Parenting 101

I missed this class. I count my children as blessings. However, parenting is hard work! It makes Jillian Michaels' workouts seem easy! Well, not quite! And the role of parent is one I will have forever. Every time I think we have something figured out, we move into the next stage of development.

Just curious. . . what are your parenting challenges? What are your suggestions as we tread through the waters of parenting?

Flowers

I think flowers are absolutely beautiful. They can make me smile when I am down. They bring color into a drab day. I am always amazed at how intricate and beautifully made they are. The following picture is a close-up of a clematis. As I look at the details in this flower, I am reminded that God created us to be even more intricately and beautifully made than this beauty. Do you believe that about yourself - you are intricately woven together and wonderfully made? Don't let the world tell you otherwise!

Certain Friend

Ok, if you are a certain friend who used to teach with me in Spencer, Indiana, I need you to message me! I lost your cell and email and would love to talk to you about life and some reading stuff! Yes, you know who you are! You can either message me on here, or email me at my private account!

Sorry to the rest of you. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Puzzles!!

One of the things we enjoy as a family is doing puzzles. Here is one that Lizzie, me and Brian worked on. The boys even chipped in here and there - mainly to aggravate their sister! Then next one up is a 500 piece. That may not seem too bad to some of you. But for Lizzie, it will be quite the challenge!

5k?

This was first posted on Facebook under notes.

I have been saying for over a year now, that I may have MS, but it doesn't have me. For many aspects of my life, that is true. But, I realize that there is at least one area in which MS was controlling me. Since I was diagnosed, I let my physical limitations (or perceived limitations) keep me from physical exercise.

In February, after a doctor's visit, I realized that I wasn't taking shots every week for my MS just so I could kill myself in other ways. So, I set a goal. I was going to train and walk/jog the Illinois Marathon 5K. I was doing well but my left foot started dropping as my leg became fatigued. I started using kinesio-tape to help with that. While it helped, I had to quit jogging. But I kept on walking. However, being outside in the humidity is not good for my MS, and some days I did an indoor walking program. Not knowing what the weather would bring during the Illinois 5K and not knowing how my foot would be doing, I did not register.

I was in quite a mood the day of the race. I felt like I failed. I did not reach the goal I had set. But, then I realized, that I really had met that goal. I can walk 3.3 miles in the time I set as my goal. So, I may not have the bib and medal, but I DID IT!! I went from being a couch potato in February to power walking and meeting my goal time. What now? I am setting a new goal time, and I am going to keep walking until the weather forces me inside for good. On those days, I will use the indoor walking program. We have also started looking for a treadmill for the basement where it stays nice and cool through the summer and where I will be safe from ice during the winter!

And who knows, maybe this fall or next winter I will just do that 5k!

Because of my foot drop and fatigued legs, I knew it was time for new running shoes and some good sandals. So, I purchased my first pair of Merrell sandals - LOVE THEM! Since I am not jogging but strictly running, I opted for walking shoes this time around. The ones I purchased are rated as one of the best walking shoes by Consumer Reports. But, I have to say - they are ugly! I have never spent so much money on something so ugly! But, I guess if they do the job of keeping my toes up while walking, then I will forsake beauty for practicality.

Told you they were UGLY! :)

Relay For Life 2011

We participated in the MSHS's Mini-Relay for Life. It went until midnight rather than all night. It was neat to see all kinds of students and student groups as well as community members involved. Our school, Middletown, had a team. Our theme was "MECC: Walk for the Cure. We aren't monkeyshining." The monkeyshining is in honor of a dear co-worker who passed away due to cancer after her retirement. She used that term frequently.

Here is our tent and the ominous sky. The table cloth is full of the names of people who we walked in honor or and in memory of.

And the sky just got scarier and scarier looking.

But, after the rain came the beautiful rainbow. Right between the "Remember" and "Fight Back" flags!

We did a fundraiser that evening. We invited students to come walk with their teacher. If they could afford to, and wanted to, they could make a donation as well.

Lizzie's friend, M, makes a donation to walk with her teacher.

Some great gals. They walked in honor of their husband and dad who passed away about two years ago. What a strong lady and a beautiful young lady! They are an inspiration to many people.

We had a great night. I only stayed for a few hours. Lizzie had M spend the night. So, around 8:30 we headed home. After running around the track a bunch and playing tag, it didn't take long for those two girls to collapse while watching Cinderella.

Zach's room - the transformation

Zach's room is VERY close to being completely done. All we need is the IU insignia painted on the floor, some trim work and curtains or blinds. Even with these few things left, Zach is enjoying his room immensely. And Jake is enjoying his own room as well! Next stop? Helping Jacob make his room "HIS!"

Zach hung this himself. He is such a Paragi. He had a level out to see if it was perfectly level!

Dad hung a basketball goal for him. Now we have to get a net.

Zach waiting around for his dad to get the hoop up!

Lizzie loves to crawl up on the ledge and leave Zach notes.

This poor dear died to be a Yankees bat holder?

His own closet! Now he can't blame Jacob for any messes.

Done except for the projects mentioned above.

As soon as he could, he moved his desk down there and it became his "haven." Even without a bed or anything else.

Getting so close . . .

First coat of red.

Mudding - yuck! What a mess.

Brian had no idea Zach was doing this. It was great.

Priming the walls

Working on the lights

Painting the closet

The closet is studded out and the transformation began!

It has been interesting to see this area transformed into a room. After all the last minute stuff is complete, we are going to tackle the plumbing.

Easter 2011

Some pics from our Easter weekend.

Zachary - age 13

Lizzie - age 5

Jacob - age 8

Brian's mom and dad with the kids.

Brian's mom helping the kids color Easter eggs.

Celebrate Art

Jacob had a piece art chosen to be displayed and judged in our school district's Celebrate Art program. When I asked him what it was, he said, "I don't know. All she took from he is some big fish drawing and it was terrible." We arrive and sure enough, there hangs the fish drawing. His art teacher explained that she loved the patterns, etc, etc, etc. I giggled because I knew Jake was sitting there thinking WHATEVER!

I liked the fish, and we will get it framed.

Spring Break 2011

Zach went to DC with my dad and brother during Spring Break. So, Jacob, Lizzie, and I packed up and headed to Southern Indiana for a visit. We had a great time visiting with family, playing at the park, having camp outs in the living room and visiting the Wonderlab.

Jake, Lizzie and Katie at the park.

The turtle we found in the driveway. That little guy has been through a lot. He has missing claws and hissed at us the entire time!

Kelsey digging for fossils at the Wonderlab

Jacob crawling from one floor to the next.

Katie and Lizzie digging

A BIG bubble in the bubble room!!

We had a great time and our time there went way too fast.

HOLY COW!!

I have been neglecting this blog!! My goal this week is to get a few posts up. Hopefully, I can catch up within a week or two!