Friday, May 30, 2008

A bully problem

We have a bully problem around here. And since I don't have Mrs. Pigglewiggle, I'm not sure what to do.

Isaac is my little bully. He's been picking on Sam for quite awhile now. But lately he has taken to picking on Abby too. It seems that he can knock her over fairly easily if he gets a running start. Then he will pin her to the floor.

There are days he spends almost as much time in time-out as out of it.

He also is very inventive in getting what he wants. Even if it's in a sealed package on the top shelf of the cupboard. Though at least he is very good at sharing his finds.

Sometimes I feel like a rather insufficient mommy.

But of course, I am.

God alone is sufficient. May I trust in him.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Puppies are Cute


Therese got to visit the family today. Mary loved it. Apparently Lea enjoyed the puppy too, but overall thought she was too hyper.

Mary and I sang part of the VeggieTales song about puppies whose lyrics I've been using for blog titles.

They tired her out. After a bout of being hyperactive just before it was time to go, she fell asleep after getting back to my place.

The day tired me out too, so now it is time for bed.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Puppies are Cuddly

Last night and today I have had the experience of puppy sitting. This experience will continue until Wednesday evening when I return the dog (Therese) to her owner. The picture is from the end of March, when she was much smaller than she is now.

In anticipation of this task, I got a baby gate so as to keep the not 100% housebroken dog in my kitchen (where there is tile). But, to my dismay, she figured out very quickly she can jump the fence. So she's been spending time outside and has to sleep in her cage at night.

In some ways, it reminds me of dealing with my siblings when they were babies/toddlers. A lot of energy, coupled with bouts of napping, we do not speak the same language, and she likes attention. And attention she gets, even from strangers as we are out for a walk.

In the morning, I take her to my folks' house when I go to visit. My youngest sister is ecstatic. She loves all animals.

And on a side note, Happy Birthday Jess!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Farewell to Joy

My friend Joy and her family are moving away. She and her husband and there three children. They live only two blocks away now. But in 5 days they will live in Arizona.

We only saw each other a couple times a month. But it was nice knowing I had a friend close by. I regret all the times that we were too busy for playdates.

This will be a great opportunity for them. Ted's family is out there. And his new job pays well.

But I am certainly sad to see them go.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Happy Anniversary


David and Monica: Two years Later

(and a day late)

Monday, May 19, 2008

I feel like I owe you all a post. It's been so long. I'm not sure that there are any of you out there. Except Kathy, I know she still reads this. Thanks Kathy!

Loree hasn't been on lately, and hasn't posted for a really long time. I heard it through the grapevine that she's expecting #2 in October.

Naomi is getting so big! She is sitting up a little bit on her own. She is very vocal. She is also learning about cause and effect. If I cry, mommy comes and picks up my toy... If I throw my toy on the floor will mommy pick it up? No, but Abby will.

Isaac is getting into everything these days. I thought Abigail was mischievous, but Isaac is oh so much more. Yesterday morning he ripped open a box of crackers, then he pulled out the utility scissors to cut open the inside plastic bag. He is very resourceful. Putting things up high will not keep him out. Some days he seems to spend more time in time-out than not.

Sam has made amazing progress. But his delays are seeming more apparent when he is around other children his age. I have to make the hard decision on whether or not to continue holding him back in gymnastics. I think I will. I don't think he minds being in the two-year-old class. And there's no way he could keep up with the three-year-olds. Then I have to decide if it's a good idea to have him in the same class as his little brother. Sometimes I get frustrated and forget what a miracle he really is.

Abigail has become Abby lately. Partly because Isaac can't say "Abigail". And partly because Abby is easier to write. She's doing really well with her school time. I think homeschooling is going to be loads of fun.

How am I doing? I'm getting by. I've had a rough couple of weeks. But taking care of such lovely children helps me to get through each day because I don't have much time to think.

Paul is such an amazing husband. He's been working really hard lately and I know he's worn out. The wart on his foot, whom we have named Bob, is still going strong. It's painful for him to walk very much. I sometime think maybe he needs to see a different doctor, but of course that's his decision.

And speaking of decisions, Paul has the opportunity to work on the type of project he'd really like at ITT. But it would involved frequent trips to New Jersey. He seems to think it would be only a few days every couple of months, which I could handle. But taking on this position would not be very compatible with his plan of going to grad school. So he'll have to choose between them. He spent quite a bit of the afternoon reading his Bible and praying about it, but I don't think he knows yet where God is leading him.

And I will gladly follow wherever that is. But the not knowing really drives me nuts.

In the meantime I will focus on:

OPERATION BRIDESMAID DRESS

Cheryl's wedding is only one month away. And my dress is a smidge too little.

Monday, May 5, 2008

not pregnant...

more details later