Hi Friends!
Well, we're still loving Spring Break here at the Bland house -- that is everyone except Bill who's had work as usual. We all slept in late again. I was still lounging in bed around 11 a.m. when Alice called and offered to take us out for lunch. She was up early and already on her way back from an appointment at UCLA. So, I got up -- yelled at the kids to stop all the munching that might be going on downstairs. When she arrived, we went to Carl's Jr. The little kids got to play in the playland, and we all had a great time. We followed that up with a trip to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream dessert. Thanks so much Alice!
By the time we got home, it was late afternoon. We did some chores around the house, and then I decided to go over to Judi's to walk on her treadmill. It was really cold and windy outside today, so I didn't much feel like walking outside. Nate and Isaac came with me. They watched me and talked with me while I did a 2 mile walk. (Had to work off the taco salad and ice cream!) Then they both had a chance to walk on the treadmill. They really enjoyed it -- especially Nate, so I think I'll let them do it more often!
By the time we finished that and did a few more household things, Bill was coming home for dinner. We had left-overs, and that made it nice because no preparations were necessary. I've had a nasty headache all day! After dinner Bill left for his Wednesday night Men's Group. The kids did their baths/showers and are all watching a movie in Cam and Isaac's room right now.
I am going to tidy up in the family room, and then I will attempt to go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. It's time to start getting back into more of a regular bedtime/waking up routine. Tomorrow we are going to visit Bill at his new office on base. The kids are excited to see it. We don't often see Dad at work since he works on base and it's so far away. We are planning to bring him some kid-made artwork for his empty walls. And he has offered to take us out to lunch. So, it should be fun all around. And then in the late afternoon, Shirlene is planning to do haircuts on all of the kids.
More tomorrow...
Much Love,
Michele
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
TUESDAY!!
Hi Friends!
This will be short as I am up too late, and I should be getting to bed soon! I once again slept in late this morning, and I am still loving Spring Break. We were without power almost all day today due to a scheduled power outage while the power company did some work. The children didn't know what to do without electricity. They're so city-fied! It was pretty funny.
Around noon, Molly, Nate, Isaac and I went to Lincoln Park. They played and rode scooters while I walked the track. I made it around 9 times, which totals 3 miles. So, I impressed myself. Cam, like a typical teenager -- was just waking up when we returned home from the park at 1:30 p.m. After a bit of time at home, he and Molly had dental appointments today. Nate and Isaac hung out at Judi's house while I took the older ones to the dentist. Cam had one cavity and Molly needs sealants on several teeth now that her braces are off -- so I get to take them back in 2 week. But the visit went pretty well considering.
After dinner tonight, Bill and Cameron went to Scouts. I took Nate, Isaac, and Molly to the library. By the time we got home it was time for baths and bed. Molly checked out Little Women (the movie) and watched it in bed. And Nate and Isaac both checked out some audio books, so they were listening to them while going to sleep. I checked out some books for myself and so I stayed up too late reading. But again -- at least we can all sleep in tomorrow.
More then ...
Much Love,
Michele
This will be short as I am up too late, and I should be getting to bed soon! I once again slept in late this morning, and I am still loving Spring Break. We were without power almost all day today due to a scheduled power outage while the power company did some work. The children didn't know what to do without electricity. They're so city-fied! It was pretty funny.
Around noon, Molly, Nate, Isaac and I went to Lincoln Park. They played and rode scooters while I walked the track. I made it around 9 times, which totals 3 miles. So, I impressed myself. Cam, like a typical teenager -- was just waking up when we returned home from the park at 1:30 p.m. After a bit of time at home, he and Molly had dental appointments today. Nate and Isaac hung out at Judi's house while I took the older ones to the dentist. Cam had one cavity and Molly needs sealants on several teeth now that her braces are off -- so I get to take them back in 2 week. But the visit went pretty well considering.
After dinner tonight, Bill and Cameron went to Scouts. I took Nate, Isaac, and Molly to the library. By the time we got home it was time for baths and bed. Molly checked out Little Women (the movie) and watched it in bed. And Nate and Isaac both checked out some audio books, so they were listening to them while going to sleep. I checked out some books for myself and so I stayed up too late reading. But again -- at least we can all sleep in tomorrow.
More then ...
Much Love,
Michele
Monday, April 13, 2009
SKIPPING THROUGH SPRING BREAK!!!
Hi Friends!
Well, I am officially loving spring break! Molly and Cam are off for the whole week, so we homeschoolers decided to take the week off, too. When Bill left for work this morning, he said that everyone was still asleep. I managed to stay in bed until noonish, and the kids were happy to hang around playing with their Easter haul and watching TV all morning. When I got up, Cam and Molly informed me that they had just served their younger siblings brunch. I have such good kids! When I thanked them for letting me sleep in so late, they responded with: "Well, we know you need at least 12 hours of sleep each night to feel OK!" That is true because of the lupus (chronic fatigue) and all the meds (side effects of drowsiness) -- but I think it's so cool that my kids can understand that, accept it, and just be glad that I am better again!
After getting myself up, Molly, Nate, and Isaac and I went for an afternoon walk. The boys rode their scooters, and Molly and I power-walked to keep up with them. We went on a nice meadering walk with the little boys until they were tired out. Then we dropped them off at home with Cam. Cam loves to pace out in front of our house or out back around the pool -- but he wouldn't dream of going on an actual walk! Molly and I walked another mile around the Fletcher loop, and then joined all the kids at home. We all spent the afternoon at home. The kids did some swimming, some chores, and just some good old hanging out! I even got some laundry done and the bathrooms cleaned. The maids come every other week -- and with 4 boys in the house, our bathrooms can't go that long! Unless you have very low standards, that is!
Alice came back from Anaheim this afternoon and saved me with my daily Double Big Gulp. She also was a calm presence while Nate was having his daily afternoon melt-down -- usually occurs around 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. each day when his whole world falls apart! Bill came home arounnd 6:30 and Annie stayed for dinner. We had chili-cheese-cornbread casserole with corn sneaked in it! We also had salad and brownies left over from Easter dinner.
After dinner, Bill went to Target on his weekly med run. Then he, Molly, and I went for a long walk. It was very nice, very challenging, and we went in some areas that we had never explored before. We got some good exercise, and we even took Bingo along. It's nice for me to walk after dark because I don't have to worry about the sun. It's also a good time for Bingo to walk because there aren't many other dogs out. He is freakish about other dogs, to say the least!
We just got home a little while ago. I am going to empty the dishwasher and finish the laundry. Then I will watch some TV before bed. Bill has a bit of work that he brought home, too. The boys are all upstairs watching a movie, and Molly is e-mailing Grandma Lu.
Tomorrow Molly and Cam have dental appointments. We are also planning a trip to the library. Some kids (read -- Isaac and Molly) are more excited about that than others (read -- Nate and Cam). Oh well, you can't please everyone all the time! And I'm the parent who knows what's best for them. At least that's what I keep telling them and me!
On a final note -- I thought I'd share a story about Mother Theresa. She spent hours of every day praying. When asked if that wasn't tedious and what she said to God for all that time -- She said, " I listen." Then she was asked, "Well, what does he say for all that time!" She responded, "He listens." So, when praying these days -- I have been doing more listening, and I find myself more blessed. And at the same time, God listens too while I am in quiet communion with Him. I encourage you to do the same.
Much Love,
Michele
Well, I am officially loving spring break! Molly and Cam are off for the whole week, so we homeschoolers decided to take the week off, too. When Bill left for work this morning, he said that everyone was still asleep. I managed to stay in bed until noonish, and the kids were happy to hang around playing with their Easter haul and watching TV all morning. When I got up, Cam and Molly informed me that they had just served their younger siblings brunch. I have such good kids! When I thanked them for letting me sleep in so late, they responded with: "Well, we know you need at least 12 hours of sleep each night to feel OK!" That is true because of the lupus (chronic fatigue) and all the meds (side effects of drowsiness) -- but I think it's so cool that my kids can understand that, accept it, and just be glad that I am better again!
After getting myself up, Molly, Nate, and Isaac and I went for an afternoon walk. The boys rode their scooters, and Molly and I power-walked to keep up with them. We went on a nice meadering walk with the little boys until they were tired out. Then we dropped them off at home with Cam. Cam loves to pace out in front of our house or out back around the pool -- but he wouldn't dream of going on an actual walk! Molly and I walked another mile around the Fletcher loop, and then joined all the kids at home. We all spent the afternoon at home. The kids did some swimming, some chores, and just some good old hanging out! I even got some laundry done and the bathrooms cleaned. The maids come every other week -- and with 4 boys in the house, our bathrooms can't go that long! Unless you have very low standards, that is!
Alice came back from Anaheim this afternoon and saved me with my daily Double Big Gulp. She also was a calm presence while Nate was having his daily afternoon melt-down -- usually occurs around 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. each day when his whole world falls apart! Bill came home arounnd 6:30 and Annie stayed for dinner. We had chili-cheese-cornbread casserole with corn sneaked in it! We also had salad and brownies left over from Easter dinner.
After dinner, Bill went to Target on his weekly med run. Then he, Molly, and I went for a long walk. It was very nice, very challenging, and we went in some areas that we had never explored before. We got some good exercise, and we even took Bingo along. It's nice for me to walk after dark because I don't have to worry about the sun. It's also a good time for Bingo to walk because there aren't many other dogs out. He is freakish about other dogs, to say the least!
We just got home a little while ago. I am going to empty the dishwasher and finish the laundry. Then I will watch some TV before bed. Bill has a bit of work that he brought home, too. The boys are all upstairs watching a movie, and Molly is e-mailing Grandma Lu.
Tomorrow Molly and Cam have dental appointments. We are also planning a trip to the library. Some kids (read -- Isaac and Molly) are more excited about that than others (read -- Nate and Cam). Oh well, you can't please everyone all the time! And I'm the parent who knows what's best for them. At least that's what I keep telling them and me!
On a final note -- I thought I'd share a story about Mother Theresa. She spent hours of every day praying. When asked if that wasn't tedious and what she said to God for all that time -- She said, " I listen." Then she was asked, "Well, what does he say for all that time!" She responded, "He listens." So, when praying these days -- I have been doing more listening, and I find myself more blessed. And at the same time, God listens too while I am in quiet communion with Him. I encourage you to do the same.
Much Love,
Michele
Sunday, April 12, 2009
ATTENTION: EASTER BUNNY SIGHTING!
Hi Friends!Happy Easter! Christ has risen ... He has risen indeed!
On a funny note, Cameron showed this picture to his siblings this morning. Apparently he surprised the Easter bunny late last night. The Easter bunny was at our house hiding baskets in the kitchen when Cameron wandered in looking for a drink in the refrigerator. Luckily, he thinks fast and managed to take this picture before the bunny hopped out into the garage. The kids were thrilled by his story and picture. And nobody seemed to notice that the bunny's head looks very similar to one of Isaac's stuffed animals.
This morning, I was glad we went to church last night. It gave us the chance to sleep in and the kids got up and were able to search for and enjoy their Easter baskets. We could hear them excitedly chattering about the baskets and Cameron's Easter bunny photo while we still lay in bed this morning.
I leisurely got up around 10 a.m. and made the kids breakfast -- blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, and several pounds of bacon -- always a favorite in our house. It seemed all we did was eat today, but that is a big part of the Easter celebration, I guess too! We had our main meal around 2 p.m. on the good china with champagne/sparkling cider -- the kids always love that! I was impressed with myself as this is the first holiday meal I've made since my illness hit. We had ham, scalloped potatoes, crescent rolls, asparagus with cream sauce, salad and raw veggies -- and we had brownies and cookies for dessert. Everyone was happy and very full. Most of the kids didn't even eat dessert, and nobody's been back for dinner yet. But they've been munching on their Easter basket goodies, too.
After dinner and talking with Grandma Linda on the phone -- we all watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua together. Cameron had gone to see it with Annie back when it was in the movie theater, and he had gone on and on about how funny the movie was. So, I had promised him I'd rent it for all of us when it came to PPV. We enjoyed the movie, and then everyone (except me and Cam) went outside. The little boys and Molly played gladiators (long story) and swam. Bill is working on putting in a hot tub in our back yard. That involves moving some fencing and piping around. So, he was itching to get to work on that today -- and he's not one to take a whole day off, not even for Easter. I, however, have learned the fine art of relaxing recently. So, I'm just vegging out today. Molly is currently cleaning up the kitchen for me. She just came and asked if there was "anything I can do to help?" I LOVE GIRLS!! I'm going to go help her put the china back in the cabinet, and then I'll go back to resting and relaxing!
I hope Easter has been a blessed day for you. I pray that you have been able to spend it with those who mean the most to you, and that we can all remember what a gift we have in Jesus' sacrifice!
Much Love,
Michele
Saturday, April 11, 2009
EASTER PHOTOS
Hi Friends!I just wanted to send a few photos of us dressed up for Saturday Easter church. Obviously some of us were more into it than others. Isaac, especially, was hilarious. He spent much time choosing each piece of his outfit. He even wore a dressy hat, but that was taken off by the time we finished church and took the pictures.
After church the kids ate dinner, and I started making preparations for our Easter meal tomorrow. I have a lot of energy and that is a huge improvement since the last holidays of this year. I made blueberry muffins for tomorrow morning, and I continued the baking theme with some desserts as well -- brownies and chocolate chip cookies. I also cut up relishes for tomorrow.
Currently the 3 younger kids are in bed, and Cameron is waiting up with us in order to play the Easter bunny. He even took a picture (close-up) of a bunny stuffed animal. It looks very real and kind of creepy. He is going to use it to prove to his siblings that there really is an Easter bunny and that we saw him last night. Too funny!
Much Love,
Michele
Easter Saturday ...
Hi Friends!
It's Easter Eve -- is that a word? And I'm off to a slow start. I was up a lot of last night coughing -- the kind of cough that once you start, you can't stop. So, I slept in until 10 a.m. this morning. Luckily for me, Bill was more responsible and got up to corral the boys around 8 a.m. Shirlene usually brings them quite early on her way to work. My antibiotics go until tomorrow, so I'm hoping I won't have to start a 3rd course!
But I was forced to get up eventually as I had promised Molly and Tiffany (her friend) that I'd take them to the Hannah Montana movie today. Tiffany came over by 11:15 and I drove them over to the theater for the 12 p.m. movie. There was no line because our theater was showing the movie in multiple theaters every hour. They really enjoyed the movie and then went out to lunch at Carl's Jr., which is nearby. Cameron joined them there. Cam and Molly are very close, and they got much closer during my illness this year. So, Molly and Tiffany had invited him along today. He, of course, didn't want to see Hannah Montana, but he was more than happy to join them for lunch. As he said, "Teen-aged boys love to EAT!!!" And pat on my back -- Cameron and Molly had both saved and used their allowance money for this outing.
So, I dropped off Cam at Carl's Jr and let him hang out with the girls awhile. I thought it was good for him to get out of his box! While waiting for them, I drove over to 7-11 to get my daily Big Gulp, and I also picked up Slurpees for Brandon, Nate, and Isaac. Bill and those boys were over at Shirlene's Barber shop so that Bill could get a hair cut. So, I met up with them there. Bill and my boys were leaving, and Shirlene was cutting Brandon's hair. So, I hung out there for a bit chatting with Shirlene. Then I went back to pick up Cam, Molly, and Tiffany at Carl's Jr. They were all in a pleasant mood, and Tiffany is now at our house hanging out with Molly. Bill just loves giggly girls! But at least, I understand them more than our WILD and CRAZY boys.
Today we are going to Easter service at our church at 5:30 p.m. So, it's almost time to start getting the kids to take baths/showers and get ready. Cam just finished mowing the grass -- I love having teenagers! I told the kids they need to clean up their bedrooms, too -- in case the Easter bunny wants to hop in and leave anything. Of course, they all told me they don't believe in the Easter bunny, but they don't mind if I leave them something. Talk about letting Mom down easily! Not surprising as we've always focused more on the true meaning of Easter! We did make it to Friday night service last night, too -- so that was a nice way to start the weekend. It was sobering and touching at the same time to reflect on my Savior dying on a cross for me.
Tomorrow we are looking forward to sleeping in, Easter stories, Easter baskets, and our traditional Easter feast. I feel very blessed this year and at this time of my life. In the hospital, on my first day of chemo, Bill read to me from Ecclesiastes. You know ... "For every time, there is a season ... a time to laugh ... a time to cry ..., etc." I remember thinking this must be my season of weeping, because all I could do was cry. But life is looking up, and it only gets better from here.
So, Happy Easter ... Christ has risen for me and for you ... He has risen indeed!
Much Love,
Michele
It's Easter Eve -- is that a word? And I'm off to a slow start. I was up a lot of last night coughing -- the kind of cough that once you start, you can't stop. So, I slept in until 10 a.m. this morning. Luckily for me, Bill was more responsible and got up to corral the boys around 8 a.m. Shirlene usually brings them quite early on her way to work. My antibiotics go until tomorrow, so I'm hoping I won't have to start a 3rd course!
But I was forced to get up eventually as I had promised Molly and Tiffany (her friend) that I'd take them to the Hannah Montana movie today. Tiffany came over by 11:15 and I drove them over to the theater for the 12 p.m. movie. There was no line because our theater was showing the movie in multiple theaters every hour. They really enjoyed the movie and then went out to lunch at Carl's Jr., which is nearby. Cameron joined them there. Cam and Molly are very close, and they got much closer during my illness this year. So, Molly and Tiffany had invited him along today. He, of course, didn't want to see Hannah Montana, but he was more than happy to join them for lunch. As he said, "Teen-aged boys love to EAT!!!" And pat on my back -- Cameron and Molly had both saved and used their allowance money for this outing.
So, I dropped off Cam at Carl's Jr and let him hang out with the girls awhile. I thought it was good for him to get out of his box! While waiting for them, I drove over to 7-11 to get my daily Big Gulp, and I also picked up Slurpees for Brandon, Nate, and Isaac. Bill and those boys were over at Shirlene's Barber shop so that Bill could get a hair cut. So, I met up with them there. Bill and my boys were leaving, and Shirlene was cutting Brandon's hair. So, I hung out there for a bit chatting with Shirlene. Then I went back to pick up Cam, Molly, and Tiffany at Carl's Jr. They were all in a pleasant mood, and Tiffany is now at our house hanging out with Molly. Bill just loves giggly girls! But at least, I understand them more than our WILD and CRAZY boys.
Today we are going to Easter service at our church at 5:30 p.m. So, it's almost time to start getting the kids to take baths/showers and get ready. Cam just finished mowing the grass -- I love having teenagers! I told the kids they need to clean up their bedrooms, too -- in case the Easter bunny wants to hop in and leave anything. Of course, they all told me they don't believe in the Easter bunny, but they don't mind if I leave them something. Talk about letting Mom down easily! Not surprising as we've always focused more on the true meaning of Easter! We did make it to Friday night service last night, too -- so that was a nice way to start the weekend. It was sobering and touching at the same time to reflect on my Savior dying on a cross for me.
Tomorrow we are looking forward to sleeping in, Easter stories, Easter baskets, and our traditional Easter feast. I feel very blessed this year and at this time of my life. In the hospital, on my first day of chemo, Bill read to me from Ecclesiastes. You know ... "For every time, there is a season ... a time to laugh ... a time to cry ..., etc." I remember thinking this must be my season of weeping, because all I could do was cry. But life is looking up, and it only gets better from here.
So, Happy Easter ... Christ has risen for me and for you ... He has risen indeed!
Much Love,
Michele
Friday, April 10, 2009
I'M IN THE EASTER MOOD ...
Savior, He can move the mountains.
Our God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation.
He rose and conquered the grave.
Jesus conquered the grave.
Hi Friends!
I'm in the Easter mood today. The kids had their last day of school yesterday, so last night was nice and relaxing. No homework, no lunches to make (except Bill's) -- but you get the idea.
We hard-boiled the Easter eggs last night, and Isaac was in my bed this morning asking to dye them. He was very excited, but I was hard to convince. He did finally drag me out of bed, though -- and we dyed the eggs. Molly and Isaac did the eggs with me, and we had a good time. Nate did one egg, and Cameron was too cool to do any!
After doing the Easter eggs in the late morning, I made brunch. It was questionable what the kids had made themselves for breakfast -- so we had a nice brunch of cinnamon rolls and breakfast sausages. Right now everyone is lounging around the house -- mostly still in their PJ's. I'm going to go and take a shower before it's time to drop off Nate and Isaac for their Friday night sleep-over at Shirlene's.
Yesterday, Molly and I hit the dollar store to buy Easter basket goodies. So, I think tonight we'll do the Easter baskets while the boys are gone. It's nice to have older children who like to be "holiday helpers!"
We are also hoping to make it to our Good Friday church service tonight at 7:30. I'm concerned about whether Bill will make it home in time, though. He's left super-early and gotten home super-late most nights this week. All I know is that there is an important admiral in this week!
I feel like I haven't seen Bill for a while. But, I do feel blessed that I'm feeling good enough to parent the kids and run my household alone when necessary! I am also happy that in this economy -- Bill's job is secure unlike so many others. Anyway, if Bill doesn't make it home in time for church, then I think we'll watch "Passion of the Christ," which is always a good thing to see in the season of Lent.
Molly is currently setting up plans with a friend to go see "Hannah Montana -- The Movie" tomorrow. She and Tiffany are absolutely thrilled about it coming out! It's nice for her to get to do some "girl things"!
More later...
Much Love,
Michele
Our God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation.
He rose and conquered the grave.
Jesus conquered the grave.
Hi Friends!
I'm in the Easter mood today. The kids had their last day of school yesterday, so last night was nice and relaxing. No homework, no lunches to make (except Bill's) -- but you get the idea.
We hard-boiled the Easter eggs last night, and Isaac was in my bed this morning asking to dye them. He was very excited, but I was hard to convince. He did finally drag me out of bed, though -- and we dyed the eggs. Molly and Isaac did the eggs with me, and we had a good time. Nate did one egg, and Cameron was too cool to do any!
After doing the Easter eggs in the late morning, I made brunch. It was questionable what the kids had made themselves for breakfast -- so we had a nice brunch of cinnamon rolls and breakfast sausages. Right now everyone is lounging around the house -- mostly still in their PJ's. I'm going to go and take a shower before it's time to drop off Nate and Isaac for their Friday night sleep-over at Shirlene's.
Yesterday, Molly and I hit the dollar store to buy Easter basket goodies. So, I think tonight we'll do the Easter baskets while the boys are gone. It's nice to have older children who like to be "holiday helpers!"
We are also hoping to make it to our Good Friday church service tonight at 7:30. I'm concerned about whether Bill will make it home in time, though. He's left super-early and gotten home super-late most nights this week. All I know is that there is an important admiral in this week!
I feel like I haven't seen Bill for a while. But, I do feel blessed that I'm feeling good enough to parent the kids and run my household alone when necessary! I am also happy that in this economy -- Bill's job is secure unlike so many others. Anyway, if Bill doesn't make it home in time for church, then I think we'll watch "Passion of the Christ," which is always a good thing to see in the season of Lent.
Molly is currently setting up plans with a friend to go see "Hannah Montana -- The Movie" tomorrow. She and Tiffany are absolutely thrilled about it coming out! It's nice for her to get to do some "girl things"!
More later...
Much Love,
Michele
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