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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Not Old!
We two, Makenna and I, are sitting here waiting on The Man to finish putting The Boy to bed. Our favorite show of the moment (So You Think You Can Dance) is paused and awaiting his return to his recliner.
Makenna grows impatient waiting and hollers towards The Boy's bedroom, "Hurry up and finish reading that book! We're missing the show!"
To which I told her to hush because when she was that age, I would have to read book after book after book to her in order to get her to sleep.
Her reply?
"Well, there wasn't television shows back then that you watched."
Excuse me? Back then???
She is only ten years old. I HAD SHOWS THEN, MAN.
Smart alecky kid.
By the way, I don't want you to think I'm sitting here around The Edge moping and being all depressed. We've actually been quite busy as it is summertime. Not just with counseling (boy, that's a whole 'nother post there), but with all kinds of stuff. We're unable to take a vacation this year because: 1. The upcoming retirement. 2. We are broke as a joke. I have searched and found things for us to do as a family that are fun and memorable. Of course I've taken pictures. You'll get my "What We Did This Summer" blog post when the kids head back to school....the first week of August! I know!!! I am counting down and excited and READY. So ready. Mama's nerves need those precious hours back in order to find some sanity.
I've even stepped further out of my comfort zone and tried new recipes. And no one made me!!! Yeah, we're stepping it up a notch around The Edge. I'm surprising my own self here.
I know I'm not the only blogger in Blog Land who hasn't stayed on top of the blog love these summer months. I was guilty until I realized I wasn't alone. It's all good. We'll meet up when the kids go back to school and sip on beverages while we play catch up.
In the mean time? Congrats to Ally on the birth of the sweetest looking baby EVAH. Pikes Pickles is loving the new addition and I hope I get to meet that precious little darling one day. Also, please keep The Edge and Pikes Pickles in your prayers as we leave the military behind and venture into the civilian world. Jobs are being searched for and nerves are stretched. All the two families want is to do God's will and be where He wants us to be. This is stuff that will probably be blogged about eventually....it's just is buncha buncha plus a lotta and all that to deal with right now in the present. (I promise that makes sense if you think about it.) I just know continued prayers surely are appreciated!
Just think of the blog posts when we get a house for me to decorate and PAINT! It's gonna be ON then, Internets!
Makenna grows impatient waiting and hollers towards The Boy's bedroom, "Hurry up and finish reading that book! We're missing the show!"
To which I told her to hush because when she was that age, I would have to read book after book after book to her in order to get her to sleep.
Her reply?
"Well, there wasn't television shows back then that you watched."
Excuse me? Back then???
She is only ten years old. I HAD SHOWS THEN, MAN.
Smart alecky kid.
By the way, I don't want you to think I'm sitting here around The Edge moping and being all depressed. We've actually been quite busy as it is summertime. Not just with counseling (boy, that's a whole 'nother post there), but with all kinds of stuff. We're unable to take a vacation this year because: 1. The upcoming retirement. 2. We are broke as a joke. I have searched and found things for us to do as a family that are fun and memorable. Of course I've taken pictures. You'll get my "What We Did This Summer" blog post when the kids head back to school....the first week of August! I know!!! I am counting down and excited and READY. So ready. Mama's nerves need those precious hours back in order to find some sanity.
I've even stepped further out of my comfort zone and tried new recipes. And no one made me!!! Yeah, we're stepping it up a notch around The Edge. I'm surprising my own self here.
I know I'm not the only blogger in Blog Land who hasn't stayed on top of the blog love these summer months. I was guilty until I realized I wasn't alone. It's all good. We'll meet up when the kids go back to school and sip on beverages while we play catch up.
In the mean time? Congrats to Ally on the birth of the sweetest looking baby EVAH. Pikes Pickles is loving the new addition and I hope I get to meet that precious little darling one day. Also, please keep The Edge and Pikes Pickles in your prayers as we leave the military behind and venture into the civilian world. Jobs are being searched for and nerves are stretched. All the two families want is to do God's will and be where He wants us to be. This is stuff that will probably be blogged about eventually....it's just is buncha buncha plus a lotta and all that to deal with right now in the present. (I promise that makes sense if you think about it.) I just know continued prayers surely are appreciated!
Just think of the blog posts when we get a house for me to decorate and PAINT! It's gonna be ON then, Internets!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Good Deal
We went on a mission this past Saturday. I woke up and debated on doing some needed housework here at The Edge or packing us up to go hit some outlet stores for some needed items.
Outlet stores won hands down.
The main reason for going was to get The Man and his son some new shoes. They are both huge fans of those ever so attractive croc-o-dile clogs. I bought The Man some on a whim over a year ago and really didn't know if he would even wear them. Those shoes are now worn completely out. We bought The Boy some cheap off brand version to see how he would handle it. He loved them. We upgraded to the brand for school and he's worn them til they can not be passed down. The straps are gone and the soles are worn almost all the way down.
My boys are funny about some things and shoes are one of them. I have seen my overly sensitive child fall on the floor and literally melt into a puddle over being made to wear a pair of shoes he deems horrible. I know a lot of kids do this, my kid isn't breaking new ground. He despised wearing cleats for T-ball but, God bless his heart, he bucked it up and wore them for the game. Some times there are battles worth fighting and some times it's really not a bad idea to get the kid a comfy shoe to wear on a regular basis.
We hit that Croc-o-dile outlet with high hopes and expectations. We were not disappointed. Upon finding out that they offer a military discount, we were glad to give them our meager business. What a crowded store this was, with both people and all types of shoes. It was pretty overwhelming to be honest.
Paige was able to find a really cute pair of dress shoes she could wear to work. It's been really hard on her feet and ankles not being able to wear tennis shoes and being on her feet the full work day. The shoes she found are silver (score for neutral color!) and are almost like ballet flat sling backs. She has deemed them the best shoes ever and I'm glad we were able to find something dressy and workable for her.
What did that boy of mine find? Every single solitary pair of green shoes in the joint. We all know how much he adores the color green. He's not particular to any shade of green, it's all just magical and perfect for him. He gravitated to a pair of neon/lime green shoes that had potential to blind a person from fifty feet away and was insistent he needed that pair.
Did I mention the tape measure? Before we left the house, he got his Dad's tape measure out of the tool box. He measured his foot and he measured his old pair of shoes. He did the math in his head and decided how long a new pair would have to be. He put that big tape measure up in his pocket (cargo shorts) and was fully prepared to shoe shop.
In the midst of that busy store, people milling all around, my son would whip that tape measure out and measure a shoe before trying it on. God, how I love him and how his amazing mind works. Paige was on the embarrassed side because her little brother had a tape measure in public. I told her it just showed how incredible his mind is at being able to figure out measurement and apply it to every day life. I had not one problem with my child carrying that tape measure to measure and compare. I looked at it as an awesome learning experience. Shoot, you only live once.
In the end, we bought The Boy two pair of shoes. One pair for now, and one pair to start school with. The school pair are a good sturdy brown, guaranteed to match just about anything I put on that kid.
(Did I mention that I finished school clothes shopping for him while there? Every kid's store had amazing sales going on. I bought shirts from .99- 3.99. I bought shorts for 1.99-3.99. I am thrilled to pieces he is ready for kindergarten!)
What about the shoes he gets to wear now, you ask? Oh, what an amazing magical pair of shoes we have, Internets.
Outlet stores won hands down.
The main reason for going was to get The Man and his son some new shoes. They are both huge fans of those ever so attractive croc-o-dile clogs. I bought The Man some on a whim over a year ago and really didn't know if he would even wear them. Those shoes are now worn completely out. We bought The Boy some cheap off brand version to see how he would handle it. He loved them. We upgraded to the brand for school and he's worn them til they can not be passed down. The straps are gone and the soles are worn almost all the way down.
My boys are funny about some things and shoes are one of them. I have seen my overly sensitive child fall on the floor and literally melt into a puddle over being made to wear a pair of shoes he deems horrible. I know a lot of kids do this, my kid isn't breaking new ground. He despised wearing cleats for T-ball but, God bless his heart, he bucked it up and wore them for the game. Some times there are battles worth fighting and some times it's really not a bad idea to get the kid a comfy shoe to wear on a regular basis.
We hit that Croc-o-dile outlet with high hopes and expectations. We were not disappointed. Upon finding out that they offer a military discount, we were glad to give them our meager business. What a crowded store this was, with both people and all types of shoes. It was pretty overwhelming to be honest.
Paige was able to find a really cute pair of dress shoes she could wear to work. It's been really hard on her feet and ankles not being able to wear tennis shoes and being on her feet the full work day. The shoes she found are silver (score for neutral color!) and are almost like ballet flat sling backs. She has deemed them the best shoes ever and I'm glad we were able to find something dressy and workable for her.
What did that boy of mine find? Every single solitary pair of green shoes in the joint. We all know how much he adores the color green. He's not particular to any shade of green, it's all just magical and perfect for him. He gravitated to a pair of neon/lime green shoes that had potential to blind a person from fifty feet away and was insistent he needed that pair.
Did I mention the tape measure? Before we left the house, he got his Dad's tape measure out of the tool box. He measured his foot and he measured his old pair of shoes. He did the math in his head and decided how long a new pair would have to be. He put that big tape measure up in his pocket (cargo shorts) and was fully prepared to shoe shop.
In the midst of that busy store, people milling all around, my son would whip that tape measure out and measure a shoe before trying it on. God, how I love him and how his amazing mind works. Paige was on the embarrassed side because her little brother had a tape measure in public. I told her it just showed how incredible his mind is at being able to figure out measurement and apply it to every day life. I had not one problem with my child carrying that tape measure to measure and compare. I looked at it as an awesome learning experience. Shoot, you only live once.
In the end, we bought The Boy two pair of shoes. One pair for now, and one pair to start school with. The school pair are a good sturdy brown, guaranteed to match just about anything I put on that kid.
(Did I mention that I finished school clothes shopping for him while there? Every kid's store had amazing sales going on. I bought shirts from .99- 3.99. I bought shorts for 1.99-3.99. I am thrilled to pieces he is ready for kindergarten!)
What about the shoes he gets to wear now, you ask? Oh, what an amazing magical pair of shoes we have, Internets.
The Boy now owns his very own pair of kelly green croc-o-dile shoes that Mama happened to find in the clearance bin for $9.99.
Yes, sir, having your child come kiss you goodnight wearing nothing but a pair of Power Ranger underwear and green shoes? Priceless.
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.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Moving steady forward
First off, as of yesterday (June 21st), I have been smoke free for one solid month. A whole month without a cigarette. When I decided to quit, I honestly didn't know if I'd make it one day, much less a month. Is it getting easier? Sure. The habit is getting broken hour by hour as I find other things to fill my time. I'm not craving the nicotine per se, although I have the occasional day dream of the drug hitting my brain and the soothing goodness that comes from it. I don't ever want to pick up the habit again. It costs too much financially and health-wise. I miss it, God KNOWS I miss it. I still have to make the decision NOT to smoke every single day, some times every single hour. Maybe I always will.
On to current thoughts and such, my will power was surely tested this weekend. Since The Man and I decided that he should retire this upcoming November, we've been put on a roller coaster ride of MASSIVE proportions. I love a good roller coaster, mind you, but it's been a while since I've ridden one. I've gone along with the ride for the most part. I've planned the reception for his ceremony and got that taken care of. I'm not stressing a bit over that part.
This weekend, out of nowhere, I got hit with a sucker punch.
It hit me that I may have to uproot my family and take them to yet another new place to live. I don't want to do that. I'll be honest and up front with you.
I.Don't.Want.To.Do.That.
These are things I CAN do but DON'T want to do:
1. Find a decent school district and put my children in different schools where I know no person that works there.
2. Find new doctors(family doc, psychiatrist, psychologist) that will provide quality care for my family.
3. Find another OB/GYN for my personal needs.
4. Find a new dentist for all of us.
5. Find a new church that will fill my family's spiritual needs. (This should really be first.)
6. Find my way around a new town.
7. Map another route back to South Carolina to my parents house.
8. Realize that if I am over 35 miles away from my family, they won't come visit. Ever.
I just about melted on the floor. I got so angry and mad about the whole entire deal. For once, I want it to be easy. It's nothing but work work work all the fricken time. While I know my husband would be there with us and not out to sea this time, I still have to do this crap because he's going to be starting a new job. I know it's my job as The Wife and The Mama to make all this stuff magically happen, but I just want a durn break, ya know?
I feel so old. I'm not some starry eyed new military wife looking for the next adventure. That's not how I roll. I love stability. I love knowing my place where I am. This just isn't me.
But, I have no choice. Thanks to a plummeting economy, we will have to go where my husband can find a decent job to take care of a family of five. Trust me, you can't live off a retirement check.
Right this moment, I'm just depressed/upset/sad/mad/tired over what I'm going to have to deal with in the next six months. Whatever and where ever God sends us, I'll make do because that's just what I do.
I just need a little bit of time to wallow in the pool of crap I'm in so I can get it over with, put my big girl panties on, and deal with it.
......and I quit smoking???
On to current thoughts and such, my will power was surely tested this weekend. Since The Man and I decided that he should retire this upcoming November, we've been put on a roller coaster ride of MASSIVE proportions. I love a good roller coaster, mind you, but it's been a while since I've ridden one. I've gone along with the ride for the most part. I've planned the reception for his ceremony and got that taken care of. I'm not stressing a bit over that part.
This weekend, out of nowhere, I got hit with a sucker punch.
It hit me that I may have to uproot my family and take them to yet another new place to live. I don't want to do that. I'll be honest and up front with you.
I.Don't.Want.To.Do.That.
These are things I CAN do but DON'T want to do:
1. Find a decent school district and put my children in different schools where I know no person that works there.
2. Find new doctors(family doc, psychiatrist, psychologist) that will provide quality care for my family.
3. Find another OB/GYN for my personal needs.
4. Find a new dentist for all of us.
5. Find a new church that will fill my family's spiritual needs. (This should really be first.)
6. Find my way around a new town.
7. Map another route back to South Carolina to my parents house.
8. Realize that if I am over 35 miles away from my family, they won't come visit. Ever.
I just about melted on the floor. I got so angry and mad about the whole entire deal. For once, I want it to be easy. It's nothing but work work work all the fricken time. While I know my husband would be there with us and not out to sea this time, I still have to do this crap because he's going to be starting a new job. I know it's my job as The Wife and The Mama to make all this stuff magically happen, but I just want a durn break, ya know?
I feel so old. I'm not some starry eyed new military wife looking for the next adventure. That's not how I roll. I love stability. I love knowing my place where I am. This just isn't me.
But, I have no choice. Thanks to a plummeting economy, we will have to go where my husband can find a decent job to take care of a family of five. Trust me, you can't live off a retirement check.
Right this moment, I'm just depressed/upset/sad/mad/tired over what I'm going to have to deal with in the next six months. Whatever and where ever God sends us, I'll make do because that's just what I do.
I just need a little bit of time to wallow in the pool of crap I'm in so I can get it over with, put my big girl panties on, and deal with it.
......and I quit smoking???
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.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Quitting the Habit
I've had a few people email, call, and text asking me how I quit smoking.
I quit?
Well, I haven't lit a cigarette in 20 days and put it to my lips. Hold on a second while I daydream about inhaling, would you?
I think I'm going to be like an alcoholic. I will have to wake up every day telling myself I will not smoke that day. I don't look ahead a week, month, or year. I want to succeed each day.
I didn't wake up one morning and say NO MORE. I am the type person that I have to come around to my way of thinking. I have to contemplate it for a while. I have to get bronchitis and do breathing treatments to breathe. I have to cough all night from the bronchitis to the point I gag.
My biggest fear in life is that I will die before my children are grown. See, no one can raise them better than I can. No one can love them like I can. I pray every day to God that He PLEASE let me live to raise my children. After that? Anything I get will be gravy and a lottery won.
I really wasn't helping the Big Guy any with the smoking. I wasn't a heavy pack or two a day smoker...but what does that matter when you have asthma. Asthma didn't bother me when I was young because I was invincible and all that rot. Since we moved to the Bermuda Triangle of Allergies here in Georgia, I have fought that cursed asthma like a fiend. It got to where I knew every time I lit up, I was doing some major damage up in the lungs. How could I ask God to let me live and raise my children when I was steady killing myself every time I lit a cigarette?
The last time I went to the doctor for bronchitis and/or sinus infection (a little over a month ago), Dr. Rude gave me a run for my money. He immediately referred me out for the Smoking Cessation program we have on base. What? I didn't know such a thing existed! I got the letter in the mail and nurse called. I wasn't rude, but I wasn't as nice as a Southern gal should be. I made an appointment to go in and "just listen" to what she said.
I showed up for my appointment. While the nurse assisted a person ahead of me, I started reading the posters on the wall. You know the ones...where you see graphic pictures of bad lungs and sad faced children. Ugh. Until this point, I had started weaning down the number of cigarettes I was smoking a day, but I just wasn't ready to quit. Not quite yet. This was on a Tuesday.
I was surprised to learn that I didn't smoke enough to qualify for the heavy duty starter nicotine patch. The nurse told me to start the second step patch, along with some nicotine gum and see how it went. I am the type person who will talk a subject to death when I got it on the mind. She was so patient and answered or argued every point I made. She said she would see me in a week. Right.
I headed out the door with no set game plan but armed. I knew I had a new pack at home and that box of patches beside me.
I decided to finish the new pack and be done with it. I smoked all Tuesday afternoon and evening. I smoked all day Wednesday and into the evening. I savored each cigarette and I thought about what I was getting ready to undertake.
Thursday morning I woke up and slapped a patch on.
I know me. I know I could not break the mental and physical addiction both at one time. For those of you who quit cold turkey? God Bless You! You are amazing and I am humbled by your strength.
I had to break the habit first. As the day wore on, I got antsy. I NEEDED that cigarette in my hand. I made myself stop. Literally get still. I asked myself was I having withdrawals from the nicotine or was I missing the cigarette. Mental check. Nope, I was cool with the nicotine part. I wanted the cigarette.
I got busy. I've scrubbed counters. I've done laundry. I've cooked.
All I know is I am tired of fighting myself!
It has gotten easier. I know that I will always fight the urge to light one up. Every day that I don't will be the ultimate success for me.
Today I went to visit the nurse. I was given the final step down patch. I am going to make a tentative goal to be nicotine free within three weeks. I'm right excited about that, to be honest.
I have been warned that food will taste so much better. Lord, that was never broken to begin with and I surely don't want it fixed to be better!
I've always hated the smell of cigarettes. I look forward to hating it ten times more. How could I smoke if I hated the smell so bad? What can I say...the habit was stronger than my sense of smell.
My blood pressure has gone down around 14 points on the bottom. I was borderline hypertensive and was starting to concern the doctor. I am working on my cholesterol now. Healthy is my goal.
I have so many thoughts left to share, but I'll leave it for now. If you want to quit, you can. Is it hard? OH MY GOODNESS YES. I have been blessed to have amazing support with family and friends and there is nothing I'd rather do than pass that on to someone else. You need support? I'm your gal.
I quit?
Well, I haven't lit a cigarette in 20 days and put it to my lips. Hold on a second while I daydream about inhaling, would you?
I think I'm going to be like an alcoholic. I will have to wake up every day telling myself I will not smoke that day. I don't look ahead a week, month, or year. I want to succeed each day.
I didn't wake up one morning and say NO MORE. I am the type person that I have to come around to my way of thinking. I have to contemplate it for a while. I have to get bronchitis and do breathing treatments to breathe. I have to cough all night from the bronchitis to the point I gag.
My biggest fear in life is that I will die before my children are grown. See, no one can raise them better than I can. No one can love them like I can. I pray every day to God that He PLEASE let me live to raise my children. After that? Anything I get will be gravy and a lottery won.
I really wasn't helping the Big Guy any with the smoking. I wasn't a heavy pack or two a day smoker...but what does that matter when you have asthma. Asthma didn't bother me when I was young because I was invincible and all that rot. Since we moved to the Bermuda Triangle of Allergies here in Georgia, I have fought that cursed asthma like a fiend. It got to where I knew every time I lit up, I was doing some major damage up in the lungs. How could I ask God to let me live and raise my children when I was steady killing myself every time I lit a cigarette?
The last time I went to the doctor for bronchitis and/or sinus infection (a little over a month ago), Dr. Rude gave me a run for my money. He immediately referred me out for the Smoking Cessation program we have on base. What? I didn't know such a thing existed! I got the letter in the mail and nurse called. I wasn't rude, but I wasn't as nice as a Southern gal should be. I made an appointment to go in and "just listen" to what she said.
I showed up for my appointment. While the nurse assisted a person ahead of me, I started reading the posters on the wall. You know the ones...where you see graphic pictures of bad lungs and sad faced children. Ugh. Until this point, I had started weaning down the number of cigarettes I was smoking a day, but I just wasn't ready to quit. Not quite yet. This was on a Tuesday.
I was surprised to learn that I didn't smoke enough to qualify for the heavy duty starter nicotine patch. The nurse told me to start the second step patch, along with some nicotine gum and see how it went. I am the type person who will talk a subject to death when I got it on the mind. She was so patient and answered or argued every point I made. She said she would see me in a week. Right.
I headed out the door with no set game plan but armed. I knew I had a new pack at home and that box of patches beside me.
I decided to finish the new pack and be done with it. I smoked all Tuesday afternoon and evening. I smoked all day Wednesday and into the evening. I savored each cigarette and I thought about what I was getting ready to undertake.
Thursday morning I woke up and slapped a patch on.
I know me. I know I could not break the mental and physical addiction both at one time. For those of you who quit cold turkey? God Bless You! You are amazing and I am humbled by your strength.
I had to break the habit first. As the day wore on, I got antsy. I NEEDED that cigarette in my hand. I made myself stop. Literally get still. I asked myself was I having withdrawals from the nicotine or was I missing the cigarette. Mental check. Nope, I was cool with the nicotine part. I wanted the cigarette.
I got busy. I've scrubbed counters. I've done laundry. I've cooked.
All I know is I am tired of fighting myself!
It has gotten easier. I know that I will always fight the urge to light one up. Every day that I don't will be the ultimate success for me.
Today I went to visit the nurse. I was given the final step down patch. I am going to make a tentative goal to be nicotine free within three weeks. I'm right excited about that, to be honest.
I have been warned that food will taste so much better. Lord, that was never broken to begin with and I surely don't want it fixed to be better!
I've always hated the smell of cigarettes. I look forward to hating it ten times more. How could I smoke if I hated the smell so bad? What can I say...the habit was stronger than my sense of smell.
My blood pressure has gone down around 14 points on the bottom. I was borderline hypertensive and was starting to concern the doctor. I am working on my cholesterol now. Healthy is my goal.
I have so many thoughts left to share, but I'll leave it for now. If you want to quit, you can. Is it hard? OH MY GOODNESS YES. I have been blessed to have amazing support with family and friends and there is nothing I'd rather do than pass that on to someone else. You need support? I'm your gal.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
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!!!!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 15, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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.
Friday, May 08, 2009
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!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
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.
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!
Friday, May 01, 2009
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)