Ahhh....the last Monday in May. A day for cookouts, the traditional opening of pools...Summer has begun. As kids play outside and you smell the charcoal heating, you can almost hear the jingle of the ice cream truck as it makes the rounds. Perfect, isn't it?
Remember....there are families who don't have a mom or dad at home to complete this idyllic scene. Because Mom or Dad is somewhere protecting our rights and freedoms. Mom or Dad is making sure that we can have days like this, that we can wear what we want, worship how we choose...
Even worse, there are families where Mom or Dad has died, defending these same rights, trying to secure these rights for others.
Everyday we should remember how quickly all this can be lost. And we should honor those who ensure that it isn't. How can we, as a nation, seem to have forgotten so quickly? Less than a decade ago we were brutally reminded that even we are not safe from fear, uncertainty, tragedy. As a country we seem to have lost that knowledge. People are protesting the war, saying it's being fought for the wrong reasons. In all honesty, I don't know about that, but I know this: Those troops, those brave men and women, are fighting for US. They are following orders and protecting their country as they are told. They are losing friends, sometimes family, chances to see children born, and putting their own lives at risk. As a country we need to support them.
When I was pregnant with Wyatt, I worked for a private ambulance company. One of the contracts we had was with Andrews AFB. When soldiers were flown home from Germany to go Walter Reed, we transported the most critical. I remember my first transport. The patient...he was on a vent, unconscious, and I remember looking at him and thinking he looked like a baby. He was only 19, I think. But at 19 years old, he was already braver than many grown men I know...including most firefighters. I remember driving on the beltway, my flashing lights all the brighter because it was nighttime, looking at the other cars wondering if they had any clue that they were so close to a true hero. It was an honor to be part of the team that cared for these people. An honor, but indeed, a sad one.
Please take more than a moment today to remember these brave men and women and their families. Not just the ones fighting now, but the ones who have fought in the past. They are the true superheroes. Take a minute today and every day to pray for them.
Here is a video we were shown in church yesterday. I know, it's not Veterans Day as the video says at the end...but there isn't one more appropriate
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Well, it's been almost a month....
I went out of town for a week to the beach. I went with a few girls. It was nice to get away, and I came home with a fresh perspective.
On one hand, there's a lot going on, but on the other, it's nothing notable.
Wyatt graduated PreK. I only got teary eyed once. When he got on the stage and said his line, it made me laugh so hard. He is such a bright, funny little man and I am truly blessed to call him my son. The other day I went into his room to remind him to get dressed. He was laying on his bed, with a book in his hand. I stood in the doorway and listened. He was reading! I get a little misty eyed writing this. I can't believe it.He's so smart. When I asked him to get dressed, he asked if he could finish reading his book first. Hmmm...procrastinating in order to read...Where might he get that from?
I'm still so on the fence about school next year. I'm not at all worried about the socialization. Between sports, chuch, and friends, he will have plenty of socialization. I have to confess, it's purely selfish. I want a break! I know there has to be a balance...a way to send him to public school and still raise a respectful, God loving little man. I know, I know...whatever decision I make isn't going to be the end all be all....but still.
What, you've had enough of my indecisiveness? Fine, fine. Onto other news. I started Weight Watchers. Again. In my first week, despite 2 "I want what I want so I'm not counting points" meals, I lost 2.5 pounds. Not too shabby. It really is a simple diet to follow. I can do this. And if I start to think I can't...well....here's my motivation. NO laughing! I bought 2 newborn size tshirts. One is hanging on the fridge, the other in the pantry. Here's the thing, I'm going to do this diet for the next month, then start Clomid, a fertility drug. It's pretty mild in comparison. I won't bore you with details. I will, of course, continue with the diet while I"m on Clomid (which will be 4 months) and then we will explore other fertility avenues if needed. Or, you know, maybe Wyatt will be an only child. If that's the plan God has in store for us, then that's how it will be. And you know, I am still a very lucky mom. I would never feel like I was settling with just one child livng with me. Wyatt is incredible.....
So let's see...what else is going on....I'm totally miserable at work. I am just so sick of the drama, and when I'm at work, I just think of all the things I could be doing at home. Next month, between our work schedules, there is no time for anything. I think we may have one day off together. Starting in July, I think I'm only going to work 10pm-6am. Then Wyatt will never know I'mnot here, and I can still get plenty done at home. We shall see.
On one hand, there's a lot going on, but on the other, it's nothing notable.
Wyatt graduated PreK. I only got teary eyed once. When he got on the stage and said his line, it made me laugh so hard. He is such a bright, funny little man and I am truly blessed to call him my son. The other day I went into his room to remind him to get dressed. He was laying on his bed, with a book in his hand. I stood in the doorway and listened. He was reading! I get a little misty eyed writing this. I can't believe it.He's so smart. When I asked him to get dressed, he asked if he could finish reading his book first. Hmmm...procrastinating in order to read...Where might he get that from?
I'm still so on the fence about school next year. I'm not at all worried about the socialization. Between sports, chuch, and friends, he will have plenty of socialization. I have to confess, it's purely selfish. I want a break! I know there has to be a balance...a way to send him to public school and still raise a respectful, God loving little man. I know, I know...whatever decision I make isn't going to be the end all be all....but still.
What, you've had enough of my indecisiveness? Fine, fine. Onto other news. I started Weight Watchers. Again. In my first week, despite 2 "I want what I want so I'm not counting points" meals, I lost 2.5 pounds. Not too shabby. It really is a simple diet to follow. I can do this. And if I start to think I can't...well....here's my motivation. NO laughing! I bought 2 newborn size tshirts. One is hanging on the fridge, the other in the pantry. Here's the thing, I'm going to do this diet for the next month, then start Clomid, a fertility drug. It's pretty mild in comparison. I won't bore you with details. I will, of course, continue with the diet while I"m on Clomid (which will be 4 months) and then we will explore other fertility avenues if needed. Or, you know, maybe Wyatt will be an only child. If that's the plan God has in store for us, then that's how it will be. And you know, I am still a very lucky mom. I would never feel like I was settling with just one child livng with me. Wyatt is incredible.....
So let's see...what else is going on....I'm totally miserable at work. I am just so sick of the drama, and when I'm at work, I just think of all the things I could be doing at home. Next month, between our work schedules, there is no time for anything. I think we may have one day off together. Starting in July, I think I'm only going to work 10pm-6am. Then Wyatt will never know I'mnot here, and I can still get plenty done at home. We shall see.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Not a whole lot to say....
....but I promised to update daily.
We had a great time yesterday. It was nice just to spend family time together. I got some stuff accomplished in the yard, although not as much as I would have liked. But we were busy, so I guess that's ok.
I have a lot to get done this weekend. Randy and I are both working today, and he doesn't get off until tomorrow morning. Once I get done, I have to get Wyatt, then I think I will try to get some planting done. I really want to get a lot done in the yard this Spring. We are going to have a yearly project, and this year it's the yard. It may take us all Spring/Summer to complete what we want. And, of course, it will be an ongoing thing, but I want to at least get all the stuff established. There's a lot that needs to be mowed down too. I have a whole year to get this done, right? Next year, I think, will be egg hens.
With the taxes being how they are, we've decided to keep a mortgage on our house. Well, a home equity loan. It really made a difference! We've also decided that, beyond that, only one other debt. So, the next thing we will do is put in central air. Once that's paid off, we are going to get a camper. With both of us on shift work, there is just such a huge opportunity for us to go away for a day or two, and what better way than with the comforts of home?
Forgive me, but I must figure out my to do list, or it will never get done. So, you, my beauties, get to see all that I will get done this weekend: Finish (including putting away!!!) the laundry, clean up the yard, mow the stip where our driveway is supposed to be, move some plants around, plant other plants, clean up what they didn't take away for trash, hang pictures (I mean, we've been living there how long???) clean bathrooms, shampoo living room floor, organize bills, organize office, pick up stuff that's ready at Color Me Mine, return something to Kohls, order decals for my truck...aaaand...I think that's it. Coffee anyone? I may sleep in there somewhere. ANd, of course, church in the morning.
Now that I've tired myself out, I need to go pretend to do some work. And convince myself that I really don't want to cut my hair. Well, I do, but I need to convince myself that I shouldn't.
We had a great time yesterday. It was nice just to spend family time together. I got some stuff accomplished in the yard, although not as much as I would have liked. But we were busy, so I guess that's ok.
I have a lot to get done this weekend. Randy and I are both working today, and he doesn't get off until tomorrow morning. Once I get done, I have to get Wyatt, then I think I will try to get some planting done. I really want to get a lot done in the yard this Spring. We are going to have a yearly project, and this year it's the yard. It may take us all Spring/Summer to complete what we want. And, of course, it will be an ongoing thing, but I want to at least get all the stuff established. There's a lot that needs to be mowed down too. I have a whole year to get this done, right? Next year, I think, will be egg hens.
With the taxes being how they are, we've decided to keep a mortgage on our house. Well, a home equity loan. It really made a difference! We've also decided that, beyond that, only one other debt. So, the next thing we will do is put in central air. Once that's paid off, we are going to get a camper. With both of us on shift work, there is just such a huge opportunity for us to go away for a day or two, and what better way than with the comforts of home?
Forgive me, but I must figure out my to do list, or it will never get done. So, you, my beauties, get to see all that I will get done this weekend: Finish (including putting away!!!) the laundry, clean up the yard, mow the stip where our driveway is supposed to be, move some plants around, plant other plants, clean up what they didn't take away for trash, hang pictures (I mean, we've been living there how long???) clean bathrooms, shampoo living room floor, organize bills, organize office, pick up stuff that's ready at Color Me Mine, return something to Kohls, order decals for my truck...aaaand...I think that's it. Coffee anyone? I may sleep in there somewhere. ANd, of course, church in the morning.
Now that I've tired myself out, I need to go pretend to do some work. And convince myself that I really don't want to cut my hair. Well, I do, but I need to convince myself that I shouldn't.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Hi there, remember me?
Well, there's been a lot going on. If you're reading this, then you know why I've been laying low, and why I haven't wanted to post on the family blog.
Well, let's see, I guess I'll get the more serious stuff out of the way. I wish someone had told me that marriages weren't easy, that they take work. A couple of months ago, a good friend of mine told me that you choose who you love. At first I thought she was nuts, but the more I think about it, the more she's right. I believe that you make your day. If you wake up and say "I'm going to have a bad day", then, you're usually right. But if you make the choice to have a good day, then who can stop you? And I'm starting to think that marriage, in the most basic sense, is just like that. Someone, knowing what we were going through, asked me how things were the other day. I gave my basic, generic, "Some days are better than others" response. She told me that all marriages were like that. And I really took the time to think about that, rather than brushing it off. Just because other people appear to always be happy doesn'tmean they are. Every marriage, like every friendship, has bad days. And, I made a commitment to God, my husband, my son, and our families to make this work. Rascal Flatts had released a song called Love Who You Love. It never made sense to me, until now. Love who you are going to love with everything you have. From here on, I CHOOSE my marriage.
OK, onto lighter things :) It's going to be nice again today...and I am so excited. Randy and I haven't had a day off together in a while. So we are taking advantage and going to The Green Dragon. Sounds mysterious, yes? It's a great big Farmers Market in Lancaster. I must have yummy fruits. And I need new sunglasses. So we will bribe Wyatt with the promise of a new fishing pole if he behaves.
I started my very first vegitable garden yesterday. Baby steps....I planted tomato, zucchini, and cucumber seeds. I just did it in one of those greenhouse things that sits on the counter, and I will transplant them to the actual garden nexxt Friday. (Hopefully we will have made the outside garden ready by then!) I'm going with the one project a year idea...And this year it's the garden. Both veggie and flower. I need to figure out what I want to do, and, well, do it. There's so much I want done in the yard, but I will start there. Maybe next year will be the year of the egg hens :)
Needless to say, the fertility stuff has been put on hold. I don't know how long for, I will know when it's right for us to start back in the process. I do want to lose weight first, and, without a doubt, work on our marriage. Some days it seems like everyone around me is pregnant, or has a baby, but I know that's my head making me wonky.
It's the Just Like New weekend...The best consignment sale EVER. I got a TV for Wyatt for his birthday...It's shaped like a firetruck. A friend of mine was saying he wanted one for his son, so we looked online...that sucker retails for 699.00! I paid 35. Bwaha! I think in the fall I will consign some of Wyatt's old clothes. I can't keep them around for the next one. That's a minimum of 6 years! Someone else will get some use out of them, I'm sure.
Alright, I must get my second cup. Tomorrow, I will be blogging from work. So, it will probably be about work. There's a lot on my mind (work, school for Wyatt) I must get it all out. Pity to my readers!
Well, let's see, I guess I'll get the more serious stuff out of the way. I wish someone had told me that marriages weren't easy, that they take work. A couple of months ago, a good friend of mine told me that you choose who you love. At first I thought she was nuts, but the more I think about it, the more she's right. I believe that you make your day. If you wake up and say "I'm going to have a bad day", then, you're usually right. But if you make the choice to have a good day, then who can stop you? And I'm starting to think that marriage, in the most basic sense, is just like that. Someone, knowing what we were going through, asked me how things were the other day. I gave my basic, generic, "Some days are better than others" response. She told me that all marriages were like that. And I really took the time to think about that, rather than brushing it off. Just because other people appear to always be happy doesn'tmean they are. Every marriage, like every friendship, has bad days. And, I made a commitment to God, my husband, my son, and our families to make this work. Rascal Flatts had released a song called Love Who You Love. It never made sense to me, until now. Love who you are going to love with everything you have. From here on, I CHOOSE my marriage.
OK, onto lighter things :) It's going to be nice again today...and I am so excited. Randy and I haven't had a day off together in a while. So we are taking advantage and going to The Green Dragon. Sounds mysterious, yes? It's a great big Farmers Market in Lancaster. I must have yummy fruits. And I need new sunglasses. So we will bribe Wyatt with the promise of a new fishing pole if he behaves.
I started my very first vegitable garden yesterday. Baby steps....I planted tomato, zucchini, and cucumber seeds. I just did it in one of those greenhouse things that sits on the counter, and I will transplant them to the actual garden nexxt Friday. (Hopefully we will have made the outside garden ready by then!) I'm going with the one project a year idea...And this year it's the garden. Both veggie and flower. I need to figure out what I want to do, and, well, do it. There's so much I want done in the yard, but I will start there. Maybe next year will be the year of the egg hens :)
Needless to say, the fertility stuff has been put on hold. I don't know how long for, I will know when it's right for us to start back in the process. I do want to lose weight first, and, without a doubt, work on our marriage. Some days it seems like everyone around me is pregnant, or has a baby, but I know that's my head making me wonky.
It's the Just Like New weekend...The best consignment sale EVER. I got a TV for Wyatt for his birthday...It's shaped like a firetruck. A friend of mine was saying he wanted one for his son, so we looked online...that sucker retails for 699.00! I paid 35. Bwaha! I think in the fall I will consign some of Wyatt's old clothes. I can't keep them around for the next one. That's a minimum of 6 years! Someone else will get some use out of them, I'm sure.
Alright, I must get my second cup. Tomorrow, I will be blogging from work. So, it will probably be about work. There's a lot on my mind (work, school for Wyatt) I must get it all out. Pity to my readers!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Early morning ramblings
I haven't posted in a while. There really hasn't been too much to post.
I finally have everything unpacked. Put away? Not so much. But all the boxes are out of the house. (I think) I just can't wait until Spring to open the windows, give the house a good scrubbing, and get the kids outside!
There are changes we want to make to the house. *Want*, not *need*. The trick is figuring out which changes we really want to make. There are a lot. But, again, we dont' need any of them. I am determined that we stay out of debt. We can do this, I know we can. If it means waiting, then so be it.
I don't know why I'm not asleep. It's 3:45am, and I've been up for an hour and 45 minutes. I will certainly regret this in the morning. Well, it is morning. I don't even feel tired. I wish I could have coffee in a few hours, but A) I gave it up for Lent, and B) By the time it's made within the parameters of Weight Watchers, it's not even good anymore.
I have nothing witty to say this morning. There's stuff weighing on my mind, but nothing I want to put "out there" I need my girlfriends, desperately. And at least one of them needs me, but, alas, I am here, and they are there. I will be there this weekend, but locked away in a beach house (I know, cry me a river, right?)
Sometimes people make pretty bad decisions. Everyone does it at one point or another. The unfortunate thing is that those decisions can have the power to hurt a lot of people. Sometimes they only have the power to hurt the one making the decision. I'm not sure which is worse. I know that, in either case, the decision maker is usually left with a heavy burden. That doesn't make them a bad person. I think sometimes true bravery can only come when you take the steps needed to fix things, no matter how it may make you look. Sometimes those steps are baby steps, and those are often the hardest.
I know, I'm rambling. It makes sense to me, and I think, once people can get past the garble, they can see themselves in that.
I finally have everything unpacked. Put away? Not so much. But all the boxes are out of the house. (I think) I just can't wait until Spring to open the windows, give the house a good scrubbing, and get the kids outside!
There are changes we want to make to the house. *Want*, not *need*. The trick is figuring out which changes we really want to make. There are a lot. But, again, we dont' need any of them. I am determined that we stay out of debt. We can do this, I know we can. If it means waiting, then so be it.
I don't know why I'm not asleep. It's 3:45am, and I've been up for an hour and 45 minutes. I will certainly regret this in the morning. Well, it is morning. I don't even feel tired. I wish I could have coffee in a few hours, but A) I gave it up for Lent, and B) By the time it's made within the parameters of Weight Watchers, it's not even good anymore.
I have nothing witty to say this morning. There's stuff weighing on my mind, but nothing I want to put "out there" I need my girlfriends, desperately. And at least one of them needs me, but, alas, I am here, and they are there. I will be there this weekend, but locked away in a beach house (I know, cry me a river, right?)
Sometimes people make pretty bad decisions. Everyone does it at one point or another. The unfortunate thing is that those decisions can have the power to hurt a lot of people. Sometimes they only have the power to hurt the one making the decision. I'm not sure which is worse. I know that, in either case, the decision maker is usually left with a heavy burden. That doesn't make them a bad person. I think sometimes true bravery can only come when you take the steps needed to fix things, no matter how it may make you look. Sometimes those steps are baby steps, and those are often the hardest.
I know, I'm rambling. It makes sense to me, and I think, once people can get past the garble, they can see themselves in that.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
At work. Oh joy
Well, yesterday I was in bed, all day. I got up for about a half hour at a time, and then was so exhausted I was back in bed for another 2-3 hours. Insane. I'm so glad that's over with. I did, though, make every effort to use up all my daily points for Weight Watchers. I wasn't totally successful, but I did try.
Man, I feel like I eat all day. People tell me in a week or 2 I will feel like I'm starving. Now, I feel like I have to force it in. Maybe it's supposed to make you feel gluttonous so you feel bad about eating so much.
So, one of the worst feelings in the world, at least for me, is knowing that a friend is going through a hard time. I wish I could be with her to help her. Even though I can't make it better, I could certainly make her forget for a few minutes. Shopping and driving recklessly through the parking lot always makes for a good time. I hope this friend knows that I would be there with her if I could.
Man, I feel like I eat all day. People tell me in a week or 2 I will feel like I'm starving. Now, I feel like I have to force it in. Maybe it's supposed to make you feel gluttonous so you feel bad about eating so much.
So, one of the worst feelings in the world, at least for me, is knowing that a friend is going through a hard time. I wish I could be with her to help her. Even though I can't make it better, I could certainly make her forget for a few minutes. Shopping and driving recklessly through the parking lot always makes for a good time. I hope this friend knows that I would be there with her if I could.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Better late than never....
Wyatt needs to have chores. The boy gets away with too much. I will start small....He has to put away the silverware when I empty the dishwasher. I need to make up a chore chart, and give him stickers. So many stickers=something fun. Don't know what that fun thing will be yet....Maybe a trip to Chocolate World? Maybe a new coloring book....Who knows.
In May there is a Homeschooling convention. I shall attend. We will see what I find. But the more I really think about it, and the less I listen to other people, the more it's what I want to do. Wyatt already has the basics for Kindergarten. I just have to enhance what he knows, and be sneaky about it. If I sit him down and tell him it's time for school work, then he won't do it. There is so much history at our fingertips, and so many ways I can enhance lessons. I know I can do it. I just need to be more firm in my decision when other people question it. I really do feel it's what's best for our family. I'm a little concerned about teaching him to read. It's such a basic skill, and so very important. He knows the phonetic sounds for most letters, it's just a matter of him putting them together properly. All in good time, my pretty, all in good time.
The boy fell asleep on teh way home, at about 6. Poor guy, he's so worn out. He woke up a little bit ago, and asked to go to bed. Hopefully he doesn't wake up at 5 am ready to start his day! I've taken enough cold medicine to knock out an elephant, and it has yet to kick in. Tomorrow is my day to (somewhat) sleep in. Randy is getting the girls on his way home, so they will all be here about 9.
Weight Watchers is going well. I went to Starbucks TWICE today, and still had extra points at the end of the day. A banana, some chocolate, and a sandwich later, and all was well. I need to plan my meals better, so I don't end up eating 2 at the end of the day. That defeats the purpose!
Ah well, it's still early, but off to bed. I didn't sleep well last night, thanks to this cold. Hopefully tonight is different.
In May there is a Homeschooling convention. I shall attend. We will see what I find. But the more I really think about it, and the less I listen to other people, the more it's what I want to do. Wyatt already has the basics for Kindergarten. I just have to enhance what he knows, and be sneaky about it. If I sit him down and tell him it's time for school work, then he won't do it. There is so much history at our fingertips, and so many ways I can enhance lessons. I know I can do it. I just need to be more firm in my decision when other people question it. I really do feel it's what's best for our family. I'm a little concerned about teaching him to read. It's such a basic skill, and so very important. He knows the phonetic sounds for most letters, it's just a matter of him putting them together properly. All in good time, my pretty, all in good time.
The boy fell asleep on teh way home, at about 6. Poor guy, he's so worn out. He woke up a little bit ago, and asked to go to bed. Hopefully he doesn't wake up at 5 am ready to start his day! I've taken enough cold medicine to knock out an elephant, and it has yet to kick in. Tomorrow is my day to (somewhat) sleep in. Randy is getting the girls on his way home, so they will all be here about 9.
Weight Watchers is going well. I went to Starbucks TWICE today, and still had extra points at the end of the day. A banana, some chocolate, and a sandwich later, and all was well. I need to plan my meals better, so I don't end up eating 2 at the end of the day. That defeats the purpose!
Ah well, it's still early, but off to bed. I didn't sleep well last night, thanks to this cold. Hopefully tonight is different.
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