Accumulation of Stress

In research, and speeches, and articles all over we are all told to reduce our stress loads.

There are dire warnings about the health effects of too much stress and prolonged stress.

I know all of this.  REALLY.  Intimately.  I've only been reading those articles and that research for most of my adult life.  I have been passing that information along to friends and family and clients.

And yet...

Remember the old tale about the cobbler whose children have no shoes?  Ahem.

KNOWING things is much different than applying them.

Frankly, I didn't think I was under *that* much stress.  Oh, I admitted at times that things were getting a bit out of hand.

Like, when I was a full-time grad student, working part-time from home, trying to keep up with 6 children, and my husband was deployed...for a year.  THAT was a little stressful.

Or the year when two grandparents passed away, we went through some major relational upheavals, and Jason changed jobs, AGAIN.

Or the year that the world was supposed to end, I had a baby (25 days late!), Jason had an affair, the house was going into foreclosure, the car was repossessed, we moved, and we dealt with some other major relational upheavals.  Yeah, that year was stressful, too.

But, in between those REALLY stressful times, life was pretty smooth.  Things would settle down, life would be "normal" for a while, and I would have said that my stress levels were minimal.

About that.

I just sat down and wrote out a timeline of my life.  Through EVERY year.  ALL of the major events...those ones that are listed in charts as the ones creating the most stress...job changes, moves, children's births, financial strain, relational strains, separations, deployments, deaths....all of it.

That timeline was very telling.  Those times that I thought were "less stressful"?  Not necessarily.  Because in the almost-23-years we have been married, I was able to list ONE YEAR that did NOT include a major stressing event...most had multiple stressing events.

All of this made me realize that I have been VERY stressed for a VERY long time, and that it is time to make some changes.

I really don't know what those changes will be...Jason is still in the military, so the moving-every-few-years is not likely to change...and the children are growing up, which means more changes (hello, empty nest - well, that's a FEW years off, anyway!).  All I really know is that I really need to be LESS stressed for longer periods of time, and that needs to start now.

Tuesday Ramblings

The kids are all dropped off at school...no one took the bus today.  The oldest is not feeling well, but wanted to go to school anyway, because today is her day for her math class that she's doing so poorly in, and she needs to be there.  Tomorrow is her AP English exam, so she'll have a chance to sleep after that is done. 

This singly-parenting-while-married thing is hard.  Juggling schedules for 6 kids and myself, and making time to be at the computer each and every time he might be able to get on and talk.  I miss him so much.  I feel a hole in my chest where he is supposed to be.  I have a hard time sleeping.  I never get enough sleep.  I have a short fuse and a messy house...and no motivation to clean.

I feel alone.  Since he's deployed as a GSA (by himself, not with a "unit" - between other sets of orders), we don't really have a built-in support system here for me and the kids.  I am missing being in military housing with other spouses who could commiserate with me.  I'm not really feeling the love from our church...mainly, I think, because we're not set up to deal with it.  *I* was supposed to be the head of the military ministry, not the one needing the support...which means *I* get nothing.  Oh, people ask how we are.  What am I supposed to say?!?  Usually, I'm okay.  Because that's about where I am.  Things are okay.  We cope.  We get the big stuff done.  I want to think that things would be better if we had a really supportive church.  How would I know...this is the first time we have done anything like this. 

So, not only am I dealing with the deployment issues, but my heart is heavy for some friends who are hurting.  Single parents struggling to make ends meet and feeling alone.  Married friends dealing with marital issues.  Friends working through stuff from their past.  Parents hurting for their children.  Children hurting for their parents.  Today I'm feeling all of this as a weight on my chest. 

The dog is outside barking because he wants to be inside.  Last night we had to put up the baby gate to block him from getting to the cat box and picking out "treats."  I want to hurl, thinking about that one. 

I need to go to the pet store to get crickets for the leopard gecko. 
I need to go to the grocery store...I feel like I spend half of my life there.
I need to go to the hardware store, with measurements in hand to price blinds...and closet doors. 
I need someone to help put up new, or fix the old closet doors. 
I need to paint the rails with the paint I bought last week. 
I need to bathe the little dog.
I need to mow the yard.
I need to get on the treadmill.
I need to get in the shower and get ready for lunch with a friend. 
I need to clean my kitchen, shampoo the carpet, clean my bedroom, scrub the bathrooms, do laundry.

I *want* to curl up with a mindless book somewhere and read and sleep.  I want to be pampered.  I want my husband home. 

The promise of lunch beckons...must go. 

Is it May already?!?

Life sure does have a way of getting the way of things like writing!!  I signed in today, and realized that it has been more than a month since I wrote on here.  Meanwhile, I finished another semester of grad school (Yay, me!!), with its accompanying bjillion papers, projects, and exams.  We survived Spring Break for the kids...and have only six more weeks of school before they are out for the summer and we are preparing for Dad's R&R.  Now things are picking up with kids' spring/summer activities.  We have Scouts Venturing camp-outs and meetings, baseball practice and games, and end-of-the-school-year activities, the biggest of which, so far, is the Ring Dance for eldest daughter...

So, in honor of Ring Dance...PICTURES!!!

Isn't she beautiful?!?  I can't believe she is a Junior already..and that next year we'll be visiting colleges!! 

Life got busy again....

...and I forgot about you, my loyal friends.  Well, no.  I didn't forget.  My life is crazy right now.  Work.  Home.  Kids.  School.  Church.  Practicum.  Self-care.  My blog is not the most important part of my life right now.  I have a lot to say.  There is a lot that is begging to be written.  There are things happening in our lives.  There are upcoming adventures.  I am learning about myself and how things from my past are affecting me.  I am developing in areas I didn't expect, and dealing with things I didn't expect to come up.  And all of this stuff is hard and time consuming and exhausting.  I will be back, soon, I promise.  Those things are still clamoring to come out...

Ever had one of THOSE days...

...when you wonder why you bothered getting out of bed? 
...when you are amazed that your children made it out of the house alive, never mind dressed and fed?
...when you teeter on the edge of road rage, simply because there is a road and other drivers are on it?

Yeah, no, me either.  Ha.

This is one of those mornings.  I want to run away.  Far, far away.  I want to beat on walls.  I want to scream at the top of my lungs.  Would you believe that ramming other cars off the road actually went through my mind this morning?!?  (Probably NOT good to do, since I was surrounded by HUGE pickup trucks, and I was driving Jason's little Honda Civic!).  I want to kick the dog AND the cat. 

I haven't done any of those things.  Not even close.  But the fact that I feel this way and that these thoughts are even going through my mind is telling a tale of stress over-load.  I am TIRED, beyond belief.  I am stressed by school.  And kids.  And bills.  And taking care of the physical side of being and doing all by myself for now.  Did I mention that I was tired? 

So, this morning, instead of ramming those huge trucks off the road, I yelled at God.  "WHY AM I SO GRUMPY?!?"  (I was in the car, by myself...I hope nobody heard me.)  I didn't hear any voices.   I didn't get rescued.  (Oh, how I long to be rescued from the housework, the homework, the yard work, etc.). 

Instead, I was reminded of a few things.  First, that THIS is exactly when I need to put on my big-girl-pants, and deal.  My feelings are lying to me.  I KNOW my husband loves me.  I KNOW that I will live through this semester.  I KNOW that my children will be fed, and clothed, and will get to and from school.  I just have to pick up and keep going.  Second, I have to keep working to take care of me.  Actually eating, and sleeping, and showering, and meeting with those responsible for keeping my head squarely on my shoulders.  Finally, I DO have friends who want to help...if I can just figure out how, and ask them.  Or meet them for lunch....in 2 1/2 hours...

Better get moving...the shower is calling...and Olive Garden.  Yum.  Must move.
(God, thank you for those reminders this morning!)

On life and studying

As I am sure you are aware by now, my life and stress level have accelerated recently. With starting grad school, I have had to make quite a few changes, including cutting back on my work level (paid work), and really revisiting my study habits. Doing that and preparing for my husband to be gone have made me realize how lazy I have gotten in recent years. That's not an easy or nice realization. I don't think of myself as lazy. Or, maybe I should say I don't *like* to think of myself as lazy.

I did not become lazy intentionally. I didn't think about it. This "just happened." I DID think consciously about allowing my husband to be more of the leader in our home. Unfortunately, I allowed that to go to such a degree that I have abdicated much more responsibility than I should have. UGH. Now, with him planning to be gone for a whole year, suddenly I find myself having to assume many more responsibilities than I have handled in the last several years. Paying bills. Filling the gas tanks. Making all of the day-to-day decisions for children's activities. For my own activities.

So now I find myself needing motivation that I haven't had for quite a while. Motivation to keep my house clean. Motivation to actually COOK meals. And plan meals. And self-care stuff...like taking showers on days that I don't have anywhere to go. And finding someone to talk to. And staying in fellowship with other believers. And maintaining my own spiritual feeding and growth. So many things that I have sadly neglected or pushed off on my husband.

I am SO glad that he has been able to be such a help to me. I am grateful for this opportunity for him...even though I am going to miss him A LOT. Because, let me tell you, that man of mine is amazing. He is a leader...in our home, our church, and in the Navy. I am very excited to watch him, and watch what God is doing in and through him, especially during this challenging next year.

But this post is about me, and my recent (re)discovery of my own laziness. And I am realizing that I need friends in my life on a (very) regular basis to help me in this process. I have also come to the conclusion that I don't have CLOSE personal friends. Oh, I have a LOT of "friends" - at church, in the Navy community, in our neighborhood, across the country in places we have lived in the past. Sadly, I don't know if I can call on most of them any time of the day, just to dump, or if I could ask for help with transportation problems. I KNOW I can count on most for emergencies...just because they're awesome like that. But, personally, I feel strange asking anyone for help.

See, I have these tapes that play in my head. Tapes that are recordings of things people have said to me, or in my hearing, in the past. Logical or not, those tapes play over and over, telling me all kinds of strange things. These tapes say that people will see me as "too needy," or that people will think poorly of me or think of me as a manipulator if I ask for help. I hear those tapes saying that I should just suck it up, and deal with it, because I was the one that chose to have so many children, so I should deal with the results of those choices. I still hear those tapes saying that only weaklings need counseling - - even though I KNOW BETTER. I hear those tapes blaming ME for everything from world over-population to the depletion of the ozone layer. See...I told you those tapes were not necessarily logical.

So, in the midst of an extremely challenging period in my life, I am realizing that I need to concentrate on developing some very good, deep friendships. And honestly, I don't know where to start. Because I think I have had *1* very good, very deep friendship as an adult (aside from my husband) - and that was/is a VERY long-distance friendship...and I need good, LOCAL friends...friends with skin on, right here, in my house, hanging out, coaxing me out of my house, and encouraging me in the dailiness of my life.

There is so much to say...

My brain is overloaded. There is too much going on.

1. We're moving...just across town, but it involves boxes and moving trucks and chaos. Blech.

2. I'm going back to school. Remember my New Year's Resolutions? Getting started is HARD. Jus' sayin'....

3. Frances still has no answers. Which means more doctors' appointments. And Physical Therapy. And testing.

4. Jason has training. In Dallas. For a week. (I know, I know...it's not a deployment...a week is NOTHING...blah, blah, blah. He's been home now for 9.75 of his 10 years in. I'm not used to him being gone...please bear with me.)

5. About that...no, he's not going to the sandbox. Still waiting to hear where...but not over there. This time.

6. Family reunion. Not here. Right in the middle of it all. Sigh.

About #1...we're moving into a house that we hope, eventually, to buy. Financing couldn't be easy, could it? Seriously, with the housing market, economy, etc., in the shape they are in, you'd think it would be easier to get financing than to, say, find a needle in a haystack. But no. Not for us. Sigh.

#2. School. After 20-ish years out of school, I am TERRIFIED. There is SO MUCH to do. And I am not sure I am up to this. Ugh. GRE, FAFSA, VONAPP, GI bill, portfolios, resumes....when did it all get so complicated?!? This is NOT what I remember.

#3. Frances has another Nerve Conduction study coming up. And another followup with neurologist #2. Last followup was...ummm...a bit anticlimactic. Nothing found by any tests means that nothing structural has been found, which, according to above neurologist, means that there is no explanation for her numbness. He DID give her two prescriptions...one specifically for her migraines, and the second for prevention of migraines and possible treatment of the as-yet-undiagnosed nerve problems. But supposedly there is no reason to image her head. HELLO. Center of the nervous system. From which said rebellious nerves originate. Seems simple enough to me..... Oh, and the letter from the Psychologist? Neurologist #2 thought *I* had generated it. Thank you for that vote of confidence, doc....and for the honorary doctorate!

4. Jason, training...'nuff said.

5. Awaiting orders. I HATE waiting.

6. Family reunion...should be fun...if only it weren't right in the middle of things...

Thank you for hanging in there with me. Someday...well, I'd like to have enough time (and energy) to actually blog again. We'll see what the next few years hold...

Where to begin?

I just realized that it has been almost 4 months since I wrote here. I apologize. There are plenty of excuses, and a few reasons. I think the main one would be discouragement.

Actually, discouraged does not begin to describe where we are with Frances' treatment for the numbness in her arms and hands. Since I last updated everyone, she saw a neurologist. I won't tell you what I think of him. I will just say that, because all of the tests came back negative, the conclusion was that the cause of her numbness is psychosomatic, i.e., it's all in her head. That was in January. We followed up with the primary practice, who then told us there was nothing else they could do, and to come back if there were a change.

Since then, the numbness has progressed a bit further up her arms, and she is having trouble, sporadically, with holding a pencil to write at school. There is no difficulty with strength...the main issue seems to be that she cannot feel that she is holding the pencil, and cannot make it cooperate to write on paper. Very clear, huh? She is getting more frustrated. I am getting more frustrated.

I requested the school provide a second set of books, so she wouldn't have to haul 30 pounds of books back and forth to school every day. They required a doctor's note to do that....so we went BACK to the primary practice. This time, I INSISTED on 3 things when we went in there. First, the note....got it. Second, physical therapy to deal with the pain in her back, and third, a referral for a second opinion with a neurologist at the local children's hospital. I got all three things I requested.

Frances has started physical therapy, and the therapist doing a lot of testing on Frances, trying to figure out the numbness thing, too. She (the PT) started off saying that the way Frances was describing things was fairly classic for psychosomatic symptoms...but has since revised herself, to say that she does not believe that Frances is making things up...she really can NOT feel anything in her hands and arms. AT ALL.

Meanwhile, the referral for the second opinion popped us right back over the the same place we went before...perhaps to a different neurologist, but I did not trust that to be an unbiased opinion, and called requesting, yet again, that we be sent to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. This time, I really got what I wanted...and have an appointment for her to go in later this month.

Finally, I feel like I caved under pressure...I have made Frances an appointment to be evaluated on the off chance that this is psychosomatic. I know it can't hurt her to talk to someone...especially since we have a great Christian counseling group here. I just do not believe that is the source of the problem. That is scheduled for 3 days after the appointment with the neurologist.

Meanwhile....

Life goes on. There are 5 other kids in this family, as well as me and my husband. All six kids are in school. There is homework every day. Jason and I are leading small groups (Jason has 2!), and are deeply involved at church, and in ministry to hurting people around us. Softball and baseball seasons have started. The school year is winding down. I am still working from home. Jason is still working on his second Masters...3 classes left! I am gearing up to start on my Masters. We are attempting to buy a house. I have been in physical therapy since sometime in February.

Some days I want to scream "STOP THIS RIDE....I WANT OFF!" But things seem to keep moving faster and faster, and I have no control.

I don't like change. I don't like the hectic pace we are living at. I am scared to death that my daughter has something that is really scary to think about. I am scared that because we're not finding answers, we are waiting too long, and there will be no reversing the damage already done. I'm sure I am NOT ready for what the next 6 to 9 months hold...but there is not holding back time.

I keep reminding myself that God is in control of this ride. I know that He knows what my future holds, and that He has good and not harm planned for me, and for my husband and children. I get that. But in the trenches where I am hunkered up right now, I have to be reminded of that very often, because the immediacy of issues keep distracting me from the bigger picture that God loves me and my family, and wants what is best for me.

So, please keep praying. Thank you for your prayers so far. I am clinging to those, desperately.

My brain is coming back!!

I am SO excited. I used to write, and paint, and sew, and decorate, and pretty much had creativity oozing out of every pore.

Then I had kids.

My brain abandoned me. I guess it was feeling a little abandoned..what with interuptions, and no sleep, and other inconveniences that go with having a bunch of children in a short period of time (wow...okay, so that's the first time I've EVER considered 10 years a *short* period of time!!).

Now my "baby" is almost SIX years old. My oldest two could probably run the house without me (that's my goal, anyway...). Yes, I'm busy, but in a controlled, more sleep, less chaos kind of way. I'm kinda diggin' it!

And I have discovered my brain again! It was there all along, just drugged-feeling from years of no sleep and the hectic-ness of life with small children.

I am SO happy to have my brain back! Now maybe I can get on with that book that's been brewing in the back of my head...or the poetry, or sewing, or web design....oh, where to start?!?

Here is where I do what I planned to never do here...

...I am delving into something resembling politics...though, to me, this looks more like a lament on the direction of demise of our nation. The situation in our federal government scares the wits out of me. It also turns my stomach that Christians support this atrocity.

Go read this article, Obama's Torture Policy for the Unborn, and then come back and tell me what you think...

Progress is a beautiful thing

Children ARE getting better.
Monday, Leah stayed home.
Tuesday, Justin stayed home and Leah came home early.
Wednesday, Justin and Leah stayed home
Thursday, Justin, Leah and Heather stayed home.
Friday, Heather stayed home.

I am HOPING that everyone will be back in school on Monday.

Meanwhile, some scenes from our week...
Today, I'm running...birthday parties, a field trip (that the husband had to go on), house cleaning, and a Brew Group... Busyness is us.

Thursday Thoughts

I know. I normally do Thursday Thirteen. I just can't today. That would require thinking. My brain is NOT cooperating. So, in order actually come up with a post, I am going to perform my normal style of writing...verbal (okay, on "paper") diarrhea. Yes, that IS how that is spelled. I know. I type those types of words every day.

So this isn't going to be a very coherent post. If I can get through a paragraph on the same thought today, I will have accomplished something. My brain is FRIED. Or maybe just drugged. Haven't figure that out yet.

So, I think I am *almost* recovered from my back sprain and pinched nerve. I feel a LOT better. I am still a little sore at night, but I can make it through the day without pain killers. I am starting to catch back up on my house. You know...doing those things that don't get done while mom is out of action....like the hand-washed dishes, and actually washing laundry, and cleaning the bathrooms. Yeah, my house was really getting ragged.

Today is one of those days when I remember what I disliked about fall/winter in the southeast. It is OVERCAST. That spells depression for those of us with SAD. I've never been diagnosed with SAD, but I have noticed a pattern of worsening depression in the winter months. So, brighter lights and MUCH more use of them is in store for us this winter. THAT is something else I miss about MT...winter sunshine reflecting off the snow. MUCH less SAD for me there.

So, the husband is *almost* finished with his Master's Degree!! YIPPEE!! He will be done in about a month. Just in time to get his books to start on his NEXT Master's....in Theology. Through yet another school....this one is not primarily online, though the whole degree will be compoleted online. THIS degree has a goal in mind....the Navy Chaplaincy.

In the mean time, he has tried to get a part-time job (as if he needed MORE things to fill his time), to fill the difference between what the Navy pays and what we need to live on. I make *some* money, but not enough. ARGH. That is probably the only thing I miss about working at Walmart...I actually brought in a good amount of money. I miss that now. But not the hours. Or the standing on concrete for 8 hours at a time. Or missing being home with my chiildren. Anyway, back to hubby trying to find a part-time job....the places he's tried are not hiring. And they're BIG companies that USUALLY are hiring a LOT of people over the holidays. So, we talked about it. And we came to the conclusion that we are REALLY going to have to learn to trust God right now. What else CAN we do?!?

Alright...so work is calling....must go make some money while I can....if you lasted through this, thank you for listening!

Headed into the weekend

I have *finally* caught up on my work enough that I don't feel horribly overwhelmed with work for the weekend. As always, the weekend is full...

Jason had two softball games tonight,
Frances played with the marching band for a football game,
tomorrow includes Ladies' Brew Group, with my needing to be there early,
Jon heading to a birthday party of a kid from church,
setup for church on Sunday morning,
two church services,
tear down afterwards,
house cleaning and laundry sometime in there,
and finishing up the last of my work for the week.

In the mean time, I've been catching up with friends from college...figuring out where they are and what they're all doing. It's exciting to see from the approximately 7 years of Bible College and Seminary grads I know that there are a large number overseas in various countries, and in many and varied positions across this country. The most exciting part is the depth of the relationships each has with the Lord, and the various pathways God has led each down. I have friends in Japan, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Peru, India, and several other countries. I have friends in computer work, film, radio, television, working in Christian schools and public schools and teaching in colleges, working with handicapped children and underpriviledged children, friends who are pastors and pastors' wives, youth ministers, missionaries, music ministers and music teachers. For the last few years, I have felt alone, isolated from people who believed as I do, from people who have the firm foundation in Scriptures we all received in Bible College. Now that I am able to reconnect with these friends, I no longer feel so alone.

So, who have you caught up with this week?

Life is Crazy

Today I'm fighting to stay awake...if I didn't know better, I'd think I was pregnant and suffering through those days of excessive sleepiness.

Frances had a good weekend with the marching band...more 1st place awards, a lost piece of a piccolo, and a lost flute...fortunately the flute was found at the school this morning. AND a VERY late night on Saturday.

Progress reports came home today. Everyone is doing fairly well. At least we have proof that we're doing okay...everyone is still alive, still making it to classes on time, and still doing well in school.

My mouth still hurts. I am having a hard time concentrating...who knew that pain was so distracting?!?

Jon and I start a Media class at church tonight...should be fun...learning about photo editing, sound, lights, running the video camera....Jon's not old enough to run the camera, but I think this will be a good class for both of us!

I ran out to the Farmer's Market this afternoon...I had WIC coupons to use...can't wait to have some sweet potatoes!!! YUM!

So, supper is calling so we can get out the door on time...and homework and practice (the lovely clashing sounds of flute, piccolo and trumpet), plus Jason is home, so the TV is on....

Later, my lovelies....life has left me behind and I have to catch up!!

Short stuff...

1. Migraine NOW
2. Work still to do.
3. Hanna....hitting here tomorrow...raining now.
4. SpouseBUZZ tomorrow.

More tomorrow, maybe. Have a great weekend!

I got nothing...

zip

zilch

nada

I am working my butt off, trying to keep up with my workload, and the laundry and playing taxi driver to the kids, and being the responsible mom, trying to be there for all of the orientations and open houses....and my brain is just plain shot...

So, please forgive me....

...because I have to sleep sometime....and it doesn't work so well to put my head down and drool all over my mouse and keyboard!!

I love you, my faithful friends! I WILL have *something* tomorrow....even if it's just a picture of the paper cut I got on my NOSE tonight.....

....gnight!!

Don't take yourself too seriously!

I have a wonderful friend in Texas who has passed along this GREAT piece of advice...one that she received from her mother. At certain points in the month, when one's hormones are interfering with one's ability to think or talk rationally....DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY.

So....

I'm trying.

But those not-so-rational thoughts keep getting in the way.

...and I'm spending a TON of time playing taxi driver...

Because football try-outs? They're ALL WEEK LONG.

And band reheasals? Until 8:00 PM...

...only one week left...

...this too shall pass...

...I survived childbirth, times six....I'll survive this, too.

So, I get up in the morning, and think I look like crap.
Then I look in the mirror and confirm it...my hair is all whacked out, and my zits seem to think I'm a teenager again, and I'm bloated.....
...and to top it all off...

....

....

....I had to brave the MIDDLE SCHOOL again today. Anyone else have to take their children to visit their middle school, and come away from there feeling as if you're 12 years old and a misfit once again?!? Is this just me and my insecurities? I'm walking through there, looking at these TEACHERS who are young enough to be my children (okay, so I'd have been a child with a child...but that's not news any more....), and I just want the floor to open up and swallow me, please!! Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Now, I'm off to do those things I never even dreamed of doing when I WAS 12....WORK, laundry, getting supper on the table, and spending time with my beautiful family (who do NOT think I'm a freak...at least not yet!)....

Adventures in childrearing: Milestones

Mile marker along the National Road, located in Columbus, Ohio. Digital photo taken July 15, 2005.

Do you know what a Milestone was in ancient times?

From Wikipedia:

Milestones were originally stone obelisks – made from granite, marble, or whatever local stone was available – and later concrete posts. They were widely used by Roman Empire road builders and were an important part of any Roman road network, in which when the distance travelled per day was only a few miles in some cases.

In our children, we watch carefully (especially with our first child) for milestones of a different nature. We want to make sure they're growing and maturing at a good rate...we want to make sure there are not things of a physical nature holding them back. This is why there are periodic doctor's visits and growth charts.

When they're babies, we celebrate each little milestone...first smile? Break out the camera! First tooth? Call the in-laws! First birthday? PARTY TIME with the whole extended family!

As they grow, it seems like our enthusiasm for celebrating everything about our children wanes a bit...perhaps we've gotten busy with little things like work and keeping the house clean. Perhaps we're dealing with more pressing issues such as health problems or financial stressors. Whatever the reason, we tend to need bigger reasons to break out the celebratory cameras and party streamers.

As adults, we have often gotten to the point where we don't like to celebrate our birthdays quite as much...maybe because they're a reminder that we're not getting any younger. Our children NEED us to keep celebrating with them. They need to know that we enjoy their company and want to celebrate their accomplishments. They need to know that we are proud of them.

Lately I've heard of people spending more and more money on birthday parties and such...but our children do not have to have the extravaganza that seems to be the norm now...they want US...OUR TIME, our presence, and our attention. Even for those of us who are not the most creative people in the world, spending some time one-on-one with our children lets them know that we WANT to be with them. Something as small as discussing the accomplishment of the day over dinner can tell your child that you're proud of his newest milestone.

So, do you have a milestone to celebrate with your child today? Break out the camera! Or at least, sit down and talk it over with them.

Weekly Roundup

It's Friday again...my how this week has flown! My eldest is in Band Camp this week, so I'm doing a LOT of driving...I'm in the car for 2 hours daily, and I haven't done that in a LONG time. Isn't she beautiful? She's the one on the right in the back.

I finally had my appointment with Occupational Therapy...daggoneit...I was hoping for Physical Therapy....anyway....so, after the Doctor who did the EMG saying I DIDN'T have carpal tunnel, the lady at Occupational Therapy says she thinks I DO have SOME carpal tunnel issues...just not enough to show up on the EMG. She also thought I had two other issues happening...the disadvantages of having a desk job. So, she told me all these thing to do, and NOT to do...and gave me this lovely splint. Isn't it gorgeous?

My oldest son has been busy rescuing vehicles from the trash-man...or rather, just these two, and then has stayed busy working on getting the go-cart running correctly.

The rest of the kids are staying busy with their friends, playing at the park, and taking advantage of the last couple of weeks of summer.

The crazy cat has been working on her escape plans...and attempts at every turn have me chasing her through the neighbors' yards.

My husband is busy, preparing for a change of command, and working on his 3rd-to-last class for his Master's Degree...and is busy trying to figure out what is next...which has included a trip out to the ARMY base, and some research of seminaries in the area.

And THAT has been my week....plus meals, laundry, cleaning (especially the stove, so it can be replaced), and work....What have YOU done this week?

Drawing my week to a close

Yesterday, as I mentioned before, was supposed to be a busy day. MOST of the to-do list was accomplished in the time frame in which it was supposed to happen. Driving was a bit tricky with my stiff neck, but I got where I needed to be, and back. There was only one thing I didn't accomplish...and I did THAT today...at least my neck is feeling better. Thank you for your kind words about that!

On the brighter side, I GOT A RAISE!! It is only one more cent per line than I was making before, but that makes a pretty big difference in my $$$ per week!

Tonight is the pool party for the Marching Band...the mother who organized it has invited our whole family...still haven't decided if we're all going...I have a LOT of work to do before then.

Next week I have my first physical therapy appointment for my arm....hopefully we can get something accompished...I'm TIRED of how much my arms hurt all the time.

Next week is also the first week of band camp. I will have to leave the house to drive my eldest daughter across town every morning by 7:15 am. Do you know how long it's been since I did that?!?!? Forever, and ever....and this is going to be going on for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. I don't know what I'm going to do without my right arm for two weeks!

And now...some scenes from my week...

A tooth is lost (she got $0.50 for it)

Good mommy...got a picture of it (proof for the tooth fairy!!) before she really lost it....somewhere in the sofa, I suspect.

Lego creations

rather involved lego creations

a lazy cat

with a crazy eye

cute kid feet

I hope you had a good week, too!