Jan 15

So I wasn't going to blog. The last couple days I've been in a mood and then yesterday I was ready to curl up and hide away until February.  But it was that feeling that I realized the mean people weren't going to rule my life. Have faith and let God help is what I needed to do and let whatever happens happen. Bella had her last gymnastics class for the semester and it was family open gym, so I asked josh to come with and I think it's just what we all needed. 

But let me back up a bit. Tuesday Bella went back to school and did great. Other then it was really slippery. I went with Max to met with some friends at mcdonalds. Totally had a great time there. I've missed meeting with them. Holidays, snow days and appt slept me away. Max did pretty good too. We got home and then things went down hill. Max didn't want to nap so that was frustrating. When he doesn't nap he only wants to watch tv on my lap or else he screams. I really wanted to get something done as I would like to declutter the house before josh goes in for surgery. Being in charge of the kids, him and the house will not leave much time for extra cleaning so if I get rid of more stuff hopefully I can not spend as much time cleaning up. I want to be able to enjoy my family instead of being stressed out over a disaster of a house. 

So anyhow Max didn't want to nap until late, thankfully josh got Bella from school as Max slept until 3. The wind came and cooled us down so it was too cold to go outside :-( 

Wednesday came with some really rotten news, which left both josh and I struggling to figure out how this can be. It made for a rough day, both of us on ice and snapping. I'm glad Bella was at school for most of it. I did do a couple things to try to better the day. Max and I went to library where I figured out how I can rent e books from my library now. This is good for me bc I've been big into reading books via the kindle app on the iPad. Then I took Max to get this hair cut. The first time was when he was in Florida at 18 months old. I had been putting it off and knew I needed to suck it up and do it. Fate was with me because the hairdresser I wanted answered the phone, got me the perfect appt time with her. So yeah it was meant to be. We went right after library and Max did great. He wouldn't let us put the capes on to keep the hair off but a little hair never hurt anyone. He looks like such a little boy now. 

We got home and Max napped while josh and I struggled to make heads or tails. I promise when it's all said and done ill post what happened but it's nothing to do with his health or mine. Josh had a chiropractor appt right before Bella would be done with school so he did that while Max and I played. Then while josh was milking I asked him to come with to Bella's gymnastics class. I'm so glad he did because Max was all over the place.

Jan 13: sick little girl?

Since Bella had a fever Sunday by the time we got home, I knew she couldn't go to school today. Poor girl didn't understand. She was in a great mood until about 2:30 in the afternoon. Then I think it caught up with her. She hadn't any medicine since 8pm Sunday so I gave her some to perk her up again.  She was feeling better again and begging to go to school Tuesday. 

Max spent sometime with daddy today. He went outside while josh did chores and it was sunny and "warm". The goal was to try to prevent Max from catching whatever Bella does. Max enjoy himself with the snow. 

After nap time we all went with daddy to run to get some grain from a neighbor and costed their farm. It was a good time except Max face planted in dirt and was not happy about that. When we got home the kids played great while I made supper then actually ate supper too! Bath and then off to slumberland

I discovered my sick child is just like me as a child and takes a lot to keep her down, thankfully her runny nose from Sunday was gone on Monday, only a slight cough and no longer a fever. I also have no idea how I'm going to keep us healthy for the next three weeks and then 6 weeks after that. We might have to become hermits. Good thing we love each other so much.

The weekend

Bella woke up with a cold, so it put a damper on the weekend. We spent the day cleaning and packing for a night away.  Josh started milking early so we could leave with plenty of time before bed. We headed to my moms so josh could fix her broken garage door opener. We managed to get there just at bedtime, but the kids played for a bit. 

Sunday morning my mom ended up with the kids while josh went to church and then together we went to farm and fleet before I went to church to witness my friend's little boy's baptism. It seemed fitting on the day the church celebrated Jesus 's baptism. I discovered I can never do photos professionally after seeing my pictures.  We got a treat and josh joined me going out to eat to celebrate with friends.  While I feel some guilt for being in town and not letting everyone know or making plans with everyone, it was a nice relaxing time. I didn't feel like I was drained when I got home.  From now on its visit to one or two people and that's it. So take note everyone, if you want to get together contact me and let's plan something :-) 

Because my mom had the kids most of the time I have very little pictures from the weekend and totally missed taking a family picture. 

Jan 10: TGIF

I was ready for Friday. The week seemed long until Friday got here. The morning went well.  I felt we were back in a school rythm . Spunky had a vet appointment to get up to date on her shots. She did great in the car and at the vets. Way better then any other cat I've had. I got home and noticed our driveway was icy. Josh came in for lunch and we got the message school was closing early due too icy weather. Josh had herd check at 1230, Bella got out at 1235 so the debate was what to do with Max. If I took hi he would nap in the car but then not at home. If josh kept him it would mean a late nap but at least hopefully long enough. So josh kept him and I left a bit early to salt the sidewalk at the Lancaster house and get a gift for a friends little boy. Then I got Bella and we headed home. The roads weren't bad yet but our driveway was starting to get slick. 

The kids both took rest, Max napping and Bella relaxing in her room. We stayed indoors and had playtime since the living room was now wide open. 

Jan 9 : emotions, cold and speech

The last few days have been a bit crazy. Tuesday, school was canceled again. My poor daughter was getting bored at home to say the least. Max was cranky for having his sister messing up his routine. Josh and I were working on getting things set up for selling things, figuring what bills needed to be paid , ect. It was not a pleasant time. This meant all of us were on each other's nerves. 

I decided to just live with the bad day but tomorrow would be better.

This kept the kids busy for an hour or two. But takes up the whole living room so probably added to my craziness. 

I wished Wed started out better. The vacuum pump motor stopped working, so josh as majorly late with starting milking. Well last minute I had to get Max ready to go. He fought me getting dressed and screamed all the way to school and back home. Turns out it was a very simple issue with the motor but still threw josh behind. Max settled down in time for us to go to the library. He had a good time there, as there was only two other little boys. We then headed to Bella's school to drop off her boots. I also had to talk to her teacher and a friend about a school event. 

By the time I got Max home he was out cold. He manage to sleep until it was time to get Bella from school. I took Max with me and he was so happy to get out of the house again. After we got Bella we stopped at shopko to get medicines for Max and josh. No they aren't sick, just normal Max stuff and pre surgery stuff for josh.  

It seems we got home in time for snacks and Bella to get ready for gymnastics. Oh it was great to get back to her class. She had a blast. It was home for supper and bed. Then josh and I worked on a permanent configuration for max's wooden train track. The goal is to put it on a board and have it for a surprise while josh is recovering. 

Today, our morning went much smoother. Bella got ready and out the door to school with no hassle or fuss. Max seemed to have a good morning until about 10 minutes to 9. I spent the morning picking up our house. How it go so messy with us not really be home , I don't understand. Then at 9:15 max's speech therapist arrived. Max wasn't so sure at first about her, but quickly warmed up when she started playing trains. It was a good appt for her to get to know Max, but warn me this isn't going to be easy. Matter of fact we have to back off and relax about his lack of talking and wait for him to speak . With all that's going on, I hope I can relax about it yet help him at the same time.  

As soon as she left Max declared he was ready for a nap, but I was a mean mom and kept him up until lunchtime.  Durning the holidays Max got naps here and there at all different times, so I took that as a cue to move to one nap a day and in the afternoon, since all our extra stuff is mornings. For the last week it's worked out, but today was hard. 

Josh came in for an early lunch and then Mac went down to nap. That meant mommy time for me. 

Max woke up and we wen together to get Bella from school. We all came home and the kids did great playing. The climber was blowed up one last time so that kept them entertained. We had supper and bath. I think we were all ready for bed. Looking forward to tomorrow being Friday. 

Jan 6th: what a day

So we didn't brave the cold with the kids today. It was really cold, -20 or so temp and -48 with wind chills when josh came in from milking. The kids did ok with the fact they were staying home. After breakfast I worked on cleaning up the house, bathrooms, kitchen, master bedroom. The kids played in the living room having a good ol time. Matter of fact Max stayed in his pjs until 10 am because they were playing so well and he wouldn't let me. It was nice to get cleaning done. Tomorrow's goal will be floors and the few Christmas items I've been to lazy to carry down are going away. 

We had a semi early lunch at 11:15 am so I could put Max down for his nap. He was ready by then. I'm very proud of myself and the kids didn't watch any tv after josh came in the house at 730 am. Normally the tv comes on when Max is cranky and Bella just moody. 

Once Max was down I finished up the kitchen until Diane arrived. She came to watch the kids while josh and I braved the cold to go to Madison. We left Diane and Bella playing with Legos and headed off to an important doctors appt. we did have to make two spots, one for new warm gloves for josh, (they are only sold at one place in dodgeville) and once for Gas so our tank stayed full. 

We got to Dean clinic a few minutes late, but part of the was lights and the slow valet parking guys. Luckily the doctors office was too busy, so we got in fairly fast. The doc took a few extra minutes but what doctors doesn't. We got the news we secretly hoped for but assumed we wouldn't hear. You can read more about it here : www.caringbridge.com/visit/jwarpinski . It was such a good moment but at the same time scary, this surgery sounds way trickier and dangerous which does scare me but I trust our surgeon and he's dang good at what he does. Naturally though what he's doing to josh he's never done before, eeks! But going to have faith and pray it all works out, also josh is a fighter. 

Once we finally got a date (February 6 ) and a whole list of instructions we headed home with a pit stop at trader joes. I've decided we will visit there every time we come to st. Mary's or the zoo. We got yogurt for the kids, ketchup (we are trying really hard to go HFC free, which is pretty darn hard) and yummy peanut butter filled chocolate cupcakes.  

When we made it home, we advised Diane to head home right away, as the the pasture was getting colder again and blowing snow on the roads. Normally we enjoy her company longer but I wanted her to be safe. I did find out the kids had a blast while we were gone and came home to a picked up living room. Thanks Diane for your help and braving the cold for us! 

The kids were all about me since I had been gone and josh went out to do chores, but I manged to get the information out to people of what is going on. I've also got some replies of offering to help. Now comes the time were I need to ask and take people up on the offers. Last time I was head strong and thought we can do this with very little extra help, well that kick my behind in the long run.  Asking for help will be very hard, but I'm going to put my faith in God and hopes he gives me the strength to do it.  I spent the evening mentally trying to plan it all out, but so many factors come into play now, there is speech for Max, school for Bella, gymnastics for Bella , a house that will need to stay warm, animals to care for. Last time the kids were tiny and we just pulled them from their home and it was summer no worries of our house. So yeah I see this being a bit trickier this time around. At least this time around we have some ideas of what we want done differently then last time. 

We ended the nigh with some tv before going to bed ourselves . On to a new and hopefully warmer day even though school is closed again. Blah! 

Jan 5 the cold doesn't keep us away

So today is suppose to be the first day of the fridge cold temps. Again us non-millers slept until 730am, and josh made it in around 8 30 am. Last mintue I decided I wanted to go to aldi's to do our monthly grocery shopping . I know the cold was coming but our next week is busy so I didn't know when we could go. By we I meant I by its nice when josh comes with, we get done so much quicker. Josh had a pipe to try to fix before we could go. 

The kids and I worked around the house picking up after Max, it seems. Whatever I seem to clean he would come in and undo. Josh came in ready to go unable to find the pipe. We loaded up the kids while it was still 11 degrees out. We hit up aldi's then kmart and Walmart. I'm on the hunt for a piece or two of wooden train track to make a permanent train track for Max. Naturally none of those stores had anything related to wooden track. We stopped at the new dunkin donuts that took two years to build. They had good food and the kids loved the packer donuts.  Since it was cold and a playoff football game we decided to get papa Murphy pizza. We can't get chicken bacon ranch due to the sauce not agreeing with us, so we tried the new bacon cheeseburger. Then it was back home. It was still 6 degrees out. 

Max fell asleep in the car so he went down for a nap while Bella played in her room. I put the new food away. While I love seeing our cupboards full it's hard to make things look organized. Josh went back out to finish working on his waterline leak. Max woke up around 145 and josh came in at 230. He finally found the pipe and needed to run to Gasser's to get parts to cap it off. Well we all bundled up to go along, it was only 4 degrees. Bella and I ran to shopkeeper while the guys went to Gasser's . I got a birthday gift and treats for the kids. I also found out the have the wooden track we are looking for but need to wait for a sale. 

We can home once again, josh went to fix his pipe and start milking. I put on the packer/49's game while keeping the kids from attacking each other. Josh got in and we ate supper while we watched the end of the game together.  After getting Max to pick up stuff we got ready for bed. 

With two sleeping kids , I conviced josh to watch Downton Abbey with me. He was in for a surprise when he found out it was two hours. Lol i was happy it was back on and happy to be able to share it with my husband.  We then fell asleep to the winds and the cows finally heading to the yard to get out of the wind and cold. Praying it's not as cold as they said in the morning.

Packer robot, only her brother can turn her off

Jan 4

Today I woke up late, too many late nights and waking up with josh. I also took some allergy medicine last night to see if it would help with my morning congestion . Not sure if it did, because I awoke with a start to a crying baby. It was almost 730am. Josh had texted me at 530 am saying he wanted to go ice fishing, did Max and I want to go along.  I waited until he got in 15 mins later to ask him how cold it really was out. He said it was 30 degrees warmer then the day before, sounds impressive until you hear it was - 5 to -10 out they day before.  We are suppose to get negative highs for the next three days, so I said, "sure, we will all go." 

It was a quick breakfast and major bundling up, we headed out to fish. We got there and Bella head to use the bathroom, so josh kept Max and went to set up while I took Bella back to a gas station. When we returned to the ice josh had holes drilled and the ice shanty set up. It was nice in there. The kids and I tried fishing in there but I'm pretty sure Max kept the fish away. Bella ended up going to fish outside by josh because her brother was making her upset. Girl takes her ice fishing seriously . I kept Max in by me and gave him a snack. It was hard to motivate myself to leave the shanty. 

About the time the kids were about done josh caught a fish. "Flippy" was a source of entertainment. I knew josh wouldn't leave until he had a mate for flippy. I think it only 15 mins later that he did do that. He was going for a third when Max dropped the 2nd fish into a open hole. Yeah guess what the fish went back to his home. Lol 

After that it was back to the shanty for me and the kids. Then the wind started to pick up and Max stepped in the hole, so thankfully josh was ready to go home. We had been there 2 and half hours. As Max and I left, our shanty blew over, so another sign it was time to head home. 

Once everyone was safely in the car , a lot so disrobing going on, we headed home. Max fell asleep about 10 mins in, so I asked josh to stop at rural route one popcorn. I got cheddar sour cream popcorn and the three of us awake enjoyed it. 

Naturally Max woke up bay the time we got home. So we let the kids play while we got lunch made. Josh cleaned our one fish and cooked that up with the fish from Wednesday . The kids and I had chicken nuggets and hash browns. 

After more playtime, we decided to put Max down for another nap. Bella went down for a rest. Just as I was ready to give up on Max he went to sleep, as did his sister. I took the time to finish my book I was reading and getting supper ready. Just before josh was due in I got the kids up and all of us ready for church. We decided to go tonight while it's still warm (19) instead of tomorrow. 

The kids did good in church and we came home and let the kids play a little while josh and I tried to look up about Jesus the boy in the bible. Btw we couldn't find anything. This it was bedtime for the kids and us. Josh is enjoying watching the playoffs for football and I'm doing this. :-)

Well to routine , I think?

So this morning Bella went back to school. Oh I was so happy to let her go back to school. Only problem was I was not on top of my game. So we were late. I dropped her breakfast bc we were rushing, yelled at josh and just felt bad. So yeah welcome back to a routine. Praying tomorrow goes better.  I did get Bella to school 10 mins before she was to start class. Then I had to ask about latchkey, which is an afterschool program. Bella went once back in November when we had an appt for josh that we knew we wouldn't make it home in time to get her and didn't want to confuse her or bother someone else. It worked out great as she was so excited to go. Well we have the same situation coming up next week, so had to check out what we needed to do. 

After that was set up, I headed home to apologize to josh and try to get something done in the house. I started on Bella's room, when josh went out to do some chores. My mom arrived around 9:45am and Max was so happy to see her. I think Bella we'll be just as excited when she sees nana pick her up from school. 

Josh and I left home a little after 10 so he could pick up some parts for the tractor before heading to Madison for his two scans. One we got in early, yeah! I was a little upset when I found out there was a closer waiting room I could be in then just the general germs one, but oh well. I got myself some snacks as I didn't want to eat in front of josh, and worked on downloading music. 

Once josh was done we went to trader joes to kill some time and get snacks for josh once he can eat again.  We got to the 2nd scan an hour early,  but they couldn't get us in early. Josh went back and I was left to sit in a hallway area for about 2 hours due to the coughy people in the actual waiting room. Josh was able to stop and give me a kiss in between because he came out to use the bathroom. He was done by 430 pm. That was earlier then the 5 they told us. 

We headed home and stopped along the way to get supper for josh and me. We arrived home to two excited kids. They had a great time with nana. Bella was able to celebrate Christmas at her school and brought home a new Barbie. They had a gift exchanges.  

My mom left but ended up calling us due to an error light coming on. Josh met her in Montfort to get it all checked out and send her on her way. By the time he got back home it was bed time. 

It was a long day but busy. 

Waiting room number one. 

Tired after a long day..does he look radioactive?

Happy New Years

I want to capture more of our everyday. It won't be all joyous and might trip triggers but this is my blog for my thoughts and memories. Right now I'm getting some me time. Josh took Bella ice fishing. It's cold but they have a nice shanty. She is so bored at home and needed a distraction. I love they have a common interest. I hope in another year or so Max will want to join them. I can't wait to hear stories of their adventures. Max is napping something that is over do. I'm hoping we have gotten a handle on early afternoon naps. I have a feeling this will work better as our days go by. I decided to take sometime to write about the day before I work on some picking up of my room while watching a hallmark movie. 

So far today started early like another day. Max was up at 630 am and Bella not until 730am. This girl has been sleeping in her whole break, I dread tomorrow when she goes back to school. Josh got in about 830am, he too, has to work on getting in earlier if we want to do a family breakfast. After a protein rich breakfast for all, we set out to make our handprint stepping stones. I got a kit for Christmas . I've wanted to do them every year for Bella and Max but yeah that didn't happen. Hoping going forward we can make them every year.  Max loved it so much that he got mad he couldn't put his handprints in everyone else. We had to find makeshift containers since the kit only came with one. Josh and I made a joint one in an old fry pan, max's was a cutoff popcorn bucket. Bella wasn't happy when I told her it would be at least a day until we can paint them. 

Josh went to plow the driveway then fix his fishing poles to go out fishing. Bella started watching the rose bowl parade while Max walked between her and me. I was cleaning out his room. It's time to start reorganizing for the new year. I have some ideas of what I want to do and so much to get rid of from all of our rooms.  Watch out thrift stores!  

After lunch is when the fishermen left and Max went down. I started this but got cut short by a phone call, then I started picking up. Max woke up and I spent some time organizing pictures on the computer. I put max's train track together and he was happy.  He played until josh and Bella returned home. Both were in a good mood. They brought home 5 fish, 4 bluegill and 1 perch. Bella caught three of them. Josh said he caught about a dozen but let most of them were too small.  I'm glad they had a good time.

Josh went out to do chores while the kids played. Poor Max was tired as he cried to go I to his crib about 530 pm. Thankfully josh was in by 6 so I started the bath. Max boycotted supper and got a really long bath, Bella was pokey at eating and thus got a short bath. Together they were ready for bed by 7. We decided to start reading the bible as a family. The kids didn't get a lot out of it, but I enjoyed it. I don't get to listen much in church. 

Once the kids were in bed josh and I went downstairs to clean the fish, ok he cleaned While I read a book. We both agree it was too early for bed so we decided to watch Anchorman. We are a bit behind the times, but it was a good movie. 

Fish!

This girl falls asleep either on the way to or from fishing every time....it's only 30 mins away. 

Playing with the frost