Fourteen is the new Twenty

Yeah...hello. I must be getting old for sure because time has flown by and I really didn't realize how long it had been since my last post. Have I been busy? I honestly have. In the past couple of weeks my middle child voiced to me how upset she was with me. I was confused. What had I done?

It was what I hadn't done.

Her birthday blog post.

* Apologies to you, Internets. I am halfway through writing this thing and it is long. I guess that's what happens when you don't blog for a while? Go ahead and grab a beverage...you're going to need it.*

I suppose I need to find that missing birthday post now, don't you?

On February 6, I finally had to face the fact that my baby girl had both feet in the teenage world. She turned 14 and I also had to admit she was going to start high school next year. I'm sorry, what? Surely, the math must be wrong. She is my baby girl. The one who loves to sit and read and fly below the radar.

Ahhh..time waits for not one single soul.

Allow me to fill you in on her busy life since we last spoke.



In September, she came home from school and informed me that her chorus teacher suggested she try out for the local theater group and audition for the Christmas Carol musical. I went to the website and was immediately overwhelmed. I sarcastically shot back, "And is she going to go with us to this so called audition?" The reply after school the next day was an absolute yes.

Fast forward a week or two and we are two parents and a school chorus teacher at a church....in a room...with over a hundred kids. We had to fill out an application with all her experience. A theater resume, if you will. One of the lead volunteers running the show is hollering something about "Please note on your application if any rehearsals interfere with cotillion." Are you kidding me? I discovered that a majority of these kids auditioning went to fine art schools, took lessons hours a day, and lived for this way of life. Well, crap. I knew right then and there we were in over our heads.

I asked Makenna if she was sure she wanted to do this. She was firm in her decision and when they took her back with a small group to learn a song, sing it, and speak with a British accent, she took off without looking back.

Then we waited for a couple of weeks. We checked the website every single day (okay, maybe a few dozen times a day) to see if maybe, just maybe, she made the ensemble and could sing in the background. We pretty much psyched ourselves and Makenna not to make it. (Seriously, the crowd of children auditioning was just crazy.) Imagine my surprise when I opened the website one morning before school and there was her name! In the ensemble. Woot!

I took her to the first practice and when she got in the truck afterwards, she literally glowed. She had found her people. People who loved the sing and who were really good at doing that.

It was a commitment that we supported and she never missed a rehearsal/practice. In fact, she was in district honors chorus for school and after her performance, we literally ran from the building to get across town so she could make the last of practice. She didn't want to miss a minute. As The Man was in a funky shift work kind of deal, there were many nights with me and my son sitting in the Tahoe for hours while she sang inside. He was smooth and never gave me issue. When I would take him inside to potty, I would tiptoe to the door and listen to the group singing. I was just blown away.

One night she jumped up in the truck with this huge pile of papers. I said...what is this? She said a copy of the script. Know what I got it? I GOT A SPEAKING PART! Yes, she did. She had four words to say in her very first play. I didn't know this at the time, but it's kind of a good thing to pull that off.

The week of performance, we moved from practice place to the theater itself. Wow. The Imperial Theater was a sight to behold. The history in this place was just amazing. I sat with other parents in the dark seats and watched the magic of pulling a play together. I heard the director holler insults and have tantrums of the Hollywood variety (or what I assume to be the diva attitude of Hollywood). I didn't know if they were going to be able to have a play by week's end, but they sure enough pulled it off.

She missed two days of school doing day performances for local schools. (I found out later this was the dress rehearsals for the weekend play and the days were excused from school as they qualified for public volunteers hours.) Every single show was better than the last. I pulled Stage Mom duty a couple of times. The kids are put up in a room over the lobby. It is dank, old, smelly, and a way to keep them corralled. They would come down the stairs, go down the alley to the back of the theater when it was their turn to perform. I graciously declined staying up in the room with thirty plus kids running around on adrenaline. My kid was potty trained and knew how to act. I had no patience for the others. So, I did alley duty. No kid was allowed to go down the alley without an adult watching and protecting. During day performances, I became great friends with the coffee shop next door. The Sunday afternoon performance of alley duty? I took a thermos of coffee.

Our family dressed up in Sunday finery and attended the Saturday evening performance. Paige said it was more fun watching me watch the play. By this time, I knew it pretty much word for word and I was leaned forward in my seat watching each scene intently, mouthing along with the talented actors on stage. I sang every song that was performed (we still go around the house singing a favorite or two to this day). I almost couldn't see my child on stage because of the tears of pride...or was it exhaustion? (Performance weeks makes for long hours. I'm talking midnight here.)

She had been bitten. By the Stage Bug. She has found a new love called the stage. It was an amazing experience and she was off to audition for more more more!!! Since then, she has auditioned for two other plays, but sadly didn't make either one. There are more to be had and acting camp is in her future this summer. I have a feeling we'll be doing the Christmas Carol again this year.

Miss Thing has also discovered a desire to sew. To make things she can wear and show her fashion flair. She can't follow a pattern, but she loves a good you of tube tutorial. She has claimed the playroom/guest room as her sewing room and she will lock herself away for hours whipping up some creation. She saves her money for trips to Joann's or Hobby Lobby so she can spend it all on fabric and craft supplies. The mall is an afterthought and she has no desire to hang out there with groups of kids her age.

She loves a wig, too. I believe her hair to be amazing and I refuse to let her cut it off or color it some ungodly color. The compromise is a wig. Santa brought her a bunch of Styrofoam mannequin heads so she could carefully place those wigs and whatever hat is popular at the moment (did I mention the love of hats, too?).

How many of you are Whovians out there? You know who you are. This child is a great fan of Doctor Who. Her favorite is the tenth doctor, but she tolerates the eleventh one well. I've watched a few episodes and it's a pretty interesting series. I decided to see if I could pull off a Doctor Who themed birthday party. She was giddy with excitement. We did loads of research and I was bummed that most everything Doctor Who related would have to be ordered from the UK. I put out a plea on the face of books and was shocked at how many Whovians came out of the woodwork to help me give this child an amazing party. The 11th Doctor wears a fez. She insisted everyone coming needed a fez. Gah. I didn't want to spend the money. What did she do? Bought the material and made them herself.

During the planning, it was discovered I was to have some surgery (more details in a later post). I was frantic to have this party fully ready to go as it was the night of my day surgery. I wasn't going to punish her because I had to get a few cuts. I had every detail taken care of before I left for the hospital that morning. The pizza was ordered, paid for, and to be delivered that evening. The cake was there and ready to go. All that had to happen was kids show up, Dad and Sissy chaperon, and let the fun happen!

I still can't believe it all went down without a hitch. I was still loopy from surgery, but managed to hang until around 9:00 p.m. The kids were fantastic and had an amazing time. The limit to invite was ten and nine made it. They were so sweet to me and I don't remember too awful much. (Yay for liquid painkillers!)

Now here comes the mushy part.

Makenna, you have no idea on this earth how proud I am of you. You make my heart swell with love and amazement at all you do. You have dreams and you're not afraid to chase them. If there is a task you want to do, you jump in with dogged determination and come out the other side successful. Your heart is generous and you love your family and friends fully. I am secretly sad that you will be grown and ready to chase those dreams into the world before I'm ready to let you go. I love you dearly and will always be the one in the audience clapping like crazy and telling everyone around me, "THAT'S MY BABY!!"  Thank you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your dreams, your thoughts, your journey.

*sniff*

Now, are you all ready for a few pictures?

This was her microphone she wore. This was at a last late rehearsal. No pictures allowed of the play itself due to copyright issues. Bummer.

 

 

Here is Martha Cratchit. She is the eldest daughter of Bob. Big sister to Tiny Tim. This is the alley behind her to the back of the theater. Not a dark scary place at all.

 

Opening night! The weather was beautiful so The Man, Boy, and myself sat outside on park benches and waited to go inside.

Sunday performance. A little on the tired side. She sat downstairs outside with  me to get a breath of fresh air.

Boy, does she look tired here! That would be snow from the last scene in her hair. She went through every performance and avoided that plastic snow until the last show. They seemed to try to use the last of it and everyone was covered.

Night before the party. We invited the tenth Doctor to attend in cut out form. This thrilled her beyond belief to have him there.

 

And here is the tardis. The time traveling machine. It and the Doctor now reside in her room.

 

So thankful for an amazing bakery that saw my vision and rose to the challenge of making a tardis cake. A picture is displayed on their face of book pages. The background is a galaxy gray with fairy dust mixed in to make it sparkle like stars. We all agree that we will never have a cake without fairy dust mixed in to make it sparkle.

Yes, this is The Shirt she has worn since she was 8 years old. I'm wondering if she'll be able to wear it for at least ten more years? That's my girl. The Birthday Princess.

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Makenna!

 

 

 

We'll have to do a post on her wigs so you can see the different looks she has now. Thanks for sticking with me. There are quite a few things to catch up on so I'll be back very soon.

What my new teenager did...

Tonight I was cooking supper and had Makenna in the kitchen helping me. In fact, The Man and I were out running errands when I called the house to have her start cooking some vegetables. I decided to make chicken and rice when we got home since it's quick and easy. Now, that's a good Southern dish that I have discovered that many outside of The Circle have not heard of nor do they eat. It's a simple filling dish of chicken, chicken broth, and rice, with salt and pepper, all cooked up in a pot. I don't cook it often, but my people enjoy it.

 I can't have rice due to the surgery. While I was getting the stuff on the stove going, I  decided I would boil some eggs and make myself some egg salad. Tasty and full of protein.

I got a small pot out of the cabinet and handed it to Makenna. I said, "I'm going to make some egg salad so please put me five eggs in the pot". (I can't eat but one egg but knew the rest would want some.)

After a few minutes I heard this odd sound I should not have been hearing.

I turned around and there she was.

My child.

Cracking an egg into the pot.

"What are you doing?!?" said I.

"Putting five eggs in the pot like you said!" she replied.

I walked over to the kitchen island to see four yolks floating in the pot and a fifth one about to join them.

I had to bend over I was laughing so hard.

Poor baby doesn't even know how to boil an egg.

She defended herself loudly in that I didn't specify exactly how I wanted the eggs in the pot. I was still laughing.

I finally explained the whole "boil the eggs and peel them and chop them for egg salad" deal to her. We are now clear in that if I give her a frying pan? Break the eggs. If I give her a pot? Then put the whole entire egg inside.

It took a little longer, but I had my egg salad. We did it the right way that time.

A Thought from a Kid

I love my Makenna. She has been such an easy child to love and raise. She is by no means perfect because that sister is lazy as all get out and hates cleaning and has high aspirations of being rich and hiring a house cleaner for me and her later in life. I'm not going to argue with her thoughtfulness.

She's the kid who sits in the background and observes everyone and everything around her. Trust me, there are times I have to look around and see if she's listening because  her eavesdropping will come back to haunt you later. *shudder* Trust me on that one.

Remember I had a talk with her before I had my surgery? She has moments when she is sad for me because of certain foods I can't eat anymore. We both gravitate to the chocolate during that time of month and while she eats her monthly quota, she will look at me with sad eyes because without that chocolate goodness, she is a hot mess. I only get to enjoy sugar free chocolate pudding. I know...it makes you sad, too.

The other day, out of the blue, she shocked me. She casually mentioned she had read my blog. I raised my eyebrows in question. I know my kids read my blog but after so many years of blogging, they kind of shrug it off and may go months without reading. It's cool, I don't mind.

She told me that she was worried when I had the surgery. When I asked her why, she said she was worried I wouldn't look like her Mama anymore. She went on to tell me that when she got to the progress post with the pictures, she was just blown away. She said..."You still look like my Mama, but you look so much healthier!"

I heart that kid.

I laughed and said thank you. I then commented that I think we favor more now my double chins are starting to recede. All my kids (and my niece Toot!) and I have the same pointy chin and cheeks. I can see it more now that my face isn't so swollen and puffy looking. It's the little things, friends.

I have to keep a closer eye on that sister. As calm and laid back as she looks on the outside..she worries on the inside. I need to make more of an effort and communicate better, I believe. The other two? If they are worried, you know it. There are no doubts what's going on with those two.

I wish I had a picture of the two of us, but the new phone (that wasn't dropped in the toilet) doesn't have one. I'm excited to take pictures this year and compare to last year. I promise to take pictures to share.

Speaking of pictures. I haven't taken any of my Christmas decorations. Can you believe that? I will, of course, take care of that soon. See, my husband has been out of town with a class for 15 weeks. Yes, 15 weeks. That's longer than a dang sea patrol. Sure, he's been home a few times for short weekend visits, but I need him HERE. I still can't believe I had this surgery and two weeks later he took off and I've been on my own healing with three kids. What was I thinking?

Anyway, he will be coming home this weekend. I am so excited I can't hardly stand it because he's taking Monday off to take me to Atlanta to a certain store that starts with the letter "I" with "ke" in the middle and an "A" on the end. My love knows no bounds for that place. I intend on doing some serious shopping and will be wearing the good shoes that day. No, the kids are not going. I don't have time for that mess. I need complete focus!!

I have now lost 73 pounds. When The Man and I went to that first initial visit with the doctor, Doctor C casually said that he bet I could lose 75 lbs before my husband got home from up North. I remember thinking, "Dude, you are high." Wow. I kind of wish I could lose those last two pounds before Saturday, but overall? I'm good. I still have a ways to go, but I'm chipping away at it every day.

If I don't see you before, you all have yourself a Merry Christmas.

Let me TELL You!

Holy smokes have I been busy.

My husband and I were really excited about retiring from the Navy last year. I had visions of a nice little civilian life where we lived in a house with a normal life.

Ha.

My husband's new job requires him to go up North for classes here and there for a while. He's been gone now for seven weeks with two weeks left to go. The company is gracious enough to fly him home on occasion, and while we are ever so grateful for that? Less than 48 hours a visit just isn't enough.

This isn't our first rodeo. We've done this work related separation gig before (and will again), but it's just a pain in the ever-lovin' butt. The kids and I have done really well this time. I have a pretty strict routine going on in the evenings that keeps my boy on the smooth side. The girls have really stepped up and helped out with being easy going and mostly drama free.

I had the bright idea to start dental work a few weeks ago. I was sitting here one day and all of a sudden it hit me....We haven't been to the dentist since last November right before retirement!! Crap. I immediately started setting up appointments for all of us and decided that now was the time to take Paige in to get her started on braces for her teeth. I had a list of providers from our new dental insurance and started at the top of the list and started doing some crude research. I looked up the first doctor and he had an awesome website. Hmmm...if he can afford such a cool website, maybe we need to call and talk to him? I called and got the best receptionist ever. She convinced me that I should take Makenna on in and let him check her out and make sure all is well with her. No problem. I asked her who she used as her personal dentist and she gladly told me. I checked and this dentist was on the list. SCORE. I asked her if she had a pediatric dentist she used. She did and I checked and found out his name was on my list, too. DOUBLE SCORE.

Within two weeks, I had all our teeth nice and clean. Guess who has the cavity that has to be fixed. No, not the six year old I struggle with every morning to brush his teeth more than ten seconds. No, not the tween who digs candy. No, not the teen who ...well, she's a fanatic about being clean and hygiene so we know it's not her. Yeah, it's me. I was shocked. And mad. The dentist said it's a teeny tiny one we need to take care of before it gets bad and I agree. I asked him if he would have to do a shot. He replied yes. I then said, "Well, you suck." He laughed and said he's been told worse. I was able to score my appointment on the day The Man has his cleaning ( he is not used to making his own dental appointments- the military has a way of telling you when to do things). The pediatric dentist thought it a good idea to take Makenna in to the orthodontist so we could know about when to start her on braces...he figured approximately 12-18 months from now.

So, I took my girls to the orthodontist.

When the doctor walked in, I shook his hand and said, "What are you? 12?" He laughed and said right back at me, "No ma'am, I'm 13!" Loved him immediately. (He is a very nice 33 with 3 girls and another on the way.) He examined Paige and was pleased with her mouth. (I laugh to myself as I type that.) He informed her that she would be in braces a MAXIMUM of 18 months because her problems were mostly minor and they would fix her overbite for her. Easy peasy. Nice.

Makenna then jumped up in the chair and got examined. I should have known something was up.

After he finished, I was informed that my child is going to need a Herbst appliance put in her mouth. Her lower jaw isn't acting like it's supposed to and she apparently has TMJ. (This is a link to the appliance. If you ask me? It looks like my baby is in for a miserable time.) (The link is also the orthodontist we're using so look at the younger guy and tell me he doesn't look 12!)

Excuse me?

He then went on to tell me that after wearing this appliance for a year to get her jaw straightened out, she will wear a full set of braces for over another year.

Seriously?

I told him that I didn't bring her in to get braces. I was just letting him check her out so he could tell me to bring her back in 12-18 months for the regular stuff. I think I was in shock.

He was very kind to me and explained it all again very patiently. We need to address this issue now while she's younger and we can manipulate the jaw to do what we need to make it normal.

~sigh~

Two kids in braces. At one time. Holy cow on a stick.

I started texting my husband, who is way up North in a class. He left class to call and tell me to do what we had to in order to get the ball rolling.

This past Tuesday, I took my girls to get metal mouths. Makenna will have four braces across the front top to get her started while she's wearing the appliance. Did I mention that she's missing a permanent molar? Uh huh. My mother missed an incisor and I just found out at the dentist last week that I, too, am missing a molar but my wisdom tooth jumped in and filled the gap. Hold on a second while I sigh yet again.

While all these orthodontist appointments are going on, I decided to postpone my son getting evaluated for speech until next week. He's lost a front top tooth and I could just lick his cute face, but it's going to wreak havoc on the lisp he's already got.

And where is my husband while all of this is going on? Not here. This always happens and I'm not surprised at all. Can I handle it? You bet your fanny I can. I always have. It just wears a sister out, ya know?

Oh, and since my husband has ventured north where he has been able to attend an Indians baseball game (his team!), a Pirates baseball game, visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the NFL Hall of Fame and partake in at least two friendly poker tournaments...I have trekked back to South Carolina three times. I had my cousin's wedding to attend and my life friend Lu is getting married in a couple of weeks and yours truly is the matron of honor so, of course, I have to attend a shower in her honor! I am a tad bit worn out because there never seems to be a break in there for me, but it's all good. So much going on equals much fun. I tell my friends and family that if I can make it through Thanksgiving this year, they might not see me for a while. I may just have to take a month off before Santa pays a visit to our new home.

I'll be back in a day or two to fill you in a few more happenings around The Edge. Right now, I have to get that Man of Mine to hang some drapes in our newly painted office before he jets back out of here tomorrow. We might even go hit a local corn maze if we get froggy. Have a good rest of the weekend!

Eleven Year Old Logic

I believe it was last week when my middle kid came up to me and The Man with her simple request.

M: Hey, Mama and Man? Can you put me in some kind of medically induced coma or sleep for the five years that I'm going to be a teenager?

Me: What?

M: repeats request

Me: Why on earth would you want to do that, Sweetheart?? The teenage years can be some of the best years of your life!

M: Because if it's anything like Sissy makes it out to be? I don't want no part of it.

Me: Look here. You can't set any standards by your sister. She's is a one of kind original.

M: But, she makes it seem so hard and dramatic. I figure if I could just sleep through all of that? Then I wouldn't have to deal with it.

Poor kid. She's serious as she can be. This is where you have to dig deep and try not to fall on the floor laughing and very seriously explain that everyone is different and handle things in unique ways. That, and her sister is plain crazy.

I have a feeling she intends to get lost in her golf game. She has big plans.

And I'm perfectly okay with that.

Explanations

This weekend I thought it prudent to have a little talk with Makenna. We're not huge on birthdays around here. We do celebrate with cake and ice cream with presents added in. The kids have had a party or two under their belt. It's just not alot of fanfare. It's how we roll.

This year is a little different. Paige is turning 16 in a few weeks. Wow. Sixteen years old. I gotta hold that thought for her birthday post because it just blows my mind.

Sixteen is special. Lots of grand things can happen with sixteen. You might can get a driver's license to further steps to freedom and Independence. Dating becomes a bit more important. I loved sixteen. I recall it fondly and I just believe it should be special.

I thought I would have a talk with Makenna about how this year, Paige may get a little more because it's a monumental birthday.

What was I worried about? That kid is smooth as glass and doesn't mind a bit. I love that my kids aren't jealous of each other. I don't know if having them five years apart has made them this way or if it's just how they are.

I know she was smooth about it all but I felt I needed to go a step further with the whole explanation.

It went something like this:

Me: I know it may seem like Paige is raking in this year and all but just think! Next year you turn 12 and I get to take you to the Clinique counter and have them show you how to apply make-up (age appropriate, of course) and really make a day of it!

Makenna: (confused look) Huh?

Me: You remember when I took Paige when she turned 12. It's a great thing to get your first little bit of make-up.

Makenna: (perplexed look) Why on earth would I want make-up?

Me: (confused look)

Makenna: I don't care for that makeup stuff. I mean, what is makeup but pancake on your face and what good is a pancake if it isn't edible?

Me: Alrighty then. Let me know if you change your mind.


See? My oldest child was chomping at the bit to wear make-up by age 10-11. Middle kid? Could care less at this point.

~sigh~

I'll never be able to keep at the rate they're going.

Just a Couple of Thing to Catch Up on

You might just have to forgive me on this one, Internets. I may have already mentioned a few of the things I'm going to talk about, but now I got the pictures to go along and I want to make sure I put it all down because this is really all about the kids. Making sure I record stuff for them and all because I hate scrapbooking. We cool? Thanks for your understanding. Oh, and this might be a tad long because DANG I was too busy to blog for a little while there.

You all may recall that we arrived at the New Edge around 2:30 a.m. on New Years Eve. We were so exhausted from packing up that day, checking out of base housing, eating a good supper, and the five hour drive to our new home. Because I am a seasoned traveller with kids, I always make sure there's a snack or two within reach. This time was no different. Normally, The Boy would have been passed out that late, but adrenaline is a funny thing. We were halfway to our new home on the backside of nowhere when apparently he informed Makenna that he had a loose tooth. What??? She then informed me and I was like, "NO FLIPPING WAY! HE'S WAY TOO YOUNG." I had Makenna stick her finger in his mouth to see if he was telling the truth. He was! There I sat, driving in shock, that my BABY had a loose tooth. A short time later, he asked for a cookie and I had one of the girls give him one. Next thing I knew??? Makenna was losing her mind. When my son went to bite on the cookie, it irritated that loose tooth, so what did he do? Reach in his mouth and yank it out. (That makes me weak just thinking about it.) He had a little bit of blood going on, which is what freaked Makenna out. We grabbed a few napkins and I told him to bite down on them. Calmest one in the bunch? The Boy. I decided not to call my husband who was driving in front of me. When we got to our new home, I had that kid show his Dad a "surprise". The two of us were left standing in the cold in shock while the kids ran ahead to claim their new rooms. I don't think I will ever forget when my baby lost his first tooth.

Before we left lower Georgia, we were running around all crazy-like when Makenna screamed. My poor girl had tried to put something in the car and slam the door before it fell out (we had the vehicles that packed). In the process, she slammed her finger in the door. I think by that time my brain was on overload and I just couldn't process anything else. I really couldn't. We did the best we could at the moment. The next morning, I examined it while the movers unpacked. It looked really bad. I started to worry. We couldn't stop the packers, I didn't know my way around, and The Man had to be there because this was all under his military identity. We promised that as soon as the movers were finished, we'd get it checked out. As soon as the movers drove off, we headed to the E.R. with just a few hours left in 2009. The place was deserted and we were relieved that prompt attention was given. I was feeling so guilty and like the worst parent ever. After an X-ray, we met her E.R. doctor. Wow. We were blessed right then and there. This guy was very obviously physically handicapped. He was short, very odd shaped, and had no thumbs. I kid you not. He was so jovial and all in to Makenna and what was going on. When he walked out to look at the x-ray, we were just in awe over this individual. I love my child. Did she see physical ailments? Nope, she just saw a cool doctor that she liked talking to. When we mentioned he had no thumbs, she hadn't even noticed. I saw her watching him when he came to clean a cut on her knuckle and he had to put on gloves. He never hesitated and kept up a great line of conversation. Thankfully, it appeared to be a bad sprain with some serious bruising. She had her fingers taped together with orders for no P.E. for a few weeks. (Her favorite diagnosis she's gotten a lot in the past year!) She told me later that if she was ever influenced to be whatever she can be? This doctor proved to her that you can't let anything stop you. Not even a handicap. He really inspired her and I want to say blessed her way of thinking. We were also home in plenty of time to bring in the New Year as a family.

I vaguely recalled that I may have mentioned in a previous post how we toasted our new home. The Man and I were doing a W*lmart run when we saw some sparkling fruit drink. We picked up with intentions of toasting our new home...eventually. The kids were all excited over that bottle and we were begged off an on for over a week to get the party started. Finally, one night after supper, we got down my nice wine glasses (that I got years ago and they're mostly dust collectors) and The Man did the honors of pouring it up. We toasted and did cheers a few times because it's just cool to clink your glasses together. My son especially enjoyed that part. Therefore, we clinked glasses with me cringing inside because I didn't want to lose one of my set. I leaning towards making this a new tradition for big deals in our home. Break out the sparkling fruit juice/drink in the pseudo wine bottle and make lots of toasts with loads of glass clinking!

These are a few things I really wanted to make sure I recorded. As you can tell, it's nonstop action around here. I am still taking pictures of the house when I do a little something. I think I may have enough for a post this week! I'll be looking for opinions and suggestions so be prepared, my friends.

Ready to enjoy some picture goodness? Thought so!

This is the picture I took before the movers got here to unload. I then sent it to every one I possibly could. Now he's lost two teeth and has great fun sticking his tongue through that bottom gap. I think kids with missing teeth are the cutest and I am thoroughly enjoying my last baby with a gap'd up mouth!

Those fingers looked really bad in person. We really made sure to follow doctor's orders and so did Makenna...especially the no P.E. part!

Look at that, would you? He may not have drank the fruit juice, but, by golly, a clinking good time was had by all!

Not Old!

We two, Makenna and I, are sitting here waiting on The Man to finish putting The Boy to bed. Our favorite show of the moment (So You Think You Can Dance) is paused and awaiting his return to his recliner.

Makenna grows impatient waiting and hollers towards The Boy's bedroom, "Hurry up and finish reading that book! We're missing the show!"

To which I told her to hush because when she was that age, I would have to read book after book after book to her in order to get her to sleep.

Her reply?

"Well, there wasn't television shows back then that you watched."

Excuse me? Back then???

She is only ten years old. I HAD SHOWS THEN, MAN.

Smart alecky kid.


By the way, I don't want you to think I'm sitting here around The Edge moping and being all depressed. We've actually been quite busy as it is summertime. Not just with counseling (boy, that's a whole 'nother post there), but with all kinds of stuff. We're unable to take a vacation this year because: 1. The upcoming retirement. 2. We are broke as a joke. I have searched and found things for us to do as a family that are fun and memorable. Of course I've taken pictures. You'll get my "What We Did This Summer" blog post when the kids head back to school....the first week of August! I know!!! I am counting down and excited and READY. So ready. Mama's nerves need those precious hours back in order to find some sanity.

I've even stepped further out of my comfort zone and tried new recipes. And no one made me!!! Yeah, we're stepping it up a notch around The Edge. I'm surprising my own self here.

I know I'm not the only blogger in Blog Land who hasn't stayed on top of the blog love these summer months. I was guilty until I realized I wasn't alone. It's all good. We'll meet up when the kids go back to school and sip on beverages while we play catch up.

In the mean time? Congrats to Ally on the birth of the sweetest looking baby EVAH. Pikes Pickles is loving the new addition and I hope I get to meet that precious little darling one day. Also, please keep The Edge and Pikes Pickles in your prayers as we leave the military behind and venture into the civilian world. Jobs are being searched for and nerves are stretched. All the two families want is to do God's will and be where He wants us to be. This is stuff that will probably be blogged about eventually....it's just is buncha buncha plus a lotta and all that to deal with right now in the present. (I promise that makes sense if you think about it.) I just know continued prayers surely are appreciated!

Just think of the blog posts when we get a house for me to decorate and PAINT! It's gonna be ON then, Internets!

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!

And it's gone....

A month ago, I took Paige to the doctor about her ankles. Poor girl, they bother her a lot and I knew we were going to have to address them so she could find relief. Makenna went with me the day that I took her just to tag along. After it was decided that Paige would do another round of physical therapy before deciding if ortho should get involved, I asked the Doctor to take a look at Makenna.

If you've paid attention to my pictures, you might have noticed the mole on Makenna's neck. I've always considered this a beauty mark of sorts. It was something that has made her unique. Lately, I noticed that it was looking different. A little larger. Rougher kind of surface to it. The doctor studied it a minute and agreed with me..it didn't look right to her either. A referral was put in for her to see a dermatologist so it could be taken care of.

You gotta love waiting on a referral. This time, it seemed to take a little while longer than usual for that letter to arrive in the mail. Finally, we received a response. Apparently, there's a new rule in town. The girls have their bio-dad's insurance plus The Man's. This has helped us out tremendously when it comes to their medical bills since we moved to Georgia. We appreciate any and all help with medical bills because the bio-dad refuses to help pay his part. That's no secret. I'm pretty sure if you ask him, he'll say he doesn't *need* to. That's not what the courts said in our divorce decree, but I have vowed not to besmirch his character in front of my children. So, I suck it up and keep going.

Where was I?

Oh, yeah. Two insurances now means the girls don't have to have referrals. How about that? As long as the physician accepts both insurances, we're gold.

I got Paige squared away with her physical therapy as we were using the same place she had been before. Then I had to find a dermatologist. Oh joy. I started with the phone book and was right successful my first call. I wanted someone who specialized in mole removal and pediatrics. I found the guy. We had to travel a little way to Brunswick, but I was okay with that. I'd much prefer to go to Brunswick than Jacksonville any day of the week. JAX is just crazy and HUGE.

The Man took the day off to accompany us (because that's how he rolls). We set out Thursday morning early so we could eat breakfast with Makenna. Her birthday was Friday and I just wanted to spend time with her. She had her parents full attention and she was perfectly okay with that. She picked the place where we ate and settled in to enjoy some pancake goodness.

The drive took a little while, but I always enjoy it. The scenery is great and once you get off the interstate, it's really cool.

We arrived at the office with time to spare, thanks to The Man who, I swear, has a built in GPS system in his brain. He never gets lost and can find his way anywhere with the barest of directions. (Another reason he got to accompany us!) The office was quiet with soft music filtering through.

Here I was, biddy-bopping my way through the pages of paperwork, when something caught my eye. (picture at bottom)

We all three went back with Makenna when the time came. The nurse was great and friendly and we talked about a love for sunscreen. She gave me a compliment when I made the comment not to look at my skin as I didn't quit tanning until around age 30. (I know-shame on me!) She said my skin looked great and there didn't appear to be a lot of sun damage. Whew! Makenna informed her that as long as she lives with me, she won't be allowed to have a tan. Score one for Mama in the nurse's eyes! (I surely saw her make that notation in the chart, too-heh heh)

The doctor walked in with his assistant P.A. He took a quick glance at the mole on her neck and pronounced it fine. Uh, okay? We were then informed that if it concerned us, he could surely remove it.

I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms and squinted at him. Then, I said something to the effect, "Well, she has two insurances and your office accepts both of them. If this procedure is worded right? We could have ourselves a party."

He pursed his lips briefly and nodded before replying, "We try very hard not to use the word "cosmetic"." He looked hard at me then-there was some serious brain activity going on between us- and said, " Are you CONCERNED this *might* be cancer? Would you like to have it removed and tested for such?"

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Gotcha.

The Man and I agreed that we were, indeed, concerned with this mole.

Next thing we knew? He had my baby girl laid back in the chair and needle going for her throat? What? Who? Wait a minute!!!

I sputtered something about me and The Man being in there. He assured us it wouldn't take but a minute. He was simply going to shave it off. WHAT??? Are you freaking kidding me?

I got hot. Seriously. My body temperature went up ten degrees. I wasn't mad. It was just so unexpected and fast! I thought he would tell us to come back and he would then remove it. But, right then and there!?! Holy cow!

Through all of this, my girl didn't even flinch. She was steady as a rock. The only reaction out of her was a simple, "Ow." I kid you not.

I couldn't watch them shave it off. *Hold on. Weak stomach here.*

Then they cauterized the edges!!!

Help me, Lord!!!!

*It was about this time I realized I really needed something to fan myself with because I extremely hot feeling.*

Have you smelled burning flesh lately?

The Man stayed safely in his corner and didn't say a word. (I am now giving him a dirty look as I type this because..well BECAUSE)

I was trying to look at Makenna, but my eyes were drawn to her neck where all the action was.

She was still a rock. That's my girl.

Next thing I knew, we were outside in fresh sea air. Whew. I'll be expecting a call within ten days on the results of the test.

You know we went straight and got that girl a Webkinz. If I had a hundred dollar bill, I might have given it to her. She was seriously smooth (and the doctor and staff praised her profusely about it). She EARNED that Webkinz, Internets.

I know the past few posts have been about Makenna, but you have to admit the girl has been a little busy lately. Besides, she deserves the spotlight, too!

This is the bridge we went over to get there. It's not intimidating until you get right to it. Paige has small panic attacks when she realizes we're going to drive over it. The Man loves to get to the top of it and then coast down the other side. Going up it, we only get 9 miles per gallon. Coasting down the other side, the Hoe can get up to around 90 miles per gallon. For some reason, that thrills my husband to no end.

Okay, Class. I'm hoping you can read this. Can you see the statement that made me pause? I answered it and went to the next set and had to pause a second and go back. I started laughing right there in the waiting room as I showed it to the man. I asked him, "Are they for real???" He didn't even blink when I whipped out my cell phone to take a picture to share with you. *Coming back to help those who can't make out the question. It says: "Are you pregnant (women)?" Excuse me? Is there something going on with the male population that I haven't heard???*

This is right before everyone walked in. I wish I had gotten a better view of the mole but I didn't know it wasn't going to be there when we walked out!

This was on the ride home. Note the teeny band aid on her neck. She wasn't mad when I took the picture. She was just ....smooth.

Don't you want to come live at The Edge? There's never a dull moment around here!

What She Got!

I received a call from the Elementary school Friday morning before school even started. I caught my breath as I wondered what on earth could have happened to my child since she had been dropped off 40 minutes before.

The voice on the other end of the line assured me all was fine. It was more than fine, actually. The school had been having some sort of giveaway deals going on. Each day had new drawings for gifts. Thursday it was for two bikes. They literally pulled the names out of a hat and my baby's name was pulled Friday morning!

Miss Voice went on to tell me that we might need to come and get it as it was too big for her to handle. HUH? What is in this thing? She really didn't know, but we could help? I assured we could. I called The Man at work and told him about Makenna's good fortune. At noon he swung by to get the goods.

Holy Cow. Not one piece of candy to be found. It was a bunch of...stuff. That requires batteries!

I used to think she was tall. I'm not so sure anymore. The Man says we need to get her to pick out lottery numbers for us. I'm thinking he might be right.

Lots of stuff. The coin sorting bank was cool. The microphone that goes through a radio is rocking. She is sharing her good fortune with her siblings without prompting which makes me proud. Can you see her expression when I commented that Santa doesn't need to come visit now that she's scored? It was priceless. No, not everything has been opened. I'm thinking I'm going to see if I can appeal to her good side about donating some of them to a good cause.

Now, I'm going to try and show you some more pictures from the other day when blogger flaked out on me and wouldn't let me do anymore uploading. I am digging this way of decorating where my name is used on a regular basis. I've found all kinds of cool things with my name in the past year. This is a neat one I've found. See how it's located near the Vikings ornament? Wonder who that one belongs to??

Ladies and Gentlemen? This is THE ornament. Meet Snoopy With Antlers on Skis. I remember this ornament being on my tree since I was really young. Mama gave it to me when I moved out or when I got married- not clear on that. I know it has a place of honor on our tree and I'm very particular about it. I love Snoopy.

We're cleaning and being right busy as we prepare to head to South Carolina Monday. I'm busting butt to see if I can get as much done as possible. I really really don't want to come back to a house that will need cleaning immediately. Methinks after six days of going, I'm going to need a break.

The Treat

This treat involved two special people in my life. The Man and our gal Makenna.

A few weeks ago, The Man forwarded an email he had received from work from the USO. We're big fans of the USO because they support our troops at home and abroad like you would not believe. In the email, it was stated that they had some discount tickets available for an upcoming Jacksonville Jaguars game. This would be something I would normally scan over and keep going. I had to pause this time and look again. They were playing the Minnesota Vikings. The Man's most favorite team in the whole wide world. He is die hard and he is loyal to this team.

I called The Man at work and told him he might want to check out the prices and see if it would be reasonable for him to be able to go. He called me back to say the tickets were $10.00 a piece and he could only get two. I told him to go for it. He was worried about who would go with him. I told him to give Paige first dibs but my money was on Makenna going.

I was right. Paige graciously declined going and Makenna jumped at it. Makenna is The Man's partner in crime. They golf together and watch NASCAR together. When he asked her to go, she said, "Well, it's not NASCAR, but that's okay." Plans were made for them to leave early (Sunday, November 23, 2008) so they would be sure to get there in time and find their way.

I received many text messages and picture messages that afternoon while they were gone. The Vikings beat the Jags soundly and it was considered a very good time.

Are you ready for some football?

Getting ready to walk out the door and head to Jacksonville. Check out the VERY old jersey Makenna got to wear. She has the purple fleece on underneath to show her team support.


These are the stairs that my child complained about. Over and over again. She could not understand why escalators weren't an option. She seriously called me when she got there and these stairs were the first thing she talked about.

This was their view from their seats. Not the closest to the field but acceptable for ten bucks.

This is The Man on the phone with me. So, I guess I was there in a way?

The half-time snack. The Man was thrilled she chose "football fare". There were many tasty choices from the food vendors, but my girl wanted the good stuff.

I love this picture. Aren't those two happy campers? I see she scammed his hat for some shade for a little while. I made her take shades to wear because I'm a fanatic about wearing shades to protect the eyes. Everyone has a pair in the family and are required to wear them. (No, they don't always listen to me.)

This was a great day for two very special people. There was football, hot dogs, a big win, and bonding time. Can't beat that, can you?

I wish to add here that if you are looking for a charity or organization to donate to? Please consider the USO. They really do look out for our troops at home and abroad. We are so thankful for what they do and all the volunteers that make many things possible. Quoted from their web page: "The USO is the way the American public supports the troops. "

What will it take?

I am seriously going to lose my mind with this 9 year old I have.

You tell her to go do something and on her way, she forgets what she was going to do.

I did a massive folding of clothes this morning. I fold, everyone else puts up.

I tell her to start putting up.

What does she do?

Find two fuzzy house socks that didn't have partners, put them on, then had to see how well they slid across the tile floor.

Clothes forgotten.

ARGH.

If we get out of here on time tomorrow afternoon to head to South Carolina, it'll be a flat out miracle.

A little says alot

In the mornings, Miss Hope isn't the best of spirits to be around. I've stated before that I am not a morning person and my family has reconciled themselves to the fact that I won't be changing any time soon.

Some times I iron the next day's clothes the night before. Other times, I end up doing it in the mornings. It's a mood thing, you understand.

This morning found me ironing Kenna and The Boy's clothes. I hollered for Kenna to come get her clothes and get dressed. She proceeded to do so while I finished up The Boy's outfit. As I was finishing up, I told her to go ahead and go get a piece of ribbon, hair brush, and comb so I could fix her hair when I was done.

Out came the tween. Hands went to her hips and she said, "Why are you always about a piece of ribbon in my hair????"

Out came the Mama. Hands went to my hips and I replied, " Because when you walk into that school with your hair fixed, people know you are being taken care of. When you are clean and your hair shows some effort has been taken? Then they know that there is someone at home with you who loves you and cares for you. They know that you are being taught hygiene and how to take pride in how you look to the world."

In a quiet voice, she said, "All that in a piece of ribbon?"

I replied, "All of that in a piece of ribbon."

When I came around the corner, she was waiting for me with a brush, a comb.....and a piece of ribbon.

She has a sweet heart

At Kenna's school, they let the kids bring a snack in to eat around mid-morning. All they ask is that it's on the healthy side meaning no cookies or things of that nature. I don't mind picking up boxes of granola bars or a bag of apples for Kenna to take and enjoy.

Yesterday morning I was walking through the kitchen when I saw her struggling to open a new box of granola bars. She stopped me and asked for help as she was running late (as usual). I opened the box and tilted it towards her so she could get one. She grabbed one, hesitated and grabbed another one. I looked at her and said..."Are you getting one for your friend?" (She has her very good friend in her class again this year). "Yes ma'am," she replied. I was going to leave it at that when she went on to say, "Her Mama said they don't have the money to get her snacks so I always share what I have. If I can't take two, I share what I have with her."

I was humbled by my baby girl. I could easily see her in the shoes of a little boy who only had five barley loaves and two little fish , but was willing to share what he had. I just know that what she does without a second thought makes God smile upon her. I know it encompasses my entire heart and makes me love her even more...if that's even possible.

Life goes by so fast, especially the life of being young. You wake up one day and realize you've let so many good deeds pass you by. To know that her sweet little heart shines through when she's in the world on her own is just a blessing. I want to go forward from this day and be like her......

Makes me Scratch my Head

*edited since original post*


I've got to do another post on my precious second born child. She's my quiet one, for the most part. Trouble doesn't find her like a heat seeking missile. Contrary to The Boy. She doesn't talk ninety miles an hour in a bid for the fastest mouth like her sister. She just skims it right below the radar. I see her winning on Survivor one day.


A week or so ago, when we were walking in to W-mart, the greeter dude was handing out 3-D glasses. She and The Boy both got a pair. I didn't think twice about it. Later, I was informed that these were for some concert the mouse channel was putting on. Ahhh. I had confiscated The Boy's pair while shopping and I remembered putting them in the truck somewhere. Kenna had misplaced hers so these that were left? Were golden.



Last night was the concert. THE concert, Internets. It was *Lilly Louisiana*. Where the use of 3-D glasses were required. My girl was all a twitter over it.



Showtime.



Squeeeeeeeeeeeaaaalllll.



Bouncy bouncy bounce.



Wringing hands.



Can I just say it's murder on the eyes to watch a concert/show in 3-D with no glasses.



I watched her fondly and recalled a night many years ago when I was around 14. It was a concert on HBO. My best friend at the time, Michelle (not of Tiddly Winks fame), and I were at a family friend's home watching Duran Duran in concert. We squealed. We bounced. We wrung hands. We sang every word to every song and almost cried when it was over because we were unable to record it on the VCR.



What a girly girl my baby was. The Man and I weren't too thrilled to watch it, but we did because she was just enthralled.



Now, we get to tonight.



We're watching a movie while waiting on our show to come on. Right at the good part, we see the timer come on in the corner of the screen indicating that it was going to start recording in two minutes. What?? My husband asked what was set up to record and went to check the schedule.



Myth Busters? What?? He went to skip the recording so we could finish what we were watching and Kenna jumped up and hollered...."Wait, I gotta go to the other side and set it up. Jaime is wrestling a shark tonight!" Then she took off.



She knows their names? On Myth Busters? Apparently one of her favorite shows.



Along with Avatar. And Harry P*tter.



I don't get her. At all.



She makes me scratch my head.

Singing along and knowing every single word.

No shame. What so ever.

**Apparently the Lilly Louisianna threw people off. This is my play on words. I'm referring to Billy Ray's daughter who has her own show with the state Montanna used in the name. Hope this helps those are unfamiliar with the tween shows! Sorry for the confusion.**

There Are Times

There are times in the life of a family where there is give and there is take.

For instance, when children are small, they have no qualms about pitching fits in public. I'm talking meltdowns of massive proportions where each sound out of their sweet mouths is blood curdling and you totally expect some kind of law enforcement to show up and demand to know what you are doing to this poor innocent soul. (Can you tell I've been there recently?)

Then, by Jove, these precious human beings that you lovingly gestated underneath your very own heart will grow to be teenagers. Every breath you take will embarrass them to no end. You have to watch every sound you make lest it send them into anxiety land where all the other teenagers reside who have parents with no ability to know what set them off. You mostly tolerate this because, believe it or not? You can remember when you, yourself, were a teenager and would slump down in the back seat to avoid being seen with your so not cool parents.

In between those tantrum meltdown years of toddlerhood and the tantrum throwing meltdown years of teenage-dom, you got semi-normal kids.

Like my Kenna. God love her. I know I do. I hated to do this, but I must arm myself for the future, Internets. I have to bank my own personal store of blackmail, so to speak. I'm already getting the occasional eye roll from her, so that leads me to believe she will hit the teen years wide open.

I said all of that to show you this:

This is what happens when you have a sleep over the night before and you think staying up until 2 a.m. is a cool thing to do and then you get up really early the next morning. Five minutes in the vehicle and you are out like a light. The kid next to you that is screaming doesn't faze you a bit.

This is the screaming kid next to the sleeping kid who has been pretending all day long to be a puppy. He has also lost his mind when observing that Mama was taking pictures of MuMu and not him. Therefore, to make the high pitch screaming stop? Mama takes a picture of him so he will just.shut.up.