All is Quiet

It's early on a Wednesday and the boys are still sleeping. It is rare that I am up before them. I started a 10-day cleanse on Friday and feel great. Had always wanted to try one, but knew I could never do only liquids for that long. This program allows you to eat 3 times a day with snacks. Just lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts. Haven't been really hungry and have lost almost 6 pounds. Day 3 was ugly and struggled, but I am much better now! Not hungry, lots of energy. I went walking last night with a friend and it was so fun. Hope to get that in the exercise more often now!

School in 15 days! I think I have all of the supplies we need now. I am not one to go out and buy the kids all new wardrobes just because it is back-to-school time. They have plenty of clothes. I bought them each two new shirts...great sale as always at Aeropastle. JC will need new pants....not one pair fit him from last year. But, I will wait until the weather starts to change. He is growing too fast to buy them now! I am going to need to go clothes shopping since I am working FT now at the school. My wardrobe needs some help! Hoping to hold off awhile until I drop some more weight!

Off to tackle some freelance. I hope to be able to cut back on that a bit now that I am working FT....now enough time in the day!

People are Just Nuts!

So, I am on the board of directors of our Local Little League and run one of the divisions. This dad at lacrosse camp was standing next to me at lacrosse camp yesterday complaining how the "new minor league commissioner" does not know what she is doing and never sends any information to parents. I almost bit my tongue, but instead introduced myself and shared that I did indeed send out several emails regarding the upcoming season and maybe he should check his junk mail file. He wanted to crawl into a hole! Had another parent go nuts because her husband was not chosen as a manager and they pulled their kid from the league since the dad is not in charge of a team. He was offered to be a coach...but obviously that's not good enough. The nerve of these people. My position is totally voluntary and we don't even get a break on our registration fees....I pay the same as everyone else. I put in tons of hours, especially before the season begins and these people sit back and bitch! So frustrating!

My Tough Guy

JC never complains when he is sick or hurt. So, when he mentioned that his ear kind of hurt when he touched it, I took notice. When he mentioned it two days in a row, I figured it was serious. I took him to Urgent Care today and he has an inner and outer ear infection. The doc let me look and it was flaming red. The doc said an infection like this would make "a preacher cuss" and he would himself use vocabulary not in the dictionary! Now if only this tough guy routine would also be in place when his brother taps him....then we get the "Ouch, that hurt!" Sigh!

Summer Fun

We had two encounters with old friends this week. First we hit the zoo with my friend LN and her four kids (including the 4-year old triplets!) We hadn't seen the kids since the triplets were like 18 months old. Nothing like seeing the zoo again from the eyes of a preschooler! LN and I have been friends for probably 20 years!



Thursday we hit Cedar Point with the girls and an old friend of JC's. She is also a bestie of cousin RM and she came to stay with them for a week. She and JC were in second and third grade together and they got to be great friends. The Point was busier than we expected for a Thursday, but they had a great time. For a change, the weather was not blazing hot and 90! They got on most of the big coasters which was a plus!


School starts in a month.....still much fun to be had by this gang!

Summer Winding Down

JC finished swim team this week. He made such great progress. He shaved almost 8 seconds off of his breast stroke and about 6 off his freestyle. He made it to the consolation round for breast stroke in championships this week. They had a little party and he received the most improved award....which he ironically also received after his first Middle School season. One of the parents who has been around swimming a long time said he has just made such tremendous progress and said we really need to keep him in the pool. We are looking at options, but most range from 700-1200 and are year round! We have one option that is a short fall pre-season, so we are looking into whether he is old enough for that. Let's hope!

Baseball evaluations for fall ball are next week....hard to believe. It feels like we just finished spring ball. JM is doing a lacrosse camp in a few weeks to try it out. Figured he needs to see if he likes it before we spend the money on equipment!

I got a full-time job at the elementary school as a TA for math/literacy support, so I am less than excited than ever for summer to end! We have been gone so much this summer that it seems we are now just relaxing. The pool pass has been great with these horribly hot days. We have just had constant heat this summer.....more 90+ degrees days than ever! Been really trying to catch up on the scrapbooking before school begins. I'm not too far behind....just finishing up Christmas of 2009. Could be worse!

Wow, one year later....

It has been almost a year since I posted last, and looking back there are some things that never change! 11 months later and my mother is back to scheduling surgery for what might be a cancerous growth on her kidney. My dad just finished a grueling new treatment a few weeks ago. He has a new tumor that is wrapped around his carotid artery and causing him to black out and have seizures. He still has not found out if it worked; they are hoping it shrinks it enough that he is more comfortable. Nothing else much they can do.

We are into our second week of summer vacation and so far, so good. We spend week one in North Carolina and had a great time. JM, for the first time, loved the ocean waves. The kids were swimming either in the ocean or our pool probably 6+ hours a day. Their skin shows it....very dried out! It as 90+ every day and we only had two small storms after dark. Perfect way to start the summer.

We are back to baseball, swim team, and JC volunteering at the library. JM's team got a bye in the first round and won in round two. Now we play tomorrow and if we win, Saturday is the championship. He hit in the winning run last night. It seems we are pretty booked this summer, but will definitely use our pool pass as much as possible! JC's first swim meet is tonight, should be fun.

Off to shoo the boys off of Wii and the computer to get them to do a little reading. They read a lot in the car during the vacation and trying to not slack off already!

Life in the Crazy Lane!

Life has been a little nuts the last month....I know, what's new?

We just learned that my mother has cancer. She had some pre-cancerous tissue removed in the same area about 6 years ago. It is considered a "high-risk" cancer...what ever that means. So, she goes next week for a pre-surgical appointment and hopefully they can get her in soon for surgery. She is in a lot of pain and discomfort. Luckily, my dad is recovering well from his cancer surgery. He is working on talking again and is even out riding his bike. Get one better, and one falls apart...geesh!

My brother's wife went into pre-term labor last week. The little bugger was about 5 weeks early, so that was little scary. They transported her to Toledo to give birth because the hospital where they live was not a high enough level NICU. He is doing remarkably well for being so early and was home in two days. Can't wait to see him! JM is glad he is no longer the youngest.

It has been 18 weeks since I hurt my foot and it is still not 100%. I am done with PT, but still have a lack of strength and stability and pain. So, the doc is looking at some surgery to clear out what he thinks is scar tissue causing the pain. We'll see. He THINKS it is from scar tissue...can't you do a scan of some sort and know for sure before poking around in my foot and sending me back to PT...umm, I think so!

This is our first week without baseball since April 8th! It has been nice.....of course the boys are out playing catch with dad as I type. They love their baseball. Evals for fall ball and tryouts for Spring travel are next week, so the break is short lived. JM is not sure he is trying out for travel...I think the tryouts are too close to the end of the season and he is a bit burned out. He loved playing, but when he looks at tryouts already he gets a little apprehensive.

So, such is life! Crazy, busy, and full of surprises!

Summer Vacation, So Far, So Good

Our summer has gotten off to a fast and furious start. School was over on a Friday and we headed out camping that Sunday. We went to Kentucky near Mammoth Cave with my Sister-in-law and her gang. The kids took the tent, and DH and I stayed in the camper (I hate tent camping!) We had great weather and the campground was great. Bathrooms and showers were super clean and the kids loved the pool. We had to drag JM out of it each day. There was a little mini-golf course and activities for the kids. They went down to watch movies most evenings and played hide and seek another night. I had to miss the trip to Mammoth Cave because of my darn foot. Way too much walking. I am at 12 weeks and still swollen and bruised. My physical therapist highly recommended I avoid the cave....figured he didn't want to seem some story on the news of me being rescued!

Between baseball, JC's fitness camp and volunteering at the library, I am back to my job as taxi driver. If only it paid as well as when I was subbing! I think I made three trips out so far today just to tote JC around town. Tonight he has convinced me to go watch playoff baseball games for his league...his team finished in first and earned a bye. JM's team won their first playoff game last night 16-11. He was 2 for 3 with two doubles. Fun stuff! They even got to play under the lights.

We are excited to see all of the cousins in a few weeks. Always a good time when we get together. Our theme for the cousin's party this year is a "50s-60's Bash". We are going to watch a "drive in" movie and the kids are all going to make cardboard cars to attach to their chairs. Should be a good time...hopefully the weather will cooperate.

It Happened Again.....

I came home from subbing yesterday to find a Sheriff's car in front of my house and DH home.....2 hours early. Someone broke into our house AGAIN (2nd time in 15 months) and my oldest was the one to come home and find it. The bastards tried to kick in both doors (which DH reinforced after the last break-in). When that didn't work, they ripped the sliding screen door off our bedroom french door. When that failed, they threw a damn rock through our kitchen window. We think there were two, and one got a cut from the glass (HA HA) and bled on one of our new King size pillows. They took two entire drawers from one of my dressers....not just the contents, the whole damn drawer. Duh! They took a pillowcase....just dump the contents please. (Can you tell I'm a little pissed!) We had been saving change to help buy JC the mini-motorcycle he wants for his birthday. We had rolled about $100 in coins over the weekend....gone. I am still racking my brain to remember what all was in the drawers. The tried to take the Playstation, but left it. The alarm must have rushed them enough.

I am so angry that JC had to go through that. I found it the first time and know how much it freaked me out. I hate not feeling safe in my own home. He will no longer be coming home from school by himself, which also ticks me off. He enjoyed the responsibility, but I just can't do it. They left a lot behind, and I am afraid they will come back. DH had to replace both doors, although they didn't get in that way, they were damaged. The window is on order. Not sure what the insurance will do about the dresser...we really need to replace the whole thing. They did have a lead for a guy who cut his arm and was in the ER....he had no explanation of how it got there...DUH...make up a excuse idiot! Not sure what good it will do. I'm sure they released him, and if his blood is a match to what they found, what will they do. Issue a warrant and hope they run into him. Oh, and the detective that came was a jerk...hello, a little sympathy and consideration please.

To top it off, our well pump died Friday and was $1300 to replace. I give up at this point!

Preview of Great New Book

Most of "us" are too old for this....but I am sending out a fun challenge (for our kiddos!) I was sent a copy of "The Double-Daring Book for Girls" to help with promotion. I need to throw out a challenge from the book....so (from page 120) how many jumps can your kiddos do on a pogo stick. For those of us in the 35+ crowd, don't hurt yourselves....but feel free to give it a try! Let me know how many you get in!

Weekend of fun!

It rained like the dickens Friday....one strong storm after another. And, I was not surprised because Saturday was opening day for baseball. It always rains for opening day. The wonderful gentlemen on our board, with the help of some coaches, got out there at 6 am and worked the fields. Most games were pushed back an hour, but we got all of the games in. The boys both won and played well. JC got to catch for three innings and was thrilled. He loves to catch....it makes mom nervous! We had a wonderful Opening Day celebration with lots of free fun. The boys all went, I had to be at church for my niece's Confirmation. I was proud to be her sponsor. It was a beautiful service and we had a nice dinner afterwards. (even though we didn't eat until almost 8:00!)

JC was not himself Saturday, not eating.....cold, and he did have a fever. But, he felt okay and made it through the busy day. He is home today, mostly sleeping! We hit Kings Island Sunday with my nieces and the in-laws. There was a 50% chance of rain, but it worked out. The weather was perfect. We rode the new coaster and loved it. I rode around in a wheel chair, but even the walking while in line was enough! We actually ran into some family from up in Sandusky....we never even see them up at Cedar Point! We were quite surprised.

I head back to the surgeon today for my foot. It is still quite swollen, so we'll see what he says. I start subbing tomorrow and will be working until the first week of June. I hope the foot holds out. Working full-time will be an interesting adjustment!

Weekend

Now that it is Tuesday, I thought I would ramble about our weekend! The boys had three baseball practices between the two of them. JC was still a little run down from camp last week. We have summer-like weather all weekend with temps in the mid-to-high 80s. DH worked on a new frame for our new bed. We are still shopping for a mattress, but have one more store to check out this week. Trying to compare prices. My niece went to a bat mitzvah and I had to go curl her hair because her mom was out of town. It was fun....something I won't ever get to do with two boys!

The boys both had Ohio Achievement Tests Monday, so we had to cut the weekend a bit short Sunday night to get them in bed early. Why test on a Monday is beyond me?? I subbed Monday and wished I hadn't. This darn walking boot kills my back, and the foot swelled like a balloon again. I need to step up the icing on a more regular basis. I go to my chiropractor Thursday, so that will help the back. I go back to the Ortho surgeon on Monday, I am dreading what he is going to say when he sees that it is still swollen!

Rainy week ahead. Our opening day for Little League is Saturday, so I am up to my ears in uniform issues. Hoping the weather hold out, we have a big opening day festival planned and my nieces Confirmation is Saturday. We may head to Kings Island on Sunday....I may need a wheel chair!

Rain and Pain!

It is such a crummy day, after the beautiful weather we had on Saturday. The boys had baseball on Saturday and DH got a lot of yard work done, he also worked on the tractor....the grass is growing fast. Wish we could afford a new one this summer. He puts so much time into keep that darn thing running. He did say this would be the last summer for it thought, it is rusting through! Can't wait to smell that freshly cut grass.

JC left today for camp; each middle school team goes for three days. He is going to have such horrible weather, cool and wet every day. But, I don't think he minds much. I tried to be sure he had enough dry socks at least, nothing worse than wet feet. He has some great kids in his cabin, most of whom he has played baseball or basketball with. They will have fun despite the rain. I was a bit worried sending him off, this is really the first time he has gone somewhere for a few days where I can not reach him! His best bud went last week and had a few tips for him! He seemed to enjoy himself.

JM came home from school a little excited he gets to be an only child for a few days! I told him I would take him to dinner tomorrow; I'm sure we'll be at Bob Evan's.

The foot is still sore, especially when I am on it. Trying to stay off it, but it is hard when I can finally walk a bit. This rain doesn't help my overall pain! I am subbing one day this week and one next week, so that will be a good test. Looking forward to the high 70s we are supposed to get by week's end.

Gratitude List

A rare midweek gratitude list, usually the week gets away from me and I forget to post this!

1. The sun is finally shining.
2. The cast is gone.
3. The Indians are playing an afternoon game.
4. I actually put some clothes away in the boys room today.
5. I paid bills and still have money left.....Yeah!

Easter 09

We had a really nice Easter. The boys were up a little early, but not too bad! We had to leave for Mass by 8:30, so we had to be up early anyway. Mass was packed, and DH got the last spot in the main lot. Luckily the in-laws beat us there, because the main floor of church filled up fast, and there was no way I was hauling my butt up to the balcony!

The cousin's had so much fun together. They played most of the day in the basement; we could hear them singing with their Wii music and karaoke machine! The Partridge Family we are not! It was a little chilly for their scavenger hunt, but the didn't care. We even wrote a clue on the bottom of my cast, should have fun explaining that when it comes off tomorrow. It was tough getting back up for school yesterday, and the boys are still a bit tired. This gray, rainy weather doesn't help much!

Happy Easter

It's about 1:45 am, so Easter has officially arrived. I have been having such a rough time sleeping the last few night; I just can't get comfortable with this cast. it itches like crazy. Part of the problem too is I can't do much physically during the day, so I'm not as tired I guess. Although today, I was up a lot, baking and getting things ready for Easter Sunday. So frustrating.

So, in my sleepy state, pardon my ramblings. I am worried about my SIL and her little bun in the oven. They had an ultrasound last week and found out it was a boy. My brother is thrilled. Going with Mason James as a name. They have to go back next week for another one because they are worried about the baby's size. Not sure why, she was so off, that there is no way they could pinpoint a due date exactly. But, she is still smoking, as is my brother. That has such a link to low birth weight, that it worries me a lot. Not sure why her doctor or her family isn't doing more to get her to quit. After my brother watching what my dad has gone through, I don't know how he can continue to smoke. Losing a voice box not enough of a deterrent for you??? Uggh!

I finally got my mom to quit last week, the her idiot of a husband pulled another one of his stunts, stressed her out, and now she is back at it. I think she may try again though, JM was really on her and she does not want to disappoint him. Just the expense of it is enough that she should quit.

Easter tomorrow should be pretty laid back. My SIL is hosting again, and there is always lots of yummy food! The boys are excited to see their cousins. JM has been counting down the days since early March, he loves doing the scavenger hunt. We worked on it yesterday, and it will be a tough one!

Going to go use my awake time more wisely and do some writing. Lots of articles due by the end of the month!

Happy Easter!

Friday Gratitude List

It's Friday, the kids are off school and my cast comes off in 5 days! I keep having dreams (no, nightmares) that they take the cast off, take one look at it and say "Gee, that needs to be in a cast for another few weeks!" Hopefully I can get into the walking boot and get rid of these crutches. The boys (and DH) have been great, DH does all of the laundry and cleaning, and most of the cooking. The boys have pitched in with putting clothes away and waiting on mom. They went with me to the grocery store today and JM had to haul all of the groceries into the house by himself! You should see my get around the store in my old-lady motorized cart....nice! They do all have a better appreciation of what it takes to keep this house running smoothly! Luckily, Easter is at my SIL's house here in town, we only need to make a dessert.

Gratitude list for the day:

1. JC got all A's on his report card.
2. 5 more days of crutches.
3. DH may get off early today.
4. JM has a friend coming over and JC is at a friend's house...they deserve a little fun.
5. My mom is having a better week....last week was horrible!

In desperate need of a gratitude list....

The boys are on spring break, all of JM's friends are out of town, and I am bogged down with a nice, red cast (actually, I call it Scarlet!). We were supposed to go to Castaway Bay in Sandusky for a few days, but that is just too much water, moisture, and work for mom when she is on crutches. So, we are kind of hanging around, laying low. The boys are getting a bit bored. DH is taking a day off to take them bowling or something, and we may try and get to the movies. Not quite the break we had planned, but at least the mornings are slow and quiet. It is after 1:00 and they are still in their pajamas, which they love.

Gratitude list for today:

1. I only have to wear the cast for three week, not six!
2. It is going to be pretty warm this week.
3. My mom is working on quitting smoking.
4. I may have picked up two additional clients.
5. DH's job situation is improving.

Updates

My dad is doing well. They have him walking a bit and sitting up in a chair. They were a bit negligent taking care of a would on his leg from a skin graft, and that was painful once they figured it out. He is getting a bit antsy, but is healing well.

I, on the other hand, took a spill yesterday. It was so graceful, I missed the last step coming off our porch. We were taking the boys to the park. Daddy still took them after I was sent up on the couch with ice. I had x-rays today, and the doctor could not believe that it is not broken. With the amount of swelling, pain, and sensitivity, he feels there must be some tendon/ligament damage. So, I have to see a specialist on Friday and will go from there. All of this, and today is DH's 40th! Uggh! At least I got his cake baked last night....it's not frosted, but at least it's baked. I sent him to work so at least he could get his goodies there!

Dad's Surgery is Today

He went under around 7am and it should take upwards of 14 hours. Two teams, the one removing the cancer and then a team of plastic surgeons to repair afterwards. He is in Cleveland; my poor grandmother is a mess. She is a feisty old Italian, strait from Sicily. She was giving the surgeons the ole "You better take good care of my Bobby!" I teased that she probably threatened some old Sicilian curse. Say a prayer!

Gratitude for today:

1. My kids are doing well in school.
2. DH still has a job.
3. The sun is shining again today.
4. Work is remaining consistent.
5. My dad has a great team of doctors working on him today.