Never again...

Never again will I allow my children to "eat regular food for a special occasion".  I did this today.  I thought, since today is Halloween, why not just let them eat their "regular" candy, with the "regular" food dyes and "regular" preservatives in them.  Let me say it again--NEVER AGAIN!  They went wild!  We only visited 4 houses tonight before calling it quits, simply because they didn't need anymore candy.  I am throwing it away tomorrow.  We've been home 2 hours and they are just now settling down. No one could even get a picture of the two of them because they wouldn't, or couldn't, stop running around. (For the record, Shaun was Batman and Jordan was Robin).   I hope its out of their systems by tomorrow. 

Over Halloween

I realized something today.  I am completely, totally, OVER Halloween.  It used to be my favorite time of year, besides Christmas.  When I was in high school, I literally lived for Halloween, haunted houses, ghosts, etc.  I know, I know-- what a weirdo.  Now, I really couldn't care less about any of it- any of the scary stuff, at least.  I don't have a problem with the kids dressing up in their movie-character costumes and going trick-or-treating.  I can take it or leave it.  But what's with all the bloody, nasty, gore?  I can honestly say that I don't get it anymore. 

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm closer to God than I have been in a long time.  I just feel uncomfortable taking part in something that seems to glorify Satan.  For as long as I can remember, I've gone to haunted houses every October.  This year, I had no desire whatsoever to go.  Maybe the stuff going on in my life is so bad that I just don't want to be scared unnecessarily.  I don't know.  Its not a bad thing, though.  Think of all the money I'm saving.  Those haunted house tickets are at least $15 each! 

Mom and I went to Party City tonight to get the kids' costumes for the Fall Festival at church.  Shaun and Jordan are going as Batman and Robin.  It was a madhouse in there.  And I must confess that my youngest child is strange.  He was not afraid of anything at all in that store.  Not the skeletons.  Not the  creepy spider skeletons.  Not the bloody skull with the hatchet sticking out of it and its eye balls hanging out of the sockets.  And not even the ugly zombie thing that convulsed and shrieked whenever anyone walked by it.  This, actually, was his favorite thing in the whole, entire store.  He was fascinated by it.  He stayed right beside it, making it do its thing for forever, laughing his head off.  I would have been terrified of that thing when I was his age.  I was such a scaredy-cat.  Not my Jordan.  

When I think about it now, its kind of funny.  And weird.  None of the other children in the store (and there were a LOT) liked that zombie-thing.  In fact, most of them made a point to stay away from it.  And there's my child, giggling hysterically at it.  My relationship with my mom has now come full-circle.  She always had to discourage me from getting into all that scary stuff, and now its my turn to convince MY kids.  Stranger and stranger still.  I guess I really am getting old. 

So, so proud...and surprised!

My mom and I took Jordan to Scottish Rite today for a pH probe.  This is a test that involves inserting a tube into his nose and down his throat to test the acidity of his stomach.  We had to bring him home with the tube still in and keep it there until tomorrow morning when we go back to have it removed.  Needless to say, I was NOT looking forward to this at all.  For one thing, I knew it would be painful for him.  I also know how strong-willed my child is.  And how hyperactive.  I had imagined all sorts of horrible scenarios-- Jordan pulling the tube out, Jordan screaming in pain all day and night.  

Turns out, I was surprised.  

Of course, he screamed and cried when the nurse inserted the tube.  And he did manage to pull it out a little bit.  But, after we got it put back in place and he calmed down, he was great.  And he continued to be great as we left the hospital, on the drive home, and for the rest of the day.  Wow!  God really heard the prayers of His people! 

Its after 9:00 now, and Jordan's asleep...with the tube still in!  It didn't slow him down one bit.  He's done everything he normally does- ridden his tricycle, played out side, you name it.  All without a complaint.  Now, I only hope the results of this test gives us some insight to the mystery of the blue lips.