First of all, I understand that my title sounds more like a 3rd grader's essay rather an almost 30 year old's blog post but deal with it. Second of all, please be advised that while some may say I have a way with words, sometimes matters of the heart are hard for me to express perfectly.
Let me begin by saying that my grandpa was an exceptional human being who taught me a lot. I'm going to start with saying that for the first time in my life I will admit I am spoiled. Now my siblings may have argued that I was spoiled forever since I'm the "baby" of the family but no that's not why I'm saying I was spoiled. I was spoiled by having Richard Borman as my grandpa. I am also spoiled because I was privileged enough to have met and spent time with all my grandparents and even some great-grandparents. But I digress...many people are reflecting on memories of him and so let me also, but not just memories but also feelings and life lessons that I've learned.
Looking back on my life so far, I would say prior to being a parent the happiest times of my life have been spent in Chippewa Falls ("ChipWa Falls") at my grandparents house. My parents got divorced when I was only 4 and so that in itself brought on a lot of challenges growing up; however, every summer from even before their divorce to up through high school, I would spend at least a week at my grandparents house sans parents. I don't know what it is about their house--probably the people in it, that make that place feel more home than home does. The amount of time I spent in Chippewa never seemed long enough. Even now, it is never long enough!
While growing up it was the little things that my grandpa would do that really made the difference there. He would take us to the park, swing with us, go for walks and can hunting with us. My grandparents let us play hide and seek all over their house and I only remember my grandpa yelling at us when we hid in their room. When we would visit, there was never a quiet moment but I don't recall him getting frustrated that his house was turned upside down or him ever seeming like we were an inconvenience. My grandparents allowed us to have sleepovers on their living room floor and stay up all hours of the night watching horror movies! Time at my grandparents house was special and always felt important--it was never dull or boring, partly because of cousins in the area but also because my grandparents made it special for us. My grandpa would buy cheese and make sure it was on hand for me---those that know me understand the importance of this little task. The first thing I would do, would be run in the house and ask Grandpa if he could get me some cheese, and by golly he would get right up and go get me some. Every morning Grandpa would bake up some donuts and have them on the kitchen table before anyone would get up. Okay I know what you're thinking, come on Veronica, you honestly don't think your Grandpa baked all those donuts, but let me tell you, for a time, I did! I thought he was magic---or a Superhero. I may have one point in time been what some may call gullible. Then after those delicious donuts, Grandpa would line up his assorted vitamins--like 20 or so and take them all in his hand and pop them in his mouth and swallow them in one fell swoop! To me, this was magic--or a Superhero. I can swallow pills but only 1 at a time and I would sit there AMAZED every time. He would just tell me, I put them in and they line themselves up and go down, 1 by 1. Grandpa taught me my "colors" and let me tell you I was pretty sure I knew what blue, pink, purple, orange and black were but after discussions with him, I may have felt a bit shaky on those basic skills. I try this test with my kids, but they aren't as much fun to do it with! :)
Grandpa's jokes were the best and while my favorite was probably the Sven and Oly "yump, frog, yump" joke. I also preferred the dam man who went to the dam to get some dam water but when he got to the dam the dam man told him he couldn't get any dam water because he forgot his dam bucket. Now I'm not entirely sure the whole joke but that is the jist of it! My husband, who never had the opportunity to meet his own grandpas, said Grandpa was his grandpa too and his favorite joke or rather first experience with him involved Grandpa telling him he was pregnant. This is how I envision that conversation going. Grandpa: "I'm pregnant, you know?" Chris: "oh yeah?" Grandpa: "Yep, and I know what I'm having." Chris: "Oh what?" Grandpa: "an elephant, 'cause I've seen it's trunk..." And that is how Chris Van Horn got initiated into the Borman family! :)
As I grew up, my relationship with grandpa changed or rather grew, I remember when I was in college, we sat at the kitchen table and talked politics for the first time. Lucky for me, I agree with him on that ground--but it was the first time that I felt like okay, maybe I'm not a kid anymore. I felt honored that he wanted to know my opinions on topics and that we would discuss them. He never once made me feel stupid or that what I was saying was unimportant.
Perhaps the most important thing I witnessed from my grandpa was his love. Love for his wife--my grandma or as I prefer to call her Nana. Love for his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. My grandparents love for each other was/is amazing. They were married for nearly 61 years and I tell you, they loved each other probably just as much if not more than they did on their wedding day! My grandparents were the most beautiful couple I have ever seen. I'm not saying that they never had issues or that they never nit-picked but that was also what made their love real. Nana would do something that annoyed Grandpa or vice verse and then they'd "bicker" in their own way and then it'd be over! And he'd be back to doting on her. They were perfect for each other, they complemented each other perfectly. They had to, I mean after 8 children, if you don't fit perfectly together, I'm sure you'd have some issues. He provided for his family and my grandparents raised some TERRIFIC children. He'd have to be some kind of superhero in order to make it through raising those kids with any semblance of sanity left. (Don't worry, I think my Nana is a superhero too!)
My grandpa's outlook on life was phenomenal. No matter his condition he was always terrific. Seriously, even that last time I saw him, all he ever said was that he felt fine just that his legs were so weak. I mean, I'm historically a glass half full type of gal, but given his circumstances I don't know if I'd be saying everything is terrific; but again that's what makes him special. He may have been one of the most stubborn people I know---but he proved many a doctor wrong with his said stubbornness. Because of his ability to prove doctors wrong, I felt as though he was invincible---or a Superhero. My dad told me that my grandpa had said he planned on living til he was 100 since that was when his pension ran out, and if anyone was able to do that, I would have put money on my Grandpa. I never in a million years would have guessed that cancer would be his kryptonite. This is a man who suffered heart attacks and went through heart surgery and several other ailing health problems and seemed to bounce back. I was in denial I guess that this would do him in, as my cousin Kaci and I discussed in July, we were pretty used to the "crying wolf" with Grandpa--I was hoping that this was just another thing that he would bounce back from. Even when facing death, he said "well I've never done this before, and I'm always up for an adventure."
As I bring this post to a close, I have in no way summed up all what Grandpa meant to me and while I will miss my grandpa more than words could ever express, I am blessed to have been able to spend as much time with him as I did. As my uncle Joe has said, there is a little bit of Grandpa in all of us. While physically he is no longer with us, a little bit of him will go with us wherever we go. Everytime I hear someone say terrific, I will think of Grandpa. My dad's "voice" that can bring me to tears in .02 seconds reminds me of Grandpa's "mean voice" as my sister so aptly named it. I will definitely be telling people his jokes and Chris has already told people the pregnant with an elephant bit! Did I honestly think my grandpa would live forever, no...but I was hopeful! :) Do I believe he was a superhero? No, he was better than a Superhero because he was REAL. He was a REAL man who led a full life and left an amazing legacy which included: 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren (to date). And I was privileged enough to call him Grandpa.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sticks and stones...
Hello all:
It has been awhile since my last post, it's not because I have a lack of material to blab about but more because I have lack of time. Now don't get me wrong, I have plenty of time to get things done, it's the sheer lack of motivation and of course I now have at a minimum 2 needy individuals requesting my attention almost every minute of the day. It is very hard to type when holding a newborn and hard to concentrate with incessant questions and conversation from a 3year old. And that's only the part of the day when the 5 year old is at school and the 30 year old is at work. So alas I write now to you, because I have stolen away a peaceful minute when Ava (the now 7 week old) is content in her swing and Emma (the 3 year old) is hopefully not endangering herself or others.
This post is about being a mom. It's not a how-to it's more of a je ne sais quoi...of a realization about being a mom. When I was growing up, whenever I would throw a temper tantrum (or rather more of a pout fest is how I truly roll,) I would tell my mom that she was the meanest mom in the world. On numerous occassions, I would threaten to run away and even pack a backpack and walk out the back door. It wasn't until last week that I realized how cruel I was being to my mom. I was home with 3 children by myself attempting to get them to go to bed. Their room was a disaster and the living room/toy area was equally chaotic. I kind of lost it. I was like "I'm throwing away everything"...now mind you, this is truly an idle threat. I say it, and even sometimes get a trash bag but in reality their possessions would not get thrown away. However, I was sick of having to pick up clothes that had for the 3rd time that day been dumped out of the dresser and so I was at my breaking point. Lily (my overly dramatic yet sweet 5 year old) becomes hysterical. "I will have no clothes! You're so mean! I'm never coming back here, I'm going to live somewhere else and you'll never see me again!" Of course, had I mentioned it had been a long day. I say, calmly mind you "Okay Lily, you do that...I will miss you more than you know, but if that's what you want then okay." I then head into my room, pick up some dirty laundry and start to cry. She comes into the living room and throws herself into a chair sobbing about how she's such a terrible bad girl...which makes me upset because I have never said that ever to my children. In fact, it hurts me to hear her say things like that...and so I try and calm her down and explain that "Mommy is just tired of all the clothes...I don't wear Emma's clothes, or Lily's or Daddy's..." I say to her, so it does not seem fair that I continually need to be picking them up. The toys I tell her also are not mine and it doesn't seem right that I must pick them up. In fact I tell her, when I was young, I could not just leave me toys lying around like this and I never threw my clothes all over.
Okay, I've gotten off topic, however my point is that what she said hurt me deeply. Maybe she didn't mean it, I don't think she'd ever truly want to run away and live somewhere else, but none-the-less her words hurt me. I never saw my mom cry or heard her cry when I said almost those same exact words to her, but I bet I hurt her more than I realized at the time. Actually, if you had asked me back when I had said those words, I would never have thought they could have hurt my mom. They were just words, I didn't mean them...but yet here I was about 24 years later crying because my daughter had used the same words on me. There's that old saying "stick and stones, etc..." and it ends with "words may never hurt me." That is so NOT true! Words hurt probably more than sticks and stones. Perhaps words don't hurt physically but they definitely hurt emotionally. The physical wounds can heal but those emotional wounds most likely stay forever. They leave scars and if we're not careful those scars can be cut open again and again and again.
In our church bulletin last week there was a little ditty on the back that basically told you to think before you speak. The THINK actually was an acronym about what to think about before you speak...T was true, H helpful, I...(some word that starts with I) insightful maybe, N..nice (perhaps) and K for kind. I found this fascinating since just the previous night or two, I had the aforementioned experience with Lily. Now, I know that Lily did not mean those things and I will not hold those words against her but it made me realize how many times in my life have I said something to someone without thinking. How many times have I caused emotional scars that someone may have to live with forever?
I know that this blog has gotten a bit deep...and I'm not so much a serious person but I know that there have been times in my life that people have hurt me deeply (perhaps unintentionally) and I'm going to strive from here on out to think before I speak. We cannot change our past but we can affect our future. Also Mom, if you're reading this, I'm sorry!
Okay folks, if you're still reading this now, I hope that all is well with you and yours and until next time adieu.
It has been awhile since my last post, it's not because I have a lack of material to blab about but more because I have lack of time. Now don't get me wrong, I have plenty of time to get things done, it's the sheer lack of motivation and of course I now have at a minimum 2 needy individuals requesting my attention almost every minute of the day. It is very hard to type when holding a newborn and hard to concentrate with incessant questions and conversation from a 3year old. And that's only the part of the day when the 5 year old is at school and the 30 year old is at work. So alas I write now to you, because I have stolen away a peaceful minute when Ava (the now 7 week old) is content in her swing and Emma (the 3 year old) is hopefully not endangering herself or others.
This post is about being a mom. It's not a how-to it's more of a je ne sais quoi...of a realization about being a mom. When I was growing up, whenever I would throw a temper tantrum (or rather more of a pout fest is how I truly roll,) I would tell my mom that she was the meanest mom in the world. On numerous occassions, I would threaten to run away and even pack a backpack and walk out the back door. It wasn't until last week that I realized how cruel I was being to my mom. I was home with 3 children by myself attempting to get them to go to bed. Their room was a disaster and the living room/toy area was equally chaotic. I kind of lost it. I was like "I'm throwing away everything"...now mind you, this is truly an idle threat. I say it, and even sometimes get a trash bag but in reality their possessions would not get thrown away. However, I was sick of having to pick up clothes that had for the 3rd time that day been dumped out of the dresser and so I was at my breaking point. Lily (my overly dramatic yet sweet 5 year old) becomes hysterical. "I will have no clothes! You're so mean! I'm never coming back here, I'm going to live somewhere else and you'll never see me again!" Of course, had I mentioned it had been a long day. I say, calmly mind you "Okay Lily, you do that...I will miss you more than you know, but if that's what you want then okay." I then head into my room, pick up some dirty laundry and start to cry. She comes into the living room and throws herself into a chair sobbing about how she's such a terrible bad girl...which makes me upset because I have never said that ever to my children. In fact, it hurts me to hear her say things like that...and so I try and calm her down and explain that "Mommy is just tired of all the clothes...I don't wear Emma's clothes, or Lily's or Daddy's..." I say to her, so it does not seem fair that I continually need to be picking them up. The toys I tell her also are not mine and it doesn't seem right that I must pick them up. In fact I tell her, when I was young, I could not just leave me toys lying around like this and I never threw my clothes all over.
Okay, I've gotten off topic, however my point is that what she said hurt me deeply. Maybe she didn't mean it, I don't think she'd ever truly want to run away and live somewhere else, but none-the-less her words hurt me. I never saw my mom cry or heard her cry when I said almost those same exact words to her, but I bet I hurt her more than I realized at the time. Actually, if you had asked me back when I had said those words, I would never have thought they could have hurt my mom. They were just words, I didn't mean them...but yet here I was about 24 years later crying because my daughter had used the same words on me. There's that old saying "stick and stones, etc..." and it ends with "words may never hurt me." That is so NOT true! Words hurt probably more than sticks and stones. Perhaps words don't hurt physically but they definitely hurt emotionally. The physical wounds can heal but those emotional wounds most likely stay forever. They leave scars and if we're not careful those scars can be cut open again and again and again.
In our church bulletin last week there was a little ditty on the back that basically told you to think before you speak. The THINK actually was an acronym about what to think about before you speak...T was true, H helpful, I...(some word that starts with I) insightful maybe, N..nice (perhaps) and K for kind. I found this fascinating since just the previous night or two, I had the aforementioned experience with Lily. Now, I know that Lily did not mean those things and I will not hold those words against her but it made me realize how many times in my life have I said something to someone without thinking. How many times have I caused emotional scars that someone may have to live with forever?
I know that this blog has gotten a bit deep...and I'm not so much a serious person but I know that there have been times in my life that people have hurt me deeply (perhaps unintentionally) and I'm going to strive from here on out to think before I speak. We cannot change our past but we can affect our future. Also Mom, if you're reading this, I'm sorry!
Okay folks, if you're still reading this now, I hope that all is well with you and yours and until next time adieu.
Monday, October 3, 2011
A lesson on tact
Okay this lovely post is inspired by my trip home yesterday from Chippewa Falls to Columbus. First and foremost, I want to say that despite all I wanted to say to this individual, I held my tongue because I was taught how to be gracious and tactful.
Alright, so just a quick little important message to everyone in the entire world, no matter the size of a pregnant lady whether she looks like 15 mack trucks plus an entire military fleet of tanks, do not under any circumstances elude to her largeness. Let me let you in on a little secret, pregnant women know that they become large and their every growing bellys become like the state of Texas, this does not need to be pointed out.
Let's move onto my story, I had just entered onto interstate 39 outside of Rockford, when my darling Emma said she had to go potty. Now, of course we had just stopped about 45 minutes ago so I was a little on edge but she said she had to go poo poo, and I didn't want that stinking up my car. So I see a gas station at the first available exit and we take it. While my beautiful 2 year old is stinking up the place in her stall and I am holding the door for her, a rather rude inebriated woman comes into the bathroom. I do not make eye contact nor do I intend to engage her in conversation but she takes one look at me and says "wow, are you due?" To which I reply, "no I still have 8 weeks." Then the conversation goes "oh must be twins.." "nope..." and then "wow, it's going to be a huge baby." She then goes into her stall and fumbles for the toilet paper and lets out an expletive--despite having seen my young daughter Lily standing right next to me.
Now I'm just going to assume that she is not an OB/GYN but you know what they say when you assume....anyway, according to my doctor (who by the way is in fact an OB/GYN), I am measuring right on for my due date and the baby may be about mid-7's....which last time I checked, mid-7's does not a huge baby make. The simple fact is, I did not ask for her opinion on my belly. I was not complaining and looking as if I was extremely miserable and uncomfortable. I know that my belly is huge and I'm aware that some people just need to point out the obvious but here are appropriate responses to a large pregnant belly:
1. Wow, look at the beautiful belly!
2. You look gorgeous/great/fabulous
3. That baby bump looks great!
4. When are you due? (only use this if you know for SURE that the lady is pregnant!)
Or something along those lines, if you can't give a compliment don't say something negative or what you may think is funny especially to a complete stranger. I don't go up to random people in the store and say "wow, you look like your having octuplets that are about 5 months past due...." even if they look as if a baby is going to fall out of them at that very moment.
For the same reason we have tried to teach Lily that using the word fat to describe someone is not okay (we stress particularily that it may hurt the person's feelings, although it may be true), it is not okay to go and insult a pregnant lady. Granted both individuals the overweight (fat) one and the pregnant one may in fact elicit such a response, they are well aware of their current condition.
So next time you see a pregnant lady keep in mind she knows how big she looks, don't go asking if she's having twins and don't state that the baby is going to be huge. Because more than likely you have no idea how big the baby is going to be and unless you're the one pushing it out, it doesn't matter one bit to you!
Alright, so just a quick little important message to everyone in the entire world, no matter the size of a pregnant lady whether she looks like 15 mack trucks plus an entire military fleet of tanks, do not under any circumstances elude to her largeness. Let me let you in on a little secret, pregnant women know that they become large and their every growing bellys become like the state of Texas, this does not need to be pointed out.
Let's move onto my story, I had just entered onto interstate 39 outside of Rockford, when my darling Emma said she had to go potty. Now, of course we had just stopped about 45 minutes ago so I was a little on edge but she said she had to go poo poo, and I didn't want that stinking up my car. So I see a gas station at the first available exit and we take it. While my beautiful 2 year old is stinking up the place in her stall and I am holding the door for her, a rather rude inebriated woman comes into the bathroom. I do not make eye contact nor do I intend to engage her in conversation but she takes one look at me and says "wow, are you due?" To which I reply, "no I still have 8 weeks." Then the conversation goes "oh must be twins.." "nope..." and then "wow, it's going to be a huge baby." She then goes into her stall and fumbles for the toilet paper and lets out an expletive--despite having seen my young daughter Lily standing right next to me.
Now I'm just going to assume that she is not an OB/GYN but you know what they say when you assume....anyway, according to my doctor (who by the way is in fact an OB/GYN), I am measuring right on for my due date and the baby may be about mid-7's....which last time I checked, mid-7's does not a huge baby make. The simple fact is, I did not ask for her opinion on my belly. I was not complaining and looking as if I was extremely miserable and uncomfortable. I know that my belly is huge and I'm aware that some people just need to point out the obvious but here are appropriate responses to a large pregnant belly:
1. Wow, look at the beautiful belly!
2. You look gorgeous/great/fabulous
3. That baby bump looks great!
4. When are you due? (only use this if you know for SURE that the lady is pregnant!)
Or something along those lines, if you can't give a compliment don't say something negative or what you may think is funny especially to a complete stranger. I don't go up to random people in the store and say "wow, you look like your having octuplets that are about 5 months past due...." even if they look as if a baby is going to fall out of them at that very moment.
For the same reason we have tried to teach Lily that using the word fat to describe someone is not okay (we stress particularily that it may hurt the person's feelings, although it may be true), it is not okay to go and insult a pregnant lady. Granted both individuals the overweight (fat) one and the pregnant one may in fact elicit such a response, they are well aware of their current condition.
So next time you see a pregnant lady keep in mind she knows how big she looks, don't go asking if she's having twins and don't state that the baby is going to be huge. Because more than likely you have no idea how big the baby is going to be and unless you're the one pushing it out, it doesn't matter one bit to you!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
What's this? A new blog by Veronica??? Doth mine eyes deceive me??
Howdy:
Well, tons has happened since oh I don't February when I last blogged. You could say that I've been uber busy or something but really I have felt un-inspired to ramble about life. So let me begin by apologizing to my loyal readers, all 2 of you, out there. I know that your hearts have had a large hole in them since my last blog and I am terribly sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused you; however, I will not pay for your counseling that may be required nor will I pay for your hospital bills, as some may have suffered a mild heart attack upon seeing a new post from me. So in the words of Bo Ryan, "Deal with it." Moving on.
The month of March brought on a ton of events for me. My dog became paralyzed, apparently having some sort of spinal cord embolism thing. My mom had to go and have biopsy's done (more on this topic to come). My dad decided he didn't want to be left out of the health scene and gotsome rather large kidney stones and ended up in the hospital as well. However, with all the bad that happened in a mere 2 days, we found out that we are expecting our 3rd baby! So that brought our month of March to a rather happy end.
Let me just start this next part out with, cancer sucks! My mom's biopsy helped to diagnose her with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Yeah that's a mouthful. According to the research I've done, this is suppposed to be a non-aggressive, slow moving cancer that is extremely treatable. So that would seem like perhaps not too terribly awful to deal with, right? Well no, apparently my mom is one of those types of people that doesn't like to make things easy. Her body, more specifically her blood, has some sort of aggressive component in it that is causing her disease to progress in a more rapid nature. Talk about bad blood eh? Anyway, this has now prompted her doctor to begin chemo treatments starting on Tuesday actually---please keep her in your prayers and all of us (Marisa, John, and all her family) as we now begin a new venture in our lives.
Moving on, this 3rd pregnancy has been anything but uneventful. Okay let me explain, the pregnancy itself is going well, it's the doctor thing that is not. As some of you may know I am considered high-risk for my pregnancies---well okay I might not have to be high-risk; however, I guess if you have a blood clot in your brain after your first baby is born, a normal non-high risk OB does not want to deal with you. Anyway that being said, when I was pregnant with Emma, I got transferred to a high-risk doctor at OSU--yes you read correctly, my beautiful baby Emma unfortunately was born at evil, awful OSU. This doctor was phenomenal, he put me right at ease and made me feel as if everything was under control. The pregnancy went well, he actually delivered my daughter (unlike my first OB) and so life went on. I assumed (how silly of me) that this time around would go just as nicely if not better--because I was already established with my doctor. HA! Anyway, I'm being seen by a doctor--who is not my first choice and hopefully my other doctor will return before this baby is born. Here's to hoping, fingers crossed!
This past weekend we had Lily's second ballet recital. She was absolutely positively adorable--and no I'm not just saying that! There are videos up on facebook if you don't believe me. My dad and stepmom came down to see her in it...which is always a good time. We beat my dad and husband, not only once but twice! Yes it was a great Father's day present that I was so willing and able to give to them.
Well that about brings you up to speed on things. Roscoe (my paralyzed 80 lb dog) was only laid up for about month and has made an amazing recovery. I'm currently taking a break from school because well right now I don't have the time or money for a master's program and I think I have quite a few things on my plate to keep me busy right now. I hope that this blog has satisfied that aching need you all have been having. Until next time, adios!
Well, tons has happened since oh I don't February when I last blogged. You could say that I've been uber busy or something but really I have felt un-inspired to ramble about life. So let me begin by apologizing to my loyal readers, all 2 of you, out there. I know that your hearts have had a large hole in them since my last blog and I am terribly sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused you; however, I will not pay for your counseling that may be required nor will I pay for your hospital bills, as some may have suffered a mild heart attack upon seeing a new post from me. So in the words of Bo Ryan, "Deal with it." Moving on.
The month of March brought on a ton of events for me. My dog became paralyzed, apparently having some sort of spinal cord embolism thing. My mom had to go and have biopsy's done (more on this topic to come). My dad decided he didn't want to be left out of the health scene and gotsome rather large kidney stones and ended up in the hospital as well. However, with all the bad that happened in a mere 2 days, we found out that we are expecting our 3rd baby! So that brought our month of March to a rather happy end.
Let me just start this next part out with, cancer sucks! My mom's biopsy helped to diagnose her with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Yeah that's a mouthful. According to the research I've done, this is suppposed to be a non-aggressive, slow moving cancer that is extremely treatable. So that would seem like perhaps not too terribly awful to deal with, right? Well no, apparently my mom is one of those types of people that doesn't like to make things easy. Her body, more specifically her blood, has some sort of aggressive component in it that is causing her disease to progress in a more rapid nature. Talk about bad blood eh? Anyway, this has now prompted her doctor to begin chemo treatments starting on Tuesday actually---please keep her in your prayers and all of us (Marisa, John, and all her family) as we now begin a new venture in our lives.
Moving on, this 3rd pregnancy has been anything but uneventful. Okay let me explain, the pregnancy itself is going well, it's the doctor thing that is not. As some of you may know I am considered high-risk for my pregnancies---well okay I might not have to be high-risk; however, I guess if you have a blood clot in your brain after your first baby is born, a normal non-high risk OB does not want to deal with you. Anyway that being said, when I was pregnant with Emma, I got transferred to a high-risk doctor at OSU--yes you read correctly, my beautiful baby Emma unfortunately was born at evil, awful OSU. This doctor was phenomenal, he put me right at ease and made me feel as if everything was under control. The pregnancy went well, he actually delivered my daughter (unlike my first OB) and so life went on. I assumed (how silly of me) that this time around would go just as nicely if not better--because I was already established with my doctor. HA! Anyway, I'm being seen by a doctor--who is not my first choice and hopefully my other doctor will return before this baby is born. Here's to hoping, fingers crossed!
This past weekend we had Lily's second ballet recital. She was absolutely positively adorable--and no I'm not just saying that! There are videos up on facebook if you don't believe me. My dad and stepmom came down to see her in it...which is always a good time. We beat my dad and husband, not only once but twice! Yes it was a great Father's day present that I was so willing and able to give to them.
Well that about brings you up to speed on things. Roscoe (my paralyzed 80 lb dog) was only laid up for about month and has made an amazing recovery. I'm currently taking a break from school because well right now I don't have the time or money for a master's program and I think I have quite a few things on my plate to keep me busy right now. I hope that this blog has satisfied that aching need you all have been having. Until next time, adios!
Monday, February 7, 2011
We have won the Superbowl, no thanks to the United States Postal Service
Hello adoring fans:
I write today in sure bliss as my beloved Green Bay Packers have won the Super Bowl. However, the game would have been a bit better had the United States Postal Service been able to deliver my official Clay Matthews jersey prior to the big game. But alas, they tried to get me the jersey prior to kick-off, so I will give them an A for effort.
I guess my bigger problem is not with the USPS but with China---which by the way is from where the jersey was coming. And of course, when you think of NFL jerseys, China automatically crosses your mind. Not only is my problem the lack of communication (we had no idea how long it would take, the website said 5-10 days---it took 14) from said Chinese company that the husband ordered el cheapo jersey's from, but also the fact that my "women's" jersey is bedazzled and about the size of an American ladies small...which by the way is NOT the size I ordered! What upstanding Green Bay Packers fan, has a bedazzled jersey? I mean really....seriously, bedazzled--with fru fru sleeves! This was not what I had in mind and by the way, totally not what the picture showed me. It looks like I need to seriously drop some major poundage before kick-off next season, in order to get my money's worth out of this jersey. The sad fact is, I ordered a size that if an American company had made it, would have been too big on me! :( I am sorry China, I am not 4'10" and weigh 90 lbs. If you are going to be making jersey's for Americans then you best be understanding that we will go by the size chart you supply SO make your size chart reflect your product, thank you!
So maybe, just maybe I should be thanking the United States Postal Service because had I had this jersey yesterday, I would have been vastly disappointed...I still would have worn it--don't get me wrong, but disappointed! I am a true football fan and appreciate when jerseys have a certain type of authenticity....but what should I have expected from China---they do not understand the ways of American football or the fans! I will wear my bedazzled fru fru jersey with all the pride one can muster in that jersery, knowing that my boys brought the Lombardi trophy home!
Go Pack Go!
I write today in sure bliss as my beloved Green Bay Packers have won the Super Bowl. However, the game would have been a bit better had the United States Postal Service been able to deliver my official Clay Matthews jersey prior to the big game. But alas, they tried to get me the jersey prior to kick-off, so I will give them an A for effort.
I guess my bigger problem is not with the USPS but with China---which by the way is from where the jersey was coming. And of course, when you think of NFL jerseys, China automatically crosses your mind. Not only is my problem the lack of communication (we had no idea how long it would take, the website said 5-10 days---it took 14) from said Chinese company that the husband ordered el cheapo jersey's from, but also the fact that my "women's" jersey is bedazzled and about the size of an American ladies small...which by the way is NOT the size I ordered! What upstanding Green Bay Packers fan, has a bedazzled jersey? I mean really....seriously, bedazzled--with fru fru sleeves! This was not what I had in mind and by the way, totally not what the picture showed me. It looks like I need to seriously drop some major poundage before kick-off next season, in order to get my money's worth out of this jersey. The sad fact is, I ordered a size that if an American company had made it, would have been too big on me! :( I am sorry China, I am not 4'10" and weigh 90 lbs. If you are going to be making jersey's for Americans then you best be understanding that we will go by the size chart you supply SO make your size chart reflect your product, thank you!
So maybe, just maybe I should be thanking the United States Postal Service because had I had this jersey yesterday, I would have been vastly disappointed...I still would have worn it--don't get me wrong, but disappointed! I am a true football fan and appreciate when jerseys have a certain type of authenticity....but what should I have expected from China---they do not understand the ways of American football or the fans! I will wear my bedazzled fru fru jersey with all the pride one can muster in that jersery, knowing that my boys brought the Lombardi trophy home!
Go Pack Go!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2010: A year in Review
Well since this is my first blog of the new year, I figured I begin by highlighting the events of last year:
January 2010: This month began with me going back to college. I took Anatomy and Human Growth and Development through the Lifespan---both classes were great and I enjoyed the content of each. Of course, going to a community college may be a bit easier than attending a big name university such as UW-Madison, but it was overall a good experience. Also in January, Emma Elizabeth turned 1. We celebrated by having loved ones come and celebrate at our house in normal Van Horn party fashion!
February 2010: We took the girls to see Disney on Ice which was a big hit. The only thing Lily could not get over was that Sleeping Beauty was not present---all of the other princesses were there but not her!
March 2010: We took a family road trip adventure to Florida. We drove the entire way non-stop and made it to Daytona Beach where we stayed at a hotel for a night and enjoyed the beach for a couple of days. We then made our way to St. Augustine to see the Fort there. Chris was hoping the girls would be much more enthused about the old stone fort than they were. However, we got to experience some cannon firings which made the admission charge semi-worth it. After St. Augustine, we headed to Blue Springs State (National??) Park to camp. And by camp, I mean really set up camp, you know with a tent and grilling over an open fire type of thing. We found our campsite and began to set up camp, of course it then poured rain down on our lovely not-so cheap tent which apparently was not at all water-proof. The best part about Blue Springs was seeing the Manatees that come to winter there before heading out to sea. The water, I'm told, stays pretty warm all year round, so they come to nest there. The worst part about the whole camping experience was the soaked tent and blankets and bedding which did not dry out by night time. Also, forest rangers are pretty strict about what products can be burned. (on a side-note, husband's listen to your wives....because when they say, I don't think you should be burning that, they probably are right....just saying....) Since we froze that first night camping, we decided to pay Christopher's uncle Denny a visit and crash at his place for the remainder of our trip. We then spent only 1 day at Disney World---Magic Kingdom in particular. But we made the most out of it. We got there at like 10 am and stayed until 10 pm! Hey, if you knew the cost of admission you'd be staying all day too. The kids had a fun and the only thing Lily was upset about was not being able to get a picture with Sleeping Beauty....oh well there's always next time. The rest of the trip, we spent relaxing in a retirement community and enjoying the warmer climate.
April 2010: I took my second quarter worth of classes. Medical terminology(web-based) and Nurse Aid training were the courses of choice. I'd say both of these classes were laughable and made me want to poke my eyes out or bang my head against the wall every day of class. The only highlight of that darn nurse aid class was clinicals. We got to do some hands-on experience and take care of people in a nursing home oh I mean long-term care facility. The best part was interacting with them and hearing about their lives.
May-July 2010: Nothing seems to really stand out during these months. The children and I had some outings with the girls from work and their children. We had our annual Red, white and boom party which had some new people in attendance--but missed some of our regulars.
August 2010: Christopher and I celebrated our 6th year wedding anniversary. Yes, that is 6 years of marital bliss that we celebrated---and going strong.
September 2010: Found me contemplating my life goals again and readjusting my school schedule to better fit what I want to do with my life. I took a course called Marriage and Family Relations and thoroughly enjoyed it. This quest led me to think that I'd like to pursue a career in counseling and has me currently looking into Master's programs that offer such a degree.
October 2010: This month had the Van Horn clan making yet another road trip. This time to Texas for my brother John's wedding to Margo. Both of my beautiful daughters were flower girls (and did a fabulous job) and the husband was groomsman. We had a great time and the kids loved playing with their cousins! This month also saw my Badgers beat the #1 ranked Buckeyes, which I'd say was the highlight of college football season for me. Also in October, we celebrated Lillian Grace's 4th birthday in true princess fashion. We had a wonderful Princess Party in which we encouraged guests to dress as royalty. She loved it and I cannot believe she is 4!
November 2010: Nothing really stands out except the fact that the husband dropped his beloved iphone 4 in the toilet which caused us to fork out some more money so the genius could get a new one! I worked Thanksgiving but got done early so I could still enjoy some Turkey and mashed potatoes with family.
December 2010: This month was welcomed with my birthday, on the 1st, and the husband's on the 4th. We had a "party" at our house for my birthday where we played a game called BezzerWizzer---that I still cannot believe my team lost. Chris' birthday was celebrated at his parents house, where Marissa and I created a game of charades that was all about Christopher. We also went to "How Many Kings" concert, with Alli Rogers, DownHere and Mark Schultz. It was amazing! This month also was when the pediatrician could get Lily in for her 4 year check-up---and they made her pee in a cup!! At 4!! Seriously, that was an experience for me, let me tell you! At this appointment, she got her ears pierced as part of her Christmas present. Let's just say, I hope she is not severely traumatized. Also, this was the first time in 3 years, I have been able to go home for Christmas. We drove to Wisconsin and spent about 5 days visiting family and celebrating Christmas. It was a wonderful time. The end of the month had Lily getting her hair cut because I got my cut. Her hair is adorable---but we have lost her curls in the back! New Year's Eve we celebrated at a hotel room where I let Lily's friend Kate come and stay with us. We had a good time and giggling girls are fun!
January 2011: This year could definitely started out better---my Badgers could have won the rose bowl, but alas they fell short. However, on an up note, the Packers made the playoffs--so here's hoping for the best! This coming weekend, we are having a Dora themed party for Emma's birthday which is actually the 10th. Life is good for us in Ohio and I hope that is wonderful for all of you as well!
January 2010: This month began with me going back to college. I took Anatomy and Human Growth and Development through the Lifespan---both classes were great and I enjoyed the content of each. Of course, going to a community college may be a bit easier than attending a big name university such as UW-Madison, but it was overall a good experience. Also in January, Emma Elizabeth turned 1. We celebrated by having loved ones come and celebrate at our house in normal Van Horn party fashion!
February 2010: We took the girls to see Disney on Ice which was a big hit. The only thing Lily could not get over was that Sleeping Beauty was not present---all of the other princesses were there but not her!
March 2010: We took a family road trip adventure to Florida. We drove the entire way non-stop and made it to Daytona Beach where we stayed at a hotel for a night and enjoyed the beach for a couple of days. We then made our way to St. Augustine to see the Fort there. Chris was hoping the girls would be much more enthused about the old stone fort than they were. However, we got to experience some cannon firings which made the admission charge semi-worth it. After St. Augustine, we headed to Blue Springs State (National??) Park to camp. And by camp, I mean really set up camp, you know with a tent and grilling over an open fire type of thing. We found our campsite and began to set up camp, of course it then poured rain down on our lovely not-so cheap tent which apparently was not at all water-proof. The best part about Blue Springs was seeing the Manatees that come to winter there before heading out to sea. The water, I'm told, stays pretty warm all year round, so they come to nest there. The worst part about the whole camping experience was the soaked tent and blankets and bedding which did not dry out by night time. Also, forest rangers are pretty strict about what products can be burned. (on a side-note, husband's listen to your wives....because when they say, I don't think you should be burning that, they probably are right....just saying....) Since we froze that first night camping, we decided to pay Christopher's uncle Denny a visit and crash at his place for the remainder of our trip. We then spent only 1 day at Disney World---Magic Kingdom in particular. But we made the most out of it. We got there at like 10 am and stayed until 10 pm! Hey, if you knew the cost of admission you'd be staying all day too. The kids had a fun and the only thing Lily was upset about was not being able to get a picture with Sleeping Beauty....oh well there's always next time. The rest of the trip, we spent relaxing in a retirement community and enjoying the warmer climate.
April 2010: I took my second quarter worth of classes. Medical terminology(web-based) and Nurse Aid training were the courses of choice. I'd say both of these classes were laughable and made me want to poke my eyes out or bang my head against the wall every day of class. The only highlight of that darn nurse aid class was clinicals. We got to do some hands-on experience and take care of people in a nursing home oh I mean long-term care facility. The best part was interacting with them and hearing about their lives.
May-July 2010: Nothing seems to really stand out during these months. The children and I had some outings with the girls from work and their children. We had our annual Red, white and boom party which had some new people in attendance--but missed some of our regulars.
August 2010: Christopher and I celebrated our 6th year wedding anniversary. Yes, that is 6 years of marital bliss that we celebrated---and going strong.
September 2010: Found me contemplating my life goals again and readjusting my school schedule to better fit what I want to do with my life. I took a course called Marriage and Family Relations and thoroughly enjoyed it. This quest led me to think that I'd like to pursue a career in counseling and has me currently looking into Master's programs that offer such a degree.
October 2010: This month had the Van Horn clan making yet another road trip. This time to Texas for my brother John's wedding to Margo. Both of my beautiful daughters were flower girls (and did a fabulous job) and the husband was groomsman. We had a great time and the kids loved playing with their cousins! This month also saw my Badgers beat the #1 ranked Buckeyes, which I'd say was the highlight of college football season for me. Also in October, we celebrated Lillian Grace's 4th birthday in true princess fashion. We had a wonderful Princess Party in which we encouraged guests to dress as royalty. She loved it and I cannot believe she is 4!
November 2010: Nothing really stands out except the fact that the husband dropped his beloved iphone 4 in the toilet which caused us to fork out some more money so the genius could get a new one! I worked Thanksgiving but got done early so I could still enjoy some Turkey and mashed potatoes with family.
December 2010: This month was welcomed with my birthday, on the 1st, and the husband's on the 4th. We had a "party" at our house for my birthday where we played a game called BezzerWizzer---that I still cannot believe my team lost. Chris' birthday was celebrated at his parents house, where Marissa and I created a game of charades that was all about Christopher. We also went to "How Many Kings" concert, with Alli Rogers, DownHere and Mark Schultz. It was amazing! This month also was when the pediatrician could get Lily in for her 4 year check-up---and they made her pee in a cup!! At 4!! Seriously, that was an experience for me, let me tell you! At this appointment, she got her ears pierced as part of her Christmas present. Let's just say, I hope she is not severely traumatized. Also, this was the first time in 3 years, I have been able to go home for Christmas. We drove to Wisconsin and spent about 5 days visiting family and celebrating Christmas. It was a wonderful time. The end of the month had Lily getting her hair cut because I got my cut. Her hair is adorable---but we have lost her curls in the back! New Year's Eve we celebrated at a hotel room where I let Lily's friend Kate come and stay with us. We had a good time and giggling girls are fun!
January 2011: This year could definitely started out better---my Badgers could have won the rose bowl, but alas they fell short. However, on an up note, the Packers made the playoffs--so here's hoping for the best! This coming weekend, we are having a Dora themed party for Emma's birthday which is actually the 10th. Life is good for us in Ohio and I hope that is wonderful for all of you as well!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Turn around, turn around, turn around and she's a young girl walking out of the door
Good evening loyal followers:
I write tonight in shock. My beautiful little innocent princess has kissed a boy! Not just any boy, a younger boy! It happened right before my eyes and at church of all places! Here's the situation...Carter was at church today and don't get me wrong he's a pretty cute little guy and apparently quite the ladies' man. He kept following Lily around all day and they were playing. First he was a monster that was chasing them around, then he was running like a maniac with her in the nursery, then he asked her to dance and then he just puckered up and asked for a kiss...and what does Lily do, she kisses him! Just like that! Talk about Rico Sauve, or Don Juan...I mean really. My family thought I was forward giving my first grade boyfriend a little smoochy smooch, but seriously, she's 4, people! The husband sees nothing wrong with this...of course this is coming from the man who kissed 90% of eligible women ( I assume they were eligible, but you know what they say when you assume...) in the greater North American Continent. He says well it means nothing, but what's next, isn't kissing the gateway drug to some other illicit behavior? Where did I go wrong in my parenting? At least it wasn't Emma going around kissing boys, of course, she also was quite taken with Carter, so I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of sibling rivalry arises from this. I'm going to invest in some sturdy door locks tonight and chastity belts! If Santa Claus reads my blog, that is what the Van Horns need for Christmas this year!
Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I've now doubled my posts from October, and I don't want to spoil my readers too much by giving into their irrational desires for numerous blog entries. I won't be writing one every day, probably not even every week...that's how I keep you coming back for more! Au revoir mes amis!
I write tonight in shock. My beautiful little innocent princess has kissed a boy! Not just any boy, a younger boy! It happened right before my eyes and at church of all places! Here's the situation...Carter was at church today and don't get me wrong he's a pretty cute little guy and apparently quite the ladies' man. He kept following Lily around all day and they were playing. First he was a monster that was chasing them around, then he was running like a maniac with her in the nursery, then he asked her to dance and then he just puckered up and asked for a kiss...and what does Lily do, she kisses him! Just like that! Talk about Rico Sauve, or Don Juan...I mean really. My family thought I was forward giving my first grade boyfriend a little smoochy smooch, but seriously, she's 4, people! The husband sees nothing wrong with this...of course this is coming from the man who kissed 90% of eligible women ( I assume they were eligible, but you know what they say when you assume...) in the greater North American Continent. He says well it means nothing, but what's next, isn't kissing the gateway drug to some other illicit behavior? Where did I go wrong in my parenting? At least it wasn't Emma going around kissing boys, of course, she also was quite taken with Carter, so I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of sibling rivalry arises from this. I'm going to invest in some sturdy door locks tonight and chastity belts! If Santa Claus reads my blog, that is what the Van Horns need for Christmas this year!
A picture of a more innocent time, with a little ice cream on her nose...ahh, *sigh* (this was only a year ago)
Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I've now doubled my posts from October, and I don't want to spoil my readers too much by giving into their irrational desires for numerous blog entries. I won't be writing one every day, probably not even every week...that's how I keep you coming back for more! Au revoir mes amis!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)