After fifteen amazingly beautiful days, the rain returned on Sunday. I have to admit, as much as I love the sunny, warm days, I do enjoy the rain. Which is good - you know, since I live in the Pacific Northwest and all. :)
We had a slow start to our morning but thanks to little Miss Motivation (who was fever free and feeling much better than the day before) Stephanie, Kaylen and I were hard at work by 9:30am. Where was Kelton, you ask? Curled up on the couch playing a computer game.....of course. :)
Anyway - the three of us got to work sorting through boxes separating their contents into garbage, garage sale and keep piles. Oh yes - the massive clearing out of stuff has begun and I am here to tell you that we have a crud load of stuff to sort through between the two houses. And honestly, sorting through things and paring down is probably the most time consuming of all the projects to be done.
We found tons of stuff.....as well as a small army of carpenter ants who are busy making a mess in the garage rafters. Ah....life in the country. All those trees around means you are bound to run into vermin and wood eating insects. We tracked down their route from outside to inside and sprayed the area but are definitely going to have a company come out and do a complete house-wide job. Did I mention I live in the Pacific Northwest? Carpenter ants are just part of the deal. And did I mention it was the country? Mice, bunnies, and baby birds learning to fly (but getting snatched up by two dogs only to be rescued by Stephanie and reunited with its mommy and daddy. The bird, I am happy to report, seemed ok and we watched him fly onto the relative safety of a low branch after being lovingly checked over by its parents. None the less - it was a bit TOO much country for this not-yet 100% country girl to see. *shudder* I know dogs will be dogs but wow. That was intense!) are also a big part of life.
Anyway.....back to the garage, we found all sorts of things. Nothing as exciting as silver bullion bars (which sure would come in handy!) but I did round up more than $10 in loose change. Every bit helps and it sure is better than a poke in the eye....or a head slamming into the attic rafter as I pulled stuff down to sort through. :)
We worked the entire day away and finally stopped around 6pm so we could make the kids dinner (and take a much needed shower!). When I complained of being tired, Kaylen was quick to point out that SHE did most of the work. She did do a TON of work but mostly, it was her motivation to keep going that kept us hard at work all day long. She is a trooper, that's for sure.
Kelton? He came out to check things out a couple times, helped a bit but mostly cheered us on from his comfy place on the couch. The place I surely would have liked to have spent a rainy Sunday as well. I'm glad someone got to rest....and I'm really glad we got so much accomplished.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Saturday
Saturday was a nice day, here in the Pacific Northwest and as people are meant to do on nice days (which are few and far between for most of the year), we spent some time outside.
Stephanie had to go in to work for a few hours and Andrew had a school thing to do so the kids and I were on our own for a while Saturday. I had noticed on Friday that there was a weekend neighborhood garage sale up the road a bit (in the ritzy neighborhood) so I loaded the kids into the car and we went to see what sort of treasures we might find. As it turns out, not many. Kelton picked up a couple small items (grand total for him ran about $3.00 for the day) and Kaylen picked out a few articles of clothing (her grand total was $5.00). As usual when I am shopping, I found nothing I needed or wanted. I always try to put a positive spin on that by telling myself (and the kids) that my life is pretty darn good for I want or need for nothing.
After we checked out the sales, we headed into town to get gas for my car (oops - I had really needed to do that on Friday. Silly me!) and then back out to Stephanie's. I did some chores while the kids played and within a couple of hours, Stephanie arrived home.
We had planned to just go sit on the front porch for a while and enjoy the afternoon but it didn't take long before Stephanie had pulled on a pair of gloves (where they tillman gloves ? I may never know but I do know they were mighty fancy and nice.) and was working on weeding the front garden. Kaylen wasn't feeling well (running a fever and just cranky as all get out!) so Kaylen cuddled in my lap while Stephanie and I chatted as she worked in the garden.
The afternoon flew by and before I knew it, it was time to make dinner for the kids. From there, it was a hop, skip and a jump to bedtime - for all of us. I have to say, I have never ever experienced time moving so quickly as I do when we are out in the country. It seriously FLIES! We get up by 8AM every morning and two blinks later, it's 9:30PM and we are heading to bed, completely exhausted from our day.
But what days they are. Good days. Amazing days.
Totally loving life.
Stephanie had to go in to work for a few hours and Andrew had a school thing to do so the kids and I were on our own for a while Saturday. I had noticed on Friday that there was a weekend neighborhood garage sale up the road a bit (in the ritzy neighborhood) so I loaded the kids into the car and we went to see what sort of treasures we might find. As it turns out, not many. Kelton picked up a couple small items (grand total for him ran about $3.00 for the day) and Kaylen picked out a few articles of clothing (her grand total was $5.00). As usual when I am shopping, I found nothing I needed or wanted. I always try to put a positive spin on that by telling myself (and the kids) that my life is pretty darn good for I want or need for nothing.
After we checked out the sales, we headed into town to get gas for my car (oops - I had really needed to do that on Friday. Silly me!) and then back out to Stephanie's. I did some chores while the kids played and within a couple of hours, Stephanie arrived home.
We had planned to just go sit on the front porch for a while and enjoy the afternoon but it didn't take long before Stephanie had pulled on a pair of gloves (where they tillman gloves ? I may never know but I do know they were mighty fancy and nice.) and was working on weeding the front garden. Kaylen wasn't feeling well (running a fever and just cranky as all get out!) so Kaylen cuddled in my lap while Stephanie and I chatted as she worked in the garden.
The afternoon flew by and before I knew it, it was time to make dinner for the kids. From there, it was a hop, skip and a jump to bedtime - for all of us. I have to say, I have never ever experienced time moving so quickly as I do when we are out in the country. It seriously FLIES! We get up by 8AM every morning and two blinks later, it's 9:30PM and we are heading to bed, completely exhausted from our day.
But what days they are. Good days. Amazing days.
Totally loving life.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Slow Down - Hurry Up
My life is a crazy contradiction right now. One side of my life is urging....screaming....DEADLINES! GET MOVING! GET IT DONE! WHY ISN'T IT DONE YET? LOOK AT ALL THIS THAT MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED NOW! The other side is kicked back, relaxed and saying "No worries. It will get done. Everything in its own time. No rush - we have time."
I'm feeling off kilter and honestly, exhausted from trying to balance it all - the needs, the wants. What I really want to do is install one of those fancy indoor outdoor ceiling fans on the porch and just sit back in a comfy chair with a cold glass of lemonade and just "be". Maybe the voices in my head (and the voices coming from all directions outside my head) would slow down, maybe stop, for just a while.
But there is too much to do. Too much that must be attended to.
And so I put the dream of a cold lemonade on hold and get ready to go to an all school field trip tomorrow. Because, you know, what's not relaxing about 530 children at Dozer Days?
I'm feeling off kilter and honestly, exhausted from trying to balance it all - the needs, the wants. What I really want to do is install one of those fancy indoor outdoor ceiling fans on the porch and just sit back in a comfy chair with a cold glass of lemonade and just "be". Maybe the voices in my head (and the voices coming from all directions outside my head) would slow down, maybe stop, for just a while.
But there is too much to do. Too much that must be attended to.
And so I put the dream of a cold lemonade on hold and get ready to go to an all school field trip tomorrow. Because, you know, what's not relaxing about 530 children at Dozer Days?
Soccer Mom
I didn't want it to happen. Believe me. But...as it turns out, I'm going to be the quintessential "soccer mom" minus the stupid mini-van. (Yes, I know some of you love your mini-vans but I am not a van loving person. Sorry.) Kaylen has recently decided that she MUST, simply MUST, play soccer.
Oh joy. All the things I love *she says, with sarcasm dripping heavily*. Outside. Mud. Dirt. Standing in the rain. Standing in the cold. Sports. Why yes...bring it on. But while all of those things I *don't* love, there is a little girl who I definitely DO love and for whom I would travel to the ends of the earth...or at least a soccer field.
So soccer it will be. And after all the day camp registration and fall league registration and figuring out how to get all the gear she needs (I don't know.....does she need uniform name tags?) .....she better LOVE it. :) Something tells me she will.
She is my little athlete. My go-getter. My "I have to be outside as much as I can, as often as I can" girl. I've always known this about her.....I called her my TomBoy Princess because there she would be: decked out on her prettiest party dress splashing in a mud puddle. From the time she could crawl, she would get herself to the sliding glass door that leads to the backyard and pound on it - begging to go outside. Or she would bring me her shoes and say "SIDE SIDE SIDE!" which I knew meant OUTSIDE OUTSIDE OUTSIDE!
She is still like that. Outside is where she lives. Where she wants to be. She doesn't care if she is out there alone - as long as she is outside.
So soccer. Wow.
Oh joy. All the things I love *she says, with sarcasm dripping heavily*. Outside. Mud. Dirt. Standing in the rain. Standing in the cold. Sports. Why yes...bring it on. But while all of those things I *don't* love, there is a little girl who I definitely DO love and for whom I would travel to the ends of the earth...or at least a soccer field.
So soccer it will be. And after all the day camp registration and fall league registration and figuring out how to get all the gear she needs (I don't know.....does she need uniform name tags?) .....she better LOVE it. :) Something tells me she will.
She is my little athlete. My go-getter. My "I have to be outside as much as I can, as often as I can" girl. I've always known this about her.....I called her my TomBoy Princess because there she would be: decked out on her prettiest party dress splashing in a mud puddle. From the time she could crawl, she would get herself to the sliding glass door that leads to the backyard and pound on it - begging to go outside. Or she would bring me her shoes and say "SIDE SIDE SIDE!" which I knew meant OUTSIDE OUTSIDE OUTSIDE!
She is still like that. Outside is where she lives. Where she wants to be. She doesn't care if she is out there alone - as long as she is outside.
So soccer. Wow.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Life...or something like it
I decided that I should write something - anything - tonight. It's been days since I put pen to paper, or in this case, fingers to keyboard, to do anything other than make To Do lists or a grocery list. That doesn't make for a very happy Casey.
So what am I doing right now? Funny you should ask. I'm eating the crust of my daughter's frozen cheese pizza that she had for dinner. Oh heck - let's just say "I'm eating dinner." because, let's face it, that's all I'm having tonight. Honestly I usually just eat their leftovers (or, more often, eat nothing) and call it dinner. I don't so much see the point of cooking a meal that I would eat when I know the kids won't. Judge me all you want - the kids eat kid food (pizza, chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, pasta, etc.) and I'm ok with that. I don't enjoy cooking anyway so more power to the microwavable food that they will eat.
I will cook food for myself but rarely ever *just* for myself. When Stephanie and I are together at breakfast or dinner times, I will cook for us (or rather, most often, we cook together) but just for myself? That just isn't happening. And I am more than ok with that.
Sure, sure...I know most people would rather slam their heads into a wall than go without meals but I am happy to say I have no need for a Nolan N43E helmet because there is no head slamming into walls here.
Anyhoo.......I bet you are all eager to know what I did today, aren't you? Well - for starters, I got the children up and ready for school. Yay me. Then I had to deal with a melting down child who is suddenly complaining that *ALL* her shoes are too small except for a certain pair, which could not be located...FOR THE SECOND MORNING IN A ROW. I found them the morning prior tucked into a backpack she had taken to a friend's the afternoon before (crisis averted) but this morning was a bird of a different color. I could not find those suckers *anywhere*! I even climbed into the tree house (which I detest. I don't enjoy heights. At all.) to see if she left them there when playing yesterday. We retraced every step she took, and some she didn't take. She was melting down. I started to melt down. The clock had long since struck time to leave. I finally found them wedged into the far corner of her closet - which of course was a mess - which of course led to me accidentally knocking it off the track. ARGH!
Mommy meltdown for one.
After saying my piece about how they both have too much stuff and swearing to God above that I will go into their rooms with a big trash bag and throw out everything that doesn't have a place to be......we were finally on our way to school. I saw them off to their classrooms and took care of the PTO stuff I needed to get done and then I went to Wally World to do some long overdue grocery shopping. Waaaaaay too much money later, I packed up the car with all I had bought and headed over to Lowe's to return something and pick up something else. From there I went home and put away groceries (which never seem to be enough considering how much they cost), started the dishwasher, took care of the laundry and called my (former) mother-in-law (she says I am still her daughter-in-law, and always will be, because she didn't divorce me. Oh how I love that woman!). We have been trying to get together for the past couple weeks but schedules never seem to work out. This was true again today. I had a couple hours before early release whereby I could squeeze in a visit but alas, she did not. We caught up a bit on the phone and said we will try to work soemthing out again next week (the rest of my week is booked).
I did some cleaning and fixed Kaylen's closet door and then.... I plopped myself down to watch an episode of Judging Amy. OH YES I DID! I love Judging Amy and it is on GMC every day at 11 and 12. I record it daily but I never actually go back to watch it so if I am home, I will make sure to catch at least one of the episodes. After all these years, it's still one of the best shows around.
Before I knew it, the kiddos were home so I was wrapped up in them until everything settled back down. Kaylen had a friend come over (she has turned into a social butterfly these past few weeks and is never without a play date after school) so while Kelton played in his room and Kaylen played outside, I got to work in my room cleaning things out. It's always a good thing to get rid of clothes and items you no longer need and today was no exception. Four bags of clothing and purses I no longer need are bagged up and waiting a garage sale and I went through a bunch of old keepsake boxes and trashed 95% of the contents. Moving forward, and all that.
Then, I cleaned a cabinet in the kitchen because the state of the contents had been driving me crazy. Leftover containers seem to take on a life of their own. I matched up lids with containers and tossed out everything that didn't have a match.
By then I was running out of steam so I had a cup of coffee (left over from this morning) and played a few games of Scramble...which I have become addicted to. I never seem to win but it's fun just the same. I find I move through the games as I tire of them. Words with Friends turned to DrawSomething and now I'm hooked on Scramble. Gotta wonder what's next. Or maybe I shouldn't wonder. :)
And now I am wondering what to do with the next few hours. I have a book I am wanting to read (no..it's not 50 Shades of Gray. It's a parenting book based on the Love and Logic theory) but wanting to read and sitting down to read are two entirely different animals. My eye sight (because of the syringomyelia) makes reading challenging during the best of times so at night it is especially difficult. My sight is fine for *seeing*, it's just reading print that is hard.
Kaylen is in the yard wandering around and playing on the swing set - coming in every few minutes to share something about her day, or her life, with me. Kelton is watching TV (for the first time all day). It's a quiet evening - my favorite kind. No kid arguing. Just quiet. Gotta love that.
Maybe I'll go sit on the patio and think about life. There is so much to think about these days.
So what am I doing right now? Funny you should ask. I'm eating the crust of my daughter's frozen cheese pizza that she had for dinner. Oh heck - let's just say "I'm eating dinner." because, let's face it, that's all I'm having tonight. Honestly I usually just eat their leftovers (or, more often, eat nothing) and call it dinner. I don't so much see the point of cooking a meal that I would eat when I know the kids won't. Judge me all you want - the kids eat kid food (pizza, chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, pasta, etc.) and I'm ok with that. I don't enjoy cooking anyway so more power to the microwavable food that they will eat.
I will cook food for myself but rarely ever *just* for myself. When Stephanie and I are together at breakfast or dinner times, I will cook for us (or rather, most often, we cook together) but just for myself? That just isn't happening. And I am more than ok with that.
Sure, sure...I know most people would rather slam their heads into a wall than go without meals but I am happy to say I have no need for a Nolan N43E helmet because there is no head slamming into walls here.
Anyhoo.......I bet you are all eager to know what I did today, aren't you? Well - for starters, I got the children up and ready for school. Yay me. Then I had to deal with a melting down child who is suddenly complaining that *ALL* her shoes are too small except for a certain pair, which could not be located...FOR THE SECOND MORNING IN A ROW. I found them the morning prior tucked into a backpack she had taken to a friend's the afternoon before (crisis averted) but this morning was a bird of a different color. I could not find those suckers *anywhere*! I even climbed into the tree house (which I detest. I don't enjoy heights. At all.) to see if she left them there when playing yesterday. We retraced every step she took, and some she didn't take. She was melting down. I started to melt down. The clock had long since struck time to leave. I finally found them wedged into the far corner of her closet - which of course was a mess - which of course led to me accidentally knocking it off the track. ARGH!
Mommy meltdown for one.
After saying my piece about how they both have too much stuff and swearing to God above that I will go into their rooms with a big trash bag and throw out everything that doesn't have a place to be......we were finally on our way to school. I saw them off to their classrooms and took care of the PTO stuff I needed to get done and then I went to Wally World to do some long overdue grocery shopping. Waaaaaay too much money later, I packed up the car with all I had bought and headed over to Lowe's to return something and pick up something else. From there I went home and put away groceries (which never seem to be enough considering how much they cost), started the dishwasher, took care of the laundry and called my (former) mother-in-law (she says I am still her daughter-in-law, and always will be, because she didn't divorce me. Oh how I love that woman!). We have been trying to get together for the past couple weeks but schedules never seem to work out. This was true again today. I had a couple hours before early release whereby I could squeeze in a visit but alas, she did not. We caught up a bit on the phone and said we will try to work soemthing out again next week (the rest of my week is booked).
I did some cleaning and fixed Kaylen's closet door and then.... I plopped myself down to watch an episode of Judging Amy. OH YES I DID! I love Judging Amy and it is on GMC every day at 11 and 12. I record it daily but I never actually go back to watch it so if I am home, I will make sure to catch at least one of the episodes. After all these years, it's still one of the best shows around.
Before I knew it, the kiddos were home so I was wrapped up in them until everything settled back down. Kaylen had a friend come over (she has turned into a social butterfly these past few weeks and is never without a play date after school) so while Kelton played in his room and Kaylen played outside, I got to work in my room cleaning things out. It's always a good thing to get rid of clothes and items you no longer need and today was no exception. Four bags of clothing and purses I no longer need are bagged up and waiting a garage sale and I went through a bunch of old keepsake boxes and trashed 95% of the contents. Moving forward, and all that.
Then, I cleaned a cabinet in the kitchen because the state of the contents had been driving me crazy. Leftover containers seem to take on a life of their own. I matched up lids with containers and tossed out everything that didn't have a match.
By then I was running out of steam so I had a cup of coffee (left over from this morning) and played a few games of Scramble...which I have become addicted to. I never seem to win but it's fun just the same. I find I move through the games as I tire of them. Words with Friends turned to DrawSomething and now I'm hooked on Scramble. Gotta wonder what's next. Or maybe I shouldn't wonder. :)
And now I am wondering what to do with the next few hours. I have a book I am wanting to read (no..it's not 50 Shades of Gray. It's a parenting book based on the Love and Logic theory) but wanting to read and sitting down to read are two entirely different animals. My eye sight (because of the syringomyelia) makes reading challenging during the best of times so at night it is especially difficult. My sight is fine for *seeing*, it's just reading print that is hard.
Kaylen is in the yard wandering around and playing on the swing set - coming in every few minutes to share something about her day, or her life, with me. Kelton is watching TV (for the first time all day). It's a quiet evening - my favorite kind. No kid arguing. Just quiet. Gotta love that.
Maybe I'll go sit on the patio and think about life. There is so much to think about these days.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Lost in Time
Because I am apparently in a "lost in time" mood, I have been watching the video montages I put together years ago. They make me both sad and happy. Lifetimes ago indeed.
Do me a favor, give me a few mintues of your time and watch the first years of my babies lives. I can't believe how much they have grown. Or how much things have changed since those days.
My babies. The best of the best of what my life was, is, and will be. I am a lucky mommy - I made some pretty damn amazing children. :)
Kelton's First Year
Kaylen's First Year
And keep reading - there are two more posts from earlier today. :)
Do me a favor, give me a few mintues of your time and watch the first years of my babies lives. I can't believe how much they have grown. Or how much things have changed since those days.
My babies. The best of the best of what my life was, is, and will be. I am a lucky mommy - I made some pretty damn amazing children. :)
Kelton's First Year
Kaylen's First Year
And keep reading - there are two more posts from earlier today. :)
I Think I Figured It Out
I was sitting here, reading through years gone by on my blog when I clicked on April 2007. Why yes...yes...there IS a reason I am feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Friday is the 5th anniversary of my mom's death. This isn't news to me. I know the date by heart. Stephanie and I have talked about it being this Friday. I guess I just hadn't consider it to be a contributing factor in how I am feeling today.
Five years. Almost impossible to believe but then again, not impossible. It's been a lifetime....and it was just yesterday.
I scrolled through the posts and was immediately transported back in time. Kelton turned 5 years old the day the kids and I moved into a hotel north of Seattle for our 5 week stay. Kaylen was just over 2 years. Somehow, even today, those are the ages the kids are stuck at in my minds-eye. I see them in the photos and I think "OH! THERE you are! Where have you been?"
I came across this video montage I made the week before the kids and I made the move up there for the long stay. We had gone up to visit for Easter Weekend, we all (my brother, sister and I) knew the time was dwindling - we just didn't know how quickly. It makes me sad to see my mom in these photos. A shell of who she was but all too soon gone forever. The one of Kelton, standing beside my mom (his cousin standing on the other side of her) brings instant tears.
My kids don't remember her at all. Kelton has memories of the hotel, the wheelchair, being with my family...sketchy memories, at best, but he doesn't remember my mom at all. It's sad to me. I wonder often what life would have been like had she never been sick (she had a progressive neurological disease (PLS) )....if she had gotten to know my kids. If they had gotten to know her.
I guess it makes complete sense that I'm feeling lost today.
Five years.
That's the thing about life - it just keeps moving forward.
Five years. Almost impossible to believe but then again, not impossible. It's been a lifetime....and it was just yesterday.
I scrolled through the posts and was immediately transported back in time. Kelton turned 5 years old the day the kids and I moved into a hotel north of Seattle for our 5 week stay. Kaylen was just over 2 years. Somehow, even today, those are the ages the kids are stuck at in my minds-eye. I see them in the photos and I think "OH! THERE you are! Where have you been?"
I came across this video montage I made the week before the kids and I made the move up there for the long stay. We had gone up to visit for Easter Weekend, we all (my brother, sister and I) knew the time was dwindling - we just didn't know how quickly. It makes me sad to see my mom in these photos. A shell of who she was but all too soon gone forever. The one of Kelton, standing beside my mom (his cousin standing on the other side of her) brings instant tears.
My kids don't remember her at all. Kelton has memories of the hotel, the wheelchair, being with my family...sketchy memories, at best, but he doesn't remember my mom at all. It's sad to me. I wonder often what life would have been like had she never been sick (she had a progressive neurological disease (PLS) )....if she had gotten to know my kids. If they had gotten to know her.
I guess it makes complete sense that I'm feeling lost today.
Five years.
That's the thing about life - it just keeps moving forward.
Blah ....but still a decent day
I'm feeling kinda down and out today. Not too bad but just enough to feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I do not like feeling this way. And especially when I can't pinpoint the reason. I have thoughts about it bouncing around my head but nothing specific I can reach out and grab.
It might be because I am working on 4 hours of sleep and I've reached the point of being too tired to cope. Why didn't I get more sleep? I stayed up too late watching TV and texting with Stephanie but by 11:45pm, it was lights out and I quickly fell asleep. 4AM arrived and I had a coughing fit (yep - another cold. Lovely. Feels like we have had a cold circulating for the entire winter.) and once I had that under control, I was wide awake. Well...you know, until 6:30 when I suddenly was *very* sleepy. Of course.
Too bad for me - it was time to get the day moving. I had a cup of coffee in a silent house (which has become a nice part of my routine) and then went to wake the kids. The kids, I will add, were also up too late though they were both sleeping by 9:30pm. I got Miss Kaylen up easily enough but Kelton was having no part of it. I left him sleeping and Kaylen and I hit the shower. After I was dressed and ready, I woke up Master Kelton. Not an easy task but he was finally up and stumbling around.
We all ate (and I sucked down another cup of coffee) and were quickly on our way to the school. I had some PTO business to attend to and it was a teacher appreciation event morning so I stayed and chatted for a bit.
I headed home to wait for Stephanie. She had a medical appointment that I attended with her and then we grabbed a late breakfast/early lunch. Since it was early release Wednesday, and the day was waning, we decided to run some errands and then head quickly back to the house to be there for the arrival of the school bus. The kids and Stephanie spent a few minutes together and then Kaylen was off to a play date with a new friend who lives around the corner and Stephanie headed back to her house. Kelton settled in with a computer game and I did household chores and then went out and mowed the lawn.
Kelton and I hung out for the afternoon which was really nice. It's always good to have one on one time with the kids. It's something I don't often get so I cherish it when I have it. When it is just one of the them and me, they confide so much in me and ask my opinion and advice. I love it. It makes losing them as "my babies" easier to take because we have a new relationship that is developing.
A few hours down the road, Kaylen came home and brought her friend with her. After talking with the grandmother, we arranged for the friend to stay and play here for another half hour. I love that Kaylen seems to make friends so easily. I wish Kelton did. I worry about him - he tends to be a loner while Kaylen thrives in groups of little girls. Night and day, they are, day and night.
Finally it was just the three of us again and I prepared dinner. It has since been cleaned up and the kids areirritating each other watching tv in the living room.
It's an early bedtime tonight. Beside the fact that we all need to catch up on some sleep, Kelton has his final MSP (state mandated test) tomorrow and I want him at his best.
I hope tomorrow finds me feeling more comfortable in my skin.....and I'm hoping like hell this cough will be improved. I'm so very tired of it and it wrecks havoc on my syringomyelia (and then symptoms thereof).
Sleep. I need sleep. Please let me sleep tonight.
It might be because I am working on 4 hours of sleep and I've reached the point of being too tired to cope. Why didn't I get more sleep? I stayed up too late watching TV and texting with Stephanie but by 11:45pm, it was lights out and I quickly fell asleep. 4AM arrived and I had a coughing fit (yep - another cold. Lovely. Feels like we have had a cold circulating for the entire winter.) and once I had that under control, I was wide awake. Well...you know, until 6:30 when I suddenly was *very* sleepy. Of course.
Too bad for me - it was time to get the day moving. I had a cup of coffee in a silent house (which has become a nice part of my routine) and then went to wake the kids. The kids, I will add, were also up too late though they were both sleeping by 9:30pm. I got Miss Kaylen up easily enough but Kelton was having no part of it. I left him sleeping and Kaylen and I hit the shower. After I was dressed and ready, I woke up Master Kelton. Not an easy task but he was finally up and stumbling around.
We all ate (and I sucked down another cup of coffee) and were quickly on our way to the school. I had some PTO business to attend to and it was a teacher appreciation event morning so I stayed and chatted for a bit.
I headed home to wait for Stephanie. She had a medical appointment that I attended with her and then we grabbed a late breakfast/early lunch. Since it was early release Wednesday, and the day was waning, we decided to run some errands and then head quickly back to the house to be there for the arrival of the school bus. The kids and Stephanie spent a few minutes together and then Kaylen was off to a play date with a new friend who lives around the corner and Stephanie headed back to her house. Kelton settled in with a computer game and I did household chores and then went out and mowed the lawn.
Kelton and I hung out for the afternoon which was really nice. It's always good to have one on one time with the kids. It's something I don't often get so I cherish it when I have it. When it is just one of the them and me, they confide so much in me and ask my opinion and advice. I love it. It makes losing them as "my babies" easier to take because we have a new relationship that is developing.
A few hours down the road, Kaylen came home and brought her friend with her. After talking with the grandmother, we arranged for the friend to stay and play here for another half hour. I love that Kaylen seems to make friends so easily. I wish Kelton did. I worry about him - he tends to be a loner while Kaylen thrives in groups of little girls. Night and day, they are, day and night.
Finally it was just the three of us again and I prepared dinner. It has since been cleaned up and the kids are
It's an early bedtime tonight. Beside the fact that we all need to catch up on some sleep, Kelton has his final MSP (state mandated test) tomorrow and I want him at his best.
I hope tomorrow finds me feeling more comfortable in my skin.....and I'm hoping like hell this cough will be improved. I'm so very tired of it and it wrecks havoc on my syringomyelia (and then symptoms thereof).
Sleep. I need sleep. Please let me sleep tonight.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Seriously? Monday? Again?
Do I only post on Monday? It can't be true but it sure feels like it because I seem to want to post the title as "Monday, Monday" but I know I have used it before. Recently. Oh well...not that it's important to know exactly when I post...only that I do, indeed, post. I'm not sure why it is important, but it feels like it is.
Long gone are the days when I spun tales of what the children were doing, day by day. With both in school, my time with them is limited and even when we are together, they are more likely to have their head in a video game, a book or a dress-up make believe game that I am not privy to. Instead of days when I changed diapers, arranged play dates, attended playgroups, and entertained for hours on end my days are filled with conversations of who is said what at school, who likes whom and who is "so over" whom. Who got the lead in the grade music show and who wishes they did. What butterflies hatched this week or which days the MSP test is scheduled. I pack lunches, make meals, clean up, make sure everyone has clean clothing, clean bedding, that their rooms aren't condemned by the board of health (Kelton - are you listening? No matter how many times I clean your room, or stand over you while you clean it, you have to make an effort to KEEP it clean on a daily basis. Really, my child, it isn't that hard to put your stuff away or make your bed! Calling yourself a "mini hoarder" isn't really that endearing to me...the person who detests clutter but has had to learn to lower my standards on the issue once I had children.).
I get my work done, the chores, the errands...keep it all running as smoothly as possible. All of that is hardly post-worthy but it's something.
I miss the days of sharing stories about Kelton and his obsession with water (which, by the way, hasn't changed ONE. BIT. in the past 10 years. Just this afternoon, Kelton, Kaylen and the neighbor child asked of they could wash my car. Sure, why not. No harm, no foul. Except........*sigh* When will I learn to limit his access to water? Probably never. I keep hoping he will outgrow his need to spray everything and everyone in sight. I seriously doubt it will happen.), or how Kaylen would have tea parties with all her dolls every. single. afternoon. Or how they would sit and intently watch every second of Blue's Clues or Dora.
How did they grow into these children with lives of their own? Their world no longer revolves around me and I know this is just a taste of what is to come in the years ahead. My days no longer revolve around their minute by minute needs (though is still absolutely revolves around them). No naps to figure into the schedule. No craft project to do in the mornings. No play dough squished into the carpet.
Sometimes I read back through my archives and it makes me sad to know those days are over. But I am so glad I have a record of them. The silly things they said and did. The heartbreaking moments. The days that had me wanting to yank out every hair on my head (Oh I still have a few of those every now and again but they are different. Looking back - those times were easy compared to the hair pulling days of now.) I miss those days and while I love the people they are now, I absolutely miss the babies they were then. Life felt hard - I think it always does in the moment - but looking back, those were some precious and amazing days (and let's not forget terrifying with all of Kaylen's health issues and whatnot). And I know that given the passage of time, I will feel the same way about these days.
Life just keeps moving forward. Breath by breath, moment by moment.
Long gone are the days when I spun tales of what the children were doing, day by day. With both in school, my time with them is limited and even when we are together, they are more likely to have their head in a video game, a book or a dress-up make believe game that I am not privy to. Instead of days when I changed diapers, arranged play dates, attended playgroups, and entertained for hours on end my days are filled with conversations of who is said what at school, who likes whom and who is "so over" whom. Who got the lead in the grade music show and who wishes they did. What butterflies hatched this week or which days the MSP test is scheduled. I pack lunches, make meals, clean up, make sure everyone has clean clothing, clean bedding, that their rooms aren't condemned by the board of health (Kelton - are you listening? No matter how many times I clean your room, or stand over you while you clean it, you have to make an effort to KEEP it clean on a daily basis. Really, my child, it isn't that hard to put your stuff away or make your bed! Calling yourself a "mini hoarder" isn't really that endearing to me...the person who detests clutter but has had to learn to lower my standards on the issue once I had children.).
I get my work done, the chores, the errands...keep it all running as smoothly as possible. All of that is hardly post-worthy but it's something.
I miss the days of sharing stories about Kelton and his obsession with water (which, by the way, hasn't changed ONE. BIT. in the past 10 years. Just this afternoon, Kelton, Kaylen and the neighbor child asked of they could wash my car. Sure, why not. No harm, no foul. Except........*sigh* When will I learn to limit his access to water? Probably never. I keep hoping he will outgrow his need to spray everything and everyone in sight. I seriously doubt it will happen.), or how Kaylen would have tea parties with all her dolls every. single. afternoon. Or how they would sit and intently watch every second of Blue's Clues or Dora.
How did they grow into these children with lives of their own? Their world no longer revolves around me and I know this is just a taste of what is to come in the years ahead. My days no longer revolve around their minute by minute needs (though is still absolutely revolves around them). No naps to figure into the schedule. No craft project to do in the mornings. No play dough squished into the carpet.
Sometimes I read back through my archives and it makes me sad to know those days are over. But I am so glad I have a record of them. The silly things they said and did. The heartbreaking moments. The days that had me wanting to yank out every hair on my head (Oh I still have a few of those every now and again but they are different. Looking back - those times were easy compared to the hair pulling days of now.) I miss those days and while I love the people they are now, I absolutely miss the babies they were then. Life felt hard - I think it always does in the moment - but looking back, those were some precious and amazing days (and let's not forget terrifying with all of Kaylen's health issues and whatnot). And I know that given the passage of time, I will feel the same way about these days.
Life just keeps moving forward. Breath by breath, moment by moment.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
An Unexpected Surprise
It's been a long week and it's only Wednesday. I've been putting in a lot of hours and trying to keep up on the kids and the house. I gave up on groceries earlier this week but decided that tonight I really needed to replace the milk that expired on April 27th and pick up a few other things to keep us going until I can do a real shopping trip.
The kids and I piled in the car and headed off to the grocery store. We got what we needed and as we started to head home, I decided that I really wanted to spend some much needed time with my kiddos instead of rushing home to put away groceries, make dinner, clean up dinner, etc., so I suggested we go to Red Robin for dinner. I knew it would be a hit to my budget but it's been months and months since the kids and I have had someone else make our dinner and clean up after us. Who knew that going out to eat would become such a huge extravagance in my life.
We pulled in, parked, and within minutes were being escorted to our table. On the way, we passed a familiar looking face - a teacher from the school, who was having dinner with her daughter. We waved at each other and the kids and I took our seat at our table. I turned my attention to the kids and they took turns sharing about their day at school and various other tidbits of information. We placed our orders and then went back to talking.
We had a very nice dinner and were completely enjoying our time together when it came time to pay the check. The waitress came over and handed me what I thought was my bill. At the top it said "Thanks, Casey! (heart) K. Morgan" I sat there completely confused - wondering how the waitress knew my name (and not connecting at all who had signed it). She jumped in and excitedly said "It was all very top secret at the time but your meals have been paid for." Then it hit me: K. Morgan. The teacher!
Tears immediately filled my eyes. The kids sat there in wonder and started peppering me with a million questions. What an amazing gift! It is truly stunning to me how many people I have touched with my work at the school and through the PTO and even more stunning to realize how much my work mattered over the years. It's so easy to get stuck in the day to day and not see the impact I have on those around me and now, as I am slowly starting to say my goodbyes to the school: the teachers, the staff, and the students; who have become my family over the past five years, I am finding that people are reaching out with their thanks and love. It's a fantastic feeling to know I mattered...and to know I will be missed. Because heaven knows I sure am going to miss all of them.
Thank you, Ms. Morgan. You made my day and thank you just doesn't seem like enough.
The kids and I piled in the car and headed off to the grocery store. We got what we needed and as we started to head home, I decided that I really wanted to spend some much needed time with my kiddos instead of rushing home to put away groceries, make dinner, clean up dinner, etc., so I suggested we go to Red Robin for dinner. I knew it would be a hit to my budget but it's been months and months since the kids and I have had someone else make our dinner and clean up after us. Who knew that going out to eat would become such a huge extravagance in my life.
We pulled in, parked, and within minutes were being escorted to our table. On the way, we passed a familiar looking face - a teacher from the school, who was having dinner with her daughter. We waved at each other and the kids and I took our seat at our table. I turned my attention to the kids and they took turns sharing about their day at school and various other tidbits of information. We placed our orders and then went back to talking.
We had a very nice dinner and were completely enjoying our time together when it came time to pay the check. The waitress came over and handed me what I thought was my bill. At the top it said "Thanks, Casey! (heart) K. Morgan" I sat there completely confused - wondering how the waitress knew my name (and not connecting at all who had signed it). She jumped in and excitedly said "It was all very top secret at the time but your meals have been paid for." Then it hit me: K. Morgan. The teacher!
Tears immediately filled my eyes. The kids sat there in wonder and started peppering me with a million questions. What an amazing gift! It is truly stunning to me how many people I have touched with my work at the school and through the PTO and even more stunning to realize how much my work mattered over the years. It's so easy to get stuck in the day to day and not see the impact I have on those around me and now, as I am slowly starting to say my goodbyes to the school: the teachers, the staff, and the students; who have become my family over the past five years, I am finding that people are reaching out with their thanks and love. It's a fantastic feeling to know I mattered...and to know I will be missed. Because heaven knows I sure am going to miss all of them.
Thank you, Ms. Morgan. You made my day and thank you just doesn't seem like enough.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday - Again
Where is the sun? Seriously. This overcast, rainy, cold stuff is killing me. And if you knew how much I complained about it this morning, you would know it is not killing me softly. It's killing me loudly. Very, very loudly.
It's hard to get motivated on days like this. I have so much to do - both workwise and house upkeep wise and today all I really wanted to do was crawl under the covers and nap. I work-worked, of course, because it is what absolutely needed to be done, but the laundry hasn't been started and the house, while decent enough, is far from my usual standard.
The lawn needs to be mowed but it is just too dang wet for that. I'm sure by the time it is dry enough, I will need to pony up funds for the neighbor kid to mow it because once it gets too long, my body can't handle the stress of trying to get through it - not to mention hauling catcher after catcher of wet grass to the yard waste bin.
My physical To Do list is a bit overwhelming right now. I can tell because the past week I have been so incredibly tired I can't barely stand myself during the day. Sleep is hit and miss, as it always is, but that usually doesn't leave me feeling as exhausted as I feel right now.
My mental To Do list is gigantic. So much is ahead of me. All good - just a lot. The sun would help. It's hard to believe that last weekend was in the mid 80's and this weekend was solidly in the 60's. As hot as I was, I preferred the warmer temps.
For a fun part of the To Do's...the kids, Stephanie and I have been doing a bunch of flower planting and "sprucing up" of the front porch out at Stephanie's. The covered porch is large enough to have chairs, a cement bench and several flower pots (and a dog bed) so Stephanie and I have been spending time on it enjoying being together outside. Even on the days when it is raining - which rocks. Stephanie admitted that she has probably spent more time on the front porch in recent weeks then she has in the 13+ years she has lived in the house. I like that we have created an oasis of sorts. I have plans swimming in my head for the house - little changes that will add up. It will take time (and money) so it will be a slow go but I'm excited about it all.
Life is definitely moving in the right direction. :)
It's hard to get motivated on days like this. I have so much to do - both workwise and house upkeep wise and today all I really wanted to do was crawl under the covers and nap. I work-worked, of course, because it is what absolutely needed to be done, but the laundry hasn't been started and the house, while decent enough, is far from my usual standard.
The lawn needs to be mowed but it is just too dang wet for that. I'm sure by the time it is dry enough, I will need to pony up funds for the neighbor kid to mow it because once it gets too long, my body can't handle the stress of trying to get through it - not to mention hauling catcher after catcher of wet grass to the yard waste bin.
My physical To Do list is a bit overwhelming right now. I can tell because the past week I have been so incredibly tired I can't barely stand myself during the day. Sleep is hit and miss, as it always is, but that usually doesn't leave me feeling as exhausted as I feel right now.
My mental To Do list is gigantic. So much is ahead of me. All good - just a lot. The sun would help. It's hard to believe that last weekend was in the mid 80's and this weekend was solidly in the 60's. As hot as I was, I preferred the warmer temps.
For a fun part of the To Do's...the kids, Stephanie and I have been doing a bunch of flower planting and "sprucing up" of the front porch out at Stephanie's. The covered porch is large enough to have chairs, a cement bench and several flower pots (and a dog bed) so Stephanie and I have been spending time on it enjoying being together outside. Even on the days when it is raining - which rocks. Stephanie admitted that she has probably spent more time on the front porch in recent weeks then she has in the 13+ years she has lived in the house. I like that we have created an oasis of sorts. I have plans swimming in my head for the house - little changes that will add up. It will take time (and money) so it will be a slow go but I'm excited about it all.
Life is definitely moving in the right direction. :)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Food for Thought
Stephanie and I have adopted "a motto", of sorts, for us, for the kids, for everyone in our lives. It's simple, straight forward and says all it needs to say.
True 'dat. Ya know?
Everything we do is for the good of the whole.
No one will succeed at the expense of another.
True 'dat. Ya know?
It's no secret by now that I am really loving Jason Mraz's music and, last week, his new album "Love is a Four Letter Word" was released. Totally LOVING it! I'm not sure how I missed him over these years but it doesn't so much matter - I have discovered him and, to quote Stephanie, it's all good.
Track 2 is the one I am stuck on right now. It's such an upbeat, happy song and I swear, if I could just imprint these words into the very core of my being, there would be no stopping me. For instance:
" I will not waste my days making up all kinds of ways to worry about all the things that will not happen to me."
Great, great, great song. If you haven't have the pleasure yet, check it out. Bet it gets stuck in your head, too. :)
Well if this life is one act
Why do we lay all these traps
We put them right in our path
When we just wanna be free
I will not waste my days
Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about all the things
That will not happen to me
So I just let go of what I know I don't know
And I know I only do this by
Living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
Living in the moment
I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done
I let my past go past
And now I'm having more fun
I'm letting go of the thoughts
That do not make me strong
And I believe this way can be the same for everyone
And if I fall asleep
I know you'll be the one who'll always remind me
To live in the moment
To keep living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I can't walk through life reaching backwards
I have tried
I tried more than once to just make sure
And I was denied the future I'd been searching for
I spun around and hurt no more
By living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Just taking it easy
With peace in my mind
Got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
Peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
Track 2 is the one I am stuck on right now. It's such an upbeat, happy song and I swear, if I could just imprint these words into the very core of my being, there would be no stopping me. For instance:
" I will not waste my days making up all kinds of ways to worry about all the things that will not happen to me."
Great, great, great song. If you haven't have the pleasure yet, check it out. Bet it gets stuck in your head, too. :)
Well if this life is one act
Why do we lay all these traps
We put them right in our path
When we just wanna be free
I will not waste my days
Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about all the things
That will not happen to me
So I just let go of what I know I don't know
And I know I only do this by
Living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
Living in the moment
I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done
I let my past go past
And now I'm having more fun
I'm letting go of the thoughts
That do not make me strong
And I believe this way can be the same for everyone
And if I fall asleep
I know you'll be the one who'll always remind me
To live in the moment
To keep living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I can't walk through life reaching backwards
I have tried
I tried more than once to just make sure
And I was denied the future I'd been searching for
I spun around and hurt no more
By living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
With peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Just taking it easy
With peace in my mind
Got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
Peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Eeeeeeek!
Ok seriously...the changes to Blogger? Not so sure I am all over them. But then - I don't so much dig change and especially not when it is sprung on me.
What? They didn't spring it on me? They have had a blurb up for about 6 weeks that changes were coming and hit *this* button if you want to enact the changes now? Why yes. I saw that. But hell no I didn't want the changes enacted immediately. Let's revisit the point I made earlier....you know, the one about not digging changes? Yeah - that one. *sigh*
So today I hit my bookmark to take me to my posting dashboard and *this* THIS is what it looks like? (Yeah yeah - I know you can't see it but if you have a Blogger blog you know what I'm talking about.) Me no like. Seriously.
Sure....yes....absolutely....I will adjust. I will learn my way around and in about 1, 2..oh who am I kidding...6 MONTHS, I will finally accept it.
Why must they change things that already work perfectly fine? Sure...more options. Shinier, brighter.....blah blah blah.
And yet...didn't I post something just last week about learning to roll with the tides? Go with the flow? Sheesh, Universe...it was NOT an invitation to test me. You would have thought I would have learned that by this point in my...uummm.... 47 years of life. So many times when I put something out there, I find I am tested almost immediately. Let's say, for instance, the simple, seemingly harmless phrase "Give me patience." I no longer say that because, like a lightning bold out of the blue, I will be placed in a situation were EXTREME patience is called for. A learning opportunity, if you will. Only thing is.....I don't want to LEARN patience, I just want to have it. Learning it requires practice and practice requires people and situations that piss me off. Who needs that?? Not me, thankyouverymuch.
I remember once upon a time, a long time ago, I made the simple statement "I wish I had 6 weeks off to just lay around and do nothing." I kid you not...within the week I had broken my back and guess what? Was told to do nothing, absolutely nothing, for 6 weeks. WTF, people? Right then and there I decided that I needed to be VERY careful with what I asked for and how I asked for it. I now qualify statements such as that as "I wish I had a whole week to be at the beach relaxing and having fun." Not just being at the beach because sure - I can get to the beach but then my car might break down, or my wallet might be stolen. I clearly have to be more specific about having fun and relaxing. Judge me all you want. I know what works. :)
Huh. I seem to have gotten off on a tangent unrelated to the Blogger changes. That happens....often....doesn't it? Casey's on a rant again - let's just sit back and watch how her scary mind works and where we will eventually end up. Goodness knows it won't be a point A to point B trip...nope, we'll be stopping at Q, Y, X and C along the way and none of it will make any sense if you go back to point A and try to connect the dots.
That's the fun of being me. :) You never know what you are going to get. It could be a blog having to do with an overbed table (which I think would be way cool, just so you know. And oh hey - that just might be exhibit S in the "random thought process" equation.) which then morphs into something PTO related and then that feeds into something I did this weekend and from there.....well...you get the idea. I'm a "connect the dots" game but in my world, the dots aren't even numbered or lettered. Just random...flittering here and there. But when you take the pencil off the page and stand back to look you get......oh hell, who am I kidding? You get a big ol' mess of lines that look more like a toddler's first drawing than something that resembles a masterpiece.
And yet you all just keep coming by to read what I write.
So who is the crazy one exactly? :)
So the changes to the Blogger Dashboard. Blah. And if you think I'm going to take the time to watch the tutorial? Well...clearly you don't know me At. All. :)
What? They didn't spring it on me? They have had a blurb up for about 6 weeks that changes were coming and hit *this* button if you want to enact the changes now? Why yes. I saw that. But hell no I didn't want the changes enacted immediately. Let's revisit the point I made earlier....you know, the one about not digging changes? Yeah - that one. *sigh*
So today I hit my bookmark to take me to my posting dashboard and *this* THIS is what it looks like? (Yeah yeah - I know you can't see it but if you have a Blogger blog you know what I'm talking about.) Me no like. Seriously.
Sure....yes....absolutely....I will adjust. I will learn my way around and in about 1, 2..oh who am I kidding...6 MONTHS, I will finally accept it.
Why must they change things that already work perfectly fine? Sure...more options. Shinier, brighter.....blah blah blah.
And yet...didn't I post something just last week about learning to roll with the tides? Go with the flow? Sheesh, Universe...it was NOT an invitation to test me. You would have thought I would have learned that by this point in my...uummm.... 47 years of life. So many times when I put something out there, I find I am tested almost immediately. Let's say, for instance, the simple, seemingly harmless phrase "Give me patience." I no longer say that because, like a lightning bold out of the blue, I will be placed in a situation were EXTREME patience is called for. A learning opportunity, if you will. Only thing is.....I don't want to LEARN patience, I just want to have it. Learning it requires practice and practice requires people and situations that piss me off. Who needs that?? Not me, thankyouverymuch.
I remember once upon a time, a long time ago, I made the simple statement "I wish I had 6 weeks off to just lay around and do nothing." I kid you not...within the week I had broken my back and guess what? Was told to do nothing, absolutely nothing, for 6 weeks. WTF, people? Right then and there I decided that I needed to be VERY careful with what I asked for and how I asked for it. I now qualify statements such as that as "I wish I had a whole week to be at the beach relaxing and having fun." Not just being at the beach because sure - I can get to the beach but then my car might break down, or my wallet might be stolen. I clearly have to be more specific about having fun and relaxing. Judge me all you want. I know what works. :)
Huh. I seem to have gotten off on a tangent unrelated to the Blogger changes. That happens....often....doesn't it? Casey's on a rant again - let's just sit back and watch how her scary mind works and where we will eventually end up. Goodness knows it won't be a point A to point B trip...nope, we'll be stopping at Q, Y, X and C along the way and none of it will make any sense if you go back to point A and try to connect the dots.
That's the fun of being me. :) You never know what you are going to get. It could be a blog having to do with an overbed table (which I think would be way cool, just so you know. And oh hey - that just might be exhibit S in the "random thought process" equation.) which then morphs into something PTO related and then that feeds into something I did this weekend and from there.....well...you get the idea. I'm a "connect the dots" game but in my world, the dots aren't even numbered or lettered. Just random...flittering here and there. But when you take the pencil off the page and stand back to look you get......oh hell, who am I kidding? You get a big ol' mess of lines that look more like a toddler's first drawing than something that resembles a masterpiece.
And yet you all just keep coming by to read what I write.
So who is the crazy one exactly? :)
So the changes to the Blogger Dashboard. Blah. And if you think I'm going to take the time to watch the tutorial? Well...clearly you don't know me At. All. :)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Inspiration
Those seem like good words of wisdom as life continues to change and evolve. Just let it carry you...don't fight it. Roll with it. It's all good. Eventually, it will all work out as it should. Don't fight for control - just do the best you can and know that some how, some way karma will sort it all out.
I do enjoy getting my words of wisdom from inspirational sayings that I find here and there. While I don't consider myself a "going to a church building and sitting in wood church chairs to worship" person, I do consider myself to be spiritual.
I have found that recently I have joined many uplifting groups on Facebook - some just post quotes, some post amazing photos, some post a combination of photos and quotes. Never does a day go by that I don't read *something* that makes me go "Yeah - I get that." or "Huh. That's a really great way to look at that." And sometimes I disagree completely with what they are saying/posting but it gives me a chance to look in the mirror and double check to make sure I am still being true to who I am and not just taking the words of others as gospel.
Overall, though, the groups are a great way to pepper my newsfeed with "positive thoughts" - especially on the days when it seems everyone on my friends list is having a bad day. :)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Manners 101
I'm having a tough time getting motivated this morning so I thought I would kill a bit of time before starting my work day (and goodness knows I have enough work sitting here to keep me busy all day long). I kind of feel guilty for not just jumping in and getting down to the nuts and bolts of it all but then I remembered that when I went to an office every day for work, more times than not I spent the first 30-60 minutes "getting ready to work". Checking email, sucking down a cup of coffee, wandering out to check my mailbox, etc. I guess this isn't much different so I'm working hard on letting go of my guilt because well...the work is going to get done. It has to. I'm the only one to do it. :)
Anyhoo.....I'm killing time by sucking down my glass of milk and reading all the blog posts that went up over the weekend. I do so LOVE the blogs I have on my reader. They are written by strong, take no shit from anyone, moms and they never fail to speak to me on some level.
This morning, two of the blogs centered around manners. Ah yes...manners. The common courtesy we should all extend to each other on a daily basis. Manners are a big deal to me. Be polite. Show up on time. Say Please. Say thank you. Chew with your mouth closed. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Hold doors for other people. Clean up after yourself. Go out of your way to help someone. The list goes on and on.
My friend, Carrie, writes one of the best blogs around. She is a Southern Girl and calls it like she sees it. She used to live in my town and I know her from the MOMS Club I belonged to once upon a long time ago. I regret not getting to know her well during the time she was here. I was *very* pregnant with Kaylen when she joined and by the time I pulled my head out of the insane world of "OH.MY.GOD. WHAT. HAVE. I. DONE. TO. MY LIFE?" with a new baby who had off the chart sensory issues, an increasingly out of control three year old (who was the world's sweetest 0-3 year old) and defacto-single parenting when D went to law school (and because of A and B, I all but stopped going to MOMS Club. Ironic because that is when I needed support the most but sought it out the least), she had moved away. I caught up with her again when she friended me on Facebook. An action that I am profoundly grateful for because she never, ever fails to make me feel like I am doing an ok job, that I am not alone and that we, as single moms, can indeed make a good life for our kids.
Ok so - looooong story short; Carrie posted a fantastic blog about manners. I do hope you will pop over and give it a read.
Anyhoo.....I'm killing time by sucking down my glass of milk and reading all the blog posts that went up over the weekend. I do so LOVE the blogs I have on my reader. They are written by strong, take no shit from anyone, moms and they never fail to speak to me on some level.
This morning, two of the blogs centered around manners. Ah yes...manners. The common courtesy we should all extend to each other on a daily basis. Manners are a big deal to me. Be polite. Show up on time. Say Please. Say thank you. Chew with your mouth closed. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Hold doors for other people. Clean up after yourself. Go out of your way to help someone. The list goes on and on.
My friend, Carrie, writes one of the best blogs around. She is a Southern Girl and calls it like she sees it. She used to live in my town and I know her from the MOMS Club I belonged to once upon a long time ago. I regret not getting to know her well during the time she was here. I was *very* pregnant with Kaylen when she joined and by the time I pulled my head out of the insane world of "OH.MY.GOD. WHAT. HAVE. I. DONE. TO. MY LIFE?" with a new baby who had off the chart sensory issues, an increasingly out of control three year old (who was the world's sweetest 0-3 year old) and defacto-single parenting when D went to law school (and because of A and B, I all but stopped going to MOMS Club. Ironic because that is when I needed support the most but sought it out the least), she had moved away. I caught up with her again when she friended me on Facebook. An action that I am profoundly grateful for because she never, ever fails to make me feel like I am doing an ok job, that I am not alone and that we, as single moms, can indeed make a good life for our kids.
Ok so - looooong story short; Carrie posted a fantastic blog about manners. I do hope you will pop over and give it a read.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Spring Break
This past week, the kids have been on spring break which means a serious lack of schedule, a ton of fun and a smidgen of frustration for all of us. Lack of schedules can be good but also, when you have small ones who are used to schedules, it can be a challenge.
Last Friday, the kids, Stephanie, and I started spring break early and headed 4 hours north to see my family. We were supposed to have the annual "cousin birthday celebration" but due to various reasons, the cousins were not there. My two, though, enjoyed their celebration and time with family whom they rarely get to see. We all enjoyed seeing Baby Madeleine who, at 8 months, is really fun for my two to interact with. Personally, I can't believe it's been 8 months since she arrived on the planet. Time goes fast.
We headed back last Sunday and have spent the entire week at "the country house", as we call Stephanie's house. It's been amazing and fabulous. The kids love being out here and it goes without saying that I do as well.
Stephanie's birthday was Wednesday so she stayed home from work and we spent the morning just hanging around. We finally got everyone moving and made it out the door in time to catch the 1:30 showing of Titanic (re-released in 3D). Everyone loved it! Even Kaylen, though I did turn her away and cover her eyes for parts of the sinking. This mommy thought some of the scenes would be too intense for her 7 year old brain but boy oh boy was she not happy with me and told me I "ruined the WHOLE movie for her!" I'm ok with that because I'm the mom and I get to decide what is appropriate for her small self....not her. :)
After the movie, we stopped by "the city house" and I took care of the cats and picked up a few things we needed. From there, we went to a birthday dinner to celebrate the love of my life. It was an awesome day and I am happy to report that Stephanie said it was the best birthday she has had in years and years. That, in and of itself, is perfection as far as I'm concerned.
Due to illness in Dakota's house, the kids missed both their visitation evenings with her this week. Let's just say it didn't go well with the boy child. When I broke the news to him Thursday (which was going to be a special long day with Dakota) that Dakota was now sick, he went into a full on melt-down. Hours were spent trying to make the world better for him and I will say, he broke both Stephanie's and my hearts. Stephanie took care of work stuff from home but opted to stay and help with the emotional upset - for which I am very grateful. We started thinking of fun things to do and we finally hit on an idea that brought a smile to Kelton's face so we loaded up the car and headed out to a local pizza place that Dakota has taken them to a couple times in the past year. We spent some time there and then, as we were leaving, I noticed a resale lego store across the street and down a road. We headed over to check it out.
I spent less than $20 on the kids but they both left incredibly happy and excited. We headed back to Stephanie's and we all spent time in the hot tub. All in all, the kids will tell you that they had a really great day even though it started off not all that happy around here.
Yesterday, while Stephanie went to work, the kids and I headed into town and did some stuff at the house. I picked up the Easter Bunny things and spent some time with the kitties, who are starting to get quite lonely in the very quiet house. Soon enough, we were on our way to the grocery store and then back to Stephanie's. The kids are really having a great time out here and I am really enjoying watching them play outside and use their imagination.
It's been a great week and getting to spend it with my love has made it even better. I am very excited for all that is to come.
Life is amazing.
I am a very lucky woman.
Last Friday, the kids, Stephanie, and I started spring break early and headed 4 hours north to see my family. We were supposed to have the annual "cousin birthday celebration" but due to various reasons, the cousins were not there. My two, though, enjoyed their celebration and time with family whom they rarely get to see. We all enjoyed seeing Baby Madeleine who, at 8 months, is really fun for my two to interact with. Personally, I can't believe it's been 8 months since she arrived on the planet. Time goes fast.
We headed back last Sunday and have spent the entire week at "the country house", as we call Stephanie's house. It's been amazing and fabulous. The kids love being out here and it goes without saying that I do as well.
Stephanie's birthday was Wednesday so she stayed home from work and we spent the morning just hanging around. We finally got everyone moving and made it out the door in time to catch the 1:30 showing of Titanic (re-released in 3D). Everyone loved it! Even Kaylen, though I did turn her away and cover her eyes for parts of the sinking. This mommy thought some of the scenes would be too intense for her 7 year old brain but boy oh boy was she not happy with me and told me I "ruined the WHOLE movie for her!" I'm ok with that because I'm the mom and I get to decide what is appropriate for her small self....not her. :)
After the movie, we stopped by "the city house" and I took care of the cats and picked up a few things we needed. From there, we went to a birthday dinner to celebrate the love of my life. It was an awesome day and I am happy to report that Stephanie said it was the best birthday she has had in years and years. That, in and of itself, is perfection as far as I'm concerned.
Due to illness in Dakota's house, the kids missed both their visitation evenings with her this week. Let's just say it didn't go well with the boy child. When I broke the news to him Thursday (which was going to be a special long day with Dakota) that Dakota was now sick, he went into a full on melt-down. Hours were spent trying to make the world better for him and I will say, he broke both Stephanie's and my hearts. Stephanie took care of work stuff from home but opted to stay and help with the emotional upset - for which I am very grateful. We started thinking of fun things to do and we finally hit on an idea that brought a smile to Kelton's face so we loaded up the car and headed out to a local pizza place that Dakota has taken them to a couple times in the past year. We spent some time there and then, as we were leaving, I noticed a resale lego store across the street and down a road. We headed over to check it out.
I spent less than $20 on the kids but they both left incredibly happy and excited. We headed back to Stephanie's and we all spent time in the hot tub. All in all, the kids will tell you that they had a really great day even though it started off not all that happy around here.
Yesterday, while Stephanie went to work, the kids and I headed into town and did some stuff at the house. I picked up the Easter Bunny things and spent some time with the kitties, who are starting to get quite lonely in the very quiet house. Soon enough, we were on our way to the grocery store and then back to Stephanie's. The kids are really having a great time out here and I am really enjoying watching them play outside and use their imagination.
It's been a great week and getting to spend it with my love has made it even better. I am very excited for all that is to come.
Life is amazing.
I am a very lucky woman.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Oh the Joy!
Over the weekend, Kelton developed the cold that has run through the five of us (Kaylen, Kelton, Andrew, Stephanie, and me) in the recent weeks so he started working on me Monday morning to miss school. Nope - Monday he was ok enough to go and he went on his way with a backwards glance and comment of "Yeah - I knew I was ok enough to go. I just wanted to stay home."
Silly boy.
Tuesday, he tried again but my "mama touch" told me he wasn't running a fever so off he went. Upon arriving home, he settled in and did his homework and then cuddled up on the couch under a few blankets. I felt his forehead, it was cool. I meant to take his temperature but honestly? He looked fine.
Soon enough, Dakota arrived for her Tuesday evening time with them and I went to Stephanie's house. Not long after arriving, I get a call from Dakota. Apparently Kelton felt bad enough to go to his room so Dakota, upon Kelton's request, pulled out the thermometer and took his temperature. 101.9. *sigh*
I had given him cold medication but it didn't have fever reducing medication in it so I had her give him Tylenol. By the time Stephanie and I got back, a couple hours later, he was feeling better.
He had a rough night. Coughing a lot and then up around 2am asking if he could take a bath (odd....I know. But a bath is always the first thing the kids ask for when they aren't feeling well...either physically or emotionally). I told him he could. Then he wanted to watch a little TV. He finally headed back to around 3am. He started coughing. A lot.
I got up and rubbed his chest down with Vicks and gave him more cough and cold medication. Within minutes, he had fallen quiet and was sleeping. He was cool to the touch so I felt confident that he wasn't running a fever.
He was up for the day at 5:30am. UGH.
The 24 hour fever free rule being what it is, I knew he was home for the day. I took his temperature around 9 and it was normal and, thankfully, it's been there all day. And, I might add, his cough is almost non-existent and his congestion is gone. This kid has a wild and amazing immune system - he always has!
Tomorrow it should be back to school for him. Which should make working on my work project a whole lot easier (though I did enjoy the admiration in his voice when he said "Wow Mom...you did all this work today? I didn't know you worked so hard!"). Not to mention trying to pack up for the weekend.
It looks like our weekend trip to see my family is still a go and for that, I am very thankful. It took a lot of juggling to make this trip work out and the thought of cancelling it, and then trying to reschedule it, was not something I was looking forward to doing.
And I have to give a shout out to Stephanie. She helped keep me sane on many different levels yesterday (as she always does). Thanks, darlin'! You mean the world to me. :)
Silly boy.
Tuesday, he tried again but my "mama touch" told me he wasn't running a fever so off he went. Upon arriving home, he settled in and did his homework and then cuddled up on the couch under a few blankets. I felt his forehead, it was cool. I meant to take his temperature but honestly? He looked fine.
Soon enough, Dakota arrived for her Tuesday evening time with them and I went to Stephanie's house. Not long after arriving, I get a call from Dakota. Apparently Kelton felt bad enough to go to his room so Dakota, upon Kelton's request, pulled out the thermometer and took his temperature. 101.9. *sigh*
I had given him cold medication but it didn't have fever reducing medication in it so I had her give him Tylenol. By the time Stephanie and I got back, a couple hours later, he was feeling better.
He had a rough night. Coughing a lot and then up around 2am asking if he could take a bath (odd....I know. But a bath is always the first thing the kids ask for when they aren't feeling well...either physically or emotionally). I told him he could. Then he wanted to watch a little TV. He finally headed back to around 3am. He started coughing. A lot.
I got up and rubbed his chest down with Vicks and gave him more cough and cold medication. Within minutes, he had fallen quiet and was sleeping. He was cool to the touch so I felt confident that he wasn't running a fever.
He was up for the day at 5:30am. UGH.
The 24 hour fever free rule being what it is, I knew he was home for the day. I took his temperature around 9 and it was normal and, thankfully, it's been there all day. And, I might add, his cough is almost non-existent and his congestion is gone. This kid has a wild and amazing immune system - he always has!
Tomorrow it should be back to school for him. Which should make working on my work project a whole lot easier (though I did enjoy the admiration in his voice when he said "Wow Mom...you did all this work today? I didn't know you worked so hard!"). Not to mention trying to pack up for the weekend.
It looks like our weekend trip to see my family is still a go and for that, I am very thankful. It took a lot of juggling to make this trip work out and the thought of cancelling it, and then trying to reschedule it, was not something I was looking forward to doing.
And I have to give a shout out to Stephanie. She helped keep me sane on many different levels yesterday (as she always does). Thanks, darlin'! You mean the world to me. :)
Friday, March 23, 2012
A Blast of Winter
Yesterday we woke to snow! I'm hoping that was Winter's last gift and that we can get onto moving forward into Spring. I'm ready for the air to warm up and, while I'm NOT ready for hot weather, I am ready to stop needing a heavy coat.
But oh the snow was fun! The school distinct issued a 2hour delay but I decided to give the kids a whole snow day - and I'm glad I did. We had such a great time! Once the roads started getting manageable, we loaded up all the snow gear and headed out to Stephanie's. She is at a higher elevation so there was definitely more snow accumulation out there. The kids immediately got into their snow pants, coats, mittens and hats and hit the yard full force.
Kaylen spent hours and hours outside. We had her coming in to warm up several times but once the dryer had dried her gear, she was itching to get back out. She made a snow house...well...snow rooms, I guess you could say. She made a bed of snow with a lamp and a dresser (complete with a phone and a book on top). She then made a table, chairs, plates and cups, a bathroom and a living room with a couch, table and chair. She almost had a melt-away Winter version of park homes. She was in seventh heaven!
Later in the afternoon, we all pulled on swimming suits and spent some time in the hot tub - which was surreal what with the yard full of snow.
If it was indeed Winter's last hurrah then I think it's safe to say we enjoyed it to the fullest! By the time we arrived back at our house, the snow was all but gone and the kids got to grab their bikes and ride around. Winter to Spring - just like that! :)
But oh the snow was fun! The school distinct issued a 2hour delay but I decided to give the kids a whole snow day - and I'm glad I did. We had such a great time! Once the roads started getting manageable, we loaded up all the snow gear and headed out to Stephanie's. She is at a higher elevation so there was definitely more snow accumulation out there. The kids immediately got into their snow pants, coats, mittens and hats and hit the yard full force.
Kaylen spent hours and hours outside. We had her coming in to warm up several times but once the dryer had dried her gear, she was itching to get back out. She made a snow house...well...snow rooms, I guess you could say. She made a bed of snow with a lamp and a dresser (complete with a phone and a book on top). She then made a table, chairs, plates and cups, a bathroom and a living room with a couch, table and chair. She almost had a melt-away Winter version of park homes. She was in seventh heaven!
Later in the afternoon, we all pulled on swimming suits and spent some time in the hot tub - which was surreal what with the yard full of snow.
If it was indeed Winter's last hurrah then I think it's safe to say we enjoyed it to the fullest! By the time we arrived back at our house, the snow was all but gone and the kids got to grab their bikes and ride around. Winter to Spring - just like that! :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The PE Showcase
Last night, Kaylen participated in the Elementary School Physical Education Showcase for our district. She was sooooo very excited. She has been doing a special, once a week, after school PE class and then had a rehearsal for the big night. She was ready.
Now here is a little tid bit that I'm sure she will hate that I share with you. The girl can sweat! She is incredibly active - constantly on the move. She will make hurdles out of her tinker toys and run an obstacle course for a good hour around the living room. Every. Single. Day. She has, from the time of conception, been a mover and a shaker. Once, while inside me, she was awake and moving for 17 hours solid. No kidding! I'd say the only time she stops moving is when she is sleeping but that's a big fat lie. She constantly moves in her sleep, too. I guess that's why she can put away the carbs like she does and still be pencil thin. Lucky girl. Anyway......along with her constant movement comes constant sweat. And not the "glow" kind either. Oh no. This girl gets rank! Exercise, for her, is like effective testosterone boosters because she smells like a sweaty man after working out hard.
Last night, I put Secret deodorant on my 7 year old daughter in the hopes it would help. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it did. At least, Kaylen said it did. Not that I think she can ever smell her sweaty little self. :)
I didn't go to the showcase. It was Tuesday night, Dakota's night, and while there are plenty of times I give up my kid-free time in favor of attending their activities, school events or changes in schedule, I decided that it would be ok to miss out on the showcase. Kaylen understood and she did, after all, have her other mother and brother with her. If it had happened on a non-Dakota night, she would have had only me and her brother so I knew she would be fine.
I'm not saying she worked hard or anything but by the time I got home, 30 minutes after they had returned, Kaylen was showered, in her jammies, and on the verge of tears. A sure sign she is exhausted. After saying goodnight to Dakota, Kaylen jumped into her bed and before Stephanie and I could shut off the lights, close up the house, and head back to her room, the poor thing was sound asleep.
Oh but she was so proud of herself. And I am very proud of my never-stopping, constant motion monkey girl. Kaylen - you rock!!
Now here is a little tid bit that I'm sure she will hate that I share with you. The girl can sweat! She is incredibly active - constantly on the move. She will make hurdles out of her tinker toys and run an obstacle course for a good hour around the living room. Every. Single. Day. She has, from the time of conception, been a mover and a shaker. Once, while inside me, she was awake and moving for 17 hours solid. No kidding! I'd say the only time she stops moving is when she is sleeping but that's a big fat lie. She constantly moves in her sleep, too. I guess that's why she can put away the carbs like she does and still be pencil thin. Lucky girl. Anyway......along with her constant movement comes constant sweat. And not the "glow" kind either. Oh no. This girl gets rank! Exercise, for her, is like effective testosterone boosters because she smells like a sweaty man after working out hard.
Last night, I put Secret deodorant on my 7 year old daughter in the hopes it would help. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it did. At least, Kaylen said it did. Not that I think she can ever smell her sweaty little self. :)
I didn't go to the showcase. It was Tuesday night, Dakota's night, and while there are plenty of times I give up my kid-free time in favor of attending their activities, school events or changes in schedule, I decided that it would be ok to miss out on the showcase. Kaylen understood and she did, after all, have her other mother and brother with her. If it had happened on a non-Dakota night, she would have had only me and her brother so I knew she would be fine.
I'm not saying she worked hard or anything but by the time I got home, 30 minutes after they had returned, Kaylen was showered, in her jammies, and on the verge of tears. A sure sign she is exhausted. After saying goodnight to Dakota, Kaylen jumped into her bed and before Stephanie and I could shut off the lights, close up the house, and head back to her room, the poor thing was sound asleep.
Oh but she was so proud of herself. And I am very proud of my never-stopping, constant motion monkey girl. Kaylen - you rock!!
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