Life on our corner

I don't have much to blog about today, but Jordan's grandpa just got a computer for his hospital stay I know that he will check up on me to see what I have been writing about so I feel I have to write about something! Many people told me that I would like the fact that the kids are close in age and this last month Jonah and Audrey have really played together well.  It is really fun to stand out of sight and listen in on their make believe.  I am really enjoying this stage with both of them. Jonah has decided that he likes he big tonsils and does not want to get them "fixed." (The phrase we have chosen over "removed.")  He has asked about the process, does not want them to use knives.  He does not want to go without his daddy.  He does not want to wear a space mask.  They gave him  a little book about the procedure and that is where he has gotten most of his ideas.  I put the book away for a few days. Audrey could not be more into her dolls....

After almost a year of asking questions and waiting, asking and waiting we have a plan for Jonah's speech delay. I took him to his new pediatrician on Tuesday to explain our concerns (muddled tongue, wet speech, stutter, snoring, excess saliva) and he referred us to both an allergist and an ENT. By God grace we got in to both today! We went this morning to the allergist who did a scratch test on his arm for 40 different food and environmental allergens. Jonah was not allergic to anything! (He was a total wimp for the test though which was virtually painless compared to what they could have done!) This afternoon we went to the ENT to confirmed what I thought but had been told was fine. His tonsils and presumably adenoids are HUGE! The dr said that he is trying to talk with the equivalent of 3 large grapes in the back of his mouth making it hard for him to swallow, breath and speak. We could wait to see if he grows into them, but we agree with the doctors that it is not worth it si...

Clifford the Big Red Dog was at the library the other day. Dan Wardell, the host of our public television station was there too and read books to the kids about Clifford. At the end of the story time all the kids got a chance to meet Clifford. We got in line with the rest of the herd but were to in the back half. It was Dan Wardell's job to walk up and down the line to do a little PR making the wait go more quickly for the kids and to maintain a little order. Mr. Wardell was talking to the kids a few families in front of us and when Audrey interrupted, "Dan Wardell! Those kids aren't taking turns!" Dan Wardell smiled and said that they were and she would get her turn soon. "I can see that you are a rule follower." He looked at me and then told her "That's good because the middle child has to make sure things are in order." I agreed and said that we really think that she has a great career ahead of her in law enforcement. Dan Wardell talked to h...

For a while now I have said I should write down the crazy things people say to me when I am out with the kids.  I hope to come back and laugh at this someday, but I am constantly annoyed at the stupid things people say to me.  I don't remember the comments being that bad when it was just Jonah and Audrey, but since we added Reuben it has become clear that we crossed a line in this world of "two kids and no more."  It was first conveyed to me that I was crossing the line when I was pregnant with Reuben.  I was sitting at the doctor's office talking with a lady in her 50s.  When she realized I was pregnant and already had two she said.  "I am going to tell you what I told my daughter.  You need a television in the bedroom."  I did not have a snappy come back but found her comment inappropriate. "Wow! You have your hands full!"  I should count how many times that I hear that phrase alone.  If people are trying to be polite the...

BROWNIE LAYER 1 C flour 1 C sugar 1/2 C butter (soft) 4 Eggs 1 1/2 C (16 oz can) Hershey's syrup MINT CREAM LAYER 2 C confectioners sugar 1/2 C butter (soft) 1 Tbs water 1/2 tsp mint extract 3 drops green food coloring (opt. and you can change the color for the event!) CHOCOLATE TOPPING 6 Tbs butter 1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips Heat over to 350 and grease a 9x13 inch pan.  In a large mixing bowl beat flour, sugar, butter, egg and syrup until smooth.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 25 to 30 minutes.  Cool completely.  In a small bowl, combine ingredients for mint cream layer and beat until smooth.  Spread on cooled brownie and chill.  Melt butter and chocolate chips and mix until smooth.  Pour over mint layer; cover and chill.

I took Reuben to Wolfe Eye Clinic today to have his right eye checked out. It does not always track with the left one and his ped thought we should have it looked at.  The eye Dr.s exact words: "I have good news for you!" He is just slightly far sided. He has a slight astigmatism and his right eye is a little slow. We do not need to do anything about any of this yet. The Dr. thinks that there is still time for all of these issues to correct themselves and doesn't want to see Reuben again for another year!  Hooray!