Emma Update

She ended up in the ER last night and after being there for 4 hours the doctor had given her another dose of Tylenol and Benadryl. When those didn't seem to work they gave her a steroid. I don't know much more than that.

Amanda kept me updated through text messaging and I tried to keep busy while I waited for information.

I was a little worried.

But I guess that's my job.

Amanda called this morning and said that she was happy and playing. That's a good sign. The bad news is the doctor told her that it could take 1 to 3 weeks for the rash to go away.

I hope it's sooner than later.

Oh, my poor, sweet baby.

Amanda informed me last night that Emma had a rash. I suggested a cool bath and some Tylenol. This morning she called very early and said that it was worse. She had already made a doctor appointment but Emma was pretty cranky. I told her to do the same thing as last night and call me after her appointment.

Well, the verdict is - She's joining Grandma's club for those allergic to Penicillin.

Emma has been on Amoxicillin for a week and a half for an ear infection and for some reason she is now allergic to the medicine.

Poor baby just started feeling good again and now this.

Hopefully, the Benadryl will kick in quick and she'll be back to her cheerful self soon.

introducing Chip and an OPAM update

This is our lake neighbor "Chip". I know that he has a friend "Dale" but I wasn't able to get a picture of him. He stopped to visit last Friday when we first arrived and when Kobi finally noticed him instead of chasing Chip, Kobi sat down and just watched him. Humm. Maybe we'll see Chip again.........

OPAM #2 and #3

Way back in mid-May I decided- as an incentive to accomplish some goals -I would do "One Project A Month".

Last month (mid-May through mid-June) was surviving graduation and the party. And I did survive - barely.

Thankfully that project is completed and I can focus on another one. I've been debating what it is that I want to have as my next OPAM and I've finally made a decision. I have two rooms that need to be switched and updated. There is no way that I can do both in a month so I have to break my project up into two months.

The first month will consist of updating Tony's room and moving my scrapbooking items down into it.

The second month will be to update the spare room and make it a guest room/grandbaby room.

When I say "update", that consists of cleaning, painting, wood work repair, and decorating. And there is no way that I will be completing this project(s) by myself. The hubby knew he was doomed the moment I asked, "what do you think we should do with Tony's room?".

There are a lot of decisions to be made regarding the rooms but one step at a time. I don't want you to think I'm "exaggerating" on the work to be done so I plan to post before and after pictures very soon. Ah, something to look forward to.

"Plum" Craziness

Every June another edition of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich is released and I count down the months/days until I can run to Target and buy it. I picked up number 14 this past Tuesday and I am very excited.

Janet Evanovich is my hero!

If you haven't read anything by Janet you don't know what you're missing!! Her books are easy reading and very funny and eventful. Once you start you won't be able to stop. Last year I finally convinced my daughter to read Janet's books and she had all 13 read in a week. Then she whined that she couldn't wait until the next one came out!

I will be spending this Saturday reading "Fearless Fourteen" while I sit next to the lake basking in the sunshine.

Oh, sometimes life is SO good!!

party humor

I forgot to mention in yesterday's blog what happened at Tony's grad party. His favorite food is Cheese Pizza Rolls. He practically lives on them. When I asked him what kind of food he would like at his party his only request was - Cheese Pizza Rolls.

"Not happening dude!"

Was my response. And his disappointment.

Well, his auntie/godmother brought a whole tin of pizza rolls - CHEESE pizza rolls. When I saw them sitting in the middle of the table I just laughed. And then I asked the question:

"Where are the chips?"

Her response: "What chips?"

I laughed some more. Then I explained to her that Tony will only eat the cheese pizza rolls with the chips. If you don't have the chips - you don't eat the pizza rolls. You have to have both.

She didn't believe me.

So, I called the kid in and showed him the pan in the middle of the table. His first response was "Cool!!" His second response was: "Where's the chips?"

More laughter from me. A look of astonishment from his auntie. Disappointment on the kid's face.

Out the door he went with truck keys in hand off to get some chips so that he can eat some cheese pizza rolls.

Believe it or not but those 90 pizza rolls went quick! Evidently Tony is not the only one that loves cheese pizza rolls.

recovery - sometimes it takes awhile

The party was a success and I (we) survived. I had taken Friday off to finish all the last minute details and a good thing I did! I'm not sure how I would have finished getting ready. Luckily, I had several family members bring bars and help out in various ways. To them, I will be forever greatful. It's just too hard to get everything done by yourself.

Tony had a wonderful time and was amazed at everyone that came to the party. He was very happy with it all and thanked his mom for everything she did for him. Those that attended the party were introduced to baby Timothy. He hammed it up as much as a tiny 3 month can. He's extremely facinated with ceiling fans - when they are moving.

Emma was also a ham with her pink sunglasses - but she wasn't feeling well and she did the best she could. Poor little thing has an icky nose and a bad cough that she got from her mother. At least they made the party and were able to spend some time with us.

Sunday I sent the dad and hubby off to the golf course for 18 holes. They fought me hard but eventually I twisted their arms far enough and off they went. I spent the whole day relaxing around a VERY quiet house. I did some time on the couch, cleaned up a little from the pre party preparations, spent a little more time on the couch, played with the puppy etc etc. I think you get my drift.

Evidently, Sunday wasn't enough time for recovery. I was extremely tired on Monday and Tuesday. I haven't been moving too fast. I'm hoping to be back to my "normal" self by Wednesday. hahaha

To everyone that teased us about becoming grandparents.....

This picture should tell you how we feel about that!!

About a week ago I wrote that Emma had started crawling and it would only be a matter of time before Amanda called and made some reference to her moving around. Well, the call came yesterday right before I left work. Basically Amanda is sick and she asked if I would pick up Emma and watch her for awhile. Amanda said, "She's destroyed my living room and I have no energy to stop her!".

I felt two emotions - I felt sorry for Amanda for being sick - and it was really hard to hold back the laughter after that comment.

When I arrived to pick up Emma I looked up at their deck and the glass door and there stood Emma peaking out between the blinds. I literally said to myself, "what am I getting myself into?"

Between grandpa and I we were able to successfully watch her for two hours and she only bumped her head once. While we both ran for her to pick her up and kiss her booboo, the dog decided to jump up to the counter and steal part of our dinner. He was quickly reprimanded and put into his kennel. This got Emma's attention and she promptly stopped crying. I put her down to play and instead she crawled right over to the kennel - pulled herself up - went straight to the latch and tried VERY hard to break Kobi out of his jail.

We sat in amazement.

So, grandpa let the puppy out and the two 8 month olds sat on the floor and played with each other while us grown ups had supper.

It was a wonderful two hours and when she started getting tired and whiny - she went home. You can't get any better than that!!

This is Why......

We go to the lake. Can you blame me?????

Weekend Update

The boys and David were at the lake again this past weekend. They had a lot of fun swimming and fishing. We had a fish fry on Sunday - David sure is good at cooking fish. Yumm!!

I had two grad parties to go to on Friday night so we didn't get to the lake until Saturday morning. Mom and dad had another grad party on Saturday so they didn't come up. Our good neighbor Frank met us when we arrived to tell us that mom and dad's awning ripped really bad during that Thursday storm.

Jeff lost the coin flip and called mom with the bad news. She took it well. Well, ok. Better than we thought she would. Just as a precaution, we took ours down when we left because we won't be up for two weeks. We're not taking any chances......

(now they're singing "Take me out to the Ballgame" --- I don't think they'll ever leave! Although the housekeeper just called last call and we have physically removed the wine so maybe soon...)

the week of insanity has begun........

Not only do I have to get prepared for Tony's graduation party this Saturday but at work we are celebrating our 20th anniversary - a week full of events. I think if/when I survive I may take next Sunday and hide somewhere.

Today I somehow got payroll done and then I was off to the races (events). First we had to set up for a marketing event and feed outsiders cake and coffee. That event wasn't even over with and we had a social hour for residents in another room. Wine, pop, cheese and crackers. With a video of the last 20 years and a trivia contest. Then there is the clean up. Staff is great here and everyone chips in so it doesn't take very long.

Right now I'm waiting for the last few wine drinkers to leave and they've just started a sing-a-long. Thank goodness they don't have far to go home.

Only three more days of events with party planning/shopping in the evenings. I'm tired just thinking about it!!

Graduation 2008

Well, he made it.

It's official.

And I have the pictures to prove it!!

The weather didn't cooperate (I GUESS it could have been worse) but we survived an inside event. I figured out that there were 236 graduates that received 6 tickets each. That means there was a total of 1,416 tickets, plus the graduates - 1,652 people. That of course is a rough estimate. Not every kid used all of their tickets. Plus there was the band and the choir and teachers and other important individuals. I wonder how many people really were in that gym?

Lets just say that it was a little warm in there. But, that's why they give you a program -- so you can fan yourself and you won't pass out from heat stroke. Of course my favorite part was sitting on the hard wooden bench that is made for a skinny 9th grader for 3 hours.

The funniest part was when each presenter (there were several) got to the podium and one of the first things they all said was "I'm going to keep this brief".

Whatever.

Does brief mean a 15 minute speech?

All in all it was a very nice ceremony and the school did a great job of moving everything inside and setting up the gym so that it didn't look completely like a gym. The worse part of only having 6 tickets is that most of the family was unable to attend. So, I had everyone meet at the school 1/2 hour before Tony had to go in and we took pictures. It worked out and I have my pictures so I'm happy. Tony only smiled in a few but I have pictures, he has a diploma so all is well in my world right now.

Now we just have to get through the party next week and then I can relax. I'm sure that's when everything will sink in and I'll realize that my baby boy is all grown up and off to explore the world.

Wow, does life fly by fast!!!

GRADUATION DAY!!!

The gown is ironed - the kid is at practice - and I'm at work monitoring the weather. Which, by the way, looks like its going to be HORRIBLE!

According to WCCO:

Minn. Put On High Alert For Severe Weather
Severe Weather ResourcesMINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― Current atmospheric conditions in Iowa could spell bad news for Minnesota's Thursday weather, according to WCCO-TV meteorologist Ron Trenda.The National Weather Service has also put the southern portion of the state on high alert for severe weather, including a few of the southern counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.According to Trenda, high alerts from NWS are comparatively rare and would suggest a strong possibility for severe thunderstorms and even some tornados. Trenda said an unstable atmosphere currently sitting above Iowa will be moving north into Minnesota going into Thursday afternoon. As of 9 a.m., clouds in that unstable air were clearing off, which Trenda said would allow the sun to warm up and potentially further fuel an already volatile atmospheric situation.Coincidentally, tornado sirens in St. Paul went off accidentally at about 8:30 Thursday morning, according to police.Authorities in the city were running a test and accidentally activated the alarms, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Chris Coleman.The NWS has also issued a flood advisory for parts of northwestern Minnesota, including the Fargo, N.D. and Detroit Lakes area.


Tony's school has graduation outside on the football field. It's wonderful - when it happens. If the weather is bad the ceremony is moved inside to the gym and each kid receives 6 tickets. The only way you can get more tickets is if the kid asks other kids if they need all 6. I understand why they do this. I mean, the gym is only so big.

It still sucks. But, he's graduating and I'm thankful for that.

Reminder to self: don't forget the Kleenex!!

updates for a week - ugh!

I can't believe I haven't blogged since the 27th!! I mean, we're in a new month and the 27th feels like it was a long time ago. I guess I have to resign to the fact that I won't be blogging very much at the end/beginning of each month. This is the first time I've had a chance to even think about writing on my blog.

So, what's been up the last week:

Well, Amanda brought Emma over last Thursday to show us how she can crawl. It was pretty exciting!!!! She's still a little wobbly but she's improving every day. It's just a matter of time now before I get that phone call from Amanda saying "I wish she was still little and not getting into everything!!" Yes, folks - it's just a matter of time......

Emma also got her first tooth. I would have taken a picture of it but she wouldn't show me. I finally stuck my finger in her mouth just too make sure it was there - boy are those things are sharp!!!

Other than that I've just been busy with work, planning Tony's graduation party and hanging out at the lake.

This last weekend we had company - again - yeah!! My brother and my nephews came up on Saturday and spent the night. It's always great to see them because they live two and a half hours away and we don't get to see them much.

Andy brought a Spanish dictionary hoping that I would agree to a game of Spanish Scrabble.

Ya, didn't work.

Alex was sick for part of Saturday but perked up in the afternoon. Dad, David and the boys went fishing and caught a couple. By the end of the weekend they had enough fish to have a small fish fry. The only problem was that the boys discovered that they don't like crappy and/or sunnies!! Of course the hubby and I volunteered our services to eat the remaining fish. Oh, the sacrifices that us adults have to make for children!

While they were fishing I was busy making pinatas for Tony's grad party. I'm sure that I've made one before - ya, like when I was eight! - so I wanted to get a head start on this project. I started Friday night and mom told me that my "mixture" wasn't thick enough. Well, some times moms are wrong. Not very often - but some times. This was not my mom's best advice. The next morning my first layer was still completely wet so I started over.

Lucky for me there was a wonderful breeze and the sun was shining so they dried really fast. I was working on four balloons and as soon as I got one done another was dry and ready for another layer. I had a hard time "setting" them on something and keeping them upright so I tied a string on them and hung them from the awning (what a sight that was).

All the time I was working on them the hubby was watching, keeping me company and helping in any way he could. I haven't finished them yet and I'm not sure if the one is going to turn out, but I'm plugging away at them every evening. Because of drying time it is a long process.

I'm very excited for tomorrow - Tony is graduating!!! The only problem is that the weather is supposed to be very severe so it looks like the ceremony will be in the gym instead of outside on the football field. That really sucks but you can't control the weather.

Until tomorrow........I have to go home and iron Tony's graduation gown..........yuck - I should have had mom do it.