laughed at me and said, "Mom a sandwich can't drive!"
Just wanted to share some laughs and smiles :)
Caring Bridge (post copied)
Yesterday Mackenzie had a follow up at Greenwood Genetics and we left somewhat shocked with whatthe next step might be... another trip. Dr. Champagne has been in contact with many doctors that worked with us in Denver (at National Jewish and Denver Children's Hospital) to look further into the tests Mackenzie had while we were there. Then she contacted a specialist in the area of pediatric GI motility issues. He said it sounds like she is on the right track in thinking that the problems could be with the motility in her GI track and he even suggested which section could be the problem.We are excited with the possiblity of a answer, but at the same time hesitant to jump into thinking the problem is solved. We have been down the "this could be the answer" road too many times to put all of our eggs in this basket. However, we do know there is a reason for all of this and God already knows the outcome of each appointment, trip, even each phone conversation discussing our little mystery. Mackenzie did tip the scales to 20 lbs, and she has grown a few cm since our last visit 3 months ago. She is hanging on to her third percentile so we haven't lost any ground in her growth. She has continued to meet each developmental milestone. For all of these things we are very excited and see many positives!!Now we are waiting for the doctor to call from Milwaukee to set up a phone interview to review Mackenzie's case at length and see if a trip to the motility clinic in Milwaukee is our next step on this journey. We really have no details on when, how long or even what the testing and treatment would involve.Just this past Sunday our pastor preached on the times we feel the most helpless are the times we can become more dependent on Christ. Let's just say this journey has brought us closer to Him than ever before. We have had many sweet times of drawing close to Him. He has shown us compassion and peace in the swirling confusion and frustration of all of this and in our weakest times He has given us strength! Thank you for your continued love and prayers! We'll let you know when we have a plan in place:)
Monday, June 1, 2009
All Is Quiet...
As I sit here in the kitchen, sipping hot tea all is quiet. All except the dryer that is. All three girls are tucked in for the night. If I listened closely enough I would probably hear "Pappa Chuck" from Haleigh's room, "Blue's Clues" from Mackenzie's room and "Adventures In Odessey" coming from Sophie's room. Sophie just came down to announce that she has finished yet another American Girls book and she made a checklist of the dolls. Her movements still shock me with the level of animation that always flows as she talks.
Lately, the biggest excitement is the upcoming trip to "The Great Wolf Lodge!" We had a change in summer plans and decided to try out this indoor water park that is only about 2 hours away. We have visited the website often and Sophie has packed her suitcase and backpack at least once a day for the last week (and we still have at over a week before we go.) When Sophie was telling Grandma about the new plans she suggested we get out the toilet paper. Sophie's response was, "Oh yeah, that's a great idea I'm sure I'll have to pee!" I think she was thinking she needed to pack it for the trip, but in my childhood we would count down to big trips by hanging numbered squares of toilet paper and tear one off each day as the trip got closer. Well this is a highlight of each day in our house now.
Good Friends:
Last night we had a cookout with our small group, what a blast. A busy blast, but a blast none the less. 19 kids and 12 adults - now that is a cookout! We are so blessed to be part of such a sweet group of folks they make being this far from family do-able. This morning we were back together again for a birthday party. Very simple, VERY fun! We all just loaded up bikes, scooters, and roller skates and it was a "rolling" party. I'll get pictures posted sometime soon.
As we were going to the party I realized that it was perhaps the first time Haleigh was going to really ride her big girl bike. Really it was no surprise when she took off like a pro, and no surprise that she couldn't (or wouldn't) figure out how to use the breaks.
Tomorrow brings...
Mackenzie's visit to the genetics doctor. We have gone over my Denver Developmental checklist in preparation of the questions that seem to throw me when asked can she... It's as if when they ask the questions I completely blank. She seems to be right on track as far as my test showed. We'll see what they say tomorrow. She meets with the developmental specialist, nutritionist, and the geneticist, as well as having blood work. I am a little anxious to see what the plan is. I have been trying to tell myself this will be like all the other appointments over the last 12 months and they really won't have a plan, but somewhere inside I am still longing for one. However, Sunday our pastor spoke on "our times of complete helplessness" that is when we are most dependent and aware of Jesus. At the end of the service I could have spoken a loud "Amen" if I wasn't holding back my ugly cry. So here we go... we'll just stick with His plan of Him knowing for now and when it's our turn to know He'll will let us in on what we need to know.
I better get some paperwork filled out - the food log of the last 3 days - let's just say that won't take too long, or vary too much :)
Lately, the biggest excitement is the upcoming trip to "The Great Wolf Lodge!" We had a change in summer plans and decided to try out this indoor water park that is only about 2 hours away. We have visited the website often and Sophie has packed her suitcase and backpack at least once a day for the last week (and we still have at over a week before we go.) When Sophie was telling Grandma about the new plans she suggested we get out the toilet paper. Sophie's response was, "Oh yeah, that's a great idea I'm sure I'll have to pee!" I think she was thinking she needed to pack it for the trip, but in my childhood we would count down to big trips by hanging numbered squares of toilet paper and tear one off each day as the trip got closer. Well this is a highlight of each day in our house now.
Good Friends:
Last night we had a cookout with our small group, what a blast. A busy blast, but a blast none the less. 19 kids and 12 adults - now that is a cookout! We are so blessed to be part of such a sweet group of folks they make being this far from family do-able. This morning we were back together again for a birthday party. Very simple, VERY fun! We all just loaded up bikes, scooters, and roller skates and it was a "rolling" party. I'll get pictures posted sometime soon.
As we were going to the party I realized that it was perhaps the first time Haleigh was going to really ride her big girl bike. Really it was no surprise when she took off like a pro, and no surprise that she couldn't (or wouldn't) figure out how to use the breaks.
Tomorrow brings...
Mackenzie's visit to the genetics doctor. We have gone over my Denver Developmental checklist in preparation of the questions that seem to throw me when asked can she... It's as if when they ask the questions I completely blank. She seems to be right on track as far as my test showed. We'll see what they say tomorrow. She meets with the developmental specialist, nutritionist, and the geneticist, as well as having blood work. I am a little anxious to see what the plan is. I have been trying to tell myself this will be like all the other appointments over the last 12 months and they really won't have a plan, but somewhere inside I am still longing for one. However, Sunday our pastor spoke on "our times of complete helplessness" that is when we are most dependent and aware of Jesus. At the end of the service I could have spoken a loud "Amen" if I wasn't holding back my ugly cry. So here we go... we'll just stick with His plan of Him knowing for now and when it's our turn to know He'll will let us in on what we need to know.
I better get some paperwork filled out - the food log of the last 3 days - let's just say that won't take too long, or vary too much :)
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