Wow, did I sleep horribly last night! To be honest, I am still pretty out of it. I spent most of the night tossing and turning. This was, of course, outside of a few hours that I spent on my laptop between 1 and 3 AM. Much is happening in my world and that often dictates an active mind and lack of sleep. I simply have too much on my plate. Period.
Oh well, I am happy to report that the kiddos are all doing well. Ainsley will be home for the next couple of days. This is the first day of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and her preschool is closed for the holiday. Sydney and Graham, however, will be busily working their way through school at Southwest Christian.
I am off this morning as I am still too tired to think and I can see by the clock that it is time to get my act in gear.
I promise a more informative and clever entry tomorrow.
Regardless, my purpose rolls on.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Crying Wii, Wii, Wii all the way home.
A few months ago Lynley started bugging me about getting a Wii for the kids. First, you should know that I am fundamentally against video games. I am in far more favor of just getting outside and using your imagination. I love seeing the kids out in the backyard climbing trees, jumping on the trampoline, riding bicycles, and playing in the playhouse - good old fashioned American fun. The good news for me about the Wii was that they were still nowhere to be found. To this day most stores sell out of them the day they are received in inventory. This just tells me that they will probably be pretty scarce around Christmas. Regardless, I was feeling pretty good about myself and my chances of not having to purchase a Wii.
Sure enough, however, about a month ago Lynley came home from one of her shopping excursions with a Wii. She was so proud of herself for finding one. I was still totally against the idea. After much cajoling we agreed to keep it until Christmas. We decided that we would either sell it when the time came or give it to the kids as a Christmas present. I carefully hid it in the back of my workroom. It was on the top shelf covered in plastic. I was not particularly worried that the kiddos would find it. Heck, they did not even know what a Wii was.
Boy, was I wrong.
On Saturday morning I was out in the backyard watching Graham and Ainsley when Sydney came tearing outside shouting "We have a Wii! We have a Wii!" At first, it caught me off guard. I was in disbelief that she even knew what she was talking about. Sure enough, though, she grabbed me by hand and dragged me back into the workroom. She pointed straight at it. There was significant kiddo screaming in happiness as I drug it down from it's resting place.
There was not much I could do now.
Lynley and I had a family meeting and decided that we would go ahead and give it to the kiddos. Afterall, the surprise was over. We told them, however, that they would have to remember this at Christmas. As a family we quickly unwrapped our Christmas present (Well, Hanukkah for Ainsley) and began plugging it all in. As we began playing he games I was happy to see the amount of exercise that it took to play many of the games. I am surprised at how far gaming technology has come. In fact, I found myself completely worn out after two rounds of boxing. The kids have had a blast. Graham has become a master boxer. I, of course, have taken a natural liking to Golf, and Sydney has exceeded all expectations by scoring over 230 in bowling.
In the end, I am still not excited about the idea of having video games in the household but I must admit that I am ecstatic with the one Lynley chose. It requires physical fitness and helps with the ever critical eye hand coordination.
Now, I just have to figure out what to get the kiddos for the holidays.
Just another day in the land of sneaky purpii.
Sure enough, however, about a month ago Lynley came home from one of her shopping excursions with a Wii. She was so proud of herself for finding one. I was still totally against the idea. After much cajoling we agreed to keep it until Christmas. We decided that we would either sell it when the time came or give it to the kids as a Christmas present. I carefully hid it in the back of my workroom. It was on the top shelf covered in plastic. I was not particularly worried that the kiddos would find it. Heck, they did not even know what a Wii was.
Boy, was I wrong.
On Saturday morning I was out in the backyard watching Graham and Ainsley when Sydney came tearing outside shouting "We have a Wii! We have a Wii!" At first, it caught me off guard. I was in disbelief that she even knew what she was talking about. Sure enough, though, she grabbed me by hand and dragged me back into the workroom. She pointed straight at it. There was significant kiddo screaming in happiness as I drug it down from it's resting place.
There was not much I could do now.
Lynley and I had a family meeting and decided that we would go ahead and give it to the kiddos. Afterall, the surprise was over. We told them, however, that they would have to remember this at Christmas. As a family we quickly unwrapped our Christmas present (Well, Hanukkah for Ainsley) and began plugging it all in. As we began playing he games I was happy to see the amount of exercise that it took to play many of the games. I am surprised at how far gaming technology has come. In fact, I found myself completely worn out after two rounds of boxing. The kids have had a blast. Graham has become a master boxer. I, of course, have taken a natural liking to Golf, and Sydney has exceeded all expectations by scoring over 230 in bowling.
In the end, I am still not excited about the idea of having video games in the household but I must admit that I am ecstatic with the one Lynley chose. It requires physical fitness and helps with the ever critical eye hand coordination.
Now, I just have to figure out what to get the kiddos for the holidays.
Just another day in the land of sneaky purpii.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Chicken Pox, really?
Today is a short day for the kids. For those at our nice christian grade school is an early release day. This means that Sydney and Graham will be out of school at 11:00 AM. For those at our Jewish school (namely Ainsley) she will be participating in Rosh Hashanah. Bet you did not know that about her. Yep, we Dungan's are full of surprises - and apparently a little religiously conflicted. For those in the know - Shana Tova (Happy New Year).
Some days are just good for short stories. Today is one such day. Yesterday morning Graham came running into the bathroom crying. I was in the shower and Lynley was putting on her make up (not that she needs any to be beautiful - yes, sucking up for the weekend) Graham was truly distraught. Mom I am getting chicken pox. Lynley gave him a once over. "No buddy, you are fine. You don't have any chicken pox."
"But mommy I touched one of the chicken feathers in your pillow and Sydney said it will give me the chicken pox."
I laughed as quietly as I could in the shower. Chicken Pox from a down pillow. How ridiculous! Everyone knows you can't get chicken pox from a down pillow.
You get goose pox!
Yep, my purpii.
Some days are just good for short stories. Today is one such day. Yesterday morning Graham came running into the bathroom crying. I was in the shower and Lynley was putting on her make up (not that she needs any to be beautiful - yes, sucking up for the weekend) Graham was truly distraught. Mom I am getting chicken pox. Lynley gave him a once over. "No buddy, you are fine. You don't have any chicken pox."
"But mommy I touched one of the chicken feathers in your pillow and Sydney said it will give me the chicken pox."
I laughed as quietly as I could in the shower. Chicken Pox from a down pillow. How ridiculous! Everyone knows you can't get chicken pox from a down pillow.
You get goose pox!
Yep, my purpii.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Stand Up for Life - Huge Success
When I pulled up to the Lakewood Theater last night I knew it was going to be something special. I was blown away. There the event was in bright lights and parking was no where to be found. This was just a tiny glimpse of what was to come.
You never know exactly how a fundraiser is going to turn out. Like "Lunch for Life" I certainly had my doubts. Would people come? Would they support the cause? Would it be a worthwhile event? All of these thoughts fluttered through my head. What I discovered is that much like "Lunch for Life" it turned out to be an incredible event. I had an absolute blast and, frankly, I can't remember a time when Lynley laughed harder. The other key part was that it was incredibly successful. The dollars are still being counted but I know at the very least we raised well over $6500. That is not too bad for a fun night out for comedy.
All of this, however, could not have been accomplished without the generous comedians who donated their time and effort to the event. Honor Shearer was the host of the show. She is a close friend to the Podeszwa's and she did an extradinary job putting this all together. Known as the "Soccer Mom" of comedy I found her to be hilarious but the key was her "mom-ness", dedication and warm heart which put this brainchild together. I am so thankful for all of her effort.
I would also be extremely remiss if I did not thank the comedians, all of which were tremendous and kept the audience in stitches. More information can be found on their websites and I encourage everyone to send them a short note of thanks. We could not have done this without them. It is people like this with no direct connection to childhood cancer that stand up for us that make all of the difference.
Headliner - Aaron Aryunpur - http://www.aaronaryanpur.com/
Featered - Peter Barrera - http://www.myspace.com/JokeyPeeBee
Special Guest - Justion Foster - http://www.myspace.com/justincomic
It was an incredible night of purpose!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Prayer for Hayden
Good morning! Well, today is a big day on several different fronts. First, and most importantly, today is Hayden's surgery. It is hard to believe but he has already endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy and today will mark a major milestone towards his cure. His surgery is scheduled at about 1:00 PM at Cook's. This afternoon while you are at work or home please consider saying a little prayer for Hayden and his family whom we know will be having a horribly stressful day.
The other big item today will be Stand Up for Life which is happening at the Lakewood Theater in Dallas at 8:00 PM. It will be a few hours of great laughs and we hope to see you there.
Well, I had best be off. There is much to do today to get ready for the show.
It will be a seriously purposeful day.
The other big item today will be Stand Up for Life which is happening at the Lakewood Theater in Dallas at 8:00 PM. It will be a few hours of great laughs and we hope to see you there.
Well, I had best be off. There is much to do today to get ready for the show.
It will be a seriously purposeful day.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
An ear infection? Really?
Good morning! Well, yesterday went pretty well. I spent most of my day in the car which was unfortunate considering all of the work that I had to do on the computer. Regardless, there was plenty that needed to be accomplished for Stand Up for Life. So, off I went. Unfortunately, today will be much more of the same.
For Ainsley, I am hoping that today will bring much more improvement. I have hastened to mention that she was a bit under the weather. It is not that it is difficult to tell with her. I think it is really that I am in such disbelief that her symptom is actually such an accurate predictor. You see, the way that we tell if Ainsley is sick is this simple formula.
Did she cry?
It is that simple. If Ainsley is crying chances are that she is sick. It is just not her nature to be cry-y or whiny. She just doesn't do it. Furthermore you have to watch pretty closely because you just might get lucky enough to get even more than that. You will get a whine. The whine can be about anything. I don't want to eat my dinner. I don't want to get dressed. Yes, any myriad of whines that are atypical of her. But, that can also be followed by a very quick, quiet, and nonchalant statement such as "I have an ear infection." She usually then makes an immediate and full recovery and she is back to playing and laughing in a flash. That is it. That is all you get. And, although it is so incredibly accurate and universally true, I am always in utter disbelief. You have to be kidding me. She's sick? No way! She is back playing and having a great time with the gaggle. How can she be sick?
The thing is. The more you wait. The more often this behavior will come. We will eventually succumb to a trip to Dr. Debbie's based on these symptoms (or lack there of). Think about it. Think about your discussion with the pediatrician.
Dr.: "What is the matter with Ainsley?"
Me: "She cried."
Dr.: "And?"
Me: "Well, right before she went swinging on the swing set she said she had an ear infection."
Dr.: "She is 3 right?"
Me: "Yes, fix her please."
What would you be thinking if you were the doctor. It is okay, you can say it. You would think I am nuts - perhaps a taco short of a Mexican combination plate. That's all right. I can take it. The funny thing is that, in this situation, universally she will indeed have an ear infection. In fact, I can never remember a time when it has presented any differently. I am amazed by her every time and also by the diagnosis. Honestly, I am also a bit relieved. Dr. Debbie, however, I think just chalks it up to those quirky Dungans.
Ainsley, though, is a tough cookie.
She is like purpose. Don't underestimate this one.
For Ainsley, I am hoping that today will bring much more improvement. I have hastened to mention that she was a bit under the weather. It is not that it is difficult to tell with her. I think it is really that I am in such disbelief that her symptom is actually such an accurate predictor. You see, the way that we tell if Ainsley is sick is this simple formula.
Did she cry?
It is that simple. If Ainsley is crying chances are that she is sick. It is just not her nature to be cry-y or whiny. She just doesn't do it. Furthermore you have to watch pretty closely because you just might get lucky enough to get even more than that. You will get a whine. The whine can be about anything. I don't want to eat my dinner. I don't want to get dressed. Yes, any myriad of whines that are atypical of her. But, that can also be followed by a very quick, quiet, and nonchalant statement such as "I have an ear infection." She usually then makes an immediate and full recovery and she is back to playing and laughing in a flash. That is it. That is all you get. And, although it is so incredibly accurate and universally true, I am always in utter disbelief. You have to be kidding me. She's sick? No way! She is back playing and having a great time with the gaggle. How can she be sick?
The thing is. The more you wait. The more often this behavior will come. We will eventually succumb to a trip to Dr. Debbie's based on these symptoms (or lack there of). Think about it. Think about your discussion with the pediatrician.
Dr.: "What is the matter with Ainsley?"
Me: "She cried."
Dr.: "And?"
Me: "Well, right before she went swinging on the swing set she said she had an ear infection."
Dr.: "She is 3 right?"
Me: "Yes, fix her please."
What would you be thinking if you were the doctor. It is okay, you can say it. You would think I am nuts - perhaps a taco short of a Mexican combination plate. That's all right. I can take it. The funny thing is that, in this situation, universally she will indeed have an ear infection. In fact, I can never remember a time when it has presented any differently. I am amazed by her every time and also by the diagnosis. Honestly, I am also a bit relieved. Dr. Debbie, however, I think just chalks it up to those quirky Dungans.
Ainsley, though, is a tough cookie.
She is like purpose. Don't underestimate this one.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Perfect Weekend
Here we are at another Monday morning. The weekend went very well although one cuckoo flew the cuckoo's nest on Friday. Sydney was invited to a sleep over birthday party at her best friend Jillian's house. So, swiftly from school, she was ushered off into an evening of bliss. In fact, we would not see her until almost 24 full hours later. She had a great time, as expected. Maybe too much fun as I heard rumor that they were up chattering away until almost midnight.
Sydney had a little difficulty adjusting to being back home. This always seems to be the case. When she first gets back she is always sad because she misses Jillian already. Yes, those first few minutes away after spending 24 hours with someone are fairly brutal, aren't they? Unfortunately, and for some reason that I can not put my finger directly on, she changes from sad to mean to everyone around her. It is especially evident around her brother and sister. That is the hardest to watch because they are just so thankful that their leader is back. After about 30 minutes of this, though, it seems to subside and return to normal. The next thing you know they are out cheering Graham on as he races around the pool and playing any one of a myriad of their make believe games.
Saturday morning for us was all about Lynley and her precious new car. Yes, Graham, Ainsley and I got to go with Lynley as she had new car lessons. Oh yes, how nice for her. Especially because she has her nice new car and I, who started this whole quest to save money for our family, am still driving my gas gulping, neanderthal Suburban. (By the way, Don't tell Lynley. I happen to love my old Suburban. I just hate the gas prices. None the less, I am continuing to milk it for all that it is worth.) Anyway, yes you heard me. She had lessons on her car. Talk about rubbing it in.
Sunday was relatively quiet. Well, quiet except for the usual squabblings of the twerplets scampering around. We did our usual chores. They washed Lynley's precious car (and apparently 1/3 of my Suburban) Most however, was spent running around the house and terrorizing the neighborhood.
All in all, it was a perfect weekend around the Dungan household.
It was a rejuvenation of purpose.
Sydney had a little difficulty adjusting to being back home. This always seems to be the case. When she first gets back she is always sad because she misses Jillian already. Yes, those first few minutes away after spending 24 hours with someone are fairly brutal, aren't they? Unfortunately, and for some reason that I can not put my finger directly on, she changes from sad to mean to everyone around her. It is especially evident around her brother and sister. That is the hardest to watch because they are just so thankful that their leader is back. After about 30 minutes of this, though, it seems to subside and return to normal. The next thing you know they are out cheering Graham on as he races around the pool and playing any one of a myriad of their make believe games.
Saturday morning for us was all about Lynley and her precious new car. Yes, Graham, Ainsley and I got to go with Lynley as she had new car lessons. Oh yes, how nice for her. Especially because she has her nice new car and I, who started this whole quest to save money for our family, am still driving my gas gulping, neanderthal Suburban. (By the way, Don't tell Lynley. I happen to love my old Suburban. I just hate the gas prices. None the less, I am continuing to milk it for all that it is worth.) Anyway, yes you heard me. She had lessons on her car. Talk about rubbing it in.
Sunday was relatively quiet. Well, quiet except for the usual squabblings of the twerplets scampering around. We did our usual chores. They washed Lynley's precious car (and apparently 1/3 of my Suburban) Most however, was spent running around the house and terrorizing the neighborhood.
All in all, it was a perfect weekend around the Dungan household.
It was a rejuvenation of purpose.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)