Yesterday, we spent quite some time on the phone, discussing things that are important in our marriage. It is interesting to me that these conversations usually happen over the phone when he is gone on business. Whether it is the missing each other, or the distractions that happen at home, I am not sure why it works out that these conversations are usually over the phone, but it is a joy to spend some time learning even more about each other, even after 8 years. I revel in some of the things I am told during these conversations, and am humbled by the amount of trust and open-ness, which he confesses he never envisioned having with anyone. I know I can share my inner-most soul, my deepest, darkest secrets, my every need with this man - and that there is no judgement, just understanding and compassion and love.
It is also lovely that, after almost a decade of knowing each other, there are still things to learn and appreciate about one another.
***
The Girl wrote "I love my Dad" for me on my pregnant belly to text to him, then decided she needed to get in on the action and drew all - and I mean ALL - over herself to text as well. He was laughing so hard when he called that I could barely understand him. It was priceless.
***
As we enter my 8th month of pregnancy, we are amazed at how fast my belly is popping out. I am working on rearranging rooms so that our girls (!!!) will share a room. Not an easy task when I am not to put more than 30 pounds of pressure on my abs. The friends who have offered to help have yet to arrive, and I am impatient a week later. I am so excited to have everything ready in case the Baby comes sooner than expected. And I cannot wait until Daddy gets home to go through the baby clothes and accessories, and the memories, as we pull out the things we saved 6 years ago. I want it perfect when he gets home (minus the painting parts, which will just have to wait).
July 31, 2010
July 19, 2010
mommy guilt
I am reminded that I had an assignment this month in my book study group = to make a list of things I may have once felt guilty aobut, or things you may think I should feel guilty about, but are actually things I will not and do not feel guilty about:
1. That I had to be reminded to make the list.
2. That I let my child stay up late so that she will sleep in so that I can sleep in, during summer vaca.
3. That I hate to clean
4. That I tell my child no. A lot. even if she cries and tells me she hates me.
5. That I put my husband at the center.
6. That I have, on more than one occasion, placed myself on the other side of a locked door until my temper cooled.
7. That I have apologized to my 6-year old.
8. That I tell her the truth, as soon as she is old enough to ask the question.
9. That I allow her to watch TV while I nap
1. That I had to be reminded to make the list.
2. That I let my child stay up late so that she will sleep in so that I can sleep in, during summer vaca.
3. That I hate to clean
4. That I tell my child no. A lot. even if she cries and tells me she hates me.
5. That I put my husband at the center.
6. That I have, on more than one occasion, placed myself on the other side of a locked door until my temper cooled.
7. That I have apologized to my 6-year old.
8. That I tell her the truth, as soon as she is old enough to ask the question.
9. That I allow her to watch TV while I nap
July 18, 2010
The cat is away
Dropped Daddy at the airport at 6 AM. We were rushed, and therefore so was the goodbye. He'll be gone for 3 weeks. Sigh.
I came home and pulled the covers over my head for a few more hours, but since the girl did not, I was awakened during every commercial for an update on the action of whatever show happened to be on.
Once I was up, the requests for pizza began, as they do every time the Daddy is away - he is NOT a fan of pizza, so we get it once a month or so. I am envisioning lots of pizza over the next few weeks. Haha
***
Ok, so about the blame game. Truly hate it. I got blamed for something I'm 100% sure I did not do, but in order to keep the peace, simply apologized for "if it was my fault" and set about helping to fix the problem. No real issue there. But when the blame did not stop and started getting ugly, I chose to stand up for myself. Note to self: not worth it. But as the trivial incident erupted into ridiculous, I reflected on the finger pointing we all are prone to. And so often, we don't know a thing about what we are really talking about. There are two sides in any disagreement and if you do not open your heart to see that, then at least refrain from sharing your one-sided judgements with me.
And the day I can actually say that out loud instead of simply walking away will either be my finest hour or my Waterloo.
***
For the third or fourth year in a row, suicides among and homocides of veteran soldiers is at a record high. Just recently, we lost two more men my husband knew, one well, one an acquaintance. It makes me sick, sad, fearful. I know my husband is in as good a place emotionally as he can be right now, but there have been times of anxiety and depression. As we gear up for a new deployment, please keep these men and women in your prayers for their safe service, and safe, happy return to home.
Doesn't help that the sand around his last base was determined to contain toxic levels of several compounds that the native residents have developed tolerances to, but to which America soldiers are highly suseptible. *Surprise* And what is being done to treat these soldiers????? Yeah, that is what I thought.
***
Pizza is here.
Priorities. :)
Love, me
I came home and pulled the covers over my head for a few more hours, but since the girl did not, I was awakened during every commercial for an update on the action of whatever show happened to be on.
Once I was up, the requests for pizza began, as they do every time the Daddy is away - he is NOT a fan of pizza, so we get it once a month or so. I am envisioning lots of pizza over the next few weeks. Haha
***
Ok, so about the blame game. Truly hate it. I got blamed for something I'm 100% sure I did not do, but in order to keep the peace, simply apologized for "if it was my fault" and set about helping to fix the problem. No real issue there. But when the blame did not stop and started getting ugly, I chose to stand up for myself. Note to self: not worth it. But as the trivial incident erupted into ridiculous, I reflected on the finger pointing we all are prone to. And so often, we don't know a thing about what we are really talking about. There are two sides in any disagreement and if you do not open your heart to see that, then at least refrain from sharing your one-sided judgements with me.
And the day I can actually say that out loud instead of simply walking away will either be my finest hour or my Waterloo.
***
For the third or fourth year in a row, suicides among and homocides of veteran soldiers is at a record high. Just recently, we lost two more men my husband knew, one well, one an acquaintance. It makes me sick, sad, fearful. I know my husband is in as good a place emotionally as he can be right now, but there have been times of anxiety and depression. As we gear up for a new deployment, please keep these men and women in your prayers for their safe service, and safe, happy return to home.
Doesn't help that the sand around his last base was determined to contain toxic levels of several compounds that the native residents have developed tolerances to, but to which America soldiers are highly suseptible. *Surprise* And what is being done to treat these soldiers????? Yeah, that is what I thought.
***
Pizza is here.
Priorities. :)
Love, me
June 29, 2010
untitled
We are prepping for a week in the mountains. I know this is a trip we need to take, Daddy really wants to. But it has been a hard weekend as the Twin is in the forefront of his mind. His head dropped against me, his forehead on mine, his cheek to my shoulder, or his chin to my hair, with a sigh "I miss Scott," more often than I could count this last few days. He twitches in his sleep, which means he is having a bad dream, and as I gently wake him up, he whispers "Thank you" each time. I am not sure how he is going to do this weekend, and honestly, I am anxious. I wish he did not want to stay so long, frankly.
***
The Girl is going through a ridiculously sassy stage. If I have heard "I hate you," "You are the worst mommy ever," "I wish I was in a different family," once, I have heard it a thousand times lately. I am OVER it. I am SO ready to bust out the bar of soap. I would so appreciate a night off, but here is the reality: Moms rarely get those. I shudder to envision age 13 when age 6 looks like this. If you are reading, be aware you may get a call that she is on her way, with a FULL suitcase, at any moment, whether you are in Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, or Turkey. (Either that, or I am!!) :)
Be forewarned.
***
Went to the Dr yesterday. Alone, not good, because this time was a bit anxiety-provoking. Started out ok - I only gained one pound (which is a total gain of only 2 pounds since my first pregnancy visit!), my belly has grown 4 cm, my BP is great. However, the fetal heartrate was at 177. That is 27 bpm more than usual. If it peaks high like that, then drops to normal, that is good. But at the 3 minute mark, both the PA and I were starting to get anxious. "What did you eat?" "Have you had caffiene today?" and so on. Finally she says, lets get some more water in you, maybe you are just dehydrated. Did I mention I was not in the least bit thirsty??? But 4 glasses of water and 30 minutes later, I was scared when I suddenly broke out in a sweat. Head to toe, no glistening perspiration here, but full body soaked in a matter of seconds - in spite of air conditioning, water, deodorant - I had sweat dripping from every pore of my body - running down my stomach, my back, my legs - even my hair suddenly was soaked; it was awful. And frightening. I quickly told the nurse and they got me back into a room, and took my vitals. Turns out, two minutes later I was absolutely chilled to the bone.
However, my fetal signs all were back to normal. She was kicking normally as well. Doc hands me an apple juice and forbids me to leave just yet.
Turns out I was dehydrated, and did not even realize it. Then she determined my blood sugar was too low, causing the sweats and chills. (No one has ever told me I do not eat enough. Ever.) Another 20 minutes and we were both back to normal, and I was sent on my way with orders to take it easy the rest of the day and call if the sweats came back. Nice.
Fortunately, we both seem to be OK today - I feel good.
***
The Girl is going through a ridiculously sassy stage. If I have heard "I hate you," "You are the worst mommy ever," "I wish I was in a different family," once, I have heard it a thousand times lately. I am OVER it. I am SO ready to bust out the bar of soap. I would so appreciate a night off, but here is the reality: Moms rarely get those. I shudder to envision age 13 when age 6 looks like this. If you are reading, be aware you may get a call that she is on her way, with a FULL suitcase, at any moment, whether you are in Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, or Turkey. (Either that, or I am!!) :)
Be forewarned.
***
Went to the Dr yesterday. Alone, not good, because this time was a bit anxiety-provoking. Started out ok - I only gained one pound (which is a total gain of only 2 pounds since my first pregnancy visit!), my belly has grown 4 cm, my BP is great. However, the fetal heartrate was at 177. That is 27 bpm more than usual. If it peaks high like that, then drops to normal, that is good. But at the 3 minute mark, both the PA and I were starting to get anxious. "What did you eat?" "Have you had caffiene today?" and so on. Finally she says, lets get some more water in you, maybe you are just dehydrated. Did I mention I was not in the least bit thirsty??? But 4 glasses of water and 30 minutes later, I was scared when I suddenly broke out in a sweat. Head to toe, no glistening perspiration here, but full body soaked in a matter of seconds - in spite of air conditioning, water, deodorant - I had sweat dripping from every pore of my body - running down my stomach, my back, my legs - even my hair suddenly was soaked; it was awful. And frightening. I quickly told the nurse and they got me back into a room, and took my vitals. Turns out, two minutes later I was absolutely chilled to the bone.
However, my fetal signs all were back to normal. She was kicking normally as well. Doc hands me an apple juice and forbids me to leave just yet.
Turns out I was dehydrated, and did not even realize it. Then she determined my blood sugar was too low, causing the sweats and chills. (No one has ever told me I do not eat enough. Ever.) Another 20 minutes and we were both back to normal, and I was sent on my way with orders to take it easy the rest of the day and call if the sweats came back. Nice.
Fortunately, we both seem to be OK today - I feel good.
June 24, 2010
One of those days
It is one of those days where I feel disconnected, discombobulated, and isolated. I know it is the depression rearing its ugly head to see if I will give in - I won't - but that does not mean the tears aren't falling for no good reason anyway.
So that reminds me of the purpose - the gratitude I started this page acknowledging:
1. The fresh new life burrowed under my heart, kicking with strength and regularity, reminding me she is growing strong and healthy
2. Jobs, in this uncertain economy where so many who are looking cannot find one.
3. The Daddy is home for a while as orders have changed and been shifted around.
4. The Daddy is NOT leaving for Iraq next month, thanks to the CO, who says the team is not ready. Surprise! We didn't even know the option to go so soon was on the table.
5. The Girl who MUST have a little mermaid in her, as she always claims. She is my water baby - swimming the width of the Grandparent's pool underwater. Just all of a sudden she decided to do it. Alrighty then.
6. The ache in my bum and my triceps, telling me the workouts are having some effect.
Ok, that worked, eyes are dry.
Love-me
So that reminds me of the purpose - the gratitude I started this page acknowledging:
1. The fresh new life burrowed under my heart, kicking with strength and regularity, reminding me she is growing strong and healthy
2. Jobs, in this uncertain economy where so many who are looking cannot find one.
3. The Daddy is home for a while as orders have changed and been shifted around.
4. The Daddy is NOT leaving for Iraq next month, thanks to the CO, who says the team is not ready. Surprise! We didn't even know the option to go so soon was on the table.
5. The Girl who MUST have a little mermaid in her, as she always claims. She is my water baby - swimming the width of the Grandparent's pool underwater. Just all of a sudden she decided to do it. Alrighty then.
6. The ache in my bum and my triceps, telling me the workouts are having some effect.
Ok, that worked, eyes are dry.
Love-me
June 19, 2010
Reflections
I look in the mirror.
I see the woman:
the mother,
the wife,
the sister,
the daughter,
the friend,
the aunt,
the teacher...
I see me.
Sometimes that glass darkens
and blurrs
and I forget
to look through the poorly reflected image
to the real me,
the one inside.
The one that needs to take time
to be the wife
and mother
first.
The one that cries
tears of joy,
tears of anger,
tears of sadness
so easily
But forgets to laugh
It is time to forget
those tears of anger
tears of sadness
meaningless chores
and imposed responsibilities.
To forget what others say
I need
and meet my own needs
chase my own dreams
Find the woman
behind
the
reflection
I see the woman:
the mother,
the wife,
the sister,
the daughter,
the friend,
the aunt,
the teacher...
I see me.
Sometimes that glass darkens
and blurrs
and I forget
to look through the poorly reflected image
to the real me,
the one inside.
The one that needs to take time
to be the wife
and mother
first.
The one that cries
tears of joy,
tears of anger,
tears of sadness
so easily
But forgets to laugh
It is time to forget
those tears of anger
tears of sadness
meaningless chores
and imposed responsibilities.
To forget what others say
I need
and meet my own needs
chase my own dreams
Find the woman
behind
the
reflection
June 18, 2010
Hotel living
I think we have spent more time living in hotels than at home the last few weeks, and I know it is true for the Daddy. There is something exciting about leaving home with your suitcase to try something new for a few days.
There is something even better about coming home and sleeping in your own bed.
We have run the gamit of hotels lately - from the surprisingly nice Motel 6 at Disneyland to the bare-bones, no frills base hotel, to the dirty dive the troops were moved to, to the posh resort the Girl and I were treated during my work conference.
One thing that remains the same however, is if there is a pool, mija is happy. Especially if she has some friends to swim with. She can make a friend anywhere - in that way only young children can.
It makes me think of my childhood penpal - whom I met at a pool in North Carolina where we were both on vacation with our families, and both about 10 years old. We have recently connected on Facebook - and it was so bizzarre! We don't know who we know in common, and I did not have her email, but one day she mysteriously popped up on my "You may know..." list. It has been fun to reconnect.
There is something even better about coming home and sleeping in your own bed.
We have run the gamit of hotels lately - from the surprisingly nice Motel 6 at Disneyland to the bare-bones, no frills base hotel, to the dirty dive the troops were moved to, to the posh resort the Girl and I were treated during my work conference.
One thing that remains the same however, is if there is a pool, mija is happy. Especially if she has some friends to swim with. She can make a friend anywhere - in that way only young children can.
It makes me think of my childhood penpal - whom I met at a pool in North Carolina where we were both on vacation with our families, and both about 10 years old. We have recently connected on Facebook - and it was so bizzarre! We don't know who we know in common, and I did not have her email, but one day she mysteriously popped up on my "You may know..." list. It has been fun to reconnect.
June 10, 2010
Misc random odds and ends
Nuh uh. Really? REALLY? REALLY? REALLY? PUKE! Ok, now that I got that off my chest... moving on.
Had fun yesterday helping a friend pick colors and a pattern for a new kids-room paint job. Couldn't stay for the painting, due to the fumes, but can't wait to see the finished project.
Will be helping the Girl fix up her doll-house that was made by my husband's grandfather for his mother when she was a girl. It was a belated birthday gift, and has spent some time in the heat in her shed, so it needs some TLC -- splintered wood, peedling paint. But what a keepsake. My dollhouse was thrown away -- without my permission -- after I moved into my first apartment. But what fond memories I have of working with my parents to make it just how I wanted it - complete with curtains, carpet and the works - and then hours playing with it.
Finally heard from my hubs after several days of no contact - I hate that! - of course I was sound asleep when he finally texted for the first time this week, but he told me when to be on stand-by for a phone call. It is like when he deployed and would email me what time he would be able to call... Gee, such memories. And foreshadowing of the good times to come. (Read lots of sacrasm into that tone!)
Gearing up for a conference out to town - complete with a nanny in tow, since Daddy can't come - at a posh resort. Looking forward to it. Attending with my boss, so that should be interesting!
Got invited to a "passion party" tonight; no sitter yet so not sure if I am going, but those things are hysterical. I hosted one when Daddy's unit was returning home, for the wives club. I also hosted a Pampered Chef party once. They sell way more at passion parties, FYI, for I saw the final sales figures for both events. Just an observation.
Lots to do today, so I am off-
Love, me
Had fun yesterday helping a friend pick colors and a pattern for a new kids-room paint job. Couldn't stay for the painting, due to the fumes, but can't wait to see the finished project.
Will be helping the Girl fix up her doll-house that was made by my husband's grandfather for his mother when she was a girl. It was a belated birthday gift, and has spent some time in the heat in her shed, so it needs some TLC -- splintered wood, peedling paint. But what a keepsake. My dollhouse was thrown away -- without my permission -- after I moved into my first apartment. But what fond memories I have of working with my parents to make it just how I wanted it - complete with curtains, carpet and the works - and then hours playing with it.
Finally heard from my hubs after several days of no contact - I hate that! - of course I was sound asleep when he finally texted for the first time this week, but he told me when to be on stand-by for a phone call. It is like when he deployed and would email me what time he would be able to call... Gee, such memories. And foreshadowing of the good times to come. (Read lots of sacrasm into that tone!)
Gearing up for a conference out to town - complete with a nanny in tow, since Daddy can't come - at a posh resort. Looking forward to it. Attending with my boss, so that should be interesting!
Got invited to a "passion party" tonight; no sitter yet so not sure if I am going, but those things are hysterical. I hosted one when Daddy's unit was returning home, for the wives club. I also hosted a Pampered Chef party once. They sell way more at passion parties, FYI, for I saw the final sales figures for both events. Just an observation.
Lots to do today, so I am off-
Love, me
June 4, 2010
Promise kept 3
Waiting to begin Kinder Graduation.
A is for the Alephabet we practiced eveyday!
My Future is so Bright...
My baby goes to first grade!!
Promise kept 2
The Girl takes on the Daddy in a swordfight!
Ignore my crooked hat. You can tell a BOY took the picture. :)
Now THAT is a belly shot. Hey Baby!
(Yep, hat still crooked. Same photographer)
Promise kept 1
We are really at Disneyland?!?!
Can I meet a princess? (Or 3?)
Apparently you learn the pose at Princess School.
And even Daddy got a little princess action. He doesn't look TOO disappointed that it is not Ariel or Cinderella, does he?
Yep, baby belly! Hi Tori!
The pics are out of order - this is when we first arrived - The Girl still does not know where we are.
We had a blast!!
Gone 8 hours
He has been gone 8 hours and I am lonely already. Silly, I know, because if it were a normal week, he'd be at work anyway. There is something about knowing he will be gone most of the summer that makes this first day so lonely. And NO ONE is answering their phone GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
I know he is feeling it too, since he asked if I minded if he spend the gas money to come home a couple of times - even if just to sleep. Please do! And once the FARP is set up and they get a routine going, would we come down and stay at a nearby hotel for a few days so we can catch a few hours together. Yes please!
I look around and there are signs of his disorganized, hasty exit at 3:30 this morning. I remember him waking me up to say goodbye, and asking me some questions - I remember neither the questions nor the answers, so I am not sure how reliable those answers might have been... My couch is covered with discarded ACU's, apparently neither needed nor wanted this time... the loveseat strewn with extra laundry he washed but did not take... My phone blips with text messages, and I jump to see if one is from him.
I remember teasing a friend when she complained she missed her husband so much that she was a bit depressed when he had been gone a week, and I swore in my independance that would never be me. HA.
UPDATE: He called as I posted this and asked me to come down for the night. No sitters available, so the girl goes too, begging to be left behind! Too last minute to make it work for an overnight for her, but next time!
I know he is feeling it too, since he asked if I minded if he spend the gas money to come home a couple of times - even if just to sleep. Please do! And once the FARP is set up and they get a routine going, would we come down and stay at a nearby hotel for a few days so we can catch a few hours together. Yes please!
I look around and there are signs of his disorganized, hasty exit at 3:30 this morning. I remember him waking me up to say goodbye, and asking me some questions - I remember neither the questions nor the answers, so I am not sure how reliable those answers might have been... My couch is covered with discarded ACU's, apparently neither needed nor wanted this time... the loveseat strewn with extra laundry he washed but did not take... My phone blips with text messages, and I jump to see if one is from him.
I remember teasing a friend when she complained she missed her husband so much that she was a bit depressed when he had been gone a week, and I swore in my independance that would never be me. HA.
UPDATE: He called as I posted this and asked me to come down for the night. No sitters available, so the girl goes too, begging to be left behind! Too last minute to make it work for an overnight for her, but next time!
June 3, 2010
The recap and recovery
We left the house around midnight, slept in the truck for an hour around 4 AM and rolled into our hotel at 6 AM. Dad and I slept for a few hours and then we walked to Disneyland.
The trip was a blast. The girl took FOREVER to figure out where we were - but once she did, she wason cloud nine. The weather was beautiful, overcast and comfortable. We beat the summer rush, so the lines were pretty short everywhere. She got to meet the princesses and get autographs. Daddy got his Goofy pirate hat (and wore it camping - hahaha). It was fun to hear the Daddy reminisce about the last trip he took there - fifteen or twenty years ago - with his sisters and their families. (Court - he thinks you were about the Girl's age). The Girl and I got to wear our buttons, proudly proclaiming us to be first time visiters.
I wasn't able to participate in everything, but it was a true joy to watch my husband and daughter wave from the top of the Matterhorn and shout my name from the top of Tarzan's tree house (I sat out on trip number two to the top). I never knew - until I was a mother - the joy that could be had from being left behind and watching your child experience independence and joy.
We stayed until they kicked us out, grabbed some late dinner on the way back to the hotel, and slept. And slept. And slept. Until past checkout time. Oops. They were pretty nice about it though - anf fortunately very forgiving.
Then off to camp. And the chaos that accompanies living out of a tent. And midnight nightmares. Of the 6-year-old variety. Screaming. In a tent. About bugs. We tried "Daddy used special no-bug medicine on your sleeping bag." "Trade pillows with mommy - there are no bugs on mine." "WAKE UP!" All to to avail.
"Did your daughter have a nightmare last night?" Yes, what was your first clue? Besides that she woke you up screaming from 3 tents away?
Poor baby. She is nightmare prone - night terrors when she was smaller, and she has the recurring "bug" nightmare - we think she gets it when she starts a growth spurt. She just doesn't feel right in her own skin and the only way she can describe it is "bugs on her."
She got to play in a "boxing tournament" - by which she means "boffer tournament" - which is the nickname we give to foam swords for the kids to use- she had a ball with the other kids and the daddies. We also got to shoot in an archery tournament together, and the MOMMY got a bull's eye! Yay me!
We made it home in one piece, and I talked Daddy into parking the truck in the backyard and going straight to bed - which left me unpacking what I could.
I am buried in suitcases, camping gear, laundry and mementos. My house looks like a hurricane hit, as I unpack, and Daddy packs to leave tonight for 3 weeks of training. My SIL just texted and invited me to visit while he is gone, but I am pretty sure the Daddy would be awfully jealous!
I promise pics a lot, but I am too tired to search for the camera right now, so give ma a few days and I will overwhelm you!
:) With love-
The Mommy
The trip was a blast. The girl took FOREVER to figure out where we were - but once she did, she wason cloud nine. The weather was beautiful, overcast and comfortable. We beat the summer rush, so the lines were pretty short everywhere. She got to meet the princesses and get autographs. Daddy got his Goofy pirate hat (and wore it camping - hahaha). It was fun to hear the Daddy reminisce about the last trip he took there - fifteen or twenty years ago - with his sisters and their families. (Court - he thinks you were about the Girl's age). The Girl and I got to wear our buttons, proudly proclaiming us to be first time visiters.
I wasn't able to participate in everything, but it was a true joy to watch my husband and daughter wave from the top of the Matterhorn and shout my name from the top of Tarzan's tree house (I sat out on trip number two to the top). I never knew - until I was a mother - the joy that could be had from being left behind and watching your child experience independence and joy.
We stayed until they kicked us out, grabbed some late dinner on the way back to the hotel, and slept. And slept. And slept. Until past checkout time. Oops. They were pretty nice about it though - anf fortunately very forgiving.
Then off to camp. And the chaos that accompanies living out of a tent. And midnight nightmares. Of the 6-year-old variety. Screaming. In a tent. About bugs. We tried "Daddy used special no-bug medicine on your sleeping bag." "Trade pillows with mommy - there are no bugs on mine." "WAKE UP!" All to to avail.
"Did your daughter have a nightmare last night?" Yes, what was your first clue? Besides that she woke you up screaming from 3 tents away?
Poor baby. She is nightmare prone - night terrors when she was smaller, and she has the recurring "bug" nightmare - we think she gets it when she starts a growth spurt. She just doesn't feel right in her own skin and the only way she can describe it is "bugs on her."
She got to play in a "boxing tournament" - by which she means "boffer tournament" - which is the nickname we give to foam swords for the kids to use- she had a ball with the other kids and the daddies. We also got to shoot in an archery tournament together, and the MOMMY got a bull's eye! Yay me!
We made it home in one piece, and I talked Daddy into parking the truck in the backyard and going straight to bed - which left me unpacking what I could.
I am buried in suitcases, camping gear, laundry and mementos. My house looks like a hurricane hit, as I unpack, and Daddy packs to leave tonight for 3 weeks of training. My SIL just texted and invited me to visit while he is gone, but I am pretty sure the Daddy would be awfully jealous!
I promise pics a lot, but I am too tired to search for the camera right now, so give ma a few days and I will overwhelm you!
:) With love-
The Mommy
May 26, 2010
Vacation!
Well, vacation is here! We leave tonight. Unless we can sneak a weekend away, this will be our only vacation this summer - not counting the family trip to scatter Twin's ashes in the mountains (I am just not sure that is goign to feel like vacation at all). We are surprising the Girl with a trip to DisneyLand tomorrow! She knows we are goin g camping with our friends this weekend, but Daddy was able to get an extra day added to his Memorial Day long-weekend, so we leave tonight when he gets home from work and tomorrow morning, we are dragging her to The Happiest Place!
This is a hard secret to keep. She can spell, so that does not help when trying to talk to other adults to make plans. I have had to lock her out of the bathroom so I could make my calls, get on-line when she is not paying attention, etc. Daddy ALMOST blew it last night, but she was so wound up she did not hear him say the D world. I even passed a note explaining exactly what I wanted to purchase to the teller at the MWR where I bought the tickets, with a smile on my face and "Please help me keep our secret," so she wouldn't think I was trying to rob her! The Girl was dancing around saying, "Give me a hint, give me hint," as the teller and I burst out laughing -- the entire office was decorated with Mickey Mouse paraphenalia! "No hints, sissy!" I replied.
Yesterday and today are errand and packing days - tires to rotate and oil to change, fill the gas tank and vacuum out the car, packing for the 2 distinct halves of our trip, a cooler to buy, and if time gets short and I still can't find the missing camp crate - a tarp, an air pump, a flashlight, stakes... The camping part is one of our historical recration events, so in addition to all the traditional camping gear, I also need to finish packing for all three of us and altering (letting out hems!) the Girl's costumes, pack both day (warm weather) and night (cool weather) costumes and real clothes...
I better go get started!!!
This is a hard secret to keep. She can spell, so that does not help when trying to talk to other adults to make plans. I have had to lock her out of the bathroom so I could make my calls, get on-line when she is not paying attention, etc. Daddy ALMOST blew it last night, but she was so wound up she did not hear him say the D world. I even passed a note explaining exactly what I wanted to purchase to the teller at the MWR where I bought the tickets, with a smile on my face and "Please help me keep our secret," so she wouldn't think I was trying to rob her! The Girl was dancing around saying, "Give me a hint, give me hint," as the teller and I burst out laughing -- the entire office was decorated with Mickey Mouse paraphenalia! "No hints, sissy!" I replied.
Yesterday and today are errand and packing days - tires to rotate and oil to change, fill the gas tank and vacuum out the car, packing for the 2 distinct halves of our trip, a cooler to buy, and if time gets short and I still can't find the missing camp crate - a tarp, an air pump, a flashlight, stakes... The camping part is one of our historical recration events, so in addition to all the traditional camping gear, I also need to finish packing for all three of us and altering (letting out hems!) the Girl's costumes, pack both day (warm weather) and night (cool weather) costumes and real clothes...
I better go get started!!!
May 20, 2010
Last day of school
Kindergarten is officially over. Today the girl got to meet her first greade teacher and spend some time in her first grade classroom. We had a promotion ceremony/performance for the Kinders on Tuesday. My girl was the letter A in "Kindergarten": "A is for the ABCs that we practiced every day," she announced with such excitement the audience cracked up. When she put on the sunglasses to sing "My Future's so Bright" and "Hit the Road Jack", I had to laugh.
But when I made eye contact with the daddy, I lost it. Tears of joy, of pride, of sentiment welled up. My baby just started Kindergarted a minute ago. And just yesterday, she was learning to walk. And the day before that, I found out I was pregnant. How does the time go so fast?!?
But when I made eye contact with the daddy, I lost it. Tears of joy, of pride, of sentiment welled up. My baby just started Kindergarted a minute ago. And just yesterday, she was learning to walk. And the day before that, I found out I was pregnant. How does the time go so fast?!?
May 18, 2010
love and gratitude
1. My husband randomly calls out "Love you" through the house, especially when I am in another room. Makes me giddy. Our daughter does it now too.
2. He also kisses random body parts as he walks by - whatever is in reach - foot, shoulder, arm... whatever is conveniently close.
3. We are planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Don't tell - it is a secret.
4. The Girl was promoted to first grade today. OH MY
5. School is out this Thursday.
6. My June conference is at a very posh resort. One of the only 5 star resorts in Arizona. Good thing neither I nor the school district has to pay for it.
7. The technology teacher had the type of video tape I need for this afternoon. No rush to the store for me and good thing, since I do not have time.
2. He also kisses random body parts as he walks by - whatever is in reach - foot, shoulder, arm... whatever is conveniently close.
3. We are planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Don't tell - it is a secret.
4. The Girl was promoted to first grade today. OH MY
5. School is out this Thursday.
6. My June conference is at a very posh resort. One of the only 5 star resorts in Arizona. Good thing neither I nor the school district has to pay for it.
7. The technology teacher had the type of video tape I need for this afternoon. No rush to the store for me and good thing, since I do not have time.
May 15, 2010
she is brilliant
Have I shared that the Girl is gifted? Duh, right, every mom thinks that. No, seriously. After repeated recommendations from other teachers, I finally requested that she be tested. Yep, scientifically speaking, she is gifted, and will be started gifted classes next fall.
My child, she pretended she could not read so that I would read to her. Nope, says her teacher, make her read - she reads for me all the time. Typical, says the gifted teacher, school comes easy, so even at her age they will take the easy way out since they don't have to work as hard to be successful. HMMMPF. We will see how often we fall for this!
Thinks outside the box all the time. Wish I could think of an example, but I actually get how her mind works, so she does not often catch me totally off guard - I can usually see the connections. But this is what made the other teachers start advising we get testing.
Today I said something about dinosaurs and cavemen while reading a story (this is a cherished part of our evening, whether she can read the book on her own or not). She rolled her eyes and told me, "mom, they never lived at the same time. maybe a caveman found a fossil or something, but that is it." Shheeeesh.
My child, she pretended she could not read so that I would read to her. Nope, says her teacher, make her read - she reads for me all the time. Typical, says the gifted teacher, school comes easy, so even at her age they will take the easy way out since they don't have to work as hard to be successful. HMMMPF. We will see how often we fall for this!
Thinks outside the box all the time. Wish I could think of an example, but I actually get how her mind works, so she does not often catch me totally off guard - I can usually see the connections. But this is what made the other teachers start advising we get testing.
Today I said something about dinosaurs and cavemen while reading a story (this is a cherished part of our evening, whether she can read the book on her own or not). She rolled her eyes and told me, "mom, they never lived at the same time. maybe a caveman found a fossil or something, but that is it." Shheeeesh.
May 10, 2010
the weekend in review
Friday afternoon started with a request from the Daddy to meet him at the RV dealership. No, we did not buy anything, but his parents did. Very nice.
Then he had to go in to work, but upon talking to the crew chief, realized he could not do alone what they needed him to do, so he started making phonecalls. Ended up that his brother was available, but we though he had his kids, so off to the in-laws I went to mind all the children, only to find out the children were not there. Home again for the girl and me, off to work until well after I was in bed went the Daddy.
Saturday, we had lunch out for Mother's Day, since I refuse to see the joy in fighting the crowds at any restuarant on Mother's Day Sunday. Then back to ohh and ah over the RV and to swim at the in-laws.
Then he had to go in to work, but upon talking to the crew chief, realized he could not do alone what they needed him to do, so he started making phonecalls. Ended up that his brother was available, but we though he had his kids, so off to the in-laws I went to mind all the children, only to find out the children were not there. Home again for the girl and me, off to work until well after I was in bed went the Daddy.
Saturday, we had lunch out for Mother's Day, since I refuse to see the joy in fighting the crowds at any restuarant on Mother's Day Sunday. Then back to ohh and ah over the RV and to swim at the in-laws.
May 6, 2010
coincidence
is it weird I got the same Mothers day card in the mail as the one I sent in the mail today?
May 4, 2010
this and that and the other
- Sitting in an assembly today, the teacher next to me starts to giggle. "What?" I ask. She points to my belly and we both watch it roll and pulsate. The polka dot dress made it especially funny.
- I was more dressed up than usual one day last week, and one of my 7th grade boys says, "Your husband is a lucky man." (Duh.) :)
- I only have to wake up on 2 more Mondays before summer break.
- I gained 5 pounds in the last 5 weeks. No way that is all baby.
- I have been asked to attend a second conference this summer. This one is paid, and in town. Child care still an issue. Why is that always the Mommy's job to figure out?
- Today is Teacher Appreciation day. I am not feeling very appreciated. Maybe free dinner at Applebees will help. Doubtful, though.
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