It has been one week since James left for the Wallow fire. It's been a crazy week, a sleep deprived week, a stressful week and yet somehow I still feel like I am holding it together.
Last Friday James was on overtime at the lake and called me at 1:00pm to tell me he had just gotten the call to go to a wildfire near Alpine. It had started just a couple days ago and was growing fast, but since his longest deployment to date was four days, I told him it was a great opportunity and to go for it. He came home, got his stuff together, said goodbye and was gone by 3:00pm. That night I waited up for his call until 1:00am when he finally pulled into base camp and I felt like he was safe enough that I could sleep. That was day 1.
Day 2 was the day we had planned to celebrate Dawson's birthday with the family. I didn't want it to be any more apparent to the boys that dad was gone (or that he was more than likely going to miss Dawson's birthday) so we tried to maintain normalcy. The day was great. We went and saw Kung Fu Panda 2, barbecued, had cake and opened presents. Later that night, the boys and I went to church and everyone was doing good.
Day 3 was the day I stopped watching the news. The fire was growing quickly. The governor had visited and decided to use words like devastating and frightening. It was a long day (Sunday's are always long when James is on shift too) but I heard from James late that night, so I was good.
Day 4 was busy, but was only just the beginning. It was my first day of summer tutoring. I am working with 29 kids for 13 hours a week to help them with reading and math over the summer. Colton was also in basketball camp in the morning, so I had to beg my mom to hang out with Dawson while I was gone. I am definitely blessed to have family and friends around that are willing to help. That afternoon when I got home, one of the battalion chiefs called to check on us and also to ask me if I would consider talking to a news reporter about what life is like for the families at home while the firefighters are deployed. For some crazy reason, I said yes and cleaned the house the rest of the night.
Day 5 was tutoring and basketball camp, then I raced home for my 5 minutes of fame interview with Channel 5 and after we had some friends over to play on the water slide and have dinner for Dawson's birthday. The day wouldn't have been complete without throwing in a late night basketball practice for Colton though, so we made sure to squeeze that in too.
Day 6 was Dawson's actual birthday. Colton did a great job making him feel special in the morning and James was able to call and wish him "Happy Birthday." After tutoring and basketball, we met some friends at Peter Piper and they were sweet enough to get him a little gift bag which made his day. He told Colton all night, "Thanks so much for planning the surprise party for me!" I was just thankful he was focusing on that and not that dad was gone. Later that night, we went to dinner with my mom so overall he was busy and happy and he knew he was getting an extra celebration when dad got home. I, however, had a rough day. I started watching the news again that day and they were evacuating two more towns and pulling firefighters out of areas for their safety. The magnitude of what James was doing became more real and I just felt unsettled. Thankfully he was able to call that night and really reassure me that he was being safe and I was able to sleep good.
Day 7 was a blur. Basketball camp, four hours of tutoring, Dawson's speech therapy and both boys basketball games that night. Whew! We were all exhausted by time we got home.
Today is Day 8 and it's been good so far. We went to the summer movies this morning, had friends come visit from Prescott and my mom is coming over to have dinner with us.
I have learned a couple things so far while James is gone. The first is how much I depend on him. I love him because he is my husband and count on him as the man of the house and my kid's dad, but he is so much more. He makes me laugh, feel safe, and is just the person I want to be around. The second how much I appreciate single and military moms. My two weeks looks like a joke to them and my hats are off to them and all they have to do. The third is that I can do all the "man stuff" around the house if I have to, but I still don't like it.
The next week seems like an eternity right now, but I am sure I will blink my eyes and my family will be together again, just like it should be.
About Me
- Andrea
- AZ, United States
- I am a mom raising 2 great boys and I am married to a wonderul man. Although life hasn't necessarily turned out the way I pictured, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stories. Show all posts
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
CRAZY Roller Coaster
Life is such a CRAZY roller coaster. There are ups and downs and everything in between. Days you want to scream, times you want to puke and at the end all you want is to do it again. Since I have managed to only post once a month since I got my job, I am going to try to remember some of the ups and downs that have happened.
Ups: It's always better to start positive, right? James and I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss. We were fortunate enough to go to a great dinner with his crew and then got away to Prescott for the night. Then we went to the Chris Tomlin concert as a belated gift to ourselves. The day after the concert, I had a friend call me and tell me that when she saw us from behind she leaned over and told her sister in law that we were the most compatible couple she has ever met. She said that no matter whether things are good or bad in life or just between us, that she can always see the love underneath. What an awesome compliment to get!
The boys are doing good. Report cards came in and were great and Colton just finished AIMS testing. They are both playing soccer right now and having fun. Most days, I feel like I am chasing my tail and at times I get so frustrated I think smoke is coming out of my ears, but at the end of the day, they just make me laugh and it is all worth it!
My job is going good. My kiddos are making huge gains with reading and I am anxious to see their test scores at the end of the year. Last month I even got Teacher of the Month which was really nice to feel appreciated among my peers. It's one thing for a 2nd or 3rd grade kid to like you, but always nice when the people you work with do to. Isn't it crazy? I feel like this is such a short list and I am thinking through the list of downs and there are so many more. It is always so hard to come up with the positives!!
Downs: These are the things that make us stronger and most times we are laughing during them or shortly after they happen. At the beginning of March, Colton's asthma kicked into full swing. We were supposed to be at a wedding at 6pm and I couldn't get him under control, so I decided to run him to urgent care at noon thinking we'd be fine. Little did I know my baby would be transported by an ambulance to the hospital and have 17 breathing treatments and 3 rounds of steroids in the next 12 hours before we could go home. Now for the funny part...have you ever been billed by an ambulance company??? Seriously, $0.35 for gloves x 4 pairs. Good stuff.
Last weekend it was pouring rain, but my kids still had soccer. When we came home from the first game, everyone was wet and I told them to take everything off in the garage. As Dawson was going in the house, Colton went to brace himself against the wall and somehow the tip of his finger was in the door jam and sure enough it slammed closed on it. After 2 hours of crying and pretty substantial swelling, I took him in to find out it was broken. In the meantime, my mom had come to help me out and when she came in, Liberty jumped, off all fours, like she always does. Only this time she came down, let out a yelp and became my three legged dog for the next 24 hours until I took her in to the vet to find out she had partially torn her ACL. For the bargain price of $509.55, I made it through my weekend of James being on shift! (The good stuff only happens when he is gone!)
Dawson got a new kid in class three weeks ago. All year he had only had two card changes. Then, in the course of the last three weeks, he has had five yellows. He did inform me that he thought if he got in enough trouble that his teacher would send him home, which he likes because he doesn't love school. I shared with him that really he would just get to go to the principals office and then I let him experience 20 minutes in the cubby which didn't phase him one teeny tiny bit. It is very hard to raise yourself, especially when you were a stinker!!
Sometimes I feel like we get more than our fair share of trials, but I also think we know how to make them entertaining and God knows we will pull together and make it so it is what is it. Sometimes I think we are blessed more than we deserve. Either way, at the end of the day, I am happy I have my life. It's crazy, but it's mine.
Ups: It's always better to start positive, right? James and I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss. We were fortunate enough to go to a great dinner with his crew and then got away to Prescott for the night. Then we went to the Chris Tomlin concert as a belated gift to ourselves. The day after the concert, I had a friend call me and tell me that when she saw us from behind she leaned over and told her sister in law that we were the most compatible couple she has ever met. She said that no matter whether things are good or bad in life or just between us, that she can always see the love underneath. What an awesome compliment to get!
The boys are doing good. Report cards came in and were great and Colton just finished AIMS testing. They are both playing soccer right now and having fun. Most days, I feel like I am chasing my tail and at times I get so frustrated I think smoke is coming out of my ears, but at the end of the day, they just make me laugh and it is all worth it!
My job is going good. My kiddos are making huge gains with reading and I am anxious to see their test scores at the end of the year. Last month I even got Teacher of the Month which was really nice to feel appreciated among my peers. It's one thing for a 2nd or 3rd grade kid to like you, but always nice when the people you work with do to. Isn't it crazy? I feel like this is such a short list and I am thinking through the list of downs and there are so many more. It is always so hard to come up with the positives!!
Downs: These are the things that make us stronger and most times we are laughing during them or shortly after they happen. At the beginning of March, Colton's asthma kicked into full swing. We were supposed to be at a wedding at 6pm and I couldn't get him under control, so I decided to run him to urgent care at noon thinking we'd be fine. Little did I know my baby would be transported by an ambulance to the hospital and have 17 breathing treatments and 3 rounds of steroids in the next 12 hours before we could go home. Now for the funny part...have you ever been billed by an ambulance company??? Seriously, $0.35 for gloves x 4 pairs. Good stuff.
Last weekend it was pouring rain, but my kids still had soccer. When we came home from the first game, everyone was wet and I told them to take everything off in the garage. As Dawson was going in the house, Colton went to brace himself against the wall and somehow the tip of his finger was in the door jam and sure enough it slammed closed on it. After 2 hours of crying and pretty substantial swelling, I took him in to find out it was broken. In the meantime, my mom had come to help me out and when she came in, Liberty jumped, off all fours, like she always does. Only this time she came down, let out a yelp and became my three legged dog for the next 24 hours until I took her in to the vet to find out she had partially torn her ACL. For the bargain price of $509.55, I made it through my weekend of James being on shift! (The good stuff only happens when he is gone!)
Dawson got a new kid in class three weeks ago. All year he had only had two card changes. Then, in the course of the last three weeks, he has had five yellows. He did inform me that he thought if he got in enough trouble that his teacher would send him home, which he likes because he doesn't love school. I shared with him that really he would just get to go to the principals office and then I let him experience 20 minutes in the cubby which didn't phase him one teeny tiny bit. It is very hard to raise yourself, especially when you were a stinker!!
Sometimes I feel like we get more than our fair share of trials, but I also think we know how to make them entertaining and God knows we will pull together and make it so it is what is it. Sometimes I think we are blessed more than we deserve. Either way, at the end of the day, I am happy I have my life. It's crazy, but it's mine.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
He's Creative
I feel like I haven't blogged forever and want to catch up on a couple things. Things are going good with my new job. I am working with 78 kiddos right now and although I am tired and feel defeated some days, there are some kids making so much progress that it is worth it.
Today we had both of the kids conferences and they are doing great. Polar opposites though. I have Colton who is my straight A student and not happy because they aren't all 100% and then there is Dawson who probably would be fine with staying in 1st grade if it meant not having to put in any more effort. Both boys are playing basketball right now and Colton's team is so exciting to watch this year! They started keeping score and allowing fouls and stealing. It's a whole different game.
Now to the story. So, today I am walking down the hall to get Dawson from class and he is showing me the bracelet he made. He actually took a piece of paper and cut a thin strip off, tied a knot in it and made a bracelet. He was proud of it, but he was extra proud of the buttons he had threaded on to it. I was actually impressed that he threaded buttons on to paper without it ripping. So as he is proudly walking down the hall wearing his button bracelet, I asked him where he got the buttons. Without skipping a beat he holds the side of his shirt up and goes, "from here." Yep, that is right. My son cut all the buttons off his shirt to make his beloved button bracelet. I don't know if this is more creative than gluing the book shut in kidergarten so he didn't have to read it or not. Either way, I am such a proud mom!
Today we had both of the kids conferences and they are doing great. Polar opposites though. I have Colton who is my straight A student and not happy because they aren't all 100% and then there is Dawson who probably would be fine with staying in 1st grade if it meant not having to put in any more effort. Both boys are playing basketball right now and Colton's team is so exciting to watch this year! They started keeping score and allowing fouls and stealing. It's a whole different game.
Now to the story. So, today I am walking down the hall to get Dawson from class and he is showing me the bracelet he made. He actually took a piece of paper and cut a thin strip off, tied a knot in it and made a bracelet. He was proud of it, but he was extra proud of the buttons he had threaded on to it. I was actually impressed that he threaded buttons on to paper without it ripping. So as he is proudly walking down the hall wearing his button bracelet, I asked him where he got the buttons. Without skipping a beat he holds the side of his shirt up and goes, "from here." Yep, that is right. My son cut all the buttons off his shirt to make his beloved button bracelet. I don't know if this is more creative than gluing the book shut in kidergarten so he didn't have to read it or not. Either way, I am such a proud mom!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Disneyland Trip That Wasn't
A couple of years ago we went to Disneyland the week before Christmas and fell in love. Every year since we have gone back. Of course, every year we say we won't do it the next year, but we always cave and we do. So this year we had it planned for Dec 19th-23rd, almost the same exact days as last year. Only this year, it appears that California was going to be having one of the worst storms in 15 years at exactly the same time.
We almost didn't go. We teeter tottered back and forth for days. Finally I put something on Facebook and almost instantly had comments. "Go, have fun." "Make memories." "You only live once." So we decided to go for broke and we loaded up and headed out. When we hit about Riverside, it started to rain pretty hard. At that point it was 3:55pm and I could still cancel the hotel until 4:00pm, but for some reason, we kept driving. Once we got to the hotel, everyone we saw was not just wet, but dripping. We heard it had been really windy too and that no matter what you had on, you got wet. Yet, we proceeded to unload and check in. 
That is when the fun really began. For the first 100 miles, our topped out speed was 30mph. It was raining so hard, you could barely see and the wind was kicking up. At one point we saw a sign for the Old Spaghetti Factory and got off the freeway to grab a bite to eat only to be told that they closed from 2-5pm everyday and it was 2:41pm. Don't ask. Then we had the pleasure of following a highway patrol for 8 miles while the road crew cleared debris so the road didn't flood. At one point when we were stopped, the car next to us, who was also two cars behind the cop, decided to roll down their window and throw out all of their fast food trash. Lovely. Just when I thought I had had all the fun I could, I had a car come up behind me out of nowhere (I was already going 74 in a 70) and flash me to get out of his way. So, I graciously moved into the next lane and once he passed, proceeded to get behind him, speed up and flash my brights at him. Oops. Must have pissed him off because he slammed on his brakes and wouldn't move. But, after my little road rage incident, we made it home fairly quickly.
I guess it depends on how you look at our Disneyland trip that wasn't. To some it may sound like a disaster, but to us, it was just some more memories made. Sometimes, the things that make you laugh the hardest aren't the ones planned.
We almost didn't go. We teeter tottered back and forth for days. Finally I put something on Facebook and almost instantly had comments. "Go, have fun." "Make memories." "You only live once." So we decided to go for broke and we loaded up and headed out. When we hit about Riverside, it started to rain pretty hard. At that point it was 3:55pm and I could still cancel the hotel until 4:00pm, but for some reason, we kept driving. Once we got to the hotel, everyone we saw was not just wet, but dripping. We heard it had been really windy too and that no matter what you had on, you got wet. Yet, we proceeded to unload and check in.
When we went to dinner, we ran into another family from the Phoenix area. They had been over to Disneyland that day and actually had a 2-day pass, but they were choosing to lose their second day and just go home. The parades were cancelled, no fireworks, and a lot of the outdoor rides were shut down or kept breaking down. And the craziest part was she said it was still packed!
After dinner we went back to the hotel and begged to get out of the next two nights and they were kind enough to not make us pay any more for our mistake. We decided to make the best of the trip still and to go to the Long Beach Aquarium in the morning on our way out of town and the kids were happy with that. Things were looking up.
We got up the next morning, had a great breakfast at Mimi's and leisurely went to the aquarium. When we first left, it wasn't raining and we started to question our decision, but by lunchtime it was coming down good. When we were outside watching the Sea Lions, we were in the rain for about 20 minutes and so thankful that we were going inside to get dry. The kids enjoyed everything and we packed up to head home.
After dinner we went back to the hotel and begged to get out of the next two nights and they were kind enough to not make us pay any more for our mistake. We decided to make the best of the trip still and to go to the Long Beach Aquarium in the morning on our way out of town and the kids were happy with that. Things were looking up.
We got up the next morning, had a great breakfast at Mimi's and leisurely went to the aquarium. When we first left, it wasn't raining and we started to question our decision, but by lunchtime it was coming down good. When we were outside watching the Sea Lions, we were in the rain for about 20 minutes and so thankful that we were going inside to get dry. The kids enjoyed everything and we packed up to head home.
That is when the fun really began. For the first 100 miles, our topped out speed was 30mph. It was raining so hard, you could barely see and the wind was kicking up. At one point we saw a sign for the Old Spaghetti Factory and got off the freeway to grab a bite to eat only to be told that they closed from 2-5pm everyday and it was 2:41pm. Don't ask. Then we had the pleasure of following a highway patrol for 8 miles while the road crew cleared debris so the road didn't flood. At one point when we were stopped, the car next to us, who was also two cars behind the cop, decided to roll down their window and throw out all of their fast food trash. Lovely. Just when I thought I had had all the fun I could, I had a car come up behind me out of nowhere (I was already going 74 in a 70) and flash me to get out of his way. So, I graciously moved into the next lane and once he passed, proceeded to get behind him, speed up and flash my brights at him. Oops. Must have pissed him off because he slammed on his brakes and wouldn't move. But, after my little road rage incident, we made it home fairly quickly.I guess it depends on how you look at our Disneyland trip that wasn't. To some it may sound like a disaster, but to us, it was just some more memories made. Sometimes, the things that make you laugh the hardest aren't the ones planned.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Now He Believes
I think getting Dawson to lose his first tooth has actually been more difficult than giving birth. He has been terrified for a good five weeks since it first became wiggly. We have tried everything to convince him how great it would be: we told him about the tooth fairy, we told him about the money, we promised him ice cream and candy and anything else he loves. Nope, he wasn't going to have it. He said he didn't care about the tooth fairy and that she could keep her money. He just wanted to not eat, not brush and wait for it to "get stuck" again.
Well, last night was finally the night. I went to brush his teeth and it was literally laying sideways. I brushed against it and it fell into his mouth. All of a sudden, "Wow, that didn't hurt at all!'' "Look, it's not even bleeding." "Aren't I brave?!" It was like I had a different child in front of me. Then this morning he wakes up and comes running out of his room with the money from the tooth fairy and exclaims, "Now, I really do believe!"
Let's see how true that is when the next tooth starts to wiggle. :)
Well, last night was finally the night. I went to brush his teeth and it was literally laying sideways. I brushed against it and it fell into his mouth. All of a sudden, "Wow, that didn't hurt at all!'' "Look, it's not even bleeding." "Aren't I brave?!" It was like I had a different child in front of me. Then this morning he wakes up and comes running out of his room with the money from the tooth fairy and exclaims, "Now, I really do believe!"
Let's see how true that is when the next tooth starts to wiggle. :)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Mother of the Year in Waiting
In the nine years that I have been a mother, there are many times where I have done something that I thought was worthy of the "Mother of the Year" award. This morning I am pretty sure I solidified my spot and am hoping to never have anything that tops this moment.
Colton had a cross country meet at my old high school. Each week the running order has been 7th/8th grade running first, 5th/6th running second, and 4th grade running last. Usually it is the girls running first too, but for some reason they decided to run the boys first this week. Still, I didn't see any reason to rush to get there at 7:15 when the meet didn't start until 8:00 and Colton most likely wouldn't run until after 9:00. So, we left about 7:30, in no hurry at all, for the race.
At 7:58, I was 1/2 mile away and I got a phone call from one of the other parents asking where I was because they decided to switch the order, the 4th grade boys were running first and she was holding the start for us. I flew into the parking lot and told Colton to jump out and go. And the downhill spiral started. When he got out of the car, his shoe got stuck. He even said, "Mom, my shoe," to which I replied, "Whatever it is, it is fine. Just go!" When he stepped out with his other foot, I assumed (yes ASS U ME) that he was out and started to roll forward. That was when I saw him drop to the ground and heard him scream, "Mom, my foot!" Oh yes, I ran over his ankle with the car. I immediately got out and checked him. By the grace of God it was only black from the tire and it bruised up nicely later, but nothing was broken.
Now, the blame is definitely on me here, but there are three things that could have changed how this went.
#1) Communication between the schools. We are a multiple kid, multiple sport family, so knowing actual times is helpful.
#2) We have three vehicles...my van, James' jeep and the 1996 Corolla. If I had been in the van or the jeep, first of all the tire is at least 18" behind the door as opposed to the 2" for the Corolla and they are both automatic instead of manual so I more than likely would have had it in park instead of neutral.
#3) If I could be less stressed about my kids missing something. He had already missed a meet this year for being sick and so I didn't want him to miss another. BUT, in the grand scheme of things, it would have never mattered five years from now. It's not like he had a college scholarship riding on his run. I need to remember that if I am calm, my entire house is usually calm too.
After all the drama, I parked the car and we walked over to the starting line where ironically they still hadn't started the race yet. Colton decided he wanted to run and even with a sore ankle he got 41st place. Not too shabby. And now, there will be no "jumping" out of the cars for this household anymore. Gotta go wait for my phone call now.
Colton had a cross country meet at my old high school. Each week the running order has been 7th/8th grade running first, 5th/6th running second, and 4th grade running last. Usually it is the girls running first too, but for some reason they decided to run the boys first this week. Still, I didn't see any reason to rush to get there at 7:15 when the meet didn't start until 8:00 and Colton most likely wouldn't run until after 9:00. So, we left about 7:30, in no hurry at all, for the race.
At 7:58, I was 1/2 mile away and I got a phone call from one of the other parents asking where I was because they decided to switch the order, the 4th grade boys were running first and she was holding the start for us. I flew into the parking lot and told Colton to jump out and go. And the downhill spiral started. When he got out of the car, his shoe got stuck. He even said, "Mom, my shoe," to which I replied, "Whatever it is, it is fine. Just go!" When he stepped out with his other foot, I assumed (yes ASS U ME) that he was out and started to roll forward. That was when I saw him drop to the ground and heard him scream, "Mom, my foot!" Oh yes, I ran over his ankle with the car. I immediately got out and checked him. By the grace of God it was only black from the tire and it bruised up nicely later, but nothing was broken.
Now, the blame is definitely on me here, but there are three things that could have changed how this went.
#1) Communication between the schools. We are a multiple kid, multiple sport family, so knowing actual times is helpful.
#2) We have three vehicles...my van, James' jeep and the 1996 Corolla. If I had been in the van or the jeep, first of all the tire is at least 18" behind the door as opposed to the 2" for the Corolla and they are both automatic instead of manual so I more than likely would have had it in park instead of neutral.
#3) If I could be less stressed about my kids missing something. He had already missed a meet this year for being sick and so I didn't want him to miss another. BUT, in the grand scheme of things, it would have never mattered five years from now. It's not like he had a college scholarship riding on his run. I need to remember that if I am calm, my entire house is usually calm too.
After all the drama, I parked the car and we walked over to the starting line where ironically they still hadn't started the race yet. Colton decided he wanted to run and even with a sore ankle he got 41st place. Not too shabby. And now, there will be no "jumping" out of the cars for this household anymore. Gotta go wait for my phone call now.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Time in a Bottle
This morning I am singing Jim Croce songs in my head. If I could save time in a bottle... Wouldn't we all like to do that? Time is getting away from me. Life is getting away from me. The boys are starting their 6th week of school already tomorrow. It is hard to believe it, but I know I am going to blink and Christmas will be here.
Dawson is doing fabulous in first grade. Actually so much better than I expected. I knew we had a terrific teacher when she was Colton's, but each kid is different, so I was a little worried, but she has not disappointed. The other day the principal even told me he couldn't believe how awesome he was doing when he popped into class for something. He is really starting to want to read and is trying to sound things out everywhere. Yesterday we went to the movies and in the middle of it, he turned to the sign and goes e x i t...exit. It reminds me of when Colton learned to read and we pulled into Fry's and as we were walking up he goes, "Fry's Food and DRUG! Mom, we can't shop here, it has drugs." So in the parking lot we had the illegal drugs vs. over the counter and prescription talk. It was funny. This year I feel like I don't have as many funny stories for Dawson, but I know they are there. The other day, someone reminded me about the bloody nose story from last year. As his class was walking to lunch, a kid in the hall was trying to stop his bloody nose. Dawson passed by, leaned over and said, "you have to stop picking your nose before it starts to bleed." Words of wisdom there. This year he is doing his regular things like telling the teacher he doesn't want her sticker when she asks him to read the sight words for the week. He's not shy. He knows what will work as a bribe and what won't.
Colton's year isn't going quite as well, but it's not bad either. He got a very interesting class which is making it hard. I was in between a couple of teachers and I knew one was going to be better academically and one was going to be better for his heart. I went with the one who was more mothering and there have been days I have been so thankful for her, but sometimes I wish he was challenged a little bit more. I have faith it will all work out though. He is on the cross country team and loving it. They practice every morning at 6:15am and so far it hasn't bothered him one bit. Tomorrow night he starts soccer too and while I will be exhausted, I am sure he will be in heaven just running around.
James went on his coveted antelope hunt and was successful. It is hard to believe he was drawn the first year he put in and got his antelope on opening morning. I was so happy for him. It was funny when it was all done, he got depressed the same way he does on Christmas night. There is so much prep and hype that when it is all over, he is bummed.
Liberty is still alive. She has eaten money, destroyed a new roll of paper towels so that it looked like it snowed, dug more holes to China than I can count, kept me up in the middle of the night, cost me more than a Disneyland trip and yet she is still here. The boys love her. Truth be told, I do too. I think she is going to be an awesome family dog when she is done being a puppy.
Life just passes by and I feel like each day, I take for granted the moments and the memories. Dawson got his first character cash, Colton ran a mile in 8 minutes 40 seconds, Liberty lost her baby teeth. In 6 months, I won't remember that. But they are the very moments that make my life what it is. The very moments I am so thankful for. If only I could save time in a bottle.
Dawson is doing fabulous in first grade. Actually so much better than I expected. I knew we had a terrific teacher when she was Colton's, but each kid is different, so I was a little worried, but she has not disappointed. The other day the principal even told me he couldn't believe how awesome he was doing when he popped into class for something. He is really starting to want to read and is trying to sound things out everywhere. Yesterday we went to the movies and in the middle of it, he turned to the sign and goes e x i t...exit. It reminds me of when Colton learned to read and we pulled into Fry's and as we were walking up he goes, "Fry's Food and DRUG! Mom, we can't shop here, it has drugs." So in the parking lot we had the illegal drugs vs. over the counter and prescription talk. It was funny. This year I feel like I don't have as many funny stories for Dawson, but I know they are there. The other day, someone reminded me about the bloody nose story from last year. As his class was walking to lunch, a kid in the hall was trying to stop his bloody nose. Dawson passed by, leaned over and said, "you have to stop picking your nose before it starts to bleed." Words of wisdom there. This year he is doing his regular things like telling the teacher he doesn't want her sticker when she asks him to read the sight words for the week. He's not shy. He knows what will work as a bribe and what won't.
Colton's year isn't going quite as well, but it's not bad either. He got a very interesting class which is making it hard. I was in between a couple of teachers and I knew one was going to be better academically and one was going to be better for his heart. I went with the one who was more mothering and there have been days I have been so thankful for her, but sometimes I wish he was challenged a little bit more. I have faith it will all work out though. He is on the cross country team and loving it. They practice every morning at 6:15am and so far it hasn't bothered him one bit. Tomorrow night he starts soccer too and while I will be exhausted, I am sure he will be in heaven just running around.
James went on his coveted antelope hunt and was successful. It is hard to believe he was drawn the first year he put in and got his antelope on opening morning. I was so happy for him. It was funny when it was all done, he got depressed the same way he does on Christmas night. There is so much prep and hype that when it is all over, he is bummed.
Liberty is still alive. She has eaten money, destroyed a new roll of paper towels so that it looked like it snowed, dug more holes to China than I can count, kept me up in the middle of the night, cost me more than a Disneyland trip and yet she is still here. The boys love her. Truth be told, I do too. I think she is going to be an awesome family dog when she is done being a puppy.
Life just passes by and I feel like each day, I take for granted the moments and the memories. Dawson got his first character cash, Colton ran a mile in 8 minutes 40 seconds, Liberty lost her baby teeth. In 6 months, I won't remember that. But they are the very moments that make my life what it is. The very moments I am so thankful for. If only I could save time in a bottle.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Softer
Growing up, my family always thought I was the one with the hard heart. I never thought I had a hard heart per say as much as I was just a very black and white person. I try not to be judgmental, especially since I can empathize with some situations that are hard. As I grew in my teenage years and especially once I had my own children, I started to see all the many shades of gray.
School started for my boys 3 weeks ago and I saw my old self sneak back in. There was a new boy in Colton's class. He lives two blocks away and the day they met, they clicked. However, he isn't the type of boy I necessarily want influencing my kids. From what I have heard, his parents had a lot and like so many others lost most of it in the recession. The first time we had him over, I was appalled and frustrated. He wasn't using four letter words, but he was talking ugly, using many words we don't in this house. When I mentioned that we didn't talk like that, he increased the amount of words he could fit into one sentence. He also spent the entire 2 hours doing nothing but putting down my child and everything he had and telling him how everything he had was better. Although I knew in my heart that that was a learned behavior, especially at that age, I got all mama bear and wanted to defend my kids.
I told Colton that I wanted him to play with this boy at school, but also to make sure to make and keep other friends. I talked to the teacher and encouraged her to keep them apart. But every day, he was all Colton talked about. About a week in to school, I heard that he came to school with all of his clothes on inside out. Not because he wanted to, but because nobody had washed any of his clothes and they were too dirty to wear. That is when my heart broke. No child should have to go through that, but especially not a kid living with mom, dad and grandpa in a 2500 square foot house. This boy was obnoxious because he was desperately seeking attention.
A couple days later, I let him come over again. I told the boys is was only for an hour and it went well. He was a different kid than the first time. He was respectful and didn't use any of the language I don't like. He was kind to and included Dawson. He was just happy to play. Then today, Dawson was supposed to have a friend over after school and I told Colton he could have this boy over. About an hour before, Dawson's friend called to cancel. Before we even had a chance to call Colton's friend, he was at our door. He had come over 45 minutes early which annoyed me a little. I politely told him that since Dawson's friend cancelled that we were going to have a family afternoon and he could come play another day. He looked so sad. He left and started to walk back home. I felt like I wanted to cry.
I told Colton to go get him immediately and all of the boys have been playing great even since. It's a fine line for me because I want my kids to have the best influences possible, but I also think that they need to have a big heart for those without. Sure he has a big house and more tangible things than my boys, but the one thing he is missing, the attention from his parents, is so much bigger. I am glad my heart is getting softer towards him and hope that this can be a place where he is encouraged.
School started for my boys 3 weeks ago and I saw my old self sneak back in. There was a new boy in Colton's class. He lives two blocks away and the day they met, they clicked. However, he isn't the type of boy I necessarily want influencing my kids. From what I have heard, his parents had a lot and like so many others lost most of it in the recession. The first time we had him over, I was appalled and frustrated. He wasn't using four letter words, but he was talking ugly, using many words we don't in this house. When I mentioned that we didn't talk like that, he increased the amount of words he could fit into one sentence. He also spent the entire 2 hours doing nothing but putting down my child and everything he had and telling him how everything he had was better. Although I knew in my heart that that was a learned behavior, especially at that age, I got all mama bear and wanted to defend my kids.
I told Colton that I wanted him to play with this boy at school, but also to make sure to make and keep other friends. I talked to the teacher and encouraged her to keep them apart. But every day, he was all Colton talked about. About a week in to school, I heard that he came to school with all of his clothes on inside out. Not because he wanted to, but because nobody had washed any of his clothes and they were too dirty to wear. That is when my heart broke. No child should have to go through that, but especially not a kid living with mom, dad and grandpa in a 2500 square foot house. This boy was obnoxious because he was desperately seeking attention.
A couple days later, I let him come over again. I told the boys is was only for an hour and it went well. He was a different kid than the first time. He was respectful and didn't use any of the language I don't like. He was kind to and included Dawson. He was just happy to play. Then today, Dawson was supposed to have a friend over after school and I told Colton he could have this boy over. About an hour before, Dawson's friend called to cancel. Before we even had a chance to call Colton's friend, he was at our door. He had come over 45 minutes early which annoyed me a little. I politely told him that since Dawson's friend cancelled that we were going to have a family afternoon and he could come play another day. He looked so sad. He left and started to walk back home. I felt like I wanted to cry.
I told Colton to go get him immediately and all of the boys have been playing great even since. It's a fine line for me because I want my kids to have the best influences possible, but I also think that they need to have a big heart for those without. Sure he has a big house and more tangible things than my boys, but the one thing he is missing, the attention from his parents, is so much bigger. I am glad my heart is getting softer towards him and hope that this can be a place where he is encouraged.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Just Two Little Letters
I am overwhelmed. I am stressed. I am tired. And I did it all to myself.
I have this inability to say no and I don't know why. Sometimes I feel bad. Sometimes I actually think I can or want to do it. Sometimes my kids are asking. Sometimes I am just stupid.
School starts back up in 5 days. This week I agreed to help 3 half days in the copy room. Not bad, helping them, yet still having time with my kids. But then the church called and needed help with a cutting project. Sure, I can do it, I have my nights when James is on shift. And then the PTSO came up with this great back to school project for the teachers and I spent 15 hours getting it together. And then the kids want to squeeze in one last play date before school starts. And then the dog goes and gets an unexpected $200 UTI.
And at the end of my day, I am at the end of my rope. And while I am hanging, just for good measure, I have forget to say no to stress eating and the red vines that were staring at me today in the copy room and the dollar scoop night at Baskin Robbins last night. I swear.
I get so frustrated. With myself. With the people who take advantage. With my hubby for not putting his foot down and knocking some sense into me. Seriously, even if I made $8 an hour for the time I volunteer, just school alone would have been $8,000 and could have paid for my new A/C unit that is financed.
I don't know which is easier at this point; accepting that I am an idiot with the inability to say two little letters and just resign to being stressed or actually start saying no and deal with the guilt and the worry that nobody will do it (even though I know eventually somebody would or it just wouldn't get done and that would be how it was.)
Ugh! Sometimes my personality just irks me!
I have this inability to say no and I don't know why. Sometimes I feel bad. Sometimes I actually think I can or want to do it. Sometimes my kids are asking. Sometimes I am just stupid.
School starts back up in 5 days. This week I agreed to help 3 half days in the copy room. Not bad, helping them, yet still having time with my kids. But then the church called and needed help with a cutting project. Sure, I can do it, I have my nights when James is on shift. And then the PTSO came up with this great back to school project for the teachers and I spent 15 hours getting it together. And then the kids want to squeeze in one last play date before school starts. And then the dog goes and gets an unexpected $200 UTI.
And at the end of my day, I am at the end of my rope. And while I am hanging, just for good measure, I have forget to say no to stress eating and the red vines that were staring at me today in the copy room and the dollar scoop night at Baskin Robbins last night. I swear.
I get so frustrated. With myself. With the people who take advantage. With my hubby for not putting his foot down and knocking some sense into me. Seriously, even if I made $8 an hour for the time I volunteer, just school alone would have been $8,000 and could have paid for my new A/C unit that is financed.
I don't know which is easier at this point; accepting that I am an idiot with the inability to say two little letters and just resign to being stressed or actually start saying no and deal with the guilt and the worry that nobody will do it (even though I know eventually somebody would or it just wouldn't get done and that would be how it was.)
Ugh! Sometimes my personality just irks me!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sweet Liberty
The Fourth of July is about freedom and independence. Two things I have not had much of since bringing home sweet Liberty eight days ago. Liberty is our brand new, now seven week old, puppy. She is an adorable yellow lab which is working in her benefit right now. She has been long awaited by my boys and while I think that she will be awesome in the long run, I have noticed a couple of things about raising a puppy.
-Their sleep schedule is just as messed up as a newborn baby.
-When they decide they are hungry, they are hungry...not in ten minutes when the food has had a chance to soften, but now....which is why the book probably told me to prepare it early and have it on stand by.
-They are used to playing with, and biting, their litter mates. There is no regard as to whether it is a toy or an arm, they bite it.
-Their teeth are SHARP! Not cute sharp, but like little razors blades scaring me one day at a time.
-Unlike bringing home a new baby that hangs out in a bassinet for at least a couple of weeks, it is more like bringing home a toddler. Sure she sleeps a lot still, but when it is time to play, it is like a tornado blowing through the house.
On a positive note, she is very smart. In one week, she is already almost housebroken. She is learning to sit and to shake, although I think she is annoyed with this because when we tell her to sit, she does and then she waves her paw in the air as if to say, "I am shaking too. Any other tricks you want?" She is doing great in her crate. The boys and I actually left her today for three house to see a movie and she did good. She sleeps four hours straight and only gets up one time a night to go out. She is actually making my kids more responsible and less selfish, although that is a work in progress.
I am happy we took the plunge. I do think it will be great for the boys to grow up with her. Now I am just praying she will be the dog we have always hoped for. And #73 if officially off the to-do list.
-Their sleep schedule is just as messed up as a newborn baby.
-When they decide they are hungry, they are hungry...not in ten minutes when the food has had a chance to soften, but now....which is why the book probably told me to prepare it early and have it on stand by.
-They are used to playing with, and biting, their litter mates. There is no regard as to whether it is a toy or an arm, they bite it.
-Their teeth are SHARP! Not cute sharp, but like little razors blades scaring me one day at a time.
-Unlike bringing home a new baby that hangs out in a bassinet for at least a couple of weeks, it is more like bringing home a toddler. Sure she sleeps a lot still, but when it is time to play, it is like a tornado blowing through the house.
On a positive note, she is very smart. In one week, she is already almost housebroken. She is learning to sit and to shake, although I think she is annoyed with this because when we tell her to sit, she does and then she waves her paw in the air as if to say, "I am shaking too. Any other tricks you want?" She is doing great in her crate. The boys and I actually left her today for three house to see a movie and she did good. She sleeps four hours straight and only gets up one time a night to go out. She is actually making my kids more responsible and less selfish, although that is a work in progress.
I am happy we took the plunge. I do think it will be great for the boys to grow up with her. Now I am just praying she will be the dog we have always hoped for. And #73 if officially off the to-do list.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Family Vacation, Road Trip Style - Part 2
Leaving Fairfield, I put everyone in nice outfits. On the way to Tahoe there is this beautiful river and I desperately wanted a great family picture. So, everyone was dressed, not allowed to eat or touch anything and we were on our way. When we pulled off the road, I didn't remember the mountain being quite as steep. I talked my kids into climbing down, which was hard to convince Colton, and just kept reassuring them that they would be fine. Then, in my flip flop, I took a step. Just one, because then I rolled the rest of the way down the hill. I was fortunate enough to only break my flip flop in the process and to have a hubby awesome enough to take pictures of me on the way down for my memories.
We did get a picture at the bottom. Not exactly like the one I had hoped for, but it's a picture.
The next day we rented a boat. We have been to Lake Tahoe three times and never wanted to spend the money, but this year we decided to go for it. It was a really neat experience. All of the things that we see year after year from bike rides and hikes were all at a different perspective. And the boys loved driving the boat. Their favorite part though was when James forgot to turn his hat around and got the boat up to 40mph and it went flying off into the lake. They used the hook and on the second time around, got his hat out of the lake.
The rest of Tahoe was relaxing and fun. We rented bikes, we took hikes, we played goofy golf, and we swam a lot. It is so beautiful there. You can really see God's artwork as you watch the sun set over the lake. Of all the places I have traveled, I am pretty sure it is one of my favorite. It ranks right up there with Disneyland for all the complete opposite reasons. :)
On our way home from Lake Tahoe we decided to go to Carlsbad for a couple of days. About two years ago we had some friends move close to the Anaheim area so we planned to meet up with them for dinner on the way down. Well, it was a Friday and we hit the outer edge of Los Angeles at 4:00pm. We only had 38 miles to get to their house. We were hoping. We were praying. We were moving a 2mph. In two hours we moved a grand total of eight miles. I could have walked it faster! Once we got there it was great though. The kids played like they had seen each other the day before and it was great to visit with John and Tina.
In Carlsbad the only thing on our agenda was the beach and we accomplished it. The weather was perfect. The sand felt so good under my feet. The waves were gorgeous and even though we ended up going farther out than planned and getting soaked in regular clothes, it was a treat to play in the ocean.
Overall, it was a great vacation. 2100+ miles in 11 days. We still liked each other when we got home. Nobody got hurt. All nine loads of laundry are done. Pictures turned out fairly well. I really do love my family and I am fortunate to have the experiences with them that I do.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Family Vacation, Road Trip Style - Part 1
The past 3 years we have been going on a road trip for our family vacation. Every year we end up in Lake Tahoe, but where we stop on the way there and back changes every year. So far, we are three days in and as always, the memories are great.
The first day we were super ambitious and bit off 764 miles. We actually made it in 12 hours and 45 minutes, but by the 10 hour mark, everyone had lost it. At one point, we stopped and I asked everyone if they wanted a drink. Nobody did, so we were on our way. Of course, 30 minutes later, James asks me how buried the waters are and if he could reach it. Since they were packed under 3 duffel bags, sand toys, shoes and all sorts of other junk, I told him probably not but that I could stop. He told me to keep going, so as we start passing all these dry fields on the way to Napa, there are signs that say, "congress created dust bowl" and "water crisis" to which my dear hubby replies, "yeah, no kidding." I immediately pulled over on the side of the freeway and he got his stinkin' water! :) It was all giggles from there.
The next day we went to the Jelly Belly Factory for a tour. It was pretty basic and we actually got three whole jelly beans to sample before buying another $17 worth. On our way to leave, we noticed that the Budweiser plant next door had tours too. We felt a little weird since we had the kids with us and it was 10am, but we went for it anyways. Man, do they know how to put on a tour. Free pretzles, soda for the kids and three 8 oz beers for James. Since there were five other families, we let our feelings of being bad parents fade quickly, but drinking at 10am wasn't helping too much. When we left there, we went to Walmart to get the boys some water balls for the pool and ended up eating lunch at the McDonald's in Walmart. Oh yeah, now we were officially white trash.
We went to play laser tag and goofy golf all afternoon. It was pretty warm out and must have taken it out of Dawson because when we went to the grocery store to get food, we look down and there he is, sitting on the bottom shelf of the bread aisle. The bottom shelf where bread is kept! When he got up, seven loaves had a butt imprint on them. He also tried to sit on the wine display and a stack of t-shirts that we being sold. There are some days that I just want to ask, "who's kid is that?!"
Today we took the ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco. Sometimes James and I come up with great plans and they just fall apart. Right now Dawson is into anything related to the ocean, so since last year we went to the Monterey Aquarium, we thought this year we would try the Aquarium by the Bay on Pier 39. Well, it is by the Bay and it is two whole underground tunnels long. And that is it. And we got in for the bargain price of $39.95 and were done in 35 minutes. Since we had 5 hours to kill before the ferry went back, we wandered around, ate lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., which was fun, and ended up walking through the aquarium three more times. All in all it was a fun day and memories were made.
Tomorrow we head to Tahoe. But right now, we are off to the hotel pool. Didn't you know if you are a kid, that is the best part of a vacation? :)
The first day we were super ambitious and bit off 764 miles. We actually made it in 12 hours and 45 minutes, but by the 10 hour mark, everyone had lost it. At one point, we stopped and I asked everyone if they wanted a drink. Nobody did, so we were on our way. Of course, 30 minutes later, James asks me how buried the waters are and if he could reach it. Since they were packed under 3 duffel bags, sand toys, shoes and all sorts of other junk, I told him probably not but that I could stop. He told me to keep going, so as we start passing all these dry fields on the way to Napa, there are signs that say, "congress created dust bowl" and "water crisis" to which my dear hubby replies, "yeah, no kidding." I immediately pulled over on the side of the freeway and he got his stinkin' water! :) It was all giggles from there.
The next day we went to the Jelly Belly Factory for a tour. It was pretty basic and we actually got three whole jelly beans to sample before buying another $17 worth. On our way to leave, we noticed that the Budweiser plant next door had tours too. We felt a little weird since we had the kids with us and it was 10am, but we went for it anyways. Man, do they know how to put on a tour. Free pretzles, soda for the kids and three 8 oz beers for James. Since there were five other families, we let our feelings of being bad parents fade quickly, but drinking at 10am wasn't helping too much. When we left there, we went to Walmart to get the boys some water balls for the pool and ended up eating lunch at the McDonald's in Walmart. Oh yeah, now we were officially white trash.
We went to play laser tag and goofy golf all afternoon. It was pretty warm out and must have taken it out of Dawson because when we went to the grocery store to get food, we look down and there he is, sitting on the bottom shelf of the bread aisle. The bottom shelf where bread is kept! When he got up, seven loaves had a butt imprint on them. He also tried to sit on the wine display and a stack of t-shirts that we being sold. There are some days that I just want to ask, "who's kid is that?!"
Today we took the ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco. Sometimes James and I come up with great plans and they just fall apart. Right now Dawson is into anything related to the ocean, so since last year we went to the Monterey Aquarium, we thought this year we would try the Aquarium by the Bay on Pier 39. Well, it is by the Bay and it is two whole underground tunnels long. And that is it. And we got in for the bargain price of $39.95 and were done in 35 minutes. Since we had 5 hours to kill before the ferry went back, we wandered around, ate lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., which was fun, and ended up walking through the aquarium three more times. All in all it was a fun day and memories were made.
Tomorrow we head to Tahoe. But right now, we are off to the hotel pool. Didn't you know if you are a kid, that is the best part of a vacation? :)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
6 years ago...
Six years ago, I was up in the middle of the night because at 4:54am, Dawson came into the world. The weeks leading up to that were chaotic with doctors and bed rest and hospital stays and juggling poor Colton around, but it was always exciting. And, it has been exciting ever since.
Dawson is the only person I know that can bring me to my knees daily. Sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of laughter. He is so much like me and gives me a run for my money. He can reason his way through any situation and when something makes sense to him, he will argue his point endlessly. He has THE best one liners and doesn't even realize how funny he is.
He is so sweet. He loves to cuddle. He wants a back rub every night. And any time he is sitting by you for that matter. He is uninhibited and not scared. He has not conformed to the ways of the world and goes to the beat of his own drum. He is special.
He runs into poles that leave permanent bumps on his head. He puts Pix-O's in his ears that require surgery. He still wants to wear floaties even though he can swim. When he complains and I call him on it, he says, "I am not complaining, I am just saying it in a whiny voice." He is Dawson through and through.
Six years ago, my life was forever changed. I cannot imagine what it would have been without him. My baby is six years old!! Oh, how the time flies!
Dawson is the only person I know that can bring me to my knees daily. Sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of laughter. He is so much like me and gives me a run for my money. He can reason his way through any situation and when something makes sense to him, he will argue his point endlessly. He has THE best one liners and doesn't even realize how funny he is.
He is so sweet. He loves to cuddle. He wants a back rub every night. And any time he is sitting by you for that matter. He is uninhibited and not scared. He has not conformed to the ways of the world and goes to the beat of his own drum. He is special.
He runs into poles that leave permanent bumps on his head. He puts Pix-O's in his ears that require surgery. He still wants to wear floaties even though he can swim. When he complains and I call him on it, he says, "I am not complaining, I am just saying it in a whiny voice." He is Dawson through and through.
Six years ago, my life was forever changed. I cannot imagine what it would have been without him. My baby is six years old!! Oh, how the time flies!
Friday, June 4, 2010
So Much To Write, So Little Time
The only reason I have this blog is so that I can have memories. So many things happen each and every day and they just get stored away until we forget. I love retracing my steps and remembering some of the moments I have written about. The problem now is that I can't remember to blog. So much has happened in the last couple of weeks and I am sure 90% of it has already fallen out of my brain already!
The biggest moments happened the day school got out. My baby, my almost 9 year old baby is going to be a 4th grader. I have no idea how that is possible, especially because I remember 4th grade like it was yesterday. And then, my other baby went and graduated kindergarten. Seriously, I was a wreck. At least I knew what songs to expect, so I was able to keep it together a little, but seriously, how can this be happening? I am so excited about this stage in their lives. Watching them grow is amazing and I am usually filled with as much joy and pride as frustration, but it is because they are growing and figuring out their paths in life and I am so lucky to be able to take the journey with them.
Not even three days after school got out, I got bored. My boys were bored on the first day, but I waited until the third. The problem is that when I get bored, it usually results in me overcomitting myself either with my time or my finances. Well, this time I decided to do them both. The kids have been asking for a dog for a couple of years now. At Christmas we told them we would consider getting one after we got back from Hawaii. Well, on May 23rd, I more than accomplished goal #73 on my list when we went and picked out a 10 day old yellow lab. I have to say, she is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. We don't bring her home until the beginning of July and while I have been preparing myself for chewed couches, potty accidents, sleepless nights and all the other inconveniences that a puppy can bring, I am actually really excited about the long term benefits for my boys with having a dog.
Now, on to the stories. I am sure I am forgetting so many, but at least I am getting these down. About a week ago, the boys and I met the Wood girls to play softball. I am not good, nor do I claim to be good, so 11 pitches later, I finally hit the ball. Fast forward a couple of days. On the news is a story about a lady who was 87 and accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake running over a lady in a parking lot. The article said their was no impairment to which I commented, "except her age." Colton asked what impairment meant and what I meant and James explained to him that when you get old, you get slower and lose your reflexes and coordination. To which Colton replied, "like mom when we played softball?" Isn't that sweet? This is the same kid that asked me if I was going to join the Biggest Loser for my next diet and I had to explain to him that I only had 10-15 pounds to lose and that show was for people who had hundreds of pounds to lose. I think we need to work on his tact. :)
Then there is Dawson, my dear little exhibitionist. We had some friends over to play on the water slide and as they were walking into the bathroom to change, he barges past them, drops his drawers and uses the bathroom without skipping a beat. Did I mention our friends are 9 and 11 year old girls? So we have the talk with him about changing and using the restroom in private. About an hour later, the kids come in and the girls are getting ready to go into the bathroom to change. Even though I looked Dawson directly in the eye before he came in and told him to go into my room to change, he decided to do his own thing. He had gone into the bathroom and taken off his trunks, only he didn't have any clothes in there, so butt naked he opens the doors, says HI to the girls and takes off streaking down the hall. And then poor Caity goes, "Oh my!" I laughed so hard.
I wish I could remember more and that I had more time to sit here and rack my brain, but I am thankful for the couple memories I got out. :)
The biggest moments happened the day school got out. My baby, my almost 9 year old baby is going to be a 4th grader. I have no idea how that is possible, especially because I remember 4th grade like it was yesterday. And then, my other baby went and graduated kindergarten. Seriously, I was a wreck. At least I knew what songs to expect, so I was able to keep it together a little, but seriously, how can this be happening? I am so excited about this stage in their lives. Watching them grow is amazing and I am usually filled with as much joy and pride as frustration, but it is because they are growing and figuring out their paths in life and I am so lucky to be able to take the journey with them.
Not even three days after school got out, I got bored. My boys were bored on the first day, but I waited until the third. The problem is that when I get bored, it usually results in me overcomitting myself either with my time or my finances. Well, this time I decided to do them both. The kids have been asking for a dog for a couple of years now. At Christmas we told them we would consider getting one after we got back from Hawaii. Well, on May 23rd, I more than accomplished goal #73 on my list when we went and picked out a 10 day old yellow lab. I have to say, she is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. We don't bring her home until the beginning of July and while I have been preparing myself for chewed couches, potty accidents, sleepless nights and all the other inconveniences that a puppy can bring, I am actually really excited about the long term benefits for my boys with having a dog.
Now, on to the stories. I am sure I am forgetting so many, but at least I am getting these down. About a week ago, the boys and I met the Wood girls to play softball. I am not good, nor do I claim to be good, so 11 pitches later, I finally hit the ball. Fast forward a couple of days. On the news is a story about a lady who was 87 and accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake running over a lady in a parking lot. The article said their was no impairment to which I commented, "except her age." Colton asked what impairment meant and what I meant and James explained to him that when you get old, you get slower and lose your reflexes and coordination. To which Colton replied, "like mom when we played softball?" Isn't that sweet? This is the same kid that asked me if I was going to join the Biggest Loser for my next diet and I had to explain to him that I only had 10-15 pounds to lose and that show was for people who had hundreds of pounds to lose. I think we need to work on his tact. :)
Then there is Dawson, my dear little exhibitionist. We had some friends over to play on the water slide and as they were walking into the bathroom to change, he barges past them, drops his drawers and uses the bathroom without skipping a beat. Did I mention our friends are 9 and 11 year old girls? So we have the talk with him about changing and using the restroom in private. About an hour later, the kids come in and the girls are getting ready to go into the bathroom to change. Even though I looked Dawson directly in the eye before he came in and told him to go into my room to change, he decided to do his own thing. He had gone into the bathroom and taken off his trunks, only he didn't have any clothes in there, so butt naked he opens the doors, says HI to the girls and takes off streaking down the hall. And then poor Caity goes, "Oh my!" I laughed so hard.
I wish I could remember more and that I had more time to sit here and rack my brain, but I am thankful for the couple memories I got out. :)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Family Camping and More
When I met James 14 years ago, one of the first things I learned about him was that his family liked to go camping. This weekend we went on our annual family camping trip. They have been going to the same place since 1973! Once I get past the fact that it is a 4 hour drive each way and it means spending 36 straight hours with all of my in-laws, I actually tend to enjoy myself.
It is fun to watch the kids grow and remember the hikes and to hear some of the stories of what James did when he was a kid. It was extremely entertaining this time to watch Brian's dog Alpine dig from here to China trying to get all the little animals buried under the ground. It was even cute to watch Dawson carry around grubs that he dug up from the ground like they were his pet. (Of course I made him wash his hands twice before I would touch him, but it was cute to watch.)
When we come home from camping, we usually go out to dinner because everything is a mess and I am too tired to cook. So, tonight we headed out to dinner. When we pulled in the parking lot, the first thing my son noticed was the sticker of the silhouette of the naked woman on the car next to us. Then when we get out of the car, the truck next to us was blaring, "Porn Star" during the chorus. James and I just looked at each other. After dinner we managed to get behind two drivers in the middle of a road rage moment and Colton asked why they were yelling and waving their middle fingers at each other. So lovely.
The moral of the story for me is, although I may dread the family camping trips sometimes there are things to be learned.
1) Spend time with family when you can because you never know when it will be the last trip.
2) Let boys be boys. Get dirty, get messy and have fun.
3) Living in the woods may not be so bad...it would help me avoid having to explain a LOT!
It is fun to watch the kids grow and remember the hikes and to hear some of the stories of what James did when he was a kid. It was extremely entertaining this time to watch Brian's dog Alpine dig from here to China trying to get all the little animals buried under the ground. It was even cute to watch Dawson carry around grubs that he dug up from the ground like they were his pet. (Of course I made him wash his hands twice before I would touch him, but it was cute to watch.)
When we come home from camping, we usually go out to dinner because everything is a mess and I am too tired to cook. So, tonight we headed out to dinner. When we pulled in the parking lot, the first thing my son noticed was the sticker of the silhouette of the naked woman on the car next to us. Then when we get out of the car, the truck next to us was blaring, "Porn Star" during the chorus. James and I just looked at each other. After dinner we managed to get behind two drivers in the middle of a road rage moment and Colton asked why they were yelling and waving their middle fingers at each other. So lovely.
The moral of the story for me is, although I may dread the family camping trips sometimes there are things to be learned.
1) Spend time with family when you can because you never know when it will be the last trip.
2) Let boys be boys. Get dirty, get messy and have fun.
3) Living in the woods may not be so bad...it would help me avoid having to explain a LOT!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day Surprises
This Mother's Day has been filled with surprises. Not the typical surprises like breakfast in bed or cards and flowers. Surprises like stomach bugs overtaking my house and my life.
We didn't have a lot planned today. One of the greatest gifts to me is to be able to just take a day off from everything. James was going to get bagels for breakfast on his way home from shift, we were going to watch movies, make a yummy dinner at home and just enjoy the day.
Instead, I got a phone call from him at 7am letting me know there would be no bagels. He got the bug and was on his way home and headed straight for bed. Not only was my day changed, but all of my not-so-favorite things became a part of it like dishes, laundry, and decontaminating the house (for the fourth time!)
This isn't exactly how I would choose to spend my Mother's Day, or any other day for that matter, but it does reinforce what is important. Mother's Day is not about all the hype. I am blessed to be a mother. I am lucky to have kids with hurts and illnesses to help and to love and to be loved by. There are many women in this world who would give anything to take care of kids with the flu if it just meant they got to have kids. I am lucky to have a husband to take care of (and that takes care of me) and to know I am not alone. I am lucky that my biggest health concern at this point is a little stomach bug that has inconvenienced me for a week. I am lucky that my mom is still around and that she is so involved in my life. I am blessed. And although this day looks nothing like I thought it might, it is a good day.
We didn't have a lot planned today. One of the greatest gifts to me is to be able to just take a day off from everything. James was going to get bagels for breakfast on his way home from shift, we were going to watch movies, make a yummy dinner at home and just enjoy the day.
Instead, I got a phone call from him at 7am letting me know there would be no bagels. He got the bug and was on his way home and headed straight for bed. Not only was my day changed, but all of my not-so-favorite things became a part of it like dishes, laundry, and decontaminating the house (for the fourth time!)
This isn't exactly how I would choose to spend my Mother's Day, or any other day for that matter, but it does reinforce what is important. Mother's Day is not about all the hype. I am blessed to be a mother. I am lucky to have kids with hurts and illnesses to help and to love and to be loved by. There are many women in this world who would give anything to take care of kids with the flu if it just meant they got to have kids. I am lucky to have a husband to take care of (and that takes care of me) and to know I am not alone. I am lucky that my biggest health concern at this point is a little stomach bug that has inconvenienced me for a week. I am lucky that my mom is still around and that she is so involved in my life. I am blessed. And although this day looks nothing like I thought it might, it is a good day.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Another One Bites The Dust
I am frustrated today and I am going to whine about it. Sunday night we went to our small group barbecue and everyone was feeling great and doing fabulous. Then, I woke up in the middle of the night sicker than a dog to my stomach. I thought it was food poisoning. I hoped it was food poisoning. I called a couple of the other families and no one was sick. Was that good or bad? I wasn't sure. I was down for the count for a couple of days, but everyone else seemed to be hanging in there.
Wednesday James went back on shift. Did I forget to mention he was on shift the night I got sick too? The good stuff only happens when he is gone. Anyways, I took the boys to football practice. Everyone was feeling great and doing good. I was even starting to have a little life come back. We went for dinner afterwards, showered and were off to sleep. Until 3:30am when Colton came in my room and then ran for the bathroom. Now he was sick. I wasn't sure if he had gotten it from me since it had been three days or if it may have come from another kid in his class that had left throwing up that day. All I knew was that I was back to bleaching the house and disliking my hubby's job at that particular moment.
I decided at that point, that he was just going to stay home Thursday and Friday from school to make sure he got better. Thursday night things were starting to look up for him. I was looking forward to trying to get a solid nights sleep and was super excited about going to Muffins for Mom with Dawson the next day. And then 2:30am came. And Dawson had his head in the toilet. Another one down. Seriously?
I was so upset. I was sad for him and Colton. No one likes to be sick. I was frustrated and I couldn't believe that it was going through the entire house. But overall, I was having a pity party for myself. I missed Muffins for Mom. This was my last Muffins for Mom. My baby is done with kindergarten and moving on. That in itself is emotional, but to miss the little moments along the way is just plain heartbreaking for me. Only having two boys means only having two shots. The first one is so special because it's the first and the last one is precious because it's the last.
When everyone is better, we are going to have our own Muffins for Mom and Dawson's teacher is so sweet that she said if I come into class on Monday they will sing for me one on one. Right now, I am just praying that since James has been lucky enough to be at work for most of the fun that he will also be lucky enough to escape this oh so fun stomach bug as well.
Wednesday James went back on shift. Did I forget to mention he was on shift the night I got sick too? The good stuff only happens when he is gone. Anyways, I took the boys to football practice. Everyone was feeling great and doing good. I was even starting to have a little life come back. We went for dinner afterwards, showered and were off to sleep. Until 3:30am when Colton came in my room and then ran for the bathroom. Now he was sick. I wasn't sure if he had gotten it from me since it had been three days or if it may have come from another kid in his class that had left throwing up that day. All I knew was that I was back to bleaching the house and disliking my hubby's job at that particular moment.
I decided at that point, that he was just going to stay home Thursday and Friday from school to make sure he got better. Thursday night things were starting to look up for him. I was looking forward to trying to get a solid nights sleep and was super excited about going to Muffins for Mom with Dawson the next day. And then 2:30am came. And Dawson had his head in the toilet. Another one down. Seriously?
I was so upset. I was sad for him and Colton. No one likes to be sick. I was frustrated and I couldn't believe that it was going through the entire house. But overall, I was having a pity party for myself. I missed Muffins for Mom. This was my last Muffins for Mom. My baby is done with kindergarten and moving on. That in itself is emotional, but to miss the little moments along the way is just plain heartbreaking for me. Only having two boys means only having two shots. The first one is so special because it's the first and the last one is precious because it's the last.
When everyone is better, we are going to have our own Muffins for Mom and Dawson's teacher is so sweet that she said if I come into class on Monday they will sing for me one on one. Right now, I am just praying that since James has been lucky enough to be at work for most of the fun that he will also be lucky enough to escape this oh so fun stomach bug as well.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dit
Today when I went to get the kids from school, Dawson's teacher stopped to tell me about the day. I guess the kids were supposed to take letter blocks and make a word and then color a picture about it. Well Dawson made the word DIT.
Since it needed to be a real word, his teacher asked him if he thought that was a word. He said he did of course. So she told him, "Ok, then color me a picture to show what it is." He grabbed a black crayon and colored the entire paper black. When his teacher came back, she asked him what was going on. His reply was, "This is my picture of DIT. It is a Spanish word. It means really dark."
I have to give the kid credit. He very rarely stays on task at school and follows the actual directions, but he sure is creative when he wants to do things his own way. I just wonder how much longer his teachers will find it humorous.
On the other hand, I have my dear Colton whose dear teacher texted me Friday to say we needed to talk. To back track a little, on Thursday night I told Colton to do a pracitce spelling test to which he replied, "Mom, I'm good. I've got the words."
The first word on Friday's spelling test was 'probable.' Well I guess my son didn't "have it" because his teacher said someone in class piped up and said, "No fair, Colton is copying it off his list." Oh yes, my child pulled out his spelling list and started to copy the word.
Teacher: "Colton, you can't do that. That is cheating."
Colton: "Well I couldn't remember how to spell the word."
Teacher: "Then you need to study more." (ya think?!)
Colton: "So let me guess. You're gonna mark this one wrong?"
Seriously! This is not made up. This is my every day dealings with my children. Oh, the laugh lines are getting deep.
Since it needed to be a real word, his teacher asked him if he thought that was a word. He said he did of course. So she told him, "Ok, then color me a picture to show what it is." He grabbed a black crayon and colored the entire paper black. When his teacher came back, she asked him what was going on. His reply was, "This is my picture of DIT. It is a Spanish word. It means really dark."
I have to give the kid credit. He very rarely stays on task at school and follows the actual directions, but he sure is creative when he wants to do things his own way. I just wonder how much longer his teachers will find it humorous.
On the other hand, I have my dear Colton whose dear teacher texted me Friday to say we needed to talk. To back track a little, on Thursday night I told Colton to do a pracitce spelling test to which he replied, "Mom, I'm good. I've got the words."
The first word on Friday's spelling test was 'probable.' Well I guess my son didn't "have it" because his teacher said someone in class piped up and said, "No fair, Colton is copying it off his list." Oh yes, my child pulled out his spelling list and started to copy the word.
Teacher: "Colton, you can't do that. That is cheating."
Colton: "Well I couldn't remember how to spell the word."
Teacher: "Then you need to study more." (ya think?!)
Colton: "So let me guess. You're gonna mark this one wrong?"
Seriously! This is not made up. This is my every day dealings with my children. Oh, the laugh lines are getting deep.
Friday, March 19, 2010
On a Roll...#77 check!
This Spring Break has been great! As my kids get older, I find myself looking forward to their days off school. Instead of diaper bags and juggling nap time, they can go hours without food and carry on some pretty funny conversations with me. I actually think I would like to freeze this time in their lives before they get to the point where they are too cool to hang out with mom.
Since I already checked off the Renaissance Festival last weekend, I looked at my list again and decided to take the family ice skating today. It was so much fun! Of course when we first got on the ice, both boys said they were scared and Colton kept saying, "I can't do it." But they did it. Within 20 minutes, they were both skating on their own around the rink.
Colton stayed cautious and was frustrated the couple times he did fall. Dawson, on the other hand, thought falling was funny and skated the entire time looking like he was going to fall, making noises like he was going to fall, yet staying up most of the time. James even was enjoying it by the end, once he remembered how to skate.
After ice skating, we had a fun lunch at Johnny Rockets and it was just a good day. As James and I get ready to leave in 36 hours, I can't help but think about the what-ifs while we are gone. But, one thing is for sure. We made the most of our spring break. We made some great family memories. And, I am looking forward to this summer when the boys are out of school and we can make some more.
Since I already checked off the Renaissance Festival last weekend, I looked at my list again and decided to take the family ice skating today. It was so much fun! Of course when we first got on the ice, both boys said they were scared and Colton kept saying, "I can't do it." But they did it. Within 20 minutes, they were both skating on their own around the rink.
Colton stayed cautious and was frustrated the couple times he did fall. Dawson, on the other hand, thought falling was funny and skated the entire time looking like he was going to fall, making noises like he was going to fall, yet staying up most of the time. James even was enjoying it by the end, once he remembered how to skate.
After ice skating, we had a fun lunch at Johnny Rockets and it was just a good day. As James and I get ready to leave in 36 hours, I can't help but think about the what-ifs while we are gone. But, one thing is for sure. We made the most of our spring break. We made some great family memories. And, I am looking forward to this summer when the boys are out of school and we can make some more.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
10 Years Ago
Ten years ago, I had no idea what my life would hold. I was young, in love and living in the moment. There were no worries, lots of sleeping in and Sunday breakfasts out reading the paper from front to back. There was spontaneity, rash decisions, and plenty of money.
Looking back over the past ten years there has been tears, heartache, pain, worry, financial concerns, sleepless nights, job changes, and children (need I say more.)
BUT, there has also been laughter...so much laughter, happiness, lots of vacations, joy, pride, cuddle time on the couch, family movie nights, dog piles, dancing in the kitchen, and more laughter.
I could have never planned out any of the past ten years. Most of it happened by circumstance rather than choice. But, as the circumstances have happened, what we have chose it to find the positive and keep going. We are a stronger couple and a better couple than we were ten years ago. And, although I would like to plan the next ten years, I think I am okay with just sitting back and seeing where we go.
Looking back over the past ten years there has been tears, heartache, pain, worry, financial concerns, sleepless nights, job changes, and children (need I say more.)
BUT, there has also been laughter...so much laughter, happiness, lots of vacations, joy, pride, cuddle time on the couch, family movie nights, dog piles, dancing in the kitchen, and more laughter.
I could have never planned out any of the past ten years. Most of it happened by circumstance rather than choice. But, as the circumstances have happened, what we have chose it to find the positive and keep going. We are a stronger couple and a better couple than we were ten years ago. And, although I would like to plan the next ten years, I think I am okay with just sitting back and seeing where we go.
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