Ever since the kids had their double eye infections they seemed to have caught something else. Lucy is just a spout for snot still and both kids still have a pretty nasty cough. Poor Duder got the worst of it though right before Christmas. We kept telling us his stomach hurt and he really didn't want much to eat. He then got a fever and was so lethargic it was like we had somebody else's kid. On Christmas we drove to Ingrid's and we had to stop 3 times for the poor guy. He did make the best out of the situation though.
The first stop there was another person in the bathroom but Duder wanted to use the urinal. He calls them trees because at the library Gaetan was trying to get him to go to the bathroom and told him that they're like peeing on trees outside. So that's what he calls them... however you can't poop in them. I think they frown upon that. But he was just talking up a storm in the bathroom about his little endeavor and the other person thought it was hilarious. I'm glad that things like poop don't embarrass little kids. :)
And I think that part of Lucy's snotty nose is that she is cutting MORE teeth. Poor girly is having a pretty rough time with it too. She gets up more frequently at night time and she definitely is more touchy during the day. More cuddly and doesn't like being on the floor to play as much as she usually does. It's been a bit of an adjustment, but knowing what she's going through (and that she's not just being a cranky pants) helps too.
Gaetan hasn't been feeling the greatest this week either. Nothing like what the kids have, but that definite under the weather, not functioning at 100%. Its hard when that happens during your 'break', but probably its because we fill our break up with so much stuff! Here's to hoping everybody will get better soon and that we are on track for the New Year.
JVG
Family photo Oct 2010
Friday, December 30, 2011
Late night talks
One of my favorite times of day is after the kids go down and Gaetan and I get to hang out... just us. That has been one of the most important things for us to do is to make sure that we have 'us' time. It's so easy just to get wrapped up in the busyness of life, kids and then just wanting to fall down at the end of the day. But, I'm glad that we can keep this up :) It's a really nice time to catch up and really talk. Of course we talk through the day but we don't get to have those deep important talks because most of the time they're interrupted.
With the holiday season around and having to spend more time with family there has been a lot on our minds. I'm still struggling with how to deal with Ingrid, and show her grace while not exposing my children to unnecessary things. I know that Gaetan is still trying to figure out what role his family plays in ours. And, because it's the holidays, we're forced to spend more time with them than we would probably actually like to.
We got to spend some time talking about what our future holds... and how exciting it really is. We are very content with where our lives are right now. We are where we have to be for school, and the community around us is great for the kids. Of course we're still talking/deciding about home-schooling or not (but we're leaning more towards yes) and the importance of having fellow believers around us. Right now, we pretty much just hang out with each other (which is great and fine) but we are definitely seeing the need for other believers to fellowship with on a daily basis. We love Mars Hill and what they have to offer, but the drive there a couple times of a week is hard. I know that God will either make something available to us down here (through them) or we will find another great church community to connect with while we're here.
We really have been preparing ourselves for something big. Things have just been falling into place that have made me realize that we're probably going to end up moving across the country... and at first that was terrifying to me, but now I'm getting really excited. :)
I love that I still want to talk with my husband... that I look forward to spending time with him. Its so easy to get lost in the common ground of our kids, and that our love for each other can be pushed to the back burner, but ours is still front and center and burning hot ;)
JVG
With the holiday season around and having to spend more time with family there has been a lot on our minds. I'm still struggling with how to deal with Ingrid, and show her grace while not exposing my children to unnecessary things. I know that Gaetan is still trying to figure out what role his family plays in ours. And, because it's the holidays, we're forced to spend more time with them than we would probably actually like to.
We got to spend some time talking about what our future holds... and how exciting it really is. We are very content with where our lives are right now. We are where we have to be for school, and the community around us is great for the kids. Of course we're still talking/deciding about home-schooling or not (but we're leaning more towards yes) and the importance of having fellow believers around us. Right now, we pretty much just hang out with each other (which is great and fine) but we are definitely seeing the need for other believers to fellowship with on a daily basis. We love Mars Hill and what they have to offer, but the drive there a couple times of a week is hard. I know that God will either make something available to us down here (through them) or we will find another great church community to connect with while we're here.
We really have been preparing ourselves for something big. Things have just been falling into place that have made me realize that we're probably going to end up moving across the country... and at first that was terrifying to me, but now I'm getting really excited. :)
I love that I still want to talk with my husband... that I look forward to spending time with him. Its so easy to get lost in the common ground of our kids, and that our love for each other can be pushed to the back burner, but ours is still front and center and burning hot ;)
JVG
Monday, December 26, 2011
Christmas Jazz
For the past 2 years I've been apart of this Christmas Jazz ensemble. It consists of a bunch of random musicians who come together once a year and just rock out and have fun. Most of our venues are assisted living places or hospital lobbies... but the people are always so excited to have us. This will be my third year and I look forward to more years to come!
This year was a little different. Normally my dad plays in the group, but because Jon got married he was out of town for all our gigs. I was a little nervous about playing with them, because honestly, I'm not quite sure what a violin's place is in a jazz group, but it all seems to work out. Initially, the reason why I even joined the group was to have more opportunities to play music with Dad. There were a few gigs this year and each one had different people filling in. It was a blast though. :) And my wonderful wonderful husband watched the kids so I could go off and play my instrument.
Our last gig was the infamous D & W Produce section... but this year we got upgraded to the Starbucks in the D & W... haha. It was really nice because this venue people actually come to sit and listen. In the other ones they are just listening from their rooms or they are listening from afar. But my sister in law, Zoe, Tristan, Lucy, Gaetan, Jon, Megan (the new sister in law) Onca (a capo friend) and her Mother came to watch. Then Mom and Dad had just gotten in from CO so they stopped in to see us play too. we had a really good time and I'm glad that I got to do this!
I didn't really feel very Christmasy this year (whatever that means) but this was something fun that I don't get to do all the time. :)
JVG
This year was a little different. Normally my dad plays in the group, but because Jon got married he was out of town for all our gigs. I was a little nervous about playing with them, because honestly, I'm not quite sure what a violin's place is in a jazz group, but it all seems to work out. Initially, the reason why I even joined the group was to have more opportunities to play music with Dad. There were a few gigs this year and each one had different people filling in. It was a blast though. :) And my wonderful wonderful husband watched the kids so I could go off and play my instrument.
Our last gig was the infamous D & W Produce section... but this year we got upgraded to the Starbucks in the D & W... haha. It was really nice because this venue people actually come to sit and listen. In the other ones they are just listening from their rooms or they are listening from afar. But my sister in law, Zoe, Tristan, Lucy, Gaetan, Jon, Megan (the new sister in law) Onca (a capo friend) and her Mother came to watch. Then Mom and Dad had just gotten in from CO so they stopped in to see us play too. we had a really good time and I'm glad that I got to do this!
I didn't really feel very Christmasy this year (whatever that means) but this was something fun that I don't get to do all the time. :)
JVG
Jon got married!
My brother Jon got married on the 17th of Dec. Ever since I can remember he's always wanted to be married and have a family... sometimes to a fault. I know that he is looking for something to fill that hole and most of the time he's looking for a female. There have been plenty of times where he's been engaged, but never married... but he finally tied the knot this time!
My parents drove out to Colorado the Wed before the wedding and my brother Dale flew out that Friday (because he was the best man). Gaetan and I tried making the trip work but with the kids and the short notice we got about the wedding we just couldn't afford it. To drive that long with the kids would've been sketchy at best... I think that Tristan would've been just fine but Lucy... sometimes she doesn't even like being in the car to the trip to GR! And we didn't know what the weather was going to be like. We looked into flights but they were so pricey (because of the time of year) and then we would've had to rent a car while there... unfortunately we just couldn't do it.
While waiting for the wedding Mom, Dad and Dale went to visit a rock formation called the Garden of the Gods... and unfortunately my mom slipped and fell landing on her knee. She had to go to urgent care, ended up on crutches with an immobilizing knee brace and some vicodan. She felt pretty bad that she did that before his wedding, but she was still able to go! I was worried about the rest of their vacation, but they stayed for the majority of it.
I got a chance to see some of his wedding pictures via FB and he really looks happy. While looking at the pictures I had this overwhelming feeling of guilt for not being there. I know that he understood why we couldn't be there but I couldn't help feeling that way. I know in my heart that it's not about the wedding ceremony but it's about the actual marriage, and I know that he knows that I am there to help out in any way that I can for that. I guess I just feel like I miss out on a lot of his life and the big things that I would want to be there to celebrate with him, like his wedding, I'm not.
I did get a chance to meet my new sister in law, Megan. She is very sweet and very quiet. They do seem like they are a really good fit together. I think that she's going to keep him in line.
So here's to my brother and my new sister in law... may their marriage be about love and sacrifice and always remembering Jesus. I know that marriage rocks, and I hope that they can experience it too.
JVG
My parents drove out to Colorado the Wed before the wedding and my brother Dale flew out that Friday (because he was the best man). Gaetan and I tried making the trip work but with the kids and the short notice we got about the wedding we just couldn't afford it. To drive that long with the kids would've been sketchy at best... I think that Tristan would've been just fine but Lucy... sometimes she doesn't even like being in the car to the trip to GR! And we didn't know what the weather was going to be like. We looked into flights but they were so pricey (because of the time of year) and then we would've had to rent a car while there... unfortunately we just couldn't do it.
While waiting for the wedding Mom, Dad and Dale went to visit a rock formation called the Garden of the Gods... and unfortunately my mom slipped and fell landing on her knee. She had to go to urgent care, ended up on crutches with an immobilizing knee brace and some vicodan. She felt pretty bad that she did that before his wedding, but she was still able to go! I was worried about the rest of their vacation, but they stayed for the majority of it.
I got a chance to see some of his wedding pictures via FB and he really looks happy. While looking at the pictures I had this overwhelming feeling of guilt for not being there. I know that he understood why we couldn't be there but I couldn't help feeling that way. I know in my heart that it's not about the wedding ceremony but it's about the actual marriage, and I know that he knows that I am there to help out in any way that I can for that. I guess I just feel like I miss out on a lot of his life and the big things that I would want to be there to celebrate with him, like his wedding, I'm not.
I did get a chance to meet my new sister in law, Megan. She is very sweet and very quiet. They do seem like they are a really good fit together. I think that she's going to keep him in line.
So here's to my brother and my new sister in law... may their marriage be about love and sacrifice and always remembering Jesus. I know that marriage rocks, and I hope that they can experience it too.
JVG
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Grace
Last night I listened to one of Rob Bell's last sermons... and it was about grace. I have been really struggling with having Ingrid in our lives lately and I have never been resentful towards anybody, and I would like to keep it that way, but she is making it really difficult. I know that I'm being judgmental and I have been praying for the ability to show her grace as I've been shown grace repeatedly.
Tomorrow is going to be Rob's last sermon at Mars Hill. Of course there are mixed feelings/emotions about it, but I am really excited to hear it. He just delivers things in such a way that speaks differently to me every time I listen to his messages.
So through this Christmas season I am praying that grace can flow out of me. That I will know how to deal with her and hopefully she will see what Christmas is really about. Not little trinkets and meaningless gifts but about Christ and what He does for us daily.
JVG
Tomorrow is going to be Rob's last sermon at Mars Hill. Of course there are mixed feelings/emotions about it, but I am really excited to hear it. He just delivers things in such a way that speaks differently to me every time I listen to his messages.
So through this Christmas season I am praying that grace can flow out of me. That I will know how to deal with her and hopefully she will see what Christmas is really about. Not little trinkets and meaningless gifts but about Christ and what He does for us daily.
JVG
Breaking the funk
I always look forward to breaks because Gaetan gets to be home for so long and I know that the kids love it. But the past 2 weeks have been pretty rough. I wasn't sure why and I know that we were both feeling it... and to add to it the kids have been sick/cutting teeth so they haven't been on their best behavior. I was thinking, there is no way that I can survive the rest of break if it's going to be like this! But today we had a much needed talk when the kids were down for a nap.
There have just been little things that I've been disappointed about (nothing major) but they had been building up. I was REALLY looking forward to getting a treadmill for Christmas, so Ingrid bought me one but it was manual one. I tried using it last night (and this morning) and it was horrible. I looked online last night after it was so difficult to use and they pretty much say that you can only walk on it... annoying. So, I thought that I was going to be able to start seriously training and I wasn't able too. The hard thing is running is usually my 'me time' and I haven't had that in a couple of weeks. Either the weather has been too icy, I've been sick or there just wasn't enough time. We thought that the treadmill would be the answer because then I could do it while the kids slept and I wouldn't have to leave the house, and gym memberships can be SO expensive. But I think that we are going to have to get one for the next few months while there is snow on the ground. Stinky.
And because Ingrid got me the treadmill she accidentally had it shipped to her house instead of our place, so she brought it over yesterday, which was really nice. However, every time she comes for a visit it's usually a big production number. Mainly because it always starts off so badly. For some reason, she can't be on time to save her life. And honestly, I think it's just rude. Obviously, as a mother of 2 small children, I know that things up come at the last minute and there's nothing you can do about it... so I can cut people slack. However, I think of the couple years I've known her she's been on time ONCE. AND she only has herself to get ready. I just don't understand that. I think that she doesn't value our time and she just thinks that she can come whenever she wants. Its only hard when we are specifically skipping nap time or something to wait for her, and then she's so late that they could've gotten a nap in. Well, we've learned from that and she just comes after nap time now... but still. I don't think that its unreasonable to ask her to just tell us that she's going to be late too. As long as we know that she's going to be here at a different time then we can plan accordingly... but we usually end up texting/calling her 15-20 minutes after we should've gotten a text from her asking her how things are going and her telling us that she's not even left her place yet. and sometimes she just gets snippy with us about it too... really?! This last time she didn't tell us that Mike was coming, which is totally great that he came for a visit, but it would've just been nice to know. She texted and was like, "make sure everybody is up and ready to go when we get there..." we didn't know if she had something specific planned or anything. So when we ask her she doesn't reply, because we know that if her plan doesn't go through the way she wants she'll pout. Let me remind you, its a plan that nobody knew about except her. The real kicker is that Zoe knew that Mike was coming and that they were running late. Why does Zoe know before the people who she is actually coming to visit know?! I don't know. We asked her why she doesn't answer her phone even when she had 2 seconds before, and she told us that she doesn't reply because she thinks we're not going to like her answer. She admits that she DELIBERATELY ignores it because she thinks that we're going to be mad. I don't know how long it's going to take for her to understand that we would rather know and that communication would fix a lot of this crap.
Anyways, the day after her visit is usually a day of recovery for everybody. Tristan even understands that her behavior is unacceptable... because he's told us before. So to add onto whatever was going on between me and Gaetan we had to get through this too.
BUT we did get through it and things are much much MUCH better. It's amazing what a little communication will do. So, I am happy to report that things are going a TON more smoothly and break is looking awesome. I love that we can be so honest with each other even when the things that we have to get out aren't the nicest. But, of course, we say them in a nice way ;)
So, here's to the rest of break. :)
JVG
There have just been little things that I've been disappointed about (nothing major) but they had been building up. I was REALLY looking forward to getting a treadmill for Christmas, so Ingrid bought me one but it was manual one. I tried using it last night (and this morning) and it was horrible. I looked online last night after it was so difficult to use and they pretty much say that you can only walk on it... annoying. So, I thought that I was going to be able to start seriously training and I wasn't able too. The hard thing is running is usually my 'me time' and I haven't had that in a couple of weeks. Either the weather has been too icy, I've been sick or there just wasn't enough time. We thought that the treadmill would be the answer because then I could do it while the kids slept and I wouldn't have to leave the house, and gym memberships can be SO expensive. But I think that we are going to have to get one for the next few months while there is snow on the ground. Stinky.
And because Ingrid got me the treadmill she accidentally had it shipped to her house instead of our place, so she brought it over yesterday, which was really nice. However, every time she comes for a visit it's usually a big production number. Mainly because it always starts off so badly. For some reason, she can't be on time to save her life. And honestly, I think it's just rude. Obviously, as a mother of 2 small children, I know that things up come at the last minute and there's nothing you can do about it... so I can cut people slack. However, I think of the couple years I've known her she's been on time ONCE. AND she only has herself to get ready. I just don't understand that. I think that she doesn't value our time and she just thinks that she can come whenever she wants. Its only hard when we are specifically skipping nap time or something to wait for her, and then she's so late that they could've gotten a nap in. Well, we've learned from that and she just comes after nap time now... but still. I don't think that its unreasonable to ask her to just tell us that she's going to be late too. As long as we know that she's going to be here at a different time then we can plan accordingly... but we usually end up texting/calling her 15-20 minutes after we should've gotten a text from her asking her how things are going and her telling us that she's not even left her place yet. and sometimes she just gets snippy with us about it too... really?! This last time she didn't tell us that Mike was coming, which is totally great that he came for a visit, but it would've just been nice to know. She texted and was like, "make sure everybody is up and ready to go when we get there..." we didn't know if she had something specific planned or anything. So when we ask her she doesn't reply, because we know that if her plan doesn't go through the way she wants she'll pout. Let me remind you, its a plan that nobody knew about except her. The real kicker is that Zoe knew that Mike was coming and that they were running late. Why does Zoe know before the people who she is actually coming to visit know?! I don't know. We asked her why she doesn't answer her phone even when she had 2 seconds before, and she told us that she doesn't reply because she thinks we're not going to like her answer. She admits that she DELIBERATELY ignores it because she thinks that we're going to be mad. I don't know how long it's going to take for her to understand that we would rather know and that communication would fix a lot of this crap.
Anyways, the day after her visit is usually a day of recovery for everybody. Tristan even understands that her behavior is unacceptable... because he's told us before. So to add onto whatever was going on between me and Gaetan we had to get through this too.
BUT we did get through it and things are much much MUCH better. It's amazing what a little communication will do. So, I am happy to report that things are going a TON more smoothly and break is looking awesome. I love that we can be so honest with each other even when the things that we have to get out aren't the nicest. But, of course, we say them in a nice way ;)
So, here's to the rest of break. :)
JVG
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
To homeschool or not
I know that there are things that you swear you'll never do... I remember swearing up and down that I would never cloth diaper my kids because I thought what a huge mess and I didn't want my kids constantly smelling badly! Hahhaa... we've been clothing diapering for awhile now. I was pretty dead set on never homeschooling my kids too... but that is also seeming like something that we are going to actually do and will probably love.
My sister home schools her kids and I've known a hand full of them and I could always tell who was and who wasn't.... the ones that were socially awkward definitely were. I never understood why you would want to do that but now as a parent its definitely becoming more and more clear. Because I have the luxury of staying home with them all day every day when they're gone I feel like I miss out on so much. And to send them to school.... that's such a long time to not be with your kids. And you don't know what happens at school and what they're learning and what other kids are teaching them. I don't by any means want to shelter them, but there is just a lot of things that go on at school that doesn't need it. I am carpooling with another girl from symphonette and she was telling me that her poor daughter gets bullied and has been bullied ever since she started school... how is that right? It was heartbreaking just listening to her describe the types of things that they're working through year after year.
I know that we are obviously educating him at home now, and if we are thinking of sending him to preschool now is the time I would have to start researching schools and stuff... but really preschool is just for social interaction. They don't teach them anything there... and from the sounds of it it sounds like he is already doing what they do in kindergarden (which they start at 5!). I have heard that there are home school groups in the Portage area... and I wouldn't mind getting him in something like that. That way he still has the social interaction and I would be able to teach him.
I have been praying a lot about this and I've been listening and looking for answers to what is going to be best. I will definitely keep an open mind about it, but I just can't imagine sending my kid to school thinking that he is going to be bullied or threatened. I know that this doesn't happen to every kid because my experience with school wasn't bad at all. On the other hand I know that Holly's was.
There is just so much to consider. I want them to have all the opportunities possible to grow but at what expense do I allow that? I sometimes have to check to make sure that I'm not doing things for selfish reasons (because I would miss them or something like that) but I think that these are legit reasons.
I am still going to continue to pray about it, but I think that its becoming more and more clear. I feel more at peace with the idea of home schooling and I know that God would provide me with the resources that I would need to make it successful.
JVG
PS Gaetan rocked his mechanics class! 92 on the final and an A in the class... of course he was the class high :)
My sister home schools her kids and I've known a hand full of them and I could always tell who was and who wasn't.... the ones that were socially awkward definitely were. I never understood why you would want to do that but now as a parent its definitely becoming more and more clear. Because I have the luxury of staying home with them all day every day when they're gone I feel like I miss out on so much. And to send them to school.... that's such a long time to not be with your kids. And you don't know what happens at school and what they're learning and what other kids are teaching them. I don't by any means want to shelter them, but there is just a lot of things that go on at school that doesn't need it. I am carpooling with another girl from symphonette and she was telling me that her poor daughter gets bullied and has been bullied ever since she started school... how is that right? It was heartbreaking just listening to her describe the types of things that they're working through year after year.
I know that we are obviously educating him at home now, and if we are thinking of sending him to preschool now is the time I would have to start researching schools and stuff... but really preschool is just for social interaction. They don't teach them anything there... and from the sounds of it it sounds like he is already doing what they do in kindergarden (which they start at 5!). I have heard that there are home school groups in the Portage area... and I wouldn't mind getting him in something like that. That way he still has the social interaction and I would be able to teach him.
I have been praying a lot about this and I've been listening and looking for answers to what is going to be best. I will definitely keep an open mind about it, but I just can't imagine sending my kid to school thinking that he is going to be bullied or threatened. I know that this doesn't happen to every kid because my experience with school wasn't bad at all. On the other hand I know that Holly's was.
There is just so much to consider. I want them to have all the opportunities possible to grow but at what expense do I allow that? I sometimes have to check to make sure that I'm not doing things for selfish reasons (because I would miss them or something like that) but I think that these are legit reasons.
I am still going to continue to pray about it, but I think that its becoming more and more clear. I feel more at peace with the idea of home schooling and I know that God would provide me with the resources that I would need to make it successful.
JVG
PS Gaetan rocked his mechanics class! 92 on the final and an A in the class... of course he was the class high :)
Monday, December 12, 2011
A much needed break
Yesterday Gaetan offered me the best present he could've. He told me that I could have the day off and go do something fun... kidless. What?! Since the kids have been sick it's been kinda stressful around here since they're cranky and it just gets hard hearing that hour after hour, not being able to fix it. And he could tell that I was starting to stress a little (ok, a lot). So he said that the offer was there... so I took it. Initially I always feel guilty about leaving him with both kids. I know that they're good kids, but they can be a handful, and with recent events of them being sick, it was most likely gonna be that way. But he said that they were great and that he really enjoyed the time he got to spend with both of them. :)
I drove out to the east side of the state to hang out with some old friends... Ashley and Sunil. I know that it's a bit of a hike to go hang out, but it was so worth it. I miss having them around the corner or next door. We lived next to them for probably 3 or 4 years.. so not having them around was a bit of an adjustment. So, I got there and she opened the door and was SO surprised to see NO kids. I thought that I was going to have Lucy with me, but I didn't have any. We just caught up mostly and talked about who knows what. We put up their Christmas tree and played this ninja fruit slicing game. They took me out to eat and then we went to this local brewery with Tally and Pipi. We went back to their house, made some puppy chow, juice and watched a show. It was awesome. I had a blast. I know that it probably sounds lame to other people, but it was soooo nice. It was exactly what I needed and I feel like I'm a much better wife/Momma. Every now and again I just need a little time to myself or something and this was a HUGE gesture. Normally going for a run, or something like that is good enough, but I guess I needed something major. So thank you to my wonderful husband who is such a giver to let me have that day to myself and thank you to Ashley and Sunil for letting me crash their Sunday! It was amazing... I think it will hold me over until the next one :)
Don't worry, I made sure that Gaetan was taken care of when I left. I made him dinner, and made sure that he didn't have to anything extra (like diapers). But bless his heart for letting me do that. I feel badly sometimes because I need these days and I feel badly because I feel like I'm dumping the kids on him, and negating my Momma responsibilities... because he never asks to go out with friends or have time for himself. I always tell him that he can, but he always wants to be home with us. It's endearing. I'll have to think of something super special for him :) I'll let you know what I come up with.
Here's to a MUCH better start then the ending of last week.
JVG
I drove out to the east side of the state to hang out with some old friends... Ashley and Sunil. I know that it's a bit of a hike to go hang out, but it was so worth it. I miss having them around the corner or next door. We lived next to them for probably 3 or 4 years.. so not having them around was a bit of an adjustment. So, I got there and she opened the door and was SO surprised to see NO kids. I thought that I was going to have Lucy with me, but I didn't have any. We just caught up mostly and talked about who knows what. We put up their Christmas tree and played this ninja fruit slicing game. They took me out to eat and then we went to this local brewery with Tally and Pipi. We went back to their house, made some puppy chow, juice and watched a show. It was awesome. I had a blast. I know that it probably sounds lame to other people, but it was soooo nice. It was exactly what I needed and I feel like I'm a much better wife/Momma. Every now and again I just need a little time to myself or something and this was a HUGE gesture. Normally going for a run, or something like that is good enough, but I guess I needed something major. So thank you to my wonderful husband who is such a giver to let me have that day to myself and thank you to Ashley and Sunil for letting me crash their Sunday! It was amazing... I think it will hold me over until the next one :)
Don't worry, I made sure that Gaetan was taken care of when I left. I made him dinner, and made sure that he didn't have to anything extra (like diapers). But bless his heart for letting me do that. I feel badly sometimes because I need these days and I feel badly because I feel like I'm dumping the kids on him, and negating my Momma responsibilities... because he never asks to go out with friends or have time for himself. I always tell him that he can, but he always wants to be home with us. It's endearing. I'll have to think of something super special for him :) I'll let you know what I come up with.
Here's to a MUCH better start then the ending of last week.
JVG
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Goopy eyes
Yesterday we took the kids to the Dr's because I thought they had eye infections... turns out they did! Duder had been rubbing his eyes a lot a few days ago but then there was this goopy discharge that came along with it. The last straw was when his eyes were crusted shut yesterday morning. He was UNhappy. He kept telling us that he wanted the lights on... and they were, but he couldn't see. We took Lucy too because she had a snotty nose (but I didn't know if that was from cutting teeth) but it turns out she has an eye infection too. So we got some antibiotics for the kids and we just have to put this ointment in their eyes twice a day for a week. Then, hopefully as good as new! And I hope that Gaetan and I don't get it...
Since their Dr is still in Grand Rapids, since we figured we wouldn't be there that often (hopefully!) we decided to make a day out of being there. We went out for lunch and the kids did SO great. Tristan usually does well, but its a hit or miss if he likes what you get him (even though we ask him what he wants) and Lucy is also a hit or miss... but since she sits up now and can have 'food' she was really good. We then hit up the mall so that Tristan could play on the slides. And now that Lucy is having more kid tendencies instead of baby tendencies she got to play as well too. Ever since Duder got the slide on his bed he loves sliding down with her... so he wanted to do that at the mall too. It was pretty stinking cute.
I had to drive back to GR last night because I had a concert... and honestly, I was pretty happy with my solo! The first week we had concerts it was pretty bad (in my opinion...) but each week is getting better! :) Too bad next week is the last one haha. I got to spend a little time with Mom and Dad last night afterwards which was nice. Had some milk and cookies :) We had an interesting conversation about my Dad getting an iPad... haha. They are going to CO next week for my brother's wedding so they are making their final preparations for it. I'm a little sad that we can't make it out there but with the two kids it was going to be really really expensive. So luckily, they are going to be here afterwards so we will get to meet the Mrs. then.
Gaetan and I are feeling pretty terrible, but there aren't sick days for parents. Lucy woke up at 4:40 this morning so I decided that I was just going to man up and take care of everything. I let Gaetan sleep in, which is good because he has his classical mechanics final tonight... he probably actually is taking it right now. But I cleaned up the kitchen and the rest of the downstairs and made some lemon bars for his class. I've made his class treats on all their test days :) I thought that its something nice to look forward too.
As a follow up, I did end up taking a pregnancy test yesterday. We are not pregnant. As much as it would be super busy if I was, I was kinda disappointed when it was negative. So, I guess that just reinforces my notion that I want more kids :) Just not RIGHT now. haha I know that our family will expand when the time is right.
So hopefully we will be able to take care of each other and get better soon!
JVG
Since their Dr is still in Grand Rapids, since we figured we wouldn't be there that often (hopefully!) we decided to make a day out of being there. We went out for lunch and the kids did SO great. Tristan usually does well, but its a hit or miss if he likes what you get him (even though we ask him what he wants) and Lucy is also a hit or miss... but since she sits up now and can have 'food' she was really good. We then hit up the mall so that Tristan could play on the slides. And now that Lucy is having more kid tendencies instead of baby tendencies she got to play as well too. Ever since Duder got the slide on his bed he loves sliding down with her... so he wanted to do that at the mall too. It was pretty stinking cute.
I had to drive back to GR last night because I had a concert... and honestly, I was pretty happy with my solo! The first week we had concerts it was pretty bad (in my opinion...) but each week is getting better! :) Too bad next week is the last one haha. I got to spend a little time with Mom and Dad last night afterwards which was nice. Had some milk and cookies :) We had an interesting conversation about my Dad getting an iPad... haha. They are going to CO next week for my brother's wedding so they are making their final preparations for it. I'm a little sad that we can't make it out there but with the two kids it was going to be really really expensive. So luckily, they are going to be here afterwards so we will get to meet the Mrs. then.
Gaetan and I are feeling pretty terrible, but there aren't sick days for parents. Lucy woke up at 4:40 this morning so I decided that I was just going to man up and take care of everything. I let Gaetan sleep in, which is good because he has his classical mechanics final tonight... he probably actually is taking it right now. But I cleaned up the kitchen and the rest of the downstairs and made some lemon bars for his class. I've made his class treats on all their test days :) I thought that its something nice to look forward too.
As a follow up, I did end up taking a pregnancy test yesterday. We are not pregnant. As much as it would be super busy if I was, I was kinda disappointed when it was negative. So, I guess that just reinforces my notion that I want more kids :) Just not RIGHT now. haha I know that our family will expand when the time is right.
So hopefully we will be able to take care of each other and get better soon!
JVG
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Productive day!
Today has seemed like it's been full of firsts and many good things! It started out when Duder and I were in the car and he started saying the alphabet! It was amazing! He's so smart and so excited to learn... he was quite proud of himself, as he should be! Then Lucy got 2 teeth... her first ones! :) I'm very excited for her as well, and she wasn't even real cantankerous for breaking them in! And we found out that Gaetan got a 93 on his classical mechanics test. I know that he's been rocking that class, so I guess this isn't out of the ordinary, but we are proud of him nonetheless.
Tristan has been such a lover/great big brother. Every time Lucy gets up from her nap, or whenever she leaves the room and comes back he ever so gently goes over and says, "Hi Lucy." Gives her the sweetest little kiss, hug and then rubs her head. It's adorable. Today he was reading to her. She lights up every time she sees him too. She can be in the most foul mood and when she sees him she starts smiling/giggling and clapping her hands.
This week Gaetan doesn't have to teach labs so he's home a lot more. It's nice having him around. :) It also allows me to experiment more with cooking since he's home more and can watch the kids while I do it. I have been craving thai/indian food... so there has been a lot of that on the menu this week. Also have been craving juicy fruit... weird.
I'm hoping that I can stay productive during the break and not slip into this kinda lazy attitude since I really don't have to get anything done. During the school year I am responsible to make sure the kids are happy and the house doesn't fall apart when he's gone, but when he's home... hahaha.
For the past week or so I've been extra extra tired. We just attributed it to the move and having two small kids... but they really are easy kids and even though Lucy gets up more in the middle of the night I still feel like I am probably getting ample amounts of sleep. Of course it's not as much as I like, but I can guarantee you it's a lot more than other women with two small children. I've been wanting to eat really crazy/stupid things and I've been pretty moody. Gaetan told me that he thinks I've been running around like a crazy person, so who knows. Maybe the crazy is starting to set in... haha. I don't think I'm pregnant, but we're going to wait a little bit longer and see. That would definitely be a surprise, but a welcomed one nonetheless.
I really also love getting mail and since we ordered all of our Christmas stuff I have been looking forward to checking our box or waiting for the delivery man to come. :) Zoe's gift already came, along with Ingrid's. Our Christmas cards have arrived... so we are just waiting for Mike's and my shoes. Also... apparently I'm getting a treadmill :) Good days.
Here's to the rest of the week and the beginning of break!
JVG
Tristan has been such a lover/great big brother. Every time Lucy gets up from her nap, or whenever she leaves the room and comes back he ever so gently goes over and says, "Hi Lucy." Gives her the sweetest little kiss, hug and then rubs her head. It's adorable. Today he was reading to her. She lights up every time she sees him too. She can be in the most foul mood and when she sees him she starts smiling/giggling and clapping her hands.
This week Gaetan doesn't have to teach labs so he's home a lot more. It's nice having him around. :) It also allows me to experiment more with cooking since he's home more and can watch the kids while I do it. I have been craving thai/indian food... so there has been a lot of that on the menu this week. Also have been craving juicy fruit... weird.
I'm hoping that I can stay productive during the break and not slip into this kinda lazy attitude since I really don't have to get anything done. During the school year I am responsible to make sure the kids are happy and the house doesn't fall apart when he's gone, but when he's home... hahaha.
For the past week or so I've been extra extra tired. We just attributed it to the move and having two small kids... but they really are easy kids and even though Lucy gets up more in the middle of the night I still feel like I am probably getting ample amounts of sleep. Of course it's not as much as I like, but I can guarantee you it's a lot more than other women with two small children. I've been wanting to eat really crazy/stupid things and I've been pretty moody. Gaetan told me that he thinks I've been running around like a crazy person, so who knows. Maybe the crazy is starting to set in... haha. I don't think I'm pregnant, but we're going to wait a little bit longer and see. That would definitely be a surprise, but a welcomed one nonetheless.
I really also love getting mail and since we ordered all of our Christmas stuff I have been looking forward to checking our box or waiting for the delivery man to come. :) Zoe's gift already came, along with Ingrid's. Our Christmas cards have arrived... so we are just waiting for Mike's and my shoes. Also... apparently I'm getting a treadmill :) Good days.
Here's to the rest of the week and the beginning of break!
JVG
Friday, December 2, 2011
Big Girly and Big Duder
Lu Girl is our champion. She is really digging eating baby food... mostly from Papa and Tristan. Duder loves to feed her (with some help of course) and she loves it too! She still isn't that excited about getting baby food from me, mainly because she just wants to nurse. But, she will reluctantly eat some with me. She is also standing up, while holding onto things and taking a few steps. She can even pull herself up to standing! She's so strong.
My favorite is when I go into her room to get her from her crib and I get the BIGGEST smile from her. She is usually just playing happily in her room and just gets SO excited when she sees me and Tristan. It's amazing how much they love each other and how much they like spending time together. It warms my heart. She babbles like crazy and Duder likes to babble back with her. I think that they are communicating somehow together. :)
Duder now sings the alphabet song and can tell me what his name is he says, 'my name is Tristan' and 'your name is _____' which is great. He is talking more and more and in more full sentences. He is showing more of an interest in writing too.
Now that he's getting closer to the age of preschool and regular school I'm been thinking more and am going to start investigating schools around us, and if it's the right thing to do. It's hard because even when he goes to Sunday School for an hour I feel like I've missed out on so much. I couldn't imagine a couple of hours! And sometimes Gaetan is even in the Sunday School room with him! So I am going to continue praying on what is right for us and for him. I've been preparing myself to homeschool, but he thrives being around other kids. So... again, we're going to see.
As of right now my children as the best... well, they always are, they just have moments in time where they aren't. :) They are my joy and I love when I get to spend one on one time with them. Its fun to watch them interact, but I selfishly love my time with them too. It makes me want more... :)
JVG
My favorite is when I go into her room to get her from her crib and I get the BIGGEST smile from her. She is usually just playing happily in her room and just gets SO excited when she sees me and Tristan. It's amazing how much they love each other and how much they like spending time together. It warms my heart. She babbles like crazy and Duder likes to babble back with her. I think that they are communicating somehow together. :)
Duder now sings the alphabet song and can tell me what his name is he says, 'my name is Tristan' and 'your name is _____' which is great. He is talking more and more and in more full sentences. He is showing more of an interest in writing too.
Now that he's getting closer to the age of preschool and regular school I'm been thinking more and am going to start investigating schools around us, and if it's the right thing to do. It's hard because even when he goes to Sunday School for an hour I feel like I've missed out on so much. I couldn't imagine a couple of hours! And sometimes Gaetan is even in the Sunday School room with him! So I am going to continue praying on what is right for us and for him. I've been preparing myself to homeschool, but he thrives being around other kids. So... again, we're going to see.
As of right now my children as the best... well, they always are, they just have moments in time where they aren't. :) They are my joy and I love when I get to spend one on one time with them. Its fun to watch them interact, but I selfishly love my time with them too. It makes me want more... :)
JVG
Walking a mile in somebody else's shoes...
Ever since Zoe (my sister in law) has re-entered the picture it has been great for the family. Ingrid seems so much happier having her back (and she should be) and I'm really glad that Gaetan gets to share life with his sister. Zoe and I usually text back and forth during the day, but not usually about really serious stuff. The other day we actually talked on the phone and it was incredible.
To say that their family is dysfunctional, I think, would be the understatement of the century. I've gotten bits and pieces from Gaetan of how things where and how he never wants them to be. Most of the time things get explained when I do things that don't mean much to me, (like standing with my arms folded) but because things happened growing up he doesn't like them. For example, we have had long discussions (and continue to) about disciplining the kids... what's appropriate and what is working and what's not. He had a really hard time with the idea of spanking our kids... and hearing more and more about how he grew up I can understand why.
Zoe and I talked a lot about how Ingrid used to be. I knew that Ingrid's circumstances were less than ideal, and that she handled them the best way she knew how too (which still wasn't very well). But I had no idea to the extent of how bad things where growing up for them. The fact that Gaetan is even half of the Dad he is is a miracle. And the fact that Zoe isn't more messed up than she is is one as well. I'm still reeling from the things I find out... and I know that each story is going to be a little bit different (depending on what person you ask) because of their perspective, but I know as a whole that it just wasn't a good environment. With all that said, there really isn't any excuse to abuse your children the way that she did... emotionally and physically. I know that her father was abusive as well, and you've gotta thing that she didn't like it very much. In fact, we've talked about how horrible her dad used to be and I know that she hated it... so it makes you think, why would she do that to people she claims to love?
When Gaetan and I met, he and his mother had just gotten back onto talking terms. And honestly, the grace and compassion he has to have to forgive all that she did is remarkable. I know that there is still a lot of baggage that will be sorted through, but we have an entire life time for that. But when we met Zoe wasn't in the picture, not even close. And he just kept telling me that he missed her and that she had a lot of growing up and finding out about herself before she was going to come back. I think during that time she was trying to figure out and cope with what happened. And I know that she is still trying to figure it out.
I talked to my Mom about this because it was really upsetting. As she put it, our family might be weird but in the grand scheme of things we're pretty normal. I just couldn't imagine living/growing up that way. I think the worst I had it was watching my brothers and sister make mistakes and seeing the consequences. For this, I am so thankful that I was placed in the family that I was.
The hardest thing, I think, hearing was that for the longest time Gaetan thought that's what families where like. That that's how everybody was treated. I can't imagine thinking that that is normal... but when you haven't experienced anything else, how would you know? I am so happy that we met and that God is working wonderful things in his lives, and consequently ours. I have to think that you don't start to go through all that and work things out without Jesus helping you through it... and I know that there are days that hit him more than others, but he is a wonderful wonderful man. And he is such a strong and good head of our house.
So, I guess, everybody has a story and you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Yes, there are people who are just plain big jerks out there, but I don't think that we should go around assuming they all are. I know that Zoe has a lot that she is still gonna go through and I'm thankful that she has Gaetan to talk to... and me. As hard as it is to hear, it gives me better perspective, understanding and appreciation for the things that I have and what they went through. It also helps me to know why certain things are more of a big deal, and if I can prevent doing them then I will.
JVG
To say that their family is dysfunctional, I think, would be the understatement of the century. I've gotten bits and pieces from Gaetan of how things where and how he never wants them to be. Most of the time things get explained when I do things that don't mean much to me, (like standing with my arms folded) but because things happened growing up he doesn't like them. For example, we have had long discussions (and continue to) about disciplining the kids... what's appropriate and what is working and what's not. He had a really hard time with the idea of spanking our kids... and hearing more and more about how he grew up I can understand why.
Zoe and I talked a lot about how Ingrid used to be. I knew that Ingrid's circumstances were less than ideal, and that she handled them the best way she knew how too (which still wasn't very well). But I had no idea to the extent of how bad things where growing up for them. The fact that Gaetan is even half of the Dad he is is a miracle. And the fact that Zoe isn't more messed up than she is is one as well. I'm still reeling from the things I find out... and I know that each story is going to be a little bit different (depending on what person you ask) because of their perspective, but I know as a whole that it just wasn't a good environment. With all that said, there really isn't any excuse to abuse your children the way that she did... emotionally and physically. I know that her father was abusive as well, and you've gotta thing that she didn't like it very much. In fact, we've talked about how horrible her dad used to be and I know that she hated it... so it makes you think, why would she do that to people she claims to love?
When Gaetan and I met, he and his mother had just gotten back onto talking terms. And honestly, the grace and compassion he has to have to forgive all that she did is remarkable. I know that there is still a lot of baggage that will be sorted through, but we have an entire life time for that. But when we met Zoe wasn't in the picture, not even close. And he just kept telling me that he missed her and that she had a lot of growing up and finding out about herself before she was going to come back. I think during that time she was trying to figure out and cope with what happened. And I know that she is still trying to figure it out.
I talked to my Mom about this because it was really upsetting. As she put it, our family might be weird but in the grand scheme of things we're pretty normal. I just couldn't imagine living/growing up that way. I think the worst I had it was watching my brothers and sister make mistakes and seeing the consequences. For this, I am so thankful that I was placed in the family that I was.
The hardest thing, I think, hearing was that for the longest time Gaetan thought that's what families where like. That that's how everybody was treated. I can't imagine thinking that that is normal... but when you haven't experienced anything else, how would you know? I am so happy that we met and that God is working wonderful things in his lives, and consequently ours. I have to think that you don't start to go through all that and work things out without Jesus helping you through it... and I know that there are days that hit him more than others, but he is a wonderful wonderful man. And he is such a strong and good head of our house.
So, I guess, everybody has a story and you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Yes, there are people who are just plain big jerks out there, but I don't think that we should go around assuming they all are. I know that Zoe has a lot that she is still gonna go through and I'm thankful that she has Gaetan to talk to... and me. As hard as it is to hear, it gives me better perspective, understanding and appreciation for the things that I have and what they went through. It also helps me to know why certain things are more of a big deal, and if I can prevent doing them then I will.
JVG
Throwing a fit
Yesterday was the first time Tristan had thrown a fit so huge in public I didn't know what to do. We had some errands to run in GR so I thought if we left a little early we could hit up the Children's museum for a little while. Everything is was going SO well. He was playing well with other kids and just listening really well. Then, this other kid just walked up and Duder hit him. It was really surprising because he doesn't usually hit other kids. So I made him apologize and then we had a little talk about how it's not appropriate to hit other kids. He sat with me for a little bit (as part of his time out) and then he got to go back to playing. Again, things were going really well and then that same kid came near him and he tried to hit him again! This time I saw that it was winding up so I caught his hand and asked him if he was going to hit that kid and he very truthfully told me, 'yes.' During our little talk before I told him that if he did anything like that again then we were going home. Well, because he did try to do it again we were gonna go home. He pitched the biggest fit... he threw himself on the floor and started kicking and screaming. Normally, we can stand him up and talk with him so that he calms down... this time he went boneless and wouldn't get up for anything. I also had Lucy on my back so I was trying to get my out of control child off the floor while the other one was getting upset on my back. The hardest part was trying to get his coat on him because it was cold out.... and after a few minutes of that going poorly I just stuck him in the stroller. He was so miserable that he slid as far down as he could so that when I tried to push the stroller his feet dragged and stopped it from going forward. Meanwhile, Lu girl is fully upset and screaming and crying too... fabulous. He continued to throw a fit and cry and scream until we got to the car... where anytime he saw somebody coming he would say HELP. WHAT?!
I really didn't know what to do. all I knew was that I had to get him out of there as fast as possible. I was pretty embarressed and I still haven't the foggiest of what the best plan of action was. I just couldn't believe that he did that. He did get a chat with the Papa when we all got home and he's been really good ever since.
we did try going to the library since then, and it looked like he was gearing up to tell other kids that they couldn't play with stuff, but then he didn't. So I think that his talk with Papa went well... we will see.
I love my children dearly... but that was quite the experience. It was just so out of control and ridiculous that I was more mad about it after the fact then in the middle of it. I'm glad that God granted me patience and grace during that time. Here's to hoping it doesn't happen again.
JVG
I really didn't know what to do. all I knew was that I had to get him out of there as fast as possible. I was pretty embarressed and I still haven't the foggiest of what the best plan of action was. I just couldn't believe that he did that. He did get a chat with the Papa when we all got home and he's been really good ever since.
we did try going to the library since then, and it looked like he was gearing up to tell other kids that they couldn't play with stuff, but then he didn't. So I think that his talk with Papa went well... we will see.
I love my children dearly... but that was quite the experience. It was just so out of control and ridiculous that I was more mad about it after the fact then in the middle of it. I'm glad that God granted me patience and grace during that time. Here's to hoping it doesn't happen again.
JVG
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