Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Blessings Abound!
Ever have one of those weeks where God is shouting at you, "I'VE GOT IT UNDER CONTROL! SEE??" Yeah, that's what last week was like. One big picture of God's mighty power & grace. Blessing did abound!
I posted last week that God had laid Philippians 4:6-7 on my heart and that it was getting me thru the week.
I really just thought God was helping me thru the stress of the last week before school starts. Things were busy and tense and I needed to let Him take care of it. I had no idea
If you saw my Facebook Saturday, you know that the transmission blew on my van . In Dallas. While I was taking my mom & the boys to the hotel. It was 101 degrees outside. Bear noticed the smell and then I saw smoke, thinking it was one of those "junkers" beside us as we exited the George Bush Freeway. Yeah, the smoke was coming from MY junker! That's when I started getting stressed. Really, really stressed. Then, that's when the blessings began.
BLESSINGS
1. The smoke started less than half a mile from the hotel. I managed to get to the hotel, avoiding being stranded in traffic, in the heat, in the middle of Dallas. I got Mom & the boys somewhat settled at the hotel & called USAA, who towed the van to the Honda dealership.
2. SugarDaddy had left about 45 minutes before I did and had SugarPlum & my dad with him at the soccer tournament. So, we had 2 cars there.
3. Another one of the soccer families was staying at the same hotel as us, so they took SP & my dad back to the hotel & then to the next game so that SD could meet me at the dealership.
4. Mom took care of the boys the whole time, walking them over to Black Eyed Pea for supper and then back to the hotel to swim.
5. After being informed that it would cost us $5000 for the dealership to replace the transmission & determining that we couldn't make an informed decision about buying a replacement THAT DAY, SD & I made it to the second game in time.
6. My wonderful friends, Mr & Mrs Jackalord got us a trailer and towed the van back to Candyland (2 hours each way!) with Mr. J's pickup. Who does that? AMAZING friends, that's who. We really didn't know what we were going to do otherwise.
7. After we got home, my beautiful friend, Charity, offered us the use of a car for as long as we needed it. That keeps us from having to rent a car while the van is being fixed or...if that is just going to be too much, it keeps us from having to jump into something without taking time to make a wise decision.
AND THEN...just to put icing on the blessing cake....God decides to show me that He really does have it ALL under control.
8. We finally heard from both of the boys' football coaches. (I'd been worried about football practice & how it would all work since last year it was a big hassle getting all three kids where they needed to be since it sometimes required me to be three places at once) Both of them have practice this year at the same place...at the same time....NOT on a soccer night! Woo hoo!!! Go God!
I still haven't heard about the van. The transmission guy says it will be early next week before he can tell me something. But honestly, I'm not worried. God has made it clear that He's got this one. I just need to get out of the way. Which brings to mind another verse in Philippians:
I posted last week that God had laid Philippians 4:6-7 on my heart and that it was getting me thru the week.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I really just thought God was helping me thru the stress of the last week before school starts. Things were busy and tense and I needed to let Him take care of it. I had no idea
If you saw my Facebook Saturday, you know that the transmission blew on my van . In Dallas. While I was taking my mom & the boys to the hotel. It was 101 degrees outside. Bear noticed the smell and then I saw smoke, thinking it was one of those "junkers" beside us as we exited the George Bush Freeway. Yeah, the smoke was coming from MY junker! That's when I started getting stressed. Really, really stressed. Then, that's when the blessings began.
BLESSINGS
1. The smoke started less than half a mile from the hotel. I managed to get to the hotel, avoiding being stranded in traffic, in the heat, in the middle of Dallas. I got Mom & the boys somewhat settled at the hotel & called USAA, who towed the van to the Honda dealership.
2. SugarDaddy had left about 45 minutes before I did and had SugarPlum & my dad with him at the soccer tournament. So, we had 2 cars there.
3. Another one of the soccer families was staying at the same hotel as us, so they took SP & my dad back to the hotel & then to the next game so that SD could meet me at the dealership.
4. Mom took care of the boys the whole time, walking them over to Black Eyed Pea for supper and then back to the hotel to swim.
5. After being informed that it would cost us $5000 for the dealership to replace the transmission & determining that we couldn't make an informed decision about buying a replacement THAT DAY, SD & I made it to the second game in time.
6. My wonderful friends, Mr & Mrs Jackalord got us a trailer and towed the van back to Candyland (2 hours each way!) with Mr. J's pickup. Who does that? AMAZING friends, that's who. We really didn't know what we were going to do otherwise.
7. After we got home, my beautiful friend, Charity, offered us the use of a car for as long as we needed it. That keeps us from having to rent a car while the van is being fixed or...if that is just going to be too much, it keeps us from having to jump into something without taking time to make a wise decision.
AND THEN...just to put icing on the blessing cake....God decides to show me that He really does have it ALL under control.
8. We finally heard from both of the boys' football coaches. (I'd been worried about football practice & how it would all work since last year it was a big hassle getting all three kids where they needed to be since it sometimes required me to be three places at once) Both of them have practice this year at the same place...at the same time....NOT on a soccer night! Woo hoo!!! Go God!
I still haven't heard about the van. The transmission guy says it will be early next week before he can tell me something. But honestly, I'm not worried. God has made it clear that He's got this one. I just need to get out of the way. Which brings to mind another verse in Philippians:
And my God will supply every need...Phil 4:19
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Why Milk?
Every summer I am amazed at just how much milk these people drink. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I buy - at a minimum - six gallons of milk a week. It's unreal. They drink milk -- lots of milk -- with every meal. You can include me in that as well. I love, love, love milk. Nothing like it. And it doesn't hurt that milk helps you maintain a healthy weight, stave off hunger between meals, is great at hydrating, and of course makes your bones strong.
I watched my grandmother and four of my great-grandparents suffer the effects of osteoporosis. I know how easy it is to prevent that. And with the amount of milk these kids drink, I am fairly confident that we have a fighting chance at avoiding that particular malady! I know that I am blessed in this regard because I have many friends whose kids refuse to drink milk & have trouble working enough calcium & vitamin D into their diets.
The Milk Council has a new site called Why Milk? that offers facts, articles, recipes & suggestions for working milk into your diet. We tried this Strawberry-Banana Smoothie and loved it! And more importantly, SugarPlum's milk-hating buddy liked it as well. Her mother was thrilled! And while I haven't tried it yet, this recipe for Mom's Mocha Indulgence Smoothie looks like a little bit of heaven!
The Why Milk? site has an abundance of information including studies about the benefits of milk; tools such as a Beverage Analyzer to show the impact your beverage choices have on your health, Calorie Calculator, and workout recovery tips; contests and sweepstakes; and of course, you can look at all those celebrity "Got Milk?" shots (although, Dana Torres gives me a complex. No woman should be THAT buff at my age!).
But really, the recipes are my favorite part. They have suggestions for every meal as well as snacks. And, most importantly for me, they are easy, sensible recipes with ingredients (MILK?!) that I normally have and that don't take all day to prepare!
So, go visit the Why Milk? site. Your bones will thank you!
I watched my grandmother and four of my great-grandparents suffer the effects of osteoporosis. I know how easy it is to prevent that. And with the amount of milk these kids drink, I am fairly confident that we have a fighting chance at avoiding that particular malady! I know that I am blessed in this regard because I have many friends whose kids refuse to drink milk & have trouble working enough calcium & vitamin D into their diets.
The Milk Council has a new site called Why Milk? that offers facts, articles, recipes & suggestions for working milk into your diet. We tried this Strawberry-Banana Smoothie and loved it! And more importantly, SugarPlum's milk-hating buddy liked it as well. Her mother was thrilled! And while I haven't tried it yet, this recipe for Mom's Mocha Indulgence Smoothie looks like a little bit of heaven!
The Why Milk? site has an abundance of information including studies about the benefits of milk; tools such as a Beverage Analyzer to show the impact your beverage choices have on your health, Calorie Calculator, and workout recovery tips; contests and sweepstakes; and of course, you can look at all those celebrity "Got Milk?" shots (although, Dana Torres gives me a complex. No woman should be THAT buff at my age!).
But really, the recipes are my favorite part. They have suggestions for every meal as well as snacks. And, most importantly for me, they are easy, sensible recipes with ingredients (MILK?!) that I normally have and that don't take all day to prepare!
So, go visit the Why Milk? site. Your bones will thank you!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
FREE STUFF!!! (any questions?)
Celebrate summer with the Mom Central Summer Giveaway Bonanza! Each week, Mom Central will post new giveaways just for Moms and their families on MomCentral.com. They'll have tons of great prizes throughout the summer for you and all members of your family. Some of the giveaways include:
• Hoover Cyclonic Bagless Upright Vacuum: This new vacuum from Hoover removes more dirt than other cyclonic bagless vacuums due to its patented wind tunnel technology and embedded dirt finder. With power controls on the handle, it reduces bending to get to those hard-to-reach places and easily moves from hard floor to carpet.
• Crayola Play Sand: Transform an ordinary sandbox with a splash of color or design colorful art projects with a 20 lb. bag of Crayola Play Sand. The sand doesn't stain hands and features an easy-to-carry handle to make transporting easy on Moms.
• Jeep Tandem Stroller: Built to accommodate your growing family, the Tandem Traveler Stroller features sun canopies, reclining seat backs, car-seat adaptors, and cup holders that will leave you feeling like the coolest mommy on the block.
• Razor Jr. Electric Wagon: Put a modern spin on the classic wagon with the Razor Jr. Electric Wagon. Traveling safely at 2-3 miles per hour, parents have assistance while cruising the block.
This is only a sample of the great stuff they are giving away all summer. Head over there now & sign up. You KNOW you love free stuff! (You can thank me later!)
• Hoover Cyclonic Bagless Upright Vacuum: This new vacuum from Hoover removes more dirt than other cyclonic bagless vacuums due to its patented wind tunnel technology and embedded dirt finder. With power controls on the handle, it reduces bending to get to those hard-to-reach places and easily moves from hard floor to carpet.
• Crayola Play Sand: Transform an ordinary sandbox with a splash of color or design colorful art projects with a 20 lb. bag of Crayola Play Sand. The sand doesn't stain hands and features an easy-to-carry handle to make transporting easy on Moms.
• Jeep Tandem Stroller: Built to accommodate your growing family, the Tandem Traveler Stroller features sun canopies, reclining seat backs, car-seat adaptors, and cup holders that will leave you feeling like the coolest mommy on the block.
• Razor Jr. Electric Wagon: Put a modern spin on the classic wagon with the Razor Jr. Electric Wagon. Traveling safely at 2-3 miles per hour, parents have assistance while cruising the block.
This is only a sample of the great stuff they are giving away all summer. Head over there now & sign up. You KNOW you love free stuff! (You can thank me later!)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
So wrong it's right....
I just read the following exchange on my Facebook & about wet my pants. These are people I have known since elementary school. Ryan now hosts a radio sports show & has two young kids....
Ryan:
oddly enough, they don't sell Backyardigans CD's at Local Liquor. Who knew???
Karen at 1:30pm July 11
Try Pinkies.
Ryan at 1:37pm July 11
Good point. They might even have Imagination Movers.
Matt at 1:39pm July 11
they should have Handy Manny. That guy knows how to tilt a Silver Bullet
Karen at 1:41pm July 11
I thought Manny was probably a bud light man.
Matt at 1:42pm July 11
no, before bidness picked up he was a Natty lite guy.
Ryan at 1:43pm July 11
Wonder if Kelly is mixing up drinks at that hardware store all day long...
Matt at 1:44pm July 11
The "tool" are Double X.
Karen at 1:45pm July 11
I feel like I've stooped to a new low. But I am laughing at this.
Matt at 1:45pm July 11
It's Saturday. She is usually dancing 3 shows at Jaguars.
Ryan at 1:48pm July 11
I'm pretty sure I just heard her ad on SportsRadio 1234!
Matt at 1:49pm July 11
We won't talk about Mr. Lopart's whiskey induced trip to the playground to see the kids.
Karen at 1:50pm July 11
Or what Ms Portillo sells out the back door of her kitchen.
Matt at 1:50pm July 11
nothing goes with sports radio like strip clubs and booze.
Carl at 1:52pm July 11
Kelly, always has what Manny "needs".
Matt at 1:52pm July 11
i hope the 5 & Under crowd still don't read Ryan's updates.
There was a fiasco with the Mayor and 2 of her younger interns.
Matt at 1:57pm July 11
Remember the very special episode where Manny cleaned Kelly's plumbing with help from Pat and Philipe.
Matt at 1:58pm July 11
OK- Shame on me....
Carl at 2:00pm July 11
Anyone remember the "Honey-Do" Man, that worked here in town? The side of his van said, "Let me snake your drain." Forgive me if I crossed the line with that one.
Tessa at 2:18pm July 11
That was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!!! Go release a balloon and repent!!
Matt at 2:22pm July 11
but you laughed.
Ryan:
oddly enough, they don't sell Backyardigans CD's at Local Liquor. Who knew???
Karen at 1:30pm July 11
Try Pinkies.
Ryan at 1:37pm July 11
Good point. They might even have Imagination Movers.
Matt at 1:39pm July 11
they should have Handy Manny. That guy knows how to tilt a Silver Bullet
Karen at 1:41pm July 11
I thought Manny was probably a bud light man.
Matt at 1:42pm July 11
no, before bidness picked up he was a Natty lite guy.
Ryan at 1:43pm July 11
Wonder if Kelly is mixing up drinks at that hardware store all day long...
Matt at 1:44pm July 11
The "tool" are Double X.
Karen at 1:45pm July 11
I feel like I've stooped to a new low. But I am laughing at this.
Matt at 1:45pm July 11
It's Saturday. She is usually dancing 3 shows at Jaguars.
Ryan at 1:48pm July 11
I'm pretty sure I just heard her ad on SportsRadio 1234!
Matt at 1:49pm July 11
We won't talk about Mr. Lopart's whiskey induced trip to the playground to see the kids.
Karen at 1:50pm July 11
Or what Ms Portillo sells out the back door of her kitchen.
Matt at 1:50pm July 11
nothing goes with sports radio like strip clubs and booze.
Carl at 1:52pm July 11
Kelly, always has what Manny "needs".
Matt at 1:52pm July 11
i hope the 5 & Under crowd still don't read Ryan's updates.
There was a fiasco with the Mayor and 2 of her younger interns.
Matt at 1:57pm July 11
Remember the very special episode where Manny cleaned Kelly's plumbing with help from Pat and Philipe.
Matt at 1:58pm July 11
OK- Shame on me....
Carl at 2:00pm July 11
Anyone remember the "Honey-Do" Man, that worked here in town? The side of his van said, "Let me snake your drain." Forgive me if I crossed the line with that one.
Tessa at 2:18pm July 11
That was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!!! Go release a balloon and repent!!
Matt at 2:22pm July 11
but you laughed.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Don't let the donuts win!
You know what's really loud? No, I mean make-you-get-out-of-bed-to-make-it-shut-up loud?
Krispy Kream Donuts. They are loud. And? Somehow they know my name.
My wonderful, handsome husband bought one of those "fundraiser" boxes of KK's yesterday. I didn't see them until we got home from soccer last night. And, since it was 104 at soccer practice last night, the only thing that sounded good to eat was something COLD. As such, I was able to resist the siren song of the plain, glazed bites of heaven. Then I went to bed & had actually forgotten about them. Hard to believe, but true, nonetheless. I was lying in bed reading Atlas Shrugged, minding my own beeswax when I heard it. It was faint at first...
"Buffi...."
"Buuufffffiiiiii...."
I brushed it off as the wind in the trees and my imagination working together & continued to take in Dagny & Hank's intense relationship & Ayn Rand's eerie prophecy. (OMG!!!) But then it got louder & more insistent:
"Buuuffffffiiiii!"
"Yo! Buff!"
"Buffi! C'mon!"
Finally, I had to get put of bed & make it stop before it woke the kids. Because they really, really needed their sleep. We can't have stupid donuts waking them. So, I made my way to the kitchen, book in hand, with every intention of merely speaking to the donuts and asking them to please be quiet, it was the middle of the night and people were trying to sleep, for goodness sake.
But those donuts would NOT shut up. So, I opened the box and took one out so that I could look it in the face & make myself clear - but its eyes sorta glazed over (<-----ha! see what I did there?!). I did what I had to do. I ate the little mf'er. And then? I ate another one, just to ensure that they got the message. I know, you're amazed at my self-sacrifice for these children. That shut them up for a while. Late this morning, I had to eat another one, just in case they got ballsy later this evening. Because I will not tolerate insubordination. Alas, their numbers are so depleted at this point, I think we may be safe. However, I think I may have heard the survivors snickering and saying something about my ass getting bigger. I'll probably have to put a stop to THAT before the night's over.
Krispy Kream Donuts. They are loud. And? Somehow they know my name.
My wonderful, handsome husband bought one of those "fundraiser" boxes of KK's yesterday. I didn't see them until we got home from soccer last night. And, since it was 104 at soccer practice last night, the only thing that sounded good to eat was something COLD. As such, I was able to resist the siren song of the plain, glazed bites of heaven. Then I went to bed & had actually forgotten about them. Hard to believe, but true, nonetheless. I was lying in bed reading Atlas Shrugged, minding my own beeswax when I heard it. It was faint at first...
"Buffi...."
"Buuufffffiiiiii...."
I brushed it off as the wind in the trees and my imagination working together & continued to take in Dagny & Hank's intense relationship & Ayn Rand's eerie prophecy. (OMG!!!) But then it got louder & more insistent:
"Buuuffffffiiiii!"
"Yo! Buff!"
"Buffi! C'mon!"
Finally, I had to get put of bed & make it stop before it woke the kids. Because they really, really needed their sleep. We can't have stupid donuts waking them. So, I made my way to the kitchen, book in hand, with every intention of merely speaking to the donuts and asking them to please be quiet, it was the middle of the night and people were trying to sleep, for goodness sake.
But those donuts would NOT shut up. So, I opened the box and took one out so that I could look it in the face & make myself clear - but its eyes sorta glazed over (<-----ha! see what I did there?!). I did what I had to do. I ate the little mf'er. And then? I ate another one, just to ensure that they got the message. I know, you're amazed at my self-sacrifice for these children. That shut them up for a while. Late this morning, I had to eat another one, just in case they got ballsy later this evening. Because I will not tolerate insubordination. Alas, their numbers are so depleted at this point, I think we may be safe. However, I think I may have heard the survivors snickering and saying something about my ass getting bigger. I'll probably have to put a stop to THAT before the night's over.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Things that get me thru the day.....
Okay, things have been crazy, crazy crazy around here. The last few weeks of school are always insane & this year has not disappointed. I find myself wondering when we can all just sit down and eat together amidst all the activities that come along with having three kids.
One extraordinarily useful tool I recently discovered (thank you MomCentral!) is MakingLifeBetter.com. This site has it all - recipes (real recipes for REAL moms who don't have time or budget for anything too fancy, but still want to actually cook dinner for their families) with demo videos!, coupons, time and money saving advice, beauty and health tips....but it's not aggravating or condescending. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but it really makes me feel "empowered" (as goofy as that sounds) and not incapable. It sometimes makes all the difference when you're feeling overwhelmed. Check it out! You'll be glad you did!
The other site I found that I love is Mamapedia. What is hysterical about this is that "Mamapedia" is my nickname among some of my friends. I can't decide if that is a compliment or an insult, but I just tell myself that it's because I have a lot of random knowledge that I am always happy to share. NOT that I am a bossy know-it-all. Right? Don't answer that.
Anywho......if you have a question ANY question about parenting, pregnancy, child development, illness.....anything, really, you can find an answer on Mamapedia. And not the clinical, research-y answer that leaves you with as many questions as answers. Mamapedia gives you answers from other moms who have already tackled what you are wondering about and are sympathetic to your plight and ready offer advice, recommendations and sympathy. You get answers that make sense and don't leave you feeling more confused than you already were! As SugarPlum approaches the teen years, I am looking forward to input from those moms who have been "in the trenches." And, as the mom of two little boys there are always questions and frustrations. ALWAYS
Please check out Mamapedia. I am confident that you will really come to appreciate it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And on that note, I am off to take SugarPlum to a "Hooray, School's Out!" sleepover. And then to hang out with my boys. Hopefully, I will find time to share some of our antics this summer. These people are HILARIOUS!
One extraordinarily useful tool I recently discovered (thank you MomCentral!) is MakingLifeBetter.com. This site has it all - recipes (real recipes for REAL moms who don't have time or budget for anything too fancy, but still want to actually cook dinner for their families) with demo videos!, coupons, time and money saving advice, beauty and health tips....but it's not aggravating or condescending. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but it really makes me feel "empowered" (as goofy as that sounds) and not incapable. It sometimes makes all the difference when you're feeling overwhelmed. Check it out! You'll be glad you did!
The other site I found that I love is Mamapedia. What is hysterical about this is that "Mamapedia" is my nickname among some of my friends. I can't decide if that is a compliment or an insult, but I just tell myself that it's because I have a lot of random knowledge that I am always happy to share. NOT that I am a bossy know-it-all. Right? Don't answer that.
Anywho......if you have a question ANY question about parenting, pregnancy, child development, illness.....anything, really, you can find an answer on Mamapedia. And not the clinical, research-y answer that leaves you with as many questions as answers. Mamapedia gives you answers from other moms who have already tackled what you are wondering about and are sympathetic to your plight and ready offer advice, recommendations and sympathy. You get answers that make sense and don't leave you feeling more confused than you already were! As SugarPlum approaches the teen years, I am looking forward to input from those moms who have been "in the trenches." And, as the mom of two little boys there are always questions and frustrations. ALWAYS
Please check out Mamapedia. I am confident that you will really come to appreciate it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And on that note, I am off to take SugarPlum to a "Hooray, School's Out!" sleepover. And then to hang out with my boys. Hopefully, I will find time to share some of our antics this summer. These people are HILARIOUS!
Monday, May 25, 2009
So, yeah, this happened....
So much happening lately and, yet, at the same time there is really nothing happening at all. Which is funny because I really feel like I have been going non-stop for weeks now. And it's exhausting. Which is one of the problems. I'm just wiped out tired all of the time. So, I've been seeing the flight surgeon to try and figure out what the heck is wrong with me. I know that being tired is part of being a mom, but this is crazy. I honestly feel like I could go to sleep at any point in the day - anywhere.
So, the flight surgeon - and not the idiot flight surgeon I have seen in the past, but the KING of the flight surgeons (okay, maybe not his official USAF title, but close enough) - has been kind enough to make time in his schedule to really try to help me. Unfortunatly, solving the mystery involves bloodwork. Lots and lots of bloodwork. The first time, I had to be fasting for the blood tests. This always baffles me. They tell me to not eat anything after midnight, then come in (after getting three kids ready & off to school) and they take like a liter of blood. So...I'm starving and NOW severly anemic - and then they send me home. "Good Luck!" I never remember to bring a granola bar.
Good news? My cholesterol numbers are fabulous! My thyroid test were right on the money! Blood sugar? A little low, but nothing extraordinary. The down side of this is that now I have to get more blood tests. On the up-side, these don't involve fasting. Down side? SIX VIALS of blood. Thank goodness these don't require fasting. If I wasn't anemic before, I most certainly was afterward.
Those tests....were also unremarkable. Blood counts are good. No rhumetoid issues, no auto-immune markers. This seems like it should be good news, but it just means that we still don't know what is wrong. Grrrrrrrrr. So, now, he is sending me to a rheumetologist and he's sending me for a sleep study. Seems SD has informed him that I snore. Dr. King says that if I weighed 300 lbs he would have done the sleep study from the get-go, but since he and my therapist always feel the need to ask me if I am eating, that doesn't seem to be an indicator, but I could be suffering from sleep apnea. We'll see.
UPDATE: (This should have been posted on this date, but never was. So I'm posting it three years later. Nothing ever was really discovered at the sleep study other than I have some restless leg syndrome and I snore, but don't have any apnea. So, three years later, I've had lots of other tests and surgery and different meds....and a divorce and started grad school.....I'm just a hot mess, that's all...)
UPDATE: (This should have been posted on this date, but never was. So I'm posting it three years later. Nothing ever was really discovered at the sleep study other than I have some restless leg syndrome and I snore, but don't have any apnea. So, three years later, I've had lots of other tests and surgery and different meds....and a divorce and started grad school.....I'm just a hot mess, that's all...)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Plant a Seed to Grow a Healthy Kid!
You all know that between soccer, football, basketball, volleyball and any-other-ball that sports plays a HUGE role in the lives of my kids & thus in my life. We have been fortunate, thus far anyway, to always have wonderful facilities & fields for our kids to play on. However I know that not all families or communities are so blessed. So I feel compelled to share this with you...
Mom Central teamed up with Kellogg's Frosted Flakes back in January to let our community know about its Earn Your Stripes (EYS) field renovation program that aimed to renovate neighborhood sports fields across the U.S. Since that time, thousands of fields were nominated some with as many as 700,000 supporters! Those fields have now been narrowed down to 100 finalists and your vote will help determine the winning fields.
The semifinalist fields were chosen based on the feasibility of the field makeover, the location and age of the field, how often it gets used, how many events take place, what teams use it, the number of other athletic fields in the community, the demand, condition, and the impact a field renovation would have on the community.
From May 1st through the 31st, you can vote for your favorite semifinalist field at www.frostedflakes.com. Do you have a field in your area that got nominated or do you like one with a particularly compelling story? Those who nominated these fields described the conditions as having inadequate grass, equipment, uneven playing surfaces and other problems. These renovations will help to build community and provide better places for kids to stay active and play.
If you have a second (and you know you do!) go vote and help some kids have a better chance to be active & healthy!
Mom Central teamed up with Kellogg's Frosted Flakes back in January to let our community know about its Earn Your Stripes (EYS) field renovation program that aimed to renovate neighborhood sports fields across the U.S. Since that time, thousands of fields were nominated some with as many as 700,000 supporters! Those fields have now been narrowed down to 100 finalists and your vote will help determine the winning fields.
The semifinalist fields were chosen based on the feasibility of the field makeover, the location and age of the field, how often it gets used, how many events take place, what teams use it, the number of other athletic fields in the community, the demand, condition, and the impact a field renovation would have on the community.
From May 1st through the 31st, you can vote for your favorite semifinalist field at www.frostedflakes.com. Do you have a field in your area that got nominated or do you like one with a particularly compelling story? Those who nominated these fields described the conditions as having inadequate grass, equipment, uneven playing surfaces and other problems. These renovations will help to build community and provide better places for kids to stay active and play.
If you have a second (and you know you do!) go vote and help some kids have a better chance to be active & healthy!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Because my hypochondria wasn't heightened enough....
I've been seeing the flight surgeon quite a bit lately in the hopes of figuring out what, exactly, is wrong with me. (Physically - I gave up on my mental health years ago.) I've had quite a myriad of bizarre symptoms - joint pain, headaches, and soul-crushing fatigue. Every test that he does comes back normal. In fact, the doctor has been laughing that I am "abnormally normal." My blood counts are good, blood sugar is good, cholesterol, thyroid, iron, all normal. He had me do a sleep study - which turned out fine. (Oooooh...I need to tell you about that soon!) Even my CT scan was clear. I'm ridiculously healthy for someone who feels this crappy.
So, Monday, my mom sends me the "Ovarian Cancer" email. You know the one that goes around every few months that talks about how ovarian cancer is a "silent killer," that it can't be detected on your PAP smear, that its symptoms "whisper" and lists all the "whispering" symptoms. Really, it is one of my biggest fears.
As I said, mom sent me the email this week, and she highlighted all of the symptoms of ovarian cancer that I have. Each in a different color. SERIOUSLY. She's thoughtful that way.
Now I am obsessing over the fact that I am dying of ovarian cancer. The flight surgeon is going to love me when I call to tell him this. I always say, you can't have too many neuroses!!
So, Monday, my mom sends me the "Ovarian Cancer" email. You know the one that goes around every few months that talks about how ovarian cancer is a "silent killer," that it can't be detected on your PAP smear, that its symptoms "whisper" and lists all the "whispering" symptoms. Really, it is one of my biggest fears.
As I said, mom sent me the email this week, and she highlighted all of the symptoms of ovarian cancer that I have. Each in a different color. SERIOUSLY. She's thoughtful that way.
Now I am obsessing over the fact that I am dying of ovarian cancer. The flight surgeon is going to love me when I call to tell him this. I always say, you can't have too many neuroses!!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
I apologize now for the blatant abuse of parentheticals....
Tuesday morning....you are not my friend.
This morning started out okay. SugarPlum & I overslept a little, but only like four minutes. However, she has her morning routine down to a science, so four minutes can make or break her some days. Luckily, nothing of hers needed to be ironed, so SugarDaddy was able to get her out the door and off to school by 7:00. (Yes, 7:00 am. I know, right?)
Bug had woken up early & ate breakfast with SP. Normally he eats at the same time as Bear, but he was "really, really hungry!" so I went ahead and fixed his breakfast, too. But it just sort of threw my morning off. After SD & the girl were off, & after a few snuggles with Bug, I woke Bear up. This isn't an easy task, in that he is MY child and hates to wake up in the morning. It takes songs, back rubs, and silly little jokes - it's vital that he wake up happy or everyone's day is ruined. Then I fixed is cereal & scrambled eggs w/ bacon & cheese, got the boys' clothes ironed and actually on their bodies. (This is more difficult than it sounds most mornings. More than once Bug has been *thisclose* to going to school in his pjs. Oh, yes I would!) We actually ended up with enough time for the boys to play for a few minutes before they went to school! YAY!
This is where it started to fall apart. Okay, not that bad, but still.
The phone rings. SD( who had a monumentally bad day yesterday & had not had a good night's sleep leading to him misunderstanding my "I-just-woke-up-voice" for my "I-hate-you-you-are-a-moron-voice" - which doesn't exist but evidently is interpreted as such more often than I deserve)** had left his flight suit at home. Being a commander he never knows what uniform he will need at a particular point in the day, so he goes to work in jeans & t-shirt and changes there. But....I washed his flight suits last night & he left it here. So I agreed to bring it to him after I got it ironed & got the boys off to school. (And can I just say that flight suits are a BITCH to iron.)
At this point, the boys were ready except for shoes & socks - which didn't seem to be a priority for them. So after much shouting, bribery & threats, I finally got them off to school. Then I headed to the base with SD's clothes. After a brief chat, I volunteered to go to the coffee shop on base to get SD a Venti Caramel Macchiato and some tea for his secretary. (Always take care of the secretary. Secretaries make the world go 'round!) I was happy to be able to do something for SD since we had been a little cross with each other this morning.
I get over to the base library (home of the coffee shop) & find followed my nose to the coffee shop. There, I found the little barista chick, sitting in a cushy chair reading. She hops up & takes my order...which took a second, because I was unsure of what tea to get. When she rings me up, I discover that I have no cash & have to use my credit card. I am - evidently - visibly aggravated by that fact.
While she is making the drinks, I said something, can't remember what, but barista chicky says to me, "Yeah, you seem a little strung-out."
What?
THEN she says, "I'd say that's okay, but it's only Tuesday."
So, twenty-year-old chick who works at a very NOT busy Starbucks, is telling the mom of three kids who's day just got busier that I seem strung out. And that it is clearly not okay, because it's only Tuesday? Seriously?
I didn't even know what to say. I know that I am being over-sensitive, but who made her the arbiter of who gets to be stressed out? Seriously? Already, I am looking at this & laughing. But at 8:30 this morning, I was just pissed.
She SO didn't get a good tip.
This morning started out okay. SugarPlum & I overslept a little, but only like four minutes. However, she has her morning routine down to a science, so four minutes can make or break her some days. Luckily, nothing of hers needed to be ironed, so SugarDaddy was able to get her out the door and off to school by 7:00. (Yes, 7:00 am. I know, right?)
Bug had woken up early & ate breakfast with SP. Normally he eats at the same time as Bear, but he was "really, really hungry!" so I went ahead and fixed his breakfast, too. But it just sort of threw my morning off. After SD & the girl were off, & after a few snuggles with Bug, I woke Bear up. This isn't an easy task, in that he is MY child and hates to wake up in the morning. It takes songs, back rubs, and silly little jokes - it's vital that he wake up happy or everyone's day is ruined. Then I fixed is cereal & scrambled eggs w/ bacon & cheese, got the boys' clothes ironed and actually on their bodies. (This is more difficult than it sounds most mornings. More than once Bug has been *thisclose* to going to school in his pjs. Oh, yes I would!) We actually ended up with enough time for the boys to play for a few minutes before they went to school! YAY!
This is where it started to fall apart. Okay, not that bad, but still.
The phone rings. SD( who had a monumentally bad day yesterday & had not had a good night's sleep leading to him misunderstanding my "I-just-woke-up-voice" for my "I-hate-you-you-are-a-moron-voice" - which doesn't exist but evidently is interpreted as such more often than I deserve)** had left his flight suit at home. Being a commander he never knows what uniform he will need at a particular point in the day, so he goes to work in jeans & t-shirt and changes there. But....I washed his flight suits last night & he left it here. So I agreed to bring it to him after I got it ironed & got the boys off to school. (And can I just say that flight suits are a BITCH to iron.)
At this point, the boys were ready except for shoes & socks - which didn't seem to be a priority for them. So after much shouting, bribery & threats, I finally got them off to school. Then I headed to the base with SD's clothes. After a brief chat, I volunteered to go to the coffee shop on base to get SD a Venti Caramel Macchiato and some tea for his secretary. (Always take care of the secretary. Secretaries make the world go 'round!) I was happy to be able to do something for SD since we had been a little cross with each other this morning.
I get over to the base library (home of the coffee shop) & find followed my nose to the coffee shop. There, I found the little barista chick, sitting in a cushy chair reading. She hops up & takes my order...which took a second, because I was unsure of what tea to get. When she rings me up, I discover that I have no cash & have to use my credit card. I am - evidently - visibly aggravated by that fact.
While she is making the drinks, I said something, can't remember what, but barista chicky says to me, "Yeah, you seem a little strung-out."
What?
THEN she says, "I'd say that's okay, but it's only Tuesday."
So, twenty-year-old chick who works at a very NOT busy Starbucks, is telling the mom of three kids who's day just got busier that I seem strung out. And that it is clearly not okay, because it's only Tuesday? Seriously?
I didn't even know what to say. I know that I am being over-sensitive, but who made her the arbiter of who gets to be stressed out? Seriously? Already, I am looking at this & laughing. But at 8:30 this morning, I was just pissed.
She SO didn't get a good tip.
Friday, April 17, 2009
ICE CREAM!
First, just let me say...I KNOW, three months without posting and now I'm posting a review?! It's been so unbelievably insane here the past three months. Hospitals, work, sports, school, sick kids....blogging sort of fell off my radar. Basically, if it couldn't be expressed in less than 140 characters or so on Twitter or Facebook, it wasn't going to get posted. I feel like I am beginning to get a handle on things again, so hopefully, you will be hearing a lot more from me from now on. But first, this (which will be moved to the review site as soon as I get the ball rolling here again)....
When Mom Central asked if I'd be interested in participating in the Haagen-Dazs Five blog tour, the answer, of course was, "Well, DUH." I assumed I would get some coupons for a pint or two of scrumptious ice cream so that I could try and tell you all about it. And of course, being Haagen-Dazs, I knew it would be a rave review.
I was mostly right.
In the middle of a week where I was helping care for my grandfather here at Candyland General Hospital and on the very afternoon that I had to break it to my kids that our dogs had escaped the night before - with no collars - I was pulling into the driveway with a sobbing SugarPlum (just told about the dogs) when I noticed a rather large box on the front porch. Upon bringing the box in & opening it, I found FOUR PINTS OF ICE CREAM. Absolute, irrefutable proof that Jesus loves me. Ice cream! On my front porch! On one of the worst days of my life!!
SugarPlum and I cracked open a couple of those cartons with great haste. And let me tell you, these weren't just any old Haagen-Dazs pints. These are the new Haagen-Dazs FIVE ice creams. They are little pints of pure, unadulterated ice DREAM - just five all-natural ingredients of milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and one "hero" flavor ingredient such as vanilla bean, mint, coffee, ginger, or milk chocolate. No color, no HFCS, no nothing but pure ecstasy, baby! This means that the mint isn't garishly, unnaturally green, the passion fruit flavor isn't pink, or orange or whatever color some marketing guy thinks passion fruit should be.
I grabbed the mint. This ice cream is straight from heaven. I am harshly critical of mint ice cream, especially. I don't like "peppermint" or "wintergreen" flavored stuff. This mint was just creamy, minty wonderfulness.
SP picked the brown sugar flavor. She described it as "Cadbury Cream Egg mixed with soy sauce...but in a good way." I personally can't imagine any scenario where that combination might happen "in a good way," but the ice cream tasted pretty good to me.
They also sent ginger, which was unusual,but I really liked it. I do think, however, that it's something you have to be in the mood for. All three kids thought it was "yucky." So it must be more of a sophisticated taste. Like asparagus. Or martinis.
The kids really enjoyed the Passion Fruit. It was the boys' favorite. I found the flavor a little off-putting, but I just don't like that flavor of anything. I can see that some folks would really, really like it. It's very fresh tasting and creamy.
I was happy that I could give my family this ice cream with no guilt since the simplicity of it also gives it less fat! SERIOUSLY. I am looking forward to trying the other Haagen-Dazs Five flavors - with the free coupons I got along with the ice cream! Yes, really! It's available in Mint, Ginger, Vanilla Bean, Milk Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Coffee, and Brown Sugar. To learn more visit the Haagen-Dazs Five website.
Thanks Mom Central!
When Mom Central asked if I'd be interested in participating in the Haagen-Dazs Five blog tour, the answer, of course was, "Well, DUH." I assumed I would get some coupons for a pint or two of scrumptious ice cream so that I could try and tell you all about it. And of course, being Haagen-Dazs, I knew it would be a rave review.
I was mostly right.
In the middle of a week where I was helping care for my grandfather here at Candyland General Hospital and on the very afternoon that I had to break it to my kids that our dogs had escaped the night before - with no collars - I was pulling into the driveway with a sobbing SugarPlum (just told about the dogs) when I noticed a rather large box on the front porch. Upon bringing the box in & opening it, I found FOUR PINTS OF ICE CREAM. Absolute, irrefutable proof that Jesus loves me. Ice cream! On my front porch! On one of the worst days of my life!!
SugarPlum and I cracked open a couple of those cartons with great haste. And let me tell you, these weren't just any old Haagen-Dazs pints. These are the new Haagen-Dazs FIVE ice creams. They are little pints of pure, unadulterated ice DREAM - just five all-natural ingredients of milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and one "hero" flavor ingredient such as vanilla bean, mint, coffee, ginger, or milk chocolate. No color, no HFCS, no nothing but pure ecstasy, baby! This means that the mint isn't garishly, unnaturally green, the passion fruit flavor isn't pink, or orange or whatever color some marketing guy thinks passion fruit should be.
I grabbed the mint. This ice cream is straight from heaven. I am harshly critical of mint ice cream, especially. I don't like "peppermint" or "wintergreen" flavored stuff. This mint was just creamy, minty wonderfulness.
SP picked the brown sugar flavor. She described it as "Cadbury Cream Egg mixed with soy sauce...but in a good way." I personally can't imagine any scenario where that combination might happen "in a good way," but the ice cream tasted pretty good to me.
They also sent ginger, which was unusual,but I really liked it. I do think, however, that it's something you have to be in the mood for. All three kids thought it was "yucky." So it must be more of a sophisticated taste. Like asparagus. Or martinis.
The kids really enjoyed the Passion Fruit. It was the boys' favorite. I found the flavor a little off-putting, but I just don't like that flavor of anything. I can see that some folks would really, really like it. It's very fresh tasting and creamy.
I was happy that I could give my family this ice cream with no guilt since the simplicity of it also gives it less fat! SERIOUSLY. I am looking forward to trying the other Haagen-Dazs Five flavors - with the free coupons I got along with the ice cream! Yes, really! It's available in Mint, Ginger, Vanilla Bean, Milk Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Coffee, and Brown Sugar. To learn more visit the Haagen-Dazs Five website.
Thanks Mom Central!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Whole lotta crap nobody cares about
1. Do you like blue cheese?
nope. but I like Gorgonzola, so figure that one out
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
Um, no. Mary, do you have something to tell us?
3. Do you own a gun?
nope
4. Your favorite song?
Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Crosby, Stills, & Nash
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Depends on the Dr.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I try not to think of them or I get squicked out
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Angels We Have Heard on High
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Tea - PG Tips!
9.Can you do push ups?
Not if I don't absolutely have to
10. Favorite exercise?
jumping to conclusions; running off at the mouth
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
my wedding ring
12. Favorite hobby?
napping
13. Last place you ate?
Kitchen table
Um, no. Mary, do you have something to tell us?
3. Do you own a gun?
nope
4. Your favorite song?
Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Crosby, Stills, & Nash
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Depends on the Dr.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I try not to think of them or I get squicked out
7. Favorite Christmas song?
Angels We Have Heard on High
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Tea - PG Tips!
9.Can you do push ups?
Not if I don't absolutely have to
10. Favorite exercise?
jumping to conclusions; running off at the mouth
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
my wedding ring
12. Favorite hobby?
napping
13. Last place you ate?
Kitchen table
14. Do you have A.D.D?
No of course not.....Look! Something shiny!
15. What one trait do you hate about yourself?
Procrastination
16. Middle Name?
Sexy is my middle name, BABY
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...
I should really go to bed
I wonder if I have any new email
Why am I still awake?
18. Name 3 Shows you watched yesterday...
Fetch with Ruff Ruffman
MythBusters
America's Next Top ModelNo of course not.....Look! Something shiny!
15. What one trait do you hate about yourself?
Procrastination
16. Middle Name?
Sexy is my middle name, BABY
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment...
I should really go to bed
I wonder if I have any new email
Why am I still awake?
18. Name 3 Shows you watched yesterday...
Fetch with Ruff Ruffman
MythBusters
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink...
Tea, Milk, Water
20. Current worry right now?
sanity
21. Current hate right now?
Paris Hilton - GO AWAY
22. Favorite place to be?
the beach
23. How did you bring in the New Year?
BUNCO!
24. Where would you like to go?
Colorado to see Hula, NC to see Mary, VA to see the Queen
25. Name three people who will complete this list?
probably nobody
26. Do you own slippers?
yep, rarely wear them
27. What shirt are you wearing?
My cousin's HS Basketball team shirt
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
too slippery
29. Can you whistle?
Yes
30. Favorite color(s)?
blue, yellow
31. Would you be a pirate?
not if I could help it
32. What songs do you sing in the shower?
none
33. Favorite girl's name?
JOY
34. Favorite boy's name?
Hmmmm, Sawyer?
35. What's in your pocket right now?
no pockets
36. Last thing that made you laugh?
SugarBug
37. Best bed sheets as a child?
Raggedy Ann & Andy
38. Worst injury you've ever had?
Whiplash after a car accident in HS
39. Do you love where you live?
Yes, very much
40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
2
41. Who is your loudest friend?
AR
42. How many dogs do you have?
two
43. Does someone have a crush on you?
You're funny
44. Favorite TV show?
NYPD Blue. Current show? Project Runway
45. What is your favorite book?
To Kill a Mockingbird
46. What is your favorite candy?
Aero bar
47. Favorite Sports Team?
Whatever team my kid is on
48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
Why, do you know something I don't?
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
sleeping
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Damn, again?
Monday, January 12, 2009
As long as they don't start emulating Freddie Mercury....
Bug & Bear found a book of nursery rhymes Friday. They paged thru, reciting the ones that they know ( most of them). Then they came to Wee Willie Winkie and all hilarity broke loose as they started doing this song, ala Queen:
We will, we Will-ie
WIN-KIE!
*boom boom BAM boom boom BAM*
We will, We Will-ie
WIN-KIE!
At this point Bug attempts some sort of rap-type-thing that went something like:
I'm Wee Willie WINKIE
I run thru the TOWN
Upstairs & Downstairs
In my NIGHT GOWN!
(you get the idea)
SD and I were laughing so hard that we could hardly catch our breath. And the best part was that they did this for well over 20 minutes. Oh, dear lord in heaven, it was so stinking hilarious. Some days, I love living in this house with these people!
We will, we Will-ie
WIN-KIE!
*boom boom BAM boom boom BAM*
We will, We Will-ie
WIN-KIE!
At this point Bug attempts some sort of rap-type-thing that went something like:
I'm Wee Willie WINKIE
I run thru the TOWN
Upstairs & Downstairs
In my NIGHT GOWN!
(you get the idea)
SD and I were laughing so hard that we could hardly catch our breath. And the best part was that they did this for well over 20 minutes. Oh, dear lord in heaven, it was so stinking hilarious. Some days, I love living in this house with these people!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
My New Years Resolutions for 2009
Okay, I know that I am running behind with these. But I've barely had time to check my email except for when I was in bed with the nastiest cold I've had in a long time. Bleh. Anyway, these are the things that I have been thinking about for the past few weeks. Things that are important to me to resolve to work on in 2009.
- Focus on being the wife my husband needs me to be. I have choices in this life and I am choosing to make my marriage stronger and happier. I love this man more than anything & he deserves the best.
- Take more time to listen to what my kids are saying to me rather than insist on immediate compliance. Sometimes I am so focused on what I want them to do or not do, I don't wait to hear the explanation of WHY they are/aren't doing something.
- Make my husband and children feel treasured and adored. Because they are. Each one of them.
- Laugh more and yell less.
- Practice more patience as SugarPlum enters these preteen years. This is a very scary, crucial time. I have GOT to remember to take a deep breath and think before I judge or act. She needs to be able to trust me as much as I need to trust her. Heaven help me.
- Continue to eat healthier and go to bed at a reasonable time (ie sometime before midnight!)
- Remember that I started this blog to write about my life and to make a record of all the cool, funny things my family says and does. I have lost what should have been so many wonderful memories the past few months because I have been at a loss about what to write. I want to get my "mojo" back.
I appreciate those of you who have been here to support me in the past few months. It's been a roller coaster and you have been invaluable to my life! Happy New Year, y'all!
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