We wish you a great day to be enjoyed with friends and family.
A joyful New Year to bring new blessings to many.
Health and happiness to all who are reading.
Merry Christmas from the Phillips.
Patrick, Amanda, Anthony, Ananya and Prasun
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just wanted to wish a Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends and my family as well.
We wish you a great day to be enjoyed with friends and family.
A joyful New Year to bring new blessings to many.
Health and happiness to all who are reading.
Merry Christmas from the Phillips.
Patrick, Amanda, Anthony, Ananya and Prasun
We wish you a great day to be enjoyed with friends and family.
A joyful New Year to bring new blessings to many.
Health and happiness to all who are reading.
Merry Christmas from the Phillips.
Patrick, Amanda, Anthony, Ananya and Prasun
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Update
The mark of us being together as a family for a month has come and gone. With that small anniversary, no update from me. I would apologize but my life has been crazy.
We are settling into being a family. I won't lie though. It has been rough for me. Ananya's needs, Prasun's needs, and general wifedom has been quite overwhelming in the last 6 weeks. Not to mention making sure Anthony is doing schoolwork and not being neglected on a daily basis. I've returned to work now. I'm kind of happy about that. It rounds out my time. I feel more useful. I have changed my schedule a bit and I'm way more at peace now.
I'm going to be honest for a minute.
The last 6 weeks have been rough. I can't remember how bad it was last time. I do remember crying on the phone to a friend at 8:30 at night because Ananya got into a routine of crying at bedtime. For a time, it was hours of screaming. We had tried everything and she still cried. We had to stop laying down with her because her screaming would give us headaches. It was bad. This time, we haven't had anything that bad. Just the daily life of 2 3 1/2 year olds is overwhelming. I mean I don't go a week without a doctor appointment. I'm not sure how to handle a day without therapy. I've struggled with the realization that this is my daily life now. Its not going to get better in a few months. Its not going to settle down for a long time. That is just the reality. I have 2 kids that need therapy and have special needs.
More honesty. I struggle on a regular basis that I'm not doing everything I can for Ananya. Since getting home, I've had to fight with countless doctors and others to just get things started for Prasun. I really haven't gotten anything at all started. Tomorrow we go to the pediatrician for our big visit. Prasun has to get blood drawn. I'm not looking forward to talking to the doctor. I had a serious problem with her when we got home from India. I'm hoping tomorrow goes better because I don't want to have to switch doctors. All of this just makes it harder for me to think I'm doing everything that I can. I've pulled Ananya out of preschool. I don't think that a class of 4 year olds was the best for her. I would be more willing to put her in a class with 2 year olds. That is where she is developmentally. It makes sense to me. The preschool teacher has voiced that Ananya loved being with the other kids. I had been nice to this point. I informed her that my daughter was raised in a building with almost 30 other kids, of course she's going to be comfortable.
I just wish I could do more for these 2 kids (well in actuality all 3 of them). I know this is something that every parent goes through. The decisions parent make determine almost everything in a child's life. I don't want to screw this up. Being a parent can just be hard sometimes.
OK. So now I've put all my insecurities out there. I'll go ahead and update you on our daily life.
Prasun:
He is doing good. After spending the weekend with Patrick, he now will say "Daddy" on a regular basis. We started a bad habit. He somehow picked up the word "ok". So now if you ask him something he says "ok". If you ask him if he wants to go night-night he says "no ok". If it wasn't followed by some very loud crying it would be cute. He has stopped hitting his head on the floor for the most part. He was just so weak and uncoordinated when he got home that he kept falling when he was crawling. He would hit his head alot. He is getting stronger. He will pull himself up sometimes. He fell out of his crib. I was in the room. He was fine. I think he acually didn't even hit his head as hard as he has a couple times while crawling. He hasn't stood up in his crib yet without us around. I'm hoping that it stays that way. We will consider a toddler bed once he is pulling up on a regular basis during the day and is developmentally ready. He loves push toys. If you just walk behind and push he'll walk very well. His legs cross some but he is starting to move them into the correct position when it happens. He still smiles all the time. His eating has slowed down to an almost normal level now. He doesn't throw a fit at meal times.
Ananya is doing very well. Her jealous side has started to come out. She has started hitting and scratching Prasun. We are trying to referee that. I'm sure it will decrease with time. She is doing good with therapy in school. They say she has problems transitioning from 1 therapist to another. Mondays she does PT and then OT comes in. She doesn't like to switch teachers. I don't know if alittle more prompting beforehand will help as well as alittle more time. She has been doing awesome with her outpatient PT. She is playing ball, throwing the ball, balancing while sitting, and has been very good tempered. We got her school walker to use at home over the break. She likes to be in it. I'm working on getting her one for at home. It may be a month or more before I can get it though. Prasun likes her walker too. He does very well in it. This reinforces my instinct to find one for him while looking for hers.
Anthony is doing well. He is ready for Christmas. He opened presents at his grandma's already. He has been doing well with schoolwork since I switched to an online cirriculum. He has been doing his daily lessons and spanish with very little prompting from me. We are of course struggling with him about computer time. He likes to play World of Warcraft. We have set limits on his time. He is adjusting to having a new brother. It is going to take some time. Prasun weighs more and so Anthony isn't as comfortable to just carry him around like Ananya. He is still adjusting to Prasun's personality. He is looking forward to starting indoor soccer after Christmas.
I really am doing ok. I'm feeling good today. I've been stressing because I've been out of work for 6 weeks and Christmas is fast approaching. We weren't as prepared as I would have liked to have been. Oh well. We made it.
I'm just glad to be done with adoptions for now. After deciding to adopt again when we had only been home a matter of months, I ready to have a break. No more paperwork. No more waiting. Besides, I don't really have time for paperwork or waiting. I've got doctor's appointments, therapy sessions, homeschool work, and fieldtrips to keep me busy. I don't really want to be done forever, but for now we are taking a break.
I'll add pictures of the kids in Ananya's walker after they take a nap. At present, I think Prasun is sleeping and Ananya is laying in her crib whining, just to let me know she didn't need a nap.
We are settling into being a family. I won't lie though. It has been rough for me. Ananya's needs, Prasun's needs, and general wifedom has been quite overwhelming in the last 6 weeks. Not to mention making sure Anthony is doing schoolwork and not being neglected on a daily basis. I've returned to work now. I'm kind of happy about that. It rounds out my time. I feel more useful. I have changed my schedule a bit and I'm way more at peace now.
I'm going to be honest for a minute.
The last 6 weeks have been rough. I can't remember how bad it was last time. I do remember crying on the phone to a friend at 8:30 at night because Ananya got into a routine of crying at bedtime. For a time, it was hours of screaming. We had tried everything and she still cried. We had to stop laying down with her because her screaming would give us headaches. It was bad. This time, we haven't had anything that bad. Just the daily life of 2 3 1/2 year olds is overwhelming. I mean I don't go a week without a doctor appointment. I'm not sure how to handle a day without therapy. I've struggled with the realization that this is my daily life now. Its not going to get better in a few months. Its not going to settle down for a long time. That is just the reality. I have 2 kids that need therapy and have special needs.
More honesty. I struggle on a regular basis that I'm not doing everything I can for Ananya. Since getting home, I've had to fight with countless doctors and others to just get things started for Prasun. I really haven't gotten anything at all started. Tomorrow we go to the pediatrician for our big visit. Prasun has to get blood drawn. I'm not looking forward to talking to the doctor. I had a serious problem with her when we got home from India. I'm hoping tomorrow goes better because I don't want to have to switch doctors. All of this just makes it harder for me to think I'm doing everything that I can. I've pulled Ananya out of preschool. I don't think that a class of 4 year olds was the best for her. I would be more willing to put her in a class with 2 year olds. That is where she is developmentally. It makes sense to me. The preschool teacher has voiced that Ananya loved being with the other kids. I had been nice to this point. I informed her that my daughter was raised in a building with almost 30 other kids, of course she's going to be comfortable.
I just wish I could do more for these 2 kids (well in actuality all 3 of them). I know this is something that every parent goes through. The decisions parent make determine almost everything in a child's life. I don't want to screw this up. Being a parent can just be hard sometimes.
OK. So now I've put all my insecurities out there. I'll go ahead and update you on our daily life.
Prasun:
He is doing good. After spending the weekend with Patrick, he now will say "Daddy" on a regular basis. We started a bad habit. He somehow picked up the word "ok". So now if you ask him something he says "ok". If you ask him if he wants to go night-night he says "no ok". If it wasn't followed by some very loud crying it would be cute. He has stopped hitting his head on the floor for the most part. He was just so weak and uncoordinated when he got home that he kept falling when he was crawling. He would hit his head alot. He is getting stronger. He will pull himself up sometimes. He fell out of his crib. I was in the room. He was fine. I think he acually didn't even hit his head as hard as he has a couple times while crawling. He hasn't stood up in his crib yet without us around. I'm hoping that it stays that way. We will consider a toddler bed once he is pulling up on a regular basis during the day and is developmentally ready. He loves push toys. If you just walk behind and push he'll walk very well. His legs cross some but he is starting to move them into the correct position when it happens. He still smiles all the time. His eating has slowed down to an almost normal level now. He doesn't throw a fit at meal times.
Ananya is doing very well. Her jealous side has started to come out. She has started hitting and scratching Prasun. We are trying to referee that. I'm sure it will decrease with time. She is doing good with therapy in school. They say she has problems transitioning from 1 therapist to another. Mondays she does PT and then OT comes in. She doesn't like to switch teachers. I don't know if alittle more prompting beforehand will help as well as alittle more time. She has been doing awesome with her outpatient PT. She is playing ball, throwing the ball, balancing while sitting, and has been very good tempered. We got her school walker to use at home over the break. She likes to be in it. I'm working on getting her one for at home. It may be a month or more before I can get it though. Prasun likes her walker too. He does very well in it. This reinforces my instinct to find one for him while looking for hers.
Anthony is doing well. He is ready for Christmas. He opened presents at his grandma's already. He has been doing well with schoolwork since I switched to an online cirriculum. He has been doing his daily lessons and spanish with very little prompting from me. We are of course struggling with him about computer time. He likes to play World of Warcraft. We have set limits on his time. He is adjusting to having a new brother. It is going to take some time. Prasun weighs more and so Anthony isn't as comfortable to just carry him around like Ananya. He is still adjusting to Prasun's personality. He is looking forward to starting indoor soccer after Christmas.
I really am doing ok. I'm feeling good today. I've been stressing because I've been out of work for 6 weeks and Christmas is fast approaching. We weren't as prepared as I would have liked to have been. Oh well. We made it.
I'm just glad to be done with adoptions for now. After deciding to adopt again when we had only been home a matter of months, I ready to have a break. No more paperwork. No more waiting. Besides, I don't really have time for paperwork or waiting. I've got doctor's appointments, therapy sessions, homeschool work, and fieldtrips to keep me busy. I don't really want to be done forever, but for now we are taking a break.
I'll add pictures of the kids in Ananya's walker after they take a nap. At present, I think Prasun is sleeping and Ananya is laying in her crib whining, just to let me know she didn't need a nap.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Walker
Hi all.
I just wanted to see if anyone out in bloggerland could help me.
I'm looking for used walkers for the kids. I specifically need a Rifton Pacer gait trainer. I need 1 small and 1 medium as well as the chest straps and ankle props.
If you know where I can find one please email me. My contact info is in my profile.
Thanks
I just wanted to see if anyone out in bloggerland could help me.
I'm looking for used walkers for the kids. I specifically need a Rifton Pacer gait trainer. I need 1 small and 1 medium as well as the chest straps and ankle props.
If you know where I can find one please email me. My contact info is in my profile.
Thanks
Monday, December 8, 2008
Recipe
I thought since I'm currently on a baking spree, I should share this recipe. I get asked for these things all the time. I've even given them a horrible name and people still ask for "Doody Balls". The name started because we made them for a Halloween Party (which I always have because other peoples kids ask me to). I love to fill the table with strange and gross looking foods. If you make these delicious things you'll understand why I named them this.
Seriously, they are so good. They don't take long at all to make.
You need:
1 pack of Oreos (you could get creative and try one of the varieties.)
1 pack of cream cheese
a food processor
melting chocolates (I use more than 1 color)
What to do:
Put the pack of oreos in the food processor (please remove them from the package). Grind them to a dust. Dump the cream cheese in and blend until it forms a blob. Roll blob into small (bite size) balls. I refrigerate them for a while. Mostly because I hate melting chocolate and always convince my friend to do it for me. Melt the chocolate. Dip the little balls in the chocolate and set on a cookie sheet to dry.
I (well ok my friend) usually decorates them with a second color. Halloween we had green and orange. We did dark chocolate and white chocolate 2 weeks ago. Thats probably what my next batch will be unless the chocolate fairy drops off green and red for me. I hate dragging 3 kids into any store.
The melting chocolate is super easy to use. I get the kind in the craft section. You can do the whole double boiler (boiling water and a glass bowl over the pan) or just microwave the stuff.
This is really easy to do and I guarantee everyone will ask for you to make them again and again. Even when you hand out the recipe 15 million times.
Seriously, they are so good. They don't take long at all to make.
You need:
1 pack of Oreos (you could get creative and try one of the varieties.)
1 pack of cream cheese
a food processor
melting chocolates (I use more than 1 color)
What to do:
Put the pack of oreos in the food processor (please remove them from the package). Grind them to a dust. Dump the cream cheese in and blend until it forms a blob. Roll blob into small (bite size) balls. I refrigerate them for a while. Mostly because I hate melting chocolate and always convince my friend to do it for me. Melt the chocolate. Dip the little balls in the chocolate and set on a cookie sheet to dry.
I (well ok my friend) usually decorates them with a second color. Halloween we had green and orange. We did dark chocolate and white chocolate 2 weeks ago. Thats probably what my next batch will be unless the chocolate fairy drops off green and red for me. I hate dragging 3 kids into any store.
The melting chocolate is super easy to use. I get the kind in the craft section. You can do the whole double boiler (boiling water and a glass bowl over the pan) or just microwave the stuff.
This is really easy to do and I guarantee everyone will ask for you to make them again and again. Even when you hand out the recipe 15 million times.
MeMe
I borrowed this from Instantly Mama.
I really liked this list. I've turned it into my own. I bolded all the things I've done. I *ed the things I want to do. I've added some comments for humor. This list may end up taped to my bathroom mirror next to the Dave Ramsey steps (isn't it sad that I hang those up? I need constant motivation in our path to get out of debt.)
What Have You Done?
(mine are in bold and italics)
1. Started your own blog
2. *Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (junior high. I played the flute then taught myself to play clarinet.)
4. *Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. *Given more than you can afford to charity (the whole point of getting out of debt really)
7. *Been to Disneyland
8. *Climbed a mountain (sadly, I live an hour from the mountains. Oh wait a minute, does Heart Attack Hill in San Francisco count?)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (Only in the car. For the good of everyone)
11. Bungee jumped (I'm betting Teena will drag me into this. Or rather I should say push me out)
12. *Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (I don't care to ever experience this one)
17. *Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (Yeah, Patrick had to help. I forgot the things after about 6 weeks)
19. *Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (I'd probably get motion sick)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (I did walk like 4 miles carrying at least 10 pounds in a bookbag when I was 4 months pregnant and missed my ride).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (I have taken care of piglets, pigs, and goats. As well as held a monkey and an iguana)
26. *Gone skinny dipping (Sorry I'd love to though. Preferably my own pool/hot tub though)
27. ***Run a Marathon (October 2009. Washington DC. I don't care if I walk the whole 26.2 miles. I'm going).
28. *Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. *Been on a cruise (I'll probably get see sick)
33. *Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (I'm guessing no one is counting my grandparent's house HEHE)
35. Seen an Amish community (They introduced me to the wonderful creation of chocolate covered coffee beans.)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. *Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I hope I can be satisified with what God gives me)
38. *Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. *Gone rock climbing
40. *Seen Michelangelos David
41. *Sung karaoke (this is so fun)
42. *Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. *Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (Random acts of kindness are great, even when it's McDonalds at breakfast)
44. Visited Africa (I wouldn't pass up a chance.)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (If I don't do this one again soon they are going to have to commit me. I miss the beach.)
46. Been transported in an ambulance (Yeah, don't want to do that again)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing (I get sea sick. Bad.)
49. *Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (My mom did so I've seen first hand pictures.)
50. *Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. *Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. *Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (the most fun)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (my daddy used to take me all the time)
55. Been in a movie
56. *Visited the Great Wall of China (not going to pass on the chance)
57. Started a business (Nope. Too much responsibility)
58. Taken a martial arts class (maybe if Ant wanted me too)
59. *Visited Russia
60. *Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason (No reason is the best reason)
64. *Donated blood, platelets or plasma (need to do this more often. I strongly encourage everyone to do this. Its very important.)
65. *Gone sky diving (see #11)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (Don't like to do that)
68. Flown in a helicopter (I'll leave this to Teena. I'd puke)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. *Visited the Lincoln Memorial (could have seen this. Saw the Taj Mahal instead)
71. Eaten Caviar (Yuck! I don't even like them full grown)
72. Pieced a quilt (I don't do well with small details)
73. *Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. *Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (don't recommend the hip as the bone of choice)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (this rocked. I don't really remember riding dirt bikes with David when I was little but I had a blast on the Harley going 75 mph)
79. *Seen the Grand Canyon in person (can I ride a donkey?)
80. Published a book (too many small details)
81. *Visited the Vatican (My mom saw this too)
82. Bought a brand new car (will not repeat this)
83. *Walked in Jerusalem (Yikes!! Not the safest area. I'd love to see it though.)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. *Read the entire Bible
86. *Visited the White House (So close but 1 of the 7 wonders won out)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (bet I wouldn't eat meat again after that)
88. Had chickenpox
89. **Saved someone’s life (part of the job. Sometimes good, sometimes not)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Anyone remember Eddie Munster).
92. *Joined a book club (I did take a college course that was kind of like 1. I took it voluntarily a couple times.)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit (Please no. Thanks though.)
98. Owned a cell phone (Yeah its pretty much glued to me.)
99. Been stung by a bee
100. **Read an entire book in one day.
What isn't listed:
I want to see all 7 wonders of the world, to go on a medical mission trip, live to be 120 (and be healthy), meet my grandchildren and great grandchildren, to deliver a baby, to work with pregnant teens.
Mostly I want to show everyone who looks at my life to never say never and be willing to try something because failing is so much better than never trying. If you fail, you get up and try again (and again and again and again). I don't want to live with the regret of never trying.
I really liked this list. I've turned it into my own. I bolded all the things I've done. I *ed the things I want to do. I've added some comments for humor. This list may end up taped to my bathroom mirror next to the Dave Ramsey steps (isn't it sad that I hang those up? I need constant motivation in our path to get out of debt.)
What Have You Done?
(mine are in bold and italics)
1. Started your own blog
2. *Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (junior high. I played the flute then taught myself to play clarinet.)
4. *Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. *Given more than you can afford to charity (the whole point of getting out of debt really)
7. *Been to Disneyland
8. *Climbed a mountain (sadly, I live an hour from the mountains. Oh wait a minute, does Heart Attack Hill in San Francisco count?)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (Only in the car. For the good of everyone)
11. Bungee jumped (I'm betting Teena will drag me into this. Or rather I should say push me out)
12. *Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (I don't care to ever experience this one)
17. *Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (Yeah, Patrick had to help. I forgot the things after about 6 weeks)
19. *Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (I'd probably get motion sick)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (I did walk like 4 miles carrying at least 10 pounds in a bookbag when I was 4 months pregnant and missed my ride).
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (I have taken care of piglets, pigs, and goats. As well as held a monkey and an iguana)
26. *Gone skinny dipping (Sorry I'd love to though. Preferably my own pool/hot tub though)
27. ***Run a Marathon (October 2009. Washington DC. I don't care if I walk the whole 26.2 miles. I'm going).
28. *Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. *Been on a cruise (I'll probably get see sick)
33. *Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (I'm guessing no one is counting my grandparent's house HEHE)
35. Seen an Amish community (They introduced me to the wonderful creation of chocolate covered coffee beans.)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. *Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I hope I can be satisified with what God gives me)
38. *Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. *Gone rock climbing
40. *Seen Michelangelos David
41. *Sung karaoke (this is so fun)
42. *Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. *Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (Random acts of kindness are great, even when it's McDonalds at breakfast)
44. Visited Africa (I wouldn't pass up a chance.)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (If I don't do this one again soon they are going to have to commit me. I miss the beach.)
46. Been transported in an ambulance (Yeah, don't want to do that again)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing (I get sea sick. Bad.)
49. *Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (My mom did so I've seen first hand pictures.)
50. *Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. *Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. *Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (the most fun)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (my daddy used to take me all the time)
55. Been in a movie
56. *Visited the Great Wall of China (not going to pass on the chance)
57. Started a business (Nope. Too much responsibility)
58. Taken a martial arts class (maybe if Ant wanted me too)
59. *Visited Russia
60. *Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason (No reason is the best reason)
64. *Donated blood, platelets or plasma (need to do this more often. I strongly encourage everyone to do this. Its very important.)
65. *Gone sky diving (see #11)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (Don't like to do that)
68. Flown in a helicopter (I'll leave this to Teena. I'd puke)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. *Visited the Lincoln Memorial (could have seen this. Saw the Taj Mahal instead)
71. Eaten Caviar (Yuck! I don't even like them full grown)
72. Pieced a quilt (I don't do well with small details)
73. *Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. *Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (don't recommend the hip as the bone of choice)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (this rocked. I don't really remember riding dirt bikes with David when I was little but I had a blast on the Harley going 75 mph)
79. *Seen the Grand Canyon in person (can I ride a donkey?)
80. Published a book (too many small details)
81. *Visited the Vatican (My mom saw this too)
82. Bought a brand new car (will not repeat this)
83. *Walked in Jerusalem (Yikes!! Not the safest area. I'd love to see it though.)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. *Read the entire Bible
86. *Visited the White House (So close but 1 of the 7 wonders won out)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (bet I wouldn't eat meat again after that)
88. Had chickenpox
89. **Saved someone’s life (part of the job. Sometimes good, sometimes not)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Anyone remember Eddie Munster).
92. *Joined a book club (I did take a college course that was kind of like 1. I took it voluntarily a couple times.)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit (Please no. Thanks though.)
98. Owned a cell phone (Yeah its pretty much glued to me.)
99. Been stung by a bee
100. **Read an entire book in one day.
What isn't listed:
I want to see all 7 wonders of the world, to go on a medical mission trip, live to be 120 (and be healthy), meet my grandchildren and great grandchildren, to deliver a baby, to work with pregnant teens.
Mostly I want to show everyone who looks at my life to never say never and be willing to try something because failing is so much better than never trying. If you fail, you get up and try again (and again and again and again). I don't want to live with the regret of never trying.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
I Got Bored
I got bored this evening and decided to play with the camera. I changed the 2 little kids (the big one is at Grandma's) into the new Christmas clothes that I bought and tried to take some pictures.
I have a love/hate relationship with my camera. It takes the greatest outside pictures. You have to have good lighting (preferably natural lighting). I have to spend some time messing around if I'm taking pictures in the house, especially at night. That doesn't even account for the fact that I have 2 children that refuse to sit still. I've loaded some of the crappy pictures because I couldn't help but love their expressions.
We are doing well. I've almost finished Christmas shopping. I don't have a picture for Christmas Cards yet. Don't be looking for them this year guys. Sorry.
I have a love/hate relationship with my camera. It takes the greatest outside pictures. You have to have good lighting (preferably natural lighting). I have to spend some time messing around if I'm taking pictures in the house, especially at night. That doesn't even account for the fact that I have 2 children that refuse to sit still. I've loaded some of the crappy pictures because I couldn't help but love their expressions.
We are doing well. I've almost finished Christmas shopping. I don't have a picture for Christmas Cards yet. Don't be looking for them this year guys. Sorry.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
More Pictures
Prasun is just so happy most of the time. I've not taken any pictures of him screaming his head off. He does that occasionally. A lot of the time its when he is in his highchair but has to wait for me to finish fixing his food.
Pap-paw was going to take Anthony snow tubing. Unfortunately, the runs had not opened for the year. Instead they went bowling.
Pap-paw refinished this chair for Ananya. She loved it so much we couldn't get her out of it most of the time.
Patrick made a few friends when we visited with another Dillon family. Ananya wasn't in the mood to be held by anyone but Mommy when I took the picture because she was sleepy.
Patrick taught Peter a new trick. Jaya loves to be flipped.
So cute and smiley.
Trying to make friends.
Ananya's first haircut. This is what she looks like in the morning if her hair isn't up. It is just like Cousin It.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Some Pictures to Catch Up
Digging for dinosaurs, spending quality time with our Grammy, a giant dinosaur with painted birds all over it, meeting old friends again, an art exhibit displaying grafiti artists, a brightly colored wall, and my 2 little munchkins.I'm so happy to be home even after a wonderful vacation full of family. We managed to spend Saturday at the Pittsburg Museum of Natural History. It was a very fun day.
I'll have more pictures later. I've got to get the pictures downloaded onto a CD. I've lost my USB cord.
We have our first post-placement visit on Wednesday. I've got to get started getting the little things cleaned up.
Talk to you all later.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
My Life
It has been so crazy lately.
I just got back from India on Thursday. Our new son is adorable. He is at the present moment trying to destroy the house. He likes to throw stuff and bang stuff. He and Ananya get along so well together.
I didn't run my 10K. Jetlag was kicking my butt. I didn't want to leave P with both kids. I'm upset with myself for not going but I'll get over it. I just have to keep running during the week so I'm ready for the half in February.
Well I'm off to fold some laundry.
I just got back from India on Thursday. Our new son is adorable. He is at the present moment trying to destroy the house. He likes to throw stuff and bang stuff. He and Ananya get along so well together.
I didn't run my 10K. Jetlag was kicking my butt. I didn't want to leave P with both kids. I'm upset with myself for not going but I'll get over it. I just have to keep running during the week so I'm ready for the half in February.
Well I'm off to fold some laundry.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Take this quiz
They found this quiz at work last night.
I'm a baboon. It really does describe my personality.
Try it. If you have more than 1 choice read through them and you will find yourself.
I'm a baboon. It really does describe my personality.
Try it. If you have more than 1 choice read through them and you will find yourself.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Today is My Day!!!!
This morning I found out that the judge approved our case. I should be leaving for India in a month. This afternoon I open my email just because and I HAVE NEW PICTURES!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Book Review: Three Cups of Tea
I'm not quite sure how I ended up with this book. I think it caught my attention at Target. It has been sitting on my bookshelf for quite a while. I finally decided to dive in and could not put it down.
This is the story of Greg Mortenson and the schools that he has built in Pakistan. It is an amazing story the impact 1 person can have on so many people.
He has spoken in front of Congress, been to the Pentagon, met Donald Rumsfeld. He was in a unique place on September 11, 2001. He was in northern Pakistan. He heard of the tragedy when one of his Pakistani friends woke him up to tell him. He was virtually in Taliban territory. After that day, he pushed harder to help build more schools to educate more rural children. Eventually his efforts moved into Afghanistan. At one point in the story, he is held hostage in Pakistan for several days. During his captivity, his wife is getting ready to welcome their first child into the world.
I must say that what this man has done is amazing. He started with nothing. He was trying to finance building a school by working as a nurse. It is wonderful to hear how he met people throughout his life that became so intense about his cause.
55 schools (which were mainly aimed at educating girls), many women's vocation centers, bridges, and drinking water projects.
Greg Mortenson has made an impact on the world. David Oliver Relin has done a wonderful job of telling the story.
I'm going to have to read this book anytime I'm discouraged. When I feel like the entire world is only out for itself and not willing to help the less willing.
(I'll probably edit this later, but we have to run to a therapy appointment.)
I'm Doing OK
I just had my follow up with my ENT. He is pleased with how I'm healing. All the swelling was gone when I left the hospital Saturday. I'm still on antibiotic, but I am feeling so much better. I would have posted sooner but I've been very down about the judge not hearing Prasun's case. We have a new date of September 22. I'm really hoping that he hears the case so we can move on with all this.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
My Crappy Day
I'm writing this post from a hospital bed.
I'm ok. I'm just getting some antibiotics. Mostly I'm just sitting in the room by myself watching TV. All I can say is that it has been a really long week.
Friday night I got a sore throat. Saturday I woke up just feeling sick. You know the feeling. I went to work anyways. As the night went on, it only got worse. By 3:00 am, I felt like I had been hit by a truck and it was snowing (not really, but I was freezing). I left work early to go home and try to sleep it off. I felt REALLY bad all day Sunday. My throat hurt, I couldn't swallow, I didn't want to eat anything. Just a horrible day.
Monday, I still had a sore throat, but everything else was mostly ok. I wasn't going to run any races but I'd live another day, except I had a bump on my lip that was really red and swollen. By afternoon I knew it was going to stop so I called the doctor and made an appointment.
Tuesday morning my lip was swollen. (See 1st picture). I went to the doctor. I was thinking there was a chance he would send me to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Well he gave me a prescription for some pills.
Wenesday morning I woke up at 4 am and my lip was bigger and it hurt. Alot. Patrick had to work all day so I figured if I went to the ER I could be back before he had to go to work so off I went. Well the ER doctor refused to lance the abcess on my upper lip. He was worried about leaving a scar. Even though there was a pretty good sized scab there anyways. He refered me to another doctor to do it in the office. So I had to wait for the world to wake up so that I could find someone to watch the kids and get me home from the doctor if I needed it. That was not fun. I got sick because I didn't eat before taking my medicine. That wasn't fun. By the time I got through to the doctor office, I had an hour to find someone to take me to the doctor and watch the kids. Not to mention actually getting to the office. Well we made it.
Anyways, he got me all fixed up in the officce. Changed my antibiotics. Told me how to take care of it.
This morning I woke up, my eyes were swollen. (See 2nd picture). I knew what was coming. I rested until the doctor office opened and let them know. The doctor wanted to see me. I stopped to get coffee on the way to the office. I tasted the coffee after I left, it was burnt. I got to the office and my phone rang. Jynger calling. I knew before she even spoke what she had to say. The judge didn't hear Prasun's case. The rest got even better. If the judge doesn't sign the case next week, we have to wait until NOVEMBER because the courts close next Saturday for a month. I really had to fight tears.
The doctor looked at me. I said "can I just go to the hospital now?" He said "Yeah". So here I sit in a hospital bed. Not sure how long I'll have to stay. A day or 2. I'm getting IV antibiotics. I'm hoping to be out of here soon.
Here are the pictures:.jpg)
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I'm ok. I'm just getting some antibiotics. Mostly I'm just sitting in the room by myself watching TV. All I can say is that it has been a really long week.
Friday night I got a sore throat. Saturday I woke up just feeling sick. You know the feeling. I went to work anyways. As the night went on, it only got worse. By 3:00 am, I felt like I had been hit by a truck and it was snowing (not really, but I was freezing). I left work early to go home and try to sleep it off. I felt REALLY bad all day Sunday. My throat hurt, I couldn't swallow, I didn't want to eat anything. Just a horrible day.
Monday, I still had a sore throat, but everything else was mostly ok. I wasn't going to run any races but I'd live another day, except I had a bump on my lip that was really red and swollen. By afternoon I knew it was going to stop so I called the doctor and made an appointment.
Tuesday morning my lip was swollen. (See 1st picture). I went to the doctor. I was thinking there was a chance he would send me to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Well he gave me a prescription for some pills.
Wenesday morning I woke up at 4 am and my lip was bigger and it hurt. Alot. Patrick had to work all day so I figured if I went to the ER I could be back before he had to go to work so off I went. Well the ER doctor refused to lance the abcess on my upper lip. He was worried about leaving a scar. Even though there was a pretty good sized scab there anyways. He refered me to another doctor to do it in the office. So I had to wait for the world to wake up so that I could find someone to watch the kids and get me home from the doctor if I needed it. That was not fun. I got sick because I didn't eat before taking my medicine. That wasn't fun. By the time I got through to the doctor office, I had an hour to find someone to take me to the doctor and watch the kids. Not to mention actually getting to the office. Well we made it.
Anyways, he got me all fixed up in the officce. Changed my antibiotics. Told me how to take care of it.
This morning I woke up, my eyes were swollen. (See 2nd picture). I knew what was coming. I rested until the doctor office opened and let them know. The doctor wanted to see me. I stopped to get coffee on the way to the office. I tasted the coffee after I left, it was burnt. I got to the office and my phone rang. Jynger calling. I knew before she even spoke what she had to say. The judge didn't hear Prasun's case. The rest got even better. If the judge doesn't sign the case next week, we have to wait until NOVEMBER because the courts close next Saturday for a month. I really had to fight tears.
The doctor looked at me. I said "can I just go to the hospital now?" He said "Yeah". So here I sit in a hospital bed. Not sure how long I'll have to stay. A day or 2. I'm getting IV antibiotics. I'm hoping to be out of here soon.
Here are the pictures:
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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Racing News
Just a little update.
I finished my 2nd 5K last Saturday. I managed to cut 4 minutes off my time. I finished in 35:35. I was very happy with that. I've been having some leg pain and didn't run Sunday. I'm going to try to get back at it tomorrow morning. I've got like 9 weeks left before my 10K. I'm so excited. I never would have thought I should be excited to run 6 miles.
I've been glancing through our homeschool things as I'm not as organized as I need to be right now. I'm having a hard time getting started because I had set my heart on starting school while I was on leave. We are going to detour and do some early 1900's study for the next couple weeks. Then we are going to do a month long unit on Washington and government. That should go well with all the political news. After our trip to Washington, we'll back-track to where we were supposed to start and discuss Greek history and Jewish tradition. I know that is a strange combination but it will go with what we have scheduled to do.
I'll try to find some pictures to post this week.
I finished my 2nd 5K last Saturday. I managed to cut 4 minutes off my time. I finished in 35:35. I was very happy with that. I've been having some leg pain and didn't run Sunday. I'm going to try to get back at it tomorrow morning. I've got like 9 weeks left before my 10K. I'm so excited. I never would have thought I should be excited to run 6 miles.
I've been glancing through our homeschool things as I'm not as organized as I need to be right now. I'm having a hard time getting started because I had set my heart on starting school while I was on leave. We are going to detour and do some early 1900's study for the next couple weeks. Then we are going to do a month long unit on Washington and government. That should go well with all the political news. After our trip to Washington, we'll back-track to where we were supposed to start and discuss Greek history and Jewish tradition. I know that is a strange combination but it will go with what we have scheduled to do.
I'll try to find some pictures to post this week.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Big Day
Today was a big day here. Ananya had her first day of preschool today. We went into the classroom and watched the other kids for a minute. I asked Ananya if she wanted down and she said yes. I put her down and she kept looking at me. I tried to encourage her to join the group. She crawled over to them. I put her alittle closer on a square "indian style". She quickly became enveloped in what the teacher was saying. I stayed for just a minute and then quickly snuck out the door. When I picked her up, the teachers said she did great. Crawled around looking at all the toys. I found them in the gym. Ananya started squealing when she saw me. She was waving to me and bye-bye to all the kids.
It was a good day. She had alot of fun. It may become an interesting experience as she gets alittle older. For now, I'll enjoy the good reports.
It was a good day. She had alot of fun. It may become an interesting experience as she gets alittle older. For now, I'll enjoy the good reports.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Kayaking
Yesterday I had a very active day.I went running after work like normal. I must have run almost 4 miles I think. I've improved alot in the last few weeks. Yesterday was the first time ever that I ran an entire mile. I've been mostly running til I can't breath then walking til I can. Apparently the strategy is working. I'm doing really well. Also the weather has lightened up considerably here so it isn't so humid. I'll probably start doing some speed work soon. I just hate the thought because I hate running in circles.
Anyways.
After I slept for awhile I went kayaking with a friend of mine. She found 2 kayaks for a great deal and I have lake access so its a great situation. I've never kayaked before last Sunday. I really like it. Ananya likes to go out with me. We went several miles yesterday. We were gone for 1 1/2 hours. Ananya just sat in my lap looking around. She had her hand on the paddle and was "helping". Of course at times that made rowing very difficult.
I guess I have a new hobby now kind of. I really liked being out on the water. Its so calm and peaceful, except when the jet skis came out to play.
This is us wore out after our long trek up and back down the river.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Pap-paw's Alaska Trip
I just couldn't resist posting these pictures my dad took on his trip to Alaska.
Friday, August 1, 2008
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