State Music Festival--Hotel Escapades Part 4

Here's the final chapter of the escapades at the hotel. Sean went to check us out and I took the first small bags to the car. When I started to head back inside, he opened the window from our room (we were on the ground floor) and started handing me the suitcases through it.

Eventually, all three kids went through the window, too. What a hoot!

State Music Festival--Hotel Escapades Part 3

We had a yummy free breakfast at the hotel. While the boys loved the waffles and I loved the biscuits and gravy, Rebekah loved the apples.


However, she wouldn't eat the apple if I cut it---she needed it to be whole. Check out those tiny teeth at work.

State Music Festival--Hotel Escapades Part 2

What's a hotel in October without an indoor pool? The kids had a great time swimming and met lots of new friends.

I did get in the pool and swim, too. There just happens to be no photographic proof of that--how strange.

State Music Festival--Hotel Escapades Part 1

So we're all relaxing and watching a little TV in the hotel room. Just resting after Andrew had competed before getting some dinner.

Suddenly, Sean says, "It's too quiet. What's Rebekah into?!?!"

We're in a hotel, so I'm thinking, how much trouble could one baby get into? What a stupid question that was!?!

One roll of TP and about 20 Kleenex later---

Rebekah KNEW she was in BIG TROUBLE!

State Music Festival

Andrew qualified to go to the State Music Festival in Piano. To go, you have to:

1. Be invited to the District Festival

2. Receive a Superior Rating at District

3. Receive an A on your theory test at District

Andrew made it through the requirements and went to state. We stayed in a hotel for the weekend and had a great time. We are so proud of Andrew just for deciding to go and getting qualified---but we're also proud because he got a SUPERIOR rating at State.

Way to go Andrew! The trophy is cool, it spins around so there's a torch on one side and music notes on the other.

Highlights

Here are some Fall Highlights:

Mom and Andrew on the field trip to see the Pow Wow. We got to sit together on the bus and had a great time.



Andrew and Nathan with their teachers. Rebekah loves the new playground equipment at school.

Rebekah will not be sold.

Good news, looks like Rebekah's fever may have broken during the night. Even if it didn't break, it's down to a normal level on medication. Her last dose of Motrin was at 3:30am. As of 9:30am, she's still normal.

Yipee!

If she hits 105---SELL!

Let me give you the whole story from the get-go. So Monday Rebekah had cold symptoms (which you can no longer treat with cough medicine in young children) and started to tug her ears. Now, I know that kid will tug her ears on good days and she'll tug them on bad days. Another new child ruling is no antibiotics for children with ear infections---unless they have a fever. Well, we got a 99.9 on Monday late morning so called the doctor and got her in on Tuesday.

Monday overnight the fever broke and she was looking playful and happy at the doctor's office on Tuesday. We had to see a sub (ours was out of town) and he explained that her ears didn't "look great" but the fluid that was there was not pressing on the eardrum and there was no bulging. So--no drugs, just liquids and love for the cold portion.

The rest of Tuesday she looked great. This morning, when she got up, I noticed she seemed 'a little too warm' to the touch. Well, the 101 fever probably had something to do with that. The doctor said if the fever came back and went over a 100.5, we should call and he'd decide if further actions were needed. I called and left a message with the nurse. She called back to say we needed to get on antibiotics and she'd call it in.

When we picked up the medicine and got home, Rebekah was up to a 102.6 fever. Call the nurse back to see if we can start alternating Tylenol and Motrin. She tells us to do Motrin now and if the fever comes back after 4 hours, give a dose of Tylenol. Four hours later (on the nose) we get to 104.5.

I have to tell you that a 104.5 appears to be my panic point. Isn't that the number when they tell you to go to the ER?!?!? I call the nurse--again--and when she answers the phone, I tell her I'm the mom she's already talked to three times. She doesn't seem as concerned about this temp as I am. She tells me it takes about a half hour for temps to come down after giving the medicine. Since it's 4:35, if the fever isn't below a 102 at 5pm, call back---but they will be closed then. She did tell me to have the service call the on call doctor and what info that dr. would need. Sean gave her a tepid bath and that helped it come down to a mere 100.

They let us know that 48-72 hours after starting an antibiotic, it is still common to have fevers. I just decided that I don't like fevers over 104.5---so if she hits a 105, we'll sell. :-)

For All the Moms

OK--if you haven't seen this by now, you are missing out on an important part of life! This comedienne (Anita Renfroe) appears at Women of Faith conferences nationwide. Plus, she travels on her own.

Please sit back and enjoy by clicking here to hear Anita's "Total Momsense".

By the way, if you have a weak bladder, use the bathroom first. I laugh so hard every time I watch this that I almost wet my pants. It's really that funny--if you're a mom. Sean thought it was 'cute'---ok, it was 'really cute'. Men just don't get Momsense!

Rock Star Nathan

Nathan is determined to be (among other things) a Rock Star. He'll be "Rock Star Nathan"--what else??

We were raking leaves at the former place and we got the guitar out of the well staged basement for him to play with.

He wanted to do his rock star pose first.

Then for the second (bottom) photo, he's singing and making his rock star face.

I'm not sure how a real rock star is supposed to look, but the squinty eyes and half-snarl on the face is pretty rock-starish to me.

Cub of the Week

We got fantastic news on Friday afternoon. A certain young man in our home was named one of the "Cubs of the Week" at school. Each week, a boy and a girl are chosen from each classroom to be the Cub of the Week. This week, the students were chosen based on the character pillar of Respect.

Now he will be considered at the end of the month as a Cub of the Month. One of weekly cubs gets chosen for the monthly award. We'll let you know if he gets it.

The picture is Andrew wearing the dog tag he received as Cub of the Week. The color for Respect is Yellow. Each character pillar has a color to go with it. If you are chosen again, you get another dog tag for the pillar focused on for that week.

Way to go, Andrew!!!

Why NE Women's Volleyball Should Play Football

Top Five Reasons To Send in the Nebraska Women’s Volleyball Team for Husker Football

1. They know how to score 21 points

2. They can play defense

3. They have already beaten Texas A&M
as well as Texas, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Colorado and two teams from California.

4. They may soon be the only consecutive
sellout team at University of Nebraska

5. They can’t hold onto the ball either,
but they aren’t supposed to.

Thanks to Sean for this list. I gave him the idea and he ran with it.

The New Fall Accessories

We all know that fashion gurus everywhere will inform you that accessories are one of the most important items in fashion. Rebekah, the future fashion designer, has created a new look for fall. Please keep in mind that this is the child who refuses to leave any "pretty pretty" in her hair. She rips out hair clips and bites them until they break. She pulls hair bows out and hides them from me. She takes the 'baby garter belts' and prefers to wear them as a necklace.

So here's our newest fall hair accessory. You've got it, Saltine Crackers.

Show and Tell Sneak

That Nathan managed to pull of the Show and Tell Sneak of the century. At Safety Day (see earlier blog) each child got a stuffed animal from Kohl's. It's Ike the dog (from Dear Mrs. La Rue, Letters from Dog Obedience School and Detective La Rue, Letters from the Investigation)

So Mr. Nathan packs Ike into his backpack and then insists we go find the two books that Ike is in. I try repeatedly to explain that Show and Tell is for ONE item and ONLY ONE item. Ike is one item and the books are items two and three. He insists it will be OK--you know the "stop worrying so much, Mom" look. So he takes Ike and both books to school.

After school, he is so proud to let me know that he got to do THREE Show and Tells. I say (in direct earshot of the teacher), "You're only supposed to show ONE item." She hears me and explains that when he said he had three things to show, they told him only one. However, when they saw that it was a matching theme and it all went together, they let him show the books as one of his 'tells' about Ike. (For Show and Tell, you have to tell three things about the item you bring.)

Nathans tells were:
1. This is Ike the dog.
2. He is in these two books (showing the bonus material)
3. I got Ike at Safety Day.

So now you know about my Show and Tell Sneak.

House Update

Our 60 day listing expired on Tuesday. We let it sit yesterday and started a new agent today (letting the counter for days on market reset to zero). The cumulative days will continue to accrue, but it will show as a new listing. (Photos above: Living room--new drapes.)

I also have a very dear friend who is a professional 'stager'. She agreed to come in and help me stage the old house. After taking five van-loads of things back over---and 3 car loads, I think it is staged within an inch of its life. We're still adding some additional little touches, but I think it's looking good. We pray to sell it quick---my girlfriend would like her furniture and decorations back. (Kitchen updated to all white.)

I'm putting a couple pictures so you can see the results. We've also scrubbed everything that's not nailed down and replaced all the light fixtures and knobs and drawer pulls in the baths. I've even scrubbed the track the sliding glass door runs on. I think buyers today are a little too picky for their own good. (Master bedroom with tea waiting on the bed and a cozy reading area.)

If you know of anyone in our area looking for a terrific starter home, send them our way. We've put in new carpet, new or newer paint in every room. Updated kitchen with extra storage built in and a finished basement. (Bedroom 2: We set the table for tea and used our Precious Moments blanket to tie in the mural. I'll be adding more toys and stuffed animals today.)

Bathroom photo is the hall bath. New flooring, new light fixtures and new knobs and drawer pulls.

Soccer Season Ends

We had our farewell to soccer season this evening. Pizza Buffet at Val's followed by trophies and photos. (First a nice team shot, then the crazy one. Every year it's harder to get the nice shot because they go straight to crazy.)

Andrew had a great season. He really enjoys soccer and is a great defender. He loves playing defense and had fun the day he got to play goalie. He knows how to play offense, but it's tough to run the full field all the time.

Taco Girl, the Sequal

Well, our usual Sunday dining yielded a great photo of our very own "Taco Girl." She even got her own cup of water---with a straw. How big is that??

How Time Flies

1. At the hospital

2. Two months old

3. Christmas 06

4. March 07


I'm getting ready for an all day crop tomorrow so I'm searching through and printing up photos to use. I'm a little (ha--what an understatement) behind in my scrapbooking so I'm looking back to when Rebekah was born. I'm putting a few pictures up of her first year. Enjoy!

5. Happy 1st Birthday

6. Go Big Red Baby (Oct. 07)

Taco Girl

Today we took a quick lunch at Taco Bell. Sean got a combo with a taco we didn't need so he made it a soft taco with meat and cheese only---in case Rebekah wanted a bite or two. She likes the parts separately, but not usually together.

Well, he rolled it up and offered her a bite. That kid managed to eat 3/4 of a soft shell taco---after eating a jar of green beans. She kept saying, "Num num" while eating it. We were very proud parents. We've managed to brainwash all our children into the "We love Taco Bell Club".

Just like it says in the Bible, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6 :-)

Safety Day

What fun we had this weekend! We got to attend 'Safety Day' again this year. The boys (including my big one) have a blast. Rebekah was tired and got annoyed at being trapped in the stroller, but finally took a nap in the midst of ALL THAT NOISE! I enjoy going for the freebies and I like to register for free stuff. Go figure.

Above Andrew (top) and Nathan (bottom) put out a fire with a fire extinguisher. Below they were in front of the ladder truck. They practiced calling 911 (with guidance on a fake phone) and did Stop, Drop & Roll. We got our free hot dog lunch to go at the end of the day and had a 'snack' at the car. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Sweetly Singing

Here's Nathan singing his "Sweet Song" that his teacher taught him in Kindergarten.


It's, "Sweetly sings the donkey at the break of day. If you do not feed him, this is what he'll say..."

My Play Place Girl

Took Rebekah to Burger King yesterday. I (of course) had a coupon so Sean got a value meal and my food was free. Cheap date for the two of us--plus our sidekick.

After lunch, took Rebekah into the Play Place. She had a BLAST--photographic proof included. She was even OK when another girl about her age started to hit her. Rebekah kept trying to give the little ruffian a hug. The girl's mom couldn't see them so I said, "Be nice" in my Mommy voice. The other girl seemed to respect that.

Top picture is Rebekah "driving" with the steering wheel. The bottom photo shows our beaming smile in there. How cute is this kid?!?!?

Friday is my Favorite Day

Andrew was one of the anchors for the school news/announcements this week. They have TV's in all the classrooms, so they do video announcements from the school "TV Station". I tried to get some of Andrew, but the video isn't great. However, I did get his classroom singing the Friday song. They love it. Hope you enjoy it, too.


This first video is Andrew giving the totals donated for United Way and introducing Paula Precipitation.

Here's the Friday Song:

Friday, Friday, Friday is my favorite day. Friday, Friday,Friday is my favorite day.
Monday is a bummer,
Tuesday is a scare,
Wednesday could be better,
But Thursday's almost there.
And Friday, Friday,
Friday is my favorite
Friday is my favorite
Friday is my favorite day!

Time for a slice of Humble Pie

Well, after bragging last week about how well Ms. Rebekah did at MOPS, you can check out the photos for yourself and see her day. It was spent 'strolling' up and down the halls in the triple stroller. She made sure she cried every time she got to the end of the hall where they turn around (at the point where it echoes up the stairs and I can hear her). I kept waiting for the pager to go off, but they kept her the whole time.











I guess to show her total displeasure with the situation, she pooped about 5 minutes after I dropped her off and again right before it was time to go. I believe that sums up her attitude towards today.

House Update

For all of you who have asked and called and prayed, please continue to pray. Both the couples looking went with other homes. The couple that seemed the most promising chose another home as their first choice because they could get it for $10,000 less than the asking price---it had been on the market that long. We are their 2nd choice and if anything bad comes back on the inspection/appraisal, they will put an offer on ours.

In the meantime, we pray--a lot. We're also having the stove/hood repainted so it matches the new paint job in the kitchen. We'll keep you posted as we hear more or get more showings. Thank you for your continued prayer support.

DQ Dazed

Yesterday the kids were out of school for a teacher inservice day. Since it was Monday, we went to our usual DQ for lunch. (Express Lunch on Monday is Double Cheeseburger, Med. Fries, Med. Drink for $2.99.)

As we're eating, I look at Andrew and think he's bit his lip because it is bleeding. Sean kicks me and says I don't think it's his lip. Andrew realizes right away that the loose tooth may be hanging by a thread. We searched his mouth---no tooth. Of course his first concern was, "What will the tooth fairy do without a tooth?"
Daddy: Let's leave the tooth fairy a note expaining your tooth appears to have been swallowed.
Mommy & Andrew: Didn't you see AFV--the girl got a ticket for trying to trick the tooth fairy without her tooth?
Daddy: No--she got a ticket for trying to fake out the tooth fairy with a tooth made of paper.
Mommy: If Dad & I sign your note, I bet she'd know it's the truth.
Daddy: Besides, I'm NOT going to go looking for it from the other end.
-----During our lunch--thanks so much for that visual...I don't think I'm hungry anymore.

So, we left a note for the tooth fairy. Apparently, it's happened before since she did come.

In the photo, he's sticking his tongue out the two holes on the sides of his upper teeth. The one on the right came out Monday.

The "Other" Food Group

Silly me--I thought the missing food group was chocolate. Apparently it's really Crayons. Talk to our resident Crayon Eater, none other than Miss Rebekah herself.

What on earth possesses a child to ingest a crayon? They don't smell yummy and I can't imagine the flavor is good. Yuck.

OK--anybody know if blue crayons will turn poop blue? Just a random question. I suppose I'll find out soon enough.

Mark Shultz Rocks!

OK---Before the show---Sean realizes that there's a great comedic photo opportunity and takes advantage of it. Don't know who the bald man is, but it's a funny shot!

Had the opportunity to see Mark Shultz in concert---again! This was Sean & my fourth time, Andrew & Nathan's second time and Rebekah's first concert where she wasn't a blob in a carseat. (Boy, can THAT be challenging.)

If you don't know Mark and his wonderful music, please click here for a sample (scroll down to #10--She was Watching). He wrote He's My Son, Letters from War, I Am, Child of Mine, Broken and Beautiful and Walking Her Home--to name a few.

Andrew took his birthday money and purchased two piano books. He and his friend Casey (who is also a piano player) sat and followed along in the music books with Mark.

Nathan got tired and was laying in my lap for quite a while, but apparantly that was enough resting for him. After that, he popped up and was playing air drums.

Rebekah wanted to run around in the hallway. Fine before the concert started and even at intermission. However, during the show, you gotta sit down baby girl! She chose Daddy as her favorite for the evening. I believe his arm is still numb from holding her all night. When Mark sang his song, She Was Watching about a girl (his wife) learning about faith from watching her parents--especially her Daddy--Rebekah had snuggled into Sean's arms for big hugs and cuddles. I was crying hard for that. Listening to the song about Daddy putting his little girl to bed and praying over her while watching my baby girl snuggled in was over the top. Especially if you know that Daddy is the one that holds her while she drifts off to sleep and puts her in bed. Sniff--I'm crying again.

After the show, we took the opportunity to stand in line and get our "annual" picture with Mark. He signed Andrew's books and one of the helpers took this great picture for us. (God bless you, whoever you were---I never get to be IN the photos.)

We all had a blast. And when you realize that everytime the audience clapped, Rebekah KNEW it was her personal applause, it was a great night.