She Said It

Scene set up: I am in my chair with my laptop. The Man is in his chair with his laptop. Paige is at the dining table behind us doing her nails. Makenna is on the couch either reading or playing her DS thingy. The television plays before us.

Commercial comes on. It is a commercial for a male enhancement product. I personally wasn't paying much attention as I was trying to defeat my friends at Bejeweled on the Face of Book.

Makenna looks over at The Man and says..."You don't need that."

The Man blinks and says..."What?"

Makenna says...."You don't need that male enhancement stuff on t.v."

The Man looks at me, then looks back at her and says, "WHAT?!?!?"

She laughs and says..."You're tall enough. You don't need to grow any taller."

The Man and I look at each other and bust out laughing.

Three minutes later, Paige is STILL on the floor laughing behind us.

Makenna is puzzled and doesn't understand what is so funny.

I don't think we're going to tell her any time soon.


I know I haven't been around too much lately. I ask that you have some patience and know I'm almost done dealing with all the chaos around here. It's either that, or another different chaotic style is getting ready to start. Who knows with this household. There will be lots for us to talk about very soon. I promise!

Busy

I think I may have gone over to the overkill side of things. Now, I'm not truly sure about this, but it's a possibility.

I know we're moving this coming Fall. No, I don't know what date exactly, but it's going to happen as sure as the sun comes up in the morning. While I have been known to procrastinate about things, this I can't ignore. When I can't ignore it? I do what needs to be done.

The Boy takes speech once a week at a private facility. He was able to get "outside" help versus school speech because he wasn't in a public 4K program. We did the referral dance and the insurance company worked with us (!!!) to get him some help. I do fear that with us moving, he will lose valuable progress while I get all three kids settled in school while unpacking a home. We'll be using a new insurance plan and I'll have to learn the referral dance all over again. Time for me to be proactive. I've talked the public school he's going to for kindergarten into speeding things up for him to be in speech. They're going to do their best to get him an I.E.P. (Individualized Education Program) established before we move so that whatever school the kids end up at, that school will recognize it and immediately get him into speech. The ball is already rolling on that. We've done our part, I hope the school follows through on theirs. Starting in June, my son will be going to speech boot camp (my words there). Two to three times a week, he will do some intensive speech therapy. Hey, it's free (as in no co pays-my husband has paid the price over and over again) right now and I want to get whatever help I can for my son.

Next week starts our family counseling. Now, that's going to be interesting. I'm not playing with this, Internets. Moving is hard. Moving your children away from their lives is hard. There is nothing easy about it at all. We are going in to therapy as a family to make sure we're all on the same page, lines of communication are open, and we're as prepared mentally as we can be. I have a teenager. Need I say more? I have a tween who is coming into herself. I have an ADHD five year old. Dude. We're dysfunctional waiting to happen. I tell everyone we go to counseling/therapy to stop the crazy before it happens. I'm all about some preventive medicine here.

Do you think all of that is overkill? It's going to make my summer weeks a little busier than I'd like, but what better time to get what I can accomplished?

I've enjoyed this week with my son so far. I get to see how much he's learned this year as we watch all the preschool shows. Before? He watched with some, but not complete, interaction. Now? He's hollering out the letters, singing along, and shaking his booty when need be. It amazes me and shows me he really got his money's worth out of PreK/4K. He talks about kindergarten every day and how he's "so excited" about going. (Here's where I cringe because he'll have to attend TWO kindergartens because of our moving-ugh.)

There's three days of school left for the girls. I do believe they're ready for a break. Although, I'm sure, by July they'll be ready to head back to the hall of learning. Paige for the social aspect and Makenna to get access to the library.

It's just an easy busy (compared to hectic busy) week here at The Edge. We have awards ceremony today, a visit to Ms. Rose, a visit to Dr. M., and a commissary trip to fit in somewhere. A friend of ours is retiring this week and we are excited to attend his ceremony this Friday morning. Add in a graduation ceremony Saturday for a friend's daughter and we're completely able to call it busy.

I like easy busy.

Lost and Found

The Man and I aged a good five years yesterday.

It was coming on evening time around The Edge. The Man told Makenna to go get The Boy and tell him to come sit with Dad so he could wind it on down and get ready for bed. She went to the other side to get her brother and came back and said he wasn't over there.

Really?

I really wasn't paying attention at this time. The Man got up and looked in The Boy's bedroom and he wasn't there either. He went to the other side and still couldn't find him.

Hmmm.

I decided to get up and see if I could help find him because he wasn't answering our calls.

Paige got into the search and still no boy.

We looked under beds and in closets. Lumpy blankets were pulled up and there was no sign of the boy.

We moved the search to the outside. We really didn't know how he would have gotten outside. A month or so ago, he went A.W.O.L. out of Makenna's bedroom window, but was found quickly and hasn't done that since. Or had he? Makenna's window was unopened and still locked.

Our son has been known to be some kind of Houdini, so we still searched outside.

Did I mention it had been storming here? Water was sitting on the ground in puddles as it hadn't had time to soak in yet.

A few months ago, The Boy had stated he was going to Miss Carla's house one day before we stopped him. He has an internal GPS built in and could seriously find his way if he didn't get hit by a car.

The Man got in the Tahoe and went to drive around. Paige started walking outside our court looking.

Makenna took bicycle duty around our court, riding around the back of homes on the edge of the woods.

I took the house and started literally tearing things apart looking.

I had visions of us calling base security and all kinds of chaos starting. I knew they would put someone at the main gate immediately.

I was mad. WHERE was this kid????

I stomped through my home (do you realize the damage you can do to feet on concrete floors?). I said...in a very loud tone...."BOYS FULL ENTIRE NAME...IF YOU DON'T COME HERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE, I WILL CUT YOUR BUTT!!!"

A little voice said, "Hey, Mama."

I went to the end of the couch on the kid's side. We have a television stand we're using as an end table at the moment. He had crawled underneath it and put a pillow in front. It was a small space and very easily overlooked.

I grabbed his arm and high stepped him to the other side so I could call his Dad and sister.

I. Was. Livid.

I made him sit there until we were all back together. He knew trouble was in the air.

After a quick supper, this kid was sent to bed. He was not spanked because both The Man and I were that upset.

I was so scared. We all were. I know kids do stuff like this all the time. That doesn't make it any less scary. I had visions of my son wandering outside, falling into one of these full puddles of water and drowning. ~shudder~ I'm all nauseous thinking about it.

He was found. The power of a Mama's voice found him. That, and his full name in a loud voice. I guess he knew I meant business.

I hope and pray he doesn't do anything like this again. My nerves surely can't take it.

Once it was all said and done? I sat in my chair and told The Man......."Lord. I am going to be at home with this kid all summer. I won't make it if he pulls stunts like this on a daily basis."

I'm sure you all understand now when I say I just adore drama free days.

A tad bit emotional...

I'm just a tad bit emotional today, Internets. My son is graduating from Pre K. In just the past four months, I have seen The Boy and Makenna grow. Just grow. There's been no weight gain.....just height. Gone are his rounded little cheeks that you can't help but smooch on. His face is leaner with his eyes still so bright. I am now the proud mother of a little boy.

I don't recall feeling this emotional when the girls finished 4K. They both did so well and I knew where they were going to be the following year. I had that security of knowing they would be just fine.

Yes, I know my son will be just fine. It's just been a hard year. A learning year. A changing year. I have been educated more than I ever wanted to be on this monster in his head called ADHD. Our family has adjusted to that diagnosis and we've worked together as a team to fight that monster and give control back to my son. I have seen him grow by leaps and bounds as he gains more control. His eyes truly are a window to his mind because I have seen the focus he is now capable of through those brown eyes that shine from his face.

He has been blessed with two of the best teachers. I firmly believe God had a hand in that one. I could not have hand picked two finer ladies to be his teachers and get him started on the road of learning. Makes me even more grateful that God is on my side.

I have picked up a couple of small gifts as tokens of our appreciation for all their hard work. Man, I wish I were rich or something. I'd buy the moon or at least a bunch of chocolate because I just can't thank them enough. I've composed letters of appreciation to give to the director of the school. The employees have to go through performance reviews and I think who ever is in charge of determining their raises and promotions should be aware of exceptional qualities these two ladies have. Neighbor Debbie said it so eloquently this morning on the phone when she said people are so quick to complain about anything, but rarely take the time to write a simple letter that could help so much or just say "Thank You". I got teary writing personal notes in the thank you cards I purchased. Just so you know? I am NOT a crier. I don't do that sniffling crying mess. If I cry? My people run because they can't handle me having any type of breakdown with tears involved.

It could be because this is my baby. It could be because there won't be another 4K graduation in my future except for grandchildren. Whatever the reason, I'm just so very proud of this child of mine. He has worked so hard this year to find his way to this day.

Of course, the camera is in my purse and I might be inclined to share a picture or two if I can keep my chin still long enough to focus. Moments like this make me mad because I don't wear waterproof mascara.

You do realize this means my kid is out for the summer, right? Time to make some plans to keep a sharp little mind busy!

It's my Birthday!

I love the month of May. It has so many of my favorite holidays in it. I adore Mother's Day because I adore being a Mama. The Man celebrates his birthday at the beginning, where I take the middle, and my parents round off the end of the month with theirs. All in all, May is a good month to be in.

I'm getting to be that age now. The 30's are starting to wrap up before hitting the 40's. My kids are getting older by the second and so am I. My vision is just a tiny bit squinty and my hips are still upset with me for the 2 successful VBAC's I managed to pull off with the last two kids.

I am also starting to notice the skin around my eyes. It's a tad bit looser than I'd like for it to be. Some times when I put on my eyeshadow and such, I lift it just a little bit at the corners and I'm 25 again! I'm still lazy as all get out and haven't bought into all the expensive creams and lotions designed to "firm" up that saggy skin. I work that simple cleanser and slap on some moisturizer. Okay, small confession. There's a teeny guilty pleasure of mine that my husband unknowingly supports. This stuff is wonderful and I don't think I ever want to live without it.

I probably need to be more diligent about my health. And I am! Promise, Internets. I am taking steps right at this moment to head in that direction. They might not be huge giant steps, but I'm walking.

Do I have regrets from the past 38 years? You bet your fanny I do. There are some things I wish I had said in certain situations. There are some things I wish I hadn't said in certain situations. I'm probably going to have a few more regrets under my belt before all is said and done. I chalk it up to human nature and will be grateful every single day of my life for the word "forgiveness". I work at giving it and I pray to receive it.

Wisdom is something I think I've accumulated. I won't claim to have an awful lot of it, though. I believe every thing I've experienced has molded and shaped me in to the person I am today. The good Lord knows I don't claim to know it all. I have a friend I grew up with, so we've known each other for ....oh, around 30 years? (wow.) She used to get so frustrated with me because she always said no matter what anyone asked me, I'd give an answer and act like I knew what the subject was all about. I have to laugh over that because now? I flat out will tell you I have no freaking clue if I really don't. I think that's the smartest answer of all.

I joke with my husband and friends some times that being a grown up rocks. We don't have curfews (we just fall asleep in front of the television by 10 p.m.) and we don't have to answer to anyone else (except the teenager who will text you 10 times in five minutes wanting to know where you are in Walm*art and if you can pick something up for her).

Truly, though, being a grown up does rock.

At 11:01 a.m. on May 13th, I will be 38 years old. Daddy always said I was just in time for lunch and haven't been late since. I do believe I agree with him on that one.

The best part of it all is my life is just so good. I have an amazing family both near and far. I have the best of all friends, both near and far, anyone could ask for.

And I'm still growing up. Next year (Lord willing I make it that far), I will be older and wiser and still growing (we all realize that I'm referring to my mind here and not the body- the body does NOT need to grow anymore).

Maybe I'll give some of that facial skin firming stuff a try this year.

* Cake was mine last year by Mandi.

Happy Blogoversary to Me!!!

Well, sir, would you look at that? I have a Blogoversary today!

Four years. Wow.

Do you know why I started blogging? Allow me to give you a little background.

I became a Navy Wife in September of 2003. It was an odd situation because my husband was on shore duty. I knew what he told me about sea duty, but I guess I really didn't comprehend it because I hadn't experienced it. When he came up for orders in the Summer of 2004, I didn't really get all stressed out about it because I wasn't going anywhere. He would have to go where ever and I'd see him whenever I could. (Are you laughing yet?) See, I was/am a pretty independent gal and am not afraid to take care of myself.

He was lucky enough to get orders to Norfolk on a boat that was going to head down to Georgia after they finished doing whatever they needed to do to it. Georgia wasn't a bad deal...very drivable. He headed to Norfolk in January of 2005 and was immediately sucked into that boat. I didn't see him like I thought I would. I didn't talk to him like I thought I would. Hmmm...

We were, what is called "Geobachelor'ing it". Years later, I know it can be shortened to "Geobach'ing". A Geographical Bachelor is someone who is stationed somewhere and their family doesn't come with them. I came to the conclusion that I really didn't like this gig. Especially when I was 400 miles away (give or take) with three kids.

I made quite a few trips up I-95 on my own with three kids. It drove my Daddy crazy for me to do that. I was determined to see my husband and if you have enough juice and snacks? You can make the six hour drive. Many times, my husband would meet me half way in North Carolina where we would spend the weekend in a hotel with three kids. Worked for me!

I started this blog for him. I started this blog for me. I wanted to share what happened in his home that was so far away. He needed to know what these kids were up to. I wanted to share my thoughts. When he had a spare minute, he would check my blog and when he could call, we'd talk about what he had read.

Of course, the six months we were told this would carry on turned into 18 months. I finally knew that we all needed to be together as a family. The Man and I needed it and, most of all, the kids needed it.

We moved to Georgia in June of 2006. The Edge became my way of keeping my family (and his) up to date. We were alone in this town....but we were a family.

I love writing. I love words and using them. Big words. Little words. I love it. To me, blogging is the best of both worlds. I get to share what a crazy wonderful family I have while satisfying my need to write. I write how I talk (for the most part). If you were to meet me in person (and quite a few of you have!)? You'd would know without a doubt that's a true statement.

538 posts later, here we are. I'm glad you come to visit and I am so in awe of the blogging community. I've met a few fellow bloggers in person, become Email Pals with a few, text buddies with some more, yahoo chatters in some capacity with a hand full, and facebook gaming friends with even more. As a group, we laugh together, cry together, listen to vents, vent our own selves, and offer support without hesitation. Technology may be advancing at an alarming rate, but the human need for a closer contact and understanding still prevails and we, the humans, will find a way to do that. I encourage everyone to blog because what's life if we don't share it? Whatever you're going through? Someone has been there already. Whatever is going on? Someone may need you to walk with them down the same path. You may, in some capacity, help a total stranger and never even know it.

The upcoming year promises to be interesting in this family. I invite you to hang around and be nosy as all get out about it.

Happy Blogoversary to me. Here's to another 4 years of Edge goodness!

Image courtesy of Yahoo images. Isn't it cute!

A Little Dove Love

I was given a great gift through the mail last week. Dove sent me a FULL size sample of their new product. Add in quite a few coupons for $2.00 off and I do believe I've scored big time. Most of you know I am all about free samples and especially the coupons.

It was perfect timing arriving as I was finishing up one deodorant and was ready for another one. I figured why not? At first I was skeptical because I'm not a "roses scent" kind of gal. I was pleasantly surprised, Internets. The scent is not bad at all. I'm not a gal who wears sleeveless a lot in life. I'm a little leery of showing these upper arms of mine, you know. I'm really pleased, though, with how this product is performing. I highly suggest you giving it a try, especially in time for summer!

Now, I could be stingy (and it's right tempting!), but I won't be. If you're interested? I got quite a few of those $2.00 of coupons left I'd love to share with you. In fact, today at the post office, I got a bunch of .03 stamps to finish this book of stamps I got in my wallet. I'm itching to use them and would be happy to mail you a coupon! You can email me at hope_greatamerican (at) yahoo dot com. I won't go selling your address and I'm too unorganized to keep it. I can give a character reference or two or three if need be. Hey! I'm cleared to live in military housing so it's all good, right?

Don't be shy now. I surely don't mind putting one in the mail for you and you can't beat $2.00 off! Go check out their site and be sure to become a fan if you're on that face of the books page!

Thanks, DOVE! You rock!

Memory

Have you ever had one of those moments when you remembered something important but couldn't remember if you forgot it?

I did.

The other morning I was getting my son ready for school while The Man had run Makenna to hers. Getting that boy dressed is a chore pretty much every morning. The medication hasn't kicked in and you just about have to peel him off the ceiling to get him out the door.

I was putting toothpaste on his toothbrush when I froze.

The Boy and Makenna had a dentist appointment last week.

Did they go?

I knew I had put a reminder in my phone and The Man's phone. I know as soon as I had the appointment time, I also emailed him to put it on his calender at work. I try to cover every possible way of reminding me that I can.

I couldn't remember them going to the dentist.

While I tried to corral that son of mine into the bathroom, I frantically searched my mind to try and remember something that would prove my children did, indeed, go to the dentist for their cleaning.

Nothing.

I couldn't recall talking to the receptionist. I couldn't recall sitting in the waiting room.

Crap.

Next, I wondered why on earth the office didn't call and let me know?!? Would this mean I'd have to come up with the money for a cancelled appointment.

Something caught on the back of the toilet caught my eye.

It was a bag. From the dentist office. It held a new toothbrush, floss, and paste.

Oh, yeah.

THE MAN took them for the appointment.

I can't even describe the relief that coursed through my veins at that moment.

Until I remembered something else.

The Boy has a cavity that needs to be filled.

Shoot. I can't win.

Injured

We made it five whole years. Five years without a trip to the E.R. for an injury.

Last night changed our stats.

I've been sick the past few days. Not sure what I'm fighting here. One minute I think it's bronchitis, the next a bad cold. Yesterday, I was laying in the bed covered and shivering when I heard a loud CRACK and The Man was hollering for Makenna to go get me. I started slowly getting my sick self up but had to kick it in a higher gear when I heard a teeny tiny thread of panic in his voice.




My son had split his eyebrow open.




Apparently, he and Makenna were building a fort/house out of the couch cushions when he tripped/fell and hit the corner of the television stand.


The Man and I threw on clothes and headed to our local E.R.


The gash had stopped bleeding by the time we got there, but it was U.G.L.Y.


It didn't take too long to get in back. The Boy cooperated fully and without a squeak of complaint. I was right surprised as this was the time he is normally coming down off of his medication. He was polite and answered all the nurse's questions with "Yes Ma'am" or "No Ma'am". Dad sat close to him and I sat in a chair at the end of the bed shivering to pieces. The nurse was kind enough to bring me a heated blanket. I am pretty sure I told her I loved her.


The Doctor who took care of my son gets an A+ in my book. He didn't talk to down to The Boy at all. He was straight forward, matter of fact, and HONEST. The Boy was told every single thing that was going to happen. The numbing shot was explained fully and so was the sewing part. When it came time to do all of this? My baby was a CHAMP. He cried just a tiny bit (over the numbing shot in the injury itself) but didn't fight or scream. The Doctor explained every single little thing he was doing and my son laid right there and let him do what needed to be done. I stayed at the end of the bed with my mouth covered to prevent germs from getting into the newly cleaned cut. I had a moment of concern for The Man when the sewing started. He started squinting really hard. I told him if he fell? To fall forward on the bed and not sideways out of the chair...that I would beat him if he fell out.


FIVE stitches later, all was said and done. For those of you wondering? Glue was not an option due to the place of the injury. We asked. They were afraid that using the glue would cause a "lip" of skin and it needed to be closed completely so whatever scar was left would be minimal.


The Doctor remarked that The Boy was probably one of his best patients EVER. I can believe it. The nurse rewarded him with a bunch of stickers that thrilled his soul to no end. We finished up the paperwork and headed out with instructions to come back in five days for the removal of the stitches. No problem.


I was dropped off at home so my boys could go get some ice cream. The Boy earned that ice cream with being so good and cooperative. The Man earned his because he didn't hit the floor with all the needles and sewing.


As sick as I was, I was still on top of the picture taking.




WARNING: GRAPHIC PICTURE (OF A SORT) AHEAD. TURN BACK IF THIS STUFF MAKES YOU WOOZY.

I do believe this warranted a trip to the local E.R., don't you? This was taken in the waiting room. Note how cleanly it split his eyebrow in half!

Kicked back and waiting for the Doctor and Nurse to get the suture kit and come take care of business. He looks rather relaxed, don't you think?

Sewn up and good to go! No swollen eyes from crying and Mama and Dad were feeling relief!

It was a right decent trip to the E.R. (relatively speaking). We were there about 2 hours before being sent on our way. I can't tell you how proud I am of my son for how he acted under pressure. I know he was scared to death, but he listened and cooperated like he was grown. I firmly believe in being honest with kids about what is going to happen in situations like this. If it's going to hurt? I tell them. To me personally? NOT being told and being caught by surprise is far worse. I have been told by my brother (who has my 7 year old nephew) that this won't be our last visit. I kind of believe that considering who we're talking about here.

We are home from church today as I am still far beneath the weather and The Boy needs to keep it low key for at least one day. I didn't want to share my germs at church and his wound is still fresh enough to be a little scary looking to other kids.

The excitement never ends here at The Edge!

Birthday Boy!

Today is my husband's birthday. I've been able to share eight birthdays with him. Maybe not in person if he was on the boat or out to sea, but eight out of his forty something birthdays, I've been blessed to be along for the ride.

I wish I could give him the world...or at least a truckload of very cool presents. He has been the world's bestest boyfriend, fiancee, husband, and Dad. That's a lot of titles for one person, you know. I am grateful for every moment I get to share with him in this life we live.

Happy Birthday, Honey. Lord willing, I plan on sharing many many many more with you!