Jeff had his follow-up with Dr. Taylor yesterday, and all is well. His official diagnosis is "Fibrous Hamartoma of infancy. "Fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a rare, benign soft tissue tumor that usually occurs within the first two years of life." It is unlikely to recur and is completely benign.
It is pretty rare though. Not a commonly seen type of tumor. It is always treated with surgical excision.
Thought you might like to know!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Update - Jeffrey
I would like to thank you all for the prayers you have offered up for Jeffrey and for the doctors and nurses in whose care he was trusted. His surgery was performed this past Monday, and all has gone very well.
We arrived at the hospital at 7 am, as we were instructed to do. Soon after, we were in the Pediatric Surgery holding area, where we were informed that his surgery was to be delayed, due to an emergency appendectomy that needed to be performed. No big deal, though, because we knew that this could happen.
When it was Jeffrey's turn, the nurses gave him a sedative about 30 minutes before his surgery was to begin. This made him a little drowsy, but mostly just plain old silly! He was speaking funny, moving in what seemed to be slow motion, and toppling over. You couldn't help but laugh.
When it was his time to go, the nurse carried him away. Jeff was super calm, which made things much easier on me and Paul, for sure. We waited for his procedure to be completed for about 45 minutes. Finally, Dr. Taylor came out and let us know that the surgery went very well! In addition, she showed us a photo of the tumor, which she was almost sure was just a lipoma, or "fatty tumor", and nothing to cause further concern. Thanks be to God!
While we won't know with 100% certainty until this coming Monday, we are greatly relieved. I had expected bad news, based on her original thinking. I can only attribute her great news to the plethora of prayers said on Jeffrey's behalf.
Jeff's follow-up appointment is this Monday, October 17 at 2:30 pm. We will have the definitive results from the pathology lab at this time. I am sure if the news were negative, we would have received a phone call to come in earlier.
So again, my dear friends and family, thank you for your prayers. It has meant all the world to us.
Our love,
The Davison's
Paul, Jessica, Andrew, Amanda, Jeffrey, and Peter
We arrived at the hospital at 7 am, as we were instructed to do. Soon after, we were in the Pediatric Surgery holding area, where we were informed that his surgery was to be delayed, due to an emergency appendectomy that needed to be performed. No big deal, though, because we knew that this could happen.
When it was Jeffrey's turn, the nurses gave him a sedative about 30 minutes before his surgery was to begin. This made him a little drowsy, but mostly just plain old silly! He was speaking funny, moving in what seemed to be slow motion, and toppling over. You couldn't help but laugh.
When it was his time to go, the nurse carried him away. Jeff was super calm, which made things much easier on me and Paul, for sure. We waited for his procedure to be completed for about 45 minutes. Finally, Dr. Taylor came out and let us know that the surgery went very well! In addition, she showed us a photo of the tumor, which she was almost sure was just a lipoma, or "fatty tumor", and nothing to cause further concern. Thanks be to God!
While we won't know with 100% certainty until this coming Monday, we are greatly relieved. I had expected bad news, based on her original thinking. I can only attribute her great news to the plethora of prayers said on Jeffrey's behalf.
Jeff's follow-up appointment is this Monday, October 17 at 2:30 pm. We will have the definitive results from the pathology lab at this time. I am sure if the news were negative, we would have received a phone call to come in earlier.
So again, my dear friends and family, thank you for your prayers. It has meant all the world to us.
Our love,
The Davison's
Paul, Jessica, Andrew, Amanda, Jeffrey, and Peter
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Prayers, Please...
As you may know, Jeffrey has a lump in his right arm that has been there for a while. At his well-child check this month, the doctor felt it and said it was most likely a "fatty tumor", and nothing to worry about. To be on the safe side, though, she referred us to the pediatric surgeon upstairs.
At our visit with the surgeon, she asked a bunch of questions, felt the mass, and ordered an ultrasound for his arm. We had the ultrasound last week on Thursday.
Yesterday, I received a call from the surgeon, Dr. Taylor, with the results, which are inconclusive at this time. She said it does not feel like a fatty tumor to her, but the US indicated it could be. It is not calcified, it is solid with perhaps a little liquid in it, and it is not vascular. It is not a hemangioma or a lymphoma. It could be benign, or not. Beyond that, she really couldn't (or wouldn't) say.
She did strongly recommend surgery to remove the tumor, however. I know, I know, she's a surgeon so she will want to cut. I did ask about doing a biopsy first, but they would have to put Jeffrey under general anesthesia for that due to his age, so they really may as well remove the entire tumor anyway. He is scheduled for surgery (outpatient) on October 10 at 8:15 AM. We won't have pathology reports until Wednesday, the 12th.
As any sane person does these days, I spent time yesterday googling tumors in the arm. Much of the things I read are a bit worrisome to me. For instance, calcification in a tumor is usually good, because they are mostly benign when calcification is present. Jeff does not have calcification. I am scared to death that he has a malignant tumor and will have to have further medical procedures. I am not sure how this momma can handle those words.
All of that to say this:
Please, if you are a firm believer in our God, or have even an inkling of suspicion that there might be one, please please please offer your prayers for Jeffrey. I am praying for a positive outcome for him with all my heart and soul. I know God is listening, and hope he grants my petition. Please add yours to mine, and ask your friends to do the same if you are so inclined.
In the mean time, I will be holding my boy ever tighter, because I love him so much. I hate that he has to go though this, and wish I could do it for him. Thanks in advance for your prayers. I will feel better knowing we are not the only ones praying for my baby. Love to you all.
Jess
At our visit with the surgeon, she asked a bunch of questions, felt the mass, and ordered an ultrasound for his arm. We had the ultrasound last week on Thursday.
Yesterday, I received a call from the surgeon, Dr. Taylor, with the results, which are inconclusive at this time. She said it does not feel like a fatty tumor to her, but the US indicated it could be. It is not calcified, it is solid with perhaps a little liquid in it, and it is not vascular. It is not a hemangioma or a lymphoma. It could be benign, or not. Beyond that, she really couldn't (or wouldn't) say.
She did strongly recommend surgery to remove the tumor, however. I know, I know, she's a surgeon so she will want to cut. I did ask about doing a biopsy first, but they would have to put Jeffrey under general anesthesia for that due to his age, so they really may as well remove the entire tumor anyway. He is scheduled for surgery (outpatient) on October 10 at 8:15 AM. We won't have pathology reports until Wednesday, the 12th.
As any sane person does these days, I spent time yesterday googling tumors in the arm. Much of the things I read are a bit worrisome to me. For instance, calcification in a tumor is usually good, because they are mostly benign when calcification is present. Jeff does not have calcification. I am scared to death that he has a malignant tumor and will have to have further medical procedures. I am not sure how this momma can handle those words.
All of that to say this:
Please, if you are a firm believer in our God, or have even an inkling of suspicion that there might be one, please please please offer your prayers for Jeffrey. I am praying for a positive outcome for him with all my heart and soul. I know God is listening, and hope he grants my petition. Please add yours to mine, and ask your friends to do the same if you are so inclined.
In the mean time, I will be holding my boy ever tighter, because I love him so much. I hate that he has to go though this, and wish I could do it for him. Thanks in advance for your prayers. I will feel better knowing we are not the only ones praying for my baby. Love to you all.
Jess
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Worst Internet Ever
I really hate my internet provider. You see, I live out in the middle of nowhere. As a result, I can't get DSL through the phone company, or cable internet either. Nope. We are stuck.
We are stuck with Hughes Net. Yeah, that's right. The only way I can get internet is through satellite. And it is ridiculously expensive - like $90 a month. Furthermore, I have a download limit each day, which means that you can forget about streaming music or videos because they use too much data. Oh, yeah. I can't do the work I was doing from home, either.
Someday, they say, the internet will reach these here parts. Until then, I'll just have to deal with this crazy satellite connection I have. I think internet will be a priority next time we move, and it will make us consider a move much sooner than we otherwise would have.
P.S.
This isn't a new problem. It has been an issue since we moved here. We were told internet would not be a problem. Well, they lied. And I am finally fed up!
We are stuck with Hughes Net. Yeah, that's right. The only way I can get internet is through satellite. And it is ridiculously expensive - like $90 a month. Furthermore, I have a download limit each day, which means that you can forget about streaming music or videos because they use too much data. Oh, yeah. I can't do the work I was doing from home, either.
Someday, they say, the internet will reach these here parts. Until then, I'll just have to deal with this crazy satellite connection I have. I think internet will be a priority next time we move, and it will make us consider a move much sooner than we otherwise would have.
P.S.
This isn't a new problem. It has been an issue since we moved here. We were told internet would not be a problem. Well, they lied. And I am finally fed up!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
On Cloth Diapers...
I really love using cloth diapers. No stinky diapers in my trash, no diaper rash on cute little bums, and no money flying out of my wallet every couple of weeks. Rather, we have two loads of laundry, 2 to 3 times a week, bums adorned with cute little covers, and a one time expense.
So, what do I use? I actually have two different diapering systems, but they work well together, too. First, I have prefolds that I currently use on Peter's little butt. I got them when Jeff was a baby, and they are now on baby #2! The difference now is that I use Snappi's with Peter, while I used pins with Jeff. I'll tell you, Snappi's make cloth diapering so much easier. I don't know why I didn't get them with Jeff. I have Bummy Whisper covers, too.
With Jeffrey, I use BumGenius one-size pocket diapers. We have 18 of them, and they are the most awesome diapering system ever. Just throw an absorbent layer in the middle, and your diaper is ready to go! I can even use the large prefolds I have in the pockets for overnight, when he tends to get a little wetter than normal.
I'll have to post some pictures of their cute little butts in these cloth diapers. Peter in particular looks cute because he is so small and the diapers look so big on him.
Cleaning them is no problem, either. I just toss the diapers into separate pails as we change them. On wash day, I dump a pail into cold water with some detergent in the washer. They soak for about a half hour. Then, I empty the water and fill the washer with hot water and detergent. I pour plain white vinegar in the softener dispenser, set the washer for an extra rinse, and let it run! If the weather is nice, I hang the diapers to dry on the clothes line. If not, into the dryer they go! It's as easy as that.
Oh, I also use cloth wipes, and my own homemade spray to keep them clean. The cloth wipes are great, and you don't feel bad when you use multiples on one diaper because you just wash them! Our spray consists of water, a little baby wash, about 8 drops of tea tree oil, and some lavender oil for a nice fragrance. All of that goes in a spray bottle I got at the Dollar Tree. The essential oils last a really long time, too. My two small bottles lasted 2 years!
For this truly minimal effort, I have happy baby bottoms, a happy wallet, and laundry that I actually don't mind "folding" because it really involves no folding at all.
So, what do I use? I actually have two different diapering systems, but they work well together, too. First, I have prefolds that I currently use on Peter's little butt. I got them when Jeff was a baby, and they are now on baby #2! The difference now is that I use Snappi's with Peter, while I used pins with Jeff. I'll tell you, Snappi's make cloth diapering so much easier. I don't know why I didn't get them with Jeff. I have Bummy Whisper covers, too.
With Jeffrey, I use BumGenius one-size pocket diapers. We have 18 of them, and they are the most awesome diapering system ever. Just throw an absorbent layer in the middle, and your diaper is ready to go! I can even use the large prefolds I have in the pockets for overnight, when he tends to get a little wetter than normal.
I'll have to post some pictures of their cute little butts in these cloth diapers. Peter in particular looks cute because he is so small and the diapers look so big on him.
Cleaning them is no problem, either. I just toss the diapers into separate pails as we change them. On wash day, I dump a pail into cold water with some detergent in the washer. They soak for about a half hour. Then, I empty the water and fill the washer with hot water and detergent. I pour plain white vinegar in the softener dispenser, set the washer for an extra rinse, and let it run! If the weather is nice, I hang the diapers to dry on the clothes line. If not, into the dryer they go! It's as easy as that.
Oh, I also use cloth wipes, and my own homemade spray to keep them clean. The cloth wipes are great, and you don't feel bad when you use multiples on one diaper because you just wash them! Our spray consists of water, a little baby wash, about 8 drops of tea tree oil, and some lavender oil for a nice fragrance. All of that goes in a spray bottle I got at the Dollar Tree. The essential oils last a really long time, too. My two small bottles lasted 2 years!
For this truly minimal effort, I have happy baby bottoms, a happy wallet, and laundry that I actually don't mind "folding" because it really involves no folding at all.
Friday, September 9, 2011
I Really Need to Stop Blinking
 |
| Andrew back in 2008 - Notice the nice little boy face. |
Yes, Andrew is growing up. He came home from school two weeks ago today, telling me stories of how the kids in his class were naming the darkening fuzz above his lip. Strange, yes. They called it a "squirrel". He didn't quite know what to think of this, but decided that he really needed to shave. So I told him to talk to Daddy.
 | |
| See his face here? Notice the mustache? The longer, thinner face? |
Andrew received his lesson on how to shave his face the next day. And out of the bathroom came my now clean faced boy, who is suddenly no longer a boy because he needs to shave. My baby, my first born, is shaving. Not that he's needed to since then, but the mere fact that he needed to in the first place is proof that my baby is no more.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
As Good as the Real Deal
There are few things in this world that only the name brand will do...Grape Nuts, Bounty paper towels, and Windex are 3 favorites of mine. I have never found a suitable replacement for any of these. Until yesterday, that is.
No more Windex purchases in this house! I am making my own. Wanna know the "recipe"?
1/8 cup ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 quick squirt dish soap
enough water to fill up the old Windex bottle
Let me tell you, this stuff works great! I tested it out on a few of the many windows in this house, and they sparkle! My mix would have even been blue if I had used regular ammonia. However, my blue dish soap mixed with my yellow lemon ammonia, and made green glass cleaner. Works for me though!
Now, if you could help me out with the other to things on my list, that'd be great. And no, Nutty Nuggets are not suitable replacement for Grape Nuts.
No more Windex purchases in this house! I am making my own. Wanna know the "recipe"?
1/8 cup ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 quick squirt dish soap
enough water to fill up the old Windex bottle
Let me tell you, this stuff works great! I tested it out on a few of the many windows in this house, and they sparkle! My mix would have even been blue if I had used regular ammonia. However, my blue dish soap mixed with my yellow lemon ammonia, and made green glass cleaner. Works for me though!
Now, if you could help me out with the other to things on my list, that'd be great. And no, Nutty Nuggets are not suitable replacement for Grape Nuts.
Accident Prone
My beautiful 2 year old, Jeff, seems to be my "accident prone" child. If someone is going to get hurt, it's gonna be Jeff. I don't know why that is, but it is.
Consider this:
Earlier in the year, I took Mandy and Jeff to Chuck E Cheese with my neighbor and her two darlings. On the way out, while I was holding leftovers and Jeff's hand, he decided he didn't want to walk anymore and sat on the ground in the middle of the parking lot. Not a great place to stop. I dislocated his wrist trying to get him up to safety. ER visit #1.
Then, in May (or was it April?), he was running around the house here in TN, fell over a toy truck in the living room, and hurt his foot. My boy never cries, and he screamed bloody murder. After his crying induced nap, he still wouldn't stand on his foot. Turns out he broke the bone just above his toe, and was in a cast for 3 weeks. ER visit #2.
In July, shortly before Peter was born, he tripped in my room while playing with Mandy and Andrew. He fell face first into the corner of Paul's dresser and hit his lip. There was blood everywhere, along with my poor screaming baby. He ended up needing a stitch in his lip to close up the wound, and now has a scar where it was. ER visit #3.
A few days ago, Andrew dropped a glass bowl on the floor in the kitchen. I did my best to make sure the entire area was clean of glass. I must have missed a piece, though. Whose little foot found it? Yeah. Jeff. He has a nice slice across the bottom of his right foot, making him walk funny. No ER visit for this one, thank God, but still.
Why is it always one child who just seems to attract injury? Could it be his full-speed-ahead approach to everything? Is it just the nature of boys? I don't know for sure, but I sure hope things calm down for my precious baby.
 |
| Please excuse my messy face! I had to get in on the picture-taking fun! |
Consider this:
Earlier in the year, I took Mandy and Jeff to Chuck E Cheese with my neighbor and her two darlings. On the way out, while I was holding leftovers and Jeff's hand, he decided he didn't want to walk anymore and sat on the ground in the middle of the parking lot. Not a great place to stop. I dislocated his wrist trying to get him up to safety. ER visit #1.
Then, in May (or was it April?), he was running around the house here in TN, fell over a toy truck in the living room, and hurt his foot. My boy never cries, and he screamed bloody murder. After his crying induced nap, he still wouldn't stand on his foot. Turns out he broke the bone just above his toe, and was in a cast for 3 weeks. ER visit #2.
In July, shortly before Peter was born, he tripped in my room while playing with Mandy and Andrew. He fell face first into the corner of Paul's dresser and hit his lip. There was blood everywhere, along with my poor screaming baby. He ended up needing a stitch in his lip to close up the wound, and now has a scar where it was. ER visit #3.
A few days ago, Andrew dropped a glass bowl on the floor in the kitchen. I did my best to make sure the entire area was clean of glass. I must have missed a piece, though. Whose little foot found it? Yeah. Jeff. He has a nice slice across the bottom of his right foot, making him walk funny. No ER visit for this one, thank God, but still.
Why is it always one child who just seems to attract injury? Could it be his full-speed-ahead approach to everything? Is it just the nature of boys? I don't know for sure, but I sure hope things calm down for my precious baby.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
My Struggle With Weight
No, not my own weight, which is down quite nicely after this last pregnancy! I actually weight less after baby than I did when I started, believe it or not. And I haven't tried to lose weight, either. I only had a net gain of 6 lbs.
Nope, this is about my struggle to help Peter gain weight. And quite a struggle it has been.
When he was born, Pete weighted 6lb15oz. When we left the hospital the next day, he was a respectable 6lb10oz. However, he soon dropped to 6lb4oz. After being labeled "failure to thrive" by nearly 3 weeks old, we had to begin supplementing our nursing with formula. I didn't mind, as it was what was best for Peter at this time. However, I tried very hard to increase my milk supply to eliminate formula all together.
Alas, it was not to work. He was barely on the weight chart at his last appointment at 5 weeks old. He weighed 7lbs4oz. Supplement more please, the doctor said. And so I have been. It seems to be working, as well. He is finally starting to put some meat on those little bones of his!
I thought I would feel worse about not being able to exclusively breast feed my little boy, but every bit he gets is helpful. I still nurse him first, but we follow that with a bottle of formula, which he usually finishes. I really feel badly that he was still hungry those first weeks, when he wasn't gaining. Hopefully, our doctor's visits will normalize after his next checkup at 7 weeks, though he will surely need to go back again for a 2 month check. I am pretty sure he will be on the charts at his next visit, and above the 2nd percentile, as well.
Nope, this is about my struggle to help Peter gain weight. And quite a struggle it has been.
When he was born, Pete weighted 6lb15oz. When we left the hospital the next day, he was a respectable 6lb10oz. However, he soon dropped to 6lb4oz. After being labeled "failure to thrive" by nearly 3 weeks old, we had to begin supplementing our nursing with formula. I didn't mind, as it was what was best for Peter at this time. However, I tried very hard to increase my milk supply to eliminate formula all together.
Alas, it was not to work. He was barely on the weight chart at his last appointment at 5 weeks old. He weighed 7lbs4oz. Supplement more please, the doctor said. And so I have been. It seems to be working, as well. He is finally starting to put some meat on those little bones of his!
I thought I would feel worse about not being able to exclusively breast feed my little boy, but every bit he gets is helpful. I still nurse him first, but we follow that with a bottle of formula, which he usually finishes. I really feel badly that he was still hungry those first weeks, when he wasn't gaining. Hopefully, our doctor's visits will normalize after his next checkup at 7 weeks, though he will surely need to go back again for a 2 month check. I am pretty sure he will be on the charts at his next visit, and above the 2nd percentile, as well.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
How To Turn a Floor Into a Friend
Yesterday, we laid a laundry room floor for one of our customers. This is not something we have ever done before, and he was WELL aware of it. However, we did our research, chose a great product, and sent our proposal for the work we completed. He called to accept, and we set yesterday as the date to complete the work.
Not only did Paul and I arrive on the job site, but our kids came along too. You see, Howard just loves them, and they really enjoy spending time with him, as well. Paul and I worked to tear up the old vinyl floors (2 layers) which went very fast. We cleaned to floor, and then took a break for lunch. Howard spoiled the kids with cookies and ice cream after their sandwiches!
We went on to begin laying the new vinyl tile floor. Setting the first course was very quick, as the tiles literally peel and stick. Around the edges, we had cuts to make, but even that went well. It was getting late, and Howard offered to buy us all dinner. Mandy and Andrew went with him to Taco Bell to order our food, and we had a nice dinner with Howard.
After dinner, Paul and I grouted the tile, creating a BEAUTIFUL finish that you would never think was vinyl. It looks like a ceramic tile floor, except it will be much more durable. We replaced his washer and dryer, got everything all set for him, and got ourselves ready to go! Here he is, our client, and he has turned into a great friend, as well.
I really love the work we are doing. Building relationships with people you would otherwise never meet is a great way to do business, for sure.
Not only did Paul and I arrive on the job site, but our kids came along too. You see, Howard just loves them, and they really enjoy spending time with him, as well. Paul and I worked to tear up the old vinyl floors (2 layers) which went very fast. We cleaned to floor, and then took a break for lunch. Howard spoiled the kids with cookies and ice cream after their sandwiches!
We went on to begin laying the new vinyl tile floor. Setting the first course was very quick, as the tiles literally peel and stick. Around the edges, we had cuts to make, but even that went well. It was getting late, and Howard offered to buy us all dinner. Mandy and Andrew went with him to Taco Bell to order our food, and we had a nice dinner with Howard.
After dinner, Paul and I grouted the tile, creating a BEAUTIFUL finish that you would never think was vinyl. It looks like a ceramic tile floor, except it will be much more durable. We replaced his washer and dryer, got everything all set for him, and got ourselves ready to go! Here he is, our client, and he has turned into a great friend, as well.
I really love the work we are doing. Building relationships with people you would otherwise never meet is a great way to do business, for sure.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Happy Birthday, Andrew!
12 years ago today, my life changed forever. My baby Andrew was born, bringing never-ending love, joy, and happiness to our family. Since that day, our family has changed a lot. But one thing will never change. I will love this boy all the days of my life, and beyond. He will always be my baby, no matter how big he gets. And he will always be the one who made me a mother. Thanks, Andrew, and happy birthday! I love you more than you will ever know.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Goodbye
They were getting ready to leave, those two men of mine. Andrew was in the car while Paul completed a few last minute tasks before their weekend away. Mandy took this time to speak to her brother. It was all very secretive.
As they pulled out of the driveway, we watched and waved our goodbyes. Then, Mandy turned to me to tell me what she said to her brother before they left. "I told him that it wouldn't be the same without my best friend," she said. My heart melted a bit as my girl revealed her feelings for her older brother.
Then, I smiled as she told me his reply. "But I'm your brother. How can I be your best friend?"
"Andrew! You may be my brother, but you're also my friend!"
Sweet, this little relationship they have. I hope it lasts forever.
As they pulled out of the driveway, we watched and waved our goodbyes. Then, Mandy turned to me to tell me what she said to her brother before they left. "I told him that it wouldn't be the same without my best friend," she said. My heart melted a bit as my girl revealed her feelings for her older brother.
Then, I smiled as she told me his reply. "But I'm your brother. How can I be your best friend?"
"Andrew! You may be my brother, but you're also my friend!"
Sweet, this little relationship they have. I hope it lasts forever.
Special Moments
They're gone for the weekend, father and son. And so I am left with my two younger children, to play and have fun. We all need this special bonding time, I think. Not that we are not bonded with our children, but it is different to have one parent to yourself - or almost to yourself. You can do things you normally wouldn't with everyone around. Possibilities open just a little wider.
The boys have their weekend planned out for them, but we are free to do what we please. While the possibilities may be endless, we will end up being mostly practical with our time, I think. Already, cleaning is being done, a special breakfast has been eaten, and the day begins in a nice little harmony. We are all at peace, even though we miss each other.
Life is good.
The boys have their weekend planned out for them, but we are free to do what we please. While the possibilities may be endless, we will end up being mostly practical with our time, I think. Already, cleaning is being done, a special breakfast has been eaten, and the day begins in a nice little harmony. We are all at peace, even though we miss each other.
Life is good.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Never Ending Battle Against Clutter and Dirt
I clearly did not inherit the cleanliness gene. How many generations does that skip? Because I did not inherit this, I have to train myself to follow certain routines in order to create and maintain a reasonably clean house. The only problem is that I am too impatient for a slow but steady approach. And then, on the flip side, I am too overwhelmed by the "clean it all today, and then keep it that way forever" approach, as well. So I end up cleaning it all today, then letting it sit for a while until I can't stand it anymore. Not a great way to approach house cleaning.
I am sure my issue is shared by many. How can we, then, conquer this problem? I have already tried Flylady.net multiple times. I am frustrated by her "shine your sink for a week straight before we add in anything else" approach. Not fast enough results for me. Maybe I should just focus on one room for a week. Get it clean, and keep it clean every day. The next week, I'll add another room. And so on. I think I will begin with the kitchen, as this is the most essential to keep clean. Then, I'll add in the living room.
So today it begins. I will keep my kitchen very clean and neat every day this week. I will begin by decluttering my counters, which definitely gather much clutter in our home. Keeping the dishes out of the sink will be another challenge. The rest is not so bad. I do have a large kitchen, so this will be a chore for me. I'll try to add some before and after pictures so you can see my progress. With a bit of dedication, I will have this room clean and ready for company every day of the week. The rest of the house...??
I am sure my issue is shared by many. How can we, then, conquer this problem? I have already tried Flylady.net multiple times. I am frustrated by her "shine your sink for a week straight before we add in anything else" approach. Not fast enough results for me. Maybe I should just focus on one room for a week. Get it clean, and keep it clean every day. The next week, I'll add another room. And so on. I think I will begin with the kitchen, as this is the most essential to keep clean. Then, I'll add in the living room.
So today it begins. I will keep my kitchen very clean and neat every day this week. I will begin by decluttering my counters, which definitely gather much clutter in our home. Keeping the dishes out of the sink will be another challenge. The rest is not so bad. I do have a large kitchen, so this will be a chore for me. I'll try to add some before and after pictures so you can see my progress. With a bit of dedication, I will have this room clean and ready for company every day of the week. The rest of the house...??
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Pile
5 baskets, filled to the top. Washed, dried, folded, and put away. I thought it was over, but I was wrong. Where there is one, there are surely many more. It can not be left alone, for it only seems to multiply. I know I am not alone in my never-ending quest for peace from this daily task, yet there are none who willingly battle alongside me. The fight, for now, is mine alone. I will survive and conquer. It just might take me some time. Today, the battle is won, but the war is far from over.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Ride
"I'll mow the lawn," I used to say with pure excitement. Anything for a chance to drive that big, red tractor. I knew I would be riding and driving for about an hour. It was a chance to experience driving before I was ever allowed to drive behind the wheel of a car, something I used to practice by steering the tire iron from the backseat.
On a recent trip back home, he got to experience the thrill, as well. On our last full day, Grandpa got the tractor running. He climbed up into the seat, that look of pure excitement plastered across his face. After a few minutes of instruction, he was set free. You could see the joy in his face. There is nothing like a boy (or girl) and his tractor.
On a recent trip back home, he got to experience the thrill, as well. On our last full day, Grandpa got the tractor running. He climbed up into the seat, that look of pure excitement plastered across his face. After a few minutes of instruction, he was set free. You could see the joy in his face. There is nothing like a boy (or girl) and his tractor.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Welcome, Baby Anna!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hanging On
With temperatures still in the 90's here, summer is fighting to keep its grasp on our area. Fall is going to have to duke it out with Summer sometime in the very near future. I can't wait to move back to an area where summer is the weaker season, and fall comes out on top.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How's It Going?
Things, as always, remain hectic in our household. Mandy and Andrew are doing awesome in their school work, having some easier days, and some harder ones as well. Mandy is zipping through her math, as she is currently repeating 2nd grade math only. She will be in 3rd before we know it. She is such a smart, attentive little girl. Andrew is learning to take responsibility for his learning, as he does most of his work on his own. I check up on him, and discuss what he has learned on a daily basis. We are really loving Calvert.
Illness seems to be spreading in this house, as well. First, Jeff was sick for a couple of days. He actually refused to walk, which had us concerned, but is now back to normal. Mandy then came down with a fever, reaching up to 104 at one point. She is all better now. I actually had a low grade fever yesterday, but seem to be on the mend.
My most pressing concern is, as it has been for some time, the health of my dad. He really needs a lot of prayers. Currently, we are praying that he is accepted onto a transplant list, which will be his best chance. I know I should not pray for something specific like this, so I pray that God's will be done, and that He gives us all the strength to handle his decision. Each life on this Earth has a purpose, guided by the hand of God. I am not ready to say goodbye to Daddy, so I hope and pray each day for a positive outcome. It really does not seem fair that he has his condition, and to see him struggle chokes me up. It is so hard being so far away at this time. I wish I was there to lend a hand every day.
That is what's up here for now. I look forward to updating with better news in the very near future. Please add our family to your prayer chains. Miracles do happen.
Illness seems to be spreading in this house, as well. First, Jeff was sick for a couple of days. He actually refused to walk, which had us concerned, but is now back to normal. Mandy then came down with a fever, reaching up to 104 at one point. She is all better now. I actually had a low grade fever yesterday, but seem to be on the mend.
My most pressing concern is, as it has been for some time, the health of my dad. He really needs a lot of prayers. Currently, we are praying that he is accepted onto a transplant list, which will be his best chance. I know I should not pray for something specific like this, so I pray that God's will be done, and that He gives us all the strength to handle his decision. Each life on this Earth has a purpose, guided by the hand of God. I am not ready to say goodbye to Daddy, so I hope and pray each day for a positive outcome. It really does not seem fair that he has his condition, and to see him struggle chokes me up. It is so hard being so far away at this time. I wish I was there to lend a hand every day.
That is what's up here for now. I look forward to updating with better news in the very near future. Please add our family to your prayer chains. Miracles do happen.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)