Tomorrow is April 30th and then it's MAY!!!! Really? How'd that happen? Didn't we just start this school year? Wasn't it Halloween and Amanda was in the hospital, just yesterday? Nope. Time flies!

And that is apparent b/c today my niece, Sarah Lynne, turns 17. (that's her on the left) She's an awesome young lady. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Baseball is in full swing (no pun intended) with both of the boys' teams heading toward the playoffs. Amanda is ready to roll with her first Holy Communion on May 15th (my dad's birthday) and Maggie is currently in My Fair Lady at the local theatre.

May means state testing the kidlets, Maggie's b-day, and trying to finish up the school year. It also means registering Maggie for 7th grade at the middle school. YIKES, already? I went to a parent orientation this morning and I'm anxious to discuss electives and all the expectations that middle school brings. Organization isn't Mag's forte so we'll have to see how this goes.

I have a 6th grade beach party to plan and summer is looming. As usual, it will be a busy one, but I'm excited about sleeping in, beach days, camping, New Orleans, VBS, and flag football for Ian.

Before I know it will be September and the madness will start all over again.

This is a post in which I will stand on my soap box - you have been warned!

So, we are currently in the midst of a TV-free week. Well, let me re-phrase that.........MY CHILDREN are currently in the midst of a TV/electronics/screen-free week. Also known as the WEEK OF RIDICULOUSNESS!!!!

I know that kids in general watch too much TV (this includes video games, etc.); overall my kids probably do too. But combined with plenty of outside playtime and assorted activities, I think my kids are getting along just fine. Let me repeat I think my kids are getting along fine. And isn't that the bottom line. I don't think it's up to the school to really worry about this. I monitor what they watch (and even bicker with my husband about it) but that is MY job. I monitor how much they watch; and some days are best in pjs and mindless television. Who says ManTracker isn't physical when it gets your adrenaline flowing? Cooking shows --- hey, they all tried fried cauliflower and liked it, thanks Paula Deen!

My children aren't overweight; they aren't allowed food in the television area anyway (other than popcorn on family movie nights). They eat a balanced diet (including fast food, gasp!) and are all involved in physical activities.

I understand the whole idea ---- spend more time as a family; use your brain for creative activities; can you survive w/o television? But instead of saying how about you pick a day and do something special/different (and turn off the TV!) it becomes a challenge of miserable proportions where the kids are grumpy and playing family TV police b/c "it's the rule" and "I'll get in trouble!" We can't watch the Laker game on Sat. afternoon b/c of school - Really??? Seriously. I have bigger fish to fry.

Example --- Today, I played Lincoln logs and made cookies (for inquiring minds, oatmeal raisin choc. chip [with wheat germ, muhaha]) after school with Ian. After playing at the school playground for a few, we headed home with all of the kids for homework. Three of the kids are outside playing basketball while Mag finishes homework. Amanda has dance class. I'll have them help me make tacos for dinner; do dishes, etc. Why does the day finish on a grumpy note? B/c I have to say 'no you can't watch TV for 30min. to chill before bed.' Apparently you haven't seen the new LIFE series???? And don't even try to say "Well, they should be reading instead" because they already spend time routinely engaged with books at bedtime. So in the end, all of the other non-TV time of activities and being busy don't seem to count for much and it just makes me feel like a crappy parent.

I just don't buy this 'Turn off the TV Week' mumbo jumbo. And I refuse to do. After I tuck my kids in, you better believe I'll have the DVR rolling. How can I possibly fold laundry w/o catching up on Days of our Lives? Ok, fine. Maybe I could try no TV, but no email or Facebook. Please.

I'll happily bake a fresh batch of cookies (you pick!) to the first teacher who tells me that he/she hasn't checked her IPhone for seven days.

In case you out there in cyber-land are wondering, YES - my friends and I survived the 3.8mile Mud Run this past week. We laughed most of the way through it, encouraged each other, and got down and dirty! I'll post pictures at some point.

Today, I've got lots of questions rolling through my brain so I thought it would make an interesting review style post........
1) How is it that my 10yo son can never remember to bring his lunchbox home, but he knows exactly what the score was of Lakers game the other day?
2) Why does my 6yo son like grilled cheese but no other form of cheese on the planet (is he really my kid?)?
3) How can Maggie be SO EXHAUSTED after school that she can barely handle doing homework but when it comes to My Fair Lady rehearsal she can dance for hours?
4) Why did Amanda feel the need to behave like a 'Chinese Man' during her doctor's appt. today....and Why did everyone find it hilarious while I was mortified?
5) How many people are coming to my scrapbooking workshop tomorrow? How much food should I make?
6) Taxes? Really? Is today April 15th?
7) Is it true that Angie signed she and I up for a 10K in a few measly weeks? (answer, YES!)
8) How did I get myself into #7?
9) Why am I so incredibly blessed by the grace of God that he is sending his healing power to Amanda and she is doing so well? How did we get so lucky?

EASTER 2010.............a beautiful weekend filled with great food, fun, and friends. Collin managed to find some hot boiled crawfish; I was worried that they simply wouldn't be up to 'our' standards (ya know, the Southern spicy kind!). Well, my worries quickly disappeared when I got one whiff as he walked in the door. I danced around my kitchen as I got a sample of a few (or three, or ten!) We also made fried catfish. Literally, a Good Friday.


We spent a lot of time just being home --- cleaning, gardening, prepping food for Easter. The kids had fun with the egg hunt at church and then our family egg hunt on Easter morning at home. The eggs were actually more challenging this year; it was quite funny to tell the boys 'you are warm; you are HOT' and they still didn't see the purple egg in the tree. Easter breakfast of champions for me = coffee and a Reese's peanut butter egg followed up with a couple of Peeps! Maggie is quite fond of Peeps as well.


After church, we had our friend Ron and his family over for Easter dinner --- a fresh pork uncured ham on the grill; potato casserole; salad; baked macaroni; homemade baklava; cake; brownies......Ooooo, my. Add in an earthquake during dinner to shake things up and a good time was had by all.


Even Fritz was treated to nibbling on the pork leg bone for a little bit.


It's spring break this week for the kidlets. We have NO plans.

Well, I have plans of sleeping in daily.
(I've been trying to add pictures for two days but Blogger won't let me, ugh!)

GOOD STUFF

On Monday, I went with Ian's class to the local U-Pick strawberry (& produce) farm. To see the pure excitement in the kids' eyes about riding in a school bus, riding in the wagon pulled by a tractor, and picking strawberries just warms my heart so much. They just see the fun in the little things.......somewhere in adulthood this is lost. (probably when the reality of bills and responsibility takes hold, but it's still sad that most people don't appreciate the little things)We were able to taste FRESH organically grown spinach, sugar snap peas, celery, green onion, lettuce, and carrots as the guide told us about different parts of plants; irrigation; etc. I was shocked and amazed with how eagar Ian was to just eat everything (well, most of the kids did actually).

THEN it was time for the main event..............strawberry picking. After being instructed on how to properly pick the berries and that 'the redder, the better' is the way to decide, the kids were off. Eating to their hearts content while they filled their own basket.

I went with the 'one for me, one for you' philosophy on helping the kids. Of course, I didn't have a basket so my one for me simply went into my mouth. Ian was anxious to share his loot & have fresh strawberry/orange/banana smoothies after school.

Where have I been? What have I been up to? With Amanda in school I must have all the time in the world, right? WRONG....... pour yourself a cup of coffee and check out the latest.

One thing I've been up to is exercising! Believe it or not. ME - exercising. Well, I'm motivated by the fact that the Irvine Lake Mud Run is in two weeks and I'm registered as a team with three friends. It's about five miles on the hills/ through the mud/ over walls and such. It will be a blast, but I don't want to finish last. The scale hasn't budged but my clothes fit better. Better than a sharp stick in the eye, I guess.

I've also jumped back into meal planning. It makes life so much less stressful when we are shuffling around to dance, baseball, PT, and such. Whether it's in the crockpot or programmed into delay start on the oven, I'm ready to roll. AND I'm getting adventurous in my old age. I actually used lemongrass and turmeric for the first time last week; I roasted and peeled my own red peppers for chili. Who knew I could cook? My kids aren't necessarily thrilled, but they did like the bacon/ranch/mac&cheese recipe I made. Stay tuned for further cooking adventures.The kids are busy as usual.........Maggie went off to 6th grade outdoor camp this week. She's back in one piece even though she was a ball of tears when she left. She was a FILTHY, hungry camper, but it was nothing some food and a nap couldn't fix. Back in the action, she has rehearsal tonight.Sean is in the heart of baseball season. Baseball, baseball, baseball. His hard work is paying off. Paired with a great coach and a group of hard-working kids, his team is currently in first place. Now, if he just didn't have to go to school he would have more time for baseball. (and maybe a Wii game of MarioKart here or there)

Amanda is continuing to amaze us. She is currently doing a full school day of 'normal' 2nd grade work.......spelling tests, homework, etc. Her balance continues to improve with her dance and physical therapy sessions. Her speech still needs some work, but sometimes I wonder if she is just being a typical 8yo and 'yanking my chain.' I can hardly even see her as the same child who was lying in a hospital bed unable to talk. I certainly feel guilty, but sometimes I just need her to SHUSH. Here she is getting an award for Perserverance........she certainly knows what that means!And then there's Ian...........he's busy turning SIX.

Happy about getting his own Nintendo DS..........

and his birthday cake. And happy to be giving me a run for the money. You'd think that by the time you are on your 4th kid you'd have this parenting thing figured out. NOT......he's his own adorable, challenging little dude.

Another family milestone........another bittersweet moment........a day that was such a blessing --- Amanda returned to school yesterday. A normal, healthy spunky 8yr. old who was up and ready before her siblings; packed her own lunch; and couldn't wait to drop her stuff in line before heading off to the playground. She was ready and indulged my need for a hug (and a few pictures)

She was ready; walked in with her classmates just as she did four LONG months ago.

Even though she said her day was 'bad, b/c she had to do work!' It was a GOOD day; a very GOOD day!

Milestones....

Yet another milestone has been reached for our family. Sean is TEN! as in the big 1-0; as in double digits. My blue-eyed, blonde-haired sports fanatic.

The one who helped his team win the consolation championship on Sunday.

The one who shared some one-on-one ski time with me in Utah; despite the fact that he had to wait for me b/c I'm slow.

The one who still loves to snuggle and be tucked in at night.

Yes, him. I love that little dude.

Happy Birthday Sean!

As with most people I know, we've been all consumed by the Olympics. Every night we see what's on and gather round as a family to watch. AND it doesn't matter what it is. Speed skating, check; nordic combined, check; snowboard cross (the coolest!), check; downhill, check; and NOW, curling - check.
COME ON, really? An Olympic sport? Sure, it's like shuffleboard, but these folks don't even get to drink beer while they do it. So Collin and his buddy Dale have decided that they are going to recruit Collin's business partner Ron and they are going to form a curling team --- an old guys in denim overalls wearing shrimpin' boots and straw hats team. Wouldn't that be a riot? That would have a huge following, don't you think. No? Ok, I'll let them just dream a little then.

And, in the mean time, I'll be happy I have a DVR b/c I'm missing all my regular shows. Never fear Grey's Anatomy, Amazing Race, and all my shows that are too numerous to type. I'll be back.

'Piece of Cake' / No problem/ It's Over already?
That was basically Amanda's reaction to her gamma knife radiation treatment yesterday. We got there around 9:30 and they started the process right away. Ya know, more paperwork! Amanda passed the time by watching tv and checking out the equipment. She chose Daddy to go back with her as they did her anesthesia in the mask before inserting her IV. And then came the halo. Not the one I think our little angel normally wears, but the kind that screws into your skull. OW!!!!
We were able to sneak a kiss as they moved her from MRI to Gamma Knife. She was sedated the entire time. What's truly amazing is that they brought us back to her around 2pm and she was slowly trying to wake. And then, by 3pm she was awake, talking, walking and we were in the car heading home. A little ice on the forehead and like she said 'a piece of cake'......

THIS CHILD AMAZES ME!!!!!

(side note: I know these pictures are sometimes hard to look at but taking pictures of the process truly helps Amanda understand what they do. She often has no recollection of times I take pictures. It's all part of helping her process her recovery. It also helps me to keep in perspective how amazingly strong she is when I'm having a hard day handling her new parenting challenges.)

It's been so long since I updated that I'm almost too embarrassed to even start again. BUT I thought I would jump back in since I know some folks check in even though you don't comment (ahem, that means you!) We started 2010 off right with our traditional cabbage, black-eyed peas, and pork roast hoping it would bring money & health. Who could use a little more of that these days? We enjoyed having Grandma Hall's company until mid-January and then the home-made crepes and my 'crutch' were gone. Deep breath.

My days are mostly filled with assorted doctor appts./assessments/therapies for Amanda on top of her being here for her home teaching sessions. She is doing just AMAZING. She got her hair cut into a darling pixie cut that fits her sassy personality and it is really easy for her to deal with.She went back to her jazz and tap dance classes. No, I'm not kidding.......the child who was in brain surgery on Nov. 3, 2009 was back in dance class two months later. Her IEP is in the works so we are hoping she will be back in her classroom soon. However, please keep her continued recovery in your prayers. Her recent MRI revealed that she does in fact have a small 5mm spot that needs to be addressed. She will get a gamma knife radiation treatment within the next few weeks. We are praying that this will be the only extra treatment she needs (it's outpatient) and she will continue to make huge strides.

The other kids continue to handle this insanity well overall. Maggie is making me so proud with her new-found independence with regard to schoolwork and trumpet practice. This is from the winter concert. She is Ian's 6th grade buddy at school and she couldn't be happier. Now, if I could just get her a little more excited about cleaning her room. Sean has been in the heart of two school projects (now complete, phew!), finishing up basketball, and moving quickly into baseball. He's almost 10; how'd that happen? And.....Ian. He's working hard on learning to read, keeping his name off the board in the classroom, and totally EXCITED about baseball season. Oh yeah, he's excited about losing his teeth too

I've been trying to exercise on a regular basis. I am officially registered for the Irvine Lake Mud Run with three friends; I plan to be ready to KICK BUTT. Collin is trying to catch some sleep when he isn't working or coaching a sport. But most of all, we are busy ROOTING ON THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!It's ALL ABOUT the black and gold Superbowl - WHO DAT!

Sunday can't come soon enough. GEAUX SAINTS!

A FINAL LOVE THURSDAY --
Ahhhhhh, some reflections to finish up blogging 2009.....
the much asked question --- where were you 10 years ago?

Let's see; I was about 33 weeks pregnant with Sean; couldn't breathe easy much less enjoy a New Year's. I had 19mo. old Maggie and we were anticipating closing escrow on our first home. WOW!!!! Look how much time has flown

Little did I imagine that my bouncing, baby boy that would be born in Feb. 2000 (first grandson on both sides of the family!) would become such a cool little athlete that I just love to pieces [when he isn't making me bonkers]

Now, 10 years later I can tell you that I would have NEVER imagined I would be a Mom of four children, but I can't imagine my life without them. My dear sweet Amanda.....my smallest baby/ little sweet pea/ colic newborn that I thought would do me in. There has always been 'something about Amanda' that everyone loves, and given our medical scare this year, it has just added to the fact that she is simply precious to us

And, then there is our family caboose -- my good luck charm, Ian. When I found out I was pregnant with him, I just wanted to cry. How was I going to survive having four children under six years old? Sure, many mothers have survived it, but this was Me. Holy cow! I was nervous. But once I met this sweet little guy all my nerves were calmed

The days of high chairs, Mom's Club, and preschool have come and gone. It seems unreal that it has been 10 years since the Y2K madness and all that the new millenium was to bring. For now, I'll make a resolution to treasure these days while my kids are little because before I blink it will be turning 2020.

Why wait for spring cleaning? Join me in my insane adventures. (if I didn't know better I'd think I was pregnant and nesting big time, I'm N.O.T.!!!)

It all started the day after Christmas. I had to shuffle some old toys out of the way to have a place for the new ones (in hopes that the boys would actually put them where they belong -- hey, a girl can dream). And it's been all If You Give A Mouse A Cookie style cleaning since then. I wound up completely gutting the boys' room; then my bathroom; then the hallway bathroom; then I vacuumed all upstairs; then I de-funked and prepped the fish tank for more fish; then I started Maggie's room (note: started, b/c it's going to take a while).......tomorrow is more for Maggie, the family room, and the downstairs floors.

What is wrong with me???? Normally, if I keep up laundry and dishes I count my blessings.

It DOES feel great to be getting all of this done. My plan is to conquer closets too before I run out of steam. Like I said, A GIRL CAN DREAM.

Holy Cow.......has it really been almost a month since I blogged? Really? Well, it must be that the blog posts are written in my head and I can't sit down long enough to actually type them out. Anyway, here I am.

Let's see -- Amanda Update: she had a g-tube placed on 11/30/09; used it for about five days and then started eating like a champ. Seriously, think George Foreman! The girl can eat! It was very frustrating to see that her eating would take off once the ng-tube was pulled, but we had no way of knowing. She did have to have some help learning to swallow, but it didn't take long. Her speech has also taken off; but she will get evaluations for additional assistance with that. She came home on Friday, 12/11/09. She doesn't really use her walker at home anymore but we keep that and her wheelchair handy for outings b/c she tires easily. After a bout of the stomach flu last Sunday, her g-tube came out unexpectedly. I hurried her off to the doc. to make sure there were no issues with the early (& hasty) removal and she is FINE :) A blessing in disguise --- she is tube free and medication free --- not even two months after major brain surgery. Our Christmas Miracle!

It is sooooo nice to be home. I was able to take Amanda to her classroom holiday party and that was nice; she enjoyed every minute. We've enjoyed shopping, wrapping, and all that the holidays bring. Including a bit of chaos -- Our 10ft. tree did fall down out of nowhere, but we only lost a few ornaments and no one was hurt. Four of us had the stomach flu AT ONCE; truly an ugly, nasty circus of buckets and beach towels...shudder.... Collin wrecked his truck today, but it was single vehicle and no one was hurt. I truly have to find the silver lining in most of what life is throwing us these days because I am ever so thankful to have my precious daughter HERE and healthy. She still has a long road of recovery but she has us helping her on that road.

I have more recent pictures to post but I'll save those for my next post. I promise it won't take me a month.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

I DO have other children. They are fairing well through this whole chaotic situation. We've tried to keep life as normal as possible with only a few hitches in the schedule. They are keeping Grandma Hall on her toes, but love having her here. Here they are.........my beautiful children 'cleaned up' for Thanksgiving; I didn't ask them to do this so it was a nice (and funny) surprise.

No shoes necessary; and Sean's case, no shirt either. Bring on the redneck jokes!

Pictures of our new normal --
Amanda's fancy tent-bed. She is quite the mover and shaker these days and for safety reasons we zip her in at night to keep her from climbing out unassisted.


She has had some fun visits with many therapy dogs. This is Cooper --
Her days are busy with speech, occupational, and physical therapies.
Maggie came for an extended afternoon visit last weekend and she spent some time reading with Amanda and just keeping her company.

Slow and steady wins the race.............and Amanda IS winning!

It's been three weeks.........three long weeks since I've heard my sweet daughter's precious voice. I lie here tonight snuggling next to her trying to quiet her restlessness and just be in the moment with her; trying to ease her confusion and frustration as to what happened to her. Does she truly understand? How can she; I still don't. I cry silent, hot tears lying next to her. What is she thinking? I wish I knew. I wish I knew how to reach into her fragile body and turn her voice back on, push the ON button for swallowing, and give her the strength to control her body without the aid of a walker.

She HAS come so far in these three weeks and for that I AM THANKFUL. I am thankful that she is a fighter with an independent spirit. I am thankful that she is making small improvements daily. I am thankful that she still works hard when her little body shakes with ataxia and is telling her to be done. I am thankful THAT SHE IS HERE!

And I am thankful for everyone of you out there who is sending prayers and well wishes to Amanda and our entire family. That is just the start of what I am thankful for. For years everyone has made fun of me for crying when I say what I am thankful for when we say grace before our Thanksgiving feast, well this year I will be crying again so pass me a tissue and tell me what YOU are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A week of therapy......an AMAZING week of therapy.....and Amanda went from being able to hardly stand without complete assistance to walking with a weighted down walker with a little bit of support from me.
She's working hard at learning to use her mouth again. Still waiting on a smile and sound as well.


Core balance (gee, maybe I should be working right beside her!)
Working hard in the stylin' thera-togs suit

Bean bag toss and getting a workout

You've come a long way baby! Mommy is so proud of you.

Monday was full of hustle and bustle for Amanda......her peaceful slumber was disrupted this morning by a nice warm shower.

And then after a little rest, the physical therapy ladies came by.....I'm almost positive that her expression means YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! She did make it a few yds. down the hallway assisted with a walker, but she had to ride in the wheeled chair with the therapy lady back to the room; she was just too tired. I'm so proud of her.

And then this afternoon she received a beautiful prayer quilt from our friends at Good Shepherd...I'm so amazed by the thoughtful generosity. After a short, wakeful time where I read her a story and talked to her for a bit, she cozied up under the quilt where she was literally wrapped in prayer. (of course, this was after she managed to pull our her NG tube for feeding and get a new one put in)

FIGHT SPUNKY MONKEY FIGHT!