Our First Broken Bone

Last night I was getting ready for work and Brianna and Alyssa were outside playing. I was getting Alyssa's clothes ready for her first day of preschool when she came inside crying. I picked her up and noticed a little dirt on her shoulder and a small scratch. I didn't start to suspect anything until she wouldn't stop crying and she said her shoulder hurt. I felt her collarbone and it didn't feel quite right. I called Bill into the room and asked him to feel it. He couldn't really tell but I thought it might be broken. Then we asked Brianna what happened. They were playing on their Little Tikes slide when Alyssa pinched Bri and so Bri pushed her off and she landed on her shoulder. I called work and told them what happened and that I might not be in tonight. They said no problem, they had put someone on call. So off to the ER we went. We got some X-Rays and sure enough, it was a broken clavicle. They sent us home after 2 hours and said give her Tylenol and Motrin as needed. It wasn't until I was washing her hair last night that I noticed the big bump on her head. So much for her first day of preschool. Today has been quite a challenge. Alyssa has been in quite a lot of pain and needing a lot of attention. Twice Brianna has told me that I love Alyssa more than her. Then I have to explain that Alyssa needs more attention today. So next thing I know, Brianna has a broken leg and has to lay on the couch next to Alyssa. It a good thing she starts kindergarten tomorrow. I called Alyssa's doctor to see if they could phone in a prescription for something stronger but they said they have to see her so we're going there in a little while. Above is a picture of what Alyssa has been doing all day- laying on the couch watching TV. Please send up some prayers that this heals fast!

Messy Fun!

These pictures are proof of what happens when you leave 2 little girls alone outside with paint. Not a good idea. However, they had a great time! Today we went to the Botanical Gardens at UCR. I didn't even know they existed until my friend, Bernadette, suggested we go there. After we found the place (we both got a little lost), we felt like we were no longer in Riverside. It was quite pretty. We had a little picnic, the girls played on the grass and we went on a little hike. It was around 100 degrees outside but tolerable in the shade. It might be better to wait until Fall or Spring to go back. We were all sweaty. So I told you in my last blog that my babysitter gave her notice (it was a 3 week notice). Well yesterday she told me she won't be able to come back at all. So we went down to La Petite and got all of the paperwork to sign Alyssa up and she will start on Monday. I think Brianna will just hang out with me on Mon. when I get home from work. She's pretty good about keeping herself entertained while I sleep, then she starts school on Tues. It's amazing how everything can change so quickly. It's a good thing that Bri is starting school on Tues., I think she is getting bored at home and then tends to act up. We made some house rules a couple of weeks ago and today was the first time she got the punishment for breaking them. They always get a warning first. So now there is no dessert, no TV for the rest of the day, and 3 toys go to the give away bag. Hopefully she'll learn her lesson. I really don't like discipling and being the bad guy. It's a lot of work. Well, enough rambling, I better go get some things done around the house while the girls are sleeping.

Change is good!

Today our babysitter, Maria, gave us her notice. After a little over a year and a half, she is leaving. She said that she is too allergic to our dog. I was pretty sad. I got on the phone and called La Petite Academy which is where Brianna went to preschool and started getting prices. I can send Alyssa there for 3 days for what I was paying Maria for 2. Then we were worried about who would drop off Brianna at school when I'm still at work and I called her school and she can be dropped off much earlier than I thought for breakfast. I also called my mom and asked if she'd be available to help when I have an occasional meeting or class and she said of course. God is good, everything is working out and I believe this is happening for a reason. For one to save money, but I really think Alyssa is ready for preschool. She loved going to pick up Brianna everyday and always wanted to stay and play. Plus they will help with potty training! Yeah. I just have to figure out what to do with Bri when she is out of school for the month of Nov. and March. But I have a little time to figure it out. Please keep us in your prayers that this all works out. Brianna had her dance recital on Sat. night. She was a penguin and danced to a song from "Happy Feet". I was laughing so hard I had tears coming down my face. I knew Brianna could shake her booty, but I had no idea! She got 2 bouquets of flowers when she was done and was so proud. It was a great night.

Happy 5th Birthday to Brianna!

My little Brianna turned 5 today. It's hard to believe, I know. Where does the time go. We had a wonderful party for her at Chuck E. Cheese. We all know how she loves being the star. It was great to see all of our friends. Thank you to those who came. We then had a little get together afterwards at our house. Brianna was in Heaven opening all of those presents. Today was her actual birthday and she was so excited to go to the big 5 year old class at church. Brianna got to pick where to go for lunch- can anyone guess? Yes, McDonalds. I had to come home and take a nap because I was scheduled to work. However, they just called me and asked me if I wanted the night off. It is way too hard to refuse, so of course I took it. Now I can spend the evening with my birthday girl. It's been a fun weekend! Here is a picture of Bri at Chuck E. Cheese. Where a kid can be a kid!

Keeping Cool!

Just sitting here in the air conditioned house trying to keep cool. We had pretty nice weather for about a week and now it is hot again. Yesterday I had a wonderful afternoon at the Glen Ivy Spa with a bunch of my work friends. It is a cool place with lots of pools, spas, mud, etc. I'm on the Spirit Committee at work and we planned this. It was a lot of fun, but I must say I sure didn't want to get in a bathing suit in front of my work friends. They all made fun of me for being so white. I can't help it! They really are a fun group of people, we did a lot of laughing, not to mention relaxing. We got kicked out of "Club Mud" because they were going to do some filming for a VH1 show.
Yesterday was Brianna's last day at La Petite Academy. It was sad saying goodbye to them. They have been wonderful. I think Brianna will really miss it there. She sure did learn a lot and made some great friends. We took some treats and they sang Happy Birthday to her.
This morning we took treats to dance class for Bri's birthday. I think Alyssa drank too much juice and had quite a blow out in the toy room. It was coming down her leg and she got it all over her hands. I hauled her into the bathroom and cleaned her up. Fortunately her leotard stayed clean. However, I had a feeling she might have left a trail somewhere so I went on the search. It didn't take long to find. It was all over the toy room floor and some toys. It was quite disgusting, not to mention humbling. So Alyssa started the Mommy and Me class without her mommy. I thought I got it all, but the teacher pointed out to me later that there was some on the wall- I got to scrub that too. I don't know how many times she had to mention that there was "an accident" in the toy room. I was already embarrassed enough, I sure didn't want to keep hearing about it. Oh, the joys of motherhood! You'd never believe that she is actually pretty good about going "poops" on the potty. But potty training is a whole other story.
Tomorrow is Brianna's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. She's really looking forward to it. This is the first time we've done a party somewhere other than our house. It just gets too hot in the middle of July. We'll see how it goes.