What a Week!

Just tell me when to blow! (That's peanut butter frosting BTW!)

Rides on the 4-wheeler.

The cousins reading together, and crushing Papa!

Personality!!!!! (Laney Hooper)

You got me what for my birthday? (This after Papa told him he accidently got him Barbie Legos)

Really, it was quite a week! The kids and I left last Friday as soon as Claire was out of school for Gram and Poppy's. We celebrated Thanksgiving with Unkie and Staci, and Uncle Frank that weekend. Uncle Frank fried a turkey for our culinary pleasure, and all the fixings were set out. The kiddos were excited about this whole tradition, until they had to sit down and eat. Anyway, we also celebrated Landon's birthday with presents, "angel cake" (angel food) and ice cream. He hit the jackpot and was really excited about his "Big City Slider Maker" (as seen on TV!). We of course had those for dinner one night. We also made a trip to Abilene to the candy factory and played on the four wheeler while we were their house. Wednesday evening we went to Wichita to Nana and Papa's house. They had been in Missouri and brought Geoff back with them. We celebrated Thanksgiving with Ling, Hoopy, Lucy and Laney. Turkey hash was the main menu item, with mashed potatoes to boot! The kids played with their cousins the majority of the weekend, and enjoyed time at the Hooper house as well. Landon got to celebrate his birthday again, and had sliders...again! He was in heaven! We came home Sunday to face the daily grind again. At least until Christmas...

Thanks to everyone for the hospitality, food, gifts and cheer!

Just some funnies...

*Claire sold over 18 items during her school fundraiser and therefore earned herself a limo ride and pizza lunch, which was today. They rode in a big black hummer limo to a local pizza joint. She did not stop talking about it all afternoon...they got to ride with the big kids, they sang Michael Jackson songs on the way, and it was the best cheese pizza ever! So funny...the small things that are amusing to a 6-year-old.

*Landon had his Thanksgiving feast at school today. They made placemats beforehand, which they then ate on. They shared what they were thankful for, which Landon chose his family (how sweet). What was Landon's favorite part you ask? "I like pepperoni, mom! Can you believe it?!?"

Christmas is in the Air

At the end of last week, Geoff decided it was time to put up Christmas lights. No, he did not do this by himself...he had the guys who did our roof last year do all of them this year, plus a wreath! It looks beautiful, even if it isn't Thanksgiving yet. Anyway, this put everyone in the mood and instead of listening to my children ask me for the up-teenth time "When are we putting up the Christmas tree?", we decided to make that our weekend project. I had to buy a new tree for the downstairs; our tree from before had made too many trips in and out of storage. This was a project all it's own...however, it turned out lovely. That is the tree the kids are helping me decorate in the picture. And I have to admit, even after the life-changing events that have happened over the course of the last couple weeks, I am still anal about this tree being perfect. I'd like to think that generally I'm not an uptight mom...but when it comes to the "pretty" tree, I can't help it!!! Everything is almost done now. We still have to put the tree upstairs, and the trees in the kid's rooms aren't done (they've been told the room must be clean before a tree can go up!), but generally Christmas is in the air at the Daniel house! And it's a wonderful feeling!

One last thing

For those of you playing catch up with me, and wanting the whole story, please start with the post "Things in between" which was posted on November 9th. You'll have to hit the "older posts" button at the bottom of the screen. I have one last story to share about my kids...don't worry, it's hilarious!

Tonight's bath time included bubbles. While I was prepping PJ's and toothbrush's, I listen to this conversation:

Claire: "Would you like a beer? Please come to my beer shop."

Landon: "I don't want a beer. Why are you selling those?"

Claire: "Why not? I can put one on your chin."

Landon: "Only big guys have those."

Claire: "Well, you can have one tonight, it's no big deal at my beer shop. Or maybe you want one on your back...guys have hair on their back too."

Landon: "Well, I guess that would be okay. Why don't you put a beer on your chin and one on my back!"

Now...replace "beer" with "beard" in the story and you'll know what they were really saying, not what Mommy thought was being said!!!!!

Role Playing

"I have a broken leg"

"When will those pills be ready?"

My little man has dealt with life the past couple of weeks in various ways: hiding, running away or across the street without asking, ignoring things he is being told...the list goes on. The other way he has coped is by role playing. Now although you may be thinking this is something his psychologist mother pushed on him, this was his own doing! (By the way, I don't talk to the pharmacy in my underwear, that's just his daily clothing choice!)

Toyland on the Square

By Friday afternoon, it was time to spend some time with my kiddos. We went to a event in downtown Bentonville called Toyland on the Square. Sponsored by Walmart, this gathering of every cool toy was a thrill for my children! They played with Legos, Hot Wheels, Cabbage Patch Kids, Liv Girl dolls, Zhu Zhu pets and lots of others. Transformers and Barbies were also on hand, including a real Bumblebee Camaro and real-live Barbie (ask me about his one when you see me next hahaha). They also had bands, trick bikers, and crafts. The kids had fun picking out and painting Christmas ornaments and playing marbles in an area created specifically for "old-fashioned" games. It was fun, not only because of the toys and activities, but because finally, after a stress couple of weeks, I got to play with my kids.

It's November?

The title is what Claire said to me after all the family was gone Sunday night. It was hard for me to believe that too! That first week was a whirlwind of taking care of Geoff, the kids activities and Dr. and PT appts. Friday morning we ended up back in the ER. Geoff was having such severe leg pain (not just his knee) that the PT was concerned it may be a blood clot. There was not one, and it was determined that his blood had thinned to the point it made his knee bleed internally. Once that was taken care of, all was good. New drugs made things better. That weekend was spent at Toyland (see above post), on playdates, hanging out with our best friend's and neighbors, the Symons', Sunday school and duet practice.

Halloween Weekend

Claire helping Lucy get some "reading minutes" for Lucy's preschool fundraiser.

Trick or treating and the silly pumpkin.

Claire's "hog" pumpkin and the cousins ready for some candy!!!

Friday night Geoff came home, finally. It was a full house: His dad, Papa, had stayed all week, along with my parents, who had been here since Wednesday. But Nana, Ling, Hoopy, Lucy and Laney all joined us shortly after dinnertime. We enjoyed some time all together, which was the perfect medicine for the mending Geoff. Saturday morning the kiddos all played until it was time for the "pumpkin party"!!!! We painted and carved pumpkins for a good chunk of the afternoon. As the evening drew near, everyone changed into their costumes and were ready for some trick or treating! The cousins all walked around the neighborhood for a long time, and after dumping the loot once, took a Ranger ride for a few more stops. Sunday was a spent with a little more family time before everyone headed out. Geoff was disappointed he didn't get to go out and about, but I think everyone was more happy to just have him home than anything.

Fall Festivals and Halloween Parties

The kiddos were busy the week of Halloween. Wednesday evening there was a fall festival at the church. The activities included a hayrack ride, crafts, roasting marshmallows and the all important trunk or treat. Landon's fall festival for preschool was also that day...which also included a hayrack ride, yummy treats and leaf crafts. Thursday was Landon's class Halloween party. The morning started off with a costume parade of all the students, then after the costumes were stripped, pumpkin carving and chaotic snacking occurred. Gram stayed and helped in the classroom while I went and sat with Geoff. Pretty sure Gram will not be so open with her helpful offers next time! Friday was Claire's Fall party at school. They also had a costume parade and then games, snacks and crafts. I did get to help with this party, since Geoff was then in the clear. It was cozy in the little cottage (trailer) but lots of fun!

50's Day

Thursday October 29th was the 50th day Claire attended 1st grade. The grade celebrated this occasion with 50's day. Claire was decked out in a poodle skirt and scarfs for school. Throughout the day, the kiddo's learned 1950's trivia, drank root beer floats and attempted hulahooping. The class was also given an assignment to interview someone who was alive in the 1950's. Claire chose Papa, who was readily available because of Geoff. I think she learned some interesting things, not only about the era, but about her Papa too! I think the best statement of the interview was not about the 50's, but "Papa, do you think you can write this...I don't know 50's words!". The grade also did a music program full of 50's music. It was TOO cute, and impressive...the kids knew the words and dance moves to go with them! Hopefully we will get the video posted soon.

That Fateful Day...

Monday came and went, and Tuesday seemed to be starting as Monday had...with pain, but not enough to keep things from happening. Geoff had been up most of the night before, not with knee pain but with what he thought was indigestion. Finally Tuesday afternoon he called me to take him to the ER. The pain was bad enough he couldn't take a breath and he was all clammy and pale. When you walk into an ER and say "my husband is having chest pain" there is no signing paperwork or being asked to have a seat. The nurse was out in the waiting room putting Geoff in a wheelchair before I turned around from talking to the intake person. I had to leave him to get Landon and let me say, I don't remember much about that 25 minutes in my life. I just kept thinking "please let it be gas, please let it be gas". Unfortunately, I had overheard the triage nurse mention blood clot in the lung and therefore knew my wishing was in vain. And although I will not go into the details of that day, it's safe to say we are lucky to have Geoff here with us. He stayed in the hospital until Friday evening, when they suddenly decided it was time for him to go home. No complaints from anyone...and he came home to relieved family and friends!

Things in between...

Ok, so my goal for this week is to get this blog caught up on everything that has happened to the Daniel family since the middle of October. I've started this project several times, but each time I have to walk away, for facing the inevitable story of my husband's fight for life is still a little too new. It's time for me to do this, and start moving into some normalcy. So, here it goes!!!!

Geoff's birthday was the weekend before his surgery (17th). We didn't do anything real spectacular or even a little crazy. We went to Doe's to have a steak...Geoff's last outing for a little while, and the kids made him some cards. Geoff had decided in September that he wanted a tattoo for his birthday, which is what he got. Because the kiddos were not real thrilled with this idea, he also got a VT desk lamp for work. Our neighborhood fall festival was that Sunday. Claire had a birthday party that same day, but we made it work so the whole family enjoyed the festival and Claire still got to party. I guess I didn't get any pictures of this event, but it was a good time.

That Monday Nana and Papa came over to help prep for Geoff's surgery. Tuesday morning was a very early morning, not only because Geoff had to be at the surgery center, but because Claire woke up with a temperature and cough. Needless to say, she stayed home from school and rested while the rest of us took turns at the surgery center and hauling Landon around. The knee surgery went off without a hitch, and although he was in a lot of pain, the Dr. and Geoff were pleased to have it finished. The rest of the week continued without incident. Claire's school does a "pumpkin patch"...which is more fun than educational; and Landon and I helped out with that. Claire had duet practice. Gram and Poppy arrived Friday to help out and play for the weekend. Saturday afternoon the kids and the grandparents left right after lunch and didn't return until almost 7:30 that evening. They went for a walk around a lake, played at a park, ate and played at Chickfila and finally came home to make kettle corn before passing out! I guess I didn't get any pictures of these events either...I was obviously not thinking straight!!!