Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Birthday to My Sweet Baby Girl!
As stated in a previous post, Margaret did not feel well on her true birthday. She missed school and was up much of the night before. Fever is NO fun!! Before I left for school, we sang to Margaret and she ate one of the cupcakes she was planning to take to school. I can't believe my baby is 4!
Field Trip to the Aquarium
Margaret and I love to accompany the preschool special needs class on their field trips. This is a great chance for me to see some of the kids I treat in the "real world" and Margaret just loves hanging out with the boys. We were excited to go to the SC Aquarium in April. Margaret fed some of the sea animals and loved playing chase and duck, duck, goose with the boys!
Disney Princesses on Ice and the Family Party
Margaret had a REALLY busy "real" birthday weekend. On Saturday, we enjoyed riding in the Purple Martin Parade. I need to get some pictures of that. Margaret was delighted that her family was watching us in her yard as we rode by on the church float. After eating at the church cookout, walking around the festivities and watching the cloggers we headed home for a gift and a nap. Margaret was obviously tired when Grandaddy gave her her first birthday present! I think she was shocked and did not know what to say or do....so she frowned and almost cried when he presented her with this beautiful princess dress. She later professed her love for it!
On Sunday, we went to see Disney Princesses on Ice. Margaret was not feeling so well before the show and I could not resist the Pitiful Princess....it ended up that she was running fever and missed school on Monday (her birthday). 
Despite feeling a little feverish, Margaret was VERY excited about the show. It was GREAT and a must see for any little girl who loves princesses! We were delighted to have Gug-guh, Grandpa, Mimi, and Jonathan join us for the event!
After the show, we returned to the Columbia house for Margaret's family party. This was a great start to Margaret's 4th birthday week!!
On Sunday, we went to see Disney Princesses on Ice. Margaret was not feeling so well before the show and I could not resist the Pitiful Princess....it ended up that she was running fever and missed school on Monday (her birthday). Despite feeling a little feverish, Margaret was VERY excited about the show. It was GREAT and a must see for any little girl who loves princesses! We were delighted to have Gug-guh, Grandpa, Mimi, and Jonathan join us for the event!After the show, we returned to the Columbia house for Margaret's family party. This was a great start to Margaret's 4th birthday week!! 
Monday, April 21, 2008
Quick summary of the past week or so......
- We still have two male puppies who are really cute who need homes. Margaret is keeping "Stella" as her own for her 4 year old B-day.
- The Purple Martin Parade was a success. Margaret was DELIGHTED to see her family watching her as we rode by our yard. She had lots of fun throwing candy and waving at the crowd with her church friends. We also really enjoyed watching the cloggers!
- Margaret took naps on Friday (for the rehearsal dinner) and Saturday (for the wedding)---ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
- Emily's wedding was beautiful!! Margaret did a splendid job handing out programs and using her manners.
- Disney Princesses on Ice was GREAT!! It is a must see if you have a little girl! The seats were great and Margaret really enjoyed it.
- Margaret's "Fam Party" was small but lots of fun. The first castle cake was OK and I have ideas to make it even better for the spend the night party!
- Margaret began running fever yesterday afternoon and it was up to ~103 by about 10pm (SUnday)
- Margaret stayed home sick from school today (her birthday). SHe was pretty puny all day but began to perk up this evening. SHe has been asleep since just before 9 and I just heard her cough....it may be another LONG night!
- Hopefully Margaret will feel better and the lovely pink sprinkled cupcakes will still be good on Wednesday!!
- My throat hurts and I DO NOT have time to be sick.....say a prayer please, I know I will!
We will post more completely soon when things calm down and pictures will be added. I HAVE LOTS OF PICS!!! YEAH! However, it is IEP time......so who knows when things will calm down!
Monday, April 14, 2008
THe Joys of Fostering Puppies.....
OK, so this is not as easy as I thought it would be. The adorable puppies that are getting more used to humans everyday are still REALLY scared when it comes to actually going to a new home. This evening a VERY nice and patient man came and chose "big boy" (the largest male who is black with a little bit of brown on his face). We all sat and watched as the timid puppy got into the cage for food then I pulled the door closed with a rope. Then the crying and pooping began. We actually caught the biggest and the smallest (Buff--the blond looking female)puppies at once. They both completely freaked out! Despite the trauma and the long process, "big boy" did go home with his new family. I sure hope he will socialize quickly now that he will get some one on one time and attention in an enclosed environment! He is such an adorable puppy! It makes me sad to think that tonight will be his first night without his brothers and sisters to stay warm with while he sleeps. Yes, I know, he is "just a dog", but I seem to have a really tender heart these days. That may be why I still have 5 babies in my back yard. Buff (the smallest)ended up with a collar and leash on and then got away. She is under the little house in my back yard and I fear she may never come out again. I hope she is ok. She needs to have some one on one attention SOON before she scares herself to death! Hopefully, tomorrow will be a less stressful day in the life of this foster mom and her sweet, scared babies! Again, anyone who has lots of love, patience, and a puppy whispering sort of ability.....PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WANT A PUPPY! Several of them have been claimed from just looking at the pictures but they will go to the first kind person who is able to take them to a good home.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
UPDATED--MORE PICTURES....Puppies, Puppies, we've got puppies!!
Who wants one? There are now six adorable stray pups at my house!! YIKES! They are very cute, but very scared. They have begun to venture from behind the azaleas and seem to like watching Romeo (my 12 year old German Shepard). To update the status--the light colored female that is pictured under my car above has been claimed. We call her "Buff" and are excited that she will meet her new owners soon. The rest of the puppies NEED HOMES!! I have 5 families that are interested and supposed to call me tomorrow--so if you think you want one, call soon! They puppies DO NOT have shots. We decided not to go to Pets Inc when we found out whoever adopted them would have to go to Cola to get them and that the fee is a bit much. They are here and READY TO BE TAKEN TO A GOOD HOME!! More pictures will be posted after Margaret goes to bed! Let us know how many you want!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
I've Been Tagged.....
10 Random Facts about myself: (in no particular order)
1. I am trying really hard to "go green" as far as recycling (I take my stuff to Columbia as there is no where to recycle here), eating organic, and trying to conserve whenever/whatever possible. No more water bottle for me!! I have a Kleen Kanteen that I LOVE! Margaret also has a child size version of one.
2. I love serving the children that I serve and I really strive to be the very best PT that I can be--my kids have all been through so much. They deserve a GREAT therapist.
3. Green is my favorite color--pretty much every shade. I have dreamed about painting rooms in my new house (which we have not found yet) shades of green.
4. I wish Ashley lived in St. Matthews too!!!
5. I am addicted to dark chocolate and my girl really likes it too.
6. I have started a new fascination with organic herbal tea. I got a great new tea pot and try to drink several cups a day (not all with caffiene or I would be bouncing!). I drink it straight with no sugar or cream added and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes covered. It is healthy and really yummy!
7. I love to vaccuum and clean floors, although right now at my house you can't tell. Vaccuuming relaxes me. Having things neat and clean around me makes me feel like a better, happier person.
8. I am constantly amazed by my child and love hanging out with her. She often sees my patients with me and is a GREAT little assistant. I treasure every moment we have together (even the challenging times) and should tell her that more often.
9. I really miss watching TV--I am so ready for the shows to be new again. I have almost forgotten about watching regular TV, since it has been so long. I have really enjoyed Discovery and TLC lately when I watch (which is much less often than I used to). I am fascinated by "John and Kate Plus 8" and the computer these days.
10. I procrastinate with paperwork--pretty much ANY and ALL paperwork. I really need to get better at keeping up with LOTS of paperwork from scrapbooking to filing bills and writing notes in a prompt fashion.
I tag anyone who reads this and has not been tagged!! You can respond in the comment section if you want.
1. I am trying really hard to "go green" as far as recycling (I take my stuff to Columbia as there is no where to recycle here), eating organic, and trying to conserve whenever/whatever possible. No more water bottle for me!! I have a Kleen Kanteen that I LOVE! Margaret also has a child size version of one.
2. I love serving the children that I serve and I really strive to be the very best PT that I can be--my kids have all been through so much. They deserve a GREAT therapist.
3. Green is my favorite color--pretty much every shade. I have dreamed about painting rooms in my new house (which we have not found yet) shades of green.
4. I wish Ashley lived in St. Matthews too!!!
5. I am addicted to dark chocolate and my girl really likes it too.
6. I have started a new fascination with organic herbal tea. I got a great new tea pot and try to drink several cups a day (not all with caffiene or I would be bouncing!). I drink it straight with no sugar or cream added and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes covered. It is healthy and really yummy!
7. I love to vaccuum and clean floors, although right now at my house you can't tell. Vaccuuming relaxes me. Having things neat and clean around me makes me feel like a better, happier person.
8. I am constantly amazed by my child and love hanging out with her. She often sees my patients with me and is a GREAT little assistant. I treasure every moment we have together (even the challenging times) and should tell her that more often.
9. I really miss watching TV--I am so ready for the shows to be new again. I have almost forgotten about watching regular TV, since it has been so long. I have really enjoyed Discovery and TLC lately when I watch (which is much less often than I used to). I am fascinated by "John and Kate Plus 8" and the computer these days.
10. I procrastinate with paperwork--pretty much ANY and ALL paperwork. I really need to get better at keeping up with LOTS of paperwork from scrapbooking to filing bills and writing notes in a prompt fashion.
I tag anyone who reads this and has not been tagged!! You can respond in the comment section if you want.
Kind Human Nature.....
Obviously, racism and racial slurs are sticky things to talk about. I guess I am taking the easy way out by blogging about this topic rather than bringing it up to several individuals who have over the past year or so made offensive comments and racial slurs in front Margaret. I actually find talk, jokes, name calling.....based on race, religion, disability or really any outward characteristic VERY offensive. However, I am adult and am able to sensor in my head what is right and what is just plain ignorant and inappropriate. My almost 4 year old is not able to do that yet. Therefore, I want our (Jonathan and I STRONGLY agree on this issue)views about racially motivated comments and discrimination in general made very clear.
We believe that people are equal and should not be judged or commented about based on color or religion or any outward characteristic. We feel it is important to expose Margaret to a diverse group of friends to prepare her for the diverse world we live in. I am very proud to say that Margaret has many friends who are physically disabled, mentally disabled, brown, white, black, old, and young. She is a compassionate child and loves all of her friends for what is on the inside and honestly I don't even think it occurs to her that outside characteristics should be judged or considered at all. I do not want at her tender age for her to realize that everyone does not think that way. She will be aware of the cruelty and ignorance of our society soon enough.
This post is not directed toward any one individual. There have been several situations that we have been in and several slurs that have been said in our presence over the past several years that have prompted long conversations between Jonathan and I about how to handle this difficult issue. Today, we decided that making our views and preferences about what is said in front of our child very clear in writing is the most appropriate way to get the point across. This sort of talk will not be tolerated in the presence of our child and is quite offensive to us. We also want to make it very clear that next time we are put into a situation in which something inappropriate is said, we will address it immediately by explaining the ignorance behind the comment, joke, story or whatever and how this type of talk is totally unacceptable. We will clarify and educate our child in front of the person who made the slur (if it is appropriate) and she will most probably ask for an explanation from the seemingly respectable adult. She is an inquisitive and compassionate child who wants to understand things. I do not want to squelch this. We would never condone our child being disrespectful toward an adult who deserves respect. However, it this specific situation, the adult would need to be called on the comment.
We believe that people are equal and should not be judged or commented about based on color or religion or any outward characteristic. We feel it is important to expose Margaret to a diverse group of friends to prepare her for the diverse world we live in. I am very proud to say that Margaret has many friends who are physically disabled, mentally disabled, brown, white, black, old, and young. She is a compassionate child and loves all of her friends for what is on the inside and honestly I don't even think it occurs to her that outside characteristics should be judged or considered at all. I do not want at her tender age for her to realize that everyone does not think that way. She will be aware of the cruelty and ignorance of our society soon enough.
This post is not directed toward any one individual. There have been several situations that we have been in and several slurs that have been said in our presence over the past several years that have prompted long conversations between Jonathan and I about how to handle this difficult issue. Today, we decided that making our views and preferences about what is said in front of our child very clear in writing is the most appropriate way to get the point across. This sort of talk will not be tolerated in the presence of our child and is quite offensive to us. We also want to make it very clear that next time we are put into a situation in which something inappropriate is said, we will address it immediately by explaining the ignorance behind the comment, joke, story or whatever and how this type of talk is totally unacceptable. We will clarify and educate our child in front of the person who made the slur (if it is appropriate) and she will most probably ask for an explanation from the seemingly respectable adult. She is an inquisitive and compassionate child who wants to understand things. I do not want to squelch this. We would never condone our child being disrespectful toward an adult who deserves respect. However, it this specific situation, the adult would need to be called on the comment.
We realize that this world has changed and that things that were accepted in the past (words, names for groups of people, and even society's view on racism) has evolved. I think that several of the slurs that have been stated in front of us have been out of ignorance and not hate. I like to hope that anyway. However, it is still inappropriate and will not to be tolerated. Hopefully, this post will be read with the love and concern for innocence of a child's kind human nature that we want to preserve. We welcome any discussion about this post, as ignorance can only be addressed by communication and gaining of knowledge. We are not trying to change anyone's views or preferences, just the way people talk in front of our child.
Why go Organic?
As many of you know, I serve a great deal of organic food and milk products in my house. We also try to stay away from artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose....) that are found in many drinks. Yes, Margaret LOVES water. She is very proud to order it at resturants. Sometimes she wants a sprite, lemondae, or juice (which I water down to cut the sugar and or artificial sweetener) and that is ok. I feel that I have done her a service in helping to build her love of drinking water. We also strive to avoid products that have partially hydrogenated anything or high fructose corn syrup (read labels and you will be amazed to see all the products that contain this junk)in them. This is not always easy but we (Jonathan and I strongly agree on this) think it is really important to put healthy things into our bodies and into our child. I have had several friends call me a "food natzi" and tease me about depriving Margaret of things that "normal" kids get to have. I find this funny and I almost take it as a compliment. I am VERY proud to say that I really regulate what my child eats and drinks and really hope that everyone who cares for and about her does the same in my absence. Anyone who is around us knows that Margaret gets her fair share of sweets, I just prefer for her to have things that are organic, home made and whole wheat (figuring out what is REALLY whole wheat can sometimes be tricky). I have an outstanding whole wheat chocolate pound cake that she LOVES. We also have quite a weakness for chocolate, but tend to keep it dark (more antioxidants)!
OK, back to organic foods/milk products......I have read and been told many things about how pesticides and hormones used in producing food today affect kids in the way of causing issues such as premature puberty (especially in girls). This makes lots of sense when you think about it. When a mother is breast feeding she is put on a different type of birth control pill because hormones ARE transferred through milk. I don't want Margaret ingesting hormones through dairy products! YUCK and YIKES if it would cause puberty to happen any earlier. I have heard of little girls as young as 8 years old starting their period! So, I want to do my part to keep my child's diet as "clean" as possible. Organic milk is no longer hard to find. It costs more but in my opinion is well worth it. However, cheeses, cottage cheese, and sour cream are not as easy to find. I have been substituting plain organic yogurt for sour cream and it works well. I also plan on talking to our local grocer about ordering some organic milk products. I spoke with a grocer at BiLo today about ordering organic celery. He said he would have it by Thursday....wow, it was just that easy! All I had to do was ask. Imagine if more people were educated and just asked for some products that are more healthy....even this small town like this could be a more heathy place to shop and live! Hopefully, it will be that easy at our small grocery store. Here is a link to the 12 most important foods to eat organic......
http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164&ocid=T003MSN51N1653A
OK, back to organic foods/milk products......I have read and been told many things about how pesticides and hormones used in producing food today affect kids in the way of causing issues such as premature puberty (especially in girls). This makes lots of sense when you think about it. When a mother is breast feeding she is put on a different type of birth control pill because hormones ARE transferred through milk. I don't want Margaret ingesting hormones through dairy products! YUCK and YIKES if it would cause puberty to happen any earlier. I have heard of little girls as young as 8 years old starting their period! So, I want to do my part to keep my child's diet as "clean" as possible. Organic milk is no longer hard to find. It costs more but in my opinion is well worth it. However, cheeses, cottage cheese, and sour cream are not as easy to find. I have been substituting plain organic yogurt for sour cream and it works well. I also plan on talking to our local grocer about ordering some organic milk products. I spoke with a grocer at BiLo today about ordering organic celery. He said he would have it by Thursday....wow, it was just that easy! All I had to do was ask. Imagine if more people were educated and just asked for some products that are more healthy....even this small town like this could be a more heathy place to shop and live! Hopefully, it will be that easy at our small grocery store. Here is a link to the 12 most important foods to eat organic......
http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164&ocid=T003MSN51N1653A
Some great organic/healthy brands/sites that I have come across are:
http://www.fullcirclefoods.com/
http://www.horizonorganic.com/
http://www.producedbynature.com/
There are soooo many more that is can get almost overwhelming. The take home message I am trying to get across, I guess, it this is important and avaliable with some effort (at least for many products). I hope this post will facilitate some thinking and some awareness about the importance of "going organic." As I learn more I plan to post about it.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Happy Birthday EO!
Saturday was EO's real birthday, although we did already have the famous cheese braid at Easter. We made a spur of the moment trip to the lake after church on Sunday to visit and sing Happy B-day to EO in person. It has been a REALLY long time since we have been down there! We had a great time with EO, El and Punk. Margaret worked outside with Elliott for a long time while Olivia was napping. They washed the peddle boat and actually took Margaret's first ride of the season. She was thrilled! When Olivia woke up she was so surprised to see "Margie" at her house. We enjoyed playing inside and out, eating cake and icecream, touching an earthworm (this was a first), riding bikes, and trying to catch some wild puppies. Does anyone need a really cute puppy? There are 6 of them that need good homes. Hopefully, we will catch them later in the week and get them to homes or to a shelter. It is so sad to see them roaming around and hungry!SO, here are the pics of all of our fun.....
Loving Romeo
Saturday was a rainy day for Margaret at her Columbia house. I enjoyed watching her and a really weird show on Discovery (Dirty Jobs), which I could not seem to stop watching! Anyway, Margaret and Romeo were best friends....they played under the blankets, hide the bone, make a "path" of pillows, and balloon reach on top of a stack of blankets and pillows. It is amazing how entertaining some pillows and blankets are. 
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Lauren Before her Prom
As promised, since she took a nap, Margaret and I went to see Lauren in her pretty dress before she went to her Prom last night. Margaret wore her hot pink dress so she could match Lauren. Margaret was thrilled to see Lauren and all of the other girls in their pretty dresses. She really wanted to go to the dance too and could not understand why it was only for "big kids." 
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