Castles and Coasters

Today was the first activity for the girls, with friends from church. I was very thankful for the cooler temperature, so it wasn't too unbearable for me, (and I sat when ever I could). I didn't have to drive, or stay, but I didn't want to miss watching them have fun. S was way more brave than R, who got mad at herself for not being braver.

102 whiny

That's how old I feel today. Well, on most days. Today was just tough because I took the girls swimming and my feet did not do well, treading water quickly made my feet feel like they were cramping, and standing didn't feel so good either. Then there's this issue I've been having with my knee paining me too.(since Saturday) It must be left over pain from the fall in January. Well, thank goodness I didn't have another sinus headache today too. I guess I won't actually be in the water when I take the girls to the pool this summer, or maybe just not for long, it will be way to hot to just sit outside for hours, while they get to cool off. ugh.

July 7th and 8th

J will have his wisdom tooth removed on the 7th, and on July 8th I will have my first foot surgery. That ought to be a fun week, who, will care for us. I had to take the appointment, it was the first one available and with waiting to have the second one done it's going to get hairy getting ready for back to school. Please join with us in agreeing for God's peace over this, and He's in control.

Plantar Fasciosis

Or chronic planter fasciitis, is what doctors are now calling my foot problem. I should say feet problem, because although my right foot hurts more, and swells more, my left from an x-ray view is worse. Since I have exhausted all conservative treatments, the last thing to try is an out patient minimally invasive surgery. I will have the right foot done first, then about 4 weeks later, I will have the left foot done. It's been a long morning, I spent an hour driving to Mesa to get a second opinion, then 2 hours in the doctor's office followed by an hour drive home.

Blew it

I missed place my allergy medicine for 3 days. I thought I'd be OK, until either I replaced it, or found them. I was wrong. I have had a sinus headache for 3 days now. I found the allergy pills last night, and still today I have a headache. And I feel light headed, from all the Tylenol I have taken on my not so bright days. I will look harder when they go missing again.

Snow!

J and his uncle braved nature last night. But had to get up in the middle of the night to dust snow off of the tent roof. This morning they woke to a foot and a half of the white stuff. Crazy. It's been in the 60's today and raining in Phoenix, which is very abnormal. Especially since it was 110 at the beginning of the week. Tonight, the fishermen are staying at a hotel. Guess they'll have a "natural" reason for not catching any fish this time!

School's Out!!!

Not a moment to soon for teachers and staff I'm sure, the students at Sunrise were so wound up today. J is leaving in a few minutes for camp. His uncle is taking him fishing for a few days before checking in on Saturday. This afternoon/early evening is the very last event I'll be in charge of for the PTO. End of year party at Great Skate. The girls are really looking forward to it. S will have a week off, then has 4 weeks of a day summer leadership camp she will be attending, by the time that's over J should be back.

All Star!

S at her awards ceremony this morning getting her trophy for straight A's all year, with her wonderful teacher and, the school principal. We are very proud of her!

talent show 2008

sarah's talent show 2008 1
Originally uploaded by muffinmet

Not real clear pictures, I was far away and the lighting was terrible. She did wonderful. You could tell she's been dancing for a long time, while her dance mates have never danced before. I'm a little worried about the recital. I don't want the girls to look bad.

Is it the last day yet?

I am so ready for the last day of school. The last several days have been so hot, today we had to have indoor recess, how ridiculous. My classroom is all cleaned up and packed up. Pat helped me last Thursday when he was off, because I wanted his help getting all my things that I took in, all year long home. I will be in a different classroom next year, the principal said to box it up and store it in the corner of the room, I am not comfortable with that idea. Stolen, or misused stuff would not make me happy. Tonight, S has a talent show, she is doing her hip hop dance with 3 friends who dance with her. We're off.

Long Day

I was up late last night helping S find a school library book she needed to turn in today, or pay $12 for the book. She was very relieved to have found it. Today, I worked 5 hours at Deer Valley Middle before going to Sunrise to work another 2 hours, then 2 hours of volunteering work too. S and R had choir practice tonight, I dropped them off, got dinner for me and J. Cleaned up the house a bit. Picked the girls up. Then a friend came over to scrapbook with me. I wasn't sure I really could be creative since my eyes were getting a little blurry. Some how I managed to put together 5 cute pages in 3 hours. I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm also glad there's nothing to do early tomorrow morning I'm thinking sleeping in sounds wonderful, and then when I do get up stay off of my feet to get the swelling and pain from today to go away.

Who is that kid?

Took J to see the oral surgeon today. Only 1 of 2 of his wisdom teeth needs to be extracted now. (he only has 2, and 1 is not developed much at all now, it just looks like a faint shadow) He was so mature talking with the doctor, I wasn't sure who I was with. He asked all the right questions, in a very grown up way. Pretty cool. I love it when it appears you are doing something right as a parent. We can wait until he gets back from scout camp, before he has the tooth removed. Which is a very good thing. Next week is already way to packed, plus he needs to pack.

Pondering and Wisdom

A quote from yesterday's message at church. "The biggest battlefield is in your mind." Really challenge yourself and ponder/pray about if that is a true statement for you. The Christian life is not a life that is morally restrained from the outside but supernaturally changed from the inside. The message was on Goodness and Faithfulness. John 14:6, 18:37 Living a life of goodness and faithfulness is the result of living a truth centered life. To live a truth centered life is to live a life in fellowship with Jesus Christ, who is the truth. Wisdom is J needed 2 of his wisdom teeth removed, but the tricky part will be to get it done before he leaves for camp on May 24th. The consultation is on Thursday. Finals are next Wednesday and Thursday, so he can't miss those school days, it's going to make it even more challenging to get it done. Can't wait to try.

S at her Spring chorus concert

She didn't throw up at this concert, here's a picture of her leading the exercises in one of the songs and a closeup, where you can she the little damage she did to her forehead.

Her first school dance

S had her first school dance last night. It was a beach theme, she decided her Easter dress was a good choice for what to wear. P's parents had gotten us tickets for a symphony concert last night, and we were to go to dinner before hand with them and P's brother and wife. P's mom wasn't feeling good enough to go to both and skipped dinner, then decided she couldn't make the concert either. Which was really sad, because she was so excited in January when the tickets were purchased. It was sad for me not seeing S off to her first dance. I asked a friend to take her. She had a great time. I asked J to take pictures for me, she pulled her hair up into style with locks floating down. I'm so proud of her for wanted to look her best :)

Braces

R got 4 braces on today on her 4 front teeth. Compared to all the other stuff she has endured today's visit was pretty painless. From her expander it's been amazing how fast her teeth spread out. I think she looks cute with them!

In honor of teaches

One of the treats the PTO is planning on doing this week, is leaving candy for our teachers. I hope I can keep my children away from it until I take it to school tomorrow! The Candy Poem Thank you teachers! You are all Sweet Tarts for everything you teach our children. You deserve every Pay Day. We know sometimes our kids act like Air Heads and Nerds or like they’re from somewhere beyond the Milky Way. You bring such Almond Joy when you teach and ignore their Whoppers. Is must be hard to contain your Snickers when those little Sugar Babies tell you Mounds of stories. Most days you probably want to make like a Baby Ruth and just run home. You are the Riesen our kids are Smarties instead of Dum Dums. You are Life Savers. With Hugs and Kisses, The PTO

Computer

I am so not into sharing my computer with the children. The girls love Webkins and could play all day if I let them, but there's 2 of them, so that means I'm fighting with 2 girls. Then there's J who is into playing this Generals game, and wants to computer all day too. I became unglued with P this morning because he managed to get to computer before me. By the time I finally did, (P had to still shower for church and I had to kick off a child) I see an email from a friend from church who needed my help this morning, and forgot to call me until late last night, I made sure to tell her to call, even if it's really late, because of have 3 children who don't like to go to sleep at night, someone will be awake if she calls. It's going to be a long summer. Hopefully by then we will have enough saved for a second computer, and J will be gone for 5-6 weeks at the beginning of summer vacation so maybe then I'll be able to do things on the computer too.

Booboos at church

S today thought it would be great fun to fall into a wall. Well, really not so much as she planned on it. But she was playing/goofing around and fell jumping onto the stage. P and I had drove separately,so that was good and it worked out that I just happened to be at the children sign in table this morning when the accident happened. I knew right away when I saw the cut, it was going to need stitches. We tried putting a butterfly bandage on, and had a paramedic look at it. (he attends our church) One of her lens in her glasses fell out, luckily a dear young man, (that we've known for years) whose wife just had a baby girl 6 days ago was right there too and jumped right into fixing them. Which is something I never would have been able to do. No patience for that kind of fix it. I found P in the auditorium to let him know S and I were going to the ER. Right before we left another child thought it would be great fun to stick a bead way down in his ear. S was very brave and only cried on the way to the hospital (because she didn't want to go) It didn't take long to go back to a room, but 2 hours in the room before anyone came in to look at it. It only took 5 stitches to sew her back up, and they are dissoluble.

UTI?

Last night S was in so much pain, she couldn't get up off of the floor in my room to go to bed. P was off early last night(9). He carried her in bed. She was still complaining this morning that her bladder hurt. I was able to get her in to the doctor this morning. We won't know for 48 hours for sure, but the initial testing came back suspicious, and she was running a temperature. Off to Fry's we went to fill the prescription. I had 3 that needed filled too,(I called mine in already, so there shouldn't be a wait on mine). The tech tells me it will be over an hour. UGH. I asked them to please hurry since S can barely stand. I leave her sitting in the pharmacy while I get a few groceries (I figured since I had time and I was there). I was still done before they were, by at least 15 minutes.

Tiredness

I have been so tired lately. I just can't seem to get enough sleep. Last night I slept with my contacts in. I knew when I laid down to read at 9 PM I was tired. I thought about taking them out, but I didn't think I was that tired. I guess I was wrong. This morning J missed his bus for school. He has never done this. Which I guess is really good, for the almost 3 years he's been riding a bus. It just didn't make it easy for me. But I guess really no day would be perfect for him to miss the bus. S had chorus at 7:30, I had a volunteer breakfast at 7:30. I mention to him, good thing I had other things to do this morning, so I was dressed and ready to take you to school on time. He chuckled, but didn't thank me. After the lame breakfast, I came home and finished some laundry I started this morning, and took a little nap, which wasn't nearly long enough.

A tribute to Cyndee

http://cyndeeluque.wordpress.com/ Her song is "I Can Only Imagine", we sang and loved it as a life group.

Blur of a week

Most of the week, I was struggling with some stomach issues, sinus headaches and great sadness, and shock. J had to be taken to his scout camp orientation this morning, I struggled getting up, when really I just wanted to stay in bed and cry. P was off today, when he got up he watched a movie with the kids while I had a little time to myself. P and J are now helping setting up for C's memorial service tomorrow afternoon. I just can't believe she's really gone.

Taking care of me

Wash Day Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead. Ironing Day Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others. Mending Day O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others. Cleaning Day Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart. Shopping Day O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love. Cooking Day Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness. The Lord's Day O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

My heavy heart

This morning my friend C went to be with the Lord. She was loved by many, and will be missed greatly, until Jesus calls us home too. Her husband and daughter where with her when she died.

Keep praying

For my friend C. It will take a God size miracle for healing this side of heaven. Yesterday she went into surgery to repair a tear in her liver. The doctor was unable to because the tumor is pressing on the tear. The tumor is about 5 1/2 inches, too large to remove. She started chemo today. Her husband has barely left her side. Her daughter is only 9.

J is home

He had a great time in CA, I asked him what his favorite thing was, thinking he would say Disneyland. He couldn't narrow down what the most favorite think was. The ROTC got to tour military bases, watch marines gradate, spend time on a beach and lots more. I'm sure it will be a great memory for him for years. He was so tired, he was barely home 30 minutes before he was sound asleep (I think that was just because he had to go to the bathroom, LOL). R and I had to drag his suitcase on my bed to get the laundry out of it, so I could work on the laundry today.

More of a Troubled Heart

My close friend C who has been battling breast cancer, (since last fall), was omitted to the hospital on Wednesday. Her liver has a tumor now. She's had an CT scan, MRI, and biopsy and is now waiting for results. She is having a hard time eating and drinking because she is so bloated. I went and saw her today, my heart is just breaking, she is such a giving person and this is really hard on her. She has a great attitude and mostly struggles with feeling helpless that she's not doing something. God has been showing me the last few days, that even though I am so very frustrated with the things at school, it could be a lot worse. Like the wild fires, earthquakes and illnesses that touched me in the last few days. Those things have put somethings in perspective in my mind, now I just need to let God work on my heart.

My Heart is Troubled

Boy, when I thought of a title of this most, I realized, my heart is troubled about several things. Monday I went to see my cardiologist and had a echo. The echo showed more thickening, and the doctor seemed really concerned about how old my vaule is. He said,right now there's nothing to do but wait and see if anything else changes. Today after school J leaves for CA with his ROTC, he will be back Sunday afternoon. my heart can not help but be troubled... Lastly my daughter's school held the last PTO meeting and elections, I decided I wanted to run one more year as president. However I was not elected. That woman who was such a pain in my side at the beginning of the year, then resigned from the board in November, talked the woman who was the president 3 years ago to run. She won. I lost. The things that bother me the most is that it's S's last year at Sunrise next year. I really wanted make sure she had a fun 6th grade year. 2nd the woman who was elected president, does not have children at Sunrise. She will have a freshman and senior next year.She is a reading para pro, which isn't quite a teacher. Because of this woman, we did not participate in many school events, her sons were in J's cub scout troop, and I found her to be loud and obnoxious, during those meetings when she wasn't in charge, no way would did I want to go to any school event that she was in charge of. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to even work at Sunrise next year, or send my daughters there. I have not slept all night. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to handle the last few weeks of school.

Lost but now found!

I thought I was losing my mind again, because I had just put pictures on my computer this afternoon of J and P's birthdays, deleted them from my camera, went to upload them to Flickr but I couldn't find them. I so glad I found them. I hadn't been able to use my camera until this week, because the battery died when we were at Peter Piper for J's birthday, and when we got home we couldn't find my charger anywhere. I just got a new charger, thinking then it would show up. Click on "my pictures" to see a few snap shots of their birthday celebrations.

Sucess

Last night was the last "big" PTO sponsored events for Sunrise for this school year. (we still have a election meeting for next year, Chick Fillet A night, and pastries with parents, and Great Skate end of year skate, those are small work compared to last night feat). It was a lot of work to put together a Game night and silent auction, neither of which I have ever done before. We had a big turnout, which was great to see. I think the best part was the PTO offered scholarships to 16-6th grade students who would not be able to afford to go on the 6th grade overnight field trip, in return they had to come and help us at game night, they did all the games for us. I had it pretty organized, to where the games should be and where the students should be. They did an outstanding job, they well earned their scholarships, it was money well spent.

Happy Birthday to my Hubby!

He's had a long week, again. Today is his only day off week. He's planning on going to a movie later by himself or going hiking. Then he'll be helping me at our Game Night/Silent Auction at school. Not too much fun on your birthday, but at least he doesn't have to work. I'm going to go get some lunch for us and surprise him before I go to work.

Losing my mind

I almost always hang my lanyard with my name badge and school keys on the rear view mirror in my car. Yesterday after church I noticed it was not hanging there. I had already bribed the kids into cleaning all the junk in my car, I thought for sure one of them would find it. Nope. I was panicking just a little. A few hours later I remembered I gave J my keys on Friday was we were leaving, because R left her backpack in the PTO workroom. I met them in the office, where I was talking to the secretary about a new design for a school t-shirt for next year. (Sunrise will be 30 years old). On my way to therapy this morning I called my friend M and asked her to look in the workroom for me, to see if they were in there. They weren't, darn it. I had an email from the attendance clerk, when answering her questions I asked if anyone turned in my keys. They were on the secretary's desk! J must have set them down when I was talking to her, thinking I knew he gave them to me. I slept terrible last night, not knowing were in the world they were. I'm so glad that mystery is solved!

I am so ready to sleep in tomorrow

It's been a rather long week, and I only worked 13 hours. Well, I should say got paid for 13 hours. That doesn't include any volunteer hours. Which was probably about 13 more hours. Which still doesn't seem so bad, except, I've had almost 6 hours of physical therapy, a doctor's appointment and a morning at the orthodontist with J (getting his retainer), and R. R didn't do so well, I had to hold her hand while they put the metal bands on for the impressions, there's not a lot of room in her mouth, I'm sure it hurt. Bible study at my house and all the other stuff that happens during the week (cooking dinner, dance lessons, scout meetings, etc. etc.) My foot is doing better, not 100% better, but better than it was. It's actually throbbing a little right now because I wore my orthopedics all day, and I was on my feet longer today that the rest of the week. OK, this post is turning into a whine. While, I'm at it my allergies are really out of control.

My great nephew!

8 LBS 4 oz cuteness, and 21 and 1/2 inches long. (I didn't take these pictures, but stole them from my other niece's MySpace, that's J's hand in the one picture, you can tell because of the Steeler's watch!)

Vision

I totally had this vision earlier today that I posted a blog "introducing". I didn't even know then my niece was in labor! My sister didn't call until 1. At 4:14 PM this afternoon I became a Great Aunt. J wanted to be at the hospital when the baby was born, and he was but just barely. I dropped him off, took the girls to dance, afterward the girls and I met him at the hospital, the girls were not allowed up on the floor, so they couldn't go see the baby. J came down to the waiting room and stayed with them, while I went up to see him. (he was born at the same hospital all my kids were born at). I got to hold him, but J didn't! Not for long since the nurse was waiting to give him his first bath. The birth was a little scary, but he is just fine now and just just so cute!

As it turns out

J was not mad at me when he left yesterday morning. He was only tired. P came up with taking him out for dinner. J wanted pizza. We went to Peter Piper. I could barely walk from the car by dinner. I stayed at the table while the kids and P played. I did have P take pictures for me, that hopefully someday soon I'll be able to see. The battery in my camera died, and I have no idea where the charger is :(

Braces off

Not that you can tell much in the picture, J with his orthodontist and team.

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom - I never thought about immunizations. I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Firstborn

Is 15 today! I totally blew it and forgot breakfast in bed this morning, but to be fair only he remembered, not one of the other 4 of us. I'm not even sure where his present is, P was in charge of it. We'll have to try to make it up to him later, I know when he left he was a little upset, which makes me feel even worse. I had to take a pain pill last night for my foot, it totally wiped me out, and I had a hard time getting up this morning. All I could think of was S had to be at chorus at 7:30, and I have PT at 8:30, J's birthday didn't hit me until I stepped out into the hallway. Grrr, I am so mad at myself.

Happy Easter!

Not the best picture, for some reason I took pictures into the sun, which left shadows on everything. This is one of the better ones, the kids moved in front of the door. It was wonderful not to have to be at church for 2 services on Easter morning. Getting to church at 8:30 is tough enough on regular Sundays. I think it's been a long time that we haven't had to be there for both services on Easter. But I did volunteer to serve at the children's sign in table between services. Because I missed all of worship, I couldn't find P and J i the auditorium, I didn't want to create a scene I sat outside the auditorium and listened and watched the message on the TV we have set up in the lobby. Bummer, I couldn't find my guys. The elementary kids had an Easter eggs hunt and games, outside, the girls had fun. P just left for work, I'll do my exercises for my foot, then we'll head over to my brother and sister-in-laws for a egg hunt and play.

The Week and The Eggs

Spring break is almost over. This was a very fast week. I didn't nearly get all the things I wanted to get done, done. We did manage to celebrated J's birthday last night with a extended family game night, and color Easter eggs today.

S & R

Went for check-ups today. S is only 4 inches shorter than me, and R is 3 and 1/2 shorter than S. S finally weighs over 80 lbs. 81. R weighs 63. Nothing really exciting at a 8 and 11 year old well check. Not near as much fun as taking a baby in, other than when S got her 2 shots, she didn't cry, or even flinch. They are both healthy.

New Shoes

I need new shoes again. I should never be bare footed. I totally think my physical therapist did a much better job of looking at mt foot problem than the podiatrist has ever. The new sneakers I got in December that I don't even wear often are in terrible shape. Which I wouldn't have even known until she pointed out how they are stretched. It seems like the doctor should have noticed this, because I have worn them to her office. Basically I need shoes that are going to hold my foot in place. I can't wait to go shopping and spend lots of money. NOT. I really need a pair of good sneakers and a pair of other shoes that are good that I can wear without socks, it's going to be 120 before we know it and I do not like wears socks, when it's hot.

Robot Boot

That's what one of my kindergartens calls the big heavy thing I have to wear for at least 3 weeks. I am, going to start physical therapy on Tuesday. I had a long break for lunch yesterday so I drove over to see the doctor. She taped my foot also. Back at work I really noticed how much higher the boot is then the shoe I wore, I felt very lopsided and scared of falling. I stayed off of it the rest of the night except to pick up Sarah from dance and running to Walgreen's twice for pictures for the yearbook. Today I worked all day. My foot felt like it was in a vise. I took the taping off and lo and behold the foot was so swollen I couldn't see my ankle and even my toes are big. I'm glad we are on Spring break next week. To rest my foot and my mind. The one thing I that has been really on my mind was the school yearbook, It's done!!!!!! That's what I've been working on while I was icing my foot. I feel so free now that I don't need to worry about it anymore. Hooray~

Where did P and R go?

R had her field trip today. P went with her. She was crying this morning because she really wanted me to go and not P. They both had a great time. I love this picture it's so cool to see wrong parts on their faces.

S had her field day today

I love this picture. Not because it's a great picture of her, but I love that she's concentrating so hard her tongue is sticking out.

Braces are coming off...finally

Much to J's delight, he got the good news today that his braces can finally come off! It's been 2 years and 8 months. 8 months longer than what was projected, when they were put on, but he had some problems with a tooth not growing in, it finally has, so on April 3rd we'll see his pearly whites again :)

Plantar Fasciitis

Which I already knew is what's wrong with my left foot. The doctor wants to have me try some boot thing next, which I'll get on Monday. I'd like to try physical therapy too. I can't stand (pun intended) the pain. It could be I injured my foot more when I fell, 2 months ago and that's why it's worse than it was. Between now and then stay off it as much as possible and ice when when ever I can. UGH. That's what I was doing already.

Busy few days...

But fun too. Tuesday morning I went to the foot doctor. She thinks I should have an MRI. Ya think? Then I did a bunch of errands. R stayed home from school. (P was home) She slept for nearly 24 hours. J came home from school and went to bed. Just S and I went to Chuck E Cheese for a school fundraiser. The bummer part of this, it was going to be all of us doing something all together. Wednesday was R's field day. And although she wasn't 100% well, she didn't want to miss it. I was outside selling water for the coaches, I talked to her teacher about her, and said she could come sit with me, if she didn't feel like she could participate. Yesterday was also an early release day. I worked on the yearbook and getting the house ready for bible study. P had to work, but the rest of our group was here plus a new family. 13 adults and 6 children total. Today R stayed home from school. I hope she kicks this bug she has. I got to go on the kindergarten field trip, and got paid to go. (I was in charge of a autistic boy) We went to see a play, at the Temple Arts Center. Very cool theater. Very fun show. Goodnight Moon. All the kids really seemed to love it. Tomorrow after my MRI at 7, I have to work all day. The laundry is really piling up. I like to do it twice a week. That's so not going to happen this week. J is going to work at boy scout camp again this year. He has to go to a meeting on Saturday (I hope he has a ride, so I can spend my day off working) and Sunday is my nieces baby shower.

Unusual and Usual

R woke up this morning, asking to stay home from school. This never happens. She never wants to leave me, but always wants to go to school. I was going to let her stay home, but she decided she wanted to go (I didn't even tell her I would be at school today, she didn't even know I was going until we left, so I know that's not why she changed her mind). I gave her some allergy medicine and a pain reliever for her headache. I was at school all day until 4, but only got paid for 2 hours. And I almost forgot to clock in. Then I went to put something away in the PTO workroom, got side tracked, and almost forgot to go get my first class. Oops. I hope the beginning of April is not as windy as today was. Updating the calendar bulletin board is not so fun, with the wind blowing as hard as it was this morning. I already hate this job because I am too short, and need to stand on a step stool. Which wouldn't be bad, if I wasn't so darn near afraid I'd fall. I did one time last year. The librarian helped me take pictures of new students and the 11 sets of twins we have at Sunrise for the yearbook. 6 more new kids to go and I can finish up those pages. 3 field trips, one PTO event (tomorrow is Chuck E Cheese Night) and field days and I'm done with the yearbook. Which is a good thing because the last 32 pages are due on the 17th. Then maybe I can work on some personal scrapbooking! S and R had dance classes today. R was supposed to have 2, she wasn't feeling so great near the end of the first one,we left before the next class started. She fell asleep almost as soon as we got home. She must have pushed herself to far today. Maybe tomorrow she'll want to stay home from school.

Aaaaaaaaaah _updated

Wining. My foot really hurts. It is so painful to walk. I was going to go back to my foot doctor this morning. I had an appointment. But my friend asked me to work for her today. I changed my appointment for next week. I have decided that if she's not going to do anything, more than taping it (that didn't even work, and was very hard to keep dry in the shower) I will have to find a new doctor. Yesterday at school we were supposed to have a fire drill. The principal forgot or something. Much to the aggravation of the teachers afraid to send students to the restroom, or even going themselves. It had to happen today. Once a month. Good thing it was a leap year! I can't believe it that 2 months of 2008 are over already. I had fun working with a student one on one on his state report. I made it a game. He did 4 pages, without one complaint. Which for this student is remarkable. There was a sub for the other kindergarten monitor for most of the week, today included. The man who subbed today is in a wheelchair. He was so much more help to me than the regular gal. (Fridays we work together and take the kids to the multi-purpose building for PE.) I actually had fun today. J is spending the night at my sister's house. Tomorrow he has a scout yard sale, my brother-in-law is the scout master, so yea I won't have to get up early to take him. S wants to spend the night at a friend's house, I'm not sure if that will happen. R is busy working on her mathathon workbook, for the Leukemia Society. Her teacher is giving every student who does it, a $5.00 pledge and a free math homework pass good for a whole week. I'm not sure what the deciding factor was for her, but she has been busy working since we got home from school. S on the other hand hasn't started hers yet. ****UPDATED**** R finished all her problems in 4 hours! Sarah finished hers by Sat. evening. Makes me very glad that the Deer Valley school board approved a new math curriculum for next year. The mathathon packets were fun to do, not the same boring worksheets. I can't wait to see how different change will be.

A little excitement

I start dinner a bit early while helping R with her homework. I left it on the stove but turned off the burner. Or so I though. I left the kitchen to read for a little bit before it was time to eat. I started to really smell bad all through the house. Chicken chow mien does not burn well. It stinks. I had turned to burner on high and not off. What a mess. We had roast beef sandwiches for dinner instead. Which weren't that bad, we had fancy hot dog buns from Costco and I heated the roast beef slices, so it was kinda like a french dip, just no dip. I haven't made chow mien in a really long time, I was so looking forward to it all day.

Nothing really new

J went camping over the weekend with his scout troop. P thought he had to work on Saturday, but it turned out he didn't. Which was a good thing because he was running a temp. all weekend. He is still kinda sick, but went to work yesterday. Sunday I had a PTO meeting, then P and I were supposed to look at our budget, but he didn't even get up until 5, and when I got home at 6,he was watching TV. I don't know if he came to look for me later, because I fell asleep early (not on purpose). S had to go to the orthodontist yesterday morning at 7:30. which made yesterday a long day. I fell asleep before any of the kids, but I did wake up around 9:30 and talked to the girls about going to sleep. I used to not be able to go to sleep until they were all asleep, I'm glad I'm finally over that. Even though I worry about them not getting enough sleep, or getting hurt, or something if I fall asleep first, I think they need to figure out for themselves how much sleep they need. This morning S had chorus before school, and J had a counseling appointment. The past 2 mornings S has set her own alarm and gotten up and been ready on time (she even made my breakfast for me this morning!) I am going to talk to her about her setting her alarm for every morning, it has been really nice making it her responsibilty and not mine to be ready on time. Tomorrow S has to go back to the orthodontist, then P and I have a counseling session, our "homework" was to do a budget and go out on a date once a week. Neither of which has happened. One date in 4 weeks (the lunch we went out to after our last appointment) and no budget. But to be fair P has worked 6-7 days each week for the past month, except for last week, and then him being sick, and I'm still fighting the cold, I think really started in October, but it no sooner gets better one day and the next I'm sick again. Plus all the physical therapy and doctor appointments I've had, hasn't helped much either. Thinking about doctor appointments, I went to see my foot doctor on Thursday. She taped my foot, to see if that would help. Not really. And I had to keep my foot dry, which didn't work so well to shower, even though I taped a plastic bag around my foot. I tried a rubber band 2 mornings and that didn't even work. This morning after my shower I took the tape off, since it wasn't working anyway, I thought there's no use in keeping it on. Walking hurts so freaking bad. I have to go back on Friday, to see the doctor at which point if she isn't going to do something to help me, I'm going to have to find a new doctor.

Randomness

For Valentine's dinner I made spaghetti and baked a cake, per S's request for dinner. R was worried that we were only going to have cake. It was too funny. P surprised me by remembering 2 books I want to read and got them for me. And flowers, candy and a very large balloon. We gave the kids their treats, then worked on a couple of mini puzzles I got for R. I thought it would be fun to do together as a family, until we were doing them, and R got mad. Friday morning I worked at the middle school, even though I could barely walk. I tried different shoes, and different combinations of shoes, but nothing seemed to help. By the time I got home I could barely walk. I was thankful for my cane to lean on, and P was off, so he was in charge of dinner. (he ordered pizza, but still I was thankful I didn't have to cook) Sometime after school J fell asleep on my bed reading. I kept poking him to get up, because I knew if he slept then he would never go to bed. He finally got sick of me poking him and he went to his room, and slept all night long. At 8 this morning when I got up he was awake, I was so shocked, but he really had just gotten up to take out his contacts because he had slept with them in. At which point, I thought things seemed a little too clear myself, and releized I also slept in my contacts! I rarely have done this, I guess I was pretty tired last night myself. Sometime before dinner last night S came and told me R just threw up all over the couch. I was very thankful again P was home. I don't do so well with vomit. When I was a kid I couldn't even blow my nose without gagging. P cleaned up the couch, R came and laid on my bed with me. She threw up again. It happened so fast, I'm glad P had given her a bowl and a towel. She knew I can't handle the smell, and offered to leave my room. I agreed that would be a good idea, I didn't think P would want me throwing up too. He soon came down to our room and asked if I wanted to watch a movie with him and the girls. While I did I also knew I wanted to be on the couch and I didn't know if R could handle sharing the couch, plus I was reading (Touching Stars by Emilie Richards). I fell asleep before the movie was over. S had a stomachache, she took a bowl and towel and fell asleep in the hallway before the movie was over too. (I didn't know this until this morning) R is better today, S is still complaining of a stomachache and I still can't walk without pain. All I've done all day is read, take a nap and (not on purpose) and laundry, J helped me do all the walking back and forth to the laundry room and my bedroom, but I was the brains of the operation and folded hung everything up. I'm thankful it's a 3 day weekend, hopefully my foot can heal before I have to walk on it a lot on Tuesday.

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a fun day so far. S had her first first trip today. To the Halle Heart Center. I was able to work out a little deal with my first kindergarten teacher so I could go on the field trip. This is the 3rd time, I have been there, once with J, and once last year due to not enough chaperones. It was way nicer with a daughter. If my foot felt better I would have loved it more. I decided to call the foot doctor, since it's been a week, and I can barely walk. I can't get seen until next Thursday. I asked S what we should have for dinner, she said cake! Silly girl. You'd think I'd already have this meal planned out, but no I don't. P gets off early today, so he'll be home for dinner, I guess I better figure it out.

My day thus far... It's going to be a long day

This morning before I left for physical therapy, I started some laundry, in addition to all the regular morning stuff. I usually do laundry on Tuesday night, but I really didn't feel so good last night. I fell asleep before J got home from scouts, (his uncle brings him home for me) and I don't even really remember sending R to bed, I'm sure I must have since she was in her bed this morning when I woke her up. As usual my head is swimming with thoughts as I drive to PT, only instead of going to there, I almost drove to DV Middle. Luckily they are close by and not in 2 different directions, so I was only a few minutes late. As I am laying down, while the elec. shock torture is happening to my knee, I remember that the PTO needs to pick up muffins we are having donated by Me Me's Cafe. Thank goodness, someone else volunteered to do this, and I just had to make reminder calls to make sure they were going to get picked up. I drop by home after the knee torture, and start anther load of laundry, before going to the doctor's to have the knee looked at. The doctor does think more therapy would be a good idea. UGH. Stop at Home Depot to get painter's tape, (for school to hang posters) Come home to work on laundry before going to work. It's pretty sad that I started this laundry before 7 am and only have 1 load done at 10:30.

Teenagers

Teenagers are a different species. My oldest included.

Knee(s)

I had my 5th PT appointment this morning, thinking that Wednesday will be my last. Only at my evaulation today, my therapist wants to do 6 more. UGH. I am tired of getting up early, then leaving the girls to finish getting ready for school, with a timer set to tell them when to leave. (P is home) Over the weekend, I stretched the arch in my right foot (I'm sure to compinstate for my left knee. I can barley walk. While I was in PT torturing my legs and feet, both DV Middle and Sunrise called. To be fair DV Middle called first, so off to work I went, even though walking is painful. I noticed the first day I was at the Middle school, there is this sidewalk is not level, I usually stay far away from it. Well today I forgot and fell. On my right knee. Luckily I bled on the outside this time. Tore my jeans too. What's really weird is that when I got dressed this morning, I remembered it was these jeans I wore 2 weeks ago when I fell, and and not since then. Bad omen, to think of that while getting dressed or what? The principal at DV asked me to work tomorrow. He'll be off campus and he wants to make sure there's enough coverage. Later today back at Sunrise I felt my left calf pull, like a charlie horse that would not go away. I'm sure that must be from PT and walking to compinstate for my knee and foot arch. I want a wheelchair now.

Party !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fast Week

This has been a very fast week, and I didn't even work on Wednesday. But I have done 3 pt appointments,a doctor's appointment, worked 9 extra hours at a middle school, which make me love my kindergardeners more. Celebrated R's birthday. by taking her lunch at school. Then of course there was all the afternoon activities, and J had a very early ortho appointment one day, follow the day of partying the night before with our bible study samll group. I'm hopping the weekend goes by slowly to rest up. Other than tonight, I want to go by fast, because it's R's first birthday sleepover party!

Happy Birthday Baby!

My baby is 8!!!! She of course got the royal treatment of breakfast in bed. Well, we took her, her breakfast, she opened her gifts took a shower, got dressed and is now eating it. It's a funny thing in the mornings, that S can never get to breakfast fast enough in the morning, but R likes to wait and eat last. That was just a little side note to help me remember, this is really a birthday post. R we are so wonderfully blessed by you, and so thankful God gave us you to raise. I love your tender spirit and that you care about others (for the most part)You are beautiful inside and out. I love you!

Cool Thing

I had to drop the girls off at dance this afternoon, then do a few errands, like pick up S's prescription at the doctor's off then go have it filled at Fry's. Banking for Sunrise PTO. I get back to The Dance Shoppe, when I am hit with from S "Mommy look at the dancers of the month board." And lo and behold one of the dancers is S! She was pretty excited to see her name up there for the first time ever. I'm pretty proud too, but I'm biased, because she's my daughter, and I've always loved watching her on stage.

Cold, Cold, Cold,Cold

Oh the weather outside is frightfully cold. Not freezing, but dang cold when are not used to this kind of thing. Makes me feel bad for all the people visiting our valley of the sun for the Super Bowl or FBR Open, and it was chilly. Next weekend it's supposed to be in the 70's again. I don't do well with the constant change in temps. It is not wonder that I've had more colds I can count the past 4 months or so. It's pretty cold out there today, but at least I'm in the muddle of a cold, but then it will warm up, then go down again, and again I'll have another cold. Maybe it would be better living back east were is a constant cold, freezing cold. all. winter. long. R has a cough, that she even suggested taking medicine for (my kids don't take meds. well, it sometimes feel like I have to stand on my head to get them to take them, no not really my head but any tricks I can come up with.) J kinda has been coughing a little all weekend, but this morning he had a bit of a temp. so he got to stay home in his nice warm bed and sleep all day.While I go put up with smart mouthed teens for a few hours, then go deal with paint and kindergardeners in the same room. What was I thinking? Really it wasn't so mad, and it really seemed to calm them down, they seemed to be bouncing off the walls when I went to get them. You just never can tell with paint which way it's going to go, paint flying everywhere or perfict little children happy they get to paint. Speaking of flying everywhere, today I worked at the middle school for a few hours and was in the OCR room, helping a student (I should point out that there were 13 OCR students today)anyway while I as helping pencils, papers and shoes are being thrown around the room. I took away all there throwing objects and kept the shoe, under the desk, and made them all lay their heads down for a nap. If they were going to act like kindergardners, then I was going to treat them like one.

knee update

I went to the doctor yesterday morning, and she gave me the OK to stop using the cane, which really was pointless anyway. I started PT today. 2 hours. The eletric. shock really hurt. I had almost 2 inches of swelling. It's feeling hot and looks rather swollen now, I guess I better ice it after I drop S at her dance class.

11!

S is 11 today, but not officially until 4:32 pm, so she says! Not that she minded breakfast in bed this morning! She also got to open her gifts from us, 3 more Webkinz! She's up to 8 now I think? She so loves playing the games on the computer. I gave her the option of me bringing her in lunch today at school, or going out for dinner tonight after her jazz class. She picked dinner, smart girl. She really is a bright girl, she lights up our lives, and stages she dances or sings on, and she's an honor roll student too. I love you, Happy Birthday!

Kultz

I know this will not be a big surprise to some of you. Stop laughing big brother. But I fell today at school. Are you still laughing? You better stop now. My shoe slipped off a wood chip that was on the sidewalk. I fell hard on my left knee, since the tail bone injury from the school bus fall, I didn't have checked out for months. I decided to have it looked at. 5 x-rays determined it is not broken, but swollen and bruised. I have this neat brace to wear and a cane. And I'm supposed to keep ice on it as much as I can. I will have to go have it rechecked on Wednesday. The cough is much worse too (couching up lots of gross junk), because the knee happened at work, I couldn't get a side of antibiotics with the pain pills. bummer.

achy all over-whiny

I knew yesterday, I was starting to get yet another cold. I went to bed and fell asleep at 8, way before the kids did, but I heard not a sound after my head hit the pillow. What I didn't think yesterday is that I would feel this bad, just one day later. We did not go to church today. P had to be at work at 12, and while I could/should have taken the kids myself, I decided not to, plus is was raining and cold out. I laid on the couch and watched a movie, then went and laid on my bed for a few hours. I really don't want to have to go out, but I have a PTO board meeting at 5. My head, neck, ears, chest, throat, and my calves (now that's a new cold symptom) HURT :(

Hannah Montana Party

Having her friend's decorate a pillow case, is a fun tradition. 3 girls left already, they couldn't spend the night. 4 are staying along with a bunny that came to the party with one of the girls too.

sick

R wasn't feeling good this morning. She said she had a stomachache. She showered and tried to go to school, I let her stay home. She has not missed any days of school this year, so I figured she needed a day off. I should have known she wasn't feeling good yesterday when she took 4 hours to do her homework. She laid on the couch all morning, without even turning on the TV, that's pretty sick. Before I left for work at 1, she was complaining of a headache. I gave her some medicine, but she says it's still bugging her. Poor thing, I hope it gets better before S's friend's come over for her birthday party tonight.

Randomness

Yesterday I got my orthotics for my feet. They hurt. I have to wear them an hour a day progressing everyday by an hour. The doctor gave me another shot of cortisone. Yesterday my heel felt fine, but today it hurts. I think she put the shot in at the wrong place. I started reading a new book yesterday while the girls were at dance, I couldn't put it down. I was up until 3 reading. I will not be starting a new book today, no matter how bored I am. I did go back to bed for a few hours this morning after getting the kids off to school. I am working a few extra hours tomorrow, and all day on Thursday, so it was good I at least stayed up so long on the day I could go back to sleep for a little while. S's party is on Friday, I am so sad that not many friends will be coming. I know one will be here for sure, but other than that, I haven't heard for sure if anyone else is coming. I feel so bad for her.

I was so tired...

But now I feel so awake. Grrr, why is that? Today was a lovely lazy Sunday. Went to church played with the toddlers, went to service. Had a quick lunch, went to Michael's and Wal-Mart to finishing getting stuff for Craft Night at school on the 1st, S's slumber party on the 25th, and R's slumber party on the 8th. Finished a book I was reading. Played dominoes with S & R, then they helped me put together my craft projects for school next week.

Worth of a Woman

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN One Flaw In Women (you will see what it is in the end) Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have the compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

10 days all run together sorry

For some reason, paragraph's do not want to work on this blog for me. It's been 10 days since I posted anything. Even my brother has noticed! It's been busy or relaxing since the first of the year. I wanted to relax the last few days before we had to go back to school, other than getting all the Christmas decorations cleaned up and put away. But the front door still has it's wreath on it. I did not do the outside decorations, but I suppose it will be me that changes the front door decoration. I just don't seem to remember it unless I'm driving away and I look back at the house and yell at myself under my breath. Monday was raining and cold, and back to school. While I only got paid for 2 hours, I was at school all day. Monday after my 2 hours at the girls' dance studio, I had an errand to do for PTO and my book club. Tuesday and Wednesday was not rainy, but I was at school all day. Wednesday night was also bible study night. P had to work, so not only did I have to make dinner, and make the house presentable, I had to plan something to study. Yesterday, P let me sleep in, I did not have to do anything at school until I went to work at 1. But last night was our quarterly PTO meeting (the board meets monthly, but we only hold parent meetings 3 times a year). Today I was at school all day again, but I got paid for the whole day! (I covered a special ed aid shift). This may not seem like a lot, but also in all my spare time, I have been working on the yearbook. I spent 15-20 hours on it during break, and all this week, when I had a chance. I have some fine toning to do, but have all the pictures now! I will have the first 64 pages that are due on the 21st done hopefully by next Thursday. The program we are using is web based, the server will be terrible next weekend, with all the schools trying to get their pages done on time. I think they should stagger when the pages are due, it wouldn't be so bad. Oh, I remembered I organized a food donation drive for a really needy family at Sunrise. This makes it seem like I did a lot, but really I was just the brains of this project so to speak. Other than a few emails to staff and a phone call to the family that's all I did. The response was tremendous. I'm thinking up a project to keep the donations coming it, and the be able to put food boxes together all the time. We have lots of families that could be blessed by a surprise box. I'm thinking if we make it a raffle, and have it go home as a raffle prize then parents will not be embarrassed by the donation. I'm excited. I hope I can share with the principal my vision and she OK's it. So far the staff that I've talked to about thinks it a wonderful idea.

Happy New Year!

P worked till 11:30 PM, he made it home just minutes before midnight. Here we are toasting in 2008!

Merry Christmas!

The kids and I went to church tonight. P has to work until 8. It's been a busy day getting ready for tomorrow. If I remembered everything, all I should have to do tomorrow is cook and clean. Julia and I are breaking tradition this year, we are going to her house instead of them coming to ours. I made cinnamon rolls, juice, and will make my famous egg dish. She'll have sausages and pancakes. Should be a yummy brunch. Dinner will be turkey and all the fixings.I have all ready to cook (or take out of the fridge.)- green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing balls, celery sticks with cream cheese, olives, cranberry sauce, rolls (they kinda exploded by rising to much, the kids assure me they are good.) chocolate cake with whipped cream and strawberries for dessert.

A picture of each girl during their parties at school today

On Break and Foot Doctor

The last 2 days I've been putting in more volunteer hours, than hours of getting paid for the whole week! Yesterday afternoon was also the band/chorus concerts at school, and S did not get sick. I would have if I was on the risers the stupid maintenance man (plant foreman), did not clean them from the 7th when she got sick. He also did not insure that one of his employees put the risers on the stage (his last day of work before break was Tuesday). The chorus teacher had to do them herself. Well, that's not true, J came to have lunch with me and I made him help her, while I watched her class for her. Today I was there for the girls' parties, but was in and out of them because I needed to take gobs of pictures for the yearbook. I know teachers are busy, but please they surely have had time to take a few pictures of their class. It's not like I just sprung this on them, I've been asking, begging, nagging, reminding since the first day of school. The first 62 pages of the yearbook are due on Jan. 21st, I'd really like to at least work on the yearbook an hour a day during break. UGH. I wasn't supposed to work today, but the cafeteria monitor took today off, and the sub she got couldn't even be there until 11, lunch was about over by then, due to an early release today. The kids were upper hipper being the last day before break and full of sugar from their breakfast parties (donuts and the like) right before lunch. It was kinda funny though, the little kids ate lunch (well not a lot) but the 5th and 6th graders had it figured out, they just ate and weren't hungry. My heels have really been bothering more than I can possibly stand (pun intended), I called my foot doctor who had an opening today! I just really thought I'll be lucky if I can get an appointment during break. She took x-rays, and made plaster feet impressions (she is going to have orthopedics made for me), and she gave my right foot a shot of cortisone, and will do the left on Monday. I'm supposed to stay off of it for a few days as much as possible, that will make the Monday shot a little tricky since the next day is Christmas. Right now the right foot is pretty much throbbing. Oh, yea she said I could take some Tylenol. Good idea! Wished I would have thought of that before. When she examined my feet, she said she barely pressed on my right heel, it hurt so bad she said I practical jumped to the ceiling. I guess the pain it's just not all in my head. My last rounds of cortisone were 15 months ago, and I need 3 shots in each foot. The shots are really pretty painful, so I hope it works well, on the first shot, OK maybe I can stand 2 rounds. Really whatever it takes. Not being able to walk with out being in pain, is horrible.

Little Villager and Sister Villager-Snow Queen

This was a wonderful but full weekend. P was off and able to take the girls downtown to the theater on Friday afternoon for rehearsal. J and I worked on finishing baking Christmas cookies. Sat. the girls performed 2 shows, J and I sold mistletoe (him for a lot longer) Our church had our outreach Angel Tree party. It was awesome to be there. I just wished I didn't have to miss one of the Snow Queen performance. Today was 2 more Snow Queen performances. P was off so he got to see his daughters dance too, and I didn't have to drive either. I'm just not that comfortable driving downtown at anytime, but especially at night. After last night's show, I managed to follow my brother-in-law back to the freeway, we didn't plan it that way, but I was so grateful it happened that way!

sinus headache

I'm about done in with sinus headaches that will not go away. Yesterday was a long day with one. I worked all day, then goofed around school for another hour waiting for R to finish in her after school reading class. Dropped the girls off at home, went to our church offices for the last planning session before Saturday's outreach party. I am there until 6, pick dinner up on the way home. Fed the kids, take J to scouts, start laundry and tonight's dinner, because it's our bible study night and we are having a dinner Christmas party. Made corn bread, baked a cake, fought with the children to clean their rooms and go to bed. Went to bed with a headache, woke up with a worse one. Laid down this morning to try to get rid of it, that didn't work. Now I have to go to work, clean the house, host a party. Did I mention that P has to work and will not be here tonight?

sick

S was better on Thursday and Friday, but yesterday started throwing up again. I haven't let her eat more than a few crackers today even though she says she's feeling better. Yesterday was baking Christmas cookies day, R helped for a little bit, but got bored fast. R's friend came over and was a big help, I think I'll invite her over when I bake more often! I had a terrible sinus headache all day on Friday. While the girls were at choir practice P, J and I decorated the Christmas tree. I was out of sleeping pills for Friday too, and didn't sleep all night long. It felt wonderful to sleep last night. I have no idea why I can't fall asleep at night unless I take sleeping pills. I usually have no trouble taking little naps during the day (if, I ever have time, not lately)P went with J yesterday to cut mistletoe, on their way out the door P tells me he found another box of ornaments (we were wondering how we fit all of them on, on Friday night, usually there are too many and P strings them up in between the family and living rooms.) P and I went out last night. The only movies I want to see are ones I want to take the kids to see, so we just went to dinner and then shoe shopping for me :) I have lots of shoes, but they all hurt my feet, I hope the new ones I got last night will be better. We didn't go to church today, I wanted to sleep in and let S sleep so hopefully she'll get rid of this stupid bug she has. It's just about time to leave to take the girls to Snow Queen rehearsal, if they would ever finish getting ready that is.

3 hours

That's how long it took J and I to do our family Christmas cards. Today was an early release day, and since I didn't get a chance to do them on Sunday, I used this chance to sit down and do them. J did the easy part, licking half the envelopes and putting on all the stamps and return labels. If, I ever got myself organized enough I'd have labels made up for the addresses too, maybe that should be a goal of mine for 2008 to do that before October, well at least before December and I sit down to send out cards. LOL

disappointing x 3

My F-I-L makes me crazy. He calls and wants to know if P can get time off to go to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego with him over Christmas Break (winter break, whatever) 4 days. This just makes me nuts. Why would I want my husband to be gone for 4 days? One year many years ago I at least got a vacation out of this deal, F-I-L wants P to drive with him and go to the game and rest a day in between driving. F-I-L didn't ask me what I thought about this plan, just assumed I would be OK, with with it. I already feel like a single parent while P goes off to work 5 afternoon/evenings a week, if he gets any time off during the time the kids and I are home on break, he better be here. 2nd disappointment was I asked F-I-L if he had any plans tonight, S had her chorus concert tonight. He couldn't come, I even told him what it was I wanted. But he consoles me with, well he'll see her on the 16th in The Snow Queen. Whatever, UGH. S has been complaining on stomach pain for 5 days. Tonight in front of a packed cafeteria she throws up for the first time, on the stage, but before they started to sing. I probably already was making parents mad at me, because I was sitting down front on the floor, taking pictures (for the yearbook, but they probably didn't all know that, they probably thought I was just a rude parent ) When S first started throwing up, I climbed up on the stage to get her and take her to the bathroom, luckily I had some friends who sprang up to help me with paper towels and Sprite for her. After she washed out her hair as best as she could, we left. I left my camera with a parent in the front row. I have know idea who she is. She seemed really nice and said she would get my camera back to a staff member for me. I'm a little worried about it, but getting S home was more important.

Lights!

P worked all afternoon, while I was busy doing some errands and other stuff, so I didn't quite get to starting our Christmas cards. opps. P did a great job on the lights, they are very pretty.

Getting Ready

I feel stressed this year getting ready for Christmas. This weekend is wrapping gifts weekend. I spent a couple of hours last night organizing gifts (bringing them in from the laundry room and putting them in my closet), I spent 5 hours wrapping today sitting on my bed, and managed to knock a box on top of my head and hit a corner of a box on my eye(it still hurts.) I can't put the gifts away. P and J left a mess and all the outside lights and things in the laundry room, even though I got the gifts out last night there's no way of getting them back in and still be able to do laundry. I can't even open my big freezer, I can barely even see it. The gifts are all over the living room floor. P went and bought our tree today. Usually he and his Dad and one or more of the kids go cut down a tree on this day. Didn't get picked this years lottery. This year we decided to go with a fake tree. Which is sad for P, but better for my allergies. P went and bought it before he went off to a football game with his Dad. It's not set up yet, the kids and I will not be working on it today. P was going to work on the outside lights for a little while before meeting his Dad but because of rain and mud wants to wait until he's off next week. Which makes me sad, I feel so much more Christmasy when the outside it done up too. The kids helped me move the desk that was in the living room back into my room and we moved my chair and ottoman to the living room. For the past 3 years we've had the Christmas tree in the family room, this year I want it back in the living room.Tomorrow will be work on Christmas cards day, and finish up a few crafts, Next weekend, J will be gathering mistletoe the girls and I will spent time baking cookies, and the last Snow Queen rehearsal. Which flows right in to Snow Queen week (well that's how it feels) dress rehearsal on Friday night, and the 4 performances over the weekend. The last week of school before Winter break, then the last weekend before Christmas. Then Christmas! YEA!