OLYMPIC TUMBLING HERE THEY COME

We have been watching the Olympics the last several days and you know it--I have two tiny Olympians! Carly and Jono are so funny. They especially love the gymnastic competitions. They are all about the tumbling and flipping. I'm a little nervous they are going to hurt themselves!

It takes me back to my youth watching the Summer Olympics. I remember loving the track and field. I remember we decided we were going to be runners and train for the next Olympics. (We were so naive--O.K. dumb.) So between races we would go out and run around the P.C.A. building to start training. Yah, it didn't last long. I mean it was really hot and humid--and it was exercise. Lol!

It is funny to see the same characteristics in my little ones, though. After every gymnast finishes Jono and Carly start running, jumping, tumbling and saying "Watch me Mom! Watch!" So cute. Especially when they think they are doing the same difficult things the gymnasts are doing and they are just running and doing a child's somersault. Lol!
 

A LITTLE NOSTALGIA

I found these photos and thought it would be fun to share them. My mom is Carolyn, the littlest girl, in the first picture. The second picture is of the family farm where all these kids grew up and where my cousins and I romped and played as we were growing up. The third is a picture of my mom and her sister Kaye when they were a few years older than in the first picture. My mom and Kaye are the only two siblings left in their family having just lost their oldest sister Louise earlier this year. It's still hard to believe somedays that I'm all grown up and not still a little kid playing on this farm with my Grandma watching over me. Sigh. :)

The Flint kids, L to R, Louise, Marcia, Kaye, Carolyn and Glenn

The Flint Farm

Kaye and Carolyn Flint

ON A CLEAR DAY . . .

Today Rob and I went to get new glasses. We've been going to get our eyes checked all year long but we finally got there today. Yay! We will once again be able to see! I only wear my glasses at night since I wear contacts. Unfortunately for me, Jono broke my glasses quite a while ago and  I've been wearing this glued together pair that really doesn't look all that terrific. It has just taken us so long to find the time to make an appointment and actually get new ones ordered. Check one major thing off list!

This evening we had a bbq and set off our fireworks for pioneer day. Seeing as how we are only three days late for celebrating that event, I think we are doing pretty good! We had Rob's brother and his girlfriend and their families over. It was a lot of fun.

The weather here has been so hot! It was up around 100 again today. It's the kind of weather where you don't go outside unless you absolutely have to. Unfortunately, we have had to for several things. I think I am allergic to heat. Well, you know--the really hot kind of heat. Lol! It's late, I'm going to bed before I say other things like that. Night all.

A FABULOUS EVENING~WITH MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

For Mother's Day and Father's Day this year Rob and I gave each other concert tickets. We have a local amphitheater that brings in summer concerts and we each had a different one we wanted to see so we got each other tickets. Tonight we went to see my concert and it was fabulous. It was Mary Chapin Carpenter. She is a country music star and writes and sings her own music. We had front row, center seats--the best ones in the amphitheater. We set our alarms the morning they went on sale so we could call right when they opened and apparently were one of their first calls. It was worth it! Loved, Loved, Loved it!

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

Grandpa got a pretty hard work-out today from Jennifer his physical therapist. He was still feeling it this evening when I went down to say hi. He is making progress though-so I think it's worth it. What is it they say--no pain, no gain?! I know, that's easy for me to say,

Speaking of exercise, I need to get back on the treadmill myself. I keep fighting with 5-7 lbs. They drive me nuts! Of course, if I wasn't such a sugar-hound I wouldn't have the problem but I love sweets. Anything chocolate, cookies, candy, it's all trouble.

Tonight I had a huge hankering for chicken wings. Yes, I used the word "hankering." Since Granny Klampett died, I think it's way under-used so I'm just giving it some play. Lol! Anyway, I didn't even know I liked chicken wings (hot wings) until about a month ago and now I LOVE them! So, we ordered out for them and had them as our 9:30 p.m. dinner. I think Grandpa was the only one who didn't indulge. Even Jono got in on the act! Carly loves them, too. She even ate more than Julie did, but she is in a growth spurt and Julie isn't feeling very well.

Speaking of growth spurts--my 4.5 year old is in size 12 children's shoes and my almost 3 year old is in size 8 children's shoes. I think I have a couple a "BIG FOOT'S" on my hands. They both also have really long fingers. I'm thinking basketball, piano, neurosurgery . . . ;) They will both have lots of options. That's for sure.

Well, it's late. Better get to bed. Night all.

TONS OF FUN

Yesterday we took the kids to a fun center where they had all you can eat pizza, salad, desserts, etc. and then all kinds of games. We spent nearly six hours there with them and they had a blast. We bowled, drove go-karts, rode a carousel, drove little cars, went on small rides, played games and arcades. Really, I think the only things we didn't get to were mini-golf and bumper cars--and Carly and Jono were too short to do  the bumper cars. That didn't matter since there were so many other things to do. The great thing was we were able to get this deal on one of the internet specials so it hardly cost anything to go and do. It really was a lot of fun. The only problem was the kids wanted to know if they could go back tomorrow! ;)

Today was a state holiday. We didn't do anything to celebrate, though. We are going to do our celebrating on Friday when Rob's brother and his family are available. Although, there were big parades today and fireworks this evening. Lots of businesses were closed today. It's Pioneer Day--a celebration of when the pioneers first came into the valley in 1847. So, Happy Pioneer Day to you!

BLESS YOUR HEART

Today I had one of those moments when as a mommy I was so proud I almost cried. I had fixed lunch and was hurrying to get things done so we could get the kids down for a nap. We were planning to take the kids for a fun outing later in the day so wanted them to have a nap first. Anyway, I had lunch on the table and the kids there ready to eat. I asked who wanted to say the blessing and Carly spoke up and asked me if she could say it all by herself. I was surprised because she used to love to say prayers (always with help) but for the last several months she has been really shy and reticent about saying them. So, lately when I ask it has been like pulling teeth to get her to take her turn. She has never asked to say them all by herself so I don't know what brought this on but it made me very proud.

I tried not to act surprised and I told her I would love for her to say the blessing by herself. Then, we all bowed our heads and folded our arms and Carly prayed this blessing:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my family. Thank you for my mommy and daddy. Thank you for my sisters and my brother. Thank you for my Grandma and Grandpa and for my other Grandma. Thank you for our food. Please bless it. Help us be good. We love you and we love Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen

Wow. I was really overwhelmed at my grown up little four year old. Julie was in the kitchen with me when this happened and she can attest that I was struck with amazement. It was a minute or so until I really wanted to say anything--but I did give Carly great big hugs and kisses and tell her how proud I am of her and how proud I know her Heavenly Father is of her. The spirits coming to earth in these last days are such strong, amazing individuals. I am truly blessed to be this little girl's mom and I thank the Lord for her every single day!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Yah, you just try to get a normal picture of a two year old and a four year old. Go ahead, I double dog dare you. Lol!

By the way, I didn't ask him to dress this way. The costume was his idea. I just wanted to take a nice picture on a Sunday. He insisted on the dragon costume. So, Rob suggested the blog title. I like it.

Couple of cute, crazy kids, don't ya think? Yah, me too. I kind of like them. They are worth all the tantrums and the time-outs -- and I'm just talking about the throw! Lol! Truly though, these are my little love bugs. ;)

MY SATURDAY EVENING POST ;)

We worked hard all day today so we played all evening. Well, something like that. We spent the day organizing and cleaning, then this evening Rob and I took Julie to a play. One of my friend's had several family members in Fiddler on the Roof at a local playhouse and we've been wanting to take Julie to a musical before she leaves for college so we went to see it. Megan came over and watched Carly and Jono so we could go. Not only did we have a good time but the little ones had a blast too! They were so glad to have Megan come watch them they didn't even get upset when I left, which is totally unlike them!

When I got home tonight, I checked in with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma was up reading but Grandpa was totally crashed. He has had physical therapy several times this week and been doing his homework and I guess he is just completely worn out! He just looked so tired. I can't tell you how amazing he is doing, though. The difference is so huge between what he could do before and what he is doing now. It's so great!

Well, gotta get some sleep before the Sabbath. Have a terrific Sunday. Night all.

SAD, SENSELESS, HORRIFIC

What a terrible day. I hate waking up to tragic news--especially when it is so senseless and horrific. I mean what else can you say about something like this? Does his motive really matter when it won't make a lot of sense to us anyway? There is no motive good enough to explain what this madman did. How do you go into a crowded theater and mow people down with a gun--especially children? There is no making sense of this. The best I can come up with in my own mind is that this man decided to embrace evil and as he did good people lost their lives in a horrific and tragic way. It would only be crazy-making for us to try to make sense of it. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy including this shooter's family for they are victim's too. 

SOCIAL MEDIA 101

My sister Sarah and I went to breakfast today with a former roommate of ours. We hadn't seen her in 27 years. Sarah found her recently on one the Internet. We had such a great time catching up. We spent nearly 3 hours talking and even then we weren't done but Sarah was supposed to be somewhere else so we had to break it up. It's so nice to find friends from your past and share fun memories. I'm continually surprised at all the things I've forgotten when I find friends from years past and they remind me of something. Sometimes I have to think pretty hard to remember what they are talking about. You know when you are young you don't think you will ever forget the things you go through or the stuff you do. Then pretty soon you turn around and it's been decades since you've thought of those years and you hardly remember anything--or sometimes anyone. In that sense, I think social media has been a good thing. I know it has its detractors and there are lots of ills you can point to but for people like me it's a virtual class reunion--and that's a positive thing. It's a great way to catch up with people you once cared a lot about but because of time and distance you literally may never see again. For me, it has been so much fun finding former friends and roommates and seeing what they are up to and what they created with their lives. Yay for social media!

A VISIT FROM THE GRANDS

Aunt Sarah, Caitlin and Ian came today to see Grandma and Grandpa. Although, Carly and Jono think they are here to visit them  :) so let's just keep that last fact between us, O.K.? Lol! We have been having a fun visit. We all went out to eat tonight. There were ten of us so it was a lively crowd. Even the little ones behaved themselves, though.

Grandpa had his physical therapy today and is doing really well with it. He is making tremendous progress. We are really pleased with his therapist. She is tailoring the program to Grandpa's specific needs. We really like her. He has had the best doctors and helpers out here.

After dinner tonight we all just came back to the house and hung out and talked. It was nice to be together as a family. We don't get to see much of Sarah and her family so it's always nice when they come visit. Well, that's if for today. Take care all. 

MY SLEEPY LITTLE GUY

This almost never happens anymore--but I love it when it does. He didn't get a nap so he was really tired when I gave him his breathing treatment and he just fell plum asleep in my arms. What a sweetie-pie. I love this little guy SOOOOO MUCH!

I SURRENDER--OR DO I?

I just had one of those impossible to win conversations with my four year old. We had just finished watching a movie that had a rainbow in it and she asked me if rainbows ever come down closer to us. I told her they don't; they stay up high in the sky. She said: "No Mom, I mean, do they ever come down here right by us? Again, I repeated, "No honey, rainbows are very high in the sky." "But Mom" She protested, "Do they ever come down close enough for us to get on and ride them?" "No sweetie, they don't. We can't ride them, they are just colors made of air." "But Mom, just sometimes-can we ride them?" "Honey, that's not how it works?" "Just sometimes Mom?" "Carly you can't ride them--there's nothing to ride?" "Please Mom--just sometimes?" "Honey, the colors are made of air and you can't ride air? There isn't anything to ride" "Maybe--just sometimes--please?" O.K--maybe. (Conversation Over)

A few years ago my brother in law and his kids stayed with us for awhile. My niece was about Carly's age and just at the "I want" stage. Every time a commercial came on during cartoons with some new kid's toy she would say to either her dad or me "I want that--can I have that?" If the answer wasn't some form of "Yes" we either got to have a similar conversation as the one above (multiple times daily) or there was pouting or sadness to deal with. When I had my own kids I braced for those stupid commercials and the aftermath they could cause--but I came up with what has so far worked out to be a clever solution. At least so far I have not had it smack me up the side of the head. We will see how it goes. Whenever Carly says, "Mom, can I have that?" or "I want that?" I simply reply with "I'll add it to the list." (Now we have talked enough that she knows the list I'm referring to is either for her birthday or Christmas--or some future event.)

I have made the mistake before of saying "I don't know" or "We'll see" and that turns into a begging/pleading session--but "I'll add it to your list" has satisfied her from the moment I started saying it. In fact, she has sometimes double checked with me after the cartoon was over to make sure I got such and such added to the list. I always say, "Oh, I'll do that" or something to that effect. And yes folks, I have been through a birthday and Christmas since I started doing this and haven't used this list at all and she didn't miss a thing!
I take that back--I think we did see pillow pets on a commercial first and then got her one--but that's the only thing I remember getting from "The LIST. Most of these commercials appear to be send away items that are fairly expensive and I'm not sure they wouldn't be rip-offs anyway.

I know, I know--one of these days I am going to be found out! Hopefully by then she will be at an age where I can reason with her and help her understand she can't have every single cute thing she sees. In the meantime, I will just add it to the list. Oh, and if you have a complaint about the way I am handling this--I have a list for that too. :)

HAPPY DAY

Carly and Jono were feeling better enough today I was able to let them go and play at a friend's house after they took naps. They were in Heaven--at least they thought so! It was pretty nice to have some quiet time around here as well. Although, I spent it doing chores--but still I wasn't chasing kids and trying to do chores at the same time. Small blessings. I'll take them. :)

ALL OF THE ABOVE

Hahaha! Today one of my friends who has had grandchildren visiting for several weeks called to ask me "How I do it?" I laughed out loud--because some days I honestly don't know how I am going to get through the day with everything on my plate.

My friend went on to explain how worn out she is and how much work it has been than she expected. She has taken time off work to help care for her grand kids while they are here and she said it's been really mind opening--(or was that mind-numbing?)  Anyway, she has a lot of respect for her daughter, and me and other mom's who spend their days raising their children. She was just having a moment and wondered how - on those difficult days we get through them.

Well, if this is a multiple choice test, my answer is "All of the above." It's the only answer, for me, that fits. I get through it by laughing, crying, praying for guidance, playing with them, sometimes yelling (not my best suit), giving time outs, pleading with them to behave and do what's right, NAPS--always nap when they do if you can, and threatening them with Daddy. Oh, I know that's not cool--but sometimes it's the only thing that works. In our home it's called: Mad, Madder. Maddest. Dad! Lol!

At any rate--you can see I don't have all the answers. I am on the "learn as I go" and "learn from other's mistakes" plans. And in that process, I'm really hoping to raise productive, healthy citizens--or at the very worst -- not screw them up too badly. :0

SICK KIDS = NO FUN

The kids have been going stir crazy. They have been locked up in the house with an illness since just after the 4th and it is driving them nuts. It is driving me nuts too. They haven't been able to have friends over or go out and play so they are torturing each other and their mother! Tonight I gave in and took them out for a snow cone and that seemed to take the edge off. It will still be a few days though before they can go back to their normal routine. I hope we all can make it! Wish us luck!

BABY GIRL IS GROWING UP

Check out my grown up baby girl! Can you believe how big she is getting? Isn't she a beauty? This was taken at the fireworks show we went to this year. She is not quite 4 1/2 so why does it seem like she is going on thirty? She is such a bright little girl! I just love her so much! :)

SLEEP PLEASE

Grandpa is really making progress in his walking and being able to get up to a standing position by himself. Grandma said he was able to stand up real quick today about twenty times. That's his homework. I guess he has to practice in between sessions. Anyway, he is walking and talking better. So much progress!

Rob is passing another kidney stone. Poor guy--and he's been doing it while being on-call this weekend. He spent another 7 hours called out today. He was really hit hard this time. Luckily he is through being on-call tomorrow morning.

Carly and Jono are still sick. Jono especially has had a hard time sleeping through the night because his mouth and throat have been bothering him so much. Hopefully, all this will pass soon--since when kids don't sleep through the night--neither does the Mamma. :)

TO DO OR NOT TO DO . . .

Rob is on-call this weekend but we dared to make a to-do list for around the house anyway hoping he wouldn't actually be called out. The universe laughed out-loud at us! He has been called out more this weekend than I remember him being called out in a long time. Needless to say our list is completely intact--and awaiting our attack another day. Then on his way home tonight from a call someone not paying attention to the traffic stopping in front of them rear-ended him. A lovely way to end a very long day. Poor guy. As for me -- I am just extremely thankful no one was hurt. :0

MY KIDDOS

Here are four of my kids. Julie and Jono and Megan and Carly. This was taken on the 4th of July at our fireworks celebration. The little kids had a blast with their big sisters! Just thought I'd share. :)

YAY FOR BIG!

I think Grandpa had a pretty good birthday today. He spoke with lots of his friends who called to tell him they were thinking of him. I know that means a lot to him.

We low-keyed it -- though not purposefully. We probably would have done more for his birthday but I woke up to two very sick kids. my kids were sick. Jonathon's fever was over 100 all day and finally spiked at 102.5 had a fever over a hundred all day. It finally spiked to 102.5. I took both him and Carly to the doctor so that took a good chunk of time.

We ordered dinner out and brought it home. All of us were just wasted.  We took gifts down for Grandpa to open after dinner but I wouldn't let him open the last one until he got up and walked for me. You see, I kept hearing these stories from Rob, Mom and Julie about how amazingly Grandpa was walking! They kept telling me things like, "He just stands right up, doesn't even have trouble getting up. Then he takes off . . ."

That sounded pretty foreign to me because we have been having to help Grandpa stand up, get him his walker and stay pretty close to him while he walks. (See why I was a little skeptical?) Actually, I wasn't. I just wanted to see the miracle for myself! He has only worked with this new physical therapist twice on this program called BIG and it is amazing. I did tell him he had to get up and go get his last present from Julie, who was standing in his doorway or he couldn't have it. He just got up and walked across the room and back for me, not hunched over at all--and without any help. WOW! Almost enough to make a daughter cry!

I love my Dad so much! It makes me so happy to see him able to move better -- because I know he will be able to do more and that will make him feel better and be happier. Yay for BIG! Yay for DAD! Yay! Yay! Yay!

Happy Birthday Dad! I really do love you. Oh, and while you're up, could you vacuum the downstairs floors? (KIDDING!)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

We had a great day with family. Susan, Russ and their kids came up and we grilled and had a nice summer pot luck dinner. Then we had cake and ice cream and sang to Grandpa! Sarah wasn't able to make it but is going to try to come up next week sometime. We saved some cake for tomorrow so we can do it all over again. Maybe we'll try a surprise party tomorrow just to liven things up a bit! How about that Grandpa?

After dark, Rob and I took the kids and went with some friends to watch fireworks. Even Megan went with us! The fireworks were terrific and lasted a long time. Everyone, except JONO loved them! He thought they were too loud and scary and wanted to come home. Although, they sure did make him want to cuddle! I think he secretly liked them but didn't want to admit it. He just doesn't like loud noises--but then neither does Carly. They have been like that since they were tiny. I did get him to sit still and watch them but he refused to like them--even though he would name the colors for me. Funny kid! Happy Independence Day!

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Carly had a fever last night as she was going to bed and it lasted all night long. She didn't sleep much nor did her mother. I think I got about twenty minutes~seriously. Given that, I'm surprised at how awake I've been all day. Anyway, her fever continued all day today and even a little tonight. I've been able to get it down a bit here and there with Tylenol but it goes right back up when it wears off. She did have a bit of a headache late in the day but other than that she hasn't had any other symptoms.

Grandpa had something over the weekend and it lasted for a day or so and then went away. I am hoping this will do the same. Although, Jono was a bit warm when I put them to bed tonight. Gah, it's spreading. :(

Rob and I went and signed Carly and Jono up for city league soccar today. It doesn't start until late August but they are pretty excited. They got uniforms and they had to wear them all day long!

Tomorrow starts Grandpa's annual birthday celebration! His birthday isn't actually until the 5th but we like to get started early and tag onto the fireworks. I mean, why pay for extra party things when someone is already doing it for you, right?! Lol! Happy Birthday Daddy! I ordered these big colorful bright lights in the sky just for you!! Love you! :)

DON'T YOU DARE . . . TURN AROUND ;)

I was going shopping today so I took Julie with me and bought her some clothes for college. We figured it out and she has less than 8 weeks until she starts. Yikes! That isn't very much time to accomplish all she has left to do. I sure hope she can get everything done in time!

My job isn't hard--I just have to remind her of all the stuff she has to do (which, unfortunately, really annoys her.) Sorry honey. :(

She doesn't believe it, but, I am actually NOT trying to annoy her. Having worked on a college campus (in fact--the very one she is going to) for twenty years and been directly involved with freshman and freshman orientation for most of those years, I do actually know what is going on--and a lot of what she needs to prepare for. However, I am beginning to realize I just play the mom in this scene and she plays the teenager. I have no other value . . . which is hard when I know I have all kinds of answers and assistance inside me if she only wanted them.

It's hard to get used to the idea that children believe their parents know next to nothing. Of course, it's also hard to get used to the idea that teenagers believe they know everything--especially when it's not our brains that have changed. ;) But I guess as parents we get to deal with this "Know it all/I have all the answers/I don't need you anymore" stage at about age 5 or 6 and again when they hit 13 and then again at age 18. Will someone remind me when is it we get really smart again? Isn't it when they hit thirty or thirty five? Because I am just certain I am way overdue for some of that "getting really smart again" stuff"! If I took a couple of my kids and added their ages together I could get there!

Seriously though, what happens to our cute, cuddly kids?! One day all they want to do is have you hold them and hug them and the next they are just way too grown up! Oh yah, someone wrote a song about this didn't they . . .

Where are you going, my little one, little one
Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you're two, turn around and you're four
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of my door

Turn around, turn around
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of my door

Where are you going, my little one, little one
Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?
Turn around and you're tiny, turn around and you're grown
Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own

Turn around, turn around
Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own

Turn around, turn around
Turn around and you're the young girl going out of the door

Where are you going, my little one, little one
Where are you going, my baby, my own?

I'M NOT CERTAIN . . .

But I think these guys like each other . . .