...how to write a blog post.
It's been awhile, folks, and, I wish I could give you all sorts of news but in reality, life is just moving right along.
Currently, we are all anxiously awaiting the end of school. Parts of me are SO ready for schedules to become more relaxed and have more free time. Parts of me is dreading not having a schedule and too much free time.
We live in a cul-de-sac. There are two other households with children. And, I'd like to say that the kids just all play so nice together and everything is bliss. But, the other households don't run things the same way we do. Not even close. What those kids are allowed to watch, listen to, and even how they are allowed to treat other people is not something I can look past. So, we've had to reclaim the freedom we gave our kids and now they are limited to playing only with each other, and ignoring the kids in the neighborhood. Boredom is going to be my worst enemy this summer.
I've made some life style changes over the last 2 months. And, while the weight hasn't magically melted off, I'm starting to reap the rewards. I actually started jogging and was liking it. And, finally got to the point where I didn't feel like I was going to vomit on the sidewalk when my knee protested.
Yes, I started slow. I'm not talking about jogging miles here. More of a mixture of jogging/walking/heavy panting. But, I still ended up taking 2 weeks off of exercising and I was really bummed. And, sincerely. Not, "I will say I'm bummed because that sounds so healthy but secretly I'm enjoying the excuse that I do not have to move off the couch today" but really upset that I couldn't earn the extra calories I need to get my buttered popcorn when I watch reruns of "House".
But, I think I can safely try again and concentrate of my form and stretching.
Turns out, I'm not 16 anymore. Or 26. Or even 36. Gawd!!
My Grandma is back in her house. She is doing extremely well, much to my relief. Some updates were done to her house while she was gone and she is currently puttering around, making piles of stuff to get rid of, which is a huge accomplishment. I will be helping her with a garage sale next month.
My baby turns 8 next week. Another baby is down today with a sore throat. My baby girl got her braces on and wants to know when she can start wearing makeup. My first baby spends most of his days out of the house, working in his lawn care job, saving for a truck. I'm deathly afraid he will indeed earn enough money to buy a truck and pay for his insurance and will continue to act responsibly so I will have no good answer as to why he cannot get his driver's license in December. It's so hard to be proud and to let go at the same time.
Tomorrow, my husband and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage!! Some days, it's flown by. Others? Not so much. ( :
There. It seems I do remember how to write a post, just sorry it wasn't more interesting.
But, summer is coming! Lots of potential for injuries, fake bbqs and opportunities to sleep in.
Ya just never know.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
A Bag of Chips Never Looked So Good
This is my husband:
Ok. Not really. But, there are similarities. Not the mustache (Much to my husband's dismay. He is not allowed facial hair at his job.) but the attitude. Like Ron, Judd doesn't say much, he doesn't like people. He considers chicken a vegetable (it doesn't have eye lashes), and the smell of bacon makes him happy.
But, when he does like you, he'll do anything for you. When he does say something, he means it. He is a man of his word and his word means something.
He doesn't go out of his way to be social. He's not unfriendly, he just doesn't really care if he hangs out with people, let alone random strangers.
Imagine my surprise when he came home and announced we were going to a bbq at someone's house that I did not know.
Apparently, an old buddy has recently moved back into town and called Judd at work. Now, this buddy, Mark, has been to our house at different occasions, but it was to watch UFC fights and I couldn't instantly place his face.
But, it looked like we were going to a bbq on Sunday.
All throughout the week, I kept asking Judd questions, because I was so in shock that he had agreed to go.
Why are we going?? (Because he invited us)
Why? (I don't know....)
When was the last time you talked to him? Before this? (I don't know....two years ago??)
But,why does he invite us to a bbq after all this time? (I don't know...he was always kind of strange that way.)
Who else is going to be there? ( I don't know.)
What are we suppose to bring? (I don't know.)
Why are we going, again? (I DON'T KNOW!!!!)
So. We were going to a bbq at a stranger's house (pretty much!!) and had no idea who was going to be here. To say I was a little socially apprehensive would be an understatement.
Truthfully, I was a little resentful that something like this was going to take up mynap family time, plus, we were going to have to leave the kids behind with Jayce as we were unsure if it was a "family friendly" occasion.
Sunday afternoon rolls around. We rush home from church, feed the kids, set them up withbribes to be good fun activities.
We had decided that we would stop and at least get some chips and dip to take to the shindig. Now, because of our current economic state, our grocery money is not handed out willy nilly. We actually had already gone over our weekly budget so when I say it was a sacrifice, I'm not kidding! Yes, it was only chips and dip but....chips and dip for strangers!! (Basically)
Because we had gone to the store, we were running behind schedule. So, being the polite people we are, we called Mark and told him we hadn't forgotten and were on our way.
We pull up to his house and I immediately recognized him, much to my relief. But, there was a complete stranger outside with him. We walked in the house and met more strangers. All of them older people (not that it mattered, just I quickly realized I would not have much in common with them, seeing as how I'm a spring chicken and all). Two couples and one single lady introduced themselves. We handed the hostess (Mark's girlfriend) our sacrificial chips and dip.
It was just.....awkward. It just felt....off. I didn't know quite what to do. I look at my husband and I can see he is struggling as well.
After the introductions, Mark says that he will start grilling the meat in about an hour.
Wha??? Great. There goes my entire afternoon.
Then. Then I see the t.v. Hooked up to a computer.
The single lady, that was trying so very hard to be funny and charming, starts talking and I realize what is happening.
It is a sales pitch.
I look at my husband. Who will not make eye contact with me.
Mark looks at my husband and says "Oh boy. Judd is mad."
My husband, (remember, he says what he means and means what he says) says, "Yeah. Pretty much."
But, he sits down at the dining room table so I don't have much of a choice but sit down with him.
Now, all the other people are in the living room, with their backs to us. However, Mark's two little dogs, are sitting on the back of the couch, facing us. I swear to all things Holy. They were laughing at us.
"You losers!"
"Suckers!!"
"Neener neener!!"
I'm telling you, my heart was pounding so hard. Because, I was so mad, so unsure of what the heck to do.
I was unsure that, if I were to stand up and announce we had to leave, if my husband would follow me. After all, he had wanted to come in the first place.
I thought I could quietly text a friend and have them call me and fake an emergency.
But, people only do that on t.v!!!
Meanwhile, the lady is trying to get her computer/t.v. to work. She announces that she can't find the presentation dvd. And Mr. So-and-so will be here shortly and they will skip the dvd for now, and do that part when he gets here.
Now, this helps me realize that there will be a pause at some time and it wouldn't be too hard to make an excuse and leave. Because I'll be darned if I'm wasting my Sunday sitting there!!! I say to myself I WILL get my husband's attention and we WILL leave.
Again, my heart is about to burst through my chest at the thought of having to make a scene shortly. So, I sit quietly, fluctuating between extreme anger (we called the guy to tell him we were going to be late, for god's sake!!) and wanting to giggle so badly because the dogs were truly laughing at us!!
Finally, I see a young man come up the drive-way. He enters the house, he's wearing a suit and tie that is about 3 sizes too big and just looks like....well, someone by husband would later make fun of.
I think "Oh, there's NO WAY Judd will put up with this!!"
Theboy man begins looking through his stuff to find his dvd and the lady tries to hand us some paperwork.
Now, here is where I fell in love with my husband all over again.
He stands up, announces we are leaving.
Walks in to the kitchen and grabs our chips and dips!!!
Mark says "Oh, you're taking that back?"
"Yup".
Out we go.
Mark follows us.
Once outside, he apologizes up one side and down the other. He explained he'd been out of work, this was a way to make some income and the lady told him to invite anyone he could think of (us? really??) but NOT to tell them what it was about.
Which, he now realizes was a mistake.
My husband's response? "Yeah. Pretty much."
But, of course, Judd understands about having to make an income. And, he even understands about how pushy the sales people can be and how they operate.
By the time we got in our van to leave, Judd had told Mark that of course he was available to go hunting, shooting, fishing any time. And, they shook hands and all was well. (I'm told Mark actually came to my husband's work today, Tuesday, and apologized again)
I was silent for the first 10 minutes after we had finally gotten the heck out of there.
Then, the giggles I'd been holding back finally released themselves.
"Judd? When a long lost buddy calls you up out of the blue and asks you to come to his house for some food, what are you going to say?? "
"I will ask: What are you selling?"
He said he felt like such a dope.
And, I said:
"Yeah....but you took the chips back and TOTALLY redeemed yourself!!"
Ok. Not really. But, there are similarities. Not the mustache (Much to my husband's dismay. He is not allowed facial hair at his job.) but the attitude. Like Ron, Judd doesn't say much, he doesn't like people. He considers chicken a vegetable (it doesn't have eye lashes), and the smell of bacon makes him happy.
But, when he does like you, he'll do anything for you. When he does say something, he means it. He is a man of his word and his word means something.
He doesn't go out of his way to be social. He's not unfriendly, he just doesn't really care if he hangs out with people, let alone random strangers.
Imagine my surprise when he came home and announced we were going to a bbq at someone's house that I did not know.
Apparently, an old buddy has recently moved back into town and called Judd at work. Now, this buddy, Mark, has been to our house at different occasions, but it was to watch UFC fights and I couldn't instantly place his face.
But, it looked like we were going to a bbq on Sunday.
All throughout the week, I kept asking Judd questions, because I was so in shock that he had agreed to go.
Why are we going?? (Because he invited us)
Why? (I don't know....)
When was the last time you talked to him? Before this? (I don't know....two years ago??)
But,why does he invite us to a bbq after all this time? (I don't know...he was always kind of strange that way.)
Who else is going to be there? ( I don't know.)
What are we suppose to bring? (I don't know.)
Why are we going, again? (I DON'T KNOW!!!!)
So. We were going to a bbq at a stranger's house (pretty much!!) and had no idea who was going to be here. To say I was a little socially apprehensive would be an understatement.
Truthfully, I was a little resentful that something like this was going to take up my
Sunday afternoon rolls around. We rush home from church, feed the kids, set them up with
We had decided that we would stop and at least get some chips and dip to take to the shindig. Now, because of our current economic state, our grocery money is not handed out willy nilly. We actually had already gone over our weekly budget so when I say it was a sacrifice, I'm not kidding! Yes, it was only chips and dip but....chips and dip for strangers!! (Basically)
Because we had gone to the store, we were running behind schedule. So, being the polite people we are, we called Mark and told him we hadn't forgotten and were on our way.
We pull up to his house and I immediately recognized him, much to my relief. But, there was a complete stranger outside with him. We walked in the house and met more strangers. All of them older people (not that it mattered, just I quickly realized I would not have much in common with them, seeing as how I'm a spring chicken and all). Two couples and one single lady introduced themselves. We handed the hostess (Mark's girlfriend) our sacrificial chips and dip.
It was just.....awkward. It just felt....off. I didn't know quite what to do. I look at my husband and I can see he is struggling as well.
After the introductions, Mark says that he will start grilling the meat in about an hour.
Wha??? Great. There goes my entire afternoon.
Then. Then I see the t.v. Hooked up to a computer.
The single lady, that was trying so very hard to be funny and charming, starts talking and I realize what is happening.
It is a sales pitch.
I look at my husband. Who will not make eye contact with me.
Mark looks at my husband and says "Oh boy. Judd is mad."
My husband, (remember, he says what he means and means what he says) says, "Yeah. Pretty much."
But, he sits down at the dining room table so I don't have much of a choice but sit down with him.
Now, all the other people are in the living room, with their backs to us. However, Mark's two little dogs, are sitting on the back of the couch, facing us. I swear to all things Holy. They were laughing at us.
"You losers!"
"Suckers!!"
"Neener neener!!"
I'm telling you, my heart was pounding so hard. Because, I was so mad, so unsure of what the heck to do.
I was unsure that, if I were to stand up and announce we had to leave, if my husband would follow me. After all, he had wanted to come in the first place.
I thought I could quietly text a friend and have them call me and fake an emergency.
But, people only do that on t.v!!!
Meanwhile, the lady is trying to get her computer/t.v. to work. She announces that she can't find the presentation dvd. And Mr. So-and-so will be here shortly and they will skip the dvd for now, and do that part when he gets here.
Now, this helps me realize that there will be a pause at some time and it wouldn't be too hard to make an excuse and leave. Because I'll be darned if I'm wasting my Sunday sitting there!!! I say to myself I WILL get my husband's attention and we WILL leave.
Again, my heart is about to burst through my chest at the thought of having to make a scene shortly. So, I sit quietly, fluctuating between extreme anger (we called the guy to tell him we were going to be late, for god's sake!!) and wanting to giggle so badly because the dogs were truly laughing at us!!
Finally, I see a young man come up the drive-way. He enters the house, he's wearing a suit and tie that is about 3 sizes too big and just looks like....well, someone by husband would later make fun of.
I think "Oh, there's NO WAY Judd will put up with this!!"
The
Now, here is where I fell in love with my husband all over again.
He stands up, announces we are leaving.
Walks in to the kitchen and grabs our chips and dips!!!
Mark says "Oh, you're taking that back?"
"Yup".
Out we go.
Mark follows us.
Once outside, he apologizes up one side and down the other. He explained he'd been out of work, this was a way to make some income and the lady told him to invite anyone he could think of (us? really??) but NOT to tell them what it was about.
Which, he now realizes was a mistake.
My husband's response? "Yeah. Pretty much."
But, of course, Judd understands about having to make an income. And, he even understands about how pushy the sales people can be and how they operate.
By the time we got in our van to leave, Judd had told Mark that of course he was available to go hunting, shooting, fishing any time. And, they shook hands and all was well. (I'm told Mark actually came to my husband's work today, Tuesday, and apologized again)
I was silent for the first 10 minutes after we had finally gotten the heck out of there.
Then, the giggles I'd been holding back finally released themselves.
"Judd? When a long lost buddy calls you up out of the blue and asks you to come to his house for some food, what are you going to say?? "
"I will ask: What are you selling?"
He said he felt like such a dope.
And, I said:
"Yeah....but you took the chips back and TOTALLY redeemed yourself!!"
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Truth Is Thursday
Truth is.......today is my birthday!!
Truth is....... I've been saying I'm 39 for about 4 months now, (it's easier than saying I'm 38 and a half) that I actually thought I was turning 40 up until a few weeks ago!!
Truth is......I was SO happy I wasn't!!
Truth is......the fact that I didn't know how old I truly was means I'm getting old.
Truth is.....I feel I need to make this next year count, as it's sort of a "bonus" year.
Truth is......in order to do that, I need to get off my arse and make things happen.
Truth is......that's easier said than done. But, I said it. And, now I will do it!!
Truth is....... I've been saying I'm 39 for about 4 months now, (it's easier than saying I'm 38 and a half) that I actually thought I was turning 40 up until a few weeks ago!!
Truth is......I was SO happy I wasn't!!
Truth is......the fact that I didn't know how old I truly was means I'm getting old.
Truth is.....I feel I need to make this next year count, as it's sort of a "bonus" year.
Truth is......in order to do that, I need to get off my arse and make things happen.
Truth is......that's easier said than done. But, I said it. And, now I will do it!!
Friday, March 7, 2014
A Death Scare Can Certainly Motivate Ya
I've suffered from migraines most of my life.
The worst was in my early 20s. I went to the ER a couple different times until I finally got a prescription for meds.
But, after I started having children, they became a tad more predictable. I could "feel" them coming on so I could take meds to head them off. I knew what my triggers were. And, certainly keeping an eye on when my cycle was due helped. PMS migraines are the worst!!
Now that I have the IUD, it's a little tougher to predict when I will be struck down. I don't have a cycle so I don't pay much attention to the dates on the calendar. (for those reasons, of course I look at the calendar.)
While the migraines are fewer and further between, they certainly strike me down. Hard. And, while the actual headache is bad, the recovery seems to be so slow. I feel "foggy" for several days after.
This past weekend, I was hit heavily with a whopper of a migraine. Lights were twirling, rooms were spinning, food was being upchucked. It was bad.
And, it seems, while the migraines are less often, when I do have one, they are literally the worst one I've ever had.
I had a family friend die of an aneurism. My own grandfather died of one when I was 6. Another family friend had one but they caught that one in time.
I get a tad freaked out when I have a headache as bad as the one I just had. I think "Am I going to die? Is there some other medical anomaly happening here?"
My mind is already doing weird stuff, during a migraine. But, add the fear of death and it is out of control.
My first thought, as I lay there thinking if I went to sleep, I might not wake up, was of my oven.
Not my children. Not my husband. But, my oven.
Not because I love to use it so much that I can't stand the thought of never being able to bake again
But, because I haven't cleaned it in approximately forever.
I also thought of the over flowing bag of clothes that is meant to be donated to Goodwill.
And of the dust bunnies under our bed.
The fact that my shower curtain liner needs to be replaced.
Because,if I truly did not wake up from my migraine forced nap (I love me a good nap. Just not one forced upon me by pain.) you know there'd be people coming into my house. And you know the first place they'd look would be the oven. And the shower.
Spoiler alert: I woke up. Migraine free.
Now, you'd think the first thing I did was clean my oven.
You'd be wrong.
The fact that I lived to see another day deserved to be celebrated!! So, we went for ice cream instead.
Life is short!
The worst was in my early 20s. I went to the ER a couple different times until I finally got a prescription for meds.
But, after I started having children, they became a tad more predictable. I could "feel" them coming on so I could take meds to head them off. I knew what my triggers were. And, certainly keeping an eye on when my cycle was due helped. PMS migraines are the worst!!
Now that I have the IUD, it's a little tougher to predict when I will be struck down. I don't have a cycle so I don't pay much attention to the dates on the calendar. (for those reasons, of course I look at the calendar.)
While the migraines are fewer and further between, they certainly strike me down. Hard. And, while the actual headache is bad, the recovery seems to be so slow. I feel "foggy" for several days after.
This past weekend, I was hit heavily with a whopper of a migraine. Lights were twirling, rooms were spinning, food was being upchucked. It was bad.
And, it seems, while the migraines are less often, when I do have one, they are literally the worst one I've ever had.
I had a family friend die of an aneurism. My own grandfather died of one when I was 6. Another family friend had one but they caught that one in time.
I get a tad freaked out when I have a headache as bad as the one I just had. I think "Am I going to die? Is there some other medical anomaly happening here?"
My mind is already doing weird stuff, during a migraine. But, add the fear of death and it is out of control.
My first thought, as I lay there thinking if I went to sleep, I might not wake up, was of my oven.
Not my children. Not my husband. But, my oven.
Not because I love to use it so much that I can't stand the thought of never being able to bake again
But, because I haven't cleaned it in approximately forever.
I also thought of the over flowing bag of clothes that is meant to be donated to Goodwill.
And of the dust bunnies under our bed.
The fact that my shower curtain liner needs to be replaced.
Because,if I truly did not wake up from my migraine forced nap (I love me a good nap. Just not one forced upon me by pain.) you know there'd be people coming into my house. And you know the first place they'd look would be the oven. And the shower.
Spoiler alert: I woke up. Migraine free.
Now, you'd think the first thing I did was clean my oven.
You'd be wrong.
The fact that I lived to see another day deserved to be celebrated!! So, we went for ice cream instead.
Life is short!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Surprise!
Disclaimer: This is another one of those posts. If you know me in real life, you are not allowed to bring this up, to my face. Ever.
For the last few years, our church has had a Valentine's dinner. A night out, to a nicer than normal restaurant, married couples only, no children, dinner. And, after the dinner, the pastor gives us a Marriage Challenge.
If you are like me, your first thought is "Marriage is enough of a challenge, I don't need an official gameboard."
But, hear me out. It's a month of different activities, designed to bring you closer together as a couple. Some of the activities are really lame. Like "repeat your wedding vows" (that one was removed this year,everyone agreed it was lame) or "10 min foot rubs" (both my husband and I don't like to have our feet touched so we substituted something else).
Some are really simple. Bring home flowers. Make his favorite dessert. 30 min of doing whatever he wants.
We've never been able to finish out the whole month. Something always comes up and derails us. But, it's fun trying and the sentiment behind it is important.
Now, on to the embarrassing part. (you didn't even read the first part, did you? Just skipped down to here, huh?)
Some of the activities are to happen in the bedroom. Or, other places. "Remote night" is not referring to the t.v. remote. "Naughty Poem" night. Self explanatory. No. I will not publish my poem.
The other night was "Surprise Him" night.
Now, we have 4 children. Three of them go to bed pretty early in the evening. The 15 year old stays up late. So, if we want to....you know...we lock the door. Duh. And hope his headphones he's wearing playing Xbox work.
The other night, "Surprise" night, we had had some depressing news. We both were just down and tired and feeling very defeated.
As we got in to bed, Judd asked what the day's challenge was. I told him "I'm suppose to surprise you in bed. But, really, I'm not into it tonight. How about the fact that I'm willing is a surprise???"
He was game. Duh.
We were enjoying our quality time when we heard quite a ruckus outside our bedroom window. Some sort of vehicle noise. We didn't really think too much of it. Until, Jayce knocked on our bedroom door.
We both stop..moving. Listen. Did we just hear a knock?? Maybe if we don't move again, at all, he will go away?
Jayce : "Dad? Mom?'
Judd: looks at me, clears his throat, tries to sound as normal as possible, "Yes?"
Jayce: "Somebody just drove up into our yard, up in the grass and over the reflectors at the driveway! And, he drove off and is dragging his bumper down the road! Sparks are flying every where! And, the cops are right behind him!!"
Me (whispering to my husband) "SURPRISE!!!"
Who says you can't still be surprised, even after 20 years together? ( :
For the last few years, our church has had a Valentine's dinner. A night out, to a nicer than normal restaurant, married couples only, no children, dinner. And, after the dinner, the pastor gives us a Marriage Challenge.
If you are like me, your first thought is "Marriage is enough of a challenge, I don't need an official gameboard."
But, hear me out. It's a month of different activities, designed to bring you closer together as a couple. Some of the activities are really lame. Like "repeat your wedding vows" (that one was removed this year,everyone agreed it was lame) or "10 min foot rubs" (both my husband and I don't like to have our feet touched so we substituted something else).
Some are really simple. Bring home flowers. Make his favorite dessert. 30 min of doing whatever he wants.
We've never been able to finish out the whole month. Something always comes up and derails us. But, it's fun trying and the sentiment behind it is important.
Now, on to the embarrassing part. (you didn't even read the first part, did you? Just skipped down to here, huh?)
Some of the activities are to happen in the bedroom. Or, other places. "Remote night" is not referring to the t.v. remote. "Naughty Poem" night. Self explanatory. No. I will not publish my poem.
The other night was "Surprise Him" night.
Now, we have 4 children. Three of them go to bed pretty early in the evening. The 15 year old stays up late. So, if we want to....you know...we lock the door. Duh. And hope his headphones he's wearing playing Xbox work.
The other night, "Surprise" night, we had had some depressing news. We both were just down and tired and feeling very defeated.
As we got in to bed, Judd asked what the day's challenge was. I told him "I'm suppose to surprise you in bed. But, really, I'm not into it tonight. How about the fact that I'm willing is a surprise???"
He was game. Duh.
We were enjoying our quality time when we heard quite a ruckus outside our bedroom window. Some sort of vehicle noise. We didn't really think too much of it. Until, Jayce knocked on our bedroom door.
We both stop..moving. Listen. Did we just hear a knock?? Maybe if we don't move again, at all, he will go away?
Jayce : "Dad? Mom?'
Judd: looks at me, clears his throat, tries to sound as normal as possible, "Yes?"
Jayce: "Somebody just drove up into our yard, up in the grass and over the reflectors at the driveway! And, he drove off and is dragging his bumper down the road! Sparks are flying every where! And, the cops are right behind him!!"
Me (whispering to my husband) "SURPRISE!!!"
Who says you can't still be surprised, even after 20 years together? ( :
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Burn!!!
My kids are all very different, but, one thing they all have is a sense of humor. I don't just mean they can tell a knock-knock joke, but they can think of smart comments on the spot. And, like most kids, if they get people to laugh once, they will rinse and repeat many times, hoping for the same response. But, generally, that first zinger is worth it.
One thing Jarrett (just turned 9) possesses more strongly than my other three kids is the NEED to be right. All. The. Time. No matter what. No matter that it is obvious to anyone within a 5 mile radius that he is wrong, he will fight to the death that he is right. Or, a close cousin to always being right, it's somebody else's fault. It makes disciplining this young man very, very.....interesting. More often than not, any correction on our end causes tears on his end as he is so adamant he is in the right.
On a recent afternoon, shortly after the boys had gotten off the school bus, Jarrett said to me: "Mom, didn't you say Mr. Haas (a teacher at school) was my uncle?"
Me: "No!! Why on earth would I say that??"
Jarrett immediately breaks into tears.
Me: "Jarrett?? Did you tell people at school he was your uncle?"
Jarrett: "Yes!! You SAID he was!!"
Me: "No. I did not. I would never say anything like that, not even as a joke."
Jarrett: "Yes!! You DID!!"
Hot, angry tears are pouring down his face.
Me: "Jarrett. I did not say that. If anything, the closest thing I said was your Uncle Steve knows Mr. Haas, which is true. But, that's not the same as saying he was your uncle!!"
Jarrett: "You SAID!!"
Me: sigh...."No, I didn't but I'm done talking about this. I'm sure your friends won't even remember you saying that."
Later, after dinner, as we sat and watched "The Andy Griffith Show" (don't you just love that show?), I happened to remember our previous conversation.
As I started to re-tell the story to Judd, Jarrett again started to cry and grumpily returned to "Mom!! You SAID he was my uncle."
Now, as I'm sure is the way with many fathers, Judd gets extremely irritated with Jarrett when he cries for no "good" reason. If he is physically injured or seriously emotionally hurt, of course Judd is compassionate. But, when he cries just because he's avoiding facing the fact that he is wrong about something, there's no compassion.
Judd: "Are you crying?? That's silly. You just heard mom wrong, it's no big deal. Stop crying."
Jeven (Jarrett's younger brother), sees a chance to go in for the kill and says: What's the matter? You upset? Why don't you go cry to your new uncle!!?"
Was that mean? Yes.
Was it perfectly timed and appropriately used? Yes.
Did Judd and I hide our faces and pretend we weren't laughing? Nope!!
Did Jarrett actually crack a smile and can now, to this day, laugh at himself about the time he thought Mr. Haas was his teacher? Yup!
Does Jeven try the same line any time and place he thinks it might get a laugh? What do you think?
One thing Jarrett (just turned 9) possesses more strongly than my other three kids is the NEED to be right. All. The. Time. No matter what. No matter that it is obvious to anyone within a 5 mile radius that he is wrong, he will fight to the death that he is right. Or, a close cousin to always being right, it's somebody else's fault. It makes disciplining this young man very, very.....interesting. More often than not, any correction on our end causes tears on his end as he is so adamant he is in the right.
On a recent afternoon, shortly after the boys had gotten off the school bus, Jarrett said to me: "Mom, didn't you say Mr. Haas (a teacher at school) was my uncle?"
Me: "No!! Why on earth would I say that??"
Jarrett immediately breaks into tears.
Me: "Jarrett?? Did you tell people at school he was your uncle?"
Jarrett: "Yes!! You SAID he was!!"
Me: "No. I did not. I would never say anything like that, not even as a joke."
Jarrett: "Yes!! You DID!!"
Hot, angry tears are pouring down his face.
Me: "Jarrett. I did not say that. If anything, the closest thing I said was your Uncle Steve knows Mr. Haas, which is true. But, that's not the same as saying he was your uncle!!"
Jarrett: "You SAID!!"
Me: sigh...."No, I didn't but I'm done talking about this. I'm sure your friends won't even remember you saying that."
Later, after dinner, as we sat and watched "The Andy Griffith Show" (don't you just love that show?), I happened to remember our previous conversation.
As I started to re-tell the story to Judd, Jarrett again started to cry and grumpily returned to "Mom!! You SAID he was my uncle."
Now, as I'm sure is the way with many fathers, Judd gets extremely irritated with Jarrett when he cries for no "good" reason. If he is physically injured or seriously emotionally hurt, of course Judd is compassionate. But, when he cries just because he's avoiding facing the fact that he is wrong about something, there's no compassion.
Judd: "Are you crying?? That's silly. You just heard mom wrong, it's no big deal. Stop crying."
Jeven (Jarrett's younger brother), sees a chance to go in for the kill and says: What's the matter? You upset? Why don't you go cry to your new uncle!!?"
Was that mean? Yes.
Was it perfectly timed and appropriately used? Yes.
Did Judd and I hide our faces and pretend we weren't laughing? Nope!!
Did Jarrett actually crack a smile and can now, to this day, laugh at himself about the time he thought Mr. Haas was his teacher? Yup!
Does Jeven try the same line any time and place he thinks it might get a laugh? What do you think?
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Where the Insane People Live
I sit here tonight, crouched at the kitchen table, trying to look invisible as it seems I can do nothing without being interrupted or asked "what are you doing?". Not that this is anything unusual, I've been a mom for 15 years, I know the drill. But, I realized this evening, it has been since before I quit my job, in October, that I've had any significant time to myself. I especially like when I'm home by myself. But, I haven't been home alone for ages. I am in need, that's for sure!!
My grandma ended up being admitted to the hospital and was there for about a week. She then went to a rehab facility. And, here is where I am thankful for my year working at the assisted living facility and my years of volunteering at other facilities. We, as her family, were given the choice of which facility to place my grandma in. I immediately ruled out several and encouraged my mother to pick the one that Judd's grandma had wonderful experiences with and several of "my" residents went to and returned good as new.
Of course, you take a 83 year old woman who has lived on her own for 30 years, and put her in a place where she can't do her own medications or even use the toilet without assistance and you get a rough trip.
But, she slowly regained some of her strength and eventually was discharged. She then flew with my aunt and uncle to Alaska and she will stay up there for a bit, while her house is updated to be a safer environment for her. I'm sad to have her so far away but M&D have no easy task ahead of them.
My aunt and uncle (who I mentioned in the previous post, not in the paragraph above) needed some help as well, this last month. My uncle required surgery and my aunt does not drive. So, I drove them back and forth to the hospital for several days (him just once, her back and forth to visit and eventually him when he was released) and while the 120 miles a day (yup) were alot, I spent some time with my aunt that I've been related to for almost 40 years (GAWD!!) but only just got to know a few weeks ago, thru the conversations in the waiting rooms, in the car and sitting quietly by my uncle's bed. Seems she remembers many funny things about my childhood, and has very strong opinions about many things. It was interesting talks, for sure.
Jarrett is half way thru his basketball season. And, we have decided this will be the last sport we participate in. We just are not sports people. We could care less, we have many other things going on, we don't have the time to shuffle back and forth to a million practices a week, taking up entire weekends with games. And, the older the kids get,the more competitive the sports become. And, honestly, our kids don't show signs of hiding exceptional athletic ability. And, being honest again, team sports are rarely about playing as a team. If you're lucky, you will get a coach that attempts to make it appear he's trying to teach them to play as a team. But, more often than not, it's about one or two exceptional kids who hog the ball, out score everyone, all while their parents cheer them on, not caring about anything else but winning. (No, I'm not bitter, why do you ask??) My kids just want to have fun and wear cool shoes. And, get snacks. So, while they may protest, at first, when we tell them no more sports, I think they will in the long run, be okay.
We sold my husband's Samurai and we are hoping that will take the edge off of our financial stress. We are really trying to avoid me having to go back to work. But, if I do, I imagine getting my old job back won't be a problem. My "wonderful" boss, that appreciated his employees like one appreciates a zit on their backside, "moved on to other things" most suddenly. I hear that the whole dining room full of senior citizens stood up and cheered the day he left.
I tell ya, being a grown up is sometimes not everything I dreamed it would be. Sometimes, it's much much worse. But, sometimes, you get your almost 8 year old asking you: "Mom? I have a "Yes" or "No" question. Actually, it's just a "Yes" question. Can I have some soda?" And, if I don't make a point to concentrate on him, on all of the people I love, big or little, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, check out clerk at the grocery store, I miss the funny things, I miss the intelligence that I thought was missing, the random kind things people do for other people, the random things I can do for strangers, if I don't stop to appreciate the little things that make me smile (like the obvious answer to Jeven's question), I would surely go insane. And, I've seen where they put insane people, I don't want to go there!
My grandma ended up being admitted to the hospital and was there for about a week. She then went to a rehab facility. And, here is where I am thankful for my year working at the assisted living facility and my years of volunteering at other facilities. We, as her family, were given the choice of which facility to place my grandma in. I immediately ruled out several and encouraged my mother to pick the one that Judd's grandma had wonderful experiences with and several of "my" residents went to and returned good as new.
Of course, you take a 83 year old woman who has lived on her own for 30 years, and put her in a place where she can't do her own medications or even use the toilet without assistance and you get a rough trip.
But, she slowly regained some of her strength and eventually was discharged. She then flew with my aunt and uncle to Alaska and she will stay up there for a bit, while her house is updated to be a safer environment for her. I'm sad to have her so far away but M&D have no easy task ahead of them.
My aunt and uncle (who I mentioned in the previous post, not in the paragraph above) needed some help as well, this last month. My uncle required surgery and my aunt does not drive. So, I drove them back and forth to the hospital for several days (him just once, her back and forth to visit and eventually him when he was released) and while the 120 miles a day (yup) were alot, I spent some time with my aunt that I've been related to for almost 40 years (GAWD!!) but only just got to know a few weeks ago, thru the conversations in the waiting rooms, in the car and sitting quietly by my uncle's bed. Seems she remembers many funny things about my childhood, and has very strong opinions about many things. It was interesting talks, for sure.
Jarrett is half way thru his basketball season. And, we have decided this will be the last sport we participate in. We just are not sports people. We could care less, we have many other things going on, we don't have the time to shuffle back and forth to a million practices a week, taking up entire weekends with games. And, the older the kids get,the more competitive the sports become. And, honestly, our kids don't show signs of hiding exceptional athletic ability. And, being honest again, team sports are rarely about playing as a team. If you're lucky, you will get a coach that attempts to make it appear he's trying to teach them to play as a team. But, more often than not, it's about one or two exceptional kids who hog the ball, out score everyone, all while their parents cheer them on, not caring about anything else but winning. (No, I'm not bitter, why do you ask??) My kids just want to have fun and wear cool shoes. And, get snacks. So, while they may protest, at first, when we tell them no more sports, I think they will in the long run, be okay.
We sold my husband's Samurai and we are hoping that will take the edge off of our financial stress. We are really trying to avoid me having to go back to work. But, if I do, I imagine getting my old job back won't be a problem. My "wonderful" boss, that appreciated his employees like one appreciates a zit on their backside, "moved on to other things" most suddenly. I hear that the whole dining room full of senior citizens stood up and cheered the day he left.
I tell ya, being a grown up is sometimes not everything I dreamed it would be. Sometimes, it's much much worse. But, sometimes, you get your almost 8 year old asking you: "Mom? I have a "Yes" or "No" question. Actually, it's just a "Yes" question. Can I have some soda?" And, if I don't make a point to concentrate on him, on all of the people I love, big or little, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, check out clerk at the grocery store, I miss the funny things, I miss the intelligence that I thought was missing, the random kind things people do for other people, the random things I can do for strangers, if I don't stop to appreciate the little things that make me smile (like the obvious answer to Jeven's question), I would surely go insane. And, I've seen where they put insane people, I don't want to go there!
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