deJong Online

So today we dropped cookies off as well as a “story” Chloe wrote for the Police Chief. He had left for the day by the time we got there which was sad, but Chloe was still excited to drop the items off for him to get in the morning. She got really nervous as we were getting ready to walk in and even more so once we were inside and they called to see if he was available. Such a sweet little girl. After leaving the cookies with a wonderful woman that works there, we ended up heading downstairs and signing her up for soccer for the Fall. She is REALLY excited for that. Thankfully we didn’t need a new jersery since she has the one from last year and they are reusing them. Hopefully she has another great group of girls to play with.

Chloe also had her last official meeting for Girl Scouts this week. She was sad to know that it was ending, but was excited to hear that we had said she would be back next year. I think it was a good thing for her and the leaders are amazing! She is very excited to receive more patches for her smock. Guess I have time to get them all on now.

Some very sad news for Chloe though. I finally told her that one of her best friends was moving away. She kept asking where and when I finally told her she burst into tears. Poor girl doesn’t understand she will now have another pen pal. I have been thinking about calling the mom and seeing if she would be okay with me coming and picking her daughter up to have a mini photo shoot with the girls and to make a little book for each girl. I have some pictures that I took over the 3 years the girls have been friends and I know the mom has some as well. Thankfully Chloe makes friends fairly quickly but I know this little girl will be missed. There was high hopes the girls would be together next year in class.

Let’s see, oh Chloe is now in Speech. It was learned that even after the tubes were put in some of her letters were still not right. So she will attend speech twice a week in hopes that will help her with articulation. She has an amazing teacher who asked if she could have her observed and a great speech teacher that will be working with her. Plus I have the opportunity to ask a friend of mine that is in school for her masters in Speech. Love having someone I can ask questions to when I feel lost.

She loves her pen pals and is super excited to meet Jos in July. I think I hear about it almost weekly what we are doing that week when we see her. For Chloe, I think it helps that she will have someone to be with since it is more of a WT get together than for her. I know she is excited and that is all I can ask for. Plus the special family trip will be great for all of us to spend time together away from home and able to just relax.

As the end of the year comes upon us, I have to sit here and reflect on the fact that my daughter is almost a 1st grader. It seems like yesterday she was going to preschool for the first time and now she is almost done with Kindergarten. She loves school and anything involved with it. Enjoys Reading Club. All the friends she has made. Our special time when I take her to school somedays. We are so lucky to live in such a great area with such an awesome school system. Even better, I work for that school system!

A good friend of mine is homeschooling her daughter. After reading one of her posts it got me really thinking about what I want my girls to learn about government, people who work in the different fields, etc. All this brought me to an episode of 19. Kids and Counting that I watched where the kids baked cookies and brought them to the Fire Stations and Police Departments as a thank you. Wheels turning I spoke with Chloe about this adventure and she wanted to go full force. Last night I wrote to both our local Fire Chief and Police Chief asking if they accept cookies (or any baked goods) and if they would mind if we stopped in for her to meet Police Officers and the Firefighters. To Chloe, they are local heroes that help people, but she also knows that the Police Officers pull people over. So after the emails were sent I sat down and asked her to come up with a few questions that she would want to ask these indivduals. I love her questions and once we go and meet them I will post the questions and hopefully some pictures. Chloe really wants to see our Cities K-9 unit, which I find funny since she is scared of most dogs.

To me I find value in learning about who protects us and serves our community and our nation. My brother served our country in the US Air Force for 6 years and is currently serving in the National Guard. My father-in-law was in the Navy as was one of Jon’s Uncles. Jon also has an Uncle that is a former Marine. I have lots of Navy in my family as a cousin and my Grandfather served. So the girls get a glimpse of our national protectors. I would love for them to see Washington DC when they are older, one of my FAVORITE cities, and witness all the levels there. I have been so lucky to be able to say that I have seen the Supreme Court in action, the Library of Congress, seen Congress in session, been in the Hart building, sat a Senator’s chair that was serving for the area that we lived, been to countless memorials, watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it is amazing. It is important that my girls understand that what we have is not free, that people have lost their lives protecting us. This is just my little way of trying to show the girls that there are people out there trying to keep us safe and we are so very lucky that they do the job they (hopefully) enjoy.

So we will have cookies for the Police Department and we will get a chance to see both the Police and the Fire Stations and the girls will get a glimpse into what they do.

Now to figure out whats next… maybe Construction?

I follow McMama’s blog as well as her Facebook account. Haven’t heard of her? She is a mom of 5 kids that made the decision to homeschool her kids. Why do I speak of her? Because currently she is traveling around the US taking pictures of others (to supplement her families income) in an RV with her entire family. I am JEALOUS!! I would love to be able to travel in an RV and really see the sights. I am sure the money equals out in the end regarding the gas for an RV and hotel stays for the nice hotels. Have I seriously looked into it, yes I have. I would love to sit in an RV, allow the children to sit in their seats and watch tv or in a comfortable, safe place to sleep, and really see what the US has to offer. I don’t mind camping, but am not a big fan of bugs. Well my girls have a complete fear of bugs, which I do find kind of funny mind you. I would enjoy being able to stop at camp grounds for the night, have true family time and allow the girls a chance to be “under the stars”.  I don’t mind traveling in the car, as a matter of fact I enjoy it except when it is time to eat and we need to stop for food, or making a bunch of stops to go potty, but staying in hotels aren’t always my greatest thing. I mean you have no control over anyone around you, the running in the hallway, the person needing ice at 2 am, where in an RV it is you and your family. Thankfully the girls sleep in the same room and sleep amazing together.

So why the thought? Just wanted to get it out there for my thoughts to leave my head. This summer’s trip is already planned and it should be a great one. We are looking forward to spending time with just the 4 of us in a place that we both love. The added benefit… we will get a chance to spend time with friends CJ’s age that we met last year and some new friends as well.

So, for some time now I have been sending cards to people. Just a little something to say I was thinking of them. It was something that I did on and off for the past year and a half, but starting January 1, I have been trying to get a card out each and every single day. Doesn’t mean it gets out right on time, but I do my best. There have been days when I wrote 4 at one time because I was either behind or needed to get ahead for some reason. I mean, honestly, I am a mom first, wife second, I also work part time for our school district and am one of the Senior Planning members for the moms group I belong to at our church. Not that I don’t have any time on my hands lately.

At a recent moms group meeting, we had a speaker talk about Journaling. Not huge novels or a ton of things, but writing down the moments. She has kept a journal for all 3 of her kids since they were born. Now mind you that she doesn’t always write in it every single day, and she has forgiven herself for that. Yet she does try to get the good memories down. The conclusion was she would only put the good things, the things that she would want her kids to go back and read to remind them how loved they are. I made the decision right there that I needed to do this. I would forgive myself for not writing every day or all the details, but for making sure my kids have something to look back on and know that I loved them from the minute they were an image in my mind. I felt every move they made, all the ups and downs of carrying them, and the amazing memories going forward. I am no where near perfect, and I will never be, but my kids will know that they are the world to me. I do my very best to give them what they need and sometimes what they want. Someday a house will be in our future, but until then we have a roof over our heads that keeps us warm and dry. We will always have each other to help carry us through the good times and the bad. Family that loves us for who we are and friends that will stand beside us and help us up when we fall.

There is a group of women that I don’t know what I would have done without. I have a band of sisters that I can turn to when I need them any time, any place. We chat on facebook, text each other and sometimes call. The funny thing is many of us have never met in person. Yet their kids are nieces and nephews to us and we protect each other like we are one family. Race, religion, lifestyle means nothing to us because we are sisters. One falls and needs support, we are there to carry her through whatever the obstacle. Yes, I have been lucky to spend time with a few of them and I have been honored to play with their kids. This group has helped remind me that no matter what I am a great mom even when I feel otherwise. I can rely on them to be honest with me and for that my reward to some of them is a card filled with love and encouragement in the form of words that come from my heart. Love you ladies!

So for not wanting to do much this past weekend, we ended up making some fun plans with the girls and spent a lot of time together as a family. On Saturday we took the girls to the MN Zoo which was a blast. The only sad part was all the baby farm animals were born after we were there so we missed almost all of them. Good thing we plan on going back soon. CJ is all about animals and babies are even more up her alley. Just love watching them enjoy the zoo through their eyes.

Sunday brought on the MOA. I like going to the big mall every once in a while. We have so many good malls around us that I like missing the tons of people that go to the Mall. However, it was decided that we would go to the mall and just walk around a little bit and then play some games in the arcade. The girls both had fun playing games and seeing all the many different things. After coming home we enjoyed some down time that we all needed.

I will be grateful what I have, not what I want

I will love & play with my girls

I will start a journal for the girls and write in it, even if it is just one sentence

I will remind myself that I have been given this day to do with what I want, but need to make it the best day possible

I will love my husband forever

Prayers for the Woods family as they learn a new way of life after the death of their husband and father. I wish there was more I could do for them, but this is the best right now.

I need Spring/Summer and I need them like three weeks ago. Both girls have been going back and forth being sick since the middle of January. Yup, that means we have been to the doctor at least once a week for two months. Sounds like fun doesn’t it?! Well after many ear infections I made the decision at the end of February to bring both girls to see the Pediatric ENT and have hearing tests and see the doctor. We had good results and bad. Courtney passed with flying colors and even better, she managed to do the hardest “small child” test that they had and did amazing. So her hearing was perfect at that time.  Chloe, didn’t do so well though. She had mild hearing loss in both ears due to fluid. So after the ENT looked at them it was decided that she would need another round of tubes. Surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. Not even three days after that we were back at the doctor for Courtney. She ended up with the worst ear infection yet that ended up really doing a number on her little body. At the writing of this, she is doing just fine. Talking a ton and being a two year old.

Well Chloe had tubes put in. She seems to be doing okay with them. I think she is realizing that they are there now and every once in a while makes mention of them. She was very nervous about the procedure and had a hard time at the hospital, but the procdeure went just fine and she was only in post-op for a very short time. She was even released before the doctor came to talk with us. Her words are clearer and she is asking to have things turned down that she would have asked to be turned up before. I am just thankful that the Lord protected her during it all.

We had a gerat visit with Jon’s mom while she was here. It never seems long enough with all the stuff that we could do with her. I didn’t want to set up much of anything while she was here just in case Chloe was having a hard time since her surgery, but we did do some minor shopping at the Outlet Mall, ran some errands, took pictures of the rising Mississippi River in St. Paul, Church (with included Sunday School and Nursery for the girls) and just some fun times. Now it is just the girls and I this evening. They are currently watching Diego (CJ’s favorite show) and I am trying to get some chores done, emails printed and get ready for Moms ROCK this week. I really love my crazy busy life!

Oh, and if you could please take a moment a friend of mine lost her husband unexpectedly. They have twin boys that turned 2 in February and a daughter that just turned 1. My heart breaks for the Woods family. Thank you and much love!

I cannot believe my baby is 2! Still doesn’t seem possible that 2 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl that would change our lives forever. She made me a mom for a second time and Chloe became a big sister that I think she truly enjoys (for the most part that is).

Courtney you have given me so much joy these past two years. Blessing me with smiles and laughs as well as tons of love. God surely knew what he was doing giving you and your sister to me to help raise in this crazy world. You have had a rough first year with croup twice, ear infections, rotavirus, shots, bumps, bruises and falls. I pray that your second year has less illness and more joys. You are a precious light in my life.

Happy 2nd Birthday to CJ’s birthday buddies! Cassidy, Jude, Drew, Cameron & Emme

My beautiful daughters in 2009

I have been dealing with lots of things in my head lately. I know that people are noticing, beyond my hubby that is, but I just haven’t been ready to talk about most of it. Still not, but some of it has to come out so that I can start thinking about ways to fix the problems.

1. Moms group. I can’t explain how much I love this group. It has been there for the last 2 years and I am on the Planning Team last year and this year. The women are fabulous and the opportunity to nurture myself with speakers of many different topics has been wonderful. However, I am working now in the mornings. It has been a huge struggle it seems for me to be gone every other Wednesday for meetings.  Doesn’t always make sense to me as I make the hours up that week and work 4- 5 hours days instead of 5-4 hours days. Lately that extra time each day has been greatly needed. However, it seems that with me out of the office one day things just don’t work out. My day is already short since I leave and still have at least 4 hours of work to do each day. Yes, it could be full time somedays, but I will admit I am not ready for full days nor is our bank account.  Maybe it is the Type A in me that hates leaving when I know I have so much work to do yet, but  still have to as I am only paid for 4 hours. So even working 30 minutes over doesn’t get covered. Do you see where this is going?! I believe in my head that I have to walk away from a group that I love so dearly. It brings me to tears knowing that May will be my last meeting for a while. As a mom, I know that I can always go back if our situation should change, but I just don’t see that happening any time soon. My heart isn’t ready to walk away, but my head knows it is right and time.

2. IAAP. Now I have been a member of this group for 11 years in October. Yes, 11 years! It has helped me grow as a professional, it nutured me and assisted in me receiving my CAP (Certified Administrative Professional). A certification I take very seriously and am trying to figure out how the heck to keep up with the CEU’s for. This one is a little easier for me as I cannot have support from my employer to attend meetings or conferences. That is hitting kind of hard as those meetings and conferences and seminars are CEU’s that I need to maintain my certification. You may not see if on things, but truth be told CAP is behind my name when I write it. I have even added it to my work signature. To me it is important, even if it isn’t recognized completely. My mind is not sure if I should continue with IAAP as at this time I am unable to attend monthly meetings due to the fact that hubby is working second shift. I could always look into a babysitter, but that would cost us more since they would need to watch the girls from 5 to roughly 9 each night. Granted they do go to bed at 7, just don’t know what I should do. The chapter that I did belong to, I no longer want to be involved with and as a Member at Large, I do not receive anything from the Division regarding what is going on within the Association. I refuse to pay the $25 or more to be a member of a chapter when I won’t attend meetings just to find out what is happening within an Association I have belonged to so long. My heart says it is time to walk away from this one, but my head says not yet. If I want to keep my certification I need to stay with this group and find any and all opportunities for CEU’s.

As for the others I just am not willing or ready to talk about it. Chloe’s school is at the top of that list. I love her teacher and the school itself is state of the art, but I am not happy that since we made the choice to send her throught the Standard Program (English) instead of the Immersion (Spanish or Chinese) we do not exist. As of right now her school is 60% Immersion and 40% English. How does that happen!? Shouldn’t our kids understand English before putting them in a second language. That is our National language. I am not trying to start a debate so please no hate comments. I am just so sad that the parents of the standard program are set aside because so much needs to go into the Immersion. Again, this is just the tip of the ice berg for me regarding school. There is some family things that make me sad (thankfully not immediate) as well as some things going on with my beloved Wild Things that added stress to my life. So grateful that some of that has figured itself out on its own.

Now, off to plan CJ’s 2nd birthday party. Still not sure how the heck that happened so fast?!

So in January 2009, I stumbled upon this Expecting Club on iVillage of moms due in March 2009. I was just laid off and was learning about staying home with C as we waited for CJ’s arrival. I lurked on the board reading about things these ladies were going through and just observing their amazing connection. When the Shooting Stars became a Playgroup in April and were renamed that Wild Things, I became involved. I am SO glad that I did. This group has been my place to ask questions, to vent, to talk about my girls and just be me.

During this time, there were 5 of us that had kids on 3/3 and we would do monthly updates on our kids and enjoy “watching” them grow up together. Kristen and I had become fast friends as we compared our girls and just how similar they were. Fast forward to October 2010… Kristen and I wanted to get the girls together forever and I had miles to use. After many emails and discussions it was decided that CJ and I would fly to Houston and get the girls together. She opened her house up to us and even offered us a use of an extra car seat. I talked with Jon and it was done.

Word got out and the first WT get together was formed. We had a few of us get together and had a truly wonderful time. The kids all played so well together, and the moms did too! CJ got sick while we were there which was really sad as both her and Kristen just relaxed on Sunday to get better. Guess that means I have to go back to Houston