Nothing is more exhausting to a mom then a sick kid.
Kids don't get sick at convenient times, at least mine don't.
My kids usually get sick in the middle of the night, or during a week when Dan and I can't switch off who stays home, so I am home with them, jeopardizing my good standing at work. Or they get sick when they have a huge competition or something fun at school.
The toddler is sick...fever, congestion, coughing, crankiness.
He has spiked a fever in the middle of the night the last two nights, waking me up and then having trouble going back to sleep.
I feel bad for him, and at the same time, I'm exhausted! I'm up with him, snuggling, giving Tylenol or ibuprofen, getting a drink, helping him fall back asleep. Then just when I am sleeping again, the alarm goes off and I have to start the day, getting the big kids and Dan off to work, determining if I am going to work, checking temperatures.
Yesterday, he woke up fever free so I thought it might have been a fluke of a fever so we went to school, only to go home an hour early because he had a fever. It didn't go down to normal even with Tylenol yesterday so I called in last night knowing it was probably going to be another long night.
It was, Jayden fell asleep okay but woke up 3 and a 1/2 hours later with a very high temperature. He needed drinks, more medicine, and just wasn't able to fall back asleep for around 2 hours.
I could have been angry...and I will be honest I was frustrated. However, he can't help being sick, he can't meet his own needs, he is too little. I just have to love and be loving even though it isn't what I want to do. I have to put myself aside and give love. I have to love even when my son may not be the most lovable or friendly, when he is cranky and hurting.
I think this is kind of how God is with us. We often are needy and demanding, frustrating and challenging, but He never turns us away. He is that loving Father that meets our needs and helps us through our challenges and loves us no matter what.
I'm thankful for that truth.
Praying my little man feels better soon! Also looking forward to naptime and getting a little bit of extra rest myself!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Valentines Day
It has been a week for us.
We have been so busy, so everywhere, so focused on Valentines Day.
Valentines Day....I used to dislike this holiday. I've never been a mushy gushy person. Don't get me wrong, I feel love, I just don't need Valentines Day to show love to people.
However, this year I embraced my inner Valentines...I put more thought into it and decided to bless Dan in the process.
He knows I love him, I know he loves me.
We do forget to do nice things for each other sometimes so we decided to put thought into our love and show each other love this month.
In honor of Valentines Day I made him cheesecake...homemade, not from a box, water-bath baked cheesecake.
I've never made cheesecake before...see I don't really like it. It's okay, but not my favorite.
However, I've recently joined Pinterest, and I found these cute conversation heart cheesecakes and I totally thought I am going to make these for him...so I did and they tasted great, but I couldn't get them out of the pans so they technically were a fail.
I also pulled a Supermom, Superteacher moment and baked full size blueberry muffins for my class and mini muffins for the toddlers class. I really felt domestic...but we did have to eat McDonalds in order for me to have time to do all these things...I do work you know.
We both worked on V-day and so I crocked pot a Pot Roast for dinner and we enjoyed a quiet evening together on the couch catching up on shows on our DVR...my kind of night.
On another note, we have found a way to keep the toddler busy...YOUTUBE...especially the yogabbagabba channel...he can watch this on the computer and we can watch other non kid TV...he goes back and forth and enjoys it so I am using it for the moment...
Plus for me....See's Candy....only the best candy in the world...my favorite for Valentines Day! Thanks dear for the present! Love ya!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Pondering Rain
"Rain Rain...go away...
Come again some other day"
Remember that rhyme. I remember growing up in Sunny California and thinking this on some rainy days.
I used to dislike Rainy days...now I enjoy them.
There is something wonderful about a gentle falling rain. A good soak for the earth. There is something fun in splashing in puddles and walking in the rain
We had a very dry summer. A long drought...hot and dry. It was not the greatest.
This year we are getting more rain.
Last night it rained, thundered and hailed. Spring weather in February! I love the sound of rain on the roof.
It made me think of my journey.
Rain is good....tears are good. Sadness is helpful. Blessings come in unexpected ways.
The song above is one that has touched me many times especially when I am feeling down or low. Sometimes pain and trials are God's way of making me a stronger vessel to serve him. Sometimes when things are hard I need to look for the blessing instead of the pain.
Sometimes I have to serve my family instead of demanding they serve me. It's about being a blessing and being blessed.
I hope you are blessed and being a blessing to others today!
Come again some other day"
Remember that rhyme. I remember growing up in Sunny California and thinking this on some rainy days.
I used to dislike Rainy days...now I enjoy them.
There is something wonderful about a gentle falling rain. A good soak for the earth. There is something fun in splashing in puddles and walking in the rain
We had a very dry summer. A long drought...hot and dry. It was not the greatest.
This year we are getting more rain.
Last night it rained, thundered and hailed. Spring weather in February! I love the sound of rain on the roof.
It made me think of my journey.
Rain is good....tears are good. Sadness is helpful. Blessings come in unexpected ways.
The song above is one that has touched me many times especially when I am feeling down or low. Sometimes pain and trials are God's way of making me a stronger vessel to serve him. Sometimes when things are hard I need to look for the blessing instead of the pain.
Sometimes I have to serve my family instead of demanding they serve me. It's about being a blessing and being blessed.
I hope you are blessed and being a blessing to others today!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Be willing
Sometimes things change and you have to be flexible.
Sometimes you won't have things fall into place the way that you want it to go.
Sometimes no matter how hard you try it just isn't working and you have to do something else to fix it.
I've been dealing with this over the last few months at work.
I had BIG GOALS for the year...yes I am "Miss I Gotta Plan" but while I am a Lead teacher we co-teach at my school.
My plans and my co-teachers implementation of those plans wasn't happening. I mean I had 2 co-teachers at the beginning of the school year, within 4 weeks it was apparent that one of them was not going to work out. This teacher wasn't pulling their weight, and didn't have their heart in the job. Within 6 weeks this teacher was no longer working with me.
The other co-teacher started out strong but quickly spiraled into a never ending pile of complaining and feeling overwhelmed. I was dealing with 24 children and a co-teacher who couldn't seem to help me fix the room. She tried, I will say that for her, she worked really hard, but I feel like she was overwhelmed. So the room suffered, I suffered, I was stressed, I was Failing bad at this. It was hard, it was exhausting and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of I'm not doing a good enough job.
My bosses needed to make changes, staff was hired, hours were changed and I got to regroup. I became a member of a team of 4. I went to part-time hours and got to spend more time with Jayden and got my house more under control. I got to regroup, but I also went to a low place emotionally, I mean I often find my identity by my job...I am Miss Erin, the teacher, what would I be if I am not that.
I was tired, stressed, and feeling like a failure. I was in that low place. That unhappy place that I am working so hard to pull myself out of right now.
The break helped. I was able to guide the team and get them comfortable, I was able to do a good job at work and regroup. I was able to feel needed and I was much less stressed!
During the 1st week of January, my boss told me that she might need to move me to another room. By the 2nd week I received an email letting me know that I was needed in another room and that I would be back to full time hours..
So here I am back to working 38.5 hours a week. I am able to do what I love, teach young children. I am not in the age that I prefer but they are a good group of kiddos. I'm team teaching with a young woman who is a behavioral specialist. She takes the data, she helps with the behavior management plans and I get to do what I love, plan fun and exciting lessons, create meaningful art, talk about fun things and bring my input into the classroom.
It's good. However, if I hadn't been willing to take a step back and grow from the experience of another mom, who is also my boss, I might have missed out on the growth that I am having and be in a totally different place that might not be as good.
That's one thing I am trying to do this year. I'm trying to learn to Be Willing.
I need to be willing to see how I can grow from criticism. More often then not, it will help me to be better.
I need to be willing to let go and not try to make something work, to ask for help when I need it!
I need to be willing to stretch myself and see that a change can be a good thing, not a punishment.
I need to be willing to smile, to put on a happy face when I might not want to!
I need to be willing to be used as God would want me to be, to see His guiding hand and TRUST Him to be in control of the situation.
Are you ready to be willing too? I hope so. It's a challenge but exciting all at the same time!
Sometimes you won't have things fall into place the way that you want it to go.
Sometimes no matter how hard you try it just isn't working and you have to do something else to fix it.
I've been dealing with this over the last few months at work.
I had BIG GOALS for the year...yes I am "Miss I Gotta Plan" but while I am a Lead teacher we co-teach at my school.
My plans and my co-teachers implementation of those plans wasn't happening. I mean I had 2 co-teachers at the beginning of the school year, within 4 weeks it was apparent that one of them was not going to work out. This teacher wasn't pulling their weight, and didn't have their heart in the job. Within 6 weeks this teacher was no longer working with me.
The other co-teacher started out strong but quickly spiraled into a never ending pile of complaining and feeling overwhelmed. I was dealing with 24 children and a co-teacher who couldn't seem to help me fix the room. She tried, I will say that for her, she worked really hard, but I feel like she was overwhelmed. So the room suffered, I suffered, I was stressed, I was Failing bad at this. It was hard, it was exhausting and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of I'm not doing a good enough job.
My bosses needed to make changes, staff was hired, hours were changed and I got to regroup. I became a member of a team of 4. I went to part-time hours and got to spend more time with Jayden and got my house more under control. I got to regroup, but I also went to a low place emotionally, I mean I often find my identity by my job...I am Miss Erin, the teacher, what would I be if I am not that.
I was tired, stressed, and feeling like a failure. I was in that low place. That unhappy place that I am working so hard to pull myself out of right now.
The break helped. I was able to guide the team and get them comfortable, I was able to do a good job at work and regroup. I was able to feel needed and I was much less stressed!
During the 1st week of January, my boss told me that she might need to move me to another room. By the 2nd week I received an email letting me know that I was needed in another room and that I would be back to full time hours..
So here I am back to working 38.5 hours a week. I am able to do what I love, teach young children. I am not in the age that I prefer but they are a good group of kiddos. I'm team teaching with a young woman who is a behavioral specialist. She takes the data, she helps with the behavior management plans and I get to do what I love, plan fun and exciting lessons, create meaningful art, talk about fun things and bring my input into the classroom.
It's good. However, if I hadn't been willing to take a step back and grow from the experience of another mom, who is also my boss, I might have missed out on the growth that I am having and be in a totally different place that might not be as good.
That's one thing I am trying to do this year. I'm trying to learn to Be Willing.
I need to be willing to see how I can grow from criticism. More often then not, it will help me to be better.
I need to be willing to let go and not try to make something work, to ask for help when I need it!
I need to be willing to stretch myself and see that a change can be a good thing, not a punishment.
I need to be willing to smile, to put on a happy face when I might not want to!
I need to be willing to be used as God would want me to be, to see His guiding hand and TRUST Him to be in control of the situation.
Are you ready to be willing too? I hope so. It's a challenge but exciting all at the same time!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Loving the Unlovable
We all know that person who just can push your buttons faster than you would like.
They are annoying, they are obnoxious, they are self centered, they are just not someone you like to be around.
I have one of these in my life right now. We attend the same church
This person also really likes me or just doesn't see how she annoys me.
Don't get me wrong, she is a very sweet girl. She loves people, and she loves Jesus and she love my family. She tries to be helpful and I appreciate that on one hand, but on the other hand, I just want to turn the other direction and not interact with her at all!
I think God has placed her in my life because he wants me to learn how to LOVE.
according to I Corinthians 13 Love is this...
- patient,
- kind,
- not jealous,
- not a braggart,
- not arrogant,
- does not act unbecomingly,
- does not seek its own,
- is not provoked,
- does not take into account a wrong,
- does not rejoice in unrighteousness,
- rejoices in the truth,
- bears all things,
- believes all things,
- hopes all things,
- love never fails.
When I am around her I will admit I am not these things but I am praying that I will be. I have to love those who are unlovable to me, just as others need to love me when I am unlovable.
I was probably not the most lovable when I was younger, I have days when I am not the most lovable now but that is no excuse for me not to love.
It's my desire to be loving to all who need to be loved, whether I find them lovable or not...even if its not always what I find the easiest thing to be doing!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
IT's JUST TOO HARD
"This is impossible"
"I can't stand this"
"I don't want to do this, it's just too hard"
These statements I have heard this morning coming from my living room.
And no, I didn't say them, I overheard them.
The 10 year old is working on cleaning up the living room....and the mess its bad, really bad, and I offered to pay him but he really doesn't want to do it.
He's frustrated, and I understand, I'm there with him.
However, I am stopping playing the martyr. I'm not going to let him give up, and I am not going to do it for him. He needs to learn, and I need to guide him to do his best and accomplish the task.
My life has been like this...full of frustrations and hurts and complaints of it just being way to hard!
I've gained some hope though, it's hard, yes, it's hard...and I am not the only person in the world who feels this way. I have friends, and other mom's who blog, unknown acquaintances who also struggle with this same stuff. I'm not the only one who struggles and struggles and fails at being "SUPERMOM".
I don't have to be "SUPERMOM"! I don't have a magic cape, I can't fly, I'm not Mary Poppins and IT's OKAY!
Whew...wow...did I finally admit it!
That's the heart of it, I have to let go of my desire to be perfect.
I'm not perfect, I'm not amazing, I'm not the best...I'm just me.
Sometimes I do things really really well. Sometimes I don't do things very well.
I thought of it like this...
I can be a good cook....but I can also be a good kitchen cleaner so I want to cook more!
I can be a great mom...and I can let the little things slide and inspire my children in their inspirations.
I can be a good teacher...and I can also have an off day...but I am not defined by my failure.
I can be a good motivator...and ASK for help!
I can be weak....I can't carry the load alone.
It's just too Hard to do things alone...and it's just too hard to do things in my own strength...I've been again seeing that only be allowing myself to be weak and frail and asking for help and asking for God's help am I truly able to get through the day and work at being the best mom, wife, teacher and friend I can be.
It's hard to admit your not as great as you want to be, but at the same time it is a very freeing experience!
"I can't stand this"
"I don't want to do this, it's just too hard"
These statements I have heard this morning coming from my living room.
And no, I didn't say them, I overheard them.
The 10 year old is working on cleaning up the living room....and the mess its bad, really bad, and I offered to pay him but he really doesn't want to do it.
He's frustrated, and I understand, I'm there with him.
However, I am stopping playing the martyr. I'm not going to let him give up, and I am not going to do it for him. He needs to learn, and I need to guide him to do his best and accomplish the task.
My life has been like this...full of frustrations and hurts and complaints of it just being way to hard!
I've gained some hope though, it's hard, yes, it's hard...and I am not the only person in the world who feels this way. I have friends, and other mom's who blog, unknown acquaintances who also struggle with this same stuff. I'm not the only one who struggles and struggles and fails at being "SUPERMOM".
I don't have to be "SUPERMOM"! I don't have a magic cape, I can't fly, I'm not Mary Poppins and IT's OKAY!
Whew...wow...did I finally admit it!
That's the heart of it, I have to let go of my desire to be perfect.
I'm not perfect, I'm not amazing, I'm not the best...I'm just me.
Sometimes I do things really really well. Sometimes I don't do things very well.
I thought of it like this...
I can be a good cook....but I can also be a good kitchen cleaner so I want to cook more!
I can be a great mom...and I can let the little things slide and inspire my children in their inspirations.
I can be a good teacher...and I can also have an off day...but I am not defined by my failure.
I can be a good motivator...and ASK for help!
I can be weak....I can't carry the load alone.
It's just too Hard to do things alone...and it's just too hard to do things in my own strength...I've been again seeing that only be allowing myself to be weak and frail and asking for help and asking for God's help am I truly able to get through the day and work at being the best mom, wife, teacher and friend I can be.
It's hard to admit your not as great as you want to be, but at the same time it is a very freeing experience!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
31 days and Counting
Can you believe that January is over?
I can't, I mean this month has flown by. Tomorrow is the first day of February and so it's time to evaluate my goals.
Some questions that I have asked myself today, as I thought about what I should write.
Have I made progress? Yes,
I feel that I am making good progress on where my focus needs to be. I need to live in the moment, to chose to look on the positive and not get caught up in the wrongness of things. I need to embrace life and not get bogged down or obsessed when I am not doing the right thing.
Am I still in the same place? No,
When the new year started I was in a low place. I'm moving up the mountain, I'm not at the top by any means and I slip down from time to time but I'm emotionally feeling better, I'm also not as tired. The toddler is sleeping much better and that is helping in so many ways!
I've also experienced some good changes at work this month. I am back to working 40 hours a week(38.5 after breaks) and a new classroom. So far, it seems to be a good fit and I am having fun bringing things in the classroom and trying to play dynamic lessons...I will have to blog about the stressful year I had at the beginning and how this is much better but this is not the time or place...
What do I still need to work on?
Everything!
I haven't mastered any of it yet. It's very easy for me to slip back into the pettiness of it all, to that place where I don't like who I am. That selfish state of being and wanting everything to go my way and to be magically fixed.
What is my goal for the upcoming month?
Love.
Love is my goal for February...I think it is fitting with Valentines Day and all.
I want my family to feel and understand that I love them for who they are, not what they do for me. I need to be an example of love to my husband and the kids. I need to appreciate them and show them love.
Sometimes I am not the most loving and I need to work on this. To love without condition, without strings attached. To show love and be loved in return, to have a selfless love the way God loves me. Love is important and it is my goal for the upcoming month.
How about you friends?
Has January been an uplifting month?
Have you made progress on your goals?
Please feel free to comment or encourage as we endeavor to make 2013 a great year!
Monday, January 28, 2013
It's a Beautiful Day
It was near 70 degrees today here!
It was windy, warm and gorgeous!
It was perfect park weather!
The Big Kids, the Toddler and I all went to park this afternoon! We had a lot of fun sliding down slides, climbing steps, swinging and going through tunnels! So thankful for this wonderful day!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Future Cities Competition
We had our first taste of crazy competition timing. For something other than sports...we don't do sports.
The firstborn was here, on a field trip for STAR for school. She has been working on this project for several weeks with her class at school. They have to design a city, build a model, create essays and papers, and then present it for judging.
I think this is great, it builds teamwork, critical thinking skills, a lot of thinking outside the box, hands on learning. Janea has had to work in a group(something she is not good at), deal with stresses that she has no control over, and be content with things not being as perfect as she envisions them in her head! I'm happy that she is able to work on these projects and do this type of learning...she needs it.
The only downside, it's at K-State, a 2-3 hour drive away from where we live, and the competition starts at 8:30 with check in at 7:30....so they had to leave at an obscenely early hour, 4:30 am. The firstborn is not a morning person but she got up, the husband was very gracious and took her this morning so I could sleep longer.
They just got back and while she didn't win, she had a good time. Glad she gets these opportunities to grow and learn!
The firstborn was here, on a field trip for STAR for school. She has been working on this project for several weeks with her class at school. They have to design a city, build a model, create essays and papers, and then present it for judging.
I think this is great, it builds teamwork, critical thinking skills, a lot of thinking outside the box, hands on learning. Janea has had to work in a group(something she is not good at), deal with stresses that she has no control over, and be content with things not being as perfect as she envisions them in her head! I'm happy that she is able to work on these projects and do this type of learning...she needs it.
The only downside, it's at K-State, a 2-3 hour drive away from where we live, and the competition starts at 8:30 with check in at 7:30....so they had to leave at an obscenely early hour, 4:30 am. The firstborn is not a morning person but she got up, the husband was very gracious and took her this morning so I could sleep longer.
They just got back and while she didn't win, she had a good time. Glad she gets these opportunities to grow and learn!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Unexpected You Didn't Know You Needed
Ever had that moment when you can't believe something has happened?
Totally unexpected and scary?
That moment when you say...no this is wrong, this can't be happening.
I've had them...2 really stand out for me...and those are the moments when I found out I was having my first and third child.
I'm "Miss I Gotta Plan" at least that's what the Husband calls me. See, when we met I had a plan and marriage and children weren't in them...I mean I wanted to get married and I wanted kids just not till further down the road.
Well, I met Dan, and within a year we were married. It was fine, this could work with my plan...no big deal, right? We talked kids but thought after 3 or 4 years of marriage...good plan right...no, not the plan God had for us, we were pregnant in 3 months...yes I said months, and Janea was born 18 days of our first anniversary.
She was unexpected...especially since I didn't know gender and I was convinced she was a boy...but she was needed.
God knew I needed a daughter. He knew I needed that person who would push my buttons, who would challenge me to stay on my toes as her mother. He knew I needed a daughter so I could see what type of child I was for my parents, He knew I needed her to help make me humbler. I needed Janea, I didn't know it at the time but I did and I do and I am thankful for her.
Fast forward nearly 10 years. I like to say I don't make long term plans, just short term ones...but I thought I was done having kids. I had my girl, Janea, I had my boy, Jaron, and I was approaching a great point in motherhood, it had gotten easier again. The kids were very self-sufficient, behaved well in public, and we had fun hanging out with them. It was a great place to be...I was job hunting again due to a school closing and I was just tired....thought it was stress then realized something...
Yup, pregnant! I couldn't believe it...why now? Why? I was devastated and frustrated. I couldn't believe this was happening.
Pregnancy is a lot harder in your 30's than in your 20's! I was overwhelmed, stressed and unsure of what was going to happen. But here came Jayden...
I'm still trying to figure him out. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have 3 kids and one of them is a toddler! It's challenging. But I know that God never gives us something we don't need or something that He doesn't have a plan for. I just don't know what the plan is...I don't know why he decided to bless us with another little person. I just need to raise him to know God.
I won't lie, motherhood is hard and tough and sometimes I want to throw in the towel and move to Tahiti! Especially on long nights with sick kids or kids who are not sleeping. I'm still trying to figure out how to be the best mom to all my kids....it's a challenge.
I've been working on my attitude and embracing fun things with my kids...
Some new joys with Jayden include:
watching Yo Gabba Gabba with him
giggles and hugs and tickles and him asking for more!
Asking about his day at school and having him respond more and more.
Seeing him enjoy and interact with his toys and siblings!
Some fun with the big kids include:
Nerf gun wars,
Big kid movies and books
Long conversations about important things.
Having them help more around the house without me nagging them!
It's all about knowing that even though things are unexpected, the One who sends them to you is never, ever surprised!
Totally unexpected and scary?
That moment when you say...no this is wrong, this can't be happening.
I've had them...2 really stand out for me...and those are the moments when I found out I was having my first and third child.
I'm "Miss I Gotta Plan" at least that's what the Husband calls me. See, when we met I had a plan and marriage and children weren't in them...I mean I wanted to get married and I wanted kids just not till further down the road.
Well, I met Dan, and within a year we were married. It was fine, this could work with my plan...no big deal, right? We talked kids but thought after 3 or 4 years of marriage...good plan right...no, not the plan God had for us, we were pregnant in 3 months...yes I said months, and Janea was born 18 days of our first anniversary.
She was unexpected...especially since I didn't know gender and I was convinced she was a boy...but she was needed.
God knew I needed a daughter. He knew I needed that person who would push my buttons, who would challenge me to stay on my toes as her mother. He knew I needed a daughter so I could see what type of child I was for my parents, He knew I needed her to help make me humbler. I needed Janea, I didn't know it at the time but I did and I do and I am thankful for her.
Fast forward nearly 10 years. I like to say I don't make long term plans, just short term ones...but I thought I was done having kids. I had my girl, Janea, I had my boy, Jaron, and I was approaching a great point in motherhood, it had gotten easier again. The kids were very self-sufficient, behaved well in public, and we had fun hanging out with them. It was a great place to be...I was job hunting again due to a school closing and I was just tired....thought it was stress then realized something...
Yup, pregnant! I couldn't believe it...why now? Why? I was devastated and frustrated. I couldn't believe this was happening.
Pregnancy is a lot harder in your 30's than in your 20's! I was overwhelmed, stressed and unsure of what was going to happen. But here came Jayden...
I'm still trying to figure him out. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have 3 kids and one of them is a toddler! It's challenging. But I know that God never gives us something we don't need or something that He doesn't have a plan for. I just don't know what the plan is...I don't know why he decided to bless us with another little person. I just need to raise him to know God.
I won't lie, motherhood is hard and tough and sometimes I want to throw in the towel and move to Tahiti! Especially on long nights with sick kids or kids who are not sleeping. I'm still trying to figure out how to be the best mom to all my kids....it's a challenge.
I've been working on my attitude and embracing fun things with my kids...
Some new joys with Jayden include:
watching Yo Gabba Gabba with him
giggles and hugs and tickles and him asking for more!
Asking about his day at school and having him respond more and more.
Seeing him enjoy and interact with his toys and siblings!
Some fun with the big kids include:
Nerf gun wars,
Big kid movies and books
Long conversations about important things.
Having them help more around the house without me nagging them!
It's all about knowing that even though things are unexpected, the One who sends them to you is never, ever surprised!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You might have a toddler
...if your living room is filled with crumbs and toys...you might have a toddler.
...if you have to go around a big wheel to get into the kitchen....you might have a toddler.
...if you can make up verses to songs so that you aren't singing the same thing all the time...you might have a toddler.
...if you put 2 socks on one foot just so you can get the kid out of the house....you might have a toddler.
...if you know the difference between one syllable words that all sound like MOK....you might have a toddler.
...if you don't need to look down to read your child's favorite book...you might have a toddler.
...if you have brought a child into your bed and then moved to their bed because they are kicking you out of your bed...you might have a toddler.
...if you deliberately send him into his brother or sisters room so you can have a moments peace and quiet...you might have a toddler.
...if you do a happy dance at naptime...you might have a toddler.
...if the warning label says "might cause drowsiness" and you are disappointed when it doesn't work...you might have a toddler.
...if you look forward to going out to the grocery store with your husband without the kids...you might have a toddler.
...if you get as wet as your child during bathtime...you might have a toddler.
...if a sick day constitutes taking a nap during naptime but you also change diapers, fix lunches, and allow the kid to watch TV...you might have a toddler.
...if you get nervous when their is no noise and you go to investigate and find this....
You definitely have a toddler!
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...if you have to go around a big wheel to get into the kitchen....you might have a toddler.
...if you can make up verses to songs so that you aren't singing the same thing all the time...you might have a toddler.
...if you put 2 socks on one foot just so you can get the kid out of the house....you might have a toddler.
...if you know the difference between one syllable words that all sound like MOK....you might have a toddler.
...if you don't need to look down to read your child's favorite book...you might have a toddler.
...if you have brought a child into your bed and then moved to their bed because they are kicking you out of your bed...you might have a toddler.
...if you deliberately send him into his brother or sisters room so you can have a moments peace and quiet...you might have a toddler.
...if you do a happy dance at naptime...you might have a toddler.
...if the warning label says "might cause drowsiness" and you are disappointed when it doesn't work...you might have a toddler.
...if you look forward to going out to the grocery store with your husband without the kids...you might have a toddler.
...if you get as wet as your child during bathtime...you might have a toddler.
...if a sick day constitutes taking a nap during naptime but you also change diapers, fix lunches, and allow the kid to watch TV...you might have a toddler.
...if you get nervous when their is no noise and you go to investigate and find this....
You definitely have a toddler!
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Saturday, January 19, 2013
Comfortable
Just because something is comfortable doesn't mean its attractive or right.
I'm not a hug fan of this show but Stacy London and Clinton Kelly bash peoples arguments that wearing what you find comfortable doesn't mean that you are always presenting your best side.
When things get uncomfortable or you get pulled away from the comfort of it all you are more likely to make a change...either for the positive or the negative.
My life is sometimes comfortable and sometimes not comfortable.
I'm very comfortable with who I am outside my house.
At work I am defined by my job, a teacher. The children in my room love me, I plan fun lessons and enjoy teaching little people new things. I know I have a start time, a finish time and I do my best to be the best I can be. It's as easy as that...I'm comfortable.
I'm not always as comfortable at home.
At home, I feel like I have to be everything to everybody, I have to be able to see everything that is going on, fix every problem, change everything that needs to be done. It a big role and I feel like I don't do it great every time. When this happens I begin to feel like a failure.
I let my weakness be what I focus on...not who I am or what I do right.
I get comfortable with being discontent. I feel uncomfortable by my weakness and I then I get stressed out by my life.
I need to work on being content with my weakness, to not be defined by my failures or shortcoming but to embrace what I do well.
Today I conquered life by:
- breaking my chores into manageable pieces and relishing in the victory of something getting accomplished!
- saw my sister, got to appreciate the skill with which she has been gifted in painting and art and now have loveliness to see on my walls.
- cooking a meal I enjoy eating and savoring the flavors of the food and knowing that my family enjoys it as well!
It's been a good day full of ups and downs and twists and turns but I didn't let myself get comfortable with falling into my old habits! And for that I am thankful!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
My job as Mom....
I have the job of mom...and I have it over 2 very different ranges both with their joys and frustrations.
I have the job of raising soon to be teenagers...of balancing calendars and poking my nose in to their business and following them online. Of making sure they are being responsible, it's my job to make sure they can make some meals, wash their clothes when dirty and pick up after themselves. It's my job to listen to their woes, encourage their discouragements and desires, to nurture them into being self reliant.
In many ways they make this easy.
They can tell me if they are hungry, tired, what they want to eat. They don't need me to take them potty or make sure that they put their socks on their feet the right way. They sleep through the night and often go to bed without me telling them too. It's easy in may ways. It's like the promised land of parenting. They can entertain themselves and if its quiet it doesn't turn on my alert memo, it may be that they are playing a game on the DS, reading a book or finding something to do that doesn't make noise...like building with tools or other things. I also know that I can trust them. They have proven this to me and are proving it on a regular basis.
Then I have my other job as Mom...only here I'm known as MAMA.
The toddler....I forgot how much work one little person can be. He cannot entertain himself for longer than 5 minutes and if he is quiet and I can't see him he can often be found drawing on a wall, pulling every single wipe out of the package or every tissue out of the box. He also enjoys unrolling toilet paper and seeing what can be flushed...gotta remember to keep that door closed. He is demanding yet doesn't have all the words to tell me what he wants or needs. If he doesn't get his way he cries or whines and is trying to figure out what is going on.
He can't dress himself, he wears diapers, and prefers to run around naked! He has no inhibitions yet! His favorite word is NO! He loves to laugh, cry and still doesn't sleep consistently through the night...he is in one word....exhausting! I love him but WOW!
It's hard to have toddlers and soon to be teenagers. Don't get me wrong I love my kids and I wouldn't trade them for anything but being a mom is hard work, being a mom to multiple ages is crazy!
I have the job of raising soon to be teenagers...of balancing calendars and poking my nose in to their business and following them online. Of making sure they are being responsible, it's my job to make sure they can make some meals, wash their clothes when dirty and pick up after themselves. It's my job to listen to their woes, encourage their discouragements and desires, to nurture them into being self reliant.
In many ways they make this easy.
They can tell me if they are hungry, tired, what they want to eat. They don't need me to take them potty or make sure that they put their socks on their feet the right way. They sleep through the night and often go to bed without me telling them too. It's easy in may ways. It's like the promised land of parenting. They can entertain themselves and if its quiet it doesn't turn on my alert memo, it may be that they are playing a game on the DS, reading a book or finding something to do that doesn't make noise...like building with tools or other things. I also know that I can trust them. They have proven this to me and are proving it on a regular basis.
Then I have my other job as Mom...only here I'm known as MAMA.
The toddler....I forgot how much work one little person can be. He cannot entertain himself for longer than 5 minutes and if he is quiet and I can't see him he can often be found drawing on a wall, pulling every single wipe out of the package or every tissue out of the box. He also enjoys unrolling toilet paper and seeing what can be flushed...gotta remember to keep that door closed. He is demanding yet doesn't have all the words to tell me what he wants or needs. If he doesn't get his way he cries or whines and is trying to figure out what is going on.
He can't dress himself, he wears diapers, and prefers to run around naked! He has no inhibitions yet! His favorite word is NO! He loves to laugh, cry and still doesn't sleep consistently through the night...he is in one word....exhausting! I love him but WOW!
It's hard to have toddlers and soon to be teenagers. Don't get me wrong I love my kids and I wouldn't trade them for anything but being a mom is hard work, being a mom to multiple ages is crazy!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Fail
I did it again. I fell into my bad habits and became that person I don't really like...
FAIL
I snapped, I screamed, I got really mean....
FAIL
I'm frustrated easily, I'm angry for no reason...
FAIL
I'm trying again to do it all in my strength...
FAIL
I hate failing, I hate being this angry person who is not happy at home. I'm happy outside of my house, or at least I put up a brave front. I hate feeling like I am not good enough.
I struggle with little things...like keeping a clean house. I have a super hard time with this. I am just not good at it. Add in 4 more people and I feel like I'm drowning sometimes. I don't know how other mom's do it. I don't know how some people ALWAYS have a clean house...I can't seem to do it. The piles and crumbs must multiple faster at my house than at other peoples houses!
I read people's blogs and I know often one only puts on the blog the good and happy but I see the corners of houses and they don't look like mine and I think...how come I can't do that! What is wrong with me. It's like the airbrushing they do on magazine ads...I know it's not perfect and I know that they have struggles that I may not have but still I wonder.
I think if they can do it why can't I? What is wrong with me? Why is this such a struggle? WHY? WHY?? WHY????
That's the true root of it for me the..Why? Why am I dwelling on the negative rather than the positive? Why is the glass half empty instead of half full? Why is the discouragement of life bringing me down? Why am I seeing only the bad instead of the good? Where is the contentment that I should have instead of the I want's and the gimmies (which I honestly hate coming from others)?
I think it all comes back to contentment. Why am I not content with what I have been given? Why am I resentful of the gifts that I have been given? Why am I angry at the place I am in instead of overflowing with gratitude for all the things I have?
It's simple and hard to answer this question...the WHY of it all is this ugly thing at the root....SELFISHNESS.
I'm SELFISH...scary thought huh..admitting to yourself that you are something like this. It's true, the more I think about it, this is the root of some of my issues.
I'm selfish of my sleep...so I get angry when I am woken up...even if it's too a very sweet little boy who only wants to hug and snuggle with his mama.
I'm selfish of my time...I would much rather read a book or watch some TV than clean something.
I'm selfish of my food...I only want to cook and eat what I want. I then want the kitchen to clean itself so I don't have to do...I want what I want!
I'm selfish. Deep down I think that I am better or more worthy because my focus is on the SELF.
How bout you? Are you struggling with the Selfishness that is imbred in all humanity...that thinking that we are better than others and that our wants and desires should be at the forefront?
I'm struggling with it...but I have named it...often when I name the issue it makes it easier to conquer it. It's still a struggle but hopefully I can work on making this problem, these struggles begin to go away.
It goes back to Overcoming and Moving Forward.
I took 2 steps backward today and I Failed. Boo...but I will continue and work on moving again AHEAD...embracing Today...and being a more content and happy individual.
Friday, January 11, 2013
The Art of a Deal
I'm working on having the big kids help more around the house.
I'm offering not only to pay them but also I'm negotiating with them. That really is working for the 10 year old...I mean, he is setting tables with me not even having to ask right now...I'm hoping this lasts!
I'm offering trades...one of the chores they don't like for something that I do...an even exchange as it were.
The firstborn hates....I mean HATES....to load and unload the dishwasher...I don't get it...I used to wash all the dishes by HAND...she has it easy peasy lemon squeezy compared to my time. I don't mind that...but I hate doing other things...so I have offered her a trade. She picks one of my chores and does it willingly in exchange for me not having her load and unload the dishwasher!
I'm hoping it works...she is still thinking about her trade item. We will see what happens. If this works I may negotiate for other items.
I want them to help but I am tired of nagging them...hopefully this will make it easier for everyone.
I'm offering not only to pay them but also I'm negotiating with them. That really is working for the 10 year old...I mean, he is setting tables with me not even having to ask right now...I'm hoping this lasts!
I'm offering trades...one of the chores they don't like for something that I do...an even exchange as it were.
The firstborn hates....I mean HATES....to load and unload the dishwasher...I don't get it...I used to wash all the dishes by HAND...she has it easy peasy lemon squeezy compared to my time. I don't mind that...but I hate doing other things...so I have offered her a trade. She picks one of my chores and does it willingly in exchange for me not having her load and unload the dishwasher!
I'm hoping it works...she is still thinking about her trade item. We will see what happens. If this works I may negotiate for other items.
I want them to help but I am tired of nagging them...hopefully this will make it easier for everyone.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Toddler Tales: Car Seat Napper
Today's tale is a cautionary tale for the unsuspecting parent! Please learn a lesson from my misadventure with a car seat napper!
It was a cold winter Wednesday night, the first night back at AWANA for the big kids. The parents were tired from working all day and decided a date night was a good idea...after all the kids are occupied we could go to dinner...then we remembered we have a toddler...oh well, he can just go with us. HA...mistake number one!We took the kids to church and then we went to Chipotle... mm...yummy in a burrito bowl with lime chips on the side. The toddler did pretty well, and the restaurant was pretty empty since it was a Wednesday night so we survived the dinner portion of the evening! Yeah us! Then we looked at the clock...only 7:10 pm we still have an hour before we need to pick the big kids up...what do we do now? Well, the husband had received Kohl's cash back from a recent gift card excursion for work clothes and he had graciously determined that I could use it so we decided since we're out lets go to Kohl's and see what I could find. Mistake number two!
We get to Kohl s and get the toddler situated in one of those stroller carts. The husband and toddler start walking around and I check out the ladies department to see if I can find something I like for the price I needed. I find a purple v neck shirt that will work well for work and I lament at not having more to spend but know I need to stay on budget. But I still have left over money and with Kohl's cash there is no change and I want to use all of it if possible! The husband mentions that there are some frames on clearance so I go check them out!
I am looking at frames and by this point the toddler is well being a toddler. He doesn't want to sit in the stroller anymore he wants to PUSH the stroller. And he doesn't do it well. The husband gets stressed out by situations like this and I am still trying to shop! A disaster is looming...but hooray! I find a frame for 3 dollars that has a J on it and would go with our decor! We head to check out...we try to trick the toddler into thinking he is pushing but anytime we touch the cart he screams...a meltdown is imminent...either from the toddler or the husband. We get to check out.. the husband and toddler put the cart back and I go pay...score one for me only $1.08 out of pocket! Wahoo! I love not spending much! The toddler is now full on cranky, tired and wanting his own way. It takes an additional 5 minutes to leave the store but we finally make it to the car...and drive away taking the long way trying to kill more time...you guessed it...mistake number three!
Driving around causes the toddler to fall asleep in the car. Now smart parents would head home and put him to bed...we didn't do that...we went and waited at church and then the lesson went over so by the time everyone is in the car and heading home the toddler has had a 30 minute nap in the car and is raring to go and play not go to bed.
11:30 I FINALLY get him to his bed and fast asleep! I'm beyond tired at this point and just praying he sleeps well...which he does and let me tell you 5:55 when the alarm goes off is much to early when you are used to going to bed around 9:30 or 10 and you don't get to bed till closer to midnight...so parents don't make our same mistakes, stick to your bedtime nighttime routines and don't let your toddler nap at night in the car!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Conquering Today
It's all about the Today of it all.
That's what I am working for and working on. The enjoyment of Today!
Today is...
So I am conquering Today.
In little ways, with small changes, finding peace in the decisions I make and the responsibilities that I face.
Ways I have conquered today:
Joy...put a smile on and embrace happy. Find things that you can smile about even though you want to scream, pout, or cry!
Sing a Silly Song...if something isn't working, sing a song about it and it might change. It doesn't have to be a pretty song or make sense sometimes singing just makes it all better!
Dance if you hear a beat, feel a rhythm do a little dance...I have the worst dance moves but it can be a stress relief and make it all better!
Take a deep breathe....like I say to my students..."Smell the popcorn, blow out the candle" in other words "in through the nose, out through the mouth!"
Put on your big girl panties and just deal...sometimes you just can't fix it...oh well, don't let it absorb you!
So I let today happen, I smiled, I laughed I enjoyed. And it was good. I also gave some random high fives and tried to be an encouragement rather than a downer.
So today was good. And I liked it.
I cooked food I enjoyed for dinner from no recipe and it wasn't bad, and I have leftover rice for lunch.
I took a break at work and read a book in a comfy chair and enjoyed a small snack. An easy 15 minute recharge.
I stopped sweating the small stuff and just took responsibility and made notes for the future. And it will be okay.
I'm getting ready to end the day and I am feeling pretty good. I like that!
Thanks be to God for a good day!
That's what I am working for and working on. The enjoyment of Today!
Today is...
now
here
real
present
achievable
conceivable
doable
necessary
So I am conquering Today.
In little ways, with small changes, finding peace in the decisions I make and the responsibilities that I face.
Ways I have conquered today:
Joy...put a smile on and embrace happy. Find things that you can smile about even though you want to scream, pout, or cry!
Sing a Silly Song...if something isn't working, sing a song about it and it might change. It doesn't have to be a pretty song or make sense sometimes singing just makes it all better!
Dance if you hear a beat, feel a rhythm do a little dance...I have the worst dance moves but it can be a stress relief and make it all better!
Take a deep breathe....like I say to my students..."Smell the popcorn, blow out the candle" in other words "in through the nose, out through the mouth!"
Put on your big girl panties and just deal...sometimes you just can't fix it...oh well, don't let it absorb you!
So I let today happen, I smiled, I laughed I enjoyed. And it was good. I also gave some random high fives and tried to be an encouragement rather than a downer.
So today was good. And I liked it.
I cooked food I enjoyed for dinner from no recipe and it wasn't bad, and I have leftover rice for lunch.
I took a break at work and read a book in a comfy chair and enjoyed a small snack. An easy 15 minute recharge.
I stopped sweating the small stuff and just took responsibility and made notes for the future. And it will be okay.
I'm getting ready to end the day and I am feeling pretty good. I like that!
Thanks be to God for a good day!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Grumpy
1. I'm tired...Jayden was up a lot last night and needing extra snuggles. Instead of whining about this I will try to take a nap this afternoon and be grateful that my little boy still wants and needs me. Plus, he is still recovering from his surgery and probably was in pain and I know this is a temporary deal...hopefully when he is all recovered he will sleep through the night again.
2. I couldn't find what I was looking for easily...Dan and Janea are off getting hair cuts this morning and we were sent a coupon in the mail in December. I couldn't find it...until the last minute but I did find it! So instead of grumbling, I need to refine my system and not make piles...piles are where things get lost, I need to have a place for everything and everything in it's place.
3. A tornado has blown through my house...again. I can't seem to keep this place clean. It's a never ending battle and I'm just not good at it. Well, instead of complaining I will get the kids to help me and try to figure out how to eliminate the problems...like the cups of pens that Jayden seems to spill constantly and the never ending battle with packaging...maybe I need to make more food from scratch. I'm grateful that I can work on the house while I do laundry today at home since my dryer is fixed that's one less battle!
That's a little bit of where I am this morning, hopefully things will improve as the day goes on...but I definitely need an attitude adjustment this morning.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Toddler Tales: Tubes in, Noid's Out!
I've decided to add some new segments to the blog. I really enjoy stories from other mom's and I thought that I would add some of the fun that we have with the Toddler...thus I birthed the idea of Toddler Tales.
However today's tale will not be a funny tale but a record of a medical procedure.
It was dark outside...my early morning alarm clock on my phone started buzzing and I thought to myself..."why is this going off so early, then I remembered...we have to be at the hospital by 6:30 so I better get up"...20 minutes later I finally actually get up. I'm tired, I haven't slept well at all, I've been rather keyed up knowing that tomorrow is a big day for the Toddler...he's getting Tubes put in and having his adenoids taken out. I finally fell into a deep sleep after 3 and then the alarm went off at 5:00!
I get up, get dressed, and find that Jayden is already awake. An hour earlier than normal, he must realize that something is going on today. So we go on our ritual morning adventure of making sure everyone is still home...they are, the only other one up is Dan, and he is getting ready for work. I've make lunches for the big kids and put them on the kitchen table, remind everyone of what needs to be done before school and made sure the big kids are awake and then I leave with Jayden, we are off to Grandma's to pick her up before we head to Harrisonville and the hospital.
I pick up my mom at 6:10 and we head south. The 20 minute drive to Harrisonville seems longer than normal in the dark, it's pitch black and I'm tired, Jayden is happy in the back seat and isn't aware of what will be happening in a little over an hour. It's nice to have company of another adult, Dan and I had decided to have him work today and me tomorrow, and we would take turns and today is my turn. I know he is worried but we are trusting and praying that everything will be okay. I'm very grateful my mom is with me and the conversation is keeping me distracted.
We pull into the hospital parking lot at 6:30, it's really empty, there are not alot of people at the hospital yet. We get our stuff out of the car and walk into the building. A man behind the front desk says, "Tubes surgery?" We reply, "yes". He then comments on he figured since the only time little ones come in so early is usually on Thursday's(this is the day that the ENT does surgery) and today is Thursday so we must be here to get tubes in Jayden's ears.
We are escorted to the surgery section and check in, it doesn't take long and I had made sure to have our ID and cards very easily accessible. Mom and Jayden look at a book while we wait, we have our choice of seats in the waiting room, as we are the first ones. We wait maybe 5 minutes and then we are escorted back to the prep room.
It's a nice little room and the nurse who will be taking care of us is super nice. She goes over everything with us and we make sure we know his weight and height and by this point Jayden is starting to wonder what is going on. I try and distract him with my phone on my camera
Here's a picture we took on Grandma waiting and helping to keep Jayden happy.
The other is of Jayden as he has on his gown and is getting prepped, he really didn't like the gown and by the time it was time for him to go back he had taken it off. He ended up not wearing the gown for the surgery, just his pants and socks! Poor baby!
By this point, we have met with the Anesthesiology doctor and nurse, Dr. Luce our ENT and met lots of nurses. I have signed that I understand what is happening and what to expect and that I trust the doctors and nurses to provide excellent care. I have confirmed my babies identity and my identity and we are ready for the surgery.
The moment I have been worried about is here. I breathe a silent prayer, kiss him on the cheek and pass him to the nurse who whisks him away to the operating room. He is reaching for me and calling "Mama, Mama, and crying," It's hard to see him leave but I know he needs this procedure and I have peace.
Mom and I head to the waiting room. We have around 45 minutes before we will hear anything, so we head to get a drink from the cafeteria and use the restroom and then we sit and wait for the surgery to be over. About 35 minutes later, Dr. Luce comes out and lets us know the procedure went well, he did have an infection behind his left ear and he had huge adenoids. She lets us know he may be cranky and what to expect and that we will get to see him soon.
10-15 minutes go by and I go and use the restroom one more time before we go back to him. After another 10 minutes I am a little bit anxious and then they finally let me go back to my baby. He is awake! Poor thing,he is groggy, disoriented and not happy at all. He is drinking apple juice and coming around and the nurses say he is doing well. I get to hold and snuggle him and make sure that he gets some calories in him. We text Daddy and Grandpa and let them know he is okay. And then we finish the recovery process.
By 9:25 we are able to go home. At 9:30 we are in the car leaving the parking lot. In and out in 3 hours. I take my mom home and then Jayden and I go home to hang out and feel better.
We eat, drink and play. Take a long afternoon nap and with the exception of get cranky and fussy faster he seems to be doing pretty well. He'll be home a few more days and then we will go back to our normal routines of life!
However today's tale will not be a funny tale but a record of a medical procedure.
I get up, get dressed, and find that Jayden is already awake. An hour earlier than normal, he must realize that something is going on today. So we go on our ritual morning adventure of making sure everyone is still home...they are, the only other one up is Dan, and he is getting ready for work. I've make lunches for the big kids and put them on the kitchen table, remind everyone of what needs to be done before school and made sure the big kids are awake and then I leave with Jayden, we are off to Grandma's to pick her up before we head to Harrisonville and the hospital.
I pick up my mom at 6:10 and we head south. The 20 minute drive to Harrisonville seems longer than normal in the dark, it's pitch black and I'm tired, Jayden is happy in the back seat and isn't aware of what will be happening in a little over an hour. It's nice to have company of another adult, Dan and I had decided to have him work today and me tomorrow, and we would take turns and today is my turn. I know he is worried but we are trusting and praying that everything will be okay. I'm very grateful my mom is with me and the conversation is keeping me distracted.
We pull into the hospital parking lot at 6:30, it's really empty, there are not alot of people at the hospital yet. We get our stuff out of the car and walk into the building. A man behind the front desk says, "Tubes surgery?" We reply, "yes". He then comments on he figured since the only time little ones come in so early is usually on Thursday's(this is the day that the ENT does surgery) and today is Thursday so we must be here to get tubes in Jayden's ears.
We are escorted to the surgery section and check in, it doesn't take long and I had made sure to have our ID and cards very easily accessible. Mom and Jayden look at a book while we wait, we have our choice of seats in the waiting room, as we are the first ones. We wait maybe 5 minutes and then we are escorted back to the prep room.
It's a nice little room and the nurse who will be taking care of us is super nice. She goes over everything with us and we make sure we know his weight and height and by this point Jayden is starting to wonder what is going on. I try and distract him with my phone on my camera
Here's a picture we took on Grandma waiting and helping to keep Jayden happy.
The other is of Jayden as he has on his gown and is getting prepped, he really didn't like the gown and by the time it was time for him to go back he had taken it off. He ended up not wearing the gown for the surgery, just his pants and socks! Poor baby!
By this point, we have met with the Anesthesiology doctor and nurse, Dr. Luce our ENT and met lots of nurses. I have signed that I understand what is happening and what to expect and that I trust the doctors and nurses to provide excellent care. I have confirmed my babies identity and my identity and we are ready for the surgery.
The moment I have been worried about is here. I breathe a silent prayer, kiss him on the cheek and pass him to the nurse who whisks him away to the operating room. He is reaching for me and calling "Mama, Mama, and crying," It's hard to see him leave but I know he needs this procedure and I have peace.
Mom and I head to the waiting room. We have around 45 minutes before we will hear anything, so we head to get a drink from the cafeteria and use the restroom and then we sit and wait for the surgery to be over. About 35 minutes later, Dr. Luce comes out and lets us know the procedure went well, he did have an infection behind his left ear and he had huge adenoids. She lets us know he may be cranky and what to expect and that we will get to see him soon.
 |
| Poor baby! Groggy after surgery. |
By 9:25 we are able to go home. At 9:30 we are in the car leaving the parking lot. In and out in 3 hours. I take my mom home and then Jayden and I go home to hang out and feel better.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
It's the Little Things...
you take for granted until they don't work and then they become a big thing.
For example a dryer. A working dryer none the less. My dryer stopped working abruptly a few weeks ago, I opened the door and there was a flash of green light and then all of a sudden it wouldn't start. I got upset, I frantically called Dan as if talking to him would magically fix it, I got angry, I got frustrated...I was going to laundry by golly and this wasn't in my plan...and I had wet stuff in the washer too boot!
Well, long story short, the dryer is now working again. It was the door switch and Dan and I were able to fix it ourselves. We also only had to go to the laundry mat once in the meantime and I was able to stay ahead of the laundry by hanging some of it on lines in the basement.
So today I am thankful for my working dryer, I am very grateful for air dried towels that are more fluffy than line dried ones that are very crunchy and I am happy we were able to fix it ourselves!
For example a dryer. A working dryer none the less. My dryer stopped working abruptly a few weeks ago, I opened the door and there was a flash of green light and then all of a sudden it wouldn't start. I got upset, I frantically called Dan as if talking to him would magically fix it, I got angry, I got frustrated...I was going to laundry by golly and this wasn't in my plan...and I had wet stuff in the washer too boot!
Well, long story short, the dryer is now working again. It was the door switch and Dan and I were able to fix it ourselves. We also only had to go to the laundry mat once in the meantime and I was able to stay ahead of the laundry by hanging some of it on lines in the basement.
So today I am thankful for my working dryer, I am very grateful for air dried towels that are more fluffy than line dried ones that are very crunchy and I am happy we were able to fix it ourselves!
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