Jillian's End of the Year Ceremony

Today was Jillian's End of the Year Ceremony...I was so happy that she had a good time...Sometimes, she gets clingy or starts to cry, but she really, really did well

Her certificate......
















Her sign for Car line (Farm Class)..........
















Jillian in the Sanctuary singing...................

















Jillian's entire class in the Sanctuary..........


















Jillian and Mrs. Denoff, thank you, I can't say enough about you...........

















Jillian and Mrs. Clark, again, thank you and there is not enough I can say.............

















Maddie, one of Jillian's favorite friends.........
















Jillian's own special bookmarker and her Memory Book.............






















Until August....Thank you Limona Village Children's Center.....For another great year and for loving and helping my little girl grow.............

Thanks

Thanks to the 3 of you that have commented on my post labeled "My Sister"....Not that I wish that feeling on anyone, but I honestly thought I was the only one that might of had an inconsiderate person in the family....I need to say it.....a b*tch in the family...LOL! Now that makes me feel a lot better....heehee!

My Sister

I just think that this deserved a separate post...My sister forgot Elizabeth's birthday....again...The first time was when she turned 2 and now this year....What's up with that....? Not looking for a gift or anything....just a simple call...My nieces usually make a card and send it, obviously with my sister's help...My nieces are 11 and 9.....

I know that this is wrong, but I always remember my nieces....When they were younger, I just would send them something, even a note, for no reason...It seems that when I had my girls, they just did not matter to her....Andrea, if you read this, you'll remember and won't be surprised on how I feel about this...Oh well.....I'm not going to get myself upset about it...I have a nice life and a happy life with my family.....Just needed to vent!!!

Happy Birthday Girl

Well, plans changed a bit for tonight, for the better. The Parent's Association at LVC was not required to be at the ceremony tonight, just tomorrow night. I'll be there for Jillian's at noon and then the last one for the year...

So I made one of Elizabeth's favorite dinners, Shrimp Scampi over linguine...yum! We also had a small German Chocolate Birthday cake....

Here are some pictures from this evening.....

May 29, 2008 Happy 6th Birthday, Bugaboo!

Well today is the big day for Elizabeth! My baby turns 6...Hard to believe that on one hand, she's already 6 yrs old and turning into quite the little "lady". And on the other hand, how blessed I am to have such a wonderfully well-rounded little girl and one that has her head on straight...How did all this happen! I am so blessed with a well-behaved and caring girl.....I love you, sweetie!!!

She is excited about sharing her birthday with all her friends at school today and that Mommy made cookies and will be bringing them to school. She wants to come with me for Part 1 of the Limona Village Preschool "End of the Year" program tonight. We will stay for the Parent's Association recognition and then come back home for our traditional cake and gifts. Her big bash is next Saturday.

I'll have to post pics later....

Holiday/Family Weekend

I had such a wonderful and relaxing weekend. I am feeling it today, between the gym and the pool, but its the good tiredness. The tiredness that you know everyone included had a good time.

We did not do anything special, like to to the park, beach or anyplace. Yes, I am conserving on gas...We are not really taking a vacation this year. Both my husband and I are taking a week in a few weeks, but Jillian will have her summer camp program at Limona and it is the same week that Elizabeth is doing her summer camp program at the Rolling Pin. This will give my husband and I time to do things around the house, both inside and outside. Those things that are not easy to do with the girls around....Hey, maybe we'll even get to go in the pool together and maybe out to lunch one of those days.

This is a short week with a lot of activity packed into it. Jillian has her end of the year program Friday afternoon. I will need to attend all 3 programs as I am secretary of the Parent's Association. Thursday, my little girl is turning 6 yrs old. Of course the big pool party is the following week. I could not pack the weekend up also after this week. At least the celebration lingers. Her last day is June 4th, which will be a 1/2 a day for her. May and June have always been the busy months. We have Oklahoma now and then getting ready for Elizabeth's dance recital....I do not want to rush all the celebrations we are heading for, but June 23rd cannot come too soon!!!!

Part 2 of the Lazy Saturday

Well after Jillian fell asleep and I finished my blog, I sat down on the couch and needed to put my legs up...I was dozing in and out...In, which felt good and out, when Elizabeth was asking me things...But it was nice to try to read a book and just be lazy...

I woke Jillian up so that there would be no problem going to sleep tonight and we went back in the pool for another 45 minutes to an hour....Both girls are such fish right now...Elizabeth has turned into an excellent swimming both on top and under the water. They both love jumping in pool. Straight from the pool it was bath time while dinner cooked...I knew that if I planned to do that in the morning before Church, I would feel rushed. We just finished watching "Return to Neverland" which is the newest release from Disney. One part, Tinkerbell's light went off and Elizabeth was upset thinking that Tinkerbell was gone forever. Within 30 seconds, it was back on. But I think she might have that same sensitivity to movies like I do. It was a nice story and all she kept saying at the end was that "Wendy is now a mom and one day, I will be a mom, right mom???!!!!" First of all, she basically calls me Mommy all the time, but now and then, she throws me for a loop and says mom, I just want to tell her you are not 10, 11 or older...Call me Mommy forever....But I just keep my mouth shut....She always comes back to Mommy!!!!

Lazy Saturday

I do not know why I labeled it "Lazy Saturday" because its 2:15 and it has been anything but lazy. At 7:00 this a.m., I went and did some grocery shopping. By 9:00, my whole family was at the gym. George, doing the machines, the kids in the Kids Club and me, we'll I took a double, Body Step and Body Pump. Saturday's is my favorite, favorite instructor. Let me back up a bit though, one of the things I needed to buy was a Knee Supporter. Not sure where my old one went. About 9 years ago, I threw my ACL out. Its not torn or anything, just not attached to where it needs to be. My knee buckles and things like that. The only ache I seem to have is after a buckling. Yesterday, I took a Body Pump class in the Bloomingdale gym and by the evening, I had a difficult time bending without the knee hurting. So the brace today was great with minimal pain. I think I've just been doing more classes, upping my weight in the Pump class, etc.

So back to my day.....came home and had to do lunch for the family. George had to shower and get out of the house by 1:00 ish. He is doing a private party for the Rolling Pin, but offsite, someplace in St. Petersburg for a Coldwell banker. The party has 18 guests and the class is hands-on. Its quite obvious that this person must have a big house. 18 people does not sound like a lot, but its huge when you are talking 18 people cooking!!!! Can't wait to hear the story about this one....But he won't be home probably, until after 10:00. Begins at 6:30, but a lot of prep work prior to going over there.

The girls and I just spent an hour in the pool and I know that Jillian needs a nap...So we came in and as I am typing, her eyes are getting very, very heavy...Whoohoo! As a matter of fact, Elizabeth is looking tired.

The past few days have been busy. Elizabeth is doing well with the high dose of Amoxil. and drinking lots of yogart drinks (or eating yogart)...Variety helps...Jillian never developed anything, but her behavior has been off...(Not that's its truly on, but off at school). I am not sure if its because her teacher has been out all week because her mother passed away. Realistically, her behavior is similar to the past. Nothing like picking her up yesterday, only to have the Education Coordinator say "I need to speak to you about your daughter" Not even "I need to speak to you about Jillian", but THE DAUGHTER words. She refused to eat her lunch and just cried for me. With school, it is all about me. I am the one she looks for and calls out for. A lot different from Ms. Independent Elizabeth. Something is not right with her and maybe it still is the cold thing...But we've been through other hurdles with her, one more is par for the course...

Well, time to spend some one-on-one time with Elizabeth......

Challenging schedule

Elizabeth is only going to be 6 and Jillian is 3, and their schedules can be very different and very challenging...Never mind throwing in George's Rolling Pin and my dinner's with my LVC friends, its just mind-boggling.

Elizabeth has been rehearsing for Oklahoma, basically on Thursday's and we do not get out until almost 8:30. That's late for someone who is used to being in bed at 7:45/8:00. I do not mind when school is out, but now we are talking 1 or 2 more nights a week, when school is out, until show time...

I can only imagine all the different activities getting worse. I am trying so so hard to keep family dinner together at night, but its just not happening as easily as I would like. I truly believe that the girls, both (of course Jilly) are too young to lose that. Even with dance, we are together...its this Oklahoma thing, which Elizabeth loves and on the positive side, its temporary...I just know that when we are all home, we need to make the most of it...

Ok, I also think that I am PMSing a bit and becoming overly sensitve...

We Are Almost There

I am just so excited that its almost Friday. So much is happening right now and although I feel very overwhelmed, its all pretty good things.

But today, Elizabeth went to the ENT. There is definitely a problem with her left ear right now. They manually cleaned them and then flushed them out with the little vacuum like machine. There is still so much fluid and redness. Her hearing test went ok, still, its the left ear not up to par. We are opting not for tubes yet....The doctor says that he has pretty good results of treating the ears first, but again, nothing is 100%. So she will be on an abnormal amount of amox. for a few weeks and then be rechecked. At that point we will decided whether this has helped or tubes are needed. So I will run out and fill the script and stock up on yougart!!!

Jilly woke up at 3:30 this a.m. complaining about her ear. No fever, nothing at all. She dosed off at 8:15 and I woke her up and still sent her to school. No fever and with taking Elizabeth to the ENT, it was better that way. Of course leaving the office with Elizabeth, Jilly's teacher called. She had a total meltdown, probably from being tired. So we picked her up, skipped going out to lunch and just came home. She napped for about 1-1/2 hours and then took her to the doctor. Ears are fine (Thank God) but looking at her nose, something is brewing. Her doctor said that she is definitely feeling out of sorts, but until something more develops, its just a waiting game. Funny things about my doctor's office. The most popular doctor in the practice is easier to see than our fav, who has been there maybe 3 or 4 years. Its fine, I have one for well checks and use the other for sick visits.

Needless to say, I am exhausted and punchy at the same time. I made a crockpot of meatballs this a.m. and taking the easy way out tonight. Meatball parm sandwiches for all!!!! I do think I'll need a cup of coffee or two to stay up to see my David Cook, whether he wins or not....

Weekend Over....Already!!!

The weekend has been pretty much like my week...not overly busy, just enough, enjoyable and over too quick.

Saturday, we had a gymnastics birthday party and sure enough, now Elizabeth wants one. But we talked her out of that one. We are not members of the "Y" and by time we became members just for the party, forget about it. Maybe if my husband and I didn't already have memberships at the gym, maybe. But enough said about that.

Of course at night, my race was on....

Today was Jillian's belt test at Karate. I am so proud of her, not so much for the belt advancement, but this is showing such discipline for her and her ability to follow direction and follow through. I love her instructor and I'm thrilled that he does take 3 yr olds. I really didn't want to wait until she was four for all the reasons I am happy with her success.

Anyway, I am working off my laptap and I am having a difficult time moving the pictures in position...so I will leave them on top of my post....time to go for our little celebration of the gold for Elizabeth and the yellow for Jillian..

And its FRIDAY

Well this week zoomed by for us, but not that it was crazy busy...Strange, I know.

Jillian seemed to just have the stomachache that evening and it never did developed into anything...Thank God...She's very tired right now...I could tell she wanted to go to sleep at 4;30ish, so I gave the girls an early bath...To late to sleep and I was not going to risk her being awake late..

This morning, we had our last Parent's Association for the school year, at La Septima. The families at LVC were very generous and one mom took up a donation to present us each with a gift for all the work we've done. It was such a surprise and a very generous thing to be done for us. I hope these moms and families know that we do what we do because we love the school, the kids and the goals LVC set's for our kids.

Elizabeth has her ENT appt. on Wednesday and Jillian finished speech on Thursday for the school year.

Tomorrow we have a gymnastics party and then Sunday we have Jillian's belt testing. Semi-active, but its all family things.

Well, its 7:00 and I have a few things I want to do before I sit down and relax.....Until another time.........

Made it through 1/2 the week

It really has been a pretty good week, but I am looking forward for it to end...LOL!

Everything at home has been running smooth with the exception of possibly of Jillian's tummy bothering her. She complain today several times that it hurt, one time put her robe on saying she was cold, but otherwise seems fine. Its 10:00 and she woke up about 45 minutes ago with that little whimper sound so I gave her a Pepto for Kids and some Pedialyte just to comfort her and she's back to sleep. Maybe that's all it is, a tummy ache and tomorrow will be a new day.

Tomorrow is her last day of speech until the new school year. She's made great, great success, but I know that she still needs more work. I plan on working with her during the summer with reading and various exercises to keep what she's learned fresh in her mind.

Work is the only complaint this week. Have you ever worked somewhere and feel that you are not making headway and not getting the support you would like. Thank God, I have a great manager and we support each other, but sometimes there is additional help out there, but they just are not there for you...Possibly, things cleared a bit today, but that is possibly with a capital P...

Elizabeth had rehearsal for Oklahoma tonight only to show up with some of the other people and to find out it was canceled until tomorrow. Nice, huh? But its the 3rd week and things are not completely organized. Normally, I would be a real b*tch about it, but I think I handled it quite well.

Its about the time I like to lay down and read...again, not making headway with my book. I start reading it in bed and then fall asleep...So I will end this now and at least get a few pages in before I nod off....

Gold Medal Ceremony

Need I say more.LOL!!! This award was for Math.....

Jillian

I am giving myself bragging rights here....For those that read the blogs and have stuck with me over the last 8 months particularly, you will know that there have been a lot of different issues besides health, that we have been ironing out and working on with Jillian.

Today when I took her to school, I spoke with the head of the educational structure at our school and she only had positive things to say. Things how her speech is great, she's understanding her much, much better. Her overall behavior, minus normal 3 yr old stubbornness, is right where it should be, etc. I was thrilled.

Then I received a phone call from her Karate teacher...Jillian has been invited to her first belt testing. Of course I am proud of that, but what really makes me happy....is the fact that things are getting better for her and she is swiftly moving forward....

Yay for my Jilly girl!!!

Happy Mother's Day...

I have had the best day....My girls treated me like gold with homemade presents....Here are some of them...

And of course, ELIZABETH made me Coconut Shrimp with Orange Marmalade Sauce. She did the whole thing minus the deep fryer, which my husband did. It was very yummy!

My son (I never use the word step) surprised me with coming over and giving me roses and a gift certificate for a couple of pedicures...(Much needed and big thanks!)

I feel loved everyday, but its so nice to separate the hecticness of the day-to-day activities just to take a breather and reflect on how blessed I am....

Thank you George, for being the most loving and caring person, my best friend and partner in life and in raising our two beautiful daughters....

In addition, Elizabeth sang today in the choir for Mother's Day...

Spring Fling at Yates

This evening was Elizabeth's Spring Fling...They had a spaghetti dinner, book fair (which I just spent too much $$$ at), a recorder concert, the phys. ed teacher had relays, etc. and it was just a lot of fun. Elizabeth has her first yearbook, which I never knew they did. So she can bring it to school next week and get people to sign her book.

I took a good amount of pictures of Elizabeth with her friends, but thought I would just post one of her and one of Jillian....or should I call Jill, the newest Chris Evert...

George is gone for the night to Orlando for his job. Tomorrow there are two classes he needs to take and his boss and George went up tonight for a big fancy reception. Bad news, let me back up, he had his stitches removed today and by the way, test results were all good (the skin lesion). Well as he was getting dressed, boom, his scar, where the stitches just were removed, started to split a bit. He called the nurse on call and first of all, they cannot re-stitch him. There is nothing much then can do except for him to bandage it by pulling the skin together...almost as if you were stitching or lacing. So he's going to do that, did some sort of megshift first aid, put on his suit and is partying with the big wigs...

Both of my precious ladies are sleeping, which is no surprise...As soon as we walked in, I tossed around going in the pool or a bath...Well I didn't want the pool to work against me and wake them up, so a bath did the trick, a small bite to eat and it is 9:00 and all is well and quiet. So now I will watch a little TV and read a bit and it will be nighty night for me......

One more for the Gold

As some of you remember, Elizabeth received a Gold Medal for reading in December. Yates has two "Gold Medal" Ceremonies per year. I received a 2nd invite to the Gold Medal Ceremony today for next Tuesday. They do not tell you what it is for, but I can assume it is reading. She was put in a 1st grade reading group back in November and currently reading books at a 1st, sometimes, 2nd grade level. She loves reading and I can see that she is so far, following in Mommy's footsteps...

So Proud of you Bugaboo!!!

Here is her pictures in December~~~~~~~~~

Just one more thing......

This is going to short and sweet...I really have not read much of my emails, myspace things and blogs....But I went for Elizabeth's recheck on her ears, and call it the Temple luck, her ears remain mostly closed/clogged with the exception of a small pin hole in her left year. Her doctor will not flush them with the fear of the drainage in the one ear seaping through the tiny whole. So now we are going to have to go to the ENT and hope they can flush it out and treat with an antibotic if needed and avoid tubes. BUT, I know tubes are not a big deal at all, its just the principle of all the medical things we've one through just since January. But mostly it was Jillian, so now its Elizabeth's turn...Oy Vey and Good night!

Sunday Show

Well, Elizabeth did her show, "Perils of Paul" at church tonight. She had itchy eyes and a little bit of a nose issue, but she held her own and did great. She didn't want to miss this, not so much for the performance, but to see some of her close friends. Afterwards, we had a potluck dinner in the Fellowship Hall, which we always enjoy. Next year, Elizabeth will advance to the next group of kids, 1st through 5th graders and Jillian will join.

Jillian was very good tonight in Church. I was very pleased and proud that she sat there with minimal noise or talking. Go Jilly!

Here are some photo's of Elizabeth including her name on the "big screen".....

Well, its time to just relax and read for a bit...19 more days of school for Jillian and 21-1/2 more days for Elizabeth...Whoohoo!

I'm not alone......

Reading other's post, including you Elaine, the sickness just won't go away.

Elizabeth has been sick for over 2 weeks. With all the drainage, she has a hacking cough. Jillian has a nasty cold, nothing is clear that is discharging from her nose and she is sneezing and coughing. I've been coughing extremely hard myself, all weekend and pray I do not have bronchitis again. Its only been a month since I had that with the sinus infection....

Elizabeth really needs to go to school tomorrow and Jillian, well there is no urgency for her to be there except for my sanity....Poor Elizabeth has a big show at our church tonight that they have been rehearsing for since the end of January....In saying that, I think I am going to take a rest while Jillian is sleeping and Elizabeth should be resting, but isn't....

I hope everyone feels better and I do not mean to be cold by not posting individual comments...EJ, you need to get better, we have a Daytona trip to do soon!

Yay...its Friday

I had a very good day, despite Elizabeth's cold....We still kept our plans and went to Pump It Up with some friends, both from Jilly's school and from Church. Last time we were there, Jilly DID NOT like it...She was scared...But today...well let me just put it this way...She's my little wild child. She had a ball and had no fear of the slide or anything. George stopped by to see the girls since he was out of work early.

Had an eye doctor appt and then Elizabeth had rehearsal for her church choir. She has a show at church on Sunday, which is a bring-a-dish show. I love those....and then having the fellowship afterwards....

George made a delicious new dish called Leeky Linguine w/ Shrimp. I do not think he was as impressed as I was...It was great to me...Here is a pic...

Now doesn't that look yummy! Sometimes, he can be his worse critic....

Andrea and Melodie...you asked about Elizabeth...The drainage is really bad early in the a.m. and she has developed a horrible cough.... With Elizabeth, though, I am almost 98% sure its all from the clogging of the ears...I will know for sure on Tuesday...

Its time to relax, get the girls relaxed and watch some shows we taped...Have a great evening!!!