Jayna's church Oasis was holding a "Back to School" Festival. After 3rd shift, I got a shower and a sweet tea to wake up more. I took my two kiddos, Ant's buddy RJ, and the kids friends Will, Diamond and Alexus to the festival.
They started by playing 4 or 5 games. Then it was craft time where we each made our own hat. We had a hotdog, popcorn and snowcone lunch. Then they were in bounce house paradise. They also got some face painting, nail painting, football throwing and veggie tales watching in... and 37 more snowcones I think too. It was hot hot hot out so they were a life saver. The church also gave school supplies to the kids who didn't have any supplies to do homework with or enough supplies at school.
After the church festival, I went to pick up the sweetest baby boy I know! That's right, I got to babysit Tristan!! Now is when I decided to get an oil change, yes while I had a total of 7 kids with me. And for their good behavior I rewarded them with a visit to Liberty Mountain's Snowflex
Then we headed the rest of the way up Liberty mountain to the LU monogram for a brief hike.
Then we went back to our house. The kids played, I washed dishes then made supper. After we ate, I took the kids home and went to mom and dad's to visit with Zach and Rebekah until it was time to take my little sweetheart home and go to work myself.
This was Jayna Olivia, as I broke the news to her after school on Friday prior to her baptism. Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah can't come.
She was an extremely sad and heart broken little Jayna--- and this picture was taken 10 minutes after leaving school and is a calmed down version taken through my mirror.
I tried to make it a fun weekend for her to keep her mind and heart busy and happy. We spent time with cousins and Poppy of course.
Life went on, the kids had another week of school, cross country, the first Adventurers club meeting. Then it was the long Labor Day weekend. Monday morning Jayna's friend's Aunt texted to set up a play date. We of course jumped on that! Then about noon mom called to say Zach and Rebekah would be here in Lynchburg between 3:30 and 5:30. But they wanted it to be a surprise. We went ahead with our plans and met at the Spray Ground and the kids played and Tiffany and I chatted. About 5 it was time for everyone to go their separate ways.
I had the kids convinced Daddy wanted to take us out to eat for Labor Day. Then magically when we got to Moe's Uncle Mark was there. That was cool we both chose the same restaurant, but the kids adore Uncle Mark, so no excuse needed to have supper together. And then as we chatted with Uncle Mark.... this happened....
Check out Jayna's mixture of shock and excitement... while Anthony didn't even initially notice!
All of us enjoyed a meal together, a long over due meal! Afterwards, we went to mom and dads to socialize with them until almost 10pm. Jayna convinced Grandma and Poppy to let her sleepover.
On Monday, Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah took the kids to school and got to meet their teachers. Once I got off crossing guard and Z and R got back to mom and dad's house, we went to brunch at Famous Anthony's with mom. After eating we went window shopping at a couple bookstores before it was time to go back to crossing guard. Conveniently, it was quite hot Tuesday so cross country practice was cancelled. Aunt Rebekah did Jayna's hair, then taught her some Zumba.
We decided to go to Black Water Creek trails together.--- well with Toby too. First we played at the waterfall section at Hawkin's Mill.
Of course we tried out the trails and by request we went through the tunnel. Jayna begged and won a
piggy back ride-- spoiled girly!
We had a good hike together, and it was wonderful to get to spend time together!
Then we headed back to mom's and dad's where dad and I prepared supper, until work called me in-- oh goodie :-/ I headed there for the remainder of the night while the kids ate and spent the night. On Wednesday we had breakfast together again at Bob Evans. Then as is typical we window shopped some more on Wards Rd. It sure was nice actually getting to know Rebekah better! They then left for WV to head and see the grandparents and our WV family members. On Saturday evening they returned to mom and dad's house. I was in the middle of cooking supper when they arrived so I finished supper, took the kids friends home and then we went to mom and dad's. Jayna again spent the night. Uncle Mark sure tried to get Anthony to agree to stay.
On Sunday after church we had spaghetti. Then I had to take Joyce to work. We planned to go to Amazement Square, but when we got there, they were closed for remodeling. Instead we went bowling at AMF.
They headed home after bowling, to where they are now stationed in Baltimore. The kids and I are already looking forward to the next time we can all get together!!
My favorite season is over, regardless what the calendar reads. Because, all wise people realize summer is not indicated by a temperature or a date on a calendar but by the last day of school until the first day of school, for that is when summer really is.
The only fun part of back to school is spending a paycheck on all those needed items. Ok Honestly, I am NOT complaining as the kids supply list decreased dramatically.
For third grade city schools list is 51 items-- and no that doesn't include backpack, lunchbox, agenda
For fifth grade city schools list is 54 items. At their school they only had 12 items on Jayna's list and 26 on Anthony's.
I let each kidlet get a new pair of sneakers and a first day of school shirt. I also let Jayna get a pair of dress shoes. Since the kids wear uniforms, they still have plenty from last year and Jayna gets some hand me downs from Anthony.
Jayna has suddenly decided she no longer loves pink, thus picking out a blue-ish shirt and mostly blue sneakers. Anthony wanted a lime green shirt but they didn't have it in his size, so he settled for this green-blue one.
School began Tuesday August 19th. Since my crossing guard school didn't start back until the 25th I was able to take them and pick them up for the first 4 days.
Anthony decided (for the day at least) that he wants to be a teacher--- since I told him "Gamer" wasn't realistic enough, pick something else.
Jayna has decided she'll be a scientist... not sure where or when she came up with this but it's unique so good! I like original ideas.
All ready for school
Anthony was bummed his mother obviously slacked enormously and hadn't read the hand book in over a year- and even then I guess I didn't fully follow it. He was very upset he was in dress code violation. He doesn't take well to being in any amount of "trouble" anyways. He gets offended when a life guard blows a whistle so I'm not shocked. But... he isn't allowed to wear a while belt, only black brown or blue he told me after school. And it can't have any design or logo so the nike slash is against the law of dress code. Please don't look at their shoes-- they also have logos... yes I think it is a silly rule- very silly but, realistically I should have read the handbook and then my sweet boy wouldn't have had to be upset.
Jayna seemed content, just was adjusting to a stricter classroom and rules, as is to be expected.
Both kids were glad to be back with their friends.
Cross Country started the next day. Even with plenty of hiking and swimming Mr. Doss clearly wore the kids out.
Very tired kids after day 1 of cross country
Jayna wanted to edit this one with her new running shorts
Now, at the end of week 2 of cross country, both kids are enjoying it. I forced Jayna to do it this year after her not liking it much last year. So, it is quite nice that she's liking it more this year. Anthony not to my surprise enjoys any active sport.
The kids had their first casual day and I missed the picture, darn! As expected Jayna dressed to the t-- army pants and matching shirt and jacket- even if it was 90 degrees outside. Anthony on the other hand grabbed the first two things in his laundry basket and could have cared less if they matched even. One more cute Jayna picture for this blog of the girly dressing up her school uniform. It too is probably against the rule book, but no one said anything.
Yes I realize the same shirt is in this picture and she's worn it 3 times within 9 days but I promise I've washed it after each wear and she does have 20 other shirts she could be wearing, but she keeps choosing this one.
We've been loving watching all these ice bucket challenges-- especially the extra-ordinary ones, the ones of friends and the growing love and support (all 63 buckets of love as they have been called) for the (step) mom of some of our very first childhood friends back in Pennsylvania. That all being said, my kids needed to understand the reason for this season... and so we've begun the learning process.
They have limited knowledge of the ability stealing disease of Multiple Sclerosis, which grandma has. This life stealing disease seems to be in the same "family tree" per-se of neuro diseases. We watched several youtube mini documentaries on ALS and how it effects people with it and steals their abilities to do normal things. I don't want to just play in ice water, make some laughs and film a video of us. I want the kids (and myself) to understand why we did what we did. The kids have watched me fund raise and practice and go off and participate in the MS150 for mom. They could understand why I did all of this as they saw Grandma slowing down, loosing her ease in walking, and then we met Paula another MS Warrior.
For them ALS was unheard of. For me ALS was practically unheard of. I had heard the term and knew there was no cure-- like MS. But that was about it. It's amazing a month ago this was all a lot of people knew-- if that much. And now with the great success of the ice bucket challenge this is a known term and to say awareness has rose would be an understatement.
I was challenged Saturday by my sweet honorary nephew, Jacob to do the Ice Bucket Challenge. Then yesterday (Tues) Uncle Mark took the ice bucket challenge and nominated Anthony and Jayna. Jayna has been sooooo anxious to be nominated as she watched Aunt Missy, her cousins Hunter, Parker, Lauryn, Aveeri, Ryan and Amanda all do their own challenges in addition to other friends. And FINALLY she got called out. I am pretty sure Uncle Mark nominated them so he could secure "Favorite Uncle of the week" status. It worked.
Next I introduced them via fb to my childhood friends the McNeals. And then they learned our friend Mrs. Joyce McNeal was recently diagnoses with ALS. She via the pictures we see on fb seemed so normal so they now see it can strike anyone, not just "sick" people.
Mrs. Joyce with the Pittsburg Pirates mascot along with her other ALS warrior friends
Sadly when I went to clean the house of my elderly friends (which I do every Tuesday) Mrs. Phyllis told me the horrible news that her nephew was diagnosed last week with ALS. This evil disease is sneaking it's horrible head into our lives more and more and we are glad to help in whatever small way we can-- through this ice bucket challenge, through learning more about ALS and even by making a donation.
I always thought I was very grounded and believed what I believed full heartedly and strongly. These past two weeks I realized that is no longer true on the one contoversial topic I have always held a zero tolerance stance: abortion. I am so again abortion, and extremely pro adoption (that comes with being in a foster and adoptive family I would assume). But with all the ALS challenges and donations comes contoversy over stem cell research and it was then I realized I am not fully grounded in my beliefs anymore. Mom initially was saying don't donate b/c of stem cell research on aborted babies. But you know I'm not sure how they get their stem cells-- abortion or cord blood. I haven't done the full research. What I do know though is, if I could donate and be guaranteed a cure for MS (which mom has) and get back the mom I had 5 or 10 years ago who was able to do whatever she wanted, was the most amazing handy man, could help remodel and do home maintenance, would enjoy shopping excursions, could go to the beach and enjoy the sand and some water, attend all the kids school activities w/o hesitation and more--- It would to ME be worth that stem cell research to restore my mom's health and physical abilities. It is wonderful living close to my parents. But it also sucks watching first hand my mom to loose more mobility, body functions and even moods and emotion changes. I can only assume ALS families feel similarly. I will donate $25 from our family to an ALS organization. I have chosen to donate to the Pennsylvania Chapter of ALS in honor of Joyce McNeal (who lives in Pa). They appear similar to local chapters of MS, where they help families dealing with MS not just all research. When the time comes and Mrs. McNeal needs some additional resources I hope they are available to her. For that reasoning I donated to this chapter.
So now without further yammering here are our Ice Bucket Challenges!
Jayna's Ice Bucket Challenge: She nominated her Uncle Steve because he scared her last visit hahah, her cousins Kierra and Cale, her friend at school Brandon, her Aunt Karlee, and who she refers to as Uncle Phil (sorry Karlee--- although you two aren't together Jayna is still a fan of our favorite Lynchburg Police Department officer)
P.S. Aunt Beth, she chose not to nominate you because she didn't want it to cause you any health issues <3 <3
Anthony's Ice Bucket Challenge: He nominated three friends from school; Wesley, Carson and Luke
Finally it was my turn. I nominated a friend, Alisa, My brother Zach and his wife Rebekah and then Jayna and I agreed we should also nominate Nana Jan <3
Jayna was baptized this Sunday, August 24, 2014. Originally she wanted baptized at our former church, Thomas Road, by Pastor Jonathan this past May. However, Pastor Jonathan was on vacation for two Sundays. During this same time period Mom and Dad switched churches from jumbo-super sized Thomas Road to a much smaller (maybe 150 people) Oasis Church. So since Jayna couldn't be baptized that week by Pastor Jonathan, and it would have to be delayed til June, she decided to wait until Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah could come and attend. Zach and Rebekah have been in Guam for the past three years but were scheduled to come home the first week of August.
Jayna hasn't liked the children's church program at Thomas Rd for over a year and has chosen to go to the adult services with me instead. I think there are too many people, chaos for her. So Jayna started going to church with grandma and Poppy to Oasis the last week of May, while Anthony and I stayed at Thomas Rd through most the summer.
Jayna met with the Pastor's wife regarding baptism in late July. I started attending Oasis with Anthony in August. Anthony isn't the biggest fan. He went from a church program with tons of bells and whistles to a more typical children's church program.
As seems typical in life, all the best intentions and plans--- fall through. Zach and Rebekah called on Friday to say they were no longer able to come to Jayna's baptism on Sunday. They had to take their dog to the vet for a surgery. Unfortunately being brand new to their area (Baltimore) they didn't have n established vet and felt they were being taken advantage of, so they drove Steeler, their dog to Rebekah's home town where she has an established family vet. I think they drove from Baltimore to Maine on Wednesday. They called me Thursday morning during my post-third-shift nap. Thursday their plan was to come by train to Lynchburg on Saturday. However by Friday they realized it wasn't possible between travel time, travel price tags, and worrying about their Steeler dog who was going to have surgery this coming Thursday. They have postponed their visit til after Steeler's surgery. Maybe over my birthday weekend- the kids have 3 days off that weekend.
Thursday stunk because I had to break it to Anthony Steeler wasn't coming w/ Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah and he is super dyingly anxious to see "his" dog--- so he was mad and upset.
Then Friday it was worse when I had to tell Jayna they weren't coming. She cried hysterically. She was extremely upset. Then Saturday morning she got it in her head they were tricking her. They were going to show up and surprise her. I told her no they weren't but she was hoping so hard. Today she said "They really aren't coming to my baptism". Three years is a long stretch for adult sibling to go w/o visits but it's practically torture for a niece and an Uncle- especially an Uncle who lived with her for years, was always easily accessible, and whom she adored.
Then Grandma Pam came down with a flu-like virus and had to cancel on attending too.
However onto the happier and the nit-picky agitating...
Jayna did end up with a large fan base supporting her at church this morning/ Remember she's only been attending here about 3 months. She doesn't have a bunch of friends and the ones she had were in the children's church class. However, Jayna did have
mom, dad and big brother
Grandma and Poppy
Uncles Joe and Mark
neighbors and friends Angie, Kayla and Caiden
Nana Jan, Cousin Kierra and Carmen
friend Justine
her friends Will, Diamond and Alexus
17 people who came to watch her be baptized!
They started baptisms with the youth (middle and high school group), then they went to the adults and announced "and last to be baptized is....) So YES they forgot Jayna. Dad spoke up after that lady's Baptism as another pastor went on stage to progress to the next segment of church, so they back tracked and did Jayna's baptism. Every other person who had been baptized, when they came on stage the Pastor baptizing asked for that person's friends and family to stand in support of that person. Since they forgot Jayna all together, they also skipped that part of her baptism. I don't think she noticed, but I did. Not to mention she would have been the youngest person baptized with the most people present to support her. No big deal- it's done and over, but notes to remember if Anthony chooses to be baptized at some point.... ensure they don't forget him.
Unfortunately I was trying to video tape it as requested by Zach and Rebekah, but I wanted still photographs myself.... if ended up being a slightly shaky video and blurry pictures, so this is the "snap chat" picture Uncle Joe took- slightly edited as best I could. I do think the church got a better picture, so I can update it at a later time.
After church we headed to Grandma and Poppy's along with Will, Diamond, Alexus and Justine for a lunch together. Justine made Jayna her own brownies, much to Jayna's happiness!
We head to my house after lunch and the kids played until 7pm. Then I went to pick their mom up from work and dropped them all off at home.
Overall Jayna had a great day, no nervousness really, a lot of family and friends, and a great after church meal and playdate!
This year we took a unique beach vacation- unique in many ways. This is the first beach trip where none of my brothers came. And yet, mom was with us which as her MS has gotten worse has occurred less on any given trip/vacation.
We got to the beach about 11. Although check in wasn't until 4pm, the desk called us only about 5 minutes after we arrived and said our room was ready. They also immediately gave us a parking pass. Both were appreciated. Mom wasted no time taste testing the DQ right beside our hotel, The Sea Gull Inn. I would recommend it, but it is closing down in September, being torn down and turned into a mega hotel. Being on the oceanfront it is currently only 6 floors and small in size, so obviously they have big expansion plans.
Dad, Jayna and I got us all lunch at Wendy's. Then we were beach bound.
The waves were incredible and strong. The currents pushed us miles from our hotel. In just 30mins we would go from our current location 27th down to where the life guards end at 45. We'd walk back and do it all again. It was exciting and both kids were mostly entertained.
The flag attached to every Life guard chair warns "Water is dangerous"
And although we'd worn sunscreen and it appeared mostly overcast Dad and I both ended up with some sun burn. Jayna got tired of the water before Anthony, which is no surprise- he loves the waves. Jayna and I changed then took a walk- about 2 miles. I got her a personalized leather bracelet since she's always bummed nothing comes with her name on it. By the time we got back to the hotel everyone was ready for supper as it was after 6. We went and got supper. Mom and dad shared a gyro meal. Anthony got 2 corn dog meal. Jayna and I each got a slice of pizza. Jayna was dying to do this haunted house. Anthony had zero interest. It scared her nicely. I thought is was lame.
It was nearing 7:30 now when all the street performances begin. Mom decided she was chilly and tired so she went back to her room- using her scooter, what a gift it is!
Dad the kid and I enjoyed numerous performances from a silly actor, several musicians, an artist, and the pain one was Aaron Bonk.
Aaron did about 35 minutes of juggling various items, cracking whip stunts and balancing acts many of which included fire, swords, axes and even a chainsaw
The kids loved this one. I found it insanely loud giving me a ear and head ache--- perhaps I would have gotten in anyways...
Jayna was my favorite performer.... dancing away with this Jazz group ;-)
By now it was 11ish. I stopped by Walgreens for some over the counter meds on the way back to the hotel. Everyone got ready for bed. My head was killing me as was my ear. I am used to head aches and migraine but the extreme throbbing ear was a new symptom and I was up almost every hour all night. In the morning mom and dad went to a lame time share presentation to win a free vacation next year and free passes to a dolphin cruise. I forced the kids to get up near 10 so I could go buy more meds as obviously what I had wasn't working at all. Then we went to eat breakfast/lunch. Jayna chose chocolate chip pancakes, I got strawberry waffles and Anthony got chicken strips and fries. I was still feeling no better but tried to force myself to keep going. We went to the beach. The waves weren't 1/2 as crazy. Anthony was bummed and Jayna loved it. I mostly napped on a towel because sitting was making me even more dizzy and I had no energy. I was bummed I was no fun to be around.After we left the beach, Dad and mom convinced me to go to Urgent Care. I agreed. I was now also sick due to the migraine. The urgent care facility was rather close and they were quick. I left with 2 rx- one to stop the nausea and one for to stop the migraine. While I took the meds and headed to sleep, Mom and dad took the kids for a late lunch and then for a 2 hr evening Dolphin boat cruise. I am bummed I missed my kids first boat ride and I have no pictures or proof it even happened-- but I'm told it did, they saw some dolphins, Jayna gets mildy seas sick as in not throwing up but was feeling uneasy, they liked the first hr and then got bored....After that they went to dominos pizza and brought a pizza and cinnamon sticks back to the hotel for supper. I ate a few cinni sticks. Everyone got ready for bed then. I felt mostly better other than drained and a bit dizzy/loopy.
Thursday I was up before 5 to see the Sunrise. It was beautiful. I stayed outside alone watching the sun, walking the store, collecting a few shells and enjoying the moment. Jayna was upset I didn't wake her.
Dad joined me outside around 7 on the 2nd floor patio our hotel had. He wrote his postcards. Afterwards we went back to the room and got up and read for the day. On our list of to-dos was to ride a family bike. We are guanteed nothing but this is more evident with mom's MS. This may be mom's last chance to do a family exercise/sport/bike ride. I'd like you to know, these bike's are not 1/2 as easy as they look. Mom was unable to pedal so she was along for the ride. The rest of us traded seats off and on over our hour Long bike ride spanning 54 blocks of boardwalk. It was a lot of work. Jayna wasn't too much help but was eager to steer. All of us were tired by the end-- except probably Dad because I don't think he ever gets tired.
Then dad, the kids and I had to walk 7 blocks from our hotel to hop in the waters due to a high bacteria level beach closure. We had a wonderful final hour in the waves.
We had to rush and get our stuff out of the hotel room in order to be checked out by 11. Then we went across the street for our final beach meal.
Grandma and Jayna's matching shirts
This is way fewer pictures than I typical have, but it was a very hands on vacation when I was able, on day 1 and 3-- So less time to play with cameras.
The kids both were able to attend Camp Hydaway this summer. Initially there were no vacancies and each was put on a waiting list. Then at Easter at a Spring Carnival at the school I do crossing guard at I won a week of day camp for $45 in the silent auction for Jayna to attend. On Sunday while we were in NYC I got a phone call that a spot opened up for Anthony. I had cruddy reception so mom and dad dealt with all the packing and details and got Anthony to camp Monday morning.
Anthony had 4 days and 3 overnights a camp. He seemed to have a good time although he said he didn't know the kids. He was slightly hungry thanks to his pickiness and disliking most meals. His main complaint was they wouldn't let him take the swim test til the last day meaning he could only be in the kiddie area. He wasn't there the 1st night like everyone else who tested. That is disappointing. I surprised him when I picked him up by bringing one of his 2 best friends Alonza along! This would be the boys last overnight for the summer as Alonza was heading to NC to see his dad's side of the family for the rest of the summer.
best buddies reunite and are all smiles
Unfortunately due to a rain storm the closing camp family picnic was canceled
Jayna went to Camp Hydaway 8:30-4 the same week as VBS #3. She was less than impressed by most of it. Her highlights included playing with Ally from school on Day 1, and then fishing and paddle boats with Tucker on most the other days. She didn't have any friends in her cabin and said there were two mean girls. She asked me not to make her go back, but I still did. To top it off she was supposed to be dropped at church afterwards. On day 1 they left her at camp. On day 2 they argued with her about getting on the bus when Jayna insisted she is to go to church. They called me at least so she did get on the bus to church. It wasn't a winner of a week.
Jayna on the final pick-up of the week--- I think it equals out to 3 out of 5 stars--- the thumb is not up or down
I'm guessing this will be their last year of Camp Hydaway after not overly enjoying it this year... but we shall see.
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