Green with Envy

I just got a call this AM from one of my favorite people. Our social worker Carol, she just got back from a trip to Korea to escort a baby home. It was a very last minute trip. She got a call on Friday that they needed an escort, but she had to leave on Sunday. She said that it was a wonderful trip. She got to meet four foster parents. One that had been fostering for 5 years and three that were first time fosters. She said that the tears flowed freely from all the foster parents. They got to witness the parting ceremony and met Dr. Kim the founder of Eastern Social Welfare Society which is the baby house and the home for pregnant mothers.

Oh! I would have loved to have gone. We definately plan to take Yin there. You can do a homeland tour. They can visit the babyhouse, and even meet their foster families.

Green, I am green with envy.

Here is the link Eastern: http://www.eastern.or.kr/eng/htm/home.htm

It's offfical... I am a BAD Friend.

With all the work on the playset from Hell... I have been neglecting my duties. My good friend "J" had a birthday this weekend. I called all day on the wrong day to tell her Happy Birthday to realize Monday that I was calling on the wrong day. I was sure that the 25th was Saturday. Then Monday was my BEST pal in the UNIVERSES Anniversary, and I called today. Yikes!

Yesterday, was my Grandpa and his new wife's anniversary. I got that one right. I hope I don't get fired from this friend job.

Here is the completed playset 10 seconds after the swings were up...

Yesterday, they played Diego and Alicia for about an hour. I am in love with it and so are they.

Yin has been pottying in the potty. No more diapers, except nap and bedtime, for our big girl. Man when she got it she got it. She is not doing #2 in the potty, but its a start and really good start!

Yesterday, Yin and Yuri both had to go to the doctor. Yin's was a follow up from the Asthma mess and for him to look at the knot on her wrist. We are going to a specialist next week for her wrist in Evansville then we are traveling to Nene and Papaw How's for Easter. Yuri has a sinus mess and a bacterical infection. He has a nasty spot on his leg. It is starting to look better, when I called Friday for an appointment the nurse recommended a cream and it made a huge difference over the weekend.

Not usually a face person, but I first saw my little mans picture a week and 7 years ago. Then and now.

He is such a big boy. I can't believe how much he has grown. God has blessed us so much!

Potty Power and Sick Rudy

One of my moms groups recommended a DVD called Potty Power. I have to tell you I was skeptical to say the least. I shelled out the $12.00 to get it, and it arrived on Saturday. Yin immediately wanted to watch it. She watched it 5 times on Saturday. I know that is alot of TV, but what is worse to much TV or peeing your pants in 3rd grade. My favorite song is "You wipe you bottom from front to back". What can I say it has a catchie/catchy (sp) toon.

Well, she LOVES it. We have worked with her since Saturday yesterday, she actually came and told us she needed to go. She went 2 of the 4 times she said she needed to and had two accidents. We started fresh this AM. She had no full accidents. She wet just a little and told us and then came and went to the potty. She has been doing great. Then I made a trip to the town a few towns over and she had a Pooh accident. Rudy had to deal with it, and give her a bath. Normally, this would be no problem, but...

Last night I woke to the sound of someone vomiting... Yeah, I know too much information. Rudy was up and down the rest of the night. He has ran fever all day and has been sleeping off and on. I have no idea what is wrong, at first I thought he might have ate something bad, but I just don't know.

Luckily, knock on wood, neither of the kids are sick.

Do you C what I C

Well, this weekend was the big St. Louis trip for Hope and me. We had a GREAT time. We were able to "C" all kids of things and do all kinds of things.

The first that we went to "C" was Polly Paperbacks. I really like the old guy in there he is always friendly and chatty. We both made a few small purchases and moved on. Next we ate at Stake-N-Shake, and enjoyed the shakey goodness. UUUMMMM!!! We travelled south to Sunset Hills home of Harthstone Knits. It was nice to see and pet all the varieties of yarns, but no purchases were made. I know I couldn't believe it either. I have been there before and the selection was GOOD, but this time. The store had a funny smell and Hope noticed it also. I don't know if someone else bought the store, but it was just okay.

We then travelled north to Hazelwood and the home of The Weaving Department at Myers House. I have been there at least twice with Needles and they have greatly expanded. I did not remember that the entire second floor was FULL. There was Yarn everywhere. Hope was able to find alot of stuff and I was able to "C" some pretty great stuff also. I bought two balls of soft yarn called Cypruss Mohair. It is purple, blue, and black. They had it made into a really cute and EASY scarf.

After that we headed to the St. Louis Mills Mall. HOLY COW! That place is HUGE! We made purchases at Gap Outlet,Old Navy Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, Bath & Body Outlet, and Books-a-Million Outlet. Then we headed to the Hotel.

AAahhhh the Hotel. Just an FYI... There is only ONE way to get to the Embassy Suites, and if you miss your road. You must make a U-turn drive back thru the tunnel that wigs me out, drive three more miles, do and illegal U-turn, travel back thru the creepy tunnel, cuss the morons who designed the system, drive 10 miles and hour slower than the speed limit, do not let anyone off the on ramp, and if you get really lucky turn into Eagle Drive. WOW! We had a blast.

We got to the hotel and checked in. We went upstairs to see our room. We opened the door and ..... A king sized bed. Now I love Hope and she loves me, but... I called the front desk and they ASSured me that I requested a King Smoking??? NOT! So after a small adjustment much giggling and laughing that is not appropriate for the blog. We made it to our new wonderful room. Room 501. Why must I tell you 501 was the number. I tell you becuase it is always important to remeber your room number. Ours was 501. We rested in room 501, and made supper plans.

We knew that we wanted Mexican, and Hope found the BEST Mexican places in St. Louis. It was called Los Palmos. We went off to "C" what we could "C" and ended up at the Galleria Mall. It was really nice. Hope got her free panites from the coupon at Victorias Secret. I got some stuff and we were on our way. We stopped at the Friends 2B made and built a doll for Yin. Next we were off to the Gymboree where Hope got the most beautiful dress for Mei Mei. We visited a few more stores and made some purchases at Waldons Books... See a book loving pattern here.

We got back to the hotel and read our books and settled in for a great night of sleep. At 11:30... we heard a bang, bang, bang.... tap, tap, tap... then a continuous tap.

Me: Hope are you expecting a stripper?

Hope: NO?

I go to the door and just pull it back a smidge and say you have the WRONG room. I heard a sorry and went back to bed... Well.... 3:30am... tap, tap, tap,... Bang, BANG, BANG... Well now I was MAD! I went to the door and heard. "Hey T-bone you in there" to which I replied, "YOU HAVE THE WRONG ROOM!!!!!" He realised that I was telling the truth... "OOOOPppps, I do have the wrong room he muttered." We went back to bed with some more giggling.

Today, we went down and had a great breakfast and we were off to "C" what we could "C". We stopped in Fairfiew Heights at the Borders, the Gymboree, and Sam's. Then we headed for home.

It was such a great trip. I had a BLAST. I really needed sometime away, and Hope is the best travel buddy ever! We sang along with the radio and soon we were home. I told Rudy of all the thins that we were able to "C". All in all it was a GREAT weekend!!!

A whole nights sleep... Almost

Last night Yin was like a ragdoll. She wanted to be held and snuggled. At one point Rudy asked if I thought she had a temp or it was from the crying. She didn't feel very hot so I said the crying. I checked her about 30 minutes later 101.0... So I wrestled her to the ground for some Motrin and then gave her a cool bubble bath. She perked up a little in the tub.

We watched American Idol. She is usually up dancing, but tonight all the could do was wave her hands in the air to the beat. --- I have to say that I was not impressed by most of American Idol.--- We put her to bed and Rudy read her a Dora story. He went in after she was asleep and gave her a breathing treatment. He said she was very sweaty. He does a great job with her.

It was bedtime. I have a HORRIBLE fear of putting a child to bed with a fever and Tylenol. There was a death a few years ago, and it has me terrified. Anyway, I kept getting up to check on her. Made sure that she was breathing and alive and then back to bed. Only to repeat the process many times. One time I woke she was laying outside our door on the floor. Our door is always open, but she has recently become afraid of the dark. Our house looks like an airplane landing strip at night, but I want my room dark. She will stand outside the doorway and cry or call for us, but will not come in. Usually, we can hear her coming before she gets to the door.

This morning she is cranky, but I bribed her to take her medicine for a Hershey's kiss. We are into an episode of Blue's Clue. I will keep you posted.

Down for the count

Well, today Yin is in full cannot breath mode. I am taking her to the doctor at 1pm. We considered taking her to the ER, but were able to hold off. Insert MAJOR new insurance PENALTY rant here relating to ER.

She is better in a sitting or standing, but can't breath and gurgles in a laying position. We got up with her at 2am... Gave here a breathing treatment and she was somewhat better. I was up until 4am and then Rudy, best husband and daddy in the world, stayed up with her until 6 am when it was time for him to go to work. He is going on 4 hours sleep.

Pray that they can give me something to make her better fast. I wish I knew what was in the air in the "Promised Land" that her little body can't take. It has been warmer there so maybe the pollen count is up.

In other news:

I got Yin's room CLEAN, Yuri's room Clean, and the livingroom done! The dining room and kitchen are on the list for today. Hopefully, I can get it done. Tomorrow Yuri and I have dental appointments. I really, really, REALLY, dislike going to the dentist. I like my denist and cleaning lady, but Yikes! I hate the entire process.

My cousin recently told our family that she is Pregnant with #4. They have three girls and really wanted a boy. My gram called today and said that it is a boy. I am very happy for them. I am not sure how they do it she is 23. When the baby is born they will have a 6, 3, and 19 month old and a newborn! WOWZA! I cannot imgine having 4 kids at 23, but Yuri did not come along until I was 27 and I was 32 when Yin arrived.

Have a good one! OH, and tonight is IDOL! Me and Yuri are ready!

Oh! One more thing, last night I made arrangment from Hope and me. We got at a $110 - 3 1/2 star room for $60. I love name your own price at priceline and I used my ebates, so I saved and additional 2%. We are staying at the Embassy suits., I love them, in a two room suite!!! We are trying to pick a movie to go and see, find all the used book stores, knitting shops, and other great places. I wanted to see Premonition, with Sanda Bullock and Julian McMahon, but it starts next Friday. Boohoo!

UPDATE:::

Well I took Yin to the doctor. He indicated that it is sinusitis. He sent me to the hospital to have her neck x-rayed to see her Adnoids, and if they are causing problems. If they are he wants us to have them removed, I am not in love with the doctor that did her tubes, and will be looking for someone else. We had no real problems with the tube surgery or the after effects, but the doctor is a little odd. We got to see Kunkle Pilot at the Hospital. I bet we were the high point of his day! NOT!

I got the final paperwork done on the Blazer today, I am so glad!! The lady that bought it made Yin an Easter basket. Just an FYI--- We know these people. I wouldn't take candy from strangers.

Well, the rest of the house did not get cleaned, but I will beat Rudy into helping pretty soon.

Keep Yin in your prayers.

Pics of Yin's Room

As you look into Yin's room from the living room...
Looking into Yins room from the living room... Looking back towards the living room... Left side of room.. Her closet is at the head of the bed.

Looking back towards the living room .... Right side of room.

Yes, I know my kids are very lucky! See how big the windows are! Yikes!

Thank Goodness!

The medicine has kicked in and I feel much better!

I have throughly clean Yin's room.... AGAIN! As a girl, she has many large items. A table and chair, a baby crib, her crib/toddlerbed, a doll stroller, high hair, and .... The list is never ending. YIKES! Oh and just for fun she wanted the little tykes slide back in her room.

Her room is the smallest in the house 10 x 12 and while that is not normally small she has to windows that are 4 feet wide, a closet door that is 5 feet wide and the door to her room are beautiful pocket door that are almost 8 feet... So rhe longest stretch of wall is 5 feet. This makes it almost impossible to not have something placed in front of a window.

I am going to try and keep it up!

Did you watch Battlestar???? Got some theories there, but will post later...

Sickly all around

It seems that there is something in the"promised land" that does not like Yin. Each time we go she comes back with an Asthma/Allergy attack. It is NOT fun. First, her little nose itches like there is pepper in it, next comes the red cheeks and runny nose, finally the not being able to breath. We have been though this many times in her little life so... Zytrec, Breathing treatments, and possible Antibiotic and she will be good to go in about 5 days, but Yikers! She is a mess right now.

Another funny thing is that while we were there Yin would "Fot" aka fart, like a trucker eating cheesie fries, but no pooh! NADA! NONE! NYET! We had been home for less than five minutes when she disappeared to her room to make a lovely Poof as she calls it. She poofed 3 times in 3 hours. What can I say she has her momma's inability to use the bathroom anywhere but at home.

It was agreat trip. NeNe looked much better and Yin ran Papa How all around the place. Our kids are so lucky. It is amazing that they are never shy and never forget even though it is sometimes a few months between visits. They just take up as if they saw them yesterday. They both made out like bandits Yin came home with $5.00 and a babystroller, and Yuri came home with $15.xx and some change. We can't wait to go back.

Today, I feel horrible my head is aching and making me sick to my stomach. I took something and the thobbing has let up a little. I need to get up and clean. It is a mess here, and I don't like a mess, but feel dizzy when I stand up. Hopefully, it is just the same headache that I get every single month. I think it is a sinus issue.

Well, tonight is Enterprise. Rudy will be google eyeing Tapal, or what every breasty's name is. I am thinking of making some soup for lunch and supper that should be easy enough.

This weekend Hope and I are planning a trip to St. Louis!!! AKA home of Inkling. I am not sure all the places that we will be going, but it will be a much needed break for me. I am hoping to find something for one of my favorite knitters for her upcoming birthday.


COUPON OF THE DAY:::
www.toysrus.com has Melissa and Doug Puzzles on sale with free shipping, checkout using Google check out and save $10.00 on your order. Melissa and Doug are the BEST puzzles and wooden playsets ever. Yin loves hers!

Travel plans

Well, we are travling to the "promise land" as Pilot calls it. We are leaving in the morning, and going to spend the day and night at Nene and Papaw Hows the kids are terribly excited! They wanted to leave this AM, but Rudy has a meeting tonight. He will be gone from 6 until 10.

Today, I had to take McBride to the Doctor. I love my Grams, but I wish she would give me a little more than 12 hours notice. Yowza. We went to the "Liebarry" as Yin calles it. They got some books ans did some coloring. It was fun. Yuri was out of school due to Teachers Workshop.

Yuri is VERY big into Accelerated Reading. He has been reading and testing like Mad to get to 75 points for a Pizza party. That means he would have to get a perfect on 150 books. Well, he can only test so many times per day, but last week he tested 5 times in one day! He said "I'm trying really hard." He read during all the free times and tested during recess since they can't go outside and the GYM is for the big kids PE. He is curretly at 43 points. I went to his teacher to ask about the AR program, and in his class his teacher only has 32 AR books that are in her room all the time. The other AR books are on a moving cart that they access only one time per day. I can't believe how few books they have, and honestly, some of them are so old. I am on a mission to find some AR books for his class to donate.

Many of the books are not in their AR system. They need new quizzes, but the software is $$$$. I can't afford that, but maybe I can get some more things to help her out. I was told by a group of ladies, that "Teachers don't want you to buy for the classroom at Christmas, they want gifts for themselves." Seems to me you can only have so many lotion sets, but what do I know. I think they would be glad to get stuff for their class. Espicially, since they are new teachers.

Anywho.... Yuri is is the 2nd grade 7th month, and he is reading consistantly at 3rd grade 8th month. AKA: Higher level than his daddy! Just kidding, but Rudy doesn't like to read.

Well off to finish cleaning so we can buzz out of her. Have a nice weekend.

No coupon today, but I sure that I will find on for Monday.

Grey's Fun!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/quiz/greysdiagnosis/index

I was Miranda Bailey!

Who are you???

Blazer is GONE!!

Well, the Blazer is gone!!! We will use the extra money to pay on something else. I am glad we will no longer be paying insurance for 4 vehicles.

Bye Bye, Baby, Bye Bye

Well, I think that my brother may have sold our Blazer. We really do not need it, and I can use the money to pay on something else.... So keep your fingers crossed.

It has been a good car, and made many Geocaching trips. I did enjoy the 4-Wheel drive especially in the winter when I worked.


Today I am babysitting for my nephew, and while I LOVE him. He is the ulitmate mess maker, and he wants to be held all the time which makes Yin MAD. WOWZA! I don't know how farmwife does it with two at home all the time and soon to be three. Yin has done much better this week sharing with him. I put gates up everywhere and moved the ottoman and coffee table so he has to stay in the livingroom or Yin's room. It seems to have helped.


We may try to visit NeNe and Papaw How this weekend. We have not been there since Dec 30th, and we are all ready to go!!! 8 weeks is too long. I hope that the kids don't wear her out as Needle and Pilot said that she needed frequent naps. If we don't go this weekend, we will go on the 17th weekend.

Another Coupon

I know that most of you don't order from here, but here is a code for FREE shipping at American Girl. The code is: A373785

Also here is a $15 off $30 dollar purchase thru paypal.

https://paypal.promotionexpert.com/greatshopping/signup/200702/misc_s.html?route=misc.s

Just read the details.

Maybe someone can use them.