This evening we leave for college orientation! It's going to be a busy two days filled with lots of walking, meetings, and scoping out the campus where my child will go live come August.
Update for those who aren't friends with me on the book of faces. After clicking on quite a few "contact us" links and sending those emails, I received a phone call from the university Friday. This incredible woman sat on the phone with me and answered any and all questions I could come up with in my mind. I wanted to write everything down so I could share it with The Man and my daughter so I had her repeat until I finally grasped everything she was saying. She was patient and kind and I thanked her profusely over and over for being so awesome. By the time I got off of the phone, I felt better prepared to handle the orientation this week and was much calmer. (I think the anti-anxiety pills were kicking in- I may never quit taking them again. Ever.)
Yesterday, the girl child didn't go to work until the evening, so she went to church with us. A casual conversation between us made me realize she really didn't have anything to wear this week. Poor kid. She wears jeans and the restaurant tshirt to work and hasn't really had need for anything for summer up until this point. We did a quick run after church and Sunday dinner to see if we could find something quick before she had to head to work. We found cute knit skorts that are comfy and stylish. Add in a tie-dye'd tshirt in her school's dominant color and she is set for the all day session Tuesday! She feels good about having the cute outfit and I'm happy she's has something new and comfy to wear.
So, I've been thinking about the positive aspects of my child being on her own. What have I done, as a parent, to prepare her for the world? I've been working on a list that I will add to when I think of things, but here are a few I've come up with thus far.
1. She can cook. She has cooked for the family the past couple of years when I've been sick (or recovering from surgery) and has really done a wonderful job. If she can get to a grocery store, she can cook. This may come in handy for fellow students who are her friends.
2. She can do laundry. All three of my kids can do laundry. Yes, even the eight year old. He operates the washing machine better than his Dad or sisters. Doing laundry is important because I have laid down the law that she is not to bring home huge bags of dirty laundry unless she is planning to wash them here at home. I have a feeling that many of these college freshmen will have no idea how to clean their clothes and she has potential to make some money if she charges to do it for them, right?
3. She can take care of business. Literally. Paige has had a bank account since she was fifteen with a debit card. She is not afraid to walk in the bank and deal with her business and handle what needs to be done. At first, she was hesitant, but I've told her the only way to learn is to just do it. Now? She's a pro.
4. My child can stand up for herself. Now, she may get a little mouthy at times and I chalk that up to age and that sooner or later she will learn to temper it and be a little more calm. As it stands now, she will not tolerate being mistreated or having those around her mistreated. She may only be 5' 2" (and a half....Lord, don't forget the HALF), but she's a firecracker when she gets angry.
These few things are comforting the Mama in me. Sure, there are more things that make her great and somewhat ready to head out into the world, I just feel good about these at the moment.
I have to share a laugh I had at her expense with you (because we're all close friends and it's not like the world will see this, right?) On the orientation schedule, it's broken down to student activities and parent activities. On hers, it states that tomorrow night after walking and touring and meeting all day, they are doing some great stuff tomorrow night. You know, stuff like swimming, Wii, karaoke....busy exciting things! That's fine and dandy, but we read they won't leave to do that until 9:00 p.m. That makes my child blink because Grandma likes her sleep and will go to bed shortly after that time. She's already stated she'll see the bus off because she's not about all that activity that late at night. We all know better, of course, and so does she. She will be in the middle of everything and I feel sure she'll own the karaoke singing since she has an amazing voice. I also have a feeling she'll sleep all the way home Wednesday afternoon until she has to go to work Thursday. Grandma needs her rest, you know. (We've always called her Grandma because even as a small child, she has never gotten in a hurry over anything. Nothing. The child leaves for work almost an hour early (we live about 15-20 minutes away) so she doesn't have to hurry so get my drift?)
So, there you go. I am finding comfort where I can over letting my child leave home and get busy with her life. I've taught her what I can (and feel sure there will be many phone calls where I give crash course lessons on life) and she should survive pretty decently while she finds her footing in her new life.
I miss her already.....
Showing posts with label Paige. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paige. Show all posts
Monday, June 25, 2012
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Is it really a gift?
I have a gifted family. Well, that's what the tests say. It's not a brag, either. Dealing with gifted people on a regular basis can be hard, Internets. I know first hand. See, I used to be gifted. I was in gifted classes all through school from 2nd grade through high school. I was so smart I was stupid. My Mama will be more than happy to testify that I'm telling the truth.
Paige and Makenna both are in gifted classes and have been since early ages. Now that Paige is in high school, she's ignored her abilities somewhat and The Man and I have to show our butts, get all strict discipline and mean to get the right results. Wears us out on a regular basis. Paige is quite funny, too. She can't stand stupidity. It is like one of her major pet peeves. Since she was young, she's been able to carry on a decent conversation with adults. She has an air of maturity about her that is quite scary when people guess her to be in her 20's and she's ...say 14. (Imagine how it is now that she's 17.) I know teenagers believe themselves to be experts on any and every thing there is in life. Add in being gifted and you got yourself a hard road to ride some times.
I believe I am no longer gifted. Thank Goodness! The Lord had mercy up on me because some one in this house has to have some common sense!!! I am perfectly fine with this but it does give me a headache at times when my smart people go too far out of the thinking box.
A few weeks ago we were outside in the back yard flying kites. My son has become obsessed with kites and their flying glory. I appreciate the local W*lmart selling them for a buck, too. As Paige was helping her little brother, she started telling us about what happened in science class that day.
Story goes:
Teacher asked the class how many transformers there are and what are their names.
My child immediately shoots her hand up in the air (I personally want to picture a Horseshack kind of thing going on here) and exclaims that she knows!
She then smugly tells the teacher and the class:
"There are two transformers. Autobots and Decepticons."
And sits back confident in her answer.
The teacher looks at her. The students look at her.
That wasn't the answer.
If you don't get this, Internets? I'll be praying for you. If you DO get this? Please, be praying for me.
After I caught my breath from laughing, I declared, "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my gifted child!"
Paige and Makenna both are in gifted classes and have been since early ages. Now that Paige is in high school, she's ignored her abilities somewhat and The Man and I have to show our butts, get all strict discipline and mean to get the right results. Wears us out on a regular basis. Paige is quite funny, too. She can't stand stupidity. It is like one of her major pet peeves. Since she was young, she's been able to carry on a decent conversation with adults. She has an air of maturity about her that is quite scary when people guess her to be in her 20's and she's ...say 14. (Imagine how it is now that she's 17.) I know teenagers believe themselves to be experts on any and every thing there is in life. Add in being gifted and you got yourself a hard road to ride some times.
I believe I am no longer gifted. Thank Goodness! The Lord had mercy up on me because some one in this house has to have some common sense!!! I am perfectly fine with this but it does give me a headache at times when my smart people go too far out of the thinking box.
A few weeks ago we were outside in the back yard flying kites. My son has become obsessed with kites and their flying glory. I appreciate the local W*lmart selling them for a buck, too. As Paige was helping her little brother, she started telling us about what happened in science class that day.
Story goes:
Teacher asked the class how many transformers there are and what are their names.
My child immediately shoots her hand up in the air (I personally want to picture a Horseshack kind of thing going on here) and exclaims that she knows!
She then smugly tells the teacher and the class:
"There are two transformers. Autobots and Decepticons."
And sits back confident in her answer.
The teacher looks at her. The students look at her.
That wasn't the answer.
If you don't get this, Internets? I'll be praying for you. If you DO get this? Please, be praying for me.
After I caught my breath from laughing, I declared, "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my gifted child!"
Friday, May 06, 2011
Beautiful 17
Yes, I know it's been too long since my last post. I can apologize all day long but it has been crazy here! Since my last post, Paige turned 17 along with having an amazing birthday party, my husband threw me a surprise early birthday party (!!!), Easter happened, car wrecks, awards ceremonies, and some home improvement projects. I warned you it's been crazy!
This post is going to be dedicated to my beautiful now 17 year old daughter. I think this is the first time I've had a problem with my child's age. She's seventeen. That's one year from being eighteen, you know. Ahhh, eighteen, the magical age where you are a legal adult and can spread your wings and try to fly. She's right excited about that magical age, too.
I am so conflicted over my prematurely born baby growing up. I totally get how you blink and they're grown and gone. My years with her have truly flown by. Okay, that's a lie. There have been a few times that I may have stated that if I get this kid grown and gone, I'm throwing myself a big party to celebrate. I also have to laugh because this sister is her mother's child. I see myself all over her at that age. She's fiercely independent with opinions that usually don't agree with mine and her dad's. She has her own political thoughts and I'm pretty sure she's muttered that we are archaic about ours under her breath. It's all good. It shows that I haven't raised a person to enter society believing everything she hears without going on missions to find the truth for herself.
Paige asked me around February if she could have a 17th birthday party. I immediately said yes because her 16th birthday wasn't the greatest. We hadn't been living here but a few months and she really didn't know enough people to even have a party last April. I felt so badly for her as most of the kids in this area have Sweet Sixteen parties. You want to talk about a Mama who ached for her child? I sure did when I moved her in the middle of her sophomore year from a school and friends she loved dearly. (That situation would fall under parental decisions you don't want to ever have to make in your child's life.) My baby has had a rough year adjusting to living in this new place. I'm so glad to say that I think she's finally found her niche and her sparkling personality and will be just fine until she graduates.
We started planning at that moment and about a month before the party, we started to seriously think of themes and decorations. She finally decided she wanted to go with a zebra stripe and lime green for her colors. Then began the hunt on the internet to see what we could find. Okay, for the record? Zebra stripe is some popular stuff and if you want to use it at your own party? Order it weeks in advance. Boxes started arriving a couple of weeks before the big party day and Paige, Makenna, and I were so excited to open them and see the goodies we had ordered. Did I mention there was some disco ball added up in the mix of things? Little did I know that you could make a facebook event of the whole deal. That wasn't good enough for me. Parties need invitations. Call me old school, I don't care. Carla Girl whipped me up a template for her invitations and emailed them to me. We printed up post cards of red carpet and disco ball goodness for her pass out the week before the big date.
I decided to keep the menu sweet and simple. I gotta give a small shoutout to Walmart for this post. Did you know if they have a deli, there are affordable party foods you can order? Neighbor Debbie used some of Walmart's deli skills for Neighbor Greg's retirement and I decided to check them out for Paige's party. You can order six foot long sandwiches for twenty five bucks. I ordered three and when The Man went to pick them up, they gave him three more because the fresh baked bread they make the sandwiches out of wasn't as wide as they would have liked. Those sandwiches were amazing but we were sure tired of eating them a week later. I went to Sam's Club and bought chex mix, chips, and a nifty beverage station (pictures of that one). Add in a pack or two of cookies, along with the cake, and that was the menu.
The party was a huge success and she had between 20-30 teenagers come to party. The party was held at our neighborhood clubhouse. It was perfect and spacious for those loud kids to have a good time. Can I just say that I am beyond impressed with the friends my child has picked? There were six adult chaperones because this gal remembers being seventeen, if you know what I mean. This group of kids were absolutely fabulous. They laughed and danced and sang and ate. They were polite and gracious. No one tried to sneak out and come back in. It was a pure pleasure to have them at my child's party. Neighbors' Debbie and Greg, and new friends James and Sherry were just as amazed as The Man and myself over how wonderful this group of kids behaved and acted. Everyone considered the party a complete success and I had one happy girl when all was said and done.
Now, I have to take a deep breath and brace myself for this last year before 18. I will be truly excited over Senior pictures and all the crazy things that high school seniors get to take part. I already catch myself sneaking extra looks in my child's direction. I want to treasure this year and hold it close so when she's ready to fly...I'll be able to let her.
Oh, and just to show how exciting this year has been for her since she turned 17 on April 14th? She's gotten into her first fender bender. My heart stopped when she called to let me know, but she had wonderful cops (seriously, they were just awesome), and her worries that Mama and Daddy were going to be furious (we weren't. It was an ACCIDENT and she was okay...so we're okay). It traumatized my Drama Llama and Miss Scarlett had to take to her boudoir for the rest of the evening to recover. (It was literally a tap kind of thing, but the Loser Cruiser (the vehicle she has to share with The Man) is going to need some cosmetic work before hitting the highway again.)
We also found out yesterday that she has passed the state of Georgia's Graduation Exam!!! With honor and advanced scores!!! When she showed me the test scores there was alot of girl squealing all around and high fives and hugs. She will totally enjoy her Senior year now with that out of the way. We are so proud of her for this accomplishment. Poor kid has issues with math (like her Mama) and she has struggled with understanding and passing. Get this, though. She got an honor score in that subject! That's my girl.
Now, I shall share a few pictures of the party with you.
Ahhh, the cake table. We used fiber optic pieces all over the clubhouse so when it got dark, they were a huge hit! I kept the decorating simple, yet chic. I hope. The napkins are zebra stripes on the edge of white napkins with lime green napkins mixed in to make cute piles.
Look at this cake. It was simply amazing. I may have flinched a little when paying for it, but it was worth it! Everyone took pictures of it and we all seriously hated to cut it when the time came. Do you like the bling scattered around the bottom?
Again, simple decorations. These balloons are HUGE. When I saw the disco ball balloon, I just could not resist. Try riding around town with these bad boys up in the back bouncing around.
This is the food table. Simple food, but teenagers are not picky. They all ate well and enjoyed fixing their own sandwich to their liking. (One kid ate like 3 or 4 sandwiches and had to go home early. We wondered if his Mama fed him?)
The beverage table. Paige was a tad alarmed when she found out I was only serving lemonade. I informed her that I wasn't taking all these kids to raise (Southern for- I'm not providing a ten course meal.) She worried that they wouldn't like the lemonade. I splurged and ordered the lime green plastic wine glasses. Sharpies were provided so you could put your name on your cup and decorate to your heart's content. I was doing that to prevent them from wasting cups. Apparently, that was the biggest hit of the evening. They totally dug being able to decorate their cups.
The Beverage Station. You should have seen these kids. I promise I made around 8-9 gallons of lemonade (big container bought from Sam's). It was fancy and cute and they couldn't get enough. I kind of want to think they drink soda as a staple and the lemonade was something different. Add in the fanciness with a spout, and you've got happy kids. We kept seeing them make toasts and clink their "wineglasses" together. Debbie and I have decided we're going to fill this bad boy up with kool-aid this summer and put it on the back porch so the kids can play outside and not come in the house. ha ha
Front view of the food tables with the chaperones hanging out in the kitchen. We were able to visit and hang out the entire time. After it got dark, we let them turn the lights down and the fiber optic centerpieces were glowing along with the strobe lights I may have purchased. They danced and sang until time to go home.
** Just note that I am right nervous to post my pictures of my decorating abilities. I come from a long line of church women who have thrown many parties and get togethers. If I failed? I am a shame to the family. Yeah, I'm feeling a little okay. (Note also that I didn't get elaborate with decorating because coming from that same line of decorators have shown me that you still have to clean up at the end of the night. See? I was right smart about the whole thing, really.) I also have lots of pictures of teenagers having a good time, but no permission to post their pictures. I'm sure you understand.
This post is going to be dedicated to my beautiful now 17 year old daughter. I think this is the first time I've had a problem with my child's age. She's seventeen. That's one year from being eighteen, you know. Ahhh, eighteen, the magical age where you are a legal adult and can spread your wings and try to fly. She's right excited about that magical age, too.
I am so conflicted over my prematurely born baby growing up. I totally get how you blink and they're grown and gone. My years with her have truly flown by. Okay, that's a lie. There have been a few times that I may have stated that if I get this kid grown and gone, I'm throwing myself a big party to celebrate. I also have to laugh because this sister is her mother's child. I see myself all over her at that age. She's fiercely independent with opinions that usually don't agree with mine and her dad's. She has her own political thoughts and I'm pretty sure she's muttered that we are archaic about ours under her breath. It's all good. It shows that I haven't raised a person to enter society believing everything she hears without going on missions to find the truth for herself.
Paige asked me around February if she could have a 17th birthday party. I immediately said yes because her 16th birthday wasn't the greatest. We hadn't been living here but a few months and she really didn't know enough people to even have a party last April. I felt so badly for her as most of the kids in this area have Sweet Sixteen parties. You want to talk about a Mama who ached for her child? I sure did when I moved her in the middle of her sophomore year from a school and friends she loved dearly. (That situation would fall under parental decisions you don't want to ever have to make in your child's life.) My baby has had a rough year adjusting to living in this new place. I'm so glad to say that I think she's finally found her niche and her sparkling personality and will be just fine until she graduates.
We started planning at that moment and about a month before the party, we started to seriously think of themes and decorations. She finally decided she wanted to go with a zebra stripe and lime green for her colors. Then began the hunt on the internet to see what we could find. Okay, for the record? Zebra stripe is some popular stuff and if you want to use it at your own party? Order it weeks in advance. Boxes started arriving a couple of weeks before the big party day and Paige, Makenna, and I were so excited to open them and see the goodies we had ordered. Did I mention there was some disco ball added up in the mix of things? Little did I know that you could make a facebook event of the whole deal. That wasn't good enough for me. Parties need invitations. Call me old school, I don't care. Carla Girl whipped me up a template for her invitations and emailed them to me. We printed up post cards of red carpet and disco ball goodness for her pass out the week before the big date.
I decided to keep the menu sweet and simple. I gotta give a small shoutout to Walmart for this post. Did you know if they have a deli, there are affordable party foods you can order? Neighbor Debbie used some of Walmart's deli skills for Neighbor Greg's retirement and I decided to check them out for Paige's party. You can order six foot long sandwiches for twenty five bucks. I ordered three and when The Man went to pick them up, they gave him three more because the fresh baked bread they make the sandwiches out of wasn't as wide as they would have liked. Those sandwiches were amazing but we were sure tired of eating them a week later. I went to Sam's Club and bought chex mix, chips, and a nifty beverage station (pictures of that one). Add in a pack or two of cookies, along with the cake, and that was the menu.
The party was a huge success and she had between 20-30 teenagers come to party. The party was held at our neighborhood clubhouse. It was perfect and spacious for those loud kids to have a good time. Can I just say that I am beyond impressed with the friends my child has picked? There were six adult chaperones because this gal remembers being seventeen, if you know what I mean. This group of kids were absolutely fabulous. They laughed and danced and sang and ate. They were polite and gracious. No one tried to sneak out and come back in. It was a pure pleasure to have them at my child's party. Neighbors' Debbie and Greg, and new friends James and Sherry were just as amazed as The Man and myself over how wonderful this group of kids behaved and acted. Everyone considered the party a complete success and I had one happy girl when all was said and done.
Now, I have to take a deep breath and brace myself for this last year before 18. I will be truly excited over Senior pictures and all the crazy things that high school seniors get to take part. I already catch myself sneaking extra looks in my child's direction. I want to treasure this year and hold it close so when she's ready to fly...I'll be able to let her.
Oh, and just to show how exciting this year has been for her since she turned 17 on April 14th? She's gotten into her first fender bender. My heart stopped when she called to let me know, but she had wonderful cops (seriously, they were just awesome), and her worries that Mama and Daddy were going to be furious (we weren't. It was an ACCIDENT and she was okay...so we're okay). It traumatized my Drama Llama and Miss Scarlett had to take to her boudoir for the rest of the evening to recover. (It was literally a tap kind of thing, but the Loser Cruiser (the vehicle she has to share with The Man) is going to need some cosmetic work before hitting the highway again.)
We also found out yesterday that she has passed the state of Georgia's Graduation Exam!!! With honor and advanced scores!!! When she showed me the test scores there was alot of girl squealing all around and high fives and hugs. She will totally enjoy her Senior year now with that out of the way. We are so proud of her for this accomplishment. Poor kid has issues with math (like her Mama) and she has struggled with understanding and passing. Get this, though. She got an honor score in that subject! That's my girl.
Now, I shall share a few pictures of the party with you.
Here's the Birthday Girl in the lovely tiara Mama D (Neighbor Debbie) bought her for the occasion. She was the Belle of the Ball!
Again, simple decorations. These balloons are HUGE. When I saw the disco ball balloon, I just could not resist. Try riding around town with these bad boys up in the back bouncing around.
** Just note that I am right nervous to post my pictures of my decorating abilities. I come from a long line of church women who have thrown many parties and get togethers. If I failed? I am a shame to the family. Yeah, I'm feeling a little okay. (Note also that I didn't get elaborate with decorating because coming from that same line of decorators have shown me that you still have to clean up at the end of the night. See? I was right smart about the whole thing, really.) I also have lots of pictures of teenagers having a good time, but no permission to post their pictures. I'm sure you understand.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
They Gave Her a Driver's License!
I don't know who thought it was a good idea to give teenager's the ability to drive. I think they're on crack.
My teenager succeeded in proving to the state of Georgia that she is capable of driving. On the highway. By herself. Without us in the vehicle with her.
Sweet goodness and mercy.
That girl of mine has been itching for some independence and The Man and I put it off as long as we could. We really did. This is my baby. My 3 pound 7 ounce baby who came into this world early and has fought since day one to be herself. I don't see this young lady who has taken classes on driving, logged in supervised hours with parents and instructors, and taken tests to prove she can, indeed, drive a vehicle. I see my baby.
She now shares a car with The Man. He does that carpool gig to work and one of his co-workers live in our neighborhood, so they share that driving chore. This allows her to have the car to drive to school two to three days a week, depending on his driving schedule. She went to the office and applied for a parking permit for school and paid for it with her own money. She hasn't driven yet, her first day is tomorrow.
I remember driving to school. Oh, how cool I was to thumb my nose at that big yellow school bus that was freezing in winter and blazing hot in the summer. Times are different now than when I first got that precious piece of plastic back in the day. My friends and I would beg and borrow vehicles from family members and pick each other up so we could all be cool together. She doesn't have that luxury. For six months, she's only allowed to have family members in the vehicle with her. I am totally okay with that. I also grew up in a very small town, that at the time, had only one red light. My friends and I learned how to manage a vehicle on back country roads before hitting towns with decent traffic and more than one red light. Where we live is interstate, four lanes, six lanes, on ramps, off ramps, exits, big roads that curve over and under you and confuse the crap out of you until you drive them a couple hundred times. I, myself, am just now comfortable driving all these confusing roads and it took me almost a year!
The other day I sent her to get her sister from chorus practice. Not a big deal. I also asked if she would run to W*lmart and pick up a bag of rice for supper. Are you kidding me? She was all over that chore. (unlike house chores like kitchen patrol or cleaning her room) Now, the school is five minutes to the right and W*lmart is five minutes to the left when you leave our neighborhood. Easy peasy.
If you're not geographically challenged it is. My poor child would have a problem finding her way out of a paper sack. Sad, but true. My son has a built in compass like his father and knows his way all over town, but my teenager begs the use of the TomTom to go five minutes in opposing directions. I wouldn't let her take the trusty GPS because, come on! Five minutes away, Internets!
I should have let her take it with her. They got lost. Well, they missed a turn. A very important turn. Three times.
~sigh~
The first time they realized it when they were riding along, talking and listening to music and one of them states, "Wait a minute. These houses don't look familiar." Wouldn't that be a clue to turn the music down and hush? Not when you're a teenager and preteen who are in a vehicle with no adults and feeling pretty dang cool with life.
Suffice it to say, a thirty minute trip took about an hour. I didn't call them and they didn't call me. I honestly thought they were walking around the store. I'm glad I didn't know they were turned around and a tad lost. I'm even more glad they didn't call and worked together to find their way. Did I worry? Yeah, I did. A little bit. Then again, I know my kid is a careful driver and she would protect her little sister with her life. That kind of evens it all out, ya know?
The most painful part of the whole process was putting her on our insurance. Holy higher rates! It makes me blink hard and swallow fast when I think about what we're paying for that sweet darling to get behind the wheel. I still may have to enter a recovery program to fully get over the shock.
She is dying to get a job and make her own money to help with insurance and gas and all that is expensive. Seriously, the kid is all about working and not asking us for money. While I respect her for that and know she is sincere, we're not allowing it because she has two AP classes this school year and grades are way more important than a job at this point. Maybe next year when her work load is lighter at school. We'll see.
You all realize that I'm not old enough to have a child with a driver's license. Okay, let's rephrase that. I don't FEEL old enough to have a kid with a license. I am in total denial that time is starting to fly by for me and my next birthday is a MAJOR birthday that we won't talk about just yet.
I guess it's true that time stands still for no one.
Time to let that oldest baby bird of mine see what's outside this nest.....
......as long as she doesn't speed while doing it.
My teenager succeeded in proving to the state of Georgia that she is capable of driving. On the highway. By herself. Without us in the vehicle with her.
Sweet goodness and mercy.
That girl of mine has been itching for some independence and The Man and I put it off as long as we could. We really did. This is my baby. My 3 pound 7 ounce baby who came into this world early and has fought since day one to be herself. I don't see this young lady who has taken classes on driving, logged in supervised hours with parents and instructors, and taken tests to prove she can, indeed, drive a vehicle. I see my baby.
She now shares a car with The Man. He does that carpool gig to work and one of his co-workers live in our neighborhood, so they share that driving chore. This allows her to have the car to drive to school two to three days a week, depending on his driving schedule. She went to the office and applied for a parking permit for school and paid for it with her own money. She hasn't driven yet, her first day is tomorrow.
I remember driving to school. Oh, how cool I was to thumb my nose at that big yellow school bus that was freezing in winter and blazing hot in the summer. Times are different now than when I first got that precious piece of plastic back in the day. My friends and I would beg and borrow vehicles from family members and pick each other up so we could all be cool together. She doesn't have that luxury. For six months, she's only allowed to have family members in the vehicle with her. I am totally okay with that. I also grew up in a very small town, that at the time, had only one red light. My friends and I learned how to manage a vehicle on back country roads before hitting towns with decent traffic and more than one red light. Where we live is interstate, four lanes, six lanes, on ramps, off ramps, exits, big roads that curve over and under you and confuse the crap out of you until you drive them a couple hundred times. I, myself, am just now comfortable driving all these confusing roads and it took me almost a year!
The other day I sent her to get her sister from chorus practice. Not a big deal. I also asked if she would run to W*lmart and pick up a bag of rice for supper. Are you kidding me? She was all over that chore. (unlike house chores like kitchen patrol or cleaning her room) Now, the school is five minutes to the right and W*lmart is five minutes to the left when you leave our neighborhood. Easy peasy.
If you're not geographically challenged it is. My poor child would have a problem finding her way out of a paper sack. Sad, but true. My son has a built in compass like his father and knows his way all over town, but my teenager begs the use of the TomTom to go five minutes in opposing directions. I wouldn't let her take the trusty GPS because, come on! Five minutes away, Internets!
I should have let her take it with her. They got lost. Well, they missed a turn. A very important turn. Three times.
~sigh~
The first time they realized it when they were riding along, talking and listening to music and one of them states, "Wait a minute. These houses don't look familiar." Wouldn't that be a clue to turn the music down and hush? Not when you're a teenager and preteen who are in a vehicle with no adults and feeling pretty dang cool with life.
Suffice it to say, a thirty minute trip took about an hour. I didn't call them and they didn't call me. I honestly thought they were walking around the store. I'm glad I didn't know they were turned around and a tad lost. I'm even more glad they didn't call and worked together to find their way. Did I worry? Yeah, I did. A little bit. Then again, I know my kid is a careful driver and she would protect her little sister with her life. That kind of evens it all out, ya know?
The most painful part of the whole process was putting her on our insurance. Holy higher rates! It makes me blink hard and swallow fast when I think about what we're paying for that sweet darling to get behind the wheel. I still may have to enter a recovery program to fully get over the shock.
She is dying to get a job and make her own money to help with insurance and gas and all that is expensive. Seriously, the kid is all about working and not asking us for money. While I respect her for that and know she is sincere, we're not allowing it because she has two AP classes this school year and grades are way more important than a job at this point. Maybe next year when her work load is lighter at school. We'll see.
You all realize that I'm not old enough to have a child with a driver's license. Okay, let's rephrase that. I don't FEEL old enough to have a kid with a license. I am in total denial that time is starting to fly by for me and my next birthday is a MAJOR birthday that we won't talk about just yet.
I guess it's true that time stands still for no one.
Time to let that oldest baby bird of mine see what's outside this nest.....
......as long as she doesn't speed while doing it.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Raising Paige
I have been a parent for almost 17 years. Wow. This coming April will find my oldest baby turning 17 whole years old. Lawd, it feels like not too long ago, I was 17 my own self.
I don't know about you parents out there, but there are many times in this child rearing gig I got going on that I wonder if I'm doing a good job or screwing three hopefully productive citizens of the United States up for life. I've made my fair share of mistakes as a Mama that make me wince to this day and wonder what the heck was I thinking?!? I have a feeling that my quota of making mistakes hasn't been fully filled yet since my youngest is six and a boy (compared to having two older girls). I admit to being terrified at times as I guide them through life and other times?
I want to high five my own self.
Some of you are friends of mine on the face of books, so you know a little about this situation. I am compelled to write about it...not for my own high five awesomeness...but for the amazingness that is my child.
Paige is a member of the Buddy Club at school. This is a club where kids in the high school help out with the special needs class. They help get the kids to and from lunch, go by the class to hang out, and basically be buddies. When we moved here last year, Paige found out about the club by accident when one of her new friends asked if she would help her get the kids back to class. Then Paige met the Buddies. She came home that day full of sparkly eyes and stories about the awesome kids she had met that day. There are limited spots for volunteers and my child went to the special education teacher that is in charge of Buddy Club and pretty much told her that she HAD to be a part of this club and would do whatever it took to be a member. Suffice it to say, her tenacity paid off and she got in.
I've heard stories about her friends that make me grin. There is one girl who loves to hug people. One of the special education teachers discourages hugging this girl and Paige told her flat out that she don't roll that way. If the girl needs a hug? She's getting a hug from Paige. You have the boy with Downs Syndrome that Paige loves loves loves. He loves him some Paige, too. Many times she would come home and talk about Richard. Richard and the wheelchair...his wheels to the world. Richard would use bare communication as talking wasn't in his realm. He was born normal, but received the wrong medication as an infant that would change his entire future. I can't tell you the Richard Stories I've heard in the past year of this character so full of mischief and life with a grin always on his face. (especially when Paige walked in the classroom- he was able to get his flirt on then!)
School started back for second semester this past Tuesday. Paige found out Monday night that Richard had passed away. He just got sick and his frail body couldn't fight it. She came downstairs and was just shell shocked. She didn't really cry, and I think that's because she was in shock and trying to process what she had just learned.
Richard's graveside service was yesterday morning. Paige came to me before getting dressed for school and asked if she could possibly attend. She had a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon and was going to be picked up from school early anyway. I told her we would go because I could see that it was so important to her.
It was a dreary chilly morning. We both dressed up and headed to the graveyard a little early as we didn't know what the attendance would look like. She looked so sharp in her black dress pants. I gave her my dress trench coat to wear and I wore my cape. We walked up to the tent and there people milling about waiting on the service to start. She signed the register to show we were there. I told her maybe she should seek out his family to speak to them since after the service is usually so busy. I stood at the back of the tent by myself and watched my daughter go forward and find Richard's family. First, she found his Grandmother and Aunt and I saw her smile and start talking with them. I couldn't hear what was being said, but I know my girl used her manners and was telling them how she adored Richard. I saw the Aunt stand up and hug her. Paige walked back over to me when she was done and just started sobbing. I held her close and patted her back until she got her composure. I then suggested that she go talk with his parents, that they would love to know she was there. I had someone point out his Mom and there my baby girl went on a mission. I still stood back to the side and let her go forward on her own. I saw her wait patiently for the mother to hug someone and speak with them.
Do you know how hard it was to watch my child stand there smiling while tears went down her face? I saw this mother hug her more than once and keep a hand on her arm as my child told her how she adored her son and was so thankful to her for sharing him. It took all I had not to bawl right there as I watched my baby be an awesome young lady. The mother took her to meet the father and I saw him shake her hand and get teary as my daughter spoke briefly with him about his son.
The service was about to start when the special education head teacher and other teacher came up to the tent. I did a quick "How do you do?" and let Paige walk forward with them as the speaker began to talk. Oh, don't worry, I was only a couple of feet away and ready to jump up beside her if need be. I listened to this man speak about Richard with such love that I felt a huge loss that I never got to meet this kid who lived his life from a wheelchair. Tears just flowed from underneath my child's sunglasses as she nodded her head over and over while he talked as she did know exactly what he was talking about.
The service was very short and sweet...one of the shortest I've ever heard. I don't think it could have been any better, though. I can only pray that my own service will be so perfect one day. I spoke a little with the teacher afterwards and felt even better knowing that she likes my child and would even go to bat for her at school for excused absence for the funeral service.
I didn't know, Internets. I just didn't know what an amazing thing my very own child was doing on her own. I really didn't grasp that she was opening herself up to love very very special people. I've seen her in the W*lmart parking lot stop to speak to one of her "Buddies" who was walking in with their Mom. I saw the Mom thank my child for befriending her son because it's so hard for a parent to let their child go to a public school where they may be ridiculed for being different.
I do so love that kid of mine. I am so proud of her for being such an awesome person. She was the proper young lady yesterday and I was bustin' buttons over how amazing she looked, acted, and carried herself.
Yeah, I wanted to high five my own self and say, "THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!"
I don't know about you parents out there, but there are many times in this child rearing gig I got going on that I wonder if I'm doing a good job or screwing three hopefully productive citizens of the United States up for life. I've made my fair share of mistakes as a Mama that make me wince to this day and wonder what the heck was I thinking?!? I have a feeling that my quota of making mistakes hasn't been fully filled yet since my youngest is six and a boy (compared to having two older girls). I admit to being terrified at times as I guide them through life and other times?
I want to high five my own self.
Some of you are friends of mine on the face of books, so you know a little about this situation. I am compelled to write about it...not for my own high five awesomeness...but for the amazingness that is my child.
Paige is a member of the Buddy Club at school. This is a club where kids in the high school help out with the special needs class. They help get the kids to and from lunch, go by the class to hang out, and basically be buddies. When we moved here last year, Paige found out about the club by accident when one of her new friends asked if she would help her get the kids back to class. Then Paige met the Buddies. She came home that day full of sparkly eyes and stories about the awesome kids she had met that day. There are limited spots for volunteers and my child went to the special education teacher that is in charge of Buddy Club and pretty much told her that she HAD to be a part of this club and would do whatever it took to be a member. Suffice it to say, her tenacity paid off and she got in.
I've heard stories about her friends that make me grin. There is one girl who loves to hug people. One of the special education teachers discourages hugging this girl and Paige told her flat out that she don't roll that way. If the girl needs a hug? She's getting a hug from Paige. You have the boy with Downs Syndrome that Paige loves loves loves. He loves him some Paige, too. Many times she would come home and talk about Richard. Richard and the wheelchair...his wheels to the world. Richard would use bare communication as talking wasn't in his realm. He was born normal, but received the wrong medication as an infant that would change his entire future. I can't tell you the Richard Stories I've heard in the past year of this character so full of mischief and life with a grin always on his face. (especially when Paige walked in the classroom- he was able to get his flirt on then!)
School started back for second semester this past Tuesday. Paige found out Monday night that Richard had passed away. He just got sick and his frail body couldn't fight it. She came downstairs and was just shell shocked. She didn't really cry, and I think that's because she was in shock and trying to process what she had just learned.
Richard's graveside service was yesterday morning. Paige came to me before getting dressed for school and asked if she could possibly attend. She had a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon and was going to be picked up from school early anyway. I told her we would go because I could see that it was so important to her.
It was a dreary chilly morning. We both dressed up and headed to the graveyard a little early as we didn't know what the attendance would look like. She looked so sharp in her black dress pants. I gave her my dress trench coat to wear and I wore my cape. We walked up to the tent and there people milling about waiting on the service to start. She signed the register to show we were there. I told her maybe she should seek out his family to speak to them since after the service is usually so busy. I stood at the back of the tent by myself and watched my daughter go forward and find Richard's family. First, she found his Grandmother and Aunt and I saw her smile and start talking with them. I couldn't hear what was being said, but I know my girl used her manners and was telling them how she adored Richard. I saw the Aunt stand up and hug her. Paige walked back over to me when she was done and just started sobbing. I held her close and patted her back until she got her composure. I then suggested that she go talk with his parents, that they would love to know she was there. I had someone point out his Mom and there my baby girl went on a mission. I still stood back to the side and let her go forward on her own. I saw her wait patiently for the mother to hug someone and speak with them.
Do you know how hard it was to watch my child stand there smiling while tears went down her face? I saw this mother hug her more than once and keep a hand on her arm as my child told her how she adored her son and was so thankful to her for sharing him. It took all I had not to bawl right there as I watched my baby be an awesome young lady. The mother took her to meet the father and I saw him shake her hand and get teary as my daughter spoke briefly with him about his son.
The service was about to start when the special education head teacher and other teacher came up to the tent. I did a quick "How do you do?" and let Paige walk forward with them as the speaker began to talk. Oh, don't worry, I was only a couple of feet away and ready to jump up beside her if need be. I listened to this man speak about Richard with such love that I felt a huge loss that I never got to meet this kid who lived his life from a wheelchair. Tears just flowed from underneath my child's sunglasses as she nodded her head over and over while he talked as she did know exactly what he was talking about.
The service was very short and sweet...one of the shortest I've ever heard. I don't think it could have been any better, though. I can only pray that my own service will be so perfect one day. I spoke a little with the teacher afterwards and felt even better knowing that she likes my child and would even go to bat for her at school for excused absence for the funeral service.
I didn't know, Internets. I just didn't know what an amazing thing my very own child was doing on her own. I really didn't grasp that she was opening herself up to love very very special people. I've seen her in the W*lmart parking lot stop to speak to one of her "Buddies" who was walking in with their Mom. I saw the Mom thank my child for befriending her son because it's so hard for a parent to let their child go to a public school where they may be ridiculed for being different.
I do so love that kid of mine. I am so proud of her for being such an awesome person. She was the proper young lady yesterday and I was bustin' buttons over how amazing she looked, acted, and carried herself.
Yeah, I wanted to high five my own self and say, "THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!"
Saturday, October 30, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Just some Thoughts
A few things have crossed my mind that I've considered sharing with my Internets. Don't go thinking I'm going to get all deep and philosophical on you. I have those kind of moments occasionally and can carry on a right decent conversation of that nature, but for now? It's just basic stuff.
Let's talk bathrooms, shall we? That half bath of mine is going to drive me crazy. I know you all have asked for pictures, but I have nothing to show as of yet! I just can't decide on the wall color and all the little sample containers on the vanity prove that. I have the ceiling color and we all just love it. I just can't find that perfect color to work with it. If someone comes to visit, I apologize for the state of my little half bath, and ask for understanding and sympathy. While surfing on the computer a week or so ago, I came across some monograms. Now, I'm Southern as they come and I just adore a monogram. I intend on having one up in my house somewhere (again with decisions) but I was right tickled over the monogram I found that day. I don't know about you, but I just don't think I want the first letter of my last name on my toilet. I kid you not. A monogram for a toilet. And ya know? That might be a cute idea...minus the letter part. I found myself seriously considering it for a moment.
The master bathroom is a delight. I have never had a master bathroom. I kid you not. I've had a bathroom off of my bedroom, but not CONNECTED to my room. That's high living for me, folks. It's big and nice and big and all double sinked up. It's got one of those cute little "water closets" where the toilet is hidden from sight. Thaaaat's right....high living, my friends. Whatever. My husband and I had to come to an understanding real quick over this bathroom. I know I have to share my bedroom and bathroom with him. I truly don't mind as he is my husband and I just flat out adore him. See, though, I'm Baptist. Well, maybe being Baptist doesn't have a whole lot to do with it, but I'm a tad on the modest side. When I close that bathroom door? I'm wanting some privacy with going about my business. This has never been an issue before as previous bathrooms haven't encouraged multiple occupancy with the size issue. I'm not saying I'm a prude and I don't always close the door, but if I do? Then keep it closed. Well, That Man of Mine would just bop right on up in that bathroom, closed door or not. By the second or third time? I realized he was seriously oblivious to The Look I was giving him. I gently told him that on occasion, I'd like to just hang out in the bathroom by myself. You know, be one with the universe and all that. Bless him, he just didn't realize my intentions and being a man, couldn't read my mind. We have to laugh at ourselves over the whole thing. We've been married for six years now and this is just becoming an issue? It's all good and now I get bathroom respect. Bathroom respect is very important, you know.
That sixteen year old child of mine ordered her class ring yesterday. ~sigh~ Last week when she brought home the brochure, we both sat and looked at it and admired some rings and laughed at others. What an exciting time it was for her! Boy, have times changed. I don't remember what it was like when my class ordered rings as I didn't get one, but I'm pretty sure we didn't get to go on the computer and "make" rings to our liking. She has had the best time making rings the past week. I've been sick the past few days and yesterday was the day for the parent's to go to the school and hand over the money. Of course The Man was glad to take her for such an important occasion. Before they left, she kept asking me to help her figure out what she wanted. I wouldn't do it. This is her ring. She's the one that has to wear it and love it. She had made a few online and I gave my honest opinion. Finally, a decision was made (and she picked my favorite! shhh) and off they went. I hated that I wasn't there for this really cool teenagery deal. The Man was, though. That'll definitely do if I can't be there.
Back to the house one more time. I really wish I had paid more attention to this blasted living room when we decided to buy this house. Maybe it appealed to me because we're both odd? The room is an odd size/shape and I'm just odd. I just can't find the zen with furniture placement as of yet. I know when I finally put each piece where it is supposed to be, I'll suddenly see rainbows and be able to take a deep breath, but I just ain't feeling it right now. I am that person who walks around the room to see it from every angle. I squint my eyes (and how does that help?), and purse my lips, tap my cheek with my fingertip, and just sigh. I walk up the stairs to look down and see if maybe I'm missing something. Nope. I just can't quite get it. But, I will. It will be good when I do. I just wish I was already there.
Right now, our focus has to be on the flower bed in front of the house. I am so ashamed to say we are "that house". The one with the overgrown flower bed that should embarrass us (and it does!). I do not have a green thumb. My parents can touch a plant and it flourishes right in front of your eyes. I did purchase gardening gloves to protect all the plants from my black thumb. The past couple of weekends we have seen rain...which puts a halt on yard work. We are determined to accomplish something this week. I am working hard to get over my sickness so I can supervise sufficiently when work commences by end of the week. The Man and I have already visited Lowe's (totally endorse Lowe's as they give military discount every day of the week for active and retired- GO LOWE'S!) and pretty much have an idea of what we want to purchase to make our flower bed look lovely and presentable. I'm not too thrilled or excited about having to work out there, but I just can't stand how it looks. My Daddy has always raised me to take care of what's yours and to make it look the best you possible can. ~sigh~ He would be so upset with me right now if he could see that flower bed. Yes sir, definitely going to work on that this week.
So, you see a little of what's been going around in my head. I told you it was basic stuff! I have been taking pictures to keep up with projects and you know I'm not stingy with my sharing them so I promise when I get to the finish line with a project, I'll be more than happy to share.
Now, I'm off to look at those toilet monograms again.
Let's talk bathrooms, shall we? That half bath of mine is going to drive me crazy. I know you all have asked for pictures, but I have nothing to show as of yet! I just can't decide on the wall color and all the little sample containers on the vanity prove that. I have the ceiling color and we all just love it. I just can't find that perfect color to work with it. If someone comes to visit, I apologize for the state of my little half bath, and ask for understanding and sympathy. While surfing on the computer a week or so ago, I came across some monograms. Now, I'm Southern as they come and I just adore a monogram. I intend on having one up in my house somewhere (again with decisions) but I was right tickled over the monogram I found that day. I don't know about you, but I just don't think I want the first letter of my last name on my toilet. I kid you not. A monogram for a toilet. And ya know? That might be a cute idea...minus the letter part. I found myself seriously considering it for a moment.
The master bathroom is a delight. I have never had a master bathroom. I kid you not. I've had a bathroom off of my bedroom, but not CONNECTED to my room. That's high living for me, folks. It's big and nice and big and all double sinked up. It's got one of those cute little "water closets" where the toilet is hidden from sight. Thaaaat's right....high living, my friends. Whatever. My husband and I had to come to an understanding real quick over this bathroom. I know I have to share my bedroom and bathroom with him. I truly don't mind as he is my husband and I just flat out adore him. See, though, I'm Baptist. Well, maybe being Baptist doesn't have a whole lot to do with it, but I'm a tad on the modest side. When I close that bathroom door? I'm wanting some privacy with going about my business. This has never been an issue before as previous bathrooms haven't encouraged multiple occupancy with the size issue. I'm not saying I'm a prude and I don't always close the door, but if I do? Then keep it closed. Well, That Man of Mine would just bop right on up in that bathroom, closed door or not. By the second or third time? I realized he was seriously oblivious to The Look I was giving him. I gently told him that on occasion, I'd like to just hang out in the bathroom by myself. You know, be one with the universe and all that. Bless him, he just didn't realize my intentions and being a man, couldn't read my mind. We have to laugh at ourselves over the whole thing. We've been married for six years now and this is just becoming an issue? It's all good and now I get bathroom respect. Bathroom respect is very important, you know.
That sixteen year old child of mine ordered her class ring yesterday. ~sigh~ Last week when she brought home the brochure, we both sat and looked at it and admired some rings and laughed at others. What an exciting time it was for her! Boy, have times changed. I don't remember what it was like when my class ordered rings as I didn't get one, but I'm pretty sure we didn't get to go on the computer and "make" rings to our liking. She has had the best time making rings the past week. I've been sick the past few days and yesterday was the day for the parent's to go to the school and hand over the money. Of course The Man was glad to take her for such an important occasion. Before they left, she kept asking me to help her figure out what she wanted. I wouldn't do it. This is her ring. She's the one that has to wear it and love it. She had made a few online and I gave my honest opinion. Finally, a decision was made (and she picked my favorite! shhh) and off they went. I hated that I wasn't there for this really cool teenagery deal. The Man was, though. That'll definitely do if I can't be there.
Back to the house one more time. I really wish I had paid more attention to this blasted living room when we decided to buy this house. Maybe it appealed to me because we're both odd? The room is an odd size/shape and I'm just odd. I just can't find the zen with furniture placement as of yet. I know when I finally put each piece where it is supposed to be, I'll suddenly see rainbows and be able to take a deep breath, but I just ain't feeling it right now. I am that person who walks around the room to see it from every angle. I squint my eyes (and how does that help?), and purse my lips, tap my cheek with my fingertip, and just sigh. I walk up the stairs to look down and see if maybe I'm missing something. Nope. I just can't quite get it. But, I will. It will be good when I do. I just wish I was already there.
Right now, our focus has to be on the flower bed in front of the house. I am so ashamed to say we are "that house". The one with the overgrown flower bed that should embarrass us (and it does!). I do not have a green thumb. My parents can touch a plant and it flourishes right in front of your eyes. I did purchase gardening gloves to protect all the plants from my black thumb. The past couple of weekends we have seen rain...which puts a halt on yard work. We are determined to accomplish something this week. I am working hard to get over my sickness so I can supervise sufficiently when work commences by end of the week. The Man and I have already visited Lowe's (totally endorse Lowe's as they give military discount every day of the week for active and retired- GO LOWE'S!) and pretty much have an idea of what we want to purchase to make our flower bed look lovely and presentable. I'm not too thrilled or excited about having to work out there, but I just can't stand how it looks. My Daddy has always raised me to take care of what's yours and to make it look the best you possible can. ~sigh~ He would be so upset with me right now if he could see that flower bed. Yes sir, definitely going to work on that this week.
So, you see a little of what's been going around in my head. I told you it was basic stuff! I have been taking pictures to keep up with projects and you know I'm not stingy with my sharing them so I promise when I get to the finish line with a project, I'll be more than happy to share.
Now, I'm off to look at those toilet monograms again.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Legitimate Reasons
My oldest had her 16th birthday last week. Wednesday, to be exact. She is now a tad bit upset with me because I haven't done her birthday post as of yet. I've been working on it, but this one is pretty special. Plus, I took lots of pictures that evening that I want to share with you.
The following reasons are why I didn't get her post out on time.
1. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and she gave me a new nerve medication. That I took Tuesday night. Wednesday, I was in a stupid fog. Drove me crazy. I finally had to sleep a few hours Wednesday afternoon so I would hopefully have my wits about me to enjoy my daughter's birthday supper. I have not taken that medication since.
2. Wednesday, after we got home from the birthday supper, my husband sneezed as he was getting out of the truck. He then started complaining that his chest hurt. I chalked it up as he pulled a muscle when he sneezed.
3. Thursday, my husband calls me from work to tell me he is going to the hospital since his chest still hurt. I met him up there around noon. Approximately six hours later I came home and left him there as an overnight guest. Of course, they were running many many tests on his heart and it was going to be an overnight deal with a treadmill stress test first thing Friday morning.
(All tests came back fine on his heart. It was either a pulled muscle or acid reflux.)
4. Friday morning found me cleaning house like crazy as Neighbor Debbie and Neighbor Greg were coming for the weekend. Losing Wednesday and Thursday threw me way off in my cleaning. I spoke briefly with my husband who had not had anything to eat since the previous evening. I kept cleaning and calling periodically and he finally got that test around 11 a.m. I was getting very frustrated as I still needed to get groceries before our guests arrived.
5. I picked my grumpy caffeine deprived hubby up around 2-ish (with Diet Coke in hand) and we did a quick run through the commissary. We arrived home to guests waiting on us.
6. I did not get to see much of my laptop the whole weekend as I was enjoying time with my friends.
See? I have totally legitimate reasons for not having her post up yet! I want it to be special and fitting for her. Plus, I have a new laptop and haven't figured out how I want to upload pictures to it. (I know, bad grammar.) Last week was honestly a blur (with one hazy drugged day-won't do that again.) Please say that when I get her post up and available, we can all pretend it's still her birthday and you'll say great wonderful things? Thanks, Internet. You are the bestest.
The following reasons are why I didn't get her post out on time.
1. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and she gave me a new nerve medication. That I took Tuesday night. Wednesday, I was in a stupid fog. Drove me crazy. I finally had to sleep a few hours Wednesday afternoon so I would hopefully have my wits about me to enjoy my daughter's birthday supper. I have not taken that medication since.
2. Wednesday, after we got home from the birthday supper, my husband sneezed as he was getting out of the truck. He then started complaining that his chest hurt. I chalked it up as he pulled a muscle when he sneezed.
3. Thursday, my husband calls me from work to tell me he is going to the hospital since his chest still hurt. I met him up there around noon. Approximately six hours later I came home and left him there as an overnight guest. Of course, they were running many many tests on his heart and it was going to be an overnight deal with a treadmill stress test first thing Friday morning.
(All tests came back fine on his heart. It was either a pulled muscle or acid reflux.)
4. Friday morning found me cleaning house like crazy as Neighbor Debbie and Neighbor Greg were coming for the weekend. Losing Wednesday and Thursday threw me way off in my cleaning. I spoke briefly with my husband who had not had anything to eat since the previous evening. I kept cleaning and calling periodically and he finally got that test around 11 a.m. I was getting very frustrated as I still needed to get groceries before our guests arrived.
5. I picked my grumpy caffeine deprived hubby up around 2-ish (with Diet Coke in hand) and we did a quick run through the commissary. We arrived home to guests waiting on us.
6. I did not get to see much of my laptop the whole weekend as I was enjoying time with my friends.
See? I have totally legitimate reasons for not having her post up yet! I want it to be special and fitting for her. Plus, I have a new laptop and haven't figured out how I want to upload pictures to it. (I know, bad grammar.) Last week was honestly a blur (with one hazy drugged day-won't do that again.) Please say that when I get her post up and available, we can all pretend it's still her birthday and you'll say great wonderful things? Thanks, Internet. You are the bestest.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Information for Old Parents
Just so you know? If you have children who are tweens and older...you are considered old. I'm just saying.
There are many of us who have given our little darlings a cell phone. The cell phone has personally kept my oldest, Paige, off of nerve medication. The Man and I purchased the phone when she was ten because when she would go visit her biological father, he would refuse to let her call me or contact me. Then came the panic attacks. It had potential to get massively ugly, but all worked out in the end.
I have recently discovered "special" rings for phones. These rings are high pitched in nature and can not be heard by the average adult. I guess cranking up the radio as teenager and going to concerts did our poor ears in.
They use these rings in school and around parents to notify them of text messages and phone calls.
I know the ring sounds work in this fashion because we have played the sound behind my son without him being aware. He immediately covers his ears and screams to turn it off. This has been tested a few times with the same results.
The Man and I never heard the first sound. Nothing. Nada.
My beautiful daughter Paige has lost use of her cell phone for a while and it's in my possession. I have no problem going through and reading her text messages and looking at her call history. Is it invading her privacy? Uh...no. She is not grown, educated, got a J.O.B., and living in her own home. Therefore, as payer of the MINOR's bill, I have full authority to see what my child is doing.
I kept hearing a faint noise from her phone. It was the sound of a missed call. I recognized it as it sounds like the one on my own cell phone. I'd check and lo and behold, a text message or missed call. I had forgotten about that special ringer until, out of curiosity, I checked what ringer she was using. It's called "Mosquito" something or another. Ah ha. It is no longer set on that ringer. I got a nice generic ringer going on that Mama is sure to hear loud and clear. Far be it from me to miss one of her phone calls or text messages.
We need to keep our eye on this generation of teenagers. They are smart with technology......way smarter than we are. It worries me to no end what my son will be capable of when he reaches this age. How will I even begin to keep up with him?
As my facebook status says right this minute:
Miss Hope figures that if I can get my husband transitioned to civilian life, do another major move, keep my ADHD kid smooth, refrain from kicking my teenager's butt, and not start smoking again? Then I am going to throw myself the biggest party EVAH. I kid you not.
There are many of us who have given our little darlings a cell phone. The cell phone has personally kept my oldest, Paige, off of nerve medication. The Man and I purchased the phone when she was ten because when she would go visit her biological father, he would refuse to let her call me or contact me. Then came the panic attacks. It had potential to get massively ugly, but all worked out in the end.
I have recently discovered "special" rings for phones. These rings are high pitched in nature and can not be heard by the average adult. I guess cranking up the radio as teenager and going to concerts did our poor ears in.
They use these rings in school and around parents to notify them of text messages and phone calls.
I know the ring sounds work in this fashion because we have played the sound behind my son without him being aware. He immediately covers his ears and screams to turn it off. This has been tested a few times with the same results.
The Man and I never heard the first sound. Nothing. Nada.
My beautiful daughter Paige has lost use of her cell phone for a while and it's in my possession. I have no problem going through and reading her text messages and looking at her call history. Is it invading her privacy? Uh...no. She is not grown, educated, got a J.O.B., and living in her own home. Therefore, as payer of the MINOR's bill, I have full authority to see what my child is doing.
I kept hearing a faint noise from her phone. It was the sound of a missed call. I recognized it as it sounds like the one on my own cell phone. I'd check and lo and behold, a text message or missed call. I had forgotten about that special ringer until, out of curiosity, I checked what ringer she was using. It's called "Mosquito" something or another. Ah ha. It is no longer set on that ringer. I got a nice generic ringer going on that Mama is sure to hear loud and clear. Far be it from me to miss one of her phone calls or text messages.
We need to keep our eye on this generation of teenagers. They are smart with technology......way smarter than we are. It worries me to no end what my son will be capable of when he reaches this age. How will I even begin to keep up with him?
As my facebook status says right this minute:
Miss Hope figures that if I can get my husband transitioned to civilian life, do another major move, keep my ADHD kid smooth, refrain from kicking my teenager's butt, and not start smoking again? Then I am going to throw myself the biggest party EVAH. I kid you not.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Storming
We have had some awful storms this summer season. I am from the South and have weathered many tropical storms, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. Our weather has been consistently bad the entire summer with hardly a break to be found.
The Man took The Boy to speech around 4ish today. I started supper when I knew they were heading home. By the time 5:15 p.m. rolled around, the weather went from a decent day to wild.
We were eating supper while warily looking out the windows at the rain that was so heavy, we couldn't see the street in front of our home. The winds were blowing so hard the faint shadows of the trees outside looked like they were bending in half.
I might have mentioned to The Man a time or two that maybe we should head to the bathroom with all it's windowless glory. You could say I was just a tiny bit on the nervous side.
Paige was sitting to my right at the supper table and on the other side of her was my cell phone. I asked her to hand it to me.
I proceeded to put it in my bra, nestled ever so nicely.
Paige raised an eyebrow and asked me why did I just do that?
I responded:
"Well, if I get blown to Oz? I need a way to call you to come pick me up."
The storm has passed for the moment, and the cell phone is on the table beside me. I think Paige thinks I have finally gone around the bend. It's good to keep your kids guessing.
The Man took The Boy to speech around 4ish today. I started supper when I knew they were heading home. By the time 5:15 p.m. rolled around, the weather went from a decent day to wild.
We were eating supper while warily looking out the windows at the rain that was so heavy, we couldn't see the street in front of our home. The winds were blowing so hard the faint shadows of the trees outside looked like they were bending in half.
I might have mentioned to The Man a time or two that maybe we should head to the bathroom with all it's windowless glory. You could say I was just a tiny bit on the nervous side.
Paige was sitting to my right at the supper table and on the other side of her was my cell phone. I asked her to hand it to me.
I proceeded to put it in my bra, nestled ever so nicely.
Paige raised an eyebrow and asked me why did I just do that?
I responded:
"Well, if I get blown to Oz? I need a way to call you to come pick me up."
The storm has passed for the moment, and the cell phone is on the table beside me. I think Paige thinks I have finally gone around the bend. It's good to keep your kids guessing.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Banner Day it was!!!
Well, Sir, we had us one fine day here at The Edge yesterday. I know some of you are my friend over at the face of book, so you're on top of it, but I saved the pictures for the blog...cause that's how I roll.
Paige reached the fine age of 15 back in April of this year. That, of course, qualifies her to go get her learner's permit and start driving. Sister was not able to go get that piece of coveted plastic because her grades just weren't up to par. The Man and I laid down the law and told her all classes had to be passed with an 85 or greater at the end of year in order for her to drive. She wasn't too thrilled with that edict, but she prevailed and had the grades in the end.
It didn't happen.
She aced the signs and was told she wouldn't have to take that again. My poor kid. She was so stressed from those last two weeks of school and anxiety reared it's ugly head when she sat down at the computer to take the test. I told her many people have to take it again and that I knew she would ace it because now she knew what to expect. She was bummed and I can't say I blame her.
I decided that she would wait a week or so before trying again. She was starting a new job that really needed her focus. Plus, she needed to study the book a little more. Ya know, making decisions like this...the ones that upset your kids...is tough. She didn't like it as she wanted to go right back and try again, but Mama won and she waited until things settled down a little bit.
Yesterday was the day! I picked her up from work so we could head to see Rose (I told you the whole family is partaking of the counseling). Afterwards, we made our way to the DMV. This time The Boy was with us. He was as good as he could be while Sissy took her test. She really took her time and when she needed help, the lady working there was more than happy to help. Apparently, if people have a hard time comprehending what the question is, the ladies who work there can offer assistance. Good deal.
I remembered when I got mine....oh, around 23 years ago. Wow. I knew exactly how she was feeling. It's like your first real step to independence is in your hands. It is something you accomplish all on your own. Your parents can only stand in the background offering support. Although, I had to take my test on a paper and wait for them to grade it and she immediately knew as the computer flashed up the "You Passed!" on the screen.
Of course, I took some pictures. You didn't think I would let you down, did you?
Drive on, Baby Girl! I'm so proud of you!!!
Paige reached the fine age of 15 back in April of this year. That, of course, qualifies her to go get her learner's permit and start driving. Sister was not able to go get that piece of coveted plastic because her grades just weren't up to par. The Man and I laid down the law and told her all classes had to be passed with an 85 or greater at the end of year in order for her to drive. She wasn't too thrilled with that edict, but she prevailed and had the grades in the end.
We went to the DMV (ok, this is what I've always called it- DMV- Department of Motor Vehicles) the last week in May for her to get that learner's permit.
It didn't happen.
She aced the signs and was told she wouldn't have to take that again. My poor kid. She was so stressed from those last two weeks of school and anxiety reared it's ugly head when she sat down at the computer to take the test. I told her many people have to take it again and that I knew she would ace it because now she knew what to expect. She was bummed and I can't say I blame her.
I decided that she would wait a week or so before trying again. She was starting a new job that really needed her focus. Plus, she needed to study the book a little more. Ya know, making decisions like this...the ones that upset your kids...is tough. She didn't like it as she wanted to go right back and try again, but Mama won and she waited until things settled down a little bit.
Yesterday was the day! I picked her up from work so we could head to see Rose (I told you the whole family is partaking of the counseling). Afterwards, we made our way to the DMV. This time The Boy was with us. He was as good as he could be while Sissy took her test. She really took her time and when she needed help, the lady working there was more than happy to help. Apparently, if people have a hard time comprehending what the question is, the ladies who work there can offer assistance. Good deal.
Next thing I know? My girl is doing the happy dance (literally) as she waits to take her picture for her brand new learner's permit!
I remembered when I got mine....oh, around 23 years ago. Wow. I knew exactly how she was feeling. It's like your first real step to independence is in your hands. It is something you accomplish all on your own. Your parents can only stand in the background offering support. Although, I had to take my test on a paper and wait for them to grade it and she immediately knew as the computer flashed up the "You Passed!" on the screen.
Of course, I took some pictures. You didn't think I would let you down, did you?
Why, yes I did go right on up to the counter and take a picture of my child. The lady looked at me and I replied, "It's for the blog." She said it was no problem and that led me to believe that I'm not the first parent to do this.
I just wanted to cry! I was about to bust wide open because she was just so incredibly happy in this moment.
Is this not the best picture? I know you can remember this moment, when you could FINALLY take the wheel legally!
She wanted to drive home and I nixed that idea quick. We would have to drive past the interstate and all the traffic that surrounds it. Uh...no. She was a good sport and didn't complain, she just texted all her friends like crazy the whole way home.
When we got in base housing, I pulled over to let her take the wheel. YaY!!! Talked about thrilled. I knew base housing would be a good place to start. Very little traffic, 25 m.p.h., and lots of stop signs! She did pretty good but decided that the Tahoe was too big. I told her she's going to learn to drive it and when she does? She'll be able to drive anything! We might have had a tense moment or two when she turned too wild and my voice went up a few octaves telling her to slow down, but we made it through.
Drive on, Baby Girl! I'm so proud of you!!!Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Working Girl
My baby girl got herself a job for the summer! A bona fide, paid by the hour, taxes taken out job. Our base here has a teen summer work program for ages 14-16. The teens have to put in an application like any other DOD (Department of Defense) worker and go through the interview process. She walked in with full confidence to that interview and hasn't looked back.
She was pretty sure she was going to end up working at the CDC (Child Development Center). All her references were child care related and she was okay with that. How surprised she was to find she was going to be working at the TVQ (Transient Visitors Quarters- like a hotel on base) at the front desk.
She is also glad she goes to church on a regular basis because she has to dress up for this job. No denim or tennis shoes are allowed at the front desk. Miss Coty sure saved the day because of all the cute clothes she passed on when she purged her closet before moving up North. I'm also glad that the dress clothes I've bought her are getting some use instead of gathering dust in her closet. How happy I am that I've always dressed my children up on a regular basis. My girls are just as comfortable in a dress/skirt as they are in jeans.
Each morning she gets up to make a fresh gallon of sweet tea. I have enforced that she will be taking her lunch and not buying it as that will burn up her money quick like. She has a big cup of tea "to go" along with a 32 oz. container so she can sip all day at work. I love that she went shopping with me at the commissary last week and bought a majority of her own food to take to work. She packs up her little frozen meal she purchased with her own money or the left overs from the previous night's meal in a cute bag and off to work she goes.
Every evening we get to hear all about her exciting day. This has been declared the BEST SUMMER EVAH with memories to last a lifetime. We have some Brits visiting and Paige is thoroughly enjoying being flirted with and listening to that British accent. The older ladies who work with her are very protective and cast the evil eye on many who flirt with my child. Paige declares all the time she can't help that she looks 21...and she really can't. It wears those of us protecting her virtue clean out! I threatened to have a shirt made that says "I AM A MINOR" across her chest for those pervs that abound out there.
Soon she will be certified to work the front desk. I'm not sure what that really means, but she is excited over it. She has plans that when we move, if we are near an interstate or large town, she will have an "in" for a job in the hotel industry to see her through high school and college. I'm pretty sure she will be writing her resume soon.
Right now her short range goals include getting a laptop. She is searching and price comparing very seriously to get the very best bang for her buck. Money is being saved for her cell phone upgrade in September so she can get whatever her little gadget heart desires.
I am so proud of her I can't hardly stand it. Sure, she's tired in the evenings and sometimes grouchy. She was scared at first and thought something was wrong because she would come home and sleep every day. I laughed and said she was just tired from working! Paige has now come to the conclusion that being cheery and a people person is flat out exhausting. Whew. (Those of you who know her can totally see her saying that.)
She's a good kid. I'm tough on her and expect a lot out of her. She delivers.
That's my girl.
She was pretty sure she was going to end up working at the CDC (Child Development Center). All her references were child care related and she was okay with that. How surprised she was to find she was going to be working at the TVQ (Transient Visitors Quarters- like a hotel on base) at the front desk.
She is also glad she goes to church on a regular basis because she has to dress up for this job. No denim or tennis shoes are allowed at the front desk. Miss Coty sure saved the day because of all the cute clothes she passed on when she purged her closet before moving up North. I'm also glad that the dress clothes I've bought her are getting some use instead of gathering dust in her closet. How happy I am that I've always dressed my children up on a regular basis. My girls are just as comfortable in a dress/skirt as they are in jeans.
Each morning she gets up to make a fresh gallon of sweet tea. I have enforced that she will be taking her lunch and not buying it as that will burn up her money quick like. She has a big cup of tea "to go" along with a 32 oz. container so she can sip all day at work. I love that she went shopping with me at the commissary last week and bought a majority of her own food to take to work. She packs up her little frozen meal she purchased with her own money or the left overs from the previous night's meal in a cute bag and off to work she goes.
Every evening we get to hear all about her exciting day. This has been declared the BEST SUMMER EVAH with memories to last a lifetime. We have some Brits visiting and Paige is thoroughly enjoying being flirted with and listening to that British accent. The older ladies who work with her are very protective and cast the evil eye on many who flirt with my child. Paige declares all the time she can't help that she looks 21...and she really can't. It wears those of us protecting her virtue clean out! I threatened to have a shirt made that says "I AM A MINOR" across her chest for those pervs that abound out there.
Soon she will be certified to work the front desk. I'm not sure what that really means, but she is excited over it. She has plans that when we move, if we are near an interstate or large town, she will have an "in" for a job in the hotel industry to see her through high school and college. I'm pretty sure she will be writing her resume soon.
Right now her short range goals include getting a laptop. She is searching and price comparing very seriously to get the very best bang for her buck. Money is being saved for her cell phone upgrade in September so she can get whatever her little gadget heart desires.
I am so proud of her I can't hardly stand it. Sure, she's tired in the evenings and sometimes grouchy. She was scared at first and thought something was wrong because she would come home and sleep every day. I laughed and said she was just tired from working! Paige has now come to the conclusion that being cheery and a people person is flat out exhausting. Whew. (Those of you who know her can totally see her saying that.)
She's a good kid. I'm tough on her and expect a lot out of her. She delivers.
That's my girl.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Got my Eye on her
Let me tell you what crazy me did.
A little bit of back story...
Paige came to me months and months ago with this crazy idea that she wanted to FLY to Tennessee to see her best friend who moved there (after her dad retired). I was like....yeah, right. I told her sure, she could go, but I wasn't buying the ticket.
I figured that would nix that idea quick like.
I keep underestimating my child.
She has worked (babysitting) for a while now. Lately, she's scored some good gigs that have paid well.
How well, you ask?
Well enough to purchase a plane ticket to Tennessee.
Crap.
What do I do now? I mean, she took me at my word and made the money.
The only thing that *might* could stop her now is that she may get a job working this summer on base. A real bona fide-take out taxes-file at the end of the year job. She has to fill out an application and go through the interview process. She's right serious about it as she is sure this will look good on her resume in the future. Seriously? Worried about a resume at age 15. Who worried about a resume at 15? I was more worried about getting a cancer causing tan than anything else.
On one hand I'm so proud of her I could burst. Her work ethic is amazing and I just know it will get her far in life. On the other hand...when will I learn?????
Jeesh.
Oh, and we're starting her a checking/savings account because she's seriously wanting the joy of a debit card and says she's ready for the responsibility. She's got to use it to purchase that ticket.
Dang.
That girl of mine is a mess.
A little bit of back story...
Paige came to me months and months ago with this crazy idea that she wanted to FLY to Tennessee to see her best friend who moved there (after her dad retired). I was like....yeah, right. I told her sure, she could go, but I wasn't buying the ticket.
I figured that would nix that idea quick like.
I keep underestimating my child.
She has worked (babysitting) for a while now. Lately, she's scored some good gigs that have paid well.
How well, you ask?
Well enough to purchase a plane ticket to Tennessee.
Crap.
What do I do now? I mean, she took me at my word and made the money.
The only thing that *might* could stop her now is that she may get a job working this summer on base. A real bona fide-take out taxes-file at the end of the year job. She has to fill out an application and go through the interview process. She's right serious about it as she is sure this will look good on her resume in the future. Seriously? Worried about a resume at age 15. Who worried about a resume at 15? I was more worried about getting a cancer causing tan than anything else.
On one hand I'm so proud of her I could burst. Her work ethic is amazing and I just know it will get her far in life. On the other hand...when will I learn?????
Jeesh.
Oh, and we're starting her a checking/savings account because she's seriously wanting the joy of a debit card and says she's ready for the responsibility. She's got to use it to purchase that ticket.
Dang.
That girl of mine is a mess.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Supper Table Tales...again
We have quite a few of these moments where we all laugh so hard at the supper table, someone almost falls out their chair.
Tonight was another one of those moments.
Paige was sharing her two fun things. Then she got sidetracked. She is an expressive child, bless her. She had to stand up in order to fully explain what she wanted to say. It had something to do with her changing clothes in between classes in a bathroom with a big stall. I *think* this was on a Thursday where she was changing from her uniform into civilian clothes for something or another. Dude, I really don't know.
All I know is that she was talking about hopping and jumping and throwing her clothes on and cramming clothes in her backpack. This was all complete with some hopping and plenty of action hands.
She said....."If anyone had seen me doing all that? They would have DIED laughing."
Then she paused a second.
Wait for it.
She said...."God probably pee'd his pants."
Yeah, we were done then. Only Paige.
Tonight was another one of those moments.
Paige was sharing her two fun things. Then she got sidetracked. She is an expressive child, bless her. She had to stand up in order to fully explain what she wanted to say. It had something to do with her changing clothes in between classes in a bathroom with a big stall. I *think* this was on a Thursday where she was changing from her uniform into civilian clothes for something or another. Dude, I really don't know.
All I know is that she was talking about hopping and jumping and throwing her clothes on and cramming clothes in her backpack. This was all complete with some hopping and plenty of action hands.
She said....."If anyone had seen me doing all that? They would have DIED laughing."
Then she paused a second.
Wait for it.
She said...."God probably pee'd his pants."
Yeah, we were done then. Only Paige.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Supper Table Tales
I've incorporated some things at the supper table this week. I read somewhere about how this family that sits down to eat at night has this thing they do. Each person has to tell two fun/funny things they saw/did that day. It helps teach conversation skills to the younger ones. With The Boy's issues, I need to do all I can to help him learn social skills- how to take turns, how not to interrupt, etc. etc.
This gives The Boy something to think about and he was ready with his two things tonight. I threw him off when I told him that Makenna got to go first. Again, another lesson to learn. Even The Man and I take part.
Tonight, Paige went last because I knew she had had the best day of all. She made a good rank with NJROTC today and she was thrilled to pieces. Oh, how it tortured The Boy to sit there until all were finished.
A while back, I started some rules. I add one at a time, usually a few weeks apart.
1. You must wear a shirt to eat at my table. Girls have to wear pants (if not wearing a skirt-long story, but Makenna needed this one).
2. You have to try something new one time (or one bite). I won't make you eat it if you gag, but you gotta give it a try.
3. *New rule established tonight* You have to wait until everyone has said their two fun things before being excused from the table.
I try not to make the rules hard, but order must be in effect at Miss Hope's table. My nerves require it.
So, we made it through another night of fun/funny things. If you need ideas, feel free to try this. It makes for some good conversations as you question each other for more details and it puts everyone in the spotlight for a few minutes. I want my kids to get to the point that they go through their days looking for that perfect thing to tell that night when we sit down to eat.
Tonight, Paige, The Man, and myself were chatting at the end of the meal and I was smiling over how she was talking about NJROTC. She was throwing out military lingo left and right without even thinking. It was like talking to a Mini Man. I made the comment that I hoped that she would give me grandchildren one day and not be too completely focused on her career. She didn't make any promises on that score. I told her I needed for her to have kids so that they could go to her and say, "My Grandma (meaning me) said if you don't treat me better, she's coming to get me!" (Yes, I've had this used against me-just insert "Nana" in there)
My child had the audacity to say...with a straight face......
"Then I would tell them to tell her to come on and get them because that's where they want to be and I would let them go."
You know I started hooting over that one!
I looked up towards the heavens and said, "Lord? Please let my child remember she said that one day when she has her own kids."
I paused....looked back up ...and said...
"Never mind, Lord, I'll just blog about it!!!"
This gives The Boy something to think about and he was ready with his two things tonight. I threw him off when I told him that Makenna got to go first. Again, another lesson to learn. Even The Man and I take part.
Tonight, Paige went last because I knew she had had the best day of all. She made a good rank with NJROTC today and she was thrilled to pieces. Oh, how it tortured The Boy to sit there until all were finished.
A while back, I started some rules. I add one at a time, usually a few weeks apart.
1. You must wear a shirt to eat at my table. Girls have to wear pants (if not wearing a skirt-long story, but Makenna needed this one).
2. You have to try something new one time (or one bite). I won't make you eat it if you gag, but you gotta give it a try.
3. *New rule established tonight* You have to wait until everyone has said their two fun things before being excused from the table.
I try not to make the rules hard, but order must be in effect at Miss Hope's table. My nerves require it.
So, we made it through another night of fun/funny things. If you need ideas, feel free to try this. It makes for some good conversations as you question each other for more details and it puts everyone in the spotlight for a few minutes. I want my kids to get to the point that they go through their days looking for that perfect thing to tell that night when we sit down to eat.
Tonight, Paige, The Man, and myself were chatting at the end of the meal and I was smiling over how she was talking about NJROTC. She was throwing out military lingo left and right without even thinking. It was like talking to a Mini Man. I made the comment that I hoped that she would give me grandchildren one day and not be too completely focused on her career. She didn't make any promises on that score. I told her I needed for her to have kids so that they could go to her and say, "My Grandma (meaning me) said if you don't treat me better, she's coming to get me!" (Yes, I've had this used against me-just insert "Nana" in there)
My child had the audacity to say...with a straight face......
"Then I would tell them to tell her to come on and get them because that's where they want to be and I would let them go."
You know I started hooting over that one!
I looked up towards the heavens and said, "Lord? Please let my child remember she said that one day when she has her own kids."
I paused....looked back up ...and said...
"Never mind, Lord, I'll just blog about it!!!"
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
That Girl is Random
Tonight, Paige and I were in the kitchen preparing the evening meal and chatting a bit. There was a debate on which vegetable to fix. My choices are really limited because my kids will mostly only eat green beans, peas, and corn. We're not a cooked carrot kind of family here. Paige told me she didn't really care which veggie was fixed as she had eaten a really good salad for lunch today piled high with spinach. (My kids are HUGE salad eaters and my girl eats one every single day for lunch.)
She then went off on this tangent about ranch dressing and how it is just the bestest stuff in the whole wide world.
She concluded her tangent with the thought that we could end world hunger with ranch dressing as it can take the nastiest food and make it taste good.
See? She's going to grow up, join the military, and save the world.
With ranch dressing.
She then went off on this tangent about ranch dressing and how it is just the bestest stuff in the whole wide world.
She concluded her tangent with the thought that we could end world hunger with ranch dressing as it can take the nastiest food and make it taste good.
See? She's going to grow up, join the military, and save the world.
With ranch dressing.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
That's how it goes
We all know my daughter has herself a gentleman caller. All is going well there as far as I know. He seems to be treating her well, and I'm not going to argue with that.
A few days ago, she told me she wanted to go "chill" at his house this weekend. I thought about that thing. Mulled it over really well. I finally talked with her. Simply talked. There was no hollering and carrying on and I have to admit, I was prepared for it. I told her that we really don't know this boy that well. Until we get to know him and his parents a little better, then we prefer for him to come to our house to visit. I know I was earnest and sincere and needed her to see where I was coming from as a Mother. I also told her that the two of them needed to sit with us for a little bit. Let us have a conversation with Christian. I looked her in the eye and said, "How can I entrust you in his care at his home if I don't even know him?"
I got not one argument. The lawyer in her didn't come out for battle. She said, "Yes, ma'am." and that was that. Christian came to our home last night to hang out with Paige. They both sat with us for about an hour and he wasn't overly chatty, but he carried on a conversation and had no problem with it. Nice.
I walked outside later on in the evening and was checking out our outside decorations. Christian's mom drove up to get him and we started chatting. She's so nice and when I explained why I wasn't letting Paige go to her house, she was completely understanding. I'm sure I'll be letting Paige go eventually, because Miss S. has good rules for her kid. She's already raised two sons who are serving in the military, and I can find no fault with that. It was nice to get to know another Mom. I consider it a bonus that it's Christian's mom.
The kids have Winter Ball next weekend. Tomorrow is shoe shopping! Cinderella needs some shoes to go with her beautiful gown she's wearing. Miss S. and I made arrangements that she would take the kids to the ball so she can get pictures and see them. We're going to pick them up and take them home afterwards to keep things fair and give her a break. You know I'll have some pictures for your viewing enjoyment.
A little update on The Boy. This medication is reacting wonderfully with him! It truly has been a good experience. His ability to focus has increased a hundredfold. He has his impulses solidly(=normally) under control. Now, don't get me wrong here. He still has the occasional meltdown and gets very excited. I personally feel like he acting like he's four. Which is fine with me. The only glitch (and isn't there always one?) is that he's lost some weight. It was a lot at first- almost five pounds. That's not good at all. Five pounds is a HUGE amount for someone who only weighed 48 lbs. to begin with. The Man and I have started making sure he eats more. I've bought some high calorie healthy snacks (cheese, peanut butter, puddings) that he has access to. He's not a great eater during the day, but night time is his time. The Man is even going so far as to put a cup of milk in the fridge at night with a cheese stick on top of it. That's because The Boy has woken up at 3:00 a.m. to come tell Dad he's hungry. A little snack does a body good. Especially one that has some serious medication going on.
This morning we weighed The Boy (because we're keeping that close of an eye on his weight) and he was up by 2 lbs! YaY, Baby! About 30 minutes later he pooted and I told The Man he might better go weigh him again because I believe he was holding 2 lbs. of air pressure in his butt. We decided not to because he ate a go-gurt, a peanut butter/jelly sandwich, string cheese, 3 mini muffins, and a cup of milk for breakfast. He probably won't eat good again until this evening, but I'm thinking it'll be because he's out of room! (We encourage eating before taking medication)
He's doing so well, Internets. He's earning stickers left and right at school on his personal behaviour chart. Miss Rose said she can tell he's doing much better with his communication and next week she's going to see if he'll go in with her on his own without me. There's still lots of work to be done so he can better learn how to use his words and not his hands, but we're getting there. He's had four years to let ADHD take control of his body and mind, and getting control back won't happen over night. It's going to be a life long process. I'm just so tickled we seem to be on the right track at the moment.
Example of a being a four year old: At school yesterday he made a bad choice. At nap time he put his blanket on his head and was walking around. Of course, he fell and bumped his noggin.
This Monday, we have a parent-teacher conference with The Boy's teacher. This is a standard meeting to discuss progress since the beginning of the year. We get one now and another one at the end of the year. I'm excited to see what Miss K has to say.
Today promises to be a busy one if I let it. I hope you all have a good weekend and I'll catch you tomorrow or Monday.
A few days ago, she told me she wanted to go "chill" at his house this weekend. I thought about that thing. Mulled it over really well. I finally talked with her. Simply talked. There was no hollering and carrying on and I have to admit, I was prepared for it. I told her that we really don't know this boy that well. Until we get to know him and his parents a little better, then we prefer for him to come to our house to visit. I know I was earnest and sincere and needed her to see where I was coming from as a Mother. I also told her that the two of them needed to sit with us for a little bit. Let us have a conversation with Christian. I looked her in the eye and said, "How can I entrust you in his care at his home if I don't even know him?"
I got not one argument. The lawyer in her didn't come out for battle. She said, "Yes, ma'am." and that was that. Christian came to our home last night to hang out with Paige. They both sat with us for about an hour and he wasn't overly chatty, but he carried on a conversation and had no problem with it. Nice.
I walked outside later on in the evening and was checking out our outside decorations. Christian's mom drove up to get him and we started chatting. She's so nice and when I explained why I wasn't letting Paige go to her house, she was completely understanding. I'm sure I'll be letting Paige go eventually, because Miss S. has good rules for her kid. She's already raised two sons who are serving in the military, and I can find no fault with that. It was nice to get to know another Mom. I consider it a bonus that it's Christian's mom.
The kids have Winter Ball next weekend. Tomorrow is shoe shopping! Cinderella needs some shoes to go with her beautiful gown she's wearing. Miss S. and I made arrangements that she would take the kids to the ball so she can get pictures and see them. We're going to pick them up and take them home afterwards to keep things fair and give her a break. You know I'll have some pictures for your viewing enjoyment.
A little update on The Boy. This medication is reacting wonderfully with him! It truly has been a good experience. His ability to focus has increased a hundredfold. He has his impulses solidly(=normally) under control. Now, don't get me wrong here. He still has the occasional meltdown and gets very excited. I personally feel like he acting like he's four. Which is fine with me. The only glitch (and isn't there always one?) is that he's lost some weight. It was a lot at first- almost five pounds. That's not good at all. Five pounds is a HUGE amount for someone who only weighed 48 lbs. to begin with. The Man and I have started making sure he eats more. I've bought some high calorie healthy snacks (cheese, peanut butter, puddings) that he has access to. He's not a great eater during the day, but night time is his time. The Man is even going so far as to put a cup of milk in the fridge at night with a cheese stick on top of it. That's because The Boy has woken up at 3:00 a.m. to come tell Dad he's hungry. A little snack does a body good. Especially one that has some serious medication going on.
This morning we weighed The Boy (because we're keeping that close of an eye on his weight) and he was up by 2 lbs! YaY, Baby! About 30 minutes later he pooted and I told The Man he might better go weigh him again because I believe he was holding 2 lbs. of air pressure in his butt. We decided not to because he ate a go-gurt, a peanut butter/jelly sandwich, string cheese, 3 mini muffins, and a cup of milk for breakfast. He probably won't eat good again until this evening, but I'm thinking it'll be because he's out of room! (We encourage eating before taking medication)
He's doing so well, Internets. He's earning stickers left and right at school on his personal behaviour chart. Miss Rose said she can tell he's doing much better with his communication and next week she's going to see if he'll go in with her on his own without me. There's still lots of work to be done so he can better learn how to use his words and not his hands, but we're getting there. He's had four years to let ADHD take control of his body and mind, and getting control back won't happen over night. It's going to be a life long process. I'm just so tickled we seem to be on the right track at the moment.
Example of a being a four year old: At school yesterday he made a bad choice. At nap time he put his blanket on his head and was walking around. Of course, he fell and bumped his noggin.
This Monday, we have a parent-teacher conference with The Boy's teacher. This is a standard meeting to discuss progress since the beginning of the year. We get one now and another one at the end of the year. I'm excited to see what Miss K has to say.
Today promises to be a busy one if I let it. I hope you all have a good weekend and I'll catch you tomorrow or Monday.
Monday, November 24, 2008
She Knew I'd Do This
I didn't have time to come out and tell her this, but I'm pretty sure that Paige knows I'm going to blog about this.
This weekend I made some Christmas Tea. If you've never tried this, you simply must. I put it in the crock pot and let it simmer all afternoon. The Man and I cleaned the truck out and really detailed the inside of it while it brewed in my kitchen. It was right chilly and when we came inside with cold hands, this was just beyond perfect. I really thought this huge batch I made would have lasted. Alas, I must make more as we have thoroughly enjoyed sipping this liquid goodness.
This morning is like many others have been in the past week or so. Paige has been waiting all weekend to take her a cup of warm Christmas Tea to school with her. Can't say I blame her. I heard the microwave go off while I was getting The Boy dressed. I walked in the kitchen as she did and she headed to the microwave.
Then I saw what she pulled out.
That girl went and put a METAL to-go cup up in my microwave to warm her beverage.
ARGH!!!!
"What were you thinking????" I *think* I screeched.
"What?????" she replied.
"You put a METAL CUP IN THE MICROWAVE?!?!?" said I.
A look of confusion came across her face.
I then gave her the boot camp quick version of why we don't put metal in the microwave. EVAH.
You should have smelled the odor coming from my poor almost dead microwave. It's been on its last leg for a few months now, but she was trying to send it on to the grave, I do believe.
Internets, it's hard living in a house with gifted people. My family is a bunch of Super Intelligents and I am so very proud of them, but, they don't have a lick of common sense. I used to be this way. I remember my mother being so exasperated with me growing up because I couldn't comprehend simple things but could analyze the hardest problems. I'm so glad I got past that.
We'd be in deep doo-doo if all of us here at The Edge were Super's.
Metal in the microwave. I should really make her write a small research paper during Thanksgiving break on the con's of doing such a thing. Don't laugh, I've been known to do stuff like that. That's the former Super (Intelligent) in me.
This weekend I made some Christmas Tea. If you've never tried this, you simply must. I put it in the crock pot and let it simmer all afternoon. The Man and I cleaned the truck out and really detailed the inside of it while it brewed in my kitchen. It was right chilly and when we came inside with cold hands, this was just beyond perfect. I really thought this huge batch I made would have lasted. Alas, I must make more as we have thoroughly enjoyed sipping this liquid goodness.
This morning is like many others have been in the past week or so. Paige has been waiting all weekend to take her a cup of warm Christmas Tea to school with her. Can't say I blame her. I heard the microwave go off while I was getting The Boy dressed. I walked in the kitchen as she did and she headed to the microwave.
Then I saw what she pulled out.
That girl went and put a METAL to-go cup up in my microwave to warm her beverage.
ARGH!!!!
"What were you thinking????" I *think* I screeched.
"What?????" she replied.
"You put a METAL CUP IN THE MICROWAVE?!?!?" said I.
A look of confusion came across her face.
I then gave her the boot camp quick version of why we don't put metal in the microwave. EVAH.
You should have smelled the odor coming from my poor almost dead microwave. It's been on its last leg for a few months now, but she was trying to send it on to the grave, I do believe.
Internets, it's hard living in a house with gifted people. My family is a bunch of Super Intelligents and I am so very proud of them, but, they don't have a lick of common sense. I used to be this way. I remember my mother being so exasperated with me growing up because I couldn't comprehend simple things but could analyze the hardest problems. I'm so glad I got past that.
We'd be in deep doo-doo if all of us here at The Edge were Super's.
Metal in the microwave. I should really make her write a small research paper during Thanksgiving break on the con's of doing such a thing. Don't laugh, I've been known to do stuff like that. That's the former Super (Intelligent) in me.
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