Week 2: Screw That Gall Bladder

A couple of days ago I posted something on facebook about not having anything interesting to post this week. I was hoping to get some guest bloggers in here, but it's Saturday afternoon and I haven't really had any serious offers, so alas, you get a not so entertaining week to read about.

This is the second blog in a row that I am writing from the hospital. Katie still has not been released. Her platelet count has to reach 100,000 before they let her go home. (So, positive thoughts/good vibes/prayers for platelets please!) The problem is they can't figure out what is making them so low. So, they switch medications here and there. Some of them are ok, some of them have terrible side effects and she ends up being absolutely miserable.  Katie, however, handles all of this better than I ever would.

Anyway, in an effort to do anything I possibly can for her and Kevin, I've been at the hospital most days all day, with the exception of Tuesday and Wednesday when Asa had to go into work, and I could only be here in the evening. I did take that opportunity to get the boys situated with school paperwork and supplies organized (instead of Calib's being all crammed in his backpack). Plus the laundry had piled up, and the house needed a serious woman's touch.

Last Weekend was nothing to write home about. Asa and I did get a 'date day' to come out to the hospital together, while Justin watched Peyton and Hayden and Calib went to a friends house. We stopped by Ikea on the way home to get a roll of paper and some paintbrushes for our home school supplies. It was nice to be able to visit Katie together, so thanks for watching the kiddos, Justin.

Sunday I was at the hospital all day, and it was the last day of summer vacation. I still had not gotten the boys backpacks or an outfit for the first day of school, so Asa and Justin took the boys out while I stayed at the hospital. I think they were happy Asa took them to buy new clothes. Since I got a text message that says "I don't have to get them plaid shorts and polo shirts, do I?' Hayden found an angry birds backpack, Calib didn't find one he liked, and that was big enough for all his stuff (no lockers in middle school but tons of binders/notebooks/supplies to carry around all day), so he's using mine until we can find him one he likes.

Monday Calib got on the bus for his first day of middle school without any problem. I think he felt like a big kid getting on the bus with his schedule in hand. He's liking middle school so far. His favorite part: not walking in lines. He also has some of his Oakstead friends in his classes, and has lunch with two of his best friends.

Monday was also Hayden's first day of his new school. I took him out and dropped him off in his classroom (which is awesome by the way he even has a big picture window that overlooks a pond where wildlife always shows up), he was only the second kid there- but Ms. Shimer got him some crayons and he happily colored while she assured me he was going to be fine with his new school and class. She even wrote a note home in his planner the first day telling me how Hayden did so well, and made a ton of new friends. The next day Hayden was on the Blue Level (above and beyond good behavior) with a note that said he was a great role model for his peers. His teacher has been so wonderful, and I do get a good vibe from the school. I just wish he would have been able to stay at Oakstead.

Tuesday we decided we were going to try the bus. It's gone ok. The first morning he said he didn't want to ride it, and blinked back tears asking if he had to. But, he did go to the bus stop and get on without incident. Wednesday was more of the same, but Wednesday afternoon he said it was a great trip home, because said he sat in the first seat and read 'Bear Wants More' to the Bus Driver the whole way back. By Thursday he had made friends with a little girl on the bus, Alexa, and is now totally happy with it. I'm so glad, because it is quite the trek out to his new school, and didn't want to do the hour of driving everyday to get him and pick him up.

Because of my prolonged hours at the hospital, and Asa being able to work from home most of the week, Peyton got one extra week of vacation. We got our official home school paperwork this week, and will start on Monday. Calib found this to be terribly unfair, but when asked how much work he actually did this week, he had very little rebuttal. I've made a checklist for the year, constructed a planner that will work for us, and found all kinds of activities to do. It's going to be a lot of work on my part, but I think it'll be so worth it. After Asa looked over the curriculum I built based on what Peyton needs work on and what I would like him to know, he said 'Whoa, this would be so cool if Peyton knew all these things. Most adults I know don't know all these things'.

I will say I was terribly sad to see summer go. I love having the boys around all day and having them to do activities with, and take them places. At least this year with Peyton being home schooled I won't have that daily empty nest syndrome. I even still get to plan activities! It's just so different this year with everyone doing their own thing, and going their own place. It's a lot less chaotic in the mornings and afternoons. I don't have three backpacks to check, planners to sign, or papers to read over. We don't have to stagger morning shower times.

As for the rest of the week, it's just been the boys at home and me at the hospital. I am getting super appreciated when I get home though. One night I this sign on my bedroom door, and they are all giving me hugs and kisses before I leave. They are even bummed when I go. (Of course they understand why and everything, they are being very understanding) I can't imagine how they'd fair if I went back to work, I can see now how much they enjoy me being a stay at home mom. 

That's really all I have to report. I wish life was more exciting around here, lets hope for next week to be a lot better. And hope for platelets. Lots and lots of platelets.

Up Next: Hospitals, Hurricanes, and Home School!

Week 1: 8. Write 52 Blog Entries

Here we go again, year number 2 of the Waterstraut Waterspout! I can't believe my birthday was a week ago, it seems much longer ago than that.

Friday (My birthday) was a good day. I got to sleep in late, and by the time I got up Asa was done with work, since he took a half day. Justin came over and brought me an awesome German Chocolate Birthday Cake. It was awfully nice for him to bake it, and it was sooo good. He even put chocolate chips in at and sprinkles all over it. We played a game of Blokus, and then we headed out while Justin went home.

Our first stop was Costco. My Aunt had been so nice to get me a membership since mine had expired. Yay for finally being able to get Lobster Dip again. It is the best thing they have. I know going to Costco for your birthday may seem lame, but I mean, I'm 31. I had to get lame sometime. Plus, um, who doesn't love a giant bag of peanuts? Hayden certainly does!

After Costco we went over to a paint your own pottery place. We usually go to Color me Mine for my Birthday to paint something and it doubles as my something to do, as well as my gifts. But, I had a groupon for a new place I'd been holding onto for months. I was not thrilled at first. They had very little inventory. I wanted salad bowls, but I settled for these cute little teacup dipping bowls, and a family of Moose. (They were probably technically Reindeer, but we say they are Moose- so they are, dang it!)

And while the pottery is my present, I did get a couple of other presents too. Calib used his own money to get Porkchop a new dog toy, which was super nice of him. And, when I woke up Asa had ordered me the Book of Burger that I'd been wanting, and it was waiting for me on my kindle. Plus, Justin got my a strap for my camera, since I'm always losing it and fumbling around with it. It was super nice of everyone.

Anyway, we painted those and the lady was so nice she didn't even charge us studio fees since it was my birthday and the stock was so low. She said the kids were so well behaved and didn't waste the paint or anything, so it was fine. I haven't gotten the call to pick up the stuff yet, but I'm pretty excited to see how it all turned out.


After that we went over to The Pier in St. Pete. Since it was early Friday evening, it wasn't too crowded.

I had really wanted to go feed the pelicans, since I had read you get a bucket of fish to do so for $5. It was really awesome, as soon as we walked up onto the platform, at least a dozen pelicans came flying in. They knew: A person up on the platform = Free fish!

After I fed them, Calib decided he would too. I had Asa go up on the platform while I took pictures. Calib freaked out by the pelicans excitement and threw the dead fish in my direction, narrowly missing me. It was super gross. But feeding the pelicans was awesome. I recommend it if you've never done it before. Soon enough the pier won't even be there anymore.

When we were done feeding the pelicans, I went inside to go to the bathroom. The boys were being super sneaky about something. When I checked my email later that night, I found out why. My family is so awesome.

Anyway, we didn't want to spend lots of money on dinner, so we went to the top of pier and ordered a few appetizers. The view was awesome. It had rained a lot of the day, but the skies were clearing and the sun was setting.

Our next stop was going to be Curtis Hixon Park for a free outdoor movie. We were going to eat Whatever Pops (only the best Popsicles ever), and watch the Wizard of Oz with my birthday twin, Kevin and his family- but Katie was not feeling up to it. Plus the ground was all wet and squishy from the rain. Instead we swung by real quick to get an array of Whatever Pops, and then left.

Instead we met Justin at Busch Gardens and rode the Cheetah Hunt. I rode the Cheetah Hunt! Check out me and my roller coaster riding lately! Its like I don't even still have motion sickness. (Don't be fooled though, I totally still do). It was funny though because Calib and Peyton were all 'I'm sorry, dad, you have to stay with Hayden while we go on the ride.' NOBODY ever tells me they're sorry I have to wait with him. Anyway, between this and feeding the pelicans I had two things checked off my list the very first day it came into effect! Bam!

It was the last weekend of summer nights, so we even got to catch the fireworks before heading home for some very traditional Corinne Birthday Cake. I have to have my angel food cake with strawberries you know. It was pretty funny though, we'd gone through all the candles I had gotten for everyone's birthday so I ended up with the only one that was left. Overall it was a great day, so thanks to everyone who made it awesome!

Saturday we had a birthday party at our house for me and Kevin. Justin came over early to bring me a special bbq sauce for his wings. (I had requested them to be less spicy) And Katie and Kevin came over with Angela early so we could all go swimming.

The party was great. JD and Tracy were able to bring Johnny this time, which Hayden loves because then he has someone to play with. Plus Tracy brings some of the best food ever. She's so great she even made two Smore's cakes for us!

The kids all had a great time playing together. Angela and Peyton even got into building card houses, and did a pretty good job. Houston made it out too, it's always nice to see him. Although, I think Gracie wishes he came over a bit more often. I don't think anyone's pet her that much in awhile. She's been awful needy ever since though.

It was the usual party. Food, Games (I wonder if Houston is still mourning his Turtle), Lightsabers. But this time we all had cake- no need for plates, forks worked just fine.

And, poor Katie who never really felt that much better fell asleep for most of the party. I was nice and refrained from taking pictures of her sleeping... until my dog curled up with her. Then it was too cute not to.

Sunday was a good lazy day. Like, a really good lazy day. Usually, I don't like these. I'm ok with them during football season, because, well, then I'm watching football all day and checking my fantasy team, and everything else. But, on the average Sunday, I am not a fan. However, after the last few weeks I was happy to sit at home and do nothing while the boys went over to their friends house. It was a Big Brother marathon to catch up on all that TV. I also got a lot done for Peyton's home schooling plan. In case you hadn't heard, after the whole school debacle we finally bit the bullet and sent in our letter of intent to home school this week when our last ditch efforts to get them both into Oakstead failed.

Monday I did hear from the News Channel 8 people, but by that point it was really too late. Decisions had to be made, and so we made them. Calib to Rushe on the bus, Hayden to Odessa on the bus (although I'll take him by car at least the first day or so), and Peyton homeschooled. I knew life was good last year with three kids in the same school, and I knew I should appreciate it. I just didn't know how much.

We did decide the last week of summer vacation would be the 'best of week', with all the activities . I'm glad I front loaded the activities Monday and Tuesday because I've had a really busy second half of the week. Monday we made the did the falling into space drawings. Peyton didn't want to make another, and I didn't guide Hayden nearly as much (as evident by his self portrait). Calib hadn't gotten to do it all, and I wanted to make my own so we sat there happily making them for about an hour. Mine is so cute. I wish I was that cute in real life!

Of couse slime was also voted into a slot for the Best of Week. And, we also made fireworks in a jar. Although, we mostly had darker food coloring, so while still cool- didn't turn out nearly as awesome as the first time around.

Tuesday I had to take Calib to middle school to get his schedule. He has World History frist thing in the morning. Talk about a snooze fest! All of his classes but Art and Reading are in the same hallway. Reading is in a portable out back. His teacher likes to call it 'the lakeside cottage'. He won't have lockers or anything to deal with, but we had to get him a bus pass (which was a total new experience for me).

After we got back, Calib quickly called his friends to e if their schedules matched up. So strange. It doesn't seem like that long ago I was worried about the same thing. Blah! When did I get so old? Our activities for the day included making sand casts. This time though we used the sand shapers that we have to make molds. I think they turned out pretty awesome this time around. Calib was happy he got to do it too.

We also had pom pom races, though I'm pretty sure Peyton was the only vote for this game. Calib and Haydens are not big fans of the game, which have you blowing little fuzzy pom poms across the kitchen floor with a straw. In five minutes, Peyton had the most points by a mile.

Our night time game was Deal or No Deal. Given Peyton's blow up last time, I wasn't sure this was the best idea ever. But, it was voted in, so against my better judgement I made the boards. Hayden went first. He picked case number 10 again. Only this time it didn't go so well for him. He rode it out the whole time though, and ended up with a point. Peyton went second, and it came all the way down to his case and another. ($300,000- worth 30 points, and 1,000- worth 1 point). In the end he decided to switch cases and ended up with 30 points. Thank God. It would have been a repeat otherwise. Calib played last, and had dismal round after round. Tears came out, and he took a deal for something like 9 points. He was so upset about it. I was super glad I spent an hour making the boards. (insert sarcasm font here)

Wednesday was Hayden's meet the teacher day. We've done a pretty good job getting him all excited for his new school. We told him it would be just his, he'd have to show everyone around. Plus he'll get a ton of new friends, and he'll get to ride a bus which will be super fun. He was much better about the new school than I was. By the fourth time I had to explain about how one kid got accepted to Oakstead and the other didn't, I wanted to cry. But they were so much more understanding than Oakstead ever was. They were in disbelief that would ever happen. His teacher seems awesome though. She was so understanding, and just great. Hayden is going to have a good time there, and I know he'll adjust better than I will. It was frustrating going to two schools in two days where I had no idea what was going on though, when I had the Oakstead orientation thing down pact. Ugh.

After all that I just wanted to relax, so we decided to head out to adventure island. We had about two hours there before closing. (Boo for summer hours being over- Yay for less crowds!) It was a great time, we got to do some cliff jumping, play in the bucket area, take a spin around a less crowded lazy river, and we even all went down a slide together! It's so great Hayden is getting big enough we can all go do things together. It wasn't even the family slide, Hayden was brave enough to go down a slide in his own tube, and he loved it. He would have gone again if it wasn't closing time.

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Wednesday night Kevin had called us to let us know Katie wasn't doing any better, and she was admitted to the hospital, so I've spent most of my time at the hospital the last two days trying to be as helpful as I can. Asa has been awesome keeping the boys occupied, and even taking on some of the 'best of' events. Yesterday he even constructed the super spy maze for them to crawl through.

Tonight Justin came over to help out with the boys. I have some awesome friends who are pretty much my Florida family, you know. They played some games, and even did the mentos and diet coke volcanoes.

Anyway, here's hoping that Katie feels better soon!

Next Up: Sadly, the end of summer and the first days of school. Boo!

Oh, also, in case you wanted to check it out, here's my new list(I'm only a week in and I've already checked off two items!):

1. Have a Hayden and Mom Day, a Peyton and Mom Day, and a Calib and Mom Day. 

2. Make a Date Jar for me and Asa

3. Go to all four Disney Parks in One Day. 

4. Swim in at least 12 different pools, 3 of them at Disney

5. Go to 12 different beaches

6. Feed the Pelicans- Check. 8/10. It was super fun, until Calib threw a dead fish at me

7. Go to the Sponge Docks

8. Write 52 Blog Entries, one every week

9. In a 30 day time span, do not serve any repeat recipes

10. Spend a Weekend away with just Asa

11. Go to a Driving Range

12. Go out to lunch with Janet and Judie

13.Do Something super fun with Katie (activity TBD)

14. Make a book out of last years blog

15. Embroider the Thanksgiving Table Cloth

16. Eat Escargot

17. Go to at least two new NFL stadiums

18. Go to a Sunlake Game

19. Have a homemade fondue dinner

20. Go On Cheetah Hunt- Check. 8/10. Justin, Calib, Peyton and Me went on it at night, and it was awesome! 

21. Complete year #2 of the Calendar Journal

22. Complete 32 acts of random kindness

23. Send fun mail to someone I know once a month

24. Dance in the Rain

25. Watch one movie with Foreign Subtitles

26. Go On a Zipline

27. Make a 2012 Slideshow of Pictures to Watch on New Years Eve

28. Hold the 2nd Annual WATERstraut Olympics

29. Join in on the boys rough housing

30. Bike Ride on the Suncoast Trail

31. Go Geocaching

32. See the sunrise over the Atlantic and the sunset over the gulf, on the same day. 

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!!