I think I've been had-update

The kids were supposed to go work at grandpa's today. The girls have been paying back money they owe us from when they broke the monitor of my laptop. So, they really need to go work. At 9, Sarah woke me up to tell me she doesn't feel good, and could I tell grandpa. When I woke Rachel up she comes out to the kitchen and says she's ill too, and blames it on a small amount of chocolate she had last night after dinner. Joseph does go with grandpa, which is good, because really he's the best worker. Sarah was up late last night with going to the drive-in with her youth group and had a friend spend the night. Gee do you think that's why she's sick? but she's just fine and is outside with her friend. Rachel who is supposed to be cleaning her room since she couldn't go to grandpa's is not doing such a fabulous job, and she just came out to use the computer. She yelled at me I'm taking a break. I feel like I could cry or hurt somebody. I called a meeting when Pat got up with the girls. Sarah went to grandpa's to work, because I also forgot she needs $400 for camp $75 by tomorrow and we have $8 in the checking account until Thursday. Rachel worked on her room until Pat went to work then got lazy again. She did take a little nap before dinner, so she quite possible is not feeling well. The room is still pretty messed up. I just can't get on the floor and clean, so they have to do it. My back has been freaking out all day, I'm getting a little tired of it.

Ladies Bible study

For a few months now I have been attending a ladies bible study, we just finished a 6 week study on Ruth. I have known I needed these ladies to prayerfully pray for me and our provisions, but I haven't had the courage. Here's what's going on-In February we were notified that my social security would stop, and we owe them a whole bunch of money because apparently I was making too much money working (not the whole time I was working just 9 months too much). Which really sucks, because we seemed to be struggling with social security and my income. I wrote a letter stating how I was injured at work in January and would not be be able to pay them back now. I haven't gotten a response back yet. When I was first taken to the hospital after the fall at school the hospital used my private insurance instead of having me fill out a workers comp form. Valley schools which is the school district's insurance provider, still has not paid any bills including the ambulance, hospital, doctors, etc. I can't seem to get them to pay. I filled for short and long term disability and even though I have finally gotten through to my case worker, which was no small feat, my claim is still pending. They say due to my employers not sending them a job description. Deer Valley says it has sent it twice once with the original paperwork they submitted on my behave and then faxed later. 5 1/2 months after the fall I have not had any income. Pat has worked 6 day weeks for a few months now, unless he's off on Sunday then he only work's a 5 day week. (If he works Sunday that's already time and a half, so if he works 6 days that week, he doesn't get paid over-time, but he gets paid for 6 days) Anyway back to the bible study. On Wednesday we were talking about what we learned most or got out of the study of Ruth. I was the last one to comment, I knew I was supposed to. I can see myself as all the main characters. Naomi- bitter and angry at God in the beginning of the story. Ruth not understanding who this God of Naomi's is but trusts him just the same. As I told the group some of my story I started to cry. They prayed for me right then and one of the ladies gave me a lawyer's number she used for an issue she was having with a school district (not mine) and her special needs son, and another woman who offered to pay the fir t$100 to the lawyer. Talk about touching my heart. I haven't been able to contact the lawyer yet, I put the number in my cell phone on Wednesday then had some problems with it so I haven''t been able to call, hopefully I'll be able to call on Monday and if she can't help me know so someone who can. I need my bills paid and it would be really great to get my long term disability paid so I had a little income.

JROTC Awarda

Last night was Joseph's awards ceramony. He recived 4 awards- Daughters of the American Revelotion Award, which was a certificate, ribbon and bar. Top student 100% all year in JROTC which was a plague. 4 cadets from his unit won this award which is rare. His 3rd award was a button for being a TA all year, and the last one a certificate for his 4 years in JROTC. Pictures are on my facebook page.

Back hurting day

I woke up with my back hurting, the kind that hurts because you've been in bed too long. It didn't get better the rest of the day as it swung into the painful spasms kind of pain. Laundry needed done and I lost 2 of my helpers while they were helping their grandpa with yard work so it was just me and Rachel. I have to help her with the machine part and she carries the baskets in and out of the house for me. The older ones I just send out and they bring me the laundry when it's done to fold/hang up to be put away. I usually try to start my bible study lesson while doing laundry on Saturday, but Rachel would not leave me alone. It was good we talked, and hung out, but you know it if I'm not doing my normal routine it makes me feel uneasy. I just need to put those study hours some where into my schedule this week. After the laundry was done I gathered all my Easter decorations for Pat to put in the attic when he got home from hiking. He got home around 4, with the van so then Rachel and I did a few errands. Walgreen's picked up pictures, library, and grocery store. Rachel is not as good as a helper at the store yet as Joseph or Pat, but she'll get better. Other than a few things I didn't put on my list, and milk, and fruits and veggies we should be good for 3-4 weeks. Rachel really wanted fondue for dinner last night, we haven't used the fondue set in a long time. I didn't know we didn't have any gel for the pot heating source. I just cooked everything at the stove instead. It was very tasty and yeah I didn't get sick from the steak! After dinner Rachel and I watched a movie together. It was one long non stop day, and I barely left the house!

Joseph-AIr Force update

Tuesday, I got a call from Joseph's recruiter. He was to report to MEPS yesterday morning at 5:45 AM. I think it was exactly 30 days since he was first there and was told he would hear something in 30 days. Thank goodness Pat had to work at 6 AM I asked him to please get up a little earlier to drop Joseph off. Joseph's knee was looked at and an x-ray done. Knee is cleared. He got done a little after 11, which was perfect, I was still able to go to my bible study before having to pick him up. It was a long drive for me, 1st Street and Washington. I had to park and sign in, to sign him out. Pat had just had to drop him off. Luckily there was a parking spot right in front of the building, I don't expect that to happen every time he needs picked up, but I was thankful for yesterday! He needs to report on the 26th and May 9th. Vision and psych evaluation.

Sarah's knees

Took Sarah to the an orthopedic doctor today, I'm not sure what he said the official problem is, but he did say it's normal for girls her age to have the pain and swelling problems she has been having. He is going to have her do physical therapy and she her back in 2 months. I hope the PT helps her, she's been sitting out of her dance classes for 2 weeks now. And not doing PE in school.I asked about using a brace during exercise and dance, the doctor said we could try if we wanted but it usually causing itching and it gets abandoned. She wanted to try it though, she knows how much her knees hurt. I bought one to start with to see if she likes it. No sense in wasting another $15 if she won't be using them.

Bullies

I hate bullies, I hate that my baby has to go through this at school. I hate that one girl is so "powerful" that she makes all the girls miserable. If you not my friend so and so can't be your friend, etc., etc. This is nothing new, it kinda slacked off for awhile. I hesitate to get the principal involved again. She met with the girls and made them promise to all be friends last time which I don't think really solved the problem. Maybe put a band-aid on it, but band-aids fall off, and you can be left with a scar. I don't want Rachel to be left with a scar. I know the principal just doesn't have time or make the time for students like she should. Oddly enough I got this article from my principal the other day. This is some of it

• Teach them that bullies get their power from our negative emotions. The more upset we get when picked on, the more powerful mean kids feel.
• Show your child how to trick bullies by pretending to be calm. If our children can learn to act calm when bullies hassle them, they become far less attractive targets.
• Teach your child to confuse or bewilder bullies by responding to verbal taunts with replies like, "Thanks for noticing" or "I appreciate the feedback."
• Help your child develop great social skills so that they are liked, accepted, and protected by positive peers. Kids who don't know how to relate in healthy ways often find themselves gravitating toward peers who treat them poorly.

I put on hold at the library "Words Will Never Hurt Me", by Sally Ogden the book goes into more details. I just love the 3rd point. I want to go up to the girl and say those things to her! But I think it best I teach Rachel those things.

Happy April Fool's Day!

Popcorn!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Giveaway

http://azurestandard.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaways-dont-get-any-sweeter-than.html#comment-form Wholesome Sweeter. I hope I win. Should be good for diabetics.

Happy Birthday 1st born!

18 years ago my life changed forever. I became a Mother. Now, I'm about to embark on a whole new chapter, being a mother to an adult child. 18 is just a number you will always be my baby boy. While for a few months until graduation you will be still under live under our roof not much will change. Your hearts desire is to join the Air Force, soon after graduation that might find you in boot camp starting your adult life. I am proud of you decision to defend our country, but I will always be your Mom and will worry about you were ever you are led. You are a blessing from God! Happy 18th Birthday!

Proud

3rd quarter grades. Of course I've known what the kids' grades were thanks to the school districts online grading program. S struggled a little this past quarter. She was not on her meds the entire quarter. She pulled up all her grades at the end and made honor roll. R had a great quarter and her teacher only had wonderful things to say about her yesterday at her parent/teacher conference. Her writing especially has really improved. Which I had noticed myself, she's came a long way from her writing from a year ago. J who doesn't get a report card at the end of quarter only at the end of each semester has straight A's right now! I'm a proud Mommy x 3!

Beef

Almost 2 years ago I got sick from a roast beef I had made in the crock pot. I haven't been able to eat any beef except ground for 2 years. (steaks, beef ribs, etc.) No one else got sick from it. I bought a roast last week at the store because it was really cheap, I thought I'd try eating it. Yesterday afternoon I put it in the oven. No way was I going to cook it the same way or smell it all day cooking. I had to gag it down to show the kids it wasn't so bad, the whole time though I thought I was going to throw up. Thank goodness for the puppy who helped me finish. I don't feel so great today, and actually threw up the water I drank this morning with my meds. I haven't eaten anything, I don't really feel like eating and I'm scared. It will be a long while before I eat beef again.

Spring Break-relaxing!

Monday afternoon to J to his recurter for hie health evaluation Tuesday. More on that later. The girls had dance, then S spent the night at her BFF's house. Tuesday R an I had the house to ourselves. We went crazy!!!!! Reading!!!!! Sarah comes home to get ready for dance and spent the night again at her BFF's friends house. Wednesday I went to my woman's bible study group, them did a few errands, picked R up so I could help her pick out $100 worth of shorts for the summer she only have a few pair that fit correctly. Thursday I spend the day scapbooking the girls watched National Treasure over and over again. Then S went to her 3rd dance class of the week. Normally she would have had her tap class on Tuesday, but she's going to be dancing with the preforming group class that meets on Thursday's. Once again S was at her friend's house today and she got her ears pierced. She'll be home soon. It really seems like she hasn't been home much at all. Today the other 2 children had to help me with laundry and grocery shopping. I'm falling asleep as I am typing this. And I too a good 30 minute nap today, what's the deal?

Baptism

S has said for awhile now she was ready for baptism. I have really seen growth in her this past year, and told her next time there's baptism and P is off you can be baptized. P had to close yesterday and Desert Breeze had a celebration Sunday including baptisms. S looks pretty radiant if you ask me? But I am a proud Mama. At our church we do baptisms differently than most. As babies parents dedicate them to the Lord, like Hannah dedicated Samuel in the bible. Anytime after that when the child/adult accepts Christ as their Savior they can be baptized, full water emerging completely in water just like Jesus was.

busiest week I've had in awhile

Sunday, P took me and the kids and the puppy to a park for the afternoon. The weather was lovely to sit and watch them all play. Monday I did have my blood work done, then P took me out for breakfast. In the evening he took me to my book club. I had read the book and recommended it, but it's been a long while since I read it, so I didn't talk much, but I got out of the house and got to be with 3 dear older women. Tuesday P took me to Sunset Ridge and I got to visit with my favorite classroom ever. I read a few stories, answered questions and helped with a writing assignment. It was so fun! P helped out a little too. Wednesday morning I went to the ladies bible study at our church office. I think I'm going to start going every week, while I'm not working. The are just finishing up a teaching of Ester, and will start Ruth in 3 weeks. Thursday I didn't do anything/go anywhere. P who was on vacation actually worked an 8 hour shift. Friday P took me back to the doctor's. My cholesterol is very high, and she put me on a medication for that. My blood sugar is borderline high, she gave me a meter to track my glucose levels and scheduled an appointment with the nurse practitioner to go over a diet plan. My labs from a few weeks ago I was low on vitiiam D, and my thyroid, but they were fine this time. I'll have to have the blood work repeated in 3 months. This morning P took us to a St. Patrick's Day parade. It was fun doing something all together as a family, after the parade we went out for lunch and to the library. Tomorrow at church we are having a church celebration and baptism. S is going to be baptized. She is really excited.

Blood Work tomorrow

Since I'm not having surgery, I scheduled my fasting blood work for tomorrow (the follow up from a few weeks ago). P is on vacation this week, it seemed like a good day to get it over with and then I can probably get into see the doctor before the end of the week for the results and he can drive me around.

Back Update

P and I spent the day on Thursday at The Laser Spine Institute on Thursday. I had a physical and a lot of testing, including, blood work, a pregnancy test (just to make sure I wasn't, even though I told them I wasn't), back x-rays, EKG, chest x-rays, etc. Met with the surgeon who said that surgery would not help my back pain at this time, but I could come back in 6 months for a consultation. I was very frustrated to hear this. I so wanted to have surgery, because then I thought I would be better sooner. 6-8 months healing is a long time. I'd like freedom from pain with out having to take high doses of pain pills. I'm not 100 pain free on them, but it's mostly tolerable on them, unless there's standing or walking involved. Sleeping is OK, unless I have to move in bed. Sitting is OK, but with a pillow behind my back, and then I have to move around often so I'm not sitting on my tail bone. I can't drive on the pain meds. I'm going a little stir crazy at home, not being able to just jump in the car and go. I think I'm going to have to not take the pills so I can leave the house by myself sometime.

Military Ball King

With Becca his date for the evening, and with Han the Queen from Deer Valley High School.

Field Trip and Surgery

Today was R's field trip to the Halle Heart Center. I love this field trip the center is like the science center but only for the heart. I've been there 3 or 4 times and I was originally going to go with R, but because of my back I couldn't go. R still hasn't because the bus on the way to the center was involved a minor car accident. Everyone was fine, but they didn't make it to the Heart Center. My best friend was on the bus she sent me a text right away when it happened. Thank you God the kids were all OK. The school called all the families after they moved to a new bus and were on their way back to school. They will reschedule the field trip. In other news I was scheduled for my back surgery today! It will be on March 7th! Please pray that I'll do OK during the surgery and it will really heal my back.

Blood work

I had blood work done last week as part of my clearance for surgery. While she cleared me I need to follow up on my blood work. My cholesterol is high and my blood sugar. And I think something else but the nurse rattled it all off so fast I didn't have time to process it all. I do know she said the doctor thinks I should be on medication for the cholesterol and I am diabetic but we can wait until after surgery to follow up on the labs. Great just what I need more things wrong with me :(