Catch Up Thoughts

Since I was battling the addiction at the time, I didn't get to post anything about Memorial Day. We went to church the Sunday before and I have to tell you, it was just the best morning for me.

I'm sure you realize we live in a military town. The churches here are very supportive of the men and women who serve our country- past and present. That morning was no exception.

The Man and I were sitting there before service watching the people filter in and find seats...chatting with those we knew. I saw this elderly gentleman come down the aisle with a snazzy red sports coat on. On it, was a patch signifying his having been a Marine. His gray hair was slicked back with little tufts sticking out here and there. The elderly women greeted him with smiles and hugs. I started grinning because there was four elderly women dressed in their Sunday finest....fawning over this gentleman. Hugging him, smiling ever so sweetly, literally gushing. There he was, basking in the adoration and soaking it in...preening like he was fresh out of boot camp. You know what they say: Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Our choir did the Armed Forces medley, where the songs are sung from each branch of service. If you've never seen this, you have truly missed a treat. I've seen it once before and it never fails to touch me, make my chin tremble, and bring a tear to the eye. As each branch's song is sung, it is asked that those have served or is serving for that branch to stand up and be recognized.

Oh my.

I can't tell you how amazing it is to see men and women stand up when "their song" is being sung. To see young people in their first years of service, to my husband about to hit twenty years, to the elderly hanging onto the pew in front of them for balance (yet proudly standing) just touches my entire heart.

Before I married my husband, the military was something I knew about. I knew that many of the guys headed to Myrtle Beach and we gals sure loved to say hello to them when passing them on the Boulevard back in the day.

To live with someone on a daily basis who has dedicated their lives to service of our county has been an eye opener. It has made my love for my country grow by leaps and bounds. We spouses of active duty members are told all the time that we, too, serve our country. I guess so. I don't feel like I've done anything special. I love The Man. The Man loves God, his Country, and me. (I promise the list is much longer.) I'm kind of hoping that I'll move up a notch come the end of the year. We'll see.

I apologize for this post being late, but I don't think it hurts to remember those who have served our Country and gave their all. I honestly don't think one day is enough to cover it.

All I know is that it was a very special Sunday morning where God and Country co-existed beautifully in a Baptist Church in a small coastal town.

The Right Way to Say it

You just gotta work with me here, Internets. I've composed this post at least four times and sent it to the draft folder. I just couldn't find a way to put it the right way. It's personal. It's a struggle. It's flat out hard.

I quit smoking.

I am going into my third week with no cigarette. I am empowered. I can breathe.

I could eat one- filter and all. Lighter optional.

This is the hardest thing I've done.

I think I'd rather give birth ten times WITHOUT drugs than go through this again. (I've done the birth thing with a big headed baby, so I know.)

I found myself composing this long post about how I smoked and don't judge me and I have an addictive personality and smoking was my addiction. I found myself getting all defensive and literally arguing the more I typed. Who was I arguing with? I have no idea. I think that was around the time I was going into day 5 where I was thoroughly pissed over the whole thing.

I have grieved...am still grieving my habit. It's the death (literally and figuratively) of a long relationship.

I told you in previous posts I was taking baby steps towards better health. Well, this wasn't a baby step. It was a LEAP off of a mountain.

Around day 7, I found myself crying for alcoholics and drug addicts. My habit was small scale compared to theirs, but I GET IT. For those of you beating your habit daily? I GET IT. I pray for you. I pray for me.

My house is much cleaner as I find myself keeping busy so I don't think about how I would love to light one up and enjoy five minutes of "me time". No, I didn't smoke up in my home, but I had designated smoking areas. I avoid those areas now. I scrub counters instead.

I am trying to keep food from being a replacement. For those of you who have seen me lately? You KNOW that is the last thing I need to do. So add in walking past the closed pantry in there along with no cigs.

Day 10 found me contemplating nerve pills a little bit more seriously. I composed another post that was full of the "Woe is Me" stuff. Ugh. I got to delete that one. I'm the only one who's read it but it embarrasses me.

I do still ask that you don't judge me. I am still fragile and fighting this day by day. Yes, it's gotten easier. I told just a few people I was going to do this. Neighbor Debbie and Chelle (both blogs to the right) stepped up and started sending encouraging text messages. The first week? I got a text message about every hour. These two ladies don't know each other but their wavelength was amazing. It was like they alternated hours and I'd get that text message and appreciate it so much. "You can do this!" "I'm so proud of you!" "Cowgirl up!" <--Neighbor Debbie. Each one was needed and loved. Neighbor Debbie is down to around two texts a day. She's a former smoker. She knows. God bless those of you- the family and friends who knew- who have supported me doing this.

I'm typing this fast and going to post after a quick spell check because I love my blog. This has been keeping me from blogging and doing something I love because my focus HAD to be all on quitting. I'm starting to have ideas again to post about but I needed to post this first.

Okay, I just sighed really big.

Done. Now you know how it's really going at The Edge.

Bring on Week 3!!!!!!!!!!!

She Said It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Busy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I like easy busy.

Lost and Found

The Man and I aged a good five years yesterday.

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

Really?

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

Hmmm.

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

Paige got into the search and still no boy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A little voice said, "Hey, Mama."

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

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

I. Was. Livid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A tad bit emotional...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's my Birthday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Truly, though, being a grown up does rock.

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

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

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

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

* Cake was mine last year by Mandi.

Happy Blogoversary to Me!!!

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

Four years. Wow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Dove Love

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

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

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

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

Thanks, DOVE! You rock!

Memory

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

I did.

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

I was putting toothpaste on his toothbrush when I froze.

The Boy and Makenna had a dentist appointment last week.

Did they go?

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

I couldn't remember them going to the dentist.

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

Nothing.

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

Crap.

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

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

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

Oh, yeah.

THE MAN took them for the appointment.

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

Until I remembered something else.

The Boy has a cavity that needs to be filled.

Shoot. I can't win.

Injured

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

Last night changed our stats.

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




My son had split his eyebrow open.




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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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




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

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

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

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

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

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

The excitement never ends here at The Edge!

Birthday Boy!

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

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

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

Check this out!

Normally, I don't blog on Saturday evenings, but sometimes you have to make an exception.

If you're bored and have a minute, skip on over to I Am Boymom, would you? She has a giveaway going on that might be beneficial to all...especially those with kids. I know after having viruses going through our home lately, I was right interested in this product.

Boymom is right nifty (I can hear her laughing over that word now!) and knows her stuff.

Good luck all of those who decide to enter!

Now I'm off to watch Harry Putter ....again.....with the family.

I appreciate

I suppose I should be fair and do an "I appreciate the US Navy because...." post. I haven't always been too positive when it comes to the military, but that comes with living the life, I suppose.

I appreciate the US Navy because my dryer wasn't working and now it is.

Imagine my surprise when I went to do laundry the other day and it wasn't working! *Gasp* Oh, how that upset me because if there's one thing a family of five needs? It's the washer and dryer.

I got to thinking about that dryer. Dryers have motors. My husband works on motors- of a sort.

I told him he needed to go check that dryer out because I just didn't want to blow our budget for the month on a service call. It was running and air was blowing, but there was no heat. Heat is necessary to dry thick towels that we use on a daily basis. Not to mention underwear and things such as that.

Then The Man got sick. Some gastro-intestinal viral deal that put him down. To be honest, he's still sick and going to go back to medical today to see what the deal is.

Last night, even though I hated to, I asked him to see what he could do about that dryer because the laundry was threatening to take over.

He took his woozy headed self in the laundry room and started working. I went around the corner a little while later to find my dryer pretty much dismantled. I admit, I was a tad nervous seeing that, but I had faith in my husband.

Lo and behold, there was a paper hidden underneath the panel with diagrams and such. Pictures that made my husband go "Aha!" and mutter to himself.

He requested the vacuum cleaner with hose attachment in order to clean the interior of that blessed machine. I stood to the side as I have been trained to do since I was a little girl. My Daddy trained me to be a helper and go and fetch for him when he was working. I know how to do my job.

Next thing I know? My dryer is working!!!

Oh, the joy of having a good working dryer in my home again. I immediately started laundry secure in the knowledge that what I needed to put in the dryer would be nice and dried at the end of the cycle.

Granted, my dryer isn't a nuclear reactor and it's not located on a submarine. But, I am appreciative to the Navy for teaching my husband the past twenty years how to work under pressure (I feel I might be a tad worse than the Captain at times!) and maybe fix a small motor. Hear that prospective employers?!?! My man is GOOD.

Thanks to my husband for understanding my angst and need for a working dryer in our home. Thanks to him for being sick as a dog and still getting the job done right. THAT's a Chief for ya.

Now, if you'll excuse me? I have some laundry to do.

Go on and enjoy a wonderful Spring weekend, would you?

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.

Spring Break 2009

We had a birthday to celebrate and friends came in for a short visit last week. I had 10 people up in my house! It was bedlam. It was great. We had kids running around outside and adults enjoying time off from work. Thursday evening, the adults went out to supper and left the kids behind. A simple meal turned into two hours of sitting and chatting and being grown ups.

Friday was all about the kids. Carla and her crew, Lu and her crew, me and my crew headed down to the Jacksonville Zoo for a full day of fun. That would be 15 people doing the caravan with picnic goodies packed in the back of SUV's.

This was special for us because it was The Boy's first visit. We just haven't been able to take him to places like this because he would just get so over stimulated and the experience would end up being miserable. What a blessing it was to see it all through his eyes. Animals he had seen in books and on television were REAL!!

We walked and walked, looking left and right. We fed stingrays and giraffes. Komoda Dragons were awesome in person. Even Paige got all excited and had a blast with her 15 year old self.

When we couldn't walk another step, it was time for a picnic. The kids ate quick so they could play (where did they get the energy???). The adults took their time and enjoyed just being able to sit down.

I do believe when we got home, all the adults crashed for a nap while the kids kept going strong.

Of course I got pictures! I'm researching new cameras now as the one I have is on its last legs. It keeps trying to quit on me but keeps hanging in there. I keep begging it to last "just a few more months". One day it's going to ignore me and just die. Probably at The Man's retirement ceremony!

This is feeding the stingrays. The Boy LOVED this exhibit because it was hands-on. Right up his alley. You can see The Man's hand on his back because he almost fell in a few times trying to reach the stingrays.

I love this because he had either just fed one or touched it. He was making sure I saw that it had happened! See the dark shape in the water floating away?

See what I mean? His expressions were just priceless and I'm so glad I caught them! By the way....everyone around the water was in our group!

Once she got past the "EWWWWWW Factor", Paige was all about some stingrays. That child of mine sure has some gorgeous hair.

I don't have a picture of Paige feeding the giraffes because I had to take a picture of her doing so with her cell phone so she could send proof to all her peeps.

Look at the tongue on that giraffe! My boy was living the life for sure at the zoo. When I called my parents to tell them about it, my Daddy asked if they let me bring all three of the kids home or did they keep them? I said it was a struggle, but I managed to bring all home with me.

The girls enjoyed the petting zoo for a little while. A few of the adults (*raises hand because I was one of them*) snuck off to sit down a minute while they did this.

All in all, it was a great Spring Break. We have so much coming up before we leave Georgia and I'm going to enjoy every single minute I can!

Birthday Blessing

Apparently, I took an unplanned vacation from blogging! It wasn't intentional...it just happened.

One thing I must address immediately is that my oldest child had a birthday last week!

Yes, Paige is now 15 years old. I could do the old statement "Where did the time go???" deal, but I won't.

This girl of mine has given me 15 of the best years of my life. On April 14, 1994, she made me a Mama. That, I believe, is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Each and every day I am in awe of the person she is becoming. She pushes my hot buttons and in the next breath, makes me laugh until I cry. I know my time with her gets shorter every day. Soon, she'll want to leave and spread her wings. I can't fault her for that because it was something I sure enjoyed doing when the time came. I am grateful that she willingly goes with us as a family to do things and most of the time surprises herself by having a good time.

She is a Mama's Girl through and through...unless her Papa or Poppies is around.

She loves small babies and the elderly. I encourage her all the time to pursue those interests.

She has a wonderful work ethic. She has no problem working and earning money to pay her own way.

She is passionate about her beliefs and can argue her side better than any lawyer you'll meet.

She is beautiful inside and out. (Uh..don't ask her sister about this-they tend to scrap quite a bit at times.)

I am honored that God picked this special person out for me to share my life with. She has been a blessing I wouldn't trade for all the riches of this world. With her, I am rich.

As soon as her grades are where her Dad and I want them to be, she gets to try for her learner's permit. Oh, joy.

Thank you, Paige, for not reaming me a new one for not putting up this post on your exact birthday. Just another sign of maturity and growth you're showing us. (I'll make another sushi run to make up for it later.)

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl. We sure love you.

Easter 2009

Look what time it is again! I searched google images to see what would best describe my feelings about this very special day. I found chocolate! Chocolate is my drug of choice in life, I do believe. My hips would agree with that statement also.

It is a little sad for us because this is our last Easter in Georgia (as far as we know). We have reached that point now. Where we do something like celebrate a holiday and know this is our last in this home. I wish we had known this a year ago! I would have appreciated those moments just a little bit more. Alas, that wasn't how it was supposed to be.

We at The Edge love us some Jesus. No matter what storm we have to go through in this life, we know Jesus is a rock we can cling to til that storm has passed. Right now we're in a storm of uncertainty. Now, when The Boy blesses our food before supper, he has been asked to add a little something to the end.

He says...."Lord, please watch out for our family and help my Dad find a good job."

Matthew 21:22 states: " And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." KJV

I could get a little more in depth with asking God to let us move back home to South Carolina. I have the town picked out, the desired school system and even a few neighborhoods I'd love to live in. You can't get much more specific than that, can you?

Mark 11:24 states: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." KJV

I can only ask. God knows what I want in my heart. I know He will make the best decision in order to best look after me and my family. I am humbled by that thought.

We are excited to celebrate Easter with good friends and a good church. Good food has been planned to enjoy after a wonderful church service. Eggs will be hunted with lots of giggles and pictures taken.

I am blessed this Easter weekend. I am blessed with an amazing family that I hold so close to my heart. I am blessed that we have the freedom to celebrate our Savior's Resurrection. I am simply blessed.

I wish you all a Happy Easter.

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.

Matthew 28:6

KJV

Things I have Learned

The past three weeks I've learned a few things about myself.

For instance, life is going to happen no matter what I think or feel. I can sit and pout or I can get motivated. That's simple enough, isn't it?

I love having "Perfect World" visions. You know where you envision how things would go in a perfect world and would just work out to your advantage with no tears- just smiles, lollipops, and rainbows. P.W. visions keep me sane some times when I get overwhelmed.

My family and I are going to survive this retirement. We really are. I don't know where we are going to end up when all is said and done, but I have faith that God knows and He will reveal it to me in His time. God also knows I'm a planner and I just know He won't let me suffer too much. Maybe just enough to be a touch frazzled and call on Him a little bit more, you think?

My husband finally gave me a tentative retirement ceremony date yesterday. It's going to be around mid-September. The date isn't set in stone, but it gives me a day. A day to plan somewhat. That date grounds me. Even if it changes, it will only be the week before or the week after. I have peace in knowing I have something to work with.

I also know my children will be okay. My Paige is a good kid. She has had to plan her classes for next year this past week. This is hard for her since she doesn't know where she will be finishing up 10th grade next year. What did she do? That girl got all proactive and looked at a couple of high schools where we *might* end up. She studied their requirements and compared them to what she can take here and finish there. She has a plan for next year for her classes. I never had to do a thing. She took care of it so that she, herself, could have peace of mind. She is just like her mother, that one. Give her a plan and she's set. She has reconciled herself with the fact that she has to leave this school she loves. I really hate having to do this to her- more than she will ever know. But, she's going to be just fine.

I have learned that I have amazing friends here where I am. The past two weeks have found me helping Neighbor Debbie with getting her homes taken care. Carla and I helped her clean the one she was leaving and we painted the one she was going to. It was back numbing work with long hours, but it's done! I would do it again in a heartbeat. That's what friends do, you know. They jump up and help without a second thought. I feel lost now, like a part of me is gone because we've been next door to each other for almost three years. Neighbor Greg had it pegged right when he said we needed to wean from each other a little bit. I have to say I agree with him. At least I can still see her on a regular basis and our dwindling group can stay intact for a few more months.

Ultimately, I have learned that I'm going to be okay. I say that now, but the closer it gets.....the more I'm sure I'll need nerve pills of some sort. I will plan what I can as I go and let God handle the rest. Now, if I could just follow my own advice, I'd be good to go!

Award Catch Up

I've been blessed to receive a few awards lately. I haven't done my part to pass on the love and I apologize for that. Lately, I've been unable to multi-task as well and I used to. I've been swamped with many things going on and it's messed with my zen. I would like to take a minute now to share the love, if you don't mind.

"This award may be passed to ONLY ONE! We all have that ONE blog that we look forward to every single day whether it's updated every day or not; that ONE blog that reaches to the depths of our soul; this is the ONE deserving of the "Tea Cup Blogger" Award. So -- because your blogging warms my soul like a hot cup of tea, you are deserving of this very special honor ... "

USS Retired passed this sweet award on to me. I have to laugh because we live only a mile or so apart and have yet to meet! We've chatted on the phone and computer and can't seem to find a spare five minutes to see each other in person. We'll have to soon, though, because I don't want to leave here having never met her. Thank you, Ma'am, for the honor!

This was hard for me because I would love to give this to quite a few bloggers I know. Alas, I have to pick one and I choose Andria over at Boy Crazy. I've shared a few awards with her over the past couple of years, but I like me some Boy Crazy. We've since become Face uh Book friends where we've challenged each other to word games and even chatted a few times. Oh, the power of technology. I adore visiting her blog because she has a son older than mine so I'm reading on what to expect. She has a daughter younger than mine so I can feel her pain on fixing hair and frilly clothes. She's also started another blog on her thrifty savings that I enjoy. I'm all about a coupon and saving a dollar and it's great knowing someone who gets that. Thanks, Andria for some great reading!

I am Boymom has tickled me to no end with this award. For those of you who are regular visitors to The Edge know that I've never even claimed to be in the running for this particular award. In fact, I just knew it would be the LAST one I could put on the mantle and polish every day. I guess the fact that I don't even have a fireplace (yet) doesn't even factor in. There are a few questions I have to answer in order to display this lovely picture and I'm all about participating!

Here goes:

Admit one thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are No Longer allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I'm not as consistent as I need to be. I'm anal about some things and let others slide. I need to be more on top of teaching my kids good housekeeping skills. While they get it and do it when I fuss and fuss and FUSS...I need to back my stuff up with consequences instead of just giving up. I let it stress me out too much and that's not what I want them to remember when they're older and deciding my nursing home.....how crazy their Mama was growing up.

Remind yourself you are a good mom, list seven things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself everyday that you Rock!

1. They all have an incredible sense of humor.


2. Since we moved away from family, we've bonded together as a family and have done so many things together. Even the teenager goes willingly!


3. All three use their manners and so many people have complimented both them and The Man and myself on this.


4. My kids love when I PMS because there will be a cookie in the house or Dad will bake something yummy. Yay for Mama's PMS!


5. I love when we watch movies together, how all three of my kids pile up on top of each other on the couch. I have more fun watching them than I do the television. It's moments like those I freeze in my mind to come back and visit later.


6. My kids might not love it now, but they'll appreciate later how I have instilled in them how to dress for different occasions and not to wear nasty dirty flip flops to church.


7. I love my husband. My husband loves me. I can't think of anything better you can show your children than a loving relationship with your spouse. To me, that's the biggest security blanket there is for a child.

•Send this to five other Mom's of the year that deserve credit for being great moms and remind them that they are the best moms they can be!! Remember to send them a note to let them know you've selected them, and add a link to the person who nominated you.

1. Queen of This Kingdom


2. Monogram Queen


3. Home is Where the Navy Sends Us

4. Spilt Milk 'n Mood Swings

5. Pikes Pickles

(I can't fix my bullets here! Meh, you all know what I'm trying to do so I won't stress anymore over it!)

These are all women that I admire. They are Mothers who are doing the very best that they can to raise their children and they love their husbands! I am blessed to be able to share their lives in a small part through their blogs.

Thank you again for such amazing blog awards. I am constantly humbled by the generosity of blog writers every single day!

Five Years Old!

Guess who had a birthday today!!!

That's right! My baby woke up bright and early this morning full of sass that he is now five years old. We kept it low key today since we're doing a small celebration tomorrow evening. Aunt Lu and her crew are coming into town from South Carolina and we're going to enjoy all there is about being five years old.

Of course we couldn't let the day go by without some cupcakes to share with friends at school. Did you doubt the color they would be?

My kid has the best teacher in the entire world. He earned an ENTIRE row of birthday stickers today. How cool are those?



What a year my son has had. What a past six months it's been. I feel like we've found the right road to walk on with him and now we're going to find our way. I live for his smiles where his eyes sparkle. I find myself looking at him some times and looking up to grin at God. I am in awe that I special ordered this child. I did! I wanted a brown eye'd dark hair little boy that looks like his Dad. Boy, did I get that. I get to love this little man and call him my own every day. This little man loves me and kisses me before he leaves for school every day.

I may have said it before and I'll say it again.

This kid made my life complete when he was born April 2, 2004.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!!!

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.