Kayson - 1st Baseball Tourny

After several months...  hours, nights, etc. of development practice for baseball - we had our first baseball tournament today.  And today, in Iowa, the weather was awful.  About 40 degrees (although, dropped to about 34 by the end of the afternoon) with 40 mph winds!  OH MY GOODNESS!

We were up and at em... getting everything 'ready' for our day - I honestly planned to be gone for about 7 hours, and in my mind - I needed food, drinks, everything to keep us warm, and everything to keep Cora happy.  That's a lot!  

First game was at 9am --- and by 9:20 we all knew it would be a long day... because of the weather.  Oh my it was brutally windy.  So disappointing!  

The boys played 3 games - 9am, 1pm and 3pm.  So after the first game, we were able to come home and thaw out, have a quick lunch and just be out of the wind!  Cora and I stuck around home longer... didn't go back to the fields til about 1:15.  We watched most of that game... but she ended up in the car for most of it. It was just too cold to even do anything... she could barely watch her iPad!!   Then we went home around 3:00... it was just not worth it potentially getting her (or myself) sick with the cold and wind.  so...  we missed the last game.

On to the boys...  so... with the weather, it was a challenge.  And with it being their very first game - very first time they had been ON a field this year, it was a challenge.  I personally think overall, they did well, with those circumstances.  But you could tell they were cold and a little frustrated.  Kayson, the sensitive one, was upset... had tears and just was ready to be done.  Poor kid.  I don't blame him!!!  Not much fun.

Anyway, kind of a terrible way to start, but maybe we'll get this bad one out of the way, and we'll have some improvements coming up!  I hope to have many pictures and memories to make over the next 3 months...  but today the memories are - cold, wind and losing!  

Weekend

Friday:
We stayed in...  ordered Chinese... watched KU Jayhawks win.  Good evening... just played around and hung out. 

Saturday:
Kids were up early.  Why why!?!?  We hung out, I got some cleaning done and some laundry.  Blair's were coming to town to meet up with some friends, so they stopped by for about an hour to see us.  Great little visit, nice to see them.  Then we headed out for a few errands... and something super weird happened.  We had stopped at Scott and Niky's to get some hand-me-downs for Kayson for baseball... and Cora acted funny... and all of the sudden was pale as a ghost and clammy.  Freaked me out.  We went outside to get some fresh air...  she just stood there, pale and lethargic.  So weird.  We hustled home, as we weren't sure what was going on... she said her tummy didn't hurt, just looked awful.  
We got her home... put her in bed... and she asked for water.  Water was given, and a saltine cracker.  She instantly had color back to her, but I could tell she was tired and a little scared.  (me too!)  She ended up eating 3 saltines, drinking water... and then she fell asleep for about an hour and a half.  
She woke, drank more water, peed, and had full color back to her.  She seemed perfectly find.  
So weird.  

I am worried that this happened... thinking cuz she didn't have a snack Saturday morning - that maybe we waited too long to feed her?  Not sure.  I just hope we don't have this happen again... or if it does, we'll reach out to the doctor to see if she just gets low anemia (or diabetic???)  That might be a reach, but at this point, I'm just not sure...

So... I ended up staying home with her.  Ryan and Kayson grabbed lunch out, and did the errands.  They had a good time together. 

Saturday afternoon, Cora perked up...  seemed fine.  We just hung out, played...  not much.  We did go out for supper Saturday night.  Cora ate, was obnoxious and ornery.  

Back home...  kids watched a movie, and that was about it.  Good evening. 

Sunday:
Church.
Kayson and two other kiddos from church were in a little skit for Palm Sunday.  They did AMAZING.  oh my goodness... so awesome.  So proud of him, and the others.  So that was fun. 

The remainder of the day was our normal Sunday stuff.  

It's been a nice weekend...  we did get some crappy weather on Saturday too - rain and wind.  Back home, Clarion got about 8 inches of heavy wet snow!  YUK.  It's supposed to be spring!  We are all ready for 70 degree weather.  :)

Goof!

We are princesses, aren't we!?

Murphy

Our Murphy is getting old... poor little guy.  He turned 14 last week.  14!!  That's 98 in human years... isn't that what 'they' say?!
Anyway, he's been such a good dog... amazing actually.  My timid one.  The one that just wants to sit on a lap, and sleep. Just a good dog. 

Over the past several months we've seen him really show his age...  lots and lots more sleeping, less eating, lack of interest in some things, and showing his hips/back legs hurting.  BUT with all of that, he's still shown the need for cuddles and interest in OUR food.  

Last week I took him to the vet for just a check up... and the conversation of - "Is he ok?" and "I'm worried about his weight."  The vet was great, talked with me quite a bit and listened to everything I had to say.  In the end, we did some blood tests basically to check his organs.  The results were actually better than we both had thought --- no signs of organ failure, which is great.  But - still there's the main concern of his weight.  Only 3.6 lbs.  That's LITTLE.  The vet said there's a possibility that he could have some sort of cancer (that the blood test can't pick up) (like Quincy had), or he has a tumor somewhere (tummy probably).  BUT... since we do not know that for a fact - we will just continue to love him, keep him happy, and keep him comfortable.  

So... for now, I've picked up some soft/canned food for him (as his teeth are pretty bad), and the soft foods might have a little more calories and protein in them.  He's very interested in the soft food, which is awesome.  We are going on about a week of the soft food... and I truly think he seems perkier.  Which, again, is great.  So...  again, just going to do whatever at this point (without tests and spending a fortune) to just keep him happy and comfy.  

I'm not quite ready to lose this little guy.

This & That

• Cora has been entertaining us quite often with gymnastics moves - tumbling, cartwheels, splits (which she's getting pretty good at!) and just dancing around - using her arms and facial expressions are TO DIE FOR.  Pretty fun.
• We seem to be busy every week night now...  except Wednesdays (although, we have had a church activity the past few Wednesdays) - activities do keep us busy, and harder to get a decent meal in.  Now I know what it means when I hear "We've ate drive-thru the past 3 nights!" because of activities.  Oh man.  Gotta keep meal planning... and just heating it up!  ha.
• We have our first baseball tournament next Saturday - weekend of Easter.  I think that's weird, but again - what do I know?!  It'll be interesting - something we'll need to get use to (or I need to get use to!)  Weather will be interesting... being gone for a good amount of the day/or all day!... and just keeping Cora happy.  That'll be my challenge.  :)
• I met Tricia for a late lunch today... so nice.  She was in town for a work meeting or training, something like that... so we met.  It was so nice to see her, and catch up.  Seriously haven't seen her in forever, it seems!  Missing my family! 
• speaking of family -- we have our little Hardy get away all set, and confirmed as of this morning!  We are heading to Lake Rathbun in June for a couple days... I can't wait to spend some serious time with them... and hopefully have the weather be perfect!  PRAYING FOR THAT!
• Kayson seems to be growing...  or at least I feel like he is.  He seems taller... just keeps creeping up on me.  But then I see him next to his friends, and he seems the same (not much taller)...  maybe he's just changing in different ways.  
• The boys cooked tonight.  Cora and I were at gymnastics, and the boys cooked breakfast.  Man it was nice to just walk in the door, and supper was ready.  Loved that.

Weekend

We had another quiet weekend... 

Friday:
Hope and Logan came over for pizza.  We haven't seen them since my birthday, and then before that was Christmas.  Time flies.  So we had a super good time with them.  The kids love having them here, and me too.  So fun. 

Saturday:
Quiet day.  We were pretty bored all day long...  Ryan worked, we got Kayson's hair cut, and that's about it.  Literally - boring.  The weather wasn't all that great, so we just stayed inside... boring!!  Finally we decided to go to a movie.  We saw Peter Rabbit, and it was soooo cute.  Good movie.  Then we grabbed supper out, which was good... and then by the time we got home, it was bed time.  So it ended up being a super short night!  

Sunday:
Church. 
This and that around the house...  kids played with Olivia for hours.  And that's about it.  

Murphy sat with Cora for a bit. 

A day with Kayson

Friday was a day for Kayson.  He's been on Spring Break this past week... no school for him.  And he asked us about a month ago - "what are we doing for Spring Break!?!?"  Well unfortunately, we don't do anything.  Ryan typically is gone during that week (which he was).  Some of K's friends were gone - to Florida, or just Kansas City, etc.  BUT - luckily, Kayson does like Beyond the Bell, and they do field trips, etc... so 4 days of that was just fine for him.  Thankfully!

But he had asked if we could have a day together... and of course, I said Yes. But the big thing is - we get bored (and he isn't a fan of 'doing errands!'.  As much as we can play card games, or do the iPad, or have snacks and giggle... we still get bored.  He's just a tough age.  Anyway, we did all of those things, plus ran to Target, and were able to have lunch with Ryan, so that was nice.  In the afternoon then, Ryan took him to get new baseball shoes for the season, so that's done.  

Overall, it was a nice day with him... and away from work.  Love that!  :)

An afternoon with Cora

Monday afternoon, I took PTO and hung out with Cora.  We originally were going to do a make up class for gymnastics, but I had the dates all messed up, so we didn't do that...  whatever!!  So her and I did a few errands - Target and Sketchers.  She was a gem all afternoon...  giggles, singing, a little whining, but overall - she was super good for me.  She of course wanted everything at Target (and I mean everything), but we got over that. 

We spent some time at home... she played with LEGOs, she played with her new LOL doll she got... and just was a doll.  Honestly.

Then we picked up brother... and as I've said before, when they are together - typically 'shit does downhill!'  They were ok for awhile, then as the night went on - things just weren't going well.  Cora was being super obnoxious... super bossy... and whiny as well.  How can one be so many things in a short amount of time!??!  ha. 

Things really went downhill after supper... she threw a few things and screamed at me.  Not an option... so she got her bath, and the silent treatment from me!  She was tired.  She was in bed a little after 8:00 and asleep within minutes. 

I guess it's hard work being 5 and thinking she's the boss.  :)

I took some pics of her... and of course am smiling ear to ear now.  She's beautiful, and I do love her little personality and her fire.  But man, she is a pistol!

 
 

Weekend

Friday:
Ryan got home from his 7 hour drive from NE.  Yuk.  We just stayed in.  Had a quiet night.  

Saturday:
Ryan had a work meeting... so the kids and I hung out.  Kind of got bored actually.  I did some things... we played... and just hung out, but I was bored.  I guess I was just tired of being with the kids alone, ya know!?  Once Ryan got home, we grabbed lunch... then did a few errands together.  Nothing too exciting, because our kids can't stand doing errands.  Guess they are like me in that aspect.  :)  so back home... this and that.

Saturday night was another night in...  ordered pizza, watched the KU JayHawks win.  That's about it.  

Sunday:
Church.
Then another after afternoon of nothing.  I did do one errand by myself...  and then just hung out.  The kids don't have any activities today or this week, cuz it's Spring Break... which is great, but then I see nearly everyone we know be on a vacation or doing something fun.  And here we are - boring!!!  And Ryan has to be out of town again.  Boo hiss.

Anyway, I at least took some pictures this weekend... here are a few.

Puzzles & Legos were our life this weekend.

Serious dorks.  :)

Cora - little bug/virus

Week 1 of 2 on our own without Daddy... and we had an 'event'. Figures. Especially when I'm actually busy at work!
 
Tuesday night Cora seemed good/feisty, ate supper, played hard with Kayson... then about 6:45 - she was down and out.  She layed around, said she was super tired and cold.  No fever... no, nothing and she slept great. 

Wednesday she woke up tired...  a low fever of about 99.3.  I gave her Motrin, only because I was going to send her to daycare...  by the time we got to daycare, she seemed fine - talkative, happy.  
Wednesday when I picked her up (she made it all day long!)... she was warm.  The teacher had just checked her (just felt her head) and said she "seemed warm, but had acted fine all day long...  until about the last 20 minutes of the day."  Teacher said Cora seemed to just loose steam.  Makes sense. 
We got home... temp was 101.1.  BUMMER!  She was so tired she said... so she was quarantined to her room (like we always do when we have sickies)... she rested. I gave her another round of Motrin, and a ton of oils!  About 6:00 she hollered for me... wanted to color and watch her iPad. She ate all her supper... drank a ton of water...  temp was down to about 99.7.  She took it easy all night long... had a small snack before bed, and slept all night long. 

This morning (Thursday)...  temp was about 99.5.  Not too terrible... but she looked pretty rough.  Bags under her eyes, and again, just saying she was tired.  

We got Kayson to school... and we've just been home all day. I guess it was the 'safe route'.  Which is fine... I got everything washed up (beds, blankets, all those types of things).  It was a nice day.

Her fever has stayed normal since about 10:00 am.  She had a snack, she at ok at lunch, she played, she had quiet time, she rested about 2 hours.  This afternoon she still was pretty somber, but once brother was home - she perked up.  (love their little bond)

I'm knocking this up to a short lived virus (that's what my sister called it!) 

Essential oils that were (and are still being) used:
OnGuard - on her spine every 3-4 hours
Peppermint - on top of her head, and bottom of feet every 3 hours
Immunity blend - bottom of feet morning and night
Breathe - on her chest every 4 hours or so

And I did throw in VicksRub on her feet. 

I love that I have options other than Motrin/Tylenol. 

 

Dear Anxious Mama

From The Today Show.  https://www.today.com/
So me. So my friends. So life. 

Dear Anxious Mama,
You're not alone.
I know you're in the trenches just trying to make it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. You're not alone.
I know some days you feel like you just can't do it and you want to cry. You want to cry hard. It's OK, Mama.
Cry. And cry hard.
I know you think you are failing your kids, your husband, even yourself. But Mama, you're not failing anyone.
I know public places can be overwhelming. What if you lose a child or one gets taken? I have been there too, Mama.
You're not alone.
I know sometimes you dislike you're kids. Some days, I dislike mine too.
I know you are praying hard, Mama. Keep praying. God hears you, and He hasn't forgotten you.
I know that you are ashamed and feeling guilty, sometimes wondering if this is the life you were cut out for. It is OK, Mama. I have those days too.
You're not alone.
I know it is hard to get out of bed sometimes because sleep deprivation is pure torture and it has sucked out every ounce of energy you may have in you. I know this form of exhaustion all too well, Mama, especially when my babies were first born. Sometimes it turns into a depression. I know you love being a Mama, but some days are just covered in clouds. It's okay, Mama.
You're not alone.
I know that you might be seeing a therapist, someone to talk to and help you through this season. Good for you, Mama. You are not alone.
I know you may need to see a doctor, get some help, and get on some anxiety or depression meds. It's OK, Mama. You need to care of yourself.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is just recognize that you can't do it alone.
Mama, sometimes you have to take the first steps to be the change you want to see.
I know most days you have not a single clue what you're doing, Mama. You're not alone, that is truly what motherhood is.
Love yourself a little more, because you are in the trenches taking it one day, one hour, one minute at a time! And you're not alone, Mama.
Sincerely,
I'm in the trenches too.

Weekend

We were busy this weekend... not much down time!
Friday:
We went over to Jess and Lex's for a little bit...  ate at home, and then just went there and let the kiddos play.  They did great again... and we were able to have a little adult conversation.  ha.  Home late, and bed later than we wanted. 

Saturday:
Up early - both kids were up at 7.  Ouch.  I was tired!  
We had Kayson's conference at 9, then we headed out to our church.  We were hosting another big craft sale that went super well again... and was fun to hang out there for a bit.  I bought too much!!  There was a cute boutique vendor there, so I had fun there... and then I tried out the LipSense thing.  I spent a ton of time with that lady trying to figure out what I liked, etc.  Kind of fun.  

We came home... had a fairly quiet afternoon.  I got groceries and did some laundry, Cora rested for a bit... then Olivia came over to play for awhile.  

Saturday night we went over to our friends Holly and Mike's - pizza and a board game, while the kiddos played.  They have two young ones... and Kayson did awesome with them... and just had a good night with them.  Good to get to know them a little more.  But another late night!  Yikes!

Sunday:
Church.
I took the afternoon away from my big kids and got to snuggle with a 3 week old!  My friend Katie is a new mommy and she's doing awesome.  Super fun (and so nice) to have a couple hours with her and baby Matthew.  What a little doll!  (I didn't take a picture... what was I thinking!?)
Meanwhile, the kids played with Olivia again!  Then K had baseball... and then our Sunday was pretty much over. 

Unfortunately, our Sunday night was a little on edge... or maybe I was.  I'm not exactly sure why - but the kids were testing every last button that Ryan and I had... especially Cora.  Man she was a little brat tonight - talking back more than normal, not eating supper and just being pretty naughty.  It wasn't very much fun...  but finally at bedtime, it was a little better.  

Ryan has to be gone this week (and next), so maybe that's why I'm on edge?!?!  Eh...  not looking forward to doing this parenting thing on my own!  ha.  

 I'm being terrible at picture taking lately.  BAD MOM!

Kayson 3rd Grade Spring Conference

Saturday morning we had Kayson's last conference of his 3rd grade year.  I say it every time - it goes so fast.
He's doing great... Mrs. Flack says he's still a big joy to have in her classroom, and said a couple times - "Could I keep him in 3rd grade?!"  We laughed, and said NO!

Some stats information to keep track of:
Reading FAST score is 515 (goal is 503 by the end of the year)
Independent reading level is O / P (She said she's started him in some Q level books to see how he does, and so far, so good)

Mastered all multiplication facts
Nearly mastered all division facts

Overall, it was good... good 'grades', good kid.  I'm always proud of him, and enjoy seeing and hearing him at school with his teacher.

Cora-ism's #3

It's been awhile since I've done one of these posts.
But recently - there are things I need to write down.

#1
As we are eating supper, wrapping things up...  Cora gets down from the table and puts her dishes away and says:
"Hey Dad - do you wanna wrestle tonight?  I'll go easy on you!"
Ryan did not wrestle her.  :)

#2
The last week or so, as we are driving to get Kayson from school - Cora asks for my lipstick.  I have a small 'bag' in my purse that has some lipsticks and glosses (that I rarely use by the way!)... she takes the bag, and she goes to town with the lipstick.  I think she typically uses about 3 or 4 different colors - until her lips are dark!  ha.  She typically proceeds to say:
"Do my lips look pretty Mom?  I'm going to wear this when I get married and kiss my husband!"
Oh dear.

Then sometimes she wants a specific song on and she 'lip-syncs' it while looking at herself in the rear view mirror. 

Nice.  :)