What a Goof!

Last night, I was so tired, I fell asleep on the love seat, then went to bed at 10 and fell right back to sleep. I actually got 7 hours of sleep before waking up once. This morning, I was laying around while I did some laundry, my left eye was really bugging me, it felt like there was something in it. After I finished the laundry, I'm getting dressed and putting in my contacts, and lo and behold what was in my eye was my contact. I had totally forgotten to take them out last night. I remember going to the bathroom in between the love seat and bed, and thinking about my contacts, but I thought I had already taken them out. Guess NOT! Oops!

Games

Tonight while Sarah and Joseph were at scouts, Rachel and I played charades, well she acted out movies and I sang song from movies. I thought I was sounding pretty good but, Rachel says to me "why is your voice all bumpy?" I guess I just sounded better to myself because my ears are all plugged up. I guess I'll never make it as a singer.

Never Ending

Yesterday morning- first Rachel who had a lovely weekend, and a lot of that apart from me couldn't go to school without me. Well, that was not going to happen, since the oldest 2 had to go to the orthodontist. When I left Pat, I seriously said, I'll go fight traffic and you can fight with her. It took forever at the ortho, (like I had time to read 2 magazines and the Arizona Living section of the newspaper) since Joseph had the pull thingy put in at the oral surgeon, Dr. M wanted to get the arm thingy put in. (I have no idea what all these thingy's names are so they are thingy's, when they tell me these things, I think there is no way I'm going to remember what they are called, so I don't pay much attention) Dropped Joseph off at school first, because I had a few things to do at Sunrise. Rachel who couldn't go to school without me was totally fine without me. Came home and laid down for a little while. Sarah had student council yesterday after school. Rachel was great getting ready for dance, until we get there and she puts on her taps shoes but they are too tight. We have a big issue, she wants to wear the shoes she wore in the car, except they are Sarah's and are way to big, and won't even stay on her feet, after a few minutes of arguing, I leave her at the dance studio to decide for her self what she's going to do. Pick Sarah up and we go back to the dance studio and Rachel is happily dancing. Why does she do this to me? UGH I was supposed to go to my book club last night but I thought my head was going to explode, this cold is getting worse and worse by the day. Some how, I got the girls in bed and asleep right away, but not so lucky with Joseph, who kept turning on a TV, while he was supposed to be getting ready for bed. I did finally get him into his room by 10. Between by head, nose, chest and ears being stuffed up, I thought the night would never end. Rachel was going to start to freak out this morning, but some how, I convinced her not to cry. I wished I could figure her out.

Long Weekend

Bingo Night at school on Friday night. Not a large turn out, but a turn out, so we could say that it was a success. I'm sure the rain keot people away. Joseph was going to be out number caller, but right before we were to start, Pat and he are having an issue about $6.00 disappearing from the counter that morning. I guess Pat was just trying to find out what happened to it, but Joseph thought he was being blamed. (we still don't know what happened to the money) Joseph gets really mad and wants to walk home, I'm on the stage in front of this small crowd of people trying to quickly figure out what's happening, I quickly figure out that it's going to take much longer, and we need to get started. SO who gets to be the caller? ME! YIKES! I was having a very hard time trying to hold a microphone, talk into the microphone (remember I've been fighting a cold, so my voice is not in the best of shape for this), spin the thingy, and dropping a little ball. The balls were flying all over the stage. Into the second game, one of our P.E. coaches walked in, I was never more happy to that man ever. He took over after that game. Our other P.E. coach walked in right after the first one did, so they shared the duties for the rest of the games. Sarah spent the night at a friend's house, Rachel was really mad, because she won't have anyone to play with. But really who is she going to play with at 9:30 at night! And wouldn't she miss me too much anyway? Saturday, I had a children's ministry meeting to go to, the girls played at my friend's house, then a bizarre thing happened, Rachel wanted to spend the night with her friend, but only if I promised to go to bed with the phone, in case she needed to call me. (she didn't and she had a good time) Sarah had her friend spend the night here, I'm not sure when they finally fell asleep, sometime after 11:30, but before Pat got home from work. This morning, I woke Joseph up, to help me in the nursery for the first service. He says he's too tired, but I point out Daddy is more tired since he was still working when you went to bed. So he got up. Picked Rachel up on the way, I didn't want to push my luck with her not missing me, and I let her "help" me with the toddlers. Pat brought Sarah to church, and when we got home from church I started laundry, and some cleaning, and the girls went off to play again. By 6, the kids were all home and driving me nuts. I am so sick of the mess that they make, and then just leave it, without much or any attempt to clean up. I lost it. I had to leave the house for 10 minutes. Leaving was effective they cleaned up while I was gone, because they didn't want to be in any more trouble, and I calmed down. I must remember this in the future. I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten so mad, but because I really don't feel good still, it really is effecting my mood.

Cold and Raining

Rarely do those two words go together in Phoenix! But today they would go together. Usual rain here is like 10 minutes, not all day long like it has all day today. I'm complaining slightly, because of the cold I have, that it now getting worse and not better. Really we need the rain, but really not the coldness, the trees and bushes in the front of my house don't look too good. The leaves are in shock and are very odd colors. I hope they can hang in there and make it a little longer, or the yard is going to be very bare. Anyway, back to my cold. Yesterday, I took a 3 hour nap, and still managed to sleep well, last night. Today, I went to school for a little bit, came home and took a 4 hour nap. I feel achy all over, with no energy. It's going to be a long weekend.

Little Voice

Tuesday night, I was so cold, I made myself a hot chocolate before bed, bad idea, the caffine in the choloate kept me awake. Like all night. arounf 6 I finally fell asleep, needless to say I was much to tired to get up with the kids at 7. I beg Pat to get up. I stay in bed, but the kids come in like every 5 seconds (maybe a little longer, but it sure felt like it), to ask me questions, or in Rachel's case, cry, that she coudn't go to school without me. I stay in bed till 12, then I had to do a few errands, before picking Joseph up to go the the oral surgeon. The office is at Cave Creek and Tatum, it seemed to take forever to get there from 51st Ave. and Grovers. He has a chain put on his braces to pull up a tooth that hasn't came in yet. It didn't talk much on the way home, and of what he did I didn't understand! I drop hom off at home and go to the store to buy him soft foods, that he'll need to eat for the next 3 days. Make pancakes for dinner. Pick up Rachel at a friend's house (the first time she's been able to go without me, so that's an improvement). After dinner, Rachel and I work on designing her birthday party invitation, send her to bed. Pat and I start watching Rocky, so we can go see the new movie tonight. I fall asleep, and miss the "big fight with Apollo Creed" Not only that, but I fall asleep on my bed, because on the way back from using the bathroom, I pass the bed, and think I'll just rest a minute. Well, that was what my body needed, but I missed the rest of the movie, and I didn't set my alarm for this morning. I woke up at 7:20, woke Sarah up for chorus, that starts at 7:30, begin the fight with Rachel, but I have no voice, so not fun to fight with someone when you can't talk. I just dropped Rachel off at school, who knows she's going to cry all day, because she's going to miss me too much. I feel so yucky today, I'd love to go back to bed right now, but I've got to get a little laundry done, ick.

I love her...

I love her, I love her, that's what I have to keep saying when she is freaking out about going to school, because she's going to miss me too much. This morning was not that much fun. First, I get up and Joseph is not out of bed yet, so I turn on his light ask, " why are you not up?". He says "I don't want to go to school today". Like that is really an option. Then I wake up Sarah for chorus, Rachel starts already with crying that she just can't go to school without me. It was a very. very long hour. I did get her to school, we walked in together, I left her in the PTO workroom, until the bell rang and I went to the office to make some copies. She was actually fine, and went to class when the bell rang. Rachel's teacher sees me and asks me to do some laminating for her, no problem, except I don't want Rachel to see me, when I takethe finished stuff back to the teacher. Luckily, there was a girl I knew walking back to her class, so I asked her to stop by and give the laminates to Mrs. S. But did I mention that, I didn't have time to get dressed or put in my contacts this morning? I'm walking all over campus in my jammies, classes and coat. Pat has not had a day off since last Wednesday, and he's closed a lot of those days, and he has to close again tonight, so I'm tired already all right of doing this on my own. I'm getting sick too, with a stupid cold, UGH!

Listen and Obey

Since there was no school today, we all slept in which was a good thing to start this cool day off. Since Friday Rachel has been complaining about having to go to the bathroom after she's just gone, and then going. I was a little concerned about a possible UTI, so I make an appointment to take her in. Before I left I started some laundry and asked Pat and Sarah to keep it going, because I wanted to get it done before 3:30, and I wasn't sure when I'd be back with Rachel. At the doctor's office before we went back to see the doctor, I convinced Rachel to pee in the little cup, and she did on the second try. So, we go back and the girl who brought us back didn't get the lab called to run the test, for the UTI. so the doctor sticks his head in 10 minutes later and says that's what we need to do, duh, I knew that already. So, another 10 minutes go by, doctor comes back, and realizes he did not hit the "lab" light for the lab tech to come. So, we wait for the lab guy, who shows up and asks "if we are waiting for the result?". Yes, of course we are, so he goes and checks with doctor, then comes back and says it will be ten minutes for results. Rachel is way bored now and is dancing all over the room, and sticking her head out the door. Lab comes back negative, doctor comes in does examine, says he'll have a culture done and call me on Wednesday. I made this so easy for them, and it still got messed up. Come home and and find that no laundry is done yet, and Sarah turned off the washing machine, (I'm not at all sure why, even asking her, I still don't know). So, I am mad at Pat for not handling this for me, maybe I gave him to many jobs, since he also had to take out the ham pie, I put in the oven for dinner too. (that did get done, thank goodness) So, I take over doing the laundry, but I am in so not a good mood now. The house is a mess too, it drives me nuts when the kids do something then leave things out or open, and move on with what they want to do next. This is not something new, I've started, I've always been on them about this issue, they've really gotten lazy lately and it's making me nuts, to have to keep calling them back to put stuff away or close something and even turn off lights. Lights left on was a big thing at my house growing up, so it's stuck with me as a peeve. I finish the laundry, Pat goes to work, and it's time for dance. It takes me forever to get Rachel to get ready for her classes, because she doesn't want to go, which isn't a new thing for her, she doesn't like to go to class lately, she just wants dance in the recital. We get there late, there is only one girl in her first class, Rachel is crying and won't go in, unless I go in too. So I sit on the floor and watch, which I would never be able to do if her normal class was there. She finishes her first class, and goes in to jazz by herself, but comes out and wants me to come in after more than half the class. I don't because, I have to go pick up Sarah for her classes. Plus, I really didn't want to either. I get Sarah, leave Rachel and she's totally fine while I'm gone. Rachel and I come home and eat dinner, I had to go or send Rachel 4 times to get Joseph to join us for dinner, I was so mad at him I threw a wooden spoon at him, I missed though. But he got the message that I was trying to make, and I made him do extra chores after dinner to make up for this not obeying deal he had. Went and got Sarah from dance, luckily Rachel and Joseph listened to me about getting ready for bed and taking a shower, while I was gone. I read a book to Rachel send her to bed, she comes out every minute to tell me she can't go to sleep, or she's hungry, or something. At 8:30, Sarah is watching TV in my room, I tell her she needs to get ready for bed. At 8:45, I have to go back and tell her again, now I'm mad again. She goes to bed, but Rachel of course is still awake, so they goof off. I give them more than 3 chances to knock it off and go to sleep. Finally at 9:30, I take the wooden spoon in to get their attention. They finally go to sleep. Tell, Joseph to go to bed, but guess who is still goofing off getting ready for bed at 10:20? Why can't I be taken seriously?

So wrong

According to AOL weather it is 35 degrees here in the Valley of the Sun. I checked to see what the weather was like for my brother back east in PA. AOL said it was 52 degrees, but it's raining. It's supposed to get colder a little later in the week for him and have snow flurries or storm. It just seems so wrong to me that I am colder then he is right now. Wished I still had an electric blanket. Brrrrr

Today thus far

Sarah set my alarm for me to go off at 7 AM! (she didn't tell me this, last night) Yuck, for a Saturday. She didn't know when her Girl Scout outing to Stuffington Bear Factory was, so she wanted me to wake her up so she'd be ready. UGH. She left at 9, so we could have slept a little longer. Joseph spent the night with his oldest male cousin last night, Pat had to go to work, so Rachel and I spent a fun morning shopping! JoAnn's, Barnes and Noble (we had a yummy smoothy and bagel for breakfast here too), Michael's (90% off Christmas stuff, I got a bunch of candle holders and baskets for next year's holiday store for Sunrise), then to payless to get Rachel some new sneakers, all of a sudden her old ones are to small :( ,last we went to the 99 cent only store, to get some makeup and nail polish for Rachel's birthday party in 3 weeks. Next Friday night is Bingo night and on Saturday, I have a meeting for church, and the next weekend is Sarah's birthday party, so this was the weekend, Rachel and I could pick some stuff out. Sarah called while we were there and said she was home, she waited for me in the laundry room (she locked herself in, and I was home in 10 minutes and found her birthday present, the little sneak!). By then we were all hungry again, so went and grabbed some lunch at Koyoto Bowl (we shared and still had left overs, so maybe we weren't that hungry.) Now the Sarah is off selling Girl Scout cookies and Rachel went with her. I'm tired, it's been a long day already.

Rachel and me

Went to the AZ Sience Center today with all the rest of the first graders and chaperons. The kids didn't have a whole lot of time to play though, but Rachel was very gald I could go with her. I was very glad it was the science center today and not the zoo, it was really cold and windy today (well cold and windy for Phoenix anyway!)

Shocking!

Today was the monthly PTO president's luncheon for Deer Valley School District. Even though, I'm the VP this year, I get to go to the lunches. Not much happened on the agenda, but they knew that would happen today, since we were talking about special ed. students, which is a very hot topic, so that was not shocking. What was? I won this months raffle! $25.00 Borders gift card! Probably the funniest meeting I've gone to this year. Next month's meeting is the same day as the 5th grade field trip, I offered to go on the field trip, unless some parents step up and go through volunteer training and then volunteer for the field trip, I'll be at the Halle Heart Center, instead of lunch. Think, the 5th grade teachers will buy my lunch then?

Fundraisers

It's time to start all over again with fundraisers. Thank goodness for Christmas so we could have a few weeks break. Sarah starts selling Girl Scout Cookies on Saturday. She only needs to sell 500, as her troop per girl goal is, piece of cake, HA! Maybe I should say piece of cookie! When that about wraps up, Sunrise PTO is going to sell Gold Canyon candles. PTO is trying get get some money together for a playground for the primary grades, all they have are broken bleachers on their playground. Hopefully these will be the last 2 fundraisers until Fall! If you need any cookies or candles let me know! I know where to get both.

I don't know what to do

Rachel is still having separation problems, school is getting better, she can go to the neighbor's house for hours and be fine, but she screamed and screamed when I left to go to the movie with Pat on Saturday night. She has spent several nights in bed with me, or on the couch, if I haven't gone to bed yet, just to be near me so she can fall asleep. She is fearful of going to sleep, I just don't know what to do any more. Does it seem like there is something medically wrong with her, and I should take her to the doctor's?

Sleep

Didn't happen last night, not until really early this morning. Needlessly to say, when my alarm went off this morning for church, I just turned it off and went back to bed. Pat and I went to a movie last night, we saw the Pursuit of Happiness, it was really good. But I think that even though Pat ordered for me a caffeine free diet coke, they gave me a regular one and I can't do caffeine at all after 4 PM, or I'm up all night. I'm still so very tired now. UGH!

"Fur ball"

The kids are going to be so mad at me. The neighbor behind us today came over to ask about the kittens. She's been feeding mama cat for awhile now, (even though it is not her cat) because she is so skinny. She offered to take "Fur ball" to humane society for us, and she looked in the backyard for the other 3 kittens, she found one. She went over to the neighbor's house who owns mama cat, to talk to them, but no one was at home, I'm sure she will not let it drop. She works at Petsmart and will be able to take way better care of the cats than I, while the kids are at school. I hope the kids can forgive me.

Back to School!

The kids went off to school this morning, I wasn't sure if the girls were going to make it, they would not go to sleep last night, (it was past 11) they were way too excited, because of the kitten in the house. The kitten got in the house, because the girls found it in the backyard yesterday, and the mother cat ran off. They are very attached to it already, but I'm a little nervous because we can't get it to eat, we tried putting some cat's milk in a bowl, but it didn't have a clue what to do, so I bought a bottle to fed it, but we can't seem to get it to take the bottle either. I'm not sure what to do now. Rachel this morning was fine, as she ran to her classroom, but within minutes found me on campus crying, that she just couldn't do it, she misses me so much. I walked her back to class and talked with her teacher, who gave Rachel something special to help her with, I was on campus a lot today, and every time I walked from the office to PTO room or visa versa, the class was out going somewhere she was doing fine. She did complain of missing me when she got home. I hope she'll get back in the swing of things soon.

Today

Pat had to get up this morning and go to work, the rest of us stayed in bed really late. I got up at 10:30 and not one of the kids were up yet. Sarah was the first one up at 12:15. I had her wake the other 2 then, I'm sure I'll have a hard time getting them to bed tonight, but it was so peaceful this morning, I didn't want to wake them earlier. While they were still in bed, I started taking down the Christmas decorations, Joseph climbed in the attic and got the boxes down, he couldn't get them back up there by himself, so they are sitting in the family room for Pat to help him with them tomorrow before Pat has to go to work in the afternoon. We did all the inside decorations except for the tree, I hate doing the tree, I never feel very good afterwards. I took the kids to see Night at the Museum this afternoon, I was worried that Rachel would be scared, but she said she liked it. Afterwards we stopped for dinner, Pat got picked up from work, by his Dad to go to the Fiesta Bowl.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

With poppers in hand, we are ready to welcome the new year!

Sarah's "date"

Sarah and I finally went out for our "date" this afternoon. We we're going to go to Pei Wei for lunch, but I couldn't find it on Bell Road, I just saw it the other day, so I was a little disappointed. We ended up at Eatza Pizza instead. We both ate way too much, there was no need to get any snacks at the movie theater then. We saw Charlotte's Web. What a totally cute movie, Sarah really like it too. Rachel is having some separation issues when I leave, and when I'm distracted and not giving her attention. She's driving me nuts. I hope this doesn't go on for much longer, or I'll be in the nut house. At first I thought it was because of missing me when I was in the hospital, but know I don't know. She's even having trouble going to bed, because she's afraid of missing me. Last night I gave her a picture of me so she would stay in her room. She even thinks something is wrong and wants me to take her to the doctor.

Girly Girlz!

The girly girlz!

Today's adventure began, at Girly Girlz, were Sarah and Rachel and their friends went for a glam makeover, getting their hair, nails, makeup done, and a photo shoot. Rachel first picked being a princess, but then changed her mind to a pop star, much to Sarah's dismay. After they were glammed up, we took them to lunch. Big thanks go to their Great Aunt for the fun Christmas gift. They have store too, and man to they have some cute stuff! Check out my flickr pictures to see a few more from the day at Girly Girlz.

My Head - update

Feels like it is going to explode :( Last night I went to bed with a start of a sinus headache, but I couldn't take anything for it, because I'd already taken pain medicine for my tailbone. I thought I could sleep it off, well no, it is much much worse this morning. I took something for it now, so hopefully soon it will feel better, but in the mean time my tailbone will hurt, it's just a never ending. Everyone is still in bed at this house, so and I can't complain to anyone yet either. Yesterday was a fun of just hanging out and playing with all the new toys and games. Pat was even off! The day after Christmas, just hanging out at home playing is one of most fun and wonderful traditions we have. The headache didn't last long, YEAH! I was sick to my stomach after taking my regular morning meds andTylenol for my head. (I have to wait an hour to eat after I Nexum in the morning before I can eat, Tylenol on an empty stomach is not fun, but having the exploding head getting better sooner was worth being sick to my stomach. The kids slept in really late, Sarah was the first one up at 10:30, followed by Rachel soon after, and Joseph a little while later. Rachel was in a terrible mood, nothing was going right for her. I thought a trip to McDonald's for lunch would help, and it did, while we were there she was great. Then I took the girls to play at my friend's house with her girls and Rachel really had a hard time playing. After dinner, I watched Chicken Little with her and she was once again my sweet girl. While we were watching the movie, my friend called to see if one of the girls knew were one of her girls things were. Sarah denied knowing anything, but soon admitted to taking it. I drove her over to give it back and to apoligize to the whole family who had been looking for the item. She will not be allowed to use one of her Christmas gifts for awhile, and she got a spanking for lying, and had to go to bed early. I really hope she has learned a lesson in this, I'm glad this happen with friend of mine, who is very understanding in that we can't control the actions of our children, just guide them in making right choices.

Merry Christmas! (updated all day long)

The stocking are hung by the chimney with care, the children are all asleep. The gifts are under the tree. Now they need to wake up already, so we can open them! I never could sleep on Christmas Eve when I was growing up, some things never change, But now, I can't wait until my children open up their gifts, that we lovingly picked out for them, in hope that they will love them too. Well, we let the kids sleep last night, I heard the girls at 9, they woke up their brother, Sarah read us the Christmas Story, and we had cinnamon rolls. The girls love their new dolls, and Joseph loves his remote control Hummer. My sister and family came over for brunch and exchanging gifts. The house is a mess, but who cares it's Christmas! Now we're off to go get ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner. Well, we got to Grandma's a little late, I forgot Joseph needed a shower desperately. Sarah loves, loves her gifts she got from Grandpa and Grandma, a Nintendo advance with 2 games and the Heely's she's been wanting forever. Earlier today, Rachel some how figured out that Daddy ate the cookie she left for Santa. On the way home tonight she asked if he put the presents in the stockings too. Which he could say no, because I did. But Sarah offered to her that Mommy did. We've never really made a big deal about Santa at our house, just kinda left the kids to decide for themselves. Joseph was never really big into Santa at all, except the year he was in 4th grade. Rachel cried all the way home. (she just wanted Santa to be real, because she wanted an Ipod) We talked to her as best we could in the car, but it would have been nice to hold her. She's OK now, and hopefully will not talk to other children about beliefs in Santa. Sarah on the other hand wanted to know then, if the Tooth Fairy is real? I'm not sure were they stand on that belief or not, and I didn't want to bring up the Easter Bunny at all :(

This morning

The kids all dressed up in front of our Christmas tree, on our way to church.

How Great thou Art!

This hymn was one of my Dad's favorites. It never ceases to amaze me, when I'm feeling down the most, this song comes out of no where. Our church sings contemporary songs, but this morning, we sang the chorus to How Great Thou Art, I was feeling sad, missing my parents and little brother, (it's always hard this time of year) but by singing this, it lifted my depression, and made me feel close to them.

Who would ever guess?

Doing gobs of laundry and cleaning the girls' room, wasn't so bad, when you're not the only adult at home. Pat was off today, just kinda drives me crazy that he got today off and couldn't get last Saturday off, but there's nothing I can do about it, so I need to just get over it. Last night the girls and I started on their room, we got the floor clean, but failed to re-hang clothes or put them in their drawers, I was in there so long, I began not to care that the toys were not organized on the shelves, I really just wanted to see the floor! We all slept in till 10 today, then started the laundry marathon, and Pat working on wrapping presents, so even though we both were not working on the same things, it was still wonderfully nice. My sister is having a plumbing problem, she dropped off one of her girls to do laundry here too, the washer got a pretty big workout today! When our last load was in the dryer, Pat and I took the kids to see The Nativity Story, and we stopped at McDonald's for dinner. Tomorrow Pat has to work at 12, so we will go to church at 9 AM as a family. My cousin invited us to a party tomorrow afternoon/evening, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get there on my own, it's a long drive away, and me sitting in the car, isn't very fun, and because I'll have to drive, I won't be able to load up on pain medicine. I'm not sure what the kids and I will do then, all day tomorrow while Pat's at work till 8:30.

Fun Day!

Last night, Sarah spent the night at a friend's house and Rachel had a friend spend the night here. I got the best deal, Rachel and her friend were sound asleep by 9:30 last night and slept till 8. Which means I got a good nights sleep. Sarah and her friend came over and played and did crafts here all morning, then we all went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and afternoon, way fun, for them and my friend to sit and chat for hours. When we got back home, the girls weren't quite ready to part from one another, so we let them play a little longer. Very fun, relaxing day, just the kind to have right before Christmas!

Done! Kinda...

The Gingerbread House! What a mess, it's together for the picture, but not for long.The roof, must be too top heavy, or something, because it keeps falling! I got so frustrated, I called Pat at work and told him he needed to fix the stupid thing when he gets home. Joseph says to me, "who's brainy idea was this anyway?" UGH!!!!!

Last day of the year!

Today was the kids' last day of school for 2006! Rachel in her classroom, while the class was playing a Christmas game. It was kinda of a bummer, that her teacher was sick today and missed the party, but the kids had fun. While the 1st graders went to recess/lunch, I popped in Sarah's class, to see how her party was going. They weren't doing anything fun, just making up late work. I took Joseph out today for our Christmas date. We had lunch, went to a movie (James Bond), then shopped at the 99 cent only store, he didn't have much money! Tonight Sarah had her Girl Scout Christmas party, now we can't seem to get her to go to bed. Tomorrow after we sleep in, we will decorate our gingerbread house (if it stays together), and then it's Rachel's turn to go on a date with me.

Sarah with Lady Autumn

Sarah back stage with Lady Autumn, in this weekend's Snow Queen at the Herberger Theater. Sarah danced in 4 shows, 2 yesterday and 2 today. I got to see her dance in both shows yesterday, she did wonderful in both, but she was a little nervous in the first show and forgot to smile :( Last evening, I took Rachel and Joseph and my niece Rebecca to see it. Pat was supposed to go but he had to work, Sarah was so sad. Today, Pat and I were to share in being back stage helpers. He had to work during the day, and since he didn't get to see her at all yesterday because of work, I let him have the ticket for tonight's show. It was rather boring back stage for so long, I did sneak out behind the curtains and got to watch my niece who was in the first Act for the afternoon show, before I got in trouble. I was too scared to try to go back to see Sarah in that show, but I did for the evening show. She's such a beautiful dancer. She's a little sad the "season" is over for the year already, I pointed out to her that she'll just have to wait another 10 months to try out again for next year!

phone calls

I got 2 phone calls for 2 of my kids today from a school nurse. And wouldn't you know it 2 different schools. I left Sunrise this morning at 10:30, they called a little after 11, Sarah has very red checks and should be picked up, but no fever or any other symptoms. I no sooner get her home, and Desert Sky calls, Joseph has flu like symptoms, but has not thrown up or has a fever, but they want me to pick him up. I called the doctor's office for Sarah and she most likely has Fifths Disease, which now just has to run it's course and she is not contagious, which is a good thing, since she's dancing this weekend, her checks will just be extra rosy.

Outdoor Christmas Lights

I feel a little more ready for Christmas now! Pat worked all day yesterday, and some today to get all the lights to work. I love the way he set them out, it looks like a Christmas woodland. The house is in almost normal condition too, which is a big relief. The new aquarium did not come in today like it was supposed to, so right now there are the one that leaked and Joseph's tank in the family room, but I can live with it, since it's not a mess any more like it has been for the last week. Tonight was our bible study's Christmas party, which was a lot of fun, we ate free pizza that Pat had won for us in a contest and lots of treats, and wrapped our Angel tree family gifts. Now, I just got to remember to take them to the church office tomorrow.

UGH

Pat has had 2 days off in a row, and is off again tomorrow. He had a personal day he had to use before the end of the year. Yesterday, he cleaned up the front yard and planters, and today is working on the outside Christmas lights. Tomorrow he will be hopefully setting up the new aquarium, in the family room. We have bible study here tomorrow night, so I hope it gets done. I got a lot of gifts wrapped yesterday, and today was taking Joseph to the ortho, doing PTO stuff, and laundry. I thought Joseph's scout troop was not going to be selling mistletoe this weekend, but they are, ugh. Wonder if I can talk Pat into sitting with him, for 3 hours before he goes to work, if I have too, it's going to make a pretty long day for me. I am not happy about them selling again this weekend, I thought we had agreed to just do one weekend. UGH!

I hope it's not a fluke

That I've felt better the last few days. My tailbone is another story, I think it hasn't made much progress in healing at all, and now that I've been out of the good pain medicine for the past week, sitting has been very uncomfortable. The other pain medicine, that my cousin called in for me, does nothing at all for it. I hope I can call and convince my doctor to call me in a better pain reliever, because right now, I'm not sure how well I'm going to be sitting next weekend, when Sarah and my niece are dancing in the Snow Queen. But it can't leave me tired, because at least on Saturday, so far I have to drive downtown, back and forth, since Pat could not get the day off work. Sarah is so upset, I really hope they have pity on him and give him next Sunday off, but we won't know until about Thursday the fate of that :(

finished

.

Oh Christmas Tree! It's up and in the house!The best part was I didn't have to do anything! I actually fell asleep, while the guys where getting it set up. I had a very busy day yesterday and had to get up early, I woke up after they were done and Rachel was going to bed, read for a little while and fell back to sleep! I guess I really needed to sleep. The tree seems very big this year!

What a mess and overwhelemed

I love when the house is all decorated and is all Christmasy, I just hate the mess getting it there. Pat has been working 6 days the last 2 weeks, closing most of those days, and hasn't had a chance to get our decorations out of the attic. Not to mention I have had no energy forever. Today however was a half day for the children and he had to close again, but before he went to work he and Joseph got down all the boxes. I started to dig through them and felt so overwhelmed, I had to stop. The other night the aquarium in the family room, started to leak and Pat's not done, messing with getting a new one, he just took the snake tank out of Joseph's room until he can go buy a new tank. So the family room is a mess, the living room is a mess. I can't stand it. This is not making me feel any better, and I need to go get a new tire tomorrow, because the spare I had, which I thought was a regular tire is just one of those silly donut things. I'm praying Rachel doesn't have a fever tomorrow morning, I won't be able to leave her with Pat, he'll be at work again.

So not a fun day yet...

Rachel temp. was back this morning, so she missed another day of school, it was a half day so she didn't miss much, and yesterday she didn't miss much because there was a sub, or really sub rotation, of teachers, because we seem to not have subs in the district. She's totally fine now, and is driving me crazy. I struggled all morning to get a few loads of laundry done, but I couldn't put it away, I didn't feel so good, and Pat was sleeping. I did make it to Sunrise to drop off snacks for the teachers, and then went to Michael's to return this stupid craft Rachel and I tried to do yesterday, only it wouldn't stay together, and I had to get paint for school. On my way through the parking lot, I hit a curb and if you guessed I blew out my tire, you'd be right. I call AAA, walk to Target to get a drink, but I didn't taste it before I left, it was horrible no syrup at all, and walking to Target was hard for me, there was no way I was going to walk back. AAA calls me because they don't know where the AMC 30 is, off of the Agua Fria freeway, they want to know what the cross street is, oh brother, I get the truck there, and he changes the tire. He is the lease friendly driver ever. So then while I'm out, I stop at Costco to pick up pictures. As I leave this well dressed man, almost walks right into me, I'm thinking if he's going to look that nice to shop at Costco he should look where he is going! Then as I leave the parking lot, another man in his fancy car just about hit my car, as he pulls out for getting gas. I'd like to crawel back in bed for the rest of the day where I'll be safe. Too bad, I have to go back out later to get pick up dinner for a meeting this afternoon.

I hate it

Rachel told me yesterday after school that she wasn't feeling well. I took her to her dance classes anyway, because sometimes she just doesn't feel good, who doesn't have times like that? When I brought her home from dance last night and she fell asleep on the couch. She woke up when I left to get Sarah from her classes. Rachel then told me she had a headache, I let her go to bed with an ice pack. She did not have a good night sleep, and spent most of it in my bed. This morning she has a temperature and she says her tummy feels gross. She'll be staying home today, it just makes the day a little more tricky. Sarah had chorus this morning, I took the neighbor girl to school with her, since she won't have Rachel to walk with. I really hate driving back and forth to school, I would do it, but really, I'm tired too. Pat has to work late again today. Sarah has her chorus concert tonight and Joseph has scouts. Now I've got to figure out how to be creative enough to get them where they need to go, and have Rachel sick at home. ANd I don't feel that wonderful :(

I'm so tired of not feeling well...

I went to the cardiologist today and it took them 3 tries to test my blood, the good part was it was only one stick, they just kept having to draw more blood to test it. The nurse asks me if I'm anemic, like how do I know, I know I feel terrible, how am I to know? My blood was very thin, so I need to stop my coumadin for 2 days, and see if that helps be feel better. I heard from my regular doctor's office today, they fought the insurance company for me to get me the nexum I should be on for the ulcers. I haven't done much today. I did go into school for an hour this afternoon, but I felt so worn out, then went to the bank, now I'm just shuffling girls back and forth to and from dance, but I just want to go to bed :(

wipped out

I think I've done do much today. But before I get into that, last night I took the kids to a dinner theater play that Rachel's teacher was in. I was going to go to the Peoria Christmas night with my friends from church, but I just didn't think I would be much fun walking around. The play was cute, and Rachel enjoyed seeing her teacher perform. A bonus for me was I didn't have to drive, (another friend drove) so I could take some pain medicine and enjoy the play too. This morning, the girls and I took down every day stuff and cleaned to get ready to decorate for Christmas (the boxes are still in the attic). Sarah had to make up jazz class for the one I forgot about earlier this week. Rachel and I then went to the grocery store. Picked Sarah up, then came home unloaded the groceries, then took Sarah to a friend's birthday party. Rachel and I came home and started baking Christmas cookies. It was very fun to spend time with just Rachel. About halfway through baking the neighbor girl showed up so I lost my helper. Picked Sarah up from party then we went out for dinner. Rachel is spending the night at the neighbor's, I have Sarah in the shower so we can watch a movie together. I love all my children, but it's so nice to enjoy them one at a time sometimes too! I just hope I don't fall asleep on Sarah! :(

consentration

consentration
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Tonight was a Fine Arts Night at school.
The chorus sang, the band played, and the art teacher showed of some of the kids' art work. The kids also played games in the band room, and got to play with the instruments.

The drum is bigger than she is!

The drum is bigger than she is!
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Good News! and Goof News :(

Tuesday, Pat had his panel interview to be promoted at work. He found out today he got it! I had a headache this afternoon, and totally forgot Sarah had a dance class. Opps!

No falls!

Sarah took really good care of me, making sure I was safe and didn't fall. It was so very sweet, she would stay by me and held my hand whenever there where stairs or anything I needed to climb. The kids only got to explore for a little bit, so there wasn't that much walking or standing around being bored for me. Even though I am really tired right now, I'm glad I went to share the day with Sarah. I posted a few pictures on my flickr account if you want to take a look.

Field Trip

Today is Sarah's field trip to the science center. She really wants me to go, I'm a little worried about getting off the bus.

Insurance

The doctor in the hospital prescribed Nexium for my ulcers, only my insurance won't pay for it. I saw my doctor today and she gave me a month's worth of samples of the Nexium and wrote a prescription for another acid reducer, hopefully the insurance will pay for it. I hate it that the insurance company won't cover what the doctor prescribes. I guess maybe they would rather pay for another hospital stay? I got a flu shot while I was at the doctor's office today also. In the parking lot after my appointment, I couldn't find the car! I walked all around, It was crazy and I felt silly, but I finally found it. I also realized when I was looking for the car, I had my shirt on inside out! I had been to the orthodontist, school, Michael's and Costco today, how embarrassing :(

First Christmas Decorations

Since I'm too tired to decorate the house, I thought I'd start with my blog!

Oh, what a relief

I'm starting to feel better, but it took a trip to the hospital to get better. Wednesday morning, I knew I was bad, I even called Pat at work, which I rarely do. I talked to my friend at 9, (I tried to get in to the doctor's office, but couldn't get an appointment) she called me back about an hour later, and basically told me she was taking me to the emergency room. She called Pat from the hospital and told him she'd stay with me until he could get there. I didn't have wait at all to be seen, after my vitals were checked and the triage nurse heard, cardiomyophy, they took me right back to a room. The started oxygen, and an IV, did EKG's, and took blood. They figured out I was bleeding somewhere internally. I was admitted, my sister left work to come to the hospital, then she went to my house, to be there when the kids got home from school. Her pastor came to see me and prayed for me. No sooner did he leave 2 of my pastors came in. Jul brought the kids to see me, so they wouldn't worry. Friends from our life group came and stayed with me, while Pat went and got something to eat. They had to give me some blood, since I was very anemic, that's why I was feeling so shaky,looking rather pale, and was having a hard time breathing. I spent Thanksgiving in the hospital, they couldn't do any tests on me because my blood was too thin. Pat brought the kids to me before he went to work, and my in-laws came in the evening to see me, Pat came back after he got off work. Even though it was sad to be in the hospital on Thanksgiving, I was feeling very thankful for my family, friends and pastors who without their prayer and support, I wouldn't have gone to the hospital and gotten well. Thank you all I love you!

Not much better

Well, I thought I was getting better until right before dinner. I gave Joseph my debit card and drove him to Fry's to get a chicken and french bread for dinner, the thought of cooking make me sick. I really think it's the tailbone pain that is causing me to be so sick and grumpy. But I don't get the muscle weakness in my legs. I was out of breath walking on campus to get Sarah from scouts, it was such a challenge to move. I made it half way to where she was and knew there would be no way I could make it to the classroom they were in, so I walked back to the car, but I had to stop in front of the school for 5 minutes to catch my breath to make it to the car.

I feel like crap

I made it to the neurologist this morning, he had me walk, touch my finger to my nose and stuff like that, which I did fine on, but when he pricked me with the needle I felt it way more on the top half of my body then my hips and legs, the same thing when he tested cold against my feet legs and arms. He's sending me for an MRI of my head and back. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle being on my back for long anytime in the near future until my tailbone heals. He also wants some blood work done, oh joy, I will have bruises all over my arms and hands, since they never can get it on the first or second try. I wanted to punch him when he was checking my reflexes on my knees, where they are bruised and scrapped up from my fall on Friday night. After my appointment, I went to Michael's to get some paint to work on something for school, I thought I was going to be sick, and the energy was draining out of me, but I needed to go to Target for a few things so I pushed myself, not a great idea, by the time I made it into Target, my legs were shaking. But I pushed on to get what I needed, only they didn't have any of the cleaning stuff I need, I got Joseph's deodorant, but then tried to get my hair spray they didn't have that either, geez. What a freaking waste of time. I wanted to look for a donut thing to sit on, but really the thought of walking around more made me more sick to my stomach. Pat is off today, he took Joseph out of school at 10:30 and took him to his scout master's father's funeral. I am very glad he is off, not only because I don't feel good, but I don't do funerals well, I know I'll have to get over this fear I have someday, but not right now. Hopefully Pat can take the girls to dance for me too, I want to go back to bed now.

Long painful day

I was scheduled to serve in the toddler room this morning, after finally getting everyone out the door this morning we were only 10 minutes late. I felt sick to my stomach the whole time, and I had to sit in the toddler sized plastic chairs, no way could I sit in the lounge chair type rocking chairs we have, but oh how my legs hurt getting up from the tiny chair. We stayed for church at 11, I sat outside the auditorium and listened to the message out there, moving constantly to try to keep from being in so much pain. When we got home I took some more pain medication and Pat drove us to Sarah's rehearsal, then he took Joseph 8 streets east to the funeral home where his scout master's father's wake was. I laid on my hip on the couch in the dance studio until Sarah was done dancing and Pat came back for us. I reclined the car seat on Joseph's lap to lay sideways home. I was never more glad to be home so I could take some more pain tablets. I am seeing my neurologist tomorrow morning, hopefully he'll be able to figure out why I am falling so much, and give me some more pain drugs.

Last night and today...

My first spa went well last night, I sold a few things and recruited someone to be a consultant, and I didn't fall asleep on them! This morning was hard, Sarah had a scavenger hunt with her girl scout troop, I thought we'd be gathering fun stuff, but we had to gather stuff for local charities. We were not suppose to take cash donations, but my sister gave us some money and we went to walmart and exchanged it for gift cards. While at walmart, Rachel saw 3 things she wanted for Christmas, and since her grandparents give Pat and I the money to buy gifts for the kids, I got them for her. Hopefully they'll give us the money soon. Joseph had a fun time with his scout troop at the science center. Sarah was a great helper to me this afternoon, I taught her how to use the washer and dryer and she did the laundry, other than putting it away. She was much better than Joseph, helping me! I love it when the kids help without complaining and seem to enjoy it even, makes me love them even more.

So far it's been a long day~

I went to school this morning, helped Rachel's teacher in computer lab, then filed some things for her. Helped at the holiday lunch, by pre-selling lunch tickets for the adults who came to eat lunch with there kids. Then just so my back could be more sore, I moved around some boxes in the PTO workroom, it's been such a mess and it's getting on my nerves. Then I stayed and sold candy after school, which I don't have to do every week, thank goodness, the kids kinda drive me nuts with trying to decide what they are going to spend their money on. (we have the same stuff every week, so why don't they know how much stuff costs already and what they want. After school Sarah and Rachel's friends came over and the 2 neighbor girls were here too, I just fed them, and took a shower, so I smell better for my first spa tonight. I hope I do well, and don't fall asleep on them, LOL!

hair

Last night Joseph cut his bangs, I need to fix them, they look bad. Tonight Rachel cut her hair, it is very short, I tried to fix it, but I'll need to keep working at it, I left the front longer, to make it look better, but it's still a mess. She's very upset that she cut her own hair. I can't believe she did it, she still goes on about when Sarah cut her hair, and then the neighbor girl cut part of her ponytail off not long ago too, and it was just starting to get long once again. UGH! I asked Sarah if she wanted to cut her own hair also. She said, "no". Maybe I should hide all scissors anyway.

Klutz

I am such a klutz. Not only did I fall down the steps of the bus, getting off from a chorus field trip today, I fell in the office as I was leaving the Sunrise campus. My rear end is very sore, from bumping down all 3 steps of the bus. My knees don't feel nearly as bad. The office girls were so sweet, they called the nurse for me, even though I didn't want them to, and asked me to call them when I got home. I don't know what is wrong with me that I fall so much.

I'm so tired of being tired and having a headache too

When 8-9 hours of sleep is not enough to keep me alert there's got to be a problem, I'll be calling the doctor tomorrow. Thursday Sarah got her expander, the poor girl is having a hard time talking with it and eating. Thursday after she went to bed, she threw up for not having much in her tummy, she ate a pudding cup and was fine afterwards. Other than doing laundry on Friday we didn't do much of anything. Pat was off on Saturday, first time in a long, long time. We got chicken at KfC and went to the park with the kids. We were going to go to a movie, but we were both too tired, we went to Blockbuster and couldn't find anything, that was screaming "rent me". So we went out for ice cream instead. Pat has to work all day today. I took the kids to church, and Sarah and i are leaving in a few minutes for Snow Queen rehearsal, then I have to go back to church for leadership meeting.

Accomplished

Everything I needed to today, and took a nap! Well, I needed to sleep off another headache this morning, after getting the girls to school, I hope I don't have another tomorrow morning Sarah has to go to the ortho again in the morning. Getting back today, I went to the Deer Valley PTA's monthly luncheon, which was good, I even felt brave enough to ask a question and offer a helping idea. When I got home, it was time to clean up the house for bible study, Pat cleaned the hall bathroom, and I did mine, Pat vacuumed before he left for work, I worked on dusting and mopping. By then it was time for the kids to get home from school, looked over homework, then cooked dinner, Sarah left for a girl scout thing, I looked over my notes for bible study, the group came, we had a fun, cleaned up, the girls are in bed, and Joseph is in the shower. Tomorrow will be busy, after Sarah's ortho appointment, I have an appointment with on of Joseph's teacher, then it's movie night at Sunrise, we are showing Cars, I hope it will be a great turn out. And Pat's off, so he'll be able to go with us.

The Wild!

Rachel had her first field trip this year. It was so freaking hot at the zoo today, I'm thinking 90+ degrees for November is horrible. The kids were even hot, then I know it's hot, since I'm hot most of the time. We had good time, and my foot/ankle made it, it was sore, I made sure I took some pain medicine before we left, because I knew I wouldn't make it without it. I posted a few pictures on Flickr check out my cutie at the zoo!

Scout-O-Rama

Today was Scout-O-Rama. I didn't go, but I sent my camera with Joseph and Grandpa. My foot it really not any better, and I need it to be well, for Rachel's field trip to the wildlife zoo on Tuesday, so I thought I should have Grandpa take his grandson and have a fun time, with out me complaining about my foot. The troop did a much better job getting ready for SOR this year, and had fun too. Check out the few pictures I posted on Flickr. They girls and I didn't do much of anything, just knida hung out, playing games, watching movies, doing crafts, my kinda day.

Allergies

I jut don't get it, if I'm on allergy medicine, why do I still get sinus headaches? Last week one day, I couldn't do anything, yesterday I was fine during the day, took the kids to the dentist after school, I was so tired I just wanted to lie down and sleep on the floor, I didn't because it's really hard getting up from the floor whith my sore knees. I told the kids on the way home, it's left overs or cereal for dinner, I didn't feel like cooking, I went and laid down on my bed, and didn't get ip until 7:40 this morning. Only because I was dreaming about school, I thought I should see what time it was, which was a good thing, I woke up, both Joseph and Sarah had to be at the ortho at 8:20, and it's like a 30 minute drive, we ate on the way, needless to say. After the ortho, I dropped Sarah off at school and took Joseph to his counselling apointment, and the counsler says, you don't look so good Mom, I'm like thanks, that makes me feel better. Took Joseph to school then came home and even though I wanted to crawel into bed, I didn't I took some medicine for my headache and went to help the school nurse with vision screenings. Now, my head is better, but my nose is runny! UGH! I think it might be cereal again tonight for dinner.

Class party

This afternoon at Rachel's party at school. I felt very needed, even though there were other parents there, Rachel's teacher only asked me to do things, like Mrs. ____ will come around and staple your papers, Mrs ____ will pass out plates.(after she makes them up!) Mrs. ____ will you put these papers under the table to dry. It made me feel good to be needed, but I wondered if she forgot any of the other parents names! I kinda felt bad for them. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that, I try to help her once a week, and I know most of the kids by name. I think I can do all the girls now, but some of the boys I'm having a hard time remembering their names.

Owie

Whining.... I promised Rachel we could have a party tonight since we don't go treat or treating. I didn't know until this morning, I needed to decorate the house for a party though. I put ribbons on a small bunch of mini candy bars to hang up as decorations, only now I can't hang it up. UGH! I tried to stand on a stool, but I can't put weight on either knee to get up on it, I tried the coffee table thinking it was lower and maybe I could get up on it, nope, so I get the small step stool, only I'm too short to reach the ceiling! I reached up without thinking with my left arm, and man that really hurt, I still can't quite lift my hand over my head. I could get the ladder from the laundry room, but I can't get to it right now, I have 2 coolers set up for SOR, Saturday, and a large box of Christmas presents I've already bought. I don't think I can manage to get to it with all my aches and pains and all this stuff in the way.I'll have to have Joseph hang them up when he gets home, but I so wanted to surprise Rachel, who will get home first :(

Making me nuts

So maybe, I'm nuts already, but I can't stand it, I let Joseph slide the first quarter with not turning in all assignments, and he still managed to pass all his classes, but now he's out of control again. We talked about it before he left for camp Friday, and I asked him some questions I wanted him to think about. He did, and we talked again this afternoon, but I am just frustraed, that he has no motivation to do his assignments, or finsh them. He sees his counsler on Thursday, but right now I'm so thinking what a waste this past years worth of cousling has been.

Friday night/ Saturday fun

Joesph went on a scout outing yesterday, Sarah had a friend spend the night, Rachel and I went to my friend's house, for her spa, and then we stayed talking to her till after 11. Sarah called me at 11, to tell me it's 11, and were am I. I'll be reminding her, when I have to check on her when she's late when she's out with her friends in a few years from now. The girls played all morning, we went out for lunch, then we went to a movie this afternoon, We saw Flicka, Rachel liked it because of the hourses, but I don't know she really got the story, I loved it and even cried at the end, which I rarely do at the movies. Rachel was too funny during the previews, she kept telling me after all the previews that she did not want to see that, which was good, because I wouldn't have let her see any of those anyway, but after The Nativty preveiw she says, she wants to see that, I asked her who the baby was to be born, she didn't know, but knew it was a good movie.

Help I've fallen...

and had a hard time getting back up. Yesterday afternoon, I was at Bellair golf course, picking up a donation, and on the way back to the car, my left foot caused me to fall, because the blacktop and sidewalk are not the same height. I thought at first I broke my wrist, but it got better, but my left arm is in alot of pain. I messed up my knee pretty good, so Rachel and I know have matching owies on our right knee, tore my pants where I fell at the knee, and brpke the skin on my right hand, it don't feel good, but the worse by far thing is my shoulder, it hurts using the arm. :(

more randomness

I forgot 2 things last night. First off I am mad at the school nurse. Rachel came home yesterday pretty banged up from a fall, and she didn't even call me, not that I could do anything, but I like to be warned when my daughter comes home from school with 3 large bandages. Her right knee doesn't look so good to me, I'll be keeping a close eye on it for infection. The 2nd thing is I'm thinking if I chop off my left foot, I could get rid of the pain it causes me. I have a blister on my heel, another one on my second toe, and either/and I sprained my ankle some how mysteriously yesterday, or just wearing my sneakers yesrerday is causing the side of my foot to hurt, I can not walk without pain. I am not going to the foot doctor to have her tell me nothings wrong, when I know there is. pain is pain, wether it shows up on the x-ray or not.

Random stuff

This morning I took Sarah to the orthodontist this morning, she's ready for phase one of her treatment, she had spacers put in today, by the time she got home from school one had already came out, ugh, I think I should put my car on autp pilot to that office. Next week, I have to take her to get an xray of her skull, then something else happens, then the following week she get the expander, and she may then also have to get 4 braces put on her 4 front teeth so they don't move out of control. I spent the rest of the day getting ready for bible study tonight, Pat has been working a lot so I said I would prepare for the discussion, and of course clean the house. It went pretty well, but I'm glad it's over, it was easier when Pat wasn't there, I just didn't want to mess up in front of him.

Sarah

Today the kids who sold 35 items or more in the Fall fundraiser got to go on a limo ride and ice cream at McDonald's. We took 2 limos and seperated the big kids and little kids. I rode in both limos switching at McDonald's, so I could be with both girls.

Enjoying some ice cream!

Scout committee meeting was canceled

One less thing to do today. If I would have know 5 minutes earlier I wouldn't have just called my book club and said I wouldn't make it tonight. I didn't know when we were meeting I missed the last one too, I read the book, a few months ago, so I could have talked about the book even. I felt stupid to call and say I know I just said I'd not be there, and now I will be. It's better for me to be home with the kids on a school night fighting with them to get to bed, then to leave them on there own anyway. (yes, Pat is at work again, and he'll be at work tomorrow when I'll have to take and pick up a girl scout and boy scout at 2 different schools)

Testing

To see if I figured out how to do a link in my post

Favorite place to eat! ??????

Relaxing Weekend

Friday night's spa party was fun, my girls and my friend's girls loved it. But they had a hard time sitting still through all the product talks part of presenation. I don't blame them on that, but the consultant was getting frustrated, by the distractions, I thought they were fine. I think the company needs to add stuff for girls, girls like to pampered too. Joseph went and tried to sell popcorn on Saturday, the girls and I went and did some errands. I surprised Pat at Fry's, by meetings him there when he got off work at 4:30, we went out for dinner and to a movie. It's been a long time since we've gone out. This morning, I just couldn't get motivated to take the kids to church myself, (Pat had to work at 11), we needed to go to the first service, since Sarah had to be at rehearsal at 1. The girls and I went to Wal-Mart, and picked up some headsets for school that I ordered. Today was my friend's anniversary, I offered to take care of her girls so her and her hubby could go out. We made homemade pizza and chocolate cookies, then they had a good time giving each other makeovers and doing nails. I did laundry, they had way more fun. Tomorrow will be back to craziness, Sarah has a student council meeting after school, Rachel has dance from 3:45 to 5:15, I'll have to leave to get Sarah from her meeting, in the middle of that, she has dance from 5:15 to 7 PM, Then I have to take all the kids to the scout committee meeting, that I'll be late for because it starts at 7. Pat will be at work. Who knows when Sarah will have time for dinner or homework tomorrow. I guess she'll be up late.

Busy week

Lots of volunteer hours this week ar school. Monday the Fall fundraiser stuff came in, so I was at school 1/2 of the day. Tuesday I was there all day, fundraiser stuff in the morning and book fair in the afternoon. Book fair again Wed. 11-3, (and we had a PTO board meeting for 5-8:30) yesterday book fair from 10:30-6, I did come home for a little bit, then went back. The PTO served dinner to the teachers, so I stayed and helped put the leftovers away. This morning I went and helped Rachel's teacher, then helped sell candy after school. Needless to say was I was very tired. I took a nice long nap. Which is good since in a little bit a few women are coming over for this spa party I said I'd have for a friend. I think that other than Joseph having to sell more popcorn tomorrow there is nothing else to do, and Sunday just one service at church and Sarah's Snow Queen rehearsal.

Is it time for bed yet?

I am so tired, it's been a long weekend. I got a lot Christmas shopping done, because mervyn's was have a big sale, plus the extra 20% discount. The girls and I went yesterday, I picked up 2 pairs of jeans for Joseph, when he got home last night he tried them on, they did not fit. I got the same size his current jeans are that are a little big, but these were way too small. Then Pat asked if I used up all my 20% savings, because he wanted new pants for work, and I had told he we were going shopping on Saturday, ugh. He wasn't in as much trouble since we had to go back to exchange Joseph's jeans today anyway. While there today Rachel had to go to the bathroom, so after I got back with her Joseph had picked put 2 t-shirts he liked, and since he rarely gets new clothes that he picks out himself, I got them for him, on sale and with the discount they were only 8 bucks each, yea! So speaking of Joseph, he made it through the Order of the Arrow ordeal, even slept in the rain part of the night on Friday night, they had mercy on the boys and let them move under the ramanda at midnight. The next day they worked the boys hard doing service projects, while they fed them next to nothing (part of the ordeal). He said he had a great time, who would ever guess that? The boys were fed a good dinner and then had their closing ceramony. He got home about 8:30 last night. I think he really likes me, (sometimes anyway) because he bought me a mug for my collection (order of the arrow), that was very nice of him to see it, think of me, and then buy it too. This morning the kids and I were at church for both services (Pat had to work at 11, he didn't want to go to church at 9 fearing he wouldn't make it to work in time), anyway the kids stayed in the nursery to help me, Joseph always does, but I let the girls stay too. I'm glad I did, while I only had 6 toddlers, most were high maintence, and I was the only adult. The girls were great with the little ones, Rachel figured out that this one little boy should get his way, being the baby in our family she usually gets her way, so I guess thats how she knew, but when she told Sarah you gotta let him have it, or he's going to scream, really cracked me up.

On a roll

I've gotten stuff done the last few days, I was so worried on Monday I was going to be sluggish all week. Yesterday was long though. District luncheon, McDonald's (McTeacher night), and bible study (it was here too, so I had to make sure the house looked good before going to McDonald's) McTeacher night was fun, I took pictures and sold cookies, and came home smelling like I worked at McDonald's (you know that lovely greasy smell?) This morning I've managed to go to the grocery store, it has been weeks since I've done my big shopping trip, put everything away myself and started dinner that needs to simmer all day. After I finally get some pictures downloaded to costco I need to go to Starbucks and get a gift basket they are giving to school and then pick up the pictures, write thank you notes to the teachers who came to McDonald's last night, it should be after school by then, Sarah has dance, and my 3 shows I watch are on TV tonight. Very full day!

No energy

I've been so dead on my feet today. Well, that is when I've been on them, which hasn't been much. I haven't done anything except take the girls to their dance classes. I didn't even feel up to cooking dinner, so we had sandwiches.I have lots to do the next 2 days, I hope I've stored up enough energy to get everything done.

3 day weekend, YEA!

I am so tired today, I am so glad there's a 3 day weekend ahead. I slept terribly last night, first I couldn't sleep, then the thunderstorm woke me up. I had that high adrenaline rush all day, but now feel like I could crash. I was at school for 4 hours this morning, PTO stuff and helping Rachel's teacher. Then I walked around Costco and Target, (I couldn't find what I was looking for). Came home for an hour, then went back to school for another 1.5 hours. I sure wished I wouldn't have scheduled driving school (for my ticket) for tomorrow. I have to be there at 7:30, I hope it's not a long day, and I get to bed early tonight.

Much more calm day in the neighborhood

The fire department was at the burned house until late last night, boarding up the windows, doors and garage. Pat went over and ask the neighbor if he needed somewhere to stay and to come have dinner with us, the red cross was taking care of him with a place to stay and he was so upset, he wasn't even hungry. Pat didn't get the details of the fire, he could tell how upset he was, he did mention that since he paid off the house he has not carried home owners insurance. Pretty sad. And noe me- I went to the foot doctor last week and she gave me the last cortisone shot I can have, it hurt way more than the last two. While my foot was numb (hours) I must have stepped on something without knowing it, my heel is hurting worse than before. Pat thought he could feel something under the skin. I poked around with tweezers last night, and no I can't put weight on it. Ugh, enough with the foot pain.

another view

O

outside in front of the fired up house

Models, silly girls.

garage of house across the street

The fire has been contanied

Scary

I'm so glad Pat is back home. They got home before the ETA yesterday. Pat was glad to see me, and was all over me, and what did I do, before all the kids were in bed, I fell asleep :( I still am not feeling all that great, I didn't have anything to do this morning, so I went back to bed after taking the girls to school too, hoping to suprise Pat when he got up. The suprise was on us both, the house across the street is on fire! There's a fire truck in our driveway, helicopters flying overhead. Pat said he heard the firemen knocking on our door, I heard nothing. (I rarely hear anything in my room) There is smoke every where outside, and I can smell it inside, I think it would be safer for me to stay inside, but it is scary.

Now I'm getting a cold...and our day

I feel yucky, stuffy head, achy body, headache, dry eyes, runny nose, sore throat. UGH! I was too tired to get out of bed this morning, I was supposed to be at church at 9 for a meeting, I didn't make it, turned off the alarm, thought for sure I'd wake up to go to the service at 11, Rachel came in my room a little after 11, looking for me. She and Sarah had just gotten up. I'm thinking it was good we all stayed in bed this morning. Joseph of course beening a teenager got up after 12. We started some laundry, then we drove around for a couple of hours, while Joseph dropped off a few donation letters for his scout troop. I knew it would be a bad day, and not be able to catch the right people, but since scout-o-rama is 4 weeks away, I thought it would be best to send him out as soon as possible. Next Saturday I have to take care of my ticket and he'll be needing to start selling popcorn for scouts too. Sarah and I went to Costco, the girls went to a neighbor's house for an hour, and I took a nap.Now it's bed time YEAH!

I'm home

I made it, through the retreat. The time seemed to fly by, and I was able to connect with a few women. I did have a few stress moments though- I called home when I got to Prescott, Thursday afternoon and Rachel is crying, not little sobs, but really upset about something, she can't even tell me why. So I feel all this guilt that I should be there to fix whatever the problem is. Then Friday morning, I call Pat just before 9 and he doesn't answer the phone, so I try again at 10:30 and he still doesn't answer, and I get confused thinking he's being picked up at 11 to go to the Grand Canyon. So, I panic and call my BIL to ask Pat to listen to my messages before he leaves. Pat does call me back before he leaves, but I couldn't talk to him. I called after school on Friday and Rachel was to excited to be making something with her cousin Jessi to even talk to me :( Pat called me at 6:40 when they got to the hotel, but I missed that call too. I hated that I didn't get to talk to him at all, yesterday. This morning my phone rang at 6 AM, talk about jumping out of bed, it wasn't a big deal, (Sarah's girl scout outing question), but still 6AM! Pat and I did manage to talk to one another this morning. Yeah! I came home to a quite but messy house. Rachel was at a birthday party and my sister took Joseph and Sarah out for lunch. I don't think the kids missed me that much, since they hardly wanted to tell me about their past few days, and just started a movie. :(

Let's see...

Tomorrow afternoon, I am headed up to Prescott for a woman's retreat. I'll be home late Saturday afternoon. Pat is going to hike the Grand Canyon on Friday and won't be home on Monday night. Friday night is the girls' school bingo night (of which I've helped plan, but going to miss). Saturday morning Sarah is going on a Girl Scout outing. Rachel has a birthday party at 1 PM Saturday afternoon. Thank goodness, there's nothing Saturday night yet. Sunday I have a meeting, so the kids and I will be at both morning services. I'm glad Joseph's Scout troop didn't plan something!

Sad..disappointed

I'm feeling way low in the self esteem department right now. Saturday night, I was supposed to host a spa/dinner for a friend, but no one came, 4 gals did at least let me know they had other plans. The friend called just before it was to start and I told her not to bother coming. The girls and I had a quite evening watching old Charlie's Angels on TV. (Pat was at work and Joseph fishing). Tonight was supposed to be scrapbooking with ladies from church, one said she would be here, and 2 said they would be late. But guess what? No one showed up. This makes me feel like no one likes me, and a little nervous about going on a woman's retreat this weekend, will I have fun? Will I be alone all the time? I just wanta cry, thinking forward, but I know if I don't go, relationships with other women won't grow or develop.

My Helper!

My hubby is on vacation this week, it was so lovely to have him home after school today to help me. Sarah had her first student counsel meeting today after school. Rachel had dance, Sarah would have needed picking up during Rachel's classes, then I would have had to get Sarah dinner and to her dance class, which is right after Rachel's classes. I usually have to leave at the end of Rachel's jazz class to pick Sarah up at home, (because I've left her home to get her homework done and have dinner), but today would have been crazy with the meeting added in. Pat got Sarah from the meeting for me made sure she ate and took her to dance and he's picking her up too! It is a nice break. Sarah will have meeting once a month on Mondays, so I'll have to juggle all this myself for the next 8 months...fun.fun.fun.

PTO Fundraiser/Donations

OK, I said I'd do anything but the fundraiser, when I became the VP this year. But you know what? I kinda like doing the fundraiser, checking the orders and making the deposits, it feels like a real job. The last 2 school days I've done it all myself and it went pretty well, and the mornings have flown by. Now asking for donations is much harder and not nearly as much fun. Sunrise is a poor school, like the 2nd poorest in the district. Which kinda makes me crazy for many reasons, one of which is way back 6-7 years ago when I was doing child care, the free or reduced lunch was a much lower percent, I know this because I didn't qualify for a higher reimbursement for the food program I was on for my child care business, but now forward 6-7 years why are the school's families so poor? Kinda makes me a little nervous. I need some great contacts for donations, anyone have any suggestions?

My Foot

A few weeks ago I fell in the parking lot of Michael's, and scrapped the inside of the heel of my left foot. This is the same foot I had to have cortisone shots in the same area, due to inflammation. Well, since that fall my heel has been hurting once again, some days better than others, then I was even thinking it was healing. Well, the last 2 days I have had horrible pain, and it's very difficult to walk. And my thigh hurts from trying to walk so it doesn't hurt, I'm using different muscles I guess. I'll be calling the foot doctor on Monday and I hope she can get me right in.

Fall

I love Fall. I miss the change of colors in October back east, but not quite enough to move back east, because I don't want the Winters or humid Summers and of course my hubby and children are here! Fall in Phoenix means the temp. is below 100 during the day. The leaves change color about December, some are pretty, but mostly they're just dying leaves. I'll just look at the pretty pictures of leaves and imagine it's Fall, like was in my memories of growing up in Pennsylvania. The weather has been very nice the last few days, even a few days before the first day of Fall (which translates, I've been outside during the day and not been sweating) I hope it's not a trick of Mother Nature and it's here to stay!

Vent

I'm usually very on top of appointments. For me and the kids. I messed up with the orthodontist with Joseph. We just got a letter in the mail saying missed appointments will be charged a no show fee of either $25 or $30, I don't remember I totally thought that wouldn't be me, I'm usually so on top of things like this. I was watching Rachel's dance class yesterday and thought I should check my calendar because it seems like it's been awhile since Joseph went to the orthodontist. Well, I was right his appointment was for the 6th. Oh brother, I call the office and leave a message, the girl calls me this morning and says they won't charge us for this missed appointment. But what I don't get is they never do reminder calls. I asked about this, and she tells me it is the office policy not to call for appointments that are close to the last one. 6-7 weeks, is really not that close if you ask me. The doctor is going to get an earful when I take Joseph in on Oct. 2nd. It hardly seems fair that you would charge for a missed appointment if you had not confirmed it.

I am a criminal

This afternoon, I was headed to the post office to mail back this ugly Star Wars t-shirt, I had waiting for months to get only to be way disappointed in, and now to make the whole thing even worse- I drove 21 miles an hour through a school zone and got a ticket. That t-shirt was one expensive shirt. It's going to be $120 to go to traffic school, or I can pay the fine of $127. This just seems so crazy to me, there are way worse criminals out there driving than me, it's not like I didn't at lease slow down for the school, just not quite slow enough. I am so mad at myself.

Looking forward looking back

This is going to be a busy week, but really have any lately not been busy? Tomorrow I need to clean the house and do laundry and make a dessert to take to Joseph's scouting thing tomorrow night. Then of course there's the scouting thing. Wednesday, I'll probably be at school all day working on the fundraiser orders. Then the PTO board is coming over for dinner, a meeting and working still on the orders. Thursday and Friday I'll probably be at school most of those days too. Friday Joseph leaves for a fishing weekend with his scout troop. Saturday night I'm hosting dinner/spa thing for a friend who is trying to get starting in the spa business. Looking back, this past weekend was full, my niece's birthday party on Friday night, Sarah having to be at school before 7 am on Saturday for a girl scout outing. Taking Joseph to sell scout o rama tickets for 2 hours, then I came home and napped and relaxed the rest of the day. Sunday I had to be at church at 8:45 for the nursery, Sarah and I left and got some lunch, then I took her to aution for the Snow Queen. Came him, Pat went to work, Rachel's friend called and asked if she could come over, took Rachel, went to Michael's and got gas, picked Rachel up and we watched The Wild (can you say Lion King, Madagascar and Finding Nemo rolled into one!) The kids thought it was cute. I had a hard time getting everyone to bed last night. This morning was hard getting them all ready for school too. I was at school all morning helping with the hearing screenings. Rachel and Sarah had dance this afternoon, Rachel did not finish her homework before her classes started, so after dinner we were still doing homework. I really like the homework done before dinner, it just didn't happen today.

Ablation-pain

It finally happened! No complications after the surgery, plenty before hand, but not me, the hospital. Well, me a little because I have really bad veins, and it took 2 sticks to get blood drawn and 2 sticks to get the IV started. After all these pokes it almost didn't happen, we only had my heart doctor's verbal OK, and nothing in writing so the annisolgist didn't want to go ahead with it. They called his office and he wasn't there. I asked them call him at his other office, because he wasn't in the office where I see him, some how the nurse got his cell phone number and called him, he was playing golf! He OK'd the surgery and all went well from there, unless you count that they didn't give me my prescriptions and Pat had to go back in the hospital for them. I slept off and on all afternoon, Sarah made me some toast, what a sweet girl, she keep checking on my to make sure I was OK. The pain in horrible, it is easing up a little, but maybe it's the pain medicine finally working.

90%

I finally heard what the insurance will pay for my ablation on Thursday. 90% Yeah! Our co-pay at the hospital has been met for the year too.

Too Much

I think Sarah is involved with way to much this year. She joined chorus, got elected to student counsel, taking 3 dance classes, and autioning for The Snow Queen on Sunday. Last week, a girl in her class, called and asked her to join Girl Scouts. They talked on the phone for a long, long time. Sarah who has a hard time making and keeping friends, this call was the longest ever she's been on the phone. So, tonight I let Sarah go to a scout meeting to try it, but I'm just not crazy about letting her contiue. Doesn't it seem like she already has too much on her plate? She's only 9. Since Pat works all kinds of weird hours, I would have to add this to my already busy schedule. What do you think?

Yo-Yo

My emotions have been like a yo-yo the last two days. I don't know what the deal is, but today I can't seem to stop crying. It's getting on my nerves, because I don't even know why I'm crying. But here's the clues. Yesterday I was just angry at everything and everyone. Pat worked all day yesterday then went to a football game with his Dad, I was asleep when he got home. Pat has worked 6 days this week, we haven't spent anytime together. Hopefully my last period has been going on and on for 9 days now. Today I took the kids to church myself, because Pat was running late getting ready then decided not to go. We come home from church and Pat had bought KFC to surprise us, but I really don't like KFC, but the kids were happy they didn't have to eat my leftovers. Pat leaves for work at 3, I barely tell him good bye, I feel guilty, so I go to Fry's to apologize, but of course even though he's supposed to be training as a asst. front end manager and not supposed to be on a register he is, so I don't really get to talk to him. He works till 12 AM, so I probably won't later either, I hope I'm asleep. Now I have to deal with getting the kids ready for bed and a new week of school myself.

opps :(

Bad Mother of the year awarded to me today, why you may ask? Well, I woke up at 8:30 when pat's alarm went off. Joseph thank goodness, is great with getting up and leaving for the bus on time. But the girls were still sleeping. I thought Pat messed up his alarm. He's been working at 8:00 and his alarm has been going off at 6:30 every morning. When it went off this morning, I whine to make him turn it off, didn't you remember you don't work until 11 today? That when he said it's 8:30! What! The girls scrabbled to get ready, and Sarah even ate a bowl of cereal, Rachel grabbed a cheese stick and we were out the door and at school by 8:45, so they were only 15 minutes late, but still, in all the years that someone has been in school, this is the first time, I had to sign the kids in late :( I was supposed to be doing a presentation in the AM Kindergarten class first thing this morning too, so I was a little late for that too, luckily the timing worked anyway.

This and That

So, yesterday Joseph was going to try out for boys volleyball. I took him to the doctor for the sports physical and filled out all the paperwork. Yesterday was the girls' school's first PTO meeting, of which I needed to get ready for since I'm the vice president. I asked Joseph to take the activity bus home or call my cell phone. They kids are not allowed to use the front office phone at his school, but really there has to be a phone he could have used. He decides to not try out because I won't be able to sit in the parking lot for who knows how long so he has a ride, this seems very stupid to me, whatever, I was glad he wanted to try out, but I was really worried about him making the team and me being spread too thin with all the other after school stuff, driving the kids here and there, I didn't know how I could always put in pratices and games, that I would want to go to, but then what would leave my 6 year old at dance by herself? I think not. Joseph also scratched his eye yesterday by leaving a torn contact in his eye, so he was only seeing out of the left, so he might not have made the team anyway, but I feel bad anyway. The PTO meeting went really well last night, we had 24 parents, 5 teachers and the principle. That's a huge amount of participation for our school, so we were pretty happy about it. We accoplished a lot and finished within the hour, like we wanted to, short and to the point, unlike meetings in the past. Today I was able to go to the district luncheon and got lots of info to take back to school, some I don't understand, some I already knew, some was interesting and of course some was boring. After the luncheon I headed back to school for the fall fundraiser kick off. Then I did some banking for school and shopping for the PTO. I like the shopping part. Now my headache that I was getting at the luncheon which was getting better, is now bad enough to take something for it. I usually wait until they are really bad, now it is, UGH!

Whew

Busy weekend. I never get it, that some weekends are packed with things and others are boring. Friday night we went to celebrate my 8 year old nephew's birthday. Saturday the girls played with friends all day, then we went to a family from church's house where the Mom and youngest daughter went on a 5 week dance trip to China. We ate some pretty strange real Chinese food, some of it was good, some of it was just to odd to try. I probably wouldn't do well in China. It was fun hearing about their trip and looking through pictures and watching the DVDs. Saturday night I couldn't sleep, I laid awake most of the night, we didn't go to church on Sunday, I was too tired to get up, and I knew I'd sleep through most of the service anyway. Pat could have taken the kids, but because I didn't get up he went back to bed too. Sunday afternoon we celebrated my sister's birthday, my 21 year old nieces and my 18 year old nephew's. Joseph and Rachel spent the night at my sister's. Sarah liked being an only child for a little while. I took her to see Material Girls at the movies on Monday, then we did a little shopping, and went out to lunch. I was tired when we got home, I didn't feel up to doing anything, I holed myself in my room and read all afternoon and evening.