Ziffy Whomper

This was an orange colored plastic sled; had a picture of a skiing penguin dressed in winter duds. It had two side handles and at the front end was a loop to tie a string around so you could drag it back up the hill. Very cool.

This is the description that I found when I googled Ziffy Whomper. I've been thinking about this 80's sled ever since my friend and I were discussing Christmas presents for our kids. She got her daughter a sled. It got me thinking. I remember getting a sled every year for Christmas. It was usually from Meijer Thrifty Acres (I mean Santa). The ultimate day was when we (and all of our closest friends on our country block) got a Ziffy Whomper for Christmas. We wrote our names across the top with a black Sharpie marker to not get our sleds confused when we met up at the local hill dubbed "Big Daddy."

I think it was a very small window of sales and excitement but we were in on it. Do any of you remember the Ziffy Whomper?

Elf

This year with aunt Kate the Elf.

Last year with aunt Kate the Elf.

I think his head was bigger last year! Jake loves aunt Kate.

Helper

It was the perfect weekend to stay indoors! Rarely do we stay home the entire day on a Saturday. Scott made the only trip out and that was to get our Christmas tree. We spent the day rearranging the living room, listening to Christmas songs, decorating the tree, snow blowing the driveway (Scott), drinking coffee (me of course), and eating (me again). Why is it that when it's cold outside I find myself non-stop eating? Wouldn't it be great if calories didn't count when it's cold and snowing?

Jake was a HUGE helper. He took the ball of lights and shoved them into the tree. He is also good at taking the ornaments off.

Birthday

Today is My Mom's birthday! I didn't get her a birthday present because I just couldn't find the perfect gift. So here is a tribute to her on my blog. She is the best Mom anyone could ever ask for. I don't know what I would do without her. If I need something, she comes running and expects nothing in return. When it comes to pleasing others, she deserves an "A". Not only is she a great Mom, she's an awesome Grandma. Jake is blessed to have her! And so am I. If I ever moved away, I'd have to take my Mom with me! Fortunately, I'm not going anywhere. Happy birthday Mom!

Flu: Part 2

Survived? Um, little did I know what was to follow my previous post. Jake was on the upswing on Friday but I wasn't ready to take him out visiting people in his Monkey costume. So, I decided to go hang out with my Mom. I left her house at 9. I was going to spend the night but Jake was not settled for some reason. Scott was gone up North for the night w/my Dad and uncle.

I woke up at 1 a.m. on that same night with an intense pain in my stomach. I sat up and the pain got sharper. I ran to the far bathroom (not wanting to wake Jake) and that is where I spent the next 4 hours. At 5:27 a.m. (I was trying to wait until 5:30) I called my Mom in tears. "I need you to come over now!" I was laying in the hallway outside the bathroom before my call to her. I laid down because the room was spinning, I was sweating, and I thought I was going to fall and knock myself out. Of course, My superhero Mom came over saved me. She had to be at work at 9 a.m. so Aunt Vicki came over to wait until Scott (who was summoned home) arrived.

Here is what followed on Saturday/Sunday:
9:15 a.m. My Mom was sick at work
2:00 p.m. Scott got sick
9 p.m. Dad now sick
next morning: Aunt Vicki's friend who was over on Friday was sick

This sucker was violent and contagious! I'll spare you anymore details other than to say I don't know if I've ever experienced any flu like this.

My poor mother is the township clerk and this could not have hit her at a worse time. She has been so busy with this election. She gets a special award for enduring all of it. I hope she is able to relax after today, get better, and feel stress and sick free.

After getting sick one last time last night, sore abs, sore back - today was much brighter! That was until my Jeep wouldn't start and had to be towed to the auto shop.

Survived

For those of you who know me, I don't handle gross things very well. You name it and I get queasy- needles, smells, stories of needles or smells, etc.

As of before last night, we have been fortunate enough to not have had a stomach flu stricken child. That ended at midnight last night. Jake woke up crying covered in puke. Scott flipped all the lights on and called for help. It was in poor Jake's hair, ears, pajamas, and crib. I'm almost getting sick writing this. Gagging all the while, I filled the tub. Scott got the laundry started and we got out the spare sheets. Of course he gets a dirty diaper immediately after his bath and clean pajamas. After being up awhile he seems to be doing better. I take him in his room and he immediately gets sick again. All over me this time. How did all that come out of a little boy? Repeat cleaning process. More laundry added to what's already going. Next attempt at laying him down seems to be going better. 10 minutes later, more crying and more puke in crib. Repeat cleaning process. More laundry. 2 a.m. Scott goes to Meijer for pedialyte. 3 a.m. Jake finally goes to sleep until morning (oh wait, it was the morning).

I knew something was not right yesterday when he didn't squeal when seeing his breakfast. His appetite was gone for the day which is not like him. This morning he was back to his self when he saw his toast w/peanut butter - screaming with delight. It makes me smile every morning.

I know...it's all part of having kids and it comes along with the unbelievable blessing of being a parent. In my head I can hear the veterans saying....ah, I've been there! I'm not looking for sympathy. I can just now add it to my list of ah, I've been there. And I don't care to be there again anytime soon!

Naughty

Need I say more?