Almost Christmas

Well, it kind of is...

When it was Halloween time, Cade was fascinated with the lights and decorations that people had up. He was not so entertained by our front room which he deemed, "spooky". When everyone took their decorations down, he was sad. He kept looking for pumpkins and lights. So, I told him not to worry that it was "almost Christmas" and that we would have to look for Christmas lights soon.

Basically, since November 1st, it has been "almost Christmas" to Cade. He has been in search of Christmas decorations ever since. Luckily, our neighborhood is full of overachievers and people who do NOT procrastinate and as of yesterday we can now see Christmas lights! We are no where close to having any of our decorations for Christmas up yet--I was happy to get my Thanksgiving pilgrims out! Hopefully this weekend.

Today Cade told me that it was "almost time for the baby." Well, I don't know who put that in his head...but it is definitely closer to Christmas than it is to baby!

High School?

Our church started a new women's fellowship time.

A chance for the ladies to get together, grab a bite to eat, and talk. Mom invited me to go with her. Most of the ladies I knew, but some I didn't. One asked me if I were in high school or college. WHAT?!

Now I know people go to college at many different times in their lives. So, that didn't shock me, but high school? I know I look younger (but these days I feel ancient) but not so young as to be in high school. I shocked this lady when I told her I was 30! It was entertaining.


I went today for an MRI for my ear problems. Just to make sure that the hearing loss I have in my left ear is not due to a tumor or something serious. It was NOT fun. I am generally only mildly claustrophobic..and only if I really start to dwell on it. So, I didn't want to worry about going in for an MRI or asking my doc for an anti-anxiety medication. So I didn't.


For those of you who have had the pleasure of an MRI, you know what I went though. You lay down on a narrow piece of metal...with your head in a "cradle" (vice). They lock your head in so you can't move using an apparatus which reminds me of the Hannibal Lector mask. (No, I am sure it wasn't anywhere near that bad) Then they slide you into this tube that I am sure if I were anymore further along in my pregnancy than I am, I wouldn't fit in there. I had to lie on my back. And you know when you lay on your back on a hard surface it almost feels like there is a ton of pressure on your chest? Well, imagine that but add like a 10 pound uterus to that pressure. I was really, really, really uncomfortable. You are enclosed. With the roof of the tube way too close to your face. Stuck. It is not fun at all.





But, I survived. And I hope I never have to do it again!

'Roid Rage and Other Happenings

Nightmare. I am living a nightmare.

Cade has been on oral steroids for his croup for 4 days now. And it has manifested into one angry, easily agitated, over-acting 2 year old. He can't stop screaming and crying. I am sure he is absolutely miserable feeling the way he is emotionally, and I am absolutely miserable dealing with him. On one hand I am trying to realize that it is the medication that is making him this way, but I still can't completely control how angry it makes me when he acts out and screams for long periods of time. It has been a really rough day. Makes you appreciate even more having a spouse and family close by to help.

But despite the negative, two good things happened today. I got my clementine "Cuties" that are only available this time of year and they are delicious. Also, I had a really good shopping trip tonight. Let me tell you all about it...Yes, if the thought of this bores you, you may stop reading here.

Should have spent: $165.83

Savings: $126.12

Spent: $ 39.71

Saving %: 76

WOW! I rock!

I will give you a quick list of what I got so you can marvel in my amazingness.

• (3) Stoffer's frozen entrees
• (2) Betty Crocker frosting
• (2) Treetop Applesauce
• (3) Campbell's cream of mushroom soup
• (3) rolls Viva paper towels
• (3) Betty Crocker cookie mix
• (1) CH Cane sugar
• (1) CH brown sugar
• (3) Tollhouse chocolate chips
• (3) Smucker's Strawberry jam
• (1) Quaker rice cakes
• (1) Pillsbury crescent rolls
• (3) Powerade
• (1) dozen eggs
• (4) carnation evaporated milk
• (1) gallon of milk
• (4) Nesquick Milk single serve
• (3) Beech-Nut juice blends
• (2) Beech-Nut baby cereal
• (3) boxes Strawberry Pop tarts
• (1) Box Frosted Flakes Gold
• (2) Tic-tac Chill
• (4) cans Campbell Chunky soup
• (1) Sara Lee wheat bread
• (1) bag of fries
• (3) block Philadelphia cream cheese
• (1) bag of romaine lettuce
• (1) 3lb bag of clementine Cuties (YEAH!)

Catch up time!

Okay...I know I am a slacker.

Here is the low down.

• Cade is sick with the croup. Back on steroids and breathing treatments. Fun? TOTALLY!


• I have been busy working on my Grandfather's 85 birthday present which involves me pretending that I have some clue how to use Adobe Photoshop (I really don't, by the way!)


• I have also been busy working on a slide show for the Advent by Candlelight event at our church.


• I am now more than halfway through this pregnancy! Time flies when you are having fun.


• My gestational diabetes is proving to be a little harder to control this time around. Looks like I may have to go on medication. I really don't want the medication, but it is also really bad to have fasting glucose levels in the 160's. Okay, I know I can blame that on the brownie I had last night at our drug dinner. But how do you turn down a Ghiradelli Chocolate brownie with butterscotch chips in it--especially when someone else is paying?! I only ate half!


• Cade is doing really well sleeping in his new bed. Bath time is still a struggle to get his hair washed, but we are doing it. I am not above bribing with Halloween candy!


• Cade's new favorite phrase is, "I do it myself!" I suppose that is a good thing...except when we are in a hurry...or I know it is a skill he hasn't mastered yet. But I suppose he will never master it without doing it by himself!


• Thanks to Coupon Sense I was able to donate a ton of stuff to the food bank. They really needed toiletry items. And I was happy to clean out my closets! 37 tubes of toothpaste...along with shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, etc.

• And here, finally, are Halloween pictures. Some from our Halloween party...some from Halloween night. Enjoy!

Raggedy Ann came all the way from WI to visit us!

Cade makes a cute Handy Manny, doesn't he?!

Don't ask!

In case you can't figure it out on your own, they are Mount Rushmore. Clever, aren't they?

Torture?

I know that a historic presidential race just came to a close and that a new president of the United States has just been elected. You may find it amazing that I can even think of other things at this time, but I have pressing matters a little closer to home....

Cade has been traumatized.

Apparently a few nights ago when Cade was in the shower, Jim put shampoo in his hair and some of the soap (No more tears baby shampoo) ran into his eyes. It must have been a horrifying experience because now Cade refuses to take a shower or a bath or have any soap/water any where near his head. I know..as a parent, sometimes you have to force your kids to do things they may not want to do. I am usually all for that. However, this situation is a little harder.

Cade is terrified. I don't know what he experienced with getting that soap in his eyes. Supposed to not burn, but maybe it did a little? Maybe it just scared him? Maybe he couldn't see well and that scared him, too? I have no clue. But this isn't just a refusal based on control. This is pure, absolute fear.

So last night's shower was a nightmare. Tonight I figured a bath might be a little more relaxing. It took me about 7 minutes to coax Cade into the bath tub. And then he was fine until I brought out the wash cloth. The he screamed and cried and tried to climb out of the bath tub. Now I know I am bigger than him, but when he is slippery and desperate, it is hard to keep him where he needs to be. I got him washed up to his neck and that was a battle. Never did get his hair washed. As each night passes, I think he is getting more and more scared. How to break the cycle?????

I know. I need my nephew, Gabe. Gabe can convince Cade to do anything because Cade adores and idolizes his cousins. Hmmm...Can I borrow Brandon and Gabe for a few days???? PLEASE?

What a Surprise!

I was at work on Wednesday.

It was an extra shift that I picked up to help my co-worker out. I was working and hear some one come up to the counter and obnoxiously ask for something for a rash. I look up and there is KIM! Kim from far away. Who shouldn't have been standing in my pharmacy, but was!

So, the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Okay, so it wasn't the squeal of glee or astonished look she was probably expecting, but it was what came out of my mouth. I was shocked and overjoyed--and stuck at work. But nothing really mattered because Kim came to visit! WOO HOO!

We had a great couple of days catching up...hanging out...shopping. It was so much fun. It was a wonderful surprise. Thanks for coming, Kim!

I must say that Kim's visit provided a lot of needed bonding time...and a lot of blog fodder. Look for stories to come!