Joe-Joe the Traveling Lion

Aly has THE best kindergarten teacher in the world!  After she found out that Alyssa had pneumonia, she made sure to make her still feel special.  Their class has a traveling lion...similar to a Flat Stanley.  Each Friday a different child gets to take Joe-Joe home with them.  At the end of the weekend they write about his travels with the family and pass it on to the next classmate.  Aly's teacher sent him home to keep her company while she was sick.  It made her entire week.  It was kind of sad we didn't get to take Joe-Joe anywhere, but I don't think she let him leave her side for a minute.  It was such a special thing, I don't think it is something she will ever forget.  Here is what she wrote in Joe-Joe's journal and some pictures of their fun times together!

When Daddy picked up my homework, Mrs. Bourgeois gave him Joe-Joe to bring home to me.  I was so excited to have him visit me!  He was with me the whole weekend!  I have been sick so it made me happy to have him with me.  The first thing we did was work on my homework.  Joe-Joe was a big help!  They we played babies together.

I had pneumonia so I was not allowed to go anywhere or be around other people who may be sick.  We just camped out in our family room and watched a lot of movies so I could get rest and feel better.  We watched some of my favorite movies: “Monsters Inc.”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Tangled” and “Hocus Pocus”.  Joe-Joe said his favorite was “Hocus Pocus”!

Joe-Joe also played lots of games with my family and me!  We played ‘Go Fish!’, ‘Clue’ and ‘Guess Who?’  We also watched the Buckeyes game together.  Joe-Joe got to wear his very own OSU jersey! 

I loved having Joe-Joe visit my house!  We will miss him!

Thank you, Mrs. Bourgeois!!

Burning Up

A few weeks ago Hannah had a horrible virus. A croupy cough, high fever and just plain achy all over.  Then I got it and was pretty miserable for a few days myself.  Last Saturday Aly started to show signs that she was getting it, so I wasn't really surprised when she woke up with a 104.5* temperature Sunday morning.  She laid around and slept most of the day the same way Hannah had when she was sick.  Monday the fever still hadn't broke so she stayed home from school to get more rest.  She laid around and slept most of the day again, but that night is when it got really bad.  She fell asleep on the floor and when I woke her up to take her up to her bed she started screaming that her stomach hurt.  That didn't happen to me or Hannah.  I tried to calm her down, but she was hysterical.  Anytime I touched - or tried to touch - her stomach, she screamed and curled up into a ball.  My first thought was appendicitis. 

Dan and I talked about whether to take her to the ER at Children's, but after she calmed down and fell back to sleep we decided against it.  The next morning it actually seemed as though she was actually feeling better.  The fever was down without Motrin and she was able to play with me all morning.  Around lunch time she fell asleep on the couch while I did the dishes.  When she woke up it was a whole different story.  Her fever was back and as strong as ever.  She was completely lethargic and couldn't stay awake.  From what I had read on the internet, I was convinced her appendix had burst and decided we had to take her to the doctor.  I couldn't get her in to see our pediatrician, but I talked to the nurse who said we should go to Children's and called ahead of us.  We were there for about four hours.  They said that her appendix was fine, but tested her for strep.  They also gave her some Motrin, Sprite and a Popsicle.  The strep test was negative, of course, and with the Motrin her fever came down and she started to feel better...just like she had been at home.  They told us it was a virus that just need to run its course and sent us on our way.  I wasn't convinced.

The next morning she woke up with a fever of 105*!  Her coughing was also worse and I knew it wasn't 'just a virus'.  As soon as I could, I called our pediatrician and made an appointment to get her in there.  She was so lethargic that I had to carry her everywhere because she couldn't walk.  Then, when I put her in the car to go she threw up all over the blanket I had her covered up with and again in the waiting room at the doctors.  Dr. Heiny took one look at her and said she had pneumonia and a double ear infection.  He said her lungs were so tight she wasn't even able to breathe in deep enough to get a good breath. It's a little frustrating, and scary, that the ER at Children's Hospital didn't catch that less than 24 hours before...especially since Alyssa has asthma, which they knew!

He sent us for a chest x-ray to confirm the diagnosis: pneumonia in both lower lobes of her lungs.  Because of her allergies and asthma, the virus Hannah and I both had just settled in her lungs.  He said her lungs were so full that they were probably pushing on her diaphragm, which could cause the belly pain that I interpreted as appendicitis.  He gave her a shot of antibiotics in both butt checks and a prescription for oral antibiotics.  Thankfully she had managed to stay pretty well hydrated so we could treat her from home!  The effect of the antibiotics were almost immediate, within 24 hours she was pretty much back to normal...just exhausted.

She has missed an entire week of school and will still be out until at least Monday morning.  She has a re-check that morning and he may clear her to go back then.  I hope so because she wants to go to school so bad!  That is what has upset her the most about the whole experience and kept asking when she could go back to school.

It was a scary experience for us.  I have never seen her so sick. And, I felt completely helpless.  Thank God for antibiotics!  I am praying it is something we never have to go through again, but unfortunately the odds are against us.  Dr. Heiny told me that because she has allergies, asthma and {now} a history of pneumonia, she is at a high risk for rebounding.  Basically, he said she can expect to get it at least once a year...maybe even again this year.  At least we know the symptoms now and won't have to pay $250 for a Popsicle, half a can of Sprite and an incorrect diagnosis ;) There are a lot of us praying for healing, from all of the above, for this sweet little girl.  Feel free to join us...

   

O-H-I-O

Since the girls are taking dance this year, and since dance is during most of the Buckeye's games, I made them scarlet and grey tutu's.  They love them!  

 Who says you can't be girly and cheer on your favorite team?!?!?!

Same Blog...New Name.

Yep. I had to change our blog's name again.  When I registered the 'Picture Perfect' domain last year, I apparently did not click 'renew automatically'.  I guess someone else registered the domain when mine expired because I could not renew it again.  So, I had to come up with a new name to register...and I made sure to check all the right boxes this time ;) Third times a charm, right?!?!

Our 9/11 Story

Everyone has one.  Since today is the 10th anniversary, I thought I would write ours down so our girls have it someday.  Even though we didn't know anyone directly affected by the tragedy, it is a day that is etched in our memories forever.

We were only 19...dating, but not yet married.  We were sophomores at Ohio State and living on campus at the time.  Dan was working at Wal-mart and was in the morning meeting, which always took place in the electronics department.  As news of the first plane crash was beginning to be broadcast on every news outlet, they turned on the TV to see what was going on.  I was at home, in my apartment, sleeping when Dan called to tell me that a plane flew into one of the World Trade Center towers and to watch the news.  I said 'ok' and hung up.  I remember thinking it was either a dream or that I just misunderstood what he had said.

I went out to the living room and turned on NBC to see the tower engulfed in fire and thick black smoke.  I thought, 'how in the heck does a plane accidentally hit that tall of a tower??' No sooner did I finish the thought, did the second plane crash in to the other tower.  I audibly gasped and distinctly remember saying, 'that was not an accident'.  

I just sat there silently for a few minutes just shaking my head in disbelief. This can't be happening...not here.  Hoping it was a nightmare that I would wake up from at any minute. I woke up Diana, my roommate and we sat on the couch together.  Dan and I talked back and forth about what was going on.  Time seemed to stand still.  Like so many other Americans we watched in horror as the events slowly unfolded on live TV, helplessly watching our fellow citizens loose their lives before our eyes.  One of the things we both remember so vividly is watching people jump from the flaming towers to their death.  I can't imagine the desperation and hopelessness they must have been feeling to make that decision.  

What happened next took my breath away.  At 9:59am, the South tower collapsed. Then, 30 minutes later, the North Tower fell.  This. Could. Not. Be. Happening. How many people were still in the towers? What else was coming? How could it get any worse?  Was my family and I even safe?

By the end of the day, the Pentagon had also been hit by a hijacked plane and a fourth flight, intended for the Capital, was taken down in a Pennsylvanian field by a group of heroic passengers trying to regain control from the terrorists.  The images from the aftermath were heart wrenching and the stories of families who lost loved ones were {and still are} unbearable.  Overall, there were 2,977 Americans who lost their lives on September 11th as a result of the terrorist attacks.

I remember the country reacted by essentially shutting down. Businesses closed and people went to be with family.  Another thing burned in my memory was the eerie calmness of the skies.  Living near the airport, the constant white noise from planes flying overhead was something you learned to tune out.  We didn't have to anymore.  All US airports were closed and every plane was grounded.   

In the days and weeks after, there was so much compassion for one another.  Everyone was nice to everyone else.  We came together as the nation our forefathers fought for us to be.  There was more pride and patriotism than I have ever witnessed.

It is hard to convey what happened that day and explain how someone could do this to young children. We don't even really understand, but we explained it to the girls as simply as we knew how.  It is hard to believe that the girls [and their children...and grandchildren] will grow up learning about this in school and reading about it from history books.  Even though the girls weren't born when it happened, we don't want them to ever forget.  It was truly a day that tested the strength of a nation and the resolve of its people.

Our church launched a second service today.  Simon showed a video that sums up what we learned from that day better than I could ever explain.  You can watch it here, but this is what it said:

September 11, 2001 is a day that changed every one of us.  We learned that...

Evil is real.

Hate is destructive.

Buildings can collapse.

Security is an illusion.

Life is fragile.

Fear can be crippling.

But in the midst of [unspeakable] tragedy, we learn that...

Heros still exist.

Courage does not waver.

Bravery knows no limit.

There is beauty in the little things.

There is joy in community.

There is strength in unity.

As the years pass, we will [NEVER] forget that...

Loss is worth remembering.

Sacrifice is worth honoring.

Freedom is worth defending.

Faith is our refuge.

Hope sustains us.

Love endures all.

----

In some ways I feel like we have almost forgotten how the events of this day made us feel deep within our souls.  Not the lives that were lost or the people who continue to fight so we can be free, but the way we came together to help each other through. I pray that our country can remember what it was like in the hours, days and weeks following such devastating loss.  It wasn't about political parties, hidden agendas or religious affiliations.  There were no conspiracy theories.  It didn't matter if you were Republican or Democrat.  It was about our GREAT nation.  It was about our Freedom.  It was about being an AMERICAN.

So as we remember who we were on that day and reflect on who we have become, I pray that we remember we are stronger TOGETHER.  God Bless America!

-----

"America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for
freedom and opportunity in the world and no one will keep that light from shining."
- George W. Bush

Hannah's Turn!!

Hannah has been waiting for this day for months!  Today was finally her first day of school!  She picked out her outfit all by herself and was eager to get dressed and go.  Since it was the first day, I got to go with her and stay for the day.  It was so cute, and surreal, to see Hannah in her very own classroom!  She does not seem old enough...but completely ready at the same time. 

She was shy at first like Aly, but pretty much opposite from her in just about every other way.  She is much more independent and far more outspoken than her sister probably ever will be.  When we got there, she went right in and hung her backpack up on her hook. Then we had to find her name tag and place it in her mail slot.  She was willing to let her teacher help her find the right spot.  After that we had some time for 'free play'.  She whizzed through the puzzles and outfitted all the potato heads...in a nice neat line, of course.  

During carpet time her teacher said that it was really nice of everyone's Mommies and Daddies to come visit for the day, but that they wouldn't get to stay this time.  Hannah looked looked around and announced, "My Daddy didn't come to preschool..." After the introductions, she did a craft and had music time. She also sat and listened to the stories, like a good listener, while half the class rolled around and talked to themselves.  I could never be an pre-school teacher.

It just so happens that her lead teacher is Alyssa's teacher from last year, Miss Lynne, and her assistant is Miss Ronee.  Miss Ronee's son is one of Aly's kindergarten classmates and her daughter was one of Aly's friends from preschool last year!     

All in all, Hannah absolutely LOVED her day!!  She loves to learn and is so inquisitive that this year will be a blast for her. As a side note, I tried dozens of times to get a picture of her.  She outright refused.  Don't blame me when she looks back someday and wonders why there is a slew of Aly's pictures and only a handful of hers. I finally bribed her for an opportunity.  Let me be clear, the only reason I even got this picture is because she wanted french fries.  Period.  She literally stomped up to the sign, crossed her arms as tight as her little body could get them and stuck her lip out far as humanly possible.  I took a couple pictures and she started screaming, "I want my french fries!!"  Everyone who had witnessed, which was half the school because there was a line behind us since it is a tradition to take your child's  picture in front of the sign, was laughing out loud. Jokes on her though...I love this picture even more than one with a smile because it is so typical!

This little girl wasn't giving up a smile for anything. S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N!!

Love you, Hannah Babe!! You are going to have a GREAT school year!

Letting Go

The last six months have been hard. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting. It has tested us in ways I don't think we have ever been tested. But...

"God is faithful."

That word has been spoken to us over and over again by several friends who have been praying for us.  We know it is true and we have seen His faithfulness throughout this time.  But, it is still hard to live out when it feels like a semi-truck just ran over my strategically planned 'perfect' career. Sigh.

After the rif, I jumped back into school taking special education course work to earn a new license.  It wasn't something I was really passionate about teaching, but I love working with students so I figured I would find the passion as I went. Since FCS is disappearing everywhere, it was the closest thing that would keep me in education...and I wanted to stay in education.  After all, that was my plan.     

But, it wasn't His plan.  As I started taking classes, I quickly found out MMIS wasn't going to be something I was happy doing.  I tried to deny it for a while.  After all, what else would I do? Then the university changed their policies which made it increasingly harder and more expensive to complete the program. Grr! I kept asking God, "Why does this have to be so hard??"  He quietly whispered back, "Because I didn't ask you to do it. I know the plans I have for you..."

Finally, I reconciled the fact that my life isn't going to look like I had planned it to look. I gave up.  I am done putting square pegs in round holes and resisting God.  I have to make a career change. God opened a door the very next day.

I decided to take the classes to get my real estate license and work along side my aunt, as a Realtor.

Crazy, huh?!?! In 'this market' it isn't going to be anymore 'secure' than education and it definitely won't be easy, but I am really excited!  It has always been something I was interested in and the schedule is much more flexible, just up to me and my clients.  I will be able to volunteer at the girls' schools for a few hours now and then, continue leading YL and maybe even sub once a month to see my students.  Not only that, but I still get to teach...just in a different way.  I love building relationships and I think that is what real estate is really all about. 

It is a little overwhelming and scary, but Dan and I have had so much more peace since we decided I should do this.  I don't know if this will be a long term solution, since Dan and I both feel very drawn to full-time ministry, but what do I have to lose?  Not to mention, my totally awesome parents gave me the $1,200 I needed to take the courses!  Best parents ever.  Hands down. 

I will be ready to roll by the first of the year.  If you know anyone in the Columbus area looking to buy or sell, send them my way!!