I had my Bone Marrow Biopsy done in the hospital on Monday. They did the biopsy guided by a CAT Scan machine and I was given very good drugs so I only felt mild discomfort. I would advise anyone who needs a Bone Marrow Biopsy, to get the drugs. Most Dr.'s will say the procedure can be done in office with a local injection but just say NO - TRUST ME! For a few days after the biopsy, the injection site was sore and itchy but nothing some Tylenol couldn't handle.
One thing that really stuck with me was arriving at the hospital.
I had to be there by 6 am and the biopsy was suppose to take place at 8 am. The last time I had to arrive at the hospital that early was to have my son - the same exact hospital. I remember how much excitement and how much happiness I felt going to give birth. It's amazing how you can go into the same place that holds so many wonderful memories and now the only thing you feel is terrified and scared!
My parents are coming tomorrow morning to be with me and my husband, when we go to hear the results of all the tests on Tuesday. (No matter how old you are, you still need your parents!)
I am worried, scared and praying for the best.
- Shayna
December 30, 2010
December 20, 2010
Medical Update
I went to the Hematologist / Oncologist today and they took a ton of blood from me to run all kinds of tests! Just walking into a medical building with the words "CANCER CENTER" on them was enough to make me start to cry.
Also next week, I will be getting a Bone Marrow Biopsy and a few ultrasounds. My follow up appt. is the first week in January, that is when I will get the results.
Please keep the prayers coming.
I am going to log off now and give my husband & kids a big hug!
- Shayna
Also next week, I will be getting a Bone Marrow Biopsy and a few ultrasounds. My follow up appt. is the first week in January, that is when I will get the results.
Please keep the prayers coming.
I am going to log off now and give my husband & kids a big hug!
- Shayna
December 18, 2010
Hematologist - High Platelet Count Almost 1 Million
This week, I got some of the scariest new of my life.
I went into my Dr. for blood work to see if I had developed Diabetes. I had tingling in my toes, pain in my hips, fatigue, etc. My Dr. order a full blood work up and the results showed that I did not yet have Diabetes. Instead it showed I have a very abnormally high Blood Platelet Count, it's almost one million. I got the lab results back on Tuesday and I have an appointment to see the Hematologist on Monday afternoon.
I AM VERY SCARED!
My Dr. and lots of friends all say there is nothing to get worked up about until I know what is going on! Easy for them to say. You see, I freak out easily and this is HUGE! It could mean anything from a disease called ET (Essential Thrombocytosis), to Anemia, to G-D forbid - I can't even believe I have to type this word, but CANCER!
In our family we are always worried that there is not enough money in the bank, that the kids are always fighting with each other, etc. I am here to tell you that nothing else matters but your HEALTH and the HEALTH of your family! Everything else can be worked out.
I cannot even begin to imagine the worst case scenario, we have five young children. There is no way my husband can manage all of us on his own. He is a great husband and father (I should tell him that more often) but he is only one person and he has to go to work everyday - the bills will not stop coming just because I am sick!
I am going to pray for the best but I am the type of person who expects the worse and then if it turns out okay, I feel lucky.
Keep me in your prayers and I will keep everyone posted.
- Shayna
I went into my Dr. for blood work to see if I had developed Diabetes. I had tingling in my toes, pain in my hips, fatigue, etc. My Dr. order a full blood work up and the results showed that I did not yet have Diabetes. Instead it showed I have a very abnormally high Blood Platelet Count, it's almost one million. I got the lab results back on Tuesday and I have an appointment to see the Hematologist on Monday afternoon.
I AM VERY SCARED!
My Dr. and lots of friends all say there is nothing to get worked up about until I know what is going on! Easy for them to say. You see, I freak out easily and this is HUGE! It could mean anything from a disease called ET (Essential Thrombocytosis), to Anemia, to G-D forbid - I can't even believe I have to type this word, but CANCER!
In our family we are always worried that there is not enough money in the bank, that the kids are always fighting with each other, etc. I am here to tell you that nothing else matters but your HEALTH and the HEALTH of your family! Everything else can be worked out.
I cannot even begin to imagine the worst case scenario, we have five young children. There is no way my husband can manage all of us on his own. He is a great husband and father (I should tell him that more often) but he is only one person and he has to go to work everyday - the bills will not stop coming just because I am sick!
I am going to pray for the best but I am the type of person who expects the worse and then if it turns out okay, I feel lucky.
Keep me in your prayers and I will keep everyone posted.
- Shayna
December 10, 2010
Screaming vs The Sounds of Silence?
Lately, I have been finding myself more and more frustrated with the kids. The older two in particular, have been driving me crazy. From their indifference to their schoolwork to their room that is never cleaned up, I am finding myself more and more frustrated!
Sometimes it feels like all I do is scream at the girls to get it together.
I WANT THE SCREAMING TO STOP!
My parents, my father in particular had a habit of screaming first and finding out what was really going on second. I hated it, I told myself that I was never going to do that to my children. HA! HA! HA!
But seriously, I really hated it and it did have a horrible effect on my self esteem.
I try to remember to listen, to understand but each and everyday it gets harder and harder. I don't want to be their friend and not their parent but shouldn't there and couldn't there be a nice mix of both in parenting?
I had a long talk with the girls (after I screamed my head off) and tried to explain to them, that I hate screaming at them (not to mention that I know it's very ineffective to scream at them because they've just started to tune me out - but I didn't tell them this) but I need them to cooperate. We are a large family and we need to work together. I am always saying; "How many people live in this house?" They answer "seven" and I reply "and there is only one MOMMY!" Like always they say they will help out more and do their homework right after school and then a week goes by and we start all over again! Is this going to last until they move out?
Thankfully for the most part they're really, really great kids. Their issues so far are common teenage issues but this parenting thing is a lot harder than my Mom made it look! I now know why they made a bumper sticker that says: "If I knew being a Grandparent was going to be this great - I would have done it first!"
I guess each day is a new day. Maybe our house will be scream free tomorrow? Oh wait, that's not going to happen, we have a two year old son, he will do plenty of screaming for us. Oh well, one day after all the kids are gone, I am sure I will be complaining that it's to quiet around here!
- Shayna
Sometimes it feels like all I do is scream at the girls to get it together.
I WANT THE SCREAMING TO STOP!
My parents, my father in particular had a habit of screaming first and finding out what was really going on second. I hated it, I told myself that I was never going to do that to my children. HA! HA! HA!
But seriously, I really hated it and it did have a horrible effect on my self esteem.
I try to remember to listen, to understand but each and everyday it gets harder and harder. I don't want to be their friend and not their parent but shouldn't there and couldn't there be a nice mix of both in parenting?
I had a long talk with the girls (after I screamed my head off) and tried to explain to them, that I hate screaming at them (not to mention that I know it's very ineffective to scream at them because they've just started to tune me out - but I didn't tell them this) but I need them to cooperate. We are a large family and we need to work together. I am always saying; "How many people live in this house?" They answer "seven" and I reply "and there is only one MOMMY!" Like always they say they will help out more and do their homework right after school and then a week goes by and we start all over again! Is this going to last until they move out?
Thankfully for the most part they're really, really great kids. Their issues so far are common teenage issues but this parenting thing is a lot harder than my Mom made it look! I now know why they made a bumper sticker that says: "If I knew being a Grandparent was going to be this great - I would have done it first!"
I guess each day is a new day. Maybe our house will be scream free tomorrow? Oh wait, that's not going to happen, we have a two year old son, he will do plenty of screaming for us. Oh well, one day after all the kids are gone, I am sure I will be complaining that it's to quiet around here!
- Shayna
November 30, 2010
Chanukah
To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,
Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Our family is Jewish and we celebrate Chanukah. We say a prayer and light candles for eight nights to celebrate the miracle of the oil in the temple that should have lasted for one day but lasted for eight.
It's a beautiful holiday that we fill with family traditions; latkes (potato pancakes), jelly donuts, spinning dreidels and story telling about Chanukah's that have come and gone.
One of the miracles that we'll hopefully get to celebrate this year, will be, that our two year old son, does not get a hold of the menorah and burn our house down. =)
Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, I hope that it's filled with family, wonderful memories and no trips to the ER (see my Thanksgiving post below). =)
- Shayna
Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.
~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Our family is Jewish and we celebrate Chanukah. We say a prayer and light candles for eight nights to celebrate the miracle of the oil in the temple that should have lasted for one day but lasted for eight.
It's a beautiful holiday that we fill with family traditions; latkes (potato pancakes), jelly donuts, spinning dreidels and story telling about Chanukah's that have come and gone.
One of the miracles that we'll hopefully get to celebrate this year, will be, that our two year old son, does not get a hold of the menorah and burn our house down. =)
Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, I hope that it's filled with family, wonderful memories and no trips to the ER (see my Thanksgiving post below). =)
- Shayna
November 29, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving 2010, I am not sure that I will be able to look back and call it a happy holiday.
It started out great! My Mom, sister and aunt came and got all the kids early - even our 2 year old! We had two days to ourselves before we left to go to my parents. It was amazing to hear the sounds of silence and to be together alone! Although I still found myself missing the kids. =)
We got to my parents only to discover that my Mom had a cold. Unfortunately, I have asthma and when I get a cold, it usually turns into an asthma attack! Can you guess what happened next? No, I didn't get an asthma attack, the first thing that happened was worse...
My two year old son and I were playing where is your nose, where is your mouth, where are your eyes and when he found my eyes he poked his finger straight through my cornea and scratched it in two places. I am here to tell you that I don't think anything has ever hurt worse (No, not even child birth)! It burned so bad and I thought I was going to be blind. I went to the Dr. the next day who gave me some antibiotic drops to put in my eye, they drops just burned! It turns out I had a allergic reaction to the drops! I had to go to the ER, where they gave me drops to paralyze my eyeball, steroid drops, and then new antibiotic drops. I was still blind, it hurt my bad eye too much to open my good eye. If I didn't live it, I would not believe this happened. Finally we got in touch with a friend of ours who is a Retina specialist Doctor who told us to buy over the counter Refresh PM ointment. It really worked well.
Once my eye started feeling better, I got sicker from catching my Mom's cold and I had a horrible asthma attack! I then had to go back to the hospital for a breathing treatment, steroid, antibiotic, etc.
It was the worst weekend ever!!!
Although it did show the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family. My husband, sister and the rest of my family really took care of the kids and helped me try to get better. I am truly thankful!
It started out great! My Mom, sister and aunt came and got all the kids early - even our 2 year old! We had two days to ourselves before we left to go to my parents. It was amazing to hear the sounds of silence and to be together alone! Although I still found myself missing the kids. =)
We got to my parents only to discover that my Mom had a cold. Unfortunately, I have asthma and when I get a cold, it usually turns into an asthma attack! Can you guess what happened next? No, I didn't get an asthma attack, the first thing that happened was worse...
My two year old son and I were playing where is your nose, where is your mouth, where are your eyes and when he found my eyes he poked his finger straight through my cornea and scratched it in two places. I am here to tell you that I don't think anything has ever hurt worse (No, not even child birth)! It burned so bad and I thought I was going to be blind. I went to the Dr. the next day who gave me some antibiotic drops to put in my eye, they drops just burned! It turns out I had a allergic reaction to the drops! I had to go to the ER, where they gave me drops to paralyze my eyeball, steroid drops, and then new antibiotic drops. I was still blind, it hurt my bad eye too much to open my good eye. If I didn't live it, I would not believe this happened. Finally we got in touch with a friend of ours who is a Retina specialist Doctor who told us to buy over the counter Refresh PM ointment. It really worked well.
Once my eye started feeling better, I got sicker from catching my Mom's cold and I had a horrible asthma attack! I then had to go back to the hospital for a breathing treatment, steroid, antibiotic, etc.
It was the worst weekend ever!!!
Although it did show the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family. My husband, sister and the rest of my family really took care of the kids and helped me try to get better. I am truly thankful!
November 22, 2010
Songs I Love
I wanted to share some of the music that has touched my life and I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do!
The words of this song say it all!
My four girls and I always cry when we listen to this song!
The song my husband and I danced to at our wedding!
The song my Dad and I danced to at my wedding!
ENJOY - SHAYNA
The words of this song say it all!
My four girls and I always cry when we listen to this song!
The song my husband and I danced to at our wedding!
The song my Dad and I danced to at my wedding!
ENJOY - SHAYNA
November 20, 2010
The Warmth of a Classroom
Today, I had to go into my kid's school to help out with the after school program. While I was there I went to see my daughter in fifth grade. Her teacher had the classroom set up so beautifully! There were pics hanging from the ceiling, there was a paper chain going across the room and on each piece of chain was a nice note the kids wrote about each other, etc. The minute I walked into that classroom, I could feel the love and warmth. What a refreshing change from when I was a kid and my school had a rolling chalkboard and the teacher had a paddle by her desk!
I am sure the kid's don't realize how lucky they are to have such a wonderful classroom and school. It made me think of the kid's around the world who would give anything just to attend school.
Looking at that classroom today made me realize just how lucky we are!
I am sure the kid's don't realize how lucky they are to have such a wonderful classroom and school. It made me think of the kid's around the world who would give anything just to attend school.
Looking at that classroom today made me realize just how lucky we are!
November 5, 2010
Apology Note To My Marriage
My husband and I have been married for seven years. I love him just as much as the day we got married. Although I must admit that neither of us take care of our marriage like we should. A marriage should be taken care of like a newborn. It should be fed, nurtured, paid lots of attention to, and most of all loved! While, there is nothing seriously wrong with our marriage, it could use some attention, it has been neglected and we need to apologize!
The years go by and each year more and more stuff takes up the space that our marriage use to fill. Instead of going on dates, we're making playdates for the kids. Instead of deep and meaningful conversation over dinner, we chat with our kids about school, yell at them to eat their food and we remind them that our home is not a restaurant. Instead of going to bed together, we do other things to unwind, i.e. play computer games or watch television. I must admit, my husband, would probably run to bed with me every night if I was up to it but the truth is, while I love my husband with all my heart and soul - I am tired! With five kids, I feel "all touched out" by the end of the day and it's not fair to him or our marriage. I am sorry.
We both need to make the effort and remind our marriage that we have not forgotten about it. They say when you have more than one child, you need to make an effort to give each one special one on one time and I agree. But I am also coming to the realization that a marriage can be like a child. We need to remember to give it one on one time and remind it that it's also very loved and special.
We're sorry and we're going to do better, starting right now. I am logging off and going to wake my husband who has fallen asleep in the baby's room while he was putting him to bed. =)
"Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing." - Goethe
- Shayna
Finding the Time
I cannot tell you how often I sit down and the computer and think that I should write somthing on my blog. Unfortunately, there is always something going on. The kids won't leave me alone to write (you know the saying "the minute you start to do something, you become a magnet for the kids)! I need to finish work on the computer for my job. There is always something, but I need to remember that I need something for me. That's the reason I started this blog, to have a creative outlet that was just for me.
So, I am going to make a pledge to myself and my fellow bloggers to start blogging again, at least once a week.
I have enjoyed reading so many of the blogs on this site. I hope that with regular posting, you will also enjoy mine.
Thanks - Shayna
So, I am going to make a pledge to myself and my fellow bloggers to start blogging again, at least once a week.
I have enjoyed reading so many of the blogs on this site. I hope that with regular posting, you will also enjoy mine.
Thanks - Shayna
July 16, 2010
INSPIRED
I have been stressed lately due to various things in my life and I've been feeling really down but I just watched the most amazing documentary (see below) and all I can say is the following:
Someone always has problems worse than your own - Be grateful for what you do have and pray for others!
- Shayna
I just watched the most amazing and inspiring documentary on HBO called A Small Act!
The documentary was moving and awe inspiring. Here is what the movie is about - this was taken from the A Small Act website:
http://www.asmallact.com/
When Hilde Back sponsored a young, rural Kenyan student, she thought nothing of it. She certainly never expected to hear from him, but years later she does. Now a Harvard graduate and a Human Rights Lawyer for the United Nations, Chris Mburu decides to find the stranger that changed his life. Inspired by her generosity, he starts a scholarship program of his own and names it for his former benefactor.
http://www.hildebackeducationfund.com/
The top students in Mukubu primary school are in the exact same situation as Chris once was. They are bright, but can’t afford to pay school fees. With the creation of Chris’ fund, these students have new hope. But the program is small; how many will qualify for a scholarship?
Using a strong narrative, the film interweaves seemingly separate lives into a cohesive whole. With clarity and grace, A SMALL ACT, bears witness to the ripple effect a single action can create.
AMAZING!!!! ONE SMALL ACT CAN CHANGE A LIFE!!!! ONE SMALL ACT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!
Someone always has problems worse than your own - Be grateful for what you do have and pray for others!
- Shayna
I just watched the most amazing and inspiring documentary on HBO called A Small Act!
The documentary was moving and awe inspiring. Here is what the movie is about - this was taken from the A Small Act website:
http://www.asmallact.com/
When Hilde Back sponsored a young, rural Kenyan student, she thought nothing of it. She certainly never expected to hear from him, but years later she does. Now a Harvard graduate and a Human Rights Lawyer for the United Nations, Chris Mburu decides to find the stranger that changed his life. Inspired by her generosity, he starts a scholarship program of his own and names it for his former benefactor.
http://www.hildebackeducationfund.com/
The top students in Mukubu primary school are in the exact same situation as Chris once was. They are bright, but can’t afford to pay school fees. With the creation of Chris’ fund, these students have new hope. But the program is small; how many will qualify for a scholarship?
Using a strong narrative, the film interweaves seemingly separate lives into a cohesive whole. With clarity and grace, A SMALL ACT, bears witness to the ripple effect a single action can create.
AMAZING!!!! ONE SMALL ACT CAN CHANGE A LIFE!!!! ONE SMALL ACT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!
July 14, 2010
Summer Update
I am sorry, it's been awhile since I last updated my blog. Life has been ... hectic to say the least.
Our 6 year old daughter had surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. She was in a lot of pain, it's taken her about 10 - 15 days to recover. I had no idea it would be such a painful recovery process. I am very glad we decided to do the surgery over the summer!
Our oldest daughter is at sleep away camp this summer, it's the first time she has been away from home. I am so excited for her but I have missed her so much, it hurts. Not just because she is my biggest help with her siblings but because even though she is the oldest - she is still my baby. She comes back home this weekend and I cannot wait to hug her tight.
Our 4 year old and 10 year old are at my parents house for about 2 weeks so we only have two kids at home right now. WOW - who knew having kids was so easy. Two kids at home is no work at all when you compare it to having five kids home all the time. We ordered a pizza tonight and half of it was left over - unheard of. =) It might sound crazy but I miss having everyone here under one roof. It makes me feel nervous to have everyone so scattered. "They'll all be home soon enough", my hubby says.
I want to make a promise to myself to keep up with this blog. I still need something that belongs to me and I really do enjoy writing my blog and reading others. I am going to try very hard to post on a more regular basis.
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I just realized mine is almost over ... it's time to go buy school supplies for all the kids.
Our 6 year old daughter had surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. She was in a lot of pain, it's taken her about 10 - 15 days to recover. I had no idea it would be such a painful recovery process. I am very glad we decided to do the surgery over the summer!
Our oldest daughter is at sleep away camp this summer, it's the first time she has been away from home. I am so excited for her but I have missed her so much, it hurts. Not just because she is my biggest help with her siblings but because even though she is the oldest - she is still my baby. She comes back home this weekend and I cannot wait to hug her tight.
Our 4 year old and 10 year old are at my parents house for about 2 weeks so we only have two kids at home right now. WOW - who knew having kids was so easy. Two kids at home is no work at all when you compare it to having five kids home all the time. We ordered a pizza tonight and half of it was left over - unheard of. =) It might sound crazy but I miss having everyone here under one roof. It makes me feel nervous to have everyone so scattered. "They'll all be home soon enough", my hubby says.
I want to make a promise to myself to keep up with this blog. I still need something that belongs to me and I really do enjoy writing my blog and reading others. I am going to try very hard to post on a more regular basis.
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I just realized mine is almost over ... it's time to go buy school supplies for all the kids.
May 27, 2010
Sleepovers
My daughter is having a sleepover at our house with a few friends. They're having so much fun!
I need to send my hubby to a friend's house and invite some friends over for a grown up sleepover. Movies, Drinks, Hors D'oeuvres, Karaoke, etc.
Ahh, to be a kid again and all they want to be is an adult - I should show them some bills. LOL
I need to send my hubby to a friend's house and invite some friends over for a grown up sleepover. Movies, Drinks, Hors D'oeuvres, Karaoke, etc.
Ahh, to be a kid again and all they want to be is an adult - I should show them some bills. LOL
May 25, 2010
I CONFESS!
I am writing to confess that I, a married woman with five children is in love with the Twilight Saga!
It brings out the teenager in me, it takes me back to that feeling of young love. You remember that first boy that made you realize boys aren't so gross after all. The butterflies that were in your stomach for your first kiss and many other firsts. That unhealthy, obsessive love, the love that you knew wouldn't last but you didn't want to lose.
The other thing the movies and books have given me is a new connection with my tweens. That has been the best thing about this saga. I don't know that it did the same thing for author Stephanie Meyers (she only has boys) but I cannot thank her enough.
We cannot wait for June 30th! I will leave you with the awesome extended trailer of ECLIPSE. Enjoy!
It brings out the teenager in me, it takes me back to that feeling of young love. You remember that first boy that made you realize boys aren't so gross after all. The butterflies that were in your stomach for your first kiss and many other firsts. That unhealthy, obsessive love, the love that you knew wouldn't last but you didn't want to lose.
The other thing the movies and books have given me is a new connection with my tweens. That has been the best thing about this saga. I don't know that it did the same thing for author Stephanie Meyers (she only has boys) but I cannot thank her enough.
We cannot wait for June 30th! I will leave you with the awesome extended trailer of ECLIPSE. Enjoy!
May 10, 2010
In The Blink Of An Eye
This is the speech we gave to our daughter at her Bat Mitzvah -
Chana, we’re so proud of you and the woman you’re becoming. We are so excited that today is your Bat Mitzvah!
We would like to speak for a moment about Parsha Ba Midbor – this Parsha begins with a counting of the Jewish people. The simple reason for this counting was to count those who would be called to war. On a deeper level, our Sages explain that this count demonstrated the value of every single individual and how cherished each one is to G-D! G-D wanted a count of the Jewish people because treasures them.
We have, Thank G-D, been blessed with five beautiful children and each one is a treasure. Chana, you’re the leader of our “tribe” of children. Your sisters and brother look up to you and will continue to look to you for your love, support and guidance along the way. We know that it’s not always easy to be the oldest but we want you to know what a great big sister you are!
We’re watching you grow into an amazing woman. A woman who always stands up for what’s right, is considerate and kind and most of all has a love for G-D!
This Bat Mitzvah today, G-D willing, will only be the first of many big simchas (celebrations) in your life. Your Dad and I know that we will blink and you’ll be in college, we will blink and it will be your wedding day and we will blink and it will be your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah we will be celebrating.
The time really does go by fast. The days are long but the years fly by!
We promise to try to remember to take our time with you and to slow down and enjoy our time with you. We look forward, G-D willing, to seeing more of the amazing things you will accomplish throughout your life!
I surprised myself and managed to get through the speech without too many tears. The party was a big success and the kids had a great time.
She looks even more grown up to me now that the party is over - Where does the time go?
Chana, we’re so proud of you and the woman you’re becoming. We are so excited that today is your Bat Mitzvah!
We would like to speak for a moment about Parsha Ba Midbor – this Parsha begins with a counting of the Jewish people. The simple reason for this counting was to count those who would be called to war. On a deeper level, our Sages explain that this count demonstrated the value of every single individual and how cherished each one is to G-D! G-D wanted a count of the Jewish people because treasures them.
We have, Thank G-D, been blessed with five beautiful children and each one is a treasure. Chana, you’re the leader of our “tribe” of children. Your sisters and brother look up to you and will continue to look to you for your love, support and guidance along the way. We know that it’s not always easy to be the oldest but we want you to know what a great big sister you are!
We’re watching you grow into an amazing woman. A woman who always stands up for what’s right, is considerate and kind and most of all has a love for G-D!
This Bat Mitzvah today, G-D willing, will only be the first of many big simchas (celebrations) in your life. Your Dad and I know that we will blink and you’ll be in college, we will blink and it will be your wedding day and we will blink and it will be your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah we will be celebrating.
The time really does go by fast. The days are long but the years fly by!
We promise to try to remember to take our time with you and to slow down and enjoy our time with you. We look forward, G-D willing, to seeing more of the amazing things you will accomplish throughout your life!
I surprised myself and managed to get through the speech without too many tears. The party was a big success and the kids had a great time.
She looks even more grown up to me now that the party is over - Where does the time go?
April 30, 2010
All The Stuff In The World
Recently, I have been getting a lot of looks when I am out with all FIVE of our kids. I have always wanted to say something to those who think we are crazy for having so many kids - family members, friends and strangers alike - so here it goes: I have watched a few people die in the last few years. Something they all had in common is this: it didn't matter what job they had, car they drove or house they had, or how much money they had, they all had the same in the end - their family members around their bed side telling them they love them!
Even though these beloved people are gone, they will never be forgotten because their loved ones will share the story of their lives with generations to come.
So, the next time you see a parent or a couple out with a bunch of kids and you think they are crazy, maybe you should think again! There are many days that are challenging but we wouldn't trade our kids for all the stuff in the world.
Even though these beloved people are gone, they will never be forgotten because their loved ones will share the story of their lives with generations to come.
So, the next time you see a parent or a couple out with a bunch of kids and you think they are crazy, maybe you should think again! There are many days that are challenging but we wouldn't trade our kids for all the stuff in the world.
April 28, 2010
EXHAUSTION
This was my Tuesday: Serve breakfast, pick breakfast up off floor, Get kids dressed and teeth brushed (no small feat with a one & four year old), Playdate at the park, Serve lunch, pick lunch up off floor, Put the baby down for a nap, Set up craft project for four year old, Do my work on the computer, Go to the kids school and work at their aftercare, Do carpool, Get icees and take all five kids and a friend to Michaels (which included a trip to the bathroom), Give three kids a bath at one time, Make dinner, Serve dinner, pick dinner up off floor, Sort pics for slideshow for my oldest's Bat Mitzvah, Help oldest with her last minute photosynthesis project, Pack lunches, etc.
The price for being a parent - exhaustion! The payout: My four year old telling me before bed that I am the best, she loves me so much and her hugging me until I cannot breath.
I'll take the exhaustion anytime!
The price for being a parent - exhaustion! The payout: My four year old telling me before bed that I am the best, she loves me so much and her hugging me until I cannot breath.
I'll take the exhaustion anytime!
April 23, 2010
Broken Arm? Almost
Yesterday, I was playing with the baby, when my oldest daughter started screaming. I didn't rush to her room because she was in there with her sister and a friend and lets just say they all know how to bring on the drama! When I went into her room she was screaming that her arm hurt. What should I do? On the one hand, I thought, rush - hurry up and get her to the ER and on the other hand I thought it's probably nothing and going to the ER is going to be costly and time consuming. You have to know my history with the kids... every time I rush one of them to the doctor, hospital, etc. it turns out to be nothing and every time I say "Oh its just a cough" they turn out to have strep or an ear infection. UGH!
I called my DH and told him to get home right away to watch the other kids. I had one kid at a playdate and a playdate at our house. I called all of the parents to rearrange schedules and our wonderful neighbor who is like a Grandpa to the kids came over and waited until my DH came home and I took her to the ER. With five kids it's next to impossible to drop everything and rush out the door.
Thank G-D the ER was not crowded. We were seen right away, the triage nurse thought her arm was broken. One of my first thoughts was, oh no her Bat Mitzvah is in two weeks and it would be horrible for her to ever brake her arm but especially right now. We went for X-rays and the tech thought maybe she fractured her elbow, which is alot worse!
The doctor finally came in and said she just sprained and brusied her arm pretty badly. The put a splint under her arm and wrapped it up, she has to wear it for a week. Great news!
I feel horrible that I didn't go to her right away when she started screaming but the scream of pain she had for her arm, is the same scream she has for a stubbed toe, etc. I can't wait to be in the room with her when she, G-D willing, has a baby one day! I wonder what that scream will sound like?
I called my DH and told him to get home right away to watch the other kids. I had one kid at a playdate and a playdate at our house. I called all of the parents to rearrange schedules and our wonderful neighbor who is like a Grandpa to the kids came over and waited until my DH came home and I took her to the ER. With five kids it's next to impossible to drop everything and rush out the door.
Thank G-D the ER was not crowded. We were seen right away, the triage nurse thought her arm was broken. One of my first thoughts was, oh no her Bat Mitzvah is in two weeks and it would be horrible for her to ever brake her arm but especially right now. We went for X-rays and the tech thought maybe she fractured her elbow, which is alot worse!
The doctor finally came in and said she just sprained and brusied her arm pretty badly. The put a splint under her arm and wrapped it up, she has to wear it for a week. Great news!
I feel horrible that I didn't go to her right away when she started screaming but the scream of pain she had for her arm, is the same scream she has for a stubbed toe, etc. I can't wait to be in the room with her when she, G-D willing, has a baby one day! I wonder what that scream will sound like?
April 11, 2010
Back from the holiday of endless meals!
It was a long Passover holiday. I planned ahead for about three weeks, the holiday was eight days and I am still cleaning up!
Looking back, I would have to say that the holiday was great. It was nice to have my DH home from work and spending extra time with me and the kids. Our relatives came to eat both seders at our house, it went really well, despite all my worries. Also, our relatives from Israel came and spent some time with us, our cousin even got engaged to his girlfriend on the beach!
Next year, G-D willing, we will be in Israel, celebrating the wedding of our beloved cousin. It's very sweet to see the way he and his new fiancée look at each other - ahhh to be young and in love!
Hopefully Israel will be a great trip full of memories for our family - if we can get through a sixteen hour plane ride with a two and half year old! =)
Looking back, I would have to say that the holiday was great. It was nice to have my DH home from work and spending extra time with me and the kids. Our relatives came to eat both seders at our house, it went really well, despite all my worries. Also, our relatives from Israel came and spent some time with us, our cousin even got engaged to his girlfriend on the beach!
Next year, G-D willing, we will be in Israel, celebrating the wedding of our beloved cousin. It's very sweet to see the way he and his new fiancée look at each other - ahhh to be young and in love!
Hopefully Israel will be a great trip full of memories for our family - if we can get through a sixteen hour plane ride with a two and half year old! =)
March 28, 2010
Passover / Spring Cleaning
Passover is in just a few days. I feel like I have been cleaning and buying food for this holiday for the last month! I have been so busy trying to get ready that I have not been on lately. I am sorry, I will be back to posting regularly around April 12th!
For those who celebrate Passover - Happy Kosher Passover to you!
For those who celebrate Easter - I hope you have a wonderful holiday and don't eat too many chocolate bunnies! =)
For those who celebrate Passover - Happy Kosher Passover to you!
For those who celebrate Easter - I hope you have a wonderful holiday and don't eat too many chocolate bunnies! =)
March 18, 2010
Do Mothers Get Sick Days?
For the last two weeks I have been feeling horrible! I had a sinus infection and now I have a stomach bug. UGH!
Where are my sick days? When mothers are sick, we still have to do it all. When what we really want to do is crawl under the covers and not come out until we feel better. Unfortunately for me, my one year old and 4 year old have other plans. Oh well...
I will have plenty of time to rest up one day.... the year 2030 is not that far away!
Where are my sick days? When mothers are sick, we still have to do it all. When what we really want to do is crawl under the covers and not come out until we feel better. Unfortunately for me, my one year old and 4 year old have other plans. Oh well...
I will have plenty of time to rest up one day.... the year 2030 is not that far away!
March 14, 2010
She Huffed and She Puffed!
The other day my oldest daughter (the preteen) wanted to go to a weekend sleepover with one of her after school groups. The head of the program was going to take the girls where he lived and they were going to sleep over at various host houses of people who live near him, that are friends of his. They would all eat meals together, etc. but I guess his place wasn't large enough for them to all sleep over. Then Sunday morning they were all going to get in a bus and drive to Sea World.
My answer to my daughter was "NO!" I told her, "you cannot sleep over someone house that I have never met before." She replied with "but the head of the program knows them." I told her "if you let me go with you to chaperone the sleepover you can go." I offered to bring her to the bus location Sunday morning to go to Sea World with them. She said "No, I will look like a baby." I then had to go into my explanation that there are all kinds of crazy people in this world and you never know. Then the following happened...
SHE HAD THE BIGGEST FIT OF HER LIFE!!
She ran into her room and starting screaming that she hates us and she hates this family! She started huffing and puffing and blowing her room apart - throwing blankets, pillows, chairs, etc. This went on for about 2 hours, until she finally fell asleep.
The next day I told her that I feel really bad that she is so upset and that it hurts me more than it hurts her to see her sad! (Whoa - that was a sounding like my own parents moment) She looked at me and said "So does that mean I can go?" I told her "no you cannot go and you’re grounded from any play dates, the phone, etc. for a week for that fit in your room!"
She ran off to her room, huffed and puffed but thank G-D this time she didn't blow her room down.
I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a lot of answers she doesn't want to hear. Thankfully our house is not made out of straw or sticks, it's made of LOVE!
My answer to my daughter was "NO!" I told her, "you cannot sleep over someone house that I have never met before." She replied with "but the head of the program knows them." I told her "if you let me go with you to chaperone the sleepover you can go." I offered to bring her to the bus location Sunday morning to go to Sea World with them. She said "No, I will look like a baby." I then had to go into my explanation that there are all kinds of crazy people in this world and you never know. Then the following happened...
SHE HAD THE BIGGEST FIT OF HER LIFE!!
She ran into her room and starting screaming that she hates us and she hates this family! She started huffing and puffing and blowing her room apart - throwing blankets, pillows, chairs, etc. This went on for about 2 hours, until she finally fell asleep.
The next day I told her that I feel really bad that she is so upset and that it hurts me more than it hurts her to see her sad! (Whoa - that was a sounding like my own parents moment) She looked at me and said "So does that mean I can go?" I told her "no you cannot go and you’re grounded from any play dates, the phone, etc. for a week for that fit in your room!"
She ran off to her room, huffed and puffed but thank G-D this time she didn't blow her room down.
I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a lot of answers she doesn't want to hear. Thankfully our house is not made out of straw or sticks, it's made of LOVE!
March 10, 2010
Everyone needs their Mom!
My Mom just flew back home today after visting us for a week.
When I dropped her off at the airport, I cried. My five kids looked at me and said "why are you crying?", I said "because I am going to miss Grammy!" They all looked at each other and said "you are crying for your Mommy, like we cry for you, when you go somewhere!"
This got me thinking ... there are some things that never change:
My mother is special in so many ways. She took me in and adopted me has a baby, when her other children were already 12 & 13 years old. Now that I am a mother, I realize what that meant. It meant that she had to do diapers again, I was very sick, with asthma, so it meant endless doctor and hospital visits, 6 a.m. trips to the pool for practice, sitting outside all day to watch my 2 minute performance in the holiday parade, teacher conferences, homework, etc. She had to start all over again.
They say that a parent shouldn't try to be their child's friend, they should just be the parent. I think that is true when your kids are little but when you become an adult, I think there is no better friend than your Mother.
When I dropped her off at the airport, I cried. My five kids looked at me and said "why are you crying?", I said "because I am going to miss Grammy!" They all looked at each other and said "you are crying for your Mommy, like we cry for you, when you go somewhere!"
This got me thinking ... there are some things that never change:
- No matter how old you are, you still need your Mom.
- When you are sick (or in labor), no one can take care of you like your Mom.
- When you feel down and troubled (to quote James Taylor), you've got a friend - in your Mom.
My mother is special in so many ways. She took me in and adopted me has a baby, when her other children were already 12 & 13 years old. Now that I am a mother, I realize what that meant. It meant that she had to do diapers again, I was very sick, with asthma, so it meant endless doctor and hospital visits, 6 a.m. trips to the pool for practice, sitting outside all day to watch my 2 minute performance in the holiday parade, teacher conferences, homework, etc. She had to start all over again.
They say that a parent shouldn't try to be their child's friend, they should just be the parent. I think that is true when your kids are little but when you become an adult, I think there is no better friend than your Mother.
March 3, 2010
Every Now and Then.
I am the mother of a tween.
She is not a girl, not yet a woman and sometimes I feel like…she is not the daughter that I knew.
The daughter that I knew use to hug me tight, tell me that I was the best mommy ever and that I was the prettiest person she ever saw. I couldn't walk out the door without her running behind me to give me one more hug and kissy. When each of her sisters and brothers wanted to play with her she was excited to play and teach them something new - she was the leader of the pack.
The tween that now lives in our house loves to disagree with me. From the clothes she wants, to her bedtime, to the food she will eat, to the cell phone - we won't let her have yet, etc. You name it, we disagree. She also thinks her little sisters and brother are annoying and are ALWAYS bothering her.
But every now and then, the daughter I knew shows up again.
She gets in the van during carpool excited to see me, she helps make dinner, she says that she needs my advice, she asks if she can use my phone to text her friends, etc. When her sisters ask her to read to them, they all climb into my bed and gather around her engrossed in her story. They think she is the coolest thing ever and you know what? Every now and then, I do too!
She is not a girl, not yet a woman and sometimes I feel like…she is not the daughter that I knew.
The daughter that I knew use to hug me tight, tell me that I was the best mommy ever and that I was the prettiest person she ever saw. I couldn't walk out the door without her running behind me to give me one more hug and kissy. When each of her sisters and brothers wanted to play with her she was excited to play and teach them something new - she was the leader of the pack.
The tween that now lives in our house loves to disagree with me. From the clothes she wants, to her bedtime, to the food she will eat, to the cell phone - we won't let her have yet, etc. You name it, we disagree. She also thinks her little sisters and brother are annoying and are ALWAYS bothering her.
But every now and then, the daughter I knew shows up again.
She gets in the van during carpool excited to see me, she helps make dinner, she says that she needs my advice, she asks if she can use my phone to text her friends, etc. When her sisters ask her to read to them, they all climb into my bed and gather around her engrossed in her story. They think she is the coolest thing ever and you know what? Every now and then, I do too!
I think instead of looking for the daughter I use to know, its time to get excited about the one who is emerging. While I haven't wanted to admit it, she is becoming a teenager. My daughter is: moody, cranky, confused, tired, argumentative, etc. But every now and then ...
March 1, 2010
To share or not to share? That is the question.
I am wondering, if I should tell my friends and family that I have started a blog?
The problem, I am facing, is one I am sure many other bloggers out there have dealt with. If everyone I know and love, checks out my blog, will I be able to keep my writing unfiltered? The answer is, probably not. But then again, if I don't tell them about it, who will read this blog???
I am excited about having a place that's mine, all mine. Being a mother of five (and a wife for that matter), I feel like there is very little left that's just for me. Someone always wants a piece and that's fine - I love my DH and kids. I wouldn't change my life with them for anything...
But sometimes a person just needs something to belong to just them, so for now...
I think that I will keep this blog all to myself.
Also, I am wondering what other bloggers out there think of posting pics of the kids? I think showing everyone what my family and I look like will make it more personal but then again, I watch Nancy Grace! Tell me your thoughts - thanks! =)
The problem, I am facing, is one I am sure many other bloggers out there have dealt with. If everyone I know and love, checks out my blog, will I be able to keep my writing unfiltered? The answer is, probably not. But then again, if I don't tell them about it, who will read this blog???
I am excited about having a place that's mine, all mine. Being a mother of five (and a wife for that matter), I feel like there is very little left that's just for me. Someone always wants a piece and that's fine - I love my DH and kids. I wouldn't change my life with them for anything...
But sometimes a person just needs something to belong to just them, so for now...
I think that I will keep this blog all to myself.
Also, I am wondering what other bloggers out there think of posting pics of the kids? I think showing everyone what my family and I look like will make it more personal but then again, I watch Nancy Grace! Tell me your thoughts - thanks! =)
February 28, 2010
A Purim Celebration
For those who are not sure what Purim is, here is a little about it:
Purim (Hebrew: פורים) is a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to annihilate them. On Purim there is a recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal; other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.
Most non-Jewish people see us around on Purim and think we got the day of Halloween wrong. =)
My kids love this holiday, it's their favorite one! They get to eat lots of yummy cookies called Hamantaschen ("Haman's pockets") and they get to dress up!
Purim (Hebrew: פורים) is a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman's plot to annihilate them. On Purim there is a recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal; other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.
Most non-Jewish people see us around on Purim and think we got the day of Halloween wrong. =)
My kids love this holiday, it's their favorite one! They get to eat lots of yummy cookies called Hamantaschen ("Haman's pockets") and they get to dress up!
We had a really fun night and the best part was ... they were so tired when we got home that they fell asleep right away!!!!
Ready, Set, Blog
WOW! Finally starting my own blog. I have been thinking about doing this for a long time. I am looking forward to posting my thoughts for the world to see and my children, one day, when they're older.