Today didn't get much better. I really didn't want to get up this morning and Nicole didn't make me want to do anything other than curl up in my blankets and continue sleeping.
I have to say that we have had so much rain I better not hear anything about Maryland being in a drought again for a very long time. According to WJZ, Annapolis had 6 inches of rain drop by 2pm this afternoon. I was surprised that it seemed like a wind storm had also come through, there were a lot of branches down and lots of broken limbs on all of the roads coming home.
I got a phone call from the school at around 9am. In the middle of one of the heaviest rain falls I get a call that MAC has been throwing up. Apparently she got on the transfer bus and threw up and then threw up a few more times at school. The nurse called and asked that we come pick her up right away.
When I called Hubby I had him on one line and the school on the other. My office is in a dead zone so I had to hang up on him and finish talking to the school. After I hung up with the school I tried to call Hubby back but he didn't pick up again.
I called the "talk" therapist’s office and cancelled the appointment for today, I scheduled the next appointment with the "talk" therapist, I called the church to tell them about Grandma, I called my RenFest boss and let him know what was going on, and I did some actual work today. I didn't go to band practice at work today or PoP Music tonight, I just didn't have the energy. I am hoping that I will start feeling more like myself tomorrow.
MAC took the news of Great Nana's death better than I expected. She was sad but continued to get herself ready for school. She did ask if there was going to be a funeral and said that she would like to talk to the "talk" therapist about her sad feelings. She was very quiet in the car and didn't want to play our usual hangman game but she did say she loved me as she left the car this morning.
I know I don't say it often enough but a death always makes me want to remind those I care about: I love you. I'm glad that we met and that you are a part of my life. Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Grandma
I had one of the roughest mornings I can remember today. Somewhere between waking MAC up and getting up myself I fell back asleep. I even remember calling to MAC and saying "Don't turn on that TV you have reading to do!" and her answering me with, "Right." I know I did this! The next thing I remember is Marty Bass saying that today's "coffee with" was an interview with Bruce Bridegroom and knowing that meant that it was 6:45am and YES that meant that I had to get out of bed NOW!
MAC was up and had gotten her shower and was downstairs reading, or so I thought. When I got downstairs the TV was on and she was watching Family Matters and drawing. No she had not eaten any breakfast, no she had not started her 20 minutes of reading, no she had not taken her morning pills, no she hadn't gotten her lunch together (or even put her lunchbox where I could find it to put things in!) I was not happy.
When we finally left the house and I looked at the clock it was 7:18am. The bus has been arriving at 7:20. I sped all the way to Aberdeen and Riedel where the stupid stop light caught me. I watched the school bus as it passed us on its way to CES. Of course these are the days when you get stuck behind the slowest person on the road too! We got to the bus stop as the bus was pulling in to pick up. MAC was in a hurry and jumped out of the car and ran accross the street to CES so she could catch the bus before it pulled away.
The rough morning turned into a rough afternoon and evening. When I got in to work I got a phone call from my Mom. She wanted to tell me that my Grandma was not doing well and although she and Dad had planned to come up and visit for the weekend, they thought they were going to change plans and go visit Grandma in Tulsa.
About 2 hours later she called again to say that they were going to Tulsa and she would call later with news.
In the meantime I went and picked MAC up from school for her appointment with the "Prescribing doctor". It started well, she even like the snack that I had for her. Half way through the appointment she got mad and stopped talking to both the Dr. and me. I couldn't get her to talk again until we got home when she asked if she could just go upstairs and sleep.
While I was out this evening I got a phone call from my Dad. He said that he had just gotten a phone call from my Aunt and that Grandma had passed away. I have never seen a montage but I suddenly saw the last time we were together: looking through the photo album, going to church with her, having lunch with her at my Aunt's house, and giving hugs and kisses.
My Grandma was a teacher for years and I still remember her retirement party. There were so many people who were there to wish her well in the next phase of her life. I know seeing all her students helped me to decide to get my teaching degree.
I remember going to the library where she was volunteering. I love books and I thought it was great that she got to work with books everyday.
I remember the last time she came out to Maryland. It was sad and happy at the same time, Christmas is always a happy time for me but knowing that it was her last trip out was sad.
When I told MAC that Great Nana was not doing so well this afternoon, she asked if we were going to go visit. I had to say no. We talked about the last time we saw Great Nana and how wonderful it was to remember the hugs and having lunch. We talked about it being ok to be sad and that she could talk to her "talk therapist" tomorrow or me if she wanted. I hope that I can convey the fact that Grandma is in a better place tomorrow when I tell her that she has passed away.
This was us just a little over a year ago for Grandma's 90th Birthday.
MAC was up and had gotten her shower and was downstairs reading, or so I thought. When I got downstairs the TV was on and she was watching Family Matters and drawing. No she had not eaten any breakfast, no she had not started her 20 minutes of reading, no she had not taken her morning pills, no she hadn't gotten her lunch together (or even put her lunchbox where I could find it to put things in!) I was not happy.
When we finally left the house and I looked at the clock it was 7:18am. The bus has been arriving at 7:20. I sped all the way to Aberdeen and Riedel where the stupid stop light caught me. I watched the school bus as it passed us on its way to CES. Of course these are the days when you get stuck behind the slowest person on the road too! We got to the bus stop as the bus was pulling in to pick up. MAC was in a hurry and jumped out of the car and ran accross the street to CES so she could catch the bus before it pulled away.
The rough morning turned into a rough afternoon and evening. When I got in to work I got a phone call from my Mom. She wanted to tell me that my Grandma was not doing well and although she and Dad had planned to come up and visit for the weekend, they thought they were going to change plans and go visit Grandma in Tulsa.
About 2 hours later she called again to say that they were going to Tulsa and she would call later with news.
In the meantime I went and picked MAC up from school for her appointment with the "Prescribing doctor". It started well, she even like the snack that I had for her. Half way through the appointment she got mad and stopped talking to both the Dr. and me. I couldn't get her to talk again until we got home when she asked if she could just go upstairs and sleep.
While I was out this evening I got a phone call from my Dad. He said that he had just gotten a phone call from my Aunt and that Grandma had passed away. I have never seen a montage but I suddenly saw the last time we were together: looking through the photo album, going to church with her, having lunch with her at my Aunt's house, and giving hugs and kisses.
My Grandma was a teacher for years and I still remember her retirement party. There were so many people who were there to wish her well in the next phase of her life. I know seeing all her students helped me to decide to get my teaching degree.
I remember going to the library where she was volunteering. I love books and I thought it was great that she got to work with books everyday.
I remember the last time she came out to Maryland. It was sad and happy at the same time, Christmas is always a happy time for me but knowing that it was her last trip out was sad.
When I told MAC that Great Nana was not doing so well this afternoon, she asked if we were going to go visit. I had to say no. We talked about the last time we saw Great Nana and how wonderful it was to remember the hugs and having lunch. We talked about it being ok to be sad and that she could talk to her "talk therapist" tomorrow or me if she wanted. I hope that I can convey the fact that Grandma is in a better place tomorrow when I tell her that she has passed away.
This was us just a little over a year ago for Grandma's 90th Birthday.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Another Call
I know I said I wouldn't count the number of phone calls from the school any longer but I got another one today. There is nothing quite like knowing the school's phone numbers as soon as they came up on the caller ID.
Yes another call came from the guidance counselor today. I was worried that something else had happened today and I was being called to the school to pick her up. The counselor talked about how MAC was doing and got me to check my ParentConnex account before telling me that the call was not about a behavior issue, but about the parent/teacher conference next week.
You could almost hear me let out my breath when she said that the reason she called was that she needed to change the time of my conference next week. I was very happy to change the time, she made it later so I will even be able to work a little longer. The counselor suggested that perhaps MAC might even want to join us in the conference for a little at the end of the day.
I think, for this meeting, that I am actually looking forward to having a good sit down and discussion with these teachers.
Yes another call came from the guidance counselor today. I was worried that something else had happened today and I was being called to the school to pick her up. The counselor talked about how MAC was doing and got me to check my ParentConnex account before telling me that the call was not about a behavior issue, but about the parent/teacher conference next week.
You could almost hear me let out my breath when she said that the reason she called was that she needed to change the time of my conference next week. I was very happy to change the time, she made it later so I will even be able to work a little longer. The counselor suggested that perhaps MAC might even want to join us in the conference for a little at the end of the day.
I think, for this meeting, that I am actually looking forward to having a good sit down and discussion with these teachers.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The day started like any other Monday. Wanting to stay in bed, snuggling under the covers for a few extra minutes, the mad rush to get lunches together, and then pushing each other out the door trying to make sure we don't miss the bus.
We did make it to the bus stop and she got to school on time. I walked in to an e-mail from her Italian teacher and crazy busyness at work. Today was the last day to reconcile all purchase card transactions. Actually it needed to be done by 1pm. I had 4 employees who needed to have their credit cards reconcilled as well as mine and the FedEx card. Everything was reconcilled by 12:30 but it was also a time card day so after my 1/2 hour lunch I went right back to working on time cards.
MAC called me at 4. She was looking forward to meeting a friend of ours when she got to R's house. Unfortneately our friend KB was running a little late. I told her to do her homework. She said, "yes mom" in the tone that says, "I'll tell you what you want to hear so you leave me alone". When I got to MAC at 5 she still had not done all of her work.
By the time KB got to the house at 6 MAC had finished three of the four core class' homework. MAC has been looking forward to seeing KB for over a week now and it was wonderful seeing her hop out of the car to give KB a hug when she got there.
We took a run to a New Age store where MAC loved looking at the crystal balls, necklaces and the Poke'mon cards. Dinner was very late and she got to bed a little over 2 hours late so tomorrow morning will be interesting.
It was great listening to the two of them laugh and laugh. If you want to say something random try, "Talk to the weasel" each time I said it it sent the two of them into gales of laughter. All three of use did a little car dancing tonight!
We did make it to the bus stop and she got to school on time. I walked in to an e-mail from her Italian teacher and crazy busyness at work. Today was the last day to reconcile all purchase card transactions. Actually it needed to be done by 1pm. I had 4 employees who needed to have their credit cards reconcilled as well as mine and the FedEx card. Everything was reconcilled by 12:30 but it was also a time card day so after my 1/2 hour lunch I went right back to working on time cards.
MAC called me at 4. She was looking forward to meeting a friend of ours when she got to R's house. Unfortneately our friend KB was running a little late. I told her to do her homework. She said, "yes mom" in the tone that says, "I'll tell you what you want to hear so you leave me alone". When I got to MAC at 5 she still had not done all of her work.
By the time KB got to the house at 6 MAC had finished three of the four core class' homework. MAC has been looking forward to seeing KB for over a week now and it was wonderful seeing her hop out of the car to give KB a hug when she got there.
We took a run to a New Age store where MAC loved looking at the crystal balls, necklaces and the Poke'mon cards. Dinner was very late and she got to bed a little over 2 hours late so tomorrow morning will be interesting.
It was great listening to the two of them laugh and laugh. If you want to say something random try, "Talk to the weasel" each time I said it it sent the two of them into gales of laughter. All three of use did a little car dancing tonight!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Reading
This morning was nice and relaxing. For the first hour after I woke up.
Hubby and I woke up around 7 this morning. We just lay in bed saying that we didn’t want to move. Of course I did not want to get out of bed. As hot as it had been yesterday it was cold this morning! At 8 I said that I should get out of bed. At 8:15 I said the same thing. Hubby didn't want to go this morning and I had said sure. At 8:20 I finally got moving. Half way to church I realized that MAC was supposed to read the New Testament scripture this morning and they would have to come.
I felt bad as I had to call them and say to get dressed really quickly because MAC had to be at church. Neither one was too happy about it. They did make it though, and she had a whole 5 minutes to read and practice in the PoP narthex.
I am happy to say that the reading went well. It was a long passage and I was thrilled when she got 90% of the hard words and put expression into the reading. If nothing else I know that MAC is a natural born actress!
Hubby and I woke up around 7 this morning. We just lay in bed saying that we didn’t want to move. Of course I did not want to get out of bed. As hot as it had been yesterday it was cold this morning! At 8 I said that I should get out of bed. At 8:15 I said the same thing. Hubby didn't want to go this morning and I had said sure. At 8:20 I finally got moving. Half way to church I realized that MAC was supposed to read the New Testament scripture this morning and they would have to come.
I felt bad as I had to call them and say to get dressed really quickly because MAC had to be at church. Neither one was too happy about it. They did make it though, and she had a whole 5 minutes to read and practice in the PoP narthex.
I am happy to say that the reading went well. It was a long passage and I was thrilled when she got 90% of the hard words and put expression into the reading. If nothing else I know that MAC is a natural born actress!
Friday, September 24, 2010
And the Grocery Shopping is done
So as most of you know I am working at the MD RenFest this season. This makes it a little difficult to get the things that I usually do on the weekends done. This includes the laundry and the grocery shopping for the week.
Hubby would rather go through a full dental cleaning than go into a store of any kind. For the first 3 years of our marriage the three of us would go grocery shopping together. For the last 10 years I have been doing mostly by myself. Hubby will come to the car and help to unload once I/we get home but really doesn't want to go to the store. I have talked MAC into going with me the last few times by promising her a Caribou Cooler.
Tonight Hubby and MAC had her first group appointment. I thought it started at 4:00 but it started at 4:45 instead. So I got home dropped off my bags and then headed to the Korean market. I picked up some food there and brought it home and had dinner before I went to the organic market. I just got back from the organic market and can say, "The grocery shopping is done!"
Group went well. MAC said that it was worth staying for and that the other girls "were like her". I'm glad that she liked it and has said that she will go back next week. Yeah Friday!
Hubby would rather go through a full dental cleaning than go into a store of any kind. For the first 3 years of our marriage the three of us would go grocery shopping together. For the last 10 years I have been doing mostly by myself. Hubby will come to the car and help to unload once I/we get home but really doesn't want to go to the store. I have talked MAC into going with me the last few times by promising her a Caribou Cooler.
Tonight Hubby and MAC had her first group appointment. I thought it started at 4:00 but it started at 4:45 instead. So I got home dropped off my bags and then headed to the Korean market. I picked up some food there and brought it home and had dinner before I went to the organic market. I just got back from the organic market and can say, "The grocery shopping is done!"
Group went well. MAC said that it was worth staying for and that the other girls "were like her". I'm glad that she liked it and has said that she will go back next week. Yeah Friday!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Day, New Group
I am very excited about MACs new group which starts tomorrow. It will be a group of other girls who are like her and it will be a new place where she will be able to feel safe and hopefully will learn some new coping skills. I have spoken with both her "talk therapist" and with the doctor who runs the group. They are both fairly certain that this is the right place for her.
It is awkward trying to make friends at the best of times when you know how to read the "signs" other people send out. Trying to make friends when all of the signs look the same to you makes the keeping of friends almost impossible. After talking with the doctor who runs the program, she is hoping that instead of making this just a "middle school" group these girls will bond and will continue with each other as a group through high school.
I don't know if she is looking forward to the group but I hope that she will at least give it a chance. I know that when everything happened at the end of last school year I was worried about where we would end up, and I think that MSA is the best place that could have happened to us. Hubby is not so thrilled with the "prescriber" but the practice is all about the children and I appreciate that! Let's keep our fingers crossed that the new day and the new group are wonderful!
It is awkward trying to make friends at the best of times when you know how to read the "signs" other people send out. Trying to make friends when all of the signs look the same to you makes the keeping of friends almost impossible. After talking with the doctor who runs the program, she is hoping that instead of making this just a "middle school" group these girls will bond and will continue with each other as a group through high school.
I don't know if she is looking forward to the group but I hope that she will at least give it a chance. I know that when everything happened at the end of last school year I was worried about where we would end up, and I think that MSA is the best place that could have happened to us. Hubby is not so thrilled with the "prescriber" but the practice is all about the children and I appreciate that! Let's keep our fingers crossed that the new day and the new group are wonderful!
Glee 2
And last night we had some great thunderstorms come through which was wonderful because we needed the rain, but it knocked out our power, which shut down the internet. So this is the blog I was going to post last night.
This must be what it is like to feel normal. I got a phone call from MAC this afternoon as soon as she walked in the door. When I got to Mom and Dad’s house (now Rs) she had done her homework and came out to meet me at the car. We went home had a nice dinner where everyone talked a little and we ate together. I asked to look at her homework and although she gave a little backtalk, she did it without a huge fight.
She asked if we could go get some sheet music for a song she wants to sing in chorus tomorrow and because everything else was done I said that we could run to Music and Arts and take a look. On the way to the store she finished her Language arts homework (which is 20 minutes of reading) and she and I had a short discussion of what the possible outcomes could be. She said she understood.
Boy it has been a while since I have been in a Music and Arts store! The keyboards at the front are gone and there was only one rack of guitars, but the sheet music…there was TONS of it. We walked right to the aisle where the book was that she wanted: Songs and CD from Glee. We stood in line long enough for the downpour to come and then walked back to the car in puddles up to our ankles. (It was almost like the days when she wanted to go splash in puddles.)
I’ve got to say we must have looked a sight driving down the road on the way home. Of course we opened the CD and put it in the car CD player! Both of us were singing (her from the book and I from memory) Defying Gravity, Don’t Stop Believing, Bust your Windows, and Keep Me Holding, and doing the “car dance”.
We talked about one of her good friends who loves Glee and the other who doesn’t and the new group that she is going to start on Friday. I think I’m more excited about it than she is. It is a group for middle school girls who are all having issues like MAC. They will discuss strategies for dealing with bully’s, making and keeping friends, and have a safe place to be themselves. She said that she is willing to “give it a try”.
We came home and she took her pills, took her shower and went straight to bed. I am thankful that we have finally found something that the two of us can talk about and do together.
This must be what it is like to feel normal. I got a phone call from MAC this afternoon as soon as she walked in the door. When I got to Mom and Dad’s house (now Rs) she had done her homework and came out to meet me at the car. We went home had a nice dinner where everyone talked a little and we ate together. I asked to look at her homework and although she gave a little backtalk, she did it without a huge fight.
She asked if we could go get some sheet music for a song she wants to sing in chorus tomorrow and because everything else was done I said that we could run to Music and Arts and take a look. On the way to the store she finished her Language arts homework (which is 20 minutes of reading) and she and I had a short discussion of what the possible outcomes could be. She said she understood.
Boy it has been a while since I have been in a Music and Arts store! The keyboards at the front are gone and there was only one rack of guitars, but the sheet music…there was TONS of it. We walked right to the aisle where the book was that she wanted: Songs and CD from Glee. We stood in line long enough for the downpour to come and then walked back to the car in puddles up to our ankles. (It was almost like the days when she wanted to go splash in puddles.)
I’ve got to say we must have looked a sight driving down the road on the way home. Of course we opened the CD and put it in the car CD player! Both of us were singing (her from the book and I from memory) Defying Gravity, Don’t Stop Believing, Bust your Windows, and Keep Me Holding, and doing the “car dance”.
We talked about one of her good friends who loves Glee and the other who doesn’t and the new group that she is going to start on Friday. I think I’m more excited about it than she is. It is a group for middle school girls who are all having issues like MAC. They will discuss strategies for dealing with bully’s, making and keeping friends, and have a safe place to be themselves. She said that she is willing to “give it a try”.
We came home and she took her pills, took her shower and went straight to bed. I am thankful that we have finally found something that the two of us can talk about and do together.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Glee night
It was Glee night. I am happy to report that not only was she excited about watching Glee she did all her homework on time so that she could watch it!
There was a little bit of unhappiness when I told her what we were having for dinner, lasagna. She complained all the way home from the library since it was a PVA night, but when she finally had some she liked it. She even went back for seconds.
The two of us went through her school binder and cleaned out "the folder". Once again she did not get her teachers to sign her missing homework form but it appears that she has been doing her homework, hopefully she has turned it in.
I am very happy to say that even though we got a late start on Glee due to the binder issue, we did watch it together and had a great time humming the songs that we knew.
There was a little bit of unhappiness when I told her what we were having for dinner, lasagna. She complained all the way home from the library since it was a PVA night, but when she finally had some she liked it. She even went back for seconds.
The two of us went through her school binder and cleaned out "the folder". Once again she did not get her teachers to sign her missing homework form but it appears that she has been doing her homework, hopefully she has turned it in.
I am very happy to say that even though we got a late start on Glee due to the binder issue, we did watch it together and had a great time humming the songs that we knew.
The responsible one
It was so one of those mornings! I tried to let her have a little extra sleep this morning. (These cold mornings make it so hard to get out of bed.) I told her she could have an extra 5 minutes when I woke her up. She took the five and than raised me another 5.
We started the morning litany of things that need to be done before she leaves the house:
Flush her toilet
Brush her teeth
Feed the Cat
Get her keys
Make sure she has her charged phone
Is her homework in her binder
Did she take her pills
Does she have her lunch box.
Somewhere between the toilet and the cat I asked her to get her purse and I was going to give her her buttons for the weekend. It didn't quite go the way I thought it was going to. I tried to give her buttons and she knocked them out of my hand. I tried to trade buttons for money and she got an attitude which made me not want to give her anything.
By the time we left the house she had her pills and her lunch box but not much else from the list. She had these two items done mostly because Hubby came down stairs and told her she had to do what I told her to and those were the really important items.
I don't understand why when Hubby says something she will listen but when I say it she puts up a HUGE fight. I was told tonight that when I want to use I have a very commanding voice. I think I use this when I speak to her about things that are important ( homework, hygiene, and social skills). Apparently what worked to quiet the room yesterday at church doesn't work on my daughter.
Yes I know this is boundary testing but what is the difference between Hubby and I? The two of them have more "fun" together. I get the rest: making sure homework is completed, going to see the teachers, meeting with the guidance counselor, and turning the TV off.
One day I guess I'll let go of this feeling that I need to be "the responsible one", she is getting old enough to be responsible for her own actions as I keep being reminded. It is just hard to let go, somedays I feel as if she is still the 3 year old who wanted to make snow angels or the 5 year old that wrote me a note that said she loved to cuddle with me (yes it has a place of honor in my planner) not the almost 13 year old whose favorite phrase is "wasup?".
We started the morning litany of things that need to be done before she leaves the house:
Flush her toilet
Brush her teeth
Feed the Cat
Get her keys
Make sure she has her charged phone
Is her homework in her binder
Did she take her pills
Does she have her lunch box.
Somewhere between the toilet and the cat I asked her to get her purse and I was going to give her her buttons for the weekend. It didn't quite go the way I thought it was going to. I tried to give her buttons and she knocked them out of my hand. I tried to trade buttons for money and she got an attitude which made me not want to give her anything.
By the time we left the house she had her pills and her lunch box but not much else from the list. She had these two items done mostly because Hubby came down stairs and told her she had to do what I told her to and those were the really important items.
I don't understand why when Hubby says something she will listen but when I say it she puts up a HUGE fight. I was told tonight that when I want to use I have a very commanding voice. I think I use this when I speak to her about things that are important ( homework, hygiene, and social skills). Apparently what worked to quiet the room yesterday at church doesn't work on my daughter.
Yes I know this is boundary testing but what is the difference between Hubby and I? The two of them have more "fun" together. I get the rest: making sure homework is completed, going to see the teachers, meeting with the guidance counselor, and turning the TV off.
One day I guess I'll let go of this feeling that I need to be "the responsible one", she is getting old enough to be responsible for her own actions as I keep being reminded. It is just hard to let go, somedays I feel as if she is still the 3 year old who wanted to make snow angels or the 5 year old that wrote me a note that said she loved to cuddle with me (yes it has a place of honor in my planner) not the almost 13 year old whose favorite phrase is "wasup?".
Sunday, September 19, 2010
What did your parents teach you?
Today was our new interim pastors first Sunday and he asked us what was the one thing we learned from our parents and that we made sure we taught our children. No one answered him out loud but I kept thinking, "my parents told me to always say please and thank you".
I have tried to teach my daughter the same thing and I can only assume that she does it about half the time, since I tend to get differing stories when she goes out to other people's houses. Don't get me wrong, its not like I have ever had anyone tell me that they won't have her over again, but about half the time when I go to pick her up the mother tells me that MAC has great manners. It is these times that I can only assume she has used her "Please and thank yous".
Hubby and I watched a little of the Saturday Night Live rerun last night. It was the Betty White one. In one of the sketches Betty White plays Magrubber's grandmother. While Magrubber is trying to defuse a bomb he asks his companion to give him a nail and takes it. His grandmother makes him say thank you which takes the last few seconds and the bomb goes off.
Sometimes it feels as if I am doing the same thing, trying to enforce rules that aren't going to matter in the grand scheme of things but then at other times I am glad that I keep at it. Manners never go out of style. Yes there is something that my parents always reminded me on my way out of the house, I always try to remember my please and thank yous. I hope that one day if MAC is asked what one thing we taught her that she wants to make sure her children do I hope she remembers her manners.
I have tried to teach my daughter the same thing and I can only assume that she does it about half the time, since I tend to get differing stories when she goes out to other people's houses. Don't get me wrong, its not like I have ever had anyone tell me that they won't have her over again, but about half the time when I go to pick her up the mother tells me that MAC has great manners. It is these times that I can only assume she has used her "Please and thank yous".
Hubby and I watched a little of the Saturday Night Live rerun last night. It was the Betty White one. In one of the sketches Betty White plays Magrubber's grandmother. While Magrubber is trying to defuse a bomb he asks his companion to give him a nail and takes it. His grandmother makes him say thank you which takes the last few seconds and the bomb goes off.
Sometimes it feels as if I am doing the same thing, trying to enforce rules that aren't going to matter in the grand scheme of things but then at other times I am glad that I keep at it. Manners never go out of style. Yes there is something that my parents always reminded me on my way out of the house, I always try to remember my please and thank yous. I hope that one day if MAC is asked what one thing we taught her that she wants to make sure her children do I hope she remembers her manners.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday night
It's Friday and tomorrow is her first PVA Saturday. She had a good morning and got a lunch that she really liked, chicken soba noodles.
They are going to Wolf Trap tomorrow and I will be going to Faire. Hubby may come to, I hope so, he needs some fun without a kid to have to watch out for. I told him that he could play by himself in the morning and we could play together after I got off.
I have done some laundry so she will have a clean uniform. We went shopping with a friend from church tonight. Sunday we will be having a party at church and we had to go buy the cake and such at BJs. MAC and Hubby came as "muscle". She was on really good behavior. I can only hope that she shows the same good manners tomorrow on the field trip.
I am so glad it is Friday Night. I will very happily go to sleep.
They are going to Wolf Trap tomorrow and I will be going to Faire. Hubby may come to, I hope so, he needs some fun without a kid to have to watch out for. I told him that he could play by himself in the morning and we could play together after I got off.
I have done some laundry so she will have a clean uniform. We went shopping with a friend from church tonight. Sunday we will be having a party at church and we had to go buy the cake and such at BJs. MAC and Hubby came as "muscle". She was on really good behavior. I can only hope that she shows the same good manners tomorrow on the field trip.
I am so glad it is Friday Night. I will very happily go to sleep.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Back to school night
For most parents this is the evening that they don't mind missing. One of my co-workers decided the day she heard that she wasn't going. In elementary school you got to meet the teacher on the first day of school so it wasn't as important to go to back to school night other than to join the PTA.
Tonight I joined the PTA, got one of their new bags and I met 5 of her teachers. All but one of the core class teachers are very young. Her social studies teacher is only 2 years out of college! It made me feel so old. I skipped the Italian class and met the art teacher at her door. They all seem to be good, and MAC is very lucky to have her very best friend in all of her core classes. I had mixed reports from the different teachers. The chorus teacher said that she hadn't heard about any issues, but her science teacher asked me for a one on one parent/teacher conference.
The mixed chorus sang the opening song and it was another one that made me smile. "We are one family". We did leave a little early. I realized as we got on the highway this evening that I had been up and working for over 12 hours. I am exhausted!
I am thankful for back to school night. I love being able to put a face to a name and to actually talk to them face to face. She already has so many problems that I don't want to make it any worse for her, so I wait for back to school night. Now I get to wait until November when I get to go to school and shadow her for a day!
Tonight I joined the PTA, got one of their new bags and I met 5 of her teachers. All but one of the core class teachers are very young. Her social studies teacher is only 2 years out of college! It made me feel so old. I skipped the Italian class and met the art teacher at her door. They all seem to be good, and MAC is very lucky to have her very best friend in all of her core classes. I had mixed reports from the different teachers. The chorus teacher said that she hadn't heard about any issues, but her science teacher asked me for a one on one parent/teacher conference.
The mixed chorus sang the opening song and it was another one that made me smile. "We are one family". We did leave a little early. I realized as we got on the highway this evening that I had been up and working for over 12 hours. I am exhausted!
I am thankful for back to school night. I love being able to put a face to a name and to actually talk to them face to face. She already has so many problems that I don't want to make it any worse for her, so I wait for back to school night. Now I get to wait until November when I get to go to school and shadow her for a day!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
One short day...
Isn't it amazing how short "tomorrow" is when you're awake until 1:30/2 am? The 5:30 alarm went off and I didn't even hear it this morning. When the 6:30 alarm went off I was able to at least get MAC moving.
We had a rough morning, mostly it was me telling her what needed to happen at school today. I know at almost 13 she thinks that she can take care of herself but the shear number of chip bags under the couch last night shows me that her thought for breakfast is no where near what mine is. She decided that she didn't want to play hangman with me while we waited for the bus and left the car without saying another word to me.
The day at work also went downhill after my safety committee meeting. Too much to do here at the end of the fiscal year and definately not enough people to do it. I looked up and it was 12:35pm, had a quick lunch and then went back to my desk. The next thing I know my mouse is dead and it is 4:28.
It was wonderful to get home and smell a delicious dinner ready for me. Hubby had bar-b-qued spicy sausage and macaroni and cheese was sitting on the stove. MAC was smiling and had done most of her homework. Tomorrow night is Parent's night at her school and her group will be singing. I am really looking forward to meeting her teachers.
Today was the "short day" between Tuesday and Thursday this week. Yesterday seemed to have gone on forever and tomorrow will be long too. I was proud of her today as she made it through the whole day without a single call from the school. I like short days.
We had a rough morning, mostly it was me telling her what needed to happen at school today. I know at almost 13 she thinks that she can take care of herself but the shear number of chip bags under the couch last night shows me that her thought for breakfast is no where near what mine is. She decided that she didn't want to play hangman with me while we waited for the bus and left the car without saying another word to me.
The day at work also went downhill after my safety committee meeting. Too much to do here at the end of the fiscal year and definately not enough people to do it. I looked up and it was 12:35pm, had a quick lunch and then went back to my desk. The next thing I know my mouse is dead and it is 4:28.
It was wonderful to get home and smell a delicious dinner ready for me. Hubby had bar-b-qued spicy sausage and macaroni and cheese was sitting on the stove. MAC was smiling and had done most of her homework. Tomorrow night is Parent's night at her school and her group will be singing. I am really looking forward to meeting her teachers.
Today was the "short day" between Tuesday and Thursday this week. Yesterday seemed to have gone on forever and tomorrow will be long too. I was proud of her today as she made it through the whole day without a single call from the school. I like short days.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Merry Maid...
I told her yesterday. I reminded her this morning. I called at 3 to remind her again, with her father on the other line. She wasn't supposed to watch any TV until she finished her jobs. I got a lot of "Yeah, yeah mom." and "I know, I know". Her father said that he had given her half an hour to watch a little TV. I said ok since I didn't expect that it would take her a really long time to clean up. Also, her cousin was coming over for a little while and I wanted a place for her to sit.
MAC had the day off. The only thing she needed to do today was go to a doctor appointment and CLEAN UP HER MESS in the living room. You know it is a mess when you can't walk on the floor with out ending up with a drawn picture on your foot or stepping on a Pokemon animal.
I even stopped to vote in the primary election today. When I got home the TV was still on and the living room was still a mess. Her father said that he felt betrayed. I said yes, I did. I reminded him about all the other times that she and I "cleaned" her room (read MOM cleaned the room and MAC played with the toys she found). He yelled, she cried and I watched as the two of them cleaned the living room.
I made dinner for MAC, the niece and myself and have started a load of laundry. Hubby started a load of dishes after he found 3 bowls (filled with applesauce, ice cream and something unknowable) as well as several spoons, and a plate under the couch. The dishes were mostly covered by the different empty bags of chips that she lied to me about. (I had asked her when I came home and found the brand new bag of 24 chips down to 6 if she had eaten any.) I had had Hubby "hide" a batch of mini-kit-kats knowing that even though we had discussed her only eating one (and taking the others as dessert in her lunch) she searched and found them in the pantry. We figured out that she had eaten them when we found the wrappers.
She has lost TV for the week and has cleaned the living room. I can only hope that this lesson stays with her a little longer than the last one.
MAC had the day off. The only thing she needed to do today was go to a doctor appointment and CLEAN UP HER MESS in the living room. You know it is a mess when you can't walk on the floor with out ending up with a drawn picture on your foot or stepping on a Pokemon animal.
I even stopped to vote in the primary election today. When I got home the TV was still on and the living room was still a mess. Her father said that he felt betrayed. I said yes, I did. I reminded him about all the other times that she and I "cleaned" her room (read MOM cleaned the room and MAC played with the toys she found). He yelled, she cried and I watched as the two of them cleaned the living room.
I made dinner for MAC, the niece and myself and have started a load of laundry. Hubby started a load of dishes after he found 3 bowls (filled with applesauce, ice cream and something unknowable) as well as several spoons, and a plate under the couch. The dishes were mostly covered by the different empty bags of chips that she lied to me about. (I had asked her when I came home and found the brand new bag of 24 chips down to 6 if she had eaten any.) I had had Hubby "hide" a batch of mini-kit-kats knowing that even though we had discussed her only eating one (and taking the others as dessert in her lunch) she searched and found them in the pantry. We figured out that she had eaten them when we found the wrappers.
She has lost TV for the week and has cleaned the living room. I can only hope that this lesson stays with her a little longer than the last one.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Time to stop counting....
I guess it's time to stop counting the number of times the school calls. I had three more calls today. It really didn't start as such a good day. Being a Monday morning it was already difficult to get up but it was even more difficult for her today. When I asked her she said that she had gone to bed around 8 last night and that she fell asleep easily.
We did get out to the bus on time and of course today (after being early every day last week) was late. She seemed to have gotten herself back under control and seemed to be in a good mood. As she got on the bus I thought, "Thank you God!"
Once again she had a problem in science class. She had made it through 2 periods but science class really messed with her head. She says that there are "mean people" in that class but unfortunately can not seem to remember any names when asked. The guidance counselor spent most of third period with her in the office with MAC saying that she wanted to go home and that she hated Bates.
I spoke with her and asked her to go back to class as I was going to pick her up early for a dental appointment. She continued to cry and say she just wanted to go home. The counselor continued to talk with her and just when they thought every thing was worked out she had another issue. This sent her into another whirlwind of emotions and back to the counselors office, with another phone call to me. Of course I was working at the full time job which requires that I be on the phone so the call ended up in my voice mail. I called back and the counselor and I spoke a little, MAC and I spent a little more time on the phone and then I told her that she had to go back to class. She hung up on me after calling me "A really MEAN mommy!"
By the time I was able to pick her up from school she seemed ok, happy even. Of course that could just be because I pulled her out of Italian (her least favorite class). She did really well at the dentist, even telling me that she didn't need me sitting in the room with her, which is a first.
Ok, so it is week three and tomorrow will make the third day that they have had off. I just pray that Wednesday will be better.
We did get out to the bus on time and of course today (after being early every day last week) was late. She seemed to have gotten herself back under control and seemed to be in a good mood. As she got on the bus I thought, "Thank you God!"
Once again she had a problem in science class. She had made it through 2 periods but science class really messed with her head. She says that there are "mean people" in that class but unfortunately can not seem to remember any names when asked. The guidance counselor spent most of third period with her in the office with MAC saying that she wanted to go home and that she hated Bates.
I spoke with her and asked her to go back to class as I was going to pick her up early for a dental appointment. She continued to cry and say she just wanted to go home. The counselor continued to talk with her and just when they thought every thing was worked out she had another issue. This sent her into another whirlwind of emotions and back to the counselors office, with another phone call to me. Of course I was working at the full time job which requires that I be on the phone so the call ended up in my voice mail. I called back and the counselor and I spoke a little, MAC and I spent a little more time on the phone and then I told her that she had to go back to class. She hung up on me after calling me "A really MEAN mommy!"
By the time I was able to pick her up from school she seemed ok, happy even. Of course that could just be because I pulled her out of Italian (her least favorite class). She did really well at the dentist, even telling me that she didn't need me sitting in the room with her, which is a first.
Ok, so it is week three and tomorrow will make the third day that they have had off. I just pray that Wednesday will be better.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
We don't have any problems.
Today was the Sunday School kick off at church. We had our usual first early service of the year: we were running late. This is not usually an issue but Hubby has joined PoP music and he wanted to do more practicing than just the two times we did it on Thursday.
We knew that kick off was supposed to be today. MAC and I were supposed to run a station. I had even read the e-mail from our Director of Christian Education that said we were going to have to do everything inside since it was supposed to rain. She also cancelled the moon bounce since we don't have that much room anywhere inside.
When we got to church the interim pastor was outside saying that the music group were getting worried. When Hubby and I walked in I was asked if I had copies of the music since all of the copies seemed to have disappeared. What we figured out was that somewhere along the line on Thursday I had picked up 2 copies and Hubby had picked up the 3rd.
MAC walked in and found that the DCE was setting up and needed some help. She skipped out on service to be able to help set up. She also got to find out what game we were supposed to work on. It turned out to be the loudest, and the best.
After we finished practicing and before service I went and spoke with the DCE and asked if she needed help. I told her not to hesitate to come get me if she had any problems. Her response was that they never had any problems. It made me feel so happy to hear that. I love our DCE and she has two young children that MAC loves to play with. The game MAC got to run was the Strength of Sampson (throwing a Frisbee through 3 hula hoops, and a whack a mole hammer game). She seemed to really have fun at church today. I am now hoping that she will continue to go to Sunday School, this year they get to watch movies! Real, mainstream movies during Sunday school and part of service! She sounded excited when I explained that to her. I was also told that MAC seemed much happier recently than a few months ago. Yeah MAC!
We knew that kick off was supposed to be today. MAC and I were supposed to run a station. I had even read the e-mail from our Director of Christian Education that said we were going to have to do everything inside since it was supposed to rain. She also cancelled the moon bounce since we don't have that much room anywhere inside.
When we got to church the interim pastor was outside saying that the music group were getting worried. When Hubby and I walked in I was asked if I had copies of the music since all of the copies seemed to have disappeared. What we figured out was that somewhere along the line on Thursday I had picked up 2 copies and Hubby had picked up the 3rd.
MAC walked in and found that the DCE was setting up and needed some help. She skipped out on service to be able to help set up. She also got to find out what game we were supposed to work on. It turned out to be the loudest, and the best.
After we finished practicing and before service I went and spoke with the DCE and asked if she needed help. I told her not to hesitate to come get me if she had any problems. Her response was that they never had any problems. It made me feel so happy to hear that. I love our DCE and she has two young children that MAC loves to play with. The game MAC got to run was the Strength of Sampson (throwing a Frisbee through 3 hula hoops, and a whack a mole hammer game). She seemed to really have fun at church today. I am now hoping that she will continue to go to Sunday School, this year they get to watch movies! Real, mainstream movies during Sunday school and part of service! She sounded excited when I explained that to her. I was also told that MAC seemed much happier recently than a few months ago. Yeah MAC!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Hugs!
I had a great day today. Not only did I get almost all of my work done but when I came home I had a wonderful dinner and the best part of all was that MAC allowed me to cuddle with her for a whole 5 minutes before dinner was ready.
I started out a little upset with her because she didn't call me when she got home from school. She walks to her grandparents house from the bus stop and is supposed to call me so that I know where she is. We bought her her own cell phone just for this. Yes, I know, I've had the phone conversation with other parents of preteens.
Today she forgot her keys. This normally wouldn't have been an issue but she had come home sick on Wednesday and left her backpack (read cell phone) in her locker at school. Yesterday was a holiday so the fact that she left her backpack with her cell phone ON for 2 days meant that she had a dead cell phone today. I called Mom and Dad's three times and home to talk to Hubby twice. Finally Hubby went to Mom and Dad's to see if she was sitting outside. She was.
Dinner tonight was MAC's favorite food, ribs. I was so happy when she let me hug her and allowed my arm to stay on her shoulders before dinner. The ribs were so good she just kept eating, and even though I usually complain about her messy eating, it was really cute to see her dig in to the ribs and have bar-b-q sauce all around her mouth.
Yeah Friday!
I started out a little upset with her because she didn't call me when she got home from school. She walks to her grandparents house from the bus stop and is supposed to call me so that I know where she is. We bought her her own cell phone just for this. Yes, I know, I've had the phone conversation with other parents of preteens.
Today she forgot her keys. This normally wouldn't have been an issue but she had come home sick on Wednesday and left her backpack (read cell phone) in her locker at school. Yesterday was a holiday so the fact that she left her backpack with her cell phone ON for 2 days meant that she had a dead cell phone today. I called Mom and Dad's three times and home to talk to Hubby twice. Finally Hubby went to Mom and Dad's to see if she was sitting outside. She was.
Dinner tonight was MAC's favorite food, ribs. I was so happy when she let me hug her and allowed my arm to stay on her shoulders before dinner. The ribs were so good she just kept eating, and even though I usually complain about her messy eating, it was really cute to see her dig in to the ribs and have bar-b-q sauce all around her mouth.
Yeah Friday!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Next top Model
When I came home today I was met at the door by MAC who was dressed in a flowery pink, yellow, green, and black top with a pink, black, and white skirt. No, they did not have the same matching flowery pattern. I asked her if she had been outside wearing the outfit and she had said, "only to get the recycle bin and bring it to the backyard."
I know that as a parent I should be teaching her how to coordinate her clothes. My issue is that for school she wears a uniform which I don't have to match so the usual "your friends would laugh at that outfit" doesn't really mean much to her. The other issue was that for such a long time she didn't want to wear anything but black so there really wasn't any coordination necessary.
I have put some things together that others have initially thought was odd, when I put it on they looked great. Unfortunately the outfit she was wearing today didn't. She had a friend knock on the door right before dinner and ask her to come out and play. She didn't change and went out to play, her friend didn't care about what she was wearing. She just wanted her to come out and play. I understand letting them be themselves but there is a line.
I try to buy in "outfits" but it is when she takes one part from one and one part from another and puts them together they don't always match. Maybe someday she'll care about what she is wearing. Yep, and maybe someday pigs will fly!
I know that as a parent I should be teaching her how to coordinate her clothes. My issue is that for school she wears a uniform which I don't have to match so the usual "your friends would laugh at that outfit" doesn't really mean much to her. The other issue was that for such a long time she didn't want to wear anything but black so there really wasn't any coordination necessary.
I have put some things together that others have initially thought was odd, when I put it on they looked great. Unfortunately the outfit she was wearing today didn't. She had a friend knock on the door right before dinner and ask her to come out and play. She didn't change and went out to play, her friend didn't care about what she was wearing. She just wanted her to come out and play. I understand letting them be themselves but there is a line.
I try to buy in "outfits" but it is when she takes one part from one and one part from another and puts them together they don't always match. Maybe someday she'll care about what she is wearing. Yep, and maybe someday pigs will fly!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What happens at school...
And the newest thing going through schools: The stomach flu! Yes phone call number 3, "Mrs Campbell could you please come and get MAC? She threw up and can not stay in school." I tried to call Hubby but he was sleeping so I went and picked her up. Right before I left I did get an e-mail that some hats that I had ordered were done so at least on the way back to work (wow what a wonderful lunch it was) I was able to turn it into a "work thing".
When I picked her up from school I was told that several other children had gone home not feeling well. The nurse also made it a point to tell me that she really didn't feel that this had anything to do with the other issues and that she felt MAC was authentically not feeling well. MAC walked to the car, put on her sunglasses, and sat back in the seat trying to take a nap. When we got home she headed up to her room, and I headed back to work.
The afternoon flew by and around 5pm I finally left the office. When I got home she was awake and hungry. She had some soup for dinner and then decided that she wanted a fruit cup, then another. For desert she had the last of the apple jacks. Now I can only hope that it all stays down! Protect yourselves: wash your hands often and wipe remote controls down with anti-bacterial wipes.
When I picked her up from school I was told that several other children had gone home not feeling well. The nurse also made it a point to tell me that she really didn't feel that this had anything to do with the other issues and that she felt MAC was authentically not feeling well. MAC walked to the car, put on her sunglasses, and sat back in the seat trying to take a nap. When we got home she headed up to her room, and I headed back to work.
The afternoon flew by and around 5pm I finally left the office. When I got home she was awake and hungry. She had some soup for dinner and then decided that she wanted a fruit cup, then another. For desert she had the last of the apple jacks. Now I can only hope that it all stays down! Protect yourselves: wash your hands often and wipe remote controls down with anti-bacterial wipes.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
2nd call...
I got the second call from the school today. Around 10:15 I got a call from the guidance counselor. She had been called to MAC's science class by the teacher. Apparently due to a lack of class work and lots of talking the teacher had decided that today was the day to make a seating adjustment. This did not go over well with MAC. When I got the call she had been in the counselor's office for almost a half hour crying and saying that she didn't want to be in this school anymore.
The guidance counselor asked if I would speak with her. I did. She told me that the teacher had seated her next to a "mean, ugly, unfriendly person who hated her". I tried to explain that it was just one class and that the friend that she was sitting next to was still in the class, and that she would meet "mean" people her whole life. She just continued to cry and ask that I come and pick her up because she "just wanted to go home".
Now I don't know about anyone else, but hearing your child crying and saying that they want to go home breaks my heart. The little hiccup in her voice almost had me out the door and in the car. The guidance counselor took the phone back at that point and said that she was going to try to get MAC to lunch and to finish the day, and if that didn't work she would call me back and ask that I come and get her.
It was a really busy day at work (that whole long weekend, short week too many things that are due on Wednesday thing) and when I next looked up it was a little past noon. Everything seemed to have settled out ok. I guess one call a week from the school isn't as bad as it could be, it could be more.
The guidance counselor asked if I would speak with her. I did. She told me that the teacher had seated her next to a "mean, ugly, unfriendly person who hated her". I tried to explain that it was just one class and that the friend that she was sitting next to was still in the class, and that she would meet "mean" people her whole life. She just continued to cry and ask that I come and pick her up because she "just wanted to go home".
Now I don't know about anyone else, but hearing your child crying and saying that they want to go home breaks my heart. The little hiccup in her voice almost had me out the door and in the car. The guidance counselor took the phone back at that point and said that she was going to try to get MAC to lunch and to finish the day, and if that didn't work she would call me back and ask that I come and get her.
It was a really busy day at work (that whole long weekend, short week too many things that are due on Wednesday thing) and when I next looked up it was a little past noon. Everything seemed to have settled out ok. I guess one call a week from the school isn't as bad as it could be, it could be more.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Long Weekend...Short week
Today was a sleep in, stay at home day for Hubby and MAC. I got up in time to get to Faire by 9:30 and then worked the day. The bad thing about working at Faire is that we work all three days of this long weekend. I worked the morning on Saturday, the evening of Sunday and then went in thinking I was going to work the morning and instead worked evening today.
MAC made herself at home in the living room today. I came home to wrappers on the floor, an overturned cup on the couch, and all the lights off. When I asked Hubby how the day went he said, "ok". They didn't do anything but rest up.
This federal holiday marks the beginning of the "holiday a month" that I look forward to every year. The best thing about these long weekends is that it creates a short work week! The problem is that these long weekends make for a long time on your feet. I just need to keep my focus on the short week. Yeah.
MAC made herself at home in the living room today. I came home to wrappers on the floor, an overturned cup on the couch, and all the lights off. When I asked Hubby how the day went he said, "ok". They didn't do anything but rest up.
This federal holiday marks the beginning of the "holiday a month" that I look forward to every year. The best thing about these long weekends is that it creates a short work week! The problem is that these long weekends make for a long time on your feet. I just need to keep my focus on the short week. Yeah.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday, Sunday
It started as as typical Sunday. We all slept in. I had these big plans of making breakfast and getting ready for church and then heading to the Faire, in a leaisurely fashion. That didn't happen. We got up with just enough time to roll out the door, guitar in hand.
MAC was invited by the friend she went to Faire with, to go to the pool at noon. That gave us enough time to go to church before she had to be in Annapolis.
Apparently things went really well. She sat through church, and then her father took her to Annapolis while I went to work. I had an amazing time at RenFest and MAC had such a fun time with her friend that when I got off work she was still with her friend. They had not only been to the pool but then went back to the friends house and had dinner and a movie.
She has just gone to bed. I know she is looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. I think I might try to too, but I got eggs at the grocery store and I want to make them for her sometime soon.
MAC was invited by the friend she went to Faire with, to go to the pool at noon. That gave us enough time to go to church before she had to be in Annapolis.
Apparently things went really well. She sat through church, and then her father took her to Annapolis while I went to work. I had an amazing time at RenFest and MAC had such a fun time with her friend that when I got off work she was still with her friend. They had not only been to the pool but then went back to the friends house and had dinner and a movie.
She has just gone to bed. I know she is looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. I think I might try to too, but I got eggs at the grocery store and I want to make them for her sometime soon.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Bug or windshield?
For something we were really looking forward to, the RenFest was a bit disappointing. MAC was ready by 8 and we were able to pick up her friend right on time today. We were able to park in the employee parking and they went to get tickets. That was the last I saw of them for 2 hours!
I really enjoyed working at Goodly Woods. My boss is great and my co-worker is fun. We get to hear several of my favorite shows but while I was getting into the swing of things Hubby, MAC, and the friend were shopping.
Can I just say, if there is one thing Hubby hates more than my feeding him french fries, it is shopping of any kind. He wanted to see some of the shows: The Rogues, The Pyrates Royal, Shakespear Skum. The girls didn't want to see any of the shows and were so focused on going from store to store that they didn't see how upset Hubby was getting. By the time I mentioned to MAC that it was about time they did something other than shop, people were not in good moods.
The end of the afternoon was spent finding some food and finding a new feather for Hubby's hat. The girls were ready to go and so we left around 5ish. We took MAC's friend home and then went home. Now we are all doing our own thing: MAC is watching TV, I'm here blogging, and Hubby is trying to play his online game (the modem is not cooperating).
So was today a windshield or a bug day? I'm not sure, I had fun but it sure seems as if the rest of my family didn't.
I really enjoyed working at Goodly Woods. My boss is great and my co-worker is fun. We get to hear several of my favorite shows but while I was getting into the swing of things Hubby, MAC, and the friend were shopping.
Can I just say, if there is one thing Hubby hates more than my feeding him french fries, it is shopping of any kind. He wanted to see some of the shows: The Rogues, The Pyrates Royal, Shakespear Skum. The girls didn't want to see any of the shows and were so focused on going from store to store that they didn't see how upset Hubby was getting. By the time I mentioned to MAC that it was about time they did something other than shop, people were not in good moods.
The end of the afternoon was spent finding some food and finding a new feather for Hubby's hat. The girls were ready to go and so we left around 5ish. We took MAC's friend home and then went home. Now we are all doing our own thing: MAC is watching TV, I'm here blogging, and Hubby is trying to play his online game (the modem is not cooperating).
So was today a windshield or a bug day? I'm not sure, I had fun but it sure seems as if the rest of my family didn't.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Being a Pirate
It was the last day of the week and we are now beginning the long weekend. When I left for my Doctor's appointment I said "have a nice long weekend" and people looked at me funny. We got the phone call from the school system saying that Monday is a holiday, so don't send your kids to the bus stop. Of course that same message said, "Oh by the way Thursday is a Jewish holiday so don't send your kids on Thursday either" so I know that I was right in saying "have a nice long weekend".
When I left today I left a lot of things undone on my desk. If I was able to make any comp time I would consider going in on Monday and working but since I don't, I won't.
Tomorrow is my fist day of work at the RenFest. I can hardly wait. I have been waiting for this for 4 years! I will be working at the Goodly Woods booth selling the wooden mugs that I love drinking from. MAC and Hubby have made plans to go too, and now MAC has a friend who is going with them.
We took a quick run to MOMs Organic Market in Bowie this evening. It was truly an amazing store. I didn't realize that there were so many organic brands or that so many different items came in a more healthful way. MAC has found some chocolate cookies and I am interested in seeing if she will eat them tomorrow. Hubby has found some dark chocolate.
When we got home MAC wanted to watch Camp Rock 2. We let her while we found all the pieces of our RenFest costumes. On commercials we would ask MAC what she was planning on wearing tomorrow. She was a little testy but I think we have a workable costume now. I think she will be a pirate.
Our biggest test will come tomorrow when we actually have to get up early enough to make it to the faire in time to see the opening ceremonies. MAC and Hubby are going to pick up the friend tomorrow morning around 9ish. I report for work at 9:30.
When I left today I left a lot of things undone on my desk. If I was able to make any comp time I would consider going in on Monday and working but since I don't, I won't.
Tomorrow is my fist day of work at the RenFest. I can hardly wait. I have been waiting for this for 4 years! I will be working at the Goodly Woods booth selling the wooden mugs that I love drinking from. MAC and Hubby have made plans to go too, and now MAC has a friend who is going with them.
We took a quick run to MOMs Organic Market in Bowie this evening. It was truly an amazing store. I didn't realize that there were so many organic brands or that so many different items came in a more healthful way. MAC has found some chocolate cookies and I am interested in seeing if she will eat them tomorrow. Hubby has found some dark chocolate.
When we got home MAC wanted to watch Camp Rock 2. We let her while we found all the pieces of our RenFest costumes. On commercials we would ask MAC what she was planning on wearing tomorrow. She was a little testy but I think we have a workable costume now. I think she will be a pirate.
Our biggest test will come tomorrow when we actually have to get up early enough to make it to the faire in time to see the opening ceremonies. MAC and Hubby are going to pick up the friend tomorrow morning around 9ish. I report for work at 9:30.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The first phone call
The first phone call from the school nurse came yesterday morning. I had felt so wonderful since a whole week had passed and not a peep from the school! I had not yet been able to get the pediatrician to sign the form that allowed the nurse to give her Tylenol/Advil in the case of headache or back pain, which are the precursors to a drop seizure, so I had to go and give her pain killers.
Yes the first phone call came from the school around 10:15am. She had been walked to the nurse’s office because she had a headache. It was half way through second period. By the time the nurse was able to reach me on my cell phone the head ache had also become a back ache. I made it to the school in 15 minutes and was able to give her 600 mg of Advil that I had at my desk. She complained that she still had a headache but I left her with the nurse and figured that the medicine would kick in in a little bit.
I was wrong. I was almost back to work when the nurse called me a second time to say that she and MAC were going to get MAC's lunch from her locker when she fell to the ground. It took them a concerted effort to get her back onto the bed. It was what we see at home when she has a seizure although the nurse said she did not hear any of the slurred speech that we have heard. The nurse asked that we come and pick MAC up.
I called her father and he went to pick her up. When I got home she was lying down listening to her IPod. We had dinner and I sat down, just for a minute, or so I thought. The next thing I knew it was 5:30 this morning. I guess that I needed the sleep. She had taken her pills, taken her shower and headed to bed without my having to tell her. It's nice that she has grown up enough to do that.
Yes the first phone call came from the school around 10:15am. She had been walked to the nurse’s office because she had a headache. It was half way through second period. By the time the nurse was able to reach me on my cell phone the head ache had also become a back ache. I made it to the school in 15 minutes and was able to give her 600 mg of Advil that I had at my desk. She complained that she still had a headache but I left her with the nurse and figured that the medicine would kick in in a little bit.
I was wrong. I was almost back to work when the nurse called me a second time to say that she and MAC were going to get MAC's lunch from her locker when she fell to the ground. It took them a concerted effort to get her back onto the bed. It was what we see at home when she has a seizure although the nurse said she did not hear any of the slurred speech that we have heard. The nurse asked that we come and pick MAC up.
I called her father and he went to pick her up. When I got home she was lying down listening to her IPod. We had dinner and I sat down, just for a minute, or so I thought. The next thing I knew it was 5:30 this morning. I guess that I needed the sleep. She had taken her pills, taken her shower and headed to bed without my having to tell her. It's nice that she has grown up enough to do that.
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