Blessings

We were very blessed this week.  How, you might ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  We had been fasting and praying for rain for our dear state because of all the devastating wild fires, and boy, did we get it!  It looked a little something like this at first:

Then this:

As you can see, we were a bit carefree in that video.  We hadn't yet noticed that the window wells were filling up.  The bark that was laid right next to the house, by the end of this storm, ended up in the grass and we had rivers running through different parts of our small yard and down the driveway.  Almost immediately following this video, we decided to go place the pans downstairs (there's a leak that comes from the front porch and drips in one of the bedrooms downstairs - the one that was being used as our "storage unit" for all our packed boxes).  Chris went to go do that while I watched the kids for a minute longer.  I told them to all come inside and turned to go inside myself and noticed the window well below the porch.  It was filled all the way to the bottom of the window...and the rain was still pouring down.  I ushered everyone inside quickly and grabbed a larger bucket and a smaller one that I could scoop water and dump into the larger one with.  I grabbed a few towels and dashed downstairs.  Chris was making sure the pot was under the leak just so and I pointed out the window well.  He immediately checked the floor.  It was soaked, the wall was wet.  We started moving as many boxes as we could to the opposite side of the room and then opened the window and I started bailing with the small bucket.  We quickly realized that was NOT going to help at all.  Chris put his phone and wallet on a box and jumped out into the well with the larger bucket and started bailing out onto the grass.  Within less than 2 minutes, he was soaked and dripping wet from the rainfall.  He had to bail the window well 3 different times before the rain let up enough for him to come inside and change out of his dripping wet clothes.  This picture does NOT do it justice at all, because he really looked like a drowned rat!

After he got out of his wet clothes, we went back downstairs to try and soak up the water out of the carpets.  Queue the dirty blankets/towels that I hadn't washed yet.  The kids would bring Chris a blanket, he'd lay it down, they'd all jump up and down on it and do "pow-wow dances" on it and then the kids would drag it back to the laundry room, dripping water the whole way, grab another and run back....repeated until there were no more blankets or towels to do that with.  Then we just put everyone to bed and prayed that things wouldn't get worse.  We got up the next morning and went to church and came home to survey the damage.  I ended up going to the store and getting a fan so we could dry out floors.  Terra's floor got wet too, so we dried her room out first.  I've been doing laundry for 2 days and have finally made it 2/3 the way through the pile of "mopping materials".  This is what my laundry room looks like at the moment (and I still have my regular laundry to do too).

I switched the fan over to the other room (the one where all the tragedy and most of the action happened) and decided to scope out the damage to the boxes and all our belongings in there.  The miraculous blessing in all of this?  There was only ONE box that got damaged, and most of the damage was to the box, not too much inside.  The books can be dried out and are still usable!

 Here is a pic of all we had to get out of the way:

The rest of the blessings that happened?  Things could have been so much worse!  Our family is still in tact, our belongings are safe, and the kids have a very memorable experience of dancing in the rain and then on the blankets downstairs with daddy!  I'd say we have it pretty darn good, right about now!

Turning Flat Sheets Into Fitted Sheets (Twin size)

I don't know about most of you, but for us, it's a waste of money, almost, to buy a full set of sheets, because only the fitted half gets used.  My kids are just like their daddy.  They don't like the top sheet and will kick it off and it just gets dragged around the house, making everything a mess from there on out.  They're great fort-makers, but they're "not dark enough" according to the kids.  I don't know why I kept hanging on to the top sheets for so many years...maybe it was in hopes that the kids would over-come their crazy stage of kicking them off and I'd finally get to use them.  After pricing the cost of actual water-proof bed covers for a couple of my "still-night-wetters", I was taken aback by how much they cost!  Good grief! For the good quality ones that will last more than one night/one washing, the base price was about a hundred dollars!  No thanks!  I started to think back to the day when I cloth diapered one of my kiddos.  My sister-in-law had purchased some PUL fabric for a fairly decent price and that brought on the thought process of....how can I turn one of those large pieces of fabric into a fitted sheet?!  I started researching online and found a whole bunch of sites that had measurements that were needing to be converted (you know me and math) or were in an entirely foreign language.  No amount of "speaking slow while raising your voice" would make me understand that...especially since the pictures were sort of blurry.  I just wanted exact measurements.  I could muddle through the rest!  Well, I purchased the PUL fabric for 3 sheets (twin size) and brought them home.  The cost (as staggering as it was) was still cheaper than buying ONE mattress cover (plus, I got a 50% coupon so I could go back and get another cut of fabric to make a couple more extras).  Since I didn't have an exact measurement to go by, I guessed at the amounts I'd need.  I got 3 yards of each of the three colors.  I came home and started to stress out about cutting into this $12.99/yard fabric, because if I messed up, there was no going back and we'd be out that much money!  EEEEK!  So, I sat and thought some more and remembered the top sheets that were sitting in my cupboard collecting dust.  BINGO!  My practice materials!!! I got it out and.....

...it never fails.

I started off by cutting off the seams.  Then, I cut out the 10.5" squares from each corner (this much, I DID get from my online research).  I stitched those up to make it "fitted" and then found some extra elastic that I had here.  I cut that up into 8 equal pieces (I was planning on making 2 mock-ups before cutting into the real thing).  I stretched them out and stitched them on.  VIOLA......it was too big for the mattress.  So after a few quick recalculations, I went back to the drawing board and started over on another top sheet.  I finished that on up and.....IT FIT PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!!!!  So then I followed the same steps again:

Cut material to 58" by 92".
Cut 10.5 inch squares off each corner
Stitch them to make them "fitted"
Sew in 12" of elastic in each corner to help it stay on the mattress**

This is the end result:

Pretty!!!!!  If you want added protection, you can put layers on underneath this, but it fits like a fitted sheet should!  I'll let ya know how these work out.  This is on Terra's bed (since the cats sometimes don't seem to think their litter box is the place to "go").  We sprayed down her bed with citrus spray (since that's supposed to repel cats from "doing their thing" and put this on over top of it.  We'll see how it goes!  The real test will be for the boys.  When I get theirs up and running, I'll give an update!

**NOTES: Since I used PUL fabric, I didn't make a hem or a casing for the elastic....it doesn't fray.  If you're turning a top sheet into a fitted, you'll want to at least surge around the edges if you don't want to hem it up or make a casing.

Your Plate's Full? No, I Think We Can Add To That...

We are under contract for another house again.  WOOHOO!!!  There are stresses that go along with this process though, more than the last one, but we'll survive.  I thought I was strong enough, but today has proved otherwise.  I've had a hard time keeping my composure in front of the kids and just completely lost it after Chris got home and told me about his day.  He asked about my day and sat as I blubbered through it, listening patiently, rubbing my back.  I love that man!

I redid our budget for the rest of the year to accommodate the "added stresses" of this new house.  We're gonna be living like paupers for a few months, I sure hope we can get through it all.

Aralynn had an appointment check up this morning.  She's over 20 lbs (HOORAY!!!!) and is finally out of the 10%.....she made it to just below the 15%!!  WOOT WOOT!  But......

...there's always that big "but", isn't there?!

Her soft spot is still open.  Not just a little bit.  It's not getting smaller....it's WIDE open.  I can fit my index and middle fingers, side by side, up to the first knuckle.  It's been that way since birth.  If it's not closed up by her 2nd b-day, in we go to another specialist at Children's Hospital.  This poor child is going to really end up hating that place by the age of 5.  She's already got issues with doctor's offices.  She tries to hide and cries the whole time.  Not just normal "boo hoo there's stranger danger going on".  No.  Its more like "THEY'RE MURDERING ME AND YOU'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!"  Yup.  That makes me feel awesome.  Anyway, it's not a "huge deal" but it's just "one more thing" to add to my plate right now.  I've been having a hard time coping with that, and of course, my mommy thought process is thinking the worst case scenario.  The sordid part of my though process is "I have window lickers already.  Now I'll have a helmet-wearing-window-licker to add to the bunch!"

It's Raining, Or Is It Pouring?

I've started and deleted this post about a dozen times.  I've "written" it in my mind, but then when I get to paper and pencil, or computer and keyboard, I can't remember half of what I had (which was all good stuff, mind you) or, it just doesn't feel right to put out there.  So, after wiping the slate clean, I'm just sitting here, about to wing it.

We lost the house which we had tried so hard for, the other day.  All because the inspector listed an outbuilding as a "barn".  With the type of loan we're getting, we can't have a barn on the premises or it won't qualify for the loan.  We were 3 days away from signing the papers on it.  The sellers are livid, understandably so.  They are claiming that they will get a lawyer and take us to court over this so they can get "due diligence" or at least the earnest money.  That's a lot of stress to deal with.  There's nothing they'd be able to do to us (we were protected by a contract agreement that they signed, too), but still, it's aggravating. We're hurting too, but, when in pain, it's hard to see that there are others suffering as well.  I don't blame them, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't harbor feelings for the threat of law-suits. That's a hard pill to swallow, but I'm working on it.

Now on to the boxes in the house.  The bane of my existence (for more than one reason). If I could magically make them hide, that would be great.  We can live comfortably on what is still left out, but seeing them here is a big reminder and also a big trigger for poor Tyler.  It's frustrating.  He's acting out and being naughty, but a lot of it he can't help....so how should punishments go?  Do I punish him for his disability?  Because, in essence, that's the "why" behind the "what" that is going on around here. The boxes are also an eye-sore.  They're not pretty....even if I drape a table cloth over the top of them (not saying I've tried this tactic....ok, well, maybe I have)...that just makes it worse.  My house is starting to look like an episode of "hoarders".  I wasn't too worried about cleaning and house work, mainly because it'd be easier to clean it without all this stuff in here, including the furniture.  Yeah, well, now that all THAT isn't going anywhere, I'm left with a mess...it makes it look like I'm a terrible house keeper.  Shhh, don't tell anyone!

But, on a happier note, I have an amazing family.  My husband got home from his business trip and gave me a hug and a kiss, and then just held me for a bit.  I would have stayed there forever, but....piano lessons and life were calling, so...*sigh*.  We immediately started re-evaluating things.  Praying for guidance and then we looked on the internet for what was available.  it's slim-pickin's compared to when we started looking (over a year ago).  We're trying to not get disheartened and keep positive, but that's easier said than done.  Today I've had to make a conscious effort to stop the bad/negative thoughts from consuming me. So, 5 things that make me happy today are:

1 - Its Chris's and my 10th wedding anniversary!  Crazy to think its been 10 years, but they've been wonderful and I've loved it all!
2 - We got some beautiful family pictures done, and I'm loving them thoroughly!
3 - My brother-in-law dropped everything to come out and help us pick up the pieces...and to give Chris and I a break from the kids for our anniversary!
4 - My family, Chris's family - they're behind us 100% and I've felt their love and encouragement more these last couple of days.  Thanks guys!
5 - Prayer.  Just after we'd received the news on the house, I was crying and wandering aimlessly around the house.  My friend, Anna, posted something on her blog that brought on the thought "Sandi, just pray, trust me."  I went to my room and knelt beside my bed and prayed.  Even though it didn't take the tears away, or the hurt entirely, it brought peace and a feeling of "It's gonna be ok, you watch and see."  I trust those words, thoughts and feelings and cling to them now, more than ever.  We will be ok. We'll just paste a smile on and muddle through it all.  It's gonna be ok, you watch and see.

Day 1, Week 1

Getting in shape isn't tough, breaking old habits is the hard part.  Although today is far from day one or week one for that matter, I have not done as good as I could have today.  Chris and I have started cleaning out our food and replacing things over time to make it more healthy.  We didn't do a drastic "toss everything bad and replace it with good" clean-out, we spent money (and that's not something that is in excess) on all that was and is here, so we didn't feel that it would be wise to just drop everything.  We've felt a difference in our energy levels when we've eaten better as opposed to when we've eaten not so great things.  That being said, I still have my cravings.  I've lost about 10 lbs from the moment that I decided that I look terrible in pictures, but.....I still look terrible in pictures.  Case in point (this was taken last week):

Yeah...the bulge.  It's not pretty.  My face, however, doesn't look as chubby as it used to a few weeks ago (although it could use a little slimming down too, still).  I still need a little push to actually DO my exercise.  I mean, I've taken the time to do research, talk with my chiropractor and doctor about my limitations with certain health issues I've got.  Those exercises look FABULOUS on paper, my stick figures are pretty awesome too, I might add.  So...why is it so difficult to actually DO all of it?!  I decided to put it all out here in the open....I need someone to hold me accountable.  Someone to report to.  I refuse to gain the weight back during this move we're going to be doing in a month or so.  I may not be able to get on here and post it all, but I need someone to check up on me, either via email, FB, or text.  Something.  The more people hounding me, the better off I'll be (in theory, anyway).  So far today, I've chased kids around the house, packed two boxes, talked to a few friends at various times today, sat in the car waiting for a baby to wake up and.....gotten kids home from school.  Not a lot of extra activity in there today.  There's still hours in the day yet, and tomorrow is another day.  I'll do better!  Any tips on time management? 

Shots: A Literal & Figurative Pain!

Recently our doctor's office had a change of policy.  Since my kids have CHP+ for insurance, this effects them.  Apparently Medicaid has been causing issues about payment of the shots received in this office (to my understanding) and so they will offer dr visits only, no shots at the office from now on.  I was a bit taken back by this but figured, we're moving anyway, I'll just find a new office to take them to that will do it all, until then I'll just head on over to the Public Health Nurse.  Aralynn's 12 month shots had been divided up between 12 and 15 month visits.  At her 15 month visit (during the time they were still doing shots there), she was sick so couldn't have the shots at that time.  She was only 2 shots behind, or so I thought.

I went to the PHN and the nurse there tried to convince me that she was VERY behind and that they were going to give her EIGHT shots before I left.  I refused and told them I didn't feel comfortable with that amount.  We argued back and forth for quite some time before I demanded to see the list of shots they claimed she needed.  There were shots listed that I KNOW she'd received.  I said as much and the nurse made a big deal about how he was looking at the state's records and she didn't have them and blah blah blah.  I said to check HER records (which I had given to him) again and compare the two.  He made a big fan-fare about it, bringing out her records and flattening them out (over exaggerated movements) and started comparing.  Lo and behold, I was right.  We whittled the list of 8 she would have received down to 6, with fewer times I'd need to come back to get "caught up".  I still didn't feel comfortable with that number.  He, again, made a bit stink about how neglectful I was being by "being so behind" in this and it was giving him anxiety knowing I'd leave without her being fully protected.  I lost it.  I let him know what I thought of him and the shots he was demanding and how I refused to over-load her system.  We knocked the shots down to 4, still not a number I was entirely comfortable with, but I felt pushed.  He got the shots, administered them and then started asking me if she'd had reactions to shots before.  Yes, she's gotten minor rashes on her legs once before.  From her hip to her knee was covered with a rash.  He then tried to belittle me and talked to me as if I was incompetent and started telling me the difference between a rash and redness/soreness/swelling at the injection site.  Again, I was pushed to my limits and cursed the man "LISTEN DIP(STICK), THIS IS MY 5TH CHILD, I THINK I KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO!"  To which, he left the room while mumbling what a brave woman I am.  I'm used to being told that, but the way he said it was rather demeaning and rude.

I left there holding back the tears until I got to the car and called Chris and relayed the story.  It was so frustrating!  I got home, put Aralynn down for a nap and then Chris told me to go get some air for a while.  I drove around until my dr's office was open from lunch.  I went in and asked to talk to the nurse about the shot records.  After looking over the records, it was decided that Aralynn was NOT behind and, in fact, she had received a shot she shouldn't have until her 5th b-day.  Again, the blubbering mess came up.  Our dr caught wind of all of this and immediately called up the PHD head nurse and filed a complaint.  He was none-too-happy with how I was treated and said as much.  He told them to never again treat one of his patients that way.  They called me at home and asked for my side of the story so they could officially file complaint and said they would take care of this first thing Monday morning.  This whole thing made me sick to my stomach, literally.  I don't handle stress very well.  Our dr and I haven't seen eye to eye on a lot of things, but he's never made me feel like I'm incompetent nor has he treated me so foul.  Its nice to know that even with our differences, he's got my back!

Evening of Fun