Response from the Fire Department

In response to my letter to the fire department due to the flooding of our street, I got this from our Fire Chief. All typos are his:

Thank you for taking the time to write to me regarding your experience last evening. I offer to you to following explanation regarding the XXXXX Fire Department responses caused by the rain storm last evening.

Last night the rain conditions started to become severe enough shortly after 6:00 pm that the XXXXX Fire Department began to run flood related calls at 6:16 pm. During any major flood condition the Fire Department is typical answering multiple calls. The number of these calls come into us so quickly that in many cases we are required to hold calls in abeyance because we do not have enough equipment and staffing to handle this volume of calls. Incidentally, it would not be cost effective to provide enough equipment and staffing to handle these storm since these type of storms do not occur on a regular basis.

In any severe storm Fire Station # 3 watches the water conditions very carefully. When the water rises to a certain level, the fire and ambulance crew leave the station and relocate to a dry position still within their district. They do this so that they are available to respond quickly to calls. During many storms they run call after call and are out of the station for a prolonged period of time and therefore would not be in the station during the storm.

Last evening after the call at 6:16 pm the crew from Station # 3 returned to the Fire Station and determined that the water was high enough that they need to relocate. They did that at approximately 6:45 pm. From that time until approximately 1:45 am this crew was out of their station handling storm related emergencies.

Rest assured that if anyone from XXXXX would have called 9-1-1 and requested assistance you would have received it. Regardless of how deep the water rises, we will always find a way to respond to an emergency. If the water rises to an extent that we believe that it is not safe for the resident (meaning that we cannot get to them) then we will order the evacuation of that property and we will assist all residents to safety.

I am sorry that you found no one at the fire station last evening to help you. Those crews were out on other calls. You raise a good point about the sign being placed on the doors. I will take your comment under consideration, however, you need to understand that if the crews are leaving the station on an emergency (this was the case at 6:16 pm last evening) they will not take the time to post a sign.

If I can answer any further questions, please feel free to contact me at my office number listed below.

So, I wrote back and said, "I don't think I communicated very well to you that the phone you have at your door was NOT working." Here was the response to that:

That phone rings into the station and if there was no one in the station it would not have been answered. Your comment about sometimes it rang and sometimes it didn’t bothers me.

Therefore, I have someone on the way to Fire Station # 3 at this moment to check on that telephone. If there is a problem with it I have every hope that it will be repaired in short order.

Thank you for taking the time to clarify this issue with the telephone. This is helpful.

Well, at least the Fire Department cares. The phone call that I left for the City Engineer has gone un-returned.

Flood

When it rains, the our street floods. It is the ONLY way to get in and out of the parking lot at our condo building. We used to be able to get in and out via a local business, but they've recently installed pylons so cars cannot drive through their lot.

I came home tonight during a bad rainstorm, so obviously the street was flooded. I had to park a block north of our building and walk through the rain and cold. At the point right before our access street, the flood waters were probably 1 to 2 feet high. At that corner is the fire department, whose parking lot does not flood. So, I decided to go to their back door and use the doorbell to see if they'd let me walk through their building instead of through the puddle. Who would say no to a mom carrying a 15 month old in the pouring rain, right? No one answered the doorbell. Then, I noticed the phone. I picked it up. Nothing. I hung up and tried again. Sounded like a very faint ring. I hung up. Tried again. Seemed like the problem was a poor connection. Never got anyone to answer. In looking through the windows, it appeared the place was closed. Why would you close a fire station (that has a BIG safe haven sign by the door) without putting a notice on the door to the public?

String Bean and I walked around the back of the fire department, through the bushes and the mud, to avoid the deep water. I'm so sick of this. The city is getting a letter from me. (Mr. Bean was approaching our house from the opposite direction and had to park at the local Walgreens and walk through shallower water home.)

Train Up a Child

Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.

Today I sat in Bible study with a multi-generational group of women. I am the only one in the group who has a young kid. One mom has a junior high and high school kid. One just graduated her kids from college, and the other two are in the grandma stage. The interesting thread that went throughout the "empty nesters" prayer requests was adult children who have walked away from the Lord.

Of course, we parents have to do our part in training up the child in the way he should go, but ultimately, it is their choice whether or not to follow it. I think many parents claim this verse and then assume they've done something wrong when they've trained up their child. They do the "what if" game. What if I'd been a better example? What if I'd prayed for my child more? What if I'd _________.

We parents forget that our children make a choice about their salvation...and their behavior. We also forget that God has timing that is very different than ours. One of the ladies shared that her uncle (in his late 60s) just gave his life to the Lord because his brother, who had been a living example of a life changed by Christ, passed away and he realized that he needed God in his life since dependable brother was gone. Apparently his parents had been praying for him since he was a teen. They'd died 15 or so years before the brother died and prayed for him all those years. Then, the brother had taken over. Yet it was after both of them had gone home that the Lord answered their prayers.

Take heart! God's timing is an enigma to me for sure, but He's never late!

Peanut's First Day of School

Since Peanut celebrated his third birthday last week, he is no longer eligible for Early Intervention. This means he goes to school now to receive his therapies and so forth. We had an IEP meeting (Individual Education Plan) and it was decided that Peanut would go to pre-school 4 mornings a week and receive Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies. The classroom that he is in is especially for kids with speech problems. We visited the classroom and Peanut had a wonderful time. Our biggest concern was that he would have an hour bus ride home from school. So yesterday was the big day, Peanut was nearly beside himself with excitement and couldn't wait to get his back-pack on. Filbert got to drive him on his first day, because I took him for the visit. I'm still not sure that was quite fair. Then I just had to wait for the bus to bring him home. The bus was scheduled to drop him off at 12:07. I had my coat on and was waiting by 11:55. At 12:17, I called the school to find out where my baby was, and as soon as I was put on hold I saw the bus coming up the street. I ran down to driveway to meet it, but it drove right past. I ran after it for about a 1/2 block but then I could see it turning a corner, so I turned around to head it off at the next block. I flagged the bus down and found that the driver had been given bad directions. Peanut was sound asleep so he did not see the crazy lady chasing a bus down the street, but I'm afraid most of my neighbors did and I've been trying so hard to keep the crazy in the house.

String Bean's Oscar Night

The Oscars started at 7:30 CST. String Bean decided at 6 pm that if she was going to stay up until the end, she needed a quick nap before the party started. Of course, she woke up in time to watch the first award's presentation.

The night went well-without a hitch. String Bean worked the crowd until the party ended around 11:30 pm. She had her little yellow chair which she sat on for the majority of the evening. She found new friends to play with. She showed off her skills with her water bottle (open and close, repeat). She found Aposotlos' hoodie and used it as a pillow. She rolled around on the floor and giggled.

Something tells me she thought the party was for her.

Once the last guest walked out the door, String Bean put her thumb in her mouth and looked up at me with her big brown eyes as if she was saying, "Boy, all that entertaining just wore me out!"

I'm looking forward to next year to see how she changes her entertainment techniques.

Forming an Opinion

We host an Academy Awards party every year for my husband's co-workers (and a few of his college friends). His friend, Chris, summed it up with his facebook status when he said:

Chris is looking forward to the Oscar evening festivities. I never know what to think about politics, religion or society until Hollywood tells me what to think.

Although his facebook statuses are nearly always tongue-in-cheek, there is a lot of truth to this statement. Many Americans are simply in awe of celebrities and will think and do whatever they think and do.

As the saying goes, "If you don't believe in something, you'll fall for anything."

'Tis the Season!

A plague has hit both my house and Amy's. I am suffering with a cold of some sort (the day before the big Oscars party my husband hosts for all his coworkers every year-joy). The Nut household have symptoms that include tossing cookies, snot, coughing, and all the delights of a nasty virus you could ever hope and wish for.

'Tis the Season! Embrace it. Love it.

*cough, cough*

Nutrition is Expensive

I was watching some Primetime kind of show on television the other day. They were comparing the fattest city (in West Virginia) and the thinnest city (somewhere in the northeast). One of the ladies in the fat city opened her cabinet. I recognized many of the brands in the cupboard as Aldi brands. The most interesting sound bite came moments later when she opened her freezer and commented on how they ate a lot of frozen vegetables because the fresh stuff was so expensive. In response to a question by the reporter, the lady responded, "It is a lot cheaper and easier to eat unhealthy food. That is how we got into the position we are in." (Well, she said something like that anyway.)

It struck me at that moment why it is so easy for me to purchase "junk" food. I'm a coupon junkie first and foremost. So, when my favorite treats are on sale and I have a coupon, it is so cheap, my frugal side insists on the purchase. I've NEVER seen a fresh produce company put out a coupon. Occasionally, a non-produce company will offer a free something or cents off of something in the produce seciont if you buy their product.

No wonder America is so fat! Just wait...with this economic crisis, we are going to get fatter!

True Confessions, Part IV

All of my life, I have wanted a daughter. When I was pregnant for the second time, after having already had a son (who I adore), I *really* wanted a daughter. I remember one particular conversation I had with the Lord, in which I informed Him in no uncertain terms, that this baby I was carry had better be a girl, or I was going to be really mad. I probably don't need to mention that this was a one-sided conversation or that this is not my proudest moment. Then I went into labour almost 7 weeks early and was in the hospital for days trying to keep this baby inside to cook a little longer. After three days of total bedrest in the hospital, the baby wasn't doing so well and the doctor said "Call your husband, the c-section starts in 40 minutes." Filbert made it just in time and as I lay there waiting for my second child to be born, I didn't care anymore if it was a boy or a girl, I just begged God to let me hear my baby cry when it was born. The tiny cries of my 3 pound, 13 ounce son are still the sweetest sound I have ever heard.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Peanut! You are my heart and my joy.

Webkinz

The Webkinz site is down for maintenance right now. I am an arcade junkie on that site. Who knows what might get accomplished tonight if it doesn't come up soon.

Wrinkles, String Bean's Webkinz pug dog, might be hungry or need love... I am so attached to that virtual dog!

Rear-Facing Car Seat

String Bean had her 15 month check up at the pediatrician's office today. It is always an adventure since she has had a weight problem for most of her life. The moment of truth came and String Bean weighted in at a whopping 17 pounds 7 ounces. For those of you wondering what percentile that is, it is the 0.42 percentile. At her 12 month appointment, she weighed about a pound less. In 3 months, she put on about a pound.

The law in Illinois is your child must be 20 pounds and 12 months old to turn the car seat from rear-facing to front-facing. Of course, String Bean grew out of her infant car seat because she surpassed the recommended length for that seat. Since she was still under the magic 20 pounds, we had to get a convertible car seat (it "grows" with your child; a newborn can be put into a convertible seat). The specifications for this seat say your child has to be 24 pounds before you can convert it to front-facing.

24 - 17.5 = 5.5 pounds. If it takes String Bean 3 months to gain 1 pound, we are looking at 16 or 17 months until she weighs the magic 24 pounds. That puts us to just after her third birthday. Unreal.

Does anyone know if there is a maximum length/height for rear-facing?! If there is, we are likely to hit that milestone first!

My Lucky E-mail

*this post is intended to be read with dripping sarcasm*

Pretty soon Mr. Bean and I will be all set for life! String Bean (and any future siblings) will want for nothing! You see, I have the luckiest e-mail address ever.

I have gotten several e-mail notifications that my e-mail address was chosen from among millions to win large sums of money in various lotteries from all over the world! (Although I have won the UK lottery several times with varying amounts of prize money.)

I should also mention that since I'm so philanthropic in nature, I have of coursed helped all our Nigerian friends with their money woes by accepting large sums of money on their behalf and then giving them a percentage of it as a fee. After all, they couldn't access it without my help!

Gee, I wonder when those checks will start flooding my (real) mailbox...

It's Time to Go!

Yesterday, Valentine's Day, Mr. Bean took String Bean and I out for dinner at Corner Bakery. Before we left, we spent several minutes talking about going. 15 month old String Bean must have gotten tired of all the talk since she toddled out of the room and brought back her winter coat. A few minutes later, Mr. Bean was sitting down and she brought my car keys to him. "Which key do we need?" he asked her and she shuffled through them and handed him my car key.

Apparently it was time to go!

Oh, How I Love Thee...

Let me count the ways! (Most of these are just silly, but there is a photo to go with each of them!)

1. You are an incredible father.
   
2. You have crazy-mad map skills.
3. You provide for our family.
4. You always look young.
5. You don't mind making a fool of yourself.
6. Your family lives in Hawaii, which is a big plus.
7. You are passionate about the Bears.
8. You are a great photographer; we have good photos because of it!
9. You make me laugh.
10. You are a great cook!
    

Oh, I could go on and on. Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. Bean!

Fun with Pets

As I type this, Mr. Bean has set up the playpen for our chinchilla, Walter. It is a wire barrier set up in a circle-like fashion with a top on it because Walter is an expert jumper and easily could jump out. Chasing Walter and catching him in a reasonable amount of time is like trying to herd cats. This make-shift playpen was our solution.

Mr. Bean put String Bean inside and got in himself. There is no sight like a 6 foot tall man sitting inside a cage intended for a rabbit-sized animal. Add to that a very curious and overly excited 15 month old.

Poor Walter didn't see it coming.

My best Laundry tip

Not all moms are as fortunate as my co-blogger to have laundry facilities inside their house. I for one am one of the unfortunate souls.

For those of you who find yourselves in my shoes, here is the best laundry stain fighter tip I know. Purchase a bib like this for your baby/toddler.


String Bean got a bib like this for Christmas from her Ama (Grandma) and it has saved so many of her outfits! Make sure the on you get is made of plastic-y material so it wipes clean. Since this one has sleeves, we haven't had stains on anything since Christmas day!

Abuse in Chicago Public Schools

I don't know if you've read about the current allegations that there has been widespread abuse in the Chicago Public schools. I'm appalled. 818 students since 2003 have come forward alleging abuse by the teachers and staff at their schools.

As a former teacher. I have no words. Everyone in the public schools knows better. There is no excuse.

As a parent, I am beyond words. I have a problem right now with a bully in day care with String Bean. I can handle that. It is kid on kid bullying. (Ok to be fair, the kid is about 3 years old and my String Bean is 15 months--no real harm is being done, but who would have thought I'd have to deal with this issue already?) This problem I am dealing with is just a drop in a swimming pool compared to a pool full of problems like the CPS is dealing with now.

Come on!

Instant Celebrity

I'm watching the Letterman interview with the pilot and co-pilot of the flight that landed in the Hudson a few years ago. It strikes me while watching these guys how weird it must be to be an instant celebrity. The co-pilot was quoted as saying, "I want my old life back."

Joe the Plumber. There's an instant celebrity that has managed to somewhat capitalize on his fame and seemed to enjoy the spotlight. His celebrity hasn't made a difference in my life, but more power to you if you can make a buck off your fifteen minutes of fame.

Did you watch the Obama town hall in Fort Meyers, Florida today? We have a new instant celebrity, folks. Let me introduce you to Julio Osegueda. If you didn't see it, here is a video for your viewing pleasure (it is pretty funny):



I am looking forward to see where Julio takes his new found fame. McDonalds commercial? Guest journalist for CNN?

We are THAT Fun!

String Bean fell asleep at around 8 pm. Usually she wakes up around 10 or 11 and has a quick drink or nursing session and goes right back to bed. After waking up around 9:30, a bit on the early side, she's decided that she'd rather stay up than go back to sleep. It is 11:30 and she is showing no signs of giving it up.

I take it as a compliment personally. Mr. Bean and I are so fun, she'd rather stay up and play with us than sleep.

We are that fun.

We've got personality. We've got style. Who wouldn't want to hang with us into the wee hours of the night?

It is All in Your Point of View

This morning after church, Mr. Bean and I had lunch with the other Amy. Then, we went to Babies R Us to get an ever-so-needed new diaper bag since my old one was literally hanging by a string (well, 4 of them to be exact). We got home and started transferring all the stuff into the new diaper bag only to find that one of the stroller attachments was missing. I was so frustrated that we had to trek back to the store (which isn't exactly close) and pick up the missing piece.

Then, we went to the wake for our friend's husband who died suddenly.

In light of this young mom now being a widow, I really don't mind that extra time chatting with Mr. Bean in the car rides to the store. It is amazing how an annoying situation like this suddenly becomes less so when you consider that there are people out there like Debbie who would have traded places with me today in an instant. It is all in your point of view.

Being Productive

I have a list a mile long of things that need to get done. Not a single one of them have a hard and fast deadline that needs to be met. They have all been left undone for days, weeks, months... Yet, I feel this need to be productive.

I've been reading this blog lately that talks about leaving the dishes undone and just spending time with your children. I'm all about doing that, but at some point, you have to stop neglecting the to-do list and get it finished. (Isn't that what naps are for?)

Today just might be one of those days that I actually tackle some of those things...

Don't Do It!

Have you ever had a day where you did not let your toddler sleep? It really is a sight to behold. Despite your best intentions, this is not advisable. Here are the reasons why in no particular order:

1. Crying
2. Whining
3. No time to finish a thought or sentence.
4. Mischief
5. Other kids asking you what's wrong with your kid.
6. Strangers giving you weird looks when you pull you kid out of the car without their coat on and rush in the store because that's the only nap your kid got was en route to the store and you're afraid putting their coat on will wake them up. (It is 35 degrees out! A heatwave!)
7. Not being able to sit without a child on your lap who is probably whining or crying.
8. Diaper changes become a hassle because they bring on the fits of rage (in your child, not your own, I hope).
9. Fits of rage
10. This always ends up being the day dad works late. Even if it isn't scheduled that way, it will happen.

Take it from me. This is unpleasant and you do not want to have to do it. Wait...what is that I hear? Oh, fussing and whining. Better go.

Status Updates

Actual status updates by my Facebook friends today:

Chris is not superstitious, but he's a little stitious.
Anna has a boulder in her shoulder.
Lindsey is becoming a Tide snob.
Don is playing with the lawn sprinkler in the freezing night.
Chonelle is wondering why you are acting that way???
Amanda had a blast pretending to be a tiger.
Brandon is trying to help Joan catch Wrigley, the cat, for his ear medicine.
Wendy just fixed the mouse...after blaming Karl for breaking it.
Amy thinks it is funny that her office has put a webcam in the kitchen to catch people who haven't washed their dishes.
Michelle is eagerly awaiting the check the government is sending me! I love tax season--free money!!
Ann thinks she could pass out from the fumes in the house--epoxy injections are good for water, but bad for noses!
David is pretending to work.
Denise is a strong and graceful oak.
Ben lost a battle with the treadmill last night.
Jodi loves to sweat to the 80's.

I love reading the status updates as it really gives you a peek into the lives of your friends and what kinds of things they are up to!

A Season of Sorrow

It is with a heavy heart today that I write this post. This morning, one of the ladies from our church became a widow. Her two children (ages 4 and 14 months) are without a father. It happened suddenly and was unexpected. John was 38. John broke his leg around Christmas-time and the working theory is he died due to a blood clot possibly from the broken leg.

Amy and I both knew this family. Their 14 month old was dedicated to the Lord at the same service as String Bean. Amy's husband, Filbert, grew up with John's wife, Debbie.

Pray with us for Debbie and her two girls. We don't know why the Lord chose to take John home, but we do know that the Lord has a plan for Debbie and the girls. We do know he will take care of them.

Miss USA

I mentioned in an earlier post that I've been on a kick lately to find teammates from old misisons trips. In 1997, I had the priviledge of leading a missions trip (my first and only time doing so). I, along with five other more mature adults, lead a team of 23 ten to thirteen-year-olds to Australia to do a work project for a Christian retreat center. In our spare time, we visited churches, schools, and nursing homes and presented an evangelical message to them.

One of the girls on this team was Miss Gabrielle Carlson from Maryland. Twelve years later, I can't say I remember a whole lot about her other than she was a quiet, sweet girl who was mature beyond her years. (I think she was 11 or 12 at the time.) She was not a trouble maker. She did not whine or question why someone else got easier work or a larger portion of dessert. What I remember about her all these years later is that she was easy to work with and had a sweet spirit about her that made you want to work alongside her.

One of my co-leaders, Jason, and I were chatting a couple of days ago and he reminded me that Gabrielle Carlson was from Maryland. I did a quick Google search for "'Gabrielle Carlson', MD" and up popped headlines about Miss Maryland USA! I read everything on the website about Miss Maryland USA and sure enough it was our Gabrielle that we'd found. Jason and I, like proud parents, immediately marked our calendars for April 19, the date of the Miss USA pagent on NBC. Those of you who know me outside of this blog know, I'm not the pageant type, but this is clearly an event to make an exception for!

We found Gabrielle on Facebook and she has exchanged a few e-mails with me. I am doing a Bible study on Esther right now. I reminded Gabrielle that she has been placed in a unique position of influence like Esther was and that I was looking forward to how God would use her during this time. I also e-mailed Teen Missions International, the organization we went to Australia under. I go a reply from Bob Bland, their founder saying, "Thank you for letting us know about Gabrielle. We have shared this with the staff in our morning chapel time and will be praying for her as she is part of the Miss USA pageant and know she will represent Maryland and the Lord well."

Will you join in praying with me for Gabrielle? I'm not praying that she will win, although I'd love that outcome. I'm praying that God would be glorified through her testimony whether that is to a country-wide (or even global) audience, or whether that is just to the 49 other girls she will be competing with. Pray that Gabrielle would continue to stand strong for the Lord and grow in Him through this process.

25 Random Things

If you're on Facebook, you've probably done this or read some of these.

1. My favorite color is yellow, if you want to get really specific, open up a box of Crayola crayons and find the one called Dandelion. Now bask in its warmth and glow.
2. Motion activated devises don't acknowledge me. In order to get light on our garage to tun on, I have to jump up and down and wave my arms. In public restrooms, I either have to wait for someone else to get me a towel or just dry my hands on my pants.
3. It might be because my normal body temperature is only 97.5.
4. I'm 5'7" tall, but people usually think I'm taller than that.
5. I'm very disorganized.
6. I'm very bad housekeeper.
7. I'm a pretty good cook.
8. Growing up, I always wanted to be a mom and a singer.
9. In high school, I had to play basketball and volleyball wearing culottes.
10. No matter how fashionable culottes and gaucho pants become, I will never be caught wearing them again.
11. I'm a hoot, once you get to know me.
12. I love to read, but only fiction. This might make me shallow, but I'm okay with that.
13. I took spanking out of my parenting toolbox when I heard the doctor describing Prader-Willi Syndrome to me.
14. I hate making phone calls. I get super nervous and try to rehearse them whenever I am forced to call someone, except my mom or husband.
15. I'm one of the most introverted and shy people I've ever known.
16. My new hobby is making jewelry. I'm told I have a knack.
17. I have a hard time focusing on anything for long peri
18. Huh?
19. I was the Valedictorian of my senior class in high school.
20. Which is much less impressive, when I tell you there were only 7 people in my class.
21. I never truly understood grace until I experienced so fully during Phillip's NICU stay and first few months.
22. I can insert an NG tube in a neonate. (My mom, mother-in-law and 3 of my sisters-in-law are nurses and have never done this.)
23. My daughter still breastfeeds because nursing is easier than weaning.
24. I have a very serious caffeine addiction. I can't live without my Cokes.
25. My husband is the best father I have ever known.

The Birth of Walnut

Super Bowl Sunday, every man's worst nightmare, missing the big game because his wife is inconveniently in labor. Although, when my labor started at midnight, on the eve of the Super Bowl Sunday, Filbert fully expected he would still be able to attend the big party at church and would be handing out chocolate cigars and showing pictures during the half-time. He thought surely, a chiropractor's wife would have no trouble and sail through delivery quickly and easily. Oh, if only....

I learned a few things in my 20 hours of labor which ended in a C-section. First, considering that it was my beloved Filbert's idea to do the Bradley Method, he is a lousy labor coach. Second, I don't like company while I'm writhing in pain for hours on end. Third, football is not really a great distraction, especially when there are 5 injuries in the first quarter (although, the distraction was greatly appreciated by my dad) and lastly, when an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management and a chiropractor get to chatting, they end up trying stuff out on each other and forgetting about the pregnant lady waiting for relief over in the bed. (In case you were wondering, I don't think Vicodan actually changed hands, but Filbert did shove the guy up against the wall and crack his back.)

I would probably make different choices regarding birthing if I were able to start all over again, but I wouldn't changed anything about my first-born child. He is a delightful little person, he is the one who made me a mother and he teaches me about life, every day.

Oh, and Filbert just reminded me that he missed a chili cook-off in addition to the church Super Bowl party. To him I say, "Cry me a river."