Gratitude List

We had gotten the DVD "The Secret" from the library....tried the book, couldn't get it done. DH had been reading it while he waited for the boys to be done with basketball practice, with their crazy schedules he ends up with a 1/2 hour here or there during the week to fill. So, the one thing they suggest is to get up every day and list what you are grateful for. So, I am going to attempt to start there. Many of the "changes" they suggest are more of a challenge, so I'll start small!

Today I am grateful:

1. That my kids are now quiet and reading.
2. I slept 6 hours straight last night.
3. That the hubby forced about 4 loads of laundry through yesterday, so with the one more in the dryer now, we may be caught up for 24 hours.
4. We get to take the boys to a hockey game tonight...for free!
5. I have freelance work to complete....work = money!

Creative Outlet

No you are not seeing things, I am posting twice in a span of three days! I had the day off from subbing and instead of working all day, I decided to work on my scrapbooks. I do a family album for each year, one for each of the boys, and one for Cedar Point. We take so many pics there that it was taking up too much space in my annual album! I also do special albums for our Gundlach vacations and things like first communion.

Today, I worked on the Cedar Point album and thought I would share some pics of some of the recent pages that I did. Nothing fancy since I am behind a bit, I am in power scrapping mode. Just trying to make it look cute and get it done fast! With freelance breathing down my neck, I try not to go over board and spend too much time on any one page! Enjoy!

Monday Ramblings...

• No news about my dad lately. I THINK they ran their own tests in Cleveland on Friday and I THINK they did exploratory surgery today to see if there was anything they could do for him. One would THINK that since I am his daughter they could return my calls so that I actually KNOW what the heck it going on!

• My mom is finally in a better place. Not sure how long it will last, but for today, I'll take it.

• I have been sick for a week and can not get rid of this cold. It has migrated from my head to my chest and now is affecting my asthma, never a good thing. I am avoiding going to the doctor as long as possible!

• I have been subbing a lot which is good the the bank account, just not good for the aforementioned cold! I was approached to cover a maternity leave for the last month of the school year and decided to take it. It is a rather crazy second grade class, but we'll be fine. I have had them the last three days, and will have them several times before the leave. I'll have them whipped into shape in no time!

• I haven't shared a pic in awhile (because my posting is so erratic!)......so here are a few pics of the boys from December when we went to an Ohio State bball game. They got to go on the floor to shoot lay-ups and then got an autograph from Evan Turner. It was a fun night!

Cancer....Shmancer!

I received a call yesterday that my dad's cancer has booked a return engagement. He had throat cancer about 2 years ago and they thought they got it all in round one. He had extensive surgery, luckily stopping just short of removing his voice box. This time around, he had an ear ache and they went one step further to be sure of the cause.

They did several biopsies and they all came back positive. This is on the other side of the neck and there is concern it is in his lungs. He goes to the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to see what they can do, if anything. Their initial thought is that any surgery would involve breaking his jaw....not pleasant. Not that being full of cancer will be very pleasant either...they just don't think at this point there is much they can do.

Now, ever since my parents divorced, I have not been as close to my dad. My boys don't know him well, he and his wife do not participate much in the lives on any of their grandkids. I went through a time where I called weekly, sent pictures of the boys, and made sure they saw him. But, they never returned the favor, so I sort of stopped. Although I resent that at times, he is still my dad. He is still the boys' grandfather. This still sucks!

My mom is going through her own hell lately, so I guess it is time to hang on. It's going to be a rough month or so! (Maybe I'll start drinking....yes...START!)

Inauguration Day 2009

The boys were off today for an inservice....because of the cold we had last week, this made 6 days off in a row! The need to go back to school tomorrow! Especially since they had only been in school 1 1/2 weeks since Christmas Break ended.

I am glad they were off today though. I had them sit with me and watch the swearing in of Joe Biden and Barack Obama. I am not a politically charged person and having them watch did not have as much to do with who was being sworn as it did the whole process. Just to witness the transfer of power and the pomp and circumstance of it all. They were amazed at all of the people that were in attendance. JM was shocked President Obama didn't have a coat on. He was not impressed with Aretha Franklin, sharing that he thought those singing on his Guitar Hero game sing much better! LOL! He was concerned at one point in the process, asking "Was there a time during all of this when we didn't have a President?" At least he was thinking! We talked about how President Bush was still President until Mr. Obama was sworn in....that made him feel much better!

They listened to part of his speech, but then lost interest. Overall, a great day to share with them and something I hope they remember in years to come.

Lemonade Award

My friend at Chronic Chic Talk was kind enough to give the this award for making lemonade out of lemons!

Passing in along to the following (sadly I do not have 10 friends with blogs at this point!)

Chicka Nuts
Queen of My Castle
Three Little Birds
Fighting Fatigue

The rules for giving and receiving this award are as follows:

* Put the logo on your blog or post.
* Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
* Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
* Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

NUCCA Doctor

I went to a NUCCA doctor last week for my fibromyalgia and so far am seeing some positive results. I have slept better (which was the number one goal) and have had less pain. I have slept for three nights without my Icy Hot patches on my feet which is a huge step for me. I do need to buy a new pillow today, mine just doesn't support my neck enough.

I am keeping up on my visits on my Fibromyalgia dedicated blog, so check it out when you can!