tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2632869838135218732024-03-05T00:48:22.440-08:00Mindy-Mama MusingsNever a dull moment and of course we never do things the easy way!
Wrangling 5 year old Hank the Tank and our little Stinkerbell, juggling marriage, a full-time job, and my yarn obsession which incorporates my fixation with pregnancy and childbirth (translation: I make A LOT of baby blankets), I write to save my sanity.
Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-89175734016183936862015-02-14T14:06:00.003-08:002015-02-14T14:06:54.390-08:00Birthday Cake <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Celebrating Jim's birthday at home with chocolate cake and sprinkles.</div>
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Me: Do you want a picture of you & the kids with the cake?<br />Jim: No, just let everyone have cake now.<br />Me: You sound like Marie Antoinette. <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Henry: Who's that? Someone who's not a fan of pictures or cake?</span></div>
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Yeah, kind of.</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-70332074603513647822015-02-14T14:06:00.001-08:002015-02-14T14:06:33.437-08:00Snowy Day <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Snowing pretty good out there right now- big white flakes coming down.</div>
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Jim: Have you looked outside?<br />Me: I took the dog out this morning.<br />Jim: Yeah, but have you looked in the last 10 minutes?<br />Henry: It's like we're in a snow globe!!</div>
Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-23893475623800200632015-01-17T11:09:00.003-08:002015-01-17T11:09:59.891-08:00Re-chargingHenry's bedtime pearls of wisdom last night....<br />
Henry: Why do we need to go to sleep?<br /> Mama: So our bodies can recharge. <br /> Henry: I can't recharge! I lost my plug!Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-86439300726086129522015-01-17T11:09:00.001-08:002015-01-17T11:09:16.502-08:00Morning ChoresWoke up this Saturday morning to Jim cleaning- he swept, did dishes, vacuumed, dusted the fan blades and was in the process of removing the overhead light fixtures to wash them. <br />
Me: Wow! This is JUST like Downton Abbey!<br /> Jim (rolls his eyes in exasperation)Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-11484267787612575162015-01-17T11:08:00.003-08:002015-01-17T11:08:33.577-08:00Git those bugs!<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_54bab31f0dac38986281873">
Getting ready to take Kat to the Toddler Gym and was in the midst of packing a bag when she comes tearing into the kitchen, hollering 'BUGS! Big bugs in the living room!"<br /> Me: Show me. <br /> Kat points to the dust motes in the sunshine beam. <br /> "There! There they are! THREE big bugs!"<br /> Then she stomps the floor to "get" them. <br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><div class="text_exposed_show">
*Awesome*</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-39524486931633914672015-01-17T11:08:00.001-08:002015-01-17T11:08:10.548-08:00Keeping Puzzles Straight??Kat was industriously putting together her Doc McStuffins puzzles this morning. Then she cleaned up her "messy-mess" in the living room and triumphantly held up her puzzle bag. <br /> Kat: Lookit all dese puzzles in here!<br /> Dada: You put more than one puzzle in there? <br /> Kat: Yeah! Tuz she wants to be wit' her FRIENDS!Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-81250454523204546552014-11-26T07:04:00.001-08:002014-11-26T07:27:31.523-08:00Resetting my Life (again)You ever have those moments when something truly terrifying happens and everything you'd been stressing about suddenly seems so trivial by comparison? Like someone hits a reset button on your life and you're like, "Oh, right. THIS is what really matters."<br />
That happened to me when an ultrasound showed a cyst on baby-Kat's brain, when someone almost hit my husband and son in a parking lot and most recently when I found a lump in my right breast. We are all fine, by the grace of God. When I was waiting for results for Kat and then myself, I prayed for strength to get through whatever came. Then heartfelt prayers of thankfulness. During the waiting time, I looked for stories about what other people went through, what to expect, so I could prepare myself since that's what scares me- being ignorant and unprepared. So this is my story. <br />
<br />
<br />
"I'd like to make an appointment with a female provider. I found a lump in my right breast this morning." I never thought I would be saying those words, but on Thursday, November 6th, I did. The next available appointment was a week away and those 7 days were an emotional roller coaster as I found myself seesawing between calm acceptance and terror at the thought of putting my kids through seeing their Mom go through surgery, chemo and perhaps die anyway. I found the most comfort in placing my trust in God; cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. <br />
I cried almost every day driving to and from work, when my mind was free to wander and I envisioned telling them whatever stage it was and how long they thought I would live. <br />
I had just seen my OB/GYN in July and had a normal exam. How could something the size of a peach pit suddenly spring up??<br />
So I saw a female PA at my family doctor's office on Nov. 13th, a whole week after finding it. One of the longest weeks of my life. <br />
She confirmed the lump during a physical exam, asked when I found it, whether it was painful (yes!) and if I drank coffee. I understood she couldn't make a definitive diagnosis at that point but I needed to hear something beyond "it's a lump." She said it could be a cyst and that it was a good sign that it was painful. <br />
<br />
<br />
She then referred me to a couple of imaging places. I recognized one place that my midwife had recommended, should I ever have any concerns. I called them from the parking lot after my appointment and as luck would have it, they had a cancellation and could see me the next day. Thank God because they were then booking in December which would have been torture. <br />
My husband came with me. I had the slip for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound folded squarely in my purse and had prepared myself for a biopsy (ouch!)<br />
It was freezing cold and windy that morning as we drove to the other side of the city. The waiting room was crowded and also chilly from the frequently opening door. A greeter asked me if I had paperwork. I showed her the request and was directed to the counter where I got more paperwork to complete. I was still working on it when they called me back. My husband had to wait in the outer room as it was ladies only in the back. <br />
I soon found out why- everyone was in hospital gown-tops. A nice lady showed me the counter with coffee, tea and water, then the lockers for everything-above-the-waist. The changing rooms had curtain-doorways. I waited and waited in a warm room with a fireplace, large aquarium and many other women of varying ages. I was glad I brought my crocheting to channel my nervous energy since I ended up being there almost 2 hours. I planned to give the beige infinity scarf to someone I knew who survived breast cancer. <br />
I was called back for the mammogram first and gently manhandled into various positions as my breast was painfully sandwiched in the X-ray machine. Then I was returned to the waiting room to await the ultrasound. The rad tech told me that the Dr. might do the ultrasound herself or a tech would do it but I would have the results right away, which would be a relief either way. Tired of waiting and my nerves were frayed. <br />
They called me back for the ultrasound and I asked for my husband again, only to be told that they would call him back if needed. Got it. If I had cancer, they would fetch him for the bad news in private. <br />
A very nice Dr. who had kids the same age as mine in addition to a 5 month old did my ultrasound. I took it as a bad sign that the Dr. herself was doing the test. I saw the dark blob on the screen while she talked about other things, then I heard her say "It's a cyst" and relief washed over me. I said "Thank you God" and almost cried right there. <br />
She kindly offered to stick a needle in it to drain it, warning that they often come back. I politely declined since it didn't hurt as much as it did on the 6th & 7th when it was most likely inflamed and if it was just going to come back....<br />
I asked if it could become cancerous- no. She recommended a baseline mammogram at 35 and to return if I felt any more lumps since it's difficult to determine if it's a cyst or something else. <br />
So I am very, very grateful for this holiday season and the time I have with my family. Even though my kids are arguing right now over a stuffed unicorn and whining that they don't want to go grocery shopping.<br />
Still grateful, especially for the prayers and support of my friends and family when I was at a vulnerable time. :o) <br />
<br />Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-24871459549343128772014-10-26T09:36:00.004-07:002014-10-26T09:36:32.190-07:00WHY???<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_544d22ce318771e54217497">
Kat's feeling under the weather today so we're staying in. <br /> She's wandering around with her Doc McStuffins stethoscope around her neck, giving herself checkups. Then she found a paintbrush on the kitchen table and held it aloft. <br /> Kat: Mama! Lookit! Can I paint Maggie? <br /> Mama: No, you may not paint the dog. <br /> Kat: Why???<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Mama: Because I said so. <br /> Kat: WHY you say so???</span><br />
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*Sigh*</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-33868371794672842682014-10-26T09:36:00.002-07:002014-10-26T09:36:16.048-07:00MedicineFound some Winter balm with thyme, tea tree oil and eucalyptus while browsing sans kids in the grocery store today so I bought it for Kat. She took the top off and insisted on applying it herself, so I told her to rub some on her belly and not to put any in her mouth. <br /> Looked over a minute later to find her standing there with her shirt pulled up, staring down at the little round balm tin stuck to her stomach. <br /> Not exactly what I meant....Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-2827816445990354052014-10-19T14:16:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:16:27.010-07:00Bedtime for Kat3 yr old Kat's new bedtime routine. It's already getting old. <br /> Kat: Mama! MAMA!!!<br /> (Mama rushes in)<br /> Kat: What? <br /> Mama: Why did you call me? <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Kat: Uh....I need something!<br /> Mama: What do you need? <br /> Kat: Something!!<br /> Mama: Could you be a bit more vague? Something is not an actual thing. <br /> Quit stalling and go to sleep, my little no-nap punkin!!</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-30743790643235286942014-10-19T14:15:00.002-07:002014-10-19T14:15:14.639-07:00Potty-training moment Kat's sitting in my lap, sans Pull-up, hugging me and "checking" my eyes and ears with her little otoscope. Then what she said next made me freeze as only the parent of a potty-training kid can.<br />
Kat: Me not go potty in mine diaper! Me FINE!<br />
For those of you who are wondering, my beloved 3 yr old did NOT pee on my lap. Apparently that was just her status update.Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-66683727847362868262014-10-19T14:14:00.003-07:002014-10-19T14:14:47.443-07:00Doctor! Doctor!<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_544429b28921f7f67859494">
Henry plopped his foot in Dada's lap for examination. <br />
Dada: What am I looking at here, buddy? <br /> Henry: It feels exaggerating. <br /> (Pause)<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Henry: What does "exaggerating" mean?</span></div>
Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-32094051822552952132014-10-19T14:14:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:14:19.215-07:00Those darn CrittersNoticed a small scratch on Kat's forearm, like she drew a line with a fine-tip red marker. <br /> Mama: How'd you get that scratch, Kat? <br /> Kat: A seal bit me. <br />
Of course. I guessed she was petting the cat's belly again. I was WAY off.Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-49213110936786525362014-10-19T14:12:00.004-07:002014-10-19T14:12:33.610-07:00Precious one <div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5444290e2e6d69b27316856">
I was lying down with Henry the other night, stroking his hair while putting him to bed when I felt a rush of maternal pride.<br />
Mama: Love you so much, Henry. You are the best thing I've ever done. <br /> Henry: Your breath smells like coffee. It's stinky. <br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><div class="text_exposed_show">
*Moment passed*</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-16174604202980454912014-10-19T14:12:00.002-07:002014-10-19T14:12:04.892-07:00Pairing up<br />
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Henry was taunting Kat a bit in the car. She stood her ground though. <br />
Henry: Baby Kathryn.<br /> Kat: Me NOT baby! Me KAFFRYN!<br /> Henry: Baby Kathryn. <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Kat: Me MAMA'S KAFFRYN! Dada's YOUR friend! Mama's MY friend!</span><br />
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Pairing off a little early.</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-90789264515992471102014-10-19T14:11:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:11:34.268-07:00Stages of Sassiness<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_544428e85794f1f74313266">
Henry's words of wisdom the other night<br /> "When you're a kid, you're not sassy. When you're a teenager, you're a lot sassy."<br /> Mama: Where did you learn that, Henry? <br /> Henry: I just know these things. <br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><div class="text_exposed_show">
Not even 6 yrs old and he already knows everything.</div>
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Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-5907671739554564242014-10-19T14:10:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:10:46.778-07:00Church songs<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_544427c75263d9224589515">
Henry's nonstop stream of consciousness included this gem after church today. <br />
Henry: Mama, there was a "two-X" word in the church song this morning and I asked the kids what it was and they didn't know but I knew you would know...."<br />
After a few back-and-forths of "Two-x?" we got it. "2x" to repeat the verses a second time. <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Kinda touched that he "knew" I would know what it meant. <i class="_4-k1 img sp_LWp1MpKGrs1 sx_35a5d8"></i></span></div>
Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-68554030981447973902014-10-19T14:09:00.003-07:002014-10-19T14:09:36.575-07:00Guessing gameAfter lunch, I sent Henry to wash up. He gave a great big, "RAWK!" and ran off. I guess he's a slow-running ostrich again. When he came back a bit too soon, I asked if he washed his face and hands. <br />
Henry: I washed one. <br />
Am I supposed to guess? One hand? Only his face?Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-22944899436851641232014-10-19T14:09:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:09:21.000-07:00TastyKat was happily playing a few feet away from me in the living room when I heard her say, "Here! Eat this! It's tasty!"<br />
WHAT??!!!<br />
Turns out she was "feeding" crayons to their rubber alligator. Apparently he likes the yellow crayon the most.Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-87055772718258896612014-09-20T19:29:00.002-07:002014-09-20T19:29:30.980-07:00Kat's custom bedtime routine Kat's created her own bedtime routine- just makes me laugh how particular she is and how independent. Worlds apart from her brother.<br />
<br /><br />
Kat: Want mine book! Tuck me in! Not dat banket! Dat pink one! Den dat pink one an' dat pink one! Not cubber mine feet! Turn mine light on! Sut mine door! Sank you!<br />
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Translation: She must be covered in a specific order of 3 pink blankets, none of which may touch her feet. Her door must be shut but her light must also be on the lowest setting because she "doesn't wike da dark". She does not want company while she falls asleep on her chosen bedtime book. If she's feeling contrary and wants to delay her bedtime, she plays the "I haf to go potty" card after being put to bed. which I've learned I ignore at my own risk.Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-16069081698634422922014-08-23T19:41:00.006-07:002014-08-23T19:41:58.278-07:00Mama is Methuselah<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">watching the Smithsonian Channel with Henry , some show about Henry VIII's armor. <br /> Henry: We'll never know what Henry VIII's voice sounded like. <br /> Me: Nope. He lived about 500 years ago.<br /> Henry: 'Cause we would need to know someone who lived then an' heard him talk? <br /> Me: Yep. And it was a long time ago.<br /> Henry: Were you alive then? <br /><br /> *Sigh*</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-42248521031697121052014-08-23T19:41:00.004-07:002014-08-23T19:41:38.075-07:00screaming fun<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">The kids were tumbling around with Jim in the living room when Henry screamed full-blast into Jim's ear which put an end to the playtime. <br /><br /> Mama: You need to remember Dada is a person and you don't scream in people's ears. <br /> Henry: He's a person? <br /> Mama: Yes and you could hurt his ears. We don't want Dada to go deaf. <br /> Henry: Yeah! Because I don't even know sign language!<br /><br /> Yeah, that's our concern.</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-4534361060236425092014-08-23T19:41:00.002-07:002014-08-23T19:41:18.452-07:00Baby Pig! <br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Jim's reading a chapter from Charlotte's Web for the kids' bedtime story. Kat clambered up onto the couch, peered at the illustrations and burst out, "Hi baby pig! Hug you!"<br /> *Love them*</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-56036281000970134772014-08-23T19:40:00.001-07:002014-08-23T19:40:49.655-07:00Thinking about marriage already?<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Jim put the kids to bed and a few minutes later, Henry called him back. <br /><br /> Henry: Can I ask you a question? <br /> Jim: Sure. <br /> Henry: Can I marry someone with a different last name?<br /><br /> *We'd kinda prefer it that way, buddy.</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263286983813521873.post-54453720188413562702014-08-23T19:36:00.002-07:002014-08-23T19:36:23.017-07:00Slow DOWN!<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Henry and Kathryn crashed into each other while running in the house (luckily neither got hurt). <br /><br /> Mama: You need to stop running in the house. You could have gotten hurt. See this doorway? You could have knocked Kathryn into it and she could have hit her head on the corner. <br /><br /> Henry: Yeah, an' then we could tape her head back together. <br /><br /> Um...not exactly. Did I mention slow down and stop running in the house?</span>Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731935699877384656noreply@blogger.com0