Once again, we were at Children's Hospital this week as Cara had an echocardiogram scheduled for Monday morning. The reason for the ECG is two-fold:
-Her geneticist wanted it done as part of the genetic testing they are doing in an attempt to properly determine the case of Cara's hydrocephalus as well as the appearance of her cafe-au-lait spots. Apparently, many genetic conditions have cardiac issues attached to them. Ruling out cardiac concerns helps them to narrow down the list of possible conditions.
-Her pediatrician heard a slight heart murmur during Cara's annual exam last month and is anxiously awaiting the results of the ECG to see if it's anything more to be concerned about other than a murmur, which many people live with, unaffected.
We arrived and were quickly shown to a room outfitted with an ultrasound machine. The Disney Channel was playing on a TV, which provided a good initial distraction for Cara. However, once she realized that she was going to have to lay still for a long time, reinforcements were necessary, in the form of lollipops. After that, she laid very still while the technician took 80+ images of her heart from various angles. An hour later, we were done. I am really pleased with how well Cara did, without even an oral sedative.
Copies of the cardiologist's report will be sent to genetics and our pediatrician and we should receive a call or letter from genetics by next week. It only take 1-2 days for them to get the images and report but then for them to call us or notify us could take a few more days. The patient coordinator did say to call genetics next week if we haven't heard anything from them.
I do not think that there could be anything major going on or we would've either been kept after the ECG to speak with a cardiologist or genetics would have contacted us by now. So, I'm breathing a little bit easier than I did going in, but won't completely take a deep breath until we get the "all clear" from genetics. The ECG is the last step in the initial series of testing that the genetics clinic wanted to do...these tests ruling out the most significant conditions. So far, everything has come back normal (the Noonan's test, the NF1 test and the gene array). We will continue to thank our lucky stars and pray that the ECG also comes back normal.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
One More Year
You might wonder what the heck Baskin Robbins has to do with getting older but...
I officially joined the ranks of the over 30's crowd last weekend (4/25), as I marked my 31st birthday. Somethings, like wine and cheese, are better the older they get, or so I keep telling myself. I also like to kid that I've had as much variety in my life as all of those 31 flavors! Truth be told, except for the gray hair I found earlier the same week, I feel the same age now as I did when I first had children, almost 6 years ago. What can I say, my girls are helping to keep me young or maybe it's the fact that I can still play with Barbies, paint with finger paints and dress up that keeps the wrinkles at bay. All I know is, time has been good to me.
I was lucky to be able to spend my birthday with my adorable family & my wonderful parents who made the journey over from the other side of the state. We started the day off with a leisurely ride on the Light Rail to downtown Denver (LoDo) and a trip to one of my favorite eating establishments--BD's Mongolian BBQ. I even got to hit the gong a few times and watch the grillers do acrobatic feats with their metal chopsticks. From there, we walked around LoDo, taking in the sights and admiring the architecture (such a varied mix). We were right around the corner from my favorite bookstore of all time, Tattered Cover, so we just had to go in and browse. I walked out with this book, though I could've easily purchased several more. I'd love to curl up in a chair, by a window, with a cup of tea and watch the hours fly by.
A little bit of a side note: When I was in college and searching for some obscure and "crunchy" social theory texts, Tattered Cover was one of the only bookstores this side of the Mississippi who carried the books I desired. I had a very pleasant experience chatting with several employees and received recommendations for other books that might help with my research. The books arrived, wrapped in brown paper & twine, with a personal note from one of the employees who invited me to visit. I had never stepped foot in the bookstore but tried to envision it. Floors, upon floors of books on every topic, comfy leather chairs, an air of intellectual freedom. I'm happy to say that the "real thing" lived up to my visions, and more. Tattered Cover has an environment that makes you just want to sit down & stay awhile, a relaxed atmosphere that "big box" stores struggle to re-create. It is so effortless here.
Getting back on track, we left Tattered Cover, rode the Light Rail back to our Park 'n Ride station, said good-bye to my parents (as they had a 5 hour drive back to the Western Slope) and drove home.
On Sunday, after teaching my group of rowdy toddlers at church, our little clan headed out to a post-birthday lunch at TGI Friday's and then to a local shopping mall. Ben sent me off to get my hair done while he & the girls roamed the mall. Hours later, with my hair was shorter and full of wild curls, they returned armed with birthday cards and a sampling of my favorite lotions from Bath & Body Works. I was very spoiled indeed (thank you Bath & Body Works for having a great sale that weekend)!
As you get older, it's less about opening presents and more about spending time with family & friends. That said, it certainly was nice to be remembered & pampered. I got the best of both worlds that weekend and consider myself extremely lucky.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I Spy...
Can you see what's missing? Caitlin's bottom two front teeth! After her dental appointment x-rays, we saw that her permanent teeth were coming in & that the primary teeth should be coming out soon. Barely two weeks later and both little pearly whites were wiggling. Caitlin went off to school on Friday with two very loose teeth that were stubbornly hanging on to their territory in her mouth. When I came to pick Caitlin up from school that day, she came running at me with a cute little pink treasure chest and a smile that looked slightly different than the one that she left with 3 hours earlier. So, I learned, that while in class, she had been wiggling one tooth with her tongue and then, was surprised to feel something on her tongue. The second tooth came out after a journey to the bathroom mirror to get something out of her teeth, only to realize that this "something" was the other tooth!
That night, after tucking the little pink treasure chest under her pillow, the tooth fairy proudly rewarded Caitlin with two gold dollars!
Caitlin was so proud of herself and to join the ranks of her classmates who have all previously lost their first teeth. It was a bittersweet moment for Ben & I however, because, no matter how much we try to deny it, Caitlin is growing up.
Friday, April 17, 2009
"New Patient" Neurosurgery Visit
After our initial visit was canceled due to a bad spring blizzard, we were anticipating our rescheduled visit with Cara's new neurosurgeon today. The doctor that consulted with us and put in her shunt back in 2007 has pretty much retired from operating and has switched to another hospital. When we were up in neurosurgery last year to have Cara's shunt reset after a CT scan, we got to talking to our Physician's Assistant about finding another neurosurgeon to take over Cara's care. Knowing that we like to be able to ask questions and openly converse with our doctor, she recommended Dr. McNatt for Cara. I have to say that we immediately felt at ease with him--both Ben & I got a great vibe. He shook our hands and then Cara walked right up to him to shake his hand too! We had a great talk about Cara's progress as well as some concerns that we have. He pretty much reassured us that Cara is doing very well, all things considered. Her head circumference (51.3 cm) has stabilized and obviously, her shunt continues to do it's job. Unless something comes up in the meantime, we do not need to see him until a year from now! *knocks on wood* I have a feeling that this is the start of a great professional relationship.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Well-Child check ups
Both of the girls went in to see our faithful family practice doctor on Friday 4/10 for their well-child check-ups and immunizations. I'm proud to report that the girls are fine & dandy. Their doctor is very pleased with their health & growth. I asked, and received some advice on Cara's thumb-sucking and biting and about Caitlin's snoring. Cara received two shots and took them like a champ. She is now done for several years. Caitlin received one shot, cried slightly, and is, most likely (unless they change the current immunization recommendations), done until she is 11.
Here are their stats--
Caitlin (5 1/2)
Height: 3 ft 5 in (65th percentile)
Weight: 48lbs (50th percentile)
Cara (3 1/2)
Height: 36 in (70th percentile)
Weight: 29 lbs (50th percentile)
Head circumference: 20 in (95th percentile--while this seems bad, we are actually pleased because her head has pretty much stabilized!)
The girls do not need to return for a year, unless they come down with something.
IEP Evaluation 4/10
Cara had her first, of what will be occurring annually (at minimum), IEP evaluation at our school district's Child Find office on Thursday. We met with her Developmental Pathways service coordinator, a school psychologist, physical therapist (PT) and speech & language pathologist (SLP) to evaluate where Cara was in all areas of her development and come up with a plan for services that she will need this fall, when she starts preschool. All of the therapists worked with Cara on various tasks and she did very well, and, at times, shocked me with what she was able to do! For the first time, she was able to make a very tall tower, for example. The therapists also asked me questions about skills, tasks and overall development. We are to meet again, in May, to go over their recommendations, formulate a plan and decide on services as well as preschool options available to us. Cara also has to undergo a hearing screening as part of the evaluation process. I have no doubt that she'll pass with flying colors.
I am very anxious to hear what the therapists recommend and how these recommendations would be carried out in a school setting as I have become so accustomed to the clinic or home settings over the past year.
I am very anxious to hear what the therapists recommend and how these recommendations would be carried out in a school setting as I have become so accustomed to the clinic or home settings over the past year.
Vision Therapy Playdate
Vision therapy was just one of our "activities" last week. Here is a run-down:
**Vision therapy @ the Anchor Center on Wednesday 4/8. This was our first visit and I think it went pretty well. Unfortunately, we arrived about halfway into the session due to the conflict of the starting time with dropping Caitlin off at school. The sessions start @ 11:45 and go until 1-1:15. They start off with a snack in the cafeteria, move on to the motor/open play gym, then to a small group discussion time and, finally, wraps up with the light room. We got there just as the small group discussion was started. The topics were--1. What do you know know that you wished you'd known then? 2. How do others in your life (spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, strangers, etc) deal with your child's disability. There were 4 other families in the group and despite being the only native English speaker, we had a very good chat. Turns out that 3 out of 4 kids also have shunts and one has hydrocephalus. Due to the language barrier, I wasn't able to openly talk with the parents, but we did share the challenges of having children with a condition that the mainstream public hasn't heard of. It was so comforting to know that I am not alone in dealing with Cara's multitude of "delays". I have met very few people, locally, who understand what life is like with Cara. Next, we rotated to the light room and this was, by far, Cara's favorite part of the playdate. The light room is moderately dark and filled with black lights, holiday lights, mirrors and objects of different shapes, colors and textures. They were doing a "color of the day" while we were there and it was blue. Out on the mats were tons of things all having blue in common. Cara loved the beads and these plastic "rocks". She did very well with moving objects back & forth between cups and dishes as well as manipulation several "stations" in the room. At the conclusion of the play date, Cara was given the Teller Test of Acuity by one of the teachers. We learned that her vision is about 20/90 assisted with her glasses. This means that what someone with "normal" vision would see at 90, Cara would need to be at 20 feet to see clearly. The test also confirmed Cathy's findings during the home visit.
**We had vision therapy again today (4/13) and while we started in the Light Room, we also got to go to the motor gym. It was just open play today due to a "Parent Pull Out". They have these once a month for parents. It's a chance for the caregivers to get together and discuss issues and ask questions. I chose to opt out this time as we were very new and I knew that Cara would not cooperate if I were to leave. I am hoping to participate next month, once Cara is more familiar with her surroundings and therapists there. I should mention, that during the sessions, there are PTs, OTs and SPTs on hand to work with the kids.
I am going to go a few more times and then evaluate on whether or not I think the sessions are helping Cara. Hopefully, the therapists will work with her more in the coming weeks, once they get a feel for her abilities and difficulties.
**Vision therapy @ the Anchor Center on Wednesday 4/8. This was our first visit and I think it went pretty well. Unfortunately, we arrived about halfway into the session due to the conflict of the starting time with dropping Caitlin off at school. The sessions start @ 11:45 and go until 1-1:15. They start off with a snack in the cafeteria, move on to the motor/open play gym, then to a small group discussion time and, finally, wraps up with the light room. We got there just as the small group discussion was started. The topics were--1. What do you know know that you wished you'd known then? 2. How do others in your life (spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, strangers, etc) deal with your child's disability. There were 4 other families in the group and despite being the only native English speaker, we had a very good chat. Turns out that 3 out of 4 kids also have shunts and one has hydrocephalus. Due to the language barrier, I wasn't able to openly talk with the parents, but we did share the challenges of having children with a condition that the mainstream public hasn't heard of. It was so comforting to know that I am not alone in dealing with Cara's multitude of "delays". I have met very few people, locally, who understand what life is like with Cara. Next, we rotated to the light room and this was, by far, Cara's favorite part of the playdate. The light room is moderately dark and filled with black lights, holiday lights, mirrors and objects of different shapes, colors and textures. They were doing a "color of the day" while we were there and it was blue. Out on the mats were tons of things all having blue in common. Cara loved the beads and these plastic "rocks". She did very well with moving objects back & forth between cups and dishes as well as manipulation several "stations" in the room. At the conclusion of the play date, Cara was given the Teller Test of Acuity by one of the teachers. We learned that her vision is about 20/90 assisted with her glasses. This means that what someone with "normal" vision would see at 90, Cara would need to be at 20 feet to see clearly. The test also confirmed Cathy's findings during the home visit.
**We had vision therapy again today (4/13) and while we started in the Light Room, we also got to go to the motor gym. It was just open play today due to a "Parent Pull Out". They have these once a month for parents. It's a chance for the caregivers to get together and discuss issues and ask questions. I chose to opt out this time as we were very new and I knew that Cara would not cooperate if I were to leave. I am hoping to participate next month, once Cara is more familiar with her surroundings and therapists there. I should mention, that during the sessions, there are PTs, OTs and SPTs on hand to work with the kids.
I am going to go a few more times and then evaluate on whether or not I think the sessions are helping Cara. Hopefully, the therapists will work with her more in the coming weeks, once they get a feel for her abilities and difficulties.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
Wishing all of our friends & family a wonderful Easter!
(I will post pictures of our Eggventure in a bit.)
(I will post pictures of our Eggventure in a bit.)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Whoop! Whoop!
I forgot to mention that due to some crazy mixed blessing, Ben was able to be home with us for a very long, luxurious extended weekend. (Which, due to the blizzard, was another blessing in and of itself. I'm glad that I didn't have to worry about him commuting home from work in near white-out conditions, going at a snail's pace and arriving home 5 hours after leaving the office.) On the afternoon of March 25th, Ben got a lovely email from the higher-ups at his job downtown that a co-worker had tested positive for whooping cough. When I first heard, I wasn't all that alarmed since it's a big bank, lots of floors, lots of people. But when Ben came home and told me that he had worked on this lady's computer and noticed that she was "hacking up a storm" and that he suggested that she go home, I knew we were in for some potential trouble. Not to mention that Ben wasn't feeling all that well and was starting to cough--not good signs. He immediately called our D.O. and got an appointment for the following afternoon. Our faithful doctor noticed that Ben was presenting classic whooping cough symptoms and decided to be proactive, not waiting for the test results--which can take up to a week--and started Ben on a antibiotic regime as well as giving him the Dtap vaccine. Of course, being that he was probably contagious, Ben was told not to report to work until Monday. Thankfully, other than a few bouts of coughing and a low-grade fever, Ben has been his normal self and has been able to enjoy having this lazy weekend with the family. It's been a long time since we've had him home for this long of a stretch and it's been really nice. I'm sure that he has appreciated the 8 hours of sleep a night too, a drastic improvement from the *maybe* 3 1/2 hours that he tries to survive on (Did I mention that my husband is my hero?). We spent lots of quality time together, doing nothing specific, just enjoying each other. I can't put it into words, how nice it was. We felt like a normal family for a few, rare & VERY special days.
That all ends tonight as Ben prepares to start his work-week again and we return to the normal routine around here albeit no school for Caitlin due to Spring Break. I am always bittersweet come Sunday nights, but today, I am even more so. I'm going to really miss my husband. Okay, I think I'd better go grab some tissues and cop a hug from the big guy.
**Edited to add: The girls & I are symptom free so far. I'm praying that we're good to go!**
Blizzard? I'll just call it a storm.
**That is a 12" ruler stuck in the snow. I could've pushed it down more but didn't want to get wet feet as I just went out in shoes, not boots.**
**This is the wind whipping up a mini tornado on the roof. At times, we had wind gusts of over 40 MPH!**
We got hit with a pretty powerful spring storm on Thursday. In 24 hours we went from 50+ degrees and sunny to high temperatures in the teens and some wicked wind. Much of the Front Range (and in Wyoming & the Dakotas) was under a blizzard warning as visibility slipped to less than a mile. Pile-ups were a common occurrence on both interstates and surface streets alike while the Department of Transportation set up shelters and closed roads. We had snow days (a rarity here, we had school when the HIGH temperature was -35!) Thursdays & Friday and didn't step from the house except to take out the trash and dig out Ben's car from a drift. After all was said and done, we had over a foot of snow! The girls braved the wind, briefly, to go out and play--throwing snow balls and making angels. Otherwise, we stay inside, snuggled under blankets, played board games, watched movies and just enjoyed being a family.
Spatula Baseball--didn't you know it's all the rage?!
Today, the remnants of this storm are few...dirty piles moved by snow plows, fresh snow sheltered from the sun under trees or in the shade, and the river formerly known as our parking lot. Our high today, a typical 64 degrees.
What can I say except that, that's Colorado for you!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Anchor Center Evaluation
Today was Cara's much-anticipated vision evaluation by a therapist from the Anchor Center. The assessment included engaging Cara in some close-range visual activities, a quick vision test and then asking me some questions. Cathy, the therapist, wanted to do an acuteness test on Cara but because Cara's matching and recognition skills are not refined, this would not be possible, at least not in the home setting.
Cathy concluded based upon observation (there were specific things that she was watching for) that Cara most likely will qualify for the services offered at the Anchor Center. Cara has (ny)stagmus, a neurological condition in which her vision is impaired--this could have been caused by Cara's hydrocephalus when pressure in her brain was compressing the optic nerves. The therapist used a great analogy to explain this condition to me--imagine that your eye is like an old-school 35mm camera, where you have to adjust the focus for every picture. Every time a subject moves, you have to readjust the focus and everything. This is what Cara's eye is doing. One of the things that Cathy observed in Cara is that she seems to favor her left eye, the eye without the (ny)stagmus. Cara will place toys on her left side or she will tilt her head which slows the (ny)stagmus. Because of the existence of this condition, her left eye has to work very hard to focus, leading to the strabismus, which we've known about for awhile, and also explains why Cara goes cross-eyed a lot.
Cathy also said that sometimes, children with these conditions tend to have eyes that tire easily from all of the strain. This explains why Cara takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes after she's been playing intensely. To say the least, this visit was very informative.
Since Cathy believes that Cara qualifies for vision services, she recommended that we come to the Anchor Center in April to try out their toddler group therapy. The group meets twice a week for a little over an hour. Various teachers are on hand to work with the children. They have circle time, a snack and fun activities like an obstacle course--all designed to help children with various vision issues. I am so excited to take Cara and see if this is something she could benefit from. Being in a group setting will also allow the therapists to get a better idea of her vision impairment since she will be in unfamiliar surroundings and will not be able to anticipate or predict things like she can here at home.
Cathy is also recommending that a vision teacher be present at Cara's IEP evaluation with the school district in April. If the vision teacher also agrees that Cara has an impairment, she will qualify for continuing vision therapy as part of her IEP. If that is the case, Anchor Center has a preschool program that may be an option for Cara. We will have to wait and see what the outcome of this IEP evaluation is. As you can guess, this is going to be a very big day for Cara!
For right now, I am just excited to try out the toddler program. I'm hoping that Cara will love it and also benefit from it. It sounds like a great program!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Speech/Vision Therapy Update
A few things have happened in the therapy realm lately, so I thought an update was due.
**Per a suggestion from Cara's physical therapist at her IFSP review, contact has been made with the Anchor Center for Blind Children. They offer vision therapy, free of charge (usually), for qualifying children. I have asked for Cara's ophthalamology records to be sent to the intake coordinator for Anchor. If Cara meets their qualifications, a home visit will be scheduled to discuss Cara's needs. We are concerned with Cara's lack of visual perception and body awareness (where she is in relation to other things). These are both areas that the Anchor Center's therapies would address, should she qualify. I am waiting to hear back from the intake coordinator that she has received the records, so that we can schedule the home visit and go from there. I really believe that Cara could benefit greatly from this type of therapy, so am keeping my fingers crossed and saying extra prayers that she will be excepted.
**Today, during Cara's routine speech therapy session, her therapist brought to my attention that she believes that Cara has a muscle weakness in her jaw, which is making it difficult for her to move her jaw in accordance with performing various mouth movements needed to form words. She also believes that Cara may not understand the need to breath for speech versus breathing for living. This may explain why Cara's "noises" come out abbreviated. For her jaw weakness (called jaw rehabilitation) and mouth movements, we are going to try some oral/motor exercises and also use some tools such as a Nuk brush and tubes. For her breathing, her therapist is going to try some abdominal grading or practiced breathing for speech exercises with Cara. Hopefully, these new techniques and exercises will help Cara move forward in her progress with speech. We will know in a few months' time.
One thing that I really appreciate about her therapists is how they are on the ball, always looking for ways to help Cara succeed, seeing problems and figuring old how to deal with them. We have been very blessed to have such attentive therapists for Cara.
**Per a suggestion from Cara's physical therapist at her IFSP review, contact has been made with the Anchor Center for Blind Children. They offer vision therapy, free of charge (usually), for qualifying children. I have asked for Cara's ophthalamology records to be sent to the intake coordinator for Anchor. If Cara meets their qualifications, a home visit will be scheduled to discuss Cara's needs. We are concerned with Cara's lack of visual perception and body awareness (where she is in relation to other things). These are both areas that the Anchor Center's therapies would address, should she qualify. I am waiting to hear back from the intake coordinator that she has received the records, so that we can schedule the home visit and go from there. I really believe that Cara could benefit greatly from this type of therapy, so am keeping my fingers crossed and saying extra prayers that she will be excepted.
**Today, during Cara's routine speech therapy session, her therapist brought to my attention that she believes that Cara has a muscle weakness in her jaw, which is making it difficult for her to move her jaw in accordance with performing various mouth movements needed to form words. She also believes that Cara may not understand the need to breath for speech versus breathing for living. This may explain why Cara's "noises" come out abbreviated. For her jaw weakness (called jaw rehabilitation) and mouth movements, we are going to try some oral/motor exercises and also use some tools such as a Nuk brush and tubes. For her breathing, her therapist is going to try some abdominal grading or practiced breathing for speech exercises with Cara. Hopefully, these new techniques and exercises will help Cara move forward in her progress with speech. We will know in a few months' time.
One thing that I really appreciate about her therapists is how they are on the ball, always looking for ways to help Cara succeed, seeing problems and figuring old how to deal with them. We have been very blessed to have such attentive therapists for Cara.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Luxurious Weekend
Ben, the girls & I were very lucky to be able to escape to my parents' house on Colorado's Western Slope for the 4 day weekend (Ben & Caitlin both had Monday off). With the weather man predicting snow after midnight on Friday, we decided to leave after Ben got home from work on Friday night, hoping to beat the storm. I ran around like a madwoman packing up 4 people in a record (for me, anyway) 20 minutes. Ben got home at 6pm and we were out the door at 6:15! We started up and were faced with almost gridlock traffic and snow. At one point, we were going a whole 30-35MPH. Mind you, the snow wasn't even really sticking to the ground at this point. I looked at Ben and said, "If it's going to be like this all the way, I don't think I want to do it". With all of the traffic combined with snow, a pile-up accident was waiting to happen. Thankfully, we decided to stop in a town about 45 minutes away from Denver to pick up some dinner (and a mint tea latte for me). By the time we got back on the road, the traffic had mostly cleared. The rest of the drive was very uneventful, minus a couple of bathroom breaks and a family sing-along. At one point, I was the only one awake in the car and got away with playing some Kenny G! We arrived at my parents' house just after midnight. I'm proud to say that this trip cured my fear of driving through the mountains in the dark.
We had a wonderful visit, as always. It's hard to leave. We were able to visit with my aunt & uncle who live in Colorado part of the year and in Michigan the other half. We realized it had been quite some time since we'd seen them.
The girls woke up on Valentine's Day to see bags of candy, cards and cute Valentine's Day outfits from Grandma & Grandpa. They are two very spoiled little girls!
My parents also treated us to a soak in the Ouray Hot Springs. Nothing like a good soak to melt away the stress and worries as well as cure a sinus cold!
We headed home, regretfully, on Monday afternoon. I'm sure we could've stayed another few days, but I was glad to be home, even if it did mean that I had to do laundry and go grocery shopping. Ahh, the return to the daily grind.
I cannnot wait until this spring/summer. I have a lot of little weekend getaways planned for our family. Just to places within a day's drive of our house that we have yet to visit. My goal is to "explore our backyard" this year.
**By the way, just had to add that we didn't get any snow at my parents' or here in Denver out of this predicted storm. Oh well, I know the girls enjoyed the extra time of being spoiled by the grandparents.**
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
You have good taste!
Who doesn't like free food? You don't have to tell me twice, that's for sure. So, when I came across this BOGO coupon, I had to spread the word. If you've got a TGI Friday's around, click here for a coupon good for BOGO entrees. It won't work on Valentine's Day and expires on March 1st, so scramble on it and enjoy!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Been there, want to do that but never in a million years!
Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band (if junior high counts)
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disneyworld
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen Old Faithful (geyser) erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie (public access count?)
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold Girl Scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in Times Square
74. toured the Everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in London
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire Bible
86. visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating (summer camp, it was a frog)
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. taken a road trip
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. met the love of your life
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band (if junior high counts)
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disneyworld
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen Old Faithful (geyser) erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie (public access count?)
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold Girl Scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in Times Square
74. toured the Everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in London
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire Bible
86. visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating (summer camp, it was a frog)
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. taken a road trip
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. met the love of your life
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Cara's Annual IFSP Review
Today, Cara had her annual IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan). This is the plan that outlines goals, strengths and weaknesses of each child and family receiving services through the state. Cara receives her physical and speech therapy through Developmental Pathways which is an agency that is contracted by the state to carry-out it's Early Intervention services.
At this review, we set some new goals for Cara in areas of fine and gross motor skills--things that we would like to see Cara doing by the time she turns 3. We listed skills such as independently and consistently feeding herself using a fork or spoon; learning to hold a pencil or crayon correctly; learning to gallop and to ride a tricycle; and for her to have a better sense of self perception and awareness. In addition to identifying these goals, I worked with Cara's service coordinator and physical therapist to think of ways to help Cara meet these goals. We have a lot of hard work on our hands but as long as Cara continues to progress as she has in the past year, we should be able to add these skills to her list! We will be doing the speech and communication part of the review with Cara's speech therapist on Monday.
The other part of the review was the transition plan. When Cara turns 3 in July, she will transition out of Part C of Early Intervention services and into Part B. Services will go from being provided in the home to being provided in a school setting. That being said, we have to start transitioning Cara into preschool and/or Head Start, if she qualifies. We are to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with the school district's early intervention program to see if she'll qualify for their FREE preschool program. Basically, Cara will be thoroughly evaluated by a speech/language pathologist, physical and occupational therapist as well as an development/behavioral specialist. Based upon their findings, we will know whether Cara qualifies. There doesn't seem to be any doubt that she will qualify given that she is behind on several benchmarks for her age. If we qualify, Cara will be eligible to go to preschool 2 days a week for a few hours a day. Therapy will, most likely, also be included in her school time. Whatever therapy she is determined to need, the therapists will provide at the preschool.
In addition, if this evaluation deems that Cara will indeed need supportive therapies in the school setting, an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) will be written for her and a meeting held to develop this plan and inform our family as to how it will be carried out.
I am also to call Creative Options, another service provider, to see about their qualifications for the Head Start program. If Cara meets their qualifications, she may also be able to attend Head Start a few days a week and further benefit from that instruction and socialization.
It seems that time in flying. In 6 months, Cara will be 3 and we'll be sending her to preschool! Where has the time gone? When I look back over the past year and all that Cara has accomplished, I am simply amazed! She has overcome so much and just blossomed. I cannot wait to see what these next 6 months bring!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
This Day in History
Today is January 20, 2009:
On this day, history was made. President-elect Barack Obama was officially sworn in as the Nation's 44th President.
We sat, we watched, we exclaimed, we gasped, we cried, we were moved.
This was a remarkably historic day for the United States. Not only did the first African-American (though truthfully, he's mixed) become President, but we his election comes a tide of change. We, the people, have truly come together as ONE. We are inspired to make this country a better place and finally, we have just the man in the Oval Office to help make that a reality.
Change has come!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Family Outings
We are really very blessed to live in the Denver metro area, with it's abundance of places to go and things to see. Making memories with the girls is so much fun! Here are a few places that we've visited so far this month.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It was their monthly free day, so we decided to take advantage. After struggling to find a parking spots and dealing with the crowds, we headed to the space exhibit followed by the kid's Discovery Zone and finally up through the Animals of North American displays. It was so much fun to explain things to the girls and to watch them explore and get excited at seeing certain things.
We are members (thanks Mom & Dad) of the Denver Zoo, so now, we can go for an hour or to see a particular animal without feeling guilty of wasting money. We went this past Saturday and focused on the bears and primates. We marveled and how much we have in common with primates and loved watching a newborn baby monkey explore his new home. The weather in Denver was perfect for our zoo visit, about 60 degrees, so we were able to see a lot of the animals roaming around outside. Heck, it felt like spring and we walked the zoo without coats!
What have you been doing with YOUR families?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It was their monthly free day, so we decided to take advantage. After struggling to find a parking spots and dealing with the crowds, we headed to the space exhibit followed by the kid's Discovery Zone and finally up through the Animals of North American displays. It was so much fun to explain things to the girls and to watch them explore and get excited at seeing certain things.
We are members (thanks Mom & Dad) of the Denver Zoo, so now, we can go for an hour or to see a particular animal without feeling guilty of wasting money. We went this past Saturday and focused on the bears and primates. We marveled and how much we have in common with primates and loved watching a newborn baby monkey explore his new home. The weather in Denver was perfect for our zoo visit, about 60 degrees, so we were able to see a lot of the animals roaming around outside. Heck, it felt like spring and we walked the zoo without coats!
What have you been doing with YOUR families?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Simply Life
Lauren just blogged about trying to live a minimalistic life in the space that you've been placed in. That got me thinking about my life now as compared to how I always envisioned myself living.
When I started college, I must admit that my parents almost needed a UHaul trailer to bring all of my possessions over the mountains. I brought everything but my kitchen sink. I couldn't be without the comforts of home, of course. I blew through my graduation money on things that seemed so important at the time.
In my sophomore year, after thoroughly enjoying a social issues class, I switched my major from history to sociology and along with it, my world view. As I read more about situations within our own country and abroad, the more I was determined to change my ways and learn how to be happy with less. At this point, I was surviving on less than $400/month (room & board paid for, of course) and driving a Dodge Dynasty. I was letting the simple things satisfy me and developing some life-long friendships. Through volunteering, I was realizing how very blessed I was to have a family who loved me, to be in good health and never having to worry about having a place to sleep or food to eat. I also realized how much unnecessary "stuff" I had and began to slowly adapt to the idea that keeping it simple wasn't stupid. I remember donating a lot of things to the Human Society Thift Shop and feeling so much freer afterward.
During my senior year, our main assignment was to write a thesis on how we viewed ourselves, our journey to that point in our lives and where we saw ourselves in the future in terms of social service. I searched high and low for something that grabbed me, talking for endless hours with my professor as he suggested reading materials and mentors to talk to. Finally, by chance, while shelving book for my work/study, I came across a book and submerged myself into the concept of simple living. Being happy with less, was it really possible or was it a far-fetched hippie notion? The more I read, the more it appealed and the more it made sense. Most things that we own are simply that, things. They rarely have a special attachment and oftentimes lose their luster very quickly.
But, more than that, simplicity requires a return to your roots and inner reflection. It is quite a journey to look inside yourself--seeing who you are and then developing who you want to me. This journey has been called a journey towards home, to one's core. Through my reading and reflecting, I discovered that who I was wasn't who I thought I wanted to be. I wanted to be someone who lived life, not just one who let it pass by. I wanted things to move me, not to be moved to buy things. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world and make it a better place. I wanted to truly embrace simplicity and it's adjacent minimalistic lifestyle.
Upon graduation and getting married, I sold off 80% of my belongings and moved to Michigan from Colorado. I had every intention of living out the lifestyle that I had laid out in my senior thesis paper. Ben & I rented a small apartment and I set off to furnish it very simply but tastefully. Then, somewhere along the way, my "road map" got tossed aside and consumerism took over. Eating out replaced home-cooked meals, instant gratification replaced careful planning and purposeful purchasing. Before I knew it, our apartment had been filled to the gills with "stuff". I really couldn't even tell you why we had some of things that we seemed to have to have at the time.
Fast forward to today. We still live in a culture where we want the latest and greatest in everything--cars, cell phones, iPods--but at the same time, we are the same people who are going green, living the urban lifestyle and the smaller, more simple life. There are magazines and websites devoted to small spaces and the organization of those spaces. Sparse furnishings and accessorizing is the trend these days. I have to say, this trend really does appeal, once again, to my inner being.
We are a family of 4 living in an 1100 square foot condo. We own computers, iPods and cell phones. We have "stuff" overflowing into our garage and storage closet. Toys loom everywhere! We outgrew this place within months of moving in. But, why is that? Why must we have so much that we can't happily exist in this space? Families in other countries (and even our own) live in much smaller spaces very happily. Unfortunately, we have got caught up in the whole American materialist world. Stores showcase all the things that we HAVE to have in our lives and we feel like we're failures if we don't have it. Never mind the fact that we have something similar that would do the job just fine. In some ways, I wish we could be convinced to buy what we need instead of what we want, but I'm afraid that we've become accustomed to needing more than we really do need.
As I look around our condo, I find myself wondering...do we really need all of this? Do the kids need so many toys, many of which never get played with? Mind you, I just donated a huge trash bag full of toys before the holidays to weed things down--but now, I realize, that was only to make room for the new toys they received as gifts. I mean, some days, I think my girls would be just as happy with crayons, an empty box and their imaginations. Is it necessary to have decorations adorning every surface? Just because we inherit something, does that obligate us to keep it forever?
I saw an article recently that made me think about all of this. A family found out that they were going to lose their home and would be forced to live in their 20 foot trailer until they could get back on their feet. Each family member--two adults and three kids (11, 7 and 3) were allowed to bring one suitcase and then one box of things that were special to them. Here's the question, could you do it? The way our life is right now, I can assure you that we couldn't! But, if forced to, it certainly would shine a light on to what we truly needed and the things that made us happy.
Maybe this family is on to something. Get rid of only want you desperately need and the things that make you happy or tell a story of who you are. The rest is just "stuff". This is easier said than done, I know, especially with children who seem to think that every toy is as essential to their lives as water. I will, however, make this pledge. I am going to evaluate everything that comes into our house--outside of the basics like food and clothing--to see if we really need it. Then, when something comes in, something must go out. I am also going on a mission for organization. What we do have and need to keep will be as organized as possible. This, apparently, is one of the keys to a simpler, less stressed life--knowing what you have and where it is. Thus begins my renewed attempt at a simple, purposeful life.
Call this a resolution if you want...I'm calling it a way of life.
When I started college, I must admit that my parents almost needed a UHaul trailer to bring all of my possessions over the mountains. I brought everything but my kitchen sink. I couldn't be without the comforts of home, of course. I blew through my graduation money on things that seemed so important at the time.
In my sophomore year, after thoroughly enjoying a social issues class, I switched my major from history to sociology and along with it, my world view. As I read more about situations within our own country and abroad, the more I was determined to change my ways and learn how to be happy with less. At this point, I was surviving on less than $400/month (room & board paid for, of course) and driving a Dodge Dynasty. I was letting the simple things satisfy me and developing some life-long friendships. Through volunteering, I was realizing how very blessed I was to have a family who loved me, to be in good health and never having to worry about having a place to sleep or food to eat. I also realized how much unnecessary "stuff" I had and began to slowly adapt to the idea that keeping it simple wasn't stupid. I remember donating a lot of things to the Human Society Thift Shop and feeling so much freer afterward.
During my senior year, our main assignment was to write a thesis on how we viewed ourselves, our journey to that point in our lives and where we saw ourselves in the future in terms of social service. I searched high and low for something that grabbed me, talking for endless hours with my professor as he suggested reading materials and mentors to talk to. Finally, by chance, while shelving book for my work/study, I came across a book and submerged myself into the concept of simple living. Being happy with less, was it really possible or was it a far-fetched hippie notion? The more I read, the more it appealed and the more it made sense. Most things that we own are simply that, things. They rarely have a special attachment and oftentimes lose their luster very quickly.
But, more than that, simplicity requires a return to your roots and inner reflection. It is quite a journey to look inside yourself--seeing who you are and then developing who you want to me. This journey has been called a journey towards home, to one's core. Through my reading and reflecting, I discovered that who I was wasn't who I thought I wanted to be. I wanted to be someone who lived life, not just one who let it pass by. I wanted things to move me, not to be moved to buy things. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world and make it a better place. I wanted to truly embrace simplicity and it's adjacent minimalistic lifestyle.
Upon graduation and getting married, I sold off 80% of my belongings and moved to Michigan from Colorado. I had every intention of living out the lifestyle that I had laid out in my senior thesis paper. Ben & I rented a small apartment and I set off to furnish it very simply but tastefully. Then, somewhere along the way, my "road map" got tossed aside and consumerism took over. Eating out replaced home-cooked meals, instant gratification replaced careful planning and purposeful purchasing. Before I knew it, our apartment had been filled to the gills with "stuff". I really couldn't even tell you why we had some of things that we seemed to have to have at the time.
Fast forward to today. We still live in a culture where we want the latest and greatest in everything--cars, cell phones, iPods--but at the same time, we are the same people who are going green, living the urban lifestyle and the smaller, more simple life. There are magazines and websites devoted to small spaces and the organization of those spaces. Sparse furnishings and accessorizing is the trend these days. I have to say, this trend really does appeal, once again, to my inner being.
We are a family of 4 living in an 1100 square foot condo. We own computers, iPods and cell phones. We have "stuff" overflowing into our garage and storage closet. Toys loom everywhere! We outgrew this place within months of moving in. But, why is that? Why must we have so much that we can't happily exist in this space? Families in other countries (and even our own) live in much smaller spaces very happily. Unfortunately, we have got caught up in the whole American materialist world. Stores showcase all the things that we HAVE to have in our lives and we feel like we're failures if we don't have it. Never mind the fact that we have something similar that would do the job just fine. In some ways, I wish we could be convinced to buy what we need instead of what we want, but I'm afraid that we've become accustomed to needing more than we really do need.
As I look around our condo, I find myself wondering...do we really need all of this? Do the kids need so many toys, many of which never get played with? Mind you, I just donated a huge trash bag full of toys before the holidays to weed things down--but now, I realize, that was only to make room for the new toys they received as gifts. I mean, some days, I think my girls would be just as happy with crayons, an empty box and their imaginations. Is it necessary to have decorations adorning every surface? Just because we inherit something, does that obligate us to keep it forever?
I saw an article recently that made me think about all of this. A family found out that they were going to lose their home and would be forced to live in their 20 foot trailer until they could get back on their feet. Each family member--two adults and three kids (11, 7 and 3) were allowed to bring one suitcase and then one box of things that were special to them. Here's the question, could you do it? The way our life is right now, I can assure you that we couldn't! But, if forced to, it certainly would shine a light on to what we truly needed and the things that made us happy.
Maybe this family is on to something. Get rid of only want you desperately need and the things that make you happy or tell a story of who you are. The rest is just "stuff". This is easier said than done, I know, especially with children who seem to think that every toy is as essential to their lives as water. I will, however, make this pledge. I am going to evaluate everything that comes into our house--outside of the basics like food and clothing--to see if we really need it. Then, when something comes in, something must go out. I am also going on a mission for organization. What we do have and need to keep will be as organized as possible. This, apparently, is one of the keys to a simpler, less stressed life--knowing what you have and where it is. Thus begins my renewed attempt at a simple, purposeful life.
Call this a resolution if you want...I'm calling it a way of life.
4 of 4
I should be telling you about our adventures on the Western Slope, but I'll save that for another day.
I found this little bit of fun over on Judy's site. Here's what you do:
- Go to the folder in which you keep your digital photos.
- Choose the fourth folder.
- Find the fourth picture in that folder.
- Explain.
- Tag four people.
Here is my 4th picture, in my 4th folder.
This whole folder is dedicated to our excursion to downtown Denver for the 5 Points Jazz Festival. 5 Points is one of many "ethnic" (in lack of a better word) neighborhoods in Denver. This particular neighborhood thrives with African American history, pride and culture. We ventured downtown both to hear the music, see the art and also meet my wonderful fellow hydro-mama, Vidya, for the first time.
The picture is of the Blair-Caldwell Library, a branch of the Denver Public Library, which is smack-dab in the middle of the 5 Points District. We stopped in to browse their collection and ended up discovering that they had a great board book selection, so we came home with bags full of books. I also found out that they have a great permanent exhibit on African Americans in the West on the 3rd floor of the library. Caitlin, Cara and I walked through the exhibit, learning what life was like for African Americans at pinnacle times in our nation's history (homesteaders, infantrymen, etc). If you're ever in Denver, I highly recommend that you stop by and visit the library and this exhibit.
As for the four people I'm tagging:
Four people who have digital photos, need blogging material, and want to share.
I found this little bit of fun over on Judy's site. Here's what you do:
- Go to the folder in which you keep your digital photos.
- Choose the fourth folder.
- Find the fourth picture in that folder.
- Explain.
- Tag four people.
Here is my 4th picture, in my 4th folder.
This whole folder is dedicated to our excursion to downtown Denver for the 5 Points Jazz Festival. 5 Points is one of many "ethnic" (in lack of a better word) neighborhoods in Denver. This particular neighborhood thrives with African American history, pride and culture. We ventured downtown both to hear the music, see the art and also meet my wonderful fellow hydro-mama, Vidya, for the first time.
The picture is of the Blair-Caldwell Library, a branch of the Denver Public Library, which is smack-dab in the middle of the 5 Points District. We stopped in to browse their collection and ended up discovering that they had a great board book selection, so we came home with bags full of books. I also found out that they have a great permanent exhibit on African Americans in the West on the 3rd floor of the library. Caitlin, Cara and I walked through the exhibit, learning what life was like for African Americans at pinnacle times in our nation's history (homesteaders, infantrymen, etc). If you're ever in Denver, I highly recommend that you stop by and visit the library and this exhibit.
As for the four people I'm tagging:
Four people who have digital photos, need blogging material, and want to share.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays 2008
Wishing you & yours a safe and very happy holiday season! We are heading out in the morning for my parents' house to be with our loved ones and enjoy a white Christmas. Hope your holidays are filled with good times, memories and laughter.
Monday, December 15, 2008
O Tannenbaum
How ever full your branches! We decked our tree out in style tonight with two popcorn tins and several boxes full of ornaments. It is so much fun to put them up, remembering the memories attach to practically every one. Even Cara got in the action this year. Now, if only we can get her to leave the ornaments ON the tree!
Cara, with some assistance from Ben, putting ornaments on our tree.
Caitlin, showing her seniority in ornament placement.
The finished product.
Cara, with some assistance from Ben, putting ornaments on our tree.
Caitlin, showing her seniority in ornament placement.
The finished product.
Holiday Spirit
We all been enjoying getting into the holiday spirit this year. Mother Nature (or is it Jack Frost?) has blessed us with snow numerous times, which has helped set the mood.
So far, we have taken in a Snack with Santa and Denver's annual Parade of Lights. Snack with Santa tanked again this year, with Cara, as she would not go within 5 feet of the man in red. We tried numerous approaches which only resulted in tears. Thankfully, I think Santa knows that Cara has been a good girl this year. Caitlin, on the other hand, climbed right up into his lap and told him that she wants an iPod Nano and a Barbie Jeep Power Wheel. Smart Santa said, "I will be sure to leave you a present that I know you will enjoy". Thank you Santa, our budget does not allow for such pricey gifts. We were fortunate to get a family picture following snack time, which I've posted below.
The Parade of Lights was just amazing. We went downtown early, via the Light Rail, and picked our spot along the curb. Some very good friends of ours joined us, to make it that much more fun. We watched in awe as floats, bands, balloons, flame throwers and the jolly old elf himself made their trek through lower downtown Denver. The girls were captivated the whole time and we've decided that the Parade is going to be part of our yearly Christmas season traditions.
On the 13th, Caitlin had her dance recital. She has been taking ballet/jazz classes through a dance studio that comes to her school for about 5 weeks now. Her class performed a short but cute number called, "Hanging Your Stockings". All the kids wore their PJs and used their stockings as a prop. It was so fun to watch Caitlin perform! She said she had a great time. Unfortunately, my pictures didn't turn out very well. I did, however, get two videos, but they seem to be too large to post here.
We were to take in the annual TubaChristmas (400 tuba players from around our area playing festive musical numbers) concert in downtown Denver on Sunday, but with temperatures in the single digits and windchill in the negatives, we decided to pass. It looks like the show went on, regardless of the weather. We will have to try again next year, especially if my brother happens to join the mass of players (*hint hint*).
This week, Caitlin has a holiday party at school in which I have been elected to make dozens of sugar cookies. This will be my first time making cookies as we are usually away from home around the holidays. Caitlin's class will be decorating the said sugar cookies, playing some games, enjoying a potluck lunch and having a book exchange to wrap up 2008. She is then off of school until after the New Year.
Christmas plans include a trek to my parents' home, 5 hours west, where we will celebrate the holiday and be in good company.
Hopefully, you all have been enjoying welcoming the holiday season as well. Happy Holidays!
So far, we have taken in a Snack with Santa and Denver's annual Parade of Lights. Snack with Santa tanked again this year, with Cara, as she would not go within 5 feet of the man in red. We tried numerous approaches which only resulted in tears. Thankfully, I think Santa knows that Cara has been a good girl this year. Caitlin, on the other hand, climbed right up into his lap and told him that she wants an iPod Nano and a Barbie Jeep Power Wheel. Smart Santa said, "I will be sure to leave you a present that I know you will enjoy". Thank you Santa, our budget does not allow for such pricey gifts. We were fortunate to get a family picture following snack time, which I've posted below.
The Parade of Lights was just amazing. We went downtown early, via the Light Rail, and picked our spot along the curb. Some very good friends of ours joined us, to make it that much more fun. We watched in awe as floats, bands, balloons, flame throwers and the jolly old elf himself made their trek through lower downtown Denver. The girls were captivated the whole time and we've decided that the Parade is going to be part of our yearly Christmas season traditions.
On the 13th, Caitlin had her dance recital. She has been taking ballet/jazz classes through a dance studio that comes to her school for about 5 weeks now. Her class performed a short but cute number called, "Hanging Your Stockings". All the kids wore their PJs and used their stockings as a prop. It was so fun to watch Caitlin perform! She said she had a great time. Unfortunately, my pictures didn't turn out very well. I did, however, get two videos, but they seem to be too large to post here.
We were to take in the annual TubaChristmas (400 tuba players from around our area playing festive musical numbers) concert in downtown Denver on Sunday, but with temperatures in the single digits and windchill in the negatives, we decided to pass. It looks like the show went on, regardless of the weather. We will have to try again next year, especially if my brother happens to join the mass of players (*hint hint*).
This week, Caitlin has a holiday party at school in which I have been elected to make dozens of sugar cookies. This will be my first time making cookies as we are usually away from home around the holidays. Caitlin's class will be decorating the said sugar cookies, playing some games, enjoying a potluck lunch and having a book exchange to wrap up 2008. She is then off of school until after the New Year.
Christmas plans include a trek to my parents' home, 5 hours west, where we will celebrate the holiday and be in good company.
Hopefully, you all have been enjoying welcoming the holiday season as well. Happy Holidays!
Genetic Counseling Appointment
Today, we had Cara's much anticipation (or dreaded) genetic counseling appointment at Children's. Let me just preface this by saying that we chose the coldest day of the year for this appointment. It was a whole -6 degrees when we got there!
Anyway, we arrived on time, went through intake where we found out that Cara is just shy of 28#, a tad under 3 ft tall and that her head circumference has gone down some. All good news.
We met with a counselor who went over our family history, very thoroughly. I so wish I would've thought to bring Cara's baby books so I knew exactly when she accomplished milestones. We had to list relatives going back to grandparents, on both sides, and then any conditions that they had. I have decided that we need to have a written record of this, so that I don't have to call my mother in a panic to remember what so-and-so died of.
After the consultation, we met with an actual geneticist who examined Cara, looked over her cafe-au-lait spots (CALS) and asked us some more questions about Cara's development and neurological profile (MRIs, etc). Upon examination, she didn't believe that Cara showed the physical signs of neurofibromatosis (NF1). Cara does have several CALS, but they are not of the right shape or size to be definite signs of NF1. That being said, there are many other neurological disorders that can account for the CALS. It seems pretty certain that Cara does, indeed, have some neurological condition and now, we start the process of elimination.
Cara was sent to the outpatient lab to have some blood drawn for the various tests that are sure to follow. They took extra vials so some cane be stored for further testing, saving Cara from having to be poked again. The first test to be done is called a chromosome study in which the lab will examine Cara's DNA to check for malformations of her DNA--matching chromosomal structure to a template. Any mutation will also be spotted, pointing the way to one specific disorder or another (including NF1, which is a gene mutation). The results of this study will determine any further testing that may need to be done. That being said, we are at the beginning of a very long process, for sure.
Right now, we are just relieved to know that Cara, most likely, does not have NF1 and from the sounds of things, the other diseases that were discussed aren't as severe. We shall see though, as we continue on the quest to get answers. We are hoping to have results from this first study before Christmas or shortly after. As always, I will keep everyone posted.
Anyway, we arrived on time, went through intake where we found out that Cara is just shy of 28#, a tad under 3 ft tall and that her head circumference has gone down some. All good news.
We met with a counselor who went over our family history, very thoroughly. I so wish I would've thought to bring Cara's baby books so I knew exactly when she accomplished milestones. We had to list relatives going back to grandparents, on both sides, and then any conditions that they had. I have decided that we need to have a written record of this, so that I don't have to call my mother in a panic to remember what so-and-so died of.
After the consultation, we met with an actual geneticist who examined Cara, looked over her cafe-au-lait spots (CALS) and asked us some more questions about Cara's development and neurological profile (MRIs, etc). Upon examination, she didn't believe that Cara showed the physical signs of neurofibromatosis (NF1). Cara does have several CALS, but they are not of the right shape or size to be definite signs of NF1. That being said, there are many other neurological disorders that can account for the CALS. It seems pretty certain that Cara does, indeed, have some neurological condition and now, we start the process of elimination.
Cara was sent to the outpatient lab to have some blood drawn for the various tests that are sure to follow. They took extra vials so some cane be stored for further testing, saving Cara from having to be poked again. The first test to be done is called a chromosome study in which the lab will examine Cara's DNA to check for malformations of her DNA--matching chromosomal structure to a template. Any mutation will also be spotted, pointing the way to one specific disorder or another (including NF1, which is a gene mutation). The results of this study will determine any further testing that may need to be done. That being said, we are at the beginning of a very long process, for sure.
Right now, we are just relieved to know that Cara, most likely, does not have NF1 and from the sounds of things, the other diseases that were discussed aren't as severe. We shall see though, as we continue on the quest to get answers. We are hoping to have results from this first study before Christmas or shortly after. As always, I will keep everyone posted.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Naughty or Nice?
In true holiday fashion, I am posting a cute little survey that Judy had posted up on her site.
Have you been naughty or nice this year? – I've been a good girl.
What do you want most for Christmas? – A nice Christmas for my girls.
Do you believe in Father Christmas? - In the legend, yes.
What is your favorite food at Christmas? – Cookies and my mom's cider.
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? - Just a little bit, got some stocking stuff yesterday.
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? - Barely even started.
What is your favorite Christmas song? – Little Drummer Boy
What is your favorite Christmas movie? – National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation or Muppet's Christmas Carol.
What is your best memory of Christmas? – Driving up to my aunt's house about 3 hours away. They had a big old farmhouse and there always seemed to be lots of snow.
What do you look forward to most at Christmas? – Seeing the joy and excitement on my daughters' faces.
What are you doing for Christmas this year? – Celebrating Christmas Day with my parents at their new house.
Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? – My Ben, of course. :)
What kind of Christmas tree do you have? – 100% artificial, it even had pre-strung lights!
Do you take part in a secret santa? – Not this year, but have in the past through work.
Do you go to any Christmas parties? – We are taking the girls to Snack with Santa, does that count?
Have you ever had a white Christmas? – Yep, lots of times. That's what you get for growing up in MI then moving to CO.
How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? - Oh, around 7:30-8. As a kid, we used to have to wait for my mom to get home from work.
Do you still get a stocking? – No, not unless my mom insists that we bring ours this year.
How many Christmas cards do you normally send out? – In years past, I've sent out Christmas newsletters via email. I know, I'm cheap.
What is your Christmas wish? – I'll agree with Judy on this one--health & happiness for my family and friends.
Have you been naughty or nice this year? – I've been a good girl.
What do you want most for Christmas? – A nice Christmas for my girls.
Do you believe in Father Christmas? - In the legend, yes.
What is your favorite food at Christmas? – Cookies and my mom's cider.
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? - Just a little bit, got some stocking stuff yesterday.
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? - Barely even started.
What is your favorite Christmas song? – Little Drummer Boy
What is your favorite Christmas movie? – National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation or Muppet's Christmas Carol.
What is your best memory of Christmas? – Driving up to my aunt's house about 3 hours away. They had a big old farmhouse and there always seemed to be lots of snow.
What do you look forward to most at Christmas? – Seeing the joy and excitement on my daughters' faces.
What are you doing for Christmas this year? – Celebrating Christmas Day with my parents at their new house.
Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? – My Ben, of course. :)
What kind of Christmas tree do you have? – 100% artificial, it even had pre-strung lights!
Do you take part in a secret santa? – Not this year, but have in the past through work.
Do you go to any Christmas parties? – We are taking the girls to Snack with Santa, does that count?
Have you ever had a white Christmas? – Yep, lots of times. That's what you get for growing up in MI then moving to CO.
How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? - Oh, around 7:30-8. As a kid, we used to have to wait for my mom to get home from work.
Do you still get a stocking? – No, not unless my mom insists that we bring ours this year.
How many Christmas cards do you normally send out? – In years past, I've sent out Christmas newsletters via email. I know, I'm cheap.
What is your Christmas wish? – I'll agree with Judy on this one--health & happiness for my family and friends.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Blessings
May you all enjoy the company of your loved ones, cherish the time spent together, recount the year's many blessings and looking forward to many to come.
Monday, November 17, 2008
By 5's
Five Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago
1. In my junior year of college
2. Working at the college library
3. Hiking and climbing
4. Meeting awesome friends
5. Driving a Dodge Dynasty
Five Things On My To Do List
1. Keep the house picked up
2. Take Caitlin to school
3. Make yummy nachos for dinner
4. Start packing for the trip to my parents'
5. Finish my Wondertime magazine
Five Things I Like To Snack On
1. Kettle corn
2. Pretzels
3. Trail mix
4. Babybel cheese
5. Ice cream
Five Things I Would Do If I Was A Millionaire
1. Pay off our debt
2. Buy a house, with cash
3. Save for the girls' college and weddings
4. Pay it forward
5. Give $5K to my brother for his trip to Cambodia with Habitat
Five Places I Have Lived
1. In a pop-up camper
2. In a dorm room
3. In a hotel room
4. In an on-campus apartment
5. In a condo
Five Jobs I Have Had
1. Ronald Ranger @ McDoanld's
2. Cashier @ KMart
3. Hotel maid
4. Babysitter
5. Prison librarian
Five People I Am Tagging:
Lauren, Sarah, Vidya, Lyla (on Myspace) and YOU!
1. In my junior year of college
2. Working at the college library
3. Hiking and climbing
4. Meeting awesome friends
5. Driving a Dodge Dynasty
Five Things On My To Do List
1. Keep the house picked up
2. Take Caitlin to school
3. Make yummy nachos for dinner
4. Start packing for the trip to my parents'
5. Finish my Wondertime magazine
Five Things I Like To Snack On
1. Kettle corn
2. Pretzels
3. Trail mix
4. Babybel cheese
5. Ice cream
Five Things I Would Do If I Was A Millionaire
1. Pay off our debt
2. Buy a house, with cash
3. Save for the girls' college and weddings
4. Pay it forward
5. Give $5K to my brother for his trip to Cambodia with Habitat
Five Places I Have Lived
1. In a pop-up camper
2. In a dorm room
3. In a hotel room
4. In an on-campus apartment
5. In a condo
Five Jobs I Have Had
1. Ronald Ranger @ McDoanld's
2. Cashier @ KMart
3. Hotel maid
4. Babysitter
5. Prison librarian
Five People I Am Tagging:
Lauren, Sarah, Vidya, Lyla (on Myspace) and YOU!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thank a Veteran
Take the time to say thanks to a veteran today. I am calling my father to thank him for his years of service during Vietnam. I also plan to shake the hand of any servicemen/women that I see today. Living close to an Air Force base, it's a pretty normal occurrence. Our freedom is precious and priceless and we owe it to those who selflessly follow our Commander-in-Chief and put their lives on the line to defend us.
Thank you so much for what you've done and continue to do. You make us proud to be Americans!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Victory--can you smell it?!
I cannot even put it to words (very well, anyway) how very relieved I am that Barack Obama is our President-elect. I know that some of my readers may not agree with me but I whole-heartily believe that Obama will bring the change that is so desperately needed in our country. Unity is coming, not only for our country but with the international community. The American people have come forward and let their voices be known. History has been made. It know matters not what color your skin is or how little experience you have, but rather, your plan for our country and how in tune you are with what the American people need.
YES, WE CAN!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
I bite my nails and other things you probably don't care to know...
Judy had this up on her blog and I needed something to do so...here you go, a bunch of stuff you probably could care less about.
The phrases that are in a bold are true….
Appearance:
- I am 5′4 or shorter.
- I think I'm ugly.
- I have many scars.
- I tan easily.
- I wish my hair was a different color.
- I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color
- I have a tattoo.
- I am self-conscious about my appearance.
- I have/ I've had braces.
- I wear glasses. (Or contacts.)
- I'd get/have gotten plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free, scar-free.
- I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
- I have had more than 2 piercings.
- I have had piercings in places besides my ears.
- I have freckles.
Family/Home Life:
- I've sworn at my parents.
- I've run away from home.
- I've been kicked out of the house.
- My biological parents are together.
- I have a sibling less than one year old.
- I want to have kids someday.
- I have children.
- I've lost a child.
Embarrassment:
- I've slipped out a "LOL" in a spoken conversation.
- Disney movies still make me cry. I love Disney!!
- I've snorted while laughing.
- I've laughed so hard I've cried.
- I've glued my hand to something.
- I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
- I've had my trousers rip in public.
Health:
- I was born with a disease/impairment.
- I've had stitches.
- I've broken a bone.
- I've had my tonsils removed.
- I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend.
- I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
- I've had serious surgery.
- I've had chicken pox.
Traveling:
- I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
- I've been on a plane.
- I've been to Canada.
- I've been to Niagara Falls.
- I've been to Japan.
- I've been to Europe.
- I've been to Africa.
Experiences:
- I've been lost in my city.
- I've seen a shooting star.
- I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
- I've pushed all the buttons in a lift.
- I've been to a casino.
- I've been skydiving.
- I've gone skinny dipping.
- I've played spin the bottle.
- I've crashed a car.
- I've been skiing.
- I've been in a play.
- I've met someone in person from the Internet.
- I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
- I've seen the Northern Lights.
- I've sat on a roof top at night.
- I've played chicken.
- I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- I've eaten Sushi.
- I've been snowboarding.
Relationships:
- I'm single.
- I'm in a relationship.
- I'm available.
- I'm engaged.
- I'm married.
- I've gone on a blind date.
- I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
- I have a fear of abandonment.
- I've been divorced.
- I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
- I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
- I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
- I've kept something from a past relationship.
Sexuality:
- I've had a crush on someone of the same gender.
- I've kissed a member of the same gender.-
I've had sex with someone of the same gender.
- I've had sex with more than one person at the same time.
- I am a cuddler.
- I've been kissed in the rain.
- I've had sex outdoors.
- I've hugged a stranger.
- I have kissed a stranger.
- I have had sex with a stranger.
Honesty/Crime:
- I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
- I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
- I have lied to my parents about where I am.
- I am keeping a secret from the world.
- I've cheated while playing a game.
- I've cheated on a test.
- I've driven through a red light.
- I've witnessed a crime.
- I've been in a fist fight.
- I've been arrested.
- I've shoplifted.
Drugs/Alcohol:
- I've consumed alcohol.
- I smoke cigarettes.
- I smoke pot.
- I regularly drink.
- I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
- I've taken cough medicine when i wasn't sick.
- I've done hard drugs.
- I've been addicted to an illegal substance.
- I can't swallow pills.
- I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem.
Mental health:
- I have been diagnosed with depression.
- I shut others out when I'm depressed.
- I take anti-depressants.
- I have had an eating disorder.
- I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
- I've hurt myself on purpose.
- I'm addicted to self harm.
- I've woken up crying.
Death:
- I'm afraid of dying.
- I hate funerals.
- I've seen someone dying.
- I have attempted suicide.
- Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
- Someone close to me has committed suicide.
Random:
- I can sing well.
- I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
- I open up to others too easily.
- I watch the news.
- I don't kill bugs.
- I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for sake of being able to rhyme.
- I swear regularly.
- I am a morning person.
- I paid for my mobile phone ring tone.
- I'm a snob about grammar.
- I am a sports fanatic.
- I play with my hair.
- I have/had "x"s in my screen name.
- I love being neat.
- I love Spam.
- I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
- I don't know how to shoot a gun.
- I am in love with love.
- I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
- I laugh at my own jokes.
- I eat fast food weekly.
- I believe in ghosts.
- I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
- I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
- I am really ticklish.
- I love white chocolate.
- I bite my nails.
- I play video games.
- I'm good at remembering faces.
- I'm good at remembering names.
- I'm good at remembering dates.
- I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
The phrases that are in a bold are true….
Appearance:
- I am 5′4 or shorter.
- I think I'm ugly.
- I have many scars.
- I tan easily.
- I wish my hair was a different color.
- I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color
- I have a tattoo.
- I am self-conscious about my appearance.
- I have/ I've had braces.
- I wear glasses. (Or contacts.)
- I'd get/have gotten plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free, scar-free.
- I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
- I have had more than 2 piercings.
- I have had piercings in places besides my ears.
- I have freckles.
Family/Home Life:
- I've sworn at my parents.
- I've run away from home.
- I've been kicked out of the house.
- My biological parents are together.
- I have a sibling less than one year old.
- I want to have kids someday.
- I have children.
- I've lost a child.
Embarrassment:
- I've slipped out a "LOL" in a spoken conversation.
- Disney movies still make me cry. I love Disney!!
- I've snorted while laughing.
- I've laughed so hard I've cried.
- I've glued my hand to something.
- I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
- I've had my trousers rip in public.
Health:
- I was born with a disease/impairment.
- I've had stitches.
- I've broken a bone.
- I've had my tonsils removed.
- I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend.
- I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
- I've had serious surgery.
- I've had chicken pox.
Traveling:
- I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
- I've been on a plane.
- I've been to Canada.
- I've been to Niagara Falls.
- I've been to Japan.
- I've been to Europe.
- I've been to Africa.
Experiences:
- I've been lost in my city.
- I've seen a shooting star.
- I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
- I've pushed all the buttons in a lift.
- I've been to a casino.
- I've been skydiving.
- I've gone skinny dipping.
- I've played spin the bottle.
- I've crashed a car.
- I've been skiing.
- I've been in a play.
- I've met someone in person from the Internet.
- I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
- I've seen the Northern Lights.
- I've sat on a roof top at night.
- I've played chicken.
- I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- I've eaten Sushi.
- I've been snowboarding.
Relationships:
- I'm single.
- I'm in a relationship.
- I'm available.
- I'm engaged.
- I'm married.
- I've gone on a blind date.
- I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
- I have a fear of abandonment.
- I've been divorced.
- I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
- I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
- I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
- I've kept something from a past relationship.
Sexuality:
- I've had a crush on someone of the same gender.
- I've kissed a member of the same gender.-
I've had sex with someone of the same gender.
- I've had sex with more than one person at the same time.
- I am a cuddler.
- I've been kissed in the rain.
- I've had sex outdoors.
- I've hugged a stranger.
- I have kissed a stranger.
- I have had sex with a stranger.
Honesty/Crime:
- I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
- I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
- I have lied to my parents about where I am.
- I am keeping a secret from the world.
- I've cheated while playing a game.
- I've cheated on a test.
- I've driven through a red light.
- I've witnessed a crime.
- I've been in a fist fight.
- I've been arrested.
- I've shoplifted.
Drugs/Alcohol:
- I've consumed alcohol.
- I smoke cigarettes.
- I smoke pot.
- I regularly drink.
- I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
- I've taken cough medicine when i wasn't sick.
- I've done hard drugs.
- I've been addicted to an illegal substance.
- I can't swallow pills.
- I can swallow about 5 pills at a time no problem.
Mental health:
- I have been diagnosed with depression.
- I shut others out when I'm depressed.
- I take anti-depressants.
- I have had an eating disorder.
- I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
- I've hurt myself on purpose.
- I'm addicted to self harm.
- I've woken up crying.
Death:
- I'm afraid of dying.
- I hate funerals.
- I've seen someone dying.
- I have attempted suicide.
- Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
- Someone close to me has committed suicide.
Random:
- I can sing well.
- I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
- I open up to others too easily.
- I watch the news.
- I don't kill bugs.
- I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for sake of being able to rhyme.
- I swear regularly.
- I am a morning person.
- I paid for my mobile phone ring tone.
- I'm a snob about grammar.
- I am a sports fanatic.
- I play with my hair.
- I have/had "x"s in my screen name.
- I love being neat.
- I love Spam.
- I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
- I don't know how to shoot a gun.
- I am in love with love.
- I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
- I laugh at my own jokes.
- I eat fast food weekly.
- I believe in ghosts.
- I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
- I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
- I am really ticklish.
- I love white chocolate.
- I bite my nails.
- I play video games.
- I'm good at remembering faces.
- I'm good at remembering names.
- I'm good at remembering dates.
- I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Proud New Owner
When the owner of my most favorite group on CafeMom stepped down and picked me to take over the ownership, I was flattered...she picked me! This was the very first group I joined when I found CafeMom and it remains my most visited group even today. We are a very intimate group of about 20. The group is called the Hot Seat and what we do is pick one mom from our group to be in the Hot Seat and everyone can ask her questions on anything and the MOTW (Mom Of The Week) has to answer them. We also have games and QOTD (Questions of the Day). It's just a fun, no stress, no drama group. Now that you've heard my plug, please won't you visit and join us?!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
One of those *cough, cough* blonde moments...
I mean no insults to my fair haired friends but, do you remember my mild protest to the limitations of my "new" blog? Well, today, I was bored and decided to look amongst the widgets on Blogger and what did I find, after scrolling almost to the bottom of the list on the first page? A widget that allows you to add ANY html/Javascript code to your blog. So, *drum roll* I was able to add back my cool Flickr badge, Library Thing list of my recent reads and my Weather Pixie! It was one of those "duh-o" moments, for sure and I couldn't be happier about it! I may add back my buttons from my favorite sites, or I may let the new blog roll do it's job. Either way, I'm now a firm believer in the goodness of converting my blog--heck yeah!
Check it out, doesn't it looks so much snazzier?
Check it out, doesn't it looks so much snazzier?
I'm a Doris, I like to help...
You Are a Doris!
You are a Doris -- "I must help others."
Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.
How to Get Along with Me
- * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
- * Share fun times with me.
- * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
- * Let me know that I am important and special to you.
- * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.
In Intimate Relationships
- * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
- * Reassure me often that you love me.
- * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.
What I Like About Being a Doris
- * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
- * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
- * being generous, caring, and warm
- * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
- * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor
What's Hard About Being a Doris
- * not being able to say no
- * having low self-esteem
- * feeling drained from overdoing for others
- * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
- * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
- * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them
- * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings
Dorises as Children Often
- * are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism
- * try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding
- * are outwardly compliant
- * are popular or try to be popular with other children
- * act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention
- * are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)
Dorises as Parents
- * are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)
- * are often playful with their children
- * wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"
- * can become fiercely protective
Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's all my fault
Proof that each and every vote can make a difference. My old college roommate sent this to me and I got a laugh, hope you do too.
Rated: PG-13 for some mild, brief language, watch at your own risk.
Click here to see what I'm talking about.
The best part, you can customize the video and send to your family and friends.
Rated: PG-13 for some mild, brief language, watch at your own risk.
Click here to see what I'm talking about.
The best part, you can customize the video and send to your family and friends.
Monday, October 20, 2008
I'm a winner, a winner, a winner...
I actually won something recently on CafeMom! They randomly select members to be part of an influencer program. Simply put, these moms are chosen to receive products for free, test them out and then write about their experiences for other CafeMom-ers to read. In the past, I have won two Playskool toy contests, but this time, I didn't have to do anything and was chosen to receive a free 20-page 8x8 photo book (that's about a $50 value folks)from Shutterfly! I have never used Shutterfly or any site like it, so I was a bit intimidated, after all, I'm not crafty in the slightest. So, imagine my joy to find out that not only was Shutterfly so simple to use, they even recommended cute page layouts for me. I have to admit that I never thought I'd finish because just when I thought I liked a layout or a page background, I'd click around and find something else that I liked even more. Shutterfly is not for the indecisive--haha! I finally finished my book yesterday and am very pleased with the results. It should be here by Halloween and I cannot wait to see it. The finished product will be the real test. If I like it, I can see many more books being created in the future. For $40 or so, I figure they would make great presents for grandparents. Plus, Shutterfly is always offering up great savings, including, at times, free prints, free photo books and percent off coupons. You know me, I love a great deal! If you haven't already, check out the site, it's so much fun & addicting. Oh yeah, I highly recommend joining Cafe Mom too, not just for the giveaways but for the community.
**I had to take down the link for my completed book because I read somewhere that anyone can print a book once they have the access link--scary thought--so, if you'd like to see it, please comment, and I'll send you the link via email.**
**I had to take down the link for my completed book because I read somewhere that anyone can print a book once they have the access link--scary thought--so, if you'd like to see it, please comment, and I'll send you the link via email.**
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Change, it's good right?
I finally bit the bullet and converted my blog to the new customized (read: XML) template. It was a pain in the butt to get everything transferred over, but I have to admit that I'm in love with the widget option and the ability to easily change the layout of the page.
Some of the new changes that you'll see:
1. Obviously, a totally new "skin". It was time for a change and I finally realized why those spiffy layouts from pyzam.com weren't working, so I was stuck with Blogger's limited options.
2. A much-improved blog roll list. It's very click-able and alphabetized for your convenience. Check out my frequent reads, they are just great.
3. A new look to my Flickr "badge". Technically, it's not from Flickr anymore but rather an application created for use among Blogger's widgets. Granted, it's not as pretty as Flickr's create-a-badge, but it gets the job done. Now, if someone wants to rewrite the Flickr badge code into XML for me, I'd be more than happy to use Flickr's. In the meantime, you'll see 6 of the new photos on my account and clicking on one photo will still take you to my photostream on Flickr...so, it's all good.
4. Bye bye Weather Pixie and hello Weather.com widget. I will miss my mountain pixie but, at the end of the day, the weather is the weather.
5. My "About Me" profile is displayed on the page now so you'll get to read a bit about me, not that you didn't already know it, and see my cool signature picture.
Have fun looking around and be sure to drop me a comment and let me know what you think. Hopefully, my hard work paid off.
Some of the new changes that you'll see:
1. Obviously, a totally new "skin". It was time for a change and I finally realized why those spiffy layouts from pyzam.com weren't working, so I was stuck with Blogger's limited options.
2. A much-improved blog roll list. It's very click-able and alphabetized for your convenience. Check out my frequent reads, they are just great.
3. A new look to my Flickr "badge". Technically, it's not from Flickr anymore but rather an application created for use among Blogger's widgets. Granted, it's not as pretty as Flickr's create-a-badge, but it gets the job done. Now, if someone wants to rewrite the Flickr badge code into XML for me, I'd be more than happy to use Flickr's. In the meantime, you'll see 6 of the new photos on my account and clicking on one photo will still take you to my photostream on Flickr...so, it's all good.
4. Bye bye Weather Pixie and hello Weather.com widget. I will miss my mountain pixie but, at the end of the day, the weather is the weather.
5. My "About Me" profile is displayed on the page now so you'll get to read a bit about me, not that you didn't already know it, and see my cool signature picture.
Have fun looking around and be sure to drop me a comment and let me know what you think. Hopefully, my hard work paid off.
It's Gray Area
A quick update following Cara's neurologist visit on Tuesday (10/7/08).
We met with Dr. Maddox to review the radiologist's finding from the MRI. Initially, the MRI was ordered to check for any abnormalities which could explain Cara's speech delay as well as to check for any fibromas which would indicated neurofibromatosis. The report was very positive! The radiologist found no lesions, tumors or blockages in Cara's brain. He reported that her ventricles had decreased in size though the left was still a bit larger than the right, showing that she does, indeed, have hydrocephalus. There was some scar tissue around her shunt, but that was to be expected. The only "helpful" thing that we discovered from the report was that Cara has a very thin corpus callosum, the large bundle of nerves (essentially) that separate the two hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum allows both sides to communicate with each other and the thicker it is, the better the communication due to the more nerves that exist. If it is thinner than normal, there is a potential for communciation between the left & right sides of the brain to be slowed. This could(there is no way to be 100% certain) explain Cara's speech delay.
So, while we breathed a big sigh of relief after hearing the mostly positive report, we are still left to wonder what is truly causing Cara's lack of speech and also, if she does indeed have neurofibromatosis. For now, we will continue with her speech therapy and also stick with our appointment to see a genetic counseling team in December. It will be their job to decide where we go from here.
We met with Dr. Maddox to review the radiologist's finding from the MRI. Initially, the MRI was ordered to check for any abnormalities which could explain Cara's speech delay as well as to check for any fibromas which would indicated neurofibromatosis. The report was very positive! The radiologist found no lesions, tumors or blockages in Cara's brain. He reported that her ventricles had decreased in size though the left was still a bit larger than the right, showing that she does, indeed, have hydrocephalus. There was some scar tissue around her shunt, but that was to be expected. The only "helpful" thing that we discovered from the report was that Cara has a very thin corpus callosum, the large bundle of nerves (essentially) that separate the two hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum allows both sides to communicate with each other and the thicker it is, the better the communication due to the more nerves that exist. If it is thinner than normal, there is a potential for communciation between the left & right sides of the brain to be slowed. This could(there is no way to be 100% certain) explain Cara's speech delay.
So, while we breathed a big sigh of relief after hearing the mostly positive report, we are still left to wonder what is truly causing Cara's lack of speech and also, if she does indeed have neurofibromatosis. For now, we will continue with her speech therapy and also stick with our appointment to see a genetic counseling team in December. It will be their job to decide where we go from here.
Monday, October 06, 2008
All's Well
We are home from Cara's MRI and she is back to her normal self--playing and eating. In fact, she woke from the anesthesia very quickly and just as quickly consumed two bananas and two packages of animal cookies. She was starving, having gone without anything but apple juice since 9pm last night!
The follow-up with neurosurgery went well also. We saw one of our favorite nurse practitioners, Jenn, and she reset Cara's shunt setting. It went from 1.0 to 2.5 due to the magnetism of the MRI machine! That's going from having her value open quite a bit to having it almost all the way closed. Heck, when I was in the room while Cara was going under sedation, the machine grabbed onto the medal in my ID tag and tried to strangle me! What really amazed me was that Jenn could both check her shunt setting and adjust it without even having to touch her shunt! The wonders of modern medicine.
We also learned that Cara's head circumference has decreased in size to 51cm and we're down to the 98% from over 100% prior to the shunt...very good news! Jenn also said that her ventricles looked good, both have decreased in size since her last MRI in July of last year. All is well, shunt-wise. We will continue to count our blessing for every day that goes by without a malfunction with her shunt.
We will hear from neurology tomorrow as to what the radiologist confirmed from the scan. Watch for another update soon.
The follow-up with neurosurgery went well also. We saw one of our favorite nurse practitioners, Jenn, and she reset Cara's shunt setting. It went from 1.0 to 2.5 due to the magnetism of the MRI machine! That's going from having her value open quite a bit to having it almost all the way closed. Heck, when I was in the room while Cara was going under sedation, the machine grabbed onto the medal in my ID tag and tried to strangle me! What really amazed me was that Jenn could both check her shunt setting and adjust it without even having to touch her shunt! The wonders of modern medicine.
We also learned that Cara's head circumference has decreased in size to 51cm and we're down to the 98% from over 100% prior to the shunt...very good news! Jenn also said that her ventricles looked good, both have decreased in size since her last MRI in July of last year. All is well, shunt-wise. We will continue to count our blessing for every day that goes by without a malfunction with her shunt.
We will hear from neurology tomorrow as to what the radiologist confirmed from the scan. Watch for another update soon.
A Big Day
Today, Cara has her MRI at Children's Hospital to check for any structural problems *read: tumors or other growths* in her brain. We are leaving shortly as we have to be there an hour ahead of schedule for sedation. I'm really hoping that they will give her an oral sedative and not through an IV and that they will let us hold her until she drifts off. It's much peaceful of a transition that way, I think.
Right after the MRI, we have an appointment with neurosurgery to reset her programmable shunt. Due to the magnetism of the MRI, it is suspected that her set will de-program itself and will need to be reset. Thankfully, this is so very simple. There's a device that they "attach" to her shunt from outside of her head and it will set the shunt back to the correct setting, no invasive surgery needed!
All in all, we expect to be out of hospital and on our way home around 4-4:30 this afternoon. Once again, I am asking...if you pray, please do so; cross fingers and toes if that's more your cup of tea. Whatever it is you do for good luck, please think of Cara while you do it. I will update everyone later. This should be a very smooth procedure and Cara is an old champ! :)
Right after the MRI, we have an appointment with neurosurgery to reset her programmable shunt. Due to the magnetism of the MRI, it is suspected that her set will de-program itself and will need to be reset. Thankfully, this is so very simple. There's a device that they "attach" to her shunt from outside of her head and it will set the shunt back to the correct setting, no invasive surgery needed!
All in all, we expect to be out of hospital and on our way home around 4-4:30 this afternoon. Once again, I am asking...if you pray, please do so; cross fingers and toes if that's more your cup of tea. Whatever it is you do for good luck, please think of Cara while you do it. I will update everyone later. This should be a very smooth procedure and Cara is an old champ! :)
Saturday, October 04, 2008
All About Ben
Judy had this test of sorts up on her blog. It's all about your spouse or significant other. Let's see how well I know my husband of almost 8 years...
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Family Guy, football, CNN.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Italian or a vinaigrette. Sometimes, he'll surprise me and order a salad as a main course.
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Melon--how can you NOT like melon?!
4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? Fat Tire or Coors but, he doesn't drink much.
5. Where did he go to high school? John Glenn High School
6. What size shoe does he wear? 13-14 depending.
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Music & DVDs. He has an impressive collection already.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? The sweet onion chicken teriayki sub from Subway.
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Spaghetti, without a doubt.
10. What is his favorite cereal? He doesn't normally eat cereal, but I know he likes corn flakes and corn checks.
11. What would he never wear? Anything other than polo shirts! LoL Seriously though, that's about all I can get him to wear. I need to nominate him for What Not to Wear on TLC.
12. What is his favorite sports team? Football-Steelers or Broncos; Basketball-Pistons; Hockey-Red Wings (it's fun in our house because I'm an Avs fan); Baseball-Yankees.
13. Who will he vote for? Let's just say that we're blue.
14. Who is his best friend? Besides, me?! Geoff & Jason but he's horrible about keeping in touch with them.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Nag, I tend to get on his case if I don't like what he's doing or I need him to so something.
16. How many states has he lived in? Three--New York state, Michigan & Colorado.
17.What is his heritage? Easy--African American. He's a first-gen American-born. His parents both grew up in Ghana.
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Hmm, this one I'm not sure about. I *think* he'd prefer brownies.
19. Did he play sports in high school? Nope, he was a nerd on the knowledge bowl team. He tried out for football, but didn't make the cut.
20. What could he spend hours doing? Programming on his laptop or playing old school games on our Wii.
21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? Other than fraternal alumni? Not really, he's part of the computer ministry at our church, but that's not just men.
(I just read my answers back to Ben and I'm proud to say that I got them all write, even the cake one! Go me!)
1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Family Guy, football, CNN.
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Italian or a vinaigrette. Sometimes, he'll surprise me and order a salad as a main course.
3. What's one food he doesn't like? Melon--how can you NOT like melon?!
4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? Fat Tire or Coors but, he doesn't drink much.
5. Where did he go to high school? John Glenn High School
6. What size shoe does he wear? 13-14 depending.
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Music & DVDs. He has an impressive collection already.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? The sweet onion chicken teriayki sub from Subway.
9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? Spaghetti, without a doubt.
10. What is his favorite cereal? He doesn't normally eat cereal, but I know he likes corn flakes and corn checks.
11. What would he never wear? Anything other than polo shirts! LoL Seriously though, that's about all I can get him to wear. I need to nominate him for What Not to Wear on TLC.
12. What is his favorite sports team? Football-Steelers or Broncos; Basketball-Pistons; Hockey-Red Wings (it's fun in our house because I'm an Avs fan); Baseball-Yankees.
13. Who will he vote for? Let's just say that we're blue.
14. Who is his best friend? Besides, me?! Geoff & Jason but he's horrible about keeping in touch with them.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Nag, I tend to get on his case if I don't like what he's doing or I need him to so something.
16. How many states has he lived in? Three--New York state, Michigan & Colorado.
17.What is his heritage? Easy--African American. He's a first-gen American-born. His parents both grew up in Ghana.
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Hmm, this one I'm not sure about. I *think* he'd prefer brownies.
19. Did he play sports in high school? Nope, he was a nerd on the knowledge bowl team. He tried out for football, but didn't make the cut.
20. What could he spend hours doing? Programming on his laptop or playing old school games on our Wii.
21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? Other than fraternal alumni? Not really, he's part of the computer ministry at our church, but that's not just men.
(I just read my answers back to Ben and I'm proud to say that I got them all write, even the cake one! Go me!)
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