Shoes!

Someone picked out new shoes today....and before you guess that it was me, it was not; though there is something about those sparkles that I like. :) No really....I'm hoping Kaylen wearing her dress black shoes is the culprit behind many hours of lost sleep last night as she complained of groin pain. If it isn't better soon, we'll be taking a trip the doctor. *sigh* Hopefully new shoes, sans a short heel will help.

It was a long night last night.

A Painting

This girl of mine amazes me. Check out that bird!

"The present is just a portal to the future,
where things will be better.
All I have to do is get there."

Thanks to Mary Pat for sharing this with me.

Tuesday

The other night was beautiful (not that you would know it by the amount of rain that has fallen so far this morning) and the kids played in the backyard for a few hours. I caught a couple cute photos of them.

When did he get so big?

Little Movie Star

Isn't she too much? :)

Today is Dakota's birthday and she and her girlfriend are going to pick up the kids and take them out tonight to celebrate. Kaylen is very excited and is already dressed and ready to go - complete with princess dress up make up, nails painted and a flower in her hair. I have a feeling it's going to be a long day for her.

As for me - life is moving forward. Still nothing on the job front and I am trying really hard not to freak out about it. I'm trying to have faith that things happen when they are supposed to and pieces fall into place as they should. Do I know what that means? Nope. Time will tell....it always does.

Monday Morning

Today was Kaylen's 5 year Well Child Visit (yes, I know - she turned 5 in February but unless there is a very good reason, I do not take the kids to the doctor's office during flu season) and, as expected, she is ridiculously healthy.

It was a very quick appointment and soon we were on our way to get my hair cut. Why is it lawns and hair grow so fast in the spring? Seems like I just had it trimmed. After that I ran a quick errands and soon enough, we were back home.

Now it's time to buckle down and get to work on things that need to be tended to. Have a great day, everyone!

Closer to Found

I was just reading through the recent Facebook Updates and I ran across this one from Cris Williamson:

“You are here.” These words are comforting to the directionless, who feel, and may actually be, lost. But what if you don’t know where that ‘here’ is? What if you only know where you are by knowing the way home, by route knowledge, by leaving breadcrumbs? If the birds eat the crumbs, your carefully planned route home, you can be closer to a little lost than ever before. You’ll also be closer to found. Exhilarating!

Closer to found. I like that. I think that may be what I am drawing closer to day by day and step by step. Found.

Saturday

I had a list a mile long of things that needed to be done today but with kids there is one thing for certain, rarely does anything go as planned. Kelton had a cough yesterday and by last night I could hear congestion. I held my breath and hopes for the best. Sadly, when he woke this morning he complained of not feeling well. His tummy hurts and he seems to have no energy. He doesn't have a fever so I don't really know what is going on. Maybe ingesting too much mucus? (TMI - sorry)

Being a single parent at times like this sucks. It was ballet day for Kaylen and she was so excited about going. So....I took them both and we went to ballet and then came back home. As for the errands? Those aren't happening today which bites since one of the errands was to get new jeans for Kelton since he has outgrown the ones Dakota bought for him less than 2 months ago. The boy is growing by leaps and bounds lately. (Maybe I need to create some sort of jeans that grow with kids that will take them from one size to another. Maybe I could call them prototype 37c or something.)

So no grocery store, no mall, no having the kids pick out a birthday gift for Dakota. If he isn't better tomorrow I am not sure what I will do. Dakota is out of town for the weekend so I don't even have emergency back up. Oh well...millions of single moms deal with this - I'll survive. Who needs eggs and milk anyway? :)

Life marches on.

I guess the one positive out of this change in plans is I am getting the "do nothing" weekend I've been wanting all week. :)

Childrens Cultural Parade

Today was The Children's Cultural Parade for all 3rd graders in the city's two school districts and because Kelton is in a split 2/3 class, he participated as well. I was planning to only be a spectator for the event but a couple days ago I received a call asking for assistance. Because I had Kaylen, I couldn't ride the bus so we went to the school and followed the buses to the location.

It was a long wait for the kids as we waited for all the groups to arrive but thankfully there were some ROTC there to help entertain. Each group had its own ROTC assigned and they did cheers and whatnot to keep the kids from losing their minds. As a parent volunteer helping to oversee 75 kids, this was AWESOME! :)

I took some photos - as you will see, the quality of the first two bite but then I went in and changed the settings and low and behold - magic! :) Go figure.

It was a fun time and right now, all the students are back at school enjoying a feast of food that the students brought in to reflect their culture. Kelton and I made Irish Soda Bread and I have to say - I'm a bit nervous. I hope it doesn't suck. :)

Waiting in lines. The kids all made posters to reflect their culture.

There's Kelton!

Oh look! Such better photo quality. I should have thought about settings a long time ago. *sigh*

Fort Vancouver. In the distance you can see the Interstate Bridge which spans the Columbia River and links Washington to Oregon.

Wednesday

I am so tired. Way tired. I have been staying up too late at night and getting up...well..to be honest...later than I should which means I'm running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done and Kelton off to school. You think I would learn but oh no. There apparently is no learning here. :)

Today I'm working on about 4 hours sleep which isn't awesome. I should be more than used to this but apparently staying up late and getting up late has a different impact on me than getting up at 3 or 4 or 5 in the morning. I want so much to snag a nap but that isn't in the future. I went over to the school to deliver the Administrative Professional gifts to the two amazing people who run the school office. That was a lot of fun. And then I stopped by Kelton's room to grab another set of directions to the parade for tomorrow. I thought it might be nice to give one to Dakota since she is planning to meet us there (which is great - since I got roped into helping with the students at the parade so now she and Kaylen can hang out together and watch the parade).

Then I stopped in to pick up the PTO mail. It's only been a couple days since the last time I got the mail and WOWSA there was a lot. Most of it junk.....fundraising materials galore, flyers from advertisers, catalogs and, I'm pretty sure, a mailing for blackhead remover. We do get an odd assortment of mail. :)

Soon it was back home to take care of things. I talked with Ingrid for a nice long while as we stratagized for tomorrows Bingo Night at school. We both agreed we will be glad when it's over. It's the last big family event of the year and I can't say I'm sad. We only have the Jog-a-Thon and Field Day left and those will keep us plenty busy in the coming weeks. Then, unbelievably, school will be out for the summer. Wild.

Kaylen decided this morning that she wanted to go use her library card so she talked me into taking her to the library. It was the fastest trip ever. She selected her three books, had me read two right then and there, and we were on our way. I was surprised as I figured she would want to stay and play with all the toys and stuff but nope - that was it. Use her card and go.

In a bit I will pick up Kelton and we will travel over to his specialist appointment and see what the future holds for us in that regard.

Heading back home will be in the height of rush hour traffic which ought to be oh so much fun. *sigh* What was I thinking when I took an afternoon appointment? *sigh*

Tuesday

It's a busy week at my house. It always is but this week? More than usual. I'm still applying for as many jobs that I am qualified for and can find which is more time consuming than I can tell you. Remember the old days of typing up a resume, getting copies and then typing up custom cover letters and popping it in the mail? Yeah - those days are long gone. In the name of "ease" and "technology" the application process requires retyping of the resume and reference sheets and then attaching documents of the same. Why, in the name of all that is holy and good, do they need two copies of the same information? I find it so frustrating that something that was created to make job hunting easier has actually made is much more complex and time consuming. I think the Powers That Be who are in charge of these decisions really need to learn more about the process they have created.

So there is that vent. :)

Anyway.....PTO is keeping me busy this week, too. Tomorrow is Administrative Assistants Day (you know - the ol' Secretaries Day) so I am gathering the items necessary to put together the gift for the two Admin. Assistants at the school. Tomorrow is also Kelton's appointment with the specialist concerning his ongoing medical issue. It's the first time we're seeing the specialist and I'm a bit apprehensive about it.

Thursday Dakota's mom is having surgery, it's Take Your Child to Work Day and it's PTO Bingo Night. How the surgery goes will drive how the night goes since it's Dakota's night with the kids and I should be working the Bingo Night. Dakota will take the kids to work with her Thursday and I will pick them up around lunch time so that she can get over to see her mom. Somewhere in the day I need to make Irish Soda Bread for Kelton to take to school on Friday.

Friday is The Cultural Parade for 3rd and 4th graders in both of the school districts in the city and since Kelton is in a split class, he will be taking part. Dakota is going to come over and meet Kaylen and I on the parade route so we can cheer him on. After the parade, Dakota will take off and Kaylen and I will return to the school to help with the "cultural feast" with the kids.

PHEW! I'm tired just plotting it all out.

This weekend is my weekend with the kids....something tells me it will be a low key weekend because we are all going to be tired from the week.

Monday

Another chance to start over....another week that holds possibilities.

Here's hoping.

Movie Trailer

I am so going to see this when it comes out on July 7th.

Sore Eye Explained

Ok - so my eye being sore doesn't have to do with getting sick. When I was complaining to the kids a few minutes ago Kelton reminded me that Maddie had smacked me in the eye with her big strong paw yesterday morning. Oh yeah - that's right. That's why my eye hurts so much today.

*sigh*

Am I Getting Sick? I Hope Not!

Kelton might not be sick but I think I'm coming down with something. My left eye is incredibly sore - like I got hit by something, I'm feeling like I'm getting a little congested, the back of my neck is achy and I have a bit of a sore throat. What's up with that? I don't have time to get sick but I guess that would explain the unexpected and unplanned nap I took yesterday.

Hmmm......this sucks.

Park Morning

The sun was out this morning which, for Kaylen, meant a great day to go to the park. She started in on me at 9am and I finally loaded her and her bike into the car at 10am. We were the only ones at the park... which was great! She played on the play structure and then rode her bike around and around and around and around and around the park. I walked it with her the first three times and then the other 9 or 10 times I sat on a bench near the middle of the area and watched her go round and round.

We were at the park for 2.5 hours before heading back home.




And just a few minutes ago Kelton's school called. He wasn't feeling well, was running a slight temperature and complained of a headache so I went over and picked him up. I'm pretty sure it's the post birthday letdown so I'm not too worried.

The Birthday Dinner

It's family tradition that we go to Red Robin for birthday dinner so tonight Dakota came over and we all headed out to celebrate Kelton's 8th birthday.






Happy Birthday, Kelton!!

Happy Birthday, Kelton!!

Eight years ago today, after 37 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing and then a c-section.....they placed this little miracle in my arms:

Happy Birthday, Kelton! I cannot imagine a world without you in it.
Love,
Mom

Eight Years Ago Today

Do you remember what you were doing eight years ago today? I know where I was....in the throes of pitocin induced labor without an epidural (that came around 10pm that night after a good 13 hours of so not fun pitocin-labor).

Our labor nurse took this picture because they were so impressed at "how well" we were handling labor. True to who I am, when I have pain, I pull inside so I didn't say a word or moan at all during labor. I was locked inside myself riding the waves of pain. I remember once when Dakota was helping me to the bathroom...I looked at her and quietly said "Next time we get a puppy." because holy moly was I in pain.

That's why they call is labor....and not fiesta. (Right, Dakota? :) )




I can't believe my baby boy turns 8 tomorrow. That seemed a lifetime away the day this picture was taken.

Kelton's 8th Birthday Party

Today Kelton had his 8th Birthday party with Dakota's side of the family. He shared it with his cousin Bailey who is a year older (Kelton's bday is April 14th and Bailey's is the 19th). Here are some photos of the fun. Oh - and the kids opted for brownies instead of cake.

Kaylen's Ballet Class

She had a blast!

Weeding Out Clothes

I was just putting laundry away and I noticed that my shirt drawers are in need of spring cleaning. They are too full. I realized that most of my shirts are too big now so really? What's the point of keeping them if I won't wear them because they just hang on me? I was actually surprised when I put on a shirt the other day to realize how big it is on me.

It's weird because I don't feel any smaller but the evidence is hard to deny. It's weird to have just lost weight instead of using something like weight loss products or programs. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, because I am absolutely not. I'm glad to have dropped weight...I just wish it wasn't for the reasons it was.

Ballet Class for the Girl

I was talking with my friend, Ingrid, this morning and found out about a ballet class on Saturday mornings at the school. So, after talking with Dakota, I registered Kaylen for ballet and then we realized that she didn't have ballet shoes that fit anymore. Kaylen and I headed out to Target to look for soft shoes (she can't tolerate the regular ballet shoes) which of course lead to "Mom! That is the most beautiful ballet outfit in the world!". I ended up buying tights, the outfit and ballet shoes for her only to get home and have her completely meltdown over the seam in the tights (as I knew she would and which she swore to me she would not) and then that the shoes where too small and tight. So.......after she calmed down enough to actually talk with me about her "sensors" not liking them (I think it's funny that she identifies her issue that way), we got back in the car and drove back to Target to get the bigger size shoes. Only....she decided those might be too big and maybe the smaller ones were better. *rolling my eyes*

I kept the smaller pair and bought the bigger ones because I know how this will go later today and tomorrow. Her darn sensory issues are so frustrating sometimes. For both her and me. I can't imagine what it must be like to live inside her when this stuff gets to her but I do know what it's like to live *with* her when it happens. It's exhausting.

But....class starts tomorrow for her. I promised Kaylen I would go with them (it's Dakota's weekend) because she doesn't want to go without me. I know she will be fine once she gets there and she immediately relaxed when she heard it was at Kelton's school. Still - she gets so worked up sometimes. She wants to do it but she is scared. Poor girl. It must be hard to want something so much and be so scared at the same time.

She is happy though...she's been asking every few minutes how many more hours until her class. It's nice that she is getting the opportunity to do this again - she has been talking about wanting to take another ballet class for a very long time.

Busy busy busy

Wow - it's been a busy morning so far. I had a PTO meeting last night and, as a result, I have a good amount of work that needs to be done. Thankfully, I've put a large dent in it already today. I've created a couple documents (well - to be fair, I revamped last years so it was easier than starting from scratch) and have sent them out for review, I've handled a couple phone calls, set up a meeting for this afternoon and emailed the PTO Board with things we all need to accomplish. Thank goodness for the four cups of coffee I have slugged back already this morning. :)

I've even already checked several job boards, too. Friday mornings are slow on them so there wasn't many new things to apply for. I find Monday and Tuesday to be the best days for new listings.

Kaylen is sitting next to me painting with watercolors. I even managed to squeeze in a game of Chutes and Ladders (thankfully she hit the BIG ladder and shot to the top quickly which meant the game lasted less than 5 minutes. But it made her happy and that's what counts).

All this and it's only 9:43. Go me.

It's April 8th.

*sigh*

Life goes on.......

The House That Built Me

One of my new favorites. Oh how I wish I could go home sometimes.

Monday, April 5th

The kids are happily watching TV so thought I would see if I can at least start a posting. It's been a day. Kelton was so excited to be going back to school that fixed himself breakfast, got dressed without being asked, took care of brushing teeth and doing his hair *and* packed his lunch all by 7am. I'm pretty sure I barely had the creamer in my coffee (though I was showered and dressed) by the time his backpack was at the door and he was asking "How much longer until the bus comes?"

I'm glad he was happy to return to "his routine" as he called it. He was definitely ready for spring break so it's nice to know he was feeling ready to go again after having a week off.

After I saw him off to school, I searched the job boards and applied for five. I have stuff printed out for two others that I need to work on and get faxed in tomorrow. Then Kaylen and I got ready to go get my haircut. Halfway out the door she asked if she can have a haircut too. Never mind that she went in 2 weeks ago but honestly? She looked so shaggy that I agreed. Clearly more off would be good. So we both got our haircut and I have to say, she looks so much better! No more shaggy hair falling into her face. Thank goodness. Mine is better, too.

We stopped by the school to pick up Kaylen's kindergarten registration paperwork. Holy freakin' cow - how can she be old enough to send to school already?!?! While we were there, I took care of some much neglected PTO stuff and said hello to some of my favorite people.

This afternoon brought regular life stuff - and completing all the registration forms for Kaylen. Soon enough, Kelton was home and it was homework and talk about his day. Then I hit upon the idea of going out to dinner. The kids and I haven't been out (except to McDonalds once or twice) in over a month and I really didn't feel like struggling with the "what to have for dinner" stuff. They decided on The Old Spaghetti Factory which suited me fine. It doesn't so much matter - they order mac-n-cheese no matter where we go.

The kids had a good time and I just let them chatter and tell me all about everything they wanted to tell me. It was nice to be able to focus on them and what they wanted to say instead of dealing with dinner prep and clean up. Well worth the $25.00.

Now we're home and they are watching TV and it will soon be bedtime. Tomorrow is another day.

Easter Morning

This is all that was left out for the Easter Bunny last night. A gift from Kaylen, complete with a card; their Easter baskets and a cup of water with two carrots. Because...well...you know...Santa gets milk and cookies and Kaylen thought it was only right to leave carrots and water for the Easter Bunney. I couldn't argue the logic so I just went with it.



Easter morning.....Kelton started finding eggs immediately and Kaylen was jumping for joy that the bunny liked all that she left for him.

Going through their baskets.







Happy Easter, everyone.

Silly Rant

My back is killing me. Every nerve in my body is mis-firing right and left and my muscles feel like they are in constant spasms. To say it isn't enjoyable is putting it mildly. It is what it is though - the joys of living with Syringomyelia. Stress doesn't help all that much but I have bad times with it regardless. That's just life.

It's also one of the reasons I will never be able to search for a life insurance online quote thanks to that list of conditions that make a person ineligible for life insurance because someday people with my condition might actually die. I know - shocking, isn't it? You know...unlike everyone else walking around the planet. *insert eye roll here*

Eh. That's ok. Why would I need life insurance to take care of my kids if I were to die? I'm sure by then my savings account will be brimming with extra money for them.

Wow, Case. Bitter much? :) Yes actually - the whole life insurance game kinda makes me cranky. For those of you who can get it - do. There are lots of us out here who wish we could. I'm just saying.

Random

This house is a mess. The floors need mopping and vacuuming and the bathrooms need cleaning. I'm pretty sure the kitchen sink needs to be bleached as well. I am equally sure that I don't feel like doing any of it. I'm managing to keep up on the basics and that's it. I'm sure by the time I feel like cleaning I will need to invest in some industrial supplies. Ok - probably not but still.

I can't believe Easter is Sunday. For the first year ever since having kids I have not pulled out decorations and I really don't care about it. I'll need to go into the garage and find the kids baskets and plastic eggs but beyond those things - I'm not doing anything this year. I'm alone with the kids all weekend - thank goodness the bunny is bringing them both movies because that's going to pretty much be the extent of Easter at my house.

I've learned some hard lessons lately. First and foremost is you never really know who your friends are until something major takes place. Then? Then it's easy, though painful, to weed out the people who aren't. It sucks when you think you have friends and it turns out they never were but that's life. I have realized that most people who start caring after something huge happens in your life are mostly there for the gossip factor. People love drama and apparently many will pose as friends to get it. It's a sad statement of fact but there it is. Always good to know the people you can really count on though and now, at least, I know who they are.

I've learned that when people who honestly care about you are worried about you, they will go outside their comfort zone to talk with someone they would rather not to make sure you are being checked up on.

I've learned something really important about myself over the past 7 months; when I am sad, I will eat. When I am heartbroken, I don't. Size 6, here I come.