tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33820311250688875822024-03-12T23:07:37.434-05:00I Love You Too MuchThe story of a family of 7 just trying to get through life, enjoy the sweet moments, savor the pleasures of family, and laugh at those moments we sometimes wish to forget.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-69701387225447532962015-05-05T15:59:00.000-05:002015-05-05T15:59:00.983-05:00Take A Deep Breath<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was not a
loud noise, but I could hear it from across the room. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had
trained myself to listen for it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The sound of
air being slowly pulled in through the nose and held deep in the lungs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes so
very slowly it would have been noticed by no one else, sometimes held for just
seconds and other times it was held
for what seemed a lifetime. And then the sound of the air slowly being
released. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I heard this
sound for years. I remember once wondering if she had always done this or if it
was something that had developed over the years after her journey of motherhood
began.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes I
would hear it just before she released on me her fury of words over something
stupid I had done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes
times I would hear it as she sat down for dinner to listen to our unending
stories of school, friends, and activities. To our complaints
about the food we were expected to eat and the homework we were expected to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes it
was at the grocery store as she slowly wrote the check for the groceries when
we were struggling to make ends meet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes it
come from the front seat as we made the long journey to Tennessee to visit my
grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In back we sat complaining about the length of
the ride, the cramped accommodations, the lack of stops, and the brother who
wasn’t touching me but whose finger was held steadily just millimeters from my
nose. My dad in
the front seat slowly losing his temper all while she wondered if we truly had
enough money to make the trip and would
the car last. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember
laying on the hospital bed once about age six, heading in for some tests. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Routine they
said, no big deal, but as they
wheeled me away and she handed me a stuffed lamb for comfort I clearly recall her
taking in that breath, holding it deep within her. I don’t
remember hearing the release but I imagine it happened just moments after I passed
through the double doors or maybe she held it until she was back at my side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When at
seventeen I sat across from her in tears explaining how I had driven her car
into a mailbox on a road I shouldn’t have been on, she said nothing but I heard
the breath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One
afternoon as we sat in the living room of our home I recall the deep breath and
slow release that came right before the announcement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She and Dad
had decided they could no longer be together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Their
marriage was ending and our lives would be forever changed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Months later
as we sat across from each other sharing lunch my trained ear heard as the deep
breath came again. I prepared
myself, I knew this
sound was never without consequence and this time was no different. This time
she told me she was remarried, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">moving to
Germany and my
younger siblings would be going with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Now I took
my own deep breath, maybe the first, I can’t be sure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For years I
associated this sound with her preparation to deal with us, her children,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the five of
us, our many demands, our many needs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But then I
stood beside her one afternoon, I heard her take in the slow deep breath. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked at
her, elegant yet exhausted, dressed all in black, she held that breath for what
seemed like an eternity, and then I heard the slow steady release and at that
moment I realized it had nothing to do with us </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and never
did. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It had
everything to do with her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She was
drawing in her strength, to bear the world for us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She was
taking a moment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How will she
handle this, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">how will she
sustain the life she has built, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">how will she
protect those she loves? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As she stood
in front of the crowd with four children at her side, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">behind her a
memorial to the Marine, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the young
man, the son, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">one of her
babies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">……..how many
words of sympathy can she handle, how many hugs can she accept, how many times
can people say they were grateful for her sacrifice ……..How many before she
breaks? A deep breath. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And now as I
take my own slow deep breaths I hope my children know, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“it’s not
about you, but about me </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">how strong
can I be.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And if my
mother is any indication, I can bear the world on my shoulders if it means you
won’t have to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-9319057315651008342014-08-11T23:07:00.000-05:002014-08-11T23:07:05.522-05:00It all started with a Facebook post.....It's almost 11:30 the night before the first day of school and I'm sitting here waiting for the banana muffins I've just popped into the oven to finish baking. I'm exhausted and ready for sleep but I can't very well go to bed now. Not only would it be irresponsible to leave something baking in the oven but I have to know that they are something my kids will eat. Now I'm sure you're wondering "what kind of kid wouldn't eat a banana muffin?" And normally it wouldn't be a question in my house because they all love them. That is , of course, when I follow the recipe. Tonight I didn't do that and now I'm wondering if that was a bad idea.<br />
<br />
It all started when I saw this Facebook post today between two friends about a healthy chocolate zucchini bread. As I read through the recipe I thought "This would be a great healthy treat to surprise the kids with for breakfast tomorrow."<br />
<br />
Of course to surprise one's kids, one has to be able to make it without them knowing. That was obstacle #1. I had to wait until all the kids were asleep to begin my baking. So I sat down on the couch to watch a little TV and wait. Before I knew it I was drowsy and ready to head to bed. As I drug myself up the stairs I looked into the kitchen and remembered that zucchini bread. It's about 10:15 at this point and I figured still plenty of time to whip it up real quick and get to bed before too late. So I set about the task of pulling up the recipe. Well first I had to recall which friends were posting about the bread, because it didn't occur to me at the time to bookmark it or print it (that would have been too simple). Once I finally found the post I tried to pull up the link. Well unfortunately I was trying to pull it up on my not-so-smart smart phone because my husband was on the computer. This took way longer than you would think it would. Finally the recipe.<br />
<br />
I start pulling the ingredients out of the cabinets and fridge but as I came to the most important one - the zucchini - I realized that the three zucchinis I had in the fridge were actually 3 yellow squash that apparently had been there a little too long. Crap! Now what???? Obstacle # 2.<br />
<br />
Banana Bread! I would just quickly make-up a batch of banana muffins and be done with it. Or so I thought. Now I had to find my recipe, because there is only one recipe I will use. My mother's. It turns out right every time- perfectly moist. I keep this very special recipe that's carefully scribbled on a piece of scrap paper tucked inside a recipe book. The only problem is I'm never really sure which recipe book I last tucked it in. So a new search begins. Luckily not too long as I used the recipe just last week. Voila!<br />
<br />
It's now 10:45 and I'm finally getting started. I begin pulling ingredients again only as I'm doing this it dawns on me that this recipe is not so healthy thus defeating the purpose of a healthy treat for the first day of school. Obstacle #3. So I start thinking about changes I can make. A little protein powder for some of the flour, cut down the sugar, coconut oil for butter, add some kale, oh and since I just realized I'm out of eggs how about some greek yogurt instead? Before long I've made something healthy that aside from the bananas is nothing like my mother's recipe (making me wonder why I spent 15 min looking for her recipe but I guess you have to start somewhere). As I finally mix all the ingredients together I'm beginning to see that this is a bit thick, not at all like a banana bread batter. So what would one do except add almond milk. No measuring, that would be silly, just a splash here and there until the consistency seems more along the right lines. Well now there's a new problem - It's green. I don't mean a little hint of green, I mean like really green. This could be an issue with my picky eaters so I better throw in some chocolate chips. And so just at 11:30 I finally get the muffins into the oven.<br />
<br />
And to those two friends who were posting about zucchini bread today (you know who you are) - I hold you responsible if my kids are unhappy with breakfast tomorrow. Because before that post I was just planning on pancakes......<br />
<br />
By the way the muffins are done and they are great!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-49464699392670884222014-08-02T11:29:00.002-05:002014-08-04T21:28:53.984-05:00Athletically ChallengedSince the day I was born I have been athletically challenged. I can't throw a ball, definitely can't catch one, I can't shoot a basket, I can barely jump rope, and have been known to trip over the base lines. I survived gym class in middle school and high school but not by much. I was never disappointed to be picked last for a team because I secretly hoped the teacher would decide uneven teams wouldn't work and ask me just to keep score. (That never happened)<br />
<br />
After freshman gym was over I breathed a huge sigh of relief because I would never be faced with having to play a sport again. Or so I thought. A few years later I met the man of my dreams and wouldn't you know it he was an athlete. And not just the kind that played a little basketball, or recreational softball. No this guy was the star quarterback of his high school team, an avid baseball player, and pretty much could master any sport he decided to try. Of course being young and in love I wanted desperately to enjoy the things he did. I tried a softball team once but then team asked if I would be willing to miss the next few games (I happily complied). I thought maybe golf could be my thing, but the one time Roy and I went out after the second hole he gave me a club and said "Let me know when you make it to a green and I'll bring you a putter." Luckily Roy fell in love with me anyway and was pleased to have me as his cheering section instead of a teammate. So for years we happily went along.<br />
<br />
Then came the kids. It didn't occur to me until the oldest were about 6 that I maybe forced to face my lack of athletic ability once again. I knew it was beginning to be an issue when they would ask me to throw the ball with them or toss a few pitches and they would critique my form or make comments like "Mom that pitch wasn't anywhere near me." I was embarrassed. Here I was at 30+ and I couldn't even pitch a ball to my kids. I didn't want them to see my weakness and my inability so I quickly learned to avoid participating in practice and play with them by needing to fix dinner, being in the middle of cleaning up something or having laundry to do (that's when you knew I was desperate as I generally avoid laundry as much as possible). And for a good many years it worked. the kids would either practice/play with each other or wait for Roy to get home. I would watch from the window and most of the time mindlessly eating as I watched my family enjoy life together. I quickly became out of shape, overweight, and to the point where even if I decided to participate I would have had to sit down after just a few minutes. <br />
<br />
A few years ago I started strength training and running. Even though I began to succeed in those areas I still didn't invite my children/husband to be involved with me. I struggled with not wanting to be seen as weak by my family when I couldn't do a push-up or when I was already struggling at the 2 mile mark. I would participate in races with friends or by myself, I would strength train with groups but I would actively avoid having my family there because I wanted them to see me as strong and successful and I knew that I wasn't physically. Recently though I've begun to see how this method has left me disconnected with a major part of our family life.
Our children love to play family games of kickball or baseball, to
shoot baskets together, take bike rides, go hiking, basically anything as long as they are doing it with each other but my fear of failure has kept
me from being apart of all of that and it's completely contradicting when I tell my children "It doesn't matter if you're good at it, it only matters if you try hard and have fun." For too long I watched from the sidelines. And so over the last year I have tried to remedy this. I began by asking my husband to join me in strength training, I participated in a family baseball game the other night, and my older kids and I have started signing up for 5K's together, we're going hiking, and having fun. I may still struggle, I will probably never be picked first for a team, I will always be the one who trips over the baseline, but at least I will be out there. And I realize now that this shows my children I am strong and I am successful. Because even though I don't finish first, or hit a home run, or make the winning basket - I participate, I reach the goals I set, and I always finish. And guess what my kids and husband love it!<br />
<br />
So if you're watching from the window or sitting on the sidelines, get in the game!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-19639914262212683182014-06-17T19:25:00.002-05:002014-06-17T19:27:41.877-05:00Forgiveness<i><b><span class="versetext" id="mt18-21" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">Matthew 18:21- 22 </span> </span></b></i><br />
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-21" style="display: inline;">Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1"></a> Up to seven times?"<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2"></a> </span><span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"></span>Jesus answered, <span class="WordsOfChrist">"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">It's funny. I've read about forgiveness, listened to sermons on the topic, studied books about it, and had discussions about what true forgiveness is. But I still struggle. I struggle with being able to forgive. I struggle with being willing to forgive. I struggle with asking for forgiveness from others. Even over little things I sometimes find it hard to forgive and move on. I remember once listening to a lecture where the speaker said we have to teach our children the art of true forgiveness because they do not understand what it means. They say the words because they are told to, but their is no meaning behind "I'm sorry" or "I forgive". So</span></span><span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"><span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"> I try to teach to my children how to forgive but the
reality is I believe they actually teach me much more about it than I
teach them. </span></span> I think the truth is until children reach a certain age (maybe teens, though it seems different for each child) they actually understand and practice it much better than any adult I know. Forgiveness is not always found in their words, it's found in their actions.</span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"><br /></span></span>
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">I watch my youngest ones as they get into their squabbles and I am constantly amazed out how moments after a huge blow-up they can be cuddled on the couch reading to one another as if nothing happened. I watch all five of my children as they argue over who is to sit where in a car screaming and yelling as if it is a life changing moment and just seconds later they are all making up stories together. My boys will get into knock down drag out fights that not only are physical but words and names fly through the air without hesitation, only to find them suddenly creating a world series game in our back yard with the two of them playing all positions not long after.</span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"><br /></span></span>
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">Now I'm not saying their version of forgiveness is perfect. Some days it takes a little longer to get past the hurt. Sometimes the words are never spoken. Sometimes the words are spoken with such lack of feeling and tones of anger I wonder if this is the moment when they won't truly forgive. But what I have noticed is even in those moments the forgiveness is real and pure. They do not hold grudges, or recount how many times they have hurt each other in the past, they don't continue to bring the fight back up to prove they won or the how the other was in the wrong. When the fight is over, it's over.</span></span><br />
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"><br /></span></span>
<span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">I realize as adults sometimes our battle scars run deep, many of them are built up over time and that is what makes forgiving so difficult. But I also realize that in our day to day lives when arguments happen, when injustices are felt, when fall-outs occur we often say the words to one another and often with great feeling and emotion but do our actions continue to show the forgiveness we say we have offered? </span></span><span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist"><span class="versetext" id="mt18-22" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">Sometimes it might do us good to look at how our children behave and emulate them.</span></span>When a fight is over, let it be over. </span></span>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-46222315120277475522014-02-26T20:31:00.002-06:002014-02-26T20:31:29.806-06:00The Break-up<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought when I met the man of my dreams and agreed to marry him that would be it, I would never have to face a break-up again. But then I went into real estate......</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You know it can happen, you prepare yourself for it, but in the end it still feels the same. You feel rejected, wonder where you went wrong. Was it something I said, something I did? Did I not offer enough, was I too forth coming? Was I too desperate or did I seem too confident? Just like a break-up with a boyfriend there are so many unanswered questions. My most recent rejection was like the bad break-up you hear about but think will never happen to you. The one over e-mail where no real reason is given. You know the "It's not you, it's me" bit. Here's an excerpt:</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I've really enjoyed talking to you and getting your
professional opinion about our experiences with the housing market. At
this time, we have decided to go with a different realtor. It is<b> nothing
personal</b> towards you. <b>You have been wonderful</b>! It is so hard to
make decisions about these things! Please know that if we ever consider
moving again, you will be one person that we <b>strongly</b> consider contacting.
<b>We will also be happy to pass your name off to other friends and family
that we know who are looking for a realtor</b>. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok seriously people. Is anyone going to buy this????? At what point do you suggest a realtor that was so great you decided not to use them?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I of course needed more. I sent a request for feedback. (Because </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> girl who can't take a hint, I need reasons!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">Thank you for considering me as the agent to list your home. I
always appreciate feedback that will help me improve service to my clients. Is
there anything specific I did or didn’t do that influenced your decision?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"> <span style="color: black;">Their response....</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i>The agent that we went with was just someone that we had
gotten to know through some other connections. It was nothing you did or
didn't do! <b>You were wonderful! </b> I actually felt really bad emailing
you this morning. I wish we could have two agents! Thanks again for
your time.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Please give me something.......<i> I can't leave it alone</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">But I don't understand, I thought we had a connection. We seemed to have something. Maybe I should come over and talk. We can work things out. I can change!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i> </i>Ok so I didn't really send that. Though I thought about it. I think the next real estate help book they need to write is "That client's just not that into you!" Maybe then I would have seen it coming.....</span></span></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-86308895568837956822013-11-11T21:24:00.000-06:002013-11-12T06:44:29.842-06:00Thanks to a StrangerI thought about that evening many times over the years. At the time it seemed like a nice gesture and I was proud to be sitting next to him but three years later that memory would be more meaningful than I ever expected. <br />
<br />
It was shortly after he finished basic training. He was home on leave ( I think he was on his way to California). He was so proud of his uniform and what he had accomplished. He called my sister and I to invite us out to dinner. He insisted on taking us to the Palomino because in his eyes it was the best. With him it was always like that. Everything had to be perceived as the "best". When he bought a game system, guitar, he only chose the "best". He ate steak whenever possible because it's the best cut. When he invited a girl to a dance she had to be the most popular girl in school because she was the best. When he joined the armed forces it was the Marines because they are the best. <br />
<br />
In this case he wanted to go to the best restaurant in town and wear his dress blues. Rachel and I just happened to be lucky enough to be asked to join him.<br />
<br />
As we walked into the restaurant you could tell he was proud. He stood tall, dressed impeccably and ready to spend whatever was necessary to impress. Funny enough, he was actually disappointed that there wasn't a regular cheeseburger on the menu. We enjoyed a delicious meal that evening (I'm pretty sure he settled on a steak), laughed with each other, argued with each other. He told us how many chin-ups he could do and how many push-ups, he told us about his plans, we talked about my young and growing family and about my sister's plan for the future. But before long the meal was over, dessert had been eaten and all that was left was to pay the bill.<br />
<br />
The server came with the little black case (I have no idea what that little black case is called) and slid it across the table to my brother. As Morgan opened it the server said to him said "A gentleman at a table across the way has taken care of your bill this evening." Inside the check book was a note that simply said "Thank You." We asked after the stranger but he had already left the restaurant. <br />
<br />
I remember thinking at that moment "That was nice." It didn't strike how important that gesture was until three years later as I stood by Morgan's grave watching the dirt sprinkle down onto his casket. That man didn't know that he had bought dinner for young man that had just made it out of basic, he didn't know that Morgan had just wanted to show off his dress blues and impress his sisters with a fancy meal. He didn't know that Morgan would brag about that moment many times (pretty much every time I talked to him he'd say "remember the time I took you to the Palomino......." ). What than man knew was that Morgan had made a commitment to put his life on the line when the time came. And that's just what Morgan did.<br />
<br />
So to that person who paid the check for a young Marine years ago, I say Thank You. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMrpUXVmSGs/UoGddM5B3SI/AAAAAAAAADI/opP9s2UH6nA/s1600/Morgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMrpUXVmSGs/UoGddM5B3SI/AAAAAAAAADI/opP9s2UH6nA/s320/Morgan.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sgt. Morgan W. Strader</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
July 18, 1981 -November 12, 2004</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-3742959622524733612013-11-08T09:51:00.002-06:002013-11-08T09:51:31.472-06:00Finally, Success!When we bought this house years ago I was so excited to have my first fireplace. I had visions of the family crowded by the fire reading books, singing songs, sharing stories, playing board games and enjoying each others company. (ok maybe not singing but all the rest.) I imagined late nights snuggled next to my husband with a glass of wine discussing our days, plans for the future, and simply relaxing in the warm glow of a crackling fire. Oh what a beautiful vision!<br />
<br />
Then the opportunity to light our first fire rolled around. It only took moments for Roy to get a roaring flame going and only moments for my panic to set in as I watched my two toddler boys wrestle in front of the flames just inches away from a glass door hot enough to scorch their delicate skin. That was the moment I realized the picture I had in my head was not happening anytime soon. It would be almost 6 years before I would feel comfortable having a fire in the house. The few times we would try I would stay stationed between the fireplace and the kids for fear that one would get bumped and fall against the glass door or that a little one would reach out to touch it and not realize how hot the glass was.<br />
<br />
Eventually we took the glass doors off, they were ugly any way, but that only lessened my anxiety by a little.<br />
<br />
I often thought about waiting until the children were in bed to enjoy a fire with Roy but most nights by the time that opportunity rolled around we were both too tired to build or enjoy a fire.<br />
<br />
And so last year I finally felt like I could enjoy a fire without having to stand guard the entire time it was burning. And so comes the fun part, learning to build a fire. Most of the time I would just tell Roy that I wanted a fire and would wait for him to come home and get it started. But then last spring on a could rainy afternoon I decided it would be wonderful to welcome the kids home from school with a roaring fire and a dinner in front of it. Roy wouldn't be home that evening until late, so I set myself to the task. I took the fire-starters that sat by the wood and laid them carefully on the grates I layered the split logs on top with a little kindling and struck the match. Whoosh! up went the beautiful flames. I sat and watch for a minute as the crackled and burned and then ran upstairs to begin dinner. Moments later I looked into the family room to only to see some charred wood and a little smoke curling up into the chimney. What!? I ran back down to investigate. The fire-starters and the kindling had burned up but the logs were still there. How could that be? I couldn't figure it out so I started over. After about 2 hours of the same process, frustrated, in tears, hungry, by now the kids were home and I was tired of the them telling me the fire had gone out yet again, I finally gave up. I just couldn't do it. I can light a charcoal grill and start a bonfire, but this I just couldn't seem to do.<br />
<br />
After that night the days became warm, sunny and beautiful, so for the next few months I didn't even think about a fire. Then last week the weather turned nasty, I was working from home, I had suffered through a rough morning involving my dishwasher and a lot of water on the floor and I thought to myself wouldn't it be nice to sit by a roaring fire with a cup of coffee to work. I decided I could do this, I could start a fire. So I moved the screen away and there sat the logs from last spring that I couldn't get to burn. (yes that's right I had thought so little about a fire I hadn't even cleaned out the fireplace.) So my first thought was, those have got to be dry enough to burn now. I grabbed the last two fire-starters, a little newspaper and some kindling. I carefully read the instructions on the fire-starters, I built the fire accordingly and struck the match. This time instead of a whoosh! two slow flames began burning, the paper caught and then the kindling began to burn. The crackling, the warmth it was perfect. I watched for about 10 minutes then went to the kitchen to make a some coffee. When I returned to the basement my face dropped in disappointment. No flames, no crackling, just a few smoldering pieces of wood. AGGGGHHHHH! This fire was not going to get the best of me. I gathered more newspaper, some sticks the kids had collected and set to work. I was going to have a fire! Half a box of matches, every old school paper I could find and an hour later I still had no fire. I took a deep breathe, walked upstairs to fix my cup of coffee(someday I'll tell you why that didn't help my mood). I was done.<br />
<br />
I gave up on a fire for that day but that didn't stop me from wanting one again. Last night on the way home from the kids' martial arts class I couldn't help but want to try again. I stopped at the store, grabbed some more fire-starters (and a little wine I figured I could enjoy it by the fire or use it to calm my nerves) and we headed home. It only took me two tries and last night this is what I had:<br />
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Have I finally learned the proper technique for building a fire, maybe. But it sure was nice to have a little success last night.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-23171688826999111682013-10-07T20:40:00.000-05:002013-10-07T20:40:17.059-05:00And I thought that was scary.......One of the scariest things I ever did was to walk into work one day and say "I've decided to be a Stay-at-Home-Mom." Of course at the time I didn't think it was scary, it was liberating. I would now be able to be with my child (and the one that was on the way) all day every day! We would go to the park, shop at the mall, eat lunch with friends, oh the list of things to do just went on and on. It wasn't until about two weeks later when I had worn out my welcome at all my friend's places of work, I'm sure my husband was wondering if a daily 2 hour visit to the shop was necessary, my last paycheck had been spent and the house looked like a frat party had taken place there that reality suddenly set in.<br />
<br />
I had just given up my paycheck, my work life and I was not on vacation. The housework had to be done, the baby had to be entertained (guess who was responsible), not everybody (especially those people who didn't have kids yet) enjoys eating lunch while your child shoved smashed bananas and peas up their nose and the list of things to get done just went on and on and on. I suddenly realized that those couple of weeks of fun were now over. I had to watch every penny I spent, so no more grand shopping trips and lunches out, life had to be scheduled around naps and eating, long conversations over a nice lunch were a thing of the past, and soon I would have two little people demanding my constant attention. What was I thinking?!<br />
<br />
It took a couple (ok several years and a few more kids) for me to finally settle into a routine and to truly adjust to life as a stay-at-home mom. I found ways to entertain the kids and not all of them made me feel like I was going insane. I started a playgroup, joined a bible study, watched other peoples kids. I learned that I did not have to listen to the Wiggles siging "Fruit Salad" for 12 hours straight, that my kids actually liked real music so it wasn't necessary to torture myself with weird kid's music day after day. I made new friends and took time out now and then to visit with old ones (even sometimes without kids). And I realized that sometimes the best things were those like a night out at Target on my own after a long day. I learned to live in chaos and yet truly appreciate order. And I found the joy of a noisy household and the bliss of a few quiet moments. I finally figured out that though the housework did have to be done it wasn't all on me and a little dirt on the floor never hurt anyone even if they were eating a raisin off it. I found what worked for us.<br />
<br />
Then one day I realized that my kids weren't little anymore. My oldest was entering 8th grade and my youngest was beginning 1/2 day at a local preschool. So what did I want to do with my "free-time"? I knew I didn't want to leave my youngest yet, but he wouldn't need me all day. And I knew I wanted to help out at the schools but that wasn't going to take up all my time either. We needed some extra money and I thought maybe it was time to consider working outside the home again. I started researching some different opportunities and settled on real estate. I had a background in real estate and marketing, plus I had kept up on the market over the years since I was sure I would be getting a new house at some point (still waiting on that some point). It is flexible and can allow me to be where I needed to be while still offering a good paycheck. So it seemed like a perfect fit. I figured out what I needed to do to reinstate my license and I was off and running.<br />
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In a few short weeks I had completed my course work, sat for the exam, and signed a contract with a local company. Then it hit me " I've just became a Working Mom" - this suddenly seemed terrifying. Now not only did I have five kids to care for, a house to run, sports and activities to keep up with, and dinners to cook, but I am going to go out and sell houses too. I wondered if I had finally cracked. The pressure of being a Stay-at-Home-Mom of five had finally gotten to me and for some reason I had the crazy notion that going back into the work place was going to make it ok. I quickly began to worry not just about the things anyone would worry about when starting a new job, such as "Can I handle the work load?, Am I well trained?, Will I like the people I work with?, etc." But coming off of 12 years at home with kids I had a whole other set of worries: Will I say "I need to go potty" to a client?, Where will my kids go when I have to be at training/meetings? What if I can't remember how to use a computer, sure I know how to pin on Pinterest and post on Facebook, but what about Publisher, CRM's, spreadsheets, etc? What will I wear? Will I start cutting up my manager's food when at a business lunch?, How will all those things I've always done get done? Will someone say I have a blueberry hand print on my chest before I head out to show a house? Will my children learn that they don't need me anymore...........<br />
<br />
But after a few weeks of being back to work I have learned a few things:<br />
<br />
I have a wonderful husband and kids - they have taken up some of the work at home (the kids aren't always thrilled about it, but they do it). Roy has made sure I have the time to work without worry, getting the kids on the bus and being sure they get dropped off/picked up when needed. And not once have they let me leave the house with a stain on my shirt.<br />
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I have extremely supportive family and friends - they watched kids, shown up with dinners, brought me clothes or took me shopping, listened to me vent, and celebrated each step of my new career with me.<br />
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I haven't forgotten as much as I thought I had - it took a few tries but I am just a tech capable as I ever was.<br />
<br />
I work with great people - I am impressed with how encouraging everyone at my office is, from my manager who is focused on training to be sure I have the tools I need and that I know how to use them, the office manager who of course as we all know is the backbone to the operation, to the other agents who offer advice and help in everything I do.<br />
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Potty is not a ingrained in my speech - I am able to talk to adults like adults and I have yet to cut up anybody's food for them.<br />
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My wardrobe still needs work - I will have to admit that after being at home for more than <br />
12 years I had slowly transitioned my wardrobe to almost entirely casual (and I mean really casual clothing). It only took 4 days in the office to run through every business outfit I owned. But luckily I have some great friends with excellent taste who had clothes to pass on, add in a few trips to the store I now have something to work with. It's a start.<br />
<br />
As independent as they are, my kids still need me - they need someone to talk to when they get home from school, they still need help with their homework, someone to help them find their way and provide them guidance, and someone on whom to rest their weary heads after a long day.<br />
<br />
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And so I am proud to be back at work. I am proud to have earned the right to call myself a REALTOR® and to be a part of the Century 21 Scheetz team. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh wait.......what's that? To get paid I have to get clients and sell homes?.......Now that's scary!</div>
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-26437057525427727302013-08-13T23:27:00.002-05:002013-08-13T23:27:10.811-05:00The Night Before The First Day of SchoolAt the end of each school year I think to myself, next fall I'm going to do better. Next year when school starts I'm going to have a plan instead of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I plan that when my kids head off to school that first morning not only will their bellies be full, their supplies all sorted and ready to go but their minds will be fresh off a summer of fun learning. I plan that we will start "school" bedtimes at least one week before the big day, all laundry will be done and clothes neatly put away so that everyone can find their favorite outfit. And so I start looking for recipes for things to stock my freezer with for healthy quick breakfasts. I search the internet (ok I scan Pinterest) for ideas on fun learning activities to get the whole family involved. I print off school supply lists on the first of June with the intent of being sure every item is purchased by the beginning of the year. I pile the lunch boxes and back-packs in the laundry room to scrub until they look and smell new. But it never fails. I am never prepared for the first day of school. I have the date on the calendar, I get constant e-mail reminders about things that need to be done, and as the day draws near I run it friends who are asking me "are you ready?". But the answer is always NO. I'm never ready. I barely made it to the grocery store today to pick up the food for the kids' lunches only to come home and realize that all our little plastic containers had become homes to various crickets, roly-polys, and other bugs, guess the they'll only take what can go in a plastic baggie. And I think I forgot to buy bread. Then one of the children asked what did you get for breakfasts, Uggh! Never quite got around to making all those good for you and great for freezing breakfast items. Just have to see what I can whip up from what's in the house tomorrow morning. Last night I finally got the kids to bed before 11PM, well at least some of them. I went through the kids' school supplies (about 15 min before open house) to find that those items that I was tired of looking for the day we had gone shopping were still missing from their bags. And the back-pack I had sworn did not need to be replaced because it was just a little dirty, that with a good cleaning would be as good as new, now sits still a little wet from finally being washed only to look not so new or so clean. I've got physicals that need to be turned in, fees that need to be paid, boxes of kleenx that haven't been bought, and stacks of ideas for first day teacher gifts that will never be made. All those fun learning ideas we were going to do this summer are still marked on my Pinterest board just waiting to be read and actually completed. As I sit hear tonight listening to the dryer run with the load of laundry that someone suddenly remembered needed to be done because their favorite shirt wasn't clean, I wonder how will we make it through another year? But we will and when this year comes to an end I'll think - Next year I'll do better!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-51912816896097173132013-08-10T08:18:00.001-05:002013-08-10T08:18:17.560-05:00Battle of the BulgeI've been fighting this battle pretty much since the birth of my first child. It started out as a small war waged against a noticeable but not overwhelming enemy. But as the years had passed and our family had grown and grown and grown again, so had the size, weight, and over all immensity of the challenger. There were times when it would shrink and I would feel as if I had a handle on it but other times the size would be so overwhelming all I could do was sit and cry. I worked hard to get back to what it was like before kids. Sometimes with help, sometimes on my own. Some weeks I would make huge progress, keeping up with the pledge I had made to myself and conquering mountains I never knew I could. And others I'd fall back into bad habits or lazy behaviors. I was just too tired, felt too busy, or just didn't want to work at it for another minute. In those times (which might only have been a day or two) all the work of previous weeks would be undone leaving me right back where I started or worse with a bigger load than I had before. I'd lie to myself often saying "Next week I'll do better, I'll stick to my plan." But more often than not I find it would only last a few days before I began to feel overwhelmed and looking for excuses not to follow through. In recent years I have made much progress though. I've found that following a few basic guidelines I can make a difference and it's made this battle a little less challenging. So here are my tips:<br />
<br />
1. Come up with a manageable and workable plan. A good plan will not only
help you conquer but will also help you maintain. And get the
family involved. Remember they helped cause the problem it only seems logical that they participate in the solution.<br />
<br />
2. Ask for and require help. Again your family should be there to support you and provide assistance. This is just as much for their benefit as it is yours. Older kids are great resources and younger kids love being included.<br />
<br />
3. Work on smaller goals. Do a little every day. Every little bit helps so even if you're short on time try to make a small amount of progress. Trying to take care of it all at once never works and ends up leaving you too exhausted to keep up which usually results in the enemy making gains.<br />
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4. Stick to the basics. Don't let yourself be sweet talked by gimmicky products. They are expensive and rarely work like they claim.<br />
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5. Accept the fact that there may always be a little something left to do. That's what having kids does to you. It's ok. Don't be discouraged. <br />
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<br />
Using these 5 steps I've found that even though sometimes I still slip up and find that my bulge has grown once again I am easily able to get back on track and stay there. Now go battle those bulging laundry hampers, find the bottom of those weighed down baskets of clothes, TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LAUNDRY!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-27789328462075463392013-08-07T12:41:00.001-05:002013-08-07T12:41:26.400-05:00This is Tech Support???I admit it! I am not a tech savvy person. I am often perplexed by our TV remote, find our game system to be intimidating and often turn to my children for help with my phone. But I have to say I a confounded by the fact that I am often more technically literate than the so called Tech Support Reps I with whom I have to interact with for help. Here's the latest example of a quality Tech Support conversation:<br />
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"Hello you've reached technical support, how can I assist you?"<br />
<br />
"Hi, my name is Amber, I have cell phone model #----- it's a touch screen phone and the touch screen is no longer responding."<br />
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"Ok let me get a little information from you. What's your name and what kind of phone do you have?"<br />
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"Yes, my name is Amber and my phone is model #------."<br />
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"Ok that appears to be a touch screen model, what seems to be the problem?"<br />
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"The touch screen is not responding"<br />
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"What portion of the screen isn't working?"<br />
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"The part you touch."<br />
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"Have you tried turning it off, waiting 30 seconds and then turning it back on?"<br />
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"Yes. I even took out the battery and kept it out all night then put it back in this morning."<br />
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"Ok here's what we're going to try. First turn the phone off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on."<br />
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"hhmmm ok. That's done."<br />
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"Is the screen working now?"<br />
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"No"<br />
<br />
" Alright. Now try removing the battery, let it sit for 60 seconds, then put the battery back in and power the phone up again."<br />
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"Ooookkkk."<br />
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"Does the screen work now?"<br />
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"Nope, just like after leaving the battery out all night as I mentioned before it still doesn't work."<br />
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"We will need to try a hard boot next. This will erase any data you have on your phone. Would you like to take some time to retrieve that data and call us back?"<br />
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"Well since it's a touch screen model and the touch screen isn't working it seems to me it would be impossible to retrieve that data, so I guess no."<br />
<br />
"Yes ma'am. So you'd like to proceed with the hard boot."<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
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The tech proceeds to give instructions on pushing a series of buttons which causes the phone to reset and the conversation continues:<br />
<br />
"What is the phone doing at this time?"<br />
<br />
"It's still powering up"<br />
<br />
"Alright take your time."<br />
<br />
"Are you talking to the phone? Because I'm just waiting on the phone to reboot."<br />
<br />
"Yes ma'am."<br />
<br />
"The phone has rebooted and power is on, the screen is still not responding."<br />
<br />
"It would appear you have a non-responsive touch screen ma'am."<br />
<br />
"How did you determine that?"<br />
<br />
"Well....<br />
<br />
"Never mind. What can we do now?"<br />
<br />
"You can send the phone to our service center for service. This may cause a loss of any data you have on the phone so please take time to retrieve the data before sending your phone."<br />
<br />
"Would that be the same data I lost in the reboot that I couldn't access because of the non-responsive touch screen?"<br />
<br />
"Ma'am?"<br />
<br />
"Never mind, can you just give me the instructions for sending it in?"<br />
<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-6797203679904106892013-07-22T08:36:00.000-05:002013-07-22T11:14:00.160-05:00Practicing ContentmentIt's a funny thing, 8 years ago when we first moved into this house from our tiny bungalow in Speedway, I remember wondering how would we ever fill this space? Our furniture was small and sparse, we had 3 little children, and only a handful of things. The closets seemed huge and every bedroom had one, plus there was a coat closet, coming from a house that had only 2 tiny closets that's a big deal. And we now had two full baths. Our previous home had one bathroom. We did have a shower-head in the middle of the basement but that really didn't help much with potty training. <br />
<br />
Now we're busting at the seams. All of our furniture seems to big for the rooms but not quite big enough for these growing kids. We've turned what once was the living room into our dining room, because the dining space was more like a restaurant booth requiring
everyone to get up each time someone had to go to the bathroom (which
for some reason happens a lot at dinner). The kids are literally packed into their bedrooms one on top of the other with one child who at present doesn't even have a bed. He's grown out of his toddler bed but we haven't quite figured out how to fit another twin bed in the bedroom. So he roams from one bed to another having a "sleepover" every night. (Probably going to have to remedy that before school starts.) Closest are shared between 2-3 people and one child's clothes are all in my room because of the lack of space. (Granted she does have the biggest wardrobe of all of us but even when pared down it's got no where else to go.) Bathrooms, yeah never enough. And I won't even start on my too tiny kitchen where half the appliances aren't even close to standard size and yet you still can't open the dishwasher and the fridge at the same time, let alone have more than two people cook at the same time.<br />
<br />
Some days I think 95% of the brawls that happen between the kids are simply started because one tried to stretch and someone's face was in the way. I go crazy trying to organize and reorganize things so that everything we need is available but not being tripped over. Some might say, "declutter", "simplify", "get rid of some stuff" and believe me I do. I'm always packing up things to donate or trash. But there are just things you need that have to a place to go. And no matter how much I get rid of the kids keep growing and their bodies alone take up most of space than we have. <br />
<br />
Just when I think I've had enough, I'm pulling my hair out and I can't live in this overcrowded space any longer, I'll see something amazing. Five children snuggled together on one couch watching a movie. Three boys asleep in a bed curled around one another. Seven people packed tightly around a dinner table praying, laughing, and sharing stories from their day. Three people piled on each other in a chair reading a book. Kids figuring out how to organize their shelves so everyone's prized possessions can be seen. Five kids coming to a compromise on what to watch on our one TV. Brother and sister standing side-by-side in the kitchen preparing breakfast for their younger siblings. A 13yr old still willing to share her bed with her little brother. Four kids and me in a bathroom helping one another get ready for the day. Brothers making choices as to what clothes they can share and how to best utilize their drawer space. Five kids sitting around their father watching their favorite TV show and sharing one bowl of popcorn. All the kids huddled into one tiny room planning a play to perform for their parents.<br />
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Those are the moments that make me see how blessed we are to live in such a cozy environment. Sure a bigger kitchen would be great, more bathrooms would make getting ready to go easier, bigger and more bedrooms would allow people to escape one another. But is that what I really want? I love that my kids are learning to compromise, make room for each other, work together to be sure there is space for what is special to each other, can't move without running into someone, that family is more than just a word it's an environment. Sure sometimes it causes conflict and the amount of people in one room can be overwhelming. But in the end I can't help but believe that these close quarters force us to be dependent on one another, create situations that demand that we set our own wants aside to attend to the needs of each other, and prepare my children for life in a world where compromise and adjustment are necessary. <br />
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And so I will practice being content in our tiny space because maybe in a bigger house these events would still occur, but maybe they wouldn't and right now I'm not willing to risk it. As frustrating as it may be to fit seven people in a house built for four it would be even worse to see my kids off in their separate corners not coming together to enjoy life and finding that staying out of the way is easier than being involved. Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-8211656605577286202013-03-08T10:55:00.000-06:002013-03-08T10:55:55.973-06:00Be Happy With What You GetI am always trying to teach my children to be happy with what they have and not to complain about what they are not getting or that others are. As you can imagine it's not a lesson easily learned. Even I haven't quite come to terms with it, sometimes wanting a bigger house or a newer car. But I continue to pursue the instruction with my children, hoping one day it will sink in and allow them to be content.<br />
<br />
Right now my 4-yr old is having a difficult time with this. He is constantly whining that the older kids get to go to someone's house or play a sport or have a electronic device he's just to young to use. It's a daily battle to make him understand that his time will come and to enjoy what he has right now.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago we had a moment that I thought would really reinforce the lesson. One afternoon my two girls had a doctor's appointment. I had taken Lil B with us and of course he cried and whined the whole time about how unfair it was that he did not get a doctor's appointment too. Though I tried to explain it was a check-up and his turn would come soon enough he just couldn't let it go. While there the doctor suggested some shots for the girls and there was one that Lil B needed as well. She said she could have them all taken care of right then so I wouldn't have to make a return trip. I thought that was a fine idea.<br />
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As we waited for the nurse I told the girls that they were going to get two shots each and Lil B that he would get one. Of course the crying started immediately.<br />
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"That's not fair! They always get more than me. Why do they get two and I only get one?"<br />
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I tried to explain to him that he didn't want two shots and that he should be happy with just the one. He didn't buy it. Some how he felt was still getting cheated. As the nurse came in he jumped up on the table to be the first. Surprised by his eagerness the nurse prepared to give him the shot. As I held his hands she pushed the needle into his thigh, it was at this moment that he was no longer disappointed to only be receiving one shot. <br />
<br />
I asked him if he still wanted to be equal to the girls and through his tears he agreed one shot was enough. I had hoped this lesson would stick with him at least for a little while, alas it would only be moments before he would be noting another injustice. <br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-7494011757154859462013-01-02T21:06:00.001-06:002013-01-02T21:06:53.000-06:00BackfireBack in July my oldest came to me with a wad of birthday money and gift cards in hand. She had decided what she was getting with all her birthday dough and couldn't wait to tell me. A Guinea Pig. Of course I immediately reminded her that just because it was her money she could not make a purchase without the consent of me and my husband. Now, not being an animal lover my first instinct was to say "No, absolutely not, under no circumstances was anyone bringing another creature into this house!" We already have a dog (the crazy one I've mentioned in previous posts) and a cat. We've also had several fish and a couple of frogs, none of which have lasted long. Mostly because in this house to get fed and watered you have to be able to voice your needs. Hence the reason the dog and cat are still around. (Plants don't stand a chance with us.) But I knew from experience that an instant no would lead to crying, a meltdown, and persistent requests. No matter how many times I said the discussion was closed it would not be. So I postponed any discussion until I had a chance to think things through and talk with Roy.<br />
<br />
Since I am a creative mother and I like to use every opportunity I can to teach my children, I came up with a perfect plan. Not only could I avoid bringing a new furry thing into my home but I could teach my daughter a valuable lesson about finances and responsibility. Here was my chance to show her that a pet was not a one time purchase but was a monthly expense and that expectations for showing she was serious would be high. So I came up with a set of requirements she had to meet before any such purchase could be made, reviewed them with Roy and then presented them to K. They were:<br />
<br />
1. She must research guinea pigs, how to care for them, what they need as far as cages, toys etc with an estimate of costs. Plus a list of monthly expenses for the pet.<br />
2. Prior to purchase she must have enough money to not only purchase the animal but all it's necessities and have 6 months of monthly expenses saved up.<br />
3. She also needed to be able to show that each month for 6 months she could earn enough to set aside for giving, money for gifts and spending, savings, as well as the guinea pigs monthly expenses.<br />
4. She must maintain a clean room and have an area kept clear for the animal's cage.<br />
5. She had to keep her grades at a level that her father and I determined acceptable for each course.<br />
<br />
I was betting that by the time she had earned enough to cover all the expenses (which I was hoping would take more than 6 months) and when she saw that earning money every month was not as easy as it sounded then her interest in the guinea pig would wane. Plus I was banking on the fact that she never keeps her room clean. In the end, she would have enough money to buy something else, would have learned a little about being a good financial steward, practiced more responsibility for herself and her room and most importantly, I would have a guinea pig free home. <br />
<br />
Little did I know her determination would carry her through. The money part was actually much easier than I had hoped it would be. From her birthday and a babysitting job or two she quickly had enough to take care of the initial purchase. And since our neighbors and their children love her, getting a well paid monthly job has been no trouble. By October she was set financially and still earning. She had money to buy Christmas, she had put money away for college, she had set aside some for giving and had 6 months of guinea pig expenses covered. Grades I thought would be an easy one for her, but one class was harder (especially the tests) than she or I had anticipated. Once receiving a less than acceptable grade in the first quarter, she quickly got to work and brought the grade up to standard, doing very well the second quarter. Of course maintaining a clean room has probably been the biggest challenge. Though it hasn't been perfect she has put a lot of effort into making her room presentable and since I'm not the best example I can let the room slide a little (but don't tell her that). By December I realized that my plan had backfired. Not only had she met all the requirements but her desire for this little furry creature had only grown more intense. And so two days after Christmas, Rodney joined our home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63kx7KIo1DQ/UOSfFtJjjSI/AAAAAAAAACE/3TVdDF1DPNQ/s1600/DSCN2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63kx7KIo1DQ/UOSfFtJjjSI/AAAAAAAAACE/3TVdDF1DPNQ/s320/DSCN2471.JPG" width="320" /></a> So parents I caution you! Though you should definitely take advantage of
any opportunity you have to teach responsibility and financial
stewardship, be careful who you bet against and choosing the stakes. You
might lose!<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-74735833803419518832012-12-06T07:57:00.001-06:002012-12-06T07:57:09.473-06:00How'd it go???Last month I wrote about wanting to change the way I looked at my responsibilities. To refocus and to attack everything I do with joy. To remind myself and focus on doing each task to the bring glory to God. So it's been about a month and you might be wondering how has this refreshed perspective changed things for me.<br />
<br />
Well it's been amazing! The house is clean, the children and I are getting along great and I wake up and go to bed with a smile on my face. Nice picture, huh? If only it were true. The reality is I live in a house with two pre-pubescent tweens who are on emotional roller-coasters, a 9-yr old who constantly tries to push all my buttons, a 6-yr old who thinks she's 15, 4yr-old who hasn't quite adjusted to the fact he is not a baby anymore and a dog who has at least 3 different personalities all of which clash with mine. (I don't mention my husband because he's pretty even keeled and is rarely involved creating the drama of our home.) And unfortunately a change in my perspective does little to change the emotional reaction of the rest of the house. It also does not change the mundane chaos that occurs during our day or the tasks that must be accomplished. We went through e-days, PMS, a holiday, the dog tearing things up and pooping in the house plus many other activities drama and stress creating activities. I didn't become a fabulous housekeeper that sings while I scrub the toilet or dances in my heels while I mop the floor and I won't be nominated for any mother of the year awards, but..... <br />
<br />
<br />
here's what has changed:<br />
<br />
1. I tried to wake up each morning with a quick prayer - Dear God, Allow me to be your light and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me to bring you glory in all I do.<br />
This is different than how I use to start the morning. Usually I jump out of bed with little thought to what attitude I have or how it will affect the day. If I did pray it was usually more like this, Please help me keep my yelling under control. Which usually resulted in a prayer by 8am that please help me to have a fresh start after my coffee.<br />
If I didn't remember to pray first thing then as soon as I thought if it I would take a moment and ask that the rest of the day bring God glory.<br />
Amazingly as I prayed I would often feel a sense of peace just knowing that I wasn't doing this alone. <br />
<br />
<br />
2. You probably wouldn't know it but at home when it's just me and the kids, I'm a yeller. I'm not proud of it, I know as an adult I should and can control myself, and that it really accomplishes nothing but to teach my kids to be yellers. But even knowing all that I still find myself yelling when the pressures of the day begin to mount. It's not all the time or everyday, but it's more often than anyone should. What I found though was starting my day with a prayer and focusing on bringing God glory made me much more aware of how things came out of my mouth. I've always been careful with the words I use but not always with the way they are delivered which can be just as damaging. With this fresh look at things I didn't suddenly stop yelling but I do catch myself sooner and most times bring it to a stop.<br />
<br />
3. Housekeeping. I haven't developed a sense of calling to be an excellent housekeeper, in fact I'm not sure anyone is called to be a toilet scrubber, but I am called to be a mother and a wife who has chosen to make my home my work. And therefore that requires that I keep the house in an order that gives my family a sense of peace, safety, and comfort. (recently I think if had this had been a paid job I might have been fired) So I now do the tedious and less than desirable tasks with a little less grumbling than before. I also try to remember that as much as I despise cleaning and laundry, I am blessed to have a house to clean, a kitchen to prepare food in, a pile of laundry to do and a family for which I can do those things. <br />
<br />
4. My kids behavior will not change simply because I have a new outlook. But my reaction to their behavior has begun to change (it's a slow process). Instead of adding to the drama I am trying to understand how we got to this point and how do we get past it. It isn't an easy thing especially with multiple kids screaming and crying at me all at once. But it's worth doing. It's worth working to control myself to teach my children that it can be done and therefore they can learn it too. There all still many times when 5 kids end up in their rooms without a chance to explain or anyone investigating the reason behind conflict because there are still times when I've just had enough.<br />
<br />
This is just the beginning!<br />
<br />
I remember once when I had just had my fifth child, I was truly
living in the midst of sheer chaos with 5 kids 8 yrs and under, sitting at a women's breakfast
at church listening to a speaker who said "Ladies your attitude sets the tone
for your house each morning and praying to have a servant's heart will set the right tone." I wanted to jump up and scream at her "How
can you say that? - I am not the one who woke up screaming like a banshee today, or
broke-down in sobs because I didn't want pancakes for breakfast, or who
ran out the door in hysterics because I didn't want to wear a coat to
school." But now as I look back I realize she wasn't saying that my attitude would change the emotional ups and downs of daily life but that how I chose to start the day and focus my efforts affects how I handle those ups and downs. Maybe if I had listened to what she was truly trying to point out and prayed for a servant's heart then I would be in a different place today, but when you're the one drowning it's hard to see how you could save yourself.<br />
<br />
So each morning I will continue to ask the Holy Spirit to help me to attack life with joy and to do my work to God's glory, to be his servant. My family may not see the changes yet and may never see them because they can be so small and gradual, but with any luck it will rub off on my children in the long run. As for the dog we may just have to get some Prozac.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-31118971703744844232012-11-08T23:59:00.000-06:002012-11-08T23:59:29.126-06:00Enjoying the work I doAs another mother and I walked behind our two girls heading into dance class this evening she commented on the energy they had this point in the day. The girls were skipping, running, and dancing their way into the class room and I said I wished I would have that kind of energy when I got home this evening as I still had much to do; cleaning, cooking, helping with homework, etc. The other woman remarked that their enthusiasm and bounce probably came from the fact that they loved what they were doing and were just excited to be there. I then said maybe that's how we should approach our tasks, love what we're doing and just be excited to be there. She looked at me strangely and said "Yeah you let me know how that goes for you."<br />
<br />
But as I sit here this evening I wonder "Why can't I approach the tasks I have with enthusiasm and bounce?" I did once. When my husband and I first got married I remember being excited about everything I did in our new home. I cleaned it with gusto, not often because I don't really like cleaning and it really wouldn't be in my nature to do it too much, but when I did I worked my hardest to make our home sparkle. Now I do only what needs to be done and even that I do why grumbling and complaining. Most of the time wishing I had a bigger house with more room and a places to hide all our junk. (For some reason I have this vision of me in large home mopping the floors in my nice clothes and heels with a smile on my face, I may have watched one too many Pine-sol commercials.) <br />
<br />
I cooked with eagerness and joy too. I made every kind of bone-less chicken breast you can imagine; chicken with cranberries, Chicken Marsala, Cajun chicken, herb chicken, chicken quesadilla, and the list goes on. And my wonderful husband ate everything I made. It wasn't until we had be married for almost 10 years that I learned he didn't even really like boneless chicken breasts, luckily by then my cooking repertoire had expanded, not only to new entree's but I even started making some sides. I still like cooking but by the time the task comes around in the evening I'm usually less than excited about it.<br />
<br />
Even when my oldest went to school I attacked homework with passion and cheer. I couldn't wait to sit down with her and see what she was learning, how she was progressing, and what new things I could be of help teaching her. Now homework is a battle fought most evenings. But maybe it doesn't have to be, maybe part of the problem is that I dread it before they are even off the bus.<br />
<br />
And so this evening I sit and wonder why shouldn't my attitude be better? Isn't this what I wanted. I came to my husband when my oldest was a baby and we were expecting our second and asked to stay home with them. To care for them, to lead them, to teach them, and to be there when they headed out to school in the morning and to be waiting when they came home. Though being a homemaker may not be quite what I expected, because even then I pictured myself in heels doing chores, happy children helping, fancy meals simmering on the stove, and all while I smiled with joy (again I might have spent too much time watching 50's TV shows). But even as life is I can still meet each day with joy and eagerness. I will focus my thoughts on Proverbs 31 and I will challenge myself to be more enthusiastic, to have a more joyful attitude and to remember that all of this I do for the benefit of my family and the glory of God. And I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
<br />
Of course going to bed before 1AM might help too.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-59137548012113453522012-10-21T20:17:00.001-05:002012-10-21T20:17:05.372-05:00DinnertimeThe family dinner is something I grew up with, seven people squished around the kitchen table, sharing food, stories from the day, children sharing report cards, asking for advice, discussing plans for the week, and enjoying each other's company, glad to be together for another meal. OK so it didn't really look like that all the time. We had the days where siblings were fighting, arguing over who gets to sit where, sarcastic comments being thrown here and there, and in some cases people leaving the table in tears (sometimes they weren't even family members). It could some days be described as chaos. As we grew older family dinner became a kind of testing ground for those who wished to court a member of our family. It was often said that if someone could survive a dinner with our family they were a keeper. (Roy survived more than one.) But there were good moments, those are the ones that have survived in my heart and have driven me to make family dinner a priority in our home. It's not easy though.<br />
<br />
It starts with the planning. Now I will say I take a slightly different approach to the meal planning than others. I do not focus my meals on the kids' taste. For one reason, with five different opinions it would be virtually impossible for me to plan a meal every evening that would appeal to everyone. Unless of course I want to be a short order cook, and I don't. The second reason is that this is a way I can pamper my husband after a long day at work. So I plan meals that he and I can enjoy. If the kids like it great. If not they can eat their required portion (which is really just a couple of bites) and be done. (Now if you think this is cruel please know that my kids are fed well all day, if they don't eat a big dinner they'll be fine.) Back to the planning, though it may sound easy since I really only cater to my husband it still takes effort to come up with different meals for every day and be sure they will be meals that can be fixed during whatever craziness we have going on that day.<br />
<br />
Once planned comes the preparation, which rarely goes as smoothly as I have in my head. Many of you who have children are aware of the 4PM - dinner insanity block. You know the time period when no matter how good your day has been everything seems to fall apart from schedules to kid's emotional stability, that period of time that your husband never sees and can't seem to understand why you are so on edge when he walks in, because he talked to you just an hour before when you were all sweet and happy. This is of course when I'm trying to cook dinner or if I've prepped well enough (which rarely happens) I'm putting the finishing touches on the meal. So let's just say it's challenging to get the meal to the table. But most nights I do it and in a timely manner. So when my husband arrives home from work we are ready to sit down enjoy the food and share our days.<br />
<br />
Now here's how the dinners usually go. First we tried saying prayers, serving food, which lead to me cutting up food for people, request for sauces, etc. and by the time I sat down everyone was done. So we switched things up a bit, now we serve the food, everyone gets their own sauce (this really just means ranch or ketchup) and cut up whatever is necessary before we sit down to pray. Though my 11yr old still manages to clean his plate before I've even picked up my fork I am no longer eating alone. Though what this has also led to is the realization that my kids have some bad table habits: slurping, slouching, thumb sucking, tearing apart their food into miniscule pieces and then eating them one by one, and the list could go on. So I am having to practice a good deal of patience at the table to try and correct some of these behaviors while not losing my appetite (easier said than done). <br />
<br />
But you might be thinking the conversation is well worth all the effort. And guess what, it is! Even though there are times when kids are arguing, the discussion heads in a less than all age level appropriate direction (like "So where do babies come from any way?"), or we find that the kids are stuck in a one word answer rut, most evenings are good. Most evenings are filled with laughter, stories from the day, discussions of the weeks plans and a family enjoying their time together just like I always pictured it.<br />
<br />
One thing I do need to work on though is making family dinner a priority even when my husband isn't home. For years I have been in the habit of making those evenings a time when I was willing to be a "short order cook" or just warming up leftovers on the evenings when Roy played ball or was off at cards. I would fix the kids their requests and while they were all eating I would clean-up the kitchen, check e-mail or any number of little tasks and then clean-up from their meal, eating here and there as I found time. What I've realized is that some weeks every night is like that and much of their interesting stories or little details of the day were being missed. It never would have occurred to me to take this type of approach if one of the kids was gone for the evening, so why if Roy was gone did I find it ok. I suppose it started when the kids were small and family dinner without Roy was pretty much the same as breakfast or lunch. And since I had been with the kids all day I didn't really think there was much point in sitting down with them yet again. Plus it was just easier. Unfortunately I never quite got out of that phase. Last week though that changed. I made chocolate chip pancakes and bacon (a typical meal when Roy's gone) only this time instead of calling each child up as their plate was ready I did what we do every other night. I made all the food, had the kids set the table and fix drinks, and I sat down with them. Just me and the kids and it was great. It was enjoyable to listen to their tales from the day, to ask them questions, and to just interact with them outside of doing homework and chores. And though it would have been easier the other way I know it was worth the extra effort. This will be something I continue in the future. <br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-67467068612478473532012-08-31T14:04:00.000-05:002012-08-31T14:04:10.643-05:00Sometimes......When my older 3 kids were little I didn't mind not having a grocery plan. In fact I actually preferred waiting until about 2pm each day to decide what I wanted to fix. Then when the kids woke up from their naps, off to the store we'd go. We lived very close to the grocery and it was my excuse to get out of the house a little each day. With three kids under 3 I needed at least a few minutes in the outside world each day and this usually went smoothly for us. But it wasn't very economical and on those days when the kids were sick or cranky it usually ended in a call to my husband to pick up something on the way home. But as our family grew and kids got into school, after school activities, etc that plan was too impractical to continue.<br />
<br />
So in recent years I have tried to become better at getting a dinner plan in place. One that allows for grocery shopping to be done in one easy and hopefully cost effective trip. Also so that the hour or so before dinner that is already a hectic period of homework, hungry kids, and a multitude of activities isn't complicated by me trying to figure out what to feed this group. My plan isn't very concrete though and often I find it to be a frustrating experience, much like this week.<br />
<br />
I went out on my weekly grocery trip with list and weekly dinner plan written out. Only once I got into the grocery store I realized I had forgotten my list but I still had the dinner plan in my head so I was sure I could remember what I needed. As I went up and down the aisles thinking through what I knew was in my cabinets and what would be required to complete my menu, I saw it. A package of Italian dressing mix. On most days this wouldn't spark excitement or even interest me, but the site of it made me recall a recipe I had seen on a friends blog and had been wanting to try. So I grabbed the packet, quickly thought through my weekly menu and decided where it could be substituted. Tuesday, that would be the day for this new recipe. (I have to admit that I'm a bit of a cooking nerd and get excited over new recipes.) So I bought the other items I didn't have for that meal and went home.<br />
<br />
Tuesday morning arrived and I went to begin preparing dinner. It was 10am and as I went out to the garage fridge I was surprised to find that my roast was not sitting there waiting for me. As I searched frantically for the large piece of meat that I had just purchased I wondered if it had actually made it into the grocery cart. It wouldn't be the first time an item had gotten left behind at the store, either by the bagger or myself. So I searched through my purse for the grocery receipt just to ensure that I had actually bought it. It's not unreasonable for me to forget that I didn't get an item because it wasn't there, the price was more than I expected, I needed to get it at a different store or I simply forgot to pick it up, but there it was on the receipt. Before calling the store to ask if it had gotten left at the cashier I sat down and ran through the my previous shopping trip to see if I could recall the last place I had seen it. It hit me that the kids had helped put the groceries away that day and had been asking where things should go, indoor fridge? outdoor fridge, freezer? THE FREEZER! I ran out to the garage again and pulled open the freezer door. After moving a few things around there it was, a solid frozen mass of meat. The mystery was solved, but now what to do about dinner?<br />
<br />
I switched my plan around and put the roast in the refrigerator to thaw. Tomorrow we would try the new roast. Tonight chicken. And then Wednesday came and again I started getting ready to prepare dinner. Only wait, a roast tonight wouldn't work. There will be no one home. And Thursday was a no go because there still wouldn't be anyone home to eat it. Of course this also affected Thursday's menu as that was supposed to be leftover night but I guess now it will be sandwiches. Luckily the roast will still mostly frozen so I left it in the fridge for Friday.<br />
<br />
When Friday finally rolled around I went through my usual morning routine, ran out to do an errand, fixed the kids lunch, then it hit me: I was going to make that roast tonight. I'd have to be quick though I only had a little while to get it on so it would have enough time to cook. So I began looking for the recipe only now I couldn't remember which post on my friend's blog it had been on. When I had run across it I had be looking through some of her older posts that I hadn't read yet. After viewing about 10 posts I thought surely I could just Google it and come up with a close enough recipe. Nope! So I continued to search. Finally there it was in the middle of one of her posts. I jotted it down ran upstairs and began pulling out the ingredients, it only had four. But wouldn't you know it one of them (one that I always have on hand) I didn't have. ARRGGGGHHH! Sometimes.........<br />
<br />
P.S. I did continue on the recipe and came up with a suitable substitute for the missing ingredient. Hopefully dinner tonight will be a success!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-16280397649405724512012-07-18T23:02:00.001-05:002012-07-18T23:02:08.463-05:00It Probably Shouldn't Have Been So HardI ran into to a friend tonight who asked me how my blog was going. Since I haven't posted since May I had to admit not to good. I guess I haven't felt that I've had much to tell lately. Though we've had a fun summer, nothing crazy or overly interesting has happened. It's been mostly the lazy days of summer hanging by the pool (well at least when it's not been more than 100 out). Otherwise we're just hanging out in the house at which time I'm trying to keep the kids from driving each other crazy and me in the process. And unfortunately by the time the kids go to bed in the evenings the amusing anecdotes of the day are already fading from my memory as I try to gain control of my home before I fall onto the couch for a few moments of TV. (I'm usually watching something completely void of intelligence that requires little or no concentration- vegging out as one might call it) <br />
<br />
Today however I do have slightly amusing story to share. It's one most moms can relate to. Usually my little tidbits are about my kids and the funny things they do or say but today it's all about me.<br />
<br />
The day started with discussions of back -to- school supplies. We were sorting through the things we already had and deciding which items we needed. This has been especially exciting for our 5yr old because she will be starting kindergarten this year. Riding the bus to school, eating lunch there, riding the bus home, it all so thrilling for her. Though we often make use of hand-me-downs or last year's items that are still in good condition we always allow the children to choose a new backpack when they start kindergarten. Lil K had been thinking about this for sometime and had announced a few days ago that she wanted a pink backpack with polka dots to match her swimsuit. So this morning we got on the internet and began the search. It took a little while but we finally found one. A quilted backpack in fuchsia pink with bright green polka dots and a bow. "That's THE ONE!" she said with confidence when she saw it. Of course it wasn't on sale and it wasn't available on any of my favorite discount sites but after viewing about a 1000 backpacks on almost as many sites I decided it would be worth it. I went to mark the page so I could order it later when I noticed a comment that it was the last one in stock. Being concerned we wouldn't be able to get it later I immediately began the ordering process. It was a website I had ordered from before so all my information was in the system. I quickly clicked through the screens and then it was done. I flipped back to my email to make sure I got a confirmation then jumped up and ran off to get started on my daily routine.<br />
<br />
A few moments later my eldest daughter asked if she could use the computer. I said yes and she headed down to the desk. As I was working my way through the kitchen clean-up K comes back and asks why I was having Lil K's backpack sent to our old house. "huh, what?" When she had gotten to the computer the confirmation email was still on the screen. And there in black and white was the ship to address, our old home. Of course that needed to be changed so I began looking for the instructions that would help me do that. For 10 minutes I searched the website and could find no way in which to correct the error. (I guess they just expect you to know where you live.) So then I thought I'll just call customer service. Have you noticed how hard it is to track down a customer service number these days? Finally I found one. Once on the phone I was greeted by friendly representative ready to help me with my issue. (yeah, right) I explained the situation and his response "uh, I can't change the ship to address." I reexplained that I had just placed the order and that it hadn't been fulfilled yet. "yeah, I still can't change the address, I'll have to cancel the order and you can place it again." (Wow, that's technology working for you.) So I agreed to canceling the order then got back on the website and reordered the backpack, carefully checking all addresses and clicked to place order. Only problem. I forgot to switch the credit card to the current one. So back to the website, cancel the order, and then return to try the order again. Only remember how it was the last one in stock, well now it's not available. (Oh NO!)<br />
<br />
Well I certainly wasn't going to tell Lil K she couldn't have THE ONE because I couldn't seem to place an order. So I began the search again for this one particular bag. After just a few websites I located one and was thrilled to find out it was also less expensive with free monogramming. So click, enter correct information, and place order. Whew! Crisis averted, backpack ordered, and now I can get on with my day.<br />
<br />
As I was cleaning up and folding laundry (that pile that always seems to be there) I was suddenly smacked in the face with the realization that the back pack comes in 2 sizes, we needed the bigger one and I didn't check to see which size I ordered. I ran back to the computer pulled up the site and guess what! It didn't even say what size it was. AAAHHHH!! Since it was a small retailer I thought the best solution was to send a quick e-mail to inquire about the size and cancel the order if necessary. I typed up a quick note sent it off then thought I better hunt up another one just in case. So I began the search again and wouldn't you know it, the site I started on, where the bag was no longer available, it was now available and you got it - ONLY 1 LEFT IN STOCK. So I checked my email hoping my question had be answered. It had not. Now what do I do? Order this one and try to cancel the other or hope for the best. I decided to wait until this evening and hope that last one didn't sell if I did in fact need it.<br />
<br />
The end of the story is a happy one. The retailer with which I placed the order finally got back to me and it is the correct size. And if you were wondering the last one is still available.<br />
<br />
Why I had so much trouble with this order I can't say. Maybe lack of sleep, maybe because there were too many kids in the room talking to me while I was trying to place the order, or maybe .......<br />
And I know you're probably saying all that for a backpack, but when you are in a large family and most of what your child wears, carries, or rides use to be someone else's it's nice to get them something they really want and is just theirs once in awhile. And come that first day of school my kindergartener will wearing THE ONE backpack she really wanted and at that moment it will have been worth it.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-46127724068537724712012-05-09T10:28:00.002-05:002012-05-09T10:50:20.585-05:00It only takes a momentA mother rises early to pack lunches and fix breakfast. At the usual time she enters the room her sons' share and gently tries to rouse them with rubs on the back, questions about the school day ahead, and reminders of the afternoon plans. The boys grunt at her and swat her away as if she is just an annoying fly. She leaves the room allowing them another moments rest while she finishes breakfast. She returns to the room a little more firm with her request for them to rise, instructing them to put on an outer layer as the air has a slight chill to it this morning. She finally sees the slow movement of the young bodies making their way out from under their coverings and she heads back to the kitchen. After a few more calls up to the room, each becoming a little less sweet, the two boys eventually emerge. Only one has heeded the remarks of the extra layer, the other shivers dressed only in a thin t-shirt and shorts. As they make their way to the table to consume their breakfast (which luckily today they both seem to be content with) the mother tells the shivering son to return to his room after he eats for a sweatshirt. After the boys have finished their meal they drop into chairs near the kitchen with no suggestion that they intend to finish their preparations for school. Mustering her patience she reminds them that the bus will arrive shortly and they need to brush their teeth, comb their hair, and wash their faces. The oldest slowly makes his way into the bathroom only to exit moments later, the front of his hair wet and slicked while the back looks like a rooster's comb. The mother asks "Did you brush your teeth?" He grunts and returns to the bathroom. A second time he appears with the face wash complaining that the pump isn't working. As his father fixes the pump his mother again asks, "Did you brush your teeth yet?" Another grunt and the child once again returns to the bathroom. Meanwhile the younger brother continues to lounge in the chair. His mother suggests that he could be gathering his things, finding his shoes, and putting his lunch up. His response "But I haven't brushed my teeth yet." The mother with less suggestion and more command in her voice repeats the earlier statement about preparing his things. Just as he grudgingly rises from the chair the bathroom becomes available and he rushes in. Finally after several tips about combing and cleanliness both boys are properly groomed (or at least appear to be) and the mother once again begins the request to ready their backpacks and get their shoes. The boys saunter around the home searching for their homework trying to recall where they placed it after it was finished the afternoon before, causally looking for shoes, fighting, laughing and joking with each other during the process. As the minutes tick by the mother's impatience grows and her tone of voice with each reminder becomes more harsh. Then the moment arrives: backpacks are on their backs, shoes are on and kind of tied, and lunches are in hand. The mother with what gentleness she has left wishes them a good day and kisses them on the head as she see the bus coming up the street. Just then the youngest says "Can you fix me a snack for the afternoon snack time?" The mom's answer is short, compassion-less "No I don't have time now." And just as the bus pulls to a stop in front of the house he turns and looks at her with the eyes of one being sent into battle without rations. The mother sighs and knows that because of this moment there will be no mother-of-the-year nomination today.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-85665216550758114962012-04-09T20:53:00.000-05:002012-04-09T20:53:01.164-05:00Did You Ever Wonder.......?I am always entertained by the conversations my kids have. Some are intriguing and make me wonder what's going on in their little minds, others make me realize how carefully I have to choose my words, and still others make me rethink some of the things I have always taken for granted or quit questioning years ago. Today my three youngest had the kind of conversation that made me wonder why I had never thought to ask those questions. It went something like this:<br />
<br />
Lil K(5yrs) "What were Adam and Eve like when they were kids?"<br />
C (8yrs) "They were never kids. God made them."<br />
Lil K "Yeah I know God made everyone, but what were they like before they were big."<br />
Lil B (3yrs) singing in the back ground "God made everyone, even the scary people"<br />
C "They were always big, right mom?"<br />
Me "Yes God made them as man and woman?"<br />
Lil K "Yeah but what were they like when they were little?"<br />
Me "They were never little honey, God made Adam as a grown man and then made Eve from Adam's rib."<br />
Lil B still singing (to his own tune) "God made everyone, God made everyone," repeated again and again and again.....<br />
C "So did Adam limp around for the rest of his life?"<br />
Me "What??"<br />
C "Well if he was missing a rib, don't you think he limped around after that?"<br />
Me "I would think God healed him."<br />
Lil K "So how many body parts could he live with out?"<br />
Me *sigh*<br />
Lil K "Let's talk about another bible story I have questions about." <br />
C "Is Easter the day Jesus died?"<br />
Me "No it's the ..." Lil K pipes up "The day he ROSE!"<br />
Me "Yes that's right"<br />
C "So he rose on April 8"<br />
Me "No Easter is based on a different calender but it's always on a Sunday."<br />
Lil B cries out from the back "No it's the day he died, the day he died, THE DAY HE DIED..."<br />
Me "No honey it's not, it's..."<br />
Lil K "Mom can't you drop it, he's only 3 years old. Now let's talk about Noah's ark. Did God tell Noah to build the ark on a Tuesday?"<br />
<br />
Kind of makes you look at those biblical stories a little differently doesn't it?<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-55930647134268706052012-03-06T21:31:00.000-06:002012-03-06T21:31:22.150-06:00Am I doing this right?As a mother (parent) I often wonder if I'm doing this job right. Sure I provide food, shelter, and clothing for my kids. Some of their wants are met and they are being educated. But what about the rest of it. Am I teaching them to be good members of society. Am I truly helping them to learn compassion for others and a sense of social responsibility. Have I shown them what a Christian life looks like.<br />
<br />
Most of the time I think I haven't had much success. Especially when they are tearing through the house screaming at each other and trying to cause someone physical harm. Or when they throw their stuff all over the house with little concern as to the effect it will have on those who have to clean up after them. Their constant complaints that <i>it's not fair</i>, <i>I never get what I want</i>, <i>I always have to do everything</i>. The tattle-tailing and continuous efforts to get another in trouble. The endless demands for clean clothes, snacks, and material goods sometimes make me feel that somewhere I've gone wrong. Somewhere I've made a terrible mistake and am raising a group of loud, selfish people who will do little to contribute to the world.<br />
<br />
And then it happens.......<br />
<br />
An older brother sees little sister struggling to get in the car and gently offers to help her.<br />
One sibling offers to prepare breakfast for another before he/she gets their own.<br />
A sister cries over the mistreatment of her brother by others.<br />
The five playing together which such cohesiveness it's like the rest of the world doesn't exist.<br />
A child cleaning up the kitchen without be told.<br />
The effort one goes to in order to purchase or make a Christmas gift for each member of the family without requesting money from mom or dad.<br />
An older sibling reading to a younger sibling.<br />
Prayers of thanksgiving for each member of the family and for our Savior.<br />
An offer from a brother to use his tickets to get something for his younger siblings.<br />
A thank you to me for making dinner.<br />
True concern expressed by a child for their grandparent, friend or sibling. <br />
Seeing your child truly worship God. <br />
<br />
<br />
Theses are the little moments that happen, sometimes not as often as I like, but they do happen, that assure me that my husband and I must be doing something right. These are the times I hold onto during the chaos. At those moments I see glimmers of the men and women my children will become and my heart swells.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva; font-size: x-small;">Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva; font-size: x-small;">Proverbs 22:6</span></span><br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-57157368842846420252012-02-20T22:45:00.000-06:002012-02-20T22:45:39.675-06:00Rest Stop TidbitsIt never seems to fail that when we're on a road trip the kids always manage to need to make a bathroom stop when it's least convenient. Tonight was another one of those times.<br />
<br />
Since we had a day off school and babysitting I decided it would be fun to throw the kids in the car and spend the day at my mom's. It's a little over two hours there and amazingly enough it always requires at least one pit stop. Of course on the way there this morning it was no big deal. We pulled over to a busy McDonald's, ran in, used the facilities, got a drink and were on our way. <br />
<br />
After a busy day of shopping, crafting, and eating, the kids and I hopped back in the car to make the return trip. We were leaving at dusk and as darkness rolled over us we drove along the highway playing games, listening to music, and a Veggie Tale story (which my older daughter and I both noted we now can say word for word). We were about an hour and fifteen minutes into the trip and passing the last exit available for the next 10-15 min when all three of my boys began the potty squirm. I had two options: pull over at the rest stop I could see the sign for or suggest they pee in a cup. Though I really didn't want to go to the rest stop as I have never liked them. It seemed like every time we stopped at one when I was a kid they were always dirty, crowded, and there were never enough stalls. So as an adult I have tried to avoid them at all costs. But I envisioned the next few weeks of finding cups filled with pee all over the house because my 3yr old would see this as a new game instead of a one time thing. So I put on my blinker and pulled over onto the ramp. As we pull up in the lot there is one lonely car that looks as though it had been there awhile and around back several trucks. <br />
<br />
We all get out and head into the welcome center. Now I realize that I can be a little over protective but I have always hated letting my older kids head into a public bathroom without an adult. In most cases I usually relent keeping a careful eye on the door for their return and knowing that if they're gone too long I won't hesitate to walk into to see why, even if it's the mens bathroom. Luckily I have never had to do that. This time however there was no way I was letting the boy's head into that bathroom on their own. As we were walking into the lobby I wondered how I was going to coax my 8 and 10 yr old boys to go with me into the women's when luck would have it there were family bathrooms right out in the lobby. (This by the way was the nicest rest stop I have ever been too.) I had the three older kids use one of those restrooms and keep watch over each other as I took the little two into the women's restroom.<br />
Of course being a recently updated facility everything there was automatic. First we tackled the toilet. Now please keep in mind that my 3yr old has recently developed a fear of the flushing sound a toilet makes. So as he trying to go the toilet flushes and he comes running out of the stall with his hands over his ears and his pants around his ankles. My 5yr old on the other hand is sitting on the pot and for whatever reason the toilet keeps flushing sending her into a round of giggles with each whoosh. Then came the sinks, it always takes these two forever to find the just the right spot to hold their hands to get the water running. I would get one in the right spot turn to the other and then have to turn back to the first because his tiny little hand had moved an 1/8 of a centimeter. And of course each time the water turns on the two of them erupt in laughter. Why? I don't know. Now it's time to dry and being an earth friendly facility the only drying option is the Excel dryers. Have you come across these wind tunnels yet? I have know idea how fast the air is moving that comes out of them but it's enough to make my skin look as if it's being pushed off my hands. Now imagine being a tiny little 30 pound child. It hits their hands hard enough to almost knock them over and again the giggles burst out. But it's not enough to stick their hands under there just once they want to do it over and over again. (some how this does not seem to be energy saving to me).<br />
<br />
We finally make it out rejoin the other three and begin our our way out the door. And my 8yr old asks rather loudly "Why couldn't we go in the mens bathroom? Is it because you don't trust the people here?" Just then a truck driver walks out of the vending area. And I wondered if he found humor in the giggles rolling out of the women's bathroom and hoped he wasn't offended by my son's question. But instead saw my move for what it was; the only way I could be comfortable in a mostly deserted rest stop.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-88652305696460745422012-01-21T21:45:00.000-06:002012-01-21T21:45:34.491-06:00The CupI often find that one of the greatest challenges of motherhood is the doctor's office. I rarely get to go with just one child, there is almost always some sort of drama in the office, and many times the treatments that come from the appointment create a whole new challenge at home. Friday was an experience I had not yet had though.<br />
<br />
I have been lucky in that none of my children are afraid of going to the doctor. They really like their doctors and nurses and of course look forward to the sticker they get to choose at the end of the appointment. So when I told my 5yr old daughter she had a doctors appointment that morning she was not worried or apprehensive. She simply asked if she was going to have to get a shot. I assured that was not part of the plan and so she willing dressed and got ready to go. Now like I said before I rarely get to go with just one child. On this particular morning I had my 5yr old, my 3 yr old son, and the 10 month old that I babysit. So we packed in the car and headed out. Once we arrived Lil K confirmed that there was not to be a shot and happily strolled into the office. We did have to wait a little longer than usual but the kids were well occupied by the waiting room TV and the baby was entertained by the 2 year old boy who was giddy about the fish tank. Eventually we received the call to come back, I quickly gathered up all the belongings the kids had in such a short time manged to drop all over the waiting room and head back for Lil K's exam. Now the reason for our visit was that she was experiencing symptoms of a UTI. So the nurse immediately handed me a cup and said we'll need a urine sample. Having anticipated this moment I had given Lil K a bottle of water before heading to the office so I thought "this will be easy." (I should never have those thoughts.) The nurse was kind enough to keep an eye on the two boys while I enter the bathroom with Lil K in tow. We spent about 5 min in the bathroom and there was nothing. She just kept saying "but I don't need to go." I decided to wait until after visiting with the doctor and we could try again. We went back to the exam room where Lil B and "I" were waiting and sat down. Within moments the doctor appeared. We discussed Lil K's symptoms and she agreed that it sounded like a UTI. Of course she would need the urine sample to confirm. She suggested that we get Lil K some water and graciously offered to let us stay as long as needed to get the sample. By this point though, it's almost lunchtime, the baby (who had not yet had his morning nap) is no longer entertained by my singing or games of peek-a-boo, and Lil B is becoming harder and harder to distract from the spinning stool, rolling step stool, and the medical instruments on the counter. But I did want to get this taken care of so I think we'll wait 15 minutes.<br />
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Just moments after the doctor leaves Lil K jumps down from the exam table and says "I think I have to go potty." I open the door to grab a nurse for the boys, but there's none to be found. So I quickly round the three up (luckily I had thought to bring a stroller, something I had forgotten on previous visits) and make our way to the bathroom. When we get in there Lill K is bouncing around like she's going to burst at any moment. I prep her and get set and NOTHING. She just sits there. Then says she's not sure she does have to go now. "WHAT?" I insist that she sit a moment longer, meanwhile Lil B suddenly starts doing the pee pee dance and crying "I have to go potty, I have to go potty!" and the baby is exercising his vocal cords. (I'm sure people walking by the bathroom were wondering what was going on in there.) Lil K says "I think I can do it!" and squeezes her eyes shut and low and behold 5 little drops come out. (Sigh) I remove her from the toilet, put Lil B on and of course he could have filled two cups. We clean up and leave the bathroom carrying our sad little sample. I hand it to the nurse (which now there are 5 sitting at the desk that was vacant just moments ago) and she laughs and says "it's at least enough to do an office test, we'll just have to get more for the culture." <br />
<br />
After the office test it's clear she does have a UTI but again we still need the culture. The nurse returns with a plastic bag containing a cup and instructions for our "at-home" sample. She tells me to drop it off anytime this evening, the office is also an immediate care and will be open until 8pm. I bundle up the kids and proceed with the rest of our day.. After lunch I drop my daughter off at preschool. When I return to pick her up 2 1/2 hours later she jumps in the car and says "I couldn't wait mom, I had to go." I'm thinking what is she talking about. And then she says "they didn't have a cup at school." OH! Somewhere in our communication she had understood that the very next time she went to the bathroom she must use a cup. Now I don't know if she asked for a cup but I'm feeling bad for the teacher if Lil K was trying to explain why she needed a cup to go to the bathroom. I explained to her that it was ok we would take care of it when we got home. As we're driving home she says "I have to go to the bathroom really bad." Great we're 3 mins from the house and I'm going to miss this opportunity because we're in the car."HOLD ON!" As soon as we pull in the garage we fly out of the car and into the bathroom. I prep her while she's dancing and squirming, get the cup and Yeah! Success!. Pop the sample in the fridge and now I can get on with my day and Lil K can quit worrying about peeing in a cup. Or so I think. A little while later we set down for an early dinner before our evening activities begin. In the middle of the meal Lil K asks "I need to go potty, do you want to get the cup?" Clearly I hadn't gotten across that we only had to do that once.<br />
<br />
Later I get my two older boys ready to go to their basketball practice, I grab the sample from the fridge, toss it in the car and we drive off. As we're rolling down the road B (10yr old) picks up the bag with the sample and says "What's this?" "Your sisters pee," I reply. He quickly puts it down while C (8yr old) hollers from the back of the car "Let me see, I want to see it." ?Boys?<br />
<br />
We run over to the doctors office and I run the sample up to the front desk. I explain to the woman at the desk what I have and the instructions I was given all while she's looking at me like my head is spinning and I'm spitting pea soup. She carefully picks up the bag and says she'll see if anyone is still back there but "no I can not leave the sample at the desk." Seriously? Even though it's after 5pm there a couple of nurses are still in the peds area and happily accept the sample we worked so hard for. Thank goodness. Now we just wait for the results.<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382031125068887582.post-38477361163283787332012-01-04T22:49:00.000-06:002012-01-04T22:49:35.388-06:00Jealous MuchI know that I am very lucky to have a mother who is so involved with my children. I know that I am lucky that my children love and adore my mother and want to spend time with her. But I have to say sometimes I am a little jealous of her. If my mother calls and invites them to her house their bags are packed and they are waiting by the door before she even gets off the phone. They think nothing of jumping in the car with her and heading the 2 hours to her house with barely a kiss or an "I love you" to me. Even the youngest two love to be with her so much that they talk from the time they get back from one trip to the time the next trip comes about how they can't wait to go to Grandma's.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TqBq7CBxNo/TwUpgYVC2HI/AAAAAAAAAB4/8DHsfU7PMFE/s1600/may+2011+thru+oct+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TqBq7CBxNo/TwUpgYVC2HI/AAAAAAAAAB4/8DHsfU7PMFE/s200/may+2011+thru+oct+2011+007.jpg" width="150" /></a>This past weekend was no different. My mother came in on Friday to spend the day, watch the kids that evening so Roy and I could have an evening out (we usually only get one when she's in town) and then leave the next afternoon after lunch. All was going well until she said she was ready to pack her car and head home. Lil B (3) wanted to go with her, mom couldn't resist. Of course you can imagine with five children I rarely turn down an opportunity to send one off for a day or two (for their sanity and mine) so I agreed and began packing his bag. Immediately Lil K (5) decided that she too should be going with Grandma. Unfortunately she had school on Wednesday and Mom wasn't planning to bring Lil B back until Saturday. So the answer was no, but I reminded her she could go another time and that it meant she got to spend New Year's Eve with <i>ME</i>. Her face dropped to floor, her eyes began to well, and her voice to crack as she said "ok." In seconds she was in full throttle sob. You know the kind where they can't breathe and even after they are done they are still choking in the air as if it could begin all over again. She ran to her bed, climbed the ladder and lay there sobbing for the whole house to hear. This was more than my mom could bear. She came to me with a plan to meet me on Monday at our favorite meeting point just between our homes. As sobs drifted through the house I told mom not to worry, Lil K would get over it. But the heartbreaking sounds were too painful to endure and so I relented, packed her a bag and sent my two youngest home with their beloved Grandmother.<br />
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Two days later I packed the other three kids in the car and forged through the 1/2 inch of snow Indianapolis had received that day causing a ridiculous number of car accidents one of which we got stuck behind turning our forty-five minute drive into an hour an fifteen minutes. We finally arrived at the designated location and happened to pull in at the exact same moment as Mom and the little ones. I look through the window of the car and Lil K is waving excitedly at me, Lil B sound asleep. I open the door to help them out and he wakes up. His eyes flutter and try to focus, he suddenly realizes it's me and not Grandma (we look alot a like so sleepy eyes sometimes confuse the two at first), screams begin pouring out of his mouth "I don't want to go home yet! I wanted to stay long time! I don't want to go home." After quickly assuring him we weren't going home right then, but going into the restaurant to have lunch WITH GRANDMA, he calmed down. There were no hugs or kisses for me, no "I missed you." He just trotted behind Mom into the restaurant to get his milkshake. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF8pSJz0LkQ/TwUpUIXgP_I/AAAAAAAAABw/yFCKUaB8YDY/s1600/may+2011+thru+oct+2011+616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF8pSJz0LkQ/TwUpUIXgP_I/AAAAAAAAABw/yFCKUaB8YDY/s200/may+2011+thru+oct+2011+616.jpg" width="200" /></a>Lunch went smoothly (well as smoothly as it can with five kids) and then it was time to load up and make the trip to our house. I put off the inevitable as long as I could, letting the kids stay inside with Mom while I switched the car seats around, put suitcases in the trunk, and collected up the various travel entertainment the kids had brought with them. And then it was time. I put Lil B in his seat and at first it seemed all was well but then the tears began to fall. "I want to go with Grandma, I want to stay long time." I quickly hurried the others in the car hoping that the faster we got moving the sooner he's cries of woe would stop, plus it was really cold out and I wanted to get in the car with the heater. With a quick hug and a thank you to Mom we were off, Lil B still crying. I promised over and over that he could go again soon and that Grandma would be over to visit before long. Eventually his crying ceased. After a few moments of silence in his sad little voice he said "You take me to see Mrs Ellis now." Great! He'd rather see my neighbor than go home with me. Guess I'll have to be a little jealous of her too, now. I won't even mention how excited he was to see the dog.<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08457549094611157821noreply@blogger.com0