I have always told my kids that I hand picked the best daddy in the world just for them. And truth be told - he is a way better dad than I am mother. He is patient and laid back. And me? Let's just say it nicely. I am not.
Last night, Abe was all cuddly with Randy and I crawled right beside him and said, "You know, Abe, I picked the best daddy just for you."
And he said, "Oh no you didn't. A friend set you up on a blind date and you met on Main Street. Then you broke up. Then you got back together again and then you got married."
Randy and I looked at each other with our mouths hanging wide open.
And I said, "I still decided to marry him so you could have the best daddy in the world."
And he said, "If you would have went to a Daddy Pet Shop and picked out "Randy" THEN you could say that you picked out daddy."
So I guess that all these years I haven't been quiet honest with my children.
I should have said this:
"Kids, I have something to tell you. I think you are all old enough to hear the truth. Please don't hate me for protecting you all these years. I did it for your own good. I did not hand pick your daddy out from the Daddy Pet Shop. Instead, I picked up a stray, who is now your daddy, wandering up and down Main Street."
Monday, December 31, 2007
Auld Lang Syne
In case you forgot what went on in my life this past year, here is a quick review.
January - We spent several evenings addicted to Yahtzee. This was especially fun because we hung out in the attic (formerly Abby's room). We also had a terrible snow storm that cancelled Abby's flight back to Chicago, which we found out about after we were almost to the airport.
February - Annie turned 17 and my mom came up and made dinner for her and all of her friends.
March - We celebrated 23 years of marriage. Yea!! No easy feat when I'm involved.
April - Annie's junior prom. Which was the same weekend as some freak snow storm. Abby and two friends drove all the way from Chicago to share the prom experience with her sister!
May - We drove to KC to pick Abby up for the summer. This is also the month of freaky flooding. Which would include our basement, as well. Our baby turned 7.
June - Randy decided to take on a second job painting in his "spare time." The girls helped him and the money would come in handy later in the summer.
July - Abe, Randy, and I headed to Branson and the girls headed on a mission trip. Abby became engaged.
August - Our quick (not shotgun) wedding, in which above mentioned paint money came in very handy. Sent Abby back to Chicago and Annie started her senior year of highschool. Abe started second grade.
September - Randy spent the entire month taking care of his dad, whose Parkinson's rapidly progressed. He made several trips in the middle of the night to help his dad out.
October - Annie went on a weekend trip to visit her sister.
November - Our first born baby turned 21. We made our first trip as a family to Chicago. Abe road the subway for the first time.
December - Our much awaited trip to Great Wolf was postponed due to weather. I feel like it was either snowing or icing the entire month. Grandma got the flu on Christmas. It was an answer to prayer that none of us got sick. Considering that she cooked and served the entire supper we all enjoyed. I also have a sore shoulder this month. Wii. Bowling.
2008? One more in college (I will have lost all my babysitters!) and a third grader. 10 more years until we have an empty nest.
Happy New Year!
January - We spent several evenings addicted to Yahtzee. This was especially fun because we hung out in the attic (formerly Abby's room). We also had a terrible snow storm that cancelled Abby's flight back to Chicago, which we found out about after we were almost to the airport.
February - Annie turned 17 and my mom came up and made dinner for her and all of her friends.
March - We celebrated 23 years of marriage. Yea!! No easy feat when I'm involved.
April - Annie's junior prom. Which was the same weekend as some freak snow storm. Abby and two friends drove all the way from Chicago to share the prom experience with her sister!
May - We drove to KC to pick Abby up for the summer. This is also the month of freaky flooding. Which would include our basement, as well. Our baby turned 7.
June - Randy decided to take on a second job painting in his "spare time." The girls helped him and the money would come in handy later in the summer.
July - Abe, Randy, and I headed to Branson and the girls headed on a mission trip. Abby became engaged.
August - Our quick (not shotgun) wedding, in which above mentioned paint money came in very handy. Sent Abby back to Chicago and Annie started her senior year of highschool. Abe started second grade.
September - Randy spent the entire month taking care of his dad, whose Parkinson's rapidly progressed. He made several trips in the middle of the night to help his dad out.
October - Annie went on a weekend trip to visit her sister.
November - Our first born baby turned 21. We made our first trip as a family to Chicago. Abe road the subway for the first time.
December - Our much awaited trip to Great Wolf was postponed due to weather. I feel like it was either snowing or icing the entire month. Grandma got the flu on Christmas. It was an answer to prayer that none of us got sick. Considering that she cooked and served the entire supper we all enjoyed. I also have a sore shoulder this month. Wii. Bowling.
2008? One more in college (I will have lost all my babysitters!) and a third grader. 10 more years until we have an empty nest.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Undone
One of life's mysteries is why on earth I can hardly wait to put up our Christmas decorations and then I can hardly wait to take them down!
Tonight, when we started taking down the tree, I was amazed how quickly it was going. I even commented that taking the stuff down was going twice as fast as when we put it up.
Three hours later I wondered why I ever said such a thing.
I feel the need to rearrange my entire house when I tackle this project. Move stuff to the basement. Bring stuff up from the basement. Bring stuff down from the attic. Move stuff up to the attic. I drive myself insane!
But now that the boys are tucked in and there are a bunch of teenagers in the basement watching a movie and I am watching the most glorious beautiful snow fall, I feel a total sense of accomplishment.
I am sad as I always am, that this season is over. I think that is why I am always in such a toot to get the stuff out of the house. To just move on.
The one thing that has kept me going is the Wii. It brings back memories of a long time ago when Abby and I were addicted to Dr. Mario. Now it is Abe and I and we are competing at bowling. He beats me every single time just like Abby used to.
The more things change the more they stay the same!
Tonight, when we started taking down the tree, I was amazed how quickly it was going. I even commented that taking the stuff down was going twice as fast as when we put it up.
Three hours later I wondered why I ever said such a thing.
I feel the need to rearrange my entire house when I tackle this project. Move stuff to the basement. Bring stuff up from the basement. Bring stuff down from the attic. Move stuff up to the attic. I drive myself insane!
But now that the boys are tucked in and there are a bunch of teenagers in the basement watching a movie and I am watching the most glorious beautiful snow fall, I feel a total sense of accomplishment.
I am sad as I always am, that this season is over. I think that is why I am always in such a toot to get the stuff out of the house. To just move on.
The one thing that has kept me going is the Wii. It brings back memories of a long time ago when Abby and I were addicted to Dr. Mario. Now it is Abe and I and we are competing at bowling. He beats me every single time just like Abby used to.
The more things change the more they stay the same!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Bird Whisperer
Today, while I was in the kitchen cutting out snowflake cookies, Randy went out to set some birdseed on our deck.
I kept hearing him shout "RICHARD!"
There isn't a dog a mile around named Richard and I couldn't figure out who on earth he was talking to since he was standing all alone.
I walked over and stuck my head out the door to ask him who he was talking to and that is when I realized he wasn't saying Richard at all.
He was actually saying THIS....
"Redbirds! Here little Redbirds. Redbirds! Come here little Redbirds. You can come over anytime and eat. Your dinner is ready."
I kept hearing him shout "RICHARD!"
There isn't a dog a mile around named Richard and I couldn't figure out who on earth he was talking to since he was standing all alone.
I walked over and stuck my head out the door to ask him who he was talking to and that is when I realized he wasn't saying Richard at all.
He was actually saying THIS....
"Redbirds! Here little Redbirds. Redbirds! Come here little Redbirds. You can come over anytime and eat. Your dinner is ready."
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Apples to Apples
We had a few friends over for dessert and a game night on Thursday. Annie thought it looked like fun so she did the same tonight. I think we should merge the two groups. We could have played Would You Rather Twisted, Sick and Wrong! My friends would have given those teens a run for their money! Guaranteed!
Aunt Von's
Toys? These basement steps provided an evenings worth of entertainment.
Looking for the elusive penny.
Mommy & Me. And Aunt VonThursday, December 20, 2007
suddenly
The countdown is on. It is almost Christmas. Like I'm telling you something you have yet to notice.
I did not get to do all the things I had hoped and dreamed would happen this year.
My shopping was done with time to spare. I still have a few last minute stocking stuffers to wrap. Not a big deal, really.
It is all the other stuff.
Such as looking at lights. We've done this twice. How many times until I think it is sufficient?
And then I wanted to have all the neighbors over this year. I even proclaimed this out loud. To several of them. Didn't happen and won't happen. I barely squeaked in dessert with my small group and their husbands. I promise not to drink the rum and will make that Rum Cake and have the neighbors over New Years.
I still want to bake a couple of more things (in addition to the Rum Cake). This may come to pass on Saturday. The thing is that I like when Randy and Annie help me and they are both working all weekend. I will still have one little elf around to help me. It is the one who doesn't do dishes. Darn!
Here is the fun stuff coming up!
Christmas coffee with my friend, Pam. It would seem that it would be like every other coffee but on the Saturday before Christmas there is something magical about it.
Our Christmas tradition of going to my Aunt's house for Christmas snacks. Everything that my Grandma made and then some will be at the table. I'm not sure how or when this started but Abe and I feel as if "Christmas" doesn't really kick of until this get-together. I can easily gain 5 pounds just thinking about it.
Christmas with Randy's family. Because his dad is in a wheelchair now we decided it would be best at the nursing home this year. Our meal is KFC. I am not ambitious enough to cater this myself. I will bring treats, though.
Christmas Eve coffee with the girls from my church. I'm not sure how long this has been going on either but it started with a Bible Study that I was in and I LOVE this time on Christmas Eve morning. I will get to chat with friends I don't ever see and then we do one last run through of the downtown stores.
Christmas Eve with my family. We will all go to church and come back to my house for snacks. More than snacks. A meal of good snacks. I am coming up with a plan for all the kids. Because that is what I do. Get overstressed and then over plan to keep everything in check. I just want everyone to have fun (this would include me) So I'm feeding the kids first and sending them down to watch a Christmas video. Will that work? We'll see. When this group of kids get together they are WILD AND CRAZY!!! Abe is already practicing his Power Ranger moves, back flips and door jam climbing in anticipation of the party at our house. I am making them sugar free jello. We don't need to add to the mayhem.
Finally, on Christmas morning when Randy is reading from the book of Luke by candlelight I will sit and meditate what this celebration has all been about. Calm will wash over me and I will be new again.
I think we'll do a run through of this tradition this afternoon. Why? Because calm and new are both calling my name right now.
I did not get to do all the things I had hoped and dreamed would happen this year.
My shopping was done with time to spare. I still have a few last minute stocking stuffers to wrap. Not a big deal, really.
It is all the other stuff.
Such as looking at lights. We've done this twice. How many times until I think it is sufficient?
And then I wanted to have all the neighbors over this year. I even proclaimed this out loud. To several of them. Didn't happen and won't happen. I barely squeaked in dessert with my small group and their husbands. I promise not to drink the rum and will make that Rum Cake and have the neighbors over New Years.
I still want to bake a couple of more things (in addition to the Rum Cake). This may come to pass on Saturday. The thing is that I like when Randy and Annie help me and they are both working all weekend. I will still have one little elf around to help me. It is the one who doesn't do dishes. Darn!
Here is the fun stuff coming up!
Christmas coffee with my friend, Pam. It would seem that it would be like every other coffee but on the Saturday before Christmas there is something magical about it.
Our Christmas tradition of going to my Aunt's house for Christmas snacks. Everything that my Grandma made and then some will be at the table. I'm not sure how or when this started but Abe and I feel as if "Christmas" doesn't really kick of until this get-together. I can easily gain 5 pounds just thinking about it.
Christmas with Randy's family. Because his dad is in a wheelchair now we decided it would be best at the nursing home this year. Our meal is KFC. I am not ambitious enough to cater this myself. I will bring treats, though.
Christmas Eve coffee with the girls from my church. I'm not sure how long this has been going on either but it started with a Bible Study that I was in and I LOVE this time on Christmas Eve morning. I will get to chat with friends I don't ever see and then we do one last run through of the downtown stores.
Christmas Eve with my family. We will all go to church and come back to my house for snacks. More than snacks. A meal of good snacks. I am coming up with a plan for all the kids. Because that is what I do. Get overstressed and then over plan to keep everything in check. I just want everyone to have fun (this would include me) So I'm feeding the kids first and sending them down to watch a Christmas video. Will that work? We'll see. When this group of kids get together they are WILD AND CRAZY!!! Abe is already practicing his Power Ranger moves, back flips and door jam climbing in anticipation of the party at our house. I am making them sugar free jello. We don't need to add to the mayhem.
Finally, on Christmas morning when Randy is reading from the book of Luke by candlelight I will sit and meditate what this celebration has all been about. Calm will wash over me and I will be new again.
I think we'll do a run through of this tradition this afternoon. Why? Because calm and new are both calling my name right now.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
FYI
Just a little FYI....
Yes! Little Miss Know It All has been bungee jumping! I know you are all on the edge of your seat waiting to hear that tidbit of info. You may or may not be surprised by a 7 year old bungee jumper. I, for one, was fully expecting it.
This afternoon I'm getting all of my gray hair taken care of. Glorious day.
And tonight, well tonight I am taking Abe on his first trip to the rollerskating rink. We are going to Couple Skate and do the Limbo. I was the Limbo WINNER when I was a kid. They used to say it was because I was short and didn't have too far to go. That is baloney. I was just talented and really good at it. I wonder if my jeans would hold up for me to try it tonight. Maybe I should wear sweats - just in case.
I grew up skating and this is more exciting than Christmas morning to me. I'm just hoping that on Christmas day neither one of us are in a full body cast. I may forgo the limbo after all. Maybe the jeans wouldn't be the biggest issue.
Just think - I have experienced Toy Boy AND rollerskating in the same week.
Just like the olden days! (minus the gray hair and old hips)
Yes! Little Miss Know It All has been bungee jumping! I know you are all on the edge of your seat waiting to hear that tidbit of info. You may or may not be surprised by a 7 year old bungee jumper. I, for one, was fully expecting it.
This afternoon I'm getting all of my gray hair taken care of. Glorious day.
And tonight, well tonight I am taking Abe on his first trip to the rollerskating rink. We are going to Couple Skate and do the Limbo. I was the Limbo WINNER when I was a kid. They used to say it was because I was short and didn't have too far to go. That is baloney. I was just talented and really good at it. I wonder if my jeans would hold up for me to try it tonight. Maybe I should wear sweats - just in case.
I grew up skating and this is more exciting than Christmas morning to me. I'm just hoping that on Christmas day neither one of us are in a full body cast. I may forgo the limbo after all. Maybe the jeans wouldn't be the biggest issue.
Just think - I have experienced Toy Boy AND rollerskating in the same week.
Just like the olden days! (minus the gray hair and old hips)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
there's one in every bunch
conversation with my most favorite second grader after school yesterday....
Me: How was your lunch at school?
Him: It was Pizza. It reminded me of when I was sick and threw up.
Me: I wonder why because you didn't have pizza when you were sick.
Him: I know. But Haley "little miss know-it-all" threw up after eating her Pizza (this was said with ATTITUDE and his little fingers making quotation marks as he said it!)
Me: Little Miss Know-it-all?
Him: Yes. She has done EVERYTHING. Been EVERYWHERE. And she KNOWS EVERYTHING. She always says, "I know. I know. I know" and it is so annoying!(his favorite word)
conversation with my most favorite second grader this morning before school....
Him again: I am going to ask Haley today if she has ever went bungee jumping. I think you have to be like 16 or something to do that. I know she hasn't done that before!
Me: How was your lunch at school?
Him: It was Pizza. It reminded me of when I was sick and threw up.
Me: I wonder why because you didn't have pizza when you were sick.
Him: I know. But Haley "little miss know-it-all" threw up after eating her Pizza (this was said with ATTITUDE and his little fingers making quotation marks as he said it!)
Me: Little Miss Know-it-all?
Him: Yes. She has done EVERYTHING. Been EVERYWHERE. And she KNOWS EVERYTHING. She always says, "I know. I know. I know" and it is so annoying!(his favorite word)
conversation with my most favorite second grader this morning before school....
Him again: I am going to ask Haley today if she has ever went bungee jumping. I think you have to be like 16 or something to do that. I know she hasn't done that before!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Worn out bootstraps
I have had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
I know it's Monday but for crying out loud!
I almost threw in the towel today.
Me unemployed would not be so good.
Especially at Christmas.
Who am I kidding?!
It would never be a good time for me not to have a job.
So I've pulled myself up by these old bootstraps....
...one more time.
I know it's Monday but for crying out loud!
I almost threw in the towel today.
Me unemployed would not be so good.
Especially at Christmas.
Who am I kidding?!
It would never be a good time for me not to have a job.
So I've pulled myself up by these old bootstraps....
...one more time.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Still Life
Last night, Annie had to finish (not to mention start) a project for her AP Art class. She whipped this drawing out with the help of Abe's old colored pencils.
10. mid- december
We have been busy at Santa's workshop. Here are some of the things you would have found us doing this week.
- Quick trip to Wichita. Finally got that security tag taken of Randy's birthday shirt. As a bonus, I had my one Big Mac for the year.
- Watched Santa and Toy Boy! I'm not sure why on earth this is on at 10:30 at night.
- Purchased all my inventory for some baking. Except sugar. They were out at Wal-Mart. And Bakers White Chocolate. Out of that, too.
- Mixed up Peppernuts. OK. Randy really did this for me. I will give credit where credit is due. He has taken over the tradition of Chief Peppernut Baker the last few years.
- Abe read to me. We love to snuggle up in the recliner with our books and blankie and read by the Christmas Tree.
- Took a nap. I take 'em when I can get 'em. I wish it was daily.
- Made Rice Krispie Treats. My personal all time favorite snack.
- Hearthroom - twice. I can see my most favorite Barista there.
- Re-arranged our basement. Trying to make it cozy for our Christmas Break.
- My company Christmas Dinner is tonight. However, we are expecting a blizzard today. I wonder what the backup plan is...is that my responsibility?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Tis the Season....
It's official. My Christmas mood has set in.
I love Christmas. I hate Christmas.
I can't wait for Christmas. I can't wait until it's over.
I am so excited. I am so anxious.
The story of me. What I love I hate.
There will be no train or plane bringing the first of my little Angels home this year.
For the first time EVER she won't be here for Christmas.
Her stocking is absent from ours. Her spot next to me at our dinner table is empty.
Transition. I'm in the middle of it and I hate it. I can't go back. I can't stand still. I have to get through it.
Our family has changed.
I need to be a big girl and just accept it.
Just like millions of mothers have done before me.
I can do it.
I can do it.
I can celebrate Christmas, the birth of my Saviour, with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
I know that I can rise above all the HOLIDAY expectations and celebrate.
Celebrate my family. Celebrate my friends.
Celebrate my reason for hope.
Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
His mother had to let Him go, too.
That, in a nut shell, puts it all back into perspective for me.
I love Christmas. I hate Christmas.
I can't wait for Christmas. I can't wait until it's over.
I am so excited. I am so anxious.
The story of me. What I love I hate.
There will be no train or plane bringing the first of my little Angels home this year.
For the first time EVER she won't be here for Christmas.
Her stocking is absent from ours. Her spot next to me at our dinner table is empty.
Transition. I'm in the middle of it and I hate it. I can't go back. I can't stand still. I have to get through it.
Our family has changed.
I need to be a big girl and just accept it.
Just like millions of mothers have done before me.
I can do it.
I can do it.
I can celebrate Christmas, the birth of my Saviour, with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
I know that I can rise above all the HOLIDAY expectations and celebrate.
Celebrate my family. Celebrate my friends.
Celebrate my reason for hope.
Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
His mother had to let Him go, too.
That, in a nut shell, puts it all back into perspective for me.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Happy Birthday!
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Happy Birthday to my most wonderful, cute, smart and adorable husband!
You look great for being 6 weeks premature. Honestly, you don't look a day over, well, a day over 44! oops!
FYI: Our day hasn't gone as planned. Not they way WE planned, anyways.
We were packed and dressed and ready to head out the door early this morning. Abe thought it WAS CHRISTMAS MORNING! He has been up since the crack of dawn. It all fell apart when we received word from our road testers (Chad and Dad - thanks a lot guys.) that our trip was cancelled. (ICE!) That meant the surprise birthday part (Pattycake and all) would be shelved as well. No gift from me, either. Last weekend American Eagle forgot to take off the security tag.
So what is a family to do on a special day such as this? We loaded up and slid all the way to Neighbors for a Not So Hungry Neighbor breakfast. What fun! The place was packed. It was the second best way to celebrate a birthday.
My brother (Thanks Tal!) has invited us all over for an afternoon of snacks and games. Since we all made snacks for this weekend - it will be just like the Lodge. Minus the indoor snow. The waterslides. The fireplace. The cozy rooms. The shopping. The grandparents.
On second thought - it won't be so much like the Lodge. There will be lots and lots of kids, however. I know we will make it fun as we always do. I'm going to make sure my brothers dance to 80's music. That will make everything much better for me.
I know we aren't at the Lodge but we are still spending the day together. Happy Birthday Honey! Here is to many many more!
Friday, December 7, 2007
We're going to the Lodge (I hope!)
I feel as if our Advent reading for tonight wasn't just preparing us for baby Jesus but it was also preparing us for a weekend of ice and snow and much disappointment.
These were our questions tonight.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this Christmas Season?
Abe: Gifts. And The Great Wolf Lodge!
Q: What if circumstances out of your control change those plans? ie: weather, finances or sickness?
Abe: Oh, the weather doesn't matter. The Great Wolf Lodge is all indoors.
Ahhh....the innocence of youth!
We aren't crazy enough to travel 3 1/2 hours home on a sheet of ice. That is the forecast as of now.
There may be tears at our house. Lots and lots of tears. And I'm sure Abe will be crying, too.
These were our questions tonight.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this Christmas Season?
Abe: Gifts. And The Great Wolf Lodge!
Q: What if circumstances out of your control change those plans? ie: weather, finances or sickness?
Abe: Oh, the weather doesn't matter. The Great Wolf Lodge is all indoors.
Ahhh....the innocence of youth!
We aren't crazy enough to travel 3 1/2 hours home on a sheet of ice. That is the forecast as of now.
There may be tears at our house. Lots and lots of tears. And I'm sure Abe will be crying, too.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
little boy. big heart.
In an attempt to get our 7 year old to eat the crust, along with the rest of his sandwich, I have been over emphasizing how the crust happens to be my favorite part of the bread.
Abe was feeling overly affectionate towards me last night (which is rare in and of itself) and wanted to sit by me at dinner. His spot of choice is in between his big sister and his daddy, which happens to be across from me.
After we prayed, he grabbed the bread off my plate and put it on his plate! There was an entire basket of French Bread directly in front of him and I could not figure out what he was thinking. He proceeded to take the heel of bread out of the bread basket and he said, "you deserve this mommy. I know it is your favorite part of the bread." He was right. It is my favorite part.
After dinner, we ran to Wal-Mart. I have quarters in the console for my morning cup of coffee. He crawled into the front seat and grabbed a quarter before hopping out. I told him to put that back because it was my coffee money and he was not going to get one more thing out of the gum ball machine. I could tell immediately that I had crushed his little spirit.
He said, "It's not for the gumball machine. I wanted to put it in the bell ringers bucket for the little boys who won't get any gifts this Christmas."
My own heart skipped a beat and I handed him the dollar bills that were in the console, too.
Abe was feeling overly affectionate towards me last night (which is rare in and of itself) and wanted to sit by me at dinner. His spot of choice is in between his big sister and his daddy, which happens to be across from me.
After we prayed, he grabbed the bread off my plate and put it on his plate! There was an entire basket of French Bread directly in front of him and I could not figure out what he was thinking. He proceeded to take the heel of bread out of the bread basket and he said, "you deserve this mommy. I know it is your favorite part of the bread." He was right. It is my favorite part.
After dinner, we ran to Wal-Mart. I have quarters in the console for my morning cup of coffee. He crawled into the front seat and grabbed a quarter before hopping out. I told him to put that back because it was my coffee money and he was not going to get one more thing out of the gum ball machine. I could tell immediately that I had crushed his little spirit.
He said, "It's not for the gumball machine. I wanted to put it in the bell ringers bucket for the little boys who won't get any gifts this Christmas."
My own heart skipped a beat and I handed him the dollar bills that were in the console, too.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
My lips are sealed
I am really trying to keep a surprise until Christmas. It has been very hard for me. I have almost "slipped" several times. I hope I can be good until December 25. 21 days and counting.......
Monday, December 3, 2007
We are the Sandwhich Generation and I am the Cheese
And I HATE cheese!
Randy's step-mom is back in the hospital 30 miles from home. She is currently cut wide open from her adams apple to her belly button and packed with antibiotics and wrapped in saran wrap. Sounds rough, I know. She is not doing too good.
Not to be outdone (not on purpose, though), Randy's dad has lost 9 pounds in 7 days. He doesn't eat. He doesn't sleep. He is distraught over his wife.
At the nursing homes suggestion, last night Randy went and ate supper with his dad and try to talk him into taking a sleeping pill.
His dad finally ate but did not want the sleeping pill. I feel he needs to be treated as a 2 year old. He needs decisions made for him. Even if he does not agree with them. That is how I will treat my parents (sorry Mom and Dad) I will be taking charge. I took charge of my toddlers and I can take on aging parents. I am not afraid.
Once again, after getting out of bed in the middle of the night, he fell.
After a trip to the local ER to see if he had broken any ribs (he wasn't able to breath) it has been determined that he may have ruptured his spleen.
He was transferred via ambulance to a bigger hospital in a town 60 miles away and in the opposite direction as his wife.
Do I dare even say, "What Next?"
update @ 1:00 pm: 1 broken rib and no ruptured spleen. In addition the CT scan showed blockage in the colon. Spots on the liver. Enlarged prostate. The Doctor said it could possibly be colon cancer that has possible spread to the liver. He is also guessing the weight loss is due to this. He is coming home with those scans to give to his Doctor here and we will go from there.
Randy's step-mom is back in the hospital 30 miles from home. She is currently cut wide open from her adams apple to her belly button and packed with antibiotics and wrapped in saran wrap. Sounds rough, I know. She is not doing too good.
Not to be outdone (not on purpose, though), Randy's dad has lost 9 pounds in 7 days. He doesn't eat. He doesn't sleep. He is distraught over his wife.
At the nursing homes suggestion, last night Randy went and ate supper with his dad and try to talk him into taking a sleeping pill.
His dad finally ate but did not want the sleeping pill. I feel he needs to be treated as a 2 year old. He needs decisions made for him. Even if he does not agree with them. That is how I will treat my parents (sorry Mom and Dad) I will be taking charge. I took charge of my toddlers and I can take on aging parents. I am not afraid.
Once again, after getting out of bed in the middle of the night, he fell.
After a trip to the local ER to see if he had broken any ribs (he wasn't able to breath) it has been determined that he may have ruptured his spleen.
He was transferred via ambulance to a bigger hospital in a town 60 miles away and in the opposite direction as his wife.
Do I dare even say, "What Next?"
update @ 1:00 pm: 1 broken rib and no ruptured spleen. In addition the CT scan showed blockage in the colon. Spots on the liver. Enlarged prostate. The Doctor said it could possibly be colon cancer that has possible spread to the liver. He is also guessing the weight loss is due to this. He is coming home with those scans to give to his Doctor here and we will go from there.
I AM one of THOSE people
My daughter was one of those people last week and I was a BIG one of those people on Saturday. Totally self inflicted. Which is the worst.
My weekend Christmas shopping trip was fabulous until our dinner. From the moment we walked through the door and my ears did not hear LIVE JAZZ CHRISTMAS MUSIC I was disappointed. Bad service. Slow service. No service. Whatever you call it we should have dashed out before we got in over our heads.
After finally getting our drinks my friend sent her iced tea back. Bad iced tea? THAT should have been clue #22 but I am guessing we are a little slow. We still stuck it out.
My side salad made me gag. It was covered in some kind of white chunky cheese and I HATE cheese. I managed a few bites, only because I was starving and near pass out hunger stage.
Next came the four cheese rigatoni in creamy sauce. I took a bite and fear hit me like a ton of bricks. It was HORRIBLE. And contrary to popular belief, I do not like causing a scene.
When the Goofy Waiter asked how everything was we all said "good - good," which is a typical restaurant response.
And then out of my mouth came these words....
"What if I don't like this?"
And those words hung in the air......
And then I heard this from our Goofy Waiter.
"What don't you like?"
"Too cheesy????" I questioned myself. I was trying to be polite.
My friends (thank goodness I still have any friends) said IT IS FOUR CHEESE RIGATONI!!! IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CHEESY.
Ok. Maybe it's not the cheese....I like Ravioli. Lasagna. Manicotti. Pizza. Those all have cheese.
"Is it too creamy?" Goofy Waiter asked me.
"THAT'S IT!" I am a red sauce kinda girl.
Goofy Waiter told me that their goal was for me to leave happy. So I ordered a baked sweet potato. I knew that was a safe choice. Only a sweet potato.
He brought it back minus brown sugar. He did not know where the brown sugar was.
He found the brown sugar and my friends, who at this time are finished with their pasta, encourage me to go ahead and order prime-rib, which was my first choice, anyways.
I ordered it. Medium Well. I do not eat raw or red or bloody meat.
Finally, my prime-rib arrived. With yet another sweet potato.
The meat - it was practically raw. I took a deep breath and slathered it in Horseradish (good thing horseradish is one of my favorite condiments - Thanks Dad!) and ate as much as I could.
Had I had the nerve to send that meat back I think I would have been scared to have eaten anything else Goofy Waiter would have brought back for me.
It would have been covered in his spit, I'm sure.
My weekend Christmas shopping trip was fabulous until our dinner. From the moment we walked through the door and my ears did not hear LIVE JAZZ CHRISTMAS MUSIC I was disappointed. Bad service. Slow service. No service. Whatever you call it we should have dashed out before we got in over our heads.
After finally getting our drinks my friend sent her iced tea back. Bad iced tea? THAT should have been clue #22 but I am guessing we are a little slow. We still stuck it out.
My side salad made me gag. It was covered in some kind of white chunky cheese and I HATE cheese. I managed a few bites, only because I was starving and near pass out hunger stage.
Next came the four cheese rigatoni in creamy sauce. I took a bite and fear hit me like a ton of bricks. It was HORRIBLE. And contrary to popular belief, I do not like causing a scene.
When the Goofy Waiter asked how everything was we all said "good - good," which is a typical restaurant response.
And then out of my mouth came these words....
"What if I don't like this?"
And those words hung in the air......
And then I heard this from our Goofy Waiter.
"What don't you like?"
"Too cheesy????" I questioned myself. I was trying to be polite.
My friends (thank goodness I still have any friends) said IT IS FOUR CHEESE RIGATONI!!! IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CHEESY.
Ok. Maybe it's not the cheese....I like Ravioli. Lasagna. Manicotti. Pizza. Those all have cheese.
"Is it too creamy?" Goofy Waiter asked me.
"THAT'S IT!" I am a red sauce kinda girl.
Goofy Waiter told me that their goal was for me to leave happy. So I ordered a baked sweet potato. I knew that was a safe choice. Only a sweet potato.
He brought it back minus brown sugar. He did not know where the brown sugar was.
He found the brown sugar and my friends, who at this time are finished with their pasta, encourage me to go ahead and order prime-rib, which was my first choice, anyways.
I ordered it. Medium Well. I do not eat raw or red or bloody meat.
Finally, my prime-rib arrived. With yet another sweet potato.
The meat - it was practically raw. I took a deep breath and slathered it in Horseradish (good thing horseradish is one of my favorite condiments - Thanks Dad!) and ate as much as I could.
Had I had the nerve to send that meat back I think I would have been scared to have eaten anything else Goofy Waiter would have brought back for me.
It would have been covered in his spit, I'm sure.
Friday, November 30, 2007
choices
It's hard to grow up.
Let me re-phrase that.
It's hard to be a grown up.
It seems as if my own life can be dissected into a series of choices and consequences. Suddenly, I'm 40-something and still questioning the decisions I made so long ago.
My almost grown up little girl is feeling the pressure of making her own choices. The first of many. Most of which will impact her for years to come.
Our college visit went very well. With the exception that Randy and I embarrassed Annie. Which caused several sudden outbursts as to Why on earth she even wanted us to come along with her. GEEZ! At first, it was when Randy took the free sample of deodorant (for Abe - he loves deodorant) Then the big issue with the map of campus.
Apparently, nobody gave us the memo. That would be to NEVER pull the map of the campus out in broad daylight to find our destination! Because when you do this it is most obvious that you are a visitor. As if a beautiful 17 year old girl being followed by a middle age bald man and Eddie Bauer-blue striped sweater wearing woman (with a mom haircut) weren't a dead give-away!
Now onto what this blog is all about. Me. And more importantly - What this college visit meant to me. It can be summed up in one word.
Bittersweet.
First, the sweet. That would be the visit itself. I didn't go on any college visits when I was her age. I didn't have the opportunity to listen to counselors tell me about a business degree or what it would take to become a CPA. I didn't tour a dorm and wonder how I would fit all my clothes into that tiny closet. This part is always fun for me.
I listened intently to every word they told her. When we toured the Senior Studio in the Graphic Art department I imagined her working on her final project before graduation. I could feel the camaraderie and the stress of those young adults. And then when she talked to the counselor about Elementary Ed I imagined Randy and I helping her get her classroom ready for the first day of school.
The bitter??? That stinkin' thorn in my side. The choice I made so long ago and how it still makes me feel.
My grown up choice is to support my daughters 110%. Wherever they choose to go. Whatever they choose to be.
And then when they are 40-something they can know that, back in the day when they didn't really know so much afterall, the choices they made were still good.
And, hopefully, they remember how I was cheering them on every step of the way.
Let me re-phrase that.
It's hard to be a grown up.
It seems as if my own life can be dissected into a series of choices and consequences. Suddenly, I'm 40-something and still questioning the decisions I made so long ago.
My almost grown up little girl is feeling the pressure of making her own choices. The first of many. Most of which will impact her for years to come.
Our college visit went very well. With the exception that Randy and I embarrassed Annie. Which caused several sudden outbursts as to Why on earth she even wanted us to come along with her. GEEZ! At first, it was when Randy took the free sample of deodorant (for Abe - he loves deodorant) Then the big issue with the map of campus.
Apparently, nobody gave us the memo. That would be to NEVER pull the map of the campus out in broad daylight to find our destination! Because when you do this it is most obvious that you are a visitor. As if a beautiful 17 year old girl being followed by a middle age bald man and Eddie Bauer-blue striped sweater wearing woman (with a mom haircut) weren't a dead give-away!
Now onto what this blog is all about. Me. And more importantly - What this college visit meant to me. It can be summed up in one word.
Bittersweet.
First, the sweet. That would be the visit itself. I didn't go on any college visits when I was her age. I didn't have the opportunity to listen to counselors tell me about a business degree or what it would take to become a CPA. I didn't tour a dorm and wonder how I would fit all my clothes into that tiny closet. This part is always fun for me.
I listened intently to every word they told her. When we toured the Senior Studio in the Graphic Art department I imagined her working on her final project before graduation. I could feel the camaraderie and the stress of those young adults. And then when she talked to the counselor about Elementary Ed I imagined Randy and I helping her get her classroom ready for the first day of school.
The bitter??? That stinkin' thorn in my side. The choice I made so long ago and how it still makes me feel.
My grown up choice is to support my daughters 110%. Wherever they choose to go. Whatever they choose to be.
And then when they are 40-something they can know that, back in the day when they didn't really know so much afterall, the choices they made were still good.
And, hopefully, they remember how I was cheering them on every step of the way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Reality Bites!
We are going on a college visit tomorrow.
Annie has been on a couple of visits by herself but this will be the first visit Randy and I have went on with her. This is serious. Time is ticking and choices need to be made. We are all going with high hopes that this university will be the perfect fit. The highlight of the day for me will be finding out how much more debt we will incur.
It seems like only yesterday we were a family with small children and now, in only a few short months, we will be a family of two college age children.
And an eight year old.
Reality has finally hit.
Crazy.
Annie has been on a couple of visits by herself but this will be the first visit Randy and I have went on with her. This is serious. Time is ticking and choices need to be made. We are all going with high hopes that this university will be the perfect fit. The highlight of the day for me will be finding out how much more debt we will incur.
It seems like only yesterday we were a family with small children and now, in only a few short months, we will be a family of two college age children.
And an eight year old.
Reality has finally hit.
Crazy.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
conversations with my children
Me: What would you name the new babies?
Abe: I would have to see them first and see what they looked like.
Me: Daddy named you long before you were even in my tummy.
Abe: I know. Daddy prayed for me to be in the family.
Me: That is true and he named you for Abraham in the bible.
Abe: He should have named me Abram and then when I got older he could have changed it to Abraham. That it is how it really was in the bible.
Me: You are so smart! Who else had their name changed in the bible?
Abe: Saul.
I am feeling very very proud of my 7 year old at this point. He definitely takes after his oldest sister. She has always loved studying the bible as well.
Me: What did God change Saul's name to?
Abe is thinking very hard and a few moments have passed.....
Abe: I KNOW! BRUCE WAYNE!
Later in the day.....
Annie: When I gave blood today the lady asked me if I was Caucasian.
Me: That is weird.
Annie: I thought about telling her I was part Indian.
Disclaimer: Randy had a great-grandma who was a full blooded Indian and my family is so into claiming their Indian Heritage. They love it when people tell them they look like Indians. They seem to forget that I had a great-grandma from Poland. So they are just as much Polish as they are Indian. She should have told the Red Cross lady that she is a Polish Indian!
Abe: I would have to see them first and see what they looked like.
Me: Daddy named you long before you were even in my tummy.
Abe: I know. Daddy prayed for me to be in the family.
Me: That is true and he named you for Abraham in the bible.
Abe: He should have named me Abram and then when I got older he could have changed it to Abraham. That it is how it really was in the bible.
Me: You are so smart! Who else had their name changed in the bible?
Abe: Saul.
I am feeling very very proud of my 7 year old at this point. He definitely takes after his oldest sister. She has always loved studying the bible as well.
Me: What did God change Saul's name to?
Abe is thinking very hard and a few moments have passed.....
Abe: I KNOW! BRUCE WAYNE!
Later in the day.....
Annie: When I gave blood today the lady asked me if I was Caucasian.
Me: That is weird.
Annie: I thought about telling her I was part Indian.
Disclaimer: Randy had a great-grandma who was a full blooded Indian and my family is so into claiming their Indian Heritage. They love it when people tell them they look like Indians. They seem to forget that I had a great-grandma from Poland. So they are just as much Polish as they are Indian. She should have told the Red Cross lady that she is a Polish Indian!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Jack and Jill
I'm going to be an Aunt again!
I'm going to be an Aunt again!
Double trouble is striking our family!
Double trouble is striking our family!
I would have never guessed that both of my brothers would have 4 children. EACH!
The girls grew up with no cousins and Abe is growing up with 8! That is what he calls them. THE COUSINS!
So over in our neck of the woods we are looking forward to a Walton Family Christmas next year (and Fourth of July. and Thanksgiving. and Halloween. etc)
I'm going to be an Aunt again!
Double trouble is striking our family!
Double trouble is striking our family!
I would have never guessed that both of my brothers would have 4 children. EACH!
The girls grew up with no cousins and Abe is growing up with 8! That is what he calls them. THE COUSINS!
So over in our neck of the woods we are looking forward to a Walton Family Christmas next year (and Fourth of July. and Thanksgiving. and Halloween. etc)
Baby it's cold outside (and inside, too)!
So, it's Thanksgiving evening and we are all a little stir crazy. We decide (very last minute) that we should take in a movie.
Abby hops online and finds a showtime of 9:30 for Fred Claus at a theater fairly close. Fairly close in Chicago is a good 25 minute drive and parking is always blocks away from your destination. With a parking meter.
We all bundle up, coats, hats, gloves and scarfs, and head out into the frigid Chicago night.
We park several blocks away (no parking meter plus the men were very talented parallel parkers) and walk to the movie theater. In the freezing cold.
We tell the attendant we need tickets to Fred Claus. He doesn't think Fred Claus is playing there. We insist that it is so he jumps up from behind the counter and runs out to look on the marquee (first day on the job?) I get a little nervous. There really isn't anybody else coming to the movies. I ask Jeff if he thinks it is a safe place for us to be. He shakes his head.
Fred Claus IS showing BUT the attendant tells us to go and check out the theater because the heat has not been turned on in the building yet.
To make a long story short, we decide to stay and watch the movie.
In our coats, hats, gloves and scarfs.
The funny thing is the movie theater was actually warmer than our basement!
So now I have a basket of coats, hats, gloves and scarfs for us to slip into when we watch movies at home.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Chicago
We're thankful that we are here.
We drove all night. Thanks to GPS we didn't get lost.
I have learned that the radio plays the best songs in the middle of the night. My faves from highschool.
Both kiddo's slept the night away. I was in and out of consciousness, myself.
Instead of pancakes at McDonald's (our tradition the night before Thanksgiving)
we're heading out on the town tonight for our favorite Lou Malnati's Chicago style pizza.
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm counting my blessings. Count yours, too!
We drove all night. Thanks to GPS we didn't get lost.
I have learned that the radio plays the best songs in the middle of the night. My faves from highschool.
Both kiddo's slept the night away. I was in and out of consciousness, myself.
Instead of pancakes at McDonald's (our tradition the night before Thanksgiving)
we're heading out on the town tonight for our favorite Lou Malnati's Chicago style pizza.
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm counting my blessings. Count yours, too!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Slow Learner
I was looking forward to getting our house ready for Christmas. Not the actual WORK that it involves but the end result.
The part when Randy and I are sitting on our couch, steaming mugs of coffee in hand, looking at the tree. Remembering Christmas past. Talking about how fast time goes. How time changes things.
I also enjoy our family all working together. Hanging lights. Hanging stockings. Hanging ornaments. Hot chocolate and popcorn. Lots of laughter and joy.
The perfect Sunday afternoon.....
I have decided that decorating for Christmas is like taking a family vacation. You have all these expectations and in the end they don't materialize exactly like you would have wished.
The part about Randy and I drinking the coffee is true. Everything else is how I would have chosen it to be. If I would have a choice. But I didn't.
Someone is always tired. Someone is always cranky. Our family always has a talker. The child who talks non-stop about everything and anything. And is always trying to show us something.
We were in shorts and it was too hot for hot chocolate.
Lights that worked in January didn't work now. Furniture needed to be totally rearranged.
After a trip to Wal-Mart, our tree has working lights. Not decorated but it does have lights. And gifts. Lots of gifts, which tomorrow will all be loaded up for the Thanksgiving trip.
When we come home I will flip a switch and have instant Christmas.
With all that Christmas decorating stress behind me I can now look forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving trip. Making those wonderful family memories. 12 glorious hours in the car with my family that I adore.
The part when Randy and I are sitting on our couch, steaming mugs of coffee in hand, looking at the tree. Remembering Christmas past. Talking about how fast time goes. How time changes things.
I also enjoy our family all working together. Hanging lights. Hanging stockings. Hanging ornaments. Hot chocolate and popcorn. Lots of laughter and joy.
The perfect Sunday afternoon.....
I have decided that decorating for Christmas is like taking a family vacation. You have all these expectations and in the end they don't materialize exactly like you would have wished.
The part about Randy and I drinking the coffee is true. Everything else is how I would have chosen it to be. If I would have a choice. But I didn't.
Someone is always tired. Someone is always cranky. Our family always has a talker. The child who talks non-stop about everything and anything. And is always trying to show us something.
We were in shorts and it was too hot for hot chocolate.
Lights that worked in January didn't work now. Furniture needed to be totally rearranged.
After a trip to Wal-Mart, our tree has working lights. Not decorated but it does have lights. And gifts. Lots of gifts, which tomorrow will all be loaded up for the Thanksgiving trip.
When we come home I will flip a switch and have instant Christmas.
With all that Christmas decorating stress behind me I can now look forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving trip. Making those wonderful family memories. 12 glorious hours in the car with my family that I adore.
Friday, November 16, 2007
More thoughts.....Trip List
I have three lists going for our upcoming trip. I'm trying really hard not to confuse myself. Which is easier said than done!
- Christmas gift list - Chicago family
- Grocery list - what I'm bringing and what Abby should have on hand.
- Things to take list - involves way more than my suitcase!
- Folding Chair - Abby is short one chair
- Clown Doll - This was Abby's when she was little. The kind that you learn how to button and tie and snap. This is for Stella. It reminded me that I just sold Abe's bear like this. Just a couple of months ago at a garage sale. Should I have kept this?????
- Electric Heater - Specifically, Abby's. This was a gift from one of her friends while she was still in high school. She is ALWAYS cold and so it was an appropriate gift.
- Full Size Sheets - I feel like we're going to church camp. I wonder if we should bring our own bath towels, too. Quarters for the laundry mat???
- Wedding Gift - There was one large gift dropped off after they had already moved.
- Christmas Gifts - Not wrapped yet. Hopefully, this will be complete before we head out.
- Christmas Tree Skirt - Abby doesn't have one. Luckily, I bought one last year the day after Christmas.
- Christmas Ornaments - My mom and I have both always gotten the kids an ornament each year. These are boxed up and ready to go on a brand new tree.
Tradition - Old and New
I like tradition. I find much comfort in repetitiveness. I blame it on my OCD. This year, however, things are going to be much different than Thanksgivings past and I'm perfectly OK with the changes.First, we always go to McDonald's for pancakes the night before Thanksgiving. That's not happening this year because our plan is to already be in Chicago Wednesday. Also, McDonald's is currently closed.
I have spent 42 Thanksgiving Days with my parents. This year, we are getting together the Saturday before. My kids have spent everyone of theirs with Grandma and Papaw, too.
All of us have always decorated the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Not this year. We won't be home. I have all of that to look forward to later. (minus Abby)
I have never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. Ever. Oh! I have baked a turkey. And I have baked sweet potatoes. But I haven't done our traditional Thanksgiving meal ON Thanksgiving. I still have to call my mom to ask her if I cover the Mac & Cheese. And what about the sweet potatoes. And the turkey. And how long do I thaw the turkey and how long do I bake it? And we three girls are going to be doing it ALL. By ourselves. And all the food needs to be ready at the same time. On the same day. This will be a miracle in and of itself.
I am looking forward to all the memories we will have from this year. I am so blessed and I wouldn't change a thing!
Here is my top 10 Thanksgiving list. (no particular order)
- Mom and Dad - It will be bittersweet on Thursday without them. We may be driving their car so I will think of them often.
- My baby brothers - one of whom is lending me his GPS so we can get out of Chicago. The other brother - who loaded new songs on Abe's I-Pod.
- My Sisters-in-law - One who is bailing out on Thanksgiving dinner Saturday. She is headed for a well deserved girls weekend. And my other SIL who lives only steps from my back door.
- My husband - He really didn't know what he was getting into when he asked me to marry him. This, I am sure.
- My daughters - Each so different and each so alike. I am going to cherish every minute of the holiday weekend with them both!
- My little guy - I'm so in love with him. It is crazy how he completes our family so perfectly.
- My son-in-law and his daughter - they have made Abby so happy.
- My Faith - I rely on it daily.
- My friends - Quality is my motto here. I am very picky about a lot of things. My friends are no exception. They are each carefully chosen.
- My family's health - Sometimes I find myself going days without thanking God for it and I don't want to ever take this for granted.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
still working on that budget...
I am starting this morning off with an unusual "glass 1/2 full" attitude. My blood pressure is killing me and nobody can turn that around except myself. So I am FORCING a positive outlook on myself.
So today I am oh-so-happy to be able to take my 7 year old to the dentist. With a cheerful heart and attitude.
We know the office very well as he has spent several hours in the dental chair. Kicking. Screaming. Not opening his mouth at the appropriate time. Opening his mouth at the wrong time. Me, by his side. Me, in the waiting room. Me, in the car. Me, at home. His dad leaving work early to take over. Me, begging Grandma to take him. Get the picture?
I'm not sure what happened early on (I have my ideas) but he had a bad run of cavities. Which led to several fillings (Ok. Six).
Needles and holding ones mouth open with a drill and other metal objects hovering above you - this all FREAKS toddlers out. After laughing gas and much bribery, lots of dental work was accomplished.
But then we had to go and have re-work done. He had two fillings which kept falling out. It happened to between his top two teeth. So now, that he has lost those teeth, we have a fresh start. A fresh, crooked start.
Our last visit was when we heard that he would most definitely, probably, need braces. He is 7 for heavens sake! Now they do braces in "phases". Phase 1 is usually around the age of 7 or 8. You have got to be kidding? The girls did not need braces so I'm no expert but braces in phases sounds like...well, like Cha Ching.
It looks like I will be adding another line item to my budget. Better yet I may just consolidate every single expense into one category.
KIDS!
So today I am oh-so-happy to be able to take my 7 year old to the dentist. With a cheerful heart and attitude.
We know the office very well as he has spent several hours in the dental chair. Kicking. Screaming. Not opening his mouth at the appropriate time. Opening his mouth at the wrong time. Me, by his side. Me, in the waiting room. Me, in the car. Me, at home. His dad leaving work early to take over. Me, begging Grandma to take him. Get the picture?
I'm not sure what happened early on (I have my ideas) but he had a bad run of cavities. Which led to several fillings (Ok. Six).
Needles and holding ones mouth open with a drill and other metal objects hovering above you - this all FREAKS toddlers out. After laughing gas and much bribery, lots of dental work was accomplished.
But then we had to go and have re-work done. He had two fillings which kept falling out. It happened to between his top two teeth. So now, that he has lost those teeth, we have a fresh start. A fresh, crooked start.
Our last visit was when we heard that he would most definitely, probably, need braces. He is 7 for heavens sake! Now they do braces in "phases". Phase 1 is usually around the age of 7 or 8. You have got to be kidding? The girls did not need braces so I'm no expert but braces in phases sounds like...well, like Cha Ching.
It looks like I will be adding another line item to my budget. Better yet I may just consolidate every single expense into one category.
KIDS!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Counting Sheep
I could not fall asleep last night. Not for anything. There was some earlier conversation about not being able to stay asleep and maybe this jinxed me. Or maybe there were other issues.
Like some of these:
Like some of these:
- 3 cups of really good coffee late yesterday afternoon.
- And yet another cup of Chocolate Creme Brule' after dinner. (A surprise from Annie. She brought it home from her new job at the coffee shop - YUMMO!)
- BIG announcement earlier in the day.
- The thought of all of our money. Spent. On a lot of Mexican Vanilla.
- An evening laughing (and whining-that would be mostly me) with friends.
Salon
It's pathetic when a haircut can turn my mood around.I am always under the assumption that I will come home a changed person. An improved person. Maybe smarter. Taller. Skinnier. Cuter. Heck, I don't know. Just different. All it takes is a few cuts with that magic scissors.
The daily grind has gotten to be just that. The daily grind. I've had a rough couple of days. I won't go into all the blood and guts of it here, but there has been much in my world that makes my mind do crazy things. Like want to jump ship.
I am really a "glass 1/2 empty" person. Always have been. Potentially, always will be. My mom, bless her heart, always tried her best to change that. With some of her Psychology 101.
I would complain about my short chubby legs, and she would say, "Atleast you HAVE legs." Or I I would complain about my short chubby feet (to match my legs), and she would say, "Atleast you HAVE feet!" And you know what? I'm glad she reminded me of that. Because, to be perfectly honest, I would actually forget that my legs and feet were mine. And I should also never forget that I was not some homeless, starving girl in Africa. I had a family who loved me and took excellent care of me. Thanks to her gentle reminders, all was put back into perspective. Thanks, Mom!
So these past few days I've been trying to practice my mothers wisdom....
1. Atleast I have a job.
2. Atleast my husband has a job.
3. Atleast I have a house.
4. Atleast I have transportation.
5. Atleast the bank will cover all those debits to Mexico.
6. Atleast Abe has been our only child with crooked teeth.
Least I forget all my blessings. I'm counting them. Several times a day.
Oh! There was a bright a spot in my day. A little messenger boy came to visit me today. I can't share the news too publicly yet. I will be sure and shout it from the roof top when I have permission. His announcement really did put the miracle of life back into focus for me.
Tomorrow - I will be back. New and improved. With a cute haircut to boot!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Powderpuff. Seniors Rule!
Last year, when they were juniors, they beat the seniors. This year they beat the juniors!! Final score. 21-7!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
November 10, 1986 ~ 12:10 pm ~ 6 lbs 4 oz
Dear Abby,
From the moment I saw your darling little jaundiced face and perfectly round head I had feelings I had never experienced before. What surprised me the most over the years is how much "mommy guilt" I have felt.
You know how I hate surprises. I would have given anything to have known boy or girl. Technology wasn't what it is today and they just couldn't tell. Had I known you were a girl, I would not have called you Benjamin my entire pregnancy. I wanted a girl so bad that I had convinced myself I was having a boy. Crazy. I know. I am thankful you have no gender issues from those first 9 months.
When people would ask me if I wanted a boy or a girl I would give them the politically correct answer.
"I don't care as long as it's healthy."
but what I really wanted to say was,
"I want a girl."
I didn't have a sister and so I really needed you to be a girl. To fulfill that void in my life. Someone to laugh with. Shop with. Share clothes with. (I'm wearing your hand-me-down jeans as I write) Most importantly, someone to talk and share life with. I started talking to you from the minute I found out about you. That is why you have been talking, like an adult, since the age of 1. That is how I always talked to you. Like a big person.
The first few months of life with you were rough.
I was under the impression that babies ate and slept. I wasn't prepared for the constant crying (colic) and constipation and eczema. And all you wanted to do was nurse. You wouldn't take a Binky. Just Mama. All those cloth diapers. Then you wouldn't take a bottle. What that means is that we didn't ever leave the house. For 12 months straight. We were home. Or in dad's noisy truck getting you to be quiet.
You outgrew the crying. And dad gave you an enema. You walked at 9 months. Completely potty trained at 18 months and FINALLY quit nursing. Over time we learned more about your skin issues. In particular, your pine allergy. I'm sorry for making you endure years of pine Christmas trees. It does explain your excessive crankiness and skin rashes around the holidays.
We also learned more about your asthma and allergies to every single tree, grass, fruit, vegetable, nut and meat. I'm sorry for not believing that carrots and cantaloupe and watermelon and corn made your throat itch and swell up. I'm sorry for not taking you serious when your face was turning purple and you grabbed your throat and muttered "IT'S THE CARROTS!" Who knew you could be allergic to carrots? I believe you now.
I always tell people you were ready for college at the age of 5. That is not an exaggeration. You were very bright and also very independent. In kindergarten you arranged the kids in the line so when the PE Teacher numbered off your friends would be on the same team. Ms. Gullborg caught on to you, though, and told us she had NEVER had a 5 year old "fix" the teams.
When you were young my only goal was to beat you at Dr. Mario. You provided me with hours of healthy mother/daughter competition. You were really good at Nintendo. Way better than me. It was only natural that you and I made the perfect Pitch partners. WINNERS!
You have never been afraid to try anything. I admire your competitive spirit and have learned so much from you.
I will always remember cheering you on at the Aqua Pup tournaments. It was me and Dad and Annie and all the other swimmers (even swimmers from the other towns) who had already finished the relay. We would all cheer you on because you were always the last swimmer. We were just as proud when you finally climbed out of the pool as if you had finished first. You always wore that black, waterproof Timex watch like it was your badge of honor. Your eyes were swollen for three months straight because of your latex allergy and your goggles were latex. And I just shrugged it off as a sunburn. Please forgive me for not finding latex free goggles sooner.
I was so proud when you went out for track in middle school. You did not come from an athletic family and I am glad you did not ever let that stop you. What I remember most about your experience in track isn't how fast you ran but how you got all your clothes and jewelry stolen out of the locker room. Which reminds me that you also had your purse stolen. And most recently your stuff stolen in Chicago. You've had more stolen in 21 years than most people have their entire life. I'm sorry for that.
When you were three you wanted to name your new little sister Mabel. Dad put his foot down and frankly, I'm glad he did.
Darling daughter of mine, there are many things I would like to do differently if I had the chance but one thing I wouldn't change is the person you have become. You were always the kid who followed her heart. You are very self-confident. I adore your sweet and kind spirit and contagious laugh. I miss you terribly but know you are living your life as only you can.
Happy 21st birthday to my favorite winner! I can't wait to see how you change the world!
XOXOXO
All my love,
Mom
When people would ask me if I wanted a boy or a girl I would give them the politically correct answer.
"I don't care as long as it's healthy."
but what I really wanted to say was,
"I want a girl."
I didn't have a sister and so I really needed you to be a girl. To fulfill that void in my life. Someone to laugh with. Shop with. Share clothes with. (I'm wearing your hand-me-down jeans as I write) Most importantly, someone to talk and share life with. I started talking to you from the minute I found out about you. That is why you have been talking, like an adult, since the age of 1. That is how I always talked to you. Like a big person.
The first few months of life with you were rough.
I was under the impression that babies ate and slept. I wasn't prepared for the constant crying (colic) and constipation and eczema. And all you wanted to do was nurse. You wouldn't take a Binky. Just Mama. All those cloth diapers. Then you wouldn't take a bottle. What that means is that we didn't ever leave the house. For 12 months straight. We were home. Or in dad's noisy truck getting you to be quiet.
You outgrew the crying. And dad gave you an enema. You walked at 9 months. Completely potty trained at 18 months and FINALLY quit nursing. Over time we learned more about your skin issues. In particular, your pine allergy. I'm sorry for making you endure years of pine Christmas trees. It does explain your excessive crankiness and skin rashes around the holidays.
We also learned more about your asthma and allergies to every single tree, grass, fruit, vegetable, nut and meat. I'm sorry for not believing that carrots and cantaloupe and watermelon and corn made your throat itch and swell up. I'm sorry for not taking you serious when your face was turning purple and you grabbed your throat and muttered "IT'S THE CARROTS!" Who knew you could be allergic to carrots? I believe you now.
I always tell people you were ready for college at the age of 5. That is not an exaggeration. You were very bright and also very independent. In kindergarten you arranged the kids in the line so when the PE Teacher numbered off your friends would be on the same team. Ms. Gullborg caught on to you, though, and told us she had NEVER had a 5 year old "fix" the teams.
When you were young my only goal was to beat you at Dr. Mario. You provided me with hours of healthy mother/daughter competition. You were really good at Nintendo. Way better than me. It was only natural that you and I made the perfect Pitch partners. WINNERS!
You have never been afraid to try anything. I admire your competitive spirit and have learned so much from you.
I will always remember cheering you on at the Aqua Pup tournaments. It was me and Dad and Annie and all the other swimmers (even swimmers from the other towns) who had already finished the relay. We would all cheer you on because you were always the last swimmer. We were just as proud when you finally climbed out of the pool as if you had finished first. You always wore that black, waterproof Timex watch like it was your badge of honor. Your eyes were swollen for three months straight because of your latex allergy and your goggles were latex. And I just shrugged it off as a sunburn. Please forgive me for not finding latex free goggles sooner.
I was so proud when you went out for track in middle school. You did not come from an athletic family and I am glad you did not ever let that stop you. What I remember most about your experience in track isn't how fast you ran but how you got all your clothes and jewelry stolen out of the locker room. Which reminds me that you also had your purse stolen. And most recently your stuff stolen in Chicago. You've had more stolen in 21 years than most people have their entire life. I'm sorry for that.
When you were three you wanted to name your new little sister Mabel. Dad put his foot down and frankly, I'm glad he did.
Darling daughter of mine, there are many things I would like to do differently if I had the chance but one thing I wouldn't change is the person you have become. You were always the kid who followed her heart. You are very self-confident. I adore your sweet and kind spirit and contagious laugh. I miss you terribly but know you are living your life as only you can.
Happy 21st birthday to my favorite winner! I can't wait to see how you change the world!
XOXOXO
All my love,
Mom
Friday, November 9, 2007
10 - Abby
A top 10 to honor my oldest child on the eve of her birthday. I should do 10 annoying things but I'm feeling nice today so here it is. 10 things I love about Abby.
- Her very curly hair (don't know where on earth this came from and these days she works really hard to make it straight)
- Her Brown Eyes (from her daddy)
- Her size(she is short - like me!)
- Her smile (lights up a room)
- Her laugh (miss it at our dinner table)
- She loves to read (also, from me)
- She is a great painter (from her dad)
- She can make a decision quickly (and never second guesses)
- She follows her heart (which is HUGE, BTW)
- Her fierce independence (this has been apparent from her due date forward)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Aqua Dots
Recently, at a friends house, we discovered Aqua Dots.I immediately put them on my Christmas shopping list. For Abe. For Stella. For my nieces.
Abe was hooked. He spent much time making a master piece. A Pumpkin.
When it was time to leave Allie's house, his pumpkin wasn't quite dry enough to bring home. We promised him that he could get it the next day.
Well, the next day turned into the next day and then the next. It's been almost 2 weeks.
I am not kidding when I say that every day Abe has asked for us to go by Allie's and pick up that Pumpkin. I have been promising him we will get around to it. We just haven't.
Then I get a call from my friend last night. She has thrown all Aqua Dots in the trash. Including my son's treasured pumpkin.
Why?
Because of this breaking news. It seems Aqua Dots have a chemical, which converts to the date rape drug when ingested.
At first, I thought Jamie had overreacted by throwing them all away. Especially, the pumpkin. Abe is big enough not to put them in his mouth.
Then Randy pointed out that the night that Abe played with the Aqua Dots at their house, Jamie (a mother of two) had been sucking on them herself. Trying to get the glue to loosen to pull apart the orange dots for the pumpkin. He didn't want them in our house, either!
We had real tears last night. Over the Picasso Pumpkin. Over the masterpiece Abe could never re-create. All the time he spent on that art project...wasted.
I had tears, too.
What am I going to put on my shopping list for the little girls that doesn't contain lead, the date rape drug or finger amputation?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Good News. Bad News.
I am routine oriented. The same thing. Over and Over. Day in. Day out.
This morning, while I was putting my contacts in, I thought I saw Up-Lifting foam in my hair. That would be step #7 and I was only on step #3.
I NEVER put hair products in before my contacts. I want my hands to be extremely clean when I do this so I do this first thing. Always. Equally strange is that I did not remember putting anything in my hair.
This got me to thinking. Is it possible that I have done my morning routine so long that I do things and don't even remember?
The good news is that upon closer inspection, using my magnifying mirror (bad eyes) I did not have Up Lifting foam in my hair. Whew. I'm not loosing my mind (well - that is debatable).
The bad news is gray hair. Lots and lots of gray hair. Enough to look like Up Lifting foam. Right after I spray it and before I comb it through.
- Wake up.
- Shower.
- Put contact lenses in.
- Wash hands.
- Moisturize.
- Wash hands.
- Up Lifting foam.
- Wash hands.
- Apply make up.
- Wash hands.
- Blow Dry.
- Straighten.
- Transforming Paste & Spray.
- Wash hands.
This morning, while I was putting my contacts in, I thought I saw Up-Lifting foam in my hair. That would be step #7 and I was only on step #3.
I NEVER put hair products in before my contacts. I want my hands to be extremely clean when I do this so I do this first thing. Always. Equally strange is that I did not remember putting anything in my hair.
This got me to thinking. Is it possible that I have done my morning routine so long that I do things and don't even remember?
The good news is that upon closer inspection, using my magnifying mirror (bad eyes) I did not have Up Lifting foam in my hair. Whew. I'm not loosing my mind (well - that is debatable).
The bad news is gray hair. Lots and lots of gray hair. Enough to look like Up Lifting foam. Right after I spray it and before I comb it through.
Monday, November 5, 2007
A True-Blue Buddy
Abe went to his very first sleep-over on Friday. The boys went to a soccer game and ordered Pizza. They watched Star Wars, played Harry Potter, Club Penguin, Webkinz, and video games. They stayed up really late and woke up really early.When we were packing for the big event I had some reservations about packing Rascal. My little guy is 7, after all. I am in no hurry for him to grow up so I don't push the issue. In fact, I find it endearing. He is our one and only child who has been attached to anything. That said - I don't want him to be made fun of, either. So I came up with a wonderful plan. I offered to have a sleep-over with Rascal at our house. That idea went exactly like I thought it would. Out the window. Abe said he would pack Rascal. Then he would make a cozy bed in his bag and just sleep with the bag right next to him. On the floor.
When it was time for bed, Cole pulled out Cody. His monkey. The monkey he can't sleep without. And Abe pulled out Rascal. The little boy he can't sleep without.
I have a feeling they will be buddies for years to come. Cody and Rascal, too!
Friday, November 2, 2007
10 - counting the days
- 8 days until Abby's 21st birthday (I know - I don't look a day over 21 myself!)
- 19 days until we leave for Chicago (This can't come soon enough and happens to be more exciting than Christmas Eve this year)
- 36 days until our family trip to Great Wolf Lodge (and Randy's birthday)
- 42 days until my company Christmas dinner (I'm in charge....you all know how I feel about that)
- 52 days until Christmas Eve (my favorite day of the entire year)
- 53 days until Christmas (first one without Abby. it will be a tough day for me)
- 109 days until Annie's 18th birthday (when did this little girl grow up? I blinked!)
- 122 days until our 24th wedding anniversary (next year- CRUISE!)
- 196 days until my baby is 8! (He is incredible....incredibly spoiled!)
- 197 days until MHS graduation (and yet another open house for me and Grandma to host)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Cat Whisperer
It was my brilliant idea that we visit only the houses with the porch lights on.
And I know what you are thinking. You do that, too.
However, it was still broad daylight when were trick-or-treating. I'm not sure how that porch light rule works in the daylight but people did have their lights on already. And since I am a rule follower I was just trying to follow Halloween etiquette.
We had walked past a big white house (no porch light) when an 80 or possibly 90-something little old lady stuck her head out the door. She wasn't talking but grinning from ear to ear and her old bony hand was waving us over. About that same time her cat ran out of her front door.
She was very concerned over "Gypsy" being out all night on such a night as Halloween. My compassion for the elderly kicked in overdrive.
"I will get your cat!" I said with much enthusiasm.
My friend was so affirming towards me, too.
"Since you are a cat-whisperer?" she mocked. Clever, I thought.
I ignored her snide remark. At that moment I really thought I WAS a cat whisperer. She would be so impressed when I was holding that cat.
I squatted and said...
"Here kitty kitty kitty. here Gypsy. Nice kitty,"
Usually, kids and dogs flock to me. The same cannot be said for cats.
The little old lady had handed out candy to the kids while I was attempting to round up the cat. It was not going to happen. I headed towards her talking all the while about Gypsy.
"Will Gypsy be alright? Will she come back home? What should we do?"
She did not hear a word I said.
She was pointing that old bony finger right at me and shaking it wildly.
"Did you get candy?" she said to me. "I want to make sure all you kids get a piece of candy. I don't want to leave anyone out."
And then she giggled and said, "Oh! You are not a kid - are you?"
I think I threw her with my home-made costume. (see picture below) Can't you tell? I'm a Jogger.
But Hey! I'll take free candy anyway I can get it!
And I know what you are thinking. You do that, too.
However, it was still broad daylight when were trick-or-treating. I'm not sure how that porch light rule works in the daylight but people did have their lights on already. And since I am a rule follower I was just trying to follow Halloween etiquette.
We had walked past a big white house (no porch light) when an 80 or possibly 90-something little old lady stuck her head out the door. She wasn't talking but grinning from ear to ear and her old bony hand was waving us over. About that same time her cat ran out of her front door.
She was very concerned over "Gypsy" being out all night on such a night as Halloween. My compassion for the elderly kicked in overdrive.
"I will get your cat!" I said with much enthusiasm.
My friend was so affirming towards me, too.
"Since you are a cat-whisperer?" she mocked. Clever, I thought.
I ignored her snide remark. At that moment I really thought I WAS a cat whisperer. She would be so impressed when I was holding that cat.
I squatted and said...
"Here kitty kitty kitty. here Gypsy. Nice kitty,"
Usually, kids and dogs flock to me. The same cannot be said for cats.
The little old lady had handed out candy to the kids while I was attempting to round up the cat. It was not going to happen. I headed towards her talking all the while about Gypsy.
"Will Gypsy be alright? Will she come back home? What should we do?"
She did not hear a word I said.
She was pointing that old bony finger right at me and shaking it wildly.
"Did you get candy?" she said to me. "I want to make sure all you kids get a piece of candy. I don't want to leave anyone out."
And then she giggled and said, "Oh! You are not a kid - are you?"
I think I threw her with my home-made costume. (see picture below) Can't you tell? I'm a Jogger.
But Hey! I'll take free candy anyway I can get it!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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