A Little Fresh Air Can Do The Family Good....

Well, we are officially a sick house...But not sick enough just to get some air, especially with the beautiful breeze we had today...

There is nothing like a little family time, bubbles in the front yard, a walk around the block, followed with playing in a "homemade" sandbox my hubby built on Friday with one final dip in the pool. Let me just thank hubby for making this sandbox, getting all this sand, which will eventually turn our pool into a beachlike place and making Jilly's dream come true!!! It's days like this, just carefree days that everything else can stand still....Work, housework, little projects, etc...all this means nothing without this quality time.

Still feeling under the weather...I am taking Daytime Thermaflu which is amazing...but when it wears off, boom....We'll see how tomrrow is and hopefully within a day, we will be as good as new!

Round 2 and 3 in the Temple House

Well, it was unavoidable knowing how long Jilly was sick. I have it full-blown, still less than Jillian did, and Elizabeth now is starting with the cough.

Elizabeth went to her first sleepover last night. I truly think that 6 is quite young, but this is a good friend from Kindergarten and I know the parents well. It was the little girl's birthday and the dad and stepmom were taking her, her two sisters and asked about Elizabeth, to dinner. Hate to say this, but this stepmom is more of a mom than the real mom and the girls love her...If you met her, you would just have to agree. Anyway, they live in Plant City and we've alternated playdates and one would bring the girls home from school while the other picks either the 3 girls up or I pick up Elizabeth. So when asked if I would let her stay over, I was reluctant, of course...this is my baby...but for the first time, I could not think of anyone better to trust. They went to Chili's and she called to say goodnight....I truly missed her, but it was a nice treat being how sick this house has been. Who would of known she would now be starting to get sick. All 4 girls stayed up to 10:00....(I think I was falling asleep by then.)

So we are having a lowkey day...George's son is over, everyone is relaxing, playing Wii and making homemade pizza later...for us, I'm happy its raining...I do not have to say no to the pool for the girls...LOL!

The Week in Nutshell...

To really wrap up the week, I have to say things seem to be improving with Jillian. Last night was the first sign of improvement. She had gone to school and had quite a few more coughing spells, almost like when this first started....But maybe that was because last night around 8:30/9:00, she started coughing a spitting up all the yuckies that she's been holding onto for 3 weeks...Any available whole on her face, let loose and although it was a dreadful night, both George and I were literally up EVERY hour on the hour for about 10 minutes each, it was only because we had to get her the bucket, tissues and whatever else she desired. I kept her home today because a.) lack of sleep and b.) I knew there was a very good chance of drainage everywhere again...And indeed there was. I am open about tomorrow and hoping that she can go back to school especially as we head into a 3-day weekend, but that will remain to be seen. But finally, Jillian relief...

Now Elizabeth is starting with a hard cough and I am not hesitating and she is taking some Mucinex....Me, oh boy, if I do not feel better over the weekend, I will also be at the doctor's I have that hard cough, but I am working on clearing it up...Its so different for adults than it is for children. As adults, we can usually suck it up and cure ourselves...But our little ones....

As another happy note, we renewed our Disney passes. We had skipped last year due to health issues and the fact that the 2 years prior, OMG, we were there all the time. But now Jillian will be 4 in 2 months and we want her to enjoy what all of us, including Elizabeth, have enjoyed in the past...Not sure when our first trip will be, but the itch is there!!!! (Not sure if Heather's post had a little underlining push in my mind either!) If it did, Thank You!!!!

Plug for a Friend

I have a friend who just published her first book. She is selling it on amazon...If you are interested, I am positive she would love to share it with you...

Check it out on www.amazon.com/gp/product/1438258437

Congrats, Carla!!! I'll be sending my order in tonight or tomorrow!!!

Doctor Visit

Went to the new practice last night and the office was very nice, clean and somewhat comfortable...with the exception of a lack of toys and books for kids...(????) I do not understand that one....The doctor was very, very good. Extremely thorough, took the time to talk with us and to really explain things that are probably going on with Jillian.

Being that bronchitis and sinusitis can (in some cases) go hand-in-hand, she recommended putting back on amox. for 14 days and to stop all other medicine, including the neubulizer. The cough medicine that Jillian was on, should of been a no-go...NOTHING with DM. She is on the liquid Mucinex, for now.

Another rough night, but now its another waiting game....We might have to do a sinus X-ray if things do not clear up.

I am feeling good about this doctor's office, not completely blown away yet though...Maybe because we were going there for a specific reason, and existing reason also....For now though, we are sticking with them...Jillian will have her well visit in 2 months and we'll see then, once we become established.

Jillian

Well, I know my posts have been back and forth, Jilly not doing well to Jilly starting to feel better. At this point, all the coughing is horrible and normally, for my girl's, antibiotics work within a couple of days and I see some improvement. In Jilly's case, this is not happening. So I've said this before, I went to a new pediatric office, filled out the records to be transferred there and we have an appt. later today for a 2nd opinion/new patient sick visit. EVEN if they say the exact same thing, Jillian's situation was not handled correctly....Back in June, Elizabeth's lice situation was not handled correctly, and back in February, Jillian's rotavirus was not handled correctly. All of these are more than a common cold of flu...They all need some sort of immediate attention. Therefore, as I type this I feel like a bad mom that I let this happen not once, not twice, but three x's...But its time....

Some of you might know where I went and that's fine...I will not bad-mouth the practice, its all in a personal opinion and personal care...Every patient is different.....

Hopefully, there will not be any new diag. later.....but will post later....

A Simple way to be #1 Mom

Well today took a turn for the worse with the weather. Just as well, I'm in the mood to be just plain lazy. Elizabeth and I went to church and Jilly and Daddy played outside....Came home and switched kids...

Elizabeth had some homework to finish up, which we did and then the skies opened...So what do I do...I bought The Tigger Movie On Demand and made popcorn...So yes, the ladies are eating popcorn at 2:00 in the afternoon while Daddy is off to work at the Rolling Pin...Life is good!!!

On an added note to my previous post...I just received an email...Elizabeth made it and is invited to join the JAM Ballet Emsemble...Congrats Big Girl! We'll have to see what she decides to do!

Dance Audition

Today, Elizabeth had a dance audition at her dance school. She auditioned to become a member of the Ballet Ensemble @ Judy's Dance.

The Ensemble is part of the "dance company" minus competition's. The ensemble is a performance group at various community functions and activities, example Fall Festival's, Strawberry Festival's, etc. This year they are expanding having the ensembles, not just for ballet, but jazz and hip/hop, going out to retirement homes, nursing homes, etc. to perform. Its a group that will be giving back to the community and the examples for performing at homes is a gift to the people living there that cannot go out to plays, recital and things that we take for granted. We should find out this week if she was accepted and then we need to talk to her on her choice, participating in this group or going back to our church choir. She's been in the choir for 2 years and I believe that having friends in the choir will influence her. But being part of this close net group and giving back is a wonderful way for her or any young one to learn other ways that our community enjoys the younger generation learning about, accepting and being enthusiastic about helping.

Other than that, went back to the gym this morning after dealing with the routine this week and, Jillian's illness and just the day-to-day hustle. Took a trip to Michael's for more paint for the girls and some neat dot paint (I forgot the exact name and George went to bed, so I do not want to make noise with the bag) but they are paint bottles that remind me of the old bingo markers. All I need to see is mess-free and I'm sold.

Tomorrow will be a relaxing day. ELizabeth has some practice homework and the rest depends on the weather.

Jillian continues to show that she is getting better, not exactly where I wish she was already, but how long it has been, I'll take any improvement!!!

Yay, its Friday!!!

Well, we survived the first week of school. Jillian had a very good day at school. She made it through the day, came home, took a short nap and went to bed around 8:30. The reason for thsi is because Elizabeth had 3 friends (all sister's) come over after school to go swimming and play. The girls went swimming for about 1-1/2 hours, even when is showered. Hey, they were wet anyway and there was no thunder or lightning. Then this girls did dressup, did a fashion show, were rockstar's and they just kept going until dinner. After we all ate, they were back at it...We were able to tell them to clean up rather quickly so they can do the Wii for a ltitle bit...By time they left, it was 8:00. This was ok with me because Jillian will just sleep a little later tomorrow...LOL!

Finally.......

I might be saying this too early, but what a night. Jillian slept well, had about 2 or 3 coughing bouts, but fell back to sleep...I didn't expect it to be gone and that's ok...but she seemed more restful. Hopefully its not only because she was tired because that never meant anything before...Hopefully she was also feeling better...enough to sleep more comfortably......I do not think bronchitis is contagious, but guess who is coughing now.....me....But it might just be the air, allergy, etc....and maybe the stressful week our house was under....So she's going to school today and lets hope she has a nice day...

Has it been a long week or is it just me????

Well the saga is about to end regarding Jillian....First, last night we had a horrible night with the coughing. I think I mentioned that and at 3:00 a.m., she was up for the day. Went for the X-Ray this morning and when I came home, she was asleep. So I skipped school for her...She needed the rest and she would of not been a happy camper there. Plus, I wanted her close by.

I called the doctor's office to make them aware of the rough night, that she had, the X-Ray and that the results should be in the office by noon. I said I wanted a call whether there was something or not..(In my recent experience, they do not call even when there is something wrong!) Also, I told the nurse that I had a hard time doing the neubulizer last night because Jillian was fighting me. The freakin' nurse said "Sometimes us mom's need to force the issue, even if our child doesn't like it". Let me first say that she talked to me like I was some sort of moron...like I would sacrifice my child's health because I might not know or be comfortable doing something. It takes a lot for me to be offended and this was one of the very few. Again, WTF and who gave this woman the right to say that. How the hell does she know whether my husband and I held her tight to give her a treatment. Meanwhile, I received some news that at Jillian's summer camp, a boy had whooping cough. The school just found out last week when the Health Department called. So I called the doctor back because I wanted to go in and have a test done for whooping cough. I still had to wait for the doctor to call me back, there was nothing more they were willing to do...I am through with this office.....This office became too busy and too big for itself. Even the original popular doctor is not the doctor most people ask for anymore.

Received a call and Jillian has full blown bronchitis. This means another antibiotic. Answer to the whooping cough, she was on Zithromax and when she takes this new one, these antibiotic's would of killed the infection anyway...

On a happy note, Jillian is a pro with X-rays...Figure a broken leg, swallowed Barbie boot and also her tonsils and adenoids removed...she's a pro. She was my big girl, a bit hesitant at first of the machine, but then just stood there with her arms spread up high....Darn, you would of thought she was having a mammogram.

But yes.....another Jillian Update here!!!

Are you tired of hearing about her cough? Well, we are tired of hearing it....Back to the doctor tonight and George went with me. Just to hear what I hear, have his input, etc. The doctor listened, lungs seem clear but wants to get a chest X-Ray. Also, she is on prednisolone and a neubulizer and being treated for Bronchial Asthmatic symptoms...WTF??? Never heard of that whole thing...But we will see...tomorrow I will do the chest X-Ray, while George takes Elizabeth to the dentist.....I'm sure there will be more to come...She's sleeping now, even after the Albuterol....

My spelling is horrific tonight.....

Hurricane Fay

By now, everyone knows that we basically had a beautiful day today...Its a bit breezy now, but nothing that would indicate it's from the storm.

BUT, for all those that might of watched the 6:00 news, this storm is doing a first...at least a first for Denis Phillips on ABC Action News, who has been doing the weather for 25 years. This storm has intensified even for being on land...The changes are good for this storm to go back to the Atlantic, become a hurricane and and then make a sharp left to Jacksonville. Eventually going along the Panhandle to Alabama. There is some uncertainty on how south this storm might go...We are right outside that cone....But I'm sure this will not happen...To me, impossible to come back to us after all this hype...But like Denis said, he never seen this in 25 years already, so they are not ruling anything out.

All I really care about is school tomorrow...YAY!!!!

Calm Tuesday and No Fay....

Ok, this post will not win any popularity votes, but hey, that's ok....I am disappointed that we have not had any bad weather. If you read my previous post, there were conditions on my wanting bad weather. Instead, I've seen the sun peak through, some breezier than normal wind, but all-in-all, a nice day...Oh well, its fine too....

My girl's love school and Elizabeth told me that she wished she was there. Her and Jillian just played all morning, wore Jillian out, but they rather be with their friends. I love that they love school and they love routines...It does make life much easier.

On a Jillian note, her cough is still so rough, but she is having the hardcore cough still, but less amounts of time. It still wakes her up, but she falls back to sleep after a quick hug. I think she just needs to get all that phelgm out, and she doesn't know how...So she's scared. But its nice to be able to say that after 18 days, there is a lighter side coming through...

Happy to report that it is near 2:00 and my June Cleaver mode had already taken place...Lunches are already planned and clothes are all set for tomorrow. Signed forms for Elizabeth's school are set.....and we are ready for day 2 (or is it really considered day 3!)...Hmmm! Either way....we are ready to go, go, and go!!!!!!!!!!

Day #1 of School for 2008-2009

Our first day of school went off without a hitch. Last night, I felt like June Cleaver and had everything done, including notes in the girls lunchboxes. Kids were in bed by 7:30 and all was good in the world. Jillian did still have coughing bouts, very bad ones, but someone fell back to sleep and woke around 5:30 this morning. I was already in and out of the shower by then.



Since everything was ready, breakfast, teeth, dressing, etc. went so smooth. The advantage of having Sunday to make sure things go together. In my normal weekday, that will not happen. (Possibly Wednesday since we are closed tomorrow!)



We walked Elizabeth in and she was a bit apprehensive. She has nobody from her class last year with her, but she did hit it off with a little girl during open house and she did know someone from a different class last year. So she sat with Crystal. When I picked her up from school, first of all, the car line was horrendus....Worse than I ever saw it, but excusable being the first day of school. I'm a little annoyed that she came home with some of her supplies telling me that they were sending things home because they had enough. Why the hell go out and spend the money...What am I going to do with 3 dozen #2 pencils?? Oh well, we are set for a couple of years.



Jillian did EXTREMELY well. Had a great day. Our BooHoo breakfast was nice and we had a nice little turnout. Its nice to do something for everyone, but with the intention of those moms and dads that are having a difficult time sending their child to school the first day. By time I leave Limona, I would of had 4 years in their school. What will I ever do without them? For now, I have this year and next to figure that one out.

Tonight is family night. The girl's favorite dinner is stuffed shells, sausage and garlic bread...so that is what we are having. We'll all sit down and talk about our days....and then I proceed to fill bottles of water, just in case..Oh yea, must charge the DVD! I find the more I prepare and be ready for a storm, the more likely it will pass us by. But I am a weather nut, I will admit that this intrigues me and if I could be guaranteed that there would be no damage and everyone would be safe, I would love to see a hurricane. But I can't be guaranteed that, so I need to wore off the source! LOL!

Hope all of you had a FANTASTIC first day of school and for those who have not gone or my 2 day friends, later this week...

Last Day of Summer Vacation

Well, here we sit...3:30 and all set for school tomorrow. Just need bath and shower time and we'll be set...

In any case, we had a nice swim for a couple of hours. Even Jillian. She took it easy, but no fever and acting fine, why not. Let her enjoy the last hurrah before school begins.


Interesting enough, George went out to clean the pool this morning. There was an injured butterfly in our pool. What looked like happened was that he or she landed in the water. Possibly, her wings were soaked and she couldn't fly. George brought her in the house and the girls held her for a few minutes and we let her flap her wings, hoping to fly again. About an hour later, nothing. I am hoping that she has picked herself up and flown into this lovely sky today.



First picture is Elizabeth holding our friend and the second is Jillian. Sad news, we tried and I just asked George...The Butterfly did not make it and is in Butterfly Heaven!

That's about it for now....Just waiting on the good word for tomorrow. I hope that we have school, full or half, just that the girls are excited...(so is Mommy!) LOL!

Jillian Update

Poor Jillian does not seem to be getting any better. She's now had the cough for over two weeks. I mentioned how I started her on the antibiotic, but not even a slight improvement. My girls react almost immediately to an antibiotic, so this is not the norm. I had to call her doctor today and ask if I can give her Mucinex for Kids. I know as an adult, that does wonders. She said yes. Jillian is near to choking with her cough and I know this is TMI, but its almost like everything that needs to come up from a cold/cough is clogging her throat. I am keeping my fingers crossed with this one.

I know it seems like my girls are sick a lot, but they are not sickly. They are extremely social, see and even all through the summer, see different friends and other kids. They are active and have always been. So who's to say why this is happening to her now...I just hope we do not go through the same thing we went through with Elizabeth's 4th year, being so sick.

Both girls and I played the Wii machine today. Amazing how they both love to play and play pretty good. With bowling, both girls were getting strikes....and today was Jillian's first real day of playing.

Well, George is at the Rolling Pin and its time for a game of Candyland...

Tropical or Hurricane Fay

Will it come or will it not? Will it be what they make storms out to be before they hit, or will it be a small breeze, making Wednesday storms look like they were a tropical wave...

The latest doppler shows a stronger possibility hitting Miami...I am assuming going across the state because Fox 13 News shows it going north, right along the west coast...Hmmm? At 70 mph...again Hmmm? Wouldn't it lose some strength...?

I truly cannot be bothered with wondering until we get closer. Living in "snowville" up north for many years, I love the hustle and bustle and the pure panic of people....Hello people, we live in Florida, its hurricane season....What, you had no batteries.....By now, people should know and if you have to stockpile on toilet paper, I think someone might have a problem....

Good luck to either storm people (if it comes to be) shopping along with last minute Back-to-School shoppers...Oy Vey!! I'm glad my normal grocery shopping is complete!!! LOL!

Friday has finally arrived

Well after very successful doctor visit's this week, today was our last one. Looks like we can escape tubes for Elizabeth's ears...We are on a roll...First, Jillian's appt., which I really did not share much about, George's and now Elizabeth's....How exhausting!!!!

Jillian cough is still very rough. We started the Zithromax this morning. Hopefully this will help...

Weekend looks pretty uneventful...Just some household things and getting last minute things together for Monday. Both girls are equally excited as is Mommy and we start the new school year.

Ran to Publix to get some lunch and snack things for school. I have to say, I am disappointed that Publix has bought out Albertson's because I would make the extra trip to Albertson's just for meat. In my opinion, they have better meat that Publix. All groceries are high but quality matters. Publix tends to be higher and you get less. The cuts of meat are skimpy and to top it off, the one on Kingsway has been slacking off. Last week, I went grocery shopping, had about $10.00 in coupons. I didn't pay close enough attention, but the man who checked us out, did not scan our coupons...He must of just put them in his drawer. I did not realize this until much later when I was going to record the slip in my checkbook. They sometimes "falsely" advertise prices and I had someone who said that it must of been a misprint. Stores sometimes will give you what is printed....Oh well....But today I still went back for more punshment..LOL! It was not as bad...Had to buy juices, cheese a few frozen items, egg, things that you would hope not to be screwed up...

I am hoping for a relaxing evening with my husband...maybe even watch a movie or catch up on Saving Grace, a show we tape on TNT....We'll see though....things in our household cannot always be planned!!!!

Prayers have been answered

George appt. with the Pulmonary Specialist went very well today. He does need another CT scan in 4 months and there are larger lymph nodes, but nothing the doctor seems to be concerned with at this point. Relief and prayers have been answered! Thank you, all!

Orientation and Open House Day

Today started off with 2 orientation's at Limona, one for the 2 yr old class and one for Jillian's class. I had to speak at both regarding our Parent's Association. We were there for about 2 hours and the girls had a chance to play with all different children. They had a blast.

Jillian's cough has not improved and although her doctor said to wait until the weekend, I filled the Zithromax. I will start her tomorrow on it. Driving home from Limona, she was coughing so hard that she could not catch her breath. That scared the sh*t out of me. I will also call her doctor and let her know how this cough has progressed. Just when I thought we might of had a good night last night, that one crack of thunder that Karlise mentioned on her blog woke her up. We were up until 2:30. Yes, I am beat again as my husband is too.

Tonight, off to Elizabeth's school to meet her teacher. I really like her teacher....She's a little more old school and I like that. I've seen teachers that can be completed walked over. But there is one boy that is in her class that I was warned about by her Kindergarten teacher. Unfortunately, he is well-known for his bad, bad behavior. I knew he was in her class at the beginning of the week, but that was something I didn't share with Elizabeth. I didn't want her to be concerned about. But oh boy, when he walked in....Thankfully, her Kindergarten teacher spoke to her 1st grade teacher already about her feelings. (Its nice to have it in with a teacher! LOL!)

Tomorrow, back to Limona for one more orientation! Then the weekend is like any other weekend.....Hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of summer vacation. Time has really flown by....

WHAT A STORM

OMG, our yard looked like a hurricane or tornado went through....That storm came out of nowhere...I just started giving the girls a bath and boom....It was the quickest bath they every had!!! They said 25 mph winds, but chairs were in our pool, our flag ripped and I am dreading to see if a branch from our Oak tree scratched my van...

Hope all weathered the storm...

CORRECTION: Fox News just said 60 mph winds...That's more like it!!!

Doctor Free Day!!

Whoohoo.....today was my only doctor free day of the week. Tomorrow, George goes to the Specialist and we are anxious to get this visit done.

Tomorrow, I have 2 orientations at Jillian's school, one for her and another for the 2 yr old class. I am speaking at both and one more on Friday. Just an introduction of what the Parent's Association is, what we do, etc. Plus Jillian's orientation, which we already know the teacher. Tomorrow night, over to Yates to meet Elizabeth's 1st grade teacher. Luckily, I am friend's with her Kindergarten teacher and I was able to get feedback on her new class and the teacher. I am really looking forward to meeting her.

Lastly, Jillian had another rough night, but we were able to give her more cough medicine around 1:30 in the morning. Poor girl....she doesn't know what is going on....And she wakes herself up like she's ready for a new day...Let me just say, Thank You God for 24 hours of Noggin...Sitting in a dark room watching Noggin puts her right back out...But I need something to occupy her while she is coughing and can't go back to sleep.

A friend of mine wrote today about her two boys pickering and arguing...Yes, I clearly understand. We have that in my house...I see what my mom and other people say that when you get to the end of the summer, even the kids are ready to go back to school....LOL! I'll miss them on Monday, but it will be nice for the two ladies in my house to have their separate classes, friends, etc....(Hey, even separate locations!!! haha!)

Jillian Update

Well, went to see the doctor, as I planned and Jillian is being treated for a sinus infection. She seems to always have issues like this. The doctor gave her cough medicine, which I will definitely use, and a script for Zithromax if she is not better by the weekend. I truly believe that if she calms her cough and gets the rest she needs, things will get better. So now this week leaves tomorrow, the only day with no doctor appt's for the Temple household...OyVey!!!

I needed a "getaway" so my husband agreed to eat dinner late and I took Elizabeth to the Kids Club and did a double class at the gym. It felt so, so good and I was able to relax as I worked hard. I know, an oximoron statement, but its true.

Starting tomorrow, I will be waking Elizabeth up closer to the time she'll be getting up for school. She is semi good about getting up, so hopefully there is no problem

Exciting is that we might be getting a puppy. I do not have all the details, but I do know this puppy and the rest of the litter, has their papers and shots. The puppy is 4 months old and is a smaller dog....My husband's girlfriend...(an inside joke) wants to get this puppy for us knowing how we've been considering this for about 6 months. Of course when I told Elizabeth she said that she wanted a kitten. What the heck, she was asking for a puppy not too long ago....But most 6 yr old's change their minds with the wind...

So I will keep my blog friends posted and let everyone know if and when we get the new addition. Elizabeth does want to name the puppy Kelly or Kellie, I haven't asked her how she wants to spell it....

Its off to bed and reading....Nighty nite everyone!!!!

First Day of this Busy Week - First Stop USF

Today I had an appt. at USF regarding various issues with Jillian. After her waking up at 3:00, I did not know how it was going to go.

Besides the early wakeup and heavy coughing, her tummy started bothering her. She had diarrehea and was upset when I finally insisted on using a Pull-up for our ride into Tampa. She has had no accidents, but I wanted to play it safe. So she napped within 5 minutes of being in the car. Once I picked up George, we headed over to USF. We were there for about 2 hours and I was happy with our outing today. As a special treat, we came home and spent an hour in the pool. It was nice considering it was a weekday, 4:00 and usually both my husband and I are still working. My husband made Monte Cristo's for dinner...They were so yummy and both girls ate very, very well.

One of may issues regarding Jillian, is her sleep habits and lack of being consistent with sleep. The doctor recommended giving her Melatonin, which is a natural over-the-counter supplement. A lot of pilot's use this to help with their own inconsistencies with sleep. Let's see what happens....If we can break away at little pieces with Jillian, maybe we can hit some core issues and correct them or at least, handle them in the most appropriate way possible.

So its 8:50 and I might head in to read/sleep...2 more big doctor appts this week! Whoohoo!

An Earlier A.M. for the Temple Household

Jillian's cough is so bad, she's been up two mornings in a row at 3:00. Some might think I'm a bad mom, but its days like this that Pop-Tart's for breakfast and crustables for lunch are the only way to go!!!

No matter how long you are a mom, its still very confusing on how long to wait. After Hours said give it a full 2 weeks and then bring her back because it can develop into a walking pneuomia...Yea, wait 2 freakin' weeks for that...Hello!!!

Ok, I'm on edge right now and the best thing to do is to not say anymore!!!

Beautiful Sunday Fun

We had company down today, a friend of ours and her two daughters....She used to also be our babysister and she still is a co-worker to George. They do not get to a pool often, so Taylor, who is 2 yrs old, really enjoyed herself. She is going to be going to Limona this year, in the 2 yr old class. Isn't she just precious??!!! And Jillian is beautiful beyond words, of course....

Then there's my fish, Elizabeth...I cannot keep her above water long enough to get a word in...She just does not stay underwater, she goes DEEP!!!

Its so easy to forget moments like this...Ava, who is 4 months old, fell asleep for me 2x....Amazing, I never had that luck with my own Jillian....LOL!

It did make me want to think...........NOT!!!! The store is closed FOR GOOD!!!!

All is quiet now.........

Well, its 8:40 and Jillian finally fell asleep. I was hoping for an earlier night, considering George is assisting a Chef's Table at the Rolling Pin. He'll be home in less than an hour...Oh well, I'll enjoy the last 45 minutes of this..LOL!

Elizabeth started her dance class today. Not only is her new teacher an actress in the play I went to last night, she is also Cinderella at the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday and Wednesday. So we now know a real live princess!!! She is doing all ballet now, no more combo with tap. Ballet is the core of all dancing and she loves it, so we are trying this route.

Took Jillian to the After Hours and she only has a URI. With her cough, I thought it was going to be worse. But at least I am at ease....

This week is full of things...Monday, we have an appt with a doctor at USF for Jillian, Thursday is George's appt., and Friday is Elizabeth's with the ENT. Then I have Jillian's orientation at 11:30 on Thursday and Elizabeth's Thursday evening. Its going to be a busy, busy week. Let's see if I can pick one more thing Tuesday or Wednesday...LOL! But I am also taking time off for appts., and to spend time with the girls. Some last hoorah for us!!!

I am going to go and relax...now that I only have 40 minutes left...LOL!

Hurray for Friday

I have not posted since the whole George thing and thought I would just drop a note..

We are officially all set for school....The last item was a new lunchbox for Jillian, which we bought Wednesday night. We've been feeling the anxiety and excitement of school starting, but it really hit on Wednesday. Wednesday morning, I had a meeting (as secretary of the Parent's Association) with our director and other members of the PA at Limona. We ironed out all the dates of events, parties, etc. for the year...It was amazing when we hit "End of the Year" celebrations...Hello, we haven't officially started school yet...

But I have been reading other's posts regarding the new school year....From friends having preschooler's, Kindergartner's all the way up to Junior High, its all the same feeling. I think with us that have the younger children, it tends to be more emotional.

Today Elizabeth is getting picked up around 9:00 for a playdate at her friend's house from Kindergarten. We've taken turns back and forth and it's nice that she can do this. The first time was hard...The Dad and Stepmom have her friend and two sister's every other weekend. The Stepmom is wonderful and more a mom to the girls than the real mom. Sad to say, but at least the girls have someone. So the first time she went there (Plant City), the stepmom picked the girls up including Elizabeth. I was paranoid, as usual and asked her to call me to make sure Elizabeth was with them. Funny thing was, she did the same thing when the girls came over here....But I am rambling and I guess I am saying that it is so nice to end up trusting someone, someone that you do not have a problem with your child going to their house and not having to be there like playdates when they are say, Jillian's age....Granted, I cannot think of anyone else from her school that allow that to happen, but its still nice...

Tonight, I am having a little time, just me and a girlfriend. There is a theatre group called The Village Players, who we met some of the actors at Oklahoma. A few of them are in a play called, Noises Off. I loved Oklahoma and the whole community theater setting, so we decided to go see them...The play is actually around the block, off of Front Street....A comedy and boy do I need to laugh!!! LOL!

Thank you

I want to thank everyone the either called, responded to my email or commented on my blog regarding George. His appt. is 8/14 and I will be sure to keep everyone posted...

Prayer for my Husband

As I have posted, George had a pneuomia back in June. Again during the 4th of July, he had another one and was sent for a chest X-ray. The freakin doctor took just under 2 weeks to call and say they saw something and wanted him to go for a CT-scan. We just received the results today and he has to see a Pulmonary Specialist. I do not know what this is all about...I will remain positive that maybe there is some scarring tissue due to the pneuomia, but to be quite honest, I am concern.

So for all who might read this, people that know us, know me, friends up North or just people that search and read blogs, please keep him in your prayers....that everything turns out PERFECT!!!

How Many More Days Until School Begins....

Ok, we are reaching the point where both girls are slowly and in a sneaky way, getting under my skin. Sure, Jilly is not herself, but OMG, I can't take it. Elizabeth keeps writing me notes to go in the pool, but I need to get things done with work and around the house. I hid a whistle from one of their toys, and now they are screaming to make the train go...URGH!

It'll be a busy 1-1/2 weeks now before school starts. I have all the supplies, but the girl's need haircuts, I have a meeting at Jillian's school tomorrow and orientation next week. I need to schedule 3 different playdates I promised them but been holding off until I find out how Jillian feels, etc.

On a bright note, I am taking a nice, selfish vacation at the end of February. If my friend can arrange it, we are flying to Las Vegas for a race and taking 2 extra days to catch a show and just do the "tourist" thing. I am not a gambler or a drinker, but it will be nice to see, in person, the lights and just take a little time for myself. George has agreed that I need it and he knows how much I want to go. Now if my friend cannot arrange it, we'll think of something us, but for now, that is the game plan!!! And yes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...I'll be lucky if I can stay up pass 10:00 p.m. LOL!

VBS Performance

Today at church, the kids did their VBS performance. They sang about 4 or 5 songs. By the 4th song, hardly any of the kids sang. I guess in five nights, that is a lot of songs to remember in addition to all the other activities they have.


First, we had the pics at home...Sunglasses from their bag they received the night VBS ended...My cool girls...




Next, I couldn't have taken such a perfect picture without one girl looking one way, another a different way or trying to get the attention of them....Yes, one shot photo...Impossible with a 6 and a 3 yr old..





The remaining two are the girls up in front of the congregation with their friends...Singing away....I did not post the one picture which is Jillian actually looking like she's going to be sick. She felt horrible this a.m., seemed to be better and then in the middle of singing, she spaced out and really looked bad...I decided to save her from posting that one...






All the kids did great and it was a nice performance....We left right after they were done singing. Jillian laid down a bit, but did not go to sleep. George left for a Tampa Bay Ray game that his son bought tickets for on Father's Day. A nice father and son afternoon. Jillian started acting better, said she felt better and since there had been no fever, the girls and myself went in the pool. We stayed in for about 45 minutes or an hour and then did Playdoo and I am now enjoying my race while the girls are playing....

A busy but great family day..

Today seemed packed with lots to do. Between the gym (2 new launches), laundry, to just playing in the pool with the family, it was non-stop. Unfortunately, Jillian has a nasty cough and I think we are starting something. But we still have 2 more weeks until school begins and I am hoping for a good school year with health along with everything else. I do not know if I mentioned this, but Elizabeth had a followup regarding tubes for the ears and the ENT still wants to hold off. Her next followup is the 15th. On one hand and what matters most, I'm happy we are holding off...but on another hand, I do not want to get on the healthcare bandwagon, but at $45 a pop for copays at a specialist, can't help but wonder if this is being dragged out. Of course I would like to avoid them, but are all these followups ALL necessary. But for your child, you do what is recommended. And something that can have an affect on hearing, oh yea....

Back to my day. I did approximately 5 loads of laundry and there is still one more tomorrow. We took the gals in the pool for about 2 hours today and even though there was overcast, it turned out to be a beautiful day. The girls and I made M&M bar cookies which are delicious and can be addicting....then we made a "kid friendly" chicken tender meal. So kid friendly that Jillian enjoyed it, or maybe the orange marmade dipping sauce...Hmm!

Its about 10:45 and time to read. I do not know how long I will last, the eyes were shutting about 1/2 an hour ago...

It's Friday

For a slow week, it seems that Friday really peeked its nose on us sooner than expected.

I am happy to report that the behavioral situation seems to have improved. I am a bit leary making that statement since it is only 7:15 in the morning. VBS has been great for Jillian. Even last night before VBS, she had karate and out of 30 minutes, the first 18 minutes she was very attentive and followed directions well.

George and I went to Old Chicago's for dinner last night and then hit Publix for a few items. I bought some of my school supplies there. They had a lot of 3 for $1.00. Crayon's, for example. The boxes for school are .29 cents. 3 would of been .87 cents. So yes, I needed to pay an additional .13 cents, but hell, to avoid Walmart and the crowd and the nonense, I really did not mind. But there are a few things I would not buy there. The bulk is DONE!!!

Today, I am watching my friend's 9 yr old girl. She is such a great kid. I've watched her a few times already and she is great with the girls. Rain chances are low today (40%) which is amazing that I say low...but in comparison of the last few days, low. Hopefully we can do some swimming and just relax a bit...oh yea, and work a bit :(