ER again....

I had to go the ER again. I am hating what these headaches are doing to our family. It is hard to be a functioning, productive mama when I am knocked down with these horrible headaches all the time. I am starting to be affected mentally with my health. I feel worthless most of the time and then to have these headaches too - well I feel sorry for Daddy Piper having to take care of me AND our 3 kids. He is being most gracious about it.

Super Couponer

I did a few Target deals today. Actually I ended up going to 3 different Targets today, now that I think about it. I went first thing this morning (well 10 o'clock - if you consider that first thing!) with 2 kids in tow, a trip during nap time with no kids and then another run tonight before bedtime. I ended up with 20 boxes of fruit crisp, 12 Gilette Body Washes and 10 boxes of Claritin.

S has to take Claritin every day to help with his allergies. We have to pay out of pocket and it costs about $51 a month. I noticed this morning that the 10mg pill was on sale for a 10 count for $8. S takes 2 5 mg pills right now. I called the dr and they agreed 1 10mg should work. There was a $4 coupon in the paper last week so it's only $4 for a box that will last 1/3 of the month, meaning only $12 a month vs. $51 a month I was paying. I was able to get 10 boxes from 3 different Targets. Better yet is I was able to use some of the gift cards from the lotion deal last week and the fruit crisp deal this week so it was only $15 out of pocket for all 9 Claritins and the fruit crisps!!!!! I literally cried when I got back in the van, with relief because I was worried about having to pay for S's medicine next month. I was going to shut off the cable to help pay for his medicine and now it's not necessary. We have 3 months supply and enough rainchecks and coupons for another 3 months - woohoo!!

Wonderful Wednesday

Today was filled with many delights and moments to treasure. As I sit here on couch, listening to L & S whisper back and forth when they should be sleeping, listening to a documentary on Clint Eastwood that Daddy Piper is watching and listening to J crow and holler from his bed when he should be sleeping, I am filled with contentment.

I awoke with a headache (SHOCK!). Daddy Piper got me a migraine pill and an ice pack to help with the pain then he got up to take care of the household and children. I was filled with gratitude for this wonderful man I call my husband. I rested for awhile longer then got up to bake the french toast I had prepared last night and grab the paper to check for Wednesday deals :-) The morning routine was in full force and everyone was getting ready for the day ahead. Unfortunately, the french toast didn't work out at a lower temp like I had hoped so it was trashed. J went down for his nap and L & S went with me to Target and Albertsons for some quick deals. We got home in time for lunch. J woke up to eat with us. Everyone played outside for awhile and I got lunch ready. J LOVES being outside with his brother and sister. He gets into the dirt and rough housing. He did get ran over by a dump truck though then it was time to be done playing for the morning. Peanut butter and jelly for everyone!! J was pooped out again so it was back to nap for him. L has been wanting to learn to ride without training wheels. We set out to try this today. S has tried once before - L hasn't ever tried. I grabbed the video camera, Daddy grabbed the helmets and we were off! It wasn't many attempts until L was doing great. S picked up pretty quickly, it being his second time. I think once more and S will be a bike riding pro. L might need a couple extra times. She was doing awesome for her first time with no training wheels. She had crashed but got right back on and I was super proud of her for trying!!!

The kids went down for naps and I went to Target. I had already put dinner in the crockpot so I didn't have to hurry home to fix that. I also went to Lowe's to get some stuff for Daddy Piper. They had some plants on clearance I got some. I got lettuce, onions, cilantro and a jalapeno pepper. When I got home, L helped me plant them. I dug the hole and she dropped the plant in. We have carrots, peas and beans already growing so this will be a great addition to our spring garden.

Everyone spent a ton of time outside and it was peaceful. I got to enjoy the sounds of my children playing and feeling super lucky to be their Mama!!!

Daddy the Chef

My headaches are taking over our lives these days. I had to take a pain/migraine pill and go down for the afternoon today. I was still knocked out at 6 when I should have been cooking dinner. Daddy Piper jumped in and took great care of the kids all afternoon and evening. He isn't much of a cook but did a great job tonight making breakfast for dinner. He made egg and bacon sandwiches. The kids thought this was so fun - having breakfast for dinner. They even got to put their own cheese on their sandwiches!

I am feeling so thankful for Daddy Piper these days. My headaches are really affecting our quality of life. I am taking medicine to try to control them but it isn't helping all that much. I am spending most afternoons curled up in bed, sleeping off the medicine and trying to get rid of the headaches. Daddy Piper has stepped up and really been both mother and father to the kids right now while I am trying to recover and get over these cluster migraine things.

The kids were insistent that I put their lotion on tonight. I can tell they are missing their time with me when they ask for me to do their lotion. I combed and braided L's hair, to help control the tangles. We put in about 20 braids for fun. She squealed with delight, thinking how fun her mama is :-) We did cut about 4 inches off last week, which has helped with the tangles. It sure looks cute right at her shoulders and makes it easier to take care of!!

Now J is crying - AGH! He is going to want to nurse and I can't because of this med. Daddy Piper is out working on the lawnmower...... always something!

S's Allergies

I took S to the new dr today to check his allergies. She wasn't too concerned about his allergies. He is on daily Claritin. We are trying to get the insurance to cover it though since it costs about $50 a month to buy over the counter. S was nervous meeting the new dr but did great over all. He didn't puke so that's nice :-) Dr. M spoke directly to S, asking him all the important questions. The best was when she asked him if he was in school yet and he replied "Yes - I am homeschooled!" I was sooo proud to hear him reply with such pride about being homeschooled!!! He was 50% for height and weight. 38 pounds and 41 inches tall. That was surprising to me. He has always been small for his age. He wasn't even on a chart for weight for a long time. Over all the appt went well. I am super glad everyone seems to like the new dr. I like she is on time, the drive is super short to get to her and I like her to boot - all good things!

More crap...

We started the morning heading to ER for Daddy Piper. He has had kidney stones in the past, about 12 years ago, and started having them again about 3 days ago. The stones brought him pain but it was super horrible this morning and we were concerned there might be an obstruction. He came out of the bedroom in pain, agonizing pain. I woke S up, grabbed J and interrupted L's lesson time on the computer, got 3 kids, still in their jammies, hustled into the van, helped dress Daddy Piper and off we went to the hospital. He was in more pain than I had ever seen him in EVER. It was scary to watch. I just tried to drive carefully but the traffic was horrendous and his pain was scary for all of us to witness. He was screaming in pain at times. I did run a red light right in front of the hospital, parked in the driveway and rushed him inside. This ER is simply amazing. They have a quick turn around. I couldn't bring the kids back so I spent some time trying to find someone awake this early to watch our kids so I could be with him. I was super scared. I got ahold of our great friend, the K family and she was happy to watch the kids. I rushed them to her, praying along the way with the kids that their daddy would be okay. I left the kids with JK and her girls. J wasn't too happy with me leaving him but I knew he would be fine.

Racing back to the hospital, Daddy Piper called to let me know he was better since getting some pain meds. I got back there kinda quickly (thank you God) and was relieved to be there with him. The hospital had done a cat scan and we got those results after waiting for about an hour. He did have kidney stones but they weren't obstructed. They sent him home with pain med to pass the stones. We headed over to the K family to get the kids. The kids were fine without us, just as I knew they would be. I wasn't at all concerned with their safety while they were at JK's house. The K family is such a blessing to be friends with. God is wonderful to have given them to us as friends 4 years ago. The kids were so fine, they didn't even want to come home but rather just stay and play. We grabbed the kids and hustled Daddy Piper back home to rest. A quick stop off to drop the prescription then home we went.

The rest of the day kinda faded into one pain pill or another for Daddy Piper. He is doing better but hasn't passed either stone yet (the cat scan showed one in each kidney). I still have a migraine and spent an hour or so resting this afternoon, with an ice pack on my face, trying to relieve some of the pressure. The kids were amazing all day. They just rolled with the punches. They did get some fun outside time playing with their Daddy while I rested. We did get some more beans planted along the house. We are excited to see our plants growing. The peas and jalapenos are sprouting as well as the sunflowers by the house.

Daddy Piper, L & S spent some time tonight looking through Daddy's childhood photo album. The giggles and laughs were fun to hear while they tried to pick Daddy out from class pictures and sports pictures. J helped me sort and fold socks. J's help consisted of throwing the socks around the living room :-)

J just woke up. Daddy Piper brought him out, thinking I hadn't put a diaper on him before dressing him for bed. I didn't dress him for bed, Daddy Piper did. We undressed him and here his diaper was bunched up around his left ankle - weird! Fresh diaper, kisses and he's back to sleep. I am not far behind him.

So again Piper Paradise faces another trial. I did feel so overwhelmed with life earlier but tonight feel better again. Truly thanking God that Daddy Piper's health is okay.

Up Early or Still up or up Late?

I haven't gotten much rest tonight. I am up at 4:30 but having not actually went to bed, am I still up late or just up early?? My headache is killing me. The migraine med I got on Tuesday only had 6 in the box and I took 2 a day so I was out by late last night.

The week has gone well. We have done lessons everyday faithfully. We picked up Girl Scout cookies on Monday so that has consumed a large part of our week. I am so thankful I get to be a part of this stuff with L. We had her regular Daisy meeting today. It was our snack day. Such fun times being a mom to this little girl, watching her grow and mature and develop these friendships.

Daddy Piper's health hasn't been so good this week. He thinks he has kidney stones again. He has had a rough time passing them. I have been holding on with a thread with all the stress we have faced over the last 7 months, always coming back with at least we are all healthy. Well with my headaches being debilitating and now with Daddy Piper not being well, I am about to lose it. I know God only gives us what we can handle and He is there with us every step but things are getting so hard here.

J has gotten to be such a fun little kid here lately. He has this crazy face he makes while he giggles loudly. He is really playing with L & S now. S likes to wrestle with J and gets a bit too rough for my taste but J just giggles, enjoying all the playing and hands on fun with his big brother.

S is such a Daddy's boy. With all the time home recently, Daddy Piper and S are glued at the hip. S wants to do everything with Daddy. I think this time together is so great for S. He is learning how to be a man from one of the most awesome men I have ever known. Daddy Piper shows such patience with S. He takes the time to show and explain things to S. I love seeing this bond develop.

With S being with Daddy Piper so much, L is glued to me. We have been spending alot of time alone and it has helped with her behavior. I hope I am displaying the qualities of being a good wife and mother to her, a good example most of the time. I see more and more of me in her, at that age. She is alot like me, my good and bad personality traits. A mirror, she truly is.

One of my best friends found out they are having another boy today. I am super excited for her. It is another struggle for me right now though. I am aching to have another baby. With all the turmoil we are facing, another child is not a good idea. Daddy Piper isn't on board for another either. But I am having such a hard time. I WANT ANOTHER BABY!!!!!!!

Aww. I get so down about the things we don't have (like another baby) and yet, we are continually blessed and taken care of in ways I can't even describe. I have an amazing family, a wonderfully loving husband, get to be home with my kids, homeschool our children with hubby's blessing, Thank you God for watching over us, providing for us and loving me as hugely imperfect as I am - you still love me.....

Lizard

We have lizards all over our house and property. S loves to catch them and hold them. He got the ultimate reward today. A lizard bit him!! I guess he's okay. I wasn't here - I was at Daisy's with L. Daddy Piper had to squeeze the lizard's head to get him to release. S cried quite a bit but was okay in the end. Boys - a whole 'nother breed!

Happy Valentine's Day

We had an amazing day together as a family. It was seriously one of the best Valentine's we have ever spent together. The absolute best was 10 years ago today when my love proposed to me. He got on one knee and professed his love to me and asked me to be his wife, not today but someday :-)


The morning began with L running in and telling me to check under my pillow. She had made Valentine's for everyone and tucked them away for us to find this morning. Then she threw some other rolled up Valentine's at me. I got up and found her to give her hugs and hugs. We got the kids kites and temporary tattoos for their treats. Daddy Piper got up and we started a great breakfast. Bacon, eggs and pancakes. We did try to make the whole day fun. We made rice krispie treats together and L and I shaped them into hearts (another treat I made the day my love proposed 10 years ago). I decorated them fun with everyone's names. It's fun to do sweet things like this for the kids (and Daddy Piper). They all appreciate it so much! I had made cake pops for the family too from Bakerella's site. They were fun to make. Super simple but time consuming. The picture is courtesy of my phone. I still don't have a working camera. $300 to fix the camera just isn't in the budget right now. After making treats, Daddy Piper and S ran to get a part for his truck (yes something ELSE is broke around here). I made L a scrumptious lunch and J slept. L's lunch was a heart-shaped PB&J with carrots. Shortly after L's lunch was made, J woke up and he got a heart shaped sandwich too. I don't think he was too concerned with the shape but he was appreciative of no crust. When they got home, they brought up a rose plant!!! It's a gorgeous yellow rose with pink tips. I do appreciate fresh flowers but love having the plant even more :-) Then L & I ran to Target. We returned the purse I bought yesterday that had some damage on the bottom. And we had some prescriptions transferred to take advantage of their gift card deal. I had 4 prescriptions to transfer so that netted me $40!! I used that money to get L some much needed new clothes. She is growing like a weed and has needed new clothes. This gift card opportunity meant the clothing money didn't have to come from the budget. She got a ton of clothes too. A new nightgown, 2 shorts, 1 capri, 1 shirt, 1 dress and 1 new shirt for S (J has tons and tons of clothes from S) and it was only $2.41 out of pocket, thanks to the giftcards. God always provides, doesn't he?!

We got home from our fun Target trip then headed out to fly kites together. We had a blast!! We did this last year too. J was a teeny little guy. This year - he was a part of the fun. We got all 3 kites going pretty easily. J was so amused and delighted by the flying objects. He was more fun to watch then the kites were. L & S flew their own pretty easily. The wind was perfect for flying the small kites. There was also some people nearby flying their airplanes so we watched those for a bit too. I would show you pictures but I used an old fashioned, gotta be developed camera :-)

Tonight's dinner was crab, steak and rice. L LOVES her crab. We had 2 1/2 pounds of crab and I bet she ate half of it by herself. S doesn't like crab and J slept through the entire dinner.

We had an all around great day. I went in with no expectations and it exceeded my thoughts and more. It was a calm, peaceful holiday filled with love and laugh - life is GOOD!!!!!!

Now we sit here watching the Olympics and talking about our upcoming summer and the possibilities that lay ahead...


"I am going to sleep in my beautiful nightgown but not my brothers. They didn't get a nightgown because they aren't girls and they aren't beautiful" direct quote from L while I write about our day as she sits in bath. "And do you see what I am doing - rubbing my eyes since I skipped naps. I can't skip naps ever again. I am too tired to skip naps again Mama". Another L quote!

Life

So we have had soooo many things go wrong around here lately. I hear over and over that God gives us only what we can handle, never more. I am NOT handling things real well here, God! But with all the crap we are dealing with - I can still see so much good in my everyday life. Healthy husband and kids, roof over our head, plenty of food to eat and love, tons and tons of love!!!!! Maybe this is the season of my life to bring me back to the basics and remember what is most important - not the unrepaired roof in the playroom (it's getting there - we hung sheetrock together tonight), the broken camera, the broken icemaker on the freezer, the unbelievable lack of work for Daddy Piper, the dying pine trees, and the list goes on and on from there. But still, so much to be thankful for, every single day!

My babies make everyday and adventure. We cut L's hair yesterday. She wanted it cut so off we went. She went to great clips instead of the most coveted Snip Its. It was still cheaper to go there and get a Barbie than go to Snip its. Well she had her doll today and S took it away from her and she was chasing him around the couch trying to get it back. I laughed and laughed watching them. It was such a pure joy kinda moment. J tried to get in the fun but wasn't quick enough to participate but still, he was right in there. Such precious moments to treasure!!

L's Words

L just came out and said she can hear the TV and the show is making her scared, back in her bedroom :-) Daddy Piper walked her back, tucked her in and told he could shut her door to help. She said it would make it worse. I changed the show from Terminator to What Not To Wear. Daddy Piper - not happy. L and I super happy :-)

Valentine Party

It's been a busy last few days. Last week Friday ended with a field trip to a fun out of town state park. The whole day was tons of fun. The weekend went by quickly. We planted our spring garden and had my mother over for her birthday dinner. Monday was filled with lessons for everyone. J had his 15 month checkup. He weighs 28 pounds and was 34 inches tall. He is in the 60% for height and 90% for weight. He is a very big boy. He had to get 3 shots. The shot thing is no fun. The nurse pulled a sucker from behind her back and he quickly stopped crying. It was his first sucker. He knew exactly what to do with it and was a happy boy. Monday night was filled with dinner out with some friends to celebrate with one of them in particular. She has quit smoking and we went out to dinner to celebrate her!! It was super fun to be out together. We all met when our oldest kids were just babies so about 5 years ago. It was my first night out this week. I am out tomorrow again for book club. I have such a social life these days :-)

Tuesday was filled to the brim. We made cookies for 3 1/2 hours. I made homemade dough, homemade icing and fully decorated these cookies. They looked gorgeous. L helped with the whole process. They were on counter waiting to be wrapped for the homeschool party. I had a mixing bowl soaking with water on the counter. L tipped the bowl to see what was in it and spilled it over the entire batch of decorated cookies, ruining all but 3 of them. It was heartbreaking. I was sooo upset. I didn't yell or scream or even get upset. I just started cleaning up the mess. She started crying. Daddy Piper sent her to room, waiting for me to be mad. I didn't even have it in me to be upset. She was devastated enough for both of us. She came out and apologized to me. It was nice not to be feeling regret for flying off the handle. I had to run to the store for the heart shaped treat boxes then it was back home to get the treats ready. Lunch time then L's dance. While she was at dance, I had to go to the UPS store, pay the water bill and return some nasty meat to the grocery store. I also had the van washed. I raced back to get L from dance and then off to the camera shop for a repair estimate (which I got today - HA, guess no camera around here for awhile). Met with my sis to coupon swap then rush hour crawl to get home but it was a quick dash into the library then home about 5:00. This entire time, I was suffering with another major headache. I have minor, background migraine all the time now but sometimes, it jumps out and becomes really painful. It was majorly painful all day Tuesday. S got lucky and Daddy Piper let him skip nap. They had fun playing outside together while J napped. They did get some rocks moved to be able to plant more vegetables and some sunflowers. It was a crazy busy day. I am glad I had tossed some meatballs in the crockpot so dinner was almost done when I got home.

We had our homeschool group Valentine party today. Tons of fun!!! It is fun to see them celebrate things similar to how we did them in "real" school. Everyone exchanged Valentine's with each other, had yummy heart shaped pizzas, heart shaped watermelon, Valentine's treats I made from MckMama's website and smoothie ice pop things. L made heart shaped Valentine's with construction paper, doilies and glitter (a little girl's dream!!). S did something simple with candy inside heart shaped treat boxes. Super yummy and fun times! We have been so lucky to hook up with a group and a year and half later, still active and just gets better with each month.

J slept 2 nights in row. He isn't going to bed until 9 or 10 though for some reason. He is now sitting in his bed talking up a storm right now. L & S are sound asleep. I think J doesn't like being alone in his room. We are talking about putting them together in one room. It won't be long until L will want her own room, I am sure. Maybe I will get another baby and it will be a girl and they can share a room. I can dream right. I want another sooo bad. It's not a good time and Daddy Piper isn't on board fully (yet!!) but still, another baby would be wonderful :-)

No Cool Title....

I am up late. Again. Daddy Piper has work tomorrow. Only one day but we'll take it. We are doing a field trip with our homeschool group. My plan to stay home has been working out well. I filled up my gas tank 10 days ago and will need to fill up again tomorrow before the field trip . We are more caught up on our lessons than ever before. And the house looks wonderful. Laundry is almost done. Things are more organized around here. S is really into the lessons, mostly. He did balk about doing them yesterday though. I did wait till the afternoon since we had homeschool group. No more afternoon learning for him. This morning, Daddy Piper and S worked on writing letters on the chalkboard on the outdoor playset. I guess that's a benefit to homeschooling - do the work anywhere!!

S and Daddy Piper ran to the Depot to get sheetrock and other stuff to finish fixing the playroom ceiling from the damage last week. J took a nap. L & I had lunch together, watching Balto, eating off the trays together. That was fun and a surprise for L to have me sit and eat lunch with her. Simple things = big rewards.

Quick hide and seek this afternoon. Mama hid under the crib and no one could find me forever. They walked back and forth right me and never found me until I grabbed L's ankle, causing her to scream very loud :-)

This afternoon was L's Daisy meeting. I had to get seeds for the troop. L & I ran to Lowe's to get the seeds. It was fun to pick out the seeds together. Having L for my daughter rocks. We play the yellow game constantly together. She hates going the peacock way. We left Lowe's chasing each other out to the van. Back to Daisy's - the girls made Valentine's for their troop they are exchanging with. L seemed to be out of sorts a bit - couldn't really find her group to hang with. It is difficult to see her struggle like that. Especially since I has the same struggle myself last night at Bunco. I only knew the host and everyone else knew it each other. I was just subbing. I did end up having a great time and won $20 to boot!! I do that to myself - try new things, with new people always hoping......

This afternoon/evening, Daddy Piper had J outside for a few hours. He is such an outdoor kid. I am just amazed at the outdoor gene that flows from Daddy Piper to his kids. I am an indoor girl, through and through but not my kids. L is becoming more so inside liking but will still play outside when she is given the choice.

Tonight was my 3rd night a row to be out and about. Such a social life I have :-) L was upset last night and called me. Tonight she was even more upset, wanting to join me. It was a card making class for adults. I have enjoyed the time to myself but truly - when I am gone from my kids, I just miss them. I have 2 nights scheduled next week - dinner with friends and then book club on Thursday. Just joined that book club last night, without realizing it, I guess.

Totally Tuesday

We did homeschool lessons from 8 until 11 today. It was a continual time, which is rare for us. We don't usually do lessons in a row like that. I started with S first (a rare thing). He paid attention and was right on top with his learning. L wasn't appreciative of this. She is used to being first and waiting drove her crazy. I had to send her out of the room so S could concentrate. She was being horribly disruptive while waiting. And S might just be 3 or he might have an attention problem but he couldn't focus on the lesson while she was milling around, making noise. She stayed in the playroom, playing with J and S concentrated on his lesson. I wonder how moms with lots of littles running around homeschool. Maybe as they get older (kids - not the moms), they are better at tuning out the extra noise.

Tonight while eating dinner, L & S chose to sit by each (not the regular seating) but they were goofing around too much and I didn't want to hear them get in trouble so I went to L and tried to scootch her over and managed to knock her off her chair completely, taking her plate with her, spilling food all over the floor. I felt like crap! I was just trying to stop the behavior before they got in trouble. She fell on her bum but was not the least bit upset with me. I cleaned her up, then the floor while Daddy got her clean clothes and a new plate with fresh food. I apologized over and over and over. I felt so horrible! Thankfully she wasn't mad at me. I had to hustle to get out the door to make it Girl Scout leader meeting. And now there was some fun for ya : -)

J is now making the cutest ever smoochy sounds with his lips. He saw Daddy Piper and I kissing yesterday and seemed overcome with jealousy. So I kissed him and he kissed back, with that cutesy, little, smoochy sound. Oh what a doll!!!!!

And now S just fell out of his bed. AGH!! I did get to snuggle and hold him for a little bit while comforting him.

February Already???

Where did January go?? Here it is already February and I feel like the year just got started. We had a great day filled with tons of lessons. L is doing wonderful. S is amazing at his lessons. I am so proud at them and how they both love to learn. S gets frustrated waiting for L to finish her lessons while he waits for his. They are both doing the history curriculum together. We are having a ton of fun learning together with that curriculum. I continue to thank God I get to be there teacher and learn right along with them. J gets a bit irritated with all the attention being focused on the table where he isn't a part of the action :-)

I also had an appt today with a new Primary Care doctor. I am still having these migraines. Mainly she prescribed a new med I can take while nursing and recommended I reduce my stress (HAHAHA!). I really and truly liked this doctor, especially versus the one I saw last week. I am even considering changing the kids over to her since she is a family doctor. She makes it a point to be on time and is very comforting. I liked her! So now reduce my stress and take this med. I can get a neuro consult but she thinks they are cluster migraines and will get better with this new med.