LEGO'S

If you have been following this blog then you know that during the summer there was a "no screen day" in which the toys came out and the TV, computer and Playstation was put away. This included the Lego's. Since that day the Lego's are played with everyday by all the kids in the house, big and little. Especially Molly, Jack and Tim who spend hours alone and together making houses, buildings, vehicles...etc. Most days it is impossible to pass through the living room because of the Lego's all over the floor. Lately Chris has taught them to make the buildings structurally sound. So this means that after something is complete it is dropped from 6 feet or more to see if it stays together. For the most part it does and the projects must be saved, of course. I'm not sure how long they have to be saved - probably forever. But I think they go nice with my living room decor, don't you?

Why Mom Has Gray Hair:

Here is Jack with a black eye.
When you ask Jack, "What happened to your eye?!?" the reply is, "I don't know". SO like a good mom, you ask again, "What happened to your eye?!!!", the reply then becomes, "It happened while I was sleeping".
This is when you realize you need to bring in the other twin, Timothy, for a more intensive interrogation. Now you ask the boys together, "What happened to Jack's eye?" This time the reply is, "hmmm, uhhh, duh, we don't know". So, again, like a good mother you threaten them within an inch of their little lives to tell you what happened that caused this black eye, OR you are sure child protectives is going to come and take them away from you for being such a neglectful mother.... They hear, "Blah, blah, blah, blah.....". But the truth (or at least some version of it) comes forth:
While laying on the couch in the family room and fooling around, Timothy took hold of Jack's wrist and while Jack made a fist, Timothy hit Jack's eye with Jack's own hand. Now, if you didn't follow this story then it is clear that you don't have 8 year old twin boys at your house!
I do not condone, play fighting... especially when it results in black and blue marks. The punishment is usually a reminder to "knock it off". As there are no tears and it's a pretty even match. HOWEVER, when you do not tell mom what really happened without mom having to yell, "Blah, blah, blah... " then you lose all screen time for a day. YES that's right folks, gasp! no TV, no computer, no playstation, no Wii, etc. After many tears for such a tough punishment, Jack and Tim have found that playing legos, starwars guys, basketball, baseball, swimming, etc... isn't so bad. I on the other hand, will look at this bruise for the rest of the week until it begins to fade and try not to laugh or cry - this mommy business is really tough!

SUMMER CRAFTING

FIRST STEP: Get your supplies ready.




SECOND STEP: Draw the designs.






STEP THREE: Spray with rubbing alcohol...and enjoy the results!



DON'T FORGET TO INVITE FRIENDS TO
JOIN YOU IN ALL THE FUN!

WASH AND PUT THE PILLOW CASE ON YOUR BED!

A few days ago I went to a workshop at the Ooey Gooey Playschool in Greece. One of the science projects was about solubility, color mixing and the movement of molecules. It was great to watch and even better to try with my own kids. Molly, Jack, Tim and Molly's friend Madison took white pillowcases and stretched them over canisters with rubberbands. They colored on designs with permanent markers (but not black ones) and then sprayed on rubbing alcohol. When the kids were done, I washed the pillowcases.

HOWEVER, this project is best done outside so you have EXCELLENT ventilation!!!

Anaphylaxis

Robert has had food allergies his entire life. He has a life threatening milk allergy that causes his mouth to itch, his throat to swell and his body is covered in hives. This past year has been difficult for Robert because of a number of reactions to foods that normally are safe or for reasons we cannot determine.

While on a run with his cross country team the other night, Rob began to feel sick to his stomach and his palms started to itch. He decided to run home where his nearest medications were. The medications he carries with him were at the school where the team began their 7 mile run. He came into the door looking like his usual handsome self but the minute he sat down his body began sprouting enormous welt like hives. His right eye was so swollen it was nearly shut. His whole body was very itchy especially his scalp which when he scratched it he said it then felt like it was on fire. With this reaction he didn't have difficulty breathing (which is usually a first symptom). We, of course, gave him 4 teaspoons of benedryl and his inhaler when he first arrived. The Epi pen was ready...and I called 911 because while his breathing was fine and he said his throat was not closing, I knew that this reaction was pretty bad - just by the look of him. However, Robert hadn't eaten for 2 hours! We were perplexed as to why he was having an allergic reaction. The ambulance arrived along with advanced life support and they began to monitor him. His blood pressure was dropping so they gave him Epinephrine. They transported him to the local Hospital where everyone knows Robert because he is a "frequent flyer" due to his reactions.

Robert is such a responsible kid (although at 16 he's not really a kid anymore). He has carried his medications with him in a fanny pack since he was 5. Before that they hung on a hook in his preschool room. Over the years the meds went from a fanny pack to a pencil pack to now a sports bag. He carries quite a lot of medicine: 2 Epi pens, a bottle of benedryl and a measuring spoon, his inhaler, and hydrocortosone cream. He also carries a cell-phone. Robbie has been wearing a medic alert bracelet since he was a toddler. Yesterday we went shopping at a running store for a bag that was big enough, yet would fit his skinny body, that he could wear while running. We found one and he ran with it last night although it "bounces" and he thinks it won't work for his "hill work outs". While trying to sleep last night I've been thinking about sewing specially made pockets into his shorts... but then again, how does he sit down after his run...oh well, we will figure it out. Rob takes in stride all the responsibility of this life threatening food allergy. I fret.

His friends are the best. They support him in ways that really matter. "Hey man, want me to run home with you" from his friend Jared at the run. His friend Connor turning 16 next week and really wants to have all Rob safe food at his birthday party!

I am so proud of the boy Robbie has been who for 16 years dealt with all the allergy testing and doctors appointments. Asked us countless times, "did you read the gredients". The meetings with school personnel and the restaurant staff.

He has been such a great self-advocate. I am so proud of the young man Rob has become that takes this responsibility in stride and doesn't let it stop him from all that he wants to do!

The Beach

84 degrees and sunny. The only day of the summer so far to take a trip to Kershaw Beach. We had a blast. Robert chose to sleep in and hang out with a friend at home. Jack, Tim, Molly and Mom packed a lunch, some buckets and off we went to play in the sand in swim in the Lake. It was a great time!

Middle School Bedroom Redo

Before:After:

For Molly's 11th Birthday she REALLY wanted her room redone in a more teenage style. (Okay when did 11 become a teenager???). Anyway... she wanted a daybed. We went shopping at many furniture stores and found out that the nice daybeds are any where from $500 to $1,000 . NOT. So her wonderful father was easily convinced that he could make one for her instead for MUCH less. He did and it came out absolutely beautiful. It is hard to see from the picture the gorgeous detail of the bead board and how sturdy it is. The chair is from a garage sale (thanks Heather.) and since the squirrels were digging it way too much on the front porch we added a terrific pillow and put it in Molly's room. The quilt Molly picked out from Target and we matched the wall paint to the quilt. The wall paint is called "Mint Whisper". It is such a great color! Molly also painted the three paintings above her daybed. I have one more set of curtains for the small window that aren't quite finished...but she now has a desk in her room and since we put the full size bed in Jack and Tim's room she has much more space to hang out. When Molly goes to college I decided I like her room and will be sleeping in there on the nights daddy snores.

TWINS?

Are they even related? The identical twins Jack and Timothy look so different these days. We think it is just the different hairstyles... although the different personalities certainly play into it too. Jack opts for the long hair that mom and dad really want kept out of his eyes please. Tim goes for the easy short cut that shows off his trademark cowlick. Either way, they are as handsome as ever!