Down a hearing aid, and two CI batteries.....

I'm keeping a running tally, just for fun. Hopefully someday the missing equipment will be a distant memory. The hearing aid is Trey's (our youngest), and we think it's buried under a bed (???) The CI batteries broke apart when a couple of implants fell off onto our hardwood floors. Yesterday morning we were also missing an implant (also Trey's), but fortunately it was found under an enormous pile of couch cushions. Still a week to go of 'vacation' so the number may rise. At this point I think we're down about $1,500, but I'm hoping the hearing aid magically reappears.

Also, my mom bought the kids the Wii for Christmas, and she also bought four games to go with it. When the kids opened their games, the games were not in the cases. The store had given my mom the display cases, rather than the cellophane wrapped cases. Fortunately it comes w/ the Sports game- unfortunately our Sport game quit working the very next day. Fortunately, my MIL also sent a game so at least the kids have something they can play. I could keep going but you catch my drift-LOL.

I'm off to find the elusive hearing aid.

Due to a Wii 'injury'....

I have been unable to post pictures. Lifting my arm higher than my shoulder is a bit of a problem, and my camera is on our mantle. How's that for a really terrible (but true) excuse. I was just sore enough to convince myself the pictures could wait. We had so much fun playing with our new toy yesterday, but now I'm paying the price. Too many games of bowling, tennis and baseball, and now the entire right side of my body is sore. And for the record, I go to the gym on a somewhat regular basis, so I am not THAT out of shape-LOL. I had to beat my 5 year old son's high score in bowling. Anyway- much fun was had by all, and tomorrow I should be able to reach my camera w/out cringing.

Merry Christmas Eve

Or just Happy Holidays for those celebrating other occasions. We've been home just having fun with the kids. Well, the kids that are actually here- Emily was invited to go see "Beauty and the Beast" with a neighbor, and Delaney was gone all day yesterday for a playdate. At one point even Jake was playing away from home, and it was only Trey, Rob, and myself. Wow was it quiet.....too quiet I think- LOL. I'm just not used to that. Today though, we are all here enjoying each others company, and watching the kids in their pre-Christmas excitement (that's why I snuck upstairs to "fold laundry", AKA visit my favorite blogs).

I snuck out yesterday as well, and got a much-needed haircut. I had 5+ inches cut off, and I think I really like it. I haven't had to do it on my own yet, so that will be the true test. But, I really think I'm going to like having shortish hair again.

Anyway- I better sneak away, before my 'laundry' cover is blown. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, and I'll post some pictures tomorrow or the next day.

The Christmas Countdown Has Begun.....

I just realized HOW MUCH I still have to get done by Tuesday. I was thinking I was in great shape, until last night at 2:00 am. I have most of the presents not wrapped, I have to buy stamps so I can get my Christmas cards out, I have to go shopping for our Christmas dinner food, and I'd love to cram a haircut in at some point. It dawned on me that I have not had my hair cut (or professionally highlighted) since February of last year. I have no idea what happened to the entire last 10 months....all a big blur. I used to get my hair cut and highlighted every 6-8 weeks. And then I had child 4. I'm lucky to go twice a year. It's been a great cost savings, but I now run around with my hair in a pony tail every single day. Anyway- that's an entirely different post right there.

I better go get started on my list. Bye for now!

Stupid mom moment

When your son's preschool class asks for donations of 'Decorations' for their holiday party, they really don't want a small tree and some garland. I had my decorations all put together in a little pile to haul into Trey's class today, when I casually mentioned to one of the other moms yesterday, that I should have signed up for 'frosting' rather than 'decorations', as they were a pain to bring in. She looked at me in a funny way (actually like "o.k. stupid"), and said, " You could just go to the store and buy a bunch of sprinkles". Oh......decorations for the COOKIES they are making. I was so not thinking- of course they meant cookie decorations. The list read: Cookies, Frosting, and (you know where I'm going here) DECORATIONS. Now I need to run to the store and buy some sprinkles.

So glad I didn't show up with the cute little tree-LOL

Maybe not the BEST holiday card, but it's done...

Personally my favorite is the picture where my son is (about to punch my daughter), I mean, lovingly looking at Delaney. If that doesn't sum up our house on picture day, I don't know what else does. The other item to note, is the camera strap Trey is clutching. I think we only got one picture without it, and it was horrible, so we went with it- camera and all. In between pictures he would snap pretend pictures of me- I guess that's fair.

I think my computer is possessed.....

I just tried to get to my home page, and ended up at a website about typhoons (I think), which while the pictures kind of 'grabbed' me, I am not bilingual, and had a difficult time understanding any of it. I may have to re-visit it at a later date, when I am better able to use my high school and college foreign language requirements. Beside taking me to interesting, although random, websites, it is also moving like molasses (of course, that could be due to the 4,000 pictures residing on my hard drive).

I would love to get a new one, but it is not real high on the priority list. My Mac was my favorite thing ever about 5 years ago. Unfortunately, that's old in the world of technology. I need to do a lot of updating, all of which takes time and costs money. So, if my posting is sporadic, just know that my computer is having a REALLY bad day. And maybe, just maybe, if it's bad enough, I can convince Santa to bring my a new operating system (and larger hard drive)-LOL!

Update on Jake's hearing....

Well, I'm glad our 'alternate' audiologist was able to get Jake in today.....I called in a HUGE favor to the Audiologist at my son's private school, and she got Jake in. Bottom line, his good ear is down 20-30 db, and his bad ear, is down about the same (except at it's worst, which is down to 90 db...used to be at 50). It's a big drop- I guess the only good news is that he has 'significant' negative pressure in his ears, so hopefully we'll see a rise once the pressure is gone. The bad news is that that is how the other kids have lost all their hearing- started out w/ negative pressure, turned into permanent hearing loss (little by little). At least we know all about implants :)

Time to get the little angels (MONSTERS) to bed- he he

Frustrating day ahead....

Our Audiologist canceled our appointment today (w/ reason: she called in sick). But it is so frustrating when you've been waiting for an appointment to arrive, and then they cancel. And then, you can't reschedule for 2 or 3 weeks. I know Jake's hearing is worse, I really would like his hearing aids adjusted. Just a small vent. Don't you all wish you had a soundbooth in your house at times, and could do your own testing - he he!

And yes, we're missing a child in the picture below....

She's the photographer. I should have volunteered, and spared my horrid picture being posted :)

Tree hunting and other fun....

Pardon the lack of make-up and horrible ski jacket. I put aside personal appearance for the sake of finding the 'perfect tree'. We trudged through mud, and battled the cold, only to find that the perfect tree must have disappeared a few weeks earlier. Instead, the tree we wound up with looks just perfect, clothed in lots of lights, and tons of ornaments.

On a side note, I had Trey's progress report/meeting, and he is doing fantastic! That's all the Christmas present I need.

Yet another excuse....sorry

I've been too crazed to post anything worthwhile. So sorry.... My husband was stuck in a neighboring city for much of last week, due to flood-induced freeway closure, which meant I spent much of my time driving. I felt like a chauffeur (only without the pay). He finally FLEW home Friday mid-day, and we promptly did allergy shots, and basketball game. Followed by two soccer games Saturday, as well as a birthday party, and a sleep-over. Sunday (once we got rid of our 'add-on' child), we headed up to the local tree farm, picked out our tree, hauled it home (while staring out any possible window, hoping it wasn't going to fall off the car), made chocolate truffle bars and fudge for neighbors, cooked a leftover inspired meal, and my husband flew back up to 'neighboring city' for work tomorrow, and to pick up his car.

To add to the chaos, Trey (the youngest) lost a battery, his ear hook, and the headpiece to his implant......all at separate times today. All now found! He also managed to misplace his hearing aid (found under a couch cushion). I guess we're winning, right????

Reflections on a 5 year old.....

My son Jake turned 5 two days ago. I had great intentions of posting something about this momentous day, but somehow I ran out of hours. It's hard to believe that he is soon to be gone to 'Big Boy' school. There are times when he is such a 'big' boy, and other times when he is such a 'little' boy. He is a loving, compassionate little boy at school, who always goes out of his way to help his schoolmates. His teachers report that he is a great learner, great listener, and most importantly a great friend. However, at home he is the master tormentor. And, he's training his little brother to be the same. They thrive on chasing their sister's around, rifling through their belongings, embarrassing them in front of their friends, etc. But, I think that is what little brother's are supposed to do.

Jake was born w/ a mischievous glint in his eye, and this has only been sharpened with time, but it is also the thing about him that I wouldn't change. It will serve him well in life- He always looks at the world with constant amusement, and when life seems full of drudgery, Jake will shake things up and find things to laugh at. I wish I had a bit of that :)

The unfortunate thing for him is that with age, he seems to be losing more and more hearing. I called yesterday to get him into the Audiologist so we can do a 'tune up'. I shouldn't be surprised, as this is how it has been for the other kids (in fact, he's managed to hold on to the most hearing), but I had high hope that maybe he'd be a bit more stable in the hearing department. Again, doesn't seem to bother him- he just cranks the TV, radio and his voice up that much louder LOL. He'll be fine, but I only hope that if he eventually needs an implant, it happens sooner rather than later. It was much harder for my older daughter at age 7, than it was for the others. Anyway- back to the birthday :)

Jake is the child who will walk up to any other child and assume that they have been friends forever. Luckily for him he doesn't get to offended if the other child chooses to not play with him. He'll just find another 'victim' and befriend him. He has never stopped to consider that someone would not want his company.

Happy Belated Birthday Jake, I love you!

"Snowstorm" 2007 ......

Be prepared to squint hard to see any snow!

Too tired to post.....

but thought I'd spend a few minutes checking in. As I suspected, not a lot of snow (in fact, none that stuck), and the huge wind storm we were warned about, managed to avoid us entirely- all good news. My parents have been here this weekend, visiting from Texas, so we've been busy convincing them that non-stop rain is 'fun'. They're not buying it though, and I think they are anxiously awaiting their flight home tomorrow. Somehow being housebound with four really loud kids takes a toll on people who are just not used to it. Don't get me wrong. They have pictures they can look back on, to remember only the good moments, so they will actually want to come out again....Just maybe when outdoor activities are an option :)

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow....

We do not get a lot of snow here- mainly rain. However, we have the possibility of some snow today, and you would think it was Christmas morning. My children are beside themselves. We'll be lucky if we get any that sticks, and by tomorrow it is going to be warmer and windy, but for now all that matters is that the white stuff may be falling soon. We'll be right there in the thick of it, since Delaney has a soccer game this morning, but at least the other kids will get the full (COLD) snow experience. I will have to use my powers of persuasion on the kids, and NOT let them pack their sleds, since I don't think they'll run well on cold grass :)

Ironically, we once lived where snow was a plenty, and it was definitely not appreciated all that much. I guess maybe the grass IS always greener. But, for now, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!