I have been off of here over a year. A lot has gone on in that year. We lost my dad last June. We lost a very close and dear friend in November and another friend in November. It has been a long year.
My dad was his old self towards the end. He had been put on medication to help and it did. My children got to know their grandfather. He had time to form a bond with our youngest child and she had time with him. I had time with my dad. I miss him very much. My dad was 79 soon to be 80 when he passed. I was with him while he passed. I never thought I could do such a thing but one learns they can. While I stood in an emergency room a doctor explained to me that another doctor and hospital had caused this death due to medical neglect and malpractice. Friends and family said "sue" I asked "why?". This would not bring him back, this would not change events. This would serve no purpose.
Rachel passed at 29, taken by ovarian cancer. She was a funny, kind and loyal friend. She was too young to leave this earth. We had known her from the age of 14, her mother was a very close friend. Sadly her mother was lost to cancer a few years earlier. She had been to doctors and was told oh you are fine. She had no insurance they had little interest. Rachel is greatly missed.
Ms. Carolyn was lost to medical neglect also. She also was 79. She was a neighbor and friend. She had lived an amazing life, been in the military and seen the world. She is greatly missed.
We are just now "waking" from a long year. Our Maddie will be two tomorrow. We have decided to celebrate with family and friends at a park. She is walking and talking, singing and dancing. She has brought so much to this family.
We have changed a lot. No longer are possessions important. We saw our house almost taken by a fire that was burning a building next to us. We realized in an instant only our children and lives are important. Had we needed to take what meant the most, the children, animals and what photos we could reach would have been chosen. Everything else is just stuff. We realized Las Vegas is no longer home, Nevada may not even be home to us much longer. We must decide what is best for the whole family. Mark retires soon but we will still have children at home. Now to choose an area with good medical care, good colleges and a stable economy. On the list are Northern Nevada, Texas and a couple others. Homeschooling is important to us and so a state must be homeschool friendly also. Again, family is what we must thing about. Our family, husband, wife and children.
I am back. I hope to post more. I am hoping to post the changes we are going through. The joys and sorrows of life. Two new additions to the family are two giant schnauzers. They will also be the subject of stories along with the crazy rat terrier.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, May 25, 2009
A Grandfather found and almost lost
After four years of living with my dad and his illnesses I had hit my limit with his mental illness. I totally fell apart in his doctors office. She listened to both of us and was a huge help. She prescribed medication for my dad. The difference was amazing. He became social and calm, oh he still had outbursts but overall was wonderful. My children finally had a grandfather they could be in a room with. My baby and him became so close it brought tears to my eyes.
Last week my dad went in for a heart catheterization. Totally routine, he has had six of them over the years. He had my drop him off at the hospital and told me they would call when he was done. I received a call about an hour later. He needed a bypass that day. Again I was told routine no worries they would call with the time so I could be there. Two hours later a nurse calls to ask if I plan on being there for this major surgery. I was completely baffled. "What major surgery? I was told by the doctor the hospital would call me to let me know what time the bypass would be started.". She tells me to wait for the doctors call. I get a call five minutes later. The bypass was now a double bypass and two heart valve replacements. I was in total shock. I was told to get there immediately. In shock I drove to the hospital where my niece was waiting for me. We were rushed in to see him and told to say goodbye while we could.
He survived the surgery but has a long road to recovery. My children are very shaken by this. They finally have had a chance to get to know their grandfather and he was almost taken. Maddie, the baby, has not eaten breakfast since he was hospitalized. They sat and ate together and chatted in the morning. I am very grateful for the peace that has been in this home the last few months. Should my dad pass I can at least know my children got to know someone that was lost for a while. I have learned two things from this. The first is always ask for help, don't try and ride it out. The second is cherish the times you have.
Last week my dad went in for a heart catheterization. Totally routine, he has had six of them over the years. He had my drop him off at the hospital and told me they would call when he was done. I received a call about an hour later. He needed a bypass that day. Again I was told routine no worries they would call with the time so I could be there. Two hours later a nurse calls to ask if I plan on being there for this major surgery. I was completely baffled. "What major surgery? I was told by the doctor the hospital would call me to let me know what time the bypass would be started.". She tells me to wait for the doctors call. I get a call five minutes later. The bypass was now a double bypass and two heart valve replacements. I was in total shock. I was told to get there immediately. In shock I drove to the hospital where my niece was waiting for me. We were rushed in to see him and told to say goodbye while we could.
He survived the surgery but has a long road to recovery. My children are very shaken by this. They finally have had a chance to get to know their grandfather and he was almost taken. Maddie, the baby, has not eaten breakfast since he was hospitalized. They sat and ate together and chatted in the morning. I am very grateful for the peace that has been in this home the last few months. Should my dad pass I can at least know my children got to know someone that was lost for a while. I have learned two things from this. The first is always ask for help, don't try and ride it out. The second is cherish the times you have.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Don't touch the baby
I took Evan and Maddie to the store with me the other day. At one point I really had to use the restroom. I parked Maddie outside the bathroom with Evan. I came out to a clearly livid Evan. I asked him what was wrong.
" This woman came up and asked where the babies mommy was."
" All you had to tell her was I was in the restroom."
" I did and then she asked if I was Maddie's dad. She thought I was her daddy. How dumb can someone be?"
" Well Evan you are tall for your age and very good with Maddie. It was just a mistake, not worth getting so upset."
"I am annoyed over the dad comment. I am mad because she touched Maddie's foot."
At this point Evan's pitch changes and Maddie grabs her foot and holds it up for me. This may seem like no big deal but one of Evan's OCD's is germs and touching. I can not take Maddie in and wash her foot this will not work for Evan. I think I have an easy solution go pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer and purchase it and use it. No, no that simple, they have none in the store. The swine flu has everyone in some sort of hand sanitizer panic. I ask a clerk that asks another clerk. Nope sold out. I explain that I really need something as my son is a bit OCD and now hyperventalating as he is sure Maddie has been exposed to some horrid virus. The fact that they are sold out of hand sanitizer proves there is something out there to pass along. One clerk kindly lets me use hers. I have to put it my hand give Evan some and then he can sanitize Maddies foot. I need a sign to hang on Maddie, "Do Not Touch The Baby" at least not when Evan is around.
" This woman came up and asked where the babies mommy was."
" All you had to tell her was I was in the restroom."
" I did and then she asked if I was Maddie's dad. She thought I was her daddy. How dumb can someone be?"
" Well Evan you are tall for your age and very good with Maddie. It was just a mistake, not worth getting so upset."
"I am annoyed over the dad comment. I am mad because she touched Maddie's foot."
At this point Evan's pitch changes and Maddie grabs her foot and holds it up for me. This may seem like no big deal but one of Evan's OCD's is germs and touching. I can not take Maddie in and wash her foot this will not work for Evan. I think I have an easy solution go pick up a bottle of hand sanitizer and purchase it and use it. No, no that simple, they have none in the store. The swine flu has everyone in some sort of hand sanitizer panic. I ask a clerk that asks another clerk. Nope sold out. I explain that I really need something as my son is a bit OCD and now hyperventalating as he is sure Maddie has been exposed to some horrid virus. The fact that they are sold out of hand sanitizer proves there is something out there to pass along. One clerk kindly lets me use hers. I have to put it my hand give Evan some and then he can sanitize Maddies foot. I need a sign to hang on Maddie, "Do Not Touch The Baby" at least not when Evan is around.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Waking up
I feel like I am waking up after a long nap. I am starting to touch base with friends again. I am starting to blog again. I have yet to figure out where my dad is going but that he will go has helped a great deal. He is on new meds for his "emotional outbursts" as the doctor put it. They seem to help. We don't walk on as many eggshells now. Everyone has been sick so we have stayed clear of his living area as not to expose him to it. I worry that my children will never have positive feelings towards their grandfather. They have seen the harsh reality of aging too young as far as I am concerned. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently but I can't. I can however try and make things better from this point forward. I am afraid the guilt I carry from bringing him here will remain for some time. The husband and I are working things out. Now if I can just stay awake and move forward things will be better.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Been a while
It has been a while since I blogged. I have been very busy with family problems. My dad moved in four years ago. He was hospitalized with several health problems including malnutrition. Now four years later and several hospital stays things are worse. His health is bad and his mental state is worse. I thought he was malnourished due to mild depression. No, he has dementia. I am now facing the hardest and most heartbreaking decision of a lifetime. I must find a care facility for my father. This is not an easy thing to do. He has become too hard to handle here. He has caused a major rift in my family and marriage. He is mean, angry and just flat out cruel. He prowls my home at all hours taking things and stashing them in his room. He treats my husband like a villain and flat out hates two of our children. THIS IS NOT MY FATHER. I have to say he has never been a warm fuzzy person but he has never been like this. He was put back in the hospital late November and moved from there to a rehab center. They called me one day and said, "hey your dad is ready to come home". THEY LIED. He won't bathe, won't shave and refuses every other meal. What is heart breaking is that he worked for the State Of Nevada for 52 years then retired. Instead of traveling and enjoying life he sat at home. He would come here for dinner but otherwise refused to do much. He stacked and stacked his home and yard with junk, paper, cans and such. I now see this is all a sign of the dementia. I just wish he had done something fun. Traveled and visited with friends and family. I wish he had dated and over enjoyed life. Dementia is cruel in that a person can deteriorate so slowly it is hard to see. Once you do see it and look back you can't understand why you didn't see it clearly before. I have learned one thing, I will live my life with more happiness.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Growing up Madalyn
Madalyn has added two more words to her vocabulary. She says Mama, Dada, hi, and out. She also says b to call her brothers. Not bad for a 10 week old baby. Some people are blown away by this. I have had a couple of the other kids talk early so it doesn't shock me. She is also starting to sit up, grabbing things and blowing bubbles. After yesterday I can see why she is developing so fast. We went to the Springs Preserve yesterday. We do this quite a bit as we have a pass for the place. ( An amazing Christmas present from a family member.) This baby was shown everything from the floors to the ceilings. Her brothers held her over the glass floors to see the exhibits in them. Wind chimes were held up and played for her. She was allowed to feel things, and smell all kinds of things. She even noticed, and let rip a blood curdling scream, the bats on the ceiling in the bat exhibit. She is stimulated like this daily.I am looking forward to seeing what she will be like at 5.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Out of the mouth of babes
Out of the mouth of babes. I have heard this saying most of my life. I now frequently experience this in my own life. This last week seems to be filled with them.
The other day we were driving and passed a police car with someone pulled over. Emma said "BUSTED" and laughed. I asked her what she would do if she got pulled over. She told her dad and I that she would hand over her license and reputation. Emma will not be driving anytime soon. At least not until she understands that it is license and registration.
Today I asked Evan to get me two ibuprofen. He went upstairs and must have forgotten what I wanted and asked Kate to check with me. Kate came downstairs and called, "Hey mom! Did you want Prozac?" I informed her as much fun as that might be we didn't have any Prozac so ibuprofen would have to do.
I think this will become a weekly blog just so I can remember some of these things.
The other day we were driving and passed a police car with someone pulled over. Emma said "BUSTED" and laughed. I asked her what she would do if she got pulled over. She told her dad and I that she would hand over her license and reputation. Emma will not be driving anytime soon. At least not until she understands that it is license and registration.
Today I asked Evan to get me two ibuprofen. He went upstairs and must have forgotten what I wanted and asked Kate to check with me. Kate came downstairs and called, "Hey mom! Did you want Prozac?" I informed her as much fun as that might be we didn't have any Prozac so ibuprofen would have to do.
I think this will become a weekly blog just so I can remember some of these things.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Birthdays
We have had several birthdays over the summer. Evan turned 13 July 7th. Mark had a birthday in August and Maddie was born August 12th. Caleb turned 11 September 2nd and Andrew turned 16 September 5th. I can not believe my first born is already 16. Happy Birthday to all of them.
Madalyn Faith
Madalyn Faith came into the world August 12th at 6:30 P.M.. She weighed in at 7 lbs 7 ounces and was 18 inches long. I am finally awake enough to post the wonderful news. This is a photo taken with a cell phone as I can not find the cable to upload photos from our digital camera.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
First lost tooth
Katie lost her first tooth today. This has been a two week process. Katie is all about the drama. At the first sign of it being loose she developed "the shakes". The daily updates were detailed and horror filled. This is Katie. Tonight I tied a string around this very loose tooth. I have found this works great, as I am tightening string the tooth normally comes out. Not this tooth. She walked around the house being very dramatic driving everyone up the wall. Andrew reached over and pulled the string, this was followed by high pitch screaming and the sound of feet up and down the stairs. Then came the wailing, "there's blood, there's blood". I thought we could do the tooth fairy thing and be done but oh no not with Katie. She came into the computer room and asked me if I would give her a dollar for her tooth. I tried to explain the Tooth Fairy would do that. She looked at me rolled her eyes and said, "oh come on mom we both know you and dad do that". She doesn't buy the Santa thing either. Oh well I still have Maddie to play Tooth Fairy and Santa Clause for.
Friday, May 30, 2008
This Week
The week is almost over. We have had homeschool day camp all week. The kids have had a blast and are worn out. The girls and I have Girl Scouts tonight and the girls have a Girl Scout sleep over tomorrow. I am thinking by Sunday this entire house will be out.
My dads legs are worse, he starts back to wound care Monday. He insists on staying at his house to guard it. So he sleeps in a chair, doesn't eat well and is just a mess on his legs. I need to get him to find a new doctor too. He is great on so many levels except his care. This is a very frustrating thing to watch someone that has always been so independent move to needing care. We deal with this as we do all things, knowledge, patience and faith.
Madelynn has grown very active the last two days. She kicks and moves almost all the time. She is already showing signs of a night owl.
My dads legs are worse, he starts back to wound care Monday. He insists on staying at his house to guard it. So he sleeps in a chair, doesn't eat well and is just a mess on his legs. I need to get him to find a new doctor too. He is great on so many levels except his care. This is a very frustrating thing to watch someone that has always been so independent move to needing care. We deal with this as we do all things, knowledge, patience and faith.
Madelynn has grown very active the last two days. She kicks and moves almost all the time. She is already showing signs of a night owl.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
IT'S A GIRL
This was screamed throughout my house today. We found out our newest family member will be a girl. She is due August 18th. Everything looks great.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Seeded vs Seedless
Kate is my youngest, at least until August. She is six years old. The other morning she was up early and chattering about things.
Kate: Mom, do all men have seeds?
Mom: Well I guess if they want to garden the go out and buy them.
Kate: No mom seeds, you know for making babies.
Mom: Ohh seeds. Umm yes they do. (mom is now wondering where this is coming from and if maybe a cup of coffee would be in order)
Kate: Can a man be seedless?
Mom: Well, yes they can I suppose.
Kate: I am going to have any man I marry checked for seeds.
Mom: Kate, I thought you said you weren't going to "have" a baby but adopt.
Kate: I am but I don't want a seedless husband.
Mom: Kate they aren't watermelons. (totally wondering why I got up this morning)
Kids come up with the wildest things. This seemed to have been on her mind for a while. I never even thought about a "seedless" husband. Obviously as we are going on our sixth child he isn't but I never thought about it before.
Kate: Mom, do all men have seeds?
Mom: Well I guess if they want to garden the go out and buy them.
Kate: No mom seeds, you know for making babies.
Mom: Ohh seeds. Umm yes they do. (mom is now wondering where this is coming from and if maybe a cup of coffee would be in order)
Kate: Can a man be seedless?
Mom: Well, yes they can I suppose.
Kate: I am going to have any man I marry checked for seeds.
Mom: Kate, I thought you said you weren't going to "have" a baby but adopt.
Kate: I am but I don't want a seedless husband.
Mom: Kate they aren't watermelons. (totally wondering why I got up this morning)
Kids come up with the wildest things. This seemed to have been on her mind for a while. I never even thought about a "seedless" husband. Obviously as we are going on our sixth child he isn't but I never thought about it before.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Spring
With Spring comes eczema for Caleb. The rest get a bit of sniffles, easily handled. The eczema is a different matter. We now must lotion the boy. This involves catching him as he streaks past, one parent holding him while the other greases him up. Caleb's asperger's brings with it the certainty that lotion, creams or any oils will cause great harm to him. I used to sneak in his room and lotion his hands while he was asleep. Now that I am pregnant I never seem to be awake longer than him. I know that must be an easier way but we haven't found it.
Evan on the other hand has slipped back to his previous ocd about traveling. He is doing much better with his homeschooling group but getting to events is an event in itself. First it is several trips to the bathroom, then the please not the freeway speech. We may also have to stop midway for another bathroom stop. I will put up with this as long as he is doing better at reading social cues and getting along with others.
Evan on the other hand has slipped back to his previous ocd about traveling. He is doing much better with his homeschooling group but getting to events is an event in itself. First it is several trips to the bathroom, then the please not the freeway speech. We may also have to stop midway for another bathroom stop. I will put up with this as long as he is doing better at reading social cues and getting along with others.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Pregnancy and Puberty
Pregnancy and puberty should not live in a home at the same time. I have come to realize this as I am pregnant and my 12 year old is entering the wonderful world of puberty. It has become a contest to see how many mood swings we can cover in a day.
I am now in my second trimester, yea. The morning sickness, that stuff that lasts 24/7 is now mostly in the evenings. I feel more human and have more energy. The energy part does no bode well for my children. I have the urge to clean the entire house and then do it again. I have gathered no baby stuff, we got rid of all of our baby stuff as we were done with babies. I will probably get to that by the end of my third trimester.
Evan is in his early puberty. The hair and skin still look good but the mood is dark and dreary. He is not the least bit interested in chores and school work. Talking back and girls however have become a new hobby. I thought Andrew was a joy in puberty, no Evan has topped that. Andrew has settled into himself and calmed down. Evan doesn't seem to be comfortable with himself or anyone. I am not sure about a child in puberty with asperger's but oh boy this is no fun. Old worries have come back, fears I thought were gone are back also. We had come so far in traveling and socializing now he prefers to have nothing to do with both.
I have Caleb to look forward to next. His asperger's is a bit harder than Evans. Maybe a cure for puberty will be discovered by then. Hey, I can dream.
I am now in my second trimester, yea. The morning sickness, that stuff that lasts 24/7 is now mostly in the evenings. I feel more human and have more energy. The energy part does no bode well for my children. I have the urge to clean the entire house and then do it again. I have gathered no baby stuff, we got rid of all of our baby stuff as we were done with babies. I will probably get to that by the end of my third trimester.
Evan is in his early puberty. The hair and skin still look good but the mood is dark and dreary. He is not the least bit interested in chores and school work. Talking back and girls however have become a new hobby. I thought Andrew was a joy in puberty, no Evan has topped that. Andrew has settled into himself and calmed down. Evan doesn't seem to be comfortable with himself or anyone. I am not sure about a child in puberty with asperger's but oh boy this is no fun. Old worries have come back, fears I thought were gone are back also. We had come so far in traveling and socializing now he prefers to have nothing to do with both.
I have Caleb to look forward to next. His asperger's is a bit harder than Evans. Maybe a cure for puberty will be discovered by then. Hey, I can dream.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Room for one more
We made it through Christmas and New Years. Kids got their gifts and were happy. My dad was pleasant and the husband and I still have our sanity, well most of it. New Years was uneventful. Emma spent New Years at her friends Zoe's. The rest of us stayed up until 11:00 then we gave up and went to bed. I was awakened by kids running in to ask if we had heard the gun shots at midnight, well yea those and fireworks. The boys still fear gun shots due to one New Years when a bullet came through our roof and landed next to our oldest son. That then involved a lot of crying, on the kids part, and screaming.
So for 2008 is looking better. Last year was a hard year on us a lot happened. My dad became ill and was hospitalized and then had to come live with us. My youngest daughter had a close call with a woman in a park trying to take her with her. Never assume your 5 year old will not bolt from you at the first chance and will not then go with a stranger. Our youngest son had the end of his finger removed and reattached in a rather bizarre accident. We had other small but annoying things happen. This lasted up to December 23 when my newly repaired washer proceeded to fill itself for two straight hours. We were bailing water at midnight in a very cold basement. No corner of the downstairs was left dry.
One good thing from last year that will happen this year. We are going to be parents again. Yes a new addition, another rug rat, curtain climber whatever you wish to call them. This is why I have been away from the computer for so long. 24 hour a day sickness has kept me down more. This will make number 6 for us. This made Christmas dinner rather hard, I am not much into meat. We had a wonderful prime rib roast and I could not even look at it. This baby seems to be fine with smoked salmon and some chicken but otherwise meat is a no go.
Now to the name game. My wonderful husband, this was typed sarcastically, thinks we should name the baby with the middle name six. Our last child has the middle name Quinn meaning five. That is not why she got that middle name. I can not for the life of me figure out why he thinks he is funny when I am pregnant. By this time you would think he would have learned to be quiet and avoid eye contact.
So for 2008 is looking better. Last year was a hard year on us a lot happened. My dad became ill and was hospitalized and then had to come live with us. My youngest daughter had a close call with a woman in a park trying to take her with her. Never assume your 5 year old will not bolt from you at the first chance and will not then go with a stranger. Our youngest son had the end of his finger removed and reattached in a rather bizarre accident. We had other small but annoying things happen. This lasted up to December 23 when my newly repaired washer proceeded to fill itself for two straight hours. We were bailing water at midnight in a very cold basement. No corner of the downstairs was left dry.
One good thing from last year that will happen this year. We are going to be parents again. Yes a new addition, another rug rat, curtain climber whatever you wish to call them. This is why I have been away from the computer for so long. 24 hour a day sickness has kept me down more. This will make number 6 for us. This made Christmas dinner rather hard, I am not much into meat. We had a wonderful prime rib roast and I could not even look at it. This baby seems to be fine with smoked salmon and some chicken but otherwise meat is a no go.
Now to the name game. My wonderful husband, this was typed sarcastically, thinks we should name the baby with the middle name six. Our last child has the middle name Quinn meaning five. That is not why she got that middle name. I can not for the life of me figure out why he thinks he is funny when I am pregnant. By this time you would think he would have learned to be quiet and avoid eye contact.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bah Humbug
It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas around here. Fighting, bickering, screaming, deal making and chaos. I don't think I like Christmas, in fact I know I don't, as much as I once did. Five children equals five active volcano's. Oh sure they simmer and smoke quietly until we get down to the last two weeks. Then they explode, spewing chaos everywhere. School is never done around here, we have lessons in everything we do. Right now I am learning about peace talks. They on the other hand are practicing open warfare.
Andrew is trying but still blows steam and spews nonsense. He is now 15 and calming down. He can however be goaded into and argument by Evan or Emma quickly. I have noticed how as Andrew has gotten older his gifts have gotten smaller but more expensive. He will be 16 by next Christmas, I have already told him not to expect a car. Well that's not entirely true, he will get his usual Matchbox car, a family tradition.
Evan is not trying anything but my patience. He forgets his chores mid chore. Argues, with everyone including the dogs it seems. Evan is 12, oh yes the joy of puberty has come to roost here again. Evan is harder to shop for, he is a tween. Still loves to play with toys but more interested in older kids stuff, video games, mp3 players and such.
Caleb, well Caleb is something. He has been trying, and getting better at social interaction. I saw a shirt that was perfect for him the other day, it said "Dear Santa, I was framed.". Caleb is 10, no signs up puberty, but plenty of defiance. Caleb has never been easy to shop for, he will not say what he wants. Santa has never been big with Caleb so no finding out that way. We know he loves Lego's, and any building toys. He also loves chemistry sets and chess boards.
Emma is all about the argument and drama. Should an argument break out mid chore she is very happy. A dramatic moment can be had, she storms up the stairs crying loudly and yelling "Thats it, I am going to my room I am not doing my chores.". This never works but she tries anyhow. Emma is 8 and very sweet most of the time. Emma is still easy to shop for and happy with pretty much anything you give her.
Kate is just Kate. She will fight with anyone in a heartbeat. She tries to help out and do her chores. She sings and dances one minute and slugs and kicks the next. She is our "Katie Kaboom" for good reason. Katie is 5 and enjoying every minute of it. Katie wants a bike this year, that's it that's all, a bike. I have a feeling this will be the only easy year with her.
The closer we get to the big day the more tension mounts. The kids have tried. The pressure seems to be too much. It is cold outside, well cold for Vegas, the kids don't want to go out as much. The tree is too much of a temptation, must move the ornaments around, crawl behind it or under it. This has been a long year and this is the big moment before its done. We have in-laws to dine with Christmas eve then our home for Christmas day.
Now I must go upstairs and finish folding laundry, figure out how to mop the floors and keep kids off of them. Check and make sure the tree is not crooked again. I hope we make it to the big day without a massive blow up, the tree still standing and my sanity at least somewhat on this side of reality.
Andrew is trying but still blows steam and spews nonsense. He is now 15 and calming down. He can however be goaded into and argument by Evan or Emma quickly. I have noticed how as Andrew has gotten older his gifts have gotten smaller but more expensive. He will be 16 by next Christmas, I have already told him not to expect a car. Well that's not entirely true, he will get his usual Matchbox car, a family tradition.
Evan is not trying anything but my patience. He forgets his chores mid chore. Argues, with everyone including the dogs it seems. Evan is 12, oh yes the joy of puberty has come to roost here again. Evan is harder to shop for, he is a tween. Still loves to play with toys but more interested in older kids stuff, video games, mp3 players and such.
Caleb, well Caleb is something. He has been trying, and getting better at social interaction. I saw a shirt that was perfect for him the other day, it said "Dear Santa, I was framed.". Caleb is 10, no signs up puberty, but plenty of defiance. Caleb has never been easy to shop for, he will not say what he wants. Santa has never been big with Caleb so no finding out that way. We know he loves Lego's, and any building toys. He also loves chemistry sets and chess boards.
Emma is all about the argument and drama. Should an argument break out mid chore she is very happy. A dramatic moment can be had, she storms up the stairs crying loudly and yelling "Thats it, I am going to my room I am not doing my chores.". This never works but she tries anyhow. Emma is 8 and very sweet most of the time. Emma is still easy to shop for and happy with pretty much anything you give her.
Kate is just Kate. She will fight with anyone in a heartbeat. She tries to help out and do her chores. She sings and dances one minute and slugs and kicks the next. She is our "Katie Kaboom" for good reason. Katie is 5 and enjoying every minute of it. Katie wants a bike this year, that's it that's all, a bike. I have a feeling this will be the only easy year with her.
The closer we get to the big day the more tension mounts. The kids have tried. The pressure seems to be too much. It is cold outside, well cold for Vegas, the kids don't want to go out as much. The tree is too much of a temptation, must move the ornaments around, crawl behind it or under it. This has been a long year and this is the big moment before its done. We have in-laws to dine with Christmas eve then our home for Christmas day.
Now I must go upstairs and finish folding laundry, figure out how to mop the floors and keep kids off of them. Check and make sure the tree is not crooked again. I hope we make it to the big day without a massive blow up, the tree still standing and my sanity at least somewhat on this side of reality.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all. We will be spending this day at home and enjoying a meal later in the evening. Mark works today so dinner will be around 7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A sister lost - Never forgotten
I really don't like this daylight savings thing. It leaves me dragging, I don't stay motivated and am more distracted. I don't like it getting dark earlier, it makes me want to sleep more. I was going around the house gathering towels to wash, not moving with the speed I normally would. I walked into my bathroom to gather towels , I looked up on a shelf and noticed a box. I dropped my armful of towels on the floor and took the box down. I looked inside the box, it was full of letters and cards from my parents house. I walked into my bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, oh well the towels can wait a bit longer.
I pulled the letters out, some were from my paternal grandfather. These were from when my grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer to her death. I never knew a lot of things about this. I live in a don't ask because we won't tell family. I learned a few things I had never known. One of which is the strength my grandparents had during this time. I set these aside. I found a card from my brother, he is estranged from the family. The card was to our mother, signed Love Lewis. I set that one aside.
I came across a sympathy card. I couldn't remember who had died. I then pulled more out, all sympathy cards, then one caught my eye. One of sympathy a the loss of a child. At first I could not recall a child being last in the 1980's then it hit me. My sister, Linda. Every emotion of the day she passed hit me at once like a giant wave. She was young, in her 40's, she had a brain aneurysm. She left behind a husband and three teenage children.
I then remembered just a few months before she passed, our last visit with just the two of us. I was living in Reno at the time. I was going through some things and she called one day and said she was coming up. We spent a week together, it was great. We got to talk about everything. We hit every second hand shop and antique shop in the Reno area. She was an antique nut and I learned a few things from her. I remembered having some cheese and crackers with a nice glass of wine on the back patio. Watching the birds hit the bird feeders that hung under the grape arbor. We talked about her kids and what she hoped for each of them. We talked about our future, we also talked about death. A very odd subject for Linda. We talked about what I had been going through, it was a tough time for me. She told me not to let "these" people get me down, that I was better than that. We talked about her problems with "these" people and the don't ask we won't tell policy our family had. I learned her husband and children were her world and that was great.
Linda was born premature in 1947, she was the youngest premie to survive in Orange, Texas at that time. Linda was my confidant, although she was 17 when I was born I could tell her anything. She never judged and never told. When I moved from Kindergarten to first grade she bought me a Barbie tent, I still have that little red and blue tent. She was forgiving of any arguments in the family. She loved to have holiday dinners at her house. She was a great cook. She also loved to garden. She made these sweaters, that were knitted on a machine with angora woven in. I still have mine and my mothers. I keep them in a safe place so they will stay in one piece. We drove back to Las Vegas from Reno. We drove at night, she told me to be careful and if any rabbits got in the way not to swerve and get us killed. She said she wanted to get home alive, that she hadn't seen her husband in a week. She also told me I would learn when I was in my forties that sex was important to a woman in her forties. That totally cracked me up then, now I understand what she was saying. I am so glad we had that time together. I will remember it always.
I miss her to this very day. She has grandchildren now. I know she would love that so much. She told me she was looking forward to the day she had grandchildren to spoil. Her kids are grown and I hope happy adults and they are wonderful parents. I hope each of them remembers to spend some special time with each other because you just never know. I think I will plant some morning glories to remind me of her. I know just the spot.
Maybe daylight savings time has one good point. It slows us down enough to take a walk down memory lane.
I pulled the letters out, some were from my paternal grandfather. These were from when my grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer to her death. I never knew a lot of things about this. I live in a don't ask because we won't tell family. I learned a few things I had never known. One of which is the strength my grandparents had during this time. I set these aside. I found a card from my brother, he is estranged from the family. The card was to our mother, signed Love Lewis. I set that one aside.
I came across a sympathy card. I couldn't remember who had died. I then pulled more out, all sympathy cards, then one caught my eye. One of sympathy a the loss of a child. At first I could not recall a child being last in the 1980's then it hit me. My sister, Linda. Every emotion of the day she passed hit me at once like a giant wave. She was young, in her 40's, she had a brain aneurysm. She left behind a husband and three teenage children.
I then remembered just a few months before she passed, our last visit with just the two of us. I was living in Reno at the time. I was going through some things and she called one day and said she was coming up. We spent a week together, it was great. We got to talk about everything. We hit every second hand shop and antique shop in the Reno area. She was an antique nut and I learned a few things from her. I remembered having some cheese and crackers with a nice glass of wine on the back patio. Watching the birds hit the bird feeders that hung under the grape arbor. We talked about her kids and what she hoped for each of them. We talked about our future, we also talked about death. A very odd subject for Linda. We talked about what I had been going through, it was a tough time for me. She told me not to let "these" people get me down, that I was better than that. We talked about her problems with "these" people and the don't ask we won't tell policy our family had. I learned her husband and children were her world and that was great.
Linda was born premature in 1947, she was the youngest premie to survive in Orange, Texas at that time. Linda was my confidant, although she was 17 when I was born I could tell her anything. She never judged and never told. When I moved from Kindergarten to first grade she bought me a Barbie tent, I still have that little red and blue tent. She was forgiving of any arguments in the family. She loved to have holiday dinners at her house. She was a great cook. She also loved to garden. She made these sweaters, that were knitted on a machine with angora woven in. I still have mine and my mothers. I keep them in a safe place so they will stay in one piece. We drove back to Las Vegas from Reno. We drove at night, she told me to be careful and if any rabbits got in the way not to swerve and get us killed. She said she wanted to get home alive, that she hadn't seen her husband in a week. She also told me I would learn when I was in my forties that sex was important to a woman in her forties. That totally cracked me up then, now I understand what she was saying. I am so glad we had that time together. I will remember it always.
I miss her to this very day. She has grandchildren now. I know she would love that so much. She told me she was looking forward to the day she had grandchildren to spoil. Her kids are grown and I hope happy adults and they are wonderful parents. I hope each of them remembers to spend some special time with each other because you just never know. I think I will plant some morning glories to remind me of her. I know just the spot.
Maybe daylight savings time has one good point. It slows us down enough to take a walk down memory lane.
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