I am pleased to inform you that we are in the process of getting Izzy a very special bike. A very LARGE bike (we'll need to carry it using a flat deck trailer) but a bike nonetheless!
It is called a tandem bike by Freedom Concepts which essentially is one massive tricycle with a specialized seat for Isabel in the front. Her feet will be strapped to the pedals which will move along with the cyclist enabling a good therapeutic repetitive motion for her otherwise immobile legs. (Hmmm, say that sentence five times real fast...).
Izzy's in-school physiotherapist had written a letter of recommendation back in the fall to our Children's Special Services program along with the quote of $5,000 (plus taxes). Yikes! Yes, you read that right! The good news came in this past week that CSS has agreed to fund $3,200!!! Not only that, but when Freedom Concepts learned that the bike was not being fully funded, they agreed to lower their price to $4,000 (plus those lovely taxes).
This leaves our family with a bill for $1,023.20. I'd say that's a lot more plausible than $5,000!!!
My dad has given each of his grandkids $100 each year on their birthdays since their births, so thanks to my dad's contributions over these last eleven years, we are able to fund the difference. (Thank you so much, Dad!!!).
So watch out world! No seriously, watch out for the extremely large tricycle with the little dinky ringer bell... cuz the Vaags family is going to dare some cycling adventures this summer. Oh yeah!
Thanks again for your prayers, everyone. Our blessings are certainly coming at us in abundance (I think to make up for the Florida trip!!) and I thank each of you for that.
Lovingly, respectfully and eternally grateful...
Me.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Purim-ification!!
Alright everyone... take in a deep breath... hold it... hold it... hooooold it... and now, let it all out.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Squeeze out just that last little breath and the next breath you take in will fill you with release, more oxygen and a feeling of intention that you have just taken a second to look out for "you".
And that is what Sabbath feels like for me! Oh beloved Sabbath! Do I dare imagine where my mental state would be without you? Do you know what dawned on me not too long ago? When God commanded us to rest on the seventh day (as He did), He sanctified that day... not for Him... but for US! I did not quite understand that at first, but man o man, does it make sense to me now!
I have no doubt that you know the attempts at "rest" when your body is crying out for it only to have the mental background noise kabosh any true rest due to the nagging haunting "to-do's" and "you should be doing..." It's as though Sabbath is a commandment for our brains to stop, allowing us to commune more meaningfully with family and/or friends. It's our PERMISSION to rest!
I did not realize how much noise my brain made until we started observing Sabbath (from sun down on Friday to sundown on Saturday). The mental hubbub gets swept under the rug (or generally tossed out the window!) and I can literally feel the smile growing on my face, my shoulders dropping down (why on earth were they up to my ears in the first place) and peace settling into my soul like a welcomed visitor!
This is actually the first Sabbath our family has had in a couple of months! Not by failure on our parts to TRY to observe it but just due to life in general. With Duane's shift work, he worked for quite a few of those Saturdays and for about four of them, Melina was invited out to be with either family or friends. With me at home alone with all the critters, Sabbath was not feeling "set a part" but just like any other day!
So today, I relish in this opportunity to simply "BE" together... (as I leave my family to stare at my computer screen... the irony is just hitting me now). Duane is usually quite purposeful (taking kids outside) in giving me these chances to connect with you all. You know, there really is something prayerful for me to open my heart and share my thoughts and life events. It brings me great peace and I pray that it can give you something, too!
There is so much to catch up on! For instance, there was my pathetic attempt at honouring Purim a few weeks ago...
Purim is not one of God's appointed times but it is a significant historical event for the Hebrew nation when one of their kind was taken in as Queen at a time when a royal decree was proclaimed to slay all Hebrews (men, women, children) on a certain day. If you have the chance, read the book of Esther (it's a quick read) and be amazed at the "poetic justice" enforced upon the man whose heart served only himself.
Anyways, the holiday is celebrated by feasting (of course) and sharing meals with others, particularly neighbours, the poor, the shut-ins and the widows.
And this is a part where I reveal a weakness or shortcoming of mine. Whether this "instinct" comes from having been a single mother living on very little income, I do not know, but it is one I am in the process of "shedding". What is it, you wonder? (Deep breath) I struggle with GIVING things away to others. Oh I can lend things out, but not without making a mental note of making sure I eventually get it back.
It sucks. It feels selfish, untrusting and just so petty. I literally have a mild panic attack wondering "but what if I will need it?" How silly given the fact that it may be something I have not used in a long time and regardless of the fact that I MIGHT need it someday... the fact remains that someone could use it NOW.
Duane gives of anything and everything he has! His vehicles, his time, his machinery, his tools... anything and everything... no questions asked, no hesitancy on his part. It drove me nuts at first but now it just humbles the bejeebers out of me! Besides, WHAT we have is not by a result of OUR own means!!! Our provisions are just that... provisions! All that we have is thanks to God so in essence, if it comes FROM Him, then it belongs TO Him! If what I have came from Him, why would I ever adopt the notion that is is mine? If someone asks for something, should it therefore not be giving out without a single expectation of having it returned? Shouldn't it be given out as though passing on a GIFT from one to the next?
There are times where this can happen, no problemo. But other times where I find myself making that mental note. Quite frankly, I want to get rid of that reaction. And Purim was presenting a fantastic opportunity to do just that!
One of our next door neighbours (about a five minute walk away), is 93 years old, near blind (yet still shovels her walkway as though no snow has ever fallen) and has been a widow for many, many years. I have been her neighbour for over four years now and not once have I ever walked over to introduce myself, to bring her a meal, or just simply offer her the comfort of knowing I think of her and wish her well. For days, this weighed heavily on my heart. Like an answer to prayer, the weeks leading up to Purim, my readings delved further into its historical significance and hope began to flicker inside my heart as I imagined making a few pots of soup for our dear Mrs. Oliman (whose name I have changed for privacy's sake) and bring them to her in individual servings. I could even make it a Sabbath tradition... bring her some soup and challah bread (when I'd finally get back to making it!).
Oh the feeling in my heart was incredible! Finally, I could use our provisions (provided by God) and share them with those He has trusted in our care!
A few days went by and we suddenly received a call from Mrs. Oliman's grand-daughter. She was rather upset asking us to please run over to make sure her grandmother was okay. She had been trying to reach her since the night before with no luck.
And what does my guilt do? "See? If you had just been a present neighbour, this would not be happening!"
"Duane! I am going with you! I want to make sure she's okay, too. And I owe her an apology."
So off we went, nervous and scared at the moment that was impending. Duane banged loudly on the door (as she is losing her hearing, too) and we heard shuffling within. (sigh of relief). She opened the door and I proclaimed "MRS OLIMAN! I AM YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR, RITA, AND I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE FOR NOT COMING OVER TO MEET YOU BEFORE NOW."
Now I have heard some tales about this woman and I am sure you can imagine how "feisty" this woman must be given the fact that she is living fully independently (on a farmstead) at ninety-three years of age. I think part of the reason I had not come to meet her was because I was afraid! (Boy, I am sure doing a fine job of painting a lovely image of my weaknesses today).
She looked at me (or slightly passed me as her eyes do not work) as we both stood there for a moment... my thoughts: did I say that loud enough? Should I hug her? Is she contemplating calling the cops? Suddenly her stern look relaxed as she said "Oh... come, I give you coffee."
As we sat at her table, Duane looked over at me with a warning look and hand gesture of "do NOT drink the coffee!" I looked angrily at him hoping he could read my mind of do NOT make gestures around a blind woman! And besides, I also wondered how much that "sixth sense" could come into play here, too! Regardless, given the debt I felt towards this woman, I would have accepted a cup of fermented fish heads! Thankfully, it was instant coffee instead.
It fascinated me to watch her manoeuvre around her kitchen so effortlessly despite being blind. She called me over to the cutlery drawer and said "Here. You put how much coffee you want in your cup"
I looked down at the fork she offered me and said "Okay, but I might be here for a while."
She grabbed it back, put it directly in front of her eyes and said "Oh... I get you a spoon."
Before long, we were sitting at her table with a package of cookies before us. Would you believe she said that she was happy to finally meet me and that she had often debated walking over but was worried she would get hit by a vehicle? (And cue the tears of guilt)
No, I did not actually start to cry but I did reach out to touch her shoulder and say, "I am glad you did not put yourself at risk... again, I should have been here sooner."
And then I asked "Mrs. Oliman, do you like noisy children?"
"Yes, I LOVE them."
"Good, because I happen to have a few of them and I would like to bring them to meet you."
"Yes, yes!! I would LOVE that. I will play with them!"
By then, her granddaughter had arrived proclaiming "GRANDMA! You scared the crap out of me!!" So I got to meet her granddaughter as well. At Mrs. Oliman's previous comment of wanting the kids to come over, her granddaughter leaned over and said "Good luck with that one... it is a minefield around here!"
Sure enough, i finally began to look around and noticed the plethora of porcelain decorations everywhere. Yikes, hopefully Mrs. Oliman is better at parting with earthly belongings than I am!!
(nervous laugh of shame)
We left and I was that much more determined to step out of my lovely world of intentions and step into the world of ACTION. Oh trust me, in my pretty world of good intentions, I am such a wonderful person! In the world of following through with action? Not so good. Okay, okay... I suck!
But along came Purim! Finally, an opportunity to take out those brand new casserole dishes we got for our wedding nearly five years ago (yes, I really am aware at how ugly a picture of myself I am painting here but I vow to be honest with you all... and myself) and decided I would make a few casseroles and bring them to surrounding neighbours (two in particular who appear to be struggling with paying their bills). It is time to let them know that I am here for them in any way that I can be, that I think of them and that I want nourishment for them... and a casserole dish!
(Cue Mega-Nice-Mom of grandiose - and unrealistic - dreams)
And then I can make a big pot of spaghetti sauce and bring a jar to ALL our neighbours on our road! And Melina and I can bake two separate kinds of cookies and have a lovely plate of cookies, too! Oh, and the kids can do craft time and make lovely "Happy Purim" cards! Oh it will be a happy Purim for EVERYONE! And the world will hold hands and sing Kumbaya... all will be good!
Told you my world of intentions was real perdy.
(Cue reality)
Purim was finally here and Duane was gone all day in a meeting and then off to work a night shift so it was me and the five kids. For some reason, I thought it would be smart to start this whole "project Purim" when the kids would go down for nap in the afternoon. Stupidly thinking that Anika might want to partake in the baking part, I let her stay up... which meant Ethan had to stay up (darn those puppy dog eyes and his pleading to stay up with Anika!). Alright, so I figured I would put a movie on in the living room with pillows and blankets so that Ethan would eventually fall asleep.
Next, I told Melina to choose one of the two cookie recipes. "Mina, keep it simple... something quick and easy but delicious."
I had chosen cowboy cookies and she opted for some strange "healthy" recipe out of my "healthy cooking book"... not a place I would have looked for a yummy cookie recipe... but hey, I gave her my criteria and I trusted her.
Next was "make a list of the ingredients we'll need for both recipes and I'll run to the store quick to get them." Off I went into the nearest town. It wasn't until I started grabbing plain yogurt that I started questioning the recipe Melina chose. But there was no time for questions... we had to bake these cookies and make a spaghetti sauce in time to drive up and down our road to about ten families with a meal, desserts, homemade cards and a friendly introduction!
Got back, had to nurse Sivana, then it was change diapers (including Isabel's).. oops, forgot about getting Izzy her water and setting up her feeding... and did Ethan poop again? Naps did NOT happen so we were ambushed by crying fits and meltdowns. And shoot, how would we distribute all these things? Do I just leave Isabel, Anika, Ethan and Sivana in the van still running while Melina and I run to these people's doors bearing gifts? It takes about forty-five minutes to dress & load all the kids... we are quickly running out of time! And will this be well received or am I just going to freak out the neighbours?
We got one batch of cookies made.. phew! Spaghetti sauce was well on its way. Then it was time to tackle "Melina's" cookie recipe.
Good grief! I should have definitely doubled checked!! Mix flour, cut in butter, add yogurt, form dough, roll into ball, REFRIGERATE FOR THIRTY MINUTES (are you kidding me?), then cut into sections, roll out each section.... oh and then it's create inner mixture via food processor, add to individually rolled out pieces, ROLL each piece, then CUT into 1/4 inch slices (which caused each piece to unravel... so in essense it was 'cut each piece, re-stuff it then re-roll it"... ARGH... lay on cookie sheet, bake for... get this... THIRTY MINUTES, turning over once half way through!!! Cripes!!! I doubled this blasted batch!! We are not going to be done making these before nine o'clock at night!!!
The kids are screaming around us, I am barking orders at Melina who is now looking ready to pack her bags and hitch hike her way to "anywhere but here!" and the sauce burned to the bottom while I was trying to make these horrific nightmarish "cookies"! The kitchen is an absolute battle zone of allergens, the kids are now colouring on themselves rather than the Happy Purim cards and someone is now knocking at the door....
Are you kidding me?? (And this is why I live happily in my world of good intentions!!)
By the end of the day, we finally ate our supper around 8:00 pm, the kids were fit to be tied (napless and hungry), Isabel was crying to have her movie restarted, Sivana was an hour past her bedtime, Melina was in tears feeling guilty for the horrific disaster that was "the cookies" and I was nearly crying myself from feeling like I cannot get anything right!!
Happy Purim, everybody!!!
So there you have it, folks, I have successfully revealed to you that I am a hoarder who struggles sharing unconditionally what is not even hers, I yell at my fifteen year old daughter for picking a cookie recipe that I should have double checked, I do not visit elderly neighbours or bring them soup until it is nearly too late, and I thrive cowardly in my world of intentions because I let the real world of action overwhelm me. Any of you want to be my best friend?? (sad laugh)
Sigh.
Oh the work that is needed in my heart makes me sad some days. But those are the humbling moments that remind me never to judge anyone else... to never point out the fleck in someone else's eye due to the monumental log in my own! And as I struggle to be the person I WANT to be, it reminds me to love everyone else for being on that same journey. None of us are perfect... and I think that's what I like most about it... I get to love you from the bottom of my heart (and all its own faults) for simply "being".
God bless you all out there. May this find you laughing at the very challenges in your own life that stretch you and force you to grow... and may you love yourself unconditionally in that process... because SOMEBODY does! And that in my perfect world of returning emails promptly (or at all!) and/or phone calls, I have sought each of you out to hug you and thank you for being here by the sheer will of God! I humbly love you!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Squeeze out just that last little breath and the next breath you take in will fill you with release, more oxygen and a feeling of intention that you have just taken a second to look out for "you".
And that is what Sabbath feels like for me! Oh beloved Sabbath! Do I dare imagine where my mental state would be without you? Do you know what dawned on me not too long ago? When God commanded us to rest on the seventh day (as He did), He sanctified that day... not for Him... but for US! I did not quite understand that at first, but man o man, does it make sense to me now!
I have no doubt that you know the attempts at "rest" when your body is crying out for it only to have the mental background noise kabosh any true rest due to the nagging haunting "to-do's" and "you should be doing..." It's as though Sabbath is a commandment for our brains to stop, allowing us to commune more meaningfully with family and/or friends. It's our PERMISSION to rest!
I did not realize how much noise my brain made until we started observing Sabbath (from sun down on Friday to sundown on Saturday). The mental hubbub gets swept under the rug (or generally tossed out the window!) and I can literally feel the smile growing on my face, my shoulders dropping down (why on earth were they up to my ears in the first place) and peace settling into my soul like a welcomed visitor!This is actually the first Sabbath our family has had in a couple of months! Not by failure on our parts to TRY to observe it but just due to life in general. With Duane's shift work, he worked for quite a few of those Saturdays and for about four of them, Melina was invited out to be with either family or friends. With me at home alone with all the critters, Sabbath was not feeling "set a part" but just like any other day!
So today, I relish in this opportunity to simply "BE" together... (as I leave my family to stare at my computer screen... the irony is just hitting me now). Duane is usually quite purposeful (taking kids outside) in giving me these chances to connect with you all. You know, there really is something prayerful for me to open my heart and share my thoughts and life events. It brings me great peace and I pray that it can give you something, too!
There is so much to catch up on! For instance, there was my pathetic attempt at honouring Purim a few weeks ago...
Purim is not one of God's appointed times but it is a significant historical event for the Hebrew nation when one of their kind was taken in as Queen at a time when a royal decree was proclaimed to slay all Hebrews (men, women, children) on a certain day. If you have the chance, read the book of Esther (it's a quick read) and be amazed at the "poetic justice" enforced upon the man whose heart served only himself.
Anyways, the holiday is celebrated by feasting (of course) and sharing meals with others, particularly neighbours, the poor, the shut-ins and the widows.
And this is a part where I reveal a weakness or shortcoming of mine. Whether this "instinct" comes from having been a single mother living on very little income, I do not know, but it is one I am in the process of "shedding". What is it, you wonder? (Deep breath) I struggle with GIVING things away to others. Oh I can lend things out, but not without making a mental note of making sure I eventually get it back.
It sucks. It feels selfish, untrusting and just so petty. I literally have a mild panic attack wondering "but what if I will need it?" How silly given the fact that it may be something I have not used in a long time and regardless of the fact that I MIGHT need it someday... the fact remains that someone could use it NOW.
Duane gives of anything and everything he has! His vehicles, his time, his machinery, his tools... anything and everything... no questions asked, no hesitancy on his part. It drove me nuts at first but now it just humbles the bejeebers out of me! Besides, WHAT we have is not by a result of OUR own means!!! Our provisions are just that... provisions! All that we have is thanks to God so in essence, if it comes FROM Him, then it belongs TO Him! If what I have came from Him, why would I ever adopt the notion that is is mine? If someone asks for something, should it therefore not be giving out without a single expectation of having it returned? Shouldn't it be given out as though passing on a GIFT from one to the next?There are times where this can happen, no problemo. But other times where I find myself making that mental note. Quite frankly, I want to get rid of that reaction. And Purim was presenting a fantastic opportunity to do just that!
One of our next door neighbours (about a five minute walk away), is 93 years old, near blind (yet still shovels her walkway as though no snow has ever fallen) and has been a widow for many, many years. I have been her neighbour for over four years now and not once have I ever walked over to introduce myself, to bring her a meal, or just simply offer her the comfort of knowing I think of her and wish her well. For days, this weighed heavily on my heart. Like an answer to prayer, the weeks leading up to Purim, my readings delved further into its historical significance and hope began to flicker inside my heart as I imagined making a few pots of soup for our dear Mrs. Oliman (whose name I have changed for privacy's sake) and bring them to her in individual servings. I could even make it a Sabbath tradition... bring her some soup and challah bread (when I'd finally get back to making it!).
Oh the feeling in my heart was incredible! Finally, I could use our provisions (provided by God) and share them with those He has trusted in our care!
A few days went by and we suddenly received a call from Mrs. Oliman's grand-daughter. She was rather upset asking us to please run over to make sure her grandmother was okay. She had been trying to reach her since the night before with no luck.
And what does my guilt do? "See? If you had just been a present neighbour, this would not be happening!"
"Duane! I am going with you! I want to make sure she's okay, too. And I owe her an apology."
So off we went, nervous and scared at the moment that was impending. Duane banged loudly on the door (as she is losing her hearing, too) and we heard shuffling within. (sigh of relief). She opened the door and I proclaimed "MRS OLIMAN! I AM YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR, RITA, AND I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE FOR NOT COMING OVER TO MEET YOU BEFORE NOW."
Now I have heard some tales about this woman and I am sure you can imagine how "feisty" this woman must be given the fact that she is living fully independently (on a farmstead) at ninety-three years of age. I think part of the reason I had not come to meet her was because I was afraid! (Boy, I am sure doing a fine job of painting a lovely image of my weaknesses today).
She looked at me (or slightly passed me as her eyes do not work) as we both stood there for a moment... my thoughts: did I say that loud enough? Should I hug her? Is she contemplating calling the cops? Suddenly her stern look relaxed as she said "Oh... come, I give you coffee."
As we sat at her table, Duane looked over at me with a warning look and hand gesture of "do NOT drink the coffee!" I looked angrily at him hoping he could read my mind of do NOT make gestures around a blind woman! And besides, I also wondered how much that "sixth sense" could come into play here, too! Regardless, given the debt I felt towards this woman, I would have accepted a cup of fermented fish heads! Thankfully, it was instant coffee instead.
It fascinated me to watch her manoeuvre around her kitchen so effortlessly despite being blind. She called me over to the cutlery drawer and said "Here. You put how much coffee you want in your cup"
I looked down at the fork she offered me and said "Okay, but I might be here for a while."
She grabbed it back, put it directly in front of her eyes and said "Oh... I get you a spoon."
Before long, we were sitting at her table with a package of cookies before us. Would you believe she said that she was happy to finally meet me and that she had often debated walking over but was worried she would get hit by a vehicle? (And cue the tears of guilt)
No, I did not actually start to cry but I did reach out to touch her shoulder and say, "I am glad you did not put yourself at risk... again, I should have been here sooner."
And then I asked "Mrs. Oliman, do you like noisy children?"
"Yes, I LOVE them."
"Good, because I happen to have a few of them and I would like to bring them to meet you."
"Yes, yes!! I would LOVE that. I will play with them!"
By then, her granddaughter had arrived proclaiming "GRANDMA! You scared the crap out of me!!" So I got to meet her granddaughter as well. At Mrs. Oliman's previous comment of wanting the kids to come over, her granddaughter leaned over and said "Good luck with that one... it is a minefield around here!"
Sure enough, i finally began to look around and noticed the plethora of porcelain decorations everywhere. Yikes, hopefully Mrs. Oliman is better at parting with earthly belongings than I am!!
(nervous laugh of shame)
We left and I was that much more determined to step out of my lovely world of intentions and step into the world of ACTION. Oh trust me, in my pretty world of good intentions, I am such a wonderful person! In the world of following through with action? Not so good. Okay, okay... I suck!
But along came Purim! Finally, an opportunity to take out those brand new casserole dishes we got for our wedding nearly five years ago (yes, I really am aware at how ugly a picture of myself I am painting here but I vow to be honest with you all... and myself) and decided I would make a few casseroles and bring them to surrounding neighbours (two in particular who appear to be struggling with paying their bills). It is time to let them know that I am here for them in any way that I can be, that I think of them and that I want nourishment for them... and a casserole dish!(Cue Mega-Nice-Mom of grandiose - and unrealistic - dreams)
And then I can make a big pot of spaghetti sauce and bring a jar to ALL our neighbours on our road! And Melina and I can bake two separate kinds of cookies and have a lovely plate of cookies, too! Oh, and the kids can do craft time and make lovely "Happy Purim" cards! Oh it will be a happy Purim for EVERYONE! And the world will hold hands and sing Kumbaya... all will be good!
Told you my world of intentions was real perdy.
(Cue reality)
Purim was finally here and Duane was gone all day in a meeting and then off to work a night shift so it was me and the five kids. For some reason, I thought it would be smart to start this whole "project Purim" when the kids would go down for nap in the afternoon. Stupidly thinking that Anika might want to partake in the baking part, I let her stay up... which meant Ethan had to stay up (darn those puppy dog eyes and his pleading to stay up with Anika!). Alright, so I figured I would put a movie on in the living room with pillows and blankets so that Ethan would eventually fall asleep.
Next, I told Melina to choose one of the two cookie recipes. "Mina, keep it simple... something quick and easy but delicious."
I had chosen cowboy cookies and she opted for some strange "healthy" recipe out of my "healthy cooking book"... not a place I would have looked for a yummy cookie recipe... but hey, I gave her my criteria and I trusted her.
Next was "make a list of the ingredients we'll need for both recipes and I'll run to the store quick to get them." Off I went into the nearest town. It wasn't until I started grabbing plain yogurt that I started questioning the recipe Melina chose. But there was no time for questions... we had to bake these cookies and make a spaghetti sauce in time to drive up and down our road to about ten families with a meal, desserts, homemade cards and a friendly introduction!
Got back, had to nurse Sivana, then it was change diapers (including Isabel's).. oops, forgot about getting Izzy her water and setting up her feeding... and did Ethan poop again? Naps did NOT happen so we were ambushed by crying fits and meltdowns. And shoot, how would we distribute all these things? Do I just leave Isabel, Anika, Ethan and Sivana in the van still running while Melina and I run to these people's doors bearing gifts? It takes about forty-five minutes to dress & load all the kids... we are quickly running out of time! And will this be well received or am I just going to freak out the neighbours?
We got one batch of cookies made.. phew! Spaghetti sauce was well on its way. Then it was time to tackle "Melina's" cookie recipe.
Good grief! I should have definitely doubled checked!! Mix flour, cut in butter, add yogurt, form dough, roll into ball, REFRIGERATE FOR THIRTY MINUTES (are you kidding me?), then cut into sections, roll out each section.... oh and then it's create inner mixture via food processor, add to individually rolled out pieces, ROLL each piece, then CUT into 1/4 inch slices (which caused each piece to unravel... so in essense it was 'cut each piece, re-stuff it then re-roll it"... ARGH... lay on cookie sheet, bake for... get this... THIRTY MINUTES, turning over once half way through!!! Cripes!!! I doubled this blasted batch!! We are not going to be done making these before nine o'clock at night!!!The kids are screaming around us, I am barking orders at Melina who is now looking ready to pack her bags and hitch hike her way to "anywhere but here!" and the sauce burned to the bottom while I was trying to make these horrific nightmarish "cookies"! The kitchen is an absolute battle zone of allergens, the kids are now colouring on themselves rather than the Happy Purim cards and someone is now knocking at the door....
Are you kidding me?? (And this is why I live happily in my world of good intentions!!)
By the end of the day, we finally ate our supper around 8:00 pm, the kids were fit to be tied (napless and hungry), Isabel was crying to have her movie restarted, Sivana was an hour past her bedtime, Melina was in tears feeling guilty for the horrific disaster that was "the cookies" and I was nearly crying myself from feeling like I cannot get anything right!!Happy Purim, everybody!!!
So there you have it, folks, I have successfully revealed to you that I am a hoarder who struggles sharing unconditionally what is not even hers, I yell at my fifteen year old daughter for picking a cookie recipe that I should have double checked, I do not visit elderly neighbours or bring them soup until it is nearly too late, and I thrive cowardly in my world of intentions because I let the real world of action overwhelm me. Any of you want to be my best friend?? (sad laugh)
Sigh.
Oh the work that is needed in my heart makes me sad some days. But those are the humbling moments that remind me never to judge anyone else... to never point out the fleck in someone else's eye due to the monumental log in my own! And as I struggle to be the person I WANT to be, it reminds me to love everyone else for being on that same journey. None of us are perfect... and I think that's what I like most about it... I get to love you from the bottom of my heart (and all its own faults) for simply "being".
God bless you all out there. May this find you laughing at the very challenges in your own life that stretch you and force you to grow... and may you love yourself unconditionally in that process... because SOMEBODY does! And that in my perfect world of returning emails promptly (or at all!) and/or phone calls, I have sought each of you out to hug you and thank you for being here by the sheer will of God! I humbly love you!!
Friday, 25 March 2011
Quick Izzy update
Thanks for the calls and direct emails... never ceases to amaze me how connected I feel to all of you (and how FAST!).
Just wanted to let you all know that after administering the Lorazepam earlier today, Isabel's seizure activity stopped. She was also knocked out cold (that's its job) and slept for the next couple of hours but when she woke up again, there was no twitching.
Thank God!
Your prayers are so appreciated, my dear ones. I am privileged to be so connected to you all, that you touch in on our lives and choose to be a part of it through the power of your thoughts and prayers.
God bless you all!
Just wanted to let you all know that after administering the Lorazepam earlier today, Isabel's seizure activity stopped. She was also knocked out cold (that's its job) and slept for the next couple of hours but when she woke up again, there was no twitching.
Thank God!
Your prayers are so appreciated, my dear ones. I am privileged to be so connected to you all, that you touch in on our lives and choose to be a part of it through the power of your thoughts and prayers.
God bless you all!
I miss you!!
My dear friends and family,
This has been a very overwhelming time for me and despite ACHING for the therapeutic benefits of connecting with you all via my blog, the time and tasks at hand simply are not permitting it.
Please know that I miss you, that I love you, that I still send out my prayers to find all of you. Among those things taking up so much time and energy is the fact that Isabel is having considerably increased seizure activity (four seizures in ONE day on Monday), resulting doctors' appointments, reports between school & daycare, updated health care plans, umpteen discussions with clinician nurses to clarify the emergency plan (when to administer the emergency med, Lorazepam, and when to call EMS), etc...
I run all day long from 6:00 a.m. nursings until my head hits the pillow around midnight or 1:00 a.m. with another nursing somewhere in the night, to boot.
I am exhausted, burned out, short-tempered and not myself. I am not sure how to honour my body's objections to stress these months via its chronic bleeding for the past three months but I am trying to soak in those moments of beauty and turning my eyes deliberately to what is good in hopes of re-centering, re-calming my nerves and getting back to the basics that "all is good."
Efforts are being put towards TRYING to create some consistency, routine, anything... but with several doctor's appointments every week, with Duane's shift work and many other variables, "rolling with the punches" is quickly becoming our motto!!
*** phone ringing ***
And that was the school to update me that they have just administered Izzy's emergency med and if seizure activity continues over the next fifteen minutes, they will be calling an ambulance.
That's what my days are like lately...
Some days I think I am just one big wimp, that anyone else could suck it up, still get the house cleaned and show a little self-discipline where household tasks are concerned. Instead, I am sitting here bawling my eyes out, no lunch on the stove, not knowing what's wrong with my Izzy and how to battle FOR her... what is happening? Why?
So i miss you all and I wish my children were healthy. I wish ALL children were healthy. I wish I knew if I was helping my kids or hindering their well being. You want nothing less than the best. Even now, I am wondering... do I pack up the kids in anticipation of driving to Emergency where they may send Izzy? Or do I assume that the Lorazepam will do its job and stop all seizure activity for the next 24 hrs? Do I start making a soup? Or keep it simple in case I have to run out that door? Do I dare nap or will I miss a call?
God be with you all out there.
This has been a very overwhelming time for me and despite ACHING for the therapeutic benefits of connecting with you all via my blog, the time and tasks at hand simply are not permitting it.
Please know that I miss you, that I love you, that I still send out my prayers to find all of you. Among those things taking up so much time and energy is the fact that Isabel is having considerably increased seizure activity (four seizures in ONE day on Monday), resulting doctors' appointments, reports between school & daycare, updated health care plans, umpteen discussions with clinician nurses to clarify the emergency plan (when to administer the emergency med, Lorazepam, and when to call EMS), etc...
I run all day long from 6:00 a.m. nursings until my head hits the pillow around midnight or 1:00 a.m. with another nursing somewhere in the night, to boot.
I am exhausted, burned out, short-tempered and not myself. I am not sure how to honour my body's objections to stress these months via its chronic bleeding for the past three months but I am trying to soak in those moments of beauty and turning my eyes deliberately to what is good in hopes of re-centering, re-calming my nerves and getting back to the basics that "all is good."
Efforts are being put towards TRYING to create some consistency, routine, anything... but with several doctor's appointments every week, with Duane's shift work and many other variables, "rolling with the punches" is quickly becoming our motto!!
*** phone ringing ***
And that was the school to update me that they have just administered Izzy's emergency med and if seizure activity continues over the next fifteen minutes, they will be calling an ambulance.
That's what my days are like lately...
Some days I think I am just one big wimp, that anyone else could suck it up, still get the house cleaned and show a little self-discipline where household tasks are concerned. Instead, I am sitting here bawling my eyes out, no lunch on the stove, not knowing what's wrong with my Izzy and how to battle FOR her... what is happening? Why?
So i miss you all and I wish my children were healthy. I wish ALL children were healthy. I wish I knew if I was helping my kids or hindering their well being. You want nothing less than the best. Even now, I am wondering... do I pack up the kids in anticipation of driving to Emergency where they may send Izzy? Or do I assume that the Lorazepam will do its job and stop all seizure activity for the next 24 hrs? Do I start making a soup? Or keep it simple in case I have to run out that door? Do I dare nap or will I miss a call?
God be with you all out there.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Florida Trip Part 3: Natal Attraction
Now before you are left to believe that this trip was a complete write-off, I will spend some of this posting focusing on the fun attractions we got to see.
Within "The Folder" were our e-ticket passes to Sea World and Busch Gardens. When purchased in combination, there is a significant savings AND you get their length of stay benefits! This means that you can return as many times as you wish over the course of fourteen days. Naturally, given the costs, the goal was to spend at least two days at each park.
Not anticipating the extent of our "arriving adventure," I had planned for Friday to be Sea World afternoon day. This would give us the opportunity to rest and get settled in Friday morning, grocery shop, and start the first steps in making Ethan's food (boil soup bones, roast chickens, make stock, etc...). I was still high-strung, frustrated that the weather was soooo freezing cold, that our "heated pool" that we paid for was not heated at all (but later rectified) and that Anika was now exhibiting high fevers and a hoarse voice. Great.
How's this for being a sympathetic mother... when Melina was sick just prior to leaving, do you know what "instinct" showed its ugly face? Not a mothering one of "oh dear child of mine, lie down and get some rest." Oh no, it was "for crying out loud! I did NOT put all this work into this to have it RUINED! We are going on that trip whether I have to drag you on a gurney or not!"
Yes, loving maternal instincts, I know. Oh wait, what was that? The doorbell ringing? Ah yes, someone at the door (hopefully not CFS) because I think I just received Worst-Mom-Of-The-Year Award... again!
Anyways... this "maternal instinct" reared its ugly face yet again when Anika spiked a high fever and could barely speak that Friday morning. ARGH!!! "WE ARE GOING TO SEA WORLD, FEVERS OR NOT!!"
Isn't this fun, kids?
Okay, diaper bag... check. Diapers for Ethan & Sivana... check. Change of clothes for Sivana... check. Hooter Hider & Moby Wrap baby carrier... check. Hats, sweaters... check. Ethan's snacks... check. E-tickets... check. GPS... check! Kids layered in long-sleeved shirts & sweaters... check! Good walking shoes... check! Alright, folks, we're ready to go!
I cannot believe how HUGE these attractions are... and that's just the parking lots!!! After our hike to the main doors, we stood in line patiently (is that possible with small children) and finally made our way to the ticket window. "Ah Ma'am, these are e-ticket passes... you need to go to those gates over there."
DOH!
Thankfully "those gates" had no line ups and after a quick "bag check" (and by quick, I mean a couple of minutes going through diaper bags, small cooler bag for Ethan, and purses), we were through the main gates and in a whole new world... or rather, Sea World!
Where to begin? The teenage girls made their way to the Manta roller coaster ride while Duane and I perused with the little ones. Turtles, flamingos, sharks, penguins... on and on we went. And at every main building, strollers had to be left behind... so much fun... NOT!
With so much to see, the kids were quite happy. We all met up to see one of several shows hosted by Sea World. This one was a Cirque-du-Soleil type of show which truly mesmerized the kids (okay, and us adults) but freaked the bejeebers out of Sivana! Thankfully it was so loud that no one could hear her screams. I did my best to cover her ears while nursing her in the dark theatre.
Thirty minutes later, the teenagers made another getaway to bigger and better things while Duane and I made our way with the little ones to the kids' play area. There we would find some kids rides but other than the merry-go-round, our poor Ethan would devastatingly be turned away at all the other rides. THAT sucked!
Then came time for the Shamu show of killer whales... truly breathtaking! We all met up for that one and were also mesmerized by the relationship between the trainers and these massive mammals! When little Baby Shamu came out with his mama and played around her as she performed her tricks, I was surprised at the tears rolling down my cheeks!
Please tell me I am not the only person out there who cried at the Shamu show! Please?
Melina, of course, honed in on this "cheesy mom" moment and said "Mom? Are you seriously crying?" and then lovingly whipped up her camera and snapped a picture of me. Thanks kiddo. I suppose I deserve it after my lack of sympathy for her health the day before! Darn that poetic justice! Short of sobbing like a baby, the show wrapped up and I pulled myself together. Duane shook his head and muttered something along the lines of "...hormones..." I let that one slide. Okay, I was distracted trying to find kleenex in my purse.
As we were walking out, Melina and Loreena were adamant that I try the Manta roller coaster. I have NEVER been on a roller coaster except for the little dinky one at Tinkertown in Winnipeg which is designed for small children and really only gives you a reason to visit a chiropractor! I would LOVE to try a roller coaster but am also well aware that just WATCHING my kids on swings can make me nauseous some days! But the excitement got the better of me and I asked Duane if he felt comfortable staying in the kiddie area with all three kids while Loreena, Melina and I rode the Manta.
It was thirty minutes away from park closing so we ran like the dickens for ten minutes straight (not a good idea when you are overweight and out of shape). We make it on the ride... I managed a combination of laughing hysterically and screaming like a little girl... got off the ride... continued giggling incessantly while running like mad for another ten minutes back to the kiddie area. My back hurt but I just figured it was due to the unnatural positions I tried nursing Sivana during the eight hours of travelling the day before and/or due to the roller coaster we just rode.
We got back to the kiddie section and I saw Anika wrapped up like a mummy in the Moby Wrap. What the heck?
"She peed her pants in the sand box."
Crap... I did NOT pack extra pants and panties for Anika. Why did I NOT over-think THAT one??
The park was now closed and we began our LONG thirty minute walk (and waddle) to the main gates followed by ten minutes of walking back to our rental vehicle. Needless to say, we all collapsed when we got home! We gladly welcomed Sabbath that night and soaked in the "rest" time all of Saturday.
Sunday was scheduled to be a full day at Busch Gardens. We had to leave at 8:00 a.m. to arrive at park opening for 9:00 a.m. Yes, an hour drive to Tampa Bay but supposedly it is worth it! Melina and Loreena were super pumped about the major roller coasters they wanted to ride and despite still feeling exhausted, we hit the hay feeling excited about Sunday's itinerary.
I had a fitful sleep that night... tossing and turning. I was starting to limp before going to bed and hoped that some rest would help. By four in the morning, I was in such excruciating pain, I yelped for Duane when I tried moving. Startled, he woke up and asked what was wrong. I seriously could not move my left leg! The pain was shooting so hard I kept yelping unintentionally, got mad at myself because I did not want to wake the kids up, then tried moving again only to yelp some more. Finally, Duane helped me out of bed and the tears just started pouring! What had I done?? I would rather go through all four labours again PLUS my c-section before going through that pain!
I knew it was bad when Duane braced himself... I could feel the light getting dimmer as I suddenly felt the need to vomit. Oh no! Duane said he watched all the colour drain from my face as I turned every shade of green! Thankfully I did not throw up nor did I faint but I did sleep the rest of the night propped on the couch yelping any time I would try moving like a dog with Turrets!
Remember the lack of sympathy for my children when they were sick and the unyielding determination to NOT have this trip ruined? Guess who would end up ruining it in the end?? Oh the irony... the sheer irony of it all.
Sunday morning, the teenagers woke up realizing it was long past our scheduled time of departure for Busch Gardens. They saw me on the couch, looked at Duane and asked "What's going on?"
"Mom put her back out and can't walk... we're staying home today."
Of course, the over-thinking part of me starts thinking how can we still make the most of this trip with me in a wheelchair... and goodness gracious me, how on EARTH will we manage the travelling back home? Every time my leg moves, the pain shoots through me like fourth of July fireworks! But surely this could still turn out okay, right? Tuesday was scheduled to be "stay home" day so I prayed and hoped that just swapping those two days would give my body the chance to heal!
It was such a long day for me! A whole day on a couch... yuk! Duane was stuck with EVERYTHING. Thanks to the fact that I am lactating, I was at least able to contribute by feeding Sivana. Thankfully we found the switch to run the hot tub and learned the hard way that it takes two hours to heat it up. We cranked it that whole day and any time I could, I sat in there with the jets blasting at my lower back. Another day came and went with absolutely no improvement to my back... great. Just great.
And then Ethan's little prayer... "God, can you fix mommy's back? (moment of silence as though waiting for an answer) Okay. Thanks. Yep, mommy. God'll fix your back." On that precious note, we said goodnight and I spent another night sleeping fitfully on the couch. The next morning started early as we dropped off the teenagers at our friends' villa at Walt Disney World so they could spend a day at the Hollywood Studios Theme Park. Duane and I would be returning to Sea World with the little ones for more shows and attractions. If all would go well...
I was able to stand unassisted and could put some weight on my left leg again... oh thank you, God! Maybe I could just limp the whole day at Sea World! Would you believe that by the time we had breakfast, drove to Sea World and walked through those gates, I was walking as though nothing had ever happened???
Unbelievable!!!
This time we were equipped with a change of pants and panties for Anika and ready to face whatever challenges the day dared to throw our way! Thankfully, it was a PERFECT day and quite frankly, the INCREDIBLE Dolphin Show was worth the price of admission alone! Truly spectacular. No, I did not cry this time. Okay, maybe one tear but that was it! These mammals are so majestic! Thank you God for miraculous healing and an a day free of calamities!
The teenagers ended up having a blast and the evening was spent with our friends who chaperoned the girls that day. The weather was getting better with every passing day. The villa was beginning to feel like "home"... man, this whole "holiday" thing was really starting to feel good... finally!
The next day was Busch Gardens and the day started off with my excitement to see... ORANGE TREES!!! Sadly, that was probably what I was looking forward to the most in coming to Florida... I just wanted to see fresh oranges growing on trees and to pick some by hand! And there they were! Right along the highway!
"Duane, pull over! I want to just pick a few!"
"Are you kidding me, hon?"
"What? There's no 'keep out' sign or anything! Surely anyone can just pick a few?"
"Hon, people here carry guns... even under their car seat! They don't need signs cuz they can just SHOOT YOU!"
So we did not pull over to pick oranges and I vowed that I was NOT leaving Florida until we found some fresh oranges to pick, whether that meant getting shot at or not!
Busch Gardens was a huge hit. You definitely need at least two full days to make the most of seeing everything, if not more! They had a FANTASTIC kids playland themed around Sesame Street. It far outshines Winnipeg's Tinkertown! Tree houses, water log rides, mini-roller coaster and Big Bird walking around! They had a little outdoor theatre where the kids got to watch a live performance of Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Abby Cadaby and Zoe. So much fun!
Another day come and gone without too many hitches. Before the end of it, Duane and I asked the teenage girls to watch the three little ones while we ran to ride ONE roller coaster together. This one in particular climbs 200 feet up and drops you straight down at 90 degrees for those 200 feet! Not once, but twice. Duane and I ran and stood in line. Thankfully the line up was not too bad. As we got closer, the crazy giggles started kicking in. Finally, we were the next ones to board the coaster when suddenly, the gates shut and the riders who just came back from their thrill ride are not being let off...
A crew member was talking on his cell phone and before we knew it, some maintenance guy shows up. Duane and I looked at each other like "this doesn't look good!" The poor people were finally let off and the technician was working on one of the seats. I am beginning to question whether I want to go on this ride at all anymore... but the fact that we are the NEXT ones keeps me standing there. Finally, Duane convinced me to walk away... "But Duane, guaranteed the minute we're back down those stairs, they're gonna let people on again! I just know it!"
We left anyways and sure enough... sigh.
When we got back home, the weather was just so beautiful we decided to go for a family walk and explore the whole area. I jokingly starting clicking my tongue saying I was using sonar to detect the nearest orange tree. Anytime we needed to make a turn, I would use this "sonar" and say "... this way!"
Well, I was just trying to be funny... but would you believe I led our crew out to a field and there at the end of this field were a couple of straggler orange trees, overgrown and all alone, with... wait for it... FRESH ORANGES???
We filled the bottom of Sivana's stroller and enjoyed fresh-squeezed orange juice for the next two days! Oh it was sooooooooooo good! You know, this whole holiday stuff was turning out to be FANTASTIC! I was even beginning to forget the ordeal of getting there and looking forward to doing this again someday much the same as I seem to forget labour and the last few months of pregnancy and tell myself "we could do this again!"
Oh selective memory is grand, isn't it?
That night at bath time, the kids were exhausted from a full day away from the villa. Poor Ethan cannot seem to poop if we are away from "home" and his discomfort was prevalent in the form of flatulence! In the tub, this was apparently quite hilarious for Anika and Ethan. Duane slipped out to turn the hot tub on while I was on the phone... the sound of the kids laughing hysterically in their bath... when suddenly there came a blood curdling scream from the bathroom. Our prim and proper Anika yells "DADDY!!! ESSAN POOPED!!!" followed by continued screams and cries "GET IT OUT!!!"
The teenagers run in, not to rescue the kids, but to assess the "comical" scene and run out of the bathroom laughing hysterically. Duane and I try not to do the same as we watch Anika and Ethan cowering in the corner of the tub with a very "messy" scene quickly making its way to their huddled corner!
I take the kids out while Duane uses a yogurt container to scoop Ethan's daily "backup" into the toilet. We have been trying to warm Ethan up to the idea of toilet training to no avail but somehow, watching daddy put his poop IN the toilet had him rather intrigued. Duane explained to him "Ethan, poop goes in the toilet... not the bathtub, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
The next day, we finally enjoyed a family swim in the pool. When it was time to get out, we stripped Ethan and Anika down to their bare bums while Duane and I quickly got dressed in our own room. We were discussing the next day's plans when Duane suddenly remembered "Ethan is bare bum!" He ran out to get a diaper on him, laid him down and noticed a bit of poop on his bum (yes... we speak far too much of poop in our home... but with three kids in diapers, it just seems to be everywhere!).
Somewhat panicked (yes, even for Duane), he asked, "Ethan.... did you do a poop?"
"Yep."
"Ethan.... WHERE did you poop??" (I am thinking to myself... where on earth do I start looking?)
"In the toilet!"
"No, Ethan, WHERE did YOU poop?"
"IN THE TOILET!"
"Ethan, can you show daddy WHERE you pooped?"
Sure enough, Ethan led Duane to the toilet where a few remnants of toilet paper remained. Could it be?? For real? Oh dear Lord, let it be so! After a thorough search of the villa, it would appear that our big boy climbed up on the toilet and pooped!!! (A skill that has NOT been repeated since!).
So finally after a tumultuous journey to Florida and a few initial glitches, it would be safe to conclude that our time there would indeed be quite wonderful. Lots of laughs, lots of crying (parents included... okay, ME included), a bit of shopping, TONS of walking, orange-picking, hot-tub-soaking and other great moments that have now seared themselves into the pages of my life book. A book whose very existence would be threatened by the journey of trying to come back home!!!
Oh dear God almighty... buckle up because things are about to get bumpy!
Within "The Folder" were our e-ticket passes to Sea World and Busch Gardens. When purchased in combination, there is a significant savings AND you get their length of stay benefits! This means that you can return as many times as you wish over the course of fourteen days. Naturally, given the costs, the goal was to spend at least two days at each park.
Not anticipating the extent of our "arriving adventure," I had planned for Friday to be Sea World afternoon day. This would give us the opportunity to rest and get settled in Friday morning, grocery shop, and start the first steps in making Ethan's food (boil soup bones, roast chickens, make stock, etc...). I was still high-strung, frustrated that the weather was soooo freezing cold, that our "heated pool" that we paid for was not heated at all (but later rectified) and that Anika was now exhibiting high fevers and a hoarse voice. Great.
How's this for being a sympathetic mother... when Melina was sick just prior to leaving, do you know what "instinct" showed its ugly face? Not a mothering one of "oh dear child of mine, lie down and get some rest." Oh no, it was "for crying out loud! I did NOT put all this work into this to have it RUINED! We are going on that trip whether I have to drag you on a gurney or not!"
Yes, loving maternal instincts, I know. Oh wait, what was that? The doorbell ringing? Ah yes, someone at the door (hopefully not CFS) because I think I just received Worst-Mom-Of-The-Year Award... again!
Anyways... this "maternal instinct" reared its ugly face yet again when Anika spiked a high fever and could barely speak that Friday morning. ARGH!!! "WE ARE GOING TO SEA WORLD, FEVERS OR NOT!!"
Isn't this fun, kids?
Okay, diaper bag... check. Diapers for Ethan & Sivana... check. Change of clothes for Sivana... check. Hooter Hider & Moby Wrap baby carrier... check. Hats, sweaters... check. Ethan's snacks... check. E-tickets... check. GPS... check! Kids layered in long-sleeved shirts & sweaters... check! Good walking shoes... check! Alright, folks, we're ready to go!
I cannot believe how HUGE these attractions are... and that's just the parking lots!!! After our hike to the main doors, we stood in line patiently (is that possible with small children) and finally made our way to the ticket window. "Ah Ma'am, these are e-ticket passes... you need to go to those gates over there."
DOH!
Thankfully "those gates" had no line ups and after a quick "bag check" (and by quick, I mean a couple of minutes going through diaper bags, small cooler bag for Ethan, and purses), we were through the main gates and in a whole new world... or rather, Sea World!
Where to begin? The teenage girls made their way to the Manta roller coaster ride while Duane and I perused with the little ones. Turtles, flamingos, sharks, penguins... on and on we went. And at every main building, strollers had to be left behind... so much fun... NOT!
With so much to see, the kids were quite happy. We all met up to see one of several shows hosted by Sea World. This one was a Cirque-du-Soleil type of show which truly mesmerized the kids (okay, and us adults) but freaked the bejeebers out of Sivana! Thankfully it was so loud that no one could hear her screams. I did my best to cover her ears while nursing her in the dark theatre.
Thirty minutes later, the teenagers made another getaway to bigger and better things while Duane and I made our way with the little ones to the kids' play area. There we would find some kids rides but other than the merry-go-round, our poor Ethan would devastatingly be turned away at all the other rides. THAT sucked!
Then came time for the Shamu show of killer whales... truly breathtaking! We all met up for that one and were also mesmerized by the relationship between the trainers and these massive mammals! When little Baby Shamu came out with his mama and played around her as she performed her tricks, I was surprised at the tears rolling down my cheeks!
Please tell me I am not the only person out there who cried at the Shamu show! Please?
Melina, of course, honed in on this "cheesy mom" moment and said "Mom? Are you seriously crying?" and then lovingly whipped up her camera and snapped a picture of me. Thanks kiddo. I suppose I deserve it after my lack of sympathy for her health the day before! Darn that poetic justice! Short of sobbing like a baby, the show wrapped up and I pulled myself together. Duane shook his head and muttered something along the lines of "...hormones..." I let that one slide. Okay, I was distracted trying to find kleenex in my purse.
As we were walking out, Melina and Loreena were adamant that I try the Manta roller coaster. I have NEVER been on a roller coaster except for the little dinky one at Tinkertown in Winnipeg which is designed for small children and really only gives you a reason to visit a chiropractor! I would LOVE to try a roller coaster but am also well aware that just WATCHING my kids on swings can make me nauseous some days! But the excitement got the better of me and I asked Duane if he felt comfortable staying in the kiddie area with all three kids while Loreena, Melina and I rode the Manta.
It was thirty minutes away from park closing so we ran like the dickens for ten minutes straight (not a good idea when you are overweight and out of shape). We make it on the ride... I managed a combination of laughing hysterically and screaming like a little girl... got off the ride... continued giggling incessantly while running like mad for another ten minutes back to the kiddie area. My back hurt but I just figured it was due to the unnatural positions I tried nursing Sivana during the eight hours of travelling the day before and/or due to the roller coaster we just rode.
We got back to the kiddie section and I saw Anika wrapped up like a mummy in the Moby Wrap. What the heck?
"She peed her pants in the sand box."
Crap... I did NOT pack extra pants and panties for Anika. Why did I NOT over-think THAT one??
The park was now closed and we began our LONG thirty minute walk (and waddle) to the main gates followed by ten minutes of walking back to our rental vehicle. Needless to say, we all collapsed when we got home! We gladly welcomed Sabbath that night and soaked in the "rest" time all of Saturday.
Sunday was scheduled to be a full day at Busch Gardens. We had to leave at 8:00 a.m. to arrive at park opening for 9:00 a.m. Yes, an hour drive to Tampa Bay but supposedly it is worth it! Melina and Loreena were super pumped about the major roller coasters they wanted to ride and despite still feeling exhausted, we hit the hay feeling excited about Sunday's itinerary.
I had a fitful sleep that night... tossing and turning. I was starting to limp before going to bed and hoped that some rest would help. By four in the morning, I was in such excruciating pain, I yelped for Duane when I tried moving. Startled, he woke up and asked what was wrong. I seriously could not move my left leg! The pain was shooting so hard I kept yelping unintentionally, got mad at myself because I did not want to wake the kids up, then tried moving again only to yelp some more. Finally, Duane helped me out of bed and the tears just started pouring! What had I done?? I would rather go through all four labours again PLUS my c-section before going through that pain!
I knew it was bad when Duane braced himself... I could feel the light getting dimmer as I suddenly felt the need to vomit. Oh no! Duane said he watched all the colour drain from my face as I turned every shade of green! Thankfully I did not throw up nor did I faint but I did sleep the rest of the night propped on the couch yelping any time I would try moving like a dog with Turrets!
Remember the lack of sympathy for my children when they were sick and the unyielding determination to NOT have this trip ruined? Guess who would end up ruining it in the end?? Oh the irony... the sheer irony of it all.
Sunday morning, the teenagers woke up realizing it was long past our scheduled time of departure for Busch Gardens. They saw me on the couch, looked at Duane and asked "What's going on?"
"Mom put her back out and can't walk... we're staying home today."
Of course, the over-thinking part of me starts thinking how can we still make the most of this trip with me in a wheelchair... and goodness gracious me, how on EARTH will we manage the travelling back home? Every time my leg moves, the pain shoots through me like fourth of July fireworks! But surely this could still turn out okay, right? Tuesday was scheduled to be "stay home" day so I prayed and hoped that just swapping those two days would give my body the chance to heal!
It was such a long day for me! A whole day on a couch... yuk! Duane was stuck with EVERYTHING. Thanks to the fact that I am lactating, I was at least able to contribute by feeding Sivana. Thankfully we found the switch to run the hot tub and learned the hard way that it takes two hours to heat it up. We cranked it that whole day and any time I could, I sat in there with the jets blasting at my lower back. Another day came and went with absolutely no improvement to my back... great. Just great.
And then Ethan's little prayer... "God, can you fix mommy's back? (moment of silence as though waiting for an answer) Okay. Thanks. Yep, mommy. God'll fix your back." On that precious note, we said goodnight and I spent another night sleeping fitfully on the couch. The next morning started early as we dropped off the teenagers at our friends' villa at Walt Disney World so they could spend a day at the Hollywood Studios Theme Park. Duane and I would be returning to Sea World with the little ones for more shows and attractions. If all would go well...
I was able to stand unassisted and could put some weight on my left leg again... oh thank you, God! Maybe I could just limp the whole day at Sea World! Would you believe that by the time we had breakfast, drove to Sea World and walked through those gates, I was walking as though nothing had ever happened???
Unbelievable!!!
This time we were equipped with a change of pants and panties for Anika and ready to face whatever challenges the day dared to throw our way! Thankfully, it was a PERFECT day and quite frankly, the INCREDIBLE Dolphin Show was worth the price of admission alone! Truly spectacular. No, I did not cry this time. Okay, maybe one tear but that was it! These mammals are so majestic! Thank you God for miraculous healing and an a day free of calamities!
The teenagers ended up having a blast and the evening was spent with our friends who chaperoned the girls that day. The weather was getting better with every passing day. The villa was beginning to feel like "home"... man, this whole "holiday" thing was really starting to feel good... finally!
The next day was Busch Gardens and the day started off with my excitement to see... ORANGE TREES!!! Sadly, that was probably what I was looking forward to the most in coming to Florida... I just wanted to see fresh oranges growing on trees and to pick some by hand! And there they were! Right along the highway!
"Duane, pull over! I want to just pick a few!"
"Are you kidding me, hon?"
"What? There's no 'keep out' sign or anything! Surely anyone can just pick a few?"
"Hon, people here carry guns... even under their car seat! They don't need signs cuz they can just SHOOT YOU!"
So we did not pull over to pick oranges and I vowed that I was NOT leaving Florida until we found some fresh oranges to pick, whether that meant getting shot at or not!
Busch Gardens was a huge hit. You definitely need at least two full days to make the most of seeing everything, if not more! They had a FANTASTIC kids playland themed around Sesame Street. It far outshines Winnipeg's Tinkertown! Tree houses, water log rides, mini-roller coaster and Big Bird walking around! They had a little outdoor theatre where the kids got to watch a live performance of Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Abby Cadaby and Zoe. So much fun!
Another day come and gone without too many hitches. Before the end of it, Duane and I asked the teenage girls to watch the three little ones while we ran to ride ONE roller coaster together. This one in particular climbs 200 feet up and drops you straight down at 90 degrees for those 200 feet! Not once, but twice. Duane and I ran and stood in line. Thankfully the line up was not too bad. As we got closer, the crazy giggles started kicking in. Finally, we were the next ones to board the coaster when suddenly, the gates shut and the riders who just came back from their thrill ride are not being let off...
A crew member was talking on his cell phone and before we knew it, some maintenance guy shows up. Duane and I looked at each other like "this doesn't look good!" The poor people were finally let off and the technician was working on one of the seats. I am beginning to question whether I want to go on this ride at all anymore... but the fact that we are the NEXT ones keeps me standing there. Finally, Duane convinced me to walk away... "But Duane, guaranteed the minute we're back down those stairs, they're gonna let people on again! I just know it!"
We left anyways and sure enough... sigh.
When we got back home, the weather was just so beautiful we decided to go for a family walk and explore the whole area. I jokingly starting clicking my tongue saying I was using sonar to detect the nearest orange tree. Anytime we needed to make a turn, I would use this "sonar" and say "... this way!"
Well, I was just trying to be funny... but would you believe I led our crew out to a field and there at the end of this field were a couple of straggler orange trees, overgrown and all alone, with... wait for it... FRESH ORANGES???
We filled the bottom of Sivana's stroller and enjoyed fresh-squeezed orange juice for the next two days! Oh it was sooooooooooo good! You know, this whole holiday stuff was turning out to be FANTASTIC! I was even beginning to forget the ordeal of getting there and looking forward to doing this again someday much the same as I seem to forget labour and the last few months of pregnancy and tell myself "we could do this again!"
Oh selective memory is grand, isn't it?
That night at bath time, the kids were exhausted from a full day away from the villa. Poor Ethan cannot seem to poop if we are away from "home" and his discomfort was prevalent in the form of flatulence! In the tub, this was apparently quite hilarious for Anika and Ethan. Duane slipped out to turn the hot tub on while I was on the phone... the sound of the kids laughing hysterically in their bath... when suddenly there came a blood curdling scream from the bathroom. Our prim and proper Anika yells "DADDY!!! ESSAN POOPED!!!" followed by continued screams and cries "GET IT OUT!!!"
The teenagers run in, not to rescue the kids, but to assess the "comical" scene and run out of the bathroom laughing hysterically. Duane and I try not to do the same as we watch Anika and Ethan cowering in the corner of the tub with a very "messy" scene quickly making its way to their huddled corner!
I take the kids out while Duane uses a yogurt container to scoop Ethan's daily "backup" into the toilet. We have been trying to warm Ethan up to the idea of toilet training to no avail but somehow, watching daddy put his poop IN the toilet had him rather intrigued. Duane explained to him "Ethan, poop goes in the toilet... not the bathtub, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy."
The next day, we finally enjoyed a family swim in the pool. When it was time to get out, we stripped Ethan and Anika down to their bare bums while Duane and I quickly got dressed in our own room. We were discussing the next day's plans when Duane suddenly remembered "Ethan is bare bum!" He ran out to get a diaper on him, laid him down and noticed a bit of poop on his bum (yes... we speak far too much of poop in our home... but with three kids in diapers, it just seems to be everywhere!).
Somewhat panicked (yes, even for Duane), he asked, "Ethan.... did you do a poop?"
"Yep."
"Ethan.... WHERE did you poop??" (I am thinking to myself... where on earth do I start looking?)
"In the toilet!"
"No, Ethan, WHERE did YOU poop?"
"IN THE TOILET!"
"Ethan, can you show daddy WHERE you pooped?"
Sure enough, Ethan led Duane to the toilet where a few remnants of toilet paper remained. Could it be?? For real? Oh dear Lord, let it be so! After a thorough search of the villa, it would appear that our big boy climbed up on the toilet and pooped!!! (A skill that has NOT been repeated since!).
So finally after a tumultuous journey to Florida and a few initial glitches, it would be safe to conclude that our time there would indeed be quite wonderful. Lots of laughs, lots of crying (parents included... okay, ME included), a bit of shopping, TONS of walking, orange-picking, hot-tub-soaking and other great moments that have now seared themselves into the pages of my life book. A book whose very existence would be threatened by the journey of trying to come back home!!!
Oh dear God almighty... buckle up because things are about to get bumpy!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Florida Trip Part 2: Planes, Trams & Automobiles
Simply trying to GET to Florida proved to me more daunting a task than even my imagination was able to anticipate! Melina's fever was in high gear and one of my counted on "helping hands" was rendered useless!
Once arrived at the airport, a huge trolly was loaded much as one would see in a cartoon where the height could rival a small apartment building! Duane's skills in this department are rather impressive although the mothering instincts in me shook its head as I imagined those around us in line to check-in being buried by the sudden tumbling of this teetering mount everest of luggage! Had I not been so caught up with getting all seven passports and e-tickets ready, (and telling Melina & Loreena to keep the kids away from our luggage tower) I would have likely snapped a picture!
Instead, we stuffed all winter jackets and boots into a huge bag and watched Pepere (my dad) walk back to the suburban to keep them there until our friend would pick us up the following week... the only thing missing was the red suit and a jolly Ho-Ho-Ho and one would think he was carrying a huge magical bag filled with goodies!
The over-thinking part of me questioned if leaving our warm jackets behind was wise but I could not imagine how we could lug all this luggage AND jackets & boots, to boot!
The check-in line was more than manageable and before we knew it, we were standing before our "ticket guy" who did his best to piece together six people plus an infant, three different last names, connection boarding passes, etc... Finally came printing the boarding passes and receipts which ended up jamming their printer. I apologized profusely as I was convinced it was the size of our travelling crew that caused the problem! The toddlers were good during this long process and even Sivana had smiles in her car seat / stroller duo. Fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty-five minutes... the little ones are now trying to climb our mount everest of luggage and that honing device I mentioned about the "Ethan suitcase" quickly put an end to that.
How much longer is this going to take??? It is now 12:30 and the kids' low blood blood sugar is beginning to kick in. This is the phase where we refer to our children as hypo-glycemic demon babies! I cave and turn on Dora on my iPod only to have our guy finish fixing the printer & give us our twelve boarding passes (for connection flights, as well), receipts, and baggage claim tickets. Off we go with our caravan towards customs where all electronic devices need to be turned off...
Have you ever turned off a kids' show not even three minutes into it? Have you ever made this dangerous attempt when your children have not eaten lunch yet and are fast approaching missing their nap time, too? Beware the resulting wrath and impending doom!
Cue the meltdown and Ethan's blood curdling screams... sigh.
The one advantage to this is the impressive collective effort from the customs staff to corral us through very quickly! The stern elderly man in uniform with the serious countenance who was stamping our passports finally cracked a small smile at Duane and my attempt to keep the chaos at a minimum... he looked at me, leaned in and said "my wife raised our six children... I found it far easier to be in combat than to be at home! Good luck with your travels!"
Gulp!
Okay, passed customs without issues and now to security... Dear God almighty, do not let them confiscate any of Ethan's food!
We had to bid adieu to our handy luggage trolly and its impressive balancing act and put our carry-on suitcase boot camp training to the test. Apparently we needed to work on sharp corners...
After the few tumblings of Ethan's suitcase and resulting angry screams (from Ethan, not from me!), we were once again taken through a "special" line where we all scrambled to remove shoes, watches, hair clips, belts, sweaters, took out electronics (which I kept in my designated carry on suitcase) and finally... placed the Ethan suitcase on the scanning table....
I'm sure that my breaking into a sweat was a red flag for these officers... and that conviction was not helping my breaking into a sweat!! Then it was walking through the metal detector. Me first, then it was trying to convince Ethan to walk through this daunting device towards a mom whose look on her face was not reassuring... nor the sweat dripping off her forehead! "Come on, Ethan, walk right through the middle! Come to mommy!" (Nervous laugh).
Did I already mention he was in a "fine mood" at this point? (Twitch, twitch)
Finally, after much coaxing, he ran through that thing like he half expected it to blow up. One kid down, several more to go. Anika was pretty good... then Duane and the baby, Loreena and finally Melina, who looked so sick at this point, I was sure they were about to turn us away for fear of H1N1 or something. No alarms... yet. I look over to the staff scanning our luggage and they are stuck on my suitcase with the cameras, baby monitors, GPS device, batteries, video camera, etc... where is Ethan's luggage?? Still has to be scanned! Gulp!
I have GOT to quit sweating like this! Duane as always is calm, cool and collected... darn it, why can't I be more like him?! Act normal, Rita.. just act normal... crap, my normal can come across as kinda scary... okay, DON'T act normal, Rita... DON'T act normal... ARGH, I'm making this worse!
The electronics finally go through... phew. Here comes Ethan's suitcase...
"Um, ma'am, can you please open this suitcase and remove all the liquids."
"Oh, sure!!" Why is my voice shaky and why did it just go up two octaves?? Snap out of it, Rita! Everything will be just fine!!!
"I have apple sauce here... oh and frozen soups here... I was hoping that because they were frozen, I could keep them in containers greater than the recommended 125 mls... (nervous laugh)... I have letters... oh, the epipen... crap, I'm not making sense am I.... (nervous laugh... oh Dear Lord, I am going to get arrested!)... here's his apple juice but I was hoping that because it's unopened, this would be okay... but I also packed smaller ones in case this was an issue... is this an issue? (Nervous laugh) This is his meal supplement powder... did I mention his allergies? Look, this is his "special bracelet"... (shut up, Rita, shut up)... Is powder an issue? The rest should be dried goods.... are we good?"
Holy smokes, is it just me or is it flippin' 200 degrees in here??? I had better not be getting whatever Mina has!
Would you believe his suitcase went through without a hitch? Nearly gave myself an ulcer... for nothing! And there was my darling husband looking at me with that "See, I TOLD you. When will you just relax?"
Took a deep breath and headed towards our gate. Oh dear, escalators... how on earth do we tackle that with all this luggage, two young kids dragging their suitcases, a stroller and an infant?? Considering I wanted to get far away from security as quickly as possible, Duane and Ethan took the elevator and the stroller while I picked up Anika and two suitcases up the escalator! Almost at the gate... almost there!
It was horribly crowded with no sitting room and I had to find a way to nurse Sivana, feed the little ones and grab a bite to eat, too.
Is it too late to turn around and go home??
Sent Melina and Loreena to buy us sandwiches and drinks... I nursed Sivana while Duane took out Ethan's soup and started feeding him a few bites. The kids came back and I nearly choked as they said these small sandwiches all cost us nearly fifty dollars!! Whatever! "Okay, big girls, chow down your sandwiches, help Anika eat hers..." "Oh, you didn't mention buying one for Anika." ARGH!! "Okay, feed her half of mine."
Five minutes later, the announcer says they are now boarding the elderly and those with small children. CRAP! Half a nursing for Sivana, no lunch for me, Ethan had only a few mouthfuls... toss everything in a bag and let's GO, GO, GO people!
Our plane was so small that we had to gate check our carry-on suitcases... yes, even the Ethan-Suitcase... After hyperventialating only momentarily, I eyeballed the people who were now responsible for my son's food for the week... just in case. Attempting to move down the aisle carrying an infant and carry on bags was down right comical at this point and we could barely fit our carry on bags at our feet! Oh this is going to be a fun hour and a half! Duane and Ethan in two seats, Loreena and Melina in the two seats in front, and Anika and I (with Sivana on my lap) across the aisle from Duane & Ethan. Anika pulls out the safety pamphlet to look at and says in a cheery voice, "look, mom, this plane has fire on it... and this one is in the water!... I love blue."
Great. If I wasn't paranoid about the plane crashing to begin with, this was NOT helping!
The Stewardess comes by and says "Ma'am, are you familiar with the safe way of holding your infant during lift off and landing?"
"Aside from just holding her on my lap?"
"Yes Ma'am, you need to cradle her across your chest to best brace her neck and spine."
Gulp. "Oh, thank you... I did not know that."
Why is everything 200 degrees around here??? Crap, did I remember deodorant?? Will that matter if the plane crashes?? ARGH!!
"Isn't this fun, mom?"
"Yes, Anika, this is quite the adventure, isn't it?" I think I am about to faint. I look over to Duane for that reassuring calmness I can always count on and instead see a look of "I didn't mean to... I'm sorry!"
"What's wrong??"
"I THOUGHT I put the lid on his soup back on properly..."
"Oh please tell me you are joking... please?"
Before the plane had even taken off, we lost Ethan's first meal for the day. Not only did we lose the soup, everything in his carry-on cooler was now buried in soup. "And I can't find his spoon." Thankfully I anticipated these things in my over-thinking process and had a few extra meals (and utensils) which I thought were cleverly placed in side pouches of the portable cooler but apparently were not there. At least there were tons of napkins.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are preparing for take-off, please take your seats and remain seated until further notice."
Sniff, sniff... I think Sivana pooped. Oh good grief.
"Mommy, I am really, really, really hungry... and if I don't eat, I am going to die."
"Anika, your body would have to go without food for about seven days before it would die... you're good. I'll feed you some of mommy's sandwich when we are up, up, up in the sky, okay?"
"But moooooom! I'm hungry NOW!" Cue crying Sivana... look over to see Duane trying to dig around in the soup-filled bag to find Ethan's needed utensils... what have I done? Why did we think this was a good idea? We have seven hours of travelling still to go!
Finally the plane takes off and we are up in the air... still alive... no one left behind. I shove my sandwich into Anika's mouth as I try to nurse Sivana behind my handy-dandy hooter-hider. This proves unsuccessful as I bang her head on the metal arm rest after she pushed off the other one with her feet. Cue screaming baby... again. Ah screw trying to conceal everything! I need to see my baby and nearby metal objects! Goodbye humility and hopefully no one turns around in their seat or they will get to know way more about me than they bargained for! And at this point, I really don't care!
Mental numbness was beginning to kick in as the stewardess rolls her little trolly down the aisle handing out a) pretzels, a nemesis of mine; b) cookies, and c) PEANUTS. Please, God, keep Ethan safe from any flying peanuts!
Before we know it, we have landed in Minneapolis and it is time to truly put my organizational skills and training to the test. Well, we collected all gate-checked luggage, loaded them with the carry-on bags, everyone grabbed their designated bag, Sivana was loaded in her infant car seat which snapped into her stroller (so smart) and off we went! We had little time to get from one end of this massive airport to the other and it would require several elevators, trams and escalator-type moving floors.
Oh goodie.
First the glass elevator... We barely fit in it and Ethan was hesitant stepping over the crack between the floor and the door. Once we were finally crammed in, we pushed the button for the lower level... and waited. And waited. "Mina, push it again." The door shuts. Oh phew. We don't move.
"Maybe we weigh too much? Mina push the button harder!"
The door reopens... not helpful. Finally it shuts and goes down to the lower level, does NOT open the door and then takes us back to the floor we had just come from! What the heck??? Is this thing broken? We see a stewardess and I yell out "Do you know how to work this elevator??"
Great, mother of five who cannot work an elevator... do I even want to know what her thoughts are right now?
Finally, Melina points out... "Ah you guys... we ARE on the 1st floor! We needed to push the button for the basement!"
"Ah never mind... (nervous laugh)... we figured it out." All thought of homeschooling going out the window right now given this mother cannot even figure out what floor we are on!
Off the elevator and off to the moving floors. Ethan again is hesitant in stepping onto it, I nearly fall backwards with the stroller failing to anticipate the physics of how quickly one can lose their balance stepping onto a moving floor, and Anika has dropped her suitcase in a pouting attempt to protest any further lugging around. By the time we reached the third "moving floor," we had it down to an art!
Next was the tram. This could potentially be pretty cool for the kids! Finally! We step onto this thing and I notice a few poles. The tram begins to move and I finally understand WHY the poles are there! After I do a crazy dance trying to keep from falling over, I lock Sivana's stroller wheels in place and commend the other kids for having half a brain to figure out holding on would be a good idea. Even Ethan had been holding on... sigh.We walk past wonderful smells of food, realize we still have not eaten, but arrive at our gate just in time to begin boarding... a much larger plane! Three seats on each side! Duane, Loreena & Ethan in one row, Anika & I (Sivana once again on my lap) in front with a mystery person scheduled to sit at the window and Melina stranded at a window seat with strangers a couple of rows down. Hmmm, maybe whoever sits at our window seat will be willing to trade with Mina!
After we held up the plane trying to place our suitcases & bags in compartments above our heads (and those of our neighbours), we took our seats. Anika is once again fascinated by the safety pamphlet and its lovely colours of red and yellow where the plane is on fire. "Mommy, I really want to sit with Loreena!!" Duane and I make a child swap and Ethan is now sitting beside me. A woman approaches where we are sitting and looks at the window seat... aha! Before she sticks her luggage above us (assuming there is any room) I say "Ma'am, would you be at all willing to trade window seats with my teenage daughter just two rows over?"
She looks at me, Sivana and then Ethan (if that's not encouragement for someone to change seats, I don't know WHAT is) and looks at me rather annoyed. She sighs heavily and says "well, my husband is sitting right in front of me... so no."
Seriously? Wow. Okay... remember to love unconditionally, Rita. God breathed His precious breath of life into her and that makes her on this planet with a purpose. She is your sister in Christ.
Then she sits next to Ethan, looks at him with slight annoyance and says "Won't this be fun." At which point, Ethan glares at her suspiciously, puts his head down on my arm and the woman adds "... or NOT."
Wow, you are a peach, Lady! Suddenly all concerns of Sivana crying or of Ethan squirming and kicking those sitting next to him went out the window.
Before we know it, we are in the sky once more. Ethan is now crying to sit beside Loreena and Anika is nearly fit to be tied. Finally, Loreena and I trade spots and I am now sitting beside Anika & Duane. Anika starts wailing that she wants to sit beside Loreena and for the sake of other people's ears on the plane (minus lovely anti-seat-trading-lady now sitting in front of me), we plunked Anika next to Loreena, gave her an electronic device to play on, plunked our now upset Ethan between Duane and I and started playing an episode of Dora the Explorer on the iPod. All was finally peaceful.
With the plane being as large as it is, a beverage & snack trolly was coming towards us from the front and one was coming towards us from the back. Out of nowhere, Ethan suddenly panics, stands up on Duane's lap and yells "My BUM is hurting! My BUM is hurting!! Daddy it hurts!"
What on earth? This has never happened before! As Duane looks at me not knowing what the problem is, his eyes go big as Ethan unleashes the biggest poop imaginable! Thankfully, his poops are not usually that stinky... usually... but before we know it, a blast of indescribable stench fills my nostrils causing me to throw my head back to get away! Now what? The trollies are closing in, we have no way of escaping and I DARE NOT try to change his diaper on the seat here and unleash the full extend of that stench!
And then an unchristian moment... oh I hope Anti-Seat Lady is regretting her decision right now.
Sivana has now pooped (again) and thankfully I can whip a new diaper on her while lying on my lap in record time! But as the stewardess comes closer to our seats, she also throws her head back and that fake smile turns into a sour mouth as she waves her hands in front of her nose... yes, it was that bad.
I cannot help but burst out laughing (it's either that or cry at this point) and say "I know! We're so sorry! We're just waiting for the trollies to get out of the way so that we can change his diaper."
Before you know it, a few shouts later and they have wheeled that second trolly out of the way to make room for Duane to walk down most of the plane carrying Ethan and the chemical warfare that is his diaper! No one on that plane went without knowing the wrath of stench contained therein!
So we have covered the planes and the trams... how do automobiles fit into this?
When we FINALLY arrived in Florida, it was 8:30 p.m. local time with all of us having only eaten parts of sandwiches. We made our way to baggage claim (which took an additional twenty to thirty minutes) as we would not be able to pick up our rental vehicle without the kids' car seats. We stationed our crew in a corner, Duane parked himself near the mile-long moving track while I tried to feed Ethan his chicken nuggets, fries and veggies. Melina was nearly passed out on the floor but our ever optimistic Loreena was running around with Anika. An hour came and went as we watched helplessly while everyone found their luggage and kept on with their day. We were the last ones there before Duane finally asked someone "where on earth is our luggage?"
Folks, we had been standing at the wrong baggage claim.
Okay, now things are really starting to NOT be funny anymore. Really. By the time we walk to the other baggage claim area, it is empty of people. Thankfully Duane spotted our luggage and car seats. We changed diapers and had potty breaks while Duane re-created our teetering tower of luggage on a $4 trolly. Now to find our rental vehicle...
At this point, I was not much fun and that unconditional love for strangers had been spent on Lady-Lovely on the previous plane ride and it looked like we had another mile-long area to cover a plethora of rental companies. So when this man approached us to "help" us, I was ready to just keep right on walking! But I did yell back "just looking for our rental van!"
"Which rental company?"
"Payless."
"Oh, they are not located at the airport."
I stop dead in my tracks... "What?"
"You'll have to go to the lower level and catch a shuttle bus outside."
Are you flippin' kidding me? When I booked this rental, I had requested ON SITE for airport vehicle rental services!! How are we supposed to lug all of this stuff onto a shuttle bus?? We start walking to the nearest elevator... "not in service".... move the army to the next elevator... "not in service"... okay, C'MON! Finally we find an elevator that works, walk out the doors to discover it is near record-breaking cold for Florida! Yep, about four degrees celcius and my kids are only in T-shirts and sweaters... great. Not only that, but we realize that the shuttle bus we needed was pulling out of its station! I wave frantically while trying to push the stroller only to watch the bus drive away...
It is now 10:30 pm and I am ready to bite someone's head off. We waited about thirty minutes before another one showed up. The kids were exhausted, I was fuming, we were all starving and I did NOT have a map from the rental company to our villa because I had printed a map from the airport instead!
We got to the rental company and I stood guard around the mountain of luggage on the curb in a freezing frenzy while the teenagers and the little ones went inside to watch the movie playing in the waiting area and to keep warm. I handed Duane the necessary paperwork and was looking forward to calling it a day before too much longer!
Ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes... nearly forty-five minutes later, Duane finally comes out with a set of keys! "What on EARTH took so long?? I think I just lost a toe to frostbite!"
"Forget about it, let's just get to the house."
After installing car seats, loading up the van with luggage and trying to figure out our GPS device (as this was our first time using it), we were FINALLY on our way to our home away from home. "Duane, we need to eat something! I know it's nearly midnight, but I am starving." We order from McDonalds (you KNOW we are hungry when we are willing to eat McDonalds!) and continue on our way. We reach what they call a "Toll Bridge" or something like that and discover we need to pay $0.75. Duane hands the guy a canadian looney and the guy says "I cannot accept this."
Duane (whose patience is now running out as well... did not think this was possible) says "buddy, it's worth more than your U.S. coins right now!"
"Sorry sir, I cannot accept this."
For crying out loud! Hopefully this kid can break a $50 bill because we did not bring any loose U.S. change! Bless Loreena's heart, she happened to have a $1 bill!
Please, can we just get "home"?
And so we finally did! It was freezing cold as we could not figure out how to set the thermostat (this was definitely the vacation of "feeling dumb") and poor Anika was shaking like a leaf. This would later turn into high fevers, but that will be covered in Part 3.
So there you have it, folks... the journey towards our "vacation" which rendered us numb, starving, grumpy and freezing cold... and with an impending vow that we would never do something this stupid again! Let's hope the rest of the week makes all of this "worth it"!
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Florida Trip Part 1: The Preparation
Well, as you already read in the post "Blah Blah Blah", it has been quite the endeavour preparing for a family with three under the age of four and two teenage girls (we brought my niece, Loreena, along as extra helping hands and companionship for Melina).
As you know, I have a highly active imagination and a tendency to imagine worst case scenarios to the point of asking myself "is this normal?" Oh the plethora of haunting images in my mind of the plane crashing, losing one of the kids, anaphylactic reactions to peanuts served on the plane or from large fish splashing Ethan at Sea World, being stopped at the border, losing Ethan's food, getting sick before leaving or during the vacation, and any possible threats of keeping us from making the most of the small fortune we were spending to "get away".
And the irony that what we would enjoy "getting away" from was following us regardless!! (Cue screaming child and someone pooping their pants...)
The one advantage of thinking the worst (really, there is a bright side to it) is the preparation one can do ahead of time to face such incidents with as much ease as possible. So with that in mind, I printed every imaginable map to places we would see, hours or operation, emails consenting their permission to bring Ethan's food into the parks, packing lists, itinerary, meal plan, recipes, grocery list and of course all the legalities such as letters of permission from my sister to bring her daughter across the border, letter of permission from my ex for Melina to cross the border, copies of custody agreements, letters from the allergy specialist stating the severity of Ethan's allergies and the need for us to bring all of his own food, photocopies of blood work, list of specialists and contact info, etc...
I dubbed this "THE folder" which ended up requiring tabs! The only thing missing was an index page and glossary!
I also registered Ethan with MedicAlert, ordered his "special bracelet", uploaded some Dora videos to the iPod and downloaded a few free kids' apps.
Next was "how can we enjoy this as cheaply as possible?" Well, checking a piece of luggage with Delta costs $25 a piece! Thankfully, huge 70% off sales at luggage stores beckoned me so I spent less than that on small carry-on suitcases and matching bags in various colours that would make identifying & allocating them (and lugging them around) much easier! In the end, it would mean checking one massive suitcase (which contained the potentially questionable liquids) and two car seats and the rest would be lugged around by each and every one of us... yes, including my two year old son!
Ethan laid claim to the purple suitcase & bag, Anika dibbed the black ones. Melina was ecstatic about the lime green ones, which left me with the turquoise and Duane with the navy blue ones. This meant Duane would be responsible for "THE suitcase" also known as "the ETHAN suitcase" which contained his homemade foods, soups, broths, meds, lotions, epipens, supplements, etc... This piece of luggage was given the royal treatment and my internal honing device was kicked into high gear to sense when it was possibly in danger! Woe to the one that would touch that suitcase without my permission!
Then came training camp... Ethan and Anika walked around the mall pulling their suitcases in preparation for connection flights in major airports. You can imagine the smiles and giggles from those around us who delighted in the cuteness factor!
Then came time to pack. Duane was leaving at five for his night shift so Melina's help with the little ones was critical. Unfortunately, she came back from school with chills and high fevers and spent the first five hours home from school sleeping and buried in blankets... great. Despite this setback, packing everyone was finished in several hours and in the end, all the suitcases were neatly lined up and ready for Duane to load as soon as he returned from working his night shift the next morning.
Next was organizing rides to and from the airport to avoid park & fly fees. The plan was to have my dad drive all of us to the airport (Ethan, Anika & Loreena squished in the back; Melina, Sivana and I in the middle and Duane and my dad in the front). Throw in all our luggage and a stroller, cue a little trapeze music and you would think we were on our way to a circus... as the main attraction! Amazingly, we all fit in our suburban!! But if you ask me, we would have been far more comfortable in a small bus!
Given that our flight back was scheduled to land at 11:35 p.m. the following week, we asked our young friend who would be caring for our home to pick us up to avoid such a late night for my dad. Everything seemed organized and ready to go.
Planned home departure was 10:30 a.m. to arrive at the airport for 11:30 a.m. which would give us two hours prior to our scheduled flight. Surely this would be more than enough time?
Mistake number one which I will delve into further in part 2. So here were were... about to embark upon an adventure... surely I had thought of everything (mistake number two) and all would go as smoothly as it possibly could with a brood this size thanks to my overactive imagination & obsession with assuming the worst (a trait I am convinced is birthed along with your children!). The promise of possibility was right there (both good and bad)! Suffice it to say that by the time all of this planning and organizing was done, this phase of the preparation was now dibbed, Preparation H!!!
As you know, I have a highly active imagination and a tendency to imagine worst case scenarios to the point of asking myself "is this normal?" Oh the plethora of haunting images in my mind of the plane crashing, losing one of the kids, anaphylactic reactions to peanuts served on the plane or from large fish splashing Ethan at Sea World, being stopped at the border, losing Ethan's food, getting sick before leaving or during the vacation, and any possible threats of keeping us from making the most of the small fortune we were spending to "get away".
And the irony that what we would enjoy "getting away" from was following us regardless!! (Cue screaming child and someone pooping their pants...)
The one advantage of thinking the worst (really, there is a bright side to it) is the preparation one can do ahead of time to face such incidents with as much ease as possible. So with that in mind, I printed every imaginable map to places we would see, hours or operation, emails consenting their permission to bring Ethan's food into the parks, packing lists, itinerary, meal plan, recipes, grocery list and of course all the legalities such as letters of permission from my sister to bring her daughter across the border, letter of permission from my ex for Melina to cross the border, copies of custody agreements, letters from the allergy specialist stating the severity of Ethan's allergies and the need for us to bring all of his own food, photocopies of blood work, list of specialists and contact info, etc...
I dubbed this "THE folder" which ended up requiring tabs! The only thing missing was an index page and glossary!
I also registered Ethan with MedicAlert, ordered his "special bracelet", uploaded some Dora videos to the iPod and downloaded a few free kids' apps.
Next was "how can we enjoy this as cheaply as possible?" Well, checking a piece of luggage with Delta costs $25 a piece! Thankfully, huge 70% off sales at luggage stores beckoned me so I spent less than that on small carry-on suitcases and matching bags in various colours that would make identifying & allocating them (and lugging them around) much easier! In the end, it would mean checking one massive suitcase (which contained the potentially questionable liquids) and two car seats and the rest would be lugged around by each and every one of us... yes, including my two year old son!
Ethan laid claim to the purple suitcase & bag, Anika dibbed the black ones. Melina was ecstatic about the lime green ones, which left me with the turquoise and Duane with the navy blue ones. This meant Duane would be responsible for "THE suitcase" also known as "the ETHAN suitcase" which contained his homemade foods, soups, broths, meds, lotions, epipens, supplements, etc... This piece of luggage was given the royal treatment and my internal honing device was kicked into high gear to sense when it was possibly in danger! Woe to the one that would touch that suitcase without my permission!
Then came training camp... Ethan and Anika walked around the mall pulling their suitcases in preparation for connection flights in major airports. You can imagine the smiles and giggles from those around us who delighted in the cuteness factor!
Then came time to pack. Duane was leaving at five for his night shift so Melina's help with the little ones was critical. Unfortunately, she came back from school with chills and high fevers and spent the first five hours home from school sleeping and buried in blankets... great. Despite this setback, packing everyone was finished in several hours and in the end, all the suitcases were neatly lined up and ready for Duane to load as soon as he returned from working his night shift the next morning. Next was organizing rides to and from the airport to avoid park & fly fees. The plan was to have my dad drive all of us to the airport (Ethan, Anika & Loreena squished in the back; Melina, Sivana and I in the middle and Duane and my dad in the front). Throw in all our luggage and a stroller, cue a little trapeze music and you would think we were on our way to a circus... as the main attraction! Amazingly, we all fit in our suburban!! But if you ask me, we would have been far more comfortable in a small bus!
Given that our flight back was scheduled to land at 11:35 p.m. the following week, we asked our young friend who would be caring for our home to pick us up to avoid such a late night for my dad. Everything seemed organized and ready to go.
Planned home departure was 10:30 a.m. to arrive at the airport for 11:30 a.m. which would give us two hours prior to our scheduled flight. Surely this would be more than enough time?
 |
| Off to the airport! |
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Hopefully sooner than later!
I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to sit down and write about our Florida trip "adventure". This morning, it's load Izzy, Sivana, Ethan & Anika in the van before 8:00 a.m. to drop off Anika at a friend's house then bring Izzy to school and meet my mom at Ethan's Allergy Specialist appointment for 9:00 a.m. so she can watch Sivana while we spend the next two hours figuring out where Ethan is at with his allergies.
Hopefully we'll be home for lunch, then it's nap time for the kids while I do supper prep, try to catch up on some emails & other messages, maybe clean up a few toys, fold some laundry, then it's nurse Sivana, pack up the kids and drive to pick up Izzy from school.
Tomorrow is no better... It's load all four kids up again, pick up Anika's little friend (whom she will be playing with this morning) & drop off Ethan to be babysat, drop Anika & her friend off at preschool, drive downtown to Pediatric Neurology for Izzy's appointment where my mother will have to meet me (yet again) to help me push both Sivana in her stroller & Izzy in hers.
Thank the good Lord for loving parents who are willing to get dragged out to countless grandkids' stuff!
Thursday I will need my dad's help to drive Melina to her voice lesson way on the other side of town while I load up all the kids & pick up Izzy from school.
Thank God her spine clinic was cancelled for Friday because I am not sure how I am going to get anything done this week.
Speaking of which, I'd best get the little ones fed, Sivana nursed, everyone dressed & loaded into the van before time escapes me anymore than it already has!
Just know that I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with you all about this trip!
Anyways, much love to you all out there and hopefully you have more grace in your hearts in dealing with those who challenge you the most than I do these days. And may you be treated with grace, too, as none of us are without our "special" aspects but we are all created in His image and that means we are all deserving of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness! God bless!
Hopefully we'll be home for lunch, then it's nap time for the kids while I do supper prep, try to catch up on some emails & other messages, maybe clean up a few toys, fold some laundry, then it's nurse Sivana, pack up the kids and drive to pick up Izzy from school.
Tomorrow is no better... It's load all four kids up again, pick up Anika's little friend (whom she will be playing with this morning) & drop off Ethan to be babysat, drop Anika & her friend off at preschool, drive downtown to Pediatric Neurology for Izzy's appointment where my mother will have to meet me (yet again) to help me push both Sivana in her stroller & Izzy in hers.
Thank the good Lord for loving parents who are willing to get dragged out to countless grandkids' stuff!
Thursday I will need my dad's help to drive Melina to her voice lesson way on the other side of town while I load up all the kids & pick up Izzy from school.
Thank God her spine clinic was cancelled for Friday because I am not sure how I am going to get anything done this week.
Speaking of which, I'd best get the little ones fed, Sivana nursed, everyone dressed & loaded into the van before time escapes me anymore than it already has!
Just know that I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with you all about this trip!
Anyways, much love to you all out there and hopefully you have more grace in your hearts in dealing with those who challenge you the most than I do these days. And may you be treated with grace, too, as none of us are without our "special" aspects but we are all created in His image and that means we are all deserving of love and grace, mercy and forgiveness! God bless!
Friday, 18 February 2011
2B or not 2B
Holy smokadoodles, folks... we were supposed to land back home yesterday at 11:30 p.m. but we only walked through the doors tonight at 7:00 p.m.
I am beginning to think that family vacations are merely NOT 2B for us!!
I cannot believe how many things can go wrong (and that's coming from someone who tends to think the worst of things under the guise of protecting my children AND who has an overactive imagination!!). I will attempt to cover the full gamut of possibility over the next few days as I share with you the near-unbelievable journey (or nightmare) we experienced trying to get back home!
I love you all, I thank God almighty that we are home safe and sound and hopefully I can share all the details with you over the next couple of days!
God bless and here's hoping this finds you in the comfort of your own homes and nowhere near any airports!!!
I am beginning to think that family vacations are merely NOT 2B for us!!
I cannot believe how many things can go wrong (and that's coming from someone who tends to think the worst of things under the guise of protecting my children AND who has an overactive imagination!!). I will attempt to cover the full gamut of possibility over the next few days as I share with you the near-unbelievable journey (or nightmare) we experienced trying to get back home!
I love you all, I thank God almighty that we are home safe and sound and hopefully I can share all the details with you over the next couple of days!
God bless and here's hoping this finds you in the comfort of your own homes and nowhere near any airports!!!
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Blah blah blah
You may very well find the point of this entry to be just that... blah. I am sitting here at 12:46 a.m. (will let you know what time it is when I stop typing) after a few days of trying to organize the nitty gritty details of flying down to Florida for a week....
because we thought it could be restful...
Well, thanks to the plethora of required planning & preparing, I am NOW ready for a vacation! First it was conjuring up a list of all things needed for Ethan. He cannot eat on planes or in restaurants but there are strict rules about crossing the border with food and stricter yet when boarding a plane! So emails and phone calls to the Airport Security Authority, checking out websites and we are STILL left with the possibility they won't let his food come on the plane!
Then it was get letters from Ethan's allergy specialist stating the severity of Ethan's allergies and the need to bring his own food and epipens onboard.
Then we need to find out if Sivana's stroller and carseat can come onboard or if these need to be checked in... and could we have a carry on with all the ingredients needed to cook for Ethan that week kept with that stroller on the plane??
Not sure...
So it's call the stores near the home we are renting (because I have to cook all of Ethan's food) to find out if it would be the end of the world if they lost the luggage with all his food!
Passport pictures which require ordering birth certificates... oh the joys! Letters of permission from the ex to bring Melina across the border, copies of divorce final orders & custody agreements, etc...
And then it's calling the theme parks we are hoping to attend to see what their policies are on bringing our own food in for Ethan. Some require their supervisor's letter of consent which has to be brought with us, restrictions on the size of soft-sided cooler that can be brought in, etc...
Sea World... is this a smart place to bring a child with severe fish allergies?? Emails back and forth on their history of anaphylaxis issues... none to-date... phew!
Argh!! Then it's menu planning to make sure his three staple meals are made between all the action. And on and on and on!
It was decided that we would go on a week that Isabel is with her father which also resulted in some harsh judgement and comments from the peanut gallery over there... which then led to phone calls to a doctor who has worked with special needs in psychology for thirty years!! This wonderful woman stressed the importance of spending quality time with the other children who otherwise live around the needs of a severely handicapped sibling... and especially given the fact that Duane spends 14-16 hours per week driving Isabel to and from school!! That's a lot of time away from the little ones! This doctor was phenomenal in stressing the importance of looking at the family's needs as a WHOLE.
Suffice it to say, it was a wonderful relief to be so strongly supported in this decision. She eased the accusation of not giving Isabel the same level of consideration (a comment from the ex I found rather hurtful), especially given the fact that she has been given MORE consideration than the other kids with the addition to our home for a custom-built space to meet her needs, wheelchair ramp, modified van, etc... Her needs are individual and "fairness" does not mean "equal" in this instance! And I would be disappointed if any of my children ever complained of lack of fairness given Isabel's higher needs. Argh...
And the logistics just don't work at this stage in our lives. Duane would have to sit with her in a separate area of the plane while I sat with an infant and two toddlers somewhere else! I don't think so! How would we do anything while carrying an infant, pushing Izzy, keeping two small kids safe and making sure a teenager doesn't go wandering off?? And do I dare imagine what our attempts at swimming would look like??
So it was decided that the best way to honour Isabel on this trip would be to find a home to rent that is "wheelchair accessible" and to scope out attractions & their disability policies and accommodations while we are down there so that a family trip several years down the road will be far easier to plan!
It is now 1:08 a.m. and I am so pooped and wondering if this was a good idea. I would apologize for the "rant" but I really am feeling a little deflated these days and I have to admit, it feels good to get it out. Here's hoping that this finds you all doing well out there and making the most of the goodness of being "home". And I pray that "home" is a real nice place for you!
There is much, much, more to tell and hopefully time will permit some time to write while we are gone. That would be a wonderful gift for me!
Much love, my dears. I normally type those words with such fervour but tonight my fingers slide across the keyboard much the way my kids drag their feet when we've been walking too long at the grocery store! Just know that in my heart, there is a great fire (no, not heartburn!)... but it's just not reaching my fingertips at the moment! God and peace be with you all!
because we thought it could be restful...
Well, thanks to the plethora of required planning & preparing, I am NOW ready for a vacation! First it was conjuring up a list of all things needed for Ethan. He cannot eat on planes or in restaurants but there are strict rules about crossing the border with food and stricter yet when boarding a plane! So emails and phone calls to the Airport Security Authority, checking out websites and we are STILL left with the possibility they won't let his food come on the plane!
Then it was get letters from Ethan's allergy specialist stating the severity of Ethan's allergies and the need to bring his own food and epipens onboard.
Then we need to find out if Sivana's stroller and carseat can come onboard or if these need to be checked in... and could we have a carry on with all the ingredients needed to cook for Ethan that week kept with that stroller on the plane??
Not sure...
So it's call the stores near the home we are renting (because I have to cook all of Ethan's food) to find out if it would be the end of the world if they lost the luggage with all his food!
Passport pictures which require ordering birth certificates... oh the joys! Letters of permission from the ex to bring Melina across the border, copies of divorce final orders & custody agreements, etc...
And then it's calling the theme parks we are hoping to attend to see what their policies are on bringing our own food in for Ethan. Some require their supervisor's letter of consent which has to be brought with us, restrictions on the size of soft-sided cooler that can be brought in, etc...
Sea World... is this a smart place to bring a child with severe fish allergies?? Emails back and forth on their history of anaphylaxis issues... none to-date... phew!
Argh!! Then it's menu planning to make sure his three staple meals are made between all the action. And on and on and on!
It was decided that we would go on a week that Isabel is with her father which also resulted in some harsh judgement and comments from the peanut gallery over there... which then led to phone calls to a doctor who has worked with special needs in psychology for thirty years!! This wonderful woman stressed the importance of spending quality time with the other children who otherwise live around the needs of a severely handicapped sibling... and especially given the fact that Duane spends 14-16 hours per week driving Isabel to and from school!! That's a lot of time away from the little ones! This doctor was phenomenal in stressing the importance of looking at the family's needs as a WHOLE.
Suffice it to say, it was a wonderful relief to be so strongly supported in this decision. She eased the accusation of not giving Isabel the same level of consideration (a comment from the ex I found rather hurtful), especially given the fact that she has been given MORE consideration than the other kids with the addition to our home for a custom-built space to meet her needs, wheelchair ramp, modified van, etc... Her needs are individual and "fairness" does not mean "equal" in this instance! And I would be disappointed if any of my children ever complained of lack of fairness given Isabel's higher needs. Argh...
And the logistics just don't work at this stage in our lives. Duane would have to sit with her in a separate area of the plane while I sat with an infant and two toddlers somewhere else! I don't think so! How would we do anything while carrying an infant, pushing Izzy, keeping two small kids safe and making sure a teenager doesn't go wandering off?? And do I dare imagine what our attempts at swimming would look like??
So it was decided that the best way to honour Isabel on this trip would be to find a home to rent that is "wheelchair accessible" and to scope out attractions & their disability policies and accommodations while we are down there so that a family trip several years down the road will be far easier to plan!
It is now 1:08 a.m. and I am so pooped and wondering if this was a good idea. I would apologize for the "rant" but I really am feeling a little deflated these days and I have to admit, it feels good to get it out. Here's hoping that this finds you all doing well out there and making the most of the goodness of being "home". And I pray that "home" is a real nice place for you!
There is much, much, more to tell and hopefully time will permit some time to write while we are gone. That would be a wonderful gift for me!
Much love, my dears. I normally type those words with such fervour but tonight my fingers slide across the keyboard much the way my kids drag their feet when we've been walking too long at the grocery store! Just know that in my heart, there is a great fire (no, not heartburn!)... but it's just not reaching my fingertips at the moment! God and peace be with you all!
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