A quick update on Noah...
The surgery went very well. He woke up very disoriented and scared. The doctors had to give him extra anesthesia to keep him under. He seemed to be really uncomfortable so they gave him morphine which made him fairly dopey. We got to see the front incision which is much larger than I had thought. It looks like Captain Hook took a swipe at his belly. He really didn't like the pulse ox thing he had to wear on his finger that was glowing. I told him he was E.T. and he seemed to like that. They haven't turned on the pump yet so now he's just dealing with the pain from the surgery. We're going to head back tomorrow with the kids and hope that he'll be feeling a little better then. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts!!! I'll update when we know more!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Not sure how to start this post....
Most of you know that my little brother Noah has Cerebral Palsy. There has been much concern lately about his muscles because he is growing so fast. He's in much pain most of the time. So tomorrow morning he will go into surgery at Spectrum Health and will have a fairly complicated surgery to insert a Bacolofen pump. This pump will be put into his body cavity with a catheter winding around to his back and will enter his spinal column. This will mean that he will be able to get a continuous flow of medication to ease his discomfort. It also means that he will lose all of the tone that he has. He uses his tone to do everything now, crawl, play Wii.
I know in my head that this is absolutely the best thing for him. But I am afraid that he won't be the same Noah. He is such a special part of our lives. I want the very best thing for him. I don't want him to be in pain. The doctors can't give us any indication of what will happen after the surgery. Most likely he'll be limp, somewhat like a noodle, but we just don't know. My parents have gone back and forth about this decision for some time. I can't imagine having to make this kind of decision for one of my children.
So please be in prayer tomorrow. We will be in Grand Rapids for the day to be with them. I'll update as soon as I can.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Once again, I am amazed by my brilliance. I'm sure you all remember when I smacked my legs into some glass and it got stuck there and had to be removed surgically. That was a brill ant moment. Today, my genius struck again. This time, I made sure that I set a fine example for my children.
Last night I had purchased some spoons, as they regularly disappear in this house. This morning, as the children were pouring cereal, I tried to open the package of spoons. There was a small piece of tape that was keeping them together. Looking around for the scissors, I spotted instead a large kitchen knife. (Now don't ruin the ending here....) I proceeded to open the spoons and, as the knife was facing me, proceeded to stab myself in the hand with the knife. The kids were waiting for said spoons so they were all watching. There was an audible gasp as I looked down at the knife sticking out of my hand. Then the panic began...not my panic of course, but rather my children's. Jonah ran for a towel, Molli ushered Sydney out of the room, and Emma sat there with big tears welling up in her eyes. I proceeded to pull the knife out of my hand and asses the damage. It went in about 1/2 an inch. But there was no cut and so no need for stitches or the ER. Thank goodness. However the knife was serrated so it hurt like crazy! My whole hand was throbbing. Jonah and Molli were watching me, waiting to see what I'd do. I calmly looked at them and said, "Children, this is why we do NOT play with knives." See, I will do whatever it takes to teach my children the proper way to handle things :)
P.S. I really am ok...it is sore and I have been informed by the medical profession that I must try not to use it (YEAH RIGHT) and that it will likely hurt for sometime. Gee thanks...here's your $50.
Last night I had purchased some spoons, as they regularly disappear in this house. This morning, as the children were pouring cereal, I tried to open the package of spoons. There was a small piece of tape that was keeping them together. Looking around for the scissors, I spotted instead a large kitchen knife. (Now don't ruin the ending here....) I proceeded to open the spoons and, as the knife was facing me, proceeded to stab myself in the hand with the knife. The kids were waiting for said spoons so they were all watching. There was an audible gasp as I looked down at the knife sticking out of my hand. Then the panic began...not my panic of course, but rather my children's. Jonah ran for a towel, Molli ushered Sydney out of the room, and Emma sat there with big tears welling up in her eyes. I proceeded to pull the knife out of my hand and asses the damage. It went in about 1/2 an inch. But there was no cut and so no need for stitches or the ER. Thank goodness. However the knife was serrated so it hurt like crazy! My whole hand was throbbing. Jonah and Molli were watching me, waiting to see what I'd do. I calmly looked at them and said, "Children, this is why we do NOT play with knives." See, I will do whatever it takes to teach my children the proper way to handle things :)
P.S. I really am ok...it is sore and I have been informed by the medical profession that I must try not to use it (YEAH RIGHT) and that it will likely hurt for sometime. Gee thanks...here's your $50.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Dear Proprietors of Full Blast, the local water park:
We recently visited your park for the first time. We have lived in Battle Creek for 4 years now and have never crossed the threshold of your facility, although my children have long dreamed of coming. So finally today we arrived, tingling with excitement. The children ran to the pools, squealing with glee. My youngest daughter Sydney was unsure about the yellow water slide, but as we mounted the stairs, her confidence grew. She almost backed out as it was her turn, but a slight push and she was hooked. She spent the next two hours, going up and down, up and down.
Alas, the happiness was not to last as she went up to come down again. With the change of lifeguards, she was disallowed from going down with the claim that she was too short. I went up with her, sure there had been some mistake. The lifeguard assured me that she was too short, making her stand against "the stick". I know you must have standards but my daughter was 1/8 of an inch too short. AND SHE HAD BEEN GOING DOWN THE SLIDE FOR 2 HOURS! I would encourage you to hold fast to your standards. If an 1/8 of an inch is too short to ride the water slide then please make this apparent THE FIRST TIME she attempts to ride down. This makes for a very sad child and grumpy parents.
Sincerely,
A local mother of a very sad little girl
We recently visited your park for the first time. We have lived in Battle Creek for 4 years now and have never crossed the threshold of your facility, although my children have long dreamed of coming. So finally today we arrived, tingling with excitement. The children ran to the pools, squealing with glee. My youngest daughter Sydney was unsure about the yellow water slide, but as we mounted the stairs, her confidence grew. She almost backed out as it was her turn, but a slight push and she was hooked. She spent the next two hours, going up and down, up and down.
Alas, the happiness was not to last as she went up to come down again. With the change of lifeguards, she was disallowed from going down with the claim that she was too short. I went up with her, sure there had been some mistake. The lifeguard assured me that she was too short, making her stand against "the stick". I know you must have standards but my daughter was 1/8 of an inch too short. AND SHE HAD BEEN GOING DOWN THE SLIDE FOR 2 HOURS! I would encourage you to hold fast to your standards. If an 1/8 of an inch is too short to ride the water slide then please make this apparent THE FIRST TIME she attempts to ride down. This makes for a very sad child and grumpy parents.
Sincerely,
A local mother of a very sad little girl
Monday, July 14, 2008
This weekend Matt's brother,his wife and their beautiful son Landon came for a sleepover. We had such a great time. It was a great time to catch up and play. Thomas was thrilled to have a play mate, Landon is just a week younger than he is. Sydney was also in her heaven with 2 little guys to boss around! Saturday we just hung out and played and Sunday we did church and went to the zoo. It was great! Here are some highlights....
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I love cool nights in the summer. When it actually feels good to be snuggled under the blankets but when you awake, it's already warm outside. Perfect. Nothing terribly blog worthy to write about so I'll just hit some highlights...
- A wonderful woman at our church gave me strawberry plants...I was planning to invest in some as we have this huge wonderful yard now. I am NOT a gardener but strawberries are hardy and don't need much, if any, work. My kind of gardening :)the kids are so excited for next summer when we'll have berries.
- We found LOTS of blackberries growing alongside our garage. With a little pruning, we'll also have a bumper crop of balckberries next summer! WOO HOO!
- We're going camping in a week. Matt will still have to go to work, but it gets us in a different place and some new things to do. Plus what beats a campfires and sleeping under the stars?
-Jonah starts Music Camp next week. This is for the Boy's Choir. He's a little nervous about it, but I think he'll love it.
-I spent over an hour at the Secretary of State's office yesterday...note to self- DO NOT THROW AWAY DRIVER'S LICENSE EVER AGAIN!
- My plan for peace has been working quite well. Still trying to find a good consequence for the perpetual whining...anyone have any suggestions?
- And finally, the Kurtz's have a Wii!!! We used Matt's bonus money and got one. Man, is it fun. We haven't tried any games except the Wii sports and Wii Play...anyone have any suggestions there either?
- A wonderful woman at our church gave me strawberry plants...I was planning to invest in some as we have this huge wonderful yard now. I am NOT a gardener but strawberries are hardy and don't need much, if any, work. My kind of gardening :)the kids are so excited for next summer when we'll have berries.
- We found LOTS of blackberries growing alongside our garage. With a little pruning, we'll also have a bumper crop of balckberries next summer! WOO HOO!
- We're going camping in a week. Matt will still have to go to work, but it gets us in a different place and some new things to do. Plus what beats a campfires and sleeping under the stars?
-Jonah starts Music Camp next week. This is for the Boy's Choir. He's a little nervous about it, but I think he'll love it.
-I spent over an hour at the Secretary of State's office yesterday...note to self- DO NOT THROW AWAY DRIVER'S LICENSE EVER AGAIN!
- My plan for peace has been working quite well. Still trying to find a good consequence for the perpetual whining...anyone have any suggestions?
- And finally, the Kurtz's have a Wii!!! We used Matt's bonus money and got one. Man, is it fun. We haven't tried any games except the Wii sports and Wii Play...anyone have any suggestions there either?
Monday, July 07, 2008
Peace. That's what I am longing for. Summer is plugging along and my children seem to be farther and farther from peace as we go along. I sat up last night, crying...trying to think of someway to help them achieve peace. There is just so much bickering, whining, anger....it's out of control.
So here's what I came up with, our Kurtz motto(for now anyway)Take a Deep Breath and count to 10! When one of their siblings bothers them or does something to them, they will take a deep breath, and count to 10. If they can do this and avoid the inevitable yelling fight or physical reaction, they get a white poker chip. For every 5 white chips, they get a red chip. For every 5 red chips they get a blue chip. A blue chip represents getting to do something with Mom or Dad. My hope is that it will just become second nature and the chip earning will cease. Perhaps not. But it's slightly worth it for some peace.
Day 1 - Sydney has one white chip as does Emma. Molli has -2...God helps us!
So here's what I came up with, our Kurtz motto(for now anyway)Take a Deep Breath and count to 10! When one of their siblings bothers them or does something to them, they will take a deep breath, and count to 10. If they can do this and avoid the inevitable yelling fight or physical reaction, they get a white poker chip. For every 5 white chips, they get a red chip. For every 5 red chips they get a blue chip. A blue chip represents getting to do something with Mom or Dad. My hope is that it will just become second nature and the chip earning will cease. Perhaps not. But it's slightly worth it for some peace.
Day 1 - Sydney has one white chip as does Emma. Molli has -2...God helps us!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
I have no idea why I am blogging this, but I saw something about it on Kelli's blog and it proved interesting to me.
So I am getting my hair cut the other day. And there are random bits of conversation going on around me and to me. You know how you chat to your hairdresser about all manner of things. We had chatted about the kids (and YES I got the automatic response of "FIVE kids!!!! You have your hands full!) My hairdresser overheard the gal sitting next to me and replied, "Oh, I always do!" Those of you who know me well know that I am INCREDIBLY nosy. So I say, "What do you always do?" She tells me that she always sleeps with a bra on. My jaw dropped. WHAT? I had no idea there were women out there who did this. Not that it's my place to judge, but still! She said she just doesn't feel comfortable letting the girls hang out. Hmmmm....
Ok so here's my question to my blogging friends....do you wear a bra at night? Is this some sort of boob therapy that I missed? Is this the new revolution??
So I am getting my hair cut the other day. And there are random bits of conversation going on around me and to me. You know how you chat to your hairdresser about all manner of things. We had chatted about the kids (and YES I got the automatic response of "FIVE kids!!!! You have your hands full!) My hairdresser overheard the gal sitting next to me and replied, "Oh, I always do!" Those of you who know me well know that I am INCREDIBLY nosy. So I say, "What do you always do?" She tells me that she always sleeps with a bra on. My jaw dropped. WHAT? I had no idea there were women out there who did this. Not that it's my place to judge, but still! She said she just doesn't feel comfortable letting the girls hang out. Hmmmm....
Ok so here's my question to my blogging friends....do you wear a bra at night? Is this some sort of boob therapy that I missed? Is this the new revolution??
Monday, June 30, 2008
It's Monday. That should mean something, right? Although I am already finding that the days of summer are blurring together and I find myself asking,"What day is today?" I find it hard to believe that the Fourth of July is this week. Time for cookouts and fireworks!!
Matt has Wednesdays off so we have been taking those days to do fun stuff with our family. We've gone to the bird Sanctuary, and just this past Wednesday we went to the Air Zoo. It was really fun and this has been a great way to mark the summer. Since Matt doesn't get any vacation time in the summer, this is our way to do cool things. This coming Wednesday we are heading to the balloon festival. Our kids have never been to a carnival, not sure how that's possible. All they can talk about is the Ferris wheel and cotton candy. If that's not summer, I'm not sure what is!
Matt has Wednesdays off so we have been taking those days to do fun stuff with our family. We've gone to the bird Sanctuary, and just this past Wednesday we went to the Air Zoo. It was really fun and this has been a great way to mark the summer. Since Matt doesn't get any vacation time in the summer, this is our way to do cool things. This coming Wednesday we are heading to the balloon festival. Our kids have never been to a carnival, not sure how that's possible. All they can talk about is the Ferris wheel and cotton candy. If that's not summer, I'm not sure what is!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Since I received no comments on my paginas post :), I decided to fill one of these out today...Aren't you all thrilled....
Do you sleep with socks on or off:
Most of the time, no...unless my feet are REALLY cold
Do you flip your pillow to the cold side?
No
Do you like to hold or be held?
Be held
Do you want a small or big wedding?
I had a small wedding, but I'd love to do it all again and have a blow out party
Have you ever churned Butter?
Yes, when we did re-enactments at Cedar Bend Farms...my kids and I make butter a lot by shaking cream in jars
Are you trusting of new people?
Not with personal stuff, no
What is the most money you would spend on a pair of shoes?
I can't stand to spend more than $20 for shoes...can't imagine how people can spend hundreds of dollars on shoes
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I HATE this question....
Would you rather help someone out or be helped out?
Depends on what they are helping me with :) But mostly I like to help other's out
If you found out you couldn't have kids, would you adopt?
LOL, well we all know this is NOT a problem for me...but I'd still like to adopt
What woke you up this morning?
Emma asking me to buckle her bike helmet (it was 6:45)
Where are you?
On the computer duh
How was your weekend?
Good, it's almost the weekend again!
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
Several people, most of them under 4 ft. tall
When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday when there was so much whining in this house that I could have opened a vineyard
What is on your mind RIGHT NOW?
That tomorrow is our family trip day!
Where would you like to live?
Exactly where I am
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Good question, well I've always wanted to be a checker girl at Meijer..such lofty goals
Are you good friends with anyone?
A few people
How often do you log in to myspace?
every day
Do you like candy necklaces?
Gross, no
What was the last thing you drank?
Diet Pepsi Max...my downfall in life
Who do you miss?
My brother and his family
What are you doing this weekend?
Swimming, eating, playing cards, being with the fam
Whats your favorite kind of soda?
Diet Pepsi Max
Last hug?
Two seconds ago when Syd came over to tell me she loved me
How many times have you eaten sushi?
NONE...gross
What do you want to do right now?
Be cool!!!!
Are you listening to music right now?
no, listening to Tom and Jerry on TV
last time u got flowers?
um...Valentine's Day....no Mother's Day
What time is it now?
11:41
Do you think anyone will repost this?
Nah, it's not that good
What pisses you off?
Whining children who cannot get along for two seconds together
What song has alot of meaning to you?
Here I am to worship
What are you wearing?
Shorts and a Doritos t-shirt...wonder where that came from?
Do you sleep with socks on or off:
Most of the time, no...unless my feet are REALLY cold
Do you flip your pillow to the cold side?
No
Do you like to hold or be held?
Be held
Do you want a small or big wedding?
I had a small wedding, but I'd love to do it all again and have a blow out party
Have you ever churned Butter?
Yes, when we did re-enactments at Cedar Bend Farms...my kids and I make butter a lot by shaking cream in jars
Are you trusting of new people?
Not with personal stuff, no
What is the most money you would spend on a pair of shoes?
I can't stand to spend more than $20 for shoes...can't imagine how people can spend hundreds of dollars on shoes
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I HATE this question....
Would you rather help someone out or be helped out?
Depends on what they are helping me with :) But mostly I like to help other's out
If you found out you couldn't have kids, would you adopt?
LOL, well we all know this is NOT a problem for me...but I'd still like to adopt
What woke you up this morning?
Emma asking me to buckle her bike helmet (it was 6:45)
Where are you?
On the computer duh
How was your weekend?
Good, it's almost the weekend again!
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
Several people, most of them under 4 ft. tall
When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday when there was so much whining in this house that I could have opened a vineyard
What is on your mind RIGHT NOW?
That tomorrow is our family trip day!
Where would you like to live?
Exactly where I am
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Good question, well I've always wanted to be a checker girl at Meijer..such lofty goals
Are you good friends with anyone?
A few people
How often do you log in to myspace?
every day
Do you like candy necklaces?
Gross, no
What was the last thing you drank?
Diet Pepsi Max...my downfall in life
Who do you miss?
My brother and his family
What are you doing this weekend?
Swimming, eating, playing cards, being with the fam
Whats your favorite kind of soda?
Diet Pepsi Max
Last hug?
Two seconds ago when Syd came over to tell me she loved me
How many times have you eaten sushi?
NONE...gross
What do you want to do right now?
Be cool!!!!
Are you listening to music right now?
no, listening to Tom and Jerry on TV
last time u got flowers?
um...Valentine's Day....no Mother's Day
What time is it now?
11:41
Do you think anyone will repost this?
Nah, it's not that good
What pisses you off?
Whining children who cannot get along for two seconds together
What song has alot of meaning to you?
Here I am to worship
What are you wearing?
Shorts and a Doritos t-shirt...wonder where that came from?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
This post brought to you by the things children say when they think parents aren't listening....
Sydney (to her sisters): I saw Thomas's bagina today
Girls(in unison): EWWWWWW
Molli(ever the know it all):It's not a bagina Syd, it's called a PENIS.
Moment of silence as Sydney ponders this
Sydney wanders into where I am sitting
Sydney: Mom, did you know Thomas had a Paginas?
Sydney (to her sisters): I saw Thomas's bagina today
Girls(in unison): EWWWWWW
Molli(ever the know it all):It's not a bagina Syd, it's called a PENIS.
Moment of silence as Sydney ponders this
Sydney wanders into where I am sitting
Sydney: Mom, did you know Thomas had a Paginas?
Monday, June 23, 2008
This post is lovingly dedicated to my Sydney. I am quickly discovering that this is going to be the "summer of Syd". While I don't think she'll be murdering anyone, it is going to be interesting.
We started with the pool incident which resulted in 5 stitches. She is the first of my children to receive stitches. (Some of you are going, how on EARTH is that possible??) The stitches were removed and we moved on. Then, two days ago, while riding our bikes to my mom's to swim, she hit something with her bike tire and went flying, very supermanish, over her handlebars. I saw all of this in slow motion of course. I rapidly hurried to get my bike with Thomas in the trailer on it off the road and ran back to get her out of the street. I looked over her body rapidly looking for the telltale scrapes I was sure she had. Seeing none, I scooped up her helmet from the street and walked her to the side. I breathed a sigh of relief that she wasn't seriously hurt. Until I saw her head. She had slammed the front of her head into the pavement. There was a rather large welt accompanied by road burn. It looked awful! I rapidly tried to decide what to do. I asked her if she thought she could make it to Grandma's or if we should go home. She sniffed and told me we were going to Grandma's. So my trooper girl got back on her little bike and away we went. As we turned the corner to get to my mom's, over she went AGAIN! This time she ripped most of the skin off her right knee. I carried her into my mother's house looking like she'd been in a losing battle. She maintained composure though and got her suit on to swim. We were in the pool for 30 minutes when she was running around the corner and slipped and scraped more skin off of her left thigh and ankle. At this point, I was convinced that she was not going to survive the day, let alone the summer. We have been incident free until last night when she received an accidental elbow to the nose which we had to pinch for 15 minutes to get it to stop bleeding.
I'm so very proud of my tough girl. Now if I could just get her to sleep in her bed all night long.....
Friday, June 20, 2008
1. I've come to realize that my boobs...
have breast fed 5 children and will never be the same
2. I've come to realize that this weekend...
holds family time and swimming
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...
I can have 3 different conversations at once and sing along with the radio
4. I've come to realize that I need...
at least 3 kid free hours in my day
5. I've come to realize that I have lost...
my ability to do it all....crap
6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...
people can only talk about themselves forever and ever
7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk...
something bad has happened
8. I've come to realize that money...
dictates my life more than I'd like
9. I've come to realize that certain people...
rub me the wrong way
10. I've come to realize that I'll always be...
noisy and nosy :)
11. I've come to realize that I have a crush on...
not telling...
12. I've come to realize that my mom...
is not perfect, but is always there when I need her
13. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...
I didn't know where Thomas was
14. I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...
My mind wouldn't stop moving
15. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about...
that Matt better drive fast on his way home because we are ready for the pool!
16. I've come to realize that my dad...
is an amazing man...who again, is not perfect
17. I've come to realize that when I get on myspace...
I read the friend update thing first
18. I've come to realize that today...
is Friday baby! Although that doesn't mean much in the summer :)
19. I've come to realize that tonight...
is pizza and movie night!
20. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will...
get up and start all over again!
21. I've come to realize that I really want to...
learn how to cut hair
have breast fed 5 children and will never be the same
2. I've come to realize that this weekend...
holds family time and swimming
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...
I can have 3 different conversations at once and sing along with the radio
4. I've come to realize that I need...
at least 3 kid free hours in my day
5. I've come to realize that I have lost...
my ability to do it all....crap
6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...
people can only talk about themselves forever and ever
7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk...
something bad has happened
8. I've come to realize that money...
dictates my life more than I'd like
9. I've come to realize that certain people...
rub me the wrong way
10. I've come to realize that I'll always be...
noisy and nosy :)
11. I've come to realize that I have a crush on...
not telling...
12. I've come to realize that my mom...
is not perfect, but is always there when I need her
13. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...
I didn't know where Thomas was
14. I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep...
My mind wouldn't stop moving
15. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about...
that Matt better drive fast on his way home because we are ready for the pool!
16. I've come to realize that my dad...
is an amazing man...who again, is not perfect
17. I've come to realize that when I get on myspace...
I read the friend update thing first
18. I've come to realize that today...
is Friday baby! Although that doesn't mean much in the summer :)
19. I've come to realize that tonight...
is pizza and movie night!
20. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will...
get up and start all over again!
21. I've come to realize that I really want to...
learn how to cut hair
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Greetings from the land of Kurtz! We are fully entrenched in summer including later bedtimes (sigh) no set schedule and swimming our brains out.
We had a total blast with Tigger and his family. The cousins swam and swam and swam some more. We dodged tornadoes and thunderstorms. My grandma had a huge limb come down on her house, but it did no damage, thank the Lord! During all the swimming escapades, this happened.....
This is my Sydney. She got pushed into the pool before she was quite ready and smashed her chin on the side. Thus she became the very first McGlynn pool injury and the very first Kurtz child to receive stitches. That deserves an award! We took her for stitches where she proceeded to fall asleep during the procedure!! She was a trooper. However, the "no swimming" edict she received from the Dr. was tough. How in the world do you keep an AVID 4 year swimmer from being in the pool???? You don't, is the answer. But no jumping in or swimming underwater. She was content to float around on a tube and jump out from time to time to dry her chin. The stitches were removed yesterday by Aunt Amber, the nurse. So she's good to go again, although now it's 70 degrees and not quite warm enough to swim! There's the rub...
Among other things we have a new member of our family.....
This is Tank, Jonah's new turtle. He was told that he could get a pet at the end of the school year if he dramatically increased his school scores. Well, he did. We thought the choice would be a puppy, but a turtle was chosen instead. I must admit he's very cool and we enjoy sitting and watching him swim around.
Well off to chase children outside while I do dishes!
We had a total blast with Tigger and his family. The cousins swam and swam and swam some more. We dodged tornadoes and thunderstorms. My grandma had a huge limb come down on her house, but it did no damage, thank the Lord! During all the swimming escapades, this happened.....
This is my Sydney. She got pushed into the pool before she was quite ready and smashed her chin on the side. Thus she became the very first McGlynn pool injury and the very first Kurtz child to receive stitches. That deserves an award! We took her for stitches where she proceeded to fall asleep during the procedure!! She was a trooper. However, the "no swimming" edict she received from the Dr. was tough. How in the world do you keep an AVID 4 year swimmer from being in the pool???? You don't, is the answer. But no jumping in or swimming underwater. She was content to float around on a tube and jump out from time to time to dry her chin. The stitches were removed yesterday by Aunt Amber, the nurse. So she's good to go again, although now it's 70 degrees and not quite warm enough to swim! There's the rub...
Among other things we have a new member of our family.....
This is Tank, Jonah's new turtle. He was told that he could get a pet at the end of the school year if he dramatically increased his school scores. Well, he did. We thought the choice would be a puppy, but a turtle was chosen instead. I must admit he's very cool and we enjoy sitting and watching him swim around.
Well off to chase children outside while I do dishes!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
I'm awake early this morning. Way too early for not having slept well and getting to bed rather late. But as I heard the rain falling outside and I laid there awake, my mind began to turn.
All throughout my house at the moment, there are sleeping children. Nine of them to be exact. The boys are in the living room, all spread out and draped over couches. The girls are upstairs, all the beds have been pushed together to make one large pile of girls. Only tops of heads and miscellaneous hands and feet are visible. As I traveled through these places just now, my eyes filled with tears. How blessed we are to have this family. My children have cousins, cousins that I hope we can make lots of memories with. My mind flies back to my childhood when I spent summers with my cousins. What joy, what angst, what frustration, what memories we made.
Last night, we crowded around my mom's dining room table. I looked around at this "Walton" like clan of mine. Some things never change. My father and Tigger are ever the jokesters, picking on anyone within earshot. Josh is quietly funny and endearing. My mom is observant and beautiful, ready to defend the weak. Grandma seems older, somewhat sad without Grandpa. But her smile is still ever ready. Now there are new characters in our story, all of us are married now, Tigs and I have 10 children between us. So some things do change. But how blessed I am, to be able to sit back and look at these people, my family. God knows they aren't perfect. I wouldn't want them to be.
I've had quite a few of these sappy family posts this spring. I guess with Tigger returning home safely and all of the cousins making forever memories it's made me somewhat nostalgic and sentimental. I am just extremely thankful for all of them.
All throughout my house at the moment, there are sleeping children. Nine of them to be exact. The boys are in the living room, all spread out and draped over couches. The girls are upstairs, all the beds have been pushed together to make one large pile of girls. Only tops of heads and miscellaneous hands and feet are visible. As I traveled through these places just now, my eyes filled with tears. How blessed we are to have this family. My children have cousins, cousins that I hope we can make lots of memories with. My mind flies back to my childhood when I spent summers with my cousins. What joy, what angst, what frustration, what memories we made.
Last night, we crowded around my mom's dining room table. I looked around at this "Walton" like clan of mine. Some things never change. My father and Tigger are ever the jokesters, picking on anyone within earshot. Josh is quietly funny and endearing. My mom is observant and beautiful, ready to defend the weak. Grandma seems older, somewhat sad without Grandpa. But her smile is still ever ready. Now there are new characters in our story, all of us are married now, Tigs and I have 10 children between us. So some things do change. But how blessed I am, to be able to sit back and look at these people, my family. God knows they aren't perfect. I wouldn't want them to be.
I've had quite a few of these sappy family posts this spring. I guess with Tigger returning home safely and all of the cousins making forever memories it's made me somewhat nostalgic and sentimental. I am just extremely thankful for all of them.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Well, we have recovered from the wedding madness! It was great fun to have so much family here and make some really great memories. My brother Josh and his wife Amber are wonderful and I'm so excited to have her in our family.
As I'm running behind today, here's a brief synopsis of all that's going on here:
1. Soccer continues for Molli and Emma. They are both doing very well, although I think Molli enjoys it more. It's great to sit on the sidelines and cheer them on, as long as I am not near the rabid parents who think their 5 year old should be playing like Beckham.
2.Sydney graduated from pre-school with a flourish. She was very proud of herself and her certificate. And we all enjoyed hearing every pre-school song known to man, including Down by the Bay (a popular favorite!)
3. Jonah had (I had no idea) an audition with a local music director and has since been invited to participate in the Battle Creek Boys Choir. It's fairly prestigious and by invite only. He is excited about all the traveling they get to do, all over the world. In fact he said to me, "Mom! They go ALL over the world, even TEXAS Mom!" I'm so proud of him and what a great opportunity it will be for him.
4. Thomas continues to give me gray hair by climbing all manner of things and talking more. We have entered the "I'm going to hit you if you tell me something I don't like" phase. It's truly wonderful. I made the greeter at Meijer audibly gasp the other day when Thomas smacked me in the face because I wouldn't let him run through the store and was attempting to put him in the cart. I smacked his little hand and the greeter gasped as if I had bloodied him. It was probably because Thomas has mastered the Kurtz drama face, big lip sticking out and crocodile tears. *eyes rolling* Little does he know that I have done this enough with his sisters that I'm on to it! He's talking more and more and turning into quite the little man.
5. Matt and I are well. It's getting into the busy season for Matt as people are buying more chips. We've decided it's nice to work in a business where you know people will always buy your product! We're doing some yard projects and working on the house as we have time. The camper is out and ready for some adventures this summer, not sure where yet. Mom and Dad have opened the pool and the kids have already been in, I need it to be about 10 degrees warmer and then I'm in too! Summer is just around the corner and the Kurtzs are ready!!
As I'm running behind today, here's a brief synopsis of all that's going on here:
1. Soccer continues for Molli and Emma. They are both doing very well, although I think Molli enjoys it more. It's great to sit on the sidelines and cheer them on, as long as I am not near the rabid parents who think their 5 year old should be playing like Beckham.
2.Sydney graduated from pre-school with a flourish. She was very proud of herself and her certificate. And we all enjoyed hearing every pre-school song known to man, including Down by the Bay (a popular favorite!)
3. Jonah had (I had no idea) an audition with a local music director and has since been invited to participate in the Battle Creek Boys Choir. It's fairly prestigious and by invite only. He is excited about all the traveling they get to do, all over the world. In fact he said to me, "Mom! They go ALL over the world, even TEXAS Mom!" I'm so proud of him and what a great opportunity it will be for him.
4. Thomas continues to give me gray hair by climbing all manner of things and talking more. We have entered the "I'm going to hit you if you tell me something I don't like" phase. It's truly wonderful. I made the greeter at Meijer audibly gasp the other day when Thomas smacked me in the face because I wouldn't let him run through the store and was attempting to put him in the cart. I smacked his little hand and the greeter gasped as if I had bloodied him. It was probably because Thomas has mastered the Kurtz drama face, big lip sticking out and crocodile tears. *eyes rolling* Little does he know that I have done this enough with his sisters that I'm on to it! He's talking more and more and turning into quite the little man.
5. Matt and I are well. It's getting into the busy season for Matt as people are buying more chips. We've decided it's nice to work in a business where you know people will always buy your product! We're doing some yard projects and working on the house as we have time. The camper is out and ready for some adventures this summer, not sure where yet. Mom and Dad have opened the pool and the kids have already been in, I need it to be about 10 degrees warmer and then I'm in too! Summer is just around the corner and the Kurtzs are ready!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Today I decided to further my relationship with my neighbors. You remember, the ones who hate us and are waiting to call the police? Yes, those neighbors....here's what happened.
Our dryer is currently broken so I knew today was going to be nice and sunny and knew I needed to get as many loads hung up on the line as possible. As I was out this afternoon doing said task, I felt a bite on my leg. Thinking it was simply a mosquito I swiped my leg as I looked down briefly. I saw the spider as it darted up my leg and into my capris. Now, I'm panicking. I felt it bite my leg again and pure panic settled over me. I started screaming hysterically and ripping my pants off. My underwear came off as well in my haste to rid myself of the spider in my capris. I darted for the house, breifly glancing up. There was my neighbor, standing watering his flowers and looking at me in pure disbelief. I was mortified. I came inside and sat down, recalling the last few moments. I was wearing a fairly long tshirt of Matt's so it's possible that he didn't see anything. However, I was running so who knows what he got a glipmse of. I almost started to cry, wondering what in the world he must think of what just happened. Then, I began to laugh and I laughed until I almost threw up. I called Matt and after his brief mortification that the neighbor saw my goods, he laughed too. After all, I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to mend fences with the neighbors :)
Our dryer is currently broken so I knew today was going to be nice and sunny and knew I needed to get as many loads hung up on the line as possible. As I was out this afternoon doing said task, I felt a bite on my leg. Thinking it was simply a mosquito I swiped my leg as I looked down briefly. I saw the spider as it darted up my leg and into my capris. Now, I'm panicking. I felt it bite my leg again and pure panic settled over me. I started screaming hysterically and ripping my pants off. My underwear came off as well in my haste to rid myself of the spider in my capris. I darted for the house, breifly glancing up. There was my neighbor, standing watering his flowers and looking at me in pure disbelief. I was mortified. I came inside and sat down, recalling the last few moments. I was wearing a fairly long tshirt of Matt's so it's possible that he didn't see anything. However, I was running so who knows what he got a glipmse of. I almost started to cry, wondering what in the world he must think of what just happened. Then, I began to laugh and I laughed until I almost threw up. I called Matt and after his brief mortification that the neighbor saw my goods, he laughed too. After all, I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to mend fences with the neighbors :)
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