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Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Wordless Wednesday
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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Another busy weekend
Well is has definitely become summer. It has been much hotter here this past week and of course just in time while my car is down and I'm having to drive my husband's car which has NO air conditioning.
Saturday I went out of town for a bachelorette party. I was told to wear a dress, so I wore the only dress I have that isn't long sleeved, and had to drive about 2 hours in the heat. I just knew that after sweating for 2 hours sitting in the car that I would end up with the outline of my butt and legs in sweat on the back of my dress, so before I headed out I pulled up the back of my dress behind me and sat bare on the car seat for the drive. Well, not BARE, I *did* have underwear on, but you know what I mean. LOL The rest of the dress covered the sides so noone else could even tell. Pretty clever, huh? *sigh* Oh the things girls have to deal with that guys don't. lol
But anyway, I did get there, did manage to not have sweat marks, and even got several compliments on my dress :) We first went to lunch, and it was very expensive and noone really liked what they ordered. But there was wine tasting, so that made up for it a little. Then we headed back to the hotel rooms and drank and talked there for awhile. Then we headed to the bar and casino- in the hotel shuttle, we didn't drive, don't worry. There were 2 different bands that played at the bar, both were pretty good! The girl the bachelorette party was for was very drunk and so everytime she got up to dance, at least 3 of us went up with her to make sure she didn't run into anyone or fall over herself. lol She was a good drunk though, not obnoxious, just wanted to dance and have fun. And the next morning she was up earlier than any of us, perfectly fine, didn't get sick, no hangover, nothing. But she only remembered about 1/3 of the whole time, she didn't even remember putting her dress on to go to the bar in the first place! lol
We assured her that she had a good time. heehee.
Sunday afternoon I arrived back home, and then we had a picture appointment for my two boys and my sister's two boys. Every year we get a photo taken of all the kids for our mom for mother's day (yes, we are late this year). Oh man, it was so stressful! First of all, our appointment was at 4:00 and the people ahead of us took forever to pick their pictures, etc, so we had to wait and wait and wait...over an hour!!!! Now how do you keep 4 boys, ages 6, 5, 3, and 19 mos quiet and entertained for that long in a portrait studio? You don't! You just have 4 noisy boys running. And of course, then, by the time they finally were ready to take the pictures, the boys were tired, hungry, bored, and in Adam's case...cranky. He didn't want to be put in any pose or even stand by the boys to get his picture taken. He kept walking away and/or crying and crying. It was total chaos, and we were all ripping our hair out. After awhile of this and Adam busting out in tears for the tenth time we finally just called it off. We didn't get the picture. *sigh* All that for nothing.
Then we went back to my sister's house and let the boys play, and we all ate pizza together before going home. Once at home, we put Adam to bed (finally!)
Monday we had a similar adventure at the grocery store, and well, just the whole weekend pretty much. No resting or relaxing for us. Both of our boys were cranky and had little attitudes the whole weekend. We couldn't wait to get them in bed each night. Now it's back to work and my car went into the shop this morning.
I wish I could say we have a restful week and weekend ahead of us, but this week is busy, and the weekend is booked once again. Every weekend was booked for May, and continues to be booked every weekend in June, and most of July as well. Next thing I know it will be fall already!
Saturday I went out of town for a bachelorette party. I was told to wear a dress, so I wore the only dress I have that isn't long sleeved, and had to drive about 2 hours in the heat. I just knew that after sweating for 2 hours sitting in the car that I would end up with the outline of my butt and legs in sweat on the back of my dress, so before I headed out I pulled up the back of my dress behind me and sat bare on the car seat for the drive. Well, not BARE, I *did* have underwear on, but you know what I mean. LOL The rest of the dress covered the sides so noone else could even tell. Pretty clever, huh? *sigh* Oh the things girls have to deal with that guys don't. lol
But anyway, I did get there, did manage to not have sweat marks, and even got several compliments on my dress :) We first went to lunch, and it was very expensive and noone really liked what they ordered. But there was wine tasting, so that made up for it a little. Then we headed back to the hotel rooms and drank and talked there for awhile. Then we headed to the bar and casino- in the hotel shuttle, we didn't drive, don't worry. There were 2 different bands that played at the bar, both were pretty good! The girl the bachelorette party was for was very drunk and so everytime she got up to dance, at least 3 of us went up with her to make sure she didn't run into anyone or fall over herself. lol She was a good drunk though, not obnoxious, just wanted to dance and have fun. And the next morning she was up earlier than any of us, perfectly fine, didn't get sick, no hangover, nothing. But she only remembered about 1/3 of the whole time, she didn't even remember putting her dress on to go to the bar in the first place! lol
We assured her that she had a good time. heehee.
Sunday afternoon I arrived back home, and then we had a picture appointment for my two boys and my sister's two boys. Every year we get a photo taken of all the kids for our mom for mother's day (yes, we are late this year). Oh man, it was so stressful! First of all, our appointment was at 4:00 and the people ahead of us took forever to pick their pictures, etc, so we had to wait and wait and wait...over an hour!!!! Now how do you keep 4 boys, ages 6, 5, 3, and 19 mos quiet and entertained for that long in a portrait studio? You don't! You just have 4 noisy boys running. And of course, then, by the time they finally were ready to take the pictures, the boys were tired, hungry, bored, and in Adam's case...cranky. He didn't want to be put in any pose or even stand by the boys to get his picture taken. He kept walking away and/or crying and crying. It was total chaos, and we were all ripping our hair out. After awhile of this and Adam busting out in tears for the tenth time we finally just called it off. We didn't get the picture. *sigh* All that for nothing.
Then we went back to my sister's house and let the boys play, and we all ate pizza together before going home. Once at home, we put Adam to bed (finally!)
Monday we had a similar adventure at the grocery store, and well, just the whole weekend pretty much. No resting or relaxing for us. Both of our boys were cranky and had little attitudes the whole weekend. We couldn't wait to get them in bed each night. Now it's back to work and my car went into the shop this morning.
I wish I could say we have a restful week and weekend ahead of us, but this week is busy, and the weekend is booked once again. Every weekend was booked for May, and continues to be booked every weekend in June, and most of July as well. Next thing I know it will be fall already!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen of the Scrapbook Pages Courtney has done for the Scrapping Survivor game(I can't get the photos of the pages to line up together correctly,
but I think you get the idea anyway!)
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Catching up after the weekend
Wow am I tired. I can't snap out of it today. I survived the busy weekend while Joe was out of town :)
Friday night Brendan's preschool graduation was so adorable. They had the kids come in while Pomp and Circumstance played, and they sat in rows at the front. The executive director, director, and their teacher all gave mini-speeches and then the kids sang their ABC's and counted to 25 for us. Then they had each child give their parents a book they had made about themselves and a yellow carnation. From there the kids went back out of the room, and were called in one by one to get their "diplomas". At the end they threw their hats up in the air and were officially graduated! As ready as I am for him to go to school, I really thought I wouldn't be teary eyed, but for some reason I was! Not really sad that he's leaving preschool or that he's growing up, I think it was just because it was a neat little ceremony and the teachers were getting teary eyed, mixed with a nice poem and the music playing...just the atmosphere was touching and sweet, and I cry at touching things. lol (I cry when I read greeting cards too. lol)
Adam was pretty good during the ceremony itself, but right afterwards he was a handful. I wanted more than anything to run out of there and go home, but they had cake and punch and I couldn't deprive Brendan of that! So, it was a pain, and embarrassing to have Adam crying and throwing a fit, but oh well. As we were (finally) leaving, I could barely carry everything, and of course Adam wouldn't walk where I wanted him to, so I had to pick him up and carry a bunch of stuff, and Adam was squirming so much I ended up with him in a football hold before we made it out to the car. One of the other dads gave me a sympathetic look and held the door open for me at least. lol Brendan wanted Wendy's so, on the way home I went through the drive-thru for him.
Saturday our trip to the farm was canceled so that was one less thing I had to worry about. So, Brendan and I cleaned his room (which was badly needed) and I did laundry and such too. Then Saturday night I had a babysitter watch the boys while I went out with some co-workers to the comedy club. That was a nice break. I had a 2-beer warm-up before the show, and drank another whole pitcher to myself during the show. But that was nothing compared to one of my co-workers who was drinking who knows how many hard drinks and ultimately was so obnoxious that she got thrown out! LOL
Sunday I took the boys to my nephew's 6th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's That went pretty well. My dad and his wife and my mom and her boyfriend were all there too, so I had some help with the boys! Brendan played various video games. After going down one little slide, Adam then wanted to stay on the same Bob the Builder tractor and turn the steering wheel the entire time! I had to pry him off of it eventually, which he was not too happy about. He did have fun dancing with the big boys at the party when Chuck E. Cheese came out and sang/danced with the kids.
I have to admit I felt pretty good when we arrived at the party and my dad and his wife both commented on how good I looked. (they haven't seen me in a couple months) His wife said, "Wow, you look awesome" and Dad said "you look like you've been working out again." Um, no, but I have the best of intentions! LOL But hey, at least I looked thinner to other people! haha! It's happening slower than I'd like, but the last of the baby weight will not be a permanent part of me forever. I won't let it! I have the Slim in 6 program that I used to do every morning at 5 am before I had Adam, but Joe and I have decided to take the plunge and do the Power 90 program now (read as I've decided to and begged Joe until he finally gave in and said I guess so). I've done Slim in 6 in the past and I like it, but Joe thinks it is too feminine (whatever!), so we're gonna do Power 90 together (I could talk him into that easier). It's a 90-day bootcamp. Hopefully we can keep each other on track! If I can get up enough nerve I *might* post our before pics here on my blog, and see if there's a big difference once we reach 30 days, 60 days, and finally 90 days. Not sure if I'm that brave though, will have to think about it. lol I have a few days to think, since it hasn't arrived in the mail yet and we haven't taken the before pics yet. Hmmmm...
Friday night Brendan's preschool graduation was so adorable. They had the kids come in while Pomp and Circumstance played, and they sat in rows at the front. The executive director, director, and their teacher all gave mini-speeches and then the kids sang their ABC's and counted to 25 for us. Then they had each child give their parents a book they had made about themselves and a yellow carnation. From there the kids went back out of the room, and were called in one by one to get their "diplomas". At the end they threw their hats up in the air and were officially graduated! As ready as I am for him to go to school, I really thought I wouldn't be teary eyed, but for some reason I was! Not really sad that he's leaving preschool or that he's growing up, I think it was just because it was a neat little ceremony and the teachers were getting teary eyed, mixed with a nice poem and the music playing...just the atmosphere was touching and sweet, and I cry at touching things. lol (I cry when I read greeting cards too. lol)
Adam was pretty good during the ceremony itself, but right afterwards he was a handful. I wanted more than anything to run out of there and go home, but they had cake and punch and I couldn't deprive Brendan of that! So, it was a pain, and embarrassing to have Adam crying and throwing a fit, but oh well. As we were (finally) leaving, I could barely carry everything, and of course Adam wouldn't walk where I wanted him to, so I had to pick him up and carry a bunch of stuff, and Adam was squirming so much I ended up with him in a football hold before we made it out to the car. One of the other dads gave me a sympathetic look and held the door open for me at least. lol Brendan wanted Wendy's so, on the way home I went through the drive-thru for him.
Saturday our trip to the farm was canceled so that was one less thing I had to worry about. So, Brendan and I cleaned his room (which was badly needed) and I did laundry and such too. Then Saturday night I had a babysitter watch the boys while I went out with some co-workers to the comedy club. That was a nice break. I had a 2-beer warm-up before the show, and drank another whole pitcher to myself during the show. But that was nothing compared to one of my co-workers who was drinking who knows how many hard drinks and ultimately was so obnoxious that she got thrown out! LOL
Sunday I took the boys to my nephew's 6th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's That went pretty well. My dad and his wife and my mom and her boyfriend were all there too, so I had some help with the boys! Brendan played various video games. After going down one little slide, Adam then wanted to stay on the same Bob the Builder tractor and turn the steering wheel the entire time! I had to pry him off of it eventually, which he was not too happy about. He did have fun dancing with the big boys at the party when Chuck E. Cheese came out and sang/danced with the kids.
I have to admit I felt pretty good when we arrived at the party and my dad and his wife both commented on how good I looked. (they haven't seen me in a couple months) His wife said, "Wow, you look awesome" and Dad said "you look like you've been working out again." Um, no, but I have the best of intentions! LOL But hey, at least I looked thinner to other people! haha! It's happening slower than I'd like, but the last of the baby weight will not be a permanent part of me forever. I won't let it! I have the Slim in 6 program that I used to do every morning at 5 am before I had Adam, but Joe and I have decided to take the plunge and do the Power 90 program now (read as I've decided to and begged Joe until he finally gave in and said I guess so). I've done Slim in 6 in the past and I like it, but Joe thinks it is too feminine (whatever!), so we're gonna do Power 90 together (I could talk him into that easier). It's a 90-day bootcamp. Hopefully we can keep each other on track! If I can get up enough nerve I *might* post our before pics here on my blog, and see if there's a big difference once we reach 30 days, 60 days, and finally 90 days. Not sure if I'm that brave though, will have to think about it. lol I have a few days to think, since it hasn't arrived in the mail yet and we haven't taken the before pics yet. Hmmmm...
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen things on Courtney's agenda for the next couple weeks
1. Brendan’s Preschool Graduation
2. Play the role of a single-mom for 3-1/2 days while Joe goes to his brother’s bachelor party fishing weekend.
3. Take the boys to a farm where they have all sorts of animals and shows and such
4. Possibly go to the comedy club with co-workers if I can find a babysitter
5. Take the boys to my nephew’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese
6. Hair appointment
7. Go to the Bachelorette party for Joe’s brother’s fiancé
8. Go to my sister’s scrapbooking crop
9. Find something to wear to rehearsal dinner.
10. Drive 2 hours to attend rehearsal dinner for Joe’s brother’s wedding (on a work night), and then drive 2 hours back.
11. Buy a dress to wear to the wedding.
12. Go to the wedding and try to keep the boys quiet and well-behaved during the ceremony! Yikes! (Joe is the best man, so he won’t be able to help me)
13. Eat, drink and dance at the reception! Can’t wait for that part!
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Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Wordless Wednesday
Monday, May 15, 2006
A good weekend!
We had a lot of fun at Worlds of Fun on Saturday. We stopped on the way to see a friend of mine from high school. Then we headed to Worlds of Fun at 4:00 when the price goes down! We almost had to pay the "adult" price for Brendan, as they only get the "Junior" price if they are under 48".I knew it would be close because he is 46" without his shoes on! But luckily he was a tad under their measuring stick so he was okay for the "junior" price. I would have been very upset if we would have had to pay adult price for a 5 year old! The boys both rode almost all the rides in Camp Snoopy. I wasn't sure if Adam would be able to or not, but he was just fine and he loved going on the rides with Brendan. I took LOTS of pictures, and I just took them to the 1-hour-developing on my lunch break today so I should have them back soon.
I decided that I wanted to ride at least one roller coaster before we left, since we paid to get in too and I haven't been on one in about 13 or 15 years. So Joe watched the boys while I rode the Timber Wolf roller coaster. I should have gone on one of the others instead, but we were right by the Timber Wolf and the line wasn't very long. I had forgotten how jerky that one is! My head was banging around the whole time and my neck is still sore, feel like I got whiplash or something! lol It was really sad, as I was standing in line I realized I was the oldest person there. (and I'm only 30!) lol I was surrounded by junior high and high school aged kids...I felt really out of place. haha. And now I really feel old that I didn't even enjoy it because it was too jerky, I'm sore the next day, and note to self: next time wear a bra with better support! Oh my! lol
But we did have a good day, and we must have worn Adam out, because he took a 5-hour nap on Sunday! Sunday we were at home, we were all tired and Joe and I both didn't feel very good. The Scrapping Survivor game challenge was ending that evening, so I spent the first part of the day doing some scrapbook pages for that. (and as Melissa pointed out, I should mention that I made it to the final three!!!) Joe hadn't gotten anything for me for mother's day yet, and he was going to go to the store, but at that point it was kinda pointless since the day was half over and I suggested that he just be my "house boy" for the rest of the day instead. So, I had him do the things I normally do on the weekends...dishes, laundry, picking up in the living room, clearing off the kitchen table, cleaning the kitchen, and I had him help Brendan clean his room. lol Brendan's room is still a mess even after they both worked on it for a long time. But Joe did very good and didn't complain about having to do all my chores. And he even made me chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner, which we ate while watching the 3-hour season finale of Survivor!
So, it was a good weekend. I'll share pictures soon.
I decided that I wanted to ride at least one roller coaster before we left, since we paid to get in too and I haven't been on one in about 13 or 15 years. So Joe watched the boys while I rode the Timber Wolf roller coaster. I should have gone on one of the others instead, but we were right by the Timber Wolf and the line wasn't very long. I had forgotten how jerky that one is! My head was banging around the whole time and my neck is still sore, feel like I got whiplash or something! lol It was really sad, as I was standing in line I realized I was the oldest person there. (and I'm only 30!) lol I was surrounded by junior high and high school aged kids...I felt really out of place. haha. And now I really feel old that I didn't even enjoy it because it was too jerky, I'm sore the next day, and note to self: next time wear a bra with better support! Oh my! lol
But we did have a good day, and we must have worn Adam out, because he took a 5-hour nap on Sunday! Sunday we were at home, we were all tired and Joe and I both didn't feel very good. The Scrapping Survivor game challenge was ending that evening, so I spent the first part of the day doing some scrapbook pages for that. (and as Melissa pointed out, I should mention that I made it to the final three!!!) Joe hadn't gotten anything for me for mother's day yet, and he was going to go to the store, but at that point it was kinda pointless since the day was half over and I suggested that he just be my "house boy" for the rest of the day instead. So, I had him do the things I normally do on the weekends...dishes, laundry, picking up in the living room, clearing off the kitchen table, cleaning the kitchen, and I had him help Brendan clean his room. lol Brendan's room is still a mess even after they both worked on it for a long time. But Joe did very good and didn't complain about having to do all my chores. And he even made me chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner, which we ate while watching the 3-hour season finale of Survivor!
So, it was a good weekend. I'll share pictures soon.
Friday, May 12, 2006
TGIF!
Yea it's Friday! Brendan is so excited about our trip tomorrow he can hardly wait! (and so am I) Tomorrow our agenda looks a little something like this:
We'll also be stopping on the way in to say hi to a friend of mine from high school (we'll be going right by where she lives on our way). One little problem...Joe is home sick today! Ugh! He *has* to be better by tomorrow morning, he just has to be. We cannot cancel this trip, Brendan has been looking so forward to it and it's finally here. If Joe is too sick to go, I'm taking Brendan by myself. I really don't want to do that, but I will if that's the only way. But hopefully Joe will be fine, and all will go as originally planned.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
Being a mom is hard work. Physically, mentally and emotionally draining and challenging. But there are many good things as well. In honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, I’m focusing on some of the blessings.
Thirteen Things I have truly enjoyed so far in my time of being a mom to my two little boys.
1. Seeing both of them for the first time during the ultrasounds, hearing their heartbeats, and feeling them move.
2. Of course all the milestones...first smiles, rolling over, sitting up, first steps, first words, etc.
3. Giggles and hugs, and hearing "I love you Mommy"
4. Seeing the sense of pride Brendan gets when he figures something new out on his own
5. Watching Adam do his little dance every time he hears music, it makes me smile and laugh every time.
6. Taking them on little trips to experience fun things...the cave, camping at the river, zoo, vacations, etc. Brendan still talks about all of them months (and years for a few of them) later, he will bring them up out of the blue and say, "Mommy, remember when we went..." "That was fun! Can we go again?" I love it that these fun family times have left an impression on him.
7. Being able to bring joy and happiness to them by doing simple things such as a hug, a smile, reading a book, playing a game, and just spending time with them.
8. Going to the movies. Yes it’s true, I love to go to the movie theater, even if it’s to see kids’ movies, so I’m delighted that Brendan loves it too. Sometimes I take a few hours off work and pick him up early to take him to see the latest kid movie.
9. Last year as part of his birthday gift, I took Brendan to see "Dragon Tales Live!". It was the cutest show with neat light effects, and Brendan and I had a great time together. I truly did enjoy it, and it was awesome to see Brendan have such a good time.
10. Watching them interact and play with each other. Brendan can sometimes get Adam laughing so hard that it makes me laugh and pretty soon none of us can stop laughing.
11. The look on Adam’s face when I go in to get him up in the morning or when I pick him up from the babysitter after work...his face lights up when he sees me and he rushes to me. And likewise when I pick Brendan up from preschool and he says "Mommy!!!" and runs up to me to give me a hug. It’s so nice to feel wanted and loved :)
12. Works of art created especially for me ;)
13. Seeing, enjoying, and participating in parts of life that I never would have known about if I didn’t have any kids.
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Noooo!!!
I can't believe Chris got sent home from American Idol. What a shame. He should have been the big winner, he did not deserve to go home last night :( Hopefully he will still pursue his career and if/when he puts out a cd, hubby and I will definitely buy it. We both really like him a lot.
*sigh*
*sigh*
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
American Idol tonight
Wow, the guys were all awesome tonight on American Idol singing the Elvis songs. Taylor did great...Elliot did great...Chris did great...Katharine, not so much. Poor girl, she had it tough being the only female trying to sing Elvis songs.
I really liked all 3 guys pretty equally tonight, but if I *had* to pick a favorite it would have to be Chris...he sang my all time favorite Elvis song, "Suspicious Minds". That song has always sent this strange haunted (but good) feeling over me ever since I was young. I love it. I love the sound of it. And Chris sang it. He also sang "A Little Less Conversation A Lot More Action" which is another song I like. Upbeat, catchy, and yes the theme song for the show Las Vegas.
So, Chris won me over tonight by singing "Suspicious Minds". Taylor would be my 2nd pick, followed very closely by Elliot. Katharine would be the one to go home this week if it were up to me.
Not that you care, but since the show just ended and it's fresh in my mind, I just thought I'd blurt out my opinion. LOL
I really liked all 3 guys pretty equally tonight, but if I *had* to pick a favorite it would have to be Chris...he sang my all time favorite Elvis song, "Suspicious Minds". That song has always sent this strange haunted (but good) feeling over me ever since I was young. I love it. I love the sound of it. And Chris sang it. He also sang "A Little Less Conversation A Lot More Action" which is another song I like. Upbeat, catchy, and yes the theme song for the show Las Vegas.
So, Chris won me over tonight by singing "Suspicious Minds". Taylor would be my 2nd pick, followed very closely by Elliot. Katharine would be the one to go home this week if it were up to me.
Not that you care, but since the show just ended and it's fresh in my mind, I just thought I'd blurt out my opinion. LOL
Monday, May 08, 2006
Weekend Recap
Wow here it is Monday again already, and I haven't posted since Thursday. I didn't even see half of the comments from Thursday until just now- Sorry!!! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful, nice and thoughtful comments you left about my mom and MS. The MS Walk went well. I raised $245.00 which was $45 over my goal. I got to see my sister and my mom, which was nice too. Mom volunteers at the event, but she can't do the actual walk anymore. A friend of hers from high school even came into town to do the walk! I know that must have made my mom feel really great. My cousin and aunt also did the walk, but they did it in a different town this year because the dates worked out better for them.
On Sunday I stayed home with the boys while Joe finished putting together a HUGE swingset for my sister and her family. They bought it, but didn't know how to put it together so they asked Joe to do it. It took 2 weekends to get it built. But now it's done, and you bet our kids are going to play on it too since Joe put it together! lol
We also had the Immunity Challenge Sunday morning for the Scrapping Survivor game, which is always a big rush trying to complete and get turned in. In addition to doing my own page, I had to load up the boys, drive out to where my sis was doing her monthly crop and take a picture of her page, drive back and upload it and turn it in for her. I *barely* made it back in time. It was due in at 2:00 our time, and I sent it in at 1:59! Melissa almost had to kick my sis off for not turning in a page, but we got it to her just in time! lol And, as a nice surprise, my page actually ended up winning immunity! Woohoo!
Now it's back to the office for another work week. Although today has flown by! I'm *really* looking forward to Saturday, so I'm okay with the work week flying by this week! lol On Saturday we will be taking the boys to an amusement park. I'm looking forward to having a fun family day together! I just hope it doesn't rain! It's not supposed to...it's supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees, which will be perfect!
On Sunday I stayed home with the boys while Joe finished putting together a HUGE swingset for my sister and her family. They bought it, but didn't know how to put it together so they asked Joe to do it. It took 2 weekends to get it built. But now it's done, and you bet our kids are going to play on it too since Joe put it together! lol
We also had the Immunity Challenge Sunday morning for the Scrapping Survivor game, which is always a big rush trying to complete and get turned in. In addition to doing my own page, I had to load up the boys, drive out to where my sis was doing her monthly crop and take a picture of her page, drive back and upload it and turn it in for her. I *barely* made it back in time. It was due in at 2:00 our time, and I sent it in at 1:59! Melissa almost had to kick my sis off for not turning in a page, but we got it to her just in time! lol And, as a nice surprise, my page actually ended up winning immunity! Woohoo!
Now it's back to the office for another work week. Although today has flown by! I'm *really* looking forward to Saturday, so I'm okay with the work week flying by this week! lol On Saturday we will be taking the boys to an amusement park. I'm looking forward to having a fun family day together! I just hope it doesn't rain! It's not supposed to...it's supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees, which will be perfect!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
This weekend I will be participating in the MS Walk. My mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis several years ago. For most of those years she has had a mild case and not too many symptoms. Unfortunately her symptoms have worsened more rapidly over the last two years. Every year I (along with my sister, cousin, and aunt) walk in the MS Walk to help raise money for a cure. 
So this week I'm gonna stray from the things about myself, and do 13 things about Multiple Sclerosis and my mom.
1. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited.
There is no cure for MS yet, but drugs can help slow the course and/or symptoms in some patients.
2. While the exact cause of MS is unknown, most researchers believe that the damage to myelin results from an abnormal response by the body’s immune system. It is believed that MS is an autoimmune disease. In the case of MS, myelin is attacked.
3. Scientists do not yet know what triggers the immune system to do this. Most agree that several factors are involved, including: Genetics, Gender and Environmental Triggers [viruses, trauma, and heavy metals (toxicology)]
4. Common Symptoms:
Bladder Dysfunction
Bowel Dysfunction
Cognitive Function
Dizziness and Vertigo
Depression and other Emotional Changes
Fatigue (also called MS lassitude)
Difficulty in Walking and/or Balance or Coordination Problems
Abnormal sensations such as Numbness or ""pins and needles""
Pain
Sexual Dysfunction
Spasticity
Vision Problems
5. Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals. A few famous people who have MS include Annette Funicello, Richard Pryor, Clay Walker, and Montel Williams (just to name a few of the very many!)
6. My mom found out she had MS when she went to the doctor for a minor eye irritation that wouldn't go away. She thought it was something minor wrong with her eye, only to find out after numerous tests that she had Multiple Sclerosis! Needless to say, this was an unexpected finding!
7. For many years she was very lucky to only have very minor symptoms.
8. The last couple years the symptoms have become noticeably worse.
9. A couple months ago she had knee replacement surgery. This has caused an exacerbation of her MS.
10. She has fallen a few times recently, and other symptoms have gotten worse. It got so bad 2 weeks ago that she couldn't take more than 2 steps at a time.
11. She had to go in all last week for IV Steroids in an attempt to slow or stop the exacerbation. She felt much better and could walk all over the place again after this. We hope that continues, but who knows what will happen now that she is off the IV steroids.
12. It is very hard to watch your mother (who is still young- in her 50's) deteriorate before your eyes. I try not to think about what *could* happen, and just focus on being thankful that it isn't any worse than it is. It's so hard to know what to do, I feel helpless as to how to help her. That is why I do the MS Walk each year. It is the only way I can help. Every dollar raised is another step towards a cure. (I also wear the MS Band of Hope every day to show my support)
13. For more information and facts, and ways you can help end the devastating effects of MS, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society . (Or if you'd like to sponsor me for the MS Walk, email me for the direct link to my personal page)
If you are participating in Thursday Thirteen this week, please add yourself to the auto-link thing and leave a comment. Thanks to Uisce for the linky and Chana for the TT banner at the top.
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Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Kindergarten screening went well!
Brendan had his Kindergarten screening this morning. It took much longer than I expected! If I had known I would be sitting in the hallway for 2 hours I would have brought something to do! lol But, he did GREAT! When they were done, the teacher (who was actually the 1st grade teacher that did his screening) came out to talk to me about the results. She was beaming and said Brendan did just awesome! She said she was so impressed with all the things he already knew and things he could do. He knew everything on the list that they tested (it was a four page front and back list) except for 2 things...he couldn't tell her what word rhymed with another word, and he didn't know his birthdate. lol But that was it. We can easily work with him on those 2 things. She just kept saying he did awesome when she went over each section's results. She was very impressed with his fine motor skills too, especially since he's a boy (she said girls are usually better at that sort of thing).
So, the screening went MUCH better than the other night at Kindergarten night. lol
So, the screening went MUCH better than the other night at Kindergarten night. lol
Monday, May 01, 2006
Tagged! I...
Okay, I was tagged by Melissa to do this one, and I'm finally getting around to it...
I AM: a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, etc.
I WANT: to get busy on the addition to our house
I WISH: my husband didn’t worry about money so much
I HATE: crowds and big cities
I MISS: hanging out with our friends more often
I FEAR: wasps
I HEAR: the radio playing in my office
I WONDER: what my boys will be like when they’re adults
I REGRET: being out of town when my step-grandfather died
I AM NOT: very talkative
I DANCE: at wedding receptions
I SING: with my son in the car
I CRY: when I hear/watch/read anything touching
I AM NOT ALWAYS: in the moment like I should be
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: scrapbooks
I WRITE: less than I used to
I CONFUSE: my self-worth with the way I look
I NEED: time alone
I SHOULD: be working instead of doing this
I START: many things with the best of intentions
I FINISH: about half of the things I start
I TAG: whoever wants to be tagged
If you do this one, let me know!
I AM: a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, etc.
I WANT: to get busy on the addition to our house
I WISH: my husband didn’t worry about money so much
I HATE: crowds and big cities
I MISS: hanging out with our friends more often
I FEAR: wasps
I HEAR: the radio playing in my office
I WONDER: what my boys will be like when they’re adults
I REGRET: being out of town when my step-grandfather died
I AM NOT: very talkative
I DANCE: at wedding receptions
I SING: with my son in the car
I CRY: when I hear/watch/read anything touching
I AM NOT ALWAYS: in the moment like I should be
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: scrapbooks
I WRITE: less than I used to
I CONFUSE: my self-worth with the way I look
I NEED: time alone
I SHOULD: be working instead of doing this
I START: many things with the best of intentions
I FINISH: about half of the things I start
I TAG: whoever wants to be tagged
If you do this one, let me know!
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