Angry

I am so angry. Sarah's girl scout leader is a jerk. I have know this for a long time, like since Sarah was in 1st grade, but I thought she changed. In first grade Sarah and the leader's daughter were friends. For some reason near the end of the school year, the daughter was not allowed to talk/play with Sarah. This year, they are in the same classroom, and are friends once again and even though I didn't want Sarah in this scout troop (really not at all, because of this mother and I thought it would be too much for Sarah with all her other activities). On Sunday the leader calls my house looking for us, because she thinks we are supposed to be selling girl scout cookies when we are not supposed to be. Later when we are were we are supposed to be at the time, we were supposed to work, she says, "I just couldn't figure out who was suppose to work then, so she figured it must have been us." What? Tonight Joseph's scouts gets canceled, so I have him walk into Sunrise to get Sarah. We no sooner get home and the leader comes knocking on our door. The money Sarah turned in for cookies isn't right. Pat kept the cash he collected from what he sold at Fry's, and I wrote a check for it and our cookies. And I did not have family write there driver's license number on their checks. (all checks need a driver license, I was so angry I put mine on the ones missing the number, really like that's going to guarantee funds) The leader tells me, that as a parent we can not write a check covering other orders. Counsel wants cash. We can not mix money. How is it mixed, if the amount the girl owes is paid in full? I totally lost it with her, I want to hear this from counsel. I do not feel good, and this is stupity. The asst. leader just recently left the troop because $700 disappeared from the money the girls raised with mistletoe. I was already going to have Sarah look into this other troop that meets Friday afternoons, twice a month, and combines Girl Scouts and Brownies, so Rachel could go too. The leader is getting remarried soon, maybe she thought the girls should help pay for her wedding?

Not well, again :(

I saw my doctor this morning. She says, I have a sinus infection. The cold I had was getting better, but yesterday I was so stuffy and had a headache all day. I had to take a nap yesterday, and I fell asleep last night before 9:30, and I slept all night, I did not feel rested this morning. My nose is just dripping and my ears are full of fluid. I'll be taking another nap today. She also gave me a sleep aid to use when I have trouble sleeping. I'm hoping I can get well, then get a good sleeping pattern and stay well, already.

76 years ago today

My Mom was born. Pat said he didn't feel good this morning, (but of course was fine enough to go to work), so just the girls and I went to church. Then we went to one of my Mom's favorite places to eat afterwards to celerate the date of her birth. Long John Silvers. Even though Rachel doesn't rememeber Me Me, (she was only 6 months old when she died), I shared some stories with the girls, and we had a nice lunch.

Made it home, but couldn't get in the house!

Yesterday and today, Sarah had to sell Girl Scout cookies. Today I had to sell with her. Of course it was the same time as I needed to be available to pick Joseph up from his camping trip 4 PM. I asked the asst. scout master yesterday if she would drop Joseph off to me at Fry's. He asks her to just take him home, which would have been fine, except, he didn't take a house key with him camping, and she didn't wait to make sure he got in the house OK. If I was dropping a boy off at home, I would make sure I make sure he got in the house. Especially if no one was home! She stops by Fry's on her way home anyway, because she needed something, and to tell me they were back. And she probably talked to me for 15 minutes. Our neighbor was at Fry's shopping a little later and I asked her to take Rachel home (this is about 6:30), since Joseph is home now, and she was really getting bored. She comes back with Rachel, I'm thinking Joseph didn't hear Rachel knock at the door, because I had called him like 6 times, I figured he was down in my room watching TV, (and man was I getting mad at him) and never heard the phone or the knock at the door. Nope he was relaxing on his sleeping bag under the carport, waiting for us to come home. I gave the neighbor the key and she took Rachel back home. I felt bad just assuming he was in front of the TV, I just didn't think he would be outside, not able to get in. If I was locked out, I think I would have used a neighbor's phone to call someone or at the very least ride by bike to Fry's to get a key to get in the house. (his bike was out front) He must have been tired to not have thought of anything other than rolling out the sleeping bag for a nap!

Scouting adventure

Today, Joseph left for an over night camping trip in Flagstaff. Needless to so, we had to go shopping last night for warm clothes, gloves, ect. Thank goodness, we got our tax refund so we could buy the stuff he needed. Sarah spent the night last night at a friend's house. I wake up way to early for a Saturday morning, and wake Rachel too, because Pat had to go to work this morning. Joseph, who was supposed to set his alarm failed to set it. I was so mad at him, if I spend money for him to go on this camping trip and the troop leaves without him, he's going to owe us big for a long time. He hurries and gets himself ready, we get to the meeting spot on time, just the boy who lives at the house we met at is there, the scout master did not print off the permission slips, and is not there yet. Rachel and I had to wait for him. 2 more boys show up, we wait another 15 minutes, the asst. scout master leaves and drives to the scout master's house, (after trying to call his house and cell) he never comes to the door, but his mother (he still lives at home) gives the asst. the permission slips. 4 boys went to Flagstaff with 2 women overnight. Please pray for their safety and that they stay warm. The are going to the observatory tonight and doing some cave thing or something tomorrow before driving home. Yesterday's high was 32 in Flagstaff, it's going to be cold for them overnight.

Sleep-Flyer-Orange

I can't take it any more. Sleepless nights, every night is just NOT fun. I guess it's know wonder I can't seem to get well. The sleeping pills that I bought do nothing for me. I've even tried doubling the dose 2 nights in a row. My legs are freaking out when I am trying to sleep, so maybe, I have restless leg syndrome. I called my primary care doctor today, to schedule an appointment. I want fixed! The principal got to the bottom of the orange throwing at Rachel kid. A girl walking home with them yesterday threw an orange first, but missed her target. (not one of my girls), so that's when the boy who thought he was being targeted threw the orange that hit Rachel. Joseph was so upset that someone would hurt his little sister, he wanted to go beat the kid up. I of course wouldn't let him, because that's really the wrong way to handle the problem, but on the other hand I was proud that he was willing to stick up for his sister. After I "graduated" from DVU last night, I emailed the principal about the fundraiser flyers we needed done already. She emailed me back OK at 5:30 this morning. I was at school all morning, doing this and that, (mostly coping) so I was at school when Rachel and Sarah got called to the office about the orange throwing. One of the secretaries said, "you know you have good kids, when they have to ask where the principals office is". Both my girls didn't have a clue where it is, they've never been sent to the office.

Frustating Day

I left today wide open so I could get PTO flyers copied and out for our Spring fundraiser that starts on Monday. (Gold Canyon Candles) The principal needs to approve all flyers that get sent home. The PTO secretary gave them to her for approval. We had wanted to put in pictures of what we are planning on doing with the profit of our fundraiser. We do not have district approval yet to buy the things we want, so we were told we couldn't do that. I went to school today, thinking, I'm just going to be copying all day. Nope. I go and make up new flyers that don't include pictures or references of what we are planning on buying. So, at this point it should have been easy to get them approved and copied, right? Nope, not if the principal is not on campus. She came in sometime this afternoon, but because there were several issues she needed to take care of, she didn't get to look at the flyers yet. I'm really hoping that she'll get to it in the morning. UGH! The girls come home from school today, with Rachel crying and Sarah explaining that a boy threw an orange at Rachel on the way home from school, hitting her left cheek. This same boy smashed Sarah's lunch one day last week. I called the school to tell them what happened. I hope this child does not get away with hitting Rachel.

Counseling

This afternoon, Rachel met with a counselor for the first time. Although she's getting better, going to bed, school, dance, play at friend's houses, she still has a lot of fear that something is going to happen to me, therefore doesn't want to be apart from me. She's OK sometimes, but not always. The counselor gave her some assignments to do, and she'll go back next week, to see how she's doing on her assignments. Rachel has fear about something happening to other people too. Like last week she dreamt that Pat died. She was upset about it, and talked about her dream a lot, but in no way did she freak out like if I left the house or she went to bed or something. I'm praying counseling will help her see that she's not alone with her fears and that everyone has them and its normal, and that she learns how to handle them. I "need" her to get better, or I'm going to "go" insane.

Scrapbooking

I haven't had time, or felt well enough to work work on my scrapbooking for a long time. Plus it is so un-motivating to crop alone. Tonight, I got out some supplies and did 4 pages, while Joseph was at scouts. The pictures are from Girly Girlz, a Christmas gift to the girls from their great Aunt. I have tons of pictures I want to work on, the first Friday of every month starting in March, I hope to host a scrapbooking group, and someone shows up, so I don't have to crop alone.

Sarah's shots

Rachel's shots

a fun day

Another longish day, because...

I didn't sleep well again last night, so it took many hours to get 3 loads of laundry done today. I had a few errands to do today, I finally left the house just before 2, drove to Arrowhead to pick up Rachel's pictures first. I have to park a half mile away, walk into JC Penny's and the portrait studio is closed, there's a sign that says "at lunch, back at 3 pm) Well, since I drove all the way to Arrowhead, walked a half mile into the store, I wasn't leaving without my pictures, but I couldn't wait until 3 to get them. I helped myself. A customer came in, while I was looking for them, asked if I worked there, I said no, but asked her what she needed, she just had some questions that I could answer. I didn't feel as bad about taking the "extra sheets" they always put in the envelope then. Left without getting caught, I just think it's silly that they would take an hour lunch and not have someone in the studio during that time. Picked up Sarah's glasses, and she's had them for almost 3 hours and hasn't lost them yet! That's like a record for her. Stopped by the grocery store and picked up a few things including sleeping pills, I'm going to take tonight, and just pray that not only will they help me fall and stay asleep all night, but also not mess up my blood levels. Sarah's scout meeting got canceled tonight, but she brought home the leader's daughter's homework (they are in the same class, and Sarah's friend was not at school today), so I took Sarah to give it to her, and we picked up some more girl scout cookies. Pat's a work darn it, or I'd be done with all this driving around. Joseph still has scouts, and if he ever finishes getting ready, we'll be off.

Disappointing

Pat was off today and so were the kids. We had planned on a picnic lunch,and play at the park at 19th and Larkspur. I hadn't planned on rain though. Pat had to close last night, so lunch at the park would have been fun. The neighbor girl spent the night last night, so the girls played with her all morning, then Sarah's friend came over to work on a school project with her. I ended up taking Joseph shopping for jeans (since our plans were rained out). We went to Mervyn's and there wasn't one pair in the right size. We came home to get some shoes he wanted to return at Kohl's, found jeans there. But it took a long, long time. We had thought about taking the kids to do indoor mini golf, but there wasn't enough time before dance classes. I suggested we go out to eat an early dinner or really late lunch. We went to Valle Luna. I was disappointed. The rice was crunchy, the chimi wasn't all that good, the waitress forgot to bring the ranch dressing Rachel asked for (of course Rachel was not at all happy, so neither were any of us then)

Saturdays

For some of my growing up years, I would have to spend helping my Mom clean the house on Saturdays. I really hated it, not so much the cleaning, but that she would "rest" in between jobs and it would take all day long to clean the house. I hated that, I wanted to spend time with friends or do other things. Today, as I was home all alone, while Pat was at work, Joseph at a rifle range with his scout troop, and the girls at a friend's house. It wasn't all that much fun, cleaning/doing laundry by myself. But it was nice to have clean floors for a few hours with no one walking/spilling stuff on them. I left a few chores for them to do, like unloading the dishwasher and putting away their own laundry. I kinda blew it by not having Sarah to put away her laundry, after she asked to spend the night with her friend, I guess I'll have to out hers away. I had another sleepless night last night, so I'm really tired, and just to prove that I'm insane I told Rachel she could have a friend spend the night. She wanted to desperately last night. She called 2 friends, but it was getting late when she called, so they are both spending the night tonight. The stupid cold I have is still hanging on. Joseph didn't go to school yesterday, he slept from 8 am-2 pm said when I made him get up he felt a whole lot better. He hasn't complained of feeling dizzy, since yesterday morning. But I think he also knew if he was dizzy I wouldn't have let him go to the rifle range, so he was healed with his 5 hour nap yesterday.

Health Updates

Joseph seems not to be as dizzy as before his nap. Of course now, he's not all that tired to go to bed tonight, so who knows how he'll feel in the morning. I thought I was getting better, just my chest tight earlier. Until I go to my DVU class tonight and I start coughing and couldn't stop. It was very embarrassing and a very long hour and a half. I'm still coughing at home too, yuck, I hope I can sleep tonight. My sister talked with my brother tonight, he got the pathology report back he said his spleen was enlarged due to Hairy cell leukemia. He sees his blood doctor soon and will find out what treatment plan he will have, please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Bad Mother

Sarah calls me at 8:45, saying she's forgotten her math and language arts book. After my bad night's sleep I'm asleep so I didn't hear the phone. Joseph's school nurse calls at 10:30, on my cell phone I don't hear that either. My sister calls at 11:20, I don't hear that either. At 11:45 she shows up at my house, in my room. I freak out. I think. " Has someone died?" Really she just rescued Joseph from school and brought him home. He's dizzy and doesn't feel good. He was complaining of getting a cold a few days ago and he took 4 ibuprofen this morning before school, so I'm hoping the combo of those 2 things is what's wrong with him. I had him take his contacts out, and lay down, I'll see how he feels after a nap. I'm not going to take Sarah her books, she needs to learn to take them herself, I've taken her a few things recently, but I think if I keep rescuing her by bringing in stuff she's forgotten she's not going to learn anything. Maybe having 2 late assignments will help her to remember her stuff.

Long Day

Yesterday was both wonderful and long! The 5th grade field trip went well, but it was kinda strange that our group's tour guide thought I was the chaperone in charge of the whole group. I just had a few problems with a few of the boys, wondering away from the group, not sitting down, and when we were in the theater 2 boys were rocking on the auditorium seats (I guess they thought they were at Harkins or something). It was kinda strange being with a group of kids that I really didn't know any of their names. I call Pat from the very loud bus on the way back and ask him to meet me at Jack in the Box for lunch, because were not going to have much time to eat, because Rachel wants me to come to her class party, which I find out that morning it starts at 1:30. I get off the bus, on my feet, (thank goodness) at 1:15. Meet Pat, who isn't there yet, order lunch, Pat shows up, we spent 15 minutes together, while I eat really fast, drive back to Sunrise and I am only 15 minutes late for the party. But when I walk in the office door, the secretary asks me, did Mr. T see me? Followed by Mrs. S wanted to know if I went home after the field trip because she needed something. I wasn't gone that long people! Rachel's party had just gotten started when I got there, and she had a fun party. After school, Rachel's friend came home with me, to work on homework with Rachel. They are both in the same reading group, and they've had these large packets each week to do for homework. I asked their reading teacher about this today, because it really seems like way to much work for 1st grade. Come to find out they are supposed to be working on the packet in class and finishing it at home, not doing the whole thing at home. She said she's been wondering why some of the kids have been staring into space, when they are supposed to be working on their packets. I guess she just didn't think about asking them why! This is her first year teaching, and the kids have been going to reading groups just for a few weeks now. Homework gets done, I get the roast in the oven, check Joseph's grades online, ask him about a few things, scan his science packet that I have to sign that if he looses this assignment he won't get another copy and the thing is worth 500 points. I thought it best to copy it, so he will have a back up. While I'm scanning pat shows up and asks me to scan and print something for him, then Joseph shows up with a scout thing he needs scanned and copied too. I'm thinking they both need to learn how to use the scanner. We had a lovely dinner, of roast pork, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. I didn't have time to make a fun dessert, so we did the next best thing, we opened up our Valentine candy and dug in! While we were enjoying our candy, the sky looked really strange something through the windows. We run outside and she the most wonderful full rainbow. We get a couple of pictures before it starts pouring really hard. After the girls go to bed, Pat and I watch a little TV with Joseph, before we retire to our room :) I try to fall asleep, but I'm having restless leg problems and can't go to sleep. I take some Tylenol which doesn't help, come out to the living room and read, which has worked all week long putting me to sleep, but not last night. I finish the book, it's taken me days to read, but from my pelvis down, I am not relaxed yet. I take another one of my back pain medicines which relaxes me. I finally sleep, but it's 5 AM now, and my alarm went off at 7. I'm pretty tired, if I ever get these girls ready for school, I'm going back to bed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I woke up this morning, very tired, but as I stumbled out to the kitchen, I found a gorgeous vase of red roses for me :) From my valentine! I left the kids' treats on the counter last night and I'm very proud of them they've gone over to look at them but didn't open them to try to eat some candy for breakfast.

Memory

Forget that I said I had a good memory in the last post. I really don't. I asked Pat to take me to lunch tomorrow for Valentine's Day because he's off. We were going to go at 12, because he has an eye appointment at 2. Thank goodness for my friend, who called to talk to me about the 5th grade field trip tomorrow. I had totally forgotten about it. I'm sure I would have remembered this at some point though. I don't have a 5th grader but we are short on trained volunteers, so said I would go to help out so they didn't have to cancel the trip. But even if I didn't have to chaperone tomorrow, it is the PTO president's lunch tomorrow, so I wouldn't have been able to go to lunch with my husband anyway. Hopefully we'll be back from the Halle Heart Center by 1 and Pat and I can grab something quick before his appointment. I made homemade candy for Valentine's Day, and as I was setting the gift plates up for Pat and the kids, it dawned on me I didn't make or buy a card for Pat. I just really don't feel all that creative right now, I'll have to try to put something together tomorrow, UGH :( I am so mad at myself UGH, UGH, UGH

Forgetfulness

Doesn't usually describe me. However this morning I totally forgot I would take care of 2 girls from Sunrise before and after school. I took Sarah and Rachel to school at 7:30 for chorus was just lying on the couch waiting for the laundry to get done and someone knocked on the door. It didn't even occur to me then who was at the door, man was I surprised to see them. The mom had asked me more than 2 weeks ago, so I can try to blame my forgetfulness on that, and I feel terrible too, so maybe I have an excuse. It really wasn't that big of a deal, I just fed them breakfast and drove back to school. My head feels slightly better today, but of course now my nose is all runny and I'm coughing, but the ears are worse. And either I'm getting some stomach thing now too, or just another side effect of the cold, I feel so nauseous. Blah.

Cold, again

It seems to me that I just got over having a cold. Well, this morning I woke up with a horrible sore throat. I guess that might explain the way I was feeling yesterday. My blood level must have been off, trying to fight the virus. The germs win :( I just feel icky, we didn't even go to church this morning. Pat had to go to work at 12, I got dressed for a little while, when Rachel had a friend over, but now I'm back comfy in my jammies. I've been trying to read/stay awake all day, which has been a struggle too. UGH!

I don't feel so good

Who knows what's wrong with me now, but I really don't feel so well. I was fine earlier in the day, and even made it to my Aunt Mary's memorial service. Which is a big thing for me, because I just don't so well, at memorials and funerals. We were a few minutes late, because I was fighting with Rachel again. The service was nice and cried just a few times, during the remembering part of the service. I had to go to Target to get a few birthday presents for Rachel's friends. I stated to feel shaky then. Took Rachel to the party it was at Chuck E Cheese, when I stood up to leave, I thought I was going to pass out, and walking to the car, I had to stop once to catch my breath. I just feel run down now, I hope this is really nothing and I wake up in the morning feeling well again.

6 months away

OK, I only know this because I went to the dentist today and had to schedule my next cleaning. The 2007-2008 school year starts in 6 months. That doesn't seem possible. I know the this year is more than half over, but still it seems too close to only be 6 months away. Speaking of school, I have been attending Deer Valley University, on Thursday nights (well it's a 4 week class and I've gone to 2 of them already). Anyway, I've been learning a lot about the school district, and they have be way more fun and informative than I thought they would be. I decided to apply to be a substitute, since you no longer need a teacher credential to sub, and our income can be a little greater without it effecting my social security disability benefits, I thought I try to work a few days a month. I'm hoping a few days a month my body can handle working a whole day. I'm waiting to hear back from the person at the district who is checking my references.

Hair CUT!

Hair CUT!
Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Joseph got his hair cut!

I love that I can see his beautiful blue eyes once again.

He likes it, just getting used to it.

Craft Night

Tonight the PTO tried something new. We held a family craft night. It wasn't a huge hit, but we did have families come that have never come to any other event. I asked my two oldest nieces to come help, since we didn't have any parents volunteer. They both had a great time. I was going to post a picture with this post, but I couldn't decide which one, so you'll have to click "my pictures" on the left to see them. It was kinda cool, because we got the art teacher involved and she did a craft at her table. The principal came and made a "love bird" for her husband for Valentine's Day. A few other teachers came too, so that was neat. It's been a long day, I am ready for bed. I'm glad there's no school tomorrow. Joseph has to be at the ortho at 10 though. Then Rachel gets to have her pictures taken at 12, and I've got to clean the house and study what I'm going to talk about for bible study tomorrow night. Tomorrow's going to be long too. Yikes!

Another not so smooth morning

So today, Rachel goes to school just fine but Joseph not so fine. I dropped the girls off at school at 7:30 for chorus (Rachel gets to go hang out, so I don't have to drive back and forth, she only manages to go some of the time, because she's usually fighting with me and not ready to go when we have to leave for Sarah not to be too late). I come home and Joseph is still here. He has made a big mess with the school bookcase. He tells me he is looking for 2 library books that are due. I help him find one. He doesn't want to go to school, because he will get a detention because the books are overdue. The school calls and warns parents about this, but I haven't gotten the call yet. But he's worried, so he decides he's not going to school then, and he says he doesn't feel good either. Well, he missed the bus so I have to drive him to school, it's a good thing Rachel went to chorus this morning, or she would be late for school. He tries to make a deal, if he gets his hair cut, can he stay home. Which would be a great deal, except he wants to dye the roots black and the tips bleach blond and have it gelled up. I was thinking a normal hair cut and he could stay home. I'm just a little torked at him, he had hours yesterday at look for these books, but instead spent the time in front of the TV. He's really going to be mad when he gets home and finds the TV unplugged in my room.

Long Day!

After serving Rachel in bed, I started the laundry, that I didn't feel like doing this weekend. Took the girls to school. Went to Fry's to pick up Rachel's class cupcakes. Went to the doctor, I tried asking him if I can take anything when I can't sleep, he just said "oh too bad" I think he didn't understand me. Finished almost all the laundry when I got back, then went and got Rachel lunch at McDonald's. Pat met us there and we had lunch together. Then I worked on PTO stuff for tomorrow night's craft night. Pat helped me roll some coin so I could make a deposit. Dropped him off, then went to the bank, then back to school because Rachel wanted me to help pass out her cupcakes. I tried something different today and took the girls to get a snack then we went to dance to see if Rachel would be better about dancing. She did GREAT! She was happy and really dancing for the first time in weeks. I think the coming home before going to dance was just too hard, once she was home she just wanted to be home. I'll be doing this every week. The only snag in this whole thing was, I asked Pat to put a key under the mat for Joseph when he went to work but because it wasn't on the spare key ring he didn't do it. I call home 3 times, get really worried, call Pat at work, (because I thought he left him a key). I call the neighbor to go look for him, she knocks on the door and looks around for him. I call for the 4th time, I am getting frantic, but I know if I leave Rachel without telling her where I'm going she will freak out. I call my dear friend and ask her to drive around the neighborhood and look for him. She gets to my house, his bike is there which is a good thing, she knocks, calls for him and looks in the laundry room. No kid. I call Sunrise to see if he walked there looking for me. Nope. Rachel comes out to change shoes finally and I go home in search of him. I find him. In front of the TV in my room. He had a house key in his pocket. That TV is getting unplugged for awhile. After Rachel's dance classes, we went to Fry's to get some soda for school, then I treated her to Sizzler for her birthday dinner. I am just exhausted. I hope I can sleep tonight, I meant to call my brother today, but I ran out of time again :(

Breakfast in Bed!

Birthday Girl Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl! I can hardly believe it was 7 years ago you were born. I don't remember anything from your first day of life, since I was fighting for my life. But from the moment I do remember first meeting you I've been on love with you.

The day

So, I thought because I slept great last night, I would be very well rested for the day. Nope, I had a very hard time staying awake during church, so I gave up and laid my head on Pat's shoulder and took a nap. Rachel had a birthday party to go today, we fed her lunch and off she went, all by herself, without freaking out too much that I was leaving her. Pat grilled us steaks, while I took Rachel to her party. Yummy, we haven't had steak in a long time. Joseph and I went to my friend's house to look at her daughter's computer, for some strange reason, it has the capabilities to play the game, but it keeps freezing the computer. We didn't get far, when I left to pick Sarah up at my sister's. I tried when I got back, and the game worked for a little while before it restarted the computer, then we tried again and it froze up. UGH, I really wanted to figure it out.

I slept!

I had the best night's sleep last night in a week! I fell asleep last night before Pat got home from work around 9:30. Either Rachel's party really wore me out, or maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to sleep again. Really Rachel's party was fun, all the girls were very helpful, it was to the point of fighting over helping, but they worked it out, it was to fun to watch them.

Party on...

Heelys! Originally uploaded by muffinmet.

This afternoon, Rachel had 6 friends over for her spa birthday party. I painted the girls' nails and did makeovers, the girls made sleep masks, and ate lots of fun food. This is Rachel opening up, one of the presents she really wanted. She's very happy with them, and I feel more comfortable with her on four wheels, then just the 2 Sarah has on her Heelys.

Sad/Good News

Last night, I couldn't sleep again. (I've been having this problem all week.) Well, last night I keep thinking about my aunt, and my head wouldn't stop thinking about church hymns. This morning before 8 my sister called me. Which can only mean one thing, she needs something from home, one of the kids needs a ride, or someone has died. Aunt Mary passed away peacefully late last night. I have a zillion memories of her and I'm the youngest niece, so my older cousins have way, way more. She will be greatly missed. The good news is my brother was well enough to leave the hospital today, I'll be calling him sometime over the weekend, to check up on him.

Updates

My brother is doing better, he gets to get off morphine tomorrow. All his doctors were shocked on the size of his spleen. His blood counts are the best they have been in a very long time. The pathology report will still be another week or so, but Mackie should be leaving the hospital sometime this weekend. My Aunt Mary is slowly dying. My sister and I went to see her tonight, she was in a lot of pain, and she's getting morphine hourly. She is unable to talk, she had one eye open the whole time we were there, and when I sang Amazing Grace to her, she opened the other. Aunt Mary looks so much like my Mom, it was hard to see her.

The birthday girl had a good day.

I woke her with breakfast in bed, and gave her #10 charm. She went off to chorus and school, just 10 minutes late, only because of Rachel, goofing around whining about this or that, and getting on my nerves.. I picked up her cupcakes at the store and took lunch in for her. Pat was off today, he came to lunch too, she was so surprised to see him, walk into her classroom. She knew I was coming, but I didn't tell her, her Daddy was. Tonight at school was literacy night, so for her birthday dinner she had pizza. She did a few things in the classroom, but had to go to girl scouts. She brought cupcakes to share that I made for her troop.

Perfect 10!

10 years ago at 4:32 PM, my beautiful much awaited and wanted daughter was born! It doesn't even seem possible that she could be "double digits" already! She is my shinning star and I am so proud of her. She's also my "busy" girl and holds many interests. While I worry that she will not be able to do them all she takes it all in stride and puts her everything into all she does, whether it's dancing, gymnastics, chorus, girl scouts, student council, and her education. I love you Sarah, Happy Birthday!

What a relief!

Today, my big brother, Mackie had surgery to remove his spleen. The doctor was very surprised to find it a lot larger than he thought it was. Thank God it didn't rupture. The doctor also found a second spleen, that my brother was born with. This is a very rare thing to happen. But given mine and my sister's history of weird medical issues I'm not all that surprised. Mackie is still in recovery, please pray that he continues to do well.

Celebrate...Celebrate

Last night, Sarah got to celebrate her 10 birthday with her 2 best friends. One of the girls wasn't able to spend the night, but the girls packed in lots of things in a few hours. Pizza, presents, chatting with their Nintendo DS', scrapbooking, making a sleep mask, watching a movie, having a PJ fashion show (which was totally funny, the girls modeled and Joseph told jokes between girls). Pat and I watched "Click" in our room with Joseph, while the girls watched Cheetah Girls in the family room. The girls were asleep by 11:30. We had to Sarah's surprise Pop-tarts for breakfast (I haven't bought them in probably a year). I gave Sarah and Rachel their birthday cards from their Great Aunt early and we went to Gamestop to get games for the Nintendo units, then they let me go to Michael's and we went to Subway for lunch. A little later, Rachel's friend came over, and all 4 girls played great. They just left, that was one long, good birthday celebration for Sarah! Now we gotta eat and get ready to go to their Uncle and Aunt's house for more celebrating. Sarah, Rachel and a cousin have birthday's 9 days apart so we'll celebrate all 3 special girls altogether. :)

shadow

Today was Sarah's field trip to the state capital museum. I love how this picture turned out. Pat went with her today as a chaperon.

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.