I’m not sure why but the baby has started to take a nap on the couch. What I mean is that if I nurse him, he will fall asleep and then if I put him on the couch….he will stay asleep. If I put him into his crib….not so much. This makes no sense to me but if I can have a few minutes without someone whining and clinging to my pants legs…..then I’m just going to go with it.
I’m EXHAUSTED. I’ve been on the go since November the 13th because I’ve had one thing or another planned. First I was trying to get ready for the Craft Fair, and then I needed to get ready for a Christmas Party/Cookie Swap and I also was feeling quite a bit of stress about doing the whole Hospital/Chemo thing by myself….
Today is more or less a down day except I have to pile ALL the kids into the car and take Geli and Jeremy to see our Family Dr. later this afternoon. It always feels stressful when I have to take all of the kids somewhere especially when there is a fairly good opportunity to act out or misbehave.
I’m trying to figure out what we are going to do about Christmas this year. With Jon being laid off from work and the lag in getting his next paycheck, things are tight. I’m trying to figure out what I can make – as in homemade gifts – but there is always this guilt that the kids are going to be disappointed. I know that in the grand scheme of things that life and love and togetherness are the most important, but as parents we want to give our children special things, right? I have been talking with the kids about “giving” as opposed to receiving and I do know that things will work out okay. I just seem to do really well when I have a plan; when I know exactly what I’m going to do or what to expect….I’m still trying to figure things out and to be able to do it without feeling frazzled or stressed.
I’m really trying to eliminate stressors from my life. I want to be able to enjoy life and to not be stressing about too many things on my plate or about all the things that I could or should be doing. It’s not so easy to find the balance and yet I’m really working on it. I’m trying to live within my capabilities and to be able to really enjoy “living” life and not just existing. I’m trying to be present for my family and with my kids. This is also not as easy as it sounds like it could be and yet…I believe it’s doable. I’m also trying to embrace the season that I’m in.
I’m a mom. I have two little boys. I remember how much work it was when I had three little ones (Geli, Xani and Jeremy) because I’m right back in the thick of those early days. Siah is 4 and Judah is 1 and it’s not an easy phase. What I have going for me is that I know that it won’t last forever and that I want to really enjoy this time with them. It’s tough. It’s exhausting. It’s messy. There is a lot of whining and diaper changing and wiping runny noses and cleaning and tidying and doing the same things (like rescuing a child from on top of the table, building block towers, or reading the same 2 books) over and over and over again. There is little sleep and even less “me” time, and yet, when I look at these little boys….at all of my kids, I’m so thrilled that they are mine and I’m awed with the responsibility of raising them. I believe in them and will try my best to raise them to be amazing men and women. It’s a lot of work, but they are worth every bit of time and energy.
We had our day at the hospital yesterday and for whatever reason, the Oncology clinic was PACKED with kids and parents. At one point every seat was taken, inside and outside of the clinic and there were a TON of parents and kids standing. This meant that the 1 hour appt took 4 hours. Which SUCKS SO BAD! And, the whole deal with Angelica and the itching that she’s been experiencing…..nothing. They don’t believe that it has anything to do with the chemo or anything Oncology related and so we are just to Monitor it. That’s not so cool as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know what to do exactly and I’m just hoping that things will get better and not worse. I’m hoping that Geli will “test the waters” so to speak, tonight and we will see whether or not things are improving, holding steady or getting worse.
Aside from the itching, Angelica is doing okay. She is on the mend, but it taking longer than is normal or expected…..Normal is really not a good term for it….because really, what is normal?
I’d love it if you’d check out my shop. There are some great products, in there.
I think the favorite products right now are tied between:
– the Lotion Bar – EVERYONE who has tried it has RAVED about it.
– the Calm Room Spray – it can be sprayed in kids bedrooms to help settle them down
– the Breathe Cream – to help with congestion, due to coughs and colds
– the Refresh Cream – to help with headaches, digestive issues, sore muscles and for a general “pick-me-up”
And everyone seems to LOVE the lip balms….the peppermint seems to be the winner right now.
I’m hoping to be able to make a gluten-free Gingerbread house with the kids in the next few weeks. We’ve been talking about making small ones. I hope it works out. You can get the MOST AMAZING gingerbread recipe over at Gluten-Free Girl’s website. I made a batch which makes around 72 cookies and my kids have DEVOURED them. I have less than 2 dozen left….they are just that good.
Do you have a favorite Christmas Cookie?
I love Whipped Shortbread, and those Gingerbread Cookies up above.
And, the baby just woke up and so I’m done for now…..
My husband makes the most amazing mocha fudge ;0) I leave all of the Christmas baking to him ;0)
The cookie bake /exchange was wonderful…. already eating too much! thanks for putting it on. You did a great job. It was so nice to see everyone again.
Dear Patti I don”t even know if you will pick this up or not as I know it is an old blog. I think of you so often and wish you were still in Abbotsford. But I know that is the past.Sorry I did not get to the cookie exchange and a belated thank you for the treats sent our way I thank you for the DRYER BALLS and I am ashamed for another belated THANK YOU. I am THANKFUL FOR THE SUNSHINE OF THE PAST FEW DAYS.we even have a little primrose flower blooming beside our front steps. Brave soull I think,but who knows maybe our heavy winter is over although we could see a little more. It is hard to believe we will be in the middle of Feb. next week. In reading your last blog I am wonder ing if you have the Book ONE IN A MILLION
,Dear Patti I don”t even know if you will pick this up or not as I know it is an old blog. I think of you so often and wish you were still in Abbotsford. But I know that is the past.Sorry I did not get to the cookie exchange and a belated thank you for the treats sent our way I thank you for the DRYER BALLS and I am ashamed for another belated THANK YOU. I am THANKFUL FOR THE SUNSHINE OF THE PAST FEW DAYS.we even have a little primrose flower blooming beside our front steps. Brave soull I think,but who knows maybe our heavy winter is over although we could see a little more. It is hard to believe we will be in the middle of Feb. next week. In reading your last blog I am wonder ing if you have the Book ONE IN A MILLION I have found it to be a great book,it is about the Israelite trip through the wilder ness on their way tothe PROMISED LAND. Cheryl has been doing a study with several of us on Tuesday nights . I actually have an extra one that I got to send to you but was not sure if you would find it helpful or not. I pray for you often and you and Angelica are in my thoughts so often. Yesterday Grandpa and I were at the Seniors complex behind A.P.A ,they were taking prayer requests and I mentioned Angelica to the leaders wife and she said to tell the people . Theyhave some real prayer worriers there. So I did,. Elizabeth and Donna Unra always ask about Angelica and say to tell her they are praying for her. A.P.A have a good group of ladies meet MMon. morning who fast and pray . They always ask for a report on how she is doing. There seems to be a real move of God happeningat A.P.A They are scheduled to have some special meetings coming up in the next couple of weeks.A big youth rally on the Sat night and then three or four days of special Holy Spirit emphasis for the next several days. Alderbrook seems to be growing and new folks coming in. They have a great kids program. I have just rambled here . Patti I admire your Mothering abilities ,and how you can see some encouraging things even tho you are going through some unbelievable situations