Monday, January 31, 2011
The Blog
This blog is to share stories, pictures, etc. about my boys, but today I want to talk about something else. I'm sure you noticed the cool new layout. Well, the person responsible for that is my best friend, Denisa. She spends a lot of time making this blog look cute and she expects nothing in return. I just wanted to take a minute to thank her for all the time and work she invests on my blog. So, thank you, Denisa. It looks amazing and it means a lot to me that you do this for me. You're the best!
Friday, January 28, 2011
What Just Happened?
We were at my grandma's house yesterday eating lunch. My mom and aunt were talking about something when my mom said, "My daddy." I'm not sure what they were talking about but everyone heard her say, "My daddy." Logan looked up from the table and said, "Who is Nana's daddy?" Everyone froze. We looked at each other for awhile and then I said, "Great Grandpa Jack was Nana's daddy." And there it was -- that horrible past tense word. "Was." I had to force it out of my mouth. Logan said, "Where is Great Grandpa Jack?" Again, we all looked at each other -- feeling put on the spot by a 4-year-old. Before anyone could answer Logan said, "Oh, I remember, Great Grandpa Jack was killed." Jacob explained that he wasn't killed, but he was just old and had been sick for a long time. Logan asked if he could still talk to Great Grandpa Jack. No one ever said being a parent was easy. I can honestly say that moment was NOT easy.
Wednesday was my Grandpa Jack's funeral. It was a long day. It was a hard day. It was a day that allowed us all to spend too much time in a car trying to gather our thoughts. I remember walking to the back after the funeral to talk to everyone who had come. I looked up and saw my cousin, Matt, with red eyes from crying. I was 12 when he was born and I thought he was the greatest thing. Seeing him upset almost made me lose it. I remember making eye contact with him and trying to keep it together. That is what we all have been doing the past few days -- trying to keep it together.
My grandma was amazing through all of this. At one point I was talking to my dad's brother and his wife and my grandma walked up and hugged me and told them, "This one right here and me go way back." They laughed and then my grandma looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Your grandpa thought the world of you. He thought you were perfect from the day you were born -- and still thought it right up until the end. He was so proud of you." I said, "I thought he was pretty perfect too." My grandma laughed and said, "I know. You two had the neatest relationship."
We heard a lot of stories about my grandpa from people who have known him since before I was born. It seems a lot of people think he is just as great as I do.
On Wednesday when everything was over we were at my grandma's house and she was telling us stories about my Grandpa Jack when they were younger. She talked about how they met and I learned that it all started with a rake. My grandma and her friends were supposed to rake leaves in one of the friend's yards and no one had a rake. They knew that the new people who moved in had a rake but they all thought my grandpa was cute so they didn't want to go ask for a rake. My grandma said she decided she would show those girls how to ask for a rake so she went and knocked on the door and my grandpa answered. She said, "He gave me the rake and then followed me around trying to get my attention from then on."
I took the boys to school this morning and I stopped to talk to Alex's teacher and explain that he didn't have his homework because I left his back pack at my parents. She was asking how our trip went and she said, "He was your grandpa, right?" I said, "Yes." Logan said, "He was my Great Grandpa Jack." Alex's teacher said, "He was?" Logan said, "Yeah, he was funny. He could wiggle his ears." Alex's teacher started laughing. I hope Logan always remembers his Great Grandpa Jack smiling and wiggling his ears.
It has been hard trying to come to the realization that he is gone. When I think about him I have to smile. I have so many wonderful memories of him. The funeral is over, the boys went back to school, and life goes on and still, today, my heart aches. I have lost a grandparent before, but I didn't have the relationship with him that I had with my Grandpa Jack. He was and always will be one of my very favorite people. Some one at his funeral said to me, "Jack is one of those people you think will always be around and you just can't picture a world without him." I thought that summed it up pretty well.
Wednesday was my Grandpa Jack's funeral. It was a long day. It was a hard day. It was a day that allowed us all to spend too much time in a car trying to gather our thoughts. I remember walking to the back after the funeral to talk to everyone who had come. I looked up and saw my cousin, Matt, with red eyes from crying. I was 12 when he was born and I thought he was the greatest thing. Seeing him upset almost made me lose it. I remember making eye contact with him and trying to keep it together. That is what we all have been doing the past few days -- trying to keep it together.
My grandma was amazing through all of this. At one point I was talking to my dad's brother and his wife and my grandma walked up and hugged me and told them, "This one right here and me go way back." They laughed and then my grandma looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Your grandpa thought the world of you. He thought you were perfect from the day you were born -- and still thought it right up until the end. He was so proud of you." I said, "I thought he was pretty perfect too." My grandma laughed and said, "I know. You two had the neatest relationship."
We heard a lot of stories about my grandpa from people who have known him since before I was born. It seems a lot of people think he is just as great as I do.
On Wednesday when everything was over we were at my grandma's house and she was telling us stories about my Grandpa Jack when they were younger. She talked about how they met and I learned that it all started with a rake. My grandma and her friends were supposed to rake leaves in one of the friend's yards and no one had a rake. They knew that the new people who moved in had a rake but they all thought my grandpa was cute so they didn't want to go ask for a rake. My grandma said she decided she would show those girls how to ask for a rake so she went and knocked on the door and my grandpa answered. She said, "He gave me the rake and then followed me around trying to get my attention from then on."
I took the boys to school this morning and I stopped to talk to Alex's teacher and explain that he didn't have his homework because I left his back pack at my parents. She was asking how our trip went and she said, "He was your grandpa, right?" I said, "Yes." Logan said, "He was my Great Grandpa Jack." Alex's teacher said, "He was?" Logan said, "Yeah, he was funny. He could wiggle his ears." Alex's teacher started laughing. I hope Logan always remembers his Great Grandpa Jack smiling and wiggling his ears.
It has been hard trying to come to the realization that he is gone. When I think about him I have to smile. I have so many wonderful memories of him. The funeral is over, the boys went back to school, and life goes on and still, today, my heart aches. I have lost a grandparent before, but I didn't have the relationship with him that I had with my Grandpa Jack. He was and always will be one of my very favorite people. Some one at his funeral said to me, "Jack is one of those people you think will always be around and you just can't picture a world without him." I thought that summed it up pretty well.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
My Grandpa Jack (1924-2011)
I don't want to be thought of as dramatic for posting this blog -- this is what is on my heart and mind today. My mother called and asked me to find some pictures of my grandpa that we could use for a slide show/video at his funeral. I was going through the pictures and remembering the reasons behind my grandpa's expressions in some of them and thought I would share them with every one. We found out he passed away early this morning and he will be missed, but remembered with smiles. He was a fun, cool, amazing man and I am so glad I was able to spend so much time with him growing up. We would eat lunch with my grandparents every Sunday -- I continued to eat with them each Sunday until Jacob and I got married and moved to the City. It's just what you did on Sunday -- you had lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Jack. We went camping with them, and they were a big part of our lives. Most family vacations included my grandparents.
I remember when we were little and my dad, grandpa, and uncles would go deer hunting and be gone for a few days. So, my mom, my brother, my aunts, my cousins, and me would all go stay at grandma's. It was the best time. It was fun being their with my cousins, my aunt would drive us to school and pick us up. We would get to sleep in sleeping bags with our cousins and it was such a fun time! Then, one day, the men would all come back and we were all happy they didn't kill "Bambi." LOL My grandpa would smile at me and say, "I could have got one but I didn't just for you." Then, he'd laugh, because, of course he'd get one if he could. I didn't know the difference, though.
These pictures make me smile and I wanted to share them.
Alex's first Christmas -- sitting with his Great Grandpa Jack.
This is one of my favorite pictures! Me as a little girl with my Grandpa Jack.
The boys with their great grandparents. I can't remember exactly when this was taken, but it was at least a couple of years ago.
This is another one of my favorite pictures of my grandpa. We all were told to come outside to take pictures. People were all talking at the same time and there were several people with cameras and I remember my grandpa started laughing and said, "I feel like a celebrity with all these cameras." He turned and looked at me, trying not to laugh, and I took this picture. It was such a funny moment.
My grandparents wtih my boys and my brother's son -- 4th of July.
Grandpa Jack getting a hug from Alex
Alex and his great grandpa Christmas Eve 2009. Alex thought it was cool that they were both wearing red shirts.
Logan telling his Great Grandpa Jack that he loves him -- this moment was a very sweet one and is remembered by a lot of our family. We all thought it was such a special moment!
Logan with his Great Grandpa Jack on the 4th of July, 2009. We were having water gun fights and my grandpa was sitting in his chair watching us and laughing at us.
Logan showing his Great Grandpa Jack how to play golf (the Logan way! LOL)
Logan getting a hug from Great Grandpa Jack.
Logan and my grandpa hugging again. They kind of liked each other -- can you tell? Ha.
Coloring with Great Grandpa Jack -- Thanksgiving 2010
This is the last picture I have of my grandpa. It was taken on Christmas Eve 2010. He was sitting by the fire and my brother went and sat near him and they were talking. I remember thinking, "I need to take a picture of this!" I'm so glad I did!
My grandparents on (or around -- ha) Easter 2010. Another one of my favorites!
He was one of my favorite people and man, did he have stories (and he loved to tell them!) He led a pretty interesting life and although we will miss him -- we have some wonderful memories of him.
I remember when we were little and my dad, grandpa, and uncles would go deer hunting and be gone for a few days. So, my mom, my brother, my aunts, my cousins, and me would all go stay at grandma's. It was the best time. It was fun being their with my cousins, my aunt would drive us to school and pick us up. We would get to sleep in sleeping bags with our cousins and it was such a fun time! Then, one day, the men would all come back and we were all happy they didn't kill "Bambi." LOL My grandpa would smile at me and say, "I could have got one but I didn't just for you." Then, he'd laugh, because, of course he'd get one if he could. I didn't know the difference, though.
These pictures make me smile and I wanted to share them.
He was one of my favorite people and man, did he have stories (and he loved to tell them!) He led a pretty interesting life and although we will miss him -- we have some wonderful memories of him.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Eew!! Germs!!
Logan and I had a conversation about germs this morning. Logan asked if germs walked and talked. I got this image of our house being overtaken by little green germs wearing war gear, carrying weapons, and laughing at us. They outnumber us and try as we may, we can't seem to fight them off or outrun them.
It all started last Friday when Alex didn't feel well. He ended up with a fever and was sick with a fever on Saturday and Sunday. Monday evening I was running a fever and feeling like a massive cold had just hit me on the head with a metal garbage lid. I took the boys to school on Tuesday and when I picked them up they both had fevers. Double ugh! I kept them both home on Wednesday -- where they ran, jumped, wrestled, and were VERY loud. I tried to get them to rest but my efforts were ignored.
On Thursday the roads were icy so there was no school. Logan still had a fever but Alex seemed fine. We had done NONE of Alex's homework for the week so yesterday afternoon was used to catch up on all of Alex's homework. Alex was less than thrilled. It was Kindergarten math homework so it was fun and creative, but I still didn't feel well and our goal was just to get it done. Who enjoys doing homework anyway, right?
Sometime in the night the germs regrouped. High pitched, creepy, germ-y laughter filled the house as they attacked once again. I imagined them marching and chanting in small armies. Jacob woke up feeling sick to his stomach in the middle of the night. He woke up this morning still feeling bad but hadn't gotten sick and had no fever so he went to work. He is going to try and come home early so he can rest this afternoon.
Somewhere in our house the germs are laughing.
I have pulled out my automatic Lysol gun and plan to go through the entire house in hopes of eliminating all the germs in the house. This respiratory thing lingers. (Did anyone else just have a Cranberries song pop into their head? Oh no! I hope it doesn't get stuck there . . . ) I feel like the germs are mocking us, playing with us, and there is laughter. Hopefully we will all be better by Monday and life will return to normal.
Until then, our lives will be filled with Vitamin C, Mucinex, Sudafed, Tylenol, Cough syrup, Halls, Germ-X, Lysol, and a lot of juice and water.
Oh, yeah, and we hope to put an end to the nasty little germs. They will NOT have the last laugh! ;P
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Adventures With A Basketball Goal
My brother and his wife gave Alex and Logan this basketball goal for Christmas. The boys were excited about it -- Alex will stand and shoot the ball and make basket after basket.
Because of it's shape (and like every other goal) it's top heavy. The base is empty and supposed to be filled. We filled it with water only to discover it had a leak. We put a towel over the base hoping the leak would stop soon. Nearly a week later it was still leaking so we thought, "forget it." Jacob took it outside and dumped the water out. He brought it back in and we tugged on it, shoved on it, did anything we could think of to be sure it wouldn't fall and hit the boys while they were playing basketball. We decided that it wouldn't just fall over while they were playing basketball so we stopped worrying about it and went on with our lives.
Last night we discovered that if a boy bends over and bumps it with their bottom THAT will make it fall over.
It was the boys' bedtime. They had their pajamas on and we had just finished brushing their teeth. We were in the play room looking through the numerous books to find a couple to read before bed. For some reason, Logan was messing with things over by the basketball goal. I didn't think anything of it. He bent over and lost his balance -- his bottom hit the back of the goal and the goal tipped over.
I was still looking through the books and therefore had my back to him. I remember hearing him grunt and make an "ohh" sound. Suddenly I felt something hit me on the back of the neck -- HARD! My reaction wasn't a pleasant one. Not only did it hurt but I wasn't expecting it and didn't know what had happened. I said, "What happened?" a little louder than I intended. Logan started crying and yelling, "Momma!" I said, "What were you doing back there?" He stood there looking at me with his mouth open wide and crying. Then he ran out of the room. When he came back he was still crying. He asked if I still loved him and if I was okay. He said he was sorry and that it was an accident. I started crying with him because first of all, it hurt, and secondly, seeing Logan so upset made me feel bad. I sat holding him for a while. Jacob eventually came into the room and said, "What happened?" I told him and he figured out a way to prevent it from ever happening again.
Later that night while tucking the boys in bed Logan told me he tried to save me by holding the goal and keeping it from falling. He said, "I tried but my super powers wouldn't work!" THAT made me smile.
It left a mark -- a battle wound, if you prefer -- on my neck and I'm very thankful it didn't hit me on the head OR hit one of the boys. It could have been a lot worse! Jacob fixed it and once again we have moved on to other issues!
I hope everyone is enjoying their week.
Beware of falling basketball goals! You never know when they'll strike!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Motherhood: It Really Is A Rewarding Job!
Some one asked me if I had thought about getting a job. Well, yes, I have thought about getting a job, but that old saying always pops into my head -- "the time just isn't right." I had a working mom gig a couple of years ago. It was a job I loved, but my two little boys come first. Alex had so many doctor's appointments and I had to leave work twice a week to take him to one of his therapy sessions. I would use my lunch break, which was only an hour -- we'd be gone and hour and a half -- so I would then have to stay 30 minutes later to make up the time. That was more time away from my children and it got to the point where it just didn't make sense for me to work at that time -- and it still wouldn't work for me. Alex has therapy three days a week after school. We also have to work with him on things at home. Being there to take him where he needs to be and being able to stay in constant communication with all of his therapists is something that is very important to me.
I have been thinking about this today because I have spent a good chunk of my day trying to find medical information for an appointment Alex has tomorrow afternoon. I found everything I need for tomorrow's appointment -- with one exception. I couldn't find his most recent IEP information for his speech. I found all of the old ones, but not the most recent one. I looked everywhere I could think but couldn't find it. I finally decided to just call Alex's speech therapist and ask if I could have another one. It struck me as funny because I try to be an organized mother -- I try to keep all of the important things together, but sometimes it seems that is easier said than done. My best friend pointed out that I might have left it sitting out and Logan might have grabbed it to color on or practice writing his name -- you never know with that boy! Or I possibly could have put it some place where I thought it would be safe and now I just can't remember where that place is! Alex's speech therapist said it would be no problem and she would get the copy to me today.
I read a couple of books with Logan after lunch today, we built a small house out of blocks, and I helped him with his homework. I have a lot of work to do with Alex this afternoon and we are waiting to hear how he did on his sight words today. I am feeling rather productive at the moment and thankful for my two little men! Here's to many more exciting and crazy days with two amazing little boys!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Grass is Always Greener in Some one Else's Yard, Right?
I'm all for buying a can of green spray paint and painting my yard green. It doesn't have to be natural, does it?
I remember when Alex was a newborn my grandparents told me to cherish him as an infant. I remember looking at my grandpa and saying, "What are you saying?" He smiled and said, "In a few years, you'll understand." Well, it has been 6 years, boy, do I ever understand. Life gets real crazy real fast!
I love this picture -- I get it. I really do! There are days I feel the way she looks -- LOL!
Today is a perfect example of this craziness -- a craziness that we should be getting used to in the Astley house but for some reason it still catches us by surprise.
The surprises started a couple of weeks ago when we learned there could be issues with Alex's insurance so we have been busy trying to figure out a solution to that problem. We learned that Alex is struggling in school, but trying so hard -- Jacob sat down with Alex the other night and told him we were so proud of him for being such a hard worker. Kids today have to do more in kindergarten than we did 25 years ago when we were in school -- more is expected of them. As if that wasn't enough on a 6-year-old boy's plate Alex has to work harder at it because of all his issues -- he has speech or OT after school most days of the week. We encourage him and we ARE proud of him but some days it's hard to watch your child struggle.
To add to the fun in the Astley house we have a pipe leaking under the sink in the boys' bathroom.
The computer we use the most freaked out on me this morning and started beeping (or yelling) at me and "saying" it had viruses. I let Jacob know about the problem and then I slowly and quietly (as not to upset the computer) walked away and pulled out the lap top.
Jacob gets paid once a month and although it's hard to make a paycheck last 4 weeks we know we can do it. The problem comes when December rolls around. Jacob gets paid about halfway through the month -- before Christmas break -- and then he doesn't get paid again until the end of January. Well, I'm not going to lie -- making one paycheck last 6 weeks is quite a challenge -- especially when you have two boys who want to eat all the time.
I sent a sandwich in Alex's lunch today -- only a sandwich. He has stopped eating the healthy foods and instead eats the chips, fruit snacks, etc. I send for him. So, this morning I thought I'd outsmart him. I'd just send a sandwich and he'd HAVE to eat it because that is all there would be. I was so proud of myself. Alex came home from school and I opened his lunch box -- he didn't touch his sandwich. He said, "I didn't have time." WHAT? I threw the sandwich in the trash and thought about what a waste it was! Alex shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's a sandwich, mom." Right.
Logan has started following me around saying, "Mom. MOM!" when I'm on the phone. I move from room to room trying to get away from him because I can't hear and he follows me. I don't know if maybe it's a game and I'm not aware that we're playing a game, but when I saw this picture I thought it was fitting!
I keep reminding myself that there will always be days like this. And even though other families appear to have it better I try to remember to be thankful for what we have because there is always some one who is worse off than we are.
And who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and look outside and the grass in our yard will be greener! ;)
PS . . . if you want to follow the 30 Day Picture Challenge, it's on my other blog, now!
I remember when Alex was a newborn my grandparents told me to cherish him as an infant. I remember looking at my grandpa and saying, "What are you saying?" He smiled and said, "In a few years, you'll understand." Well, it has been 6 years, boy, do I ever understand. Life gets real crazy real fast!
Today is a perfect example of this craziness -- a craziness that we should be getting used to in the Astley house but for some reason it still catches us by surprise.
The surprises started a couple of weeks ago when we learned there could be issues with Alex's insurance so we have been busy trying to figure out a solution to that problem. We learned that Alex is struggling in school, but trying so hard -- Jacob sat down with Alex the other night and told him we were so proud of him for being such a hard worker. Kids today have to do more in kindergarten than we did 25 years ago when we were in school -- more is expected of them. As if that wasn't enough on a 6-year-old boy's plate Alex has to work harder at it because of all his issues -- he has speech or OT after school most days of the week. We encourage him and we ARE proud of him but some days it's hard to watch your child struggle.
To add to the fun in the Astley house we have a pipe leaking under the sink in the boys' bathroom.
The computer we use the most freaked out on me this morning and started beeping (or yelling) at me and "saying" it had viruses. I let Jacob know about the problem and then I slowly and quietly (as not to upset the computer) walked away and pulled out the lap top.
Jacob gets paid once a month and although it's hard to make a paycheck last 4 weeks we know we can do it. The problem comes when December rolls around. Jacob gets paid about halfway through the month -- before Christmas break -- and then he doesn't get paid again until the end of January. Well, I'm not going to lie -- making one paycheck last 6 weeks is quite a challenge -- especially when you have two boys who want to eat all the time.
I sent a sandwich in Alex's lunch today -- only a sandwich. He has stopped eating the healthy foods and instead eats the chips, fruit snacks, etc. I send for him. So, this morning I thought I'd outsmart him. I'd just send a sandwich and he'd HAVE to eat it because that is all there would be. I was so proud of myself. Alex came home from school and I opened his lunch box -- he didn't touch his sandwich. He said, "I didn't have time." WHAT? I threw the sandwich in the trash and thought about what a waste it was! Alex shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's a sandwich, mom." Right.
Logan has started following me around saying, "Mom. MOM!" when I'm on the phone. I move from room to room trying to get away from him because I can't hear and he follows me. I don't know if maybe it's a game and I'm not aware that we're playing a game, but when I saw this picture I thought it was fitting!
And who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and look outside and the grass in our yard will be greener! ;)
PS . . . if you want to follow the 30 Day Picture Challenge, it's on my other blog, now!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Challenge Day 2
Today's challenge is to post a picture of myself with the person I have been closest to the longest. This was easy for me--I knew right away who that person would be. The person who has known me for 32 years, raised me, and put up with me! That person is my mother.
This is one of my favorite pictures of my mom and me. This picture, obviously, was taken on my wedding day. My mom and I had a lot of fun that day. We made a lot of jokes and enjoyed spending the day at the church with our friends and family. We showed up early and all got ready together. I remember my brother made a lunch run for us--burgers and fries. I was so hungry and looking forward to my burger and fries, but never had time to eat more than a couple of fries, which for some reason struck me as being funny. Then, when I did have time to eat I couldn't find my burger. One of my friends said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were done--I threw it away." I stood there trying to process that--I hadn't taken even one bite out of the burger so why would I be finished with it. My mom rolled her eyes and said, "Oh brother!" and started laughing--then we all started laughing. It was so funny!
My mother and I are two very different people. We like different things and we act differently--and sometimes our personalities clash. We can drive each other completely crazy--but the great thing about our relationship is that we have a lot of fun together too. We can go shopping and just hang out and we always have a good time--especially now that I'm older! (LOL) When I was little my mom was there to fix my hair, to take care of me when I was ill, she helped me with my homework, she did all of those little things that mothers do every day. I think the thing that stands out to me the most is that she put up with me. I was NOT an easy teenager to live with and she never threw her hands up and said, "That's it! I'm done."
Do you remember the scene in A Christmas Story when Ralphie has a fight? Ralphie thought his father was going to kill him when he found out about it. His mom didn't keep it from his father but she told him in such a way that it didn't seem like a big deal--and life went on. THIS was our house. My brother and I would do something--something we knew we shouldn't have done--and we knew when our dad found out we were going to be in a lot of trouble. So, like any sane child would do, we would go to mom first. Let's be honest, if you're going to get a spanking you want your mom to do it, not your dad, right? Mom would tell my dad what happened but she would do it in such a way that it didn't seem to be a big deal. If it was a big deal she would tell him when we weren't around and then talk to him and calm him down before we got there. She was always our biggest ally and as I was growing up it never occurred to me to give her credit for that--or to thank her for all she did for me as infant, child, teenager, and even now as an adult.
My mom had open heart surgery a little over a year ago and about a month after her surgery she ended up back in the hospital with an infection and had to have another surgery. Through all of this I realized that not only is my mother stronger than I ever gave her credit for, but we are not promised tomorrow and our relationships with family are worth all the effort.
So, here's to many more years of craziness with a woman I like to call "Mom."
My mother and I are two very different people. We like different things and we act differently--and sometimes our personalities clash. We can drive each other completely crazy--but the great thing about our relationship is that we have a lot of fun together too. We can go shopping and just hang out and we always have a good time--especially now that I'm older! (LOL) When I was little my mom was there to fix my hair, to take care of me when I was ill, she helped me with my homework, she did all of those little things that mothers do every day. I think the thing that stands out to me the most is that she put up with me. I was NOT an easy teenager to live with and she never threw her hands up and said, "That's it! I'm done."
Do you remember the scene in A Christmas Story when Ralphie has a fight? Ralphie thought his father was going to kill him when he found out about it. His mom didn't keep it from his father but she told him in such a way that it didn't seem like a big deal--and life went on. THIS was our house. My brother and I would do something--something we knew we shouldn't have done--and we knew when our dad found out we were going to be in a lot of trouble. So, like any sane child would do, we would go to mom first. Let's be honest, if you're going to get a spanking you want your mom to do it, not your dad, right? Mom would tell my dad what happened but she would do it in such a way that it didn't seem to be a big deal. If it was a big deal she would tell him when we weren't around and then talk to him and calm him down before we got there. She was always our biggest ally and as I was growing up it never occurred to me to give her credit for that--or to thank her for all she did for me as infant, child, teenager, and even now as an adult.
My mom had open heart surgery a little over a year ago and about a month after her surgery she ended up back in the hospital with an infection and had to have another surgery. Through all of this I realized that not only is my mother stronger than I ever gave her credit for, but we are not promised tomorrow and our relationships with family are worth all the effort.
So, here's to many more years of craziness with a woman I like to call "Mom."
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Challenge (Day 1)
I have been challenged!
I have been given the 30 day picture challenge for my blog. Every day, for thirty days, you post a different picture (it tells you what kind to post) and you either talk about that picture or the events surrounding the picture. Some days ask you to write about other things. Sometimes there just isn't a lot to blog about so I thought this would be fun.
So, I accept this challenge! ;P
Here we go . . .
Day 1
(Post a picture of yourself along with 10 facts)
This is one of the better pictures of me without one of my guys in the picture--LOL!
Now, onto the facts about me!
1.) I LOVE coffee. I drink 2-4 cups in the morning and then have another cup or two later in the day. If it's cold and winter-y outside I could drink it all day.
2.) I am addicted to spicy food. I could eat spicy food every day--three times a day! It's so good!
3.) If I get out of the car while it is still running (this usually happens when I pick up Alex at school and have to pull over to buckle him up) I roll down my window before I get out. This started when the boys were little and I was afraid I was going to get locked out of the car. Now they are old enough to unlock the door if I get locked out, but I still roll the window down--you never know, they may just laugh at me and not unlock it--LOL!
4.) I love books and art. I enjoy reading and appreciate it more these days since I don't have as much time to read as I did years ago. As for art--there are so many different forms of art--I love anything that expresses creativity!
5.) I love chocolate milk, but HAVE to drink it with a straw. I'm very weird about it--for some reason it just doesn't seem right to drink it from the cup. A straw is a must for chocolate milk!
6.) The first time Jacob told me he loved me it threw me off guard. I smiled and said, "Thank you." It was a total Rory & Dean (Gilmore Girls) moment. After he left I felt bad for him and also felt like an idiot. I guess it didn't upset him TOO much that I responded that way because he stuck around! (And I'm so glad he did, by the way!) ;P
7.) I do NOT like juice. Any kind of juice. I'm just not a juice fan!
8.) I am older than my husband (by 9 months) =)
9.) I love alternative, rock, heavy metal, 80s Pop, and a lot of R&B. However, I'm not a big fan of country. I just don't really care for 99% of it.
10.) While taking a creative writing course in college I had to write a story that was at LEAST 25 pages long. I wrote a story about Snow White as the villain. It was a lot of fun and my professor really seemed to enjoy working on it with me!
I have been given the 30 day picture challenge for my blog. Every day, for thirty days, you post a different picture (it tells you what kind to post) and you either talk about that picture or the events surrounding the picture. Some days ask you to write about other things. Sometimes there just isn't a lot to blog about so I thought this would be fun.
So, I accept this challenge! ;P
Here we go . . .
Day 1
(Post a picture of yourself along with 10 facts)
Now, onto the facts about me!
1.) I LOVE coffee. I drink 2-4 cups in the morning and then have another cup or two later in the day. If it's cold and winter-y outside I could drink it all day.
2.) I am addicted to spicy food. I could eat spicy food every day--three times a day! It's so good!
3.) If I get out of the car while it is still running (this usually happens when I pick up Alex at school and have to pull over to buckle him up) I roll down my window before I get out. This started when the boys were little and I was afraid I was going to get locked out of the car. Now they are old enough to unlock the door if I get locked out, but I still roll the window down--you never know, they may just laugh at me and not unlock it--LOL!
4.) I love books and art. I enjoy reading and appreciate it more these days since I don't have as much time to read as I did years ago. As for art--there are so many different forms of art--I love anything that expresses creativity!
5.) I love chocolate milk, but HAVE to drink it with a straw. I'm very weird about it--for some reason it just doesn't seem right to drink it from the cup. A straw is a must for chocolate milk!
6.) The first time Jacob told me he loved me it threw me off guard. I smiled and said, "Thank you." It was a total Rory & Dean (Gilmore Girls) moment. After he left I felt bad for him and also felt like an idiot. I guess it didn't upset him TOO much that I responded that way because he stuck around! (And I'm so glad he did, by the way!) ;P
7.) I do NOT like juice. Any kind of juice. I'm just not a juice fan!
8.) I am older than my husband (by 9 months) =)
9.) I love alternative, rock, heavy metal, 80s Pop, and a lot of R&B. However, I'm not a big fan of country. I just don't really care for 99% of it.
10.) While taking a creative writing course in college I had to write a story that was at LEAST 25 pages long. I wrote a story about Snow White as the villain. It was a lot of fun and my professor really seemed to enjoy working on it with me!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2011 So Far
So far 2011 has been busy, stressful, and tiring. Alex was emotional about going back to school and I can't say that I blame him. Reality can be difficult sometimes. Monday morning came and the boys were rested and a little more open to the idea of going to school--and they both had good days.
Jacob and I have been focused on doctor's appointments for Alex, appointments to deal with insurance issues, and I am trying to get back in the swing of school, speech, and OT--which isn't as easy as I thought it'd be. I have been on the phone a lot trying to set up appointments, trying to talk to a human and not a computer, and trying to get information so we can get the ball rolling on things that will help us give Alex everything he needs. I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been stressful, frustrating, and at times overwhelming.
I have also been thinking about my mother and grandmother a lot this week. My mother calls to talk about things that go on--she has every right to. My Grandpa Jack was diagnosed with cancer a while back--they did surgery and he was fine, but the surgeon made sure we knew this didn't mean the cancer could come back. It did come back. I am old enough to know that life is not always easy. This event isn't easy for any of us. I remember the strong, laughing, happy, fun man my Grandpa once was. I remember having lunch with him and my grandma every Sunday, spending the night at their place on the weekends and grandpa giving us ice cream late at night after my grandma was asleep. I remember when Alex was born and he had beautiful curly hair and everyone said he looked like my grandpa--My grandpa smiled so big at that! I remember the stories he tells--and I always want to remember these things. I want to hold on to every memory I have of him. It has been hard seeing him so thin and weak as we all just wait. I love my Grandpa Jack dearly--always have. He has always been one of my favorite people. The hardest part for me right now is the questions Alex and Logan have been asking. Alex keeps asking if his Great Grandpa Jack is sick. On Christmas Eve my grandpa eventually had to go lay down and he didn't come out to open gifts with everyone. Logan keeps asking where he was and why he didn't open presents with us. He also asked why he didn't get to tell "Gweat Gwanpa Jack" goodbye when we left. Trying to explain it to my boys has been the hardest part in this whole situation. I am, however, thankful that my boys were given the chance to know my grandfather and Jacob's Pepa. I never knew any of my great grandparents and I love that my boys were given the chance to know all but two of theirs.
I don't like putting "personal" stuff on the blog--and this blog was set up to keep everyone up to date on what the boys are doing. This has been one of the things on my mind this week so I thought I'd take a moment to talk about all the great things about my grandpa.
We are planning to go see him soon and the one thing I look forward to is the smile that appears on his face when he sees my two boys.
One fun thing on my agenda is a fun baby shower for my best friend. Planning it so far has been fun and I know she is going to have a blast when the day rolls around. I'm also excited that she is having a baby and we'll have, yet, one more thing in common.
I hope 2011 is off to a good start for everyone!
Until next time . . .
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