Sunday, August 31, 2008

First Week of School Wrap-Up

The first week of school went rather well, I think. The kids have gotten into a routine and made some new friends. Sarah and Zachary have adjusted to being separated. The first day was kind of rough, but after that, they were fine. I think it was just nerves. They all love their teachers. Here are a few things that stuck out this week.

Remember how they all took apples to school the first day, well Zachary said every day that week somebody brought his teacher an apple. The teacher was over run with apples. LOL! Who would of ever thought Zachary would be a trendsetter.

Amanda is taking driver's education this year. I can't believe I'm old enough to have a kid that is taking driver's ed. How scary!! I hope Rich realizes that he's going to be teaching these kids how to drive when the time comes. Cause, I'm not! Hey, if I have to have THE TALK with them, than he can very well teach them how to drive, right?

Nicholas got to take his first trip to the school library. He was so excited when he got to take a book home. And of course it was a Scooby Doo book, that we had to read over and over for a week straight.

All in all, I think they had a great week. I only hope that the rest of the year goes this well!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

No, I didn't

Sarah came up to me a few minutes ago and said "Mom did you call Uncle Charlie back, because he called last night and wanted to talk to you." I said "Gee if I didn't even know he called, how can I call him back?" So now I'm off to call my brother.

Two more posts, before...

I really need to get off this computer. My aunt is having a family reunion kind of picnic at her house today. It's about an hour drive and I already told her I would be there, so I really need to get the kids ready to go. I think I'm feeling a little weird or something about going. My mom, sister and one of my brothers aren't going. So it'll be Charlie, me and our families representing this little branch of the tree.

I'm thinking I won't have anyone to talk to, that I don't have much in common with alot of them, so I'm kind of feeling alittle apprehensive about going. I know it's probably weird to be thinking that way. Oh well, I'll just suck it up and go anyway, especially since I already promised her and she's not one I would feel comfortable breaking a promise too. I like her. She's my mother's youngest sister and one of the nicest people you would ever meet.

Plus, it's Labor Day weekend. And we never really do anything on Labor Day.

Okay, I think I talked myself into it. One more post before I get off....

I got an award!!

Yay, I love this kind of stuff. I know I'm such a dork, but I love it anyway. And even though its just an award from a friend, it does still feel good to be recognized as a blog she loves to read (I secretly think its because she loves my kids more than me lol). Its the first ever blog award I have won and I LOVE it!





First, I'd love to thank Momster . She has been a very dear friend to me. I have gotten alot of great advice and wonderful recipes from her. She is a great photographer and I would love for her to take pictures of my children someday. Which wouldn't be that hard a thing to do, since she's only a few hours away. I heart my friend!!

The rules to accept this award are very simple. I have to answer a few questions with one word answers. And then I have to pass this award to seven people. Very Exciting People, very exciting!!

The questions:
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Where is your significant other? Bed
3. Your hair color? Blond
4. Your mother? Home
5. Your father? Deceased
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? None
8. Your dream/goal? Perfection
9. The room you're in? Kitchen
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Many
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Work
14. What you're not? Sad
15. One of your wish-list items? Camera
16. Where you grew up? Country
17. The last thing you did? Read
18. What are you wearing? Jammies
19. Your TV? Plasma
20. Your pet? Many
21. Your computer? Needed
22. Your mood? Bored
23. Missing someone? No
24. Your car? Van
25. Something you're not wearing? Socks
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? Good
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? Always
31. Last time you cried? Dunno

And for my seven, I pass this award to the following:

EJ
Sheri
Sarah
Tasha
Creative Craft Junkie
Jen
Kristen

If you chose to accept this, you will have to right click the award and save it to your computer. Please keep passing it on....

Thanks again B, love ya!

The Grocery List

I thought this was a cute little story.

SPECIAL GROCERY LIST

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.

She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.
John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'
John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.
The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'

Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.'

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.'

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:

'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said;

'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.'

Public Service Annoucement

I normally wouldn't post this kind of thing, mainly because I try to keep things light around here. But since I have seen this twice now (in two different e-mails and two different stories), I thought it might be worth sharing. Keep in mind I have no idea who these people are, but the facts are true behind the story. I have heard nothing good about this birth control.

I am sure most of you have a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a
> friend or a friend's daughter... this might be worth checking out.
> PASS THIS ON EVEN IF YOU DON'T USE IT!!
>
> Recently, this past week, my cousin Nicole Dishuk (age 31... a newly
> graduated student with a doctoral degree about to start her new career
> as a Doctor...) was flown into a nearby hospital, because she passed
> out. They found a blood clot in her neck, and immediately took her by
> helicopter to the ER to operate. By the time they removed the right
> half of her skull to relieve the pressure on her brain, the clot had
> spread to her brain causing severe damage. Since last Wednesday night,
> she was fighting for her life. They induced her into a coma to stop
> the blood flow and then operated 3 times.
>
> Finally, they said there was nothing left that they could do. Multiple
> clots in the left side of her brain were found, the swelling wouldn't
> stop and she was on the life support. She died at 4:30 that day. She
> leaves behind her husband, a 2-year old, Brandon and a 4-year old,
> Justin.
>
> The CAUSE of DEATH they found was a birth control she was taking that
> allows you to only have your period 3 times a year. Doctors said it
> interrupts life's menstrual cycle, and although it is FDA approved...
> it shouldn't be. So to the women in my address book, I ask you to
> boycott this product and deal with your periods once a month, so you
> can live the rest of the months that life has in store for you.
>
> Please send this to every woman you know - you may save someone's
> life. Remember you have a cycle for a reason.
>
> FYI: The name of this n ew birth control is Lybrel. If you go to
> Lybrel.com you will find a least 26 pages of information regarding
> this drug. The second birth control is Seasonique. If you go to
> Seasonique.com you will find at least 43 pages of information
> regarding this drug. The warning and side effects regarding both pills
> are horrible.
>
> Please forward this to as many daughters AND sons, co-workers, friends
> and relatives. Several lives have already been changed.
>


It is pretty scary!! As much as a pain in the butt having your period every month, is I don't think its worth the risk to try this pill. You are meant to have a period every month and while its not a pleasant thing to go through, it is just the cycle your body has to go through. Isn't one week of messy, crampy yuck worth a lifetime of living. Again, this is a true story, I have heard other stories including on the local news about this pill. Seriously reconsider taking this, or if you know of someone who is taking it, discuss the warnings and side effects with them. I don't know why they just don't take this crap off the market.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

just sharing some pics

These are leftovers from the bike parade. All Sarah could get was their backs. She couldn't get in front of them. One of these days I'm going to get a picture of these two with their band uniforms on, holding their instruments.

Anthony in the middle

Amanda on the left


Nathan and the carnation. The dentist we go to hands out carnations to their patients. Even Rich has come home with them. I think its a little strange, but really nice at the same time. When I got home, Nathan was very curious about my flower so I let him hold it. He looked so cute, I took his picture. Then he went into the kitchen, pushed a chair up to the sink and filled up a cup with water. I thought he was being nice. Then I looked over at him and he has the stem ripped off. And the top of the poor flower was drowning in the cup of water. LOL!

I guess that's boys for you!!




Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Mad and Sleepy

I have been trying to call my doctor for two days now. I don't want to look like an idiot by calling the office a hundred times, but they won't return any of my calls. I called twice yesterday and once more today. I keep getting the "busy greeting" message. I've left three messages and still no one has called me back! I know they are there because I drove past the office on my way to the store yesterday and saw about 10 cars in the parking lot. So what the heck is he waiting for? For me to run out of medicine? All I want is a freakin' appointment!

The last time this happened was in the middle of January. I called to make an appointment and they scheduled one, two weeks after my last refill ran out. I went two weeks without medicine in January, one of the worst months to go through. They said they wouldn't refill the prescription anymore until I had an appointment.

I don't know if that is what is going on now or not, but if the same damn thing happens, I'm going to be pissed! I'd rather not have to go through the hassle of finding another doctor, but come on! Call your patients back every now and then, man!

I have been so tired the past five or so days. Probably the blue/depression thing. I can't stand feeling this way though. I'm walking around in zombie mode. All I want to do is sit down and sleep. Can't sleep when you have a three year old running around. Plus, I have the rotten headache that goes from being so tired. Which makes me want to lay down even more. The past two days when I wake up, I swear I just laid down and fell asleep. It's like I lay down at night and fall asleep and then the alarm goes off in the morning, within five minutes. But in reality its more like 6 or 7 hours of sleep. It's really weird!

I hardly ever wake up using an alarm clock. I use one when the kids are in school, if I have to work day shift or we have an appointment in the morning. Otherwise, I just get up when I hear the kids getting up. Maybe I'm not getting enough sleep and that's why I'm so tired. I really hope I stop feeling so run down and exhausted all the time. I hate feeling this way.


**Updated: The doctor finally called. Whew, I have an appointment for next week. And the sleepiness is hanging on, but its only an annoyance now, not on the forefront at the moment. Thank God, for results!

New Design

I'm playing around a bit, trying new ideas, backgrounds, etc.

Just to let you know!

Monday, August 25, 2008

back to school adventures

It was the first day of school today. Nathan has been so used to having his big brothers and sisters around that he really didn't know what to do with himself. He was a wild child and bounced off all the walls. To keep him from getting into the lunch box stuff, I bought him some Dora Animal Crackers. Which he ate, while watching Dora and Diego (if you don't know who they are - you are so very, very lucky).

I had been doing laundry all day long. I had been trying to fold the clothes straight out of the dryer and then having the kids bring them upstairs. But with no one home but me, Rich and Nathan I didn't want to stay downstairs for too long. Nathan doesn't really like watching the downstairs (family room) tv. So I was dragging basket after basket of laundry upstairs. At one point I went down to switch the clothes from washers to dryers, when I saw water shooting all over the place. Apparently one of the washers hose thing that runs from the water thing to the washer was broken and sprang a leak. There was water all over the floor, the walls, the washer. I managed to turn it off but there was still alittle bit spraying out of the hose, so Rich had to replace it.

Then I went out to get the mail. I left Nathan inside (and meant to grab a set of keys, because he has been locking the door lately). As soon as I crossed the street I heard Nathan laughing. He said "ha ha mom" and closed the door. I knew as soon as he did it, that he locked me out. The cars were locked, so I couldn't use the remote to the garage. All I could do was pound on the door until Rich heard me. The whole time I could hear Nathan giggling. When Rich heard me knocking, he said Nathan told him that he locked me out. Rich laughed. It was kind of funny. Boy, I don't think I'll forget to grab the keys again.

Earlier in the day, after Nathan and I had dropped off the kids and were getting into the car, I noticed his shirt was on backwards. And he had juice spilled on the front of his pants. That must have looked real good at the school. Note to self, don't ask Zachary to help dress his brother anymore.

At the end of the day (around 2:30) Nathan finally conked out. It sure did take him long enough. Not that he takes regular naps or anything (I wish). But I figured he would eventually crash, since he was so wound up most of the day. He fell asleep, in all places, a laundry basket (what is it with this kid and sleeping in baskets). No need to buy a bed for him, just an extra large basket. And for the record, he did have clothes on during the day, he just stripped them all before he laid down.



Catching mommy taking a picture

This one had me in tears....

This song makes me say WOW!! Love it, it has so much meaning in the words. Beautiful song to make you think and cry.


Video.....




Lyrics.....

How You Live by Point of Grace

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want, but want what you have
And don't spend you life looking back

Turn up the music Turn it up Loud
Take a few chances Let it all out
Because you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Because it's not who you knew and it's not what you did
It's how you Live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth cause you can't get away
Oh no
Just face it and you'll be ok

Turn up the music Turn it up Loud
Take a few chances Let it all out
Because you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Because it's not who you knew and it's not what you did
It's how you Live

Where ever you are and wherever you've been
Now is a time to begin

So give to the needy and Pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God and Make peace with yourself
Oh yeah
Cause in the end there's nobody else

Turn up the music Turn it up Loud
Take a few chances Let it all out
Because you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Because it's not who you knew and it's not what you did
It's how you Live

Because it's not who you knew and it's not what you did
It's how you Live

First Day of School

I love the first day of school. Not just for obvious reasons, but I love this time of year, even though it makes me a little melancholy or blue. I love the paperwork the kids bring home that needs to be filled out. I love filling it out, even though its times five. I don't know why, I guess I'm just weird like that.

Years ago, when Amanda first started kindergarten I took her to school on the first day. It was only half a day back then. I walked her to her class, and then walked out into the hallway and sobbed like a baby. My baby girl was going to school. I think I sat the entire time in my car, crying. Every year after that, I have taken the kids to school on their first day. I walk them to their classrooms, one by one. Of course, I don't do that with Amanda and Anthony anymore (walk them to class), but I do still take them to school on the first day. The one year I didn't for whatever reason, Amanda got really upset with me. It's a tradition that has happened every year. And it means alot to the kids and me.

This year I wanted to do a little something extra. I decided to give the kids each an apple (the younger three, not the older two) to give to their teacher. Nobody does that anymore. So I thought it would be a nice gesture and the kids really thought it was fun. As we were walking down the hallways to school, we heard a lot of teachers say things like "oooh apples, that's so nice" or "can I have a bite, they look good". That made us feel really good. Zachary's teacher said "trying to sweeten me up already, huh?" Sarah's teacher wasn't in the room at the time. And Nicholas' teacher just beamed with joy and even posed for a picture (which came out really blurry - bummer). A new tradition was born! I definately think we are going to do this from now on.

Some pictures of the kids. Then stay tuned for a new entry of all the mishaps that happened today.

Nicholas going into his classroom (see the apple his teacher is holding)

Amanda - MOMmmm, stop it!

Profile of Anthony (oh my god, did he grow this summer)

The little ones holding their apples

Another one of Zachary, Nicholas and Sarah

Nathan (when I told him we were going to have all day to ourselves)

Coal Show Parade

On Saturday August 23, our little town had a big parade. The parade is the grand finale of Coal Show Week. Every year in late August, our town has this week long celebration. I know you what you are thinking, you celebrate coal? Yes we do, in a way. Marching or being in the parade is sort of like a rite of passage in this town. At some point in your life, you have probably marched, walked, ridden or driven through the parade if you live in this area.


(The start of the parade, Our veterans)

At the beginning of the parade, they have an antique car parade. It is now a memorial to the man who first started the car show parade many years ago. My father was good friends with him. I remember that Mr. W had quite a few antique cars. And one year, my father drove one in the parade. We got to ride in it. It was fun. But very hot inside that old car. There are marching bands, veterans, police cars, fire engines, cheerleaders, winning sports teams, coal queen representives, coal queen float, and many more fun and interesting things. Back when I was a kid, I remember there was a float that had square dancers dancing while the float went through the parade. People come from all over to watch the parade or participate in it.


(Some antique cars)

This was Amanda and Anthony's first year to march in the parade with their high school band. They were very excited. I tried to get some pictures but they were marching by too quickly for me to get any. I actually got one of Amanda and that was it. I was yelling and screaming so loud, because I'm just so proud of my kids. My brother Jimmy and his wife Kristen came and sat with us. Also, my brother Charlie and his wife Amy and daughter Paige came. We had a lot of fun. It was a nice day. The kids got lots of candy. Nicholas got to meet his new teacher a few days early, because we sat next to her.


(The parade coming down the street; the one and only one I got of the kids - Amanda)

We even yelled for Amanda's friend who was riding on a fire truck and Kristen's step dad who also rode on a different town's fire truck. Sarah got to see her friend Brenna, who lives down the street and is a little cheerleader. I think we just yelled and screamed about everything.





(Our tax dollars, put to good use)


(Amanda's friend, Amanda in the middle on top of the fire truck)

(Sarah's friend, Brenna - front right).

I was later told by Amanda that I was a pretty cool mom. I guess it was because I was cheering them on. Even Amanda's friend, Amanda said she loved me and the kids because we were cheering for her too. I think it made her feel good to know that so many of us were there to show our support of both her and Anthony. I've already had my sister and brothers asking me for a football schedule so they can watch the half time show. That's so sweet and nice of them. And of course, they all offered to buy the pizzas that Amanda and Anthony were selling for the band too. Jodi, you are going to get hit up by them soon ;) And the best part of the day - was Anthony gave me a hug!! I don't know why its so hard for teenage boys to show love for the parents, especially their mothers. I said before on this blog that I was lucky if I got a hug on Mother's Day or my birthday from him. Saturday, I didn't even have to ask, he just walked up to me and gave me a hug. Melts my heart!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

I'm feeling kind of blue

Not really sure why. Maybe I'm going to miss my kids when they go back to school. Maybe I'm tired of working and my back and feet killing me. Maybe I'm going through some sort of depression, I don't know. If it is depression, it certainly isn't as bad as it was in the past. About six, going on seven years ago, I was severely depressed. It was so bad that I had suicidal thoughts, nothing can be as bad as that. I don't really remember what triggered that depression. I think I was pregnant with Nicholas. And I remember thinking I didn't really want to be pregnant and I felt so guilty for praying it was just a really bad dream. I feel terrible now sharing how awful I felt. Then I blamed all of Nicholas' health problems on myself (for thinking so many bad things). I feel bad saying this, because Nicholas is a true blessing and I wouldn't know what I would do without him now.

I remember feeling as though I was in the middle of the ocean holding on to a piece of driftwood and thinking I should either hold on for dear life or just let go and drown. At my darkest point I remember driving down the road and looking at these big hills that were guarded by rails and thinking I could just drive right through that and no one would even miss me.

Those dark, lonely days were awful and it was a hard, long struggle to pull myself out of the hole I dug for myself. I took zoloft, xanax, and a slew of other drugs. And I remember thinking why can't I just be normal. What is wrong with me that I have to take pills to make me happy. I remember yelling at my kids, pushing Rich away, and just living in a big old mess. My house was a mess, my family was a mess and I was a mess. It took alot of help from my family and friends to bring me back into the light.

That's what it feels like. Like you are living in the dark, and nothing matters. And you come out of the dark and enter the light it blinds you and all you want to do is climb back in. Thank God Rich and my friends just kept tugging and pulling me along. I think it finally hit me one day when my friend Rachel said "Charlene, do you realize what you are putting yourself through, what you put your family through. Can't you see what a big mess your life is?" I never really looked at it. Looked hard enough at it. And when I did, I started to climb out inch by inch. I faced some major fears that year too.

I got a job. And its funny when you think about how simple my job is now, but I really stressed myself out over it. Everyday I would come home from the classes practically in tears, wanting to quit and begging Rich not to make me go back. I was so afraid I would fail. Fail and make a fool out of myself. That I wasn't smart enough to take the classes and I would look like an idiot for failing something that was pretty simple. I only made it a big deal. I ended up being the second in the class. Pretty good for a stupid failure, huh?

I also faced my fear of heights (and I openly admit, I'm still scared witless being high off the ground - but I make myself do it anyway). My family and I went to a local children's amusement park. In one section of the park there is this huge, very high rope/net thing. I mean it shoots straight up. I watched the kids go up and Rich go up and I just sat there watching thinking, no way was I going up that thing. When the kids and Rich came back and begged me to go with them, I shrugged them off. Rich gave me a little pep talk and told me Sarah was really scared too and she did it and if she could do I could too.

So up I went inch by inch with Rich by my side until I made it to the top. There were plenty of people passing me along the way. I got so scared at the top I just couldn't get myself over the edge. I stood there shaking that whole net. When I got the courage to look up, instead of down I saw the kids sitting there watching. They were all yelling and screaming "Come on mom, you can do it" And it was just enough (well that and Rich pushing my butt up and over) that got me to the top where they were all waiting.

There were many more things I did that year that made me see just how wonderful my life is. That I shouldn't take things for granted. I shouldn't live with so much fear (I still struggle with fears every single minute of the day). And I got better. So even though I'm feeling alittle blue now, I know I will never let myself get as low as I was once before, ever again! I just need a little boost every now and then, like Rich pushing me up over the edge and I know I'll be alright. So forgive me if I don't comment as much on your blogs or I keep to myself for a few days. I'm fine, and I'll be back in a few days. I just need a little me time right now.

Friday, August 22, 2008

my health issues

I've been saying I would do this for some time, and never got around to it. I just want to go over real quick a few things that I've been going through.

Most people know I have asthma. I never had it as a child. I developed it as an adult. About ten or eleven years ago, I was sick with what I thought was a cold. I couldn't breathe real well and felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. The pressure I felt in my chest, made me feel like my insides were going to explode or implode as the case may be. I went to the hospital because I couldn't stand it anymore. While I was there, I had a dozen chest x-rays. They re-checked my thyroid (I have hyper thyroidism as well, which I can explain later). And determined I had bronchitis. The brochitis was so bad, I had developed adult onset asthma. I spent three days in the hospital on oxygen.

Afterwards, I went about my business, never realizing that the asthma I had from the bronchitis was permanent. I had problems breathing doing normal activities. I would get these coughing spells that made my chest hurt. I went back to the doctor to find out why I was feeling this way. I found out I had COPD (chronic obstruction pulmonary disease). Most people get this from years of smoking. I have never smoked a day in my life. I did however have a father who smoked and Rich smokes. I never thought I could get anything just from being around people who smoked. Sure enough from the secondhand smoke and chronic bronchitis, I developed copd.

If you ever get close enough (which I know most you never will), to listen to me breathe, you will be able to hear me wheezing even during normal activities. I am usually short of breath and can't breathe after doing strenuous work. COPD and asthma are very serious, as there is no cure. Once your lungs are damaged, they can't be fixed. I can't even blow up a balloon without becoming breathless.

My symptons are worse during the winter months, the cold air and the risks of getting bronchitis or the flu makes everything worse. Then there is the coughing.

On top of all that, I also have the allergy problems. Being around the cat, mold and other allergy triggers amplifies everything. I have to take Advair, Singulair and Albuterol inhaler. I also have a nebulizer machine to help regulate everything. There are good days and bad ones. Sometimes the anxiety of not being able to breathe, causes panic attacks. And if there are things going on that I feel are out of my control, I can really work myself up.

Its a terrible way to live. And it can be scary sometimes. Rich hasn't stopped smoking, but he does do it away from me, often in another room or outside. We have air purifers through out the house and have to get our heating/air ducts cleaned regularly. I can't be near large amounts of mold or cigarette smoke. And the cat, well I'm fine if I'm not anywhere near it. There are sometimes like last night where the cat will jump around in front of me, and I'll get the itchy, watery eyes and anxiety that follows.

I'm not sure why I'm telling everyone all of this. Maybe because I want people to be a little more considerate (like Rich) around people who have asthma or allergies and not smoke in front of them. Maybe its because last night's cat thing scared me a bit, maybe its because I would like people to think happy thoughts or say a prayer or two for me. I don't know, but it makes me feel a little better getting it all out there, so next I'm flipping out in a post about the damn cat, you'll know why.

Cats!

About ten years or more ago, I found out I was allergic to cats (among other things, such as mold). I'm almost positive that the whole eye swollen thing was due to the allergy. Either A: I picked up the cat and then rubbed my face or eyes. Or B: I was in a room where he (the cat) lays around licking himself and therefore there is dander spreading around in that room. This eye swollen thing has happened several times over the years. The only time I felt fine, is when we didn't have a cat. And I knew this, Rich knew this. So we went catless for a few years. But I felt guilty the entire time, because the kids and Rich are huge cat people. They love any animal, hence the zoo we have in our house. I on the other hand can't deal with them. They make me sick.

A few years ago, while Rich was in grad school he met a physically challenge woman. The woman's daugther had a cat, but couldn't keep it anymore because she was going to college and you can't have pets in dorms. And the lady couldn't take care of it herself due to her disability. So the lady asked Rich if he thought the kids would like a cat. He said he didn't know and he would have to discuss it with me.

I like a dumbass decided to let the cat stay. I felt so bad that their other cat ran away (it kept going back to our old house). Rich said it was up to me whether we took the cat or not. Yep, the guilt won out and we took the cat. Ever since then I've been dealing with this stupid cat allergy.

Lesson learned, don't ever give in when you know you shouldn't. When this cat goes, I won't be letting anymore in this house. That's for sure!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

FORE!!!

Two women were playing golf. One teed off and watched in horror as her ball headed directly toward a foursome of men playing the next hole.

The ball hit one of the men. He immediately clasped his hands together at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony.

The woman rushed down to the man, and immediately began to apologize. 'Please allow me to help. I'm a Physical Therapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you'd allow me,' she told him.

'Oh, no, I'll be all right. I'll be fine in a few minutes,' the man replied. He was in obvious agony, lying in the fetal position, still clasping his hands there at his groin.

At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help. She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside.

She administered a tender and artful massage for several long moments and asked, 'How does that feel?' He replied:
'It feels great, but I think my thumb's still broken!'

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bad Day Vent (warning some *bad* words)

I was going to take the little kids to watch the pet parade (it's part of Coal Show week), plus Amanda and Anthony were marching with the band. So, I'm running around trying to get me, Nicholas and Nathan cleaned up and ready to go. I couldn't find Sarah or Zachary anywhere. Which freaked me out, even though I figured they were down the street at a neighbor's house. But they didn't tell me they were leaving, so I was worried about them.

Rich was home taking a nap, so I figured I would just write a note for Sarah and Zach and left. I get to the parade and get the boys out of the car. The damn parade was over. We missed it, because I was worried about the twins and trying to drive around looking for them. I get the boys back in the car and decided to drive over to the school to pick Amanda and Anthony up. I backed out of the parking spot and right into a wall.

Yep, into a wall!



I think I was just so stressed out about the boys missing the parade, getting to the school on time, and the twins not being home that I wasn't paying attention. I left a good dent in the bumper!

I came home practically in tears, told Rich what I did. He told me not to worry about it, because it was an accident. Then he teased me by saying "you know most people look behind them when they are backing up." Yes dear I know, Shut up! Rich said since its that hard plastic, he might be able to pop it back out. That was bad enough, right?

Oh no!

Later, I took the two little boys to the grocery store. As I was leaving the parking lot, some Butthead decided to cut me off as I was pulling out. Then he almost side swiped me, pulling in front of me. And do you want to know the really sad part about it - there were so many cars in front of him that he couldn't even use the excuse of being in a hurry or speeding or someother bullshit story. He was ten feet in front of me the whole way home. He was just being an asshole!!

I burned freakin' dinner too!

I am so going to enjoy that chocolate that I bought at the store, believe me!

Went to the dentist

And all I could think of, while she was cleaning my teeth, is that I'm going to drown in the dental chair. Do you ever feel as though you are going to drown when they are using that water/suction thing? Seriously! They spray it in your mouth and it all just lays at the back of your throat, because they can't suck it up fast enough. And they can't stick that thing down in your throat once its in there, otherwise you'd gag and possibly vomit. Am I the only one that feels this way?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

This has been the summer of boo boos


Poor Nicholas was riding his bike when he somehow fell off and he did a tango with the road. He has brush burns on his knee, elbow, forearm, shoulder and face. His face got the brunt end of it all. I bandaged him all up and babied him a little, poor thing. He has been falling all over the place this summer. First, the back porch, then a baseball game and now this. I'll update later with a picture of his face.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Isn't this just the cutest picture, ever?

Baseball pictures

Never did share the baseball pictures that were professionally done this year, did I? The photographer takes a team picture of the kids sitting nicely. Which is really hard to do, getting around 12-15 kids to sit still and look in the same direction. So he takes a "silly" picture as an added bonus to let the kids get the energy out. And this year he gave all the parents who purchased pictures, the silly picture for free. I thought that was pretty cool.

I always get Sarah and Zachary's picture taken together. This is before Sarah got her hair cut.



And the silly one....




And Nicholas



And the silly one. He didn't know how to be silly in the picture (I know, how weird, considering...). The photographer had to turn Nick's hat sideways. And then Nicholas just stood there and smiled (he looks exactly the same in the other group one as this one, just his hat is turned LOL).

One week...

Til school starts! Wooo hoooo!! I can hardly wait!

Did you ever notice?

That when you have more than one kid they always have to have what the other wants. And don't you dare give one child something without getting the rest of them something as well.

I swear I'm tired of counting food out, God help me if I accidentally give someone a little more than the others. I mean really, does everything have to turn into a fight? And I would blame this on school being out for the summer, but I can't. They are like this year round. It's almost embarrasing. As a matter of fact it is embarrasing if we are out in public.

Honestly, if I'm out with one or two of the kids and I buy them a special treat, I have to drive around until they finish it, because I certainly couldn't take them home when they have an extra ice cream cone, or candy bar, Sheesh!

And whatever you do, make sure you feed them regularly, they are like zoo animals when they are starving. And they raid the cupboards and fridge like locusts on trees. Be prepared to be attacked if you walk into this house carrying food. Seriously, don't say I didn't warn you!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Things Kids Say

*Sarah was helping this morning and getting Nathan some breakfast. I could hear them talking to each other.

Nathan said "Sarah, you a good girl."

Sarah said "Aww Nathan, you're a good boy."


*I was complaining about Amanda being a smart mouth while Sarah was sitting in the room. I looked at Sarah and said "Sarah please don't act like Amanda does, when you are that age."

And Sarah said "I don't think I'll act like THAT, but I don't know for sure. I mean, I might not be able to help myself."


*Nicholas was playing with Zachary when he looked at Zachary real seriously and said "Man I hope I don't get hairy legs like Anthony."


Ahhh, they crack me up! LOL!!!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

It's a twin thing (part two)!

I thought since I had discussed the twins being separated in school, I would give you a few glimpses of twins and the bonds they have.