WHAT'S NEW WITH THE KIDS
Jonathan is finally getting his top teeth. He has had his bottom two teeth for a while. I was beginning to wonder when the others would show up. He can also stand in one place and keep his balance but he can only do one or two steps before falling over but he is trying. So he can't walk yet but he can climb up the coffee table and almost get over it, when its turned on its side. He has also learned to climb up on the couch. He thinks that's great. He climbs up looks at you and then tries to crawl away real fast so you can't catch him. Jonathan giggles all the time about everything. You just have to look at that boy and say anything and it will send him into fits.
Sarah has recently given us quite a scare. Last month she had a rather high fever (101-104)all day long. We took her to the doctor he said to keep a watch but there was nothing wrong with her, other than the fever. The next day it was gone and it never came back. Then a couple of nights ago she woke up screaming. It was one of those I'm terrified kind of screams. When we got to her she was freaking out saying there were bugs on her. We looked and there were no bugs. She was so scared, it was around 2:30 when this happened, she would not go back to sleep until around 5:30. The whole time she made jono and I look at her hands and feet because she thought there were bugs on her. We got up at around 7:30 took Mary to school and then all mourning she would have me check her hands and feet. At around 2:00 that afternoon she is playing and all of a sudden again with that scream and she climbs up me she is so scared. It seemed like she was having hallucinations. I call Jono and he said he was thinking the same thing about last night. I call the Doctor. Who is really the best pediatrician. He gets on the phone with me and I say "I know this is crazy but..." He tells me to bring her right in, we go and she freaks out a little in the office, he says keep a real close eye on her we may have to do a spinal because this could be a viral infection or she has developed a phobia. He asked if this started after the fever. We are like yes this being afraid of bugs started after the fever. So we watch and what we have realized is this. Once in a while, when she makes us check her hands and feet there are little hairs on her. We think that she feels these and thinks that they are bugs because she has developed an intense fear of bugs. We live in Florida it's the dry season, we have an exterminator, but no body can keep the palmetto bugs out. A couple of weeks ago after the fever she saw a palmetto bug on the floor and screamed. Jono got it but after that any little spec on the floor is a bug to her. Hairs are a bugs to her. We had to talk to Mary and tell her that never ever can we tease about bugs. Luckily she has calmed down and we haven't had anymore problems. I'm worried that if she sees another bug she is going to freak out again and then we will have to take her to a therapist for play therapy. I think that's what the doctor called it. We have to wait and see if this is an extreme phobia or just a one time deal. Everything else is going fine. She is excited for Christmas, although she doesn't quit get the concept. She thinks its somebodies birthday. I left Sarah alone for like 2 min. the other day and she opened a present from under the tree. I had bought a pair of play shoes for her. She had them on walking around. I took them off and put them away and she kept asking "where did my shoes go. Where's my shoes." I think she has forgotten I re-wrapped them for Christmas.
Mary just had the eyes, ears test at school. Every thing checked out great. She can not wait for Christmas. Every day we have to go over, when is Christmas, Don't forget we have to make cookies and we need to remember the carrots for the reindeer. Today she begged for hours to open "just one" present. This is going to be a fun Christmas. Mary is at that perfect age where all you have to say is Santa will be checking his list and she snaps to attention. Recently, she has taught Sarah a performance from Zack and Cody. The one were Maddy and London are fighting. It goes like this she says to Sarah. "Oh no you dint." one hand on hip. Hip shacking. the other hand finger wagging. Sarah replies" oh no you dint." Then they start flapping there hands in front of them. (Girl fight, I suppose.) Then they kinda growl at each other and hug and fall to the ground and roll around. It is hilarious. This has gone on all day for the past two nights. I know its from Zack and Cody because I asked Mary what are you doing and of course she taught the lines to me and we had to act it out.
Sarah has recently given us quite a scare. Last month she had a rather high fever (101-104)all day long. We took her to the doctor he said to keep a watch but there was nothing wrong with her, other than the fever. The next day it was gone and it never came back. Then a couple of nights ago she woke up screaming. It was one of those I'm terrified kind of screams. When we got to her she was freaking out saying there were bugs on her. We looked and there were no bugs. She was so scared, it was around 2:30 when this happened, she would not go back to sleep until around 5:30. The whole time she made jono and I look at her hands and feet because she thought there were bugs on her. We got up at around 7:30 took Mary to school and then all mourning she would have me check her hands and feet. At around 2:00 that afternoon she is playing and all of a sudden again with that scream and she climbs up me she is so scared. It seemed like she was having hallucinations. I call Jono and he said he was thinking the same thing about last night. I call the Doctor. Who is really the best pediatrician. He gets on the phone with me and I say "I know this is crazy but..." He tells me to bring her right in, we go and she freaks out a little in the office, he says keep a real close eye on her we may have to do a spinal because this could be a viral infection or she has developed a phobia. He asked if this started after the fever. We are like yes this being afraid of bugs started after the fever. So we watch and what we have realized is this. Once in a while, when she makes us check her hands and feet there are little hairs on her. We think that she feels these and thinks that they are bugs because she has developed an intense fear of bugs. We live in Florida it's the dry season, we have an exterminator, but no body can keep the palmetto bugs out. A couple of weeks ago after the fever she saw a palmetto bug on the floor and screamed. Jono got it but after that any little spec on the floor is a bug to her. Hairs are a bugs to her. We had to talk to Mary and tell her that never ever can we tease about bugs. Luckily she has calmed down and we haven't had anymore problems. I'm worried that if she sees another bug she is going to freak out again and then we will have to take her to a therapist for play therapy. I think that's what the doctor called it. We have to wait and see if this is an extreme phobia or just a one time deal. Everything else is going fine. She is excited for Christmas, although she doesn't quit get the concept. She thinks its somebodies birthday. I left Sarah alone for like 2 min. the other day and she opened a present from under the tree. I had bought a pair of play shoes for her. She had them on walking around. I took them off and put them away and she kept asking "where did my shoes go. Where's my shoes." I think she has forgotten I re-wrapped them for Christmas.
Mary just had the eyes, ears test at school. Every thing checked out great. She can not wait for Christmas. Every day we have to go over, when is Christmas, Don't forget we have to make cookies and we need to remember the carrots for the reindeer. Today she begged for hours to open "just one" present. This is going to be a fun Christmas. Mary is at that perfect age where all you have to say is Santa will be checking his list and she snaps to attention. Recently, she has taught Sarah a performance from Zack and Cody. The one were Maddy and London are fighting. It goes like this she says to Sarah. "Oh no you dint." one hand on hip. Hip shacking. the other hand finger wagging. Sarah replies" oh no you dint." Then they start flapping there hands in front of them. (Girl fight, I suppose.) Then they kinda growl at each other and hug and fall to the ground and roll around. It is hilarious. This has gone on all day for the past two nights. I know its from Zack and Cody because I asked Mary what are you doing and of course she taught the lines to me and we had to act it out.
My favorite Christmas
Christmas Time the most Wonderful Time of the Year!
I love Christmas. I have so many happy memories of Christmas. The one the sticks in my mind the most would be the year mom decided that my brothers family needed a secret Santa. I couldn't tell you which year it was I can never remember that kinda thing. I do know that she had just gotten sick so she couldn't get out and run. We decided that we would do it for the 2 weeks before Christmas. We probably only did it seven nights total. We would go one night skip a night go two nights in a row skip a night that sort of thing. We bought really cheap gifts like bungee cords, those cheap plastic combs basically that first night we stopped at a convenient story on the way to his house and wrapped the stuff in the car.
Mom had come and picked me up from work and told me what she wanted to do. I was working at the convenient store were we had bought the gifts. I think that's why it sticks with me. Mom had a whim, wanted to play a little game and instead of saying OK we will start this tomorrow, after we go shopping. I was like let's go. Here's a bungee cord Terry keeps borrowing these, Here is a mug Erica likes coffee. etc.
After that first night, which was very easy, drop the stuff knock on the door go back to the car. When we spoke to terry the girls were so excited about getting these gifts. Mom and I went shopping and got a game plan. We didn't have a lot of money so we figured that it would be fun to have the gifts get gradually better over time. Mom knew what gifts she wanted to give them on Christmas eve. I think Terry got new jeans. Actually I believe she wanted to give winter clothes to all of them. I wish she was here to ask. I think that was the whole point to this. She wanted to help them out with winter clothes but didn't want them to know she was doing it. For me it wasn't about the gifts so much as the excitement that they had getting something every night.
The second and third night were also easy ,terry was at work, just drop and run. I think it was freaking Erica out a little bit so Terry decided he was going to catch us. That's when it started to get really fun. Me and mom had to start plotting on how we could leave these gifts and not get caught. Luckily, at first terry didn't suspect us. So he would tell us what kinds of traps he would be setting.
I remember on night I put the stuff on the porch and threw a snow ball at the house. Another night I ran to a shed across from there house and a motion light came on I thought for sure Terry would catch me. I remember he came out and looked around. Of course, I got a way. It was great because then we would have to drive home. We would be laughing so hard because mom was in the car watching what both of us were doing.
On one of the nights it had snowed and there was about 6 or 7 inches of snow. We had figured out that Terry would always have to put shoes on before he could start chasing me, but this night he was ready. He came out much faster then he ever had I barely got around the house, I could hear him coming for me. OOPS, I tripped face first in the snow. I couldn't breath for a second or see. I literally landed face first. Plus I was so afraid to move. I didn't want to draw attention to myself. But luckily I got away again, I couldn't believe it. when I got back to the car I was covered in snow. I thought mom was going to pee here pants she had seen all of it go down. She couldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious. The next day when we went over to Terry's he showed us my tracks. You could see were I ate snow. Kerplunk!! He thought that was funny that someone had wiped out. If he only knew. Mom and I laughed so hard about that.
After about a week of this Terry started to suspect it was us. We had to get others involved. Erica's brother was staying with them so we went over one night and left the gifts out front. We went in and Erica's brother went out and he was secret Santa that night. I have to admit even though we knew it was going to happen. It was so cool opening the door and seeing these Christmas presents on the porch. Plus the reaction from all of them was priceless. The girls start jumping around "It's him!! It's him!!" Terry and Erica going into action. Trying to catch Santa.
I was sad to see Christmas come, because we had to stop. It wasn't just giving the gifts and trying not to get caught, which was so exciting. It was nice shopping with Mom and being able to talk to her. Terry lived about 30 min. from us at the time. It was at least an hour that mom and I got to talk. It was a great bonding time for us. That Christmas was the best.
I love Christmas. I have so many happy memories of Christmas. The one the sticks in my mind the most would be the year mom decided that my brothers family needed a secret Santa. I couldn't tell you which year it was I can never remember that kinda thing. I do know that she had just gotten sick so she couldn't get out and run. We decided that we would do it for the 2 weeks before Christmas. We probably only did it seven nights total. We would go one night skip a night go two nights in a row skip a night that sort of thing. We bought really cheap gifts like bungee cords, those cheap plastic combs basically that first night we stopped at a convenient story on the way to his house and wrapped the stuff in the car.
Mom had come and picked me up from work and told me what she wanted to do. I was working at the convenient store were we had bought the gifts. I think that's why it sticks with me. Mom had a whim, wanted to play a little game and instead of saying OK we will start this tomorrow, after we go shopping. I was like let's go. Here's a bungee cord Terry keeps borrowing these, Here is a mug Erica likes coffee. etc.
After that first night, which was very easy, drop the stuff knock on the door go back to the car. When we spoke to terry the girls were so excited about getting these gifts. Mom and I went shopping and got a game plan. We didn't have a lot of money so we figured that it would be fun to have the gifts get gradually better over time. Mom knew what gifts she wanted to give them on Christmas eve. I think Terry got new jeans. Actually I believe she wanted to give winter clothes to all of them. I wish she was here to ask. I think that was the whole point to this. She wanted to help them out with winter clothes but didn't want them to know she was doing it. For me it wasn't about the gifts so much as the excitement that they had getting something every night.
The second and third night were also easy ,terry was at work, just drop and run. I think it was freaking Erica out a little bit so Terry decided he was going to catch us. That's when it started to get really fun. Me and mom had to start plotting on how we could leave these gifts and not get caught. Luckily, at first terry didn't suspect us. So he would tell us what kinds of traps he would be setting.
I remember on night I put the stuff on the porch and threw a snow ball at the house. Another night I ran to a shed across from there house and a motion light came on I thought for sure Terry would catch me. I remember he came out and looked around. Of course, I got a way. It was great because then we would have to drive home. We would be laughing so hard because mom was in the car watching what both of us were doing.
On one of the nights it had snowed and there was about 6 or 7 inches of snow. We had figured out that Terry would always have to put shoes on before he could start chasing me, but this night he was ready. He came out much faster then he ever had I barely got around the house, I could hear him coming for me. OOPS, I tripped face first in the snow. I couldn't breath for a second or see. I literally landed face first. Plus I was so afraid to move. I didn't want to draw attention to myself. But luckily I got away again, I couldn't believe it. when I got back to the car I was covered in snow. I thought mom was going to pee here pants she had seen all of it go down. She couldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious. The next day when we went over to Terry's he showed us my tracks. You could see were I ate snow. Kerplunk!! He thought that was funny that someone had wiped out. If he only knew. Mom and I laughed so hard about that.
After about a week of this Terry started to suspect it was us. We had to get others involved. Erica's brother was staying with them so we went over one night and left the gifts out front. We went in and Erica's brother went out and he was secret Santa that night. I have to admit even though we knew it was going to happen. It was so cool opening the door and seeing these Christmas presents on the porch. Plus the reaction from all of them was priceless. The girls start jumping around "It's him!! It's him!!" Terry and Erica going into action. Trying to catch Santa.
I was sad to see Christmas come, because we had to stop. It wasn't just giving the gifts and trying not to get caught, which was so exciting. It was nice shopping with Mom and being able to talk to her. Terry lived about 30 min. from us at the time. It was at least an hour that mom and I got to talk. It was a great bonding time for us. That Christmas was the best.
The Meaning of Christmas
Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask him.
The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, TEACH THE CHILDREN! I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.
As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, Teach the Children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that a now-a-day Christmas has forgotten!
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it on the mantle. Teach the Children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning
toward heaven.
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the Children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of that promise.
He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the Children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the Children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
He then pulled out from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the Children that Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the Children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled out a GIFT from the bag and said, "Teach the Children that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the Children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the Children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.'
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. Teach the Children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the Children the true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God."
The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, TEACH THE CHILDREN! I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.
As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, Teach the Children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that a now-a-day Christmas has forgotten!
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it on the mantle. Teach the Children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning
toward heaven.
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the Children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of that promise.
He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the Children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.
Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the Children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.
He then pulled out from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the Children that Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.
He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the Children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled out a GIFT from the bag and said, "Teach the Children that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the Children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the Children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.'
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. Teach the Children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the Children the true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God."
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