So proud!!
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| Thanks to the Grandma's for coming! |
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Kayson - 2nd Grade Music Concert
Kayson had a music concert tonight... and man, he (they all) did great. It was a 25 minute 'thing', and it was great. Kayson had a little speaking part, and again - great! We could hear him, he talked slow... it was perfect!
So proud!!
So proud!!
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Cora updated - and our quiet weekend
Well, we have survived the weekend. I can fully say that Cora is on the mend. Finally.
So after Friday's appointment, we stayed in... bed early, and continued with the fevers on Cora's end. Saturday morning she woke with another high temp. I got frustrated, well, maybe more frustrated... got upset and just worried. I mean - is this ever going to end!!?? (It does, but at the moment, I didn't think it would!)
We hung out all day long. I did run to the grocery store to get some stuff... since we were out of a lot. Cora played, rested, colored, watched shows, everything... but seemed to be more on the quiet side on Saturday. Just a little somber. Ryan and Kayson watched lots of basketball, and just more hanging out.
Cora took a nice rest, which she needed... and she woke drenched. Her hair was wet and she was warm... but temp was down. I was thrilled. Soon she was up and at em, showing a little attitude and just a little more of 'herself'. We needed to get out of the house - so we did a quick WalMart run, then back home. Super quick... but got some fresh air.
Saturday night we stayed in, cooked dinner, and Kayson watched a movie. Cora did a lot of this and that, but kept her temp at normal the entire night. Then it was bedtime... and around 10pm I checked on her, and her temp was 95.5. WHAT??!?! I messaged Trish and she seemed concerned... that temp was super low. I instantly was worried and literally was up almost all night long. I checked her temp about every 30 minutes - called the Oncall Nurse (she was not as concerned as Tricia was), but suggested some things to keep her warm, and "Watch her". Oh ok - it's only 1:30 in the morning!!! Yep. So I watched her. Literally sat in her room and watched her sleep, she was pretty restless between 2 am and 3:30 am, but then finally slept hard. I couldn't keep my eyes open and knew I would be useless if I didn't get some shut-eye... her temp at 3:30 am was 97.1. I slept from about 3:45 til 6:30. Yah, not long.
BUT - she woke with the same temp (low temp), and seemed good. She still doesn't have much of an appetite - but thirsty. That was one thing Trish and the Oncall Nurse said - just keep her drinking. The hunger and appetite will come in time.
We went to church... and she did great. The whole day she did really well... still the low to 'normal' temp all day without any Motrin or Tylenol. So... I feel we are in the clear... getting better... finally.
Our (or MY) weekend consisted of hovering over Cora. I worry about her... and just want her all better. By tonight she was sassy and really talking back. I have to think that we are about 90% there to being her normal self. :)
What a week it's been... I'm wiped out, mentally and physically.
So after Friday's appointment, we stayed in... bed early, and continued with the fevers on Cora's end. Saturday morning she woke with another high temp. I got frustrated, well, maybe more frustrated... got upset and just worried. I mean - is this ever going to end!!?? (It does, but at the moment, I didn't think it would!)
We hung out all day long. I did run to the grocery store to get some stuff... since we were out of a lot. Cora played, rested, colored, watched shows, everything... but seemed to be more on the quiet side on Saturday. Just a little somber. Ryan and Kayson watched lots of basketball, and just more hanging out.
Cora took a nice rest, which she needed... and she woke drenched. Her hair was wet and she was warm... but temp was down. I was thrilled. Soon she was up and at em, showing a little attitude and just a little more of 'herself'. We needed to get out of the house - so we did a quick WalMart run, then back home. Super quick... but got some fresh air.
Saturday night we stayed in, cooked dinner, and Kayson watched a movie. Cora did a lot of this and that, but kept her temp at normal the entire night. Then it was bedtime... and around 10pm I checked on her, and her temp was 95.5. WHAT??!?! I messaged Trish and she seemed concerned... that temp was super low. I instantly was worried and literally was up almost all night long. I checked her temp about every 30 minutes - called the Oncall Nurse (she was not as concerned as Tricia was), but suggested some things to keep her warm, and "Watch her". Oh ok - it's only 1:30 in the morning!!! Yep. So I watched her. Literally sat in her room and watched her sleep, she was pretty restless between 2 am and 3:30 am, but then finally slept hard. I couldn't keep my eyes open and knew I would be useless if I didn't get some shut-eye... her temp at 3:30 am was 97.1. I slept from about 3:45 til 6:30. Yah, not long.
BUT - she woke with the same temp (low temp), and seemed good. She still doesn't have much of an appetite - but thirsty. That was one thing Trish and the Oncall Nurse said - just keep her drinking. The hunger and appetite will come in time.
We went to church... and she did great. The whole day she did really well... still the low to 'normal' temp all day without any Motrin or Tylenol. So... I feel we are in the clear... getting better... finally.
Our (or MY) weekend consisted of hovering over Cora. I worry about her... and just want her all better. By tonight she was sassy and really talking back. I have to think that we are about 90% there to being her normal self. :)
What a week it's been... I'm wiped out, mentally and physically.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Cora - Double Ear Infection
The bad news just keeps on coming.
Thursday Ryan stayed home with Cora. I guess they had an okay day... her temp stayed down nearly all day, but didn't have an appetite.
Today I was home with her. She woke with a 100.4 temp (better than 102), so I thought we were good. As the day went on, she just was somber. However, she did eat lunch for me, and a few snacks. But when it was time for her to rest - she fought it hard. Very restless... and only slept probably 25 minutes. She woke in tears saying her ear hurt. Oh dear.
Meanwhile, Kayson is still coughing... but he went to school. This morning I called and made a doctor appointment for him, just in case. Just that precautionary 'look' - the one where we are going into the weekend, and I want answers, just in case... and don't want to go to Urgent Care and sit for 5 hours.
Well, Cora would be joining us at K's appointment.
Kayson's results - a cold. Thank god. His ears, throat and chest are good... just a flemmy cough, that needs to run it's course. I can handle that... and am soaking him with oils as well as a little Tylenol, just in case.
Cora's results - double ear infection. Damn. BUT - super glad that she does have an infection, so we can get antibiotics. (Does that sound bad?!?!) I just didn't want to go in there, and have the doc tell us this is just part of the Influenza B. The doc was super awesome too (Dr. Cooperrider), she could tell I was nervous and just want my kids to be better.
Tonight Cora was kind of a mess. No appetite, but thirsty (which is ok). We did bath, she perked up a little, then went through a shivering stage. So I know her temp was rising. She was asleep by 8.
Here's to a weekend at home and getting better. I can't stop praying about this... I hope God will be stepping in SOON.
I, of course take pics of our day... here are a few.
I can't stop telling Cora (and K) that I love them... and that I'm sorry they aren't healthy. Man it hurts me that they are feeling icky (mostly Cora). As a Mom, I just want them running around and being sassy. ha.
Thursday Ryan stayed home with Cora. I guess they had an okay day... her temp stayed down nearly all day, but didn't have an appetite.
Today I was home with her. She woke with a 100.4 temp (better than 102), so I thought we were good. As the day went on, she just was somber. However, she did eat lunch for me, and a few snacks. But when it was time for her to rest - she fought it hard. Very restless... and only slept probably 25 minutes. She woke in tears saying her ear hurt. Oh dear.
Meanwhile, Kayson is still coughing... but he went to school. This morning I called and made a doctor appointment for him, just in case. Just that precautionary 'look' - the one where we are going into the weekend, and I want answers, just in case... and don't want to go to Urgent Care and sit for 5 hours.
Well, Cora would be joining us at K's appointment.
Kayson's results - a cold. Thank god. His ears, throat and chest are good... just a flemmy cough, that needs to run it's course. I can handle that... and am soaking him with oils as well as a little Tylenol, just in case.
Cora's results - double ear infection. Damn. BUT - super glad that she does have an infection, so we can get antibiotics. (Does that sound bad?!?!) I just didn't want to go in there, and have the doc tell us this is just part of the Influenza B. The doc was super awesome too (Dr. Cooperrider), she could tell I was nervous and just want my kids to be better.
Tonight Cora was kind of a mess. No appetite, but thirsty (which is ok). We did bath, she perked up a little, then went through a shivering stage. So I know her temp was rising. She was asleep by 8.
Here's to a weekend at home and getting better. I can't stop praying about this... I hope God will be stepping in SOON.
I, of course take pics of our day... here are a few.
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| Just talking on her phone. ha. |
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| Kids at the doctor together. |
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Cora - Virus Influenza B
Well... more on the Cora illness.
We sent her to daycare this morning, cuz her temp was 98 when she woke. She had a good morning, then she took a rest at daycare, and woke with a temp of 102.5. POOR THING. My heart sank when Ryan called to tell me. Gosh darn it.
Ryan left work and got her ... we were able to get her into a doctor right away, which was good. They tested her for strep throat and flu. Negative on strep throat, positive for influenza b. There are definite pros and cons to this...
I think what's so frustrating about this whole thing is that she has no other symptoms besides the pesky fever that is haunting us. (However, now tonight she was stuffed up/snotty nose). UGH. She sincerely has energy (she does get tired about 4 hours later), but she's playing, she's interested in doing normal stuff, using her imagination. Man... this sucks.
So, next steps... Ryan is going to stay home with her tomorrow. Keep fluids in her, keep her snacking at least, and keep meds in her. And wait. I'll probably stay home with her Friday.
And then lots more praying that no one else gets this frustrating virus.
We sent her to daycare this morning, cuz her temp was 98 when she woke. She had a good morning, then she took a rest at daycare, and woke with a temp of 102.5. POOR THING. My heart sank when Ryan called to tell me. Gosh darn it.
Ryan left work and got her ... we were able to get her into a doctor right away, which was good. They tested her for strep throat and flu. Negative on strep throat, positive for influenza b. There are definite pros and cons to this...
- CONS - no meds to be given. We just wait this out. Which is super frustrating. We'll continue to alternate the Motrin and Tylenol for comfort and to keep her fever down, or attempt to.
- PROS - she doesn't have influenza a. She has the lesser of the two evils. (But I don't really see this as a pro). :(
I think what's so frustrating about this whole thing is that she has no other symptoms besides the pesky fever that is haunting us. (However, now tonight she was stuffed up/snotty nose). UGH. She sincerely has energy (she does get tired about 4 hours later), but she's playing, she's interested in doing normal stuff, using her imagination. Man... this sucks.
So, next steps... Ryan is going to stay home with her tomorrow. Keep fluids in her, keep her snacking at least, and keep meds in her. And wait. I'll probably stay home with her Friday.
And then lots more praying that no one else gets this frustrating virus.
Cora update - Virus???
Well, here is an update on Miss Cora for the last couple days...
Sunday (as I wrote earlier) - Cora got sick shortly after eating supper Sunday evening. Then shortly after that, she perked up... wanted a snack... and slept great.
Monday morning however, she woke with a temp and had the pale/ghostly look and said her tummy hurt.
Monday morning she rested about an hour... then I made her 'play' in her room. That consisted of coloring, dry erase board, reading books and playing dolls. She did all of this with no fight - did really well, seemed perky and was good.
About 10:30 she wanted a snack... which she kept down just fine, no fever, acting fine. I think there was about 20 minutes of time where she danced and did some tumbling moves!!!
She ate a little small lunch... then she took a 1.5 hour rest. Then shortly after she woke, she was warm - temp of 100. But again, seemingly fine... played, colored, wanted to go outside (it was a beautiful 1st day of Spring day). Her temp was normal around 5:30 pm.
Then her fever spiked again around 8:00 pm to 101. (I get nervous at that point) We got bath taken... again, this whole time, she's seemed fine actually. She went to bed really well and slept all night long. I checked on her around 10:30 and her temp was still 101 (which again, ball of nerves from Momma!), I woke her and gave her some more meds.
Tuesday morning she woke with a temp of 102!!!!!
Within an hour, it was down to about 100... then hovered at 100 til about 8:30 am. Then around 10:00 Tuesday morning, it was finally 98.8.
This whole time has been weird... just the fact that she seems fine. She did seem fairly tired this morning, she didn't eat lunch (just a yogurt around 11:00) and then she rested. She did wake with a temp again tho (of 101 again)... We just need to keep the fever down... and stay down!!
SO... self diagnosis of a virus?!?! I've talked to my sister 1,000 times through this, and she seems to think that. I called our doc too, and the nurse called back - saying we are doing all the 'right' things at this point (same as Trish said). There are some viral illnesses going around... but if we can't get her fever to break and stay down by Wednesday afternoon (so 72 hours), we'll need to take her in to get evaluated. Cora is not complaining of anything else hurting (like an ear infection or sore throat), so I guess I feel it's just a stupid little bug in her that's pestering up a fever. :/
In the middle of the night (around 3:30 am), she woke seemed fine, so I checked her temp - it was 101.8, gave her meds... then as of this morning (Wednesday) - her temp was normal!! So she's at school right now. And I pray that she has a good day, and her temp stays normal especially after nap. It seems to rise the worst after she sleeps for awhile...
Such a huge bummer for this little girl... and me. I hate missing work for illnesses... even tho I have/need to use my personal time. But this has not been fun!!! A true test on my nerves and worries!!
Sunday (as I wrote earlier) - Cora got sick shortly after eating supper Sunday evening. Then shortly after that, she perked up... wanted a snack... and slept great.
Monday morning however, she woke with a temp and had the pale/ghostly look and said her tummy hurt.
Monday morning she rested about an hour... then I made her 'play' in her room. That consisted of coloring, dry erase board, reading books and playing dolls. She did all of this with no fight - did really well, seemed perky and was good.
About 10:30 she wanted a snack... which she kept down just fine, no fever, acting fine. I think there was about 20 minutes of time where she danced and did some tumbling moves!!!
She ate a little small lunch... then she took a 1.5 hour rest. Then shortly after she woke, she was warm - temp of 100. But again, seemingly fine... played, colored, wanted to go outside (it was a beautiful 1st day of Spring day). Her temp was normal around 5:30 pm.
Then her fever spiked again around 8:00 pm to 101. (I get nervous at that point) We got bath taken... again, this whole time, she's seemed fine actually. She went to bed really well and slept all night long. I checked on her around 10:30 and her temp was still 101 (which again, ball of nerves from Momma!), I woke her and gave her some more meds.
Tuesday morning she woke with a temp of 102!!!!!
Within an hour, it was down to about 100... then hovered at 100 til about 8:30 am. Then around 10:00 Tuesday morning, it was finally 98.8.
This whole time has been weird... just the fact that she seems fine. She did seem fairly tired this morning, she didn't eat lunch (just a yogurt around 11:00) and then she rested. She did wake with a temp again tho (of 101 again)... We just need to keep the fever down... and stay down!!
SO... self diagnosis of a virus?!?! I've talked to my sister 1,000 times through this, and she seems to think that. I called our doc too, and the nurse called back - saying we are doing all the 'right' things at this point (same as Trish said). There are some viral illnesses going around... but if we can't get her fever to break and stay down by Wednesday afternoon (so 72 hours), we'll need to take her in to get evaluated. Cora is not complaining of anything else hurting (like an ear infection or sore throat), so I guess I feel it's just a stupid little bug in her that's pestering up a fever. :/
In the middle of the night (around 3:30 am), she woke seemed fine, so I checked her temp - it was 101.8, gave her meds... then as of this morning (Wednesday) - her temp was normal!! So she's at school right now. And I pray that she has a good day, and her temp stays normal especially after nap. It seems to rise the worst after she sleeps for awhile...
Such a huge bummer for this little girl... and me. I hate missing work for illnesses... even tho I have/need to use my personal time. But this has not been fun!!! A true test on my nerves and worries!!
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| We braided her hair - she loves it... and she's in her Halloween costume, she was going to dance. This was Monday afternoon. |
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| Everything we have been trying. Kayson has a cough still too. ugh. |
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| Movie watching and drinking water. |
Monday, March 20, 2017
Rhett's baptism
Well, our weekend consisted of a Sioux City trip.
Saturday morning --- Kayson unfortunately woke up with a bad cough and saying his throat hurt. I, of course, panic. I always get nervous when the kiddos don't feel well (which is truly RARE), but there's just something in me that gets all worked up. I was a ball of nerves, but he said he felt fine, just had a cough. We headed out...
Once we got to Sioux City, we had lunch... then just hung out at the house. The kids played pretty well. Kayson seemed fine - definitely not his normal self, but said he was ok. Saturday night we ended up staying in a hotel... kind of for the kiddos and then just not having so many people at Blair and Martina's. Everyone came to the hotel - kiddos swam, and we ordered pizza in. We had a nice time.
We got our kids to bed about 9, which was nice... and they slept really well. Kayson's cough still persisted, but again, he said he was feeling fine.
Sunday morning we got up and headed to Rhett's baptism. We didn't attend mass at their church - 1) because we were running a little behind, and 2) we figured that would just be a lot for Cora. Once mass was over, we then had a little tiny ceremony for Rhett... Ryan and I are his god-parents, which is so special to us. Blair and Martina's priest is awesome... did a wonderful job, had a great little message for this little boy... it was perfect.
We grabbed brunch out at a nice restaurant in town... then back to the house to play some more. Cora started acting owly... and just tired, and really not listening at all. We had cake/ice cream... then started getting packed up. While we were getting all settled to head home... we noticed we had lost Kayson's softie. This little blanket is his life... poor kid bawled and bawled. He was all worked up, SUPER tired from the trip and his cough... we knew it was still at the hotel. We got them called... and they found it!!!!! On our way out of town, we stopped at the hotel and got his softie. He cried happy tears when he had it... it was the sweetest thing. Poor kid.
Anyway... on the road. Both kids rested about 35 minutes. Not very long. So it was a pretty long drive home. I know I was antsy and just wanted to be home.
I just grabbed Wendy's for supper for us... since we didn't get home til about 6. I was not going to the store. We ate... well, Cora didn't really... then about an hour later, she said she wasn't feeling well, and she threw up. :( Ball of nerves re-entered for me. OMG. About an hour later, after bath and quiet time... she perked up and wanted some food. We just gave her a couple crackers and milk - all stayed down and she slept all night. However, this morning when we got her up... she seemed fine, but within minutes - she was pale as a ghost and said her tummy hurt again. So I'm home with her today... boo hiss. More to come... or maybe not... actually I hope not.
Here are a few pics from the weekend.
Saturday morning --- Kayson unfortunately woke up with a bad cough and saying his throat hurt. I, of course, panic. I always get nervous when the kiddos don't feel well (which is truly RARE), but there's just something in me that gets all worked up. I was a ball of nerves, but he said he felt fine, just had a cough. We headed out...
Once we got to Sioux City, we had lunch... then just hung out at the house. The kids played pretty well. Kayson seemed fine - definitely not his normal self, but said he was ok. Saturday night we ended up staying in a hotel... kind of for the kiddos and then just not having so many people at Blair and Martina's. Everyone came to the hotel - kiddos swam, and we ordered pizza in. We had a nice time.
We got our kids to bed about 9, which was nice... and they slept really well. Kayson's cough still persisted, but again, he said he was feeling fine.
Sunday morning we got up and headed to Rhett's baptism. We didn't attend mass at their church - 1) because we were running a little behind, and 2) we figured that would just be a lot for Cora. Once mass was over, we then had a little tiny ceremony for Rhett... Ryan and I are his god-parents, which is so special to us. Blair and Martina's priest is awesome... did a wonderful job, had a great little message for this little boy... it was perfect.
We grabbed brunch out at a nice restaurant in town... then back to the house to play some more. Cora started acting owly... and just tired, and really not listening at all. We had cake/ice cream... then started getting packed up. While we were getting all settled to head home... we noticed we had lost Kayson's softie. This little blanket is his life... poor kid bawled and bawled. He was all worked up, SUPER tired from the trip and his cough... we knew it was still at the hotel. We got them called... and they found it!!!!! On our way out of town, we stopped at the hotel and got his softie. He cried happy tears when he had it... it was the sweetest thing. Poor kid.
Anyway... on the road. Both kids rested about 35 minutes. Not very long. So it was a pretty long drive home. I know I was antsy and just wanted to be home.
I just grabbed Wendy's for supper for us... since we didn't get home til about 6. I was not going to the store. We ate... well, Cora didn't really... then about an hour later, she said she wasn't feeling well, and she threw up. :( Ball of nerves re-entered for me. OMG. About an hour later, after bath and quiet time... she perked up and wanted some food. We just gave her a couple crackers and milk - all stayed down and she slept all night. However, this morning when we got her up... she seemed fine, but within minutes - she was pale as a ghost and said her tummy hurt again. So I'm home with her today... boo hiss. More to come... or maybe not... actually I hope not.
Here are a few pics from the weekend.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Solo Mom week
Is it Friday yet?
Almost.
Ryan is in KS somewhere... a long ways away... and a long ways away from helping my kids listen. :)
It's been a long week, not going to lie. The kids have pushed my buttons at certain, special times. Each having a moment where things have flown off the handle... and then we've had some sweet moments. (Few, far and between).
Examples:
So, we've had our moments. I'm still fighting this chest/cough thing, and the antibiotic makes me feel icky, so I'm literally taking the pill only one time a day (and at night when I go to bed), in hopes that it won't make my tummy feel weird. Success so far. I'm over it... I'm over being overwhelmed... and over being a nervous solo Mom.
Let's get Friday afternoon here NOW.
Almost.
Ryan is in KS somewhere... a long ways away... and a long ways away from helping my kids listen. :)
It's been a long week, not going to lie. The kids have pushed my buttons at certain, special times. Each having a moment where things have flown off the handle... and then we've had some sweet moments. (Few, far and between).
Examples:
- Cora's drop offs at school are painful. She acts so sweet and when she walks into the door at school, she acts like she runs the place. No lie. When we hang her coat and bag, we go into her room... and then that's when the million hugs start and her not wanting me to leave. (Today was better...), but Tuesday and Wednesday was a sight you didn't want to see. The throwing herself to the ground, screaming like a 1 year old. UGH. I was less than thrilled to begin my day this way.
- This morning --- 30 degrees out by the way --- Kayson decided that he wasn't going to wear his coat. Really? When was it that HE got to make that decision? Never. :) So we had a meltdown this morning before even leaving the house... I mean, big crocodile tears from him. As much as that breaks my heart, it also just makes me so mad that he would think that's ok.
- Cora threw a fit at bedtime Monday night, I believe... we had a fairly quiet evening. We played, they got to watch a zillion shows (I'm exaggerating)... and then we do baths. It's not like we've never done this routine before right?! She threw a ginormous fit for the bath... and even bigger one at bedtime. These are the times when Kayson becomes all sweet and innocent -- and literally does EVERYTHING I ask of him, with no hesitation. ha. He's like - "Crap, I better behave or Mom will scream at me that way!!"
- This morning after dropping K off, Cora and I were heading to her school -- and we saw the most beautiful sun rise - awesome orange sun with amazing reflections on the clouds. Cora noticed it right away... and proceeded to ask "Did Grandma make that sun this morning?" Oh honey, yes she did. My heart just ached. See - she can be sweet.
So, we've had our moments. I'm still fighting this chest/cough thing, and the antibiotic makes me feel icky, so I'm literally taking the pill only one time a day (and at night when I go to bed), in hopes that it won't make my tummy feel weird. Success so far. I'm over it... I'm over being overwhelmed... and over being a nervous solo Mom.
Let's get Friday afternoon here NOW.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Weekend
Friday:
Well, our Friday night was a relaxing night... I was feeling a teensy better, and had somewhat of an appetite. We were originally going to get together with some old friends, Clay and Holly (who live over near Iowa City), they were going to be in town... but I just wasn't up for it. I felt awful that I cancelled on them. But we grabbed some supper out... then back home to watch a movie and relax.
Saturday:
I woke up groggy... like bad. I wasn't sure if I was up for our day... but slowly, but surely, I started to perk up... and got myself ready. Ryan headed off to a work meeting... and the kids and I loaded up and headed to Clarion. We haven't been there since Christmas, and I have been really needing to be there.
It was a good drive... and I felt 100% by the time we got there. We just instantly visited with everyone... had lunch, and the kids played pretty well. Otherwise, we just hung out most of the afternoon. We got to see everyone, which was perfect. Ryan ended up driving up after his meeting, so that was super nice. We made a trip to the cemetery to see Mom... we left a new Spring wreath for her, and lots of love. It was a cold day... so I'm ready for it to be warm, so we can go there and stand/talk a little longer. I feel we are always rushed... and I don't want Mom to be upset about that.
We went out to the farm for a little bit too, which was nice. Then Saturday night we took the kids up to 4-H Fun Night at the High School. Lil Ryan and Lindsay are heavily involved in 4-H, so they were a part of that fund raiser, so we enjoyed a couple hours there... kids played some games, including BINGO, which Kayson loved. ha.
We eventually headed to Trish's to get the kids cleaned up and ready for bed... then back in the car to drive home. It was a super busy day... and super late night (with Daylight Savings Time - losing an hour of sleep), we all felt it today!!! But it was so worth being in Clarion.
Sunday:
A tired morning!!! (I think we all would have slept til 9!!!) We did church, then home to just hang out. We all were exhausted... so we all napped (except Kayson), then I eventually went to Target and then HyVee.
Ryan leaves for KS tomorrow, for the entire week. UGH. I used to sometimes be ok with him being gone a little... but lately, I truly hate it. I get nervous, and just un-easy lately. Kayson is on Spring Break too - so he's doing 'fun' things at BTB this week, so hopefully we all have a good week... but I do pray everything goes smoothly for me and the kids, and Friday comes super fast.
Well, our Friday night was a relaxing night... I was feeling a teensy better, and had somewhat of an appetite. We were originally going to get together with some old friends, Clay and Holly (who live over near Iowa City), they were going to be in town... but I just wasn't up for it. I felt awful that I cancelled on them. But we grabbed some supper out... then back home to watch a movie and relax.
Saturday:
I woke up groggy... like bad. I wasn't sure if I was up for our day... but slowly, but surely, I started to perk up... and got myself ready. Ryan headed off to a work meeting... and the kids and I loaded up and headed to Clarion. We haven't been there since Christmas, and I have been really needing to be there.
It was a good drive... and I felt 100% by the time we got there. We just instantly visited with everyone... had lunch, and the kids played pretty well. Otherwise, we just hung out most of the afternoon. We got to see everyone, which was perfect. Ryan ended up driving up after his meeting, so that was super nice. We made a trip to the cemetery to see Mom... we left a new Spring wreath for her, and lots of love. It was a cold day... so I'm ready for it to be warm, so we can go there and stand/talk a little longer. I feel we are always rushed... and I don't want Mom to be upset about that.
We went out to the farm for a little bit too, which was nice. Then Saturday night we took the kids up to 4-H Fun Night at the High School. Lil Ryan and Lindsay are heavily involved in 4-H, so they were a part of that fund raiser, so we enjoyed a couple hours there... kids played some games, including BINGO, which Kayson loved. ha.
We eventually headed to Trish's to get the kids cleaned up and ready for bed... then back in the car to drive home. It was a super busy day... and super late night (with Daylight Savings Time - losing an hour of sleep), we all felt it today!!! But it was so worth being in Clarion.
Sunday:
A tired morning!!! (I think we all would have slept til 9!!!) We did church, then home to just hang out. We all were exhausted... so we all napped (except Kayson), then I eventually went to Target and then HyVee.
Ryan leaves for KS tomorrow, for the entire week. UGH. I used to sometimes be ok with him being gone a little... but lately, I truly hate it. I get nervous, and just un-easy lately. Kayson is on Spring Break too - so he's doing 'fun' things at BTB this week, so hopefully we all have a good week... but I do pray everything goes smoothly for me and the kids, and Friday comes super fast.
 |
| two of my favorite girls |
Mommy - Ear and into throat/tummy?!!
So last weekend, Saturday morning actually, I got water in my ear in the shower. I think I briefly wrote about this last week. Anyway, I was told by everyone that it would eventually dry out and would be fine. Well... by Monday night, I had a terrible headache, everything was still very much muffled sounding and there was no sign of that water drying up in my ear.
I was pissed.
I ended up getting into the doctor Tuesday morning. I literally didn't know what else to do. And was genuinely concerned this would turn into an infection. (which I was completely right)
Doc checked me out and very grossingly (I know that's not a word!) - I had a ball of wax in my ear, that was blocking any water to come out of the my ear or dry up. She tried digging it out... no suck luck. So warm water and peroxide here we come. She flushed it out for about 5 minutes... so gross, so weird feeling. Ugh. But eventually, I was ear-wax free and I could hear EVERYTHING. I mean everything was loud... like amplified. Hilarious. So I thought we were good.
By Wednesday afternoon, I had a headache and a cough. And I literally knew that I had drainage from that water that had sat in my ear for 4 days. And I knew it was infected. I knew it. By Wednesday night I was a mess... I felt awful. I had a heavy, full chested cough that hurt, and everything was draining... I could feel it draining down my throat. OMG. Thursday I ended up staying home from work - I just couldn't do it. I slept most of the morning... then got a second wind, but then rested again in the afternoon. I called the doc, and she prescribed me an antibiotic (I didn't even have to go in - thank god!!)... and it's now Sunday night, and I'm feeling better. I still have a ton of drainage and a sore nose from blowing it so much, but I've got to be on the right track.
And what's most irritating... I don't feel like I had an oils to help this situation!!! I have oils now that are helping with my sinus stuff, but I don't think there was anything I could use to stop that water from draining into my ears and throat?!?!!? HUGE BUMMER.
But... I'm on the mend, I believe. I'm exhausted, but getting better.
I was pissed.
I ended up getting into the doctor Tuesday morning. I literally didn't know what else to do. And was genuinely concerned this would turn into an infection. (which I was completely right)
Doc checked me out and very grossingly (I know that's not a word!) - I had a ball of wax in my ear, that was blocking any water to come out of the my ear or dry up. She tried digging it out... no suck luck. So warm water and peroxide here we come. She flushed it out for about 5 minutes... so gross, so weird feeling. Ugh. But eventually, I was ear-wax free and I could hear EVERYTHING. I mean everything was loud... like amplified. Hilarious. So I thought we were good.
By Wednesday afternoon, I had a headache and a cough. And I literally knew that I had drainage from that water that had sat in my ear for 4 days. And I knew it was infected. I knew it. By Wednesday night I was a mess... I felt awful. I had a heavy, full chested cough that hurt, and everything was draining... I could feel it draining down my throat. OMG. Thursday I ended up staying home from work - I just couldn't do it. I slept most of the morning... then got a second wind, but then rested again in the afternoon. I called the doc, and she prescribed me an antibiotic (I didn't even have to go in - thank god!!)... and it's now Sunday night, and I'm feeling better. I still have a ton of drainage and a sore nose from blowing it so much, but I've got to be on the right track.
And what's most irritating... I don't feel like I had an oils to help this situation!!! I have oils now that are helping with my sinus stuff, but I don't think there was anything I could use to stop that water from draining into my ears and throat?!?!!? HUGE BUMMER.
But... I'm on the mend, I believe. I'm exhausted, but getting better.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Kayson
Kayson is growing up, obviously. All kids do. He's changed a lot over the past 6 months I think. Even in pictures - he's just growing... starting to see less of a little boy face - and seeing more of a 'kid' face. I feel like his eyes are changing - like the way he looks through them and the things he's interested in, which amazes me.
- Kayson loves electronics (again, probably like all other kids). He's got the PS4 now, which is adores. He'll go to the basement (all alone now!), get himself all comfy in his HUGE beanbag chair, and not move for hours. No lie. He specifically likes the basketball game... farming simulator, and football. He's got other games too... spoiled.
- He also enjoys the iPad, however, I don't feel as comfortable with him on that as I used to. He now browses YouTube, which can be very scary. I feel like I always have to check on him... check on what he's watching, etc. Which I should, I'm the parent. If we told him he could be on his iPad or play the PS4 anytime he wanted - we would be the best parents in the world. :)
- For school, Kayson needs to read at least 300 minutes a month. So really - that's about 11 minutes a day, on average. Not a big deal - and he SO can do that. Well, Kayson gives us the 'attitude and groaning' when we say it's time to read. We typically give him a couple days off a week, which is fine - he can easily read 20-30 minutes to catch up. But he fights us. There is ALWAYS a complaint when it's time to read...
- Him and his sister love each other... however, they also can hate each other. They can play so well together, but then also fight and pick on each other too!! The other night they played hide-and-seek for like 30 minutes with no issues. But they can have some terrible moments with each other. I know - completely normal for siblings, but I don't have to like it. I want them to be buddies and love each other (all the time!)
- When K has alone time with either myself or Ryan... he's a good kid. Always talking, always questioning things, always wanting to sing to songs in the cars, always seems happy. I really enjoy one on one time with him. He shows his caring side and that 'people-pleaser' side to him too.
- He gives the best hugs. Seriously. (so does Cora...)... but K gives good hugs for a boy. Every day when I drop him off at BTB, he always leans in, then gives a big squeeze.
- He's not however, the best at saying "I love you" back. Which disappoints me. Sometimes his response is "ok". UM NO!!! He'll reluctantly say it back eventually... I'd like to get him to be better at that.
- The 8 year old in him has a hard time saying "Sorry". I know this is normal, kid stuff... but I really want to teach him that it's not a bad thing to say your sorry for something. We asked him to apologize to his BTB supervisor for something he did the other day, and he really struggled to say he was sorry - and WHY he was sorry. I know this isn't easy (even as adults sometimes)... but I really really want to help him (and Cora) with that.
- Overall, I feel he's a good kid. I love his goofy, jack-o-lantern smile (missing teeth!) I love how he sleeps - all snuggled in and sweet.
Kayson 2nd Grade Spring Conference
We had Kayson's Spring conference yesterday afternoon.
Mrs. VanMeter is back from her maternity leave... and I'm so glad. :)
The conference went well... like super well. Kayson started out with some of his goals, and then read through several items that he's worked on. One of them was working on persuasion writing, which was pretty funny. His writing was about getting another dog - a German Shepherd. So funny. Anyway, he did really well at reading his work to us...
Then he went out in the hall, and Mrs. VanMeter just opened the discussion up to Ryan and I. And we really didn't have any concerns... besides the same things (which aren't really concerns) -- he's a talker, social butterfly... and his math capabilities. Which are improving, which I know Ryan loves. :)
He's reading at a Level O.
So overall, he's doing well. Quick and painless conference. Last one for 2nd grade. Unbelievable.
Mrs. VanMeter is back from her maternity leave... and I'm so glad. :)
The conference went well... like super well. Kayson started out with some of his goals, and then read through several items that he's worked on. One of them was working on persuasion writing, which was pretty funny. His writing was about getting another dog - a German Shepherd. So funny. Anyway, he did really well at reading his work to us...
Then he went out in the hall, and Mrs. VanMeter just opened the discussion up to Ryan and I. And we really didn't have any concerns... besides the same things (which aren't really concerns) -- he's a talker, social butterfly... and his math capabilities. Which are improving, which I know Ryan loves. :)
He's reading at a Level O.
So overall, he's doing well. Quick and painless conference. Last one for 2nd grade. Unbelievable.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Weekend
Friday:
Ryan was in MN Thursday through Friday afternoon... glad to have him home. Friday night we just stayed in... I cooked, we hung out, then took the kiddos swimming at Lifetime. We haven't done that in several weeks. We then tried out Smoothie King, which was ok.
Saturday:
K got his hairs cut... then we just hung out at home.
I unfortunately got water in my ear (in the shower no less)... and have had a hard time with my hearing all weekend. It feels like I have an ocean in my ear! SO Annoying! So I've been struggling with that... Anyway, our Saturday afternoon was just at home. The weather was super nice, so later on I took the kiddos to the park to play (met up with K's friend Carter), while Ryan worked out. I think the nice weather wore the kiddos out!
Saturday night we went for dinner and drinks with Nikki and Eric. Ms. Steph watched the kiddos - movies and popcorn, and up late. Cora won't go to bed easily for sitters, so we just kept them up. (Probably a mistake... but oh well). Anyway, we had a nice time with the Nielsen's... always hard to coordinate time for us to get together... so glad it worked out. Our food was yummy, and then we had another 'extra' drink at a local brewery near our house. Good times.
I crashed when we got home... and prayed that my ear would be better today. Yup - not so much.
Sunday:
Church... and Kayson was the candle lighter, and he did awesome!!! Super proud of him. The rest of our day was just hanging at home a little... I got groceries... Ryan and K shot hoops at LifeTime... Cora and I ran to Kohls... super nice afternoon.
Home made pizzas at home... and early to bed!
Ryan was in MN Thursday through Friday afternoon... glad to have him home. Friday night we just stayed in... I cooked, we hung out, then took the kiddos swimming at Lifetime. We haven't done that in several weeks. We then tried out Smoothie King, which was ok.
Saturday:
K got his hairs cut... then we just hung out at home.
I unfortunately got water in my ear (in the shower no less)... and have had a hard time with my hearing all weekend. It feels like I have an ocean in my ear! SO Annoying! So I've been struggling with that... Anyway, our Saturday afternoon was just at home. The weather was super nice, so later on I took the kiddos to the park to play (met up with K's friend Carter), while Ryan worked out. I think the nice weather wore the kiddos out!
Saturday night we went for dinner and drinks with Nikki and Eric. Ms. Steph watched the kiddos - movies and popcorn, and up late. Cora won't go to bed easily for sitters, so we just kept them up. (Probably a mistake... but oh well). Anyway, we had a nice time with the Nielsen's... always hard to coordinate time for us to get together... so glad it worked out. Our food was yummy, and then we had another 'extra' drink at a local brewery near our house. Good times.
I crashed when we got home... and prayed that my ear would be better today. Yup - not so much.
Sunday:
Church... and Kayson was the candle lighter, and he did awesome!!! Super proud of him. The rest of our day was just hanging at home a little... I got groceries... Ryan and K shot hoops at LifeTime... Cora and I ran to Kohls... super nice afternoon.
Home made pizzas at home... and early to bed!
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Essential Oils Update - Wellness Advocate!
Well, I'm officially biting the bullet and announcing that I'm a doTerra Wellness Advocate. I've actually been one since last June (2016), but I was still learning... still hesitant that the oils would actually do something for us... trying to get us into a routine of using them... and again, still learning!!
Well, I would say the doTerra oils have been a huge improvement for us. I now know that it's best if we just use them daily... it's part of our routine, every single night (and morning too, depending on the 'issue' we may be having). For over a year now, we have had very VERY little illnesses in our home, and we've tackled several allergy attacks and sore muscles/growing pains as well. And for me - limiting illnesses is my #1!! I hate being sick. I hate being around others who have been/are sick. Hate hate. :)
So... in a nutshell, being a Wellness Advocate, I can basically help you through the essential oils lifestyle. There's a saying out there -- "yes, there's an oil for that!" and I now believe it. So I'm offering up my (still learning) knowledge of the oils - ask me questions and I'll try to figure it out! (I do have 'people' who can help if I can't answer!) There are some great starter kits that can really get your 'toes wet' (literally) with the oils and have you begging for more!
Well, I would say the doTerra oils have been a huge improvement for us. I now know that it's best if we just use them daily... it's part of our routine, every single night (and morning too, depending on the 'issue' we may be having). For over a year now, we have had very VERY little illnesses in our home, and we've tackled several allergy attacks and sore muscles/growing pains as well. And for me - limiting illnesses is my #1!! I hate being sick. I hate being around others who have been/are sick. Hate hate. :)
So... in a nutshell, being a Wellness Advocate, I can basically help you through the essential oils lifestyle. There's a saying out there -- "yes, there's an oil for that!" and I now believe it. So I'm offering up my (still learning) knowledge of the oils - ask me questions and I'll try to figure it out! (I do have 'people' who can help if I can't answer!) There are some great starter kits that can really get your 'toes wet' (literally) with the oils and have you begging for more!
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