We did nothing today but clean, I studied, kids read, played, watched a movie. We had an all American dinner of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Hey, they requested it, how could I deny them?
Not much to blog about...
We went to a rodeo last night.
Em has shaved the outside of her eyebrows off...she denies that she did anything, but I couldn't figure out why they were not very wide and looked funny, so I had to take a closer look.
I spent most of the day with Abs on Thursday. I thought my ears were going to fall off from all the talking she did. She was not quiet more than 20 seconds. She even narrated the movie I let her watch.
I think Junior has another ear infection so we will probably hit the doctor on Sunday if he gets worse. Poor kiddo.
My mom is keeping the girls saturday night. I wish it was all three so I could crank out all my homework!
Talked to Gunner tonight on the computer, and Junior sang him songs. So cute. Junior was mesmerized watching his dad on the screen.
Our backyard is the perfect spot to view the fireworks put on by Fort Hood. The kids loved it, although Abs thought that they should form Greek Gods that were fighting mythical creatures. She also thought that they needed to have the Statue of Liberty up there too with her tablet and she proceeded to give us a history lesson on the Statue of Liberty and American Independence. Emily spent the entire time stating that all the loud fireworks were whiny like her sister. Junior kept singing "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee".
Never a dull moment.
Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Free Welcome Home Sign!
Jump on this while it is still available! Buildasign is offering a free banner to welcome home your Soldier. You have to pay for shipping which is almost $7, but that's nothing when you think about how much these signs cost. Hopefully someone will find this link useful!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Plugging Along
I broke down and bought a new laptop and it is wonderful and has cut my workload in half because I don't have to wait on my other computer to think between each keystroke. I wish it would write papers for me too.
Gunner called on Junior's birthday and it looks like R&R might be as early as next month! I'm glad in a way, but that is a long 10 months after he goes back. I told Em that he might come home soon, but he would have 10 months after he left again, and she said "Okay, we'll be fine mommy, we always are." I'm glad she has confidence!
A friend's husband deployed last Thursday to Afghanistan. Saturday she got a ticket and on Monday she was rear ended and her car totaled. She has 4 children too. Makes my life seem pretty sane.
Next week I am done with the first term of summer school. Still unemployed, still worried about it. Apparently my program will let me start working either in December or next school year with minimal penalty. The problem with that is that Gunner will be home and we could PCS to Carson and then I am totally out everything I have spent or we are separated for two years, and that's not going to happen! By the time we could get to Carson if I stayed here, he would surely deploy again and that would make it three years. Yeah, I am a bundle of optimism these days.
The kids are doing fine. Junior is on antibiotics still and still no surgery date yet. They said they would call mid-July for an August date. How's that for speedy service? Em is leaving next week for 3 ½ weeks in England with my mom—I'm very jealous. I need to get her packed and ready to go. Abs has managed to not kiss any little boys lately and so far I haven't received any complaints from daycare. She spent the day at the waterpark so she even fell asleep before 9 tonight! Wish they would wear her out that much every night!
I haven't heard from Gunner since Junior's birthday, but I do think we might be down to 49 trash days this Thursday? I better figure that out so I have something to look forward to.
Homework is screaming my name….
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Horse Whisperer
He absolutely loved the horse and cried and cried when he got off. It didn't take long for everyone to guess how old he was.
A natural after a week at horse camp!
My friend Melinda took this picture. I don't know what Junior was doing with his mouth.
We had a great time and the 40% chance of rain never materialized. The area was beautiful and they had a really nice ranch house. It was air conditioned so that is where Abs wanted to hang out all the time. They also had a stocked pond, but we didn't try our hand at fishing this time. Maybe next time since he invited us back!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Another day in the life of Me
I went to the dermatologist.
Picked up Abbie's prescription. The doctor had been on vacation and so I was sending her to school on no medication. Mental note--this is not a good idea.
Came home, took a much needed nap. Went to class. Had presentation.
I went to pick up Junior and walked in on him chomping down on some kid. Great. Even better--that was his third incident for the day. He felt the need to chomp down on two other kids as well.
Then I go get Abs, and got a notice that she was going to be suspended. I about lost it. Apparently she gave a boy a peck on the cheek. Then later someone said she spit on the chair while in the bus, a few drops and none of it touched the kid.
Okay, she shouldn't kiss a boy and she shouldn't spit. But be suspended for THAT? Give me a break. I wrote on the comment section. Probably not a good idea when I am upset. Then I talked to one of the teachers, and told her that it was unacceptable. At no time did Abs put anyone in danger and this was the FIRST time that she did ANYTHING, and I wasn't in the position to be able to pick her up on a whim because they thought they had a kissing bandit on their hands. I asked her if Abs hurt anyone? No. Did she tie the boy down? No. Did she at any time put anyone's life in danger? No. I asked a bunch of other questions, and then told her that I would talk to Abs, but I wasn't about to be threatened and have more stress added to my life because of them. She agreed that the threat at the bottom of the page was excessive and said she would talk to the director. I would have done it myself if I hadn't been on the verge of tears.
Not like I haven't spent the last two days crying anyway. Geez.
First presentation I started crying before I got up there. Luckily this was the class where I like the professor. I got it together and my presentation was okay (of course I am my own worst critic!), my friends said it was good. Must have been the water cycle song. LOL My Aunt ME has been a lifesaver through all of this. She is brilliant!
I don't know what my deal is lately. Doesn't help that it's been a week since I have heard from Gunner. I know he's busy, but I got used to being in pretty constant communication with him, and I just needed to talk to him this week. I know we made it to the one year left mark, but that just made it feel like it's still a lifetime till he comes home.
Still no job. And don't even get me started right now on one of the teachers I have this term.
On the bright side, I got a box in the mail today from someone that adopted Chris! It was a total surprise and made my day! Inside were four wrapped packages--one for me, two for the kids, and one for all of us. Can't wait to unwrap them and see! She mentioned how Abraham Lincoln said to take care of the families left behind, and so that she did! Did I mention that it made my day? Thanks so much Marilyn! Your kindness means the world to me.
UPDATE: Gunner called 7 times. Of course all 7 times I couldn't understand a lick of what he said, and the last time where I actually heard him say hello, we got disconnected. He didn't try again. Can't say that I blame him, but maybe tomorrow he will get through. And hopefully his son won't bite. And his daughter won't kiss any boys.
P.S. I sent Abs to her room when we got home and no one could watch tv today while I made dinner. (Mean mom, I know, I know) Abs showed up to dinner with a pile of makeup on her face and mascara all over her eyes. There went the other half of the bottle....
Picked up Abbie's prescription. The doctor had been on vacation and so I was sending her to school on no medication. Mental note--this is not a good idea.
Came home, took a much needed nap. Went to class. Had presentation.
I went to pick up Junior and walked in on him chomping down on some kid. Great. Even better--that was his third incident for the day. He felt the need to chomp down on two other kids as well.
Then I go get Abs, and got a notice that she was going to be suspended. I about lost it. Apparently she gave a boy a peck on the cheek. Then later someone said she spit on the chair while in the bus, a few drops and none of it touched the kid.
Okay, she shouldn't kiss a boy and she shouldn't spit. But be suspended for THAT? Give me a break. I wrote on the comment section. Probably not a good idea when I am upset. Then I talked to one of the teachers, and told her that it was unacceptable. At no time did Abs put anyone in danger and this was the FIRST time that she did ANYTHING, and I wasn't in the position to be able to pick her up on a whim because they thought they had a kissing bandit on their hands. I asked her if Abs hurt anyone? No. Did she tie the boy down? No. Did she at any time put anyone's life in danger? No. I asked a bunch of other questions, and then told her that I would talk to Abs, but I wasn't about to be threatened and have more stress added to my life because of them. She agreed that the threat at the bottom of the page was excessive and said she would talk to the director. I would have done it myself if I hadn't been on the verge of tears.
Not like I haven't spent the last two days crying anyway. Geez.
First presentation I started crying before I got up there. Luckily this was the class where I like the professor. I got it together and my presentation was okay (of course I am my own worst critic!), my friends said it was good. Must have been the water cycle song. LOL My Aunt ME has been a lifesaver through all of this. She is brilliant!
I don't know what my deal is lately. Doesn't help that it's been a week since I have heard from Gunner. I know he's busy, but I got used to being in pretty constant communication with him, and I just needed to talk to him this week. I know we made it to the one year left mark, but that just made it feel like it's still a lifetime till he comes home.
Still no job. And don't even get me started right now on one of the teachers I have this term.
On the bright side, I got a box in the mail today from someone that adopted Chris! It was a total surprise and made my day! Inside were four wrapped packages--one for me, two for the kids, and one for all of us. Can't wait to unwrap them and see! She mentioned how Abraham Lincoln said to take care of the families left behind, and so that she did! Did I mention that it made my day? Thanks so much Marilyn! Your kindness means the world to me.
UPDATE: Gunner called 7 times. Of course all 7 times I couldn't understand a lick of what he said, and the last time where I actually heard him say hello, we got disconnected. He didn't try again. Can't say that I blame him, but maybe tomorrow he will get through. And hopefully his son won't bite. And his daughter won't kiss any boys.
P.S. I sent Abs to her room when we got home and no one could watch tv today while I made dinner. (Mean mom, I know, I know) Abs showed up to dinner with a pile of makeup on her face and mascara all over her eyes. There went the other half of the bottle....
Monday, June 23, 2008
Money down the drain
I wonder if there is a song about that? If there is, Abs should have been singing it as she was pouring my Estee Lauder makeup down the sink. And her sister left her chapstick in there too, and that is now ruined. I don't know how she managed to sneak in there.
Em was going to NASA today on a field trip and it is 10:10 and she still isn't home. My FIL is picking her up--yes, being the anal person that I am, I did call to make sure that he was standing outside the building.
Junior went to the doctor yesterday and they upped his medicine. He's not on antibiotics right now, but they gave me a prescription to fill and keep on hand since we know it will progress to an ear infection. Right now they are hoping that it will just not get worse. Poor kiddo. Still waiting on ENT to call me, since I called them and they assured me that they would call soon. I will call again tomorrow.
I have two presentations tomorrow. If anyone knows me, they know that public speaking is not my thing. I can talk in front of kids, but not adults. I had to put it away, and will wing it and hope for the best. The more I work on it the worse I get. I am teaching a water cycle song too, and I told my friend that if my presentation doesn't last 5 minutes we are going to sing the song over and over and over. I'm sure they will love that!
No word from Gunner in a long while. If I wasn't so busy, it would bother me. I know he is busy and that the internet connection was in and out, so I'll wait. Gunner, if you are out there, call home!!!
Saturday Erin had to take a test for her teaching certification, at Baylor. They have a great children's museum up there so I took my three and her two up there. I actually came out with my hair still intact too! It really wasn't that bad because Junior is really good about keeping up with his sisters and moving on when they did. Tucker was a dream, and Scout Jr. is just as sweet as can be! The car ride home was a whole other can of worms. Erin shot some video so maybe she will get to posting it in the near future. Just imagine three crying kids and one saying "I think I am going to be sick..." Never a dull moment. Erin and I could do nothing else but laugh. Such is our life....
School is getting somewhat better. Once I have these two presentations over, I will be a little ahead of the game. I did break down and buy a laptop and that cut my workload in half. I was spending hours trying to format papers APA style (shows how old I am, we still used MLA or something like that the last time I was in school) and there was such a delay in typing. I was able to crank out 4 items in one evening, which would have had taken me days before. I am not one to make impulse purchases, but I was in tears Thursday after class and just did it. It does the bare minimum, but it works for me.
And I never thought I would get my daughter a cell phone, but it is 10:20 and Em should have been home and fast asleep already.
Em was going to NASA today on a field trip and it is 10:10 and she still isn't home. My FIL is picking her up--yes, being the anal person that I am, I did call to make sure that he was standing outside the building.
Junior went to the doctor yesterday and they upped his medicine. He's not on antibiotics right now, but they gave me a prescription to fill and keep on hand since we know it will progress to an ear infection. Right now they are hoping that it will just not get worse. Poor kiddo. Still waiting on ENT to call me, since I called them and they assured me that they would call soon. I will call again tomorrow.
I have two presentations tomorrow. If anyone knows me, they know that public speaking is not my thing. I can talk in front of kids, but not adults. I had to put it away, and will wing it and hope for the best. The more I work on it the worse I get. I am teaching a water cycle song too, and I told my friend that if my presentation doesn't last 5 minutes we are going to sing the song over and over and over. I'm sure they will love that!
No word from Gunner in a long while. If I wasn't so busy, it would bother me. I know he is busy and that the internet connection was in and out, so I'll wait. Gunner, if you are out there, call home!!!
Saturday Erin had to take a test for her teaching certification, at Baylor. They have a great children's museum up there so I took my three and her two up there. I actually came out with my hair still intact too! It really wasn't that bad because Junior is really good about keeping up with his sisters and moving on when they did. Tucker was a dream, and Scout Jr. is just as sweet as can be! The car ride home was a whole other can of worms. Erin shot some video so maybe she will get to posting it in the near future. Just imagine three crying kids and one saying "I think I am going to be sick..." Never a dull moment. Erin and I could do nothing else but laugh. Such is our life....
School is getting somewhat better. Once I have these two presentations over, I will be a little ahead of the game. I did break down and buy a laptop and that cut my workload in half. I was spending hours trying to format papers APA style (shows how old I am, we still used MLA or something like that the last time I was in school) and there was such a delay in typing. I was able to crank out 4 items in one evening, which would have had taken me days before. I am not one to make impulse purchases, but I was in tears Thursday after class and just did it. It does the bare minimum, but it works for me.
And I never thought I would get my daughter a cell phone, but it is 10:20 and Em should have been home and fast asleep already.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Drowning
I went from overwhelmed, to drowning. And fast. I have so many things to get accomplished this weekend, in addition to picking up Em from camp, getting Junior to the doctor for another ear infection, taking the kids to the Mayborn museum, picking up a prescription and getting it filled, cleaning, eating, taking care of kids and more. Where's Gunner when I need him?
My inlaws have booked a bowling party at the bowling alley for Junior. Then they call to tell me that I am supposed to have 10 children come. I don't even know 10 children to invite. I guess my three take care of a third of it, but still. Anyone want to go bowling? I don't want him to have any presents, so the whole idea that a 2 year old needs a party is ridiculous to me. I'd be happy having cake and ice cream at the house. Ugh. Where's Gunner when I need him????
My computer is acting up and won't install word 2007 and I can't figure out what the problem is. It would make my life so much easier if I could get it on there and do my homework quickly instead of fighting with the stupid computer all the time. I wish I had time to take it in, but I don't even have time for that. Maybe I can find someone that makes housecalls or something. Where's Gunner when I need him?
Off to lab......
My inlaws have booked a bowling party at the bowling alley for Junior. Then they call to tell me that I am supposed to have 10 children come. I don't even know 10 children to invite. I guess my three take care of a third of it, but still. Anyone want to go bowling? I don't want him to have any presents, so the whole idea that a 2 year old needs a party is ridiculous to me. I'd be happy having cake and ice cream at the house. Ugh. Where's Gunner when I need him????
My computer is acting up and won't install word 2007 and I can't figure out what the problem is. It would make my life so much easier if I could get it on there and do my homework quickly instead of fighting with the stupid computer all the time. I wish I had time to take it in, but I don't even have time for that. Maybe I can find someone that makes housecalls or something. Where's Gunner when I need him?
Off to lab......
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Hmmmmm
My schedule, for Gunner:
1. Get up, get dressed, get a drink, brush my teeth, check email.
2. Get Abs up. Give Abs her medicine. Listen to her whine about how cold it is, how early it is, how tired she is.
3. Remind Abs that she chose to not go to sleep and that she better get up, potty, get dressed before I take her out to the car again in her underwear. (Yes, I took her in her underwear on Monday)
4. All the screeching has woken Junior up.
5. Go get Junior. He greets me with "I waked up mommy!" and a huge smile.
6. Get Junior dressed. Continue reminding Abs that her time is wasting.
7. Get Junior situated with a book while I give him his medicine.
8. Continue listening to Abs.
9. Get things ready for daycare.
10. Abs finally gets dressed.
11. Load car.
12. Drop off Junior.
13. Drop off Abs. They have her signed in as Em this week. Correct that.
14. Come home. Make lunch, pack bags, head to school.
15. Computer lab. Finish project. Get assignment.
16. Class. Take phone call from Ab's doctor.
17. More class. Squeeze in lunch during lecture and classwork.
18. Move to a different class. Get some clarity on the projects due in a few days. No time to do them though.
19. Leave class, go home, research book for literacy group project (Grrrr on group projects).
20. Go get Junior.
21. Go get Abs. Talk to friend in program with me.
22. Go pickup Rosa's since I am not cooking.
23. Eat, clean.
24. Change poopy diaper.
25. Bathe Junior.
26. Clean poop out of tub because Junior decides that's a great place to go.
27. Clean tub. Put Abs in shower. She empties entire bottle of shampoo and has a bubble shower.
28. Dress Junior, give him medicine, read him stories. Put Junior to bed.
29. Plow through bubbles to find Abs. Get her dressed for bed, read stories, tuck her in.
30. Talk to fell group member about project and plan of attack since we have 6 major things due Monday and Tuesday, plus exams.
31. Read blogs before I study.
32. Study, study, study, then shower, fall into bed, repeat, but usually with far more mishaps and drama.
This was a slow day. I hope I didn't just jinkx myself for tomorrow.
1. Get up, get dressed, get a drink, brush my teeth, check email.
2. Get Abs up. Give Abs her medicine. Listen to her whine about how cold it is, how early it is, how tired she is.
3. Remind Abs that she chose to not go to sleep and that she better get up, potty, get dressed before I take her out to the car again in her underwear. (Yes, I took her in her underwear on Monday)
4. All the screeching has woken Junior up.
5. Go get Junior. He greets me with "I waked up mommy!" and a huge smile.
6. Get Junior dressed. Continue reminding Abs that her time is wasting.
7. Get Junior situated with a book while I give him his medicine.
8. Continue listening to Abs.
9. Get things ready for daycare.
10. Abs finally gets dressed.
11. Load car.
12. Drop off Junior.
13. Drop off Abs. They have her signed in as Em this week. Correct that.
14. Come home. Make lunch, pack bags, head to school.
15. Computer lab. Finish project. Get assignment.
16. Class. Take phone call from Ab's doctor.
17. More class. Squeeze in lunch during lecture and classwork.
18. Move to a different class. Get some clarity on the projects due in a few days. No time to do them though.
19. Leave class, go home, research book for literacy group project (Grrrr on group projects).
20. Go get Junior.
21. Go get Abs. Talk to friend in program with me.
22. Go pickup Rosa's since I am not cooking.
23. Eat, clean.
24. Change poopy diaper.
25. Bathe Junior.
26. Clean poop out of tub because Junior decides that's a great place to go.
27. Clean tub. Put Abs in shower. She empties entire bottle of shampoo and has a bubble shower.
28. Dress Junior, give him medicine, read him stories. Put Junior to bed.
29. Plow through bubbles to find Abs. Get her dressed for bed, read stories, tuck her in.
30. Talk to fell group member about project and plan of attack since we have 6 major things due Monday and Tuesday, plus exams.
31. Read blogs before I study.
32. Study, study, study, then shower, fall into bed, repeat, but usually with far more mishaps and drama.
This was a slow day. I hope I didn't just jinkx myself for tomorrow.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Doctors don't call
I was in between classes this afternoon and I checked my cell and noticed that I had a missed phone call. I listened to the voicemail and I couldn't understand most of it, but it was a CPT so and so and they gave me their government cell number. My heart stopped. I knew Gunner was alive, but they always notified injuries by phone the last two deployments and I knew that Gunner was out today. I called and it was the doctor that I saw on friday telling me that I had strep. My heart started beating again. Fortunately it is the kind of strep that doesn't hurt your heart, so they don't treat it. The thought of trying to fit going to the pharmacy in somewhere was nervewracking too!
I had my first interview today and the principal and all the teachers were absolutely wonderful. They interviewed all day, and the person before me walked in with a HUGE portfolio of her lesson plans. Ummm......yeah, I don't have anything like that. I thought it went okay, and I am hopeful that they liked me, and since I made them laugh, it has to count for something, right? I was the last person to be interviewed and then they were making a decision and then it goes to HR. I am trying to be optimistic, but the glass is look half empty right now. I do have another interview on Friday too.
I dropped Em off at GS camp yesterday, and when I drove away my super shy daughter was playing in the dirt by herself. I wanted to run back there and grab her and load her back up, but she wouldn't have gone. I'm sure she is doing fine right now. Every time I worry, she comes back with wonderful stories, so I know she will be okay and will make some friend. I was/still am shy, so I understand. Not sure where Abs got her ability to talk to anything that breathes and even stuff that doesn't.
Tons to do for school. Projects are coming fast and furious. My weekend is already booked, and that's not even scheduling my group work. Thankfully my friend is my partner and has no kids, so coming over here isn't a big deal. Shoot, I better start cleaning.....
I had my first interview today and the principal and all the teachers were absolutely wonderful. They interviewed all day, and the person before me walked in with a HUGE portfolio of her lesson plans. Ummm......yeah, I don't have anything like that. I thought it went okay, and I am hopeful that they liked me, and since I made them laugh, it has to count for something, right? I was the last person to be interviewed and then they were making a decision and then it goes to HR. I am trying to be optimistic, but the glass is look half empty right now. I do have another interview on Friday too.
I dropped Em off at GS camp yesterday, and when I drove away my super shy daughter was playing in the dirt by herself. I wanted to run back there and grab her and load her back up, but she wouldn't have gone. I'm sure she is doing fine right now. Every time I worry, she comes back with wonderful stories, so I know she will be okay and will make some friend. I was/still am shy, so I understand. Not sure where Abs got her ability to talk to anything that breathes and even stuff that doesn't.
Tons to do for school. Projects are coming fast and furious. My weekend is already booked, and that's not even scheduling my group work. Thankfully my friend is my partner and has no kids, so coming over here isn't a big deal. Shoot, I better start cleaning.....
Friday, June 13, 2008
Proud?
I didn't have class today, so I ran Abs this morning to the urologist for her checkup. We are progressing along nicely and we are going to try some new things. Let's hope they work!
I managed to study, write some reports, do some research and take an hour nap. It was heavenly.
The girls spent the day at the lake and had a great time, despite being forced to wear a life jacket. While Abs was still there, her little friend down the street kept coming over wanting to know if Abs was able to come for a sleepover.
Once Abs came home and packed, she was ready to go. I called a few minutes ago to checkup on her, and make sure that the neighbor's house was still standing. It is. She told me that Abs played in the water, ate pizza and was watching a movie. I was relieved. My relief was short lived when I found out that Abs decided it was time to cut her toenails right then and there. She said they gave her a pair of clippers after she wiped them down with alcohol and Abs had made herself at home and was clipping her toenails on their couch. Hmmmm...now I know why she usually only spends the night with my mom...
I managed to study, write some reports, do some research and take an hour nap. It was heavenly.
The girls spent the day at the lake and had a great time, despite being forced to wear a life jacket. While Abs was still there, her little friend down the street kept coming over wanting to know if Abs was able to come for a sleepover.
Once Abs came home and packed, she was ready to go. I called a few minutes ago to checkup on her, and make sure that the neighbor's house was still standing. It is. She told me that Abs played in the water, ate pizza and was watching a movie. I was relieved. My relief was short lived when I found out that Abs decided it was time to cut her toenails right then and there. She said they gave her a pair of clippers after she wiped them down with alcohol and Abs had made herself at home and was clipping her toenails on their couch. Hmmmm...now I know why she usually only spends the night with my mom...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Did you know?
Apparently my daughter is the only one without a Nintendo DS? Are you serious? They were allowed to take a gaming system on the bus ride today so I sent her with Gunner's old nintendo something or another. It wasn't the first one, but the second. I thought I was scoring cool mom points. Apparently hers won't allow her to text with other people. She was so excited about them, and was so happy I let her take that one, but I know she really wants the DS. Then I did a google search to check prices, and no wonder these people have no money. They are expensive!!! Sorry kiddo, I'm investing in your education and my retirement.
I don't have class tomorrow, so I celebrated by having a beer. Then I fell asleep on the couch. I'm a load of fun, aren't I? I remember nights when Gunner and I would go to bed and realize that it was 9:30 on a friday night. Does that make us officially old?
I aced my test today, I think. Scored two interviews. Made a doctor's appointment because my throat is killing me now--I'm convinced I have strep. I called about Junior's surgery and they told me he isn't on the schedule yet. We'll be in the weekend clinic for sure.
I just realized that I have to pick Em up from camp and Abs doesn't get home from daycamp till the same time. Of course the pick up spots are about 3 hours apart. What was that movie where the guy cloned himself so he could get everything done? It's looking really good right about now.
No word from Gunner lately, but I'm sure he will call tomorrow. (yes, that was a hint Gunner!)
I don't have class tomorrow, so I celebrated by having a beer. Then I fell asleep on the couch. I'm a load of fun, aren't I? I remember nights when Gunner and I would go to bed and realize that it was 9:30 on a friday night. Does that make us officially old?
I aced my test today, I think. Scored two interviews. Made a doctor's appointment because my throat is killing me now--I'm convinced I have strep. I called about Junior's surgery and they told me he isn't on the schedule yet. We'll be in the weekend clinic for sure.
I just realized that I have to pick Em up from camp and Abs doesn't get home from daycamp till the same time. Of course the pick up spots are about 3 hours apart. What was that movie where the guy cloned himself so he could get everything done? It's looking really good right about now.
No word from Gunner lately, but I'm sure he will call tomorrow. (yes, that was a hint Gunner!)
Sleep is a crutch
but I sure need some.
Em left this morning on a field trip which meant that we all had to get up and dressed at 5:30 this morning. She won't even be back till 9 tonight, but thankfully I have a friend who is picking her up and dropping her off.
Abs is convinced that she doesn't get to do anything fun. Never mind that she has been skating, bowling, Houston and is swimming tomorrow.
Junior is still on antibiotics, but I think he still has an ear infection. ENT hasn't called to setup his surgery so I need to call them today.
I'm in my computer lab today and will hopefully not fall asleep. Class till late. Thank goodness I have tomorrow off. After Ab's appointment and my own, I am sleeping! Em leaves for camp on Sunday though, so I have to get her packed up for that as well. Maybe next week I can sleep...or next year....
Em left this morning on a field trip which meant that we all had to get up and dressed at 5:30 this morning. She won't even be back till 9 tonight, but thankfully I have a friend who is picking her up and dropping her off.
Abs is convinced that she doesn't get to do anything fun. Never mind that she has been skating, bowling, Houston and is swimming tomorrow.
Junior is still on antibiotics, but I think he still has an ear infection. ENT hasn't called to setup his surgery so I need to call them today.
I'm in my computer lab today and will hopefully not fall asleep. Class till late. Thank goodness I have tomorrow off. After Ab's appointment and my own, I am sleeping! Em leaves for camp on Sunday though, so I have to get her packed up for that as well. Maybe next week I can sleep...or next year....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Overwhelmed
That's how I feel after my first day of classes. I felt better when I looked around the classroom and my fellow classmates had the same glazed look in their eye as they tried to figure out how they were going to pull it all together.
The girls started at the program on post yesterday and loved it. Em's bus was late coming back from their field trip so I was the one standing in the lobby with the screaming two year old who is strong, stubborn and loud (Gunner traits?), while chasing Abs who was hugging all her friends over and over and over.
Thursday will mark 51 trash days left and the three month mark. I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, yet, but I think the tunnel is coming into view...
The girls started at the program on post yesterday and loved it. Em's bus was late coming back from their field trip so I was the one standing in the lobby with the screaming two year old who is strong, stubborn and loud (Gunner traits?), while chasing Abs who was hugging all her friends over and over and over.
Thursday will mark 51 trash days left and the three month mark. I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, yet, but I think the tunnel is coming into view...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I survived...
I showed up at the 10k yesterday and saw all these super fit, super serious athletes. I was ready to toss in the towel. I picked up my packet, sat in the car, and finally decided my goal was to finish, so I would just give it a shot.
I ran most of the first couple of miles, but after that it was a mix of walking and running. It was so humid that my curls turned into a giant fro. It was cool first thing in the morning but it didn't waste any time becoming hot, hot, hot. In the end I did finish, and my time was better than the worst case scenario that I gave myself. I wasn't last (not even close), although they should have given me a medal for showing up, not falling down when I tripped and for the best hair. Maybe next time.
I would definitely do it again, but I need to be in better shape and I need to remember to take my IPOD so my slightly OCD self won't count. It was a lot of fun though, and I liked the challenge. In the end, that's all that matters. I'll go for the gold next time.
I came home and passed out for two hours while Junior napped. I then took Em to my mom's and dropped her off and we went to get mexican food. Abs was in rare form, but was content packing a PB&J, and she still ate a lot of my mom's chicken fajitas.
The outlaws brought over a Thomas the Tank Engine toddler bed for Junior last night, but I am not ready to move him into it yet. I guess if I knew I had a good home for the crib and the dresser I might be in more of a rush. Plus the thought of another child being in and out of bed at night is just not appealing!
School starts tomorrow. I'm so not ready....
I ran most of the first couple of miles, but after that it was a mix of walking and running. It was so humid that my curls turned into a giant fro. It was cool first thing in the morning but it didn't waste any time becoming hot, hot, hot. In the end I did finish, and my time was better than the worst case scenario that I gave myself. I wasn't last (not even close), although they should have given me a medal for showing up, not falling down when I tripped and for the best hair. Maybe next time.
I would definitely do it again, but I need to be in better shape and I need to remember to take my IPOD so my slightly OCD self won't count. It was a lot of fun though, and I liked the challenge. In the end, that's all that matters. I'll go for the gold next time.
I came home and passed out for two hours while Junior napped. I then took Em to my mom's and dropped her off and we went to get mexican food. Abs was in rare form, but was content packing a PB&J, and she still ate a lot of my mom's chicken fajitas.
The outlaws brought over a Thomas the Tank Engine toddler bed for Junior last night, but I am not ready to move him into it yet. I guess if I knew I had a good home for the crib and the dresser I might be in more of a rush. Plus the thought of another child being in and out of bed at night is just not appealing!
School starts tomorrow. I'm so not ready....
Surprises
When Em was a baby, I changed her diaper one time and found that she had eaten a piece of magnetic toast and it was smiling up at me (it had a little face imprinted on it).
Abs pooped one time and I was rewarded with a gold star that she had eaten.
And Junior...oh Junior......I changed his diaper yesterday and had to take several looks to realize what I was seeing. The boy swallowed a gigantic acorn. It was over an inch long and super fat. I don't know how he got it down or out! Ouch!
Abs pooped one time and I was rewarded with a gold star that she had eaten.
And Junior...oh Junior......I changed his diaper yesterday and had to take several looks to realize what I was seeing. The boy swallowed a gigantic acorn. It was over an inch long and super fat. I don't know how he got it down or out! Ouch!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Screwed Up
I was trying to change the colors on my blog and screwed it up, so I had to go with a whole new look. Still working on getting what I really want up and working.
I took Em to the doctor this morning for a physical for camp. I finally have a child that is healthy as a horse. Thank goodness. To celebrate I took myself to the doctor and I had RSV, which then led to RAD and she wrote down bronchial asthma or something like that and gave me an inhaler. She said I should have been in there weeks ago. Who has time for that? She said I should take the inhaler before the run and that should help a little. Best laid plans of mice and men. Maybe an early bedtime tonight, like last night, will help.
While Em and I were out today we managed to get some shopping done. She is so picky! It can't have flowers, be too girly, or be too form fitting (no complaints from me there!). She is perfectly happy wearing two shirts and sweat pants all the time. I told her that I was not going to send her to camp, in one hundred degree heat, to dress like she is at the north pole. We ended up going home and not shopping.
Later she came and apologized and asked for a second chance. This time we headed out to the PX, with Junior in tow, and actually managed to find a few things. We had to shop in the Junior's section as the children's section is too small. It really leaves us with very few things to choose from once you alleviate all the clothes that are too short/tight/low cut or form fitting. I looked at a pair of shorts, and I kid you not, the inseam was a whopping ONE INCH! They might as well wear their underwear only, because it covers just as much. Anyway, we managed to find a pair of shorts that were an appropriate length (thank goodness Em is not an exhibitionist!) and a few shirts.
After the clothing, we headed over to look at shoes. I got Junior a pair at Dillard's today and Em was upset with me there because I wouldn't buy her a pair of $140 tennis shoes. Ummmm...not when you are 10! We finally found a pair we agreed upon for $57. I skimp on clothes, but I don't skimp on putting good shoes on my children's feet. That's one thing my dad always did for us, and I still follow those rules.
Since Abs was with my mom in Houston, I called to see what color shoes she would wear. She refuses to have any pink in them. I hope that the ones I found pass muster (the nike swooshes are magenta), since finding a pair of girl shoes without any pink on them is impossible. She told me to go shop in the boy department, but I didn't see anything over there that I liked any more. At least I can return them if they are "too pink".
So after just under $150 for three pair of shoes, I know why Gunner and I stopped at three kids. Thankfully all my kids are usually able to wear out their shoes before they outgrow them.
I'm nervous about the 10K tomorrow since I can barely breathe. I finally start class on Monday and I can't wait! The girls are excited about going to the "summer camp" on post and Junior will stay put in his room until he is three, so I am hoping everything settles down into a routine. Knock on wood or as my Grandma would say "touch wood". Shoot, at this point I will beat on the wood if it will help my case!
I talked to my mom tonight and it sounded like she was enjoying her time with Abs, but my mom was exhausted and Abs was still going. My brother even took her on a run with the dogs, but the dogs got tired and Abs was still going strong. Welcome to my world!
I took Em to the doctor this morning for a physical for camp. I finally have a child that is healthy as a horse. Thank goodness. To celebrate I took myself to the doctor and I had RSV, which then led to RAD and she wrote down bronchial asthma or something like that and gave me an inhaler. She said I should have been in there weeks ago. Who has time for that? She said I should take the inhaler before the run and that should help a little. Best laid plans of mice and men. Maybe an early bedtime tonight, like last night, will help.
While Em and I were out today we managed to get some shopping done. She is so picky! It can't have flowers, be too girly, or be too form fitting (no complaints from me there!). She is perfectly happy wearing two shirts and sweat pants all the time. I told her that I was not going to send her to camp, in one hundred degree heat, to dress like she is at the north pole. We ended up going home and not shopping.
Later she came and apologized and asked for a second chance. This time we headed out to the PX, with Junior in tow, and actually managed to find a few things. We had to shop in the Junior's section as the children's section is too small. It really leaves us with very few things to choose from once you alleviate all the clothes that are too short/tight/low cut or form fitting. I looked at a pair of shorts, and I kid you not, the inseam was a whopping ONE INCH! They might as well wear their underwear only, because it covers just as much. Anyway, we managed to find a pair of shorts that were an appropriate length (thank goodness Em is not an exhibitionist!) and a few shirts.
After the clothing, we headed over to look at shoes. I got Junior a pair at Dillard's today and Em was upset with me there because I wouldn't buy her a pair of $140 tennis shoes. Ummmm...not when you are 10! We finally found a pair we agreed upon for $57. I skimp on clothes, but I don't skimp on putting good shoes on my children's feet. That's one thing my dad always did for us, and I still follow those rules.
Since Abs was with my mom in Houston, I called to see what color shoes she would wear. She refuses to have any pink in them. I hope that the ones I found pass muster (the nike swooshes are magenta), since finding a pair of girl shoes without any pink on them is impossible. She told me to go shop in the boy department, but I didn't see anything over there that I liked any more. At least I can return them if they are "too pink".
So after just under $150 for three pair of shoes, I know why Gunner and I stopped at three kids. Thankfully all my kids are usually able to wear out their shoes before they outgrow them.
I'm nervous about the 10K tomorrow since I can barely breathe. I finally start class on Monday and I can't wait! The girls are excited about going to the "summer camp" on post and Junior will stay put in his room until he is three, so I am hoping everything settles down into a routine. Knock on wood or as my Grandma would say "touch wood". Shoot, at this point I will beat on the wood if it will help my case!
I talked to my mom tonight and it sounded like she was enjoying her time with Abs, but my mom was exhausted and Abs was still going. My brother even took her on a run with the dogs, but the dogs got tired and Abs was still going strong. Welcome to my world!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The next step
This weekend I will be doing a 10K that benefits the organization TAPS. This organization supports military families who have lost a Servicemember. I have heard great things about them, so I couldn't think of a better organization to support. I'm a little nervous about doing a 10K, and this will be the first one I will be doing alone. My SIL assures me it is more fun to do them alone, so we will see! I am excited though, and the after the race party is promising massages and food. Hey, my two favorite things!
Wish me luck, I will need it! Now it's off to plan my next race. These are addicting!
Wish me luck, I will need it! Now it's off to plan my next race. These are addicting!
All the idiots were out today
Some days I wish I had never left home because it seems like everyone that I come into contact with is some sort of idiot/moron/jerk.
We went to the ENT today and Junior definitely needs tubes. They think he has about a 10-15% hearing loss, and that tubes will correct it. They also recommended early intervention for speech therapy. I am waiting for a call on when they can schedule the surgery, and they will take out his adenoids at the same time. And when they checked his ears.....you guessed it.....another ear infection. Back on augmentin. My heart just breaks for him. One part of his ear had dimpled from fluid being on it constantly. Apparently not a good sign. Wish they had sent me to an ENT back in March/April when I requested it. At least he will hopefully be on the road to recovery.
I got the cutest onesies for my brother and SIL's baby. One says "Someone in Iraq loves me" and the other one says "My Uncle is a Soldier". A funny story about my SIL--over Christmas they were in St Louis with us, and had joined us for breakfast downstairs. Gunner wanted some butter or something and I was sick and didn't want to get up to get it--to my defense I was really sick!! My SIL offered to get it, and Gunner refused. She kept insisting and finally Gunner agreed that he needed the butter so she got up and got him some. My brother watched and then said "Hey, I don't get that kind of treatment!". My SIL said "When you go to war, to protect me, I will get you some butter." My brother could only say "Valid point."
After getting the shirts, we headed back to Darnell to go to the pharmacy since it wasn't open yet, and I needed to drop something off in Temple for a funeral. We got back there and it took two freaking hours to get one tiny bottle of antibiotic. At one point, I was ready to go postal on the girl that was smacking her gum behind the counter and kept calling up this one guy to flirt with him. She was so sad and pathetic. They just revamped the entire pharmacy in order to make it much faster to get through the line, but I think it has slowed down the entire process. There was no sense of urgency from anyone working there, and it wasn't until the line was out the door that they added additional people to process the orders. Of course that was just the line you stood in to get a number to be called on in order to wait for your prescription. So they got everyone seated and I guess felt a sense of relief because it looked like they were working harder.
I got my parking permit and id card updated for the summer terms, now I just have to continue looking for a job. Hopefully something soon so I have a little bit of stress off of my shoulders. Yeah right!
....I just bathed and put Junior to bed. He was so tired. He's also covered from head to toe in a rash. I don't know what to do anymore, and all the doctors do is give him creams that don't work. He takes zyrtec and benadryl on a daily basis, and that doesn't help at all. I feed him tons of yogurt and buttermilk to no avail. Guess I'll try to book him an appointment tomorrow since he's only gone twice this week. They should just give us a standing appointment.
My mom took Abs to Houston for the Pompeii exhibit. Abs was amusing herself by counting cornfields. I miss her already, but it is a welcome break as she is a full time job in herself. Em wants to go get pedicures tomorrow, so maybe in between doctor appointments we can get it in. I'm due for one anyway. I also need to schedule a microdermabrasian too!
Maybe I don't have time for a job?
On the bright side Gunner called. He also sent this picture.
We went to the ENT today and Junior definitely needs tubes. They think he has about a 10-15% hearing loss, and that tubes will correct it. They also recommended early intervention for speech therapy. I am waiting for a call on when they can schedule the surgery, and they will take out his adenoids at the same time. And when they checked his ears.....you guessed it.....another ear infection. Back on augmentin. My heart just breaks for him. One part of his ear had dimpled from fluid being on it constantly. Apparently not a good sign. Wish they had sent me to an ENT back in March/April when I requested it. At least he will hopefully be on the road to recovery.
I got the cutest onesies for my brother and SIL's baby. One says "Someone in Iraq loves me" and the other one says "My Uncle is a Soldier". A funny story about my SIL--over Christmas they were in St Louis with us, and had joined us for breakfast downstairs. Gunner wanted some butter or something and I was sick and didn't want to get up to get it--to my defense I was really sick!! My SIL offered to get it, and Gunner refused. She kept insisting and finally Gunner agreed that he needed the butter so she got up and got him some. My brother watched and then said "Hey, I don't get that kind of treatment!". My SIL said "When you go to war, to protect me, I will get you some butter." My brother could only say "Valid point."
After getting the shirts, we headed back to Darnell to go to the pharmacy since it wasn't open yet, and I needed to drop something off in Temple for a funeral. We got back there and it took two freaking hours to get one tiny bottle of antibiotic. At one point, I was ready to go postal on the girl that was smacking her gum behind the counter and kept calling up this one guy to flirt with him. She was so sad and pathetic. They just revamped the entire pharmacy in order to make it much faster to get through the line, but I think it has slowed down the entire process. There was no sense of urgency from anyone working there, and it wasn't until the line was out the door that they added additional people to process the orders. Of course that was just the line you stood in to get a number to be called on in order to wait for your prescription. So they got everyone seated and I guess felt a sense of relief because it looked like they were working harder.
I got my parking permit and id card updated for the summer terms, now I just have to continue looking for a job. Hopefully something soon so I have a little bit of stress off of my shoulders. Yeah right!
....I just bathed and put Junior to bed. He was so tired. He's also covered from head to toe in a rash. I don't know what to do anymore, and all the doctors do is give him creams that don't work. He takes zyrtec and benadryl on a daily basis, and that doesn't help at all. I feed him tons of yogurt and buttermilk to no avail. Guess I'll try to book him an appointment tomorrow since he's only gone twice this week. They should just give us a standing appointment.
My mom took Abs to Houston for the Pompeii exhibit. Abs was amusing herself by counting cornfields. I miss her already, but it is a welcome break as she is a full time job in herself. Em wants to go get pedicures tomorrow, so maybe in between doctor appointments we can get it in. I'm due for one anyway. I also need to schedule a microdermabrasian too!
Maybe I don't have time for a job?
On the bright side Gunner called. He also sent this picture.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Wordless Wednesday with a Twist--Uniform
American Mum picked the theme of uniform this week.
"I don't want my daddy to go back to Iraq, I just met him.:
That same boy 18 months later.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I.am.going.to.scream.
I finally get all the kids in bed last night and spend the remainder or the night picking up, cleaning, read a little, blogged a little, and watched a little tv. Eventually the girls went to sleep and I was headed that way. I'm walking back to check on everyone and make sure that they are covered up when I walked by Junior's room. His door was shut but I could smell a dirty diaper. I debated about whether or not I should change it since he was sound asleep, but decided that I better get it over with since it was already after 11. I open his door and am met with the foulest odor in the world.
Any mom knows that smell.
The boy has barfed. Knowing that I am oh-so-lucky because I have given birth to a child that can throw up and not wake up, I turn on the light. Yes people, there is my sweet, innocent, baby boy asleep in his own vomit. Not lying on the other end of the crib away from it, not lying next to it, the boy is lying right smack dab in the middle of it. He has even managed to wallow in it so that it is covering his entire face. So I do what any other not-so-good-mom does and cry.
I went back to the living room and put out a towel, got the wipes and a warm washcloth. I go back and grab my barf covered baby and he begins to scream. I change his diaper (because of course he had to have diarrhea and diaper rash), wipe him down and change his clothes. He screams the entire time and I just keep telling him over and over "If your sisters weren't asleep, I would scream with you."
I leave my screaming child on the floor and then go back to attack the crib. I put on a new sheet, a waterproof piece of material, a towel, and wipe it down. Junior is still screaming, but I found a non-barfy binky and tucked him back into bed. He snuggled up under his fuffy and fell right asleep.
And then I waited. I waited for the next round. I started barfy laundry. I got out towels for barf. I located barf buckets for the girls. I reminded myself how Junior stuck his binky in my mouth at swim lessons while I was not paying attention and he was feeding me goldfish. I start to feel barfy myself.
I wait a bit....no barfing so I get into bed. I lay there on the verge of tears. Gunner is the keeper of barfy children, I am not. Gunner could fall right back asleep and not worry about who was going to get sick next, I cannot.
I start hearing things and am up and down every few minutes for the next hour while I make sure no one is getting sick. I finally fall asleep.
No more barfing....yet. Junior is still asleep. The girls are still asleep. I'm scared to wake up anyone for fear that will change.
I got an email from Gunner this morning (about my post last night) that said "I couldn't stop laughing so hard. I could just imagine Emily standing there with that look on her face. oh, she is so priceless. She is going to have your feisty-ness (sp?), that I love so much. I am really homesick now. I love and miss you all so very much. I think you are doing a great job without me and I am thankful that I have a wonderful wife. Hang in there and this will be all over before we know it. I love you. Gunner."
And then I cried. I cried because I have a great husband who knows exactly when I need to hear that I am doing an okay job. I cried because he is missing out on so much. I cried because I am tired.
And now it's time to wipe those tears away, get the girls up for school, spend the day cuddling a sick baby while sanitizing the entire house, and hope that no one else gets sick.
And if they do....you'll probably hear me scream.
Any mom knows that smell.
The boy has barfed. Knowing that I am oh-so-lucky because I have given birth to a child that can throw up and not wake up, I turn on the light. Yes people, there is my sweet, innocent, baby boy asleep in his own vomit. Not lying on the other end of the crib away from it, not lying next to it, the boy is lying right smack dab in the middle of it. He has even managed to wallow in it so that it is covering his entire face. So I do what any other not-so-good-mom does and cry.
I went back to the living room and put out a towel, got the wipes and a warm washcloth. I go back and grab my barf covered baby and he begins to scream. I change his diaper (because of course he had to have diarrhea and diaper rash), wipe him down and change his clothes. He screams the entire time and I just keep telling him over and over "If your sisters weren't asleep, I would scream with you."
I leave my screaming child on the floor and then go back to attack the crib. I put on a new sheet, a waterproof piece of material, a towel, and wipe it down. Junior is still screaming, but I found a non-barfy binky and tucked him back into bed. He snuggled up under his fuffy and fell right asleep.
And then I waited. I waited for the next round. I started barfy laundry. I got out towels for barf. I located barf buckets for the girls. I reminded myself how Junior stuck his binky in my mouth at swim lessons while I was not paying attention and he was feeding me goldfish. I start to feel barfy myself.
I wait a bit....no barfing so I get into bed. I lay there on the verge of tears. Gunner is the keeper of barfy children, I am not. Gunner could fall right back asleep and not worry about who was going to get sick next, I cannot.
I start hearing things and am up and down every few minutes for the next hour while I make sure no one is getting sick. I finally fall asleep.
No more barfing....yet. Junior is still asleep. The girls are still asleep. I'm scared to wake up anyone for fear that will change.
I got an email from Gunner this morning (about my post last night) that said "I couldn't stop laughing so hard. I could just imagine Emily standing there with that look on her face. oh, she is so priceless. She is going to have your feisty-ness (sp?), that I love so much. I am really homesick now. I love and miss you all so very much. I think you are doing a great job without me and I am thankful that I have a wonderful wife. Hang in there and this will be all over before we know it. I love you. Gunner."
And then I cried. I cried because I have a great husband who knows exactly when I need to hear that I am doing an okay job. I cried because he is missing out on so much. I cried because I am tired.
And now it's time to wipe those tears away, get the girls up for school, spend the day cuddling a sick baby while sanitizing the entire house, and hope that no one else gets sick.
And if they do....you'll probably hear me scream.
Monday, June 2, 2008
A few extras
I forgot to mention that I had two interviews on Saturday at the job fair. After the first one was over, I heard my friend call my name, and then she grabbed something from my hair. It was my nametag. My second interview they pointed out that my nametag was upside down. Hmmmm...and I wonder why I didn't get a job?
When we were in St. Louis for Christmas last year, Abs kept talking about wanting to go to the Black History Museum. We were only there for a few days and with the holiday hours, we weren't able to make it materialize for her. She hasn't mentioned it since. Last Thursday I took Abs to the doctor and she asked Abs what she wanted to do if she could do anything in the world. Without hesitating Abs replied "I really want to go to the Black History Museum in St. Louis".
I was talking to Gunner online today. Here's part of our conversation:
ABW: How was your day?
Gunner: Okay. We had to stand down and do safety classes.
Gunner: Some stupid kid shot a bullet in the floor of a hummer today.
Gunner: Stop the war, some kid shot the floor.
Gunner: We're just glad no one got hurt.
The kids are supposed to be sleeping, but Abs is engrossed in A Tale of Two Cities. How can I argue with that?
Today was the last swimming lesson.
10 weeks of swimming lessons $400
10 weeks of gas $399
40 red bulls so I didn't fall asleep on the way to and from lessons $80
3 free taco coupons from the pool people, Priceless because I didn't have to cook dinner tonight. My life is sad.
I JUST had this conversation with Em:
Em: I need to write my story.
ABW: What story?
Em: The one I have to do.
ABW: I asked you if you had homework and you said you didn't.
Em: Well I have to write two stories and I have only done one.
ABW: Ummm...you watched tv after school today, so I'm sorry you don't have time to do it.
Em: I can do it now.
ABW: I think you need to go to sleep.
Em: But I'm not tired and I need to write my story.
ABW: Well you should of done it instead of watching tv.
Em: You never let us watch tv.
ABW: Sounds like you think you never get to watch tv.
Em: Do you read books on this stuff?
ABW: What stuff?
Em: Stupid parenting things to say to us when we don't do what we are supposed to.
When we were in St. Louis for Christmas last year, Abs kept talking about wanting to go to the Black History Museum. We were only there for a few days and with the holiday hours, we weren't able to make it materialize for her. She hasn't mentioned it since. Last Thursday I took Abs to the doctor and she asked Abs what she wanted to do if she could do anything in the world. Without hesitating Abs replied "I really want to go to the Black History Museum in St. Louis".
I was talking to Gunner online today. Here's part of our conversation:
ABW: How was your day?
Gunner: Okay. We had to stand down and do safety classes.
Gunner: Some stupid kid shot a bullet in the floor of a hummer today.
Gunner: Stop the war, some kid shot the floor.
Gunner: We're just glad no one got hurt.
The kids are supposed to be sleeping, but Abs is engrossed in A Tale of Two Cities. How can I argue with that?
Today was the last swimming lesson.
10 weeks of swimming lessons $400
10 weeks of gas $399
40 red bulls so I didn't fall asleep on the way to and from lessons $80
3 free taco coupons from the pool people, Priceless because I didn't have to cook dinner tonight. My life is sad.
I JUST had this conversation with Em:
Em: I need to write my story.
ABW: What story?
Em: The one I have to do.
ABW: I asked you if you had homework and you said you didn't.
Em: Well I have to write two stories and I have only done one.
ABW: Ummm...you watched tv after school today, so I'm sorry you don't have time to do it.
Em: I can do it now.
ABW: I think you need to go to sleep.
Em: But I'm not tired and I need to write my story.
ABW: Well you should of done it instead of watching tv.
Em: You never let us watch tv.
ABW: Sounds like you think you never get to watch tv.
Em: Do you read books on this stuff?
ABW: What stuff?
Em: Stupid parenting things to say to us when we don't do what we are supposed to.
Weekend
Saturday I went to a teaching job fair. Still no job. Long story, and goodness knows I have lots of opinions on it, but I will keep my mouth shut for now. (Don't die from shock mom!) Before I left for the job fair, I managed to lose my hair thingy, have a button fall off, the camisole was too lowcut and the socks I bought were XXXXXXXXL and could have stretched up to my thighs. Never a dull moment.
After that fiasco, I went to San Antonio for my SIL's baby shower. It was a lot of fun, and I love to see baby stuff! Just from the time Em was born, everything has changed. Junior is almost two and there are new things out since he came along. I need to come up with some trendy baby item so that I can retire and not have to worry about job fairs.
Sunday Erin and I did the Run for the Rovers 5k. I ran a lot of it, but I need to practice running outside more than running in the cool air conditioning at the gym. Pictures and the story can be found here.
Abs was up at 3:15 this morning watching Tom and Jerry on tv. I got her put back in bed and hid the remotes. Then her light was on and she was reading. I turned the light off and by the time I was back in bed and settled, I noticed it was back on. I unscrewed her lightbulbs and burned the crap out of my finger.
I was really looking forward to getting the kids to school today. Before school even started the nurse called me to let me know that Abs had tripped over her shoelace and landed head first on a desk. I raced up there and she had a massive lump on her head. They asked me if I was taking her home with me--she didn't look like she had a head injury. I told her if she came home that she would have to sit in her bed, not sleeping, no tv and she would have to help me scrub the kitchen floors. She opted to stay at school. If I thought she was really injured I would have brought her home, but she would have enjoyed that too much. I'm turning into my mother. We could be hemmoraghing to death and we would have still had to go to school!
So a whole day to myself to clean, organize and get some job related things done. Time is flying by too fast already.....
After that fiasco, I went to San Antonio for my SIL's baby shower. It was a lot of fun, and I love to see baby stuff! Just from the time Em was born, everything has changed. Junior is almost two and there are new things out since he came along. I need to come up with some trendy baby item so that I can retire and not have to worry about job fairs.
Sunday Erin and I did the Run for the Rovers 5k. I ran a lot of it, but I need to practice running outside more than running in the cool air conditioning at the gym. Pictures and the story can be found here.
Abs was up at 3:15 this morning watching Tom and Jerry on tv. I got her put back in bed and hid the remotes. Then her light was on and she was reading. I turned the light off and by the time I was back in bed and settled, I noticed it was back on. I unscrewed her lightbulbs and burned the crap out of my finger.
I was really looking forward to getting the kids to school today. Before school even started the nurse called me to let me know that Abs had tripped over her shoelace and landed head first on a desk. I raced up there and she had a massive lump on her head. They asked me if I was taking her home with me--she didn't look like she had a head injury. I told her if she came home that she would have to sit in her bed, not sleeping, no tv and she would have to help me scrub the kitchen floors. She opted to stay at school. If I thought she was really injured I would have brought her home, but she would have enjoyed that too much. I'm turning into my mother. We could be hemmoraghing to death and we would have still had to go to school!
So a whole day to myself to clean, organize and get some job related things done. Time is flying by too fast already.....
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Gunner
My husband has one of the biggest hearts. A few years ago when my dad was sick, my mom joined the horticulture club in her retirement community. They were making plans to build an organic garden so that they could reap the benefits of fresh veggies year round. With time, the plan grew and grew. My mom wanted to help, but she was often busy helping my dad, and didn't feel like there was much she could do. Enter Gunner.
Gunner has the strength of 20 men. (Once I bought a freezer and the lady told me that I was going to need several guys to move it. I assured her that Gunner could do it, and when he came and moved it, she changed her tune. He makes it all look easy!) Gunner wanted to help out my mom so he participated in the building of the garden every saturday for a year. He had just returned from his first tour in Iraq, and many of the veterans loved to "talk shop" with him. Even those that were unable to serve, still had a great respect for him. Gunner moved huge cinder blocks, dug trenches, moved mulch, built, tore down, moved some more stuff, carried more bricks, built more beds, the list went on. He absolutely loved every minute of it, and felt like he was really helping. (I'm sure the 3 hours of being child free was somewhat enticing too!)
When Gunner left for his second tour in Iraq, the club decided to have a yellow ribbon tied to the biggest oak tree in the garden. They had a ceremony, sent him pictures, and faithfully waited for his return at which time they promised a celebration. After a year, Gunner returned and true to their word, the horticulture club reserved a pavilion, catered BBQ, and even though there was a torrential downpour, the club showed up to welcome him home. We were even invited to their Christmas party as guests.
This past year while Gunner was home, he was unable to work in the garden every Saturday due to commitments that we both had (many of which I am sure were probably me saying "You take them to the garden or you stay here with them , I need a break!"). Before he left for Iraq this time, he stopped by and was greeted warmly by all the members of the club. Some of them write, some email, a ton of them ask about him.
Fast forward again to today. The residents of Sun City held a "Thanks to the Troops" golf tournament in Georgetown today. Different community organizations were able to sponsor a "hole" with a message. The horticulture club sponsored one in Gunner's name. (These things were not cheap!)
While we were waiting for the Soldiers to arrive, I chased Junior around. Of course all of these retired grandparents fell in love with the little guy. Can anyone tell me who this guy is? (The one wearing the hat with the flag and the white shirt--I didn't want to look too obvious about taking his picture (hint: he was inducted into the football hall of fame, and was an extremely nice guy who gave us directions to hole 5 and rescued Junior's binky and held on to it till he saw us again!) (Oh and I only know who it is because I stared at the Hall of fame ring for a while and then asked my mom)
Anyway, in the heat of the day, Sun City residents lined the roads, dressed in patriotic colors, waving flags, and cheering for the Soldiers that arrived. These Soldiers looked shocked at the warm reception that they received. They were fed lunch and then paired up with a Sun City resident that had served in the military. They were loaded on to golf carts and then taken to play Shotgun Golf or something like that--I am in no way a golfer! After the festivities were done, they would be treated to dinner.
After the Soldiers arrived my mom and I decided we should go find Gunner's "hole". After getting more directions and stumbling around, we finally found it (and I managed to walk through tons of poison ivy, not just once, not twice, but three times--score one for ABW). I walked back and there was a sign for Gunner and two people from the horticulture club waiting for us in case we stopped by. They asked about Gunner and I gave our thanks for them thinking of Gunner and honoring him in this way. The local Sun City news lady came out and shot some video and asked some questions about Gunner too. Junior saw "flat daddy" and was all over him.
After all the festivities, we headed out for mexican food and Junior passed out. Thanks to Sun City for honoring the Troops from Fort Hood and for the Horticulture club for honoring my hero!
Need your help!
A few weeks ago I submitted a picture of Gunner and Junior to an online photo contest. The picture was selected as one of 20 finalists, and now the winner is determined by votes by the public. So I need you to go here. Once there, you can choose to vote, and look for the only military related photo! Gunner is in ACU's and Junior grabbed his beret and put it on while I was trying to take photos. It's a cute picture! Thanks so much and please refer everyone you know to vote!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wordless Wednesday (sort of)
These were taken in Baghdad, Iraq, on the street where Sadaam held all of his parades, etc. Glad to see that Gunner hasn't lost his sense of humor!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Daily Life
I got a citation today for my lawn, how about you? Em started mowing it the other day, and we ended up taking Junior into the doctor so we never finished. I paid someone $5 to weedeat it, I should have splurged and had him mow. Usually I get a pre-citation notification. Oh well, I think the whole street got them.
I called ENT today and Junior has an appointment next Thursday. Maybe we can make it that long?
The hardest thing about having three children is coordinating them. I have a master calendar that I print out and post on the doors of my computer armoire. I haven't started color coordinating things yet, but I can see where I will have to in a few years!
For some reason coordinating two children was much, much easier. My friend has one daughter and she is constantly stressed out about not having enough time in the day to cart her places. It reminds me of when we just had Em. Gunner and I thought it was a huge ordeal to take just Em to the store. Then Abs came along and Em was super easy. Then Junior came along and Abs and Em were easy. But then I see someone with an infant and I realize how good I have it since Junior can walk, etc. One of these days they will be all grown up and I will wish it was back to the days of carting, talking, reading to them and cooking for them, even if they do want mac and cheese every night!
I called ENT today and Junior has an appointment next Thursday. Maybe we can make it that long?
The hardest thing about having three children is coordinating them. I have a master calendar that I print out and post on the doors of my computer armoire. I haven't started color coordinating things yet, but I can see where I will have to in a few years!
For some reason coordinating two children was much, much easier. My friend has one daughter and she is constantly stressed out about not having enough time in the day to cart her places. It reminds me of when we just had Em. Gunner and I thought it was a huge ordeal to take just Em to the store. Then Abs came along and Em was super easy. Then Junior came along and Abs and Em were easy. But then I see someone with an infant and I realize how good I have it since Junior can walk, etc. One of these days they will be all grown up and I will wish it was back to the days of carting, talking, reading to them and cooking for them, even if they do want mac and cheese every night!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Soldier needs mail
I was talking to Gunner online today and he mentioned that there was a Solider with him (a medic) that is not getting any mail. Gunner asked the Soldier if he needed anything, but he insisted he was fine. If anyone is interested in adopting this Soldier, please email me at armybloggerwife@gmail.com ! Thanks!
President's Speech
Gunner gave me the head's up that the President mentioned SPC Tucker in his speech today. SPC Tucker was in my husband's company and was killed in April along with Gunner's CO, CPT Pearson. You can read the speech here.
Ugh
Pig roast on Saturday. I left once my MIL showed up and told the neighbor that we won't come visit her because they don't have a pool and started sulking. Ummmm...no......we don't come to visit because you have 6 dogs and your house is a disaster, smells, and is unsanitary! They are always welcome to come to my house!
Sunday we saw my brother and SIL. Abs hung on my brother's every word and she and Em loved spending time with him. They told me on the way home "Uncle Dave is like Daddy, he likes to spend time with us and he's funny."
Got the car tuned up today--Toyota will deliver your car to you, so we opted to go that route. I'll definitely buy a toyota again! They will even pick it up, service it, and return it to your office before the end of the day. Can't beat that!!!
On a whim, since Junior has had a rash since Friday night, I thought I would take him to the doctor. He pulled at his ears a little, but nothing major. He just finished his augmentin this morning, so I wasn't too worried......but instead, he has another ear infection. He's on a different antibiotic this time. I will call ENT on Tuesday, since we need to get this squared away, and fast!!!
Last week of swimming lessons.....I see the light at the end of the 10 week long tunnel.....
Sunday we saw my brother and SIL. Abs hung on my brother's every word and she and Em loved spending time with him. They told me on the way home "Uncle Dave is like Daddy, he likes to spend time with us and he's funny."
Got the car tuned up today--Toyota will deliver your car to you, so we opted to go that route. I'll definitely buy a toyota again! They will even pick it up, service it, and return it to your office before the end of the day. Can't beat that!!!
On a whim, since Junior has had a rash since Friday night, I thought I would take him to the doctor. He pulled at his ears a little, but nothing major. He just finished his augmentin this morning, so I wasn't too worried......but instead, he has another ear infection. He's on a different antibiotic this time. I will call ENT on Tuesday, since we need to get this squared away, and fast!!!
Last week of swimming lessons.....I see the light at the end of the 10 week long tunnel.....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Buying Tires
As in everything I do, it couldn't be easy.
Saturday morning since I was down a kid, I decided we would get up early and head over to Discount Tires to get a new set of wheels. Gunner told me what kind to get, and the general population agreed. We head over there, and Rick at Discount Tires tells me that they don't have those in stock, but they can have them within an hour from the warehouse. Sounds good. I pay a whopping $864 and give Rick my cell phone number to call while we walk across the parking lot to wander around the one store that was open--Home Depot. Rick assures me that once the tires are there, that it won't take very long to get them mounted and put my spare back, etc.
With Junior in the stroller, Abs and I set off for Home Depot. We walked around the entire floor. We checked out tile samples, carpet samples, and Junior ate a mickey mouse paint card. We looked at flowers..
Then Abs met the Maytag repair man...
It was still early and no phone call, so we wandered around Staples. Still no phone call so we waited outside for Ross to open up. Wandered around there for a while and still no response. By this time we are getting close to an hour and 45 minutes of waiting. We head back over, get there, and our car has not moved. I waited and tried to entertain Junior. (Abs was a dream) Finally the manager noticed that my car had not been worked on when he came back from his lunch. He eventually got it pulled back there and they started work. By this time Junior is screaming. Customers are moving away from us, but only one man glared at me. I finally gave up trying to get Junior to stop screaming, it was hopeless. I moved closer to the counter thinking they would get tired of the screaming. Once we moved up there, they started hopping around trying to find my car, getting us water, etc. Finally our car was done.
I went to the car, put Junior and Abs in, and started to load up the stroller and diaper bag. I checked the trunk for the star key that opens my rims, and it wasn't there. I stopped someone who said he would go find it. Then I notice that part of my spare is not put on (you have to go through the trunk to unscrew it, but it's under the trunk if that makes any sense). So when tire guy comes back with the star key, I ask him what the extra part is for, and he says he will fix it. So he's trying to get my car back together, the manager is helping, and I am stewing in the car because Junior is still screaming and we have been there for three hours. Finally the manager comes over and apologizes profusely for taking so long, for not putting my car in the queue where it should have been, for not putting it back together correctly, for not calling (later found out that tire guy left a message at the house), the list went on and on. He then slipped me $100 and told me to have a nice dinner on the store. I think I'll put it towards my new tires.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday Night
Em had her sleepover last night and Abs and Junior and I headed over to a friend's house to swim and have a BBQ. It was so nice to relax and just talk with friends. I was surprised that Junior didn't try to get in the water. He got in a few times with an adult, and that was enough for him. He loved throwing all the stuff in the pool and drinking the saltwater. Abs had a great time playing with her little friend too. I really need to get a haircut for Junior.
Some pictures from last night:
He was eating a carrot.
Some pictures from last night:
He was eating a carrot.Yes, after hundreds of dollars worth of swim lessons Abs was wearing floaties. She can swim though!
Friday, May 23, 2008
AAA
Went to the doctor to find out I am not dying, even if I do feel like I am. That's reassuring.
I've needed an oil change for a week or two, but never had the time. So today I am driving home and the check tire light came on. I get home and the tire is almost flat. I call AAA and they are sending someone to change it. Could I change it? Yes. Do I want to? Heck no!
So I called Toyota and told them I needed to take my car in on Monday if they were open. They are. Good. So I asked about the 60K checkup and he gave me a price. Ouch, but needs to be done. He then tells me it takes 4 1/2 hours and I need to be there at 7:30 am. We are going in our pajamas. I told him that I hope he liked kids cause I had three of them coming along with me. He told me that they have a shuttle that will take us home and then pick us up when the car is ready. That's nice. Whew.
That huge basket of snacks that they have in the waiting room would have been eaten in the first hour by Junior.
Now to search online for what kind of tires to buy. Any suggestions? (and NOT goodyear!)
I've needed an oil change for a week or two, but never had the time. So today I am driving home and the check tire light came on. I get home and the tire is almost flat. I call AAA and they are sending someone to change it. Could I change it? Yes. Do I want to? Heck no!
So I called Toyota and told them I needed to take my car in on Monday if they were open. They are. Good. So I asked about the 60K checkup and he gave me a price. Ouch, but needs to be done. He then tells me it takes 4 1/2 hours and I need to be there at 7:30 am. We are going in our pajamas. I told him that I hope he liked kids cause I had three of them coming along with me. He told me that they have a shuttle that will take us home and then pick us up when the car is ready. That's nice. Whew.
That huge basket of snacks that they have in the waiting room would have been eaten in the first hour by Junior.
Now to search online for what kind of tires to buy. Any suggestions? (and NOT goodyear!)
Renaming my blog
I think I should rename my blog to something like "The Adventures of Gunner's Children--Three cute kids whose dad is serving his third tour in Iraq and whose mother is trying to raise them up to be productive members of society. Read our story as we try to give our mom a run for her money and make our dad laugh while he is gone."
So after a day of changing diapers--BTW, Huggies overnight diapers work great when your kid has diarrhea--Junior seemed to be doing much better.
Abs had an appointment at 2 yesterday so I picked her up after Junior's nap, came prepared to entertain Junior for an hour, and showed up at the clinic. I was an hour late. The receptionist was not nice at all. "I know it is a free appointment but you should call if you aren't going to come." I didn't traipse out to this place with all this crap and all these children to have a rousing good time hanging out for an appointment and not being seen. Geez. Abs started to cry.
So we load everything back up and head home. We get back and even though Junior had just had a snack (the boy could eat a bear most nights for dinner, but Tuesday night he settled for 4 hotdogs with buns, a banana, and the spoiled milk), and was still crying hungry. We were playing in the living room and then I heard a crash and saw Junior rooting around in the pantry. I went over to the gate and Junior had pushed on it so hard that it punched a hole in the drywall and that caused the gate to lose its pressure and swing wide open. Add calling housing to my list of things to do.
Em comes home from Poetry Club and we all hang out for a while, and I talk to Gunner online. He looks good, but is extremely tired. He's having a hard time sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. I told him "Welcome to my world!". He at least found it somewhat amusing. We miss him.
I spent swim lessons last night chasing Junior. I took his ball, threw it to the top of the ramp (which winds around) and he would run all the way up the ramp to get it, then run all the way back down. This happened a few times and he started to get tired. I did it again, and he looked at it, thought about it, stood in front of the stairs for a bit, then took off. He climbed up the stairs (which was a much much much shorter route), grabbed the ball, and ran down the ramp. He handed me the ball and said "Junior no play". He slept well last night.
Haircut at 9:30. I needed to do something since every time we walk outside the door now, my children see the plant, look at it, and say "Bye Mommy". They think they are funny.
So after a day of changing diapers--BTW, Huggies overnight diapers work great when your kid has diarrhea--Junior seemed to be doing much better.
Abs had an appointment at 2 yesterday so I picked her up after Junior's nap, came prepared to entertain Junior for an hour, and showed up at the clinic. I was an hour late. The receptionist was not nice at all. "I know it is a free appointment but you should call if you aren't going to come." I didn't traipse out to this place with all this crap and all these children to have a rousing good time hanging out for an appointment and not being seen. Geez. Abs started to cry.
So we load everything back up and head home. We get back and even though Junior had just had a snack (the boy could eat a bear most nights for dinner, but Tuesday night he settled for 4 hotdogs with buns, a banana, and the spoiled milk), and was still crying hungry. We were playing in the living room and then I heard a crash and saw Junior rooting around in the pantry. I went over to the gate and Junior had pushed on it so hard that it punched a hole in the drywall and that caused the gate to lose its pressure and swing wide open. Add calling housing to my list of things to do.
Em comes home from Poetry Club and we all hang out for a while, and I talk to Gunner online. He looks good, but is extremely tired. He's having a hard time sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. I told him "Welcome to my world!". He at least found it somewhat amusing. We miss him.
I spent swim lessons last night chasing Junior. I took his ball, threw it to the top of the ramp (which winds around) and he would run all the way up the ramp to get it, then run all the way back down. This happened a few times and he started to get tired. I did it again, and he looked at it, thought about it, stood in front of the stairs for a bit, then took off. He climbed up the stairs (which was a much much much shorter route), grabbed the ball, and ran down the ramp. He handed me the ball and said "Junior no play". He slept well last night.
Haircut at 9:30. I needed to do something since every time we walk outside the door now, my children see the plant, look at it, and say "Bye Mommy". They think they are funny.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sour Milk
Tuesday night at dinner, Abs didn't finish all of her milk. Not a big deal, but she forgot to put it in the sink. I didn't notice till the next day while I was running around trying to get things done, so I made a mental note to get Abs to put it in the sink when she got home.
Best laid plans of mice and men. I forgot. Fast forward to dinner last night and I told the kids to sit down so I could serve dinner. I hear Junior gulping and look over and he is going to town on the milk. I screamed. Junior stopped. His bottom lip came out. He started to get huge tears.
This morning I dropped him off at daycare and told them what happened, but let them know that so far nothing had happened. I went to the gym to workout (ran 2.5 miles!), showered and the phone rang. I guess the spoiled milk kicked in and Junior was going all over the place.
This will be a fun day.
On the bright side, at least I got my workout in and I will have plenty of time to finish up my resume, etc. Maybe I will take Junior for a haircut or something.
I need a vacation!
Best laid plans of mice and men. I forgot. Fast forward to dinner last night and I told the kids to sit down so I could serve dinner. I hear Junior gulping and look over and he is going to town on the milk. I screamed. Junior stopped. His bottom lip came out. He started to get huge tears.
This morning I dropped him off at daycare and told them what happened, but let them know that so far nothing had happened. I went to the gym to workout (ran 2.5 miles!), showered and the phone rang. I guess the spoiled milk kicked in and Junior was going all over the place.
This will be a fun day.
On the bright side, at least I got my workout in and I will have plenty of time to finish up my resume, etc. Maybe I will take Junior for a haircut or something.
I need a vacation!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
What does this resemble?
My mom told me on the phone about all the super cheap dead plants that she rescued from Lowe's. This morning when I showed up to work I saw this plant on her front doorstep and immediately thought of.....
When the girls came home from school, they saw the plant and said exactly what I thought. "Mommy, that plant looks like your hair!" Oh the joy of having such wild, curly hair!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Learning a lesson
Em was excited about a field trip to the Bob Bullock museum that her grade was taking. Unfortunately she won't be able to attend. Permission slips were sent home and Em didn't get hers signed. They weren't even due yet, but in a panic she thought it was better to sign the permission slip herself and try to pass it off. It didn't work. Her teacher was nice enough to not write her up, but now Em is not allowed to go on the field trip and will spend the day doing extra work while sitting in another classroom. I can tell she is bothered by it, which she should be. Oh the joys of living with a pre-teen hormonal girl. Did Gunner plan this deployment any better?
I was talking to Ab's teacher about getting some OT help from the school district. She had communicated with the assistant principal about it, and was relaying the information back to me. Her teacher mentioned the PT because of the arm Abs broke in Kindergarten. Ummm....what broken arm??? I looked at Abs and she said "Well my sister almost broke her arm when I was in Kindergarten."
Junior seems to be doing better and the endless stream of snot has tapered off ever-so-slightly.
And just for the record....some people make me want to scream! Ugh. More on that later.
On a side note, they are having a blood drive at the girls' school. I would donate if I could, but since we were in Germany before 1996, it's a no go. Does that apply for the rest of our lives? Seems like that would limit a lot of people in this area from donating. Well that and I think the flyer stated if you had been to Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 12 months. There's the other half of our population....
I was talking to Ab's teacher about getting some OT help from the school district. She had communicated with the assistant principal about it, and was relaying the information back to me. Her teacher mentioned the PT because of the arm Abs broke in Kindergarten. Ummm....what broken arm??? I looked at Abs and she said "Well my sister almost broke her arm when I was in Kindergarten."
Junior seems to be doing better and the endless stream of snot has tapered off ever-so-slightly.
And just for the record....some people make me want to scream! Ugh. More on that later.
On a side note, they are having a blood drive at the girls' school. I would donate if I could, but since we were in Germany before 1996, it's a no go. Does that apply for the rest of our lives? Seems like that would limit a lot of people in this area from donating. Well that and I think the flyer stated if you had been to Iraq or Afghanistan in the last 12 months. There's the other half of our population....
Monday, May 19, 2008
Things I learned on Sunday...
1. Never try to cut the toenails of a baby you just doused in aquaphor. He will win.
2. While cleaning the garage with a 23 month old, always have a clear path to chase him. (Junior rounded the corner before I got to the door of the garage and I couldn't find him anywhere. I ran inside to grab the phone (he had a 10 second head start at most) and found him playing with his toys. Whole incident lasted about 120 seconds, but a few new gray hairs were added to the lot.)
3. If you have just scrubbed the dining room, don't serve pizza as one piece will land upside down on the floor.
4. When Abs says she is going to take a shower, hide the brand new bottle of shampoo. She will opt for a shampoo bubble bath instead.
5. If your husband every says he needs something from clothing and sales, don't believe him! Gunner took duffle bags full of stuff to Iraq, and I filled a dresser, two huge rubbermaid trunks, 5 duffle bags and still didn't get everything put away. In case of emergency, my garage is the place to be. We can have our own army.
6. A mother's instinct is right 99.9% of the time, even if you don't have a medical degree.
7. When you stuff the freezer and it accidentally pops open, it will be your ice cream that falls out and melts because it will make the biggest mess.
8. It is possible to do laundry all day long and still not be done.
9. In order to make banana bread, you need to buy 4 bunches of bananas so that your crew can't eat them all before they get brown (and since they were from the commissary that takes all of 3 days).
10. When your son is small, but stocky, he may not be able to climb over the gates, but he will learn to bulldoze them down. Great.
2. While cleaning the garage with a 23 month old, always have a clear path to chase him. (Junior rounded the corner before I got to the door of the garage and I couldn't find him anywhere. I ran inside to grab the phone (he had a 10 second head start at most) and found him playing with his toys. Whole incident lasted about 120 seconds, but a few new gray hairs were added to the lot.)
3. If you have just scrubbed the dining room, don't serve pizza as one piece will land upside down on the floor.
4. When Abs says she is going to take a shower, hide the brand new bottle of shampoo. She will opt for a shampoo bubble bath instead.
5. If your husband every says he needs something from clothing and sales, don't believe him! Gunner took duffle bags full of stuff to Iraq, and I filled a dresser, two huge rubbermaid trunks, 5 duffle bags and still didn't get everything put away. In case of emergency, my garage is the place to be. We can have our own army.
6. A mother's instinct is right 99.9% of the time, even if you don't have a medical degree.
7. When you stuff the freezer and it accidentally pops open, it will be your ice cream that falls out and melts because it will make the biggest mess.
8. It is possible to do laundry all day long and still not be done.
9. In order to make banana bread, you need to buy 4 bunches of bananas so that your crew can't eat them all before they get brown (and since they were from the commissary that takes all of 3 days).
10. When your son is small, but stocky, he may not be able to climb over the gates, but he will learn to bulldoze them down. Great.
Amazon
I love Amazon. After thinking about Cheaper by the Dozen, and the sequel I placed an order for them.
I have never read Belles on their Toes, so I am excited about getting it! While I have never read it, I do remember that Tina B was in my 7th grade reading class and she did it for her book report. My mind is a wealth of useless information.
Knowing my kids, they will probably start taping foreign languages on the bathroom walls.
I have never read Belles on their Toes, so I am excited about getting it! While I have never read it, I do remember that Tina B was in my 7th grade reading class and she did it for her book report. My mind is a wealth of useless information.
Knowing my kids, they will probably start taping foreign languages on the bathroom walls.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Diaper head, spidergirl & Em
He did have a diaper on his bottom too. What better way to be dressed to watch Cheaper by the Dozen. (The original one--I absolutely loved the book when I was younger! I think I need to find a copy and read it to the kids.)
Not to be...
I mentioned that I hoped with the girls on antibiotics and Junior just coming off (finished 20 days of amoxicillian on Friday) that we would be in the clear.
Not going to happen. We just got home from the weekend clinic (which for all you Fort Hood people is now walk in only so get there early, but they said Sunday is always super slow). Junior has a double ear infection with huge amounts of pus, strep throat (probably), and pink eye. All this and he was in there singing the ABC's for everyone. Poor little guy just can't win! He's playing nicely, and if it wasn't for the fact that he ALWAYS has an ear infection, I wouldn't have known to take him in since he is pretty good natured (which he gets from me!).
So back on antibiotics we go, and of course augmentin means diarrhea. The doctor did put in a referral to ENT, and I know some people balk at tubes, but she said we are getting to the point where they are constant and severe and could start building up scar tissue and affecting his hearing. Not on my watch!
My mom had the girls overnight and they will pick berries after church today and then she will return them home to me. I'm off to sanitize the house, replace toothbrushes and clean out the fridge. Can't get much more fun than that!
Not going to happen. We just got home from the weekend clinic (which for all you Fort Hood people is now walk in only so get there early, but they said Sunday is always super slow). Junior has a double ear infection with huge amounts of pus, strep throat (probably), and pink eye. All this and he was in there singing the ABC's for everyone. Poor little guy just can't win! He's playing nicely, and if it wasn't for the fact that he ALWAYS has an ear infection, I wouldn't have known to take him in since he is pretty good natured (which he gets from me!).
So back on antibiotics we go, and of course augmentin means diarrhea. The doctor did put in a referral to ENT, and I know some people balk at tubes, but she said we are getting to the point where they are constant and severe and could start building up scar tissue and affecting his hearing. Not on my watch!
My mom had the girls overnight and they will pick berries after church today and then she will return them home to me. I'm off to sanitize the house, replace toothbrushes and clean out the fridge. Can't get much more fun than that!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Frantic Friday?
This morning I had a massage scheduled. I was tempted to call a friend and let her have it since I didn't feel like going. But, since she has been sick off and on, I wasn't sure she could use it so I went. Boy was I glad I did. I didn't really want to lie down for an hour and a half, but it was well worth it.
I came home, relaxed, talked to Gunner, then decided to make this for my lunch and dinner.
Best laid plans of mice and men. The school called and Abs had a fever. Turns out she has an ear infection and her throat was red, and it could have meant strep, but since they were treating the ear infection, the strep test didn't make much sense. So then I called the after school program, they said they would take Em, so I called the school and had a message passed on. Abs and I went to the doctor, then to Sam's to get her prescription filled. I needed toilet paper, but as usual came out with a whole lot of other "needs" too. Never fails.
I am home for a bit so I can finish cooking my lunch/dinner, then get the kids. Pizza Party at Girl Scouts tonight, but Abs will stay home with me.
My hope is that since Junior is on antibiotics for his ear and they just ended last night, that he will be okay. Em is on antibiotics for a UTI. I don't have time to be sick, I have a meeting on Monday and need to take a dessert and a salad. I sure hope they like store bought!
I came home, relaxed, talked to Gunner, then decided to make this for my lunch and dinner.
Best laid plans of mice and men. The school called and Abs had a fever. Turns out she has an ear infection and her throat was red, and it could have meant strep, but since they were treating the ear infection, the strep test didn't make much sense. So then I called the after school program, they said they would take Em, so I called the school and had a message passed on. Abs and I went to the doctor, then to Sam's to get her prescription filled. I needed toilet paper, but as usual came out with a whole lot of other "needs" too. Never fails.
I am home for a bit so I can finish cooking my lunch/dinner, then get the kids. Pizza Party at Girl Scouts tonight, but Abs will stay home with me.
My hope is that since Junior is on antibiotics for his ear and they just ended last night, that he will be okay. Em is on antibiotics for a UTI. I don't have time to be sick, I have a meeting on Monday and need to take a dessert and a salad. I sure hope they like store bought!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Things to Remember you by...
At school for Mother's Day, Abs was told to write 10 facts about me down. I'm a pretty interesting person, so it shouldn't be too hard of a thing to do, right? She even got a 100 on the list.
1. Frizy hare
2. Frecls
3. Funny
4. Fun
5. Sweet
6. Nice
7. Silly
8. Werd
9. Crasy
10. Cooks
The first fact is the fact that I have frizzy hair??? I inherited my dad's super curly hair. Can I help it if it rains a lot? And to make that be #1???? I've got so much crap in my hair to help tame the fro. I guess I need to pull out the big guns and look for something better.
I have no freckles.
All the rest apply, but I don't think I am THAT weird.
I asked Abs about the list and she told me that it was things to remember me by in case I die. Maybe I need to help with another list.
1. Frizy hare
2. Frecls
3. Funny
4. Fun
5. Sweet
6. Nice
7. Silly
8. Werd
9. Crasy
10. Cooks
The first fact is the fact that I have frizzy hair??? I inherited my dad's super curly hair. Can I help it if it rains a lot? And to make that be #1???? I've got so much crap in my hair to help tame the fro. I guess I need to pull out the big guns and look for something better.
I have no freckles.
All the rest apply, but I don't think I am THAT weird.
I asked Abs about the list and she told me that it was things to remember me by in case I die. Maybe I need to help with another list.
Be Prepared
So after stuffing the girls in the linen closet last night (actually Trying, Abs probably would hang out in cabinets with your kids!), we finally got some sleep. This morning I went in to give Abs her medicine and get her moving. I couldn't figure out what she was doing in her bed because she looked enormous. This is what I found:
The girl had stuffed every single animal and fuffy she owned down her pajamas. She wanted to make sure in case of a tornado all her "important stuff" was safe. Em had even given her one of those flashing light toys that you can wear around your neck--I knew Em had it in her to be nicer to her sister!. The slippers were my dad's. Abs has grown attached to them, although she rarely wears them. She wore them last night so that my dad would keep her safe. I'm sure he will Abs, I am sure he will.....Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thank goodness for small children...
So tonight we come home from swim lessons, eat dinner, and then I put Junior to bed. Then the sirens started going off several times. I went outside and discussed with my neighbors what we should be inside doing.
I went back inside, got Em out of the shower, cleaned out the linen closet and explained to the girls our plan. I put the girls in the linen closet and Em and I decided that there was enough room with her to put Junior there, since that would be the safest place for him. I planned to go to the front closet. The alarms went silent.
I left Junior asleep in his crib and then the girls wanted to sleep in the closet all night. I got them back in bed, and they are now fast asleep.
My mom is holed up in her bathroom. My sister has her laundry room filled with sleeping bags, candles and flashlights.
Why is it that I can't find our lantern, the wind up flashlight or any of the other flashlights when I need them? That's what I get for putting them somewhere "safe" after finding the kids with them--reading when they should have been sleeping!
55 weeks and counting
Tomorrow is trash day! One day I swear my life will be far more exciting than counting down how many more weeks I have of taking the trash out by myself.
It stormed last night...really stormed. I love a good Texas-sized thunderstorm, but it's more fun when Gunner is there so I will worry less. It was so windy and I was debating whether or not I needed to get out of bed and check for a tornado warning. I didn't hear the sirens, but I usually can't if I am inside. I started planning where I would stash the kids so we would be safe.
I contemplated the girls' bathroom (although Em says that she won't set foot in there because Abs uses it), but vetoed that idea because of the glass doors on the tub and it's an outside wall. Then I thought I would take everything out of the linen closet and put a kid on each shelf. Once the door was shut Junior wouldn't be able to fall out. It's on the inside hallway, so they would be safe, but I wouldn't fit. There's the front hall closet, but by the time I would unload it, we would have been whisked away to Oz. Not to mention that it would probably require Em to be near Abs and possibly touch her. I think I will stick them in the linen closet next time. Thankfully there were no tornadoes near us and I eventually fell asleep.
I guess the big news is that I was accepted into the teaching program that I wanted. They have such a long drawn out process, that I started to doubt myself. I registered for classes and now have to secure employment ASAP. I've started working on my resume, so all those people that offered to help, I will be taking you up on it! Just keep in mind the number of times we've moved before you see my sporadic work history. I can say that I have had interesting employment--from working at the Consulate, doing tours in Germany with the State Department (free trip so I could count people getting on and off the bus), international trade and development, buyer, mom/maid/cook/chauffeur to three cute kids. The list goes on....
Two weeks and two days left of swim lessons....they are doing such a great job that I am thinking of continuing to make the drive 4 times a week. Insane I tell you.
It stormed last night...really stormed. I love a good Texas-sized thunderstorm, but it's more fun when Gunner is there so I will worry less. It was so windy and I was debating whether or not I needed to get out of bed and check for a tornado warning. I didn't hear the sirens, but I usually can't if I am inside. I started planning where I would stash the kids so we would be safe.
I contemplated the girls' bathroom (although Em says that she won't set foot in there because Abs uses it), but vetoed that idea because of the glass doors on the tub and it's an outside wall. Then I thought I would take everything out of the linen closet and put a kid on each shelf. Once the door was shut Junior wouldn't be able to fall out. It's on the inside hallway, so they would be safe, but I wouldn't fit. There's the front hall closet, but by the time I would unload it, we would have been whisked away to Oz. Not to mention that it would probably require Em to be near Abs and possibly touch her. I think I will stick them in the linen closet next time. Thankfully there were no tornadoes near us and I eventually fell asleep.
I guess the big news is that I was accepted into the teaching program that I wanted. They have such a long drawn out process, that I started to doubt myself. I registered for classes and now have to secure employment ASAP. I've started working on my resume, so all those people that offered to help, I will be taking you up on it! Just keep in mind the number of times we've moved before you see my sporadic work history. I can say that I have had interesting employment--from working at the Consulate, doing tours in Germany with the State Department (free trip so I could count people getting on and off the bus), international trade and development, buyer, mom/maid/cook/chauffeur to three cute kids. The list goes on....
Two weeks and two days left of swim lessons....they are doing such a great job that I am thinking of continuing to make the drive 4 times a week. Insane I tell you.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pampered Chef
I want to order a new baker (the round one but I think I want a square one now) since I broke mine--that's what I get for cramming it in there while I was in a rush. I'd love to support a military spouse, so email me and let me know how I can get the best deal! Thanks!
For Gunner
Yes, I know, he needs a serious haircut! His cowlick is out of control Maybe the girls will cooperate and I'll post some pics of them later for you.Monday, May 12, 2008
Pioneer Day & Mondays
This past Saturday we went to a Pioneer Day in Round Rock.
The story is here along with cute pics of the kids.
I went to the eye doctor today and I have old, tired eyes. They dilated them, and then I had to attend a meeting. Thank goodness for the GPS since I couldn't read one sign! I also lost my sunglasses, so I looked uber cool in the paper ones they hand out.
Three more weeks of swimming lessons till I get a break. The girls have made great progress though, and Junior is amused to sit underneath the lifeguard stand and smile at all the pretty girls.
Em got into the horse session of Girl Scout camp this summer. She's really excited, and I just hope it's a good experience. I remember going for two weeks and it was $240. Now I pay $250 for 6 days!
I got a message from my inlaws the other day and they invited us to their neighborhoods pig roast on the 24th. I'll be sure to take pictures if we go.
Our first Memorial Service is on Thursday for my husband's CO, and the CO's driver. No words.
The story is here along with cute pics of the kids.
I went to the eye doctor today and I have old, tired eyes. They dilated them, and then I had to attend a meeting. Thank goodness for the GPS since I couldn't read one sign! I also lost my sunglasses, so I looked uber cool in the paper ones they hand out.
Three more weeks of swimming lessons till I get a break. The girls have made great progress though, and Junior is amused to sit underneath the lifeguard stand and smile at all the pretty girls.
Em got into the horse session of Girl Scout camp this summer. She's really excited, and I just hope it's a good experience. I remember going for two weeks and it was $240. Now I pay $250 for 6 days!
I got a message from my inlaws the other day and they invited us to their neighborhoods pig roast on the 24th. I'll be sure to take pictures if we go.
Our first Memorial Service is on Thursday for my husband's CO, and the CO's driver. No words.
Happy Mother's Day!
My mom kept Em and Abs Saturday night. Junior was a dream and slept through the night--a relatively new trick.
I had lunch with my mom and she gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
And then Gunner called. A perfect end...
I am fortunate to have three wonderful children and a husband that loves me, and friends that take the time out of their day to think of me. Thank you everyone!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Still around...
I'm waiting for a big thunderstorm to come. There's thunder and lightening and Abs just came out and said "Bet you wish you had a clean garage now, since I am almost positive that it will hail." Yep, I've given birth to a little me.
Talked to Gunner the other day and convinced him to get off of messenger and call me. He did and was complaining about no mail. We finished up our call and he went back to find 7 boxes on his bed waiting. He should call more often! Thanks so much for all the things that y'all have sent and the letters too. The guys in his room were very appreciative as well since he always shares. Everything will be put to good use.
Today was career day at school. Abs went as...surprise...a paleontologist. Em went as a pop star. I asked her if she really wanted to be a pop star and she told me "Don't worry mom, I already graduated from college and have a degree in business so no one will rip me off!". Maybe not everything I say falls on deaf ears.
Erin and I are registered for our next 5k. Run with the Rovers. As long as I beat our previous time, I'm good. I don't have a dog, but Junior can growl.
Talked to Gunner the other day and convinced him to get off of messenger and call me. He did and was complaining about no mail. We finished up our call and he went back to find 7 boxes on his bed waiting. He should call more often! Thanks so much for all the things that y'all have sent and the letters too. The guys in his room were very appreciative as well since he always shares. Everything will be put to good use.
Today was career day at school. Abs went as...surprise...a paleontologist. Em went as a pop star. I asked her if she really wanted to be a pop star and she told me "Don't worry mom, I already graduated from college and have a degree in business so no one will rip me off!". Maybe not everything I say falls on deaf ears.
Erin and I are registered for our next 5k. Run with the Rovers. As long as I beat our previous time, I'm good. I don't have a dog, but Junior can growl.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Run for the Fallen
I stumbled on this tonight.
Run for the Fallen.
This is their mission statement from their website:
If they are going by near you, you can join in and run with them. They will run from Fort Irwin, CA, to Arlington National Cemetery.
UPDATE: You can go here and post your information if you are organizing a run on the 24th of August, running each day at your own location, etc. You can also say who you are running for.
Run for the Fallen.
This is their mission statement from their website:
Run for the Fallen is a collective of runners whose mission is clear and simple: To run one mile for every American service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On June 14, 2008, we run across America to raise awareness about the lives of those who fought, to activate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that help wounded veterans and the families of those killed (Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, HUGSS (Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors), and the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund), and to aid the healing process for those Americans whose lives have been affected by the war.
We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.
If they are going by near you, you can join in and run with them. They will run from Fort Irwin, CA, to Arlington National Cemetery.
UPDATE: You can go here and post your information if you are organizing a run on the 24th of August, running each day at your own location, etc. You can also say who you are running for.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
The girls wanted their dad up for WW. This was taken in Hawaii. I miss this face.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
What do I do????
It's 9:38 and Abs is in her room crying for her dad again. What the heck do I do? Nothing seems to make her feel better. I've tried pictures. Daddy dolls. Flat Daddies. He writes. He calls. He talks to them online. There's no way I can get him back here. She knows where he is, what he is doing and how someone else really needs his help right now, even more than we need him.
It's heartbreaking though. The tears keep coming. We are only 8 weeks into this, we still have 57 weeks to go. A countdown calendar right now would be daunting to her. She's only 7. She even suggested that I join the Army and take his place. How's that for love???
Sigh....any ideas?
It's heartbreaking though. The tears keep coming. We are only 8 weeks into this, we still have 57 weeks to go. A countdown calendar right now would be daunting to her. She's only 7. She even suggested that I join the Army and take his place. How's that for love???
Sigh....any ideas?
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