Lost in Translation

Have you ever played the "Telephone" game? You know the one where you pass down a phrase and by the time it gets to the last person it is a totally different phrase. Funny right?! Well I have discovered that it doesn't take a lot of ears in the middle to get lost in translation. My kids some how hear something totally different than what comes out of my mouth! Not sure how but well, here are some examples...

Statement: "I am going to take a shower."

Translation: "Please come and bother me 10 times each and ruin any peace I find in a few minutes to myself!"

Statement: "Let's go get you dressed."

Translation: "Run and hide it is 3 o'clock and time to get dressed!"

Statement: "Will you clean up all the toys on the floor?"

Translation: "Will you put everything that's on the floor on the shelf so that I can clean and arrange the shelf later?"

Statement: "Lyla is asleep don't play with her."

Translation: "Lyla is asleep and probably wont know if you pick her up, kiss her head and play peek-a-boo with her."

Statement: "We need to have breakfast."

Translation: "Go get candy out of the Halloween bowl and stuff yourself with sugar for breakfast!"

Statement: "Good night I will see you in the morning."

Translation: "Now is the time to do everything you were suppose to do before you get in bed!"

You get the picture right? I guess I can add "multi-lingual" (one language per kid) to my MOM resume! With that on my resume I am definitely a contender for "Mom of the Year 2011"! You know the kind of award that is passed out for all the wrong things you do as a mom! I have already reached my quota for 2010! (well maybe I can find room on the shelf for one more award this year!)

One thing I hope doesn't get lost in translation...

Happy Birthday Shane!

We love you!

Life...

Things have changed quite a bit in these last few months. I believe we have hit several of the "stressful changes in life" factors. Just a few for your enjoyment...well the ones I have pictures for at least!


1. Selling our house in Vancouver, Washington and moving across the country to Alexandria, Virginia. Stressful part being that we left our house in WA on May 25th and moved into our house in VA on August 9th. What were we doing in those months...staying with any family we could find across the USA! It really was a great time! We had lots of fun visiting lots of family, friends, and exciting places along the way.

And just in case you were wondering...YES we did drive the whole way!

2. Alli and Andrew celebrated their 8th Birthday in Washington, D.C.!

They received scriptures and were so excited to finally have scriptures of their own! Also along with turning 8 they were baptized. They were baptized on September 11, 2010 at the Mt. Vernon building in Virginia by their father. They were baptized just 10 days after the arrival of their baby sister Lyla! It was a special time and we were thrilled that we had family and friends to share it with.


3. We added a new member to our family! Lyla Marie Rushing was born on September 1, 2010. And now she is one day shy of 2 months old. Time goes by fast when you are busy doing everything and anything!

















4. New school year and new school for Alli and Andrew. They began 3rd Grade at George Mason Elementary School on September 7, 2010. Alli has Ms. Arthur and Andrew has Mr. Novelli. Andrew was just elected to be on Student Council for is class by his classmates! Another big change...they start school at 8AM! Good news - Shane can take them to school in the morning when he goes to work! They are excited to be George Mason Dragons! Roar!








5. Well I don't really have a fifth yet...



We are excited about the changes in our lives. Although it is hard to say goodbye to our family and friends in WA, we are excited about the new things we experience every day here in VA! Just yesterday Alli and Andrew ran a mile at the Pentagon! Then we all walked a mile around the Pentagon...don't ask! So, now you see what we have been up to! Maybe this post will keep everyone happy until I get my computer problem fixed!

Lyla's Story

Lyla Marie Rushing

September 1, 2010

6 lbs. 6 oz. & 19 1/2 inches

I made a comment to the nurse while I was waiting for Lyla to come that each of my children's births have had something that makes their birth story unique. I was a little bit nervous when we went to the hospital because I just wasn't sure what kind of a birth story our little girl was going to have. It wasn't long before I knew!

Shane and I arrived at the hospital on September 1st bright and early at 8:30am! We were a little bit late because I wanted my hair to be just right! It looked great according to Shane...it always looks great to him! (sorry just a bit of an inside joke!) I met my Dr. out in the hall way and she assured me that I was going to have a baby TODAY!!! I was excited but nervous for obvious reasons!

Here we are before the action begins...I don't know who looks more ready to have a baby!

With those fabulous poses out of the way the waiting game was on! It took awhile for me to get the drugs to start labor and I think things got underway around 10am. I should say that I was being induced one week early and I am not sure that my body was ready to give up this baby! I was afraid that it was going to be a long day!

However...that wasn't going to be the case. My Dr. was scheduled to do a surgery around 1pm and was confident that I would not deliver the baby that soon but she assured me that if I did she would leave her surgery (don't worry...another Dr. was doing the surgery with her) to come deliver my baby. Well just about 1pm my wonderful nurse was getting uneasy with Lyla's heart rate. I was having regular contractions and every time Lyla's heart rate would dip really low. She stepped out to call the Dr. and about 20 mins later my Dr. was there informing Shane and I that it looked like the baby was in some distress and she felt I was going to need a Cesarean. It was a bit overwhelming for me and I started to cry (hormones and motherly love at work). We decided that we would not wait and go ahead with the Cesarean and my Dr. stepped out to notify the other Dr. that she would not be joining him. She returned in 5 mins and the level of concern about Lyla's safety had escalated quite dramatically and I was given a shot to stop contractions and wheeled into the operating room. Shane was left in the hallway with a bunch of gear to put on and told that they would return for him. As I was being wheeled to the operating room I felt like I was watching "A Baby Story" except that this story was about me. I was a horrible wreck and I will love my Dr. forever because she let me squeeze her hand and comforted me while I was getting my spinal block. Everything happened so fast. Except if you ask Shane he felt he was out in the hall way for a very long time not knowing anything that was happening behind the closed doors. Not too long after Shane arrived Lyla was born. She was born at 2:22pm. When Dr. Bannon pulled her out she said "Hi baby girl. You have a very tight cord around your neck." She arrived safely and I would do it all over again. I really felt blessed that everything worked out ok and very grateful for a Dr. that knew when to kick it into high gear!

I think this is the only time she cried in her first 2 weeks of life!

Here we are after.

Everyone still in shock.

This was a very different experience for me and this is the closest I got to my new baby for the next 3 hours. I was feeling all the pain but I didn't see Lyla until I was stitched up, out of recovery, and in my hospital room. Don't worry Shane was with her!

We had lots of visitors!

The other 3 kids were so excited to see their new baby sister.

We even had some far away visitors that came to Washington D.C. just for this occasion!! Okay maybe not but it was great timing! It was great to see the Bradford Bunch!

I wasn't anticipating on being in the hospital for 5 days and 4 nights! But because of a little incident (something involving a going home class & too much medication on an empty stomach!) I stayed for the full allotted time for a Cesarean. So that meant I spent my 33rd Birthday in the hospital! But my Mom and I celebrated in style!

I wouldn't have gotten thru this without my fabulous Mother. She stayed with me at the hospital and kept me company and Shane stayed at home with the kids. It was good that Shane could provide stability to the other three kids and my mom took great care of me. It was a special time for me. I could not have done it without her! She was a super nurse in the hospital and when I came home! I know I sent you home tired and exhausted but I wouldn't have survived without my Mommy! Thanks Mom!

I have to give another shout out to my Mother-in-Law. She came out and stayed with me after my Mom went home. It was really hard on my mentally that I was not able to get around and do the things that I needed to do for my other kids and household. Clara helped ease my concerns and was able to help everything and everyone until I felt better. Thanks for all you did! Now go get your T.V. and enjoy some retirement "Veg" time! After all the time with us, you deserve it!

Finally we were ready to come home. Lyla Marie & company left the hospital on Sunday September 5th! Everyone was glad that the long hospital stay was over!

She was so tiny and cute!

(She still is cute but she is getting big!)

Lyla arrived safely and for that we are truly grateful. So that is Lyla's story. She definitely has a unique birth story! Lyla arrived safely and for that we are truly grateful!

It's Great to be Eight!

Today my little babies are 8. It seems like just yesterday (but not really) Shane and I were bringing them home from the hospital. ( I know everyone says that but it is soooo true!) It is hard to believe that they have reached this milestone and it is amazing to see who they have become so far.

They are so excited for today!! (couldn't sleep again so I am writing before the B-day festivities) It brings me great joy that even though we are in a different situation i.e. all of our belongings in storage, temporary housing, moving on Monday... just to name a few...that they just know that they are going to have great Birthday Surprises!! I hope they enjoy the day!

I wish I had cute pictures but again still going without these days so pictures will have to wait. But I can still gush about them with words so without further ado...here are Eight things about each:

Andrew

1. He loves playing Mario games! He is very excitied to have the Wii back!

2. He has just started the Cub Scouts program. He is already working on his Bobcat! (just the first step but we just started on Weds!)

3. He has a great imagination. I love to hear him play with his brother & sister.

4. He doesn't want to get taller because it is easier to do the limbo when you are short!

5. He is Ty's pet dog named Chocolate Chip. Chocolate Chip can get Ty to do pretty much everything!

6. He knows all of the States and State Capitals! He put Uncle David to shame this week!

7. He loves school. Especially lunch and recess! Unfortunately for him at their new school they only get one recess a day! That is a big change from the 3 recesses he got at Harmony.

8. He wants to learn to play Tennis. He hopes Dad can teach him!

Andrew is a great kid and we are lucky to have him in our family! He is growing up too fast but I am enjoying every minute of it!

Alli

1. She loves playing and taking care of her little brother Ty. She can't wait for her baby sister to come so she can add her to her list to torture...I mean help!

2. She is very thoughtful and helpful. She loves to sweep!

3. She has started to love clothes more than toys. She says she wants things that are useful.

4. She has a great laugh and it seems she is always laughing or giggling about everything!

5. She comes up with the best words and phrases.

6. She said the other day that she was so excited to grow up because all she wants to do is be a mom and have kids. That is quite different from the "Rock Star" she wanted to be in 1st grade!

7. She loves to play with her brothers! In fact she and Ty throw down WWF style every day! Usually she ends up with Ty sitting on her head!

8. She just can't wait to get her scriptures! She says that is the only thing she wants for her Birthday but I kinda think that she wouldn't be sad if she got a little something else!

Alli is such a joy to have in our family! She is a sweet girl and can hold her own with the boys! She too is growing much to fast and once again I am loving every minute of it!

Eight...what a milestone! I am not sure I will let them turn eight today! Although I don't think I have a choice! I can't wait to see their beaming faces this morning when they wake up! It makes me happy to see them happy!

Happy Birthday

Alli and Andrew!

Isn't it great to be eight!

On the road again...

Because we didn't drive enough in the last few weeks we decided to hop in the car for one last road trip to NY! The kids and I wanted to go visit my big brother & his family who live just outside of NYC. Visiting them would complete the "cousin" cycle! Plus-we needed a little break from our little apartment in the "no kid" zone of DC. So the plan was hatched and we decided that we would travel on Sunday after church because not many people would be traveling that day!! (Hind sight...traveling on Sunday...not a good thing!)

So after church the kids and I piled into the car loaded up our suitcases again and off we went for our 4.5 hour drive! Everything was going great. We crossed over this amazing bridge called the Delaware Memorial Bridge going from Delaware into New Jersey. We traveled on the New Jersey Turnpike, passed Newark Airport, and finally we arrived at NYC. It was dark by the time we made it and I was surprised to look out into the skyline and see the Empire State Bldg and the Chrysler Bldg! I was also excited to cross the George Washington Bridge until...red brake lights in front of me. I basically drove right into a parking lot. I have never in my life been in such a crazy mass of cars going everywhere and anywhere driven by a bunch of crazies. This is the only time that I have felt like I was from Idaho. This is also the only time that I have been soooo tempted to scream out obscenities at other drivers! (hand gestures were also a temptation!) It was the most stressful, frustrating, spit out my window in disgust two hours of my life! In fact the up coming birth of my 4th baby will be more enjoyable!!

But...we finally made it at 11pm Sunday night! And all the traffic mess was well worth it! We had a great time with the Dan Feldman cousins!

• We swam in their neighbors pool for hours!
• Aunt Jenn introduced us to Silly Bands!
• We went to the beach and found lots of hermit crabs, built a sand castle, and swam in the ocean!
• The kids enjoyed sleeping in the attic with all the cousins.
• We (the kids) jumped on their trampoline for hours.

We had a blast! It was a great little trip for us! Thanks to Aunt Jenn for housing us, feeding us, and entertaining us for a few days! The "cherry on top" came when I made it home in 5 hours, paid $15 less in tolls, and crossed the Tappan Zee bridge instead of the GWB! My driving experience was a night and day experience! Coming home was a breath of fresh air! My going there was my worst nightmare! In fact I am just going to list a few things that I have learned from my experience!

1. Traveling thru NYC on a Sunday evening is pure insanity. I was told after my journey by a local New Yorker that Sunday is the WORST day to travel on! I will remember that for the future!

2. Now that I have driven in NYC in traffic I can do anything! In fact driving in DC is a piece of cake! I am not sure why I was so worried about it!

3. New Yorkers don't believe in blinkers, waiting in line, or following the basic rules of driving! I attempted to be courteous and was burned when my blinker was ignored by everyone!! And I believe that there were 50 cars that cut in line right in front of me when I was right at the exit. I guess they were too important to wait in line huh???

4. I need an EZ Pass! The cash lanes are horrific! I haven't spent that much cash in years!

5. I loath the GWB!

So I know this is a long post but I hope you have felt my pain and experienced my joys from our little road trip to NY!

Finding familiar in an UN-familiar place

Well we knew eventually that our road trip would end! And it did on July 7th. We arrived in D.C. and it was good to finally get to our destination. Since May 25th we have been on a dot to dot across the USA. Visiting friends and relatives along the way. We really had a blast and were surprised that it was a really amazing trip. The kids had so much fun visiting with Grandparents and cousins and getting to see where Dad grew up!

Now we are settled in temporary housing until we make our final move into our home for the next 2 years. We currently are residing in downtown D.C. right between DuPont Circle and George Washington University. It really is an amazing feeling being here. We drive across the Arlington Memorial Bridge quite a lot and we see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Memorial everyday. We have yet to ride the Metro but I am sure that will be in the near future!

Today (or I guess yesterday since I am writing this at 5am...couldn't sleep so why not blog!) was a big day for everyone. Shane started work and I navigated my way around the D.C. area in the car! Driving here is a bit scary! We have a GPS system (a must) but sometimes the roads are tricky and so many stinkin' round-abouts with multiple lanes, lights, exits, etc. that finding a place can take quite a few "recalculating" responses from the sweet lady on my GPS!

So the kids and I set out to find a grocery/general merchandise store...kinda like the Super Wal-Mart that is just down the road from where we used to live in WA. Well no Super Wal-Mart in the D.C. area (thanks to Kiki for checking for me) but I did find a Target that had a Fresh Market! So off we went!

I think I navigated the streets pretty well. Recalculated a few times but I was always redirected and eventually I saw that familiar red TARGET sign! As I walked in with my 3 kids and a big huge belly I felt like I could really pull this off! Hey if I can find Target I can do anything right!?

As I walked the aisles of Target I got this overwhelming feeling of security and peace! I was home! It was amazing! I loved every minute there and relished in the joys of feeling like I belonged...well kinda. Me and my 3 kids & 1 on the way stick out just a bit. "which one of these is not like the other...) I have a blinking arrow pointing right at me!

So whenever I get homesick I know I can walk the aisles of Target and find peace! I may need to go weekly...daily...multiple times...until I get the swing of east coast livin'!

Tomorrows agenda...take 3 kids to a lap pool in the building while everyone else is hard at work! I am pretty sure they are the only kids here! (I am also pretty sure that this pool is not intended to entertain 3 water lovin' kids but...)

So wish us luck on our next adventure!

To Give or Not to Give...

I always hate getting the donation phone calls from various organizations! I am happy now that I have caller ID and I can screen those calls! It has saved me a lot of time trying to tell the people on the other end that I am just not able to give or that I give to other charities...etc. But when I read my brother's blog The Three Amigos I was humbled.

You see my dear sweet and fun life loving younger brother has a great idea! He is always one to think outside the box and has always wanted to do something great with his life. I have always known that he would but never knew what until recently.

On a not so unusual evening with his wife he related how he had been thinking about what more he could do for others. And sure he pays 10% of his income to charity and donates here and there but he wanted to do more! So that is when he dreamed up a plan to start a movement...

One Million Dollars in One Year

for St. Judes Children's Hospital.

He has set the wheels spinning and has launched a website for those who wish to help in this cause to donate. He and his wife are putting in their free time and energy into spreading the word and doing all they can to so that everyone in the world knows about this cause.

It really has inspired me to think more about where my money goes. I also give 10% of my income to charity and sometimes I feel that is enough... but is it? So I want to join in this cause to help and ask that everyone who reads this to help too!

** Put up a One Million button on your blog.

** Take 5 mins to donate $10. You can access St. Judes right from my brother's website.

** Inspire those around you to give.

** Start a small change jar in your house or office.

** Visit my brother's website for inspiration!

If you need to read some more begging and pleading visit my sister's blog! She has some great words of encouragement!

So can we take on this challenge?

One Million in One Year?????

Sure WE can!