He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Friday, August 29, 2014
Odd Man Out
So I found these old photos in a Blogger draft file. My best guess is that they were taken at the beginning of last summer. The duo were busily squeezing the last bit of life out a much-loved dollhouse. George happened by with an expression that says, "What am I supposed to do with a dollhouse?!"
"I mean, look at them, they are mesmerized by this stuff!"
(George's police cruiser parked next to the house is a nice touch.)
"They cannot get enough of it!"
I am adding Tonka trucks and army men to my Christmas list!
William George's collection of cars and airplanes have grown considerably since these photos were taken, and he couldn't be happier to have a better boy to girl-toy ratio.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Back to School Style, Second Grade Edition
Look Three
Our third back-to-school outfit is one of my favorites. The duo say they feel like they are heading off to work in these dresses, and they may be right.
1) Leopard print dress, Target (Currently, I am unable to locate this item online.)
2) Merrell Mary Janes in pink, via Zulily (but on serious sale here!)
1) Doggy print dress, Target (Unable to locate online.)
2) Merrell Mary Janes in lavender (not shown), via Zulily.
The leopard print is a big hit, but my favorite is the doggy dress. The doggy print is a playful design on an otherwise traditional style of dress. While they may not be heading off to work just yet, they definitely look mature walking out of the door with their backpacks in place.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Accepting Jesus
We are very happy to be able to report that Grace and Lauren made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour a couple of weeks ago, on August 9, 2014. They have been involved in children's church for years and have received the benefit of that wonderful instruction. They have also attended VBS, both at our church and at Auntie Melinda's church. We have also been reading the Bible nightly for about seven years now. They are able to express a full and thorough understanding of Jesus and His love for them.
They have been asking about the necessary steps to become a Christian all summer, and we have been trying to explain the process to them. One Saturday night, after reading the Bible and answering their questions again, Grace asked to say the sinners' prayer.
Lauren then asked as well and said her prayer. Later we talked with our wonderful children's minister, and then sat down with our pastor. The duo are currently working through a workbook, and will be baptized upon its completion.
We are so happy and proud and grateful, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow in God's word.
Friday, August 22, 2014
An Update
An update about my mom's status has not really been forthcoming for a couple of reasons. First, she authorized the sharing of her situation with this post. Beyond that, the details about her recovery are her story more so than mine. Second, her status is evolving, and we seem to learn a critical new detail each week, meaning just when we think we have a handle on the situation it changes.
She is almost eight weeks post-operative. Since she has shared the following details with her family, friends and church, we can talk about it a little here. A successful repair of the ascending aortic aneurysm was completed on 6-25-14. Although she was alert and attempting communication following the surgery and throughout the rest of that day, on 06-26-14, the following day, she was asleep, not alert and uncommunicative. She remained asleep for the next three days. When she did wake, she was less oriented than she had been immediately following the surgery. We ambushed her surgeon during his 6am rounds and were told her coma-like status was attributable to anesthesia. We were skeptical of that explanation because of her alertness following surgery. During this time, we learned the details of the procedure, and we realized that not only had we not been told what to anticipate but that we also were not getting an accurate assessment of her status. During our discharge consult with the surgeon, I had a few questions, and he preemptively rolled his eyes and yelled, "SHE DID NOT HAVE A STROKE! I AM TIRED OF EVERYONE ASKING ME THAT!"*
Two weeks later an MRI of the brain would reveal that a stroke occurred "during surgery". Based on her level of alertness immediately following the 3.5 hour procedure, she likely had the stroke overnight, either late on 06-25-14 or early on 06-26-14. We have not seen the surgeon since discharge because he declined to enter her examination room at her surgical discharge appointment, opting to have a physician's assistant cover the appointment instead. At a recent appointment, her neurologist casually reviewed her history and referred to her "strokes". When I asked about the plural form of the word, he said she had had "a few". When I asked him to quantify "a few," he said, "A few. More than two. Less than a hundred. I don't know. A few. Impossible to say."
Her diagnosis is bilateral thalamic strokes secondary to ascending aortic aneurysm repair via hypothermic circulatory arrest. The thalamus is like a junction box for the brain, collecting signals and relaying information. The thalamus also regulates sleep, and injury to the thalamus results in permanent coma - thus the four days of sleep following surgery. Currently, there are cognitive deficits to overcome, and we are dealing with extreme hypersomnia and apathy, both of which are hurdles to overcome in terms of rehabilitation efforts. Rehab consists of two physical therapy visits (because physically there are few issues... we are dealing more with executive function), occupational therapy and speech therapy, the latter being our primary focus. There are numerous indications of high functioning activity, and we are optimistic that we will see a good outcome. Recovery takes time more than anything else.
My mom has been showered with cards, calls, visits and, most importantly, prayer. We are so grateful for the love that has been shown to her and our entire family during this time. We are immensely thankful for her surgery and outcome. There are complications, but we continue to recognize what a miracle it was that her condition was operable, and we are fascinated by the human body (and in awe of its Creator) and its ability to heal and recover.
She is almost eight weeks post-operative. Since she has shared the following details with her family, friends and church, we can talk about it a little here. A successful repair of the ascending aortic aneurysm was completed on 6-25-14. Although she was alert and attempting communication following the surgery and throughout the rest of that day, on 06-26-14, the following day, she was asleep, not alert and uncommunicative. She remained asleep for the next three days. When she did wake, she was less oriented than she had been immediately following the surgery. We ambushed her surgeon during his 6am rounds and were told her coma-like status was attributable to anesthesia. We were skeptical of that explanation because of her alertness following surgery. During this time, we learned the details of the procedure, and we realized that not only had we not been told what to anticipate but that we also were not getting an accurate assessment of her status. During our discharge consult with the surgeon, I had a few questions, and he preemptively rolled his eyes and yelled, "SHE DID NOT HAVE A STROKE! I AM TIRED OF EVERYONE ASKING ME THAT!"*
Two weeks later an MRI of the brain would reveal that a stroke occurred "during surgery". Based on her level of alertness immediately following the 3.5 hour procedure, she likely had the stroke overnight, either late on 06-25-14 or early on 06-26-14. We have not seen the surgeon since discharge because he declined to enter her examination room at her surgical discharge appointment, opting to have a physician's assistant cover the appointment instead. At a recent appointment, her neurologist casually reviewed her history and referred to her "strokes". When I asked about the plural form of the word, he said she had had "a few". When I asked him to quantify "a few," he said, "A few. More than two. Less than a hundred. I don't know. A few. Impossible to say."
Her diagnosis is bilateral thalamic strokes secondary to ascending aortic aneurysm repair via hypothermic circulatory arrest. The thalamus is like a junction box for the brain, collecting signals and relaying information. The thalamus also regulates sleep, and injury to the thalamus results in permanent coma - thus the four days of sleep following surgery. Currently, there are cognitive deficits to overcome, and we are dealing with extreme hypersomnia and apathy, both of which are hurdles to overcome in terms of rehabilitation efforts. Rehab consists of two physical therapy visits (because physically there are few issues... we are dealing more with executive function), occupational therapy and speech therapy, the latter being our primary focus. There are numerous indications of high functioning activity, and we are optimistic that we will see a good outcome. Recovery takes time more than anything else.
My mom has been showered with cards, calls, visits and, most importantly, prayer. We are so grateful for the love that has been shown to her and our entire family during this time. We are immensely thankful for her surgery and outcome. There are complications, but we continue to recognize what a miracle it was that her condition was operable, and we are fascinated by the human body (and in awe of its Creator) and its ability to heal and recover.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Back to School Style, Second Grade Edition
Look Two
Our second back-to-school outfits are probably my favorite from our Gymboree sale haul. Lauren has recently decided she plans to live in New York City (and is taking George with her as a roommate!), and her enthusiasm about that prospect caused me to nab the "skyscraper dress" as they have taken to calling it... although Grace is wearing it in these photos because they changed their minds at the last minute. (Grace has decided that NYC is too far away, but wants to visit... and wear the dress.)
Speaking of, this whole not-dressing-alike thing they are doing at the moment is making for interesting discussions (read: negotiations amongst themselves over who wears what/when). As a huge aside, can we talk about twins dressing alike for a minute? I would have bet a substantial sum of money that I would have never done it, and I mostly didn't when they were little. Sure, there was nothing more adorable than two babies dressed in matching attire, and all mothers of multiples cave to that cuteness eventually. While the individuality was fun to celebrate, I was struck with an acute case of mom guilt one Easter when their dresses were similar.... but one was slightly cuter than the other. Slightly, mind you. And so it began. The uniformity of dressing the same for formal occasions.
At about 18-24 months, they began selecting their own clothing, and they wanted to wear the same things, mostly to avoid arguments. Over the last year or two Lauren has wanted to dress as an individual, while Grace preferred to dress the same. We finally had a good talk about budgeting and agreed that purchasing two of each item is costly and that they would have more variety if they simply shared clothing. Voila and hallelujah! Logic has prevailed.
Anyrate... the second looks are the very best from the summer line (in my humble opinion). Our dresses are longer than intended because I am nothing if not frugal and purchased a larger size (8) even though the duo are currently wearing a 6X and 7 so that we will have them for a while.
2) Bicycle shorts, Target
Monday, August 18, 2014
Back To School Style, Second Grade Edition
Look One (plus a dressier look for Sunday)
One of my favorite bloggers, Gabrielle Blair of DesignMom, has a longstanding, annual update in which she features the back-to-school style of her children. I just love it, and I hope her segment continues this year.
Although I have long loved the idea of capturing what the trio are wearing during each phase of their lives, it hasn't worked out for a number of reasons. Here in the south, school resumes during the very hottest part of our summer, making it much too early for fall clothing. Simply, they are usually still wearing their spring and summer clothing, and we purchase any fall/winter clothing that may be needed much later -- or at least we wear it later. For example, jeans would be unbearable right now, and we won't catch a break with the weather until late October. With the exception of a new outfit for the first day, we go with what we have.
This year, however, their growth coincided with the need to have newer clothing -- either purchased or pulled from our hand-me-down inventory. The duo are equally excited to have new clothes or something we have picked up on consignment and stored for future wear or - their favorite! - a hand-me-down from their stylish cousin Riley. Also, I happened upon a HUGE sale at one of our favorites, Gymboree.
They had fun putting together a few new outfits for second grade. Although they both LOVE clothes, Lauren is usually the more fashion conscious of the two, but we quickly discovered Grace has a hidden love of posing for the camera!
Our first look is a casual shirt worn two ways. The "Sunday" look pairs the shirts with lace shorts and dressier shoes.
Gracie is going to singlehandedly bring the supermodel back. Also, I should mentioned that I "reigned her back in" on some of the poses.
1) City Print top by Gymboree
2) Lace shorts, Ross (via Grammie)
3) SunSan Sandals (via Zappos)
4) Bracelets, Avon (via Auntie Melinda)
1) Cherie striped tee, Gymboree
2) Lace shorts, Ross
3) SunSan Sandals
4) Necklace, Avon (via Auntie Melinda)
For their "Tuesday" look, Lauren opted for denim shorts, and Gracie went with a denim skort.
1) Sparkly denim shorts, The Children's Place; Skort, Gap (both via cousin Riley)
2) Light-up Mary Jane tennis shoes, Stride Rite
3) Resin bracelets (via cousin Lexie)
Friday, August 15, 2014
Friday's Quote
Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
-Henry James
-Henry James
The Last Hours of Freedom
The trio are wrapping up their first full week of school. The duo love their teachers. William George's update about Mrs. Christie on Wednesday was that she was wearing blue pants. Then he paused for a second and wriggled his fingers beside his head, adding, "And her hair... it's a lil' bit messy." She has gorgeous wavy/curly hair. Needless to say, I think he is smitten.
Before we completely forget about summer, I went through our recent photos and wanted to capture a rarity for us this summer... playing at home. The Tuesday before school started, we assisted Grammie with her daily walking, en familia, and the trio had a great time.
Before we completely forget about summer, I went through our recent photos and wanted to capture a rarity for us this summer... playing at home. The Tuesday before school started, we assisted Grammie with her daily walking, en familia, and the trio had a great time.
Her Characteristic Sense of Urgency
We had recently completed bedtime routines (x4) and were sitting on the front porch. When we went back inside, my phone displayed the above.
Normally the trio use their iPods for music and an alarm clock, but earlier that day I had plugged up a Hello Kitty digital clock that they wanted to use. Lauren had apparently messed with the buttons and had altered the time. Her panic-stricken video message best indicates the urgency she felt to correct the problem:
Missed Calls from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
First Day of School, 2014-2015 (K3 Edition)
William George's first day of K3 was this past Monday. Because I drop off the duo and then carry the patient to her morning appointments, Skip has been taking George to daycare this summer and will be managing his school drop this fall.
We really talked up his first day and put emphasis on the fact that he will now be able to play on the BIG playground (versus the toddler and K2 area). Since George is part monkey and plays on the big playground after church each week, he was more than ready to charge out the door Monday morning. He will be going three mornings a week, and yesterday was his second day. While we were busy with our morning routine, he asked me where he was going... and when I didn't immediately answer, he repeated, while pulling on my dress:
Where I going today?
Where will I be?
Will you talk about it?
So, of course, we did, and then he was fine. Although Snoopy didn't make the trip (he stayed in the car), you can bet "cloffie" is tucked away in that backpack.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Trio As Motorists
When the prospect of gifting William George with a motorized vehicle was considered, we were concerned about his ability to drive... how he would interact with his sisters... how they would do "sharing the road" and all of those things. I am pleased to report that what we thought would be a back yard, demolition derby has actually been very civilized. George has shown surprisingly good aptitude for driving the truck, and there have been only a couple of meltdowns when the truck did not perform as he expected. He is still working on his reverse/backing up abilities.
Also, he does yell, "MOVE!!!!" to them whenever they are in his way.
Poor Grace's knees touch the dash of her Barbie Jeep, but we will have to pry her hands off the steering wheel to get her out of it.
Her brother's truck is much roomier... she could probably get a couple of more years if she traded her Jeep in on a new truck.
Speaking of room, the trio fit comfortably in George's new truck. He willingly shares, but he does tell them "don't wreck it" anytime they make a turn.
William George has given his truck the full inspection, often going completely around the truck, checking every little thing, before he climbs inside.
Gran and Poppa found a personalized plate for his truck. It basically solidifies the entire experience.
Also, he does yell, "MOVE!!!!" to them whenever they are in his way.
Poor Grace's knees touch the dash of her Barbie Jeep, but we will have to pry her hands off the steering wheel to get her out of it.
Her brother's truck is much roomier... she could probably get a couple of more years if she traded her Jeep in on a new truck.
Speaking of room, the trio fit comfortably in George's new truck. He willingly shares, but he does tell them "don't wreck it" anytime they make a turn.
William George has given his truck the full inspection, often going completely around the truck, checking every little thing, before he climbs inside.
Gran and Poppa found a personalized plate for his truck. It basically solidifies the entire experience.
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