Family Service Project

I have been planning/working on since April on an outreach project, though our church, benefiting Sunrise Elementary families and single parent families from church. In June the girls joined me, by being cast as parts in a play we presented of Eph. 4:29-5:1. Today P and J helped with all the set up. running around the school campus, and clean up crew. It was fun to serve with my family and my church family to my school families. I'm not sure this would have really worked, if I didn't have keys of the campus, and knew where things are on campus. Though there was a custodian on campus, he couldn't be in all the places we needed to be at the same time. I was running all around too much as it was, oh my achy feet.

Today's Field Trip

We visited The Arizona Science Center. We had 2 free coupons so that saved us a little money. Narnia was neat. We were at the center for 5 hours. My foot started to swell, after we got home and I iced it, it got better. I guess I should plan on taking an ice pack to school with me and ice at lunch. It was fun hanging out enjoying the center, after dinner we watched a movie together. This has just been a great week for family togetherness.

Made me feel good after turning a year older yesterday

That title is longer than some of my posts! I am on an outreach team at church and one of our outreaches is adopting 30 families from Sunrise with backpacks filled with supplies (like an angel tree but with backpacks). The church is hosting a party on Saturday for those families and 7 single parent families from our church at Sunrise. Today the music/media pastor wanted to check out the school, so he can make sure we have all the sound things we will need, I had to get up early to met him there. The summer day care program kids were on campus today. One of little girls from one of my classes asked if the pastor was my boyfriend! I should hope not, we are both married! And she's met P on more than one occasion but probably forgot. I hope that she wouldn't think I have a boyfriend on the side. But it was sweet that she could have thought a young man of about 25 would be my boyfriend. I could be he's mother, if I had him at 17 that is. Having a baby the year I graduated from high school wouldn't have been something I would have wanted to do. I'm just going to take it as a compliment that she things I'm much younger than I am.

vacation

P is on vacation this week, our last full week before school starts back. The kids have next week off still, but I go back to work next week. Today we all went to the pool. And unlike the only other time this summer I went swimming, my feet felt OK! Too bad the Phoenix public pools close after Saturday for the summer. Which seems a little early, since it will still be way hot for months. J thinks he's so strong being able to lift both girls in the water. So much fun, being all together.

I'm so hot...and tired

Today I took the kids back to school shopping today, like 5 hours of shopping. My foot did OK, it hurts but in a different way than before, and surprisingly it's not swollen! I had already started on some of the school supplies, but still needed a few things J knows he'll need. I hate middle school and high school because you never know what the teachers want until after school starts. Backpacks, shoes, a few shirts for J and a pair of shorts, a new shirt each for the girls. Back to school sure is expensive. I didn't even get the tissues, hand sanitizer and the like, I'll wait on those when the stuff that already gets donated runs low in the classrooms, before getting that stuff.

Now you're cooking

Yesterday, I had a brain storm. While I had the oven on (stupid idea for summer in Phoenix, P needs to look at the grill) I thought I should just fill the whole thing up, instead of turning the oven on 3 different nights. I made a roast chicken, pork tenderloin, roasted red potatoes, and a meatloaf. We had the pork tenderloin and potatoes last night for dinner (so yummy), we'll have the chicken tonight and I put the meatloaf in the freezer for one day next week. I'm actually pretty proud of myself. I used to one cooking day for a month, but haven't done that in awhile, I did start out the summer cooking on Monday for the week, but that required the oven and the stove use, which meant standing in a hot kitchen, which I did knowing I could cook once and be done with it for the week, (other than using the microwave to reheat)made it OK. But yesterday was great, I turned on the oven, and kitchen fans, then left for a cooler part of the house, a few hours later had 3 meals other than side dishes for a little work and no sweat(OK a little).

I knew it was bad

But not as bad as it was. The girls' room. For a very long time now, I've not had the pleasure of seeing their bedroom floor. And, if and when I did, they just pushed everything in the closet/corners/in front of shelves so it looked kinda clean. It's still not as clean/cleaned out as I would like, but after several hours yesterday and about 4 today, they are getting testy, and my back hurts. Doesn't seem that long ago I went though this with them, I must say it doesn't motivate me into wanting to do it again anytime soon (ever,if I could help it).

S camp group pictures

A whole lot of kids from different churches went to camp this year. Can you find S? Hint-she's in the middle of the pack. The adult behind her is a mom from one of the girls S dances with. (they go to CCV)

One home, one gone again

Seems like a theme from our Summer Break- J left for 5 weeks in July, S spent 2 days twice at Aunties house J spent at least 4 days there also. S just got back this afternoon from church camp. Now tonight J leaves for a scout weekend. Then there has been all the busy stuff like S's leadership camp, dance recitals, dentist, orthodontic, and oral surgery visits. Plus my foot surgery and doctor visits. I hope the last few weeks before school resumes we'll have time time to spend together all of us, as a family hanging out. Peaceful Time to reconnect with each other before, we are all pulled in different directions again.

Crazy Girl

R is counting down the days until school starts back again. I remember counting down the days until school got out, but never the days until it started again. On Tuesday afternoon she commented on no back to school sales yet, and that made her nervous. I did try telling her stores are doing back to school sales. But because she hasn't seen any ads on TV, there must not be. LOL Speaking of school, I will be working a full school day next year as a para professional, I did my paperwork today after J's dentist appointment (cavities filled) I go back to work on Aug. 7th. This summer has just flown by, I can't believe how fast it's gone. J and I played monopoly with R today. I think she won after several hours I just had to stop, my back was freaking out from sitting in one place for too long.

Camp R

Since R was the only one not going to camp this summer, we've been having her own camp this week, just her and me. It's been lovely. Lots of crafts made, baking, outings,(to see a movie, and to the library) J spent the night at my sister's house Saturday night, and again last night, he will be home tonight after boy scouts. Not sure if we'll have time to do much tomorrow J has an appointment with his counselor in the early afternoon, then we'll have to get the house cleaned up for bible study. The movie R and I saw was Kit Kitteridge: An American Girl. We finally finished reading together the last one this morning. I love all the AG books, so at first I was disappointed in some of the changes in the movie. I knew there would be changes, the other 3 AG movies differ also. But R and I think Kit has the most differences. It was still a good movie, but just like it is often said books are always better than the movie. My foot is really sore and swollen today, I really didn't do much other than walking in and out of the theater and library, so I can't figure out what's causing the swelling. I'm thinking I should keep wearing the boot for another week and see what happens. Rachel informs me it in now time to play Old Maid.

Aaaaah!

How very lovely it was to take a shower for the first day after my foot surgery. I don't think I could handle only bathing once a week, all the time. Sponge washing is just so not very refreshing, even though I did stick my head in the sink to wash my hair daily, nothing beats a full shower! J had his stitches out this morning, which took seconds. We waited longer in the waiting room then it took for the assistant to cut them out. I went to the foot doctor this afternoon, and I can stop wearing the boot, yea! But I have to keep my stitches covered and dry. I guess it's because my foot has been wrapped for 6 caused the ankle to feel like it's been twisted. I have a little brace to wear for a little support, that hopefully I wean off of it. I won't know for 3 months if the surgery worked or not. As the new cells regenerate.

Camp

S is on her way to church youth camp. She was so very excited to go. J spent the night at my sister's house, so R and I have had the afternoon and evening to ourselves. P of course is at work. R and I decided to do a camp day on our own. We made these fun visors, cutting out all the pieces with my Sizzix machine. It took hours! But it was cool hanging out with just her for those hours!!!!! Now we are going to watch a movie together.

Being a mom

Me not doing much for 4 days has left the house in a state of shock. I'm feeling a little better today but have noticed when I'm busy cleaning and picking up scattered about things, I feel yucky. So until I feel much better my poor house will be in shambles. ------------Being a mom-------------- A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was sp illed on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles o f clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world did I do today? 'Yes,' wa s his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

Narnia!

Today was the last activity with the church kids. It was supposed to be rock wall climbing, but they changed it to the Arizona Science Center, and touring Narnia. The kids are were really excited. Last night I started feeling gross. This morning, I decided there was no way, I could manage driving and walking around. J did offer to push me around in a wheelchair, and if I felt better I would have let him. He didn't want to go if I didn't go. The girls had a great time. R did want to blow out the "snow" in her hair, until she showed me. Maybe we can go for my birthday, I am totally bummed, I really want to go see Narnia! I don't know if it's the pain medication, the heat, or what that's making me feel terrible.

2nd down

My foot surgery went fine. Now I pray it worked. I'll be in a boot for a week, then go back and have the dressings removed in a week, followed by another visit in 2 weeks to remove the stitches. We just got home, they girls were awake, but J wasn't. He's feeling fine. I'm really tired, I'll be going to ice my foot and take a nap now.

Dream House Flooded

I just heard from our friends who are selling their house here in Phoenix, and retiring to their new house near Roosevelt Lake. They got back from the lake to find their house flooded. The evap cooler pipe burst. The new carpet is a mess, as well as some cabinetry, and ceiling. They had a buyer for the house, but he had to pull out, do to the loan not being able to go through for him. Then there was another couple who wanted to purchase it, but can not afford the payments. Our friends are discouraged, which I don't blame them at all. But God will work it all out. But in the mean time, could you keep them in your prayers?

One down

J had his oral surgery this morning to extract his wisdom tooth. He did fine, and is asleep on the couch. It too longer for Fry's to fill his prescriptions than it did for the dentist to get the tooth out. My foot surgery is tomorrow. Hopefully it will go just as fast. I have to be at the surgery center at 6 in Gilbert. Pat has to close tonight, he will not be getting much sleep. Not that I will either, but at least I'll be in bed longer!

Happy 4th of July!

The kids and I hung out at home all day, reading and playing computer games. When P got off work he was tired and S was worried about a monsoon storm. It was quite windy. We decided to stay home and celebrate without going to see fireworks, but watch them on TV, I had glow necklaces and bracelets I got at the local dollar store. We blew bubbles, the girls and I face painted each other's faces, we had poppers, and glow worms. Then I went out and got BOGOF sundaes at Sonic for a treat. It was a fun night, even without live fire works. Look through my flikr pictures to see our fun!

Reading

One of my favorite pastimes. Tonight a was finishing a really good book. Beyond the Clouds, by Karen Kingsburg, when R wanted to do something. I was 6 pages away from the end, and even though I could have waited to read it, I thought it might be a good way to get R reading a little bit. I finished my book, before she could cross off a 20 minute mark on her library reading sheet. I decided to put away the Narnia books, and pull out The American Girls -Kit series to read with her. I love reading the AG books with my daughters, and we have loved the 3 made for TV movies of Samantha, Felicity, and Molly. Kit is coming to the big screen this week! I'm so excited! While I take the books in to my room (that's where I left R reading)to ask if she was ready to start reading them together. She was asleep :( Now if I wanted her to go to sleep she would be bouncing around, goofing off. Guess we'll start reading tomorrow.

He's Home!

And in front of the TV. 5 weeks without TV for a 15 year old boy, must have been tough. I can barely get a word out of him, guess I'll have to wait till he showers and rests to get anything out of him. To be fair, he has been running a temp. the last few days and hasn't felt good, and the TV was on when he walked in the door. I did get him to open his trunk for me, so I could start washing his stinky dirty clothes. I'll be doing laundry until midnight. But it is good to have him home.

Leadership camp, doing the Cha Cha

R got to join in with the other students on this activity.

Save the Planet

Leadership camp for S, was over today with a dance/music program. It was a little dorky, but the kids liked it. I was sitting on the wrong side to get a good picture of S, but you can see all the details she put on her plastic bag shirt. 21st Century put on a neat camp, some of the activities the students did were, they made a Lion and Paws mosaic, put together videos of correct behaviors for the playground, hallway, cafeteria, and bathroom, each student received 6 paperback books. All in all a great program for S, and it was free!

Whew!

Dance recital marathon is over for another year. I just love everything leading up to recital, and then watching my girls and my nieces beaming on stage, but it takes it's toll on me. Thursday night was dress rehearsal at the high school, which was about 5 hours of sitting, helping girls change costumes, and some how I managed to loss my camera :( Friday night Pat and I went to The Melting Pot, for dinner, which is a fondue place, it was fun and so yummy. Then we decided instead of going out to a movie, because that would be a typical date night, since it was our anniversary we wanted to do something else. We went to As You Wish, which is a pottery place and painted coffee mugs for each other. Saturday, S did 3 of her dances, and R her 2. This morning, the girls and I went to church for the 9 O'clock service, because I've been helping nursery/toddler coordinator set up at curriculum for the little ones, I needed to be there to teach the first lesson. We came home ate some lunch, then off we went to watch more dancing. S had her 4th dance, and my nieces danced. P's work let him off to come watch. He was supposed to be off, then they scheduled him 12-8:30. S was very happy her Daddy got to see her jazz dance. He called when he got to work to tell her, her face was beaming, with happiness that he was going to be able to come. Hopefully I'll be able to get the girls to bed now, they are still a little wired from the last few days. S has her last week of leadership camp this week, she really needs to get to bed, or she's so not going to want to wake up tomorrow. This is J's last week at camp too. He'll be home on Saturday.

16 years ago

Was my wedding day. Happy Anniversary to my Heman!

Today's Adventure

Was I just hungry

or is the McDonald's Southern Chicken biscuit I ate, really good? I had to have some blood work done this morning, and I needed to update my driver's license picture. (who knew every 12 years you had to do that?, I can't believe it's even been 12 years since I got my last license, in Arizona licenses don't expire until you turn 60, my new license expires when I'm 65) I stopped at Micky D's because I had a free coupon to try the chicken biscuit. (and I was hungry). I just finished it, it was pretty tasty, maybe I should have tried it when I wasn't hungry though, to really know if it was good or not, ya know?

My new favorite author

Nancy Rue. My book club summer book is "Healing Stones". Which was good, about a female professor of a Christian college, who is caught in an affair. Made me want to check out some of her other works. Every parent with a daughter needs to read "Tristan's Gap" Well, I take that back every parent should read it, the message is so overwhelming. It reads like a mystery. I had to read the last 2 chapters after I started it, so I could go to sleep to make sure it all ended well, it gripped me so.

studio dress rehearsal recital part 3

R's tap class "Davey Crockett", her jazz class "How I beat Shaq". S in her hip hop "I Don't Dance" from High School Musical. Guess which costume goes with what dance?

Today

Driving home from church we were involved in a bumper, to bumper, to bumper accident. The 3rd vehicle caught on fire. We were the first car to stop for a woman who crossed lanes to turn left, she was in the opposite direction than we were going. Our car and the car behind us were completely stopped, not so luckily the van in last place did not stop fast enough. We are all OK, and surprisingly there was no damage to our car. My head and neck are hurting now, but I'm not sure it was do to the impact or not. I had a headache this morning before church, and we haven't eaten lunch yet. P went to get us something, but R was scared and just wanted to come home.

dress rehearsal recital part 2

S had her jazz rehearsal today. "Rock Star"

dress rehearsal recital part 1

S's ballet and tap classes had their in studio dress rehearsal today. Here she is in "Say I'm in Love", and "Pirate's Life"

First Person

A few weeks ago, friends of ours listed their house for sale. I would love to buy it, it has everything I dream of, if we could afford a bigger house. 4 bedrooms, 2 car garage, pool, indoor laundry, fireplace, dinning room, new carpet, new tile, I could just go on and on. The first person to look at it, wants to buy. If everything goes through, the sale will close on July 10th. I am glad they were able to sell it right away, but it makes me sad, they will be retiring to their newly finished house near Payson, that much faster. The new house is lovely, (last summer on our way home from visiting J at camp, we stopped by for a tour.) They have been working on it for years on weekends.

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.