She Knew I'd Do This

I didn't have time to come out and tell her this, but I'm pretty sure that Paige knows I'm going to blog about this.

This weekend I made some Christmas Tea. If you've never tried this, you simply must. I put it in the crock pot and let it simmer all afternoon. The Man and I cleaned the truck out and really detailed the inside of it while it brewed in my kitchen. It was right chilly and when we came inside with cold hands, this was just beyond perfect. I really thought this huge batch I made would have lasted. Alas, I must make more as we have thoroughly enjoyed sipping this liquid goodness.

This morning is like many others have been in the past week or so. Paige has been waiting all weekend to take her a cup of warm Christmas Tea to school with her. Can't say I blame her. I heard the microwave go off while I was getting The Boy dressed. I walked in the kitchen as she did and she headed to the microwave.

Then I saw what she pulled out.

That girl went and put a METAL to-go cup up in my microwave to warm her beverage.

ARGH!!!!

"What were you thinking????" I *think* I screeched.

"What?????" she replied.

"You put a METAL CUP IN THE MICROWAVE?!?!?" said I.

A look of confusion came across her face.

I then gave her the boot camp quick version of why we don't put metal in the microwave. EVAH.

You should have smelled the odor coming from my poor almost dead microwave. It's been on its last leg for a few months now, but she was trying to send it on to the grave, I do believe.

Internets, it's hard living in a house with gifted people. My family is a bunch of Super Intelligents and I am so very proud of them, but, they don't have a lick of common sense. I used to be this way. I remember my mother being so exasperated with me growing up because I couldn't comprehend simple things but could analyze the hardest problems. I'm so glad I got past that.

We'd be in deep doo-doo if all of us here at The Edge were Super's.

Metal in the microwave. I should really make her write a small research paper during Thanksgiving break on the con's of doing such a thing. Don't laugh, I've been known to do stuff like that. That's the former Super (Intelligent) in me.

Sunday Pictures

I have a few pictures to share and catch up with and now seems like a perfect time to do it. I know my Aunt Anne in California digs it when I do this because this is how she can see my kids grow. On the special occasions I speak with her, she always tells me how it tickles her to see these kind of posts. Hi, Aunt Anne!

I apologize for missing out on one picture sequence. Neighbor Greg decided yesterday to do The Diet Coke and Mentos Challenge. When The Man heard this, his eyes literally lit up and he got all excited. We all met out in front of our homes for the demonstration. I believe it was a one liter bottle of diet coke that he used. We were all backed up a respectable distance and waiting on the show. Neighbor Greg dropped a hand full of mentos in the bottle and backed up quickly. A geyser of coke shot up about 6 feet. Wow. This awe inspiring event only lasted a few seconds, but it was very cool. Neighbor Debbie and I agreed it was redneck entertainment at its finest. I, of course, made the comment that was perfectly good waste of diet coke (that's mine and The Man's favorite beverage). Neighbor Debbie started laughing and told her husband, "See? I TOLD you she would say that!" You should really try this some time. Kids love it and men (especially submarine nukes) do, too.

Now, on to the pictures I've been withholding from you!

Makenna had her choir concert Thursday evening. The teacher also had them do an instrumental and she chose the xylophone. This was Aunt Lu's instrument in high school, so this tickled her to hear.

This is Makenna goofing around when she thought I wasn't taking a picture.

Friday, The Man and I went to The Boy's school to have Thanksgiving lunch with him. It was a great time. This is one of my favorite shirts The Boy is wearing. "Good looks run in the Family."

Not crazy about me being in pictures, but I can't very well delete me from their lives growing up over my insecurities, now can I? I really like this picture of us.

Earlier that morning, Lu and her family stopped on their way to Miami. They're taking a 7 day cruise. This is my girls' first cruise and they were so excited. Can't say I blame them! We ate breakfast together and I got to see my people in my town!!! Lu and her girls have been the ones to come visit us on a regular basis and I just love her for it. They're stopping in on their way back home next Saturday and I can't wait to hear how the trip went! (Hard to believe they're twins, isn't it? But they are! I was there in the delivery room when they were born and was the first to hold them!)

I've taken quite a few pictures recently, but realized you really don't want to see them all and some were of The Project. I can't share The Project pictures for a while yet. Makenna and The Man are off on an adventure today that I'm sure I'll be sharing with you in the next couple of days. By the way, is it just me or has this year just flown by? Thanksgiving already? That means we put the tree up this week!!

Let Me TELL You...

Let me tell you what that new "friend" of Paige's said.

Paige asked me yesterday if her new friend could come over and hang out for a little while. He and his family are heading out of town for Thanksgiving and they wanted to spend a little time together before he left. Not a problem. I got to speak with his mother when she dropped him off and he was still ever so polite to both The Man and I.

During the course of the evening, a new wife and friend arrived here from TEXAS. She's a new wife and unlearned in the ways of military life. Her husband was on his way from Connecticut to meet her here. Neighbor Debbie and I have been talking her through the things they need to do. Basically lending a helping hand and helping them find their way. She arrived around 6:30 and her husband wasn't going to arrive on base until sometime around midnight. She came over to my house to meet The Man and my family while she anxiously awaited his arrival. We were over on Paige's side of the house so she could meet them and we ended up chatting there a few minutes. In her eyes, Neighbor Debbie and I are edging towards old. Because we're over 30 and all that. She's sweet as can be and so eager to learn.

While we were all standing there talking, I noticed a portrait of myself I had laying to the side. It's a painted portrait done when I was 19 years old...same age as this new bride. I held it up and said..."See! I used to be gorgeous!" Everyone laughed and I noticed that C. (Paige's friend) had his back to us glancing at the television. I said..."C.!!! Look at this picture!! Wasn't I just gorgeous!?!"

He replied, "You still are."

Oh, my.

I said, "I like this boy."

The Man said, "Get out."

Talk about smooth!!!! I was almost, but not quite, left speechless. Right brassy of him to say that...but cool. Nothing like making Mama think she's still got it.


We're gonna be keeping a close eye on that one.

EDITED: Paige has added a picture of her and the new gentleman caller on her blog!




*I have pictures I need to share, but I thought you'd like to hear what kind of boy my girl is dating. I'll be sharing them soon!

Thoughts....

Quite a few thoughts rolling around in Miss Hope's head today. How about I do a normal thing for me and be random about it?

Yeah...about that. Didn't get to finish my post and decided to go ahead and share anyways. The red writing is updated comments and add-ons by me.



1. The new Commander at the Chapel cut my funding for Crafts and Conversations. He called me yesterday to tell me. I had to cancel today's class at the last minute while I was reeling in shock. I had to send out my weekly email newsletter to these ladies that I adore and inform them. Oh, the emails I have received in return stating their dismay and how upset they are. Neighbor Debbie and I are on a mission to find some funding so we can keep this much needed program afloat. The Commander wasn't being malicious or anything. Far from it. The Navy has certain rules and guidelines they have to follow. Even though the program is amazing? There's no "slot" for the funding for it to fit in. Ergo....no more funding. I don't want to say we have to go begging for money...but we gotta go begging for money. Give me a ratty coat and tin cup. I'm ready to fight. (We have since discovered through the course of the day that LOTS of funding has been cut throughout the military. I really and truly thought funding wouldn't get cut so much until...oh....starting around February of next year. Obviously, I was wrong. Now we're wondering if it is even worth fighting for. I'll let you know.)



2. The Boy is on a new medication. ~sigh~ The old one was working a few hours before his metabolism burned it up, but he was crashing too hard coming off of it. Oh, the mood swings and meltdowns we were experiencing. I know it couldn't have been a good feeling for him and we certainly weren't enjoying it. My research shows it should take 3 days for this new medication to work properly. We're on day 3. I need results. (Okay....we had day 3. He had a stellar day at school. He got stickers in ALL 12 activities. Get this...he was SO good, he got FOUR GOLD STARS in a few of the activities. I wouldn't say the medication lasted a full 12 hours....but it wasn't bad. I'm so hoping this might be the one. Say a prayer, would you?)



3. We're not going home for Thanksgiving. I am 37 years old. I've NEVER spent Thanksgiving away from my family. Months ago when we decided we couldn't go, I was fine with it. Totally fine. Almost nonchalant even. In the past week I've been so emotional that I'm just about distraught. How childish of me, huh? Not going home, I think, is the straw that broke the camel's back. I have become an emotional basket case at times ...when I'm not busy....which is not too often. But, often enough for me. I can handle being hundreds of miles away pretty much all the time. Holidays have the power to cut me off at my knees. When I least expect it. (Still emotional. Still wanting to go home. Accepting that I won't. But not liking it.)



4. The Man and I will be starting counseling of our own the first of December. What for, might you ask? We are working in conjunction with Miss Rose, The Boy's therapist. As I explained to my Mama....this is a hard situation. Our son has been diagnosed with something he may have to deal with his entire life. Some people outgrow it (which I highly doubt-I think they learn how to deal) and are okay. What about the formative years? When little brains are developing and learning at the speed of light? I have become so focused on that sweet precious boy of mine that my amazing girls are suffering because of it. Do I love them less? Absolutely not!!! I want to be the best parent I possibly can. We Mama's and Daddy's aren't born knowing how to parent. We learn from example (our own parents) and mostly by trial and error. I can't afford error here. I want to be the best possible Mama I can be for these three precious gifts. If that means I go to therapy/counseling in order to better learn how? Then so be it. The Man feels the same way and God knows I love him for it.



5. I've overbooked myself. Not on purpose, but it happened. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. I had to back away today while I grieve and miss my Thursday morning class. I'm getting house stuff done. I'm regrouping and trying to figure out how I can save this program. I'm looking forward to seeing Makenna do a choir concert tonight. Pretty much the 1,000 thoughts deal where you think and think and think and not too much gets accomplished.



6. Neighbor Debbie is insistent that I learn some new skills. I admit to being a willing pupil. I am no longer afraid of the sewing machine...as long as you keep it simple. Because I adore my Internets, I am taking pictures and documenting what we're doing. I just can't share it yet because some of it is going to be Christmas presents. I'm right tickled over the progress of this project and look forward to feedback.



There you have it. A few of my random thoughts flitting around.

Okay. So my wonderful laptop got all wonky acting earlier today when I was typing this. I'm inclined to believe I got the black screen of death or something like that. I know it took me a solid two hours just to get spider solitaire back. By that time, I had things to do and get ready for. I've got some cute pictures from Makenna's choir concert tonight I can't wait to share with you!

Another page from Paige....

My girl is a smart one for sure. When she got home from HER DATE the other night, I asked if they were "seeing each other" or "dating" or whatever it's being called these days. She said that they had talked about it earlier (when exactly, I'm not sure) and she told this young man that she felt they should hang out some before making any decisions such as dating. She thought that if they were comfortable hanging out, then maybe seeing each other would be an okay deal.

She came back an hour or so later after that to let me know that Young Man had called and asked if she felt comfortable while at the movies. She agreed that it was a nice evening and I guess now they are dating.

Monday morning as she walked out the door on her way to school, I made the comment, "Have a good day with your new boyfriend." Her reply? "I'm sure I shall." And she floated out the door. Ahhh....how sweet.

I've had a few people comment on Paige's age. Yes, she's 14. If you met her and talked with her, you'd swear up and down she's at LEAST 18. Bless her heart, she's being aged before her time. Sure, that's sweet on occasion now, but wait until she's 30 and wishing she looked 20 again. Time has a way of turning on you eventually. She's a good kid. A tad mouthy at times (she got it honest). I can depend on her. Which to me, says alot. I know she'll come through for me in a pinch if need be. I'm not her friend, but I am here for her. She knows this.

I'm not going to just let her have freedoms she has no business having. I'm not crazy, Internets. I'm going to keep a close motherly eye on her. The Man is probably going to investigate any boy who comes within a ten foot radius.

Now if I could just get her to clean her room...........

Another First....

I just want you all to know that I am exercising my right as The Mama to divulge the following information. This blog was started because I hate scrap booking. I wanted something cool that my kids could look back on with fondness and love. Plus, they can pay for the printer ink to print all the pages out if they want a copy.

My girl. My teenager. My BABY....went on a date this evening. I don't think it was really planned that way, but it happened.

There's this boy (isn't there ALWAYS a boy somewhere?) in her grade that thinks she's beautiful. (He has good taste and is right gutsy to tell a girl flat out she's beautiful.) Today he called and asked if maybe she'd want to go see an early movie. She responded that she didn't have any money, so it was a no go. He informed her that he was inviting her...ergo she wouldn't need money. Oh. She came and asked if she could go to a movie. She's been to movies with friends before. No big deal. We usually do the switch off thing with other parents. You know...where one will take and the other will pick up.

This turned out differently. This boy was coming to pick her up. He and his mother. He came to the door. Met us with a clammy handshake. I asked if The Man and I needed to go do a pick up and he quickly informed me that he would be bringing Paige home.

Oh.

The Man had an inkling this was a date before I did. He asked Paige about it being a date and she said NO! it wasn't. The Man said...is he paying for your ticket? Yes, sir. Is he picking you up? Yes, sir. Then it's a date.

This boy opened the car door for my girl. In fact, he was a door opening fool according to the report when she got back home. Good raising, if you ask me.

She was back home by 7:00p.m. which was perfectly acceptable to us.

While eating a light supper, I mentioned to The Man that my baby was on a date. He asked if that made me nervous. "No," I replied, "if he tries anything, she'll snap him in half."

These kids. Where do they get off growing up so fast?

She believes us to be crazy

Paige has a formal Winter Ball coming up with her R.O.T.C. in December. She's right excited about it as she has a formal gown (Thank you, Melinda!) to wear that is just beautiful. I'm excited about fixing her hair and making sure her accessories are perfect for the evening.

The other night The Man, Paige, and I were in the kitchen chatting. We normally do this while supper is cooking. That's our perfect time to catch up and just talk about our day as the food cooks. Paige was talking about the ball and who she might invite as her date and whatnot. I told her that The Man and I would be more than happy to chaperone if need be. "NO," she exclaimed. She was right adamant about it, too. I told her my parents had chaperoned a thing or two and so had The Man's when he was growing up. No way, no how did that sister want us up at her ball. She went on to accuse us of watching her every move, eyeing her date, and all around embarrassing her.

We kept assuring her that we would act appropriately and not infringe on her space and ability to be all ninja and cool.

Still, she insisted that that last thing she wanted was for us to be there all up in her business.

When I kept trying to argue our side, she cried in exasperation, "Why would you want to be there??????"

I looked at her and in the same tone of voice replied, "So I can blog about it, of course!"

Well, that sealed it right then and there. The Man and I won't be chaperoning her Winter Ball this year.

We took a day....

First off, the kids were out of school yesterday. Add in that The Man was off of work and you got some confusion up in Miss Hope's head. It felt like Saturday all day long and now today feels like Monday and that's throwing me off because my week is busy enough like it is without having to repeat any of it. Make sense? Don't worry...it doesn't to me either.

Carla mentioned she and her family and Dulcie and her family were heading up to Saint Simon's Island for a picnic and asked if we wanted to tag along. Considering the state of the economy at The Edge, something very low cost and fun seemed like a good idea. Also, we enjoy going there this time of year. It's not so warm and there's a playground that always thrills the kids. Of course, I took the camera just in case a good photo opportunity presented itself. The food was great, the weather was perfect (but a little TOO windy at times), and the kids were just thrilled to be outside.

I will tell you this. Fresh air kicks my butt. I was so tired last night it wasn't even funny. Suffice it to say, I got my quota of vitamin D or whatever it is you get from sunlight. Heck, I probably got my fix for a week.

This is the picnic area underneath the live oak. If you take a minute? You can really be awestruck by how magnificent it is. That red dot? Is my son watching a big yellow construction machine work on the other side of the fence. Boys are all about that kind of cool stuff.

This was the view from close to our table. The ocean. It was right there. Man, I love stuff like this.

I love this. I think it's a sweet picture.

Mr. Jealous came running when he saw me taking a picture of Makenna and Dad.

Makenna snapped a quick one of me and The Man. If I'm outside? I got my shades on. Can't see a thing without them. Even cloudy days find me wearing shades.

My new favorite picture. What a beautiful old tree. I think I might frame this picture. It's the best of me right here in front of you. By the way, we did not roll up The Boy's pants legs. If they touch his shoes, he has issues. Therefore, he gives himself high waters all the time. It's a small price to pay for his peace of mind. (It bugs Paige to death!)

That concludes our day. My mission is now to find things for us to do as a family that is cost efficient and fun. There is stuff out there and I'm going to find it. My trusty camera will record the proof. Happy Wednesday! It is Wednesday, right? Crap, I gotta take The Boy to see Miss Rose today. Does it ever end???

A Thought

Yesterday, The Man and I were doing some work in Paige's bathroom. I think the plumbing is old and in dire need of help. Instead of calling for maintenance, I felt we could handle the situation on our own. That's the civilian in me, I believe.

There were issues with her bathtub draining and we have fought this thing quite a bit. I had a light bulb moment where I gave The Man the food for thought that made him able to figure out how to fix it. It was a lovely "AHA" moment.

As he started to fix the problem, I sighed a real big happy sigh and said:

"What it must be like to be you.....married to me."

Update or two and a mystery solved

I don't believe anything ever came of the yahoos who threatened violence at the high school the day after the election. If I had found out it was my kids? I would have reamed them a new one. There's stupid and there's stupid, ya know?

We're still tweaking and experimenting on trying to find the right dosage of medication for The Boy. He started at 5 mg and is now at 15 mg. I'm telling you, this kid is like a bull elephant with 30 people surrounding him with tranquilizer dart guns. He just can't be taken down. I believe his metabolism is just so freaking high, he metabolizes that stuff right on out of his system by lunchtime. He saw Dr. M. on Wednesday. Dr. M. stresses that he doesn't want The Boy to be a wooden soldier. I literally laughed and said that definitely wouldn't happen. If we find the 15 mg dosage isn't the right amount, then the good ol' doc is going to switch to another medication. Argh. He eats well on this medication and it doesn't affect his personality...except after he comes down off of it. Suffice it to say he had a meltdown of massive proportions at our local Walmart when we stopped in to get his new meds filled. To the point where in order to get him out of the store, I had to walk backwards while dragging him by the hands. Not good stuff, Internets. I got punched, kicked, screamed at...you name it. This old lady came up to me as if to say something and I held up one hand whilst wrestling him with the other and said, "I know how he's acting and if I knew no one would call the cops, I'd cut his ass right now." Yes, I said that. I was beyond redemption at that particular moment. (Sorry, family members...it was just that bad) He did, indeed, get his butt cut when I got him the truck. When we got home and Dad found out he had punched me? He got his ENTIRE butt cut then. His Dad made sure he understood that under no circumstances was he to EVER punch his Mama. EVER. Yeah, I was pretty teary the whole time. God, this is hard. It's hard loving this little stinker so much and knowing the road he's on is a long one. I don't want it to be hard for him. Let ME take the hard and leave him be. We shall persevere, though, until we get him where he needs to be. *For those of you who don't believe in spanking? Okay. That's you. This is me. This is how we roll. You do something of this magnitude? You are gonna get.your.butt.cut.*

And to all of you local who read this and maybe saw the crazy lady dragging the kid out of the store? It totally wasn't me.

There's a mystery solved, my friends! Remember when Neighbor Debbie and I found the strange fruit? I had really given up on figuring out what this rancid tasting thing was. The other night, I received an IM on Yah*o (scdreamin30, btw) from Mandi with a link. What on earth, I thought. I clicked on it to find THIS. How about that? The mystery fruit would happen to be persimmons. And we were picking them way too soon.

That meant I had to send Paige on an errand. She does a good bit of evening walks with Neighbor Debbie's daughter, Neighbor Britt. Tonight, she brought me back the fruit of Britt's labor (she had to climb the tree to get to the top where all that was left of the fruit was). ha ha..good one, huh? I agree with Mandi completely. We have ourselves a persimmon tree.

Have I tasted it yet? I haven't quite gotten up the nerve. We're probably going to bust out this evening and see what it's all about. I'll be sure to let you know.

Picture time! Here is the proof of a lot of tree shaking:

Can't wait to hear feedback if you've tasted one of these!

So whaddya do?

The Man and I had to make a decision this morning we shouldn't have.

We have decided to keep Paige home from high school today.

Why, you ask?

Because it was stated yesterday that if Obama won, then certain individuals would be showing up at school today with guns blazing to take out those who supported him.

I was in shock when I heard this. Seriously?

I know this is a huge high school with many different cultures walking the halls, but seriously?

When Neighbor Greg called the school early this morning to address this, he received a call back saying that they had "heard of these rumors but didn't have names so they couldn't pursue it and they really didn't know what the fuss was over something so trivial".

Trivial, huh?

Both Paige and Britt want to go and see what goes down, they just don't want to be shot. Can't say I blame them. Kids are an emotional bunch and I'm sure if no guns are involved? There'll be issues to settle as the day progresses.

All I know? When I write this excuse tomorrow? It better not be rejected.

I am appalled that this has happened and we had to make this choice.

My Issues

I am having some serious issues trying to compose a post here.

I am so nervous about this election, I can't hardly stand it. So much is at stake.

I will be following it all until the end and the results are final.

Hopefully, regular programming will then resume here at The Edge.

I'm pretty sure my husband's blog will kick into high gear then. Unless I can find him some good nerve pills.

The Big Picture Post

Edited on November 26, 2008. Why? Because the original title of the post was The Big Butt Picture Post and I was getting hits from all over the world. Methinks there's a bunch of perverts out there looking for things they shouldn't be.





Lots of pictures taken recently. I'll just jump right on in and start with captions to let you know what was going on. Sound good? Yeah, it does to me, too.

My son was supposed to be in bed. Instead, he was in the hallway messing around. He decided to put his feet in the lid of the laundry hamper, then freaked when he couldn't get them out. Smooth move, Son. We were able to save the hamper lid with little trauma.

Last Sunday evening, we enjoy the festival at the church we've been attending. Face painting, hay rides, food, games, and balloon swords made for a fun evening!

The mini-pumpkins we decorated Crafts and Conversation Thursday before last. I love how everyone does something different and they are all so cool! Add in some spider suckers and call it a good time! The pumpkin on the plate wasn't dry yet. It was a lady bug!

The Boy and Neighbor Debbie's daughter last night. When I asked for permission to post her kids' pictures on my blog, she informed me it was perfectly okay and I could even give directions on where to pick them up if I wanted to. I love this because these two are literally growing up together. They fight like brother and sister and two minutes later play beautifully together.

The crew who Trick or Treats together scores the most candy. The menfolk were kind enough to walk with them while Neighbor Debbie and I held the home front down and dished goodies.

Speaking of.......told you I had a costume! I wore my Great Pumpkin outfit during the day and slipped a little head piece on for evening. Neighbor Debbie had her own head piece and we were set.

I'm doing the close up so you can see the straw coming out of hers. I found out later I had mine on backwards!!!! Oh well, it was still rockin'.

Thanks to Miss Carla and her amazing powers to find anything on the Internet, my baby got the costume of his dreams. The Green Power Ranger! (you HAVE to say that with feeling). He had a helmet/mask deal, but it didn't make it. He'd wear it a minute, then take it off. I think he was kind of hating it on his face. It's all good. I'm sure this outfit will become the norm around The Edge.

Speaking of Internet. While searching for craft ideas, Neighbor Debbie came across The Puking Pumpkin. Thus, her determination to make one of her very own. It turned out fabulous. Many folks would have to get a closer look while escorting kids and then laugh and proclaim they would be making their own.

Last we have the warning: P.E. can be dangerous! Yesterday, Makenna was pushed (or fell..still unclear) at P.E. The nurse called and said her arm seemed fine and she was going to wrap it up and send her back to class. We're kind of used to calls from the nurse because my child finds in necessary to share all ills and woes. This morning, she was still complaining, so The Man packed her up and took her for an x-ray. It's not broken, just badly bruised. The local E.R. put a half cast thing and sling on...much to her pleasure and surprise! Home she came, bandaged and ailing. I looked at The Man and said...."Just what the Diva needs...more Diva accessories."

This concludes The Big Butt Picture Post. I'll try not to let them get away from me again. Have a wonderful weekend and can you believe it's NOVEMBER already? What's up with that?

What do you think?

You'll have to scroll down for my Halloween greetings. I gotta share this with you because that's how I do business around here. I just sent Paige's advisor at school an email. She was just warm and enthusiastic when we met her and told me I could email or call her about any ol' little thing. I took her up on it. I promise on my Mama's cookbooks I emailed this moments ago.

Ms. Lamb,

I have a question for you. What exactly is "home fun"? I've been receiving emails from Paige's math teacher with Home Fun in the subject line for math.


Now, I've been opening emails that say HOMEWORK for many weeks now. I print this email out and put it up for Paige so she can keep track of what she needs to do.

All of a sudden, I'm receiving the Home Fun emails and my thought is....I guess there's no homework going on right now. Which seemed strange to me. Then again, high school has changed quite a bit since I last was there ( a whopping 19 years ago!)


I hear my daughters conversing the other day and they are making fun of the NEW AND IMPROVED HOME FUN CONCEPT. I asked them what they're referring to. They say their teachers are referring to homework as home fun.

Are you kidding me?

according to Webster's dictionary online, Fun is defined as;

Main Entry: 1fun
Pronunciation: ˈfən Function: noun
Etymology: English dialect fun to hoax, perhaps alteration of Middle English fonnen, from fonne dupe Date: 1727

1: what provides amusement or enjoyment ; specifically : playful often boisterous action or speech

2: a mood for finding or making amusement

3 a: amusement , enjoyment b: derisive jest : sport , ridicule

4: violent or excited activity or argument

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about things in life being fun. Truly, I am...but who came up with this?

How can you justify going to school up to seven hours a day, only to come home and do one to two more hours of work in one subject and call it fun?

My 9 year old says in her child-like wisdom..."Playing the Wii is fun. Riding my bike is fun. Sitting at a table doing 25 math problems IS NOT FUN."

Who thought of this concept and do they realize how....uh......wrong this sounds?


I promise I am not trying to be difficult or confrontational. I just wonder if I, as an adult, looks at this and laughs? Can you not expect the children who this concept is being pushed upon think the same way?

Work is what it is...work. Fun is what it is...fun.

I am just a confused parent trying to find a way to explain to my children that someone was obviously having an off day and thought calling homework Home Fun was believable. It happens, you know.

Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Miss Hope (okay, I signed my legal name on the email, but you get the Miss Hope signature on the blog)

I've been stewing on this for a while now. I'm sure I had grammatical errors in my email. Hey! It's been at least 17 years since I took an English class. Cut me some slack, would you?

I apologize if I offend any teachers out there who are on the new HOME FUN bandwagon. Because, seriously? It's stupid. Makes me laugh every time I think of it. I hope the schools realize how stupid it makes them look.

Home Fun.

~snort~

p.s. Edited to add: This does NOT reflect on those who homeschool. That's a whole 'nother world that I hear nothing but good about.

Boo, Ya'll

See that ultra cool pumpkin? That particular pumpkin belongs on a long sleeve shirt of mine. I've had this shirt for ...three years, I believe. I have not been able to wear it because it's too hot this time of year. For some reason, we are having some cool-ish weather the past few days. I totally dug it out today to wear because I fear it might be 90 degrees again tomorrow. AND......if I'm feeling froggy enough? I might just wash it and wear it again trick or treatin'. Be safe as you're out and about on Halloween night.

Uh...wow....uh...yeah

I stressed pretty much the whole morning during Compass. I sat and wondered how my son was doing on his new dosage of medication. I got through my presentation (thanks for the compliment, Lisha!) pretty decently. I am a tad on the passionate side about education and knowledge is power and all that rot. I want the ladies who take this class to be able to go home and TELL their husbands how the Navy runs.

Compass was over around 1-ish. I met The Man back at the house and we headed over to The Boy's school because they were having a mini Fall Festival outside on the playground the last hour of school. We both knew that we needed to go because if we didn't? They would probably have to put a teacher on him to follow him around. We just know how he is.

We got to the class and met the teachers who had HUGE grins on their faces. That made me walk slower because what exactly did that mean?

He had a perfect day.

As soon as that medication kicked in, he was focused and calm. He didn't run in class. He was able to sit and converse with friends at the breakfast table.

I sat and watched my child sitting on the carpet beside his teacher. She was passing out the goody bags to the kids so they could line up to go outside. He sat there. Why is this such a big deal? Because HE WAS SITTING THERE. He wasn't antsy. He wasn't hopping on his knees. He wasn't calling the teacher's name over and over and over again. He was sitting there waiting patiently. Quietly.

I wanted to cry. In four and a half years, I have not seen my child this calm and collected.

What a wonderful teacher he has. She was quick to inform us that she had kept an eagle eye on him all day long. She made sure he ate good for breakfast and lunch. She made sure he wasn't getting lethargic or "zombie-ish".

He got a sticker for outside! He never gets one there. He's like this bundle of energy released when he hits the door. At one point, he was sitting on a little platform under the jungle gym. Miss K. immediately went over to ask if he was feeling okay. His reply? "Yes, ma'am. I'm fine. I'm waiting on my friends." Even the other teachers outside noticed.

We enjoyed this festival like never before. He went from game to game at a nice safe pace. He waited in line for his turn and didn't push or holler. He laughed when he did well playing a game.

Wow. Is this how it can be on a regular basis?

We could tell it was starting to wear off around 2:30. But it wasn't a SLAM-the-meds-are-gone kind of wear off. It was a gradual thing and around 7:00 p.m., I could tell it was completely out of his system. Enter the melatonin to make sure he could go to sleep okay and it ended up being a good day. A very good day.

Is this new dosage the answer? I'm thinking it can be part of it. Now, we get to buckle down and help him learn control, balance, articulation, and that he is just plain wonderful.

I am considering some occupational therapy to help him out. He's a physical little guy and I want to know how to help him use his energy for good. Besides, I think Tuesdays are open? That might be the one day of week there's not a standing appointment somewhere. Lord help us when T-ball starts in the Spring!

Don't worry, Miss K. will continue to keep a sharp eye on our boy. She will monitor his eating and everything else she can think of. She's making notes and making sure he's okay. I can't ask for more than that, now can I?

I still want to cry when I sit and remember......he sat there.

Another answer

I was told yesterday to double The Boys dosage. Wow. Wonder what this is going to do.

I won't know because he'll be at school when it kicks in.

I can't keep him home because I'm working with Compass today. It's that time again. One of my sections to present is this morning and I'm wondering how on earth am I going to focus and do my job if I'm worried about my baby.

Good thing The Man is available for quick pick ups and consults right now. He hasn't started his new project yet, so he's a little loose in the desk chair. Works for me. That means I have more help with all the doctor appointments and what not. In fact, Dad took him for his first speech therapy session yesterday. They came home with flash cards and knowing how to practise. Man, I do love this co-parenting gig we got going on.

I am so fortunate to have friends I can consult with about my boy. I want to thank Melinda over on the West Coast. She has been an amazing help to this troubled Mama's heart. After I talked to the doctor yesterday, I called her to see what she thought. Why? Because she and her family are on the same path....just a few steps ahead. I thank all my local pals who might be on the same path or just are there to lend a much needed ear.

Now, I get to start my day and give my son double the dosage to see if it will help him. Trial and error with medications mixed in with it being my baby? Not good stuff, Internets. Not good at all.

By the way, in the midst of all of this, my 9 year old daughter has decided she wants to grow a few inches, purchase a slightly padded bra, and catch amazing attitude. What is up with that? It's killing The Man. She was two when they met and bonded. She's still two in his eyes. Definitely not old enough to be wearing a bra that hooks in the back!!!

Take a Gander

A fellow Navy wife is doing a give away on her blog. I think its worth your while to go check it out! It's a family crest and I know she leans towards the military, but my thinking is she's so talented, she can whip up anything you can think of!

Check out Lovely Yellow Ribbons!

Blessed

I am so blessed.

Let me tell you why.

My children are healthy. The Man and I are, for the most part, healthy.

Paige found out yesterday she has a spur on her ankle bone. Fourteen years old and got a spur. How about that? We're still blessed, though. Why? Because my husband gets up every day and goes to work to provide us with a health plan that will help my child when this problem has to be addressed more thoroughly. She also has insurance with her bio-dad that will kick in and help out, too. Whatever she will need...she will get.

Makenna has allergies like nobody's business. The price she pays for living in the Bermuda Triangle for allergies. (I promise you, this place is crazy with allergies. I stand on the belief that this base was built on a swamp and the land is still pissed about it and, therefore, tortures us all with bad allergies.) Yet, every night, she takes her allergy medication that costs an outrageous amount in the civilian world. We tell the base pharmacy she needs it and just pick it up. She has what she needs and we don't have to worry.

My son. Bless his hyper heart. He's seeing a psychologist, psychiatrist, and a speech therapist at the moment. All I have to do is show up with him. My husband has amazing psych coverage on his health plan. I had to fight for a couple of those, but I don't have to pay Dr. M. $200.00 for an hour of his time. We have to pay $22.00 for his new medication (base pharmacy doesn't have it), but that's a heck of alot better than the $500.00 a month my Mama pays for her insulin.

I was doing some research last night online about the ADHD. I'm telling you, Internets. I won't rest until I know all I can possibly know. The articles that just hurt my heart so much were the ones where people had to struggle so hard to pay for help for their children with issues. My heart just literally HURT because I didn't stop to think how fortunate we are.

I have a Blog'ing friend who has some bad health issues going. Serious up bad. In the midst of all her trouble, she has the compassion and kindness to mention me in her blog. She has friends she wanted to recognize as having troubles of their own. I'm not linking to her because she doesn't need gawkers at the moment. I'm feeling right protective of her right now. She knows she's in my prayers.

I'm just flat out blessed is all I'm saying. My life isn't easy and taking three different roads with each of my kids isn't a cake walk. I haven't had the energy and time to devote to friends because I've been all consumed with my baby, but I'm sure they understand. ( I HOPE they do!)

I don't know how all of you do it out there in Internet Land, but I walk around talking to Jesus on a regular basis and I've been telling the Big Guy upstairs all morning how blessed I am. I ask him to light my path with my children to help me help them find their way. I ask him to have mercy on sick family and friends and lay His healing hand on them.

Many people are afraid to put their religion "out there" in Blog Land, for fear of being ridiculed and such.

My advice? And it might not be worth a pot of rice to you, but I'll say it to you anyway. If you are blessed? It's good to let God know that you know and are appreciative.

And I am.

Results

Ready for the weekend, Internets? I'm not so sure I am. Tomorrow is shaping up to be right busy for us here at The Edge. Birthday parties, golf lessons, teen get togethers. It's all good, I suppose. The kids are busy and maybe that means The Boy will sleep well tomorrow night. One can hope.

The medication isn't working. At all. ~sigh~ I really wanted to be able to come on here and say we had a "TA-DA!" moment. We didn't. The lowest dose didn't touch my boy at all.

I spoke with my Mama Tuesday evening and she wanted to know how things are going. I said...."Mama, you ever watch those nature shows where they use those dart gun tranquilizers on elephants?" She laughed and said yes. I said..."Well, my baby didn't even stagger. We're gonna need more darts for his butt." Not the greatest analogy, but I bet the majority of you can relate and understand exactly what I meant. I did the right thing and waited to see how he would do in class. Miss K. was sad to say it wasn't different at school, either. Well, shoot.

I put a call in to the doctor yesterday and never heard back from them. That kind of ticked me off since I called as soon as their answering machine was turned off. I wanted to give the doctor a full day to get back to me. Of course, I shall call back this morning and crank up my Southern saccharine accent. Those who know me are scared when I go into a deep Southern accent. I am ticked off by that point and enunciate every.single.syllable. Scarlett O' Hara has nothing on Miss Hope when she goes into this mode. This is my baby we're dealing with here, man.

I've also received a few phone calls and emails about a new thing out on the market. Women's World magazine this week has an article in it about a child with issues. The mother tried this belt and it worked wonders! You can be skeptical about this but let me tell you my experience thus far. Stef of Pike's Pickles fame took time out of her busy schedule one day to talk with me about occupational therapy and such. She's got loads of experience in this area, you see. She told me to do some deep tissue massage on The Boy when he's really out of control. The speech therapist who evaluated him had told me to do the same thing. It works more than it doesn't. I can tell you with honesty that he's had a few situations where I've started rubbing his back hard (where I feel like my fingers will break) or massaging his arms and he's immediately calmed down. It hasn't solved any problems, but it helps him calm down and find his focus. While at the Doctor on Monday, without thinking, when he started getting really out of control? I leaned him over my lap and started some deep tissue rubbing on his back and he calmed down. Sure, the doctor noticed and said that he's seen that work and even approved it.

I can't be there with him constantly to do this.

Enter this belt everyone has been telling me about. I'm thinking there might be something to it. If you have kids who don't have issues like this, then it won't interest you. I do ask you do a teeny tiny bit of research and reading. You WILL meet someone one day who might benefit from a little bit of knowledge you might have.

Speaking of knowledge. A very dear blogging friend out in Internet Land has squeezed my heart. Within hours of posting the diagnosis, I had an email waiting to tell me books were on the way. She works at a publishing company that publishes books on this subject. I called to thank her and heard her voice for the first time! How blessed am I? She refuses to let me pay for this generous gift of over a dozen books. We've started receiving them and The Man has settled in to do some serious reading. I'll do the same, but he gets first pick. He needs the data cause that's how he rolls. I feel like I have my own personal angel helping me look out for my baby. I don't want to put her name out here, because I don't want her bombarded with requests for free books. If you want? I'll post when we're done with one, and I'll be more than happy to pass mine on. Thank you so much, my friend. You're an amazing person to do this for The Boy.

I guess this means we haven't taken any steps forward, but no steps back either. We're standing in one place waiting to see which way to go from here. I knew it would be a long shot to get it right the first go round. I'm just a little on the tired side of it all. I'm more concerned about my baby and helping him make it in this world and be the very best he can be.

This is not going to turn into a blog dedicated to one subject. It's just a dominant subject in my world right now. I may have to start another blanket so I'll have something else to focus on. How'd you like that? Thanks for the comments. I wasn't expecting all that! I am right proud of finishing something so big and it being loved so much. I needed that sense of accomplishment, I believe. We did a cute project at Crafts and Conversations this week. I'll try to post some pictures this weekend and share with you.

It's raining here. A perfect day to sit inside with my coffee, laptop, and HGTV. Yep. I'll be heading off to get dressed now since I got places to go and people to see.

Be sure to get your costume together for Halloween this weekend. I got mine. Stock up on your candy, too. And NOT THE CHEAP KIND!!! Nothing sucks worse than getting home and your kid has a bag full of cheap stuff. Throw in another dollar and get some chocolate, people.