Saturday, February 28, 2009

My daughters

Everyone is BORED around here...

Lexy slept most of yesterday away, when she was awake she was saying her eye hurt (and asking for a cold cloth) or crying because she was so dizzy that she couldn't sit up or eat. Today she is BORED. She is still unable to open her eye because of the pain and is a little bit dizzy. She is able to eat today though. Since she can't open her eyes (she says b/c she can't open the one that had surgery she can't open the other as they open together!) she really can't play or watch TV so besides playing blind person there's not much for her to do.

Yesterday while bored out of her mind Brooke made this...



Yep that is an original BMR Fashions creation made of duct tape. She was in her bedroom for a couple of hours and came out with it, she is SO creative!

One of Brooke's friends came over last night to keep her busy (and out of our hair) but as soon as her friend walked out the door this morning she said "I'm bored".

I think I may go crazy today with all the "I'm bored", "I need...", whine, "I'm bored", "Get me...", cry, "I'm bored", complain, "Can't we...", "There's nothing to do"... someone please save me!!!!

Friday, February 27, 2009

The FUN of the day

Here's some pics of Lexy's day of surgery. Not sure you'll be able to read the small print so one of the cute things Lexy did was...when waking up she was very concerned about her sock being off (they had a monitor on her toe) and kept asking us to put her sock on. When the nurse finally took the monitor off and Brooke was able to put Lexy's sock on Lexy said "thank you Sissy, I love you" like Brooke had done something wonderful!

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Lexy's Eye Surgery
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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Focus Friday

Sorry this is late today, Lexy had her surgery this morning. All went well and I'll have pics from the day later.

Focus Friday

Ellen over at Thrifty & Chic Mom has this great weekly challenge. Focus Friday is where you list a couple of small and/or large projects that you want to focus on for the week and then the next week you tell how you did at getting those projects done.

Last weeks tasks...

1.) FINISH that darn thorn in my side curtain for the shelves on the entertainment center!

2.) Master bedroom - clean out all the junk, put new bedding on, make new curtains & cover for vanity.

Ok, so neither one of my items got done this last week for two reasons. One, I realized at the beginning of the week that my daughter's 5th b-day is in less than 2 weeks and I had not planned a party, made the invitations or sent them out...nothing, zilch, nada. Second, We found out this week that same daughter had to have eye muscle surgery today (Friday) and I have been on the phone setting that up ALL week.

SO, I will show you these invitations that I made and got sent to Lexy's preschool friends this week so I feel like I did get something accomplished...

Obviously Lexy has chosen a dinosaur theme for her party. She loved the invitations I made and helped me decorate the envelopes.

This weeks tasks (I will go back to the other ones the following week)...

1.) Shop for all decorations, food, presents for Lexy's party.
2.) Plan the games for the party.
3.) Make the dinosaur cake for the party.

Writer's Workshop - A Forever Family is...

I found a new blog today at Mama's Losin' It. She hosts a writer's workshop where we choose one of the prompts listed and write a story/poem.

My prompt for the day: 2.) Write a 26-line poem using all the letters of the alphabet, where the first line starts with the letter "A," the second "B," the third "C," etc., culminating with the final line starting with "Z."(writersdigest.com) Here's the results...

A Forever Family is...

Acceptance
Belonging
Caring
Daddy lovings
Exploring new things
Family Fun days
Goofiness
Hugs
Immeasurable
Joking
Kisses
Laughing
Mommy cuddles
Non-Judging
Open minded
Patient
Questions answered
Reassurance
Stories
Trust
Unconditional Love
a Vow
Wealth of the best kind
X-tra Special
being Yourself
Zest for life

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Way Back When-esday and Wordful Wednesday

For Way Back When-esday and Wordful Wednesday today I have choosen to share this picture...
SISTERLY LOVE...

Brooke & Lexy

October 2004

Brooke (8) and Lexy (7 mos.)

I love this picture of the girls! Back when they didn't argue and still loved on each other all the time. Brooke was so thrilled to have a little sister that she could dress up just like her...Lexy would never let that happen now!!

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In other news...

Lexy's eye muscle surgery is scheduled for 8:45am on Friday. If you think of it, please say a prayer that everything will go smoothly!

We had an inspection on our furnace today: the bad news is there is a crack in some vital part, the good news is that we think we will qualify to get a brand new one paid for by Eckan...I'm considering this as my part of the stimulus package!

We got our taxes done today and we will get a refund...of course who knows when the state refund will come since it took a load of paperwork and until Dec. to get last years...all because we used the adoption tax credit, ugh!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The good and bad news

Good News...

My BFF Robin's MRI and other test came back negative for MS, the symptoms she's been experiencing are because of a bulging disc in her neck. They will start physical therapy and if that's doesn't take care of it then she will have surgery...but NO MS!!!

Bad News...

I took Lexy for her yearly check up at her Opthamologist yesterday and her doctor found that she will have to have eye muscle surgery. When she got her glasses 2 years ago we started patching her eye because of the lazy eye, about six months later the patching had worked enough that we stopped patching. For some reason the muscle has gotten MUCH weaker than it was and now our options are to try patching again (which probably would only be a temporary fix again) or to have eye muscle surgery to hopefully fix the problem for good. We have choosen to go with the surgery but I have a stomachache just thinking of putting my baby thru that! It is an out-patient surgery but they'll still have to put her under (and that wasn't a good experience when she had her MRI 2 years ago!). The doctor's office will call today to set up the date...please say a prayer that everythng will go well.




Before going to Lexy's appointment yesterday, we stopped off at Toys R US for Brooke to buy Lexy's birthday present. The girls thought they would try on some "new wheels"!






And yes, those are the only "wheels" that they are allowed to have for many many many years...oh the anxiety over just thinking that those days are coming way to quickly for Brooke!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Family Fun

We didn't do anything overly facinating for family fun this weekend but we did spend time together (and isn't that what it's all about anyway...yes I'm trying to make myself feel better!). We spent the morning on Sat. lazing around the house and then went shopping. Brooke needed to get some things to make for a gift for her cheerleading "big sister" for their party on Tuesday and I picked up some things for Lexy's birthday (it's in 2 WEEKS!!!). So one of my big projects in the next couple of days is to call and reserve the place we will have her party and make the invitations for her preschool class! Lexy decided on the theme of dinosaurs so we will go with that and the colors green and orange...nice to have one that's not as girly as Brooke so I get to do different parties!!!

After shopping we went to dinner and then went to a fundraiser that was benifiting our good friends Gary and Tiffany. Their adoption(s) from Ethiopia is moving right along and hopefully this fundraiser will help!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Focus Friday

Focus Friday

Ellen over at Thrifty & Chic Mom has this great weekly challenge. Focus Friday is where you list a couple of small and/or large projects that you want to focus on for the week and then the next week you tell how you did at getting those projects done.

Last weeks goals...

1.) Get that darn curtain for the shelves in the entertainment center done from last week! Ugh, once again this did not get done but I did buy the new fabric so it WILL be done!
2.) Clean my craft area in the playroom Woo hoo, this one DID get done (I finished it up this morning!) This was quite a job but it so needed to get done because it's the place where I do all my other projects!

BEFORE:

AFTER:


Now, for this week...

1.) FINISH that darn thorn in my side curtain for the shelves on the entertainment center!

2.) Master bedroom - clean out all the junk, put new bedding on, make new curtains & cover for vanity.

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On a side note...please say a quick prayer for my best friend Robin as I take her for an MRI today.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Way Back When-esday

I'm joining in Way Back When-esday once again. Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this, go on over there and see who else is playing.

My picture for today is...

Date: February 2008

Me and "Puddin"

We miss you Puddin!!!
A year ago this was the sweet little angel that was brought to our house for care and loving. She was 6 weeks old when she came to us, tiny and mostly unresponsive. Boy did that turn around, "Puddin" left us at 4 mos old (to go live with her aunt and brothers) a smiling, laughing bundle of joy.
We are hoping that we will receive another bundle to love and care for VERY soon...it's too quiet around here!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Time with Papa

Since Mike and the girls had yesterday off, we decided to go up on Sunday to spend some time with Papa and Grammy before Papa's shoulder surgery yesterday. We always have a great time spending time with them and the girls are always SO spoiled!

Papa's out patient surgery went longer than anticipated so we ended up spending about 8 hours up at the hospital. Actually it was the prep and recovery (high blood pressure) that took longer but we got to take Papa home and he was resting when we left him last night. The girls did well (even though it was boring) at the hospital and were both really glad when we got to finally take Papa home. Brooke made Papa a get well soon card and sat with him when we got him home to make sure he was okay and Lexy gave Papa a stuffed animal to make him feel better while he slept.

WE LOVE YOU PAPA!!! We hope your recovery is quick and that you are as pain free as possible!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

St. Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our family to yours!
Our Valentine's celebration started on Friday night with a Family Slumber Party. We had pizza and strawberry shortcake, Brooke (The Clique) and Lexy (Space Buddies) each picked a movie for us to watch while we ate popcorn, danced and then we all slept in the living room for the night.


Valentine's continued this morning while we exchanged gifts and had pink blueberry muffins and bacon for breakfast. Later we went to lunch at McDonald's (Lexy's choice) and then did some window shopping and playing at the mall playplace before going to dinner at Golden Corral (Brooke's choice). On our way home, Mike stopped and got each of his three girls a rose.
Lexy sure enjoyed that cupcake!
Brooke with a mouth full of candy!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Focus Friday and Lexy's party

Focus Friday


Ellen over at Thrifty & Chic Mom has this great weekly challenge. Focus Friday is where you list a couple of small and/or large projects that you want to focus on for the week and then the next week you tell how you did at getting those projects done.

Last weeks goals...
Valentine's Gifts. Get/Make Brooke & Lexy's valentines gifts. Fill gift bags & get and fill out valentine cards for Lexy's preschool class. - DONE! I took Lexy's Valentine's to her class this morning and I got the girls' gifts done...see below!
Make curtain for shelves in the entertainment center - Ok I failed at this one. The fabric I bought for this project did not work for it so I will have to buy new fabric.



For how I did these, visit my Projects and Pretties blog!



Now for this week's goals...

  • Get that darn curtain for the shelves in the entertainment center done from last week!
  • Clean my craft area in the playroom

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This morning Lexy had her preschool Valentine's Day Party...



The Girls this morning before school!




I love my girls!!! I asked them if they wanted to do a family night tonight and they both said yes so we'll be having pizza, watching a movie and having a family sleepover in the living room tonight!! What will you do with your kids tonight???

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Our Story - how "WE" came to be

Today I am joining in on the SWAK Carnival at We are THAT Family, Kristen has challenged us to create a post about our husbands in honor of Valentine's Day. To do this I've decided to go Way Back (for Way Back Whens-day) and tell the story of how "we" came to be.


The Beginning: I met Mike at the tender age of almost 17 years old while I was driving thru the park where he was working. To say the least, my parents were NOT happy with the age difference between the two of us (10 yrs), to the point that they made the decision that I would not be allowed to see him. As most teenagers will, I totally ignored my parents wishes and continued to see Mike for the next 8 months without their blessing or knowledge. I believe that those eight months set the foundation for our strong marriage today. We spoke on the phone (after my parents were in bed) for hours each evening (many times falling asleep together on the phone) getting to know one another. We would sneak (and NO Brooke & Lexy this will NEVER be a good idea!) to see each other a couple of times a week.

After about 8 months of sneaking around and avoiding getting caught (yeah, not so proud of those lies) my parents had a change of heart. I'll never know what went thru their heads or what the discussions were like (but as a parent now I can only imagine what kind of heartache I put them thru) but I was told that they would rather meet Mike and get to know him than to lose me as my 18th birthday was getting close. That first meeting was nerve wracking for all those involved but it turned out wonderful...I've often said that I think that they grew to love Mike more than me!!

The Wedding: Mike and I continued to see each other for four years before getting married in Sept. 1994. I thought this was WAY to long to wait and let my feelings be known often but looking back I'm glad that I had that time to grow up and time for us to build trust before settling down. We had the most beautiful outdoor ceremony in a gazebo in the middle of town with family and friends surrounding us although all I really remember is looking up to the gazebo while walking down the aisle with my dad thinking "thank goodness Mike is here, he looks so handsome". Mike made me feel so beautiful that day and he continues to do so. After our wonderful wedding we took a week long honeymoon in Jamaica where we had a great time.


Today: 14 years after getting married (18 years after meeting) I am still madly in love with this man! I may not tell him often enough but being with him makes me happy everyday.

He has been the BEST daddy that I could have ever dreamed of for our two beautiful daughters and to the many foster kids that we have shared our home with. He is caring, compassionate, patient and always willing to play or listen to a story when one of the kids request it.

Mike has been my rock, my shoulder to cry on and the person I most want to share my good news with for 18 years. He has supported our family and I in so many ways. When challenges and struggles present themselves, Mike is my rock to lean on. I know he will always be there when I need him. He has seen me at my best and at my worst and for not one moment in the past 18 years have I felt his love for me waiver. He shows me daily how much I am cared for and unconditionally loved...I hope I make him feel the same way!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Cheerleading comes to an end...

7th grade cheer squad
Brooke & Kenzie

Tonight's basketball game marked the end of the cheer leading "season" for Brooke. She is quick to remind me that she is STILL a cheerleader until the end of the school year they just don't have anyone to cheer for!


Unfortunately with the passing of the cheer leading season comes all the hype and circumstance of trying out for next year. There are papers to be filled out by me, Brooke & teachers, there are endless practices at school and home (I'm sure yet again I'll be able to do the cheer and dance in my sleep!) and then the much dreaded (I mean awaited) tryout day. I remember this time last year so well (the fear, the tears, the worries, the headaches, the drinking...oh no there was no drinking, darn). I was so relieved when those tryouts were over and Brooke's number was on that coveted list and all the horribleness was finally over just in time to go on vacation for spring break...and for the worry to begin about if she would be hated by all that did not make it on to the coveted list.


I'm pretty sure Brooke is just as worried this year as last as there is no guarantee that she will make the squad for a second season...and what a horrible fate! The try outs are based solely on performance and ability (by judges that do not know the girls) so I'm sure she will be kicking it into high gear learning the new cheer & dance and practicing for hours a day in the upcoming weeks...oh please lord let her make it because if not ONE of us WILL be moving to a deserted island to live!!!

Monday, February 9, 2009

What do you do on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

Around here when we are enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon you might find us playing dress up as a family! Take a good look at this first picture because it's not often that Lexy is in the mood to dress up as a beautiful princess. Most of the time she would rather dress up as a dinosaur, dog or skeleton! So pretty!!

Here's another picture of Lexy the princess...yep that's daddy in the background after being dressed up by Lexy!

This one is of Brooke the fortune teller reading Kenzie's palm.

Lexy dressed me up as the silly chef...darn no pictures of that :-) !

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Family Fun Day

For family fun time this weekend we split up and did...

Daddy and Lexy time...they played at home, went to McDonald's and ate dinner together, went to the park and then played outside at home! Lexy said she had a really fun time playing with Daddy, Daddy said that Lexy scared him with how high she can swing herself on the swings now!

Mommy and Brooke time...Brooke and I joined Robin and Kenzie for lunch at a new place (Beach Bums, really cool, Lexy would love it!), some shopping at Kohl's (new purses for all!), a movie (Bride Wars, very good!), some more shopping at the mall & Target and then a little dinner at Wendy's before heading home. We had a great time and the bigger girls got some much needed mommy time and leisurely shopping without little siblings around!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Our "wagie ride" for Tuesday

As I mentioned here, we wanted to join in honoring Tuesday by participating in a virtual "wagie ride". We don't have a wagon and I'm pretty sure Brooke would look kinda silly in one so we chose to honor Tuesday by enjoying an afternoon at the park...

I was brought to tears watching my two beautiful girls playing, running and laughing. Tuesday, you have made me appreciate the time I have with my girls even greater! Whitt family, you are in our prayers. Love, The Richards Family

Friday, February 6, 2009

The sickies and Focus Friday

Boy it's amazing how quickly the stomach sickies can wipe you out! It started two nights ago with me and then Mike & Lexy both got it. Brooke is now avoiding all of us, she'll hardly even look at us for fear of getting sick. I feel like I have been run over by a semi and left for dead!

Now for something new. Ellen over at Thrifty & Chic Mom has started this great weekly challenge. Focus Friday is where you list a couple of small and/or large projects that you want to focus on for the week and then the next week you tell how you did at getting those projects done.

Focus Friday


My goals for this week are...
  • Valentine's Gifts. Get/Make Brooke & Lexy's valentines gifts. Fill gift bags & get and fill out valentine cards for Lexy's preschool class.
  • Make curtain for shelves in the entertainment center

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Way Back When-esday

I'm joining in Way Back When-esday once again. Cheryl over at Twinfatuation hosts this, go on over there and see who else is playing.

My picture for today is...

Date: March 2005
Daddy (41) and Lexy (12 mos.)
Lexy was all dressed up to have her first birthday pictures done...in the dress that Brooke had her first birthday pictures taken in (I'll have to scan those both sometime!).

In memory of Tuesday, a "wagie ride"


As I wrote about before, Tuesday's story has touched my heart. She has touched the hearts of many including Lee over at this website. Lee has connected with some other gals to do something very special in memory of Tuesday on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

This is some of what Lee wrote...

"I read on Tuesday's blog that her family is holding a celebration of her life this Saturday and they are inviting family and friends to meet at their home to walk together in a little parade to the memorial celebration held at a local equestrian center. The family is encouraging everyone to come on bikes and in wagons because "wagie rides" were one of Tuesday's favorite things to do.

We would like to hold a virtual parade on Saturday, February 7th, for Tuesday. We want each and every one of you to stop what you're doing on Saturday and spend a little time with your kids on a bike ride or a wagon ride or a sled ride or a skateboarding cruise or a stroll in the park and to photograph it."

You can go to Lee's blog here to find out all the details. I will be joining in on the "Wagie Ride for Tuesday", won't you join too? If you don't have a blog to post on just send your picture in an e-mail to either Lee (as she wrote in her blog) or me. Lee's hope is to compile all the photos and put them on cd for Tuesday's family to have forever.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Robin...

This is for you Robin...

Happy 40th Birthday Robin!

A call...

We finally got our first foster call from our new agency last night but I had to turn it down :-( It was for police protective custody (72 hrs. waiting for court) for a 6.5 yr. old girl and an infant boy. Right now we only have a crib and a toddler bed so we couldn't take them since I don't think a 6.5 year old would fit in either one of those.

Actually I wouldn't have minded taking them if it was as a regular placement but to go buy another bed for just a few days stay isn't in our budget right now. Plus I would want to know more about any problems/behaviors with the 6 yo. since she would be older than Lexy.

I am glad to know that we are on the calling list and hopefully we'll get called with a placement that we can say yes to soon!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Brooke the movie star!

http://www.ktka.com/videos/2009/jan/30/23612/

If you go to the website above you will see a video of the new tv show "Broken Road" that Brooke and Kenzie were extras in. Just click on the play arrow and watch for the girls, they're in the clip quite a bit!!

The episode in the video is episode 6, the last one filmed. The first episode premiered yesterday (Brooke & Kenzie aren't in the first ones). We still haven't heard if the show has been picked up by a big hollywood exec., if it is then they will be shooting more episodes that the girls will have a chance to be in!

Family Fun

Our family fun this weekend was spent celebrating my best friend, Robin's 40th birthday. Robin's sister-in-law, Christina and I planned a chili & soup dinner for all of Robin's family and friends. We had a great time, here's some pics...