Today is my precious daughter's 5th birthday!
We had a swimming party/ drown fest on Saturday. It was crazy... but fun!
I am so blessed to have such wonderful children! They are a joy and delight to me and I praise God for them!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Decision
You may or may not know...
I've made an unofficial decision! (Such an oxymoran!)
I will take the position at Grace once I receive the contract! I've been in meetings the past few weeks dicussing the "in's and out's" of what needs to be done to go forward with my new title of Social Media Marketer/Director. We still have many more meetings to go, BUT it's nice to have a sense of completion -- at least in the area of taking the job or not.
I'm looking forward to my new adventures yet again!
I've made an unofficial decision! (Such an oxymoran!)
I will take the position at Grace once I receive the contract! I've been in meetings the past few weeks dicussing the "in's and out's" of what needs to be done to go forward with my new title of Social Media Marketer/Director. We still have many more meetings to go, BUT it's nice to have a sense of completion -- at least in the area of taking the job or not.
I'm looking forward to my new adventures yet again!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Everyone keeps asking me, "Are you okay?" ... I always answer, "Yes, I'm fine!" But, I guess here's a bit of what's going on in my life right now....
As many of you know, we had the priveledge of having Maw Maw, Eric's grandmother who is 93 years old, live with us for 7 months this past year. (I have a LONG post about that history, but it's still a work in progress, so I'll post it later...) Due to many circumstances, she is now living in a nursing home in Kerrville, TX. She has dementia. We call her and talk to her on the phone, but a gut-wrenching guilt comes over me every time we call her. You see, she became a huge part of my life -- I couldn't help but worry about her constantly-- and in many ways I felt as though she was one of my kids. I know that sounds strange, but she needed me just as my kids do. And in many ways I needed her as well. Every time we call she says she's lonely. After a while her dementia kicks in again and she forgets who she is talking to. She is so good at pretending she knows who she is talking to, but after spending so much time with her I can tell when she is "on" and when she is not. I can't help but wish that I could've done more for her. I wish in so many ways that I could've juggled working 2 jobs, family, kids, her, and her nurse, Sonia, who helped me with her. The ultimate breaking point for me was when my own grandfather died suddenly. Part of me died and I couldn't help but think of all the time I missed with him, and all the time I don't want to miss with my own grandmother who was left behind.
Life really hasn't been the same since. Tiny little things, that would normally be of no circumstance, have piled into big things. I now carry a burden that I know is not mine to bear, but the guilt of wanting to be everything to everyone, and the truth in knowing that I am not everyone's savior is rather hard to own up to. I am Christ's servant. I am HIS. I can only do the tasks that the Lord has for me, and I will do them to the best of my ability. The only problem is, how do you let go and move on when that time comes? Losing someone is hard. Letting go of the "what if's" and "I should have's" that haunt you and seep into your very being is sometimes harder. Life is too short to live in regret. But how do you balance life when you see so much need? I am not one that likes passing by need and not doing something about it. I also know that I can't give of myself if I am not getting fed -- spiritually, emotionally, and physically. At this time I am on "empty" in all counts. Drained to the point of quitting. I guess that's why I'm writing this. It's somewhat thereputic.
I've been the PTF President the past year, Maw Maw's care taker, my kids mommy, Eric's wife, weekend wedding planner, a crappy friend on all levels, we moved (which that in itself is stressful), I was the event planner and Development Assistant at Grace, substitute teacher, and also been applying to get my kids transferred to Merriman Park Elem., starting to get involved with that PTA group, tour schools to see where the best place for the kids would be, and who knows what else... I've lost track. I'm now at a crossroads. I was planning on quitting my job at Grace and just being mommy. The main reason for that being that I don't make much money. Someone working part-time at Gap brings home more bacon than I do. I have worked at Grace because I LOVE the people, families, environment, kids, and so much more. It's never been about the money. It's always been about the ministry. Now financially things have changed for us. Paying $22,000 in tuition is a bit of a stretch. I asked my boss at one point for some sort of discount since I've worked there since 2001, and was rejected. I felt that was God saying it's time to move on and write that book I've been working on for years, but never take time to finish.
I was completely okay with that. My boss would continue to offer me positions in an efort to keep me, but the offers were all very easy to say no to... Until he made a certain offer that is pretty much a "no brainer..."
He has UNofficially asked me to be the Social Media Marketer for Grace Academy. He still wants me to add my "flare" to the events and help him in the office, but my main goal and job would be to rework the schools web page and make it more friendly to my generation... In that, there would also be a blog where I would write about the everyday lives of our students, get our school on facebook, twitter, etc. That part was what grabbed me, and he knew it would. He knows that I was planning on writing a book (though I believe he thought it to be silly). He also knows that the word "no" is not in my vocabulary very often. (As previously stated, I am a "sucker"). He also threw in all the bells and whistles -- making it very hard to say no...
It's the end of the year. Everyone is burned out and ready to be DONE. I honestly have no desire to start something NEW again at Grace. (This will be the 3rd position I have created while being here). I'm ready for some quiet and peace. But those of you who know me, know that as soon as I find quiet and peace I relpace it with something else. (UGH! Stinkin' idiot never learns!) So, the crossroad is, do I quit and make things a bit harder on Eric financially, put the kids in public school, and pursue my dream, or do I take the job that will train me and help me with my book (in some regards) and allow the kids to stay in private school a bit longer?
I've been praying about his for weeks --To the point that I'm honestly sick about it. I so long to have time alone and write and just be an involved parent --to be in the house for a portion of the day ALONE. ...But, will I really? That is a need and desire currently, but once that need and desire is sufficed, will I still want that, or will I wish that I had taken the job at Grace?
Is this the next step God has for me, or is it a test to see which direction my life will go from here? My book is a dream, and I will write it before I die. My kids are my passion. I want to be with them every moment, but I let my busy life fog the path of my passion at times. They are here for but a moment, and then they are grown up and making decisions for themselves. I want to be with them as long as I possibly can.
I need rest, peace, clarity, decisiveness, widon, discerment, and joy.
Lord Jesus, please guide me in your will. Protect me from my own selfish desires. Make me ready to be the godly wife and mother you have made me to be. Let the empty lies that so easliy mislead me and drag me down not effect me. Build up your mighty wall of protection that nothing will destroy the trust, hope, and joy that I have in you. Make me ready to do your will daily. Fullfil me and sustain me when I feel that I can't take another step, for you alone are carrying me to your feet. I need you, Precious Saviour. I can't do ANYTHING without YOU in it.
Thank you for your unfailing love, comfort, protection, and strength. I love you!
As many of you know, we had the priveledge of having Maw Maw, Eric's grandmother who is 93 years old, live with us for 7 months this past year. (I have a LONG post about that history, but it's still a work in progress, so I'll post it later...) Due to many circumstances, she is now living in a nursing home in Kerrville, TX. She has dementia. We call her and talk to her on the phone, but a gut-wrenching guilt comes over me every time we call her. You see, she became a huge part of my life -- I couldn't help but worry about her constantly-- and in many ways I felt as though she was one of my kids. I know that sounds strange, but she needed me just as my kids do. And in many ways I needed her as well. Every time we call she says she's lonely. After a while her dementia kicks in again and she forgets who she is talking to. She is so good at pretending she knows who she is talking to, but after spending so much time with her I can tell when she is "on" and when she is not. I can't help but wish that I could've done more for her. I wish in so many ways that I could've juggled working 2 jobs, family, kids, her, and her nurse, Sonia, who helped me with her. The ultimate breaking point for me was when my own grandfather died suddenly. Part of me died and I couldn't help but think of all the time I missed with him, and all the time I don't want to miss with my own grandmother who was left behind.
Life really hasn't been the same since. Tiny little things, that would normally be of no circumstance, have piled into big things. I now carry a burden that I know is not mine to bear, but the guilt of wanting to be everything to everyone, and the truth in knowing that I am not everyone's savior is rather hard to own up to. I am Christ's servant. I am HIS. I can only do the tasks that the Lord has for me, and I will do them to the best of my ability. The only problem is, how do you let go and move on when that time comes? Losing someone is hard. Letting go of the "what if's" and "I should have's" that haunt you and seep into your very being is sometimes harder. Life is too short to live in regret. But how do you balance life when you see so much need? I am not one that likes passing by need and not doing something about it. I also know that I can't give of myself if I am not getting fed -- spiritually, emotionally, and physically. At this time I am on "empty" in all counts. Drained to the point of quitting. I guess that's why I'm writing this. It's somewhat thereputic.
I've been the PTF President the past year, Maw Maw's care taker, my kids mommy, Eric's wife, weekend wedding planner, a crappy friend on all levels, we moved (which that in itself is stressful), I was the event planner and Development Assistant at Grace, substitute teacher, and also been applying to get my kids transferred to Merriman Park Elem., starting to get involved with that PTA group, tour schools to see where the best place for the kids would be, and who knows what else... I've lost track. I'm now at a crossroads. I was planning on quitting my job at Grace and just being mommy. The main reason for that being that I don't make much money. Someone working part-time at Gap brings home more bacon than I do. I have worked at Grace because I LOVE the people, families, environment, kids, and so much more. It's never been about the money. It's always been about the ministry. Now financially things have changed for us. Paying $22,000 in tuition is a bit of a stretch. I asked my boss at one point for some sort of discount since I've worked there since 2001, and was rejected. I felt that was God saying it's time to move on and write that book I've been working on for years, but never take time to finish.
I was completely okay with that. My boss would continue to offer me positions in an efort to keep me, but the offers were all very easy to say no to... Until he made a certain offer that is pretty much a "no brainer..."
He has UNofficially asked me to be the Social Media Marketer for Grace Academy. He still wants me to add my "flare" to the events and help him in the office, but my main goal and job would be to rework the schools web page and make it more friendly to my generation... In that, there would also be a blog where I would write about the everyday lives of our students, get our school on facebook, twitter, etc. That part was what grabbed me, and he knew it would. He knows that I was planning on writing a book (though I believe he thought it to be silly). He also knows that the word "no" is not in my vocabulary very often. (As previously stated, I am a "sucker"). He also threw in all the bells and whistles -- making it very hard to say no...
It's the end of the year. Everyone is burned out and ready to be DONE. I honestly have no desire to start something NEW again at Grace. (This will be the 3rd position I have created while being here). I'm ready for some quiet and peace. But those of you who know me, know that as soon as I find quiet and peace I relpace it with something else. (UGH! Stinkin' idiot never learns!) So, the crossroad is, do I quit and make things a bit harder on Eric financially, put the kids in public school, and pursue my dream, or do I take the job that will train me and help me with my book (in some regards) and allow the kids to stay in private school a bit longer?
I've been praying about his for weeks --To the point that I'm honestly sick about it. I so long to have time alone and write and just be an involved parent --to be in the house for a portion of the day ALONE. ...But, will I really? That is a need and desire currently, but once that need and desire is sufficed, will I still want that, or will I wish that I had taken the job at Grace?
Is this the next step God has for me, or is it a test to see which direction my life will go from here? My book is a dream, and I will write it before I die. My kids are my passion. I want to be with them every moment, but I let my busy life fog the path of my passion at times. They are here for but a moment, and then they are grown up and making decisions for themselves. I want to be with them as long as I possibly can.
I need rest, peace, clarity, decisiveness, widon, discerment, and joy.
Lord Jesus, please guide me in your will. Protect me from my own selfish desires. Make me ready to be the godly wife and mother you have made me to be. Let the empty lies that so easliy mislead me and drag me down not effect me. Build up your mighty wall of protection that nothing will destroy the trust, hope, and joy that I have in you. Make me ready to do your will daily. Fullfil me and sustain me when I feel that I can't take another step, for you alone are carrying me to your feet. I need you, Precious Saviour. I can't do ANYTHING without YOU in it.
Thank you for your unfailing love, comfort, protection, and strength. I love you!
It's May...who knew.
I used to be able to handle life as it came at me, but lately I want to go into hiding... Overwhelmed? Over-doing it? ... or is it just pure exhaustion. The past year has been one of the hardest I can remember.
My life is very fast. So fast that I can hardly keep up with it lately. The stinky part is that I am a "pleaser." I am now discovering that "pleaser" should be translated into "sucker." Someone recently asked me what I do at my job. I didn't even know how to put into words every thing I do. I am also a mommy and a wife to the most AMAZING, precious family on the face of the planet, but they get to see and feel the brunt of my stress. (Why do we take out our emotions on the innocent ones we love so much??) I want to be there for my kids every waking moment, but lately even Eric has said that I am not mentally home when I am home. My mind is always focused on every little detail I need to complete. On the flip side, I LOVE spending time with people. -- Not in groups, but one on one. I cherish time alone with friends. But lately I don't even get to spend quality time with myself -- let alone anyone else. I feel selfish even saying that I need "me" time, but it's true. I am at to the point of throwing on the breaks to life and watching everything collapse in front of me. I always say that you need to stop and listen to the music... that still small voice of TRUTH (Christ), and read his word. Why is it that when I am sinking into the same pit I so often fall into that HE is the last place I go for help?
I keep hoping that when summer hits that I can go into my cacoon and disappear, but that would be selfish. I need to take the kids to see family, go on summer vacation, do summer training classes, take the kids to swimming lessons, get the house cleaned up and organized, etc. I know I am totally complaining, so I will stop. Life is only as hard as you allow it to be, and I guess I am letting it beat me down.
I have a sign in my kitchen that is so relevant, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." I need you, Lord Jesus, to renew that everlasting JOY in my heart, and allow me to persevere through the yucky stress of life, pursue you will every fiber of my being, for YOU alone make my paths straight.
My life is very fast. So fast that I can hardly keep up with it lately. The stinky part is that I am a "pleaser." I am now discovering that "pleaser" should be translated into "sucker." Someone recently asked me what I do at my job. I didn't even know how to put into words every thing I do. I am also a mommy and a wife to the most AMAZING, precious family on the face of the planet, but they get to see and feel the brunt of my stress. (Why do we take out our emotions on the innocent ones we love so much??) I want to be there for my kids every waking moment, but lately even Eric has said that I am not mentally home when I am home. My mind is always focused on every little detail I need to complete. On the flip side, I LOVE spending time with people. -- Not in groups, but one on one. I cherish time alone with friends. But lately I don't even get to spend quality time with myself -- let alone anyone else. I feel selfish even saying that I need "me" time, but it's true. I am at to the point of throwing on the breaks to life and watching everything collapse in front of me. I always say that you need to stop and listen to the music... that still small voice of TRUTH (Christ), and read his word. Why is it that when I am sinking into the same pit I so often fall into that HE is the last place I go for help?
I keep hoping that when summer hits that I can go into my cacoon and disappear, but that would be selfish. I need to take the kids to see family, go on summer vacation, do summer training classes, take the kids to swimming lessons, get the house cleaned up and organized, etc. I know I am totally complaining, so I will stop. Life is only as hard as you allow it to be, and I guess I am letting it beat me down.
I have a sign in my kitchen that is so relevant, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." I need you, Lord Jesus, to renew that everlasting JOY in my heart, and allow me to persevere through the yucky stress of life, pursue you will every fiber of my being, for YOU alone make my paths straight.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
So, I guess I need to update my blog, huh?
I had several unpublished entries that I went ahead and posted below... They are ALL OLD, but there ya go!
P.S. - I have no idea who all these Chinese people are that read my blog...
P.S. - I have no idea who all these Chinese people are that read my blog...
Do you ever feel like you live your life going, going, going? It's an eternal cyclone of events, people, You have to do that deep, never-ending pit of laundry, make meals, get people where they need to be at the right time, finish that deadline for work, deal with an insaciousably difficult boss, try not to take the phone call personally where they chewed your head off over something relating to work, remember to pick the kids up from school on time, take them to their sports practice or dance practice, go to church, volunteer in several activities at church, chat with friends, feel guilty that you can't do everything like those other people can, spend time with your husband or significant other, play with your kids and help them with their homework, go to the gym, go grocery shopping, face the pressure of what other people are expecting you to do, feed the dog that never stops barking, pick up this, wash that, visit this person, solve that person's problem of the day, put out MORE fires that have blown up at work while you were trying to take care of the other stuff you were dealing with, be happy, look pleasant, and still spend that time in the Word, listening to what God says HE wants you to do as well.
This may sound like you. Maybe not the same in every instance, but you can relate. If not, then, wow! I wish some of you would rub off on me!!
I live my life on the go. For those of you who understnad perosnalities, I am considered a sanguine -- very outgoing, at times crazy, love people, never afraid to chat with a complete stranger. That said, many people, of all personalities and walks of life struggle with the "busy, every day life."
This may sound like you. Maybe not the same in every instance, but you can relate. If not, then, wow! I wish some of you would rub off on me!!
I live my life on the go. For those of you who understnad perosnalities, I am considered a sanguine -- very outgoing, at times crazy, love people, never afraid to chat with a complete stranger. That said, many people, of all personalities and walks of life struggle with the "busy, every day life."
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sonia
I've been praying for someone who can come and help me with the house, bathing maw maw, cleaning up after her, and doing all the extra things that caring for an elder include. Well, after mentioning it on facebook, a friend of mine that I grew up with called and told me about a precious lady who helped her grandparents in their final days. I called her up, set up an interview with her, and hired her on the spot. She is such a tremendous blessing! I now have help monitoring Maw Maw! I don't have to constantly worry about what Maw Maw is doing! So many times I find her trying to leave or moving furniture for no reason (which is dangerous because she falls alot), and so many other things I have to worry about with her. My biggest fear is her getting hurt. Now I have extra eyes watching her, and extra hands that allow me to get things done!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Holy Roly Poly!
My daughter has an obsession with roly pollies. She LOVES them!
Every time she goes outside, everyone has to search for her dear little friends under rocks.
Well, on this particular day, I was getting ready to go out for a special dinner with Eric, and as I was reaching into my earring box I was suprised to notice movement! My box was full of tiny roly polies of all sizes -- ctawling all over MY earings...
Knowing who the guilty culpret was, I called Emily in from the other room and asked her WHY there were roly polies in my jewlry box, and she replied, "They needed a pretty home!"
(The Roly Poly Palace has since closed down for REMODELING! But, the roly polies are very happy OUTSIDE!)
Every time she goes outside, everyone has to search for her dear little friends under rocks.
Well, on this particular day, I was getting ready to go out for a special dinner with Eric, and as I was reaching into my earring box I was suprised to notice movement! My box was full of tiny roly polies of all sizes -- ctawling all over MY earings...
Knowing who the guilty culpret was, I called Emily in from the other room and asked her WHY there were roly polies in my jewlry box, and she replied, "They needed a pretty home!"
(The Roly Poly Palace has since closed down for REMODELING! But, the roly polies are very happy OUTSIDE!)
The Teeth
Why must Sunday mornings always be the time when STUFF happens?!
Well, on this particular Sunday, we were actually somewhat on time!
I did Maw Maw's hair, Emily's hair, my hair, had everyone dressed, breakfast made, coffee made, dishes cleaned up, and we were ready to run out the door!
Suddenly, I went into Maw Maw's room to hurry her along a bit so that we could go, and she looked at me very frustrated and feathered, and said, "I CAN'T go to church!" And, I interrupted like I do every week, "Yes you can! The hardest part is getting out the door!" Then she threw herself on her bed and slumped over and said again, "No! I can't go to church!" then she looked up at me, opened her mouth with her index finger, and very gummily said, "I WOST MY TEEPH! I CAN'T GO TO SHURSH!" (translated - "I lost my teeth I can't go tot church")
Shocked, I immediately went to the bathroom where she always keeps them, and then I started looking in the drawers, in the toilet, in her purse... Eric joined in on the search all over the house tryin got find where she had placed them, and then Eric accidentally found them... in his coffee...
(That'll teach him to take a coffee break while in the middle of a major search!)
Please don't ask how her teeth got there. We have NO IDEA! All we do know is that we were LATE AGAIN to church...
Well, on this particular Sunday, we were actually somewhat on time!
I did Maw Maw's hair, Emily's hair, my hair, had everyone dressed, breakfast made, coffee made, dishes cleaned up, and we were ready to run out the door!
Suddenly, I went into Maw Maw's room to hurry her along a bit so that we could go, and she looked at me very frustrated and feathered, and said, "I CAN'T go to church!" And, I interrupted like I do every week, "Yes you can! The hardest part is getting out the door!" Then she threw herself on her bed and slumped over and said again, "No! I can't go to church!" then she looked up at me, opened her mouth with her index finger, and very gummily said, "I WOST MY TEEPH! I CAN'T GO TO SHURSH!" (translated - "I lost my teeth I can't go tot church")
Shocked, I immediately went to the bathroom where she always keeps them, and then I started looking in the drawers, in the toilet, in her purse... Eric joined in on the search all over the house tryin got find where she had placed them, and then Eric accidentally found them... in his coffee...
(That'll teach him to take a coffee break while in the middle of a major search!)
Please don't ask how her teeth got there. We have NO IDEA! All we do know is that we were LATE AGAIN to church...
The Shower
Well, I have been too busy to really write anything, and I miss it!
This summer Eric's 93 year old grandmother moved in with us! It has been a great adventure to say the least. It's not always easy, but I know it's the right thing for now. She has demintia, and being 93, not much works that great to begin with.
The first awkward experience occured within a few hours of her arriving. (I very quickly learned that I NEEDED to get the locks fixed on the doors). I was taking a shower at midnight, because that's the only time I could find a little break. As I was showering I heard Maw Maw scutter in and make her way toward the toilet. Knowing that SHE didn't know I was in the shower I decided to play the quiet game and hope that she didn't hear the water running. Well, she did, and then she got curious, and opened the curtain on me! I was mortified, but then quickly comforted in realizing that no sooner had she opened the curtain and then turned away, she forgot. Then she decided to go to the bathroom. I, again, decided to play the quiet game, and just wait... 10 minutes later... she flushed...
Now, I don't know what the water in YOUR house does, but in ours, if you flush, then ALLLL the cold water leaves the shower, making it nothing short of BOILING!
So there I was... stuck... I couldn't jump out of the shower because that would cause her a terrible fright and I didn't want her to die of a heart attack from me leaping and screaming out of the shower in an unsightly state. So I took it.
I stood as close to the wall as I could, but I must tell you that the shower head is VERY good at covering the ENTIRE SHOWER thourougly... I never knew it took SO LONG for that toilet to STOP filling!! Then to top it off, Maw Maw turned off the light, leaving it darker than pitch.
I started yelling in a whisper -- do you know how to do that? I am VERY GOOD at it aparently! Eric came to the rescue, and couldn't keep a smirk off his face.
Then we decided that the next day we would FIX the doorknob, so that it would LOCK!!
THE NEXT DAY...
Emily closed the bathroom door and locked it leaving no one inside to open it.
Maw Maw locked HERSELF in the bathroom.
After spending 20 minutes on trying to open the FIRST locked door fro Emily, and dreading the thought of doing it again, I decided that it may be best to break every single lock in the house and just forget privacy all together.
This summer Eric's 93 year old grandmother moved in with us! It has been a great adventure to say the least. It's not always easy, but I know it's the right thing for now. She has demintia, and being 93, not much works that great to begin with.
The first awkward experience occured within a few hours of her arriving. (I very quickly learned that I NEEDED to get the locks fixed on the doors). I was taking a shower at midnight, because that's the only time I could find a little break. As I was showering I heard Maw Maw scutter in and make her way toward the toilet. Knowing that SHE didn't know I was in the shower I decided to play the quiet game and hope that she didn't hear the water running. Well, she did, and then she got curious, and opened the curtain on me! I was mortified, but then quickly comforted in realizing that no sooner had she opened the curtain and then turned away, she forgot. Then she decided to go to the bathroom. I, again, decided to play the quiet game, and just wait... 10 minutes later... she flushed...
Now, I don't know what the water in YOUR house does, but in ours, if you flush, then ALLLL the cold water leaves the shower, making it nothing short of BOILING!
So there I was... stuck... I couldn't jump out of the shower because that would cause her a terrible fright and I didn't want her to die of a heart attack from me leaping and screaming out of the shower in an unsightly state. So I took it.
I stood as close to the wall as I could, but I must tell you that the shower head is VERY good at covering the ENTIRE SHOWER thourougly... I never knew it took SO LONG for that toilet to STOP filling!! Then to top it off, Maw Maw turned off the light, leaving it darker than pitch.
I started yelling in a whisper -- do you know how to do that? I am VERY GOOD at it aparently! Eric came to the rescue, and couldn't keep a smirk off his face.
Then we decided that the next day we would FIX the doorknob, so that it would LOCK!!
THE NEXT DAY...
Emily closed the bathroom door and locked it leaving no one inside to open it.
Maw Maw locked HERSELF in the bathroom.
After spending 20 minutes on trying to open the FIRST locked door fro Emily, and dreading the thought of doing it again, I decided that it may be best to break every single lock in the house and just forget privacy all together.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Adventures with Maw Maw vol. 1
My husband's grandmother, "Maw Maw", as she is known, is staying with us for a period of time. She is 93. She is a very upbeat 93 year old however, and when she knows what card game she's playin', there's no one that can beat her. But, being 93 also means that you don't remember everything so well. She knows that she forgets, but to her that's just part of the adventure. If she forgets something we told her, and then remind her that we already said it, then she just laughs it off, and says that we should be greatful that she can hear it for the first time -- the second time too! So, I guess that's where our little "adventure" as she would call it, begins.
Day 1
Well, my day began at 4:13 this morning when the hall light abruptly flipped on. I looked over to see that Eric was still sound asleep, so I needed to go and see who was up turning on the lights. I walked into the hallway to find Maw Maw looking around her room. (We converted my daughter Emily's room into her room, and now my son, Evan, and Emily are sharing a bedroom). She looked a little confused, but then I began to wonder, "what if she's sleep walking... maybe I shouldn't say anything." So, I hid around the corner where she couldn't see me, and listened to figure out what she was doing. Finally, once I decided that she was NOT sleep walking, i decided to ask her if everything was okay, and she looked at me with her precious little face, and gave me the biggest toothless grin you have ever seen. She said she was fine, but had no idea where she was. I told her who I was and wehre she was and told her to go back to bed. She crawled back into bed and stayed there for about 20 minutes... then she forgot where she was again, got up and turned on all the lights, and I went back and reminded her who I was and where she was... this went on once more and then I decided I was awake for the day.
Day 1
Well, my day began at 4:13 this morning when the hall light abruptly flipped on. I looked over to see that Eric was still sound asleep, so I needed to go and see who was up turning on the lights. I walked into the hallway to find Maw Maw looking around her room. (We converted my daughter Emily's room into her room, and now my son, Evan, and Emily are sharing a bedroom). She looked a little confused, but then I began to wonder, "what if she's sleep walking... maybe I shouldn't say anything." So, I hid around the corner where she couldn't see me, and listened to figure out what she was doing. Finally, once I decided that she was NOT sleep walking, i decided to ask her if everything was okay, and she looked at me with her precious little face, and gave me the biggest toothless grin you have ever seen. She said she was fine, but had no idea where she was. I told her who I was and wehre she was and told her to go back to bed. She crawled back into bed and stayed there for about 20 minutes... then she forgot where she was again, got up and turned on all the lights, and I went back and reminded her who I was and where she was... this went on once more and then I decided I was awake for the day.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
2009 - Tomato T-ball and Water Balloon Fight!
All I can say is... we REALLY like to have fun and get REALLY messy!!
We went to Farmer's Market and got almost rotten tomatos, and then went to the Dollar Store and got water balloons, and now we have yet another family tradition...
Our neighbors think we are crazy... in a good way! Next time, it's gonna be a block party, baby!
We went to Farmer's Market and got almost rotten tomatos, and then went to the Dollar Store and got water balloons, and now we have yet another family tradition...
Our neighbors think we are crazy... in a good way! Next time, it's gonna be a block party, baby!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Disney World 2009
It was Emily's 4th birthday! The year that marked her entry into... well, a four year old. We went on an adventure to Disney World (as is customary in our family when you turn 4!!) This was her second time to come, and Evan's third, but we all LOVED IT! Emily got to go to the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique and have her hair, nails, and makeup done for her royal ball with Cinderella and Prince Charming! Cinderella came and gave her the Royal Glass Slipper as a special birthday gift! (It's actually an old family heirloom that she is now getting to receive, but she doesn't know that part...)
I had so much fun making the pillow for the glass slipper to go on, and imagining the shock and awe on her face when Cinderella would give it to her! When the night finally came, I was so excited! Cinderella came, the slipper was brought out, and Emily's face was unforgettabe. Her eyebrows stiffened into amazement as she noticed the beautiful slipper on a white fringed pillow with light blue beads dangling from the edges. Then Cinderella told her that this was her last slipper and that Emily had to take good care of it! From that point on Emily was extrememly aware that something could and may happen to her new treasure, so she put all of us on alert to make sure that we knew we were ALL guardians of the precious glass slipper.
Dinner continued, and the wicked step sisters, being their usuall UNcharming selves, decided that THEY needed the glass slipper, and were not at all amused when I slapped Anastasia's hand in her attempt to snatch the slipper. She was so upset that she took Emily's stickers that she had received at the beginning of our dinner, and Emily, being ever so outraged at the "inappropriate" behavior of the "stupid" Anastasia, decided that she didn't ever want to smile at her again.
Once dinner had come to an end, and we had all said our "goodbyes" to Cinderella and Prince Charming, the step-mother, Drusella, and "stupid" Anastasia, we took the ferry and watched the spectacular firwork show while sailing on the water and overlooking Cinderella's castle. I was perfect!
We also got to enjoy STAR WARS weekend!!!! For those of you who may not know, we all are huge fans. We literally waited for hours meeting all of the characters from the old and the new shows, AND we got to see the original Chewbacca!
We got to see the "Spectro-magic" parade, and we were in the "Celebrate You" parade, and got to dance and do the Conga with Mickey, Goofey, and Donald! (I've never sweated so much in my life!! I would be so skinny if I did those parades every day!)
Disney World really is magical! There's just that spark of "kid" that shows up in all of us every time we come, and we can't wait to return again!
I had so much fun making the pillow for the glass slipper to go on, and imagining the shock and awe on her face when Cinderella would give it to her! When the night finally came, I was so excited! Cinderella came, the slipper was brought out, and Emily's face was unforgettabe. Her eyebrows stiffened into amazement as she noticed the beautiful slipper on a white fringed pillow with light blue beads dangling from the edges. Then Cinderella told her that this was her last slipper and that Emily had to take good care of it! From that point on Emily was extrememly aware that something could and may happen to her new treasure, so she put all of us on alert to make sure that we knew we were ALL guardians of the precious glass slipper.
Dinner continued, and the wicked step sisters, being their usuall UNcharming selves, decided that THEY needed the glass slipper, and were not at all amused when I slapped Anastasia's hand in her attempt to snatch the slipper. She was so upset that she took Emily's stickers that she had received at the beginning of our dinner, and Emily, being ever so outraged at the "inappropriate" behavior of the "stupid" Anastasia, decided that she didn't ever want to smile at her again.
Once dinner had come to an end, and we had all said our "goodbyes" to Cinderella and Prince Charming, the step-mother, Drusella, and "stupid" Anastasia, we took the ferry and watched the spectacular firwork show while sailing on the water and overlooking Cinderella's castle. I was perfect!
We also got to enjoy STAR WARS weekend!!!! For those of you who may not know, we all are huge fans. We literally waited for hours meeting all of the characters from the old and the new shows, AND we got to see the original Chewbacca!
We got to see the "Spectro-magic" parade, and we were in the "Celebrate You" parade, and got to dance and do the Conga with Mickey, Goofey, and Donald! (I've never sweated so much in my life!! I would be so skinny if I did those parades every day!)
Disney World really is magical! There's just that spark of "kid" that shows up in all of us every time we come, and we can't wait to return again!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Penny
Emily found a penny on the ground next to the car. We quickly jumped in to head home from a long day at school. As we were on our way home she started weazing and making strange noises. I turned around and saw that she was turning red! I asked her if she was okay and then her eyes grew very big and tears started pouring out. Evan blurted out in hseer panick, "She swallowed that penny!!"
In my mind I was freaking out, but knew that I had to stay (sort of) calm. For some strange reason I went home a different route than I normally do, and it was down Forest Ln. We were driving right by Medical City when we discovered that Emily had the penny stuck in her throat, so I sped to our doctors office at Medical City!! Immediatly they were able to assess the situation and make sure that she was not choaking, but the penny was stuck. They had her drink water and try to wash the penny down. They told her that she will poop the penny out and all will be fine!
(Ever since then, she goes to the bathroom and comes out to give me a penny report...)
In my mind I was freaking out, but knew that I had to stay (sort of) calm. For some strange reason I went home a different route than I normally do, and it was down Forest Ln. We were driving right by Medical City when we discovered that Emily had the penny stuck in her throat, so I sped to our doctors office at Medical City!! Immediatly they were able to assess the situation and make sure that she was not choaking, but the penny was stuck. They had her drink water and try to wash the penny down. They told her that she will poop the penny out and all will be fine!
(Ever since then, she goes to the bathroom and comes out to give me a penny report...)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Mommy! We're BEING ROBBED!!"
It was a perfect day! I went to the gym this morning, came home and had my friend, Julie, over for lunch; put the kids down for naps, and after Julie left I decided to jump in the shower. I was in the middle of shaving my legs when I heard Evan start screaming and crying!
He ran into the bathroom where I was, and in hysterics said, "Mommy, someone is at the back door playing with the handle and making it crack!!!"
I threw on a towel, grabbed my taser, and set off to fight this dangerous house robber person -- in a towel...
I entered our living room and didn't hear anything; I opened the window blinds, and didn't see anything there either. I wondered if Emily was outside and I didn't know it, but just as I was about to go and see if she was still sleeping, she walked in the room. I looked for the dog, to see if maybe it was the dog scratching, but NO! Dollie was in her bed.
I went back and got dressed, and then went outside to see if our huge gate was compromised, but the gate was secure. With trusty "Ole Tessie the Taser" in my hands, I then went through the house to the front yard to see if anyone was around, and yet again, NO ONE! (Like they would have really lingered anyway...)
So, I went back into the house and told Evan not to worry, and everything is fine. After a few minutes, I hear Evan knocking aggressively on the back door. I went in and asked him what he was doing, and he said, "I wanted to know if the bad guys were still out there because if they are, then they will knock back, and then you can fight them..."
Just call me "Janet Bourne" because apparently, I am an amazing fighter that can withstand obnoxious house-robber-people...
I still don't know what he heard, but all is well at the Couch house!
He ran into the bathroom where I was, and in hysterics said, "Mommy, someone is at the back door playing with the handle and making it crack!!!"
I threw on a towel, grabbed my taser, and set off to fight this dangerous house robber person -- in a towel...
I entered our living room and didn't hear anything; I opened the window blinds, and didn't see anything there either. I wondered if Emily was outside and I didn't know it, but just as I was about to go and see if she was still sleeping, she walked in the room. I looked for the dog, to see if maybe it was the dog scratching, but NO! Dollie was in her bed.
I went back and got dressed, and then went outside to see if our huge gate was compromised, but the gate was secure. With trusty "Ole Tessie the Taser" in my hands, I then went through the house to the front yard to see if anyone was around, and yet again, NO ONE! (Like they would have really lingered anyway...)
So, I went back into the house and told Evan not to worry, and everything is fine. After a few minutes, I hear Evan knocking aggressively on the back door. I went in and asked him what he was doing, and he said, "I wanted to know if the bad guys were still out there because if they are, then they will knock back, and then you can fight them..."
Just call me "Janet Bourne" because apparently, I am an amazing fighter that can withstand obnoxious house-robber-people...
I still don't know what he heard, but all is well at the Couch house!
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