How Do You Like Them Applemans?

it's been awhile

2012-01-02T14:49:00.001-08:00

So...it's been awhile.

Life has definitely taken me on a ride the last few months.

A good ride, just a long one...full of introspection and growth. One of good days and bad.

I know a lot of people feel refreshed at the start of a new year. I am one of those people.

I love to look ahead at the year and plan.

I love to initiate change at the start of the new year.

I LOVE to clean. That is totally what these last two days have been about for me...cleaning.

Why not start the new year off with a nice clean, clutter free house?

I'm excited for what this new year will bring for my family and myself.

marathon training

2011-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm currently training to run a marathon in December of this year.
Training for a marathon is hard.
I know it's not near as hard as other things in life, but I have been completely frustrated with training lately.

I'm trying to learn how to understand my own body's cues to preform better, but I'm not doing so great. I don't like to listen to my body. I like to do what I want.

I've had issues with my calves hurting while I run. I thought it was my new shoes.

It wasn't. It was the "most excellent, and best insoles you should buy if you're going to run a marathon" I spent a little bit of $$ on. I finally got that issue resolved.

Then I had a tooth extracted and couldn't be physically active for a few days so I wouldn't "dislodge a blood clot."

Now I have pain in my left leg. It's nothing serious, but I don't think I should be running on it. I don't want to injure it more. I guess I'm going to rest it but that will put me behind in training. See what I mean?...frustrated.

I'm resolved to the fact that I should just do some cross training for a few days. At least that will keep me active, but still allow time for my leg to feel better.

Peds ED

2011-08-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to work like normal and found out I was going to be shadowing a nurse in the Peds Emergency Department for the shift.
If you haven't heard me talk about it, two things:

1.)Our unit's census is down. We have no (and by no, I mean not enough to have every nurse work) patients right now which is great for the babies and families, but not so great for job security. Nurses from my unit keep having to stay home.

2.) Cross training to the Pediatric ED is something I've wanted to do for a really long time so I was super excited about the opportunity to go there and see what it was like.

Well, I really liked being down there. It's COMPLETELY different from NICU (well it was yesterday). We kept getting patients in and then getting them out. Not something I typically see at work. I hope they let me cross train for reals there. It would definitely require some retraining for me (terminology, lab values, procedures, etc), but I think it would be good for me.

family traditions

2011-07-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to remember family traditions I had growing up for the 4th of July.

I know if we were at Grandma and Grandpa Bechtold's house, the fireworks would not disappoint.
If we were in Kansas, we went to Uncle Steve's.
If there was a pool around and the weather permitted, I'm pretty sure we went swimming.
I can almost always remember potato salad and cook outs with themed paper goods.
Sparklers and ice cream.

Once I started dating Scott, I went with his family to various friends' homes and then to Augusta lake for the fireworks show and homemade ice cream several years in a row.

I know my childhood allowed for the celebration of holidays in different places every year. I can't say that I remember doing the same thing every year for any holiday. But one thing I do know is we were always surround by people - family, friends, church community. I love that the 4th of July isn't just about celebrating our independence...it's about being and celebrating with community as well.

I wonder if I should implement any simple traditions for Lucy and Elly? Maybe I could get them Sparklers...are those even legal in Tucson?

summer colds

2011-06-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

This last week has definitely been rough.

Last Monday Elly got a runny nose.
Last Tuesday Scott woke up with a scratchy throat and Lucy's nose started snotting quite a bit.
Wednesday: most of the same continued.
Thursday: Scott started running a fever while I was at work and while there I started feeling all achy.
Friday: I spent the day on the couch. Trapped because every time I tried to get up, a rush of dizziness hit me.
Saturday: I spent the day on the couch feeling better, but tired.
Sunday: once again, the couch was my friend.

Summer colds are no fun! Well colds in general aren't fun I guess. Just worse in the summer maybe. I'm a little surprised we were all hit with it so quickly.
I'm tired of feeling achy and tired. I don't really want my throat to feel as if it's on fire anymore when I swallow. yes. that would be nice.

tomorrow is going to be a better day.

jumping on the couch

2011-06-25T18:07:00.001-07:00

Me: Girls! I think it would be a good idea to stop jumping on the couch.

giggling, screaming and jumping continues - 10 seconds time elapses

Me: Girls! Didn't you hear me?! I said I think you need to stop jumping on the couch.

jumping, laughing still continues - 10 more seconds go by

Me: Elly and Lucy! I've been nice about this, but you need to stop jumping on the couch. One or both of you is going to get hurt. Please stop!

Elly: But mom! We're playing "so you think you can jump higher than them all!"

staycation

2011-06-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy.
A whirlwind.
It's been fun...but exhausting!

After a busy year, and adjusting to Scott's new job, we were excited for summer to arrive.
It was promptly started by visits by both of our families. My parents came out over Memorial Day weekend (which I previously blogged about) and Scott's three days later for a week. We kept them busy. We had a lot of repeat activities with the Appleman's, as we had already done them with my fam, but entertaining non the less.

I decided since family visits were over, just as summer was pretty much starting, Scott and I needed to plan something - go somewhere, have a staycation. I surprised him by taking him overnight to Westward Look Resort here in Tucson for his birthday last night (I got a great summer deal!). I think we were asleep by 10:00, but we enjoyed the pool twice, the hot tub before dinner and a night knowing we weren't going to be woken up by two small people coming into our room while we were asleep or at 5:30 am.

We didn't have much conversation...the quiet was nice.

These are a few of my favorite picks of our staycation.

doofus

2011-06-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've definitely had an interesting week. As some people out there already know, I've been without a phone for almost a week. And let me tell you...I feel like I've been living in the dark ages. SERIOUSLY! I'm know I'm over reacting, but still.

Last Friday, as we were leaving to go get Lucy's brace, my mind was in a million different places. I realized as we were walking out the door, that I had left my phone on our "mini-bar." I reached over the sink to get it and proceeded to drop it in a pan that was soaking in nice hot water. I immediately took it out of the water (with cat like reflexes I might add), took it apart, and threw it into a bag of rice. It didn't help. My phone was a dead. No longer my life line. What was I going to do? We couldn't afford a new one. I felt like a doofus.

A friend came through in my time of need and offered me his for as long as I needed it. Turns out, it wasn't going to be as easy to activate as we had thought, so I bought a refurbished one offline and it came today! Now I just have to work on getting all my contact numbers in. Yikes! Big job!

I did think about a lot over the last week about time spent with my phone and a few things I'm taking away from this experience are:

1. Don't drop your phone in water, or leave it in a place close to water
2. I rely waayy too much on my phone.
3. I check facebook way too often with my phone
4. I need to be ok with not having a phone from time to time.

I waste too much time just fiddling with my phone, folks and I'm going to try and be better about that.

brace day

2011-06-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today was THE DAY. Today was brace day. Today we picked up Lu's brace. Not gonna lie. It's a little more intimidating that what I had pictured in my head. It's a total leg brace from the knee down.

And no real surprise here, but she does not particularly like to wear it.

We got a quick lesson in properly putting it on, cleaning it and kinds of shoes she is supposed to be wearing with it. We're going to have to invest in some new shoes, but trust me - she'll still be stylish! It's not too complicated, but it's definitely going to be a chore building up to having her keep it on all day.

She finally did warm up to it and quit complaining about it once we got to Starbucks and bought her a blended chocolate milk (which she did not drink) and an apple juice (which we kind of had to buy because she practically opened it before we knew it).

She is kind of shy about having it on. We saw the Haynes family this afternoon while she was wearing it and she kept her face in my shoulder and would hardly walk in it, but this afternoon she's sllloooowwwllyy warming up to it.

She kept it on for a straight hour.

PS - She isn't supposed to wear any kind of sandals with it, but flip-flops is all we had with us, but I think she looks darn cute!

camera ready

2011-06-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Scott and I actually saw Lucy and Elly cat fighting. One of those where the arms are swinging and smacking each other! And they were yelling, too. It was crazy. I've never actually seen someone do that in real life. I still don't know what they were fighting over. I kind of wish I had it on a video.

On a lighter note...we bought the girls a small pool for the backyard. This morning, Elly decided to streak outside and jump in. It's going to be a great summer!

Once again, I really should have my camera ready.

holiday weekend

2011-05-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times I have to do it, it really is never easy saying good-bye to my family. You'd think I'd be used to it by now...I haven't lived in the same town as them since my freshman year of college, but it still makes me sad and tear up a little.

My parents came briefly for the holiday weekend. They were here less than 72 hours, but woooow! We had a full couple days. Our activities included Donut Wheel, shopping at Target and the mall, lunch at Beyond Bread, napping, Tangled, Ramona and Beezus, Tucson Padres game, the Splash Pad, a tour of the NICU, church and In N Out Burger. Oh, and Chick-fil-a on our way to the airport.

With all the activities of the weekend, one would have thought to take his/her camera to document said activities. I however, forgot. The only time I remembered to take pictures was at the Padres game. So I guess that's all the memories I have of the weekend for now. But I did get a picture with my dad...and my dad doesn't take pictures. Here are a few of our fun, BUT my mom isn't in ANY of them. I'm not sure how that happened!

Maybe next time I'll remember my camera...and actually remember to take pictures with it!

LU: a pest

2011-05-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

I was trying to get everyone ready to go this morning so I could take Lucy to her Dr.'s appointment. After Elly asked me for the 6th time (or so) why we were taking Lucy to the doctor I reminded her again about the bump on Lucy's leg that the doctors wanted to look at. To which she replied, "mom, that bump is a pest, huh?" Perfect description, Elly. Perfect description.

Lucy actually went to see an oncologist today for the second opinion at the request of the orthopedic surgeon we had already seen. I don't want to bore everyone with details, details, details, mostly because I can't remember them all. I am awesome with remembering details...except in situations like this. However, I do want to give everyone the basic run down of what was discussed.

Lucy has a benign mass growing on her right tibia, which confirms what we already knew. The physician we saw today wants to manage her case by taking x-rays of her leg every few months. She will have to see the ortho guy at least yearly until her teens and she will have to wear the leg brace as much as she'll tolerate it for awhile (once we get it), but I'm still not sure how long that will continue. The word biopsy was thrown around today and has been thrown around at previous appointments, but I think we'll be able to hold off on that for now.

Here's a picture of Lucy's leg. I wanted to put this on here, just so everyone can see how the bump is causing her right leg to bow out.

Our family is continuing to believe in Lucy's healing. That even if the bump is there for awhile, it won't be a problem for her...that it won't turn into anything else...that she can adjust well with the changes that are about to take place for her aka "The Brace".

I feel since this whole ordeal started different verses from the Bible or lines from worship songs have resonated with me weekly. "Forever Reign" is the song I keep singing over and over this week. There's a line that says

You are here, You are here
In your presence I'm made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I'm letting go.

I've found myself clinging to that and really proclaiming it in my life - that I would continue to let go and that God would continue to show me how He is here and He is in control.

just a phase

2011-05-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely a rule follower. The thought of being in trouble while growing up would seriously make me sick to my stomach. I'm not sure if this is a personality trait or a learned behavior, but I know one thing for sure, at this point, Elly does not care about following rules.

On the way to her last ballet class of the session this morning, Elly tells me that she doesn't want to go. I gave her all the reasons why it would be good to go: her friends would be there, mommy would be in the class today watching, it was the last class for awhile...etc, etc.

I should have know that because she didn't want to be there I was asking for it. Let's just say I wouldn't let her have a sticker at the end of class and I made her apologize to the teacher for being disrespectful. I'm really glad I thought to take Miss K a "thank you" card, because I'm pretty sure her patience was wearing down.

I really hope this is just a phase.

At least I got a semi cool picture of her feet at one point.

LU: questions

2011-05-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Lucy Update (or LU if you will)

I went into Lucy's ortho appointment today excited to finally ask a few questions, get a few answers and most importantly - a diagnosis. However, I left with more questions and less answers.

Bottom line, there is still no definite diagnosis for the growths on Lucy's leg, yet. Because they don't want to proceed with a treatment without knowing exactly what is going on, we've been referred to get a second opinion with a physician who works in Phoenix. I'm currently in the process of getting an appointment for Lucy with him.

The biggest area of concern while we're waiting is the way the growth on Lu's leg is impacting it. There's no doubt (visible on the original x-ray and even looking at her leg) the growth is causing her bone to bow. For this reason, Lucy will soon be sporting a custom made brace on her leg as a preventative measure to help support her leg (basically so she doesn't experience any fractures).

An x-ray of Lucy's left leg was done today to make sure nothing was growing on that leg as well. I'm elated to say her left leg is perfectly healthy and normal at this time.

It's frustrating not knowing what's next. I'm continually taking deep breaths praying for God's peace to fill me. My thought processes have gone on a hundred paths today already but one thing for sure, as difficult as this is, I'm learning to take my hand out of the pot of control and trust God to take care of my little girl for me.

Lamentations 3:22-24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,

"therefore I will hope in him."

blessed

2011-05-09T22:36:00.001-07:00

I don't like to think I set my expectations high for holidays or any kind of plans these days.

I know that with any holiday, when two small children are in the mix, plans won't always go on without a hitch.

However, Mother's Day this year was darn near perfect for me.

Sure there was frustration with the, oh I don't know, million or so tantrums Scott and I dealt with during the day. I was up at 5:30 like every other morning, because my girls don't believe in sleeping past that mark, so I was tired.

BUT...I wouldn't trade the time I was able to spend with my family for anything! I absolutely love being a Mom and watching Lucy and Elly only make me strive to be even an even better Mom for them.

I am truly blessed.

Exactly as I said before...Blessed.

splash park

2011-05-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

I took the girls to the splash park today.

Besides the water being absolutely freezing, we had a great time.

The girls spent more time eating their snacks I'm sure, but we saw some old friends who we haven't seen in a while and enjoyed their company.

Elly begged me to say longer as her lips quivered a lovely blue color.

I might take them back tomorrow.

Here are my cuties before we left.

results...kind of

2011-04-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

First off, I just want to tell everyone how blessed I feel by the overwhelming responses and support we feel from our friends and family while we navigate through stuff going on in our lives right now. It was pretty incredible getting notification after notification and text after text yesterday of so many people putting us in their thoughts and prayers.

Lucy's MRI went well...once the sedation was on board. Her first IV went bad after 30 minutes or so, but no one knew until we were in the MRI scanning room - ready to give her the medicine. So out we went and about 30 minutes later, there was a new IV in place. By this time she was exhausted (she'd been up since 5:30 with no nap or food) so she was definitely ready for some shut eye. The test lasted about 50 minutes and then we promptly left the hospital.

This is Lucy and I right after her first IV and before the MRI. See what I mean...exhausted!

The Dr's office called this morning with the MRI results...kind of. One thing is for sure. The growths are NOT cancer and will NOT turn into cancer. Praise the Lord! However, because the MRI didn't show much that the physicians didn't already know, Lucy is being referred to an Orthopedic pediatric specialist for further evaluation. I still have to call for an appointment but I'm hoping to been seen sometime within the next two weeks.

Never in my life have I had to rely so much on my faith and trust in God to provide the peace to get me through the anxiety I felt. I am so grateful that whatever going on is not more serious. Yes, I'm still concerned, but no longer fearful of the outcome - no matter what is going on. I know that in tough situations I am able to get through because I'm relying on God get me through, not on myself.

Thanks again for thinking of us!

faith

2011-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

I acknowledge I've lived most of my adult life out of fear. Fear of not knowing what will happen in my life. Worry and anxiety are just two things I have dealt with pretty regularly. This past January I felt my life shift a little and made the decision to make more of an effort to live my life out faithfully and trust more in the plans God has for me. I feel like this next week I will really be able to gauge just how well I'm succeeding.

Lucy had her 18 month check up this last week. Several months ago the doctor noticed a bump on her right shin and asked me about it. After several minutes of examination, he decided it wasn't anything to be worried about. About a month after that appointment the bump was still there, but since it wasn't any bigger, Scott and I decided not to worry about it and only take her back in unless it grew.

Which brings me to her appointment a couple days ago. I asked the doctor what the bump could be, as it was still there. He examined her again and decided to order an x ray. The x ray showed two spots of some kind of growth on her right tibia. A spot on her shin and another down by her ankle. Our doctor consulted with a pediatric radiologist, and while the radiologist feels confident the spots on Lucy's leg are benign she wants to get an MRI to gather more information about what could be growing in/around/on her bone.

Our MRI is scheduled for Thursday morning. Lucy will probably have to be sedated for the test. To what extent I'm still unsure. I have definitely been known to jump to worst case scenario in any situation. I'm not letting myself do that here. I'm not going to lie though, I've had my break down moments. Every time I hear the song Hillsong United sings called "Take Heart," I weep. I don't know what the tests are going to show. I don't know how much we're going to be responsible for financially and feel stress from that. Despite my stress, I'm finding comfort and peace in several Bible verses that I felt lead to memorize over the last few months.

John 16:33 - I tell you these things that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome this world.

Colossians 1:17 - He is before all things and in him all things hold together.

Ephesians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but with prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I know some family and friends have already started praying for us. I don't think I could feel as calm or peaceful without those prayers. If you do pray, would you mind lifting Lucy up this week? Especially Thursday. We already appreciate it!

oatmeal cream pies

2011-04-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking maybe, just maybe, I'm started to feel rested up from the last two weeks.

I am so excited that I am starting a week off from work today and my youngest sister, Allyson, is coming to visit AND Scott gets a break from school. I'm eager to get the housework done and weeds pulled so I can just relax for the next few days.

I've started the day with some housework and the girls and I ate Oatmeal Cream Pies for a snack. I feel both responsible and irresponsible :)

motivation

2011-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have felt absolutely no motivation over the last week or so. I just want to do nothing. It's not that I'm tired or anything...just don't want to do anything. Life has been totally crazy the last two weeks. Between working overtime, stress at work, stress at home because I'm working more than usual, not being able to run (because of schedules), Scott working and being out of town for a few days, and learning even more about myself and how God wants me to treat others...whew.

I'm hoping to change the lack of motivation today.

conversation

2011-04-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a conversation that took place between Scott and Lucy right before Scott left for work this morning:

Scott: I'm going to go to work now ok, Lu? I want you to be good today, ok?

Lucy: Okwaaay

Scott: Are you going to be a good listener for mom today?

Lucy: Uh huh

Scott: Are you going to play nice with Elly?

Lucy: No, no, No.

occupied

2011-04-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think I pack my days so full (mentally, physically, spiritually) that sometimes I forget to pay attention when I really need to.

I was occupied with some of my 'business' the other day when Lucy walked up to me. She kept saying "ooge, ooge." I was kind of waving for her to go sit for a minute and I would help her as soon as I was done. I probably said that to her at some point, but she was very persistent. After hearing "ooge, ooge" about 25 times I finally looked over and said, "Lucy! What is wrong?!"

Her finger appeared very close to my face with a booger, bigger than the tip of her pinky on it.

Looking back at my track record the last week, my mom job can be really gross.

unplanned day off

2011-03-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today I have an unplanned day off. My friend Angela, who watches the girls a lot for me, called in (in a sense), so I called in as well. I'm pretty excited about this, only because I am behind on a lot around the house and I'm not feeling great either.

Yesterday the girls and I planted flowers, played outside, gave the dog a bath, went to Sunflower Market, and had an all around relaxing day. Today I think we'll make some brownies, fold the laundry together and maybe watch a movie. We'll see how the day goes...Lucy hasn't been taking morning naps so that could change the whole day.

puke bucket

2011-03-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

I was so thankful to get a small break last night from mom stuff and attend a Moxie get together. I was able to think through some good, tough questions and have great conversations with women from church. Even more exciting that when I arrived home to see both girls were in bed. I had some time to hang out and by the time I got there, I was soooo ready for bed.

So imagine my surprise to wake up around 1:30 am to my foot in something wet. My other foot feels a small person. I turned on the lamp and Elly was pretty much sleeping in puke at the foot of my bed. great. As I get up to clean everything up, she starts throwing up again. I'm rushing her to the bathroom, but we are not making good time and could have easily found our way back to the bed with our "bread crumb" trail if we had needed to.

At this point, Scott (who had fallen asleep downstairs) is making his way up to our room. We change her clothes, braid her hair, get her a make shift bed set up on the couch in our room, and change the sheets on our bed. All the while she's talking, and smiling asking questions about why I picked the blanket I picked? what is throw up? why do people throw up? etc... Before we get her tucked in again however, we have to rush once again (unsuccessfully) to the toilet. Then another pj change. We FINALLY get her in bed and for the next 4 hours or so, every 30 minutes, Elly is awake and trying to throw up in her puke bucket. Lovely.

people pleaser

2011-03-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

I've been a people pleaser my whole life.

I like harmony and I'm not at ease with the thought of someone being upset at me.

I'm currently learning about what it means to be bold,

but doing so with respect and gentleness and out of love.

Learning that it's okay not to please everyone.

That will only lead to distress in my own life.

Which I kind of already have because I worry about pleasing others.

It doesn't have to be about me not meeting the expectations that others have for me

(or the imaginary ones they don't have for me).

It's about loving people and being honest and real.

Then maybe others will learn, too.

extra sugar

2011-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

I consider it a small victory when my girls (mostly Elly) will eat more than a couple bites at a meal.

I'm sure most of you have heard me say this before, but they can be pretty picky.

So consider my surprise that Elly has had 3 great meals in a row!

I'm not sure what to do about this.

Actually though, I think I know what's been helping...

I've kept her from ingesting extra sugar this week.

She normally doesn't eat THAT much extra, but something appears to have worked.

I thought it might help her attitude towards me and it's also helping her eating.

I'm definitely looking to stay on this path.

back in the saddle

2011-03-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

I 've been working every other day since last Thursday.

I know that doesn't seem like a big deal, but it starts to wear on me.

After working a 12 hr shift, I don't feel like I can get much done on my day off, because I want to rest to go back to work. Plus these last few days at work have not been a walk in the park.

Also because I want to play with Elly and Lucy.

But I don't want to be a bum either. I am currently on day one of a 4 day stretch off work and folks,

I'm back in the saddle again!

The house work has started, schedules in place once again, house training the puppy some more (although this has not been put on hold even when I'm not home), meeting with friends, running, exercising... aaaahhhh. Feels good.

challenges/adventures

2011-03-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

It would seem I'm embarking on several new challenges/adventures that take up a majority of my time while I'm at home.

Because I'm the adult home most of the time I'm the lucky one to house train the puppy. This ain't easy folks! There is a ton of information out there! Each time I think maybe we have it down (after just two days - I know, I know not realistic at all)....pee/poop on the floor. Today has been better. I consulted with a couple friends last night (thank you Chad & Angel) and am working with a new technique. It's almost a combination of several things I've read all together. Whatever technique I use, however, I'm spending A LOT of time outside.

For awhile now, Elly has been able to recognize most of the letters of the alphabet. Most recently she is able to write her name and it's pretty easy to see what it's supposed to say. Maybe I just think that, though, because I know what she's trying to write. This morning I bought a book on writing all the letters - a preschool book. She is sooooo excited to start writing.

I'm not looking to teach or start much with Lucy now (besides the usual ABC's song) but every time she hears the word "potty" she runs into the bathroom to sit on the potty chair...fully dressed mind you. Looks like we might be making progress with her in that area without much effort. If she could just potty train herself, that would be lovely.

introducing...

2011-03-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that some have not heard about our new puppy.
Last week as a friend walked in the front door to eat dinner with us a little dog ran through our front door with her.

After some extensive research and investigation on Scott's and my part (looking on Craig's List for lost dog ads, checking for microchips, taking him to the vet for worms, talking to friends, etc.) we have come to the conclusion that he is probably an abandoned puppy. He was very skinny and filthy when he came through our door with fur that kind of looked like "dreads" to quote Scott.

We gave him a bath, fed him, dewormed him, vaccinated him and are now enjoying loving on him. He gets along with the girls great and we have never seen a little kiddo take to and love a dog the way Lucy interacts with him.

Introducing......Roscoe

So, kind of, in a sense, Roscoe picked us :)

No problem

2011-03-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

I've had a rough couple days...I'm not gonna lie. I feel overwhelmed by fighting children, who don't listen and who won't let go of my legs. Who start screaming and crying if I walk out of a room without them. Who follow me in the bathroom so I can't even do that by myself. It doesn't help that I'm sleep deprived and have a full schedule and a sick husband and I'm cleaning up after a dog who relieves himself on my carpet.

BUT I realized this afternoon how much fun we can have wrestling and singing together. How much fun it is to play with the new dog and watch Strawberry Shortcake or build towers together. What an adventure it is buying friends birthday presents. How much we love having people in our home (like tonight for dinner). I've thought a lot about how blessed we are and how even though some times are overwhelming, I'm growing as a person - spiritually, emotionally, whatever.

No problem. I can handle a couple rough days.

Today is a good day.

full heart

2011-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the girls to the mall to get Roscoe a leash. (I'm hoping that maybe we can take him for a walk at the park soon.) But Lu might have to get over this snotty nose first. I'm am tired of snot! We also went shopping at Old Navy to start our spring/summer wardrobe. I feel like I have to get a bunch of stuff because they keep growing! During the shopping trip I found Easter dresses and Elly wore hers all afternoon and "danced" in it. Love it!

I also was able to go to Phoenix last night with some friends to see Hillsong United. Although I haven't been up that late in a really long time, I am sooo glad I went. I'm not sure how to describe how I feel after experiencing worship like that, but all I can say is my heart is so full. Needless to say I bought some new music off iTunes this morning.

research

2011-03-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

In a weird way I think I was more prepared to have a baby than to have a dog. Maybe from experience with youngsters or my job or something, but I felt I knew the items that were important to buy to ensure I could take care of a baby and child. But dog stuff....whoa! I have never seen as many different kinds of treats and leashes and poo bags and everything...ahhhh! I guess I need to do a little research.

On a high note however, Roscoe (I'm spelling the name this way for Scott...he was adamant about the "e" on the end, I however didn't think it was necessary) peed in the backyard for the first time when we got home from running errands today. Yay to house training a dog.

And the girls actually like the dog...I'm relieved.

I think sometimes they're a little too high energy for him!

note to self

2011-02-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Note to self:

Taking the girls to Chick-fil-a for lunch and then to play in the play center is NOT the best idea when Tucson and the surrounding school districts are out for Rodeo Break.

Elly also learned today why it's not a good idea to rub her already sore eye (from Lucy poking it earlier in the day) with a hand covered in salt.

no poop

2011-02-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

For several weeks now, Lucy has been telling me when she has pooped. "ipoopd" is kind of what it sounds like. A couple weeks ago I caught her in the act and she actually ended up pooping in the toilet. I did not and have not gotten my hopes up that she will be out of diapers soon. I somewhat think it was a fluke, but hey! we're well on our way!

Last night after dinner she told me twice she had pooped, but her diaper was clean so I asked her if she wanted to go to the potty. "uh huh" was her response. After several minutes of up and down off the potty chair and the toilet with no poop I left her bottomless in the bathroom to finish up the dishes before bath time.

"Everyone up the stairs!" Both girls stopped once we reached the top. Lucy stopped to play with a Barbie car and Elly followed me in the bathroom as I began running the bath water. Lucy followed and Scott came up the stairs and into the bathroom soon after. He quickly pointed out that Lucy had poo on her bum. We cleaned her up and I told Scott I was going to run downstairs and check the bathroom to see if she had pooped down there. I walked out of the bathroom and right at the top of the stairs was a big pile of poop. I do not know how Scott (#1) did not see this pile and (#2) avoided stepping in it! Can you imagine what that would have been like?! Nevermind...yuck!

breakfast snatchers

2011-02-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

Most mornings I'm lucky if I can get Elly to finish a bowl of oatmeal at breakfast. Sometime she'll eat a 1/2 a piece of fruit...sometimes.

Lucy on the other hand LOVES food.

She's also starting to feed herself more which is nice

so I can actually eat when they do instead of waiting until they're done.

This morning, however, both girls had oatmeal AND fruit. Both finished ALL of their food and proceeded to ask for bites of MY Raisin Bran! Little breakfast snatchers! What gives?!

changes

2011-02-19T13:59:00.001-08:00

Almost since we moved into our current house I've wanted to make a few changes. Not necessarily to the actual house but more to the items in the house. Some stuff just still seemed to have that college or right-after college feel to it. I definitely have learned what it's like to have patience in this area. I'm the kind of person who would like to just go out and get what I wanted and then think about paying later...soooo glad Scott's in my life and his reigns are on the budget.

One specific change I've wanted is to our dining room table. Not that I didn't absolutely LOVE our table, but we've pretty much out grown it. It's hard to have people over when there isn't enough space for everyone. In the last month or so I'd been talking with a friend and she ended up selling me her table because her family is moving. I was and still am excited!

Now if I can just convince Scott to get that new TV :)

tricksters

2011-02-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

ok.

it's to that point.

sometimes when my children say my name or ask for something specific they sound exactly like each other...little tricksters.

i've also started getting them confused - calling one of them by the other's name... this is happening a child before it's supposed to!

valentime's day

2011-02-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to celebrate Valentime's Day the day of this year.

I worked and actually didn't even get to see Lucy that day, so we celebrated the two days to follow instead. Mostly because I didn't plan well and waited until the last minute to buy anyone's present. In fact, I didn't even get Scott a present...I'm glad he's not the type to expect anything! However, I think the rest of us made out fairly well:

I came home from work Sunday night to a beautiful boquet!

Lucy absolutely ADORES her Strawberry Shortcake and Raspberry Torte Dolls.

Elly added Plum Pudding to her collection of Strawberry's Bitty Friends Collection.

And because our old one decided to break a few days before:

Without a doubt our most expensive Valentine's Day EVER!

teeny tiny

2011-02-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

I've been at work the last two days. 12 hour shifts. I've hardly seen my family.
I walk through the door and Elly promptly announces she has to potty and needs help.
I follow her into the bathroom and after helping her on the toilet, our conversation goes like this:
Elly: Mom, did you know i have a teeny tiny bum?
Me: You do have a small bum.
Elly: Mom, do you have a BIG, BIG bum?
Me: Well, I think I have a normal sized bum
Elly: I think you have a BIG bum, mom.
Me: Thanks Elly.
After being exhausted from working, I had a good laugh.

jumpstart

2011-02-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Most mornings I'll bring the girls downstairs and just sit..I just can't get going.
Maybe I should go to bed earlier, but it's hard to wind down sometimes.
If it's before 6:30 (which it usually is) I feel like a complete zombie.
I know it's not the best thing, but especially during the winter I snuggle
on the couch with a blanket while I let them watch cartoons, just until I wake up a little.
If I haven't dozed off, I'm usually awake in about 45 minutes or so, but man oh man!
Those first few minutes up I could really use a jumpstart!

ps Lucy just informed me she pooped. guess that will wake me up!

happiness

2011-02-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

I've been reminded a couple times today how much fun I can have as a mom and that when I have fun my girls do too.
I was on my way to Costco this morning for a few things when I turned the radio on in the car. One of the girls' Disney CDs was in the player and immediately "I Wanna Be Like You" from The Jungle Book started to blare through the speakers.
The girls begin to groove a little in their car seats. I was at a stop light and turned around and said, "come on girls, show me some more moves!"
Then I started bouncing/dancing around in my seat (only to look over at people in the car next to mine and discover they are staring wide-eyed at me!) Ok so we have tinted windows and no one could see the children, however the girls were laughing and still dancing so we didn't stop and I drove on!
On our way out of the store, I started running to the car while holding onto the cart and then jumped on it and rode a little ways with Lucy and Elly. They were laughing, and pumping their arms up and down shouting "wee! again!"
ahhhh....Happiness.

vocab

2011-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Looking back at the past couple weeks, I'm almost shocked at how much Lucy has started to say.
I think there are new words everyday.
I used to be able to keep up with all of them, but now when someone asks what words she says I'll start with my list and then realize I've left several words out after the conversation is well over.
She might give Elly a run for her money in the vocab department!

Ballet Elly

2011-02-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

One thing I didn't anticipate as a mom is how much fun it is to watch your daughter at ballet class. I'm grateful that my job allows me to be so flexible with my schedule that there can be some consistency for a class. It really is weird how time seems to speed up when children enter the picture. I often wonder what my kids' interests will be. I think about them being sporty and feminine at the same time. I guess only time will tell for sure. Hope you enjoy these Ballet Elly Pics as much as I do.

Has to be at least ONE silly face

2011-02-03T15:17:00.001-08:00

CRAZY to think I've let an entire year go by with out writing on this thing!
Where are my priorities?!
Today Elly, Lucy and I made cupcakes for a friend's birthday.
Which I think is a nice change from them playing the Cupcake app on the iPad.
Elly told me she wanted to be my best friend everyday.
Love these girls!

What are you looking at?

2009-12-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to go to WalMart. I haven't been in a really long time, but I needed a vacuum cleaner belt and thought maybe they would have the one I needed.
So we're walking around...just looking at stuff with no major agenda. I wanted to compare a few prices of things,
just to see if it would be cheaper to buy some stuff there
(which it's pretty comparable to Target for those of you who were wondering).
We - Elly, Lucy and myself -
walked all over that store and Elly picked from the time we walked in to the time we walked out to ask me a new question every minute or so..."what are you looking at?" Ok, she didn't just ask it, she shouted it.
I'm sure people were looking at us the whole time,
trying to find out who was being so rude.

No expectations

2009-11-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like things are finally settling down.
We are in our new normal routine. I'm not saying we have everything figured out by any means, but Scott, Elly and I are almost partly adjusted to the newest member of our family, Lucy.
I've gotta say that it took a little longer than I expected, which is totally my fault. In these situations I shouldn't even have expectations.
That's been my motto for the past couple weeks, "no expectations." Then I can't be disappointed if something doesn't quite go the way I think it should.
I only have one more week at home before I head back to work. And before we know it, Christmas will be here. Time really does speed up as you get older.

2009-11-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we're currently in the middle of family visits since Lucy has been born.
Grandma Lynn and Poppie came out for a week right after Lucy turned a week old. Grandma Susan arrived on Halloween and gets to stay for a week.
We're still trying to figure out schedules and routines. This has been my biggest transition so far, I think.
I take care of little babies all the time, yet I've forgotten what it's like to have one in my own home.
I think once I'm not scared to death that Elly will attack or "love" on Lucy I might be able to get a few things done, but I'm not sure how long that will take.
I'm already having to plan my return to work...wow...time does go by fast.

Lucy is here

2009-10-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Lucy is here! She was born 2 weeks early and definitely surprised me! I had been at work all day and then just walked across the hall and delivered her. Okay there was a little more to it than that, but that's the jest of it. We came home Sunday night and have been trying to get used to having a new baby since. That consists of...

Elly never listening to what we say
Me having emotional times of crying semi-regularly
Scott waiting on me hand and foot
Sleeping at random times and in random places during the day and night
Making quick runs to the grocery store to pick up random items
Having a wonderful new baby girl addition to the family who is a sweetheart!

So I guess it's pretty much the same adjustment that all families go through. Even though it's a little rough at times...totally worth it

2009-09-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm pretty sure nesting has begun.

the light switch by the door

2009-08-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

It's official! After living in our house for just over a year and a half, I figured out what the light switch by the door does. It operates an outlet across the house in the living room. Who knew?

newbiggirl bed

2009-08-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

Elly is now in her "newbiggirl bed" as she calls it. It was delivered yesterday. I have to say that I wasn't too sure about it...nap time yesterday afternoon did not go well. It consisted of quite a bit of crying, followed by, "mommy? mommy? mommy?" for a while, and then a door opened. She wouldn't lay back down after that.

Bed time however, a different story. She laid right down and went right to sleep. Sure she woke up twice during the night, but overall...not bad. I decided when she woke up at 5 am that I was not ready to get up yet, so I laid down with her in that new bed and we both fell back asleep. One thing is for sure...her bed is more comfortable than mine.

So far today...she laid right down and went down for her nap this morning...yay.

splash park

2009-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well...Lucy's room is now almost done. Scott worked long and hard yesterday to get the strawberry ice cream looking paint on the walls. It's very pink in there, but I like it :)

As it always seems to, life is still going by at an incredibly fast pace. The summer is almost over and it feels as if there is still so much to do before Lucy's arrival in October. However, this week has not gone by without it's share of good times. We've been swimming a lot lately it feels like, which is fine with me. Elly has really taken a liking to the splash park. She actually tries to push me away the whole time we're in the pool and attempts to climb out of the toddler inner tube we have for her.

We have also been able to frequent the splash park. Scott was able to go with us for the first time a couple weeks ago. Here are a couple moments we captured while playing...

cranky hormones

2009-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

The retail business redeemed itself last night. After we had gone to the Home Deopt, Scott suggested ice cream. The most friendly lady helped us at Dairy Queen and was very fast.

In other news, I am sitting and just watching today....not allowed to participate in the painting of Elly's room. Instead I am trying to entertain a cranky 18 month old who is getting more teeth. It's not so fun, especially with my hormones all cranky too! I'm trying to convince Scott to paint Lucy's room this weekend, too. Then it's all done. We'll see.

crazy busy

2009-07-05T09:28:00.001-07:00

Our lives have been crazy busy these past couple months. We're trying to keep up with a growing toddler, work, spend time with each other, lead a community group at church and get ready for baby Lucy's arrival. Things in the house have slowly started to change and while the mess is getting to me, I think it's all going at a good pace. Today we hope to buy some paint so we can finish the walls in each of the girls' rooms. Plus my friend Emily is helping me sew some curtains for the rooms so we might go buy some fabric. We had a fantastic 4th: swimming and hanging out with friends and playing cornhole, but we did miss shooting off fireworks (they're illegal here for those of you who were wondering).

2009-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

For everybody wishing they could have chased a polka-dotted Elly around the park while she hunted for eggs on Easter Sunday, here is what that looked like. We love how she shakes the eggs before placing them in her basket.

scorpion on the wall...

2009-04-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

So I walked into the bathroom the other night and saw a scorpion on the wall....I made Scott come and kill it. Since then, I seem to be slightly obsessed with finding out about scorpions in AZ and how likely it is that one would be able to exterminate them. Turns out my chances of getting rid of all them or keeping all of them out of my house aren't very high. I won't walk barefoot in the house anymore either. And I peer around every corner and turn every light on at night before walking into a dark room...I promise I'm not crazy...I just don't want a scorpion to be lurking around the corner, ready to strike.

San Diego

2009-04-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

We're going to San Diego!!! Woo Hoo!! We haven't had a vacation in about 2 years. We're (well Janice is anyway) excited to take Elly to Sea World. On a side note: It's very possible, however unlikely, that we might get blown away today by the wind. Seriously, I can't remember such gusts since Kansas.

2009-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we've updated this thing. You know how it goes: Christmas, child's first birthday party, finding out you're having another kid...kinda takes up a bit of time. And yes, for those who didn't know yet, we are having another baby due to arrive in October. We were surprised but are extremely excited. We've been busy trying to explain it all to Elly, but she just laughs and says "belly." However, our Dr. gave her a sonogram picture of the baby at our appointment and all she could say after that was "baby." Maybe she's getting it all, but we're still thinking it is going to take some time.

2008-12-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

How do you get an 11 month old to eat? Elly won't have anything to do with solid food the last couple days. I'm hoping it's just a quick little phase. I also think I will not be going to the mall again until after President's Day in January. People are not really polite this time of year and there are crowds everywhere. Where is everyone's Holiday Cheer? I know I have been overtaken with the Christmas Spirit. At least that's what I tell Scott when I spend too much money :)

No motivation

2008-12-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

I have no motivation to do the laundry. Wouldn't it be strange if adults too took several naps a day say like a 10 month old? I wonder if we would ever get anything done with a schedule like that?

decorations are up

2008-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over. Christmas will be here soon. And it looks like December is going to be very busy at the Appleman house or at least with the Appleman schedules. I have all the Christmas shopping done for my side of the family and I think I will assign Scott the duty of shopping for his - that's only fair right? The tree is up, all the decorations are up and for the first time there are lights outside ON our house :) AND...I just picked up the Christmas cards this morning. Wow...the season is in full swing.

center of attention

2008-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

I don't enjoy being sick. I feel like this stupid bug has been with me for about two weeks now and I can't shake it. Hopefully a day at home on the couch like today will help me feel better. Thanks to everyone for the surprise birthday party - a month early. I usually have some kind of idea, but to this I was completely oblivious! You got me. It kind of made me feel awkward being the center of attention. But I had a great time. Now I have to clean up the house and get ready for my parents and sister, Allyson, who are coming for Thanksgiving...YAY! But maybe I'll do all that tomorrow

2008-11-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

Who's ready to buy and put up Christmas decorations? I am! I am!

First Halloween

2008-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't seen her yet, here is Elly as a butterfly on her first Halloween

lick the food

2008-11-14T13:24:00.001-08:00

So... I am still trying to figure all this blog stuff out. Bear with me while I try new background colors and stuff.

I think Chick fil a made my stomach upset today. I love that place. However, it wasn't easy to eat on the left side of my mouth where my root canal was done...it hurt. But Elly seemed to like the chicken nuggets and her winter squash. So much so that when she took a bite and then sneezed, she tried to lick the food off the highchair.

2008-11-13T20:40:00.001-08:00

This past week we have been around town, trying to buy Christmas presents and making sure Elly has enough warm clothes for those frigid winters we have out here. Scott was very excited to pick out her coat. She didn't really like the fact that we kept taking coats on and off her. She really wanted to keep eating those Sweet Potato flavored star puffs out of her snack bowl. Elly has started using her sign language. Sometimes it's quite humorous to watch her sign "drink" because people around her think she is waving to them. So they wave back and she just stares at them, not sure what to do. She is also cruising around the furniture and loves to walk with help. She gets very excited. She still smiles at everyone and laughs a lot.

Scott is going to talk at church on Sunday. So for those of you who want to hear it, you can long on to our church website (www.secondmi.org) sometime later next week to download the podcast. Work at the writing center keeps him busy these days.

Janice just took on a big project at work that could have her really busy in the spring...she gets to organize competency days. For those of you who want to know, the nurses have to go through a class once a year and make sure they are competent in several areas and Janice and a couple other nurses have decided to be in charge of it. Pray for her :)

The house is wonderful...still. It's been so nice to leave the windows open the past week or so. We are finally enjoying some fall weather. Scott and I just reorganized the garage and it looks lovely.

I had a root canal performed on my #14 molar today (I'm proud I remember which tooth it was). It only took the guy 30 minutes to finish. I was impressed. I could not feel the left side of my mouth or nose afterward though - for almost 3 hours. Scott kept poking the side of my face, thinking it was hilarious that I couldn't feel him touching me.

Since we TiVo(ed) our shows tonight it is probably a good time to go and watch them.