Thanksgiving Vacation!

I'm so proud of Austin for agreeing to getaway over our Thanksgiving break.  Except for me, the rest of the family had an extended break so I wanted to make the most out of what days I had off.  Austin's family used to vacation over Christmas break (when the lake was closed), but we aren't wanting to travel on vacation over Christmas just yet, so we chose Thanksgiving.  And, it just so happened that this also gave us a good opportunity to spend time with my brother, my sister-in-law and the new baby girls... so we went to Washington D.C.

No trip with a Cable would be complete without someone barfing and Leila made sure the trend continued.  Her favorite white blanket, favorite nightgown, and her entire bed got coated in the lovely stuff within one hour of going to bed for the first night.  (Baby shampoo is a great stain remover!)  Gage added the bookend on our last night in our extraordinary hotel suite and poor Puppy took the biggest hit if you don't count the curtains or the floor.  Hopefully we won't  be blacklisted from the hotel so we can return again!  ;)

We were able to go to the Natural History Museum, both Air and Space Museums, to a Christmas Parade in Reston, multiple IMax shows, and some driving tours of some of the monuments.  I was suckered into becoming a Smithsonian Member because Gage, of course, is ready for another trip, like, tomorrow, so we've decided that our next trip will include packing our bicycles.  DC is such a beautiful area to visit and my brother and his family is such a beautiful reason to make sure we go back frequently!

A Beacon in the Museum JUST LIKE the Beacon we have at home!  :)

Inspiration for Gage's Bedroom Decor

Darren and Petrina

Gabrielle nestled and warm

Another little girl who isn't too big for her Daddy!

Pierce Fire Trucks were everywhere~ Gage took his own photos of all the Pierce trucks he could find.

My brown-eyed mini me.

Incredible Space Shuttle

Another Lost Tooth!

Gage decided he was "not going to be a fighter pilot [mom] but I do think I want to design those planes....that's a much safer job for me!"

Halloween 2012

Halloween ~ a typical kid's favorite time of the fall and a typical parent's small nightmare.  :)  We're all learning quite a bit about sharing and limiting.

Miner Gage wearing his custom-made hard hat that Uncle Darren and Aunt Krisi gave to him last Christmas... decked out with REAL mining stickers from Poppy!

Bumblebee Leila.

Mrs. Dawson's (Gage's preschool teacher) and Mrs. Sutton's treat station.  They were so cute and into Octoberfest!  We belong to Farm Council with both of these families.

Gage and Nolan

Jade, Leila, Eli, and Gage-- farm council besties... and Leila and Eli, the betrothed

Explains so much!

Leila, did you clean up your mess yet?

No, mom, I made a bigger mess instead.

Life with a 3-year old named Leila directly contributes to my failing timely blogging habits.

Just another day of being a Cable kid at Austin Lake

In the mind of a mother for five seconds

After my third 13-hour shift in a row, I was eager to get home and see my kids for the first time in as many days.  They had spent time with Grandma and Poppy as a last hoorah before school begins.  I parked my car and crept up to the front door like a peeping tom.  I wanted to just take a still moment to soak in whatever activities were happening in my living room.  I wanted to see the little 6-year old and the little 3-year old, yet be unseen.  For a mom, that rarely happens.  After this sort of summer in 2012 and at this particular time of year, I needed to just see and just watch our biggest blessings.

Let me be clear.  I now know I hate back to school time.  It's not for the reason most would assume.  It's not because we 'go back to work' (like we've actually had time off).  It's not because summer is over.  It isn't necessarily even that my kids go back to school because, well, school is good for them.  Back to school time, however, is pivotal.  It marks the 'last year' and the 'this year'.  It's the turning the page of a chapter.  It means time is passing by and there is nothing I can do about it.  It means I'm older, the kids are older, and it means the yesterdays really are yesterdays.

We begin an entirely new cycle when school starts.  This year, Leila will go to preschool.  She is kind of kicking and screaming about it.  She has so many attachment qualms.  She wants to go... I know she does.  That's all she talked about last year.  But, now that it's here, she is balking.  She sees the pivot point too.  She sees the next big step is big and she knows.  The girl is bright.  She knows this means less mom, less comfort zone time, and less control.

Gage... with Gage and school, he's as easy as they could come.  He's so laid back and mostly easy going all of the time.  He does well in school and he has a good time when he's there.  He doesn't necessarily want summer vacation to end, but he doesn't give us a boo or hiss one about going back to school.  Our issues with going back to school and Gage means a whole new team of people to trust to do the right thing by him and his other needs-- with food, with absenteeism, with treating him with dignity and helping him be a leader.

It's the pivoting moment-- out with the old, bring in the new--the yet to be known.

I watched as my kids put on their jammies, picked out some books, curled up on the couch and then I crept inside.  As soon as the click of the door broke the whirring of the hive, both kids were in my arms and talking all at once.  Shrieking with excitement, exchanging hugs and high fives, and asking for me to read to them... In an instant, my mind was back into the present moment, let go of the stress and worries of all things coming.  And then I saw it-- the missing front tooth.

My kids were shrieking because Gage had just lost his first top front tooth.  He was so proud, so excited, and with a big smile on my face, I could have just bawled.  These big blessings grow up in a flash, in a school year, on a 3-day vacation to Grandma and Poppy's.  They remind us daily that our control over time is a losing battle.  That, to have any time at all, is the biggest gift.

Soccer First Impressions

Last year after taking Gage to a soccer tournament, he was convinced he was willing and ready to play.  Last night was his first practice.

I suppose the tension in my heart that existed all day as I wondered how he'd do, how he'd get along with others, how he'd try to do new things, and how, hopefully, he'd enjoy himself is normal tension for mothers.

Just as a blown up balloon gets released and sizzles down to nothing, as soon as I saw him and another girl chase each other and a ball through giggles, I sat back into my bleacher seat and exhaled.  He kept the same happy momentum throughout the entire practice, and I must say, he and all the other little 'first-timers' actually have some skill, too.

At the end of practice on the walk back to car, he said, "Mom, that practice was not one hour--it felt like one minute!!"  I think it's safe to say he's going to enjoy himself.

Lil' Pampering goes a long way

Tonight I went to a friend's  house for her Pampered Chef party.  Totally not my thing typically (still bought over $100 of stuff), totally not a good day and time (Saturday night), and totally not mentally prepared to battle an un-napped Leila at the party.

But, the hostess is one of my dearest friends here and she is so kind and generous (even kept her kitties 'locked' up) that I was bound and determined to go and have a good time.

Needless to say, it was the nicest two hours in the middle of a Saturday night I've had in a long time.  Leila was complimented all night on her good behavior (sometimes all I could do was smile and grin at the person complimenting her  because I was waiting for another shoe to drop and for it to all be over.)  And when we left, Leila said "Whew!  That was just the nicest party mom!"-- as she swung her purse and skipped to the car.

You could put me in the middle of Timbuktu with my daughter and honestly, as long as she's happy, I feel like a million dollar mother.

Countdown to Crazy

This summer has flown.  I'm one step away from a mental breakdown every day-- layers upon layers of to-dos, tasks, responsibilities, commitments, and the like-- and instead of getting better, I think summer has been training ground for what life is going to be like for us this fall when I go back to work full time.

So, yes, the interior of the house is finished all but the painting--- which means all but the putting stuff back, cleaning, and organizing too.  The deck will be finished by noon tomorrow.  The outside of the house may be cleaned up from construction stuff by the time it starts to snow.  And, yes, we've managed 2/3 of the Austin Lake summer.

But, the countdown is upon us.  Austin, Gage and Leila go back to school in 20 days.  I haven't bought one marker, crayon, or grocery for lunchboxes yet.  And I... I start two additional positions at the college which, in all honestly, means I'm technically needed back to school next week.  I'm trying to squeeze in every last possible day off that I can to play, shop, clean, and get ready for the morning mayhem of showering, teeth brushing, and bus catching.  I KNOW this is why moms either have really long hair, really short hair, or really unkempt hair.

I'm so excited about the jobs... I'm so not ready for the mornings.  Leila is going to pre-school for half a day a few days a week, and until she found out Eli would be at Mollie's everyday, she was excited about it.  Now, she just wants to go to Mollie's.  I think we'll send her to school on my long work days and to Mollie's on the others.

Gage... in first grade.  Crazy times two.  A lot to do to get the school on-track again.  I assume nothing, I prepare for everything.

....

Strong armed!

Leila won the strongest 3-year old to ever grace the doctor's office today.  For reasons too exhausting to explain, I never had her blood work drawn for Leila after her 1-year old check up when they are tested for lead and anemia.  I eventually forgot all about the fact that it needed to be done.

Fast forward to her 3-year old well child (yes, 6 months late) visit and the need for her school physical form to be filled out.  And wouldn't we all know, Leila has no record of her lead test ever being done.  What a fool!  If I thought it would be difficult to take a 1-year old through blood work, it was because I had no idea what kind of girl she'd be at 3.

Not to mention the fact that Leila was traumatized at her well-child appointment because of some other 'stuff', so I was already extra ready to deal with a serious struggle.  What I was not ready to deal with was the fact the ladies at the draw lab had to huddle up three different times to talk through who should be where and do what job to figure out their strategy to overcome her strength.  Yes.  Seriously.  Eventually, it took five women to hold her down well enough to get the draw line inserted.  Once inserted, it was all over and she calmed down, but, literally, they say they've never seen such a small little girl with that sort of might.

And all I could think to myself was, "you all have nooo idea!" ;-)

If I never have to do that with Leila again it will be too soon.

Time out!

I think she fits in quite nicely right where she put herself.  I can't wait until soccer season begins!

All in time...

Gage getting ready to eat his very special (and very yummy, too, I promise) wheat free, dairy free, soy free, nut free John Deere green cupcakes!

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the cliche, All in Time, and it hasn't failed me yet when I turn my worries and stress over to patience and perseverance.  Gage just celebrated his 6th birthday, happy, healthy, fit and wonderful.  We haven't always had such adjectives to describe Gage.  Since starting a special elemental formula in November, Gage has gained almost 10 pounds and is, at this time, nowhere close to needing a feeding tube or any other sort of 'aid' for him to get his nutritional intake.  Thanks to those food allergies only sticking around and even getting a bit trickier to deal with, he had really taken a near stop in growth for about a  year and it got a little worrisome for us for a little while.  However,  medical advances and abilities in this country are amazing!  

To put the icing on the cake, pun intended, right after his birthday, I received the official word from the state that Gage is officially part of the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.  I've been working on this since February or so after we got into a medical debacle with Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.  Answered prayers, no doubt.  This means as long as Gage goes to doctors who are part of the Bureau, the Bureau will pay for anything (regarding the Eosinophilic Esophagitis) outstanding not covered by our insurance until he is 19!  Co-pays, prescriptions, lab work, etc!  I could cry in happiness just typing it.  We've moved all of his doctors to Cleveland Clinic, we've had three visits so far, with one more around the corner-- and they cannot believe what courage and knowledge Gage has.  Again, that's all been my mission and it's a compliment to us both when the professionals say 'you can't do anything more than you're already doing.'  I'm so glad we've made the switch and I'm so glad that we're lucky to have advanced medical care so close to home.

Any parent who has a child who has any sort of special medical condition knows what kind of work goes into learning about the problems, dealing with the problems, educating others on the problems, fighting all the people in the world who think they shouldn't have to worry about your kid's problems, and then... the medical paperwork and bills.  It's a full-time job in itself.   I wish I would have kept a log of just the hours I spend on the phone between the insurance company and the hospitals.  It's made us stronger.  But, it's also made me very, very protective because I've truly learned that ignorance is too abundant.

It won't be our excuse, though!  The Cables never, ever give up!  Happy 6th Birthday, Gage Brant Cable!

Who Doesn't Love a Brownie!

For Father's Day, we had a true family brainstorming session in the car on the way to Kroger where, I thought, we'd buy Austin a yummy cake.  Leila thought we should get Frowny Brownies from Kings.  Gage thought we should make our own Frown Brownies.  Leila, knowing all the icing that would await her, quickly agreed.  These were our Father's Day Frowny Brownies that we made for Austin:

Don't Cry...

... over spilled milk.  Especially if your 3-year old is trying trying to do things "all by herself!"

Steuben Striders, First Track Meet

Gage's first blue ribbon after the 50-meter dash.  He left the day with four firsts and a proud, proud heart.  The next meet didn't go as well, and it was a very tough lesson, but Steuben Striders track club is an exceptional organization.  He keeps going back for more and keeps learning and working hard.  I'm so proud of him.  His new friends Christopher and Hope being there helps out, too!

Brecken, Leila, and Gage needed a shade break during Jake's mile.  Brecken and Leila are going to be a force to be reckoned with in about another year when they hit the track!  

Ski and more ski

We've had the kids out on the skis a couple of time so far this summer.  Miss Leila is a true athlete... that girl has strength like an olympian.  She's shimmying her way onto the training boom left and right, in the water and out, and she can ride like superman for miles.  We have her off the rope on the training boom now, and even though she got dragged under water, the girl didn't let go and made her way to the surface to brush the water out of her face and keep going.  Simply amazing.  If we had time to really work with her, I think she'd be up on skis this summer.  Once those tubes are out of those precious ears,  I'm much more game to let her be a water dog.  That girl makes me giddy!

Gage is on skis now, on the training boom, but can't quite last once he stands up.  He's good at his cannon ball position and form so he's able to ride his skis in a squat.  He hates the water in his face, though, so as soon as he thinks he's going to crash, it's all over.  (actually, it's the water up the nose that gets him).  Ever so slightly I think he's learning the challenge of the skis is a little more fun and rewarding, even though he crashes, than being dragged around the lake like superman.  The competitive nature is in him; don't be fooled, he just isn't always ready to try if he might lose.  We're working those kinks out one experience at a time.

So far my days on the skis are over.  :-(  But, I'm grateful for the ankle surgery recovery thus far so I'm not pushing my luck.  However, I might need a new challenging outdoors hobby.  Summer is slipping by fast this year.

Crazy Dysfunctional World

Well, I said it.  I told Austin that going into debt was worth it to save my sanity.  I'm not sure I mean that on this day when 1) the entire house, and I do mean every square inch, is in upheaval and full of construction (destruction?) 2) starting one project to finish for now turned into a mandatory start and finish two other projects, as well as a few others that weren't even planned on... ever and 3) who's paying for all this!?  :-)

Bamboo flooring throughout was a bit more than anticipated and Austin doesn't know it, but he has now committed us to this house for eternity.  When these projects are over, I'm not game to start from scratch unless it's an addition for me to have my own separate area of the house.

Oh... remember what time of the year it is, family.  That's right.  Summer.  And summer at Austin Lake is already crazy.  I'm starting to think we're sadistic.

Hey... but the kids are wonderful, though ;)

Reds vs. Bucs

My Grandpa Bailey was a huge MLB fan.  His favorite team was the Cincinnati Reds.  For years, I spent the weekends at my grandparents' house and during baseball season, my grandpa's radio was always tuned in.  He watched the games on tv also,  but there is just something awesome about baseball on the radio.  I can still smell the summer days of fresh cut grass, tractor fuel, and my Grandpa's after shave.

Starting when my brothers were little, my Grandma and Grandpa Bailey usually took us to at least one Cincinnati Reds game every summer.  It was common to watch them play the Pirates because of our geographic location.  I know I didn't always love every minute of a long baseball game, but I know I loved every minute of going to one with my grandparents.  It's certainly part of me still today.

Finally,  we fulfilled my long-lost summer tradition of going to see the Pirates and Reds face off.  Even though I am in a walking cast... and going to a game in Pittsburgh usually means lots of walking... I sucked it up to be a good sport because this was just so important to me.

I didn't know what the kids would think so I took some little things to keep them occupied, but all were unnecessary.  From the hike across the river into the stadium, to the statues and city views from outside the stadium, to the game itself (including the Peiroggi race), the kids were absolutely into it.  Hooray!

The Pirates won (I wore my red dangly earrings for the Reds...) so the kids really thought that was important.  The after-game ended with a spectacular fireworks show that truly felt like we were right beneath the blossoming explosions.  That was the first time Leila has seen fireworks and the first Gage has seen them since he was just a little guy.  (So, that, too, was super important to me!)  I really felt like we had a family outing that felt so normal to me, that everyone enjoyed, and that touched a special place in my heart.

Despite Gage getting sick at the end and trying to make it back to the car without a public display of his powerful projectile vomits, we worked everything out all evening.  With a lot of preparation, we continue to learn that our limitations only limit us if we allow them!  Thank you, Austin, for giving me some normal!  ;)

Overnight

Somehow my kids have left Nick Jr. and Disney in the dust to their now preferred Boomerang and Cartoon network.  How did that happen?  I don't really care that they are now more entertained with the Smurfs rather than with Mickey Mouse, but I'm perplexed by the quick change.  What's next?  Not holding my hand?  This sentimental mom doesn't think so!  I've been praying for answers to the complex situation involving seeking more employment for more income for the family.   I think my answer came.  Their childhood goes by too quickly as it is.  For me, that means more patience in seeking what will fulfill my career so that I have no regrets in fulfilling my children and my motherhood memories.

God Bless the Stickers

A few weeks ago Gage asked me to make a sticker chart for him like I used to do when he was little. 
1.  I love the idea of sticker charts-- that's why I used to make them for him.  However. 
2.  I'm terrible at following through with sticker charts. 

Clearly, this is another area for which I will not earn mom of the year.  But, hey, I was game to do it again.  After all, we always have room to make improvements--mom and kids.

I found a few things I had printed off for Leila a long time ago when contemplating using stickers to try to teach her about good sleeping habits and such.  Didn't follow through with it then, but they came in quite handy now. 

Fast forward two weeks since launching the sticker charts for some highlights:

• Leila is sleeping on her own, all night
• Leila is napping, more often than not, without a fight
• Gage is bathing himself--including the whole kit and caboodle of teeth, clothes, medicine routine, etc.
• Gage is independently taking care of his school stuff each day when he gets home--including his coat, shoes, lunch box trash, etc.
• And--they never, ever let us forget to do the nightly sticker ritual.  

So while Leila hasn't earned too many stickers for 'following directions' (as she is frequently in time out), she is certainly improving on other target behaviors that we've always failed and is more bummed than before the stickers when she does have to sit in time out.

Gage has knocked his sticker chart off the wall so we're making some changes on his target behaviors to keep this independence streak going.  Trying to tie his shoes is certainly going to be on the new list. 

They've  been told that they can cash in a completed (weekly) sticker chart for a trip to the Dairy Queen, and Mr. Negotiator has conned me into also allowing them to opt to save weekly sticker charts until they've earned a bigger award.  Gage wants a monster truck.  Leila wants a Barbie.  (mom wants the weekly trip to Dairy Queen)

Who knew?  Six months ago my kids would have cared less about sticker charts, but for now, we're riding this wave and letting them show off all those good choices.  

Runner Track

For as long as I can remember, Gage has been wanting to run track.  He used to call this "runner track" when he was much younger.  Then, he began to think that all races were 5Ks so he always asked to run 5Ks.  But, now, he has it all figured out (a bit better) and is officially registered for his first sport!  (I'm not sure who is more excited.)

We would not have put him in track just to make me happy, but he has always been genuinely interested. (you know how that goes)  We waited for all kinds of reasons, but we really had to wait until Leila was old enough to handle practices and meets, as I just haven't had 'easy' children.  She would have liked to have been registered as well, but she's just not old enough... but, I think they'll find all kinds of uses for her.

Not only is his uniform John Deere green, but he is plain excited that he has a new responsibility.  That's the best way I know how to word this excitement.  I hope he handles wins or losses with a smile, but I think he will, as school has been good for that... and because there are so many practices and so few meets, that I think he'll get used to the idea of just going out there to do his best and to have fun.

Not that I should need an excuse to get out of the lake once summer hits, but I am glad for a scheduled reason to get out of the lake with my kids for a few days each week.  Something tells me they will benefit from a social life in and out of the lake.   After all, aren't experiences part of what keeps us well-rounded?  And, yes, mom is very happy to have a track scene back in her life.

Coaching was one more thing I left behind in Athens and haven't dabbled with since moving and getting married.  I had no idea how difficult it would be to leave so much of what makes me 'me'.  And kids ultimately ask you to redefine your roles anyway, so I never had a problem not coaching (actually I turned down offers for three years).  In fact, I am really excited for a new role of 'loud mom in the bleachers.'  But, who knows, maybe it won't be long until I'm on the sideline with a group of kids and a stopwatch.

It makes me so proud to watch Gage come into this stage--and I can't wait to just be the loud momma for now!

As it goes

She's up... and then she's down. She's up... and then she's down! Just as Little Leila has mastered pumping the swing all by herself, she has also mastered the fickle temperaments of a 3-year old little girl.

 Her desire for complete independence is crazy! Her own timetable, her own way, and her own spirit, Leila is sometimes quite a force and other times quite a young lady. The ladies at the registration for track and field (which I found out was the director when we were leaving) ate her up, adopted her with kisses and cuddles, and she showed them a thing or two about her 'speed'. She's hoping to get snuck into a competition or two; she just doesn't quite get that will be the only way she gets to race.

 We went to the Children's Museum in Pittsburgh over the weekend, which was the first time for Leila. Split up, Leila and I tackled two floors on our own (while I'm only two weeks out of surgery) and I can't help but sit back and take in how amazing I think she is. Yes, yes, I'm her mom, but even so, when I watch her take over manipulatives, books, art projects, and stuff like that, I can't believe how much she knows and can do on her own. She's like looking into the soul of a girl in college even those her little nose and big brown eyes keep us in reality that she's only 3. Whew. If. I. could. just. stop. time.

 Later that day, she caused a scene in the grocery store that, had we been in an airplane, would have ended terribly with an emergency landing to kick out the Cable family. Bless her tired heart. Austin really had a major time getting us all to the car, including the groceries, and he stayed mad and irritated until the next day, but it was really, really good for her to see him that way. (Plus, I got to be the comforter, instead of the scolder, for a change.)

Little Miss Moneybags

It has been no secret that I don't seem to know what I'm doing as a mother when it comes to teaching Leila the ways and means of normal sleeping. But, I have learned with child #2 what it means to 'pick and choose battles' and most of the time, the sleeping battle (as hopeless as it has always been) is one we don't often pick to work on. It's called 'can't afford any more sleep deprivation' at this point in my life.

However, one night she magically went to sleep without one of us laying with her (magically=she got in trouble at the dinner table and was put into bed... and actually minded by staying there). On top of that, she slept all night by herself. Feeling somewhat guilty for putting a child in bed without finishing dinner for the first time since I've been a mom, I was happy to have a good excuse to shower her with love in the morning.

When she came out of her room, refreshed and happy, I made a huge deal out of her sleeping all night and all by herself like a big girl. She lit up over the praises. Then, I gave her a quarter. You would have thought she won the lottery and proudly she exclaimed, "FOR KENNYWOOD!" By golly, I think we just figured out the stick and carrot for the sleeping battle. For over a week it worked.

Then...


Dad Austin started reading himself to sleep instead of reading Leila asleep and before we knew it, we were right back to where we started: Leila wanted one of us to lay with her and she came in at least once in the night wanting someone to get back in bed with her. So, although I don't always have the answers, and I know moms around the world would have their judgment day with me who has failed to teach my child how to lull herself back to sleep, I am a fighter. I decided I'd pay Austin two quarters each night he could get out of her room before he fell asleep with her. Afterall, his Kennywood ticket does cost more.

He likes this deal very much. And we've had another round of success.

Straight to my Heart

I'm so happy about my 5-year old's college decisions thus far. I had to work today even though the boys had the day off from school. When I was getting ready for work, I asked Gage if he wanted to come to my school with me. Giggling, he looked up from his angry birds game and reminded me how he wasn't old enough to go to college yet. Once the topic got started, however, he had a quick idea that did make my day, despite having to go to work and leave him at home: He decided this morning that when he "goes to Athens and becomes a Bobcat," his dad and I are invited to move to Athens, too, so we can still be close. Then, we can always come home to Austin Lake in the summer. He has no idea how grand of an idea I believe this to be! ;)

To Pee or Not to Pee...

Again, the unseasonably warm weather has us out and about down below much earlier than usual. However, rules are rules so even though the camping season is upon us with good weather, the water does not get turned back on all throughout the facility until the scheduled date. Because that doesn't really affect us, we aren't so stressed by it. In fact, when we get caught at a park and someone needs a restroom break, there are lots and lots of trees to choose from. (I don't let Gage do this when we're in-season, by the way... just when it's desolate)

In the last few days, Grandma and Poppy were here to clean out their old camper and to get ready to have their brand new camper delivered. Again, no water at the site means we've been improvising with the kids for certain potty breaks. (Quite funny to see Leila sitting on a little potty chair out in the middle of the woods!)

This morning, I turned my back for two minutes to catch up on some OU news regarding last night's basketball game and all of a sudden I heard her screaming from outside-- Leila was somehow locked out of the house. First, not happy that she just upped and went outside, I shooed her back in to second, find out she went outside in the first place for a 'potty break.' Oh boy.

It'd be one thing if it was just her being silly, wanting to pee like her brother on a tree... but, no. This girl just decided to pee all over the porch. We have a lot to work on, I do believe. A. Boys pee on trees in private when there are no other options. B. Girls pee in the woods when it's REALLY the only option. C. Boys and girls never pee on porches (unless of course, they become a future Bobcat and in that case, who knows where you might find yourself :) ).

Spring Fever

This incredibly warm weather has everyone ready to come out and play! (and I do mean everyone!)

Because my ankle surgery was postponed a bit, I felt especially lucky to be able to be out and about to enjoy it. From a little raking to a little weed pulling, to playground hopping-- the weekend was incredible.

In March, we're typically the only ones to be venturing throughout Austin Lake. Spring is kind of our special time to not only work, but to also reap the benefits of the family business with a little solitude. Don't get me wrong, without scrillions of customers, there wouldn't be a family business, but sometimes (well any of the times) I am just grateful to have the place to ourselves for quality time together. Even the Cables need time to play together and too typically the Cables are just working, working, working. I'm not sure that registers much to folks.

This warm start to spring though has just about everyone down to their campsites: golf carts going and playgrounds full. Anytime someone sees Austin, they assume he's able to perform the whatever task is being requested at the minute they spot him. This is what's rough on me. I'm not the best at understanding with grace all the time that Austin has to bail on us to help someone else. It does, however, make me more aware when I ask of something from someone. I try hard to make sure that I respect their time and am not offended if it might take some time before they can help me with whatever. My girlfriend who lives on the lake with her two sons called it paparazzi time for the Cable's when Austin got scooped up from his family time. (At least I'm starting to have some real friends here, though!!) When we find people who start to truly understand that our lifestyle simply is what it is and is quite different than the average family, it sure does make me feel a lot more supported.

So with that aside, the real news is how much we got done over the weekend:
Gage was out and about again on his bike, sans training wheels. He was very afraid to get back on and go. It seems over the winter he forgot the two months' worth of riding all over the place without his training wheels and he was pretty afraid to try again. Thankfully for Jake, the boy who lives up the road, Gage had an older buddy to pair up with and it made it much better. Soon enough the two of them were off and the two crippled moms were left with the two 3-year olds--who were long overdue for naps. Stacey just had major back surgery and had rods put into her back just two months ago and I am not supposed to be traversing much ground but we made it work because these kids just love this place.

Leila listened so well and was so daggone dirty that I remembered why I've never bought her brand new summer clothes before--I've always done the second-hand shops for her. This year, afraid for not being able to drive and shop this spring, I loaded up both kids already with what I hope will be the wardrobe to get them through until fall. Poor Leila might be looking like a dirtball come June if she continues her fun ways of puddles, rocks, and sliding down sandpiles. (Then again, one more reason to love being here... nobody cares what kind of look my child has and before we know it, swimsuits and flip flops will be her daily norm.)

In preparation for a HUGE yard project coming up, Austin moved the kids' big swing set up to the back door area of our house and we had our first bonfire to try to get rid of the pile of wood that is down in that part of the yard. The kids couldn't understand why I didn't have a bag of marshmallows in the house and as I tried to explain to them that it was only March, we finally just busted out a bag of mini marshmallows and played a great game of trying to throw them into Leila's mouth. Gage was not happy about wasting marshmallows, but we kept going... hoping to 'mallow' him out a bit. lol

Although I couldn't walk up the hill back to the house at the end of the day, I just couldn't be more thankful for the great weather.

All serious, but only three!

When Leila uses words like disgusting, cooperating, and antagonizing, I know she's just doing a good job listening to the words she hears often from her mom.

Nonetheless, this little girl is still just three and is cutely so whenever she says the simple word 'good'. Her pronunciation, 'doog!'

Leila, the coach

The last time I remember a warm spring break was from the younger days of coaching track and field. Most of the time we were stuck with rain, wind, and even snow, but there was one year that we had all sun, all the time. I have finally had another one of those spring break weeks and instead of coaching 30 boys, I've had just my little 3-year old to adventure with.

No doubt little Leila is going to be an athlete-- she is so darn competitive, it's awesome (and maybe scary, too)! She has legs to the moon and she makes those things go, go, go! If I could have 1/8th her energy, I would be scary accomplished. Anyway, our days have been spent as much as we can going down below to our safety zone of Keyhole.

Grandpa Cable has organized two new playground sets and another 100-ton (or more) sandpile... plus the others that were already there. From '3-story' noodle slides, to 'feeding' her horse "maximus", we've been motoring. Throw in some sidewalk chalk, the Polaris, and some sunglasses, and she's been content for hours.

The icing on the cake is that if I've timed our outings well enough, she has taken a nap each day. :)

One day, after reading our naptime book, Leila realized she left her baby in my bed. She ran off to get her and came back in a disgusted teenager's huff:

Mom, My baby was in your bed.... puking all over the place!

Stifling my gut laughter, I took her very seriously and asked her if she cleaned up the mess for me.

No, mom... she hit the bowl, but I left that for you.

After she fell asleep, I went to my bedroom just to check out what might have been going on in there. I found a mixing bowl on my pillow and saw where her baby had been sleeping according to the covers. As funny as it is, I have to say it's too bad my world of medicine that makes me sick has entered into the pretend play world of my daughter. :)

But, hey, if she's going to coach her dolls to puke into a bowl, then what does that say for when Leila has an upset tummy. Maybe no more messes for mom? After all my experiences, that would be even better than a spring break around the track!

Small Valley Wonders

At work I meet people on a regular basis from all walks of life, from all sorts of professions, and from all kinds of expertise areas. This semester has been a blessing in regards to knowing someone who called someone who transferred me to someone who just happened to know someone (a nurse) at the Jefferson County Department of Health-- who I've come to peg as an angel for our family.

This nurse, a person I never would have found on my own if it weren't for my blabbering kind of personality, educated me on a statewide Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps-- a bureau, who if you choose doctors that belong, pays for diagnosis and treatment measures for children with particular handicaps until the age of 19. Can you say breathe a deep sigh of relief?

Trying to use my outgoing, charming habits when I'm meeting people for the first time, I even learned I have this nurse's daughter in class this semester. Talk about irony, talk about what a small world.

She has lined me up with several names of allergists and gastroenterologists who belong to this bureau. Finally, today, I have spent three solid hours cross-referencing names and facilities of the bureau information to our insurance information. I feel I have struck gold by finding not only one pair, but also two pairs of doctors at both the Cleveland Clinic and at Akron's Children's Hospital. I never, ever could have done it without Nurse Beth. And I never would have found Nurse Beth if it weren't for the office friend who knew someone at the WIC department, who transferred me to the Health Department, who hooked me up with Beth. So blessed.

As sad as I am that we won't be returning to the wonderful facilities of Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital, I am simply eager to start over with Ohio providers--who not only are covered by our insurance, but who are also members of the BCMH.

Austin and I are swimming in a medical nightmare after our last segment of visits/surgery/emergency room/hospitalization at Pittsburgh. Our insurance covered the facility, but none of the doctors--despite every doctor telling me that they accepted our insurance. It's a mess and I never thought I needed to come home and re-check the work of supposed professionals to make sure they were being thorough and honest. It's going to take months to sort out and years to pay for and because of Gage's situation, this isn't a one-time only fiasco. He needs ongoing care, ongoing professionals who specialize in his needs, and he is worth every minute it takes me to solve this problem.

We simply won't give up... and in the end, maybe we'll even be ahead of the game!

Between this situation and the just as bad of a situation regarding my (thankfully) cancelled surgery and my 'fired' Pittsburgh specialist, I have really started to develop some true Ohio Valley Pride. If it exists anywhere, there is someone nearby who can help. It just takes getting out from underneath a rock to get that sunshine treatment. (and that getting out from underneath a rock would be me)

Twas a Rough One

I have not been a pretty momma this week-- and no, I'm not even talking 'looks'. It has been a terrible, rotten week for moods and behaviors on all fronts and I don't even have a good excuse. (Which makes it feel even worse.) No one has lost a job, a family member, nor have we run out of money to buy food. Those would be great excuses to have a terrible week, but, no, the Cable's are still blessed in all of those ways. I can't even blame it on being overly stressed by one cause or another because, well, frankly, anxiety has been a stranger. So what gives?

Monday was a holiday and no one had school. We met my parents in St. Clairsville and looked at campers to buy. It was fun. Leila was not fun. It started then. The whole, 'we can't go anywhere and enjoy ourselves!' pout and fury that crawls inside my head sometimes and takes hold of my demeanor. I couldn't eat my lunch, I couldn't go into one store for 5 minutes, I couldn't do anything without my little girl climbing all over my leg, my lap, my attitude and making darn sure I knew that she was in a foul mood. It's so taxing.

My little girl slept all the way home, was carried inside to bed, and slept another three hours. My little girl just needed to sleep. But, her mother was already spent and the week had yet to begin:

Too much to do, not enough time to do it. Homework for Austin, homework for me, sight words for Gage, sinus colds, laundry, cooking, packing lunches, planning meals-- it just piled up all in one minute and I broke. We survived Tuesday, but I was still spent. Sad. Lost. Totally under water.

With bed time fights returning and all night interruptions going on, Wednesday didn't look up at all. I was unprepared for work, for a presentation, for being able to even feed myself. Coming home was no relief even though I had made it through the day-- dinner hadn't even been started, thought of, nor had either child been given the 'come home from school/babysitter' routine. Austin was on the phone. It, again, all landed in my lap.

I wasn't mad at Austin; he has every right to answer and speak to a ringing phone. It was just the straw that broke my already rotten day. I threw together a dinner that my family loved and that I hated (I never get to eat what makes me feel good to eat... it's just not kid nor man friendly, I guess) and while I was ready to suck up that disappointment, the fury really hit the fan as Leila could not, for the life of her, pull it together and quit screaming, whining, demanding... it was baaaad.

She was sent to bed and I went to mine and cried. Then I yelled at Gage and cried about that. Then I just cried. Moments later we all made up, finished eating, and made it through until bed time, but I felt scarred and broken... again. These are the days that literally take it all out of me-- to find the strength to pull it together, to take a deep breath, to put one foot in front of the other....

Thursday-- Leila had to be peeled off me at the babysitter's house. She didn't want to stay. She didn't want me to leave. I've been going through these departures off and on between the two kids for almost six years. It was one day during one week that impacted me so deeply that I almost quit my job on arrival. Being pulled-- in 200 directions-- every single day and the most important pull is always my child. It is so difficult to remind myself that she's fine 10 minutes after I leave, that she's forgotten it, that she's just trying to push buttons. Sometimes I just don't buy it. Sometimes the inner demon tries to convince me that I am the bad mother who should be at home with her-- every day. But, it's not true, and I know it. But not on Thursday.

I was almost scared to come home to the evening madness that was sure to ensue just as it had every other night of this week. But, just as quickly as a tantrum can begin, so can the tides of love. Upon arrival--with dinner in hand (including grape leaves for me!) the waves of love and excitement came at me with two children who washed themselves all over me and volunteered to help put away groceries, who became ecstatic to find the chocolate doughnuts, who sat themselves down at the table and ate up everything-- no fighting, no whining, no anything but complacency and happiness.... all evening long.

In a blink, a terrible, rotten week was behind me. In a blink, my entire demeanor changed back to happiness and gratefulness. It wasn't all because they were 'bad' and then they weren't. It wasn't all because I was grumpy and then I wasn't. It is so hard to explain how the rains can pour and pour and then be over, but just like the weather, real life, too, can be so quick to change. The take away point is, and always has to be, look ahead-- brighter days are always there.

Could it be only in my head?

Two things about Leila have been circling my "I wonder..." thoughts:

1. Proof of this blog reminds all of us that during pregnancy with Leila I loved eating the chocolate chocolate chip muffins from Franciscan University and I loved to eat Tim Horton Timbits most of all. (Keep in mind that I have never, ever voluntarily had a sweet tooth that could not be outsmarted by my will power since, like, junior high.)

2. The only way I could sleep--especially thanks to the neighbor's dog's nighttime barking antics-- was through a CD called Drum Medicine. The dog was a puppy and barked all the blessed night, I was so hot all the time that I kept the windows open (even in January), and well, pregnancy in general is an enemy for sleep. This CD was Austin's and I have no idea when/where/why he has it. I don't know if he bought it in Africa when he was teaching there... I just don't know. All I know is that I liked it, it helped me get to sleep, and it played constantly.

Back to Leila:

1. This girl's favorite meal of the week is our habitual Saturday morning breakfast of chocolate Timbits (she can eat 10 in no time)

and

2. Lately, she requested music to sleep to. Her dad put on Drum Medicine for her that first night and she's asked for it each night since. Away she goes to sleep-- no melatonin, no fights, no power struggles (well, most of the time).

I hate the phrase 'just saying' but it's an appropriate use for it at this point, I guess. Coincidence? Probably. What child wouldn't want to chow on chocolate timbits and why would she ask for any other music when her repertoire of artists is pretty limited?

Remembering the Times

Gage and I spent some time remembering his trip to Appleton, WI. He had just turned four but I can tell from his stories that, to him, the trip is as fresh as yesterday in his memory.

Picked up at the airport in an aerial truck decalled with gold-leaf lettering that spelled "Gage Fire Department", he rode all over Appleton like a King all weekend in his very own Pierce fire truck.

Meeting the president of the company, Gage shook hands and looked him straight in the eye. The president was a good five inches taller than Austin's 6'2" frame and both men looked at each other after Gage's mastered maturity-- he said to Austin, "My teenagers don't have a handshake as good as your son's!" (That alone, I hope, made the president even more convinced that their kindness was well worth the expenses!)

A camera crew followed us all weekend and probably the biggest event (if we had to name 'the' biggest) was venturing through the 'finish' room. Once the double doors opened up to a factory room the size of two or three gymnasiums and Gage saw first hand dozens of brand new Pierce fire trucks almost ready to be picked up by firemen across the country, he couldn't stand still! All the workers were lining the aisle, all the firetrucks had their lights on, and one huge banner hung from the ceiling: Pierce Manufacturing Welcomes Gage Cable!

He shook hands with each and every one of those men and women and each one was so eager to talk about the piece of equipment that they had built. We learned at Pierce that a team is assigned to each truck and that team starts and finishes the truck... so they are very proud and very connected to their equipment.

Gage visited the decal room, the paint room, the chasis section... and well, he actually just got an entire VIP showing of the entire process of how a Pierce Fire Truck is made--start to finish. Each department that we visited had made a token for Gage. He has everything from a license plate with gold-leaf letters that spell his name to a real truck decal that is only placed on the equipment that is for Washington D.C. (we had it professionally framed and it is a huge piece of artwork in his room). He has a Pierce medallion only given to the best of the best VIPs. He was allowed to pick out anything he wanted from the gift shop and Pierce mailed everything home to us-- it arrived in FOUR boxes!

One thing that really struck a chord in him was the Airport Truck, operating a military fire truck with the controls that are on the inside of the cab (it was like playing a video game and it was awesome!), and riding 100 feet into the air on an aerial truck. He got to practice putting out a fire at the foam station and he was man of the hour at the Pierce open house for employees that took place on our second day there.

.... I still tear up thinking about how one request I put into Poppy for tracking down some old calendars so I could use the pictures as decorations at his birthday party turned into a trip of a lifetime to Pierce headquarters.

Every once in awhile he asks about going back to Appleton and often he talks about when 'he works for Pierce'

Land of the Lost

Gage's second tooth has come out and... the when, where, or how is unknown! I tried to pull it for him before school one day this week and while I got a good pull on it, all that caused was blood gushes and panic just minutes before the bus was due to arrive. I got him calmed down and later that night promised him we wouldn't try to do that again before school, but the next morning when I checked his teeth after brushing, the tooth was gone! I was at the sink with him so I don't think he spit it out when brushing, we searched his bed, and we've come up empty handed. He was ecstatic that it just disappeared! (and after the blood gush panic, so am I!)

Then and Now Revisited

I think awhile back I wrote a couple of posts about life before and after motherhood, but a recent conversation with a friend has my mind revisiting some of those thoughts so I thought I'd post more. Keep in mind, when I draft blog ideas in my mind (while trying to go to sleep, while drifting off topic when grading papers, etc) they are so much more humorous than they are when I get them typed. With that said:

Adult Conversations
Pre-children-- wit and humor (sometimes inappropriate humor) was so much easier. Say it, say it loud, say it proud, hope to not be taken wrong or to stick a foot in my mouth

Post-children-- censor, censor, censor. Keep sarcasm to a minimum in the presence of a child or that child may wind up in early counseling sessions as children certainly cannot (rightfully so) grasp the art or humor of sarcasm.

Multi-tasking
Pre-children-- I thought I was a master multi-tasker. I could single-handedly work, coach, manage the yearbook, participate in fundraising activities, go to grad school, serve on a dozen committees, attend sporting events, maintain a spotless house, pay bills on the day they arrived in the mail, and make happy hour at least once or twice a week. Oh, and I could work out and maintain a social life with both near and far friends. What a champion.

Post-children-- As a multi-tasking machine these days (insert pre-children sarcasm voice) , I've learned that true multi-tasking isn't about how much one can do and maintain sanity, but is about how much one can do at one time and maintain sanity. My best multi-tasking feat might go a little like this: nursing one baby while reading a book to another baby AND making a grocery list. Or, washing clothes, giving baths, grading essays, and cooking dinner. Or better yet even, having a split-second solution to this scenario--cleaning up vomit off of me, a child, and Red Lobster's floor/table/booth... in about as little time as humanly possible--and getting everyone (including our take out) to the vehicle before anyone at the restaurant can process what had just hit them.

Time
Pre-children-- What time should I meet you at Tony's? I have all the time in the world to write that paper; it's not due until tonight at 6. When is our next meeting? What time do you want to go to the movies? How much time do you have before you need to feed the meter? Who's going on the skiing trip? I graded 80 research papers in one weekend!

Post-children-- What time does Gage need his next round of medicine. I have a paper due in an hour, no problem. Who (the f *censored post-children thought in my head*) thinks I have time to go to another meeting? Do you think we'll be able to stay awake if we rent a movie tonight? How much longer until bed time? Will we ever go on another ski trip? I just graded 80 research papers in one night--while also making dinner, giving baths, and folding laundry.

:) Wouldn't trade it for the world

Kids and the Super Bowl

The kids watched a bit of the Super Bowl with me last night and although I was not a particular fan for either team, I just needed to take part in old traditions-- eat junk, drink beer, watch football. Therapeutic.

Gage was malleable-- I'm going to be able to shape him into sports anyway I want to at this point in time. His continual feedback included asking me questions and then once I answered, his comment would be to say "that's what I think, too, mom" or "that's what I like, too, mom". Of course, he just wasn't pleased that a tie wasn't an option. He really felt that it should be okay if both teams won. He didn't grasp my lesson on why a tie would just defeat the Super Bowl's purpose altogether.

Leila was entertained greatly by commercials and by Madonna. Her favorite commercial was for the M&Ms. She thought it was a riot that they were 1. naked (of course) 2. dancing and 3. talking. She was belly laughing about this-- totally in awe and giggles over 'talking nim-im-mims'. Once Madonna disappeared off stage at the end, Leila was extremely concerned for her. She gasped, got wide-eyed, looked at me and then shrank back in relief as her brain must have frantically searched for an explanation. As quickly as she gasped, she relaxed and said, "the other guy in black clothes must have had a magic wand."

I'd like to get my hands on one of those wands.

100th Day of School

Today is Gage's 100th day of school and they were asked to do a '100 project' at home so they could all be showed off in a showcase of sorts. We had two days to figure it out and accomplish it.

Luckily for me, he didn't settle on the 'make a town and put 100 vehicles in it' idea. And luckily for him, his dad's ideas weren't at the top of the list either. Bill Nye Austin thought he could take 100 mililiters of water in a beaker or water bottle. Then, the ever-boring idea of making a paper clip necklace was denied, too.

We brainstormed awhile more until I realized Santa had saved the day and didn't even know it-- a 100-piece glow-in-the-dark Dinosaur puzzle. Gage was all over it! He was very proud of his work and we let the puzzle 'charge up' all day yesterday so he can show off the glow in the dark factor.

Hopefully he comes home as proud as he was when he left this morning.

Leila's pretend pajama party

To celebrate her birthday, Leila has wanted a pajama party off and on for a few weeks. Her birthday has come and gone and we didn't quite have a pajama party-- even though I promise we'll get to it once everyone is healthy (everyone including her friends who would come).

One funny story dealing with this cannot be forgotten in the meantime:
All of a sudden, to anyone who would listen (including strangers at the grocery store), Leila would inform people that she was having a pajama party. Innocent enough. But then... she would add details about the pajama party that are laughable unless you're the stranger at the grocery store.

As soon as someone would make a reply to her, she would sing these details in a little girl's excitement--

"Daddy will be naked, Gage will be naked, the Rudy boys will be naked... and Grandpa's belly button is huge!"

Early on when she started this singing at home, I knew she was saying this because her father and her brother usually don't wear actual pajamas to bed; they are a bit more of the 'underpants' kind of sleepers. Her calling that naked was her way of saying they wouldn't be wearing princess nightgowns like she prefers to do on any given day.

I had to prep her babysitter one morning when I dropped her off so she wouldn't be alarmed if Leila started talking about her naked father or worse yet the naked Rudy boys (who are other kids in farm council with all of us, including our babysitter)! Mollie, of course, thought it was hysterical and of course Leila didn't disappoint because at some point in the day, Leila informed Haw Haw all about her pajama party that would be full of 'naked boys.'

Naked boys at 3! What am I getting into with this girl? :)

Her tale is spreading around Richmond pretty quickly... already getting a reputation for ornery.

Miss Leila turns 3

Seriously? It's already been three years? I am utterly in shock and am in complete denial that I now have to refer to her as my 3-year old.

She is obsessed with princesses, Gummi Bears (the cartoon from our childhood), tormenting her brother, and finding her own way to do anything. It is always best to let her figure it out on her own, and forget trying to do something for her if she has her mind set on a particular path to get there. From the presentation of food on her plate (left big or cut up... separated or mixed...) to which nightgown she'll give the honor to wear at night, this girl is a mover and a shaker.

I imagine we'll find her leading walk outs at school when the students feel justice needs to be served. I have a feeling she'll be the girl in the back row not paying attention because she'll be sure to 'know more than the teacher.' And, at the same time, I am positive that she will bring home every stray cat and beg to keep each and every one of them because someone just has to take care of them/him/her. She will fight fights in the best of way and she will be full of drama as she strives for the independence of a 23-year old well before she turns 23.

I don't think I have ever witnessed such determination and strong will... I think I have realized what I've put my own parents through, however. My dad chuckles often at Leila's spitfire attitude and mumbles, "just like your mother!" If she's a mini-me, I will try my hardest not to tell her as I will know how important her anonymitiy and unique identity and personality will be to this young lady.

When we send her off to pre-school in the fall, I fully expect her to grow even more and become a lucky teacher's cutey pa-tootie who's going to take off like a rocket and not stop for a minute (unless it's to eat candy).

Love you little Leila

Coming around the turn

We have spent the last month and a half scurrying all over the place--whether from room to room or doctor's appointment to doctor's appointment-- to get our kids back to good health. Both surgeries went well, but the recovery was more than I had anticipated times ten. Within 30 minutes of getting home with Leila after her surgery, Children's Hospital called to re-schedule Gage's surgery. At the time, I was so frustrated because the re-schedule date would mean he would miss school. It also meant that as soon as I got one child healthy, I would have to start all over with the next. This is a taxing position to be in--mentally and physically-- and my bum ankle doesn't help matters much. But, we had no choice.

Later, the re-schedule proved to be a blessing in disguise. Although Gage missed school almost the entire month of January, we ran into some recovery set backs with him and then the entire household caught a stomach flu that would not find her way to the door! We cleaned and ran the washing machine around the clock, it seemed.

In the end, we found out that Leila also has a milk allergy-- go figure... read any of my blog posts from when she was an infant and it only makes sense. Gage's scope also showed us that his esophogitis is in need of treatments again and the damage assessed at this point was, thankfully, within the restraints necessary to allow him to keep wheat in his diet for the time. That is an answer to a desperate prayer-- especially because the only way I know to put back on the six pounds he lost is to carb him up as often as possible.

I hope we're seeing the end of the winter bugs for awhile. With everyone back in school and Leila chomping at the bit to get to go to school, I'd like to be able to enjoy life a little bit.... just in time for my surgery in March. oy vey!