Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Playing Catch up
Boy, oh boy! We have been so busy and sitting down and writing has taken a back burner. But I miss this little journal of our lives so expect me playing catch up in the next few posts! I have had a lot to say and update! More to come.....
Friday, September 2, 2011
Building Blocks
I was pretty impressed with their teamwork and elaborate castle they made at my moms. They posed like statues to show off their work. After the pictures, they ran through it, completely demolishing it.
The Front
The Back
Side View
The Statues
From our Fridge
Leah wrote her whole alphabet by herself!
Bryce tested advanced in Language Arts and Math!
Friday, July 22, 2011
11 years....
Today is our 11th year of marriage and 17th year together. That was hard to write as I hate odd numbers...
Looking back, it is almost funny to see where we are now. When our families met I was 5 and Bobby was 9. We grew up teasing each other, playing guns and a game we called "Lions." Sometimes when we sit back and talk about those times it is crazy to think we actually got married and made two little pieces of heaven (sometimes hell) Bryce and Leah.
Once, when I was totally crushing on him and he hated me, he walks up and said I was pretty. My heart melted. It was even in front of all of our brothers. Then he said, "Pretty ugly!" I still married him and that story will forever go down in history. I still think he thought I was pretty and too cool to admit it.
When (at 12) I told people I wanted to marry this guy they looked at me like I was nuts. When we actually started dating, Bobby's friends all thought he was crazy. I'm sure there were very few people who thought we'd actually make it. My 7th grade teacher bet me we would be broken up by the end of the year or he'd give me $20. They all could have been right. But they weren't, and I'm so happy.
Whether it be luck or hard work or a combo of both, I am glad to be where we are. We have a blast together and when things get hard, there isn't anyone else I can imagine in the trenches with me. It works, without having to change each other or wish for something better. I thank God for that. Every night.
For years he has been asking for pictures of me, probably since we got married. I wasn't sure if I ever would. Then I found this great boudoir photographer and surprised him today with a book full of pictures. He said it was the best present ever. I was pretty proud of having the guts to do them, as it was nerve racking. I will do whatever it takes to make him happy. It's the least I can do for all the happiness he brings me.
I really don't know why people wouldn't want to be married and have kids. This is my heaven. Even when it's hell, wouldn't trade it for anything. And that's after a week of dealing with the stomach flu with both kids. You know it must be love! Here's to a lifetime of these mushy anniversary posts =)
Looking back, it is almost funny to see where we are now. When our families met I was 5 and Bobby was 9. We grew up teasing each other, playing guns and a game we called "Lions." Sometimes when we sit back and talk about those times it is crazy to think we actually got married and made two little pieces of heaven (sometimes hell) Bryce and Leah.
Once, when I was totally crushing on him and he hated me, he walks up and said I was pretty. My heart melted. It was even in front of all of our brothers. Then he said, "Pretty ugly!" I still married him and that story will forever go down in history. I still think he thought I was pretty and too cool to admit it.
When (at 12) I told people I wanted to marry this guy they looked at me like I was nuts. When we actually started dating, Bobby's friends all thought he was crazy. I'm sure there were very few people who thought we'd actually make it. My 7th grade teacher bet me we would be broken up by the end of the year or he'd give me $20. They all could have been right. But they weren't, and I'm so happy.
Whether it be luck or hard work or a combo of both, I am glad to be where we are. We have a blast together and when things get hard, there isn't anyone else I can imagine in the trenches with me. It works, without having to change each other or wish for something better. I thank God for that. Every night.
For years he has been asking for pictures of me, probably since we got married. I wasn't sure if I ever would. Then I found this great boudoir photographer and surprised him today with a book full of pictures. He said it was the best present ever. I was pretty proud of having the guts to do them, as it was nerve racking. I will do whatever it takes to make him happy. It's the least I can do for all the happiness he brings me.
I really don't know why people wouldn't want to be married and have kids. This is my heaven. Even when it's hell, wouldn't trade it for anything. And that's after a week of dealing with the stomach flu with both kids. You know it must be love! Here's to a lifetime of these mushy anniversary posts =)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Till Death Do "Some" Part
I'm not sure if it's our age, or it's a sign of the times, but it seems that many people we know are going through divorce. I would say half! It is a sad thing and whenever it happens, it has me reevaluate my marriage and what we can do to make sure it stays a happy marriage.
Bobby and I talk a lot about what it is to be married and what it is to be happy and about our future. I think people go into a marriage with expectations that do not line up with reality. When we talk about marriage Bobby teases that he assumed I would cook him dinner in lingerie every night. Ha! The truth is, those same ideas you got married with....change. I think the obstacle of a good marriage is to roll with those punches and change together.
I think it is how you make it though the difficult times, the respect and nurture that you show each other, will determine how strong your marriage is. Anyone can make it through bliss. The good times make it worth the lows. Anyone could make it if it was all peaches. Not everyone makes it because it's not all peaches. Make it though the lows gracefully and I believe you will always be married.
Hopefully we are part of the 50% who make it but if we are not, I will need to come back and eat or reread the following words.
Dear Husbands:
Love your wives. Love them when they are not-so lovable. Love them when they are ugly, inside and out. They may not always be the amazing woman you married. Love them anyway! I know I have had days that I am not at my best. When I feel ugly (perhaps not showered) and it shows in my attitude on the outside. All I needed in those moments of despair is for my husband to make me feel whole again, make me feel "pretty" and worthy, like the day he married me. And I believe this is the key for women. Make them feel loved. When you see them after they get ready - whistle. You may not even feel like they are worthy or deserving of it, but give it to them because that is what she needs. And if she can't get what she needs from her husband, what is the point of having one? Make her feel smart and beautiful- as I think this is the key to her happiness. Once she has had your children, make her feel like that is the most amazing thing she could have ever done for you and how much you worship that gift. Some days she will be worn from all of it: keeping it all together with the kids, the cleaning, the working and looking great while making love like a porn star. Tell her you notice the effort. And if she's not making the effort, let her know how much you appreciated it when she did, so that she can become the woman you fell in love with once again.
Dear Wives:
Love your husbands. Love them and make them feel like men. Give them plenty of physical contact because that's how they equate their emotions. Support them with their careers and tell them how much you appreciate the security of a man. How you feel safe and secure when they are home. Without that security, what is the point of having a husband? Give them love and perhaps, bj's- just because. Bobby said they should be called blowfun instead of jobs, because it sounds like a duty instead of something great. Ha! Love your husbands and give them love even when they are annoying and watch too many sports because deep down, you appreciate their "kid at heart" attitudes and wish you could be as carefree as they are. Let him know that he is a great Dad. Tell him how much you appreciate the help bathing and dressing the kids. They may not always do it right, but if they are doing it at all that is something that should not go unnoticed. Make them their favorite food, just to let them know you are trying. TRY! Men are simple and really do appreciate the smaller things, like sexy underwear, you smiling, or a home cooked meal. The man that you married and fell in love with is in there and will come out with a little coax.
That is my theory. I read it to Bobby just to make sure it was accurate. He said it's accurate for us, but everyone is different and that may not be what they need. I agree. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I'm praying I have the answers for what it takes for us two to stay together. Bottom line, talk and see what it is you may need.
We don't get married to a person we can't stand. At some point you loved that person and recreating and changing what that love was and is will be the key to a happy marriage, I hope! Maybe some people are just not meant to be and will find this happiness with someone else. I'm not sure if divorce is right or wrong. Maybe if there is only one person willing to make it work, it can't work. Maybe there had to be something there to begin with or the rest self destructs. I hope and pray, as we enter our 11th year of marriage this week, we find the answers that work best for us! Love and happiness to all!
Bobby and I talk a lot about what it is to be married and what it is to be happy and about our future. I think people go into a marriage with expectations that do not line up with reality. When we talk about marriage Bobby teases that he assumed I would cook him dinner in lingerie every night. Ha! The truth is, those same ideas you got married with....change. I think the obstacle of a good marriage is to roll with those punches and change together.
I think it is how you make it though the difficult times, the respect and nurture that you show each other, will determine how strong your marriage is. Anyone can make it through bliss. The good times make it worth the lows. Anyone could make it if it was all peaches. Not everyone makes it because it's not all peaches. Make it though the lows gracefully and I believe you will always be married.
Hopefully we are part of the 50% who make it but if we are not, I will need to come back and eat or reread the following words.
Dear Husbands:
Love your wives. Love them when they are not-so lovable. Love them when they are ugly, inside and out. They may not always be the amazing woman you married. Love them anyway! I know I have had days that I am not at my best. When I feel ugly (perhaps not showered) and it shows in my attitude on the outside. All I needed in those moments of despair is for my husband to make me feel whole again, make me feel "pretty" and worthy, like the day he married me. And I believe this is the key for women. Make them feel loved. When you see them after they get ready - whistle. You may not even feel like they are worthy or deserving of it, but give it to them because that is what she needs. And if she can't get what she needs from her husband, what is the point of having one? Make her feel smart and beautiful- as I think this is the key to her happiness. Once she has had your children, make her feel like that is the most amazing thing she could have ever done for you and how much you worship that gift. Some days she will be worn from all of it: keeping it all together with the kids, the cleaning, the working and looking great while making love like a porn star. Tell her you notice the effort. And if she's not making the effort, let her know how much you appreciated it when she did, so that she can become the woman you fell in love with once again.
Dear Wives:
Love your husbands. Love them and make them feel like men. Give them plenty of physical contact because that's how they equate their emotions. Support them with their careers and tell them how much you appreciate the security of a man. How you feel safe and secure when they are home. Without that security, what is the point of having a husband? Give them love and perhaps, bj's- just because. Bobby said they should be called blowfun instead of jobs, because it sounds like a duty instead of something great. Ha! Love your husbands and give them love even when they are annoying and watch too many sports because deep down, you appreciate their "kid at heart" attitudes and wish you could be as carefree as they are. Let him know that he is a great Dad. Tell him how much you appreciate the help bathing and dressing the kids. They may not always do it right, but if they are doing it at all that is something that should not go unnoticed. Make them their favorite food, just to let them know you are trying. TRY! Men are simple and really do appreciate the smaller things, like sexy underwear, you smiling, or a home cooked meal. The man that you married and fell in love with is in there and will come out with a little coax.
That is my theory. I read it to Bobby just to make sure it was accurate. He said it's accurate for us, but everyone is different and that may not be what they need. I agree. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I'm praying I have the answers for what it takes for us two to stay together. Bottom line, talk and see what it is you may need.
We don't get married to a person we can't stand. At some point you loved that person and recreating and changing what that love was and is will be the key to a happy marriage, I hope! Maybe some people are just not meant to be and will find this happiness with someone else. I'm not sure if divorce is right or wrong. Maybe if there is only one person willing to make it work, it can't work. Maybe there had to be something there to begin with or the rest self destructs. I hope and pray, as we enter our 11th year of marriage this week, we find the answers that work best for us! Love and happiness to all!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Taking Some Time
Ever since I was pregnant with Leah I have been nauseous. Nearly everyday and she is almost five. I started seeing doctor's about a year after having her because, what I thought was morning sickness, was not going away. I was s..l...o...w...l...y treated for an array of things. Ulcers, acid reflux, anxiety, and the list can go on for a while. Each time I would see a doctor, they would have me try a new medication. Me, being a good patient and wanting to be healed would take the prescription for the whole amount of time. Nothing changed. Sometimes, the nausea was manageable. Other times it would wipe me out. The worst part of it, is the anxiety I have. Well, and when I have to ice my stomach and gag myself by the toilet for hours. Sometimes it hits in the middle of sleep, other times throughout the day. It has been trying.
But I don't usually tell people how sick I am. I go about my life. I run the PTA, am active in my son's baseball and my daughter's dance, etc. I attend events and just smile through the nausea. This year my anxiety and nausea hit an all time low. I was stuck on the couch, couldn't pick up the kids from school, couldn't eat a normal diet. I felt horrible. I scheduled a scope and started seeing a specialist.
They discovered I had inflammation in my stomach and a stomach hernia. Both of which they are not treating. There isn't much to do, according to them. It is hard because I sometimes have to leave family functions, or call my mom to help me with the kids because I feel so sick. It's hard to write it down and finally admit it. I don't like being weak and having to say I can't do things.
Once my kids started praying at night for their mommy to not have stomach aches, I had a break down. I don't want them to worry about me, they are kids and shouldn't have to. That was the worst thing for me.
I finally, after five years, decided to take things slower. Cancel plans and rest. I semi-quit PTA. If I have to go home, I no longer smile through the nausea. I go home and try to make it through in the comforts of my own home. I realized me being sick was affected my family too much and anyone or anything outside of my four walls, would have to wait.
Some of my close friends who knew about my health are the best and so understanding. My friend Katie will talk me through on those days when I feel awful and am crying because I can't leave the house. My mom is my saving grace. She will drop everything to help me when I am low. She helps with my kids, comes and cries with me because she hates seeing me sick and she accompanies me on late night visits to the doctors. I cannot say how much that means to me.
Bobby is seriously a saint. I often remind him that he said, "sickness or health" when we said our vows. He usually just smiles and reassures me of his love, although he doesn't have to. I feel so bad for him because I put a damper on things. I really don't like to travel unless I'm with him, because he knows what to do and how to make me feel better if I get sick. He doesn't ever get mad. He wakes in the middle of the night with me and will rub my back even though he is half asleep. He lets me keep the house freezing and just gets blankets when he's cold- I do worse if I'm hot. When I stress about letting other people down, he reminds me that this is our number one priority for me to get better. He talks me through things and listens to my theories. He is a GREAT comfort to me and he never makes me feel bad. I do plenty of that on my own.
I don't want to seem like a baby as I know many people have diagnosed ailments that are much worse. And everyday I thank God for the hand I've been dealt. I love my life, but it is hard to enjoy the moments that are meant to be enjoyed when you don't feel well, when you are losing sleep and your patience is low. I am just being honest, finally, about how I feel. And most days I feel sick....to my stomach. And it messes with my mind.
Because I am nauseous, I prefer to be home. Imagine that you have the stomach flu. You feel like you are about to puke. You are hot and clammy. You race to the toilet. Your stomach is turning, growling and in knots. Then you get there, but you don't puke. Just the feeling is there from 20 minutes to a couple hours. Do you want to be somewhere in a car? On vacation? No you probably want to be hovered over your own clean toilet. It's not normal, but that's how bad it can get with me. So it makes traveling really hard. Hell, it makes going to the grocery store hard on some days.
I continue to see a specialist. I have been on tons of medications over the years. The last couple months have been pretty bad, but I'm starting to feel better. I usually goes through highs and lows like that. I am always happy and thankful when it subsides a little. Recently I decided to stop taking EVERYTHING I was on. I have been having a pretty good month so far with only a couple bad days here and there.
The doctors continue to not know where the inflammation is coming from. Chances are there will be several more tests, although they tell me some patients are never diagnosed with a reason for the inflammation, which gives me very little hope, but I try and stay positive. I have made changes to my diet and even quit coffee, which makes me sad. I am willing to let go of anything that will make me better though.
I tell myself and the people I come in contact with, they cant depend on me for things because if I don't feel good I am not going to be uncomfortable. I am going to make getting better a priority and take some time to rest when I need to. It's OK to not be superwoman, although I try really hard sometimes to be that. This summer I'm looking forward to some rest, some places to visit (if I can make it) and taking some time to heal and solve this....
for me....
for Bobby.... and....mostly
for my kids!
But I don't usually tell people how sick I am. I go about my life. I run the PTA, am active in my son's baseball and my daughter's dance, etc. I attend events and just smile through the nausea. This year my anxiety and nausea hit an all time low. I was stuck on the couch, couldn't pick up the kids from school, couldn't eat a normal diet. I felt horrible. I scheduled a scope and started seeing a specialist.
They discovered I had inflammation in my stomach and a stomach hernia. Both of which they are not treating. There isn't much to do, according to them. It is hard because I sometimes have to leave family functions, or call my mom to help me with the kids because I feel so sick. It's hard to write it down and finally admit it. I don't like being weak and having to say I can't do things.
Once my kids started praying at night for their mommy to not have stomach aches, I had a break down. I don't want them to worry about me, they are kids and shouldn't have to. That was the worst thing for me.
I finally, after five years, decided to take things slower. Cancel plans and rest. I semi-quit PTA. If I have to go home, I no longer smile through the nausea. I go home and try to make it through in the comforts of my own home. I realized me being sick was affected my family too much and anyone or anything outside of my four walls, would have to wait.
Some of my close friends who knew about my health are the best and so understanding. My friend Katie will talk me through on those days when I feel awful and am crying because I can't leave the house. My mom is my saving grace. She will drop everything to help me when I am low. She helps with my kids, comes and cries with me because she hates seeing me sick and she accompanies me on late night visits to the doctors. I cannot say how much that means to me.
Bobby is seriously a saint. I often remind him that he said, "sickness or health" when we said our vows. He usually just smiles and reassures me of his love, although he doesn't have to. I feel so bad for him because I put a damper on things. I really don't like to travel unless I'm with him, because he knows what to do and how to make me feel better if I get sick. He doesn't ever get mad. He wakes in the middle of the night with me and will rub my back even though he is half asleep. He lets me keep the house freezing and just gets blankets when he's cold- I do worse if I'm hot. When I stress about letting other people down, he reminds me that this is our number one priority for me to get better. He talks me through things and listens to my theories. He is a GREAT comfort to me and he never makes me feel bad. I do plenty of that on my own.
I don't want to seem like a baby as I know many people have diagnosed ailments that are much worse. And everyday I thank God for the hand I've been dealt. I love my life, but it is hard to enjoy the moments that are meant to be enjoyed when you don't feel well, when you are losing sleep and your patience is low. I am just being honest, finally, about how I feel. And most days I feel sick....to my stomach. And it messes with my mind.
Because I am nauseous, I prefer to be home. Imagine that you have the stomach flu. You feel like you are about to puke. You are hot and clammy. You race to the toilet. Your stomach is turning, growling and in knots. Then you get there, but you don't puke. Just the feeling is there from 20 minutes to a couple hours. Do you want to be somewhere in a car? On vacation? No you probably want to be hovered over your own clean toilet. It's not normal, but that's how bad it can get with me. So it makes traveling really hard. Hell, it makes going to the grocery store hard on some days.
I continue to see a specialist. I have been on tons of medications over the years. The last couple months have been pretty bad, but I'm starting to feel better. I usually goes through highs and lows like that. I am always happy and thankful when it subsides a little. Recently I decided to stop taking EVERYTHING I was on. I have been having a pretty good month so far with only a couple bad days here and there.
The doctors continue to not know where the inflammation is coming from. Chances are there will be several more tests, although they tell me some patients are never diagnosed with a reason for the inflammation, which gives me very little hope, but I try and stay positive. I have made changes to my diet and even quit coffee, which makes me sad. I am willing to let go of anything that will make me better though.
I tell myself and the people I come in contact with, they cant depend on me for things because if I don't feel good I am not going to be uncomfortable. I am going to make getting better a priority and take some time to rest when I need to. It's OK to not be superwoman, although I try really hard sometimes to be that. This summer I'm looking forward to some rest, some places to visit (if I can make it) and taking some time to heal and solve this....
for me....
for Bobby.... and....mostly
for my kids!
If You Want to be Bryce's Friend...
About a year ago Bryce comes home and asks a question I wasn't quite ready for. He asks me if "gay" is a bad word. He is in first grade and the kids at school are using it. I tell him no and ask why and where he heard it. He said his friends were calling Justin Beiber gay. I'm a little caught off guard and then give him the best explanation on how I feel. It went similar to this:
Gay is not a bad word at all. Mostly a man likes a woman and a woman likes a man. Sometimes though, a man will like a man or a woman will like a woman. This is called gay. Like our uncles.
He shakes his head and says, "OH! I get it. But, is Justin Beiber gay?"
I tell him no. That a lot of times people will use the word gay in place of the word stupid and gives it a bad meaning. I then tell him I don't EVER want to hear him calling anything gay in the bad way because we love our uncles and that would hurt their feelings to hear that. And we don't want to hurt our family by using the word badly. I tell him hurting family is like hurting ourselves. So it was best to use gay only in the right way and not in place of calling something "bad."
He agrees he would never want to hurt some one's feelings and asks how come people are gay. I explain that God makes people all different ways.
At the end of the his second grade year, about a year after this conversation, he gets in the car and we are talking about his day. Leah mentions how he shouldn't play with this kid, Carlos because he isn't always nice. Bryce then said something that, as a parent, makes you tear up. I am proud that he gets "it" in the way I want him to.
He said, "Carlos is actually good now. I made him promise to stop saying gay and retarded in a bad way if he wanted to be my friend. And guess what? He promised he wouldn't say them."
I asked, "You said that?!?!"
He says, "Yeah mom, because Kyle is my friend (our friend with autism) and if they say that in a bad way, it will hurt him and because my uncles are gay, if they say that in a bad way it would hurt them. And I told him if you hurt my family and friends, you hurt me and I can't be your friend. And he agreed, so now he doesn't say those words."
I told him how proud of him I was for standing up for what is right and for what he believes in and there is nothing in this world that makes me more happy than him doing that. He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. No big deal to him, but a major milestone to me!
Gay is not a bad word at all. Mostly a man likes a woman and a woman likes a man. Sometimes though, a man will like a man or a woman will like a woman. This is called gay. Like our uncles.
He shakes his head and says, "OH! I get it. But, is Justin Beiber gay?"
I tell him no. That a lot of times people will use the word gay in place of the word stupid and gives it a bad meaning. I then tell him I don't EVER want to hear him calling anything gay in the bad way because we love our uncles and that would hurt their feelings to hear that. And we don't want to hurt our family by using the word badly. I tell him hurting family is like hurting ourselves. So it was best to use gay only in the right way and not in place of calling something "bad."
He agrees he would never want to hurt some one's feelings and asks how come people are gay. I explain that God makes people all different ways.
At the end of the his second grade year, about a year after this conversation, he gets in the car and we are talking about his day. Leah mentions how he shouldn't play with this kid, Carlos because he isn't always nice. Bryce then said something that, as a parent, makes you tear up. I am proud that he gets "it" in the way I want him to.
He said, "Carlos is actually good now. I made him promise to stop saying gay and retarded in a bad way if he wanted to be my friend. And guess what? He promised he wouldn't say them."
I asked, "You said that?!?!"
He says, "Yeah mom, because Kyle is my friend (our friend with autism) and if they say that in a bad way, it will hurt him and because my uncles are gay, if they say that in a bad way it would hurt them. And I told him if you hurt my family and friends, you hurt me and I can't be your friend. And he agreed, so now he doesn't say those words."
I told him how proud of him I was for standing up for what is right and for what he believes in and there is nothing in this world that makes me more happy than him doing that. He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. No big deal to him, but a major milestone to me!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Graceful, Leah Grace
"Brittani! Leah fell. You need to come get Tynli. I think she broke her nose." Click.
I hung up because I was in a hurry throwing my clothes on, in a rush to rush Leah to the doctor. Yep, she fell and smacked her nose across a metal tin box. Right across the bridge. Immediate swelling and blood follow. We are pretty sure it's broke.
Brittani and my brother arrive. I tell them to buckle Tynli, I am throwing the stuff in the diaper bag. They leave in a hurry. We leave in a hurry. Leah is hysterical.
Less than a minute after pulling out of the driveway I get a call from my brother.
"Where should we take Tynli, to urgent care?"
I'm confused. I ask why they would take her. He says, "Because you said you think she broke her nose!"
I play back the conversation. Oh yeah, it DID kind of sound like that. But I mean their baby was asleep. Not crying. Dane said he thought she may have got knocked out from the fall. Leah was crying when they got there. Dane said he thought she was crying because she hurt Tynli. We all laugh. I'm sure they are relived that it wasn't their 4 month old. They still felt bad for Leah, but as brand new parents I'm sure they were scared out of their minds! It is funny to tell the story now...can you imagine if they showed up to emergency with a sleeping baby saying she broke her nose. They either would have looked so stupid or the doctor's would have had to figure it out!
We get to urgent care and see it is packed. People are puking everywhere. Not fun! They finally call us back to the nurse. This is a sike out. They call you back to get your vitals and then send you back to the waiting room to wait for all time and eternity to see a doctor. I know the trick.
We get to see the nurse and ask how long the wait is, because there are some REALLY sick people out there and we are not sick and don't want to be. She tells me that there is a 2 1/2 hour wait, which probably means 4. Then she tells me honestly that there is nothing they can do even if it is broken due to the swelling. So if we waited, they would have just touched it and put a flashlight up it and sent her home to come back tomorrow.
OK, good bye then. We will be back tomorrow and not sit in other people's throw-up air.
We went back the next day. They x-rayed it. To our surprise, not broken!! Which is awesome because I didn't want to deal with them setting it or with her having a crooked nose forever. Just bruised, thank GOD!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
I always assumed Bryce would play 2nd base, like Bobby, but he is choosing his own path and is playing catcher!! He is quite good behind the plate. It is so much work to catch at this age. He gets up and down over 100 times during the game. He looks adorable in his catcher's gear. I think he likes it so much because there is a lot of action at the plate. He caught a foul ball to get someone out! I went CRAZY! How friggin' awesome is that to watch?!
The skill level is improving, the kids are getting better with each game and it is so fun to go and watch every Tuesday and Saturday. We also got really lucky with our parents this year. They are so involved and so supportive of their kids. We even cheer when the other team does well, because you can't help but be excited when these little guys make a great play or hit the crap out of the ball. Bryce has a huge fan following between the grandparents and great grandparents, even Tynli has been out to cheer Bryce on. Leah loves going to the field too. There are a couple other little sisters that come out and she plays and play and plays. Her favorite part is the snack bar. I have to accept that snack bar food is part of our diets now. She usually talks one of the grandparents into getting her something sweet!
Last year, I made the most awesome banner and we lost the competition because they said it wasn't "homemade." Mostly it was handmade, but it looked so awesome they probably had to disqualify us because it looked too good! This year, we had another awesome banner. I mean we cut baseballs in half and had the kids sign the ball. It really was cute. And guess what?
We lost! To a banner that resembled my idea from the year before, but had more of a handmade look. I will win it one of these years! We get so many compliments on our banner though, and the kids love it, so that is good enough for me...kinda!
We are pretty busy with this season and having a ball!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kids Amaze Me
Bryce and Leah came downstairs and handed me two pieces of paper. Leah's paper had smiley faces all over it. Bryce's said this:
Dear Jupan
I hope you can get new homes. I am sad for you. I am hoping you can get well. I am sad for your los.
Then they asked if we can send them to Japan. Sweetness!
Dear Jupan
I hope you can get new homes. I am sad for you. I am hoping you can get well. I am sad for your los.
Then they asked if we can send them to Japan. Sweetness!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Breakfast in Bed
Bobby is out of town for the next few days. I HATE it. I don't sleep well, and I miss him, and he is so helpful in the morning during the school routine. I will live though. The only good part is whenever he is gone, I pull out my most ugly, comfortable pajamas. The full back panties get pulled out from the back of the drawer. Sa-wwweeeet! There is no one to impress. This is the one plus, but mostly I am a little grumpier without Bobby here.
Until this morning....
Bryce comes up and brings me this:
He says he made me breakfastt in bed since Dad was gone. It was complete with a Flinstone vitamin and gold chocolate coin! So, this morning I am thankful that Bobby has taught our little man how to be such a sweet, and thoughtful young boy. Moms, start the application process here. I'm pretty sure he is going to make a great husband one day.
When you wake up to this, it doesn't matter if you are exhausted and slept like crap, I woke with the biggest smile!
Then he asked me what I'm making him for breakfast!
Until this morning....
Bryce comes up and brings me this:
He says he made me breakfastt in bed since Dad was gone. It was complete with a Flinstone vitamin and gold chocolate coin! So, this morning I am thankful that Bobby has taught our little man how to be such a sweet, and thoughtful young boy. Moms, start the application process here. I'm pretty sure he is going to make a great husband one day.
When you wake up to this, it doesn't matter if you are exhausted and slept like crap, I woke with the biggest smile!
Then he asked me what I'm making him for breakfast!
Bubble Bath
Leah calls me into the bathroom the other day very excited to show me that she can make bubbles in the bath. I walk in and tell her to show me, expecting her to stick her face under the water and blow bubbles out of her nose, like we practice in the pool.
Nope.
She is just looking at me. I tell her, "I thought you were making bubbles." She tells me she is trying.
It all clicks and I laugh, "Did the bubbles come out of your butt?"
We are both dying laughing. She tells me that bubbles came out of her butt. Well, I'm not sure it had the same scent as the strawberry bubble bath, but it sure made for a good laugh! Who needs Johnson & Johnson after all.....
Nope.
She is just looking at me. I tell her, "I thought you were making bubbles." She tells me she is trying.
An older bath picture, too cute!
We are both dying laughing. She tells me that bubbles came out of her butt. Well, I'm not sure it had the same scent as the strawberry bubble bath, but it sure made for a good laugh! Who needs Johnson & Johnson after all.....
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
XOXO
The other morning I wake up to find this note on Bobby's nightstand:
Me and Leah are downstairs just so you know because we didn't want to wake ya. XOXO
Bryce worte this for us. It is great on so many levels!
Me and Leah are downstairs just so you know because we didn't want to wake ya. XOXO
Bryce worte this for us. It is great on so many levels!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Smarty Pants!
Let's face it, your kid is either born with brains or maybe they are born with some other special gift. I am so proud of how smart my kids are, but genes were more than half of that battle. And although I do believe environment plays a role in reaching your full potential, some people "get it" faster and better than others. With that said, I still can't help but be proud of my little Bryceman!
I was cleaning out the closet of doom yesterday, you know the place where all the stuff gets thrown right before a big party, and I came across all of the paperwork I've been saving from Bryce's school work. It's hard to know what to keep, because once your child reaches school age a LOT of paperwork comes home. It is all so cute and seems like a milestone. I decided to only keep really good grade papers. The problem with that is every paper and test is good. It is overwhelming to keep it and he is only in 2nd grade. I decided to throw out many of these papers. I figure his report card speaks for itself. I will keep only a couple from here on out. So the closet of doom can be organized and clean.
I have always thought the kid was exceptionally intelligent, but put it into perspective- I am heads over heels for the kid, and everything he touches turns to gold. We all think our kids are the best, but mine really are! I figured if he was smart, like I thought, he would get exceptional grades and the teachers would all praise him like I do and he would be tested for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). He has gotten great grades, his teachers say he is a pleasure to have in class, but he wasn't recommended for GATE.
I was in GATE. My kid is smart. He gets good grades. I wondered if the teachers would EVER test him. But, I didn't want to be "THAT MOM." I work in a school and trust me, there are plenty of parents who think their kids are gifted, and I have seen them in class picking their nose and eating it while staring into space. I hear the teachers complain and get annoyed when every parent thinks their kid should be tested, and I was just going to let it happen or not happen. Brains speak for themselves.
His teacher, who is such an excellent teacher, tells me of his progress. There is a computer program that keeps bumping you up to harder problems if you are getting the answers correct. She was very pleased because Bryce raised his hand because he didn't know how to do a problem. She went to help and discovered he got all the way to division, which they haven't even learned yet!
But still no GATE mention, which to me is what determines where you rank. I still thought he was the smartest kid alive, don't get me wrong, but why wasn't the school on board with my diagnosis?
Finally, I got word. His teacher doesn't test for GATE until Spring, to give the students a better chance at passing the test. But there was a GATE project and she pulled a few of her "hopeful" students out to participate. And guess what? Bryce was one of those potential GATE kids!!
I am excited for him. He needs to be challenged and the extra assignments GATE kids get will be great for him!
This is all said and thought in my head because I don't want him to feel any pressure from me to get into the program. When the teacher told him about the project, he had no idea what GATE even was. But the fact he is being tested is enough confirmation for me....my kids a smarty pants!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Leah's Turn
It was Leah's turn for a trip to the doctor. Bobby and I decided to take a trip to Costco to stock up on food. The kids decided they wanted to ride on the bottom of the cart on their stomachs. Against my way better judgement, I let them. I NEVER let them. I am always the parent to say no because it's unsafe. I keep telling them every 5 seconds to keep their hands by their sides. "Don't put your hands on the floor, they will get ran over." Bobby is also saying they need to get up and not ride down there. We are getting worried looks from fellow shoppers, some even telling us, to "watch their fingers." I agree and tell them again to keep their hands inside. Bobby tells me they need to get up from there.
So against our better judgment and own advise ,we did the most stupid thing...we let them stay there. They were being good. They were having fun. We were being a little cautious by reminding them to watch their fingers, but tradegy still struck. We are the world's worst parents. I just barely moved the cart to the side when it wouldn't move. Like something was stuck under it. I stopped immediately, kind of knowing what it was, but hoping I was wrong. No crying. I stand still for a second. Then Bryce jumps up and says, "She's hurt Mom, like REAL BAD! Hurry she's hurt." Damn it, please don't let it be too bad. I pull her from the bottom of the cart and look at her fingers.
How Bryce knew it was bad is a mystery, because when I got to her it wasn't bleeding yet. Just looked...hmmm...mangled- I guess would be the best way to describe it. I hold her hand up to look, and then see, it's bad. Blood starts gushing from the two open wounds on her two finger tips. The skin on one finger is attached by a flap of skin. The other finger is missing a nail but it is still attached by some skin. I grab both fingers and squeeze them so the skin is held in place and start running to the front. Four Costco workers see me and Leah, who is now crying and come over to ask what I need. I tell them band-aids and go to the bathroom. I'm not sure where to start.
Her fingers are black from the tire. I don't want to put it under water because I'm afraid it will tear whatever is left holding it together. I sprinkle water in it from my hand to get the dirt off. The Costco workers and Bobby help me bandage it. We leave and head straight to Kaiser. I know this isn't going to be good.
Bobby and I both feel awful. We knew better. We got comfortable with them occupying themselves and having fun. The shopping experience was going good because they liked it down there. All the stares of worried people kept creeping in. I knew I should have stopped it. Bobby said we should have stopped it. Why didn't we listen to ourselves? Bad parenting.
Next time Bobby said he is just going to be the a**hole and stop the fun.
The whole experience at the doctor's was awful. She screamed so loud. We had to hold her down while they gave her a numbing shot and stitched her finger. Heart wrenching. She kept begging to just go home. When that part was over we promised her anything she wanted. She picked McDonald's. Whatever you want, babes!
The next two nights were sleepless, as she kept waking in pain, even with medicine. I felt so bad for her. Then we had to take her back to get re-bandaged. I think she is now terrified of the doctor. I asked for stronger medicine so she can sleep better at night.
Now we have to re bandage it everyday. It's sad, but she can make wearing bandages look cute. I hope it heals fast and that the nail that grows back isn't too funky. She's a girl and I know how important polish is going to be.
The one time we put down our safety guard, and this happens. People sometimes tease me for being overly cautious, and this is why...horrible experience!
So against our better judgment and own advise ,we did the most stupid thing...we let them stay there. They were being good. They were having fun. We were being a little cautious by reminding them to watch their fingers, but tradegy still struck. We are the world's worst parents. I just barely moved the cart to the side when it wouldn't move. Like something was stuck under it. I stopped immediately, kind of knowing what it was, but hoping I was wrong. No crying. I stand still for a second. Then Bryce jumps up and says, "She's hurt Mom, like REAL BAD! Hurry she's hurt." Damn it, please don't let it be too bad. I pull her from the bottom of the cart and look at her fingers.
How Bryce knew it was bad is a mystery, because when I got to her it wasn't bleeding yet. Just looked...hmmm...mangled- I guess would be the best way to describe it. I hold her hand up to look, and then see, it's bad. Blood starts gushing from the two open wounds on her two finger tips. The skin on one finger is attached by a flap of skin. The other finger is missing a nail but it is still attached by some skin. I grab both fingers and squeeze them so the skin is held in place and start running to the front. Four Costco workers see me and Leah, who is now crying and come over to ask what I need. I tell them band-aids and go to the bathroom. I'm not sure where to start.
Her fingers are black from the tire. I don't want to put it under water because I'm afraid it will tear whatever is left holding it together. I sprinkle water in it from my hand to get the dirt off. The Costco workers and Bobby help me bandage it. We leave and head straight to Kaiser. I know this isn't going to be good.
Bobby and I both feel awful. We knew better. We got comfortable with them occupying themselves and having fun. The shopping experience was going good because they liked it down there. All the stares of worried people kept creeping in. I knew I should have stopped it. Bobby said we should have stopped it. Why didn't we listen to ourselves? Bad parenting.
Next time Bobby said he is just going to be the a**hole and stop the fun.
The whole experience at the doctor's was awful. She screamed so loud. We had to hold her down while they gave her a numbing shot and stitched her finger. Heart wrenching. She kept begging to just go home. When that part was over we promised her anything she wanted. She picked McDonald's. Whatever you want, babes!
The next two nights were sleepless, as she kept waking in pain, even with medicine. I felt so bad for her. Then we had to take her back to get re-bandaged. I think she is now terrified of the doctor. I asked for stronger medicine so she can sleep better at night.
Now we have to re bandage it everyday. It's sad, but she can make wearing bandages look cute. I hope it heals fast and that the nail that grows back isn't too funky. She's a girl and I know how important polish is going to be.
The one time we put down our safety guard, and this happens. People sometimes tease me for being overly cautious, and this is why...horrible experience!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
My Give a Damn is Busted
You ever feel like you have so much to say and then go back and forth with yourself about whether or not it is better to keep it to yourself and move on, or pour your guts out? That's how I have been feeling lately....
I want to tell people off and stand up for myself. I want to be a b-word to many different people. Give them a piece of my mind....then I decide...NO, not going to go there. But then, instead of moving on, it ends up eating me up inside. Not sure if it is better to let people have it, or just live your own life with intent and purpose and really... let everything else go.
It's sad, but I am coming to a point where I feel it's better to care less about people, their lives and their choices. I am always super involved with other people's lives and I think it is somewhat of a downfall in my personality. I really care too much about things that have nothing to do with me and my family. I am a fixer of other people's problems and it's draining.
I think I am going to try to make a conscience effort to "not care" anymore. It will be hard. It isn't in my make-up, but there is always room for change. And sometimes, change is a good thing.
I want to tell people off and stand up for myself. I want to be a b-word to many different people. Give them a piece of my mind....then I decide...NO, not going to go there. But then, instead of moving on, it ends up eating me up inside. Not sure if it is better to let people have it, or just live your own life with intent and purpose and really... let everything else go.
It's sad, but I am coming to a point where I feel it's better to care less about people, their lives and their choices. I am always super involved with other people's lives and I think it is somewhat of a downfall in my personality. I really care too much about things that have nothing to do with me and my family. I am a fixer of other people's problems and it's draining.
I think I am going to try to make a conscience effort to "not care" anymore. It will be hard. It isn't in my make-up, but there is always room for change. And sometimes, change is a good thing.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tattoo Your Name Across My Heart
I have been tossing around the idea of getting a tattoo with Bobby's name for years now. I really don't love tattoos but love what they mean and stand for. I really wanted to get one with his name because it is something that lasts forever and you can take it to your grave, unlike my wedding ring. I had one already that is pretty hidden, but wasn't sure if I wanted one more. But the idea of having his name on me, kept creeping back into my head. Bobby has no tattoos and so getting one was a big deal. We have talked about it forever. Bobby is the type of guy who doesn't like to display his love for me. He just loves me the best he can, everyday...without fancy stuff to show for it. And I appreciate that about him. His actions speak volumes.
We made a bet that if we hit our fitness goals we would go get them done. I thought this was a good attempt to quiet me for a while on Bobby's part. Well, the best shape we got in was for our 10 year anniversary and we were about 10 pounds shy of our goal. Then the holidays came and that bet seemed to go away.
My birthday came and went. Not a big celebration, but that's how I like it.
Then on the Saturday after my birthday, Bobby gets a sitter. He says we are going out to dinner. After leaving the kids, my stomach started to hurt, as usual. Probably separation anxiety. I tell him let's just stay in, but he insists on going out. I get ready and get into the car. He drives and turns in a tattoo shop! I was like, "Are you sure, are you serious?" I was so surprised!!
Needless to say, I now have a "B" where my heart is and he has a "J" on his shoulder, which I love what that symbolizes. Maybe not every one's idea of romantic, but the gesture was sweet. I love it! He will now always be close to my heart [insert mushy sigh here].
We made a bet that if we hit our fitness goals we would go get them done. I thought this was a good attempt to quiet me for a while on Bobby's part. Well, the best shape we got in was for our 10 year anniversary and we were about 10 pounds shy of our goal. Then the holidays came and that bet seemed to go away.
My birthday came and went. Not a big celebration, but that's how I like it.
Then on the Saturday after my birthday, Bobby gets a sitter. He says we are going out to dinner. After leaving the kids, my stomach started to hurt, as usual. Probably separation anxiety. I tell him let's just stay in, but he insists on going out. I get ready and get into the car. He drives and turns in a tattoo shop! I was like, "Are you sure, are you serious?" I was so surprised!!
Needless to say, I now have a "B" where my heart is and he has a "J" on his shoulder, which I love what that symbolizes. Maybe not every one's idea of romantic, but the gesture was sweet. I love it! He will now always be close to my heart [insert mushy sigh here].
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I Heart Costco
There is no doubt I am a Costco person. Raised on it, in fact. With a family of 6, three of those being teenage boys, Costco was like heaven for my parents. I love the value of the items they offer. It is always more product for less money or a better product for the same price of a lesser value product at a different store. Their return policy is the best!
Case and point.
Back in (let's say 2003, you will find out how bad I am with time... shortly) we bought a washer and dryer from Costco. Great deal. I believe it was $350.Within two years the washer broke. Probably right at the two year mark. We took the washer back and Costco gave us a full refund. They had a slightly different model for $450 so we bought that. After reading the reviews on both models, they may have been the worst washers ever.
Last week that washer bit the burrito. Finished! I had been wanting a new one but really didn't want to fork out the money for one. My mom came by and said she talked to someone from Costco who told her to just bring it back. I asked if she was sure they would take it back and she said yes.
Now let me give you a background on my parents and Costco. They should, by now own stock. They are part of the executive member club and get 2% back on all purchases. On average they get over $200 back, which means they spend $10,000 a year there. Not only that they are like bff with the workers there. My mom walks up and hugs the greeters. I'm pretty sure most of the checkers know her life story and ours by association. She usually pulls out the most recent pictures to update the Costco workers.
We decide to unplug the washer and take it in on her advice. It feels a little ghetto because it has soap build up around the bin because it has been improperly washing for quite sometime. We load it up and go to the return desk. No receipt, no paperwork, just a dirty old washer.
I tell the cashier we bought this a "couple" years back. It was the second one we bought that had broken, yaddy-yadda. She tries to look up the transaction through the computer. She asks, "Are you sure it was two years back?" I tell her no it could have been longer. She looks for a good 15 minutes and finds it. She looks up at us and tells us we bought it in 2005! Yep, 2005!! Ooops I was a little off.
Now we are standing there with our old beat up washer and a dilemma. Their return policy covers products for up to 2 years. No one is saying anything, not us not the cashier. There is a bit of an awkward moment. Then she confides in someone else who comes to tells us he will ask his manager.
He comes back and says as a courtesy they will give us a full refund!
They give us $468 on a Costco card. I can only imagine the crap they talked after we left. Who returns a washer that is over 5years old, that's right, we do. With red embarrassed cheeks and everything.
When we go to look at the washer they have a front loader like the one I wanted and a top loader, energy efficient Maytag model. I thought I wanted the front loader. They are the latest rage and they look so sleek and nice. Then I started pretending to do laundry with it and I hate bending over to get the clothes out of the washer. The pedestals are and extra $400 to raise them and even then, they still seem too low and a pain.
Another kicker and sealer of the deal is that the Maytag model had a $200 rebate. So, we got to get a new washer for $100!
Did you notice the title? I heart COSTCO.
Let me tell you ladies, there is nothing in the world like this washer! It is AMAZING! Energy efficient, all digital, senses how heavy the load is and adjusts the water and cycle to save water, etc, etc. I do about 20 loads of laundry a week and let me tell you, this thing is amazing and any mom out there should have a kick ass washer. Because the basket is so big, I can do twice the amount of laundry in one load, another way to save energy. I am ripping clothes off of my family just so I can do more laundry with this tool. When I turn it on it sings a little diddy digitally to me. Sounds like I'm gambling on a machine, so fun! And to top it all off it's extra quiet. Can't even hear a thing when it's on. Do I sound overly excited? It's because I am. Bobby said if he knew how excited a washer would make me he would have been more on board sooner.
Now for my birthday I really want the matching dryer. There is a $200 rebate on that until January 31st. I can't wait to see how efficient that is! Does Costco get any better, oh yeah they do! Don't even get me started on their food section!
Case and point.
Back in (let's say 2003, you will find out how bad I am with time... shortly) we bought a washer and dryer from Costco. Great deal. I believe it was $350.Within two years the washer broke. Probably right at the two year mark. We took the washer back and Costco gave us a full refund. They had a slightly different model for $450 so we bought that. After reading the reviews on both models, they may have been the worst washers ever.
Last week that washer bit the burrito. Finished! I had been wanting a new one but really didn't want to fork out the money for one. My mom came by and said she talked to someone from Costco who told her to just bring it back. I asked if she was sure they would take it back and she said yes.
Now let me give you a background on my parents and Costco. They should, by now own stock. They are part of the executive member club and get 2% back on all purchases. On average they get over $200 back, which means they spend $10,000 a year there. Not only that they are like bff with the workers there. My mom walks up and hugs the greeters. I'm pretty sure most of the checkers know her life story and ours by association. She usually pulls out the most recent pictures to update the Costco workers.
We decide to unplug the washer and take it in on her advice. It feels a little ghetto because it has soap build up around the bin because it has been improperly washing for quite sometime. We load it up and go to the return desk. No receipt, no paperwork, just a dirty old washer.
I tell the cashier we bought this a "couple" years back. It was the second one we bought that had broken, yaddy-yadda. She tries to look up the transaction through the computer. She asks, "Are you sure it was two years back?" I tell her no it could have been longer. She looks for a good 15 minutes and finds it. She looks up at us and tells us we bought it in 2005! Yep, 2005!! Ooops I was a little off.
Now we are standing there with our old beat up washer and a dilemma. Their return policy covers products for up to 2 years. No one is saying anything, not us not the cashier. There is a bit of an awkward moment. Then she confides in someone else who comes to tells us he will ask his manager.
He comes back and says as a courtesy they will give us a full refund!
They give us $468 on a Costco card. I can only imagine the crap they talked after we left. Who returns a washer that is over 5years old, that's right, we do. With red embarrassed cheeks and everything.
When we go to look at the washer they have a front loader like the one I wanted and a top loader, energy efficient Maytag model. I thought I wanted the front loader. They are the latest rage and they look so sleek and nice. Then I started pretending to do laundry with it and I hate bending over to get the clothes out of the washer. The pedestals are and extra $400 to raise them and even then, they still seem too low and a pain.
Another kicker and sealer of the deal is that the Maytag model had a $200 rebate. So, we got to get a new washer for $100!
Did you notice the title? I heart COSTCO.
Let me tell you ladies, there is nothing in the world like this washer! It is AMAZING! Energy efficient, all digital, senses how heavy the load is and adjusts the water and cycle to save water, etc, etc. I do about 20 loads of laundry a week and let me tell you, this thing is amazing and any mom out there should have a kick ass washer. Because the basket is so big, I can do twice the amount of laundry in one load, another way to save energy. I am ripping clothes off of my family just so I can do more laundry with this tool. When I turn it on it sings a little diddy digitally to me. Sounds like I'm gambling on a machine, so fun! And to top it all off it's extra quiet. Can't even hear a thing when it's on. Do I sound overly excited? It's because I am. Bobby said if he knew how excited a washer would make me he would have been more on board sooner.
Now for my birthday I really want the matching dryer. There is a $200 rebate on that until January 31st. I can't wait to see how efficient that is! Does Costco get any better, oh yeah they do! Don't even get me started on their food section!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Kids make you Worry Sick
We had a bit of a scare this morning. Bryce woke up crying of a headache. No fever. He has been somewhat congested this week, and on and off he has complained about a headache. I chalked it up to the stuffiness and treated accordingly. I tell him to crawl into bed with me and I start rubbing his head. This always helps me when I have a headache. He screams that the rubbing hurts. He continues to tell me it only hurts right on one side of his head.
Bryce is one tough kid! He doesn't usually cry if he gets hurt playing. He can be bleeding and I start to make a fuss over him and he is always like, "Mom, I'm fine, can I go play now?" I tell him we have to put a band aid to catch the blood at least! So, when he is crying and buckled over in excruciating pain, I know he is hurting. It concerned me because of the headache complains earlier that week and how he described the pain on only one side.
We call the doctor and they tell us to bring him to urgent care. I rush him over and he is crying the whole way there holding his head. I carry my 7 year old to the check in desk and tell them what is wrong. I ask if pediatric urgent care is open and they say not until 9. It's 7:30. Then they tell me I will probably be waiting that long anyway and maybe I should go home and come back when they open. I tell the lady I should have just called 911 or went straight to emergency because I am completely worried. Bryce is still crying and gripping his head. He starts to cough and I yell to the receptionist,, "You have something he can throw-up in?" She hands me the bag and Bryce vomits into the bag. I looked at her with the most worried look on my face and she called to the back.
"I have a little boy out here, headache, no head injury, clear vomit, no fever....it's pretty bad."
While I appreciate the hurriedness, the words "pretty bad" ring through my ears. What's that suppose to mean?
They buzz us back and we skip a two hour wait, I'm sure. The nurse takes his vitals and everything checks out fine. No fever, vitals are good. He is crying and the lady says to look at these happy and sad faces to describe the pain. "Is it this kind of hurt sad face or this one? On a scale of 1-10 where is your pain?" I am thinking, "Lady he is 7!! 7!!!! This chart is dumb." He looks at her through tears and sobs and says. 'I don't know it just hurts, OK?"
We get to the back and he vomits again. He is crying and holding his head hard with his hands. We are waiting for someone to come in and do something....anything....pretend this is an emergency on their part, because this is my baby boy. My first born and I know this is not normal.
Now I know medical professionals see people come and go, but I don't care. This is my kid and my heart. I love him more than I love myself. I hate throw up and I would throw up forever so he wouldn't have to. I'm starting to get pissed. Tears are coming to my eyes, but I need to stay calm for Bryce. I stroke his head and tell him to take deep breaths and crying will hurt his head more.
The nurse finally comes. It is probably only 5 minutes after we sat there but it felt like forever. She asks some questions and then says the doctor will be in shortly. I look at Bryce. I look at the nurse and go into what I like to call mom-mode. I am usually a push over and nice. If I order at a restaurant and a wrong order comes, I usually just eat it to not cause a scene. I look at her and say, "Is this going to take too long? Should I just take him to the ER at the hospital?" She assures me that he's already here and that he is in the right hands. She leaves. Too much time goes by again. Probably only a minute, but they should be supervising his every heart beat in my opinion. The nurse comes back gives him some pain killer. He immediately throws it up. I say, "You know he needs to be seen now and if I have to call 911 and have them come here to see this is an emergency, I will."
Whoa, go me! She rushes off to get the doctor. He comes in very fast and starts looking at his ears, asking questions. Putting a flashlight in his eyes. Bryce vomits again. The doctor tells me to take him to the hospital to get a CT scan and that he is going to put in the order.
We wait for the order. In the meantime the nurse comes in and says they are considering transporting him by ambulance. Then she tells me it may be faster if I drive him. I tell her I will drive him or do whatever is faster. Bryce vomits again. The nurse tells me next time to call 911 or go straight to ER because they are better equipped with everything there.
Great, I thought about doing that too, but called the advice nurse and was told it would be fine to bring him here. I feel awful that my judgement may have caused a delay in finding out what's wrong.
I zoom over to the hospital. On the way I update Bobby who stayed home to watch Leah. He says they are coming to meet us at the hospital. I wouldn't want to be stuck at home either. I felt better us all being together anyway. I tell him to just talk to me so I can stay calm. I can tell he is real worried too.
We get there. Bryce vomits. We check him in and they take him right back for his CT scan. I go with him and hold his hand. He's so nervous, I am too, but play it cool for him. I tell him it's a giant camera to take a picture of his brain. Before he gets to the CT scan he vomits again. They put him up there and he was so brave and good.
Seeing your kid get a CT scan and not knowing if something is wrong, is, well.....awful! My mind starts going to places I don't want it to go. I just want answers and a simple, fixable one. I start thinking about all the parents who get devastating news about their kids everyday. I thought about the St. Jude's commercials and how every time I see them I tell myself to donate and then forget. I scold myself in my brain for not doing so, and immediately think this is Karma. I know, crazy, but that's where my mind goes. I pray to God that he lets this be something fixable. I beg for Him to just make him better. I seriously don't know how parents with sick kids can do it. I hope God knows I am no good at it and decides he will be fine.
The lady doing the CT scan said it was better we went to Kaiser first, then there, so we didn't have to wait in the ER. That made me feel better about our decision. The person at Kaiser said I should have gone to the ER first, the ER Person said I did the right thing by going to Kaiser first. Bottom line, either way we went, we may or may not have had to wait. Although the whole experience took less than 3 hours, start to finish. Not bad, but felt like eternity.
They say they will rush the scans to Kaiser and that we needed to go back there to talk with the doctor. We get in the car and he vomits again. I feel helpless. My eyes tear up but I just drive. His body is now weak from the vomit and his head is throbbing and he keeps saying how bad it hurts and he just wants it to stop.
We pull into Kaiser and the nurse calls. She asks if we are here and I say we just pulled in. She says OK the doctor needs to talk with you about the scans. My heart stopped beating for I believe 30 seconds. I don't know if I have ever been so nervous. The doctor gets on and says the CT scan shows a....
sinus infection.
Whew! That is totally treatable. Totally not an emergency. Totally awesome!
We go back in and they give him a pill for nausea and prescribe antibiotics and pain medicine for the headache. They say with sinus infections air can get trapped, on one or both sides and cause extreme pressure and pain. I was right all along....it was caused from congestion.
I am so thankful everything is OK. I was so concerned. I am thankful for the doctors and nurses and their speedy work. I guess they know what they are talking about afterall. I became the crazy mom with her kid ending up with a sinus infection, not a cancerous tumor, thank goodness! The fact they were moving so fast, made me more concerned, but also so thankful for the urgency. When your kid is the one hurt it is an emergency and seems like that should be the only thing that matters to everyone else, because it matters so much to you.
I wish my brain didn't go to the worst places. I wonder if everyone does that with the ones they love. It is scary to think about the possibilities. Thank God, he is alright! And to parents who care for sick kids everyday of their lives, my hat is off to you. And those words seem too simple to express my empathy. I made a donation to St. Jude's once we got home, just for good measure! You can too by going to thus website:
http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD
Bryce is one tough kid! He doesn't usually cry if he gets hurt playing. He can be bleeding and I start to make a fuss over him and he is always like, "Mom, I'm fine, can I go play now?" I tell him we have to put a band aid to catch the blood at least! So, when he is crying and buckled over in excruciating pain, I know he is hurting. It concerned me because of the headache complains earlier that week and how he described the pain on only one side.
We call the doctor and they tell us to bring him to urgent care. I rush him over and he is crying the whole way there holding his head. I carry my 7 year old to the check in desk and tell them what is wrong. I ask if pediatric urgent care is open and they say not until 9. It's 7:30. Then they tell me I will probably be waiting that long anyway and maybe I should go home and come back when they open. I tell the lady I should have just called 911 or went straight to emergency because I am completely worried. Bryce is still crying and gripping his head. He starts to cough and I yell to the receptionist,, "You have something he can throw-up in?" She hands me the bag and Bryce vomits into the bag. I looked at her with the most worried look on my face and she called to the back.
"I have a little boy out here, headache, no head injury, clear vomit, no fever....it's pretty bad."
While I appreciate the hurriedness, the words "pretty bad" ring through my ears. What's that suppose to mean?
They buzz us back and we skip a two hour wait, I'm sure. The nurse takes his vitals and everything checks out fine. No fever, vitals are good. He is crying and the lady says to look at these happy and sad faces to describe the pain. "Is it this kind of hurt sad face or this one? On a scale of 1-10 where is your pain?" I am thinking, "Lady he is 7!! 7!!!! This chart is dumb." He looks at her through tears and sobs and says. 'I don't know it just hurts, OK?"
We get to the back and he vomits again. He is crying and holding his head hard with his hands. We are waiting for someone to come in and do something....anything....pretend this is an emergency on their part, because this is my baby boy. My first born and I know this is not normal.
Now I know medical professionals see people come and go, but I don't care. This is my kid and my heart. I love him more than I love myself. I hate throw up and I would throw up forever so he wouldn't have to. I'm starting to get pissed. Tears are coming to my eyes, but I need to stay calm for Bryce. I stroke his head and tell him to take deep breaths and crying will hurt his head more.
The nurse finally comes. It is probably only 5 minutes after we sat there but it felt like forever. She asks some questions and then says the doctor will be in shortly. I look at Bryce. I look at the nurse and go into what I like to call mom-mode. I am usually a push over and nice. If I order at a restaurant and a wrong order comes, I usually just eat it to not cause a scene. I look at her and say, "Is this going to take too long? Should I just take him to the ER at the hospital?" She assures me that he's already here and that he is in the right hands. She leaves. Too much time goes by again. Probably only a minute, but they should be supervising his every heart beat in my opinion. The nurse comes back gives him some pain killer. He immediately throws it up. I say, "You know he needs to be seen now and if I have to call 911 and have them come here to see this is an emergency, I will."
Whoa, go me! She rushes off to get the doctor. He comes in very fast and starts looking at his ears, asking questions. Putting a flashlight in his eyes. Bryce vomits again. The doctor tells me to take him to the hospital to get a CT scan and that he is going to put in the order.
We wait for the order. In the meantime the nurse comes in and says they are considering transporting him by ambulance. Then she tells me it may be faster if I drive him. I tell her I will drive him or do whatever is faster. Bryce vomits again. The nurse tells me next time to call 911 or go straight to ER because they are better equipped with everything there.
Great, I thought about doing that too, but called the advice nurse and was told it would be fine to bring him here. I feel awful that my judgement may have caused a delay in finding out what's wrong.
I zoom over to the hospital. On the way I update Bobby who stayed home to watch Leah. He says they are coming to meet us at the hospital. I wouldn't want to be stuck at home either. I felt better us all being together anyway. I tell him to just talk to me so I can stay calm. I can tell he is real worried too.
We get there. Bryce vomits. We check him in and they take him right back for his CT scan. I go with him and hold his hand. He's so nervous, I am too, but play it cool for him. I tell him it's a giant camera to take a picture of his brain. Before he gets to the CT scan he vomits again. They put him up there and he was so brave and good.
Seeing your kid get a CT scan and not knowing if something is wrong, is, well.....awful! My mind starts going to places I don't want it to go. I just want answers and a simple, fixable one. I start thinking about all the parents who get devastating news about their kids everyday. I thought about the St. Jude's commercials and how every time I see them I tell myself to donate and then forget. I scold myself in my brain for not doing so, and immediately think this is Karma. I know, crazy, but that's where my mind goes. I pray to God that he lets this be something fixable. I beg for Him to just make him better. I seriously don't know how parents with sick kids can do it. I hope God knows I am no good at it and decides he will be fine.
The lady doing the CT scan said it was better we went to Kaiser first, then there, so we didn't have to wait in the ER. That made me feel better about our decision. The person at Kaiser said I should have gone to the ER first, the ER Person said I did the right thing by going to Kaiser first. Bottom line, either way we went, we may or may not have had to wait. Although the whole experience took less than 3 hours, start to finish. Not bad, but felt like eternity.
They say they will rush the scans to Kaiser and that we needed to go back there to talk with the doctor. We get in the car and he vomits again. I feel helpless. My eyes tear up but I just drive. His body is now weak from the vomit and his head is throbbing and he keeps saying how bad it hurts and he just wants it to stop.
We pull into Kaiser and the nurse calls. She asks if we are here and I say we just pulled in. She says OK the doctor needs to talk with you about the scans. My heart stopped beating for I believe 30 seconds. I don't know if I have ever been so nervous. The doctor gets on and says the CT scan shows a....
sinus infection.
Whew! That is totally treatable. Totally not an emergency. Totally awesome!
We go back in and they give him a pill for nausea and prescribe antibiotics and pain medicine for the headache. They say with sinus infections air can get trapped, on one or both sides and cause extreme pressure and pain. I was right all along....it was caused from congestion.
I am so thankful everything is OK. I was so concerned. I am thankful for the doctors and nurses and their speedy work. I guess they know what they are talking about afterall. I became the crazy mom with her kid ending up with a sinus infection, not a cancerous tumor, thank goodness! The fact they were moving so fast, made me more concerned, but also so thankful for the urgency. When your kid is the one hurt it is an emergency and seems like that should be the only thing that matters to everyone else, because it matters so much to you.
I wish my brain didn't go to the worst places. I wonder if everyone does that with the ones they love. It is scary to think about the possibilities. Thank God, he is alright! And to parents who care for sick kids everyday of their lives, my hat is off to you. And those words seem too simple to express my empathy. I made a donation to St. Jude's once we got home, just for good measure! You can too by going to thus website:
http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
