She wore her new uniform to school today. Light khaki pants, black belt, a light blue shirt and crocs. Surprisingly no one said a word to her about her sudden colorfulness. I wonder if it is because they didn't want to sound as if all black is negative or if no one other than her father and I noticed the difference.
She was so proud of herself when she put on the new clothes this morning. It was like the first day of school all over again. She got out of bed in record time, and even having to run to the car to get her new clothes didn't seem to phase her. We were late mostly because I wanted to change purses (and I hadn't packed lunches the night before).
It was exciting to see her in these new colorful clothes but tomorrow she will be wearing the same old black shirt and black shorts. Although I would have bought her a whole weeks worth of uniforms in the new colors Penny's only had one shirt and one pair of pants in her size. The uniform section was so picked over I felt really lucky to have found anything! I know the girls are out there that will fit into a size 0 or 1 but apparently they were not buying uniforms this year. It didn't appear that the size 17 girls were buying uniforms either. At 1/2 price the uniform pieces were a deal. If nothing else the items we buy from Penny's are well made. The uniforms we bought last year have lasted all the way to this year. We cut two of the pants down and made shorts from them.
I was so excited about the new pants that I called Mom this morning and asked her to check her Penny's when she went. She called me this afternoon and said that it looked as if their uniform section had been picked over too. She did find another 2 pairs of pants which we should see next weekend. YEAH MOM!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Two steps ahead
Another day, another doctor's office. I was able to get a good time so I picked her up after school and brought her lunch.
We walked out the door this morning on time. We made the school bus even though it came 5 minutes early. She says she had a good day at school in spite of having Italian. She was ravenous when she got in the car because even though she made it to school on time she did not have her lunch box. It was left on the counter.
We walked in to the doctor's office about 20 minutes before our appointment. I had her get her homework out and start. There was an accident on 175 that had the doctors 3:45 miss their appointment so we got in early. I was happy because I was hoping to go to Columbia Mall and pick up some new uniform items for MAC. She has chosen to have color in her wardrobe! AT LAST!
We went in smiling and came out smiling. It was noticed by other MSA staff that had worked with MAC during the IOP.
We did get to JC Penny’s but they only had one pair of pants in her size and only one shirt in the color that she wanted. I'll just have to go online and order more now that we know what size she is. She is so excited to wear it to school tomorrow: light khakis and a light blue shirt. Color at last. I only hope that someone at school says something. All last year all she wanted to wear was black shirts and black pants. Yeah therapy!
All those doctor's appointments have gotten us two steps ahead today!
We walked out the door this morning on time. We made the school bus even though it came 5 minutes early. She says she had a good day at school in spite of having Italian. She was ravenous when she got in the car because even though she made it to school on time she did not have her lunch box. It was left on the counter.
We walked in to the doctor's office about 20 minutes before our appointment. I had her get her homework out and start. There was an accident on 175 that had the doctors 3:45 miss their appointment so we got in early. I was happy because I was hoping to go to Columbia Mall and pick up some new uniform items for MAC. She has chosen to have color in her wardrobe! AT LAST!
We went in smiling and came out smiling. It was noticed by other MSA staff that had worked with MAC during the IOP.
We did get to JC Penny’s but they only had one pair of pants in her size and only one shirt in the color that she wanted. I'll just have to go online and order more now that we know what size she is. She is so excited to wear it to school tomorrow: light khakis and a light blue shirt. Color at last. I only hope that someone at school says something. All last year all she wanted to wear was black shirts and black pants. Yeah therapy!
All those doctor's appointments have gotten us two steps ahead today!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Home
There is nothing in the world like home. Even if the home is a mess and there are still dishes in the sink and laundry in the dryer. I usually don't get so nostalgic about leaving but coming home from camping is the best feeling in the whole world!
Let's just start by saying that I am not a camper. Hubby and MAC love camping so we usually go once a summer. We meet with my best friend from college and her family for a weekend of outdoor fun and camaraderie. She has two boys under two and MAC loves to make silly faces at them and play chase. This year we went to Knoebels in Pennsylvania.
Friday was a full day of school for her so we picked her up at the bus stop and then started the 3 and a half hour trip. We hit LOTS of traffic. Every time we thought we had gotten out of the congestion we hit another snag. We made amazingly good time and 4 and a half hours after leaving Crofton we arrived in Elysburg. The park was open until 10 so because we missed dinner we walked over and had pirogues and ice cream. (Yep, being a health conscious mom again.)
Friday night the temperature dropped from 84 degrees to 52. Oh, did I forget to tell you that we tent camp? My friend has a camper but we only camp once a year so a camper is out of the question. 52 degrees may not sound too bad when you're in a house with four solid walls but in a tent it is quite cold. Both Hubby and MAC said they slept pretty well and that they weren't cold, on the other hand I woke up several times during the night (three different times a car alarm went off) and added more clothing each time.
We spent Saturday at Knoebels amusement park. It is a free admission park, you pay only for the rides you go on. MAC enjoyed the roller coasters and I was able to go on a carousel that you can still catch brass rings on. We had so much fun that we didn't even go back and make s’mores, we closed out the park instead.
MAC had fun and had really great behavior all weekend. She even helped to break down the camp site this morning. Hubby seemed to enjoy himself and I had a great time but it really felt good to get home. (The shower felt really good too.)
Let's just start by saying that I am not a camper. Hubby and MAC love camping so we usually go once a summer. We meet with my best friend from college and her family for a weekend of outdoor fun and camaraderie. She has two boys under two and MAC loves to make silly faces at them and play chase. This year we went to Knoebels in Pennsylvania.
Friday was a full day of school for her so we picked her up at the bus stop and then started the 3 and a half hour trip. We hit LOTS of traffic. Every time we thought we had gotten out of the congestion we hit another snag. We made amazingly good time and 4 and a half hours after leaving Crofton we arrived in Elysburg. The park was open until 10 so because we missed dinner we walked over and had pirogues and ice cream. (Yep, being a health conscious mom again.)
Friday night the temperature dropped from 84 degrees to 52. Oh, did I forget to tell you that we tent camp? My friend has a camper but we only camp once a year so a camper is out of the question. 52 degrees may not sound too bad when you're in a house with four solid walls but in a tent it is quite cold. Both Hubby and MAC said they slept pretty well and that they weren't cold, on the other hand I woke up several times during the night (three different times a car alarm went off) and added more clothing each time.
We spent Saturday at Knoebels amusement park. It is a free admission park, you pay only for the rides you go on. MAC enjoyed the roller coasters and I was able to go on a carousel that you can still catch brass rings on. We had so much fun that we didn't even go back and make s’mores, we closed out the park instead.
MAC had fun and had really great behavior all weekend. She even helped to break down the camp site this morning. Hubby seemed to enjoy himself and I had a great time but it really felt good to get home. (The shower felt really good too.)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Running up that hill...
The day started off really well. Ok, almost really well. I woke up to Hubby laying next to me, which would have been great if it was a Saturday or Sunday morning. Seeing as it was a Thursday at 4:00am I shook him awake and almost yelled, "Did you call your supervisor?" Hubby kind of groaned and replied that he had gone into work for a few hours and then came home not feeling well.
Other than that, MAC got out of bed on time, had eaten breakfast, and was ready to go at 7:10. We made it to the bus on time. The bus actually was almost 5 minutes early so I think it is a good thing that we leave at 7:10 and get to the school around 7:18.
She called me right on time today and had even completed all of her homework by the time I picked her up.
The day seemed to be rolling right along and I came home feeling pretty good. I pulled into the parking spot and the tree scratched my car. I have been meaning to cut that tree back and just have not had any time. I have done three loads of laundry a day for the last 4 days trying to make sure that MAC has a clean uniform for school. (I know that we have 7 days worth of uniforms but at this time I can only find 3.)
I have been making lunches and doing loads of dishes too. I started packing for the camping trip last night and finished it today. I finally had it this evening. Hubby started rice for dinner and then had a group meeting, so he didn't have time to finish making anything else. I finished dinner and then started the actual packing.
MAC went out to play after dinner and had a great time. This is the first time in the 8 years that we have lived here that she went out to play and I didn't have a child come knocking on our door to "tattle" on her. She took her skateboard out and I gave her some money to buy an ice-cream from the ice-cream man. She came back in on time and took a shower without being prompted.
Hubby was at his meeting and MAC was outside playing and I finished the packing. Then MAC came in and dropped items in the middle of the floor and said, "I want a sandwich like you made me yesterday for lunch". I said, "I'm done being your maid!" Hubby came down and helped finish the gathering of camping gear. MAC came back down and took her pills.
It is now 9:30pm. I think we are ready for camping tomorrow. I will stop and get the groceries we need after I leave work at noon. I am really looking forward to a weekend away!
PS. We will be out of computer wifi range until Sunday. Please pray for nice weather for us.
Other than that, MAC got out of bed on time, had eaten breakfast, and was ready to go at 7:10. We made it to the bus on time. The bus actually was almost 5 minutes early so I think it is a good thing that we leave at 7:10 and get to the school around 7:18.
She called me right on time today and had even completed all of her homework by the time I picked her up.
The day seemed to be rolling right along and I came home feeling pretty good. I pulled into the parking spot and the tree scratched my car. I have been meaning to cut that tree back and just have not had any time. I have done three loads of laundry a day for the last 4 days trying to make sure that MAC has a clean uniform for school. (I know that we have 7 days worth of uniforms but at this time I can only find 3.)
I have been making lunches and doing loads of dishes too. I started packing for the camping trip last night and finished it today. I finally had it this evening. Hubby started rice for dinner and then had a group meeting, so he didn't have time to finish making anything else. I finished dinner and then started the actual packing.
MAC went out to play after dinner and had a great time. This is the first time in the 8 years that we have lived here that she went out to play and I didn't have a child come knocking on our door to "tattle" on her. She took her skateboard out and I gave her some money to buy an ice-cream from the ice-cream man. She came back in on time and took a shower without being prompted.
Hubby was at his meeting and MAC was outside playing and I finished the packing. Then MAC came in and dropped items in the middle of the floor and said, "I want a sandwich like you made me yesterday for lunch". I said, "I'm done being your maid!" Hubby came down and helped finish the gathering of camping gear. MAC came back down and took her pills.
It is now 9:30pm. I think we are ready for camping tomorrow. I will stop and get the groceries we need after I leave work at noon. I am really looking forward to a weekend away!
PS. We will be out of computer wifi range until Sunday. Please pray for nice weather for us.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
...And somedays you're the bug
So the fight has begun. She had homework last night which she didn't do until this morning. She had to get up early this morning because she needed a shower. I woke her up at 6:15 and then ran downstairs to get her uniform. I found lots of laundry and folded some, by the time I got back upstairs at 6:30 she still wasn't up. I made her get up and she took her shower. She didn’t eat any breakfast but we did still make it to the bus on time.
She finished her homework in the car (in pen which I had to give her, because she forgot to get herself a pencil) and we were still able to be hung at the scratch off hang man game that we play each morning.
This afternoon she had homework from two classes, one of which she did in class and the other she did in the car on the way home. I was really happy that she didn't put up a fight about doing the homework. Of course this evening I went into her binders and found 2 total pages of notes. (2 days + 6 classes each day=more notes than that!) She said they were just playing games getting to know each other.
I had to buy a new lock from the school because the key lock she begged for is prohibited. I asked her for the lock this evening and she says she doesn't know where it is. It makes me a little mad. Finding that she has already "forgot" to get her signature paper signed, makes me a little mad. Trying to help her get organized and having her tell me that she can't remember which class the papers scrunched at the bottom of her bag are from, makes me mad.
As you can tell I'm a little mad right now. We just had a 5 minute battle of her ripping the living room apart and shoving things back willy nilly while she "looked" for her lock. Her father ended up coming from upstairs and joining the search. It is never a pretty thing for the three of us to be angry at the same time.
The afternoon started with my mechanic calling to tell me that my front brakes were shot and I needed to replace them or the car would not be safe. $340 later my car will make it to Pennsylvania safely. MAC was late again so I worried for 20 minutes while I waited for her phone call. this evening has ended with my making lunches for the family and trying to put the living room back together.
I was hoping for a wonderful post for my blog monthaversary but today I was "the bug". I still have to go pack for the family for our camping trip this weekend. I was going to explain the bamboo in the picture today but that will just have to wait for another day.
She finished her homework in the car (in pen which I had to give her, because she forgot to get herself a pencil) and we were still able to be hung at the scratch off hang man game that we play each morning.
This afternoon she had homework from two classes, one of which she did in class and the other she did in the car on the way home. I was really happy that she didn't put up a fight about doing the homework. Of course this evening I went into her binders and found 2 total pages of notes. (2 days + 6 classes each day=more notes than that!) She said they were just playing games getting to know each other.
I had to buy a new lock from the school because the key lock she begged for is prohibited. I asked her for the lock this evening and she says she doesn't know where it is. It makes me a little mad. Finding that she has already "forgot" to get her signature paper signed, makes me a little mad. Trying to help her get organized and having her tell me that she can't remember which class the papers scrunched at the bottom of her bag are from, makes me mad.
As you can tell I'm a little mad right now. We just had a 5 minute battle of her ripping the living room apart and shoving things back willy nilly while she "looked" for her lock. Her father ended up coming from upstairs and joining the search. It is never a pretty thing for the three of us to be angry at the same time.
The afternoon started with my mechanic calling to tell me that my front brakes were shot and I needed to replace them or the car would not be safe. $340 later my car will make it to Pennsylvania safely. MAC was late again so I worried for 20 minutes while I waited for her phone call. this evening has ended with my making lunches for the family and trying to put the living room back together.
I was hoping for a wonderful post for my blog monthaversary but today I was "the bug". I still have to go pack for the family for our camping trip this weekend. I was going to explain the bamboo in the picture today but that will just have to wait for another day.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Yes, yes it is almost 11:30 at night but we had a really busy day! 6am came awfully early this morning and I know it will tomorrow too. When I went to wake her this morning she asked for her normal 5 extra minutes and I let her have them.
We were the first at the bus stop today. MAC said that there are about 20 people on her bus this year. This is amazing since last year there only appeared to be 8! It's a new bus driver and we are so happy, she seems to actually like kids.
MAC says she likes her science teacher (this does seem to be a theme for her). I will be very interested to meet all of her teachers at the Back to School Night next month. I am thankful for the fact that she doesn't have that many teachers. Because she is in the PVA on B days she has a double period of vocal (which for other students is 2 encore classes). This means that instead of 9 classes she only has 8, and 4 of them are the same everyday.
I love the beginning of the school year. Everyone is so hopeful for the coming school year and people are happy to be heading in (ok everyone except the teachers). Yes, my neighbor is a high school teacher and I don't know who is more excited about the end of the school year MAC or him.
Just to round out the day we had our first girl scout meeting tonight. It went really well. We only have 6 girls but they seem ready to start the year. We have begun the process of earning the Silver Award, it will take about 50 hours over the next two years. MAC wasn't sure if she wanted to continue this year but I was happy that she wanted me to sign her up at the end of last year anyway. She made it through the entire meeting and other than a few off center remarks she too did a GREAT job. I have to remind myself that some of the remarks are just the "teenage" thing setting in.
Yes it is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, school has started and everyone is excited for a fresh start.
We were the first at the bus stop today. MAC said that there are about 20 people on her bus this year. This is amazing since last year there only appeared to be 8! It's a new bus driver and we are so happy, she seems to actually like kids.
MAC says she likes her science teacher (this does seem to be a theme for her). I will be very interested to meet all of her teachers at the Back to School Night next month. I am thankful for the fact that she doesn't have that many teachers. Because she is in the PVA on B days she has a double period of vocal (which for other students is 2 encore classes). This means that instead of 9 classes she only has 8, and 4 of them are the same everyday.
I love the beginning of the school year. Everyone is so hopeful for the coming school year and people are happy to be heading in (ok everyone except the teachers). Yes, my neighbor is a high school teacher and I don't know who is more excited about the end of the school year MAC or him.
Just to round out the day we had our first girl scout meeting tonight. It went really well. We only have 6 girls but they seem ready to start the year. We have begun the process of earning the Silver Award, it will take about 50 hours over the next two years. MAC wasn't sure if she wanted to continue this year but I was happy that she wanted me to sign her up at the end of last year anyway. She made it through the entire meeting and other than a few off center remarks she too did a GREAT job. I have to remind myself that some of the remarks are just the "teenage" thing setting in.
Yes it is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, school has started and everyone is excited for a fresh start.
Monday, August 23, 2010
It's the final countdown!
Ok, so we are at the start of the school year count down. T minus 11 hours and 40 minutes until the first day of school for MAC. The back pack is packed. The lunch is in the fridge. The summer work is done. I have downloaded the bus schedule and have a clean uniform ready for her to wear tomorrow. I am hoping that this means that everything will go smoothly tomorrow morning when I walk into her room at 6:15 and wake her up.
If the fact that she had to come back down after her shower, twice, to finish something is any indication we may have some problems. She has told us twice that she has finished her summer work and twice I have found blank spots on the paper. She had also forgotten to take her pills.
She and I set up her two 1 inch binders. She has one binder for her morning classes and one binder for her afternoon classes. The binders are two different colors so she can tell them apart. I bought the reinforced three ring binder paper this year because last year her notes kept tearing out of her binder. She choose the pencils and pens that she is taking to use and decided on her own lock (a key one this year).
She has taken her cell phone to her bedroom to charge and will take it tomorrow so that she can call me when she gets to Mom and Dad's in the afternoon.
I think we are as ready as we can be. T minus 11 hours and 20 minutes!
If the fact that she had to come back down after her shower, twice, to finish something is any indication we may have some problems. She has told us twice that she has finished her summer work and twice I have found blank spots on the paper. She had also forgotten to take her pills.
She and I set up her two 1 inch binders. She has one binder for her morning classes and one binder for her afternoon classes. The binders are two different colors so she can tell them apart. I bought the reinforced three ring binder paper this year because last year her notes kept tearing out of her binder. She choose the pencils and pens that she is taking to use and decided on her own lock (a key one this year).
She has taken her cell phone to her bedroom to charge and will take it tomorrow so that she can call me when she gets to Mom and Dad's in the afternoon.
I think we are as ready as we can be. T minus 11 hours and 20 minutes!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Happy Birthday!
This morning we got a phone call from my mother in law. She was reminding us of our nephews birthday party this afternoon. Of course this would have been a reminder if I had known about it in the first place! Hubby went to help them move about 5 weeks ago and was told about the party. He said he would put it on the calendar. After moving 3 bedrooms worth of furniture and a living room he forgot.
MAC and I were going to go grocery shopping but went to Target in Glen Burnie to get a gift and wrapping right before the party. She and I met everyone at the North Arundel Aquatic Center for the party. As usual MAC was the oldest child there. It didn't matter, she had a wonderful time. Although the kids at the party were younger she was able to relate to them and they to her. There was a lot of laughing and a whole lot of splashing. It was great!
She had the best day today in over three weeks. After the party we still went to the grocery store and we had a quick trip to Michael's because she has figured out what she wants to be for Halloween. No she doesn't go trick or treating anymore, but she likes to be dressed up when she passes out candy. She has earned an extra 3 buttons today. YEAH MAC!
MAC and I were going to go grocery shopping but went to Target in Glen Burnie to get a gift and wrapping right before the party. She and I met everyone at the North Arundel Aquatic Center for the party. As usual MAC was the oldest child there. It didn't matter, she had a wonderful time. Although the kids at the party were younger she was able to relate to them and they to her. There was a lot of laughing and a whole lot of splashing. It was great!
She had the best day today in over three weeks. After the party we still went to the grocery store and we had a quick trip to Michael's because she has figured out what she wants to be for Halloween. No she doesn't go trick or treating anymore, but she likes to be dressed up when she passes out candy. She has earned an extra 3 buttons today. YEAH MAC!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
...and she's back!
We left the house at 10am this morning to go and meet my parents half way and get our daughter. I had googled directions to the restaurant we were supposed to meet them at and it said 2hours 15 minutes. We were supposed to meet at noon but I figured we'd make the 15 minutes somewhere because once we get into Virginia we usually have straight open highway.
Please notice the use of the word "usually"! It appeared things might be going wrong when we had to turn around at the library to go back and get the cooler for MAC's creamery chocolate milk. Things definitely took a wrong turn when I got onto route 50 at 424 and found that the wonderful state of Maryland had decided to take the highway from 3 lanes down to 1. It took us almost 40 minutes to travel what usually takes 10.
I hate driving. When Hubby and I were first dating I had 2 minor accidents in a week and called him and told him I never wanted to drive again. Yes, go ahead and make Asian driver jokes, he sure did. (And actually continues to do so to this day.) If I could "blink" myself like Genie I would. I would even volunteer myself as a human guinea pig when scientists get a real transporter system ready for testing, as long as I could then be beamed where ever I wanted if I survived.
We hit traffic around DC, we hit traffic outside DC, we hit traffic in Gainsville, and pretty much all the way to Culpeper. We were an hour late to meet Mom, Dad and MAC. Let's just say that I was not in a wonderful and gracious mood when we got there. They had apparently hit some traffic as well so they had only been sitting there for 30 min.
We had to stop and get gas on the way home, so we didn't make it back until 5. Google maps brought us home a different way and once again there was a lot of construction going on. Does anyone else out there think that bringing 4 lane highways to 2 lanes during the middle of the morning is a good idea?
I was really excited because tonight is a pre-season Football game between the Redskins and Ravens. MAC and her father LOVE the Redskins, I root for the Ravens. I figured this would be good bonding time for the three of us. She watched it with us during dinner. She wouldn't let either of us sit too close to her, and squealed when I touched her toe. Now we are almost half way through the game and she has "retired" to her room to sleep. I said, "I missed you." She looked at me as if I had two heads. She's back!
Please notice the use of the word "usually"! It appeared things might be going wrong when we had to turn around at the library to go back and get the cooler for MAC's creamery chocolate milk. Things definitely took a wrong turn when I got onto route 50 at 424 and found that the wonderful state of Maryland had decided to take the highway from 3 lanes down to 1. It took us almost 40 minutes to travel what usually takes 10.
I hate driving. When Hubby and I were first dating I had 2 minor accidents in a week and called him and told him I never wanted to drive again. Yes, go ahead and make Asian driver jokes, he sure did. (And actually continues to do so to this day.) If I could "blink" myself like Genie I would. I would even volunteer myself as a human guinea pig when scientists get a real transporter system ready for testing, as long as I could then be beamed where ever I wanted if I survived.
We hit traffic around DC, we hit traffic outside DC, we hit traffic in Gainsville, and pretty much all the way to Culpeper. We were an hour late to meet Mom, Dad and MAC. Let's just say that I was not in a wonderful and gracious mood when we got there. They had apparently hit some traffic as well so they had only been sitting there for 30 min.
We had to stop and get gas on the way home, so we didn't make it back until 5. Google maps brought us home a different way and once again there was a lot of construction going on. Does anyone else out there think that bringing 4 lane highways to 2 lanes during the middle of the morning is a good idea?
I was really excited because tonight is a pre-season Football game between the Redskins and Ravens. MAC and her father LOVE the Redskins, I root for the Ravens. I figured this would be good bonding time for the three of us. She watched it with us during dinner. She wouldn't let either of us sit too close to her, and squealed when I touched her toe. Now we are almost half way through the game and she has "retired" to her room to sleep. I said, "I missed you." She looked at me as if I had two heads. She's back!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Planning
All week long I have been waiting for today. Friday. The end of the work week. To be more specific I have been waiting for about 8pm on Friday. No there's nothing in particular on TV that I want to watch, nor is there a movie I am planning on seeing. It is just that Friday around 8 is when I usually let the work week go and begin to think about the weekend.
Of course I plan the weekend. Last week we needed to:
1) finish the school supply shopping,
2) grocery shopping,
3) I was dying for some really good bacon (to make BLT's),
4) and then cleaning off the tables.
The extra 7 hours of sleep on Saturday made getting everything done a little harder. (The tables did not get cleaned.) This weekend we need to:
1) pick MAC up from her grandparents,
2) grocery shop
3) and get her back pack ready for school on Tuesday.
Nothing drives Hubby and MAC crazier than my planning. They really want to be able to "just do whatever". The problem is that "whatever" means something usually gets forgotten.
Next week, we are going on a three day camping trip. We do one family camping trip each year with a friend of mine from college. She and her family and the three of us meet for a weekend every summer and just get away. I have to start the planning process for what we need to pack and get ready. Last year we were very lucky, and our camp site was only 45 minutes away from our house. Even with my planning we left several needed items at home and Hubby had to run back and get them.
This year we need to have everything packed because we will not be near the house or too near a place to get something we might have left.
Ok, so lets start the list:
1) Tent
2) Clothes for 3 days for each of us
3) Swim suits, towels, and sunscreen…
Of course I plan the weekend. Last week we needed to:
1) finish the school supply shopping,
2) grocery shopping,
3) I was dying for some really good bacon (to make BLT's),
4) and then cleaning off the tables.
The extra 7 hours of sleep on Saturday made getting everything done a little harder. (The tables did not get cleaned.) This weekend we need to:
1) pick MAC up from her grandparents,
2) grocery shop
3) and get her back pack ready for school on Tuesday.
Nothing drives Hubby and MAC crazier than my planning. They really want to be able to "just do whatever". The problem is that "whatever" means something usually gets forgotten.
Next week, we are going on a three day camping trip. We do one family camping trip each year with a friend of mine from college. She and her family and the three of us meet for a weekend every summer and just get away. I have to start the planning process for what we need to pack and get ready. Last year we were very lucky, and our camp site was only 45 minutes away from our house. Even with my planning we left several needed items at home and Hubby had to run back and get them.
This year we need to have everything packed because we will not be near the house or too near a place to get something we might have left.
Ok, so lets start the list:
1) Tent
2) Clothes for 3 days for each of us
3) Swim suits, towels, and sunscreen…
Thursday, August 19, 2010
And then again...
So I spoke with Mom twice today. MAC refused to speak with me both times. It sounded like they were having a difficult day. I am assuming that MAC thought she was going to the creamery to get the biggest chocolate ice cream and Grammy said she could only get a double scoop.
I wrote yesterday that I thought around 1 today I would start to miss her. After the first phone call I was a little sad. Tonight is Thursday and we usually watch Glee together. It was a really busy day at work and I didn't have much time to think about missing her, but on my way home I made my second call. She still didn't want to talk to me.
It appears that Fox is running a football game tonight and that Glee was on on Tuesday instead. So sad.
Hubby and I had another nice dinner this evening and I was even able to vacuum a little. I am very excited to be able to walk in my living room without stepping on cocoa crispy's or water that has spilled from one of the four glasses she usually decides she must have.
The "missing" part hasn't really set in yet. Maybe three days is the perfect amount of time!
I wrote yesterday that I thought around 1 today I would start to miss her. After the first phone call I was a little sad. Tonight is Thursday and we usually watch Glee together. It was a really busy day at work and I didn't have much time to think about missing her, but on my way home I made my second call. She still didn't want to talk to me.
It appears that Fox is running a football game tonight and that Glee was on on Tuesday instead. So sad.
Hubby and I had another nice dinner this evening and I was even able to vacuum a little. I am very excited to be able to walk in my living room without stepping on cocoa crispy's or water that has spilled from one of the four glasses she usually decides she must have.
The "missing" part hasn't really set in yet. Maybe three days is the perfect amount of time!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Bad Mommy!
Well, I feel like a horrible mommy today. No, it wasn't the fact that MAC was nasty because I asked her to brush her teeth. Nor, was it the fact that she refused to talk on the phone with me this afternoon. It is because I am feeling "FREE, FREE, FREE"! Her grandparents drove up from Virginia yesterday and the three of them left this morning to go back.
This leaves me and Hubby by ourselves for three wonderful quiet days. I was able to go meet a friend from church this evening, after having a nice dinner with Hubby that we like and MAC doesn't . We...gasp...even got to watch a little TV that wasn't iCarly or The Suite Life on Deck. I have started cleaning the house and I know that it will be in pretty much the same shape when I get home tomorrow that I leave it in (no candy wrappers on the floor). I can dance around the living room in my night clothes if I want without a, "You're SOOOOO embarrassing MOM!"
Of course I feel like this today. I might even feel like this for about half a day tomorrow, but starting around 1ish tomorrow I know that I'll begin to miss her. I live for the times when I can get a half smile from her. Even knowing that she's not really listening it is nice to hear her voice on the phone when I call to remind her of something during the day. By the time I see her on Saturday afternoon I'll want to hug her, and this morning will repeat itself.
Yes, I was a bad Mommy today. I woke her up before I left for work because I wanted a hug. (Yes I got one because she was sleepy.) She decided that she wanted to go watch some TV and I asked her to go brush her teeth so she could pack her toothbrush. (She still left it on the bathroom sink.) I thought she might like her allowance before she left and I asked her to do her chores of feeding and watering the cat. (Lots of grumbling but yes it got done.) I went and spent almost 2 hours at the school today talking to the nurse and the guidance counselor. Yep...definitely Bad Mommy!
This leaves me and Hubby by ourselves for three wonderful quiet days. I was able to go meet a friend from church this evening, after having a nice dinner with Hubby that we like and MAC doesn't . We...gasp...even got to watch a little TV that wasn't iCarly or The Suite Life on Deck. I have started cleaning the house and I know that it will be in pretty much the same shape when I get home tomorrow that I leave it in (no candy wrappers on the floor). I can dance around the living room in my night clothes if I want without a, "You're SOOOOO embarrassing MOM!"
Of course I feel like this today. I might even feel like this for about half a day tomorrow, but starting around 1ish tomorrow I know that I'll begin to miss her. I live for the times when I can get a half smile from her. Even knowing that she's not really listening it is nice to hear her voice on the phone when I call to remind her of something during the day. By the time I see her on Saturday afternoon I'll want to hug her, and this morning will repeat itself.
Yes, I was a bad Mommy today. I woke her up before I left for work because I wanted a hug. (Yes I got one because she was sleepy.) She decided that she wanted to go watch some TV and I asked her to go brush her teeth so she could pack her toothbrush. (She still left it on the bathroom sink.) I thought she might like her allowance before she left and I asked her to do her chores of feeding and watering the cat. (Lots of grumbling but yes it got done.) I went and spent almost 2 hours at the school today talking to the nurse and the guidance counselor. Yep...definitely Bad Mommy!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Make New Friends
We had dinner out tonight. Yes I know, that doesn't seem to be anything new and exciting but it was fun. We went to MAC's friend’s house for pizza. Yes I know that doesn't sound all that exciting either but when you eat as many Tortino's pizza's as we do, having someone go to the trouble of using homemade tomato sauce and seasoning sausage to make a pizza for dinner is extraordinary.
It was originally going to be just MAC and I but we are now sharing one car so Hubby had to bring her out and stay around. I had met this family last Tuesday at the Baysox game but this was the first time that he met the group.
MAC's friend is the oldest of three children and he will be joining her at Bates' PVA next week. He has a younger brother and an even younger sister. His mother is a stay at home mom who is juggling double the appointments that I am, with a toddler in tow. When I stop to think about it, two kids with the types of problems that MAC has, and a toddler it just about blows my mind! I don't know how she does it.
We spent 2 1/2 hours at their house this evening. Both Hubby and I felt comfortable and befriended. That takes a lot for him.
About an hour after we got home I got a call from my best friend from college. We spoke for about 45 minutes. Tonight reminded me of the old Girl Scout song "Make New Friends": Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold.
I hope that one day both of these friendships will be considered gold then I will start another silver one!
It was originally going to be just MAC and I but we are now sharing one car so Hubby had to bring her out and stay around. I had met this family last Tuesday at the Baysox game but this was the first time that he met the group.
MAC's friend is the oldest of three children and he will be joining her at Bates' PVA next week. He has a younger brother and an even younger sister. His mother is a stay at home mom who is juggling double the appointments that I am, with a toddler in tow. When I stop to think about it, two kids with the types of problems that MAC has, and a toddler it just about blows my mind! I don't know how she does it.
We spent 2 1/2 hours at their house this evening. Both Hubby and I felt comfortable and befriended. That takes a lot for him.
About an hour after we got home I got a call from my best friend from college. We spoke for about 45 minutes. Tonight reminded me of the old Girl Scout song "Make New Friends": Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold.
I hope that one day both of these friendships will be considered gold then I will start another silver one!
Monday, August 16, 2010
If just one person...
I have been struggling with what is appropriate behavior for MAC and what is normal behavior for a teenager. I was having a great lunch with a friend today when it hit me, she really is a teen. She will be turning 13 in April and in just a week she will be starting 7th grade. She has started the monthly fun of womanhood and has even got a forehead full of acne.
I have been very proud of her this summer. She has come out of the Intensive Outpatient Program with compliments from the instructors. She has learned to control her temper in a group. She has begun to write how her day went in her calendar. She has earned an allowance every week since we started the button reward system.
Sometimes she acts so grownup, than there are the other times like this evening when I find that she has eaten everything her heart desired today: 3 single bags of chips, 1/2 bag of Haribo cola bottles, a pack of pop tarts, lots of cocoa crispy cereal, and 6 (count them...6) fruit roll ups. What made me maddest was the fact that when I came home she had left all of her wrappers on the floor. Oh...that and the three days worth of dishes she had shoved under the couch so she didn't have to put them in the dish washer.
Right before I left work today a song from the Musical "Snoopy" came on my iTunes it is called Just One Person and goes like this: If just one person believes in you, deep enough and strong enough believes in you, hard enough and long enough, before you knew it someone else will think if he can do it than I can do it, making it two. Two whole people believe in you. And if two whole people believe in you, deep enough and strong enough believe in you, hard enough and long enough there's bound to be some other person who believes in making it a threesome. Making it three, people you can say "believe in me". And if three whole people why not more, and if four whole people why not more, and more, and more. And when all those people believe in you, deep enough and strong enough believe in you, hard enough and long enough it stands to reason, you yourself will start to see what everybody sees in you. Then maybe even you, can believe in you too.
I have to remind myself that due to the issues she doesn't believe in herself. I have to be the "one person" and hopefully one day she will believe in herself like I do.
I have been very proud of her this summer. She has come out of the Intensive Outpatient Program with compliments from the instructors. She has learned to control her temper in a group. She has begun to write how her day went in her calendar. She has earned an allowance every week since we started the button reward system.
Sometimes she acts so grownup, than there are the other times like this evening when I find that she has eaten everything her heart desired today: 3 single bags of chips, 1/2 bag of Haribo cola bottles, a pack of pop tarts, lots of cocoa crispy cereal, and 6 (count them...6) fruit roll ups. What made me maddest was the fact that when I came home she had left all of her wrappers on the floor. Oh...that and the three days worth of dishes she had shoved under the couch so she didn't have to put them in the dish washer.
Right before I left work today a song from the Musical "Snoopy" came on my iTunes it is called Just One Person and goes like this: If just one person believes in you, deep enough and strong enough believes in you, hard enough and long enough, before you knew it someone else will think if he can do it than I can do it, making it two. Two whole people believe in you. And if two whole people believe in you, deep enough and strong enough believe in you, hard enough and long enough there's bound to be some other person who believes in making it a threesome. Making it three, people you can say "believe in me". And if three whole people why not more, and if four whole people why not more, and more, and more. And when all those people believe in you, deep enough and strong enough believe in you, hard enough and long enough it stands to reason, you yourself will start to see what everybody sees in you. Then maybe even you, can believe in you too.
I have to remind myself that due to the issues she doesn't believe in herself. I have to be the "one person" and hopefully one day she will believe in herself like I do.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
And the surprise for the day
We decided to skip church today. PoP Music wasn't playing this week and for once I didn't have anything else to do during the service, so we all slept in a little.
MAC and I went out this afternoon and did a little shopping at the beauty store and at Safeway. She got the cutest pink wig at Otakon but the wig cap which came with it was not so sturdy and for the last week she has moped around the house because she couldn't get all her hair under the wig. I told her last week that we could go to a beauty supply store and try to find a new one.
When I told her 45 minutes until we left she made sure that she was dressed and ready to go on time. Yeah!!
We went to the beauty supply store in Bowie. I have never seen so many wigs in so many different styles in all my life. We found not only a wig cap but also a new style of wig cap that was pink just like her wig. She was so excited and could hardly wait to get home to get her wig on.
We also went to Safeway for our weekly shopping trip. During the shopping trip we discussed her upcoming visit with her Grandparents and the fact that she would need to start going to bed earlier and getting up before 11. She surprised me by saying yes she really wanted to go to Virginia and that she knew she would need to start going to bed earlier. She behaved really well and didn't even ask for anything but donuts for tomorrow.
And the best part of the whole day...she did head to bed without any coercion by her father or myself.
MAC and I went out this afternoon and did a little shopping at the beauty store and at Safeway. She got the cutest pink wig at Otakon but the wig cap which came with it was not so sturdy and for the last week she has moped around the house because she couldn't get all her hair under the wig. I told her last week that we could go to a beauty supply store and try to find a new one.
When I told her 45 minutes until we left she made sure that she was dressed and ready to go on time. Yeah!!
We went to the beauty supply store in Bowie. I have never seen so many wigs in so many different styles in all my life. We found not only a wig cap but also a new style of wig cap that was pink just like her wig. She was so excited and could hardly wait to get home to get her wig on.
We also went to Safeway for our weekly shopping trip. During the shopping trip we discussed her upcoming visit with her Grandparents and the fact that she would need to start going to bed earlier and getting up before 11. She surprised me by saying yes she really wanted to go to Virginia and that she knew she would need to start going to bed earlier. She behaved really well and didn't even ask for anything but donuts for tomorrow.
And the best part of the whole day...she did head to bed without any coercion by her father or myself.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Lazy days of summer
Today was a lazy day at the house. After all the running about all week we enjoyed the cooler afternoon. We went to the butcher and had a wine tasting at Annapolis Wine cellars.
MAC wasn't sure that she wanted to go, but after sleeping until 11:30 this morning I thought it was important for her to get out. We bought a baguette and she snacked while we tasted.
It felt good to do nothing today. We all had a really nice dinner together and she went to bed by 9. (I am not looking forward to making her go to bed at 8 in the coming week in anticipation for school.)
MAC wasn't sure that she wanted to go, but after sleeping until 11:30 this morning I thought it was important for her to get out. We bought a baguette and she snacked while we tasted.
It felt good to do nothing today. We all had a really nice dinner together and she went to bed by 9. (I am not looking forward to making her go to bed at 8 in the coming week in anticipation for school.)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Letting my hair down
Ok, so every once in a while when I've had a really unpleasent day at work I will come home and have a glass of wine. It is not something I do on a regular basis since I tend to get tipsy on that one glass. (Yes I know that is really sorry for a grown woman to say but it's true.) Today we were supposed to be making our own sushi with a long time friend CG (no relation to SG).
Unfortunately he was not able to purchase the fish that is a necessary part of sushi. They had told him on Wednesday that the truck would be in on Friday but when he stopped after work they said it would be in tomorrow. Of course that doesn't help us much tonight.
MAC is not a huge fan of sushi but she really likes the rice. I had picked up a Pickachu rice ball maker at Otakon and she has tried to make everything that might fit into a Pickachu shape into an edible Pickachu. We were all planning on meeting at CG's house and rolling. Hubby had gone to the Asian market today and got the roe, cucumber, avocado and even some peppers. He had been really proactive and sliced all the cucumber and cooked 2 pots of sushi rice.
When we found out that there was not going to be any fish CG, Hubby and I decided to just go out for dinner. MAC decided to stay home and eat Pickachu rice balls. We thought we'd leave about CG’s house around 6:30, we didn't leave until 8:00pm. We decided to go to a local restaurant that I love, Otani, instead of going to Rockville. That way we could still get sushi and it was close enough we wouldn't be out too late.
It was very freeing to go to a restaurant and not have to worry about MAC getting bored, or starting to complain. It was so freeing that I asked for a bottle of plum wine to share. We each had 1 glass, I only had little bits after that but it got to me. I said after the first round of sushi that I thought the wine had filled me up, the guys just laughed. They both agreed that the wine was good and that the sushi was great.
I really didn't mind feeling a little out of control because MAC wasn't there. It was definitely like the old saying of "going out and letting your hair down". It was a fun Friday evening and it was great that Hubby was feeling pretty good. I will never bad mouth Friday the 13th again!
Unfortunately he was not able to purchase the fish that is a necessary part of sushi. They had told him on Wednesday that the truck would be in on Friday but when he stopped after work they said it would be in tomorrow. Of course that doesn't help us much tonight.
MAC is not a huge fan of sushi but she really likes the rice. I had picked up a Pickachu rice ball maker at Otakon and she has tried to make everything that might fit into a Pickachu shape into an edible Pickachu. We were all planning on meeting at CG's house and rolling. Hubby had gone to the Asian market today and got the roe, cucumber, avocado and even some peppers. He had been really proactive and sliced all the cucumber and cooked 2 pots of sushi rice.
When we found out that there was not going to be any fish CG, Hubby and I decided to just go out for dinner. MAC decided to stay home and eat Pickachu rice balls. We thought we'd leave about CG’s house around 6:30, we didn't leave until 8:00pm. We decided to go to a local restaurant that I love, Otani, instead of going to Rockville. That way we could still get sushi and it was close enough we wouldn't be out too late.
It was very freeing to go to a restaurant and not have to worry about MAC getting bored, or starting to complain. It was so freeing that I asked for a bottle of plum wine to share. We each had 1 glass, I only had little bits after that but it got to me. I said after the first round of sushi that I thought the wine had filled me up, the guys just laughed. They both agreed that the wine was good and that the sushi was great.
I really didn't mind feeling a little out of control because MAC wasn't there. It was definitely like the old saying of "going out and letting your hair down". It was a fun Friday evening and it was great that Hubby was feeling pretty good. I will never bad mouth Friday the 13th again!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Button, button who's got the button?
Today has been a 3 big button day! MAC got up this morning because I had asked her to put out the recycling and if she took it out she'd get 2 big buttons. She had forgotten to do it last night so I woke her up before I left. We missed last week's, so we had 2 bins to put out. When I got home she brought the bins back in before the rain and got another big button.
She has also earned 5 small buttons. She has been invited to her friend's house but I needed to call and talk to his Mom about dates and time. I knew I was going to be busy so I asked her to call and remind me to call his parents. She did, and left a very nice message, "Hi Mom it's me MAC. You told me to call and remind you to call T's parents so I am. Later." She earned 2 little buttons for remembering to call and 2 small buttons for leaving a message that I understood. She took her pill this morning which earned her another small button.
We have just recently started using the "button method" again. She has a list of chores she needs to do (and a time to do them by) and will earn a button for each chore she does. A big button is worth .25 and a small one is worth .05. At the end of the week she gets to turn all her buttons in for her allowance. We have also told her that if she earns a certain amount of big buttons she can earn other prizes, such as her ticket to Otakon.
The last time we used the button method it worked for about two weeks. So far it has been working for 5 weeks. I am interested to see how this continues during the school year. We have gotten the first e-mail from the school and the first voice mail from the school system for the year. Bates' PVA has sent out the after school schedule and the school system has its back to school information day this Saturday at Target in Annapolis.
She has also earned 5 small buttons. She has been invited to her friend's house but I needed to call and talk to his Mom about dates and time. I knew I was going to be busy so I asked her to call and remind me to call his parents. She did, and left a very nice message, "Hi Mom it's me MAC. You told me to call and remind you to call T's parents so I am. Later." She earned 2 little buttons for remembering to call and 2 small buttons for leaving a message that I understood. She took her pill this morning which earned her another small button.
We have just recently started using the "button method" again. She has a list of chores she needs to do (and a time to do them by) and will earn a button for each chore she does. A big button is worth .25 and a small one is worth .05. At the end of the week she gets to turn all her buttons in for her allowance. We have also told her that if she earns a certain amount of big buttons she can earn other prizes, such as her ticket to Otakon.
The last time we used the button method it worked for about two weeks. So far it has been working for 5 weeks. I am interested to see how this continues during the school year. We have gotten the first e-mail from the school and the first voice mail from the school system for the year. Bates' PVA has sent out the after school schedule and the school system has its back to school information day this Saturday at Target in Annapolis.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Lunch
Ok, so it is not the most interesting of titles but this was one of the best lunches I have had. My mother is back in the area and had taken MAC out to do a little school shopping (I just love the rainbow socks)! When the discussion came to lunch MAC said that she would like to meet me for lunch. We decided on Chick-fil-a.
I don't know if you have ever been to a Chick-fil-a but they have the best chicken sandwiches around. And to top it all off, I even had a coupon. I got their new spicy chicken sandwich and a diet lemonade. The waffle fries are just to die for, and so of course I got some with my meal. MAC used the coupon and got a chicken nugget kids meal.
She isn't really a "kid" any more but she has been finding that sometimes she is really not that hungry. I think today she wasn't quite so interested in eating as she had been in going to the bookstore after the clothes shopping.
Mom was healthful and got a grilled chicken sandwich and cole slaw. We discussed the upcoming family trip next February and the potential for MAC to go to Mom and Dad's Virginia house next week.
While lunch was not exciting because of where we went, it was exciting because we went together and had some nice conversation. We ordered our meals, we sat down at a table, we ate and talked like a normal family. It was lunch.
I don't know if you have ever been to a Chick-fil-a but they have the best chicken sandwiches around. And to top it all off, I even had a coupon. I got their new spicy chicken sandwich and a diet lemonade. The waffle fries are just to die for, and so of course I got some with my meal. MAC used the coupon and got a chicken nugget kids meal.
She isn't really a "kid" any more but she has been finding that sometimes she is really not that hungry. I think today she wasn't quite so interested in eating as she had been in going to the bookstore after the clothes shopping.
Mom was healthful and got a grilled chicken sandwich and cole slaw. We discussed the upcoming family trip next February and the potential for MAC to go to Mom and Dad's Virginia house next week.
While lunch was not exciting because of where we went, it was exciting because we went together and had some nice conversation. We ordered our meals, we sat down at a table, we ate and talked like a normal family. It was lunch.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Some days you're the windshield...
This was one of those days when the moon must have been in the right house because it was wonderful!
I called MAC from work today and she spoke to me in a civil tone. She answered all my questions, and even made plans to meet her Grandmother tomorrow.
I called from the road on my way home to make sure she was dressed appropriately for our evening at the Baysox. She answered all my questions in a nice tone and was ready to go when I opened the door. Dinner was great, she ate all of her meal and even had lemonade since she wanted soda at the game. We got to the game at 5:45 and waited for her friend and his family. She was slightly impatient but did not go into a meltdown.
We made it through the entire game without an incident. Between her friend’s family and the two of us we spilled 5 sodas but by the 3rd one all we could do was laugh. The kids played at the play park and we even had some ice cream. The Baysox lost but the fireworks were worth the wait. And she did wait tonight.
We waited to get in to the game, we waited for the game to start, we waited in line for the soda, we waited in line at the play park, we waited in line for ice cream, and we waited for the end of the game to be able to see the fireworks. She did an awesome job being a friend and I was so proud of her! After the last two days, today felt great.
I called MAC from work today and she spoke to me in a civil tone. She answered all my questions, and even made plans to meet her Grandmother tomorrow.
I called from the road on my way home to make sure she was dressed appropriately for our evening at the Baysox. She answered all my questions in a nice tone and was ready to go when I opened the door. Dinner was great, she ate all of her meal and even had lemonade since she wanted soda at the game. We got to the game at 5:45 and waited for her friend and his family. She was slightly impatient but did not go into a meltdown.
We made it through the entire game without an incident. Between her friend’s family and the two of us we spilled 5 sodas but by the 3rd one all we could do was laugh. The kids played at the play park and we even had some ice cream. The Baysox lost but the fireworks were worth the wait. And she did wait tonight.
We waited to get in to the game, we waited for the game to start, we waited in line for the soda, we waited in line at the play park, we waited in line for ice cream, and we waited for the end of the game to be able to see the fireworks. She did an awesome job being a friend and I was so proud of her! After the last two days, today felt great.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Selective Memory
This morning was hellacious. Let's just say that there was a lot of yelling, lots of "I hate you", and several random threats such as, "If I get in the car and you're not in it you'll be stuck here and there is no Aquarium for you!"
This is not the first morning that has gone like this. Usually it is on a school morning when we're running late. I think over the last year we have had about five mornings where once I drop her off I really start bawling on my way to work. The first two times I would call my mother and apologize for every mean thing I ever said to her as a child. The next two times I just cried. Today I called Mom again, mostly because MAC was supposed to be going to the Baltimore Aquarium with her and my sister and I wanted to warn her that MAC might not be in the best mood.
Mom said that she thought perhaps, MAC and I both woke up with the feeling that we were going to get into fight and so it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. She also reminded me that it is part of being a mother to you take the "I love you's" and forget the "I hate you's".
When I got home this evening MAC acted as if nothing had happened this morning. She even said she loved me. Selective memory is wonderful. I hope that I can use it too.
This is not the first morning that has gone like this. Usually it is on a school morning when we're running late. I think over the last year we have had about five mornings where once I drop her off I really start bawling on my way to work. The first two times I would call my mother and apologize for every mean thing I ever said to her as a child. The next two times I just cried. Today I called Mom again, mostly because MAC was supposed to be going to the Baltimore Aquarium with her and my sister and I wanted to warn her that MAC might not be in the best mood.
Mom said that she thought perhaps, MAC and I both woke up with the feeling that we were going to get into fight and so it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. She also reminded me that it is part of being a mother to you take the "I love you's" and forget the "I hate you's".
When I got home this evening MAC acted as if nothing had happened this morning. She even said she loved me. Selective memory is wonderful. I hope that I can use it too.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
One of those days
It was one of those days. It started with MAC not wanting to get up to go to church, then complaining the whole ride in that she was hungry. She had a snack after church which she said would hold her until we got to the grocery store. I told her that there were a few other stops that needed to be made. One of them was to a book store and that I would buy her a Manga but no DVDs. She said ok as long as I was still going to buy her a sandwich from safeway.
One of the stops we needed to make was at Old Navy. They were running a sale on school uniforms and she is in need of some pants for school. When we got there she refused to try anything on. When I forced her, she was nasty to the attendant who opened the door, was nasty to me when they didn't fit, and kept slamming the door which annoyed all the other people trying clothes on.
We went to Safeway for our bi-weekly shopping trip. She was not happy that I only got her a sandwich. We bought a 20 pack of snack size chips and I got her a 20 oz bottle of soda. As we went through the store she would pick up items and throw them in the basket. That is how we ended up with 6 packs of hot and spicy tuna! I tried to explain that we needed to look at prices and compare what we were getting. She didn't care, and made it known that she was not happy with me and that I was a horrible mother.
We finally left the store and headed home. We had dinner plans with my mother this evening. When we got to Mom's house my cousin was there and she had pictures of Korea and their family trip to China. They were amazing, MAC didn't want to stand up. Every time I suggested something she would come back with a smart-aleck comment.
When we got home she was not happy with me because I didn't leave Mom's earlier. She watched a little TV but every time I asked her a question she responded with a short monosyllabic answer in a rather nasty tone.
I had mentioned to my mother that her comments had been fairly nasty to me all day and Mom said that this was not as bad as the last time she had seen her.
On these type of days when it seems like there is nothing I say to her that will won't get a nasty comment, she says to me that I yell too much. I don't feel like I'm yelling but apparently MAC feels that I am. These are also the days when I mention to her that the way she speaks to others can hurt their feelings. Hopefully one day she will remember.
One of the stops we needed to make was at Old Navy. They were running a sale on school uniforms and she is in need of some pants for school. When we got there she refused to try anything on. When I forced her, she was nasty to the attendant who opened the door, was nasty to me when they didn't fit, and kept slamming the door which annoyed all the other people trying clothes on.
We went to Safeway for our bi-weekly shopping trip. She was not happy that I only got her a sandwich. We bought a 20 pack of snack size chips and I got her a 20 oz bottle of soda. As we went through the store she would pick up items and throw them in the basket. That is how we ended up with 6 packs of hot and spicy tuna! I tried to explain that we needed to look at prices and compare what we were getting. She didn't care, and made it known that she was not happy with me and that I was a horrible mother.
We finally left the store and headed home. We had dinner plans with my mother this evening. When we got to Mom's house my cousin was there and she had pictures of Korea and their family trip to China. They were amazing, MAC didn't want to stand up. Every time I suggested something she would come back with a smart-aleck comment.
When we got home she was not happy with me because I didn't leave Mom's earlier. She watched a little TV but every time I asked her a question she responded with a short monosyllabic answer in a rather nasty tone.
I had mentioned to my mother that her comments had been fairly nasty to me all day and Mom said that this was not as bad as the last time she had seen her.
On these type of days when it seems like there is nothing I say to her that will won't get a nasty comment, she says to me that I yell too much. I don't feel like I'm yelling but apparently MAC feels that I am. These are also the days when I mention to her that the way she speaks to others can hurt their feelings. Hopefully one day she will remember.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Happiness
I love a song from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown called "Happiness". It is a song where each of the characters tell what they consider happiness: learning to whistle, playing the drum, walking hand and hand, climbing a tree, 2 different ice creams, and being alone every now and then.
I have to say that I found my happiness today in just watching a half hour of anime. For the first time in over a year the three of us sat in bed and watched a half hour of anime that they picked up at Otakon, "Hayate: The Combat Buttler". We just sat with our feet up and laughed at all the antics on the screen.
She wouldn't hold my hand or even let my foot touch hers but with her Dad on one side and me on the other we had some nice calm family time laughing, and enjoying something together. It didn't last very long but it made me happy.
I have to say that I found my happiness today in just watching a half hour of anime. For the first time in over a year the three of us sat in bed and watched a half hour of anime that they picked up at Otakon, "Hayate: The Combat Buttler". We just sat with our feet up and laughed at all the antics on the screen.
She wouldn't hold my hand or even let my foot touch hers but with her Dad on one side and me on the other we had some nice calm family time laughing, and enjoying something together. It didn't last very long but it made me happy.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friends
I had a wonderful conversation with someone who has now known me over three quarters of my life today. MES is my Canuck friend who doesn't hold it against me that I can't sing past "Oh Canada, my home and native land". Of course I don't hold it against her that she is currently sitting in 79 degree weather with no humidity (yesterday was 95 degrees with a "feels like" of 105 in Edgewater).
We have known each other since we were in the same 5th grade class together. We were in a French immersion program where the Canadian students were "forced" to go and the British and American students were jumping over each other to get in. Just one of the wonders of being in an International School was that we had at least 5 different countries represented and there was a principal, and vice principal, as well as an office for each of the different groups. When the teacher told you to go to the principal's office you had to ask, Canadian, American, or British.
It was the first time that I was introduced to a la carte lunches. Here in the states you stand in line, tell the lunch lady what main course you want, what veggie you want, what fruit, and then choose a milk (skim, whole, or chocolate) for one price from your first day in kindergarten through middle school. I will never forget going to the lunch room with my money and after standing in line half the lunch period, asking for chicken strips and being given just that. I was able to get a soda (which if my mother had known I doubt that I would have been buying lunch for very long) as a drink and having a few coins left over!
Every morning we would stand, and those of us that were American would say the pledge of allegiance. I had a French Canadian teacher for 5th and another Canadian for 6th grade. It was amazing that so many people used the school building. We used the building for concerts, Girl Scout meetings, math club, year book and we used to walk half a mile to take swimming lessons once a week. One Monday we came in to find the chairs had all been moved since Friday and were told that the German students had to come to school on Saturdays. We felt bad for them until we found out they got to leave school at mid-day the rest of the week.
MES and I started corresponding by mail when I left AFCENT in the summer of 1988. There have been some very long stretches when we have not been in contact but up until last year she would always get a Christmas Card from me. (Yes, last November/December was a bit crazy and I did not get any cards out at all.) We have been e-mailing for almost 7 years now, so we can at least get little family updates every once in a while. Even though we have been far apart we have grown up together.
I want a friend like this for MAC. She has found it very difficult to make and keep friends, so even though we have been in the same state and county since the day she was born she has not been able to make a friend who stays for the long haul. I'm not saying that it is easy to be her friend, she can be very jealous, doesn't always think before speaking, and can sometimes physically hurt you without meaning to. On the other hand if someone will look below the surface she is a very caring person who has a heart as big as Montana, and when she decides to bestow it, a smile that just melts your anger away.
I hope that in the months to come, as school starts again, she will continue the search for her elusive “best friend”. I have been very lucky in finding SG and MES, I hope she will one day be able to say that she just got finished skypeing with her best friend who has know her over half of her life.
We have known each other since we were in the same 5th grade class together. We were in a French immersion program where the Canadian students were "forced" to go and the British and American students were jumping over each other to get in. Just one of the wonders of being in an International School was that we had at least 5 different countries represented and there was a principal, and vice principal, as well as an office for each of the different groups. When the teacher told you to go to the principal's office you had to ask, Canadian, American, or British.
It was the first time that I was introduced to a la carte lunches. Here in the states you stand in line, tell the lunch lady what main course you want, what veggie you want, what fruit, and then choose a milk (skim, whole, or chocolate) for one price from your first day in kindergarten through middle school. I will never forget going to the lunch room with my money and after standing in line half the lunch period, asking for chicken strips and being given just that. I was able to get a soda (which if my mother had known I doubt that I would have been buying lunch for very long) as a drink and having a few coins left over!
Every morning we would stand, and those of us that were American would say the pledge of allegiance. I had a French Canadian teacher for 5th and another Canadian for 6th grade. It was amazing that so many people used the school building. We used the building for concerts, Girl Scout meetings, math club, year book and we used to walk half a mile to take swimming lessons once a week. One Monday we came in to find the chairs had all been moved since Friday and were told that the German students had to come to school on Saturdays. We felt bad for them until we found out they got to leave school at mid-day the rest of the week.
MES and I started corresponding by mail when I left AFCENT in the summer of 1988. There have been some very long stretches when we have not been in contact but up until last year she would always get a Christmas Card from me. (Yes, last November/December was a bit crazy and I did not get any cards out at all.) We have been e-mailing for almost 7 years now, so we can at least get little family updates every once in a while. Even though we have been far apart we have grown up together.
I want a friend like this for MAC. She has found it very difficult to make and keep friends, so even though we have been in the same state and county since the day she was born she has not been able to make a friend who stays for the long haul. I'm not saying that it is easy to be her friend, she can be very jealous, doesn't always think before speaking, and can sometimes physically hurt you without meaning to. On the other hand if someone will look below the surface she is a very caring person who has a heart as big as Montana, and when she decides to bestow it, a smile that just melts your anger away.
I hope that in the months to come, as school starts again, she will continue the search for her elusive “best friend”. I have been very lucky in finding SG and MES, I hope she will one day be able to say that she just got finished skypeing with her best friend who has know her over half of her life.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
School Daze
Three more weeks until school starts. I have to repeat: three more weeks until school starts! I was asked today if she was ready to go back. It was hard to answer, I can't say that she is ready since she has been able to listen to music, watch TV and go out skateboarding whenever she wanted over the past seven weeks, but I am.
Two Mondays ago we went to Target to get her supplies and found 4 decimated aisles. I couldn't find one box of colored pencils on sale. I found a lady bug lunch box, for myself. She already has a lunch box, a back up lunch box, and has a rolling back pack so what we needed were binders, dividers, pencils, and paper.
On the following Saturday I asked her to go to Staples with me to get her supplies. She said no so I went by myself. Four 3" binders, two 1" binders, three sets of college ruled paper, two sets of dividers, two boxes of mechanical pencils, a box of blue pens, a box of red pens, two spiral notebooks, a pack of erasers, and a little over $150.00 later I walked out excited, ready for school to start.
I know that there are many things I have conveniently "forgot". The school supplies are a good start yes, but there is the whole bus riding thing, the getting up in time to get dressed, going to bed in time so she can get a full 9 hours of sleep, the homework issues, the calls from the school and staying after school for groups.
I am excited that school is starting and praying for a good year. I look forward to the concerts she will be in, and can't wait for the PVA field trips. I know 7th grade is her year!
Two Mondays ago we went to Target to get her supplies and found 4 decimated aisles. I couldn't find one box of colored pencils on sale. I found a lady bug lunch box, for myself. She already has a lunch box, a back up lunch box, and has a rolling back pack so what we needed were binders, dividers, pencils, and paper.
On the following Saturday I asked her to go to Staples with me to get her supplies. She said no so I went by myself. Four 3" binders, two 1" binders, three sets of college ruled paper, two sets of dividers, two boxes of mechanical pencils, a box of blue pens, a box of red pens, two spiral notebooks, a pack of erasers, and a little over $150.00 later I walked out excited, ready for school to start.
I know that there are many things I have conveniently "forgot". The school supplies are a good start yes, but there is the whole bus riding thing, the getting up in time to get dressed, going to bed in time so she can get a full 9 hours of sleep, the homework issues, the calls from the school and staying after school for groups.
I am excited that school is starting and praying for a good year. I look forward to the concerts she will be in, and can't wait for the PVA field trips. I know 7th grade is her year!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Forward progress
I have a 25 minute drive home from work and I usually try to get a little phone time in while I sit at stop lights. Today I called my parents to say hi. My mother reminded me that she would be in town on Sunday and that we were going to have a girl’s night of pizza and talking. She suggested that maybe MAC would enjoy coming, since it was at her house if MAC decided she didn't want to talk she could just go into a bedroom and listen to her music or play her DSi. I wasn't sure, but said that I would ask. Mom also said that she and my sister were making plans to go to the Baltimore Aquarium on Monday with my niece and that she would take MAC if she was interested in going. Once again I said that I would talk to MAC.
When I walked in I told her that I had just talked to her Grandmother and that she was wondering if MAC wanted to do Girls Night or the Aquarium. I was surprised when she looked me dead in the eye and very excitedly said, "yes, both". I decided to push my luck a little and I asked her to call her Grandmother and tell her that she would like to do both. (Recently when I've asked her to call her Grandparents she has said, "Not right now" and put it off.) She called, made a little small talk, said yes and got off the phone in under two minutes. But it was progress!
Not so long ago I remember saying that I had a meeting and MAC would roll her eyes and say "Not again!" This evening I ran late getting home from work, I cooked a dinner that she didn't really like, and to top it all off I had a meeting where I had to leave right after dinner. When I told her she looked at me, shrugged her shoulders and said "ok, can I have a pizza instead?"
I made her eat one slice of fried green tomato before I cooked the tortinos pizza but we both got what we wanted: a veggie being eaten and a much better tasting dinner than originally planned. Forward progress!
Every once in a while I have to sit back and look at where we started from to see the forward progress. Last Christmas she wouldn't even talk on the phone with her great-grandmother. Today she called her Grandmother and held a conversation. Three months ago she would have spit the tomato out when she didn't like the taste and refused to eat anything else. Today she chewed and swallowed it and then asked for something she liked. They are small steps, but they are steps in the right direction.
When I walked in I told her that I had just talked to her Grandmother and that she was wondering if MAC wanted to do Girls Night or the Aquarium. I was surprised when she looked me dead in the eye and very excitedly said, "yes, both". I decided to push my luck a little and I asked her to call her Grandmother and tell her that she would like to do both. (Recently when I've asked her to call her Grandparents she has said, "Not right now" and put it off.) She called, made a little small talk, said yes and got off the phone in under two minutes. But it was progress!
Not so long ago I remember saying that I had a meeting and MAC would roll her eyes and say "Not again!" This evening I ran late getting home from work, I cooked a dinner that she didn't really like, and to top it all off I had a meeting where I had to leave right after dinner. When I told her she looked at me, shrugged her shoulders and said "ok, can I have a pizza instead?"
I made her eat one slice of fried green tomato before I cooked the tortinos pizza but we both got what we wanted: a veggie being eaten and a much better tasting dinner than originally planned. Forward progress!
Every once in a while I have to sit back and look at where we started from to see the forward progress. Last Christmas she wouldn't even talk on the phone with her great-grandmother. Today she called her Grandmother and held a conversation. Three months ago she would have spit the tomato out when she didn't like the taste and refused to eat anything else. Today she chewed and swallowed it and then asked for something she liked. They are small steps, but they are steps in the right direction.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Good Friends, good food and peace of mind
I have this friend, she and I have known each other since high school. We lost touch during the collage years but met up again while working for Tupperware almost 10 years ago. She has a son who is 13 so when we met up again it was really fun to have two children so close in age. We used to walk the mall on Saturday mornings with the kids in strollers and have even taken some vacations together.
One of the best things about knowing someone this long is that they know your child's quirks. MAC was 2 when she first met SG. She has been with me through the elementary school maze, has been with me as my husband and I decided to try medications, and has listened to my Doctor and insurance stories. She knows my daughter well enough to know that she won't use a napkin or put one on her lap but that we need to have a lot handy for the clean up after the meal.
I hadn't really thought about how freeing it was to go somewhere where they know your child well enough to discipline them as if they were you, until tonight. During the school year we have a standing dinner "date" every two weeks. We used to get together every week until both our schedules got crazy.
Over the years she has had another child, divorced and remarried. She had some of the same issues that I have been working with, so since her son is older, she began her work with the schools earlier than I did and was able to give me hope for what could be accomplished.
Tonight we had our first dinner with them in almost a month. It was great to see my daughter so excited to be going somewhere. Her youngest was excited to see us and her older son played Wii with MAC. I was happy to be able to talk grown up talk with another adult (that wasn't about depression or medication) and it felt good to know that the kids were playing nicely with each other.
About 10 minutes before we left SG and I were in her living room talking when we heard a loud bump from upstairs. We both looked at each other and said, "I don't hear any crying." We both called the older kids down and questioned them about what the noise was. It turned out it was MAC falling after walking backwards in a room. Why? Who knows.
I realized that it was really nice to know some place where I could have a nice dinner with a friend, where I don't have to worry that my child is going to go nuts, and where I know that she is in a safe environment. I have peace of mind that SG is accepting of us, even when there is more buffalo sauce on MAC's face than in her stomach!
One of the best things about knowing someone this long is that they know your child's quirks. MAC was 2 when she first met SG. She has been with me through the elementary school maze, has been with me as my husband and I decided to try medications, and has listened to my Doctor and insurance stories. She knows my daughter well enough to know that she won't use a napkin or put one on her lap but that we need to have a lot handy for the clean up after the meal.
I hadn't really thought about how freeing it was to go somewhere where they know your child well enough to discipline them as if they were you, until tonight. During the school year we have a standing dinner "date" every two weeks. We used to get together every week until both our schedules got crazy.
Over the years she has had another child, divorced and remarried. She had some of the same issues that I have been working with, so since her son is older, she began her work with the schools earlier than I did and was able to give me hope for what could be accomplished.
Tonight we had our first dinner with them in almost a month. It was great to see my daughter so excited to be going somewhere. Her youngest was excited to see us and her older son played Wii with MAC. I was happy to be able to talk grown up talk with another adult (that wasn't about depression or medication) and it felt good to know that the kids were playing nicely with each other.
About 10 minutes before we left SG and I were in her living room talking when we heard a loud bump from upstairs. We both looked at each other and said, "I don't hear any crying." We both called the older kids down and questioned them about what the noise was. It turned out it was MAC falling after walking backwards in a room. Why? Who knows.
I realized that it was really nice to know some place where I could have a nice dinner with a friend, where I don't have to worry that my child is going to go nuts, and where I know that she is in a safe environment. I have peace of mind that SG is accepting of us, even when there is more buffalo sauce on MAC's face than in her stomach!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Kiki...green kiki
When I left the house this morning I thought, "what a beautiful day." That was before I called my husband. He has been fighting his depression for longer than I have known him. Apparently the depression was on the winning side today. I have to give him props for continuing to go to work, and he has been able to hold his current job for more than 8 years now. He sounded despondent on the phone when I called to update him on our morning, but I figured he'd head home play some World of Warcraft and then go to bed.
When I called to remind MAC that she had a Dr.'s appointment he said that he had cried most of the morning. He said that MAC had tried to make him feel better and when he continued to cry she went and got green kiki and covered him. It almost made my heart melt.
Green kiki is her most favorite, prized possession, in the whole world! She has had it since about two days after she was born. After the first time we left the original at day care we went and made sure we had at least two more. When her cousin was born she gave him one of her green kiki's and her Grandmother almost fainted. One is in her baby box and she still carries the other with her. It has gone Girl Scout camping, family camping, to Tulsa (OK) and to Smith Mountain Lake (VA).
I thought it was wonderful that she was hoping green kiki would make her father feel better. I am happy that she is learning compassion and that she seems to be able to understand that her father is feeling sad, since those are both things that asperger children have trouble with. I hope that she can also learn from him, learn that medication is not bad and that it can help. I hope that she learns that those we care about feel sad sometimes and that those of us who are around them can't always make it better, but we'll always love them.
When I called to remind MAC that she had a Dr.'s appointment he said that he had cried most of the morning. He said that MAC had tried to make him feel better and when he continued to cry she went and got green kiki and covered him. It almost made my heart melt.
Green kiki is her most favorite, prized possession, in the whole world! She has had it since about two days after she was born. After the first time we left the original at day care we went and made sure we had at least two more. When her cousin was born she gave him one of her green kiki's and her Grandmother almost fainted. One is in her baby box and she still carries the other with her. It has gone Girl Scout camping, family camping, to Tulsa (OK) and to Smith Mountain Lake (VA).
I thought it was wonderful that she was hoping green kiki would make her father feel better. I am happy that she is learning compassion and that she seems to be able to understand that her father is feeling sad, since those are both things that asperger children have trouble with. I hope that she can also learn from him, learn that medication is not bad and that it can help. I hope that she learns that those we care about feel sad sometimes and that those of us who are around them can't always make it better, but we'll always love them.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Find your inner anime...
It was the last day of Otakon. I was planning on going to church and for MAC and her father to head up. I was pleasantly surprised when she told her father that she wanted me to take her pass and go check out the convention.
I have to say I wasn't hugely excited to be going when we left but by the time we got on the train and I saw some of the others in costumes I began to get more excited. When we got to the Baltimore Convention Center we went in and got a schedule. There were places where we could see different shows and there were panels where you could ask questions. We went and saw Combat Butler. I couldn't believe how much I laughed during the showing!
I was amazed at how much anime I had seen without knowing it. During the panel we went to see they showed parts of: Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Speed Racer, and talked about the book of the Five rings. There were Sanrio items and I have never wished so much that I wore hats because they were REALLY cute.
The last place we went today was to the Dealer hall. I couldn't believe how much stuff there is!! MAC and her father had tried to tell me, but there is nothing like seeing it for yourself!
I didn't spend a lot of time there, just about 3 hours, but I was thrilled that she thought about sharing and that I was the recipient of her good will today.
I have to say I wasn't hugely excited to be going when we left but by the time we got on the train and I saw some of the others in costumes I began to get more excited. When we got to the Baltimore Convention Center we went in and got a schedule. There were places where we could see different shows and there were panels where you could ask questions. We went and saw Combat Butler. I couldn't believe how much I laughed during the showing!
I was amazed at how much anime I had seen without knowing it. During the panel we went to see they showed parts of: Avatar: The Last Air Bender, Speed Racer, and talked about the book of the Five rings. There were Sanrio items and I have never wished so much that I wore hats because they were REALLY cute.
The last place we went today was to the Dealer hall. I couldn't believe how much stuff there is!! MAC and her father had tried to tell me, but there is nothing like seeing it for yourself!
I didn't spend a lot of time there, just about 3 hours, but I was thrilled that she thought about sharing and that I was the recipient of her good will today.
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