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too many balls in the air

Thursday, January 24, 2013
So, this always seems to happen.  Just when I begin a new project or commit myself to a Bible study or a class or a volunteer opportunity, things at home go to pieces.  Does this happen to everyone? or is it just me?

Apparently there was a leak in our bar ice machine which has caused a HUGE disaster.  We had like 7 industrial fans and 3 enormous dehumidifiers going.  Our usually quiet home sounded like a jet engine for 3-4 days. I am not even exaggerating a little.  You could hear it outside on our driveway (and our house is very well insulated).  I could not hear mysefl think and was starting to go a little CRAZY!

Now our hardwoods are torn up in the bar and need to be replaced and refinished.  Fun.

Harry has had a migraine for 4 of the last 6 days.  He lays in bed in utter pain and my heart breaks for him.  We see a migraine specialist regularly.  We saw her a few days ago. We have tried all the medicines approved for kids. We try natural approaches like  magnesium and 5 htp.  He is in so much pain.  I am meeting with his teachers today to talk about how this is impacting his school.  Luckily, he has all A's but he misses so much school.  I am very sad and concerned for him.  He is missing out on a lot of life and that is hard for a kid.

Then Miss Kate comes down the other day and her leg/ankle is swollen like a baby elephant leg.  Off to the pediatrician we go to find out she had a scary staph infection from a bug bite.  The doctor was very concerned and called and texted a few times to check on her.   We almost had to go to the hospital with both Harry and Kate this week.





{waiting for the doctor playing on an old phone of mine}


It is in these times that I have to count the blessings God has given us.  I know these are minor inconveniences and first world problems.  I just hate getting slammed all at once with these things.  


Saturday night, Harry, Kate and I did escape the jet engine to go someplace kinda neat.  Harry got a gift certificate for a place called Rocket Fizz here in Houston. It is a soda/candy shoppe.  They LOVED it...

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They had all sorts of crazy things here. Like an entire bacon section that Will would have loved...

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and all sorts of silly gag things the kids giggled at...

My creation


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They settled on cherry lime soda (Kate) and root beer float soda (Harry).  Harry was so sweet with Kate.  It was his gift certificate that a friend gave him but he offered to get Kate whatever she wanted.  Even the employees kept telling me what a kind and sweet big brother he is.


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As we were leaving, Kate ran into Harry Styles and Justin Beiber.  She does not know One Direction but she was happy to see the Beibs. They both LOVED Kate.  

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{he's actually a lot taller in person;}

And I'd love some wisdom from those out there....Kate has been invited to consider the competition team at our gymnastics place.  As you can imagine, she is SO excited.  She is honored that they are interested in her. The girl tumbles all day long. She LOVES gymnastics. She is 6 and can do a back handspring. She does have a natural affinity for gymnastics and she has only been doing it a few months.  I am just not sure we are ready to go down that road.  We have violin, ballet, gymnastics, flag football, lacrosse and water polo all going on right now.

I am not sure we want to commit the time and money involved but I want to support her in what she loves.  I think it is a little young but others tell me that you have to do it when they invite you or you lose your chance.

I know many of you have older children who have faced this before.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

All these photos are with my phone and/or on instagram.  I instagram everyday and am trying to learn how to use my Iphone camera better.  You can find me on instagram by clicking on the icon on my sidebar.

42 comments:

  1. Oh that bug bite is scary! AAAACCCCKKKK to the leak. What a pain. Here's to a better road ahead.

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  2. same thing happens to me too girlie ( as far as your first paragragh)
    i've been praying for harry , just so very sorry he continues to deal with this issue. ugh

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  3. Kate and the Beibs make a cute couple. Ha.

    Poor Harry...thinking of him.

    I think when it rains in pours!!!

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  4. I know how you feel with damage from water. Same thing happened to us years ago. We had a water pipe to pop in our upstairs bathroom. We were gone an hour and arrived home to water coming from underneath the front door! We have a home that was built in 1911 and our basement is mostly dirt and we have plastered walls and ceilings. We also had the fans and our ceilings would fall from the water damage. It took 3 months to make the necessary repairs. My children were young so I had to take the children to the babysitters home, live with my parents for a while and to top it off my MIL had a massive stroke during this time. I am sure you are like me that you just learn to go with the flow!!! I pray Harry can find the right medications that offer him some relief. Hope Kate's staph quickly responds to the antibiotics.

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  5. Praying that Harry's migraines get better and that Kate's foot feels better too! Congrats to Kate that she was asked to be on the gymnastics team...possibly let her try it and if it gets to be too much reassess then. I know what you mean by not getting asked again, but today it seems that sports get so serious so young:)

    Blessings, Ashley

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  6. My 16 year old started having migraines at 5. I don't know if they have tried this with Harry or not, but Propanolol saved us. Seriously, it was a wonder drug!I will pray for him. Has he ever had allergy testing?

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  7. I saw that bugbite on Instagram and cringed! My son was bitten by a spider( his bed was near a window in a former house we lived in) back in high school and OMG in a matter of hours his arm looked similar to Kate's ankle. He had to be lanced and the bite left a very ugly scar. Hoping this is not the case with Kate.

    Also wishing Harry better days. Such a terrible time for sweet Harry.

    Gymnastics: I say "ask Kate what she wants to do", if she feel she can "hold down a busy, regimented schedule then give it a try. If it gets to be too much, you can always pull her out. That's better than not doing it at all and wishing down the road...that maybe you should have given it a try. Just my 2cents

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  8. Praying for your sweet Harry. My two both suffered with migranes for years - and both have been under doctor care for years - thankfully both have gotten better as they have gotten older. As far as they gymnastics, I say wait. She will get another opportunity. My Savannah started Allstar Cheerleading at 6. It is such a huge commitment money and time. When they are on any type of AAU team, they miss out on school musicals, birthday parties, church, etc. - at least mine did because they give them (and the parents) such a hard time when they miss a practice. Just our experience. Hope your home repairs are quick and your life is back to normal :) Will say a little prayer for you all.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your poor Harry. I know as a mom that it must be terrible to watch him be in so much pain. (I had migraines as a kid, too. I find as an adult that food is usual the trigger... the worst offenders for me are cheese, sour dough bread, peppers, chocolate, beer, and red wine. Just cutting out pizza helped.)

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  10. Ha! Julie must be a new follower;)) allergy testing is your middle name. I will never get those back scratch images out of my head. I will amp up the prayers for sweet Harry!!! I can just hear our plea, Calgon take me away! Kate's bite scares me, hope that heals ASAP. Hugs!!!!

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  11. Ouchies for Kate's ankle. =( I hope it is feeling loads better now. As for Harry, I'm sure you have tried everything under the sun but have you tried chiropractors or acupuncture? I suffered with migraines for years and the only thing that gave me semi relief was an chiro visit. If you try one and don't like it, try another. They all operate differently. I do better with the old school chiros versus the newer schooled type.

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  12. Wow- I can't believe Kate's ankle! Scary!! And I am so sorry to hear about Harry still dealing with so much pain. I'm sad there isn't an easy answer out there for him yet.

    As far as Kate and gymnastics, my advice is to give it another year or two of just normal once a week lessons. 6 is so young and those teams require so much time and energy. I was on teams of that nature growing up but my dad was very clear that I could not do everything thing. So I eventually had to give some things up to make room for others. At six, I just think she might enjoy trying the variety of things instead of focusing on just one. Also, when you put all your focus on one thing, at any stage of life, you run the risk of a big burn out.

    On the other hand, I have known two gymnastasts from the '96 team (one US and one from Puerto Rico) and they both have great, normal lives now. So it clearly didn't hurt them at all.

    KK

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  13. I almost wonder too if Harry is allergic to some kind of food, but I am sure you have been down that road. What a crazy week! Hope the weekend is better! As for gymnastics, do you really want to be traveling every weekend? If not then I would not pursue any farther. You have to have someone who can drive the others to all of their activities . We ended up cutting back on our activities because it was just too crazy.

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  14. I feel SO bad for Harry. I get 8-10 migraines a month. It is beyond difficult to live with. I've tried lots of things...sometimes they seem to decrease in frequency, but it's always short-lived...they always return with a vengeance. I really don't know what else to do or try...not sure my dr's do either. I don't know what to tell him (or you) that will make you feel better (I wish I did!)...do know that there are others going through the same thing. I celebrate every single migraine-free day! Hugs...hope things with the children and house get better!

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  15. Prayers for Harry's migraines...poor guy! Glad Kate is healing..my husband was hospitalized for the week of Thanksgiving with a similar staph ailment that overtook his entire leg. Very scary and moved quickly. So happy Kate's was controlled quickly! It was frightening to see his leg...

    Thank you for showing us your office..best wishes on your newest venture!

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  16. Keeping Harry in our prayers--hard to believe he gets such bad headaches when you see a picture of his smiling face and he looks so adorable! Kate's leg was unbelievable--glad they were able to get it under control! Keeping you all in our prayers!

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  17. Poor you! Poor Kate! Poor Harry!! Oh my goodness, you've had a horrible time of it!!! It can ONLY get better!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with everything!!!! How are you manging our office hours in all this chaos?

    Best,
    Snick:)

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  18. ugh - bummer about the water leak! and poor Harry & poor Kate :(

    The gymnastics question . . . . Kate is obviously talented! What does Kate want and can you make it work? It sounds like she already knows she was invited so it might be tough telling her no :) And 6 is not young at all to start training for competitive gymnastics. I'm sure you could ask if she could wait 6 months or a year but she will be older than the other gymnasts who train with her then. I'd make sure the gym she goes to trains state champions and above otherwise you will want to find one that does if you are going to invest your time and money. Just google the state competition - the best gyms consistently have some of the youngest girls winning at each level, and they should have girls in each age category placing high! Good Luck!

    xo ellie
    former collegiate gymnast and mom to a 14 year old who was a highly successful competitive gymnast from age 7-11. - she credits gymnastics for her current success in softball and lacrosse. and mom to a 6 year old gymnast who cannot even do a proper cartwheel - but I think she may really like cheerleading in a year or two.

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    1. Ellei,

      Thank you for the advice. The head men's US Olympic coach runs our gym so it is a really good one. Maybe too good:(

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    2. Oh lucky you! Get that girl on the team!!!

      xo ellie

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  19. Her ankle....ouch! Hope shes better, even in the face of being "down with an aillment" she still looks like the sweet little lady she is in her beautiful dress:)
    Fun shop...so happy she got to hang with "The Biebs".

    Re sports and the tremendous commitment....all three of my boys played competitive sports. The 'babY" now a junior is a serious lacrosse player being recruited for college, he started in 7th grade (kind of late compared to many). We exposed him and my other two to all sports and when they decided they really loved one, we let them go full throttle. But you must know the tremendous time restraints involved and be prepared to comply and adjust your family schedule accordingly. Our summer weekends were often spent on the lacrosse fields ALL DAY in another state in blistering heat..truth be told I love every minute and so enojy watching him play so it never felt like work, but to some parents it is. I think making a big commitment to a sport or hobby really instills such good qualities like discipline, time management, commitment, becomign a team player,etc......my son has become quite an accomplished young man and I think his playing lacrosee at this level has a lot to do with who he is. No time for a lot of the "stuff" that a lot of teens get into...a huge blessing!
    So...be realistic about whats involved and before you even let her try out, my advice is to really think it through and be sure you are and do it as a family. Its also a great way to bond with your child and other families...but in the end, it all really has to come from the kid, if they are driven to do it. Sorry for rambling!

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  20. So sad to have sick kiddos. I've been getting acupuncture for approx 4mos for migraines. My migraines were hormonal & stress related. Since the acupuncture I've had maybe 2 migraines & no "regular" headaches. I'd highly recommend acupuncture as a therapy for migraines. My acupuncturist actually trained in Houston. If you're interested in his contact there, please email me. Hoping Harry gets some relief soon.

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  21. So glad her little ankle is on the mend - how scarey!!
    About gymnastics - maybe they offer a non-team class but that bumps up the hours to say almost equal to the team - Kimberly did "preteam" at 4 - she is a natural they said -I said uhhh not seeing it -she had a ton of fun - got better -but I only started her at 3 hours 1 x a week - they said it will cost thousands - and almost every weekend - (Kimberly takes Chinese on Saturday am - not changing that) late nights or right after school practice (single mom - not happening)...she asked to stop -before the actual decision was made by me - she said mom I just want to go back to having fun - at gymnastics... I can tell you it would be hours of her life - is that the path that works for everyone - she did riding for about 6 months - then she changed gyms and loves the 1 x per week gymnastics class she is in...talented - sure - a natural....hummmm

    Gyms make their $ on team - sit and listen to who else they invite to the pre-team - are they really talented or just deep pockets ...

    She also does Piano and excels at school...so all that keeps her very busy...

    It was/is a hard making decisions for them...they are young - I like what the other parent wrote that i hope she finds something(sport) that will keep her occupied thru the teen years - that are not so far away...

    Best wishes - oh and for Harry - have you checked 2 things - 1. his occlusion (if his bite is off - it can cause MEGA headaches)(my dad was a dentist) 2. his eyesight - by a specialist...not just the run of the mill vision shop...
    Good Luck!

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  22. You poor thing. When it rains, it pours! We have had similar weeks and they always make me thankful for weeks that go smooth.

    We love Rocket Fizz too. Harry is such a great big brother!

    Hope everyone feels better soon, including your hardwood floors!

    Hang in there!

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  23. Oh my -- you have had a rough time lately! Hope the house floors get fixed quickly and the kids are feeling better fast. I so feel for Harry as have also suffered from non-ending migraines -- hope he gets some relief. Keeping you all in my prayers. Take it easy!

    janet

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  24. As a friend of a competitive gymnast, it is alot of time. If she has friends elsewhere it takes alot from it. Tey also demand alot physically. If she thinks she is able to handle the hours then by all means go. The thing is, does she truly love it, does she want the pressure and all of that on her? Or does she just like doing it for fun and learning new skills? If she just likes doing it, but isn't yet ready for the stress/pressure physical demand from competitive gymnastics (it requires alot) then have her just do a preteam. Alot of time competitive gymnastics teaches stereotyping and alot of girls who stay in it get eating disorders and whatnot, but it doesn't happen everywhere. If she just wants to have fun I don't know if competitive gymnastics is the thing for her quite yet. But then again, she is young so she can always be pulled out if its too much. Hope that helped and I hope Harry feels better!!

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  25. Kim, I am going throught the exact same gymnastics decision. Ainsley just turned 7 and has been asked to join the competitive gymnastics team. We are "trying" it this week to see how the schedule works into our lives and if Ainsley likes it. She would start out at 9 hours per week but I know the little girl who lives next to us is already up to 16 hours per week...I see where this is headed. I am leaning toward letting her go ahead and try it and then we can always quit if it becomes too much. I also have two older children who are highly involved and a husband who travels LOTS. It's sad but 6 really isn't young these days. My older daughter (13) began competitive cheerleading when she was in second grade and was already behind many of the other girls. She is still going strong in cheerleading and absolutely LOVES it. It keeps her busy, she is in fantastic shape and the sport has taught her so much about hard work and committment. I think this type of sport is worthwhile as long as the individual enjoys what they are doing! Just my two cents! I'll be curious to hear what others think.

    I hope Harry feels better.. poor guy:(

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  26. Oh my, I hope things settle down for you soon and I really hope poor Harry is feeling better soon. And Kate's ankle..scary stuff! Hope it's all better by now. I love that Kate is wearing that georgeous dress at the Doctors office, but I think she looks just as adorable in her tye-dye and skinny pants.

    Gin =)

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  27. When it rains...it pours...and, not just at your house, so don't feel like the lone ranger there, pa'dna! LOL As for Kate...my suggestion would be to drop some of the other things, that she likes less and go with the gymnastics, since she's so in love with it and so good at it naturally. WAY too much extracurricular activity for one little 6 yr. old girl, IMHO. She needs time to just be...and, play using her imagination. Oh, and BTW, that dress she wore to the DR. is drop dead gorgeous! My, that girl loves to dress up. Hope things improve a lot, soon. :)

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    1. Deborah...Normally I would agree that violin, dance and gymnastics is too many activities. I usually stick to one instrument and one other activity at this age. BUT violin is done at school (during the school day) and she was only in ballet one day a week. She has no homework and the boys have sports every afternoon so she was really bored. I would love her to be outside playing with her friends but they all had their activities and she had nothing to do. We would read, goto he library, cook but she was bored. So she BEGGED to do gymnastics and I let her.

      Kate does get a lot of down time (thusrday and Friday after school and all weekend where she does TONS of unstructured imaginative play. Our weekends are very free for her (now anyway).

      I hate to drop dance or violin because she is really good at them too and I don't want her to regret it later. I think it is so early to "specialize". Anyway, this is helping me sort out my feelings about the situation sot hank you for your comment.

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  28. If it makes you feel any better now, I had two friends growing up who missed a ton of school due to migraines, and they're both doing very well now. One missed most of sixth grade, and the other missed most of seventh grade. One is now a teacher and the other is a speech pathologist. So Harry is struggling now, but he will be okay (but poor thing with the pain! :( ) Also, I think you should definitely let Kate do the gymnastics! What a great opportunity.

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    1. I am so glad to hear that about your friends. I try to tell Harry he will likely outgrow these migraines. Unfortunately that does not help a 12 year old who is on constant pain and missing out on so much. Kids that age only see the present.

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  29. i was lactose intolerant and missed school days(migraine) and had countless medical tests, opinions done, etc. when my mom started having me go to yoga for some reason it helped. I still took the meds but both seemed to aleviate the intensity.

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  30. What a drag!!! Has Harry ever seen an Asian healer? I ask because, where I live (Boston), there's a guy I've heard about who cures migraines (and other ailments) when nothing else works. The woman who told me about him said he calls himself an "Oriental Healer." Might be worth a shot to see if someone like him is in Houston?? Good luck and hang in there!!

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  31. Have you tried "smells"...i get migraines from candles/perfume/scented detergents.
    Got rid of all scented stuff and went from migraines several times a week to once or twice a month.

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  32. Have you tried "smells"...i get migraines from candles/perfume/scented detergents.
    Got rid of all scented stuff and went from migraines several times a week to once or twice a month.

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  33. Have you tried getting rid of scented things. I get migraines from candles/perfumes/laundry soap....and pretty much every home freshener product.
    Got rid of them and went from several migraines every week to one or two a month.

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    1. I am super sensitive to smells so we have nothign scented around here. They do trigger migraines for me.

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  34. Okay...I just have to comment on that ankle/leg situation. Firstly, what kind of bug does that? That is the scariest, craziest reaction to a bug bite I've ever seen and being an ER nurse, I've seen some of the worst things imaginable. Was it a scorpion, black widow, or something like that?
    Your pediatrician sent you home after your visit?

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    1. Susan,

      We are not sure what kind of bite it was but Kate scratched it and it got infected. The pediatrician actually did want us to go to the ER but I begged her to let us try oral anitbiotics for a few hours first and they worked very quickly. It is a staph infection and has cleared up quite nicely.

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  35. Prayers of healing being sent to your family. You have a lot of followers with great advice! I can't offer "sports" advice, but I do know that supporting your child's passion and natural abilities is amazing. However, the whole family needs to be on board. When my daughter was recently involved in a wonderful musical theatre opportunity my sons had to take a backseat. The show consumed our family- commuting, scheduling, etc. for 2 months. Just something to think about. In the end it all worked out for us and I know whatever you decide will work out for you all, too!

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  36. Congrats to Kate on being asked to join the competitive team, look forward to seeing her shine (whenever that time comes)!
    I'm so sorry for Harry having to deal with his headaches ~ sending big hugs his way.

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Thank you for your kindness.