Pics of Claire and Jane

Preschool - We just had President's Day weekend. The preschool had an presidential desk set up.

We also went to the Farmer's Market after preschool.

Claire

Robert Tweets Again

Biggest worry for us right now is the Government shutdown. It appears that I will be out of a job on March 7 (furloghed). I don’t see Republicans compromising on the budget issues because of the tone out of the election, therefore, I think the Democrats will eventually have to give in on cuts. No guarantee that I will be getting paid for not working. KaDee is going to be getting me Sub papers from the School District next week. I may try to look for some under the table hired help…standing shoulder to shoulder with my Mexican Brethren.


Lucky for us that Issa’s amendment failed in the House. It would have taken our Step increase, which is due next week at my 3 year mark. A lot of different amendments flying around that I’m watching.


My new Foreclosure responsibilities should be interesting. I think the director here wants it to fail because she was stepped over by headquarters; therefore, she’s not providing me a lot of direction. She’s basically said – do what you want. Like…”I’m not supporting this thing”. I know the Deputy Director is very much against it, and very vocal about it. We’ll see how it goes.


Business Idea? Not sure if this is out there or not. I was listening to Ryan Seacrest this morning on 102.7…do they have video conference dating? Either solo, group or maybe with mediators? Not sure, but it seems like a good idea for LDS singles.


Had Jelly Fish for the first time this week. It was crunchy and interesting. Not sure if I order it in a restaurant but I would have some with a sushi buffet. It was okay.


I have a west view in my new office, which gives me a nice view of the mountains. My third office in 14 months.


It looks like we will be getting a visit this weekend from Branden Russell when he passes through Oceanside. Haven’t seen him since the early 90s I think.

A First

Jane and I went to Claire's(ironic) in the mall and we got her ears pierced! She has been asking me if she could get them pierced. Today while daddy was at home with our Claire and the big kids were at school we went and got them done. We had to stand there and watch one girl get hers done ahead of us. Luckily that girl didn't cry.
                                                 Here's Jane while we were waiting.

They let her sit on my lap while she got them done. She did shed a couple of tears but more out of anxiety than pain. She said it stung a little bit.
                                     Here is the before picture of her ear.

Afterwards she wanted to get a smoothie for being brave. You can see her cute little earrings.

Linda loves to look at Jane's earrings but has no desire to get hers pierced. I didn't get mine pierced until I was at college.

Lost and Found

About 1yr. ago Bruce lost his first tooth. Within a day or so of that he lost his 2nd tooth. When they came out the adult teeth were already in just behind them. So, it never looked like he was toothless. Then, we had a dry spell. I see all of the other kids his age missing a lot of teeth but Bruce kept his. The Dentist assured me that his teeth were normal and that some of them were just sitting there without root or anything. Yesterday Bruce had 5 loose teeth. Being the impatient mother that I am, we have really been working on getting at least one of them out. Bruce tried everything. A couple days ago we tied dental floss around it and Bruce got it pretty loose.

The night before last I was sure it would come out so I gave it a good pull....Nothing.

Yesterday morning Bruce woke me up missing a tooth! It fell out in his sleep and he found it under his bed! All of that work and it comes out on its own. When will I ever learn?  :)

Here is his new smile! You can already see the new tooth moving in. The tooth fairy visited him last night and he was really excited.

Robert's tweets

I was just given a foreclosure team of 4 loan specialists and 1 loan specialist assistant. Good for my resume/experience. I may be changing offices again to sit near my team, for the 3rd time.

Several contacts from Argentina on Facebook. But so far no random job offers :(

New business ideas. I always have them…
I have been thinking about announcing Soccer games. I’m not sure if you could count this as entrepreneurial or not. It would start as a hobby, then an expertise, then a contract. I have some ideas that I think will make me the best Soccer announcer the sport has ever known (of course!).

I want to sell podcasting for commuters. As a commuter I am tired of talk radio and the same songs over and over again. I want to create a library of podcasts that can be sold which consist of music/entertainment. You may notice that radio stations add music to the djs and commercials, trying to get listeners not to change channels. I want to have that combo but with drama (vs the ‘reality’ aspect of talk show hosts, djs and commercials). My podcasts will not only take you to another world, they’ll keep your mind jazzed. Sample ingredients…The Onion (America’s Finest News Source) – Music - Andres Cantor (GEICO commercial)…Wow!

Had a chip in my back tooth (molar). Not sure what to do. (Wait until my next Dentist appt? Hurry and see a Dentist? Don’t worry about it?) It’s not hurting or anything.

We get a lot of rain on Saturdays! Bruce’s game was canceled last week, and it looks like this week will be canceled as well. I guess KaDee was right not to sign him up due to rain. And they rescheduled the make-up game for a Sunday, bummers.

Went to my first Stake Council meeting. It was quiet and bit boring. Our Stake Sunday School presidency will be getting a new councilor and new secretary…finally, I won’t be the rookie anymore!

I want to congratulate KaDee for making her first Mexican dish of her life yesterday…enchiladas. I couldn’t be more proud!!!

Bring A Friend

Linda's ballet school had a Bring A Friend day today. They also got to bring treats for everyone to share after class, for Valentines Day. When Linda found out about it I thought she would automatically say she wanted to bring her friend Hannah, from school. She loves Hannah. But, she instantly said she wanted to bring Jane. That made me really happy. They had a great time at ballet. Jane came up to me in the middle of class and said, "Mom, I CAN do ballet." :) I'm so glad that Jane and Linda are friends. When I was growing up my sister, Suzanne and I did gymnastics together. For the majority of the time we competed we were on the same team. There was never any jealousy or competition between us. We were just friends and teammates and cheered each other on. I hope my girls will be the same way.

RBT Tweets

If I could have a nickel for everyone that asked why we aren't watching the Superbowl or at a Superbowl party...I don't care about the Superbowl, either does KaDee.

The whole Kindred clan in our ward today for a baby blessing. Didn't know there was a Kindred in our ward this whole time. Shows how social I am at church! Said hi to Joe and his wife. They say hello to all you folks.

I think we're settled on Jane's situation, after fasting and praying today. KaDee will call tomorrow and talk it over with the doctor.

Bottom line for arthritis...it won't kill you...either you have pain and a chance of problems later in life, or you take dangerous drugs with possible serious side-effects...nice choices.

Thanks for the park adventure on Saturday. Never would have expected enchiladas. Nice surprise, since hamburger and hot dogs is never too exciting.

Tommy and a guy off the street beat Scott and I in basketball. We kept it close, but last shot went to them. Scott had some very close shots, but we weren't playing horseshoes.

I have a new grocery shopping routine - starting at 6am in the cold...Food4Less, Walmart, Sater Bros, Smart and Final. No heater in the car so the food stays chill the entire morning until I get home. Only buy the best deals.

Family is enjoying this Sunday night sharing Fruit Rings. For my name brand Brothers and Sisters...Fruit Rings is a Fruit Loops generic. This kids are also using them to build a 100 day countdown to school end. (Guess they don't like school)

I told some of you about our $700 car tax...still really bummed about it. I'm told I can thank Arnold. But not sure when the next time I'll see him.

Getting excited for the Argentina vs. Portugal soccer game this Wednesday (or should I say Messi vs. Ronaldo). I think Argentina is looking good. I may have to watch this TIVO when I return on Friday.

Racing Club de Avellaneda starts their season this weekend. I'm so excited. My favorite team. Just hope to go to a game this year. It's wishful.

For Bruce It's All About Dusk!

Bruce always reminds us that his favorite time of the day is dusk, between 5:30pm and 6:00pm. He says there are three things he likes about it – 1) The cool breeze 2) The sunset 3) The crows that fly to the river.

Bruce said that he cannot fully enjoy dusk by just going into the backyard because he cannot get the full view of the sunset and crows.

Driving him to soccer practice yesterday…he made me turn off the radio at 5:29pm so that he could have quiet to fully enjoy his favorite time of the day. Ah Bruce...our Old Soul!!!

Cub Scout Preview

Bruce will be turning 8yrs. old in August and starting Cub Scouts. He has been looking forward to Cub Scouts for a long time. The Stake had a Blue & Gold dinner for the current Cub Scouts and for all of the 7yr. old boys that will turn 8yrs. old this year. Bruce was so excited to be able to be a part of it. He was also invited to attend Boy Scouts one night last week. He had a great time. Sister P. is his primary teacher and will also be his Cub Scout leader when he's old enough.

I'm at Young Women's during Cub Scouts so I was able to peak in and take a picture of Bruce. Yes, I'm the embarrassing mom that sneaks in and takes pictures. :)

They had pizza and bread sticks at the Blue and Gold dinner. It was so crazy with so many little boys around, but my kids had a fun time.

Each troop did a little skit. (Bruce is on the for left)

I was a little teary during the event. I'm sure other mom's may think I'm crazy for getting emotional about things like this. I just love Bruce so much. I'm really trying to take in every moment of him growing up. I think we'll enjoy the Cub Scout program when the time comes. I think we'll enjoy it all the more knowing we only have to go through it one time. :)

Update

Robert took Fri. and Mon. off of work so we'll have a nice 4day weekend. Then on Tuesday of next week he'll head out to El Paso for the week. I'll be flying solo while he's gone.


KaDee - had my 1st YW New Beginnings on Sunday evening. It went really well. I have been able to catch up on household stuff this school year now that I only have two home. I've been really happy with the school the kids have gone to this year. We plan on staying put...finally.


Bruce - started Spring soccer Tuesday night. (Robert volunteered to be assistant coach since nobody else would help out.) He got to go to Cub Scouts for the first time last night and LOVED it. He also gets to go to a Blue & Gold dinner tomorrow night. They invited all of the kids that will be turning 8yrs. old this year. Each troop is doing a skit and he's excited about it.(he got to go to Cub Scouts to learn the skit.)

I had a meeting with his Speech teacher this morning and he should be graduating sometime this year. I'm so proud of him. He just need to perfect his r combinations cr, br, tr, etc...LOVE his speech teacher.


Linda- still really enjoying ballet/tap class. She is getting over a bad cold. Attended her last girl scouts for the year a few weeks ago. We probably won't do Girl Scouts anymore. She can just wait for Activity Days in a couple of years. For now she's happy just doing ballet. She almost has her middle split now. She has two loose teeth, which she doesn't want to lose.


Jane - met with her arthritis specialist this week. Her arthritis has gotten worse throughout the year. He has suggested a stronger med. Along with this medication comes monthly blood tests and other possibilities for side effects. I worry so much about what to do for her. Taking her to get her blood drawn tomorrow.

She wants to do soccer but isn't old enough now. She'll start in the Fall. She's sweet as ever.


Claire - Talking really well. She is an absolute clown. She loves to be funny and do anything silly. She tells jokes and makes funny noises. The girl can not stop moving. She is non stop action. She is very independent and can do everything by herself. She doesn't care if it takes 30min. for her to open something...she's doing it without help.

Arthritis

Arthritis...what a frustrating disease! Jane was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatory Arthritis almost exactly a year ago. She has arthritis in both of her knees. The pain ranges from day to day. There are days she wakes up and feels just fine. There are days she wakes up with a little aching in her knees. Other days she wakes up quivering with pain. She is on a pain medication right now. She takes it first thing in the morning and right before she goes to bed. Her body has adjusted pretty well to the medication. She got over the drowsiness it first caused but still has some digestive issues because of it. One thing is for sure, if I'm not consistent with the medication her pain worsens. One change this year is that she occasionally will have knee pain in the middle of the day.
Jane saw her Rheumatory Specialist, Dr. Sheets, early this week. He presented the option of a stronger medication to me. He says it's the same medication they use in chemo therapy but just a very small dosage, so it doesn't come with the same side effects. However, there ARE side effects. She would take the medication once a week, he suggested Friday night because it tends to make you nauseous or have a sick stomach. Also, it slows the production of folic acid so she'd have to take that supplement daily. She would also have to have monthly blood tests to make sure there is no damage to the liver. Yikes!
I left the Dr. office totally overwhelmed with information and a huge weight on my shoulders having to make this decision for my 4year old daughter.
Later that day I was able to sort through all of my thoughts and realize that I don't have to make this decision alone. I know my Heavenly Father will guide me as I pray and educate myself  on everything. I found the Arthritis Foundation page on  Facebook for those suffering with arthritis or who have family suffering with arthritis and already have heard from many people with similar situations.
So, for now, I'm considering my options, praying, reading up on things, and hoping for the best. I pray each night that she will be able to grow out of the arthritis and that this won't be something that is long-term. For now we're giving ourselves the month of February to monitor Jane and pray about what would be best.