Go Figure

It's never more apparent that my blog is really nothing more than my online journal when I start to whine or rant about something.

I enjoyed my day off yesterday to a point.  I had a hard time not thinking about work, because there was a lot going on there even though we're not that busy.  A certain someone may think we're slow and that not much is going on, but the office doesn't stop functioning when we don't have orders to fill.  Someone still needs to be in the office.  We had two full truck loads in the works.  Orders did ship out yesterday.  Prep work needed to be done for next week.  I know I'm going to be in a panic on Monday and I'm gearing up by thinking about it today.  My other boss didn't know I wasn't working so I heard about that yesterday.  The other one said that he was going to cover the office and then didn't stay for the whole day.

I did end up taking the kids to the pool yesterday.  I had to get them rec cards first.  S needed a swimsuit.  They wanted goggles.  $$$ even shopping at Walmart.  C wanted to go to Pirates Cove with her friends.  I let her.  I pestered her for exact plans and got who she was going with, but we didn't confirm when I was going to pick her up because she wasn't sure.  My crew and I went to the indoor pool.  The kids had a good time, including S's friend.  I treated them to ice cream after.  I was pretty peeved with C because she didn't check in with me once, not answering my texts or call, so after five hours of no communication I was ready to have her paged.  I called M in a panic and he picked her up on his way home.  She is grounded and I've learned another lesson.

S's friend was going to stay the night, but her mom ended up coming to get her at 11:30 because she was too scared to stay.  She's nine so I thought we were past that stage.  (My kids, including S, could never wait to have sleepovers.  She's spent the night at the girl's house numerous times.)  S was very disappointed because it was the first time I've let her have anyone stay.

I also have to report a fail on the UAS/Dartmouth quilt block.  The concept was good enough, but I had a ton of issues.  I'm going to try again so I guess I spent hours on the test block.  I hate working with white fabric.  I always manage to get something on it or doing something to it while ironing.  The tip of my envelope looks dirty.  It may even be the thread I used showing through or simply dirt from my hands.  I tried to get it out, but it still looks dirty.  I also couldn't get the Dartmouth application to look right after pp it--well, duh....  it's next to impossible to position a patterned fabric the right way.  I tried to save the block, but for not.  I'm going to try again.  I haven't decided if I'm going to use white fabric again.

The UAS logo is appliqued.  I'm happy that turned out well!  The envelope flap lifts up to reveal the inside just like a real envelope.  The gold fabric is for another envelope and it looks wonky because I took the outside fabric off.  I think I'm going to applique this part onto the printed Dartmouth application.

Off to See the Wizard

C's court date for her curfew violation is today.

I'm hoping, of course, that she'll get off with a warning.  Then, WE can dole out the big punishment....

Graduation x2

C's Continuation Ceremony was this evening.  I was confused by the term, but I learned that it's the term that is used in this district for 5th graders "graduating" to 6th grade and middle school and 8th graders graduating and moving on to high school.

I took today off because I knew the afternoon would be too hectic with the ceremony at 5:00.  S also wanted me to come to her class party at a local park for her last day of school.  We shared a Subway sandwich for lunch which was the only real highlight of the day.  She was fighting with her BFF again and was in tears and hovering most of our time at the park.  Long story short, she refused to apologize to and with her friend on the count of 3 as suggested by both moms.  I had no sympathy for her after that and was kind of embarrassed by her behavior.  Long story short, they came out holding hands an hour later and S spent the evening at the BFF's house.  LOL.....

I hot rollered C's hair and helped her get ready.  She looked beautiful in her dress.  She was visibly nervous about the ceremony when I dropped her off early to meet up with her class.  M was late getting home and we barely made the ceremony.  My mom and dad came, too.  They saved us seats so we were all good.

C was awarded a Citizenship Award (an award for attendance, participation in extra-cirricular activities, and .... good behavior at school) and the Presidential Award of Excellence for carrying at least a 3.5 the entire year.  We are very proud of her!!!!  (not bad for a curfew breaker....LOL)

In my spare time today, I worked on a very simple Eclipse block.  I picked out the fabrics last night and got the pattern ready.  (I begrudingly used the blue background fabric--bad Coven memories--because it was just too perfect not to.)

The block isn't done.  M is insisting I use a real tassel so I will be making one of those after I find instructions and I want to make a fabric-covered button so I will need to buy the kit.  I don't want to make the block too busy, but I need to make the block my own and I want to figure out a way to add an invitation to Alice's graduation party at the Cullens.

Twilight Book Addicts

I continue to find it hilarious about the back and forth that continues to go on regarding who is allowed or has a right to make Twilight quilts, block designs and permissions, etc.  (as if I really would want to use 99% of the....cr...) I believe this to be true:  all block ideas must be directly credited to the creative genius that is Stephenie Meyer. We cannot in good faith take credit for any quilt block as an original idea because without the Twilight series they would not be and groups would not be. We only have the benefit of taking her work and channeling her writing through our creativity.  As far as a graduation block goes....An Eclipse graduation block is what it is:  and, for one, inspired directly by events in Eclipse.  A cap and diploma are a generic and natural representation of graduation.  Why am I even trying to explain myself?!  I'm not really as bothered as it may seem.

Growing Up

Even my kids growing up is all about me.....

I'm not one of those moms that is bemoaning their kids growing up or that wants them to be babies forever.  I'm eager to see them grown and on their way.  If only one of them comes back, I know I'll be doing great.

The only time I get hit hard emotionally by one of the kids showing signs of growing up is when I think about me getting older with them.  I'm shuddering at being old enough to have a high schooler next year.  I'm happy for her, but sighing a lot for me.

I had another moment this morning.

S is having a fun day today.  (The last days of school is all about fun!)  She was able to bring a blanket and stuffed animal along with some reading books today.  She wanted me to buy her a new blanket.  I told her no and asked her why she couldn't use her quilt.  I figured as much....

I made a Strawberry Shortcake quilt for her when she was three or four.  She still sleeps with it.  She is too old now to take it to school because Strawberry Shortcake is for little girls and she didn't want to be made fun of at school.

I know she will probably always keep her quilt.  I'm hoping she does.  It's not like it could be a hand me down because the quilt border has her name in lettered blocks.  It's S's quilt and no one else's.

Looks like I need to get busy and make her another quilt as she's outgrown that one!

Disappointment

I was hoping I'd never have to worry about stuff like this.

I was dead asleep when the phone-----home phone and the one we never answer-----rang a little after 12 a.m. this morning.  It's true what they say that not much good happens after midnight.  M was still up.  We didn't get to the phone in time, but it rang right back within seconds.

C, 14, spent the night at a friend's last night.  They spent the earlier part of the evening at the rec center for teen night.  I had no worries because I've not had to worry before......as far as we knew.  I'm not stupid to think that nothing goes on, but until now we've never gotten the call before.

M was told to come get her by the local police force at the intersection of so and so.

She was with at least seven other kids.  There were five police officers there with lights going and the entire street blocked off according to my husband.  The official charge/ticket was for breaking curfew.  Yes, a ticket was issued and we have a court date.

I have numerous questions as you can imagine!

Cute, Cute, Cute

The kids' schools hosted a photography company that took school pictures a couple of weeks ago.  The poses were more relaxed and kids could have their pictures taken with musical instruments, stuffed animals, or anything they really wanted.  The pictures would be sent home on approval and individual sheets purchased as desired for $12 or all for a package price.  Portraits could also be reordered and other products would be available for purchase, too.

I remember being stressed picture day and not caring if the kids got pictures or not.  Wardrobe choices and hair that day weren't kept in mind at all considering pictures would be taken.  Oh, well!

Z's brought his home a couple of weeks ago.  We ended up buying a sheet.  The portrait turned out great and I had to have one!

The other three kids brought theirs home yesterday.  I scrambled around this morning getting the cash together to send in with A because he was the only one who had a note attached that said the money HAD to be in today!  LOL.....  You know how kids are when they get a directive from their teacher--there is NO arguing with them or telling them:  "I'm the mommy and I'll send the money when I send the money."  I didn't have enough change and M had left already with his checkbook so I'll be stopping by the school to drop off S's.

The picture of A is so typical for him!  I think he is SO cute!!  If you look closely, you can see his dimple.

S has since gotten her haircut like mine.  I don't like her pose as well....but you can't buy one kid's picture and not another's.  Well...you can, but that would cause psychological damage to the other one.  LOL

Winding Down and Heating Up

I am so glad that soccer season is almost over.  I think we have one more week of games and maybe a couple of make-up games and we will be done except for......S and C are both going to play in a tournament on  %^&@ Memorial Day weekend %$#@ maybe all three days.  Practices for that when I thought I was done.  I love my kids and their activities, I love my kids and their activities....I love my kids and not their activities.  It's really the practices that I don't like.  I'm at soccer practice every night of the week until 7ish.  I do like watching C's team play, though, even when they are losing.  I didn't think I'd ever say that I like soccer, but I like to watch my kids play!

We are in the homestretch for school.  I think their last day is 5/26.  C has her graduation ceremony around that time.  We've been trying to find her a dress.  She is as tall or taller than me, but she is a stick.  Size 0.  We looked at Marshalls together, but couldn't find anything.  I'm not much help, because I don't know what she wants.....and she hasn't been able to tell me what she's looking for.  She wants a summer-style dress, but she is limited to what she is allowed to wear.  If we buy anything with spaghetti straps, she will also have to get a garment to cover her shoulders--the name for it escapes me.  Help!

We're still trying to figure out what to do with the kids this summer for daycare.  They can't go to my parents.....  They can't be home by themselves....  I can't stick them in camp all summer.....

Too Much to Say.....

I fear I have too much to say for this blog.  LOL

I'm a little out of it today because I was up SO late last night.  I was in one of those moods to work.  I was warm so I wasn't distracted.  I had a project that I had to finish....  I wasn't going to let that pesky N beat me!  M was sawing logs big time so I had another reason to stay up.  And, I need to catch the replay of L&O Criminal Intent that the kids, dh, and dogs talked/barked through the first time.

A few updates:

S and BFF made up.  Of course they did.....  I probably almost messed it up with all my worrying and chatting.  They came out of their student council meeting arm and arm according to my dad.  They were best buds at soccer practice.  S snagged an invitation to BFF's poetry reading tomorrow night.  So, apparently ALL is well.

We've got two more birthdays this weekend.  C will be 14 and A is turning 7.  We don't have any big plans.  It's another soccer weekend.  A wants to see Iron Man 2 so he'll have to wait for that.  He wants a Cars cake that he saw at Target for some reason?!  I'm sure we'll BBQ or something to celebrate.

C exchanged her idea of having a hotel slumber party with friends for an IPod Touch long ago.  I must have been high as a loon or needy when I agreed to buy it for her.  The price tag alone is sending me into fits that and the fact she dropped her phone into the dogs' water last week makes me cringe.  (The phone survived for a week after that, but now she's had to trade it in for her dad's old phone because hers stopped working from the water damage or excessive texting.  Either he didn't insure it or even if he had dropping it in water would have made it unreplaceable.  I wouldn't know...)  We will definitely load up on the most extensive warranty we can buy.  Teenagers and their electronics.  She went into a fit last night when I suggested may be she wanted a new phone instead of the Touch.  (She's generally a great kid so I excused her crying fit, etc that she had to this suggestion as related to PMS, teenagerish behavior, and/or my crazy genes.)  According to her in her moment of temporary insanity, we should replace her phone and buy her the Touch for her birthday.

$300.00 =

30yds of  fabric for me

Trip to Houston for me

New bed for Shannon and M's room

I'm not making my case......  LOL

HOW ABOUT:

Summer reading classes for A (yes, the exact price--we called)

1 new bed and mattress for the girls room

nice addition to her savings

OR a charitable donation like this altruistic child



I KNOW, I KNOW not as much fun

Girls Will Be Girls

This momma bear needs to be caged.

When I got home yesterday I could tell my Sarah Beara was down in the dumps.  She had been sick since last Thursday and Monday was her first day back.  (They were off Friday.)  I thought she might be still not feeling well or had a lot of homework.  After some patience on both our parts, I got the story out of her.

Her BFF and her had a tiff and S was feeling the sting.

If I believe everything she told me (and I do to a point....with two girls and even with the boys, I've become a master at reading between the lines), she dared talk and play with the wrong person.  Now her BFF has said that they should take a break from each other (according to her mother) and see other people.  S is heartbroken.

I texted the mom and then phoned yesterday afternoon.  (Side note:  we've also become friendlier of late.  It's hard not to with the girls spending so much time together.  We also both like Twilight.  Her son is the same age as C.  We actually talked with each other for over an hour and a half at soccer practice.  We both shared more personal info than we ever had before.)  I got "their" side of the story.

It's all rather involved.  The back story is that this girl that S talked to has been mean to S's BFF in the past.  I think there is more to the story.  Who knows?!   I suggested we let things play out.  No matter how much I want to interfer, I know it's best to let them resolve it on their own.  (I'm so tempted to, though...Mama Bear, remember?  And, I went through something similar with C in second grade that was so difficult--C was a basket case that year and even started losing her hair from all the upset.)

The girls usually meet up in the morning.  I asked S how she wanted to handle things.  She didn't know.  I suggested that she act like nothing had happened and act like normal because if she didn't the BFF might think that S was mad at HER.  We walked over together to the girl's car and she got out, but the mom stayed inside.  I had A with me so we walked up ahead.  The girls didn't even talk to each other.  When we got to their line, BFF walked away from S without a word and met up with another girl.

The mom had stayed in her car so I went up to chat.  I told her what happened.  She said she would talk to her daughter.  She seemed unsympathetic, but not rude to me or anything.  She said she hoped they made up and perhaps it would happen today or after school at their student council meeting. I vow to be patient.......

Any advice is welcome!!!

Warning: Have Fun or ELSE!

I've been warned by a professional to have some fun or else.....

How in the heck am I supposed to do that?!

I've also been warned that having fun doesn't mean spending money....

I'm also supposed to stop worrying so much about my kids, this house, my parents' health, and everything else. I'm supposed to take a vacation from worrying.

Ha!

I'm up at midnight because M got into bed first. I ordered him to go to bed because he fell asleep and was snoring. I forced him to get up as quickly as I could so he didn't get into the sleep of the dead where I can't wake him up and I'm forced to go to bed instead to get away from the noise.

I cleaned up my sewing table and filled up another tote. I told M that his quilt may be the last one I ever finish. He told me to stop being so melodramatic. I agreed with him. I'm always the drama queen.

We've got two soccer games tomorrow. A is bummered big time that this is his bye week. Sunday is the Z's day for b'day fun. I've still got to work that one out as S thought I was taking her and her friend out that day. Maybe if I write about it here I won't "worry" about keeping two kids happy that share the same birthday, but don't really want to share me.

Voluntarily Bringing Bugs Into My House

Tonight was S and A's Big Night at school. All the grades had their school projects featured throughout the school. The 1st Graders have been working on the life cycle of meal worms. We got to bring three meal worms home tonight after the show and I got to put potato in the baggie to feed them. Okay, I guess, since A is excited about his project and very knowledgeable. The 3rd Graders have been studying Native Americans. She made a diorama depicting Navajo women and their roles, including a joint report with her classmate. I stayed away from the project and was very proud of....myself...for not interfering.

I sit here tonight and stew a little. M missed Big Night without a word. He didn't get home tonight until after 8 without a word. I know he didn't call and ignored my calls because he knew I would be annoyed. Better to avoid me, enjoy himself, and not face my ire until he got home. He was at Happy Hour with some co-workers at a send off for another co-worker. Whatever!

The kids were disappointed he didn't attend Big Night!!

The only thing that is making me happy right now is that tomorrow is payday. I am SO glad!! I've been out of money since last weekend. Most of it will go to the S and Z's birthdays this weekend, but I plan to spend some of it on some good food. I've been eating peanut butter sandwiches, frozen burritos, and frozen pizza all week. I am so thankful that my sis replenished my supply of Via. I've at least had my coffee this week.

Another blast from the past.....

The Quilted Word by Frecklesquilts

Who Am I Really?

I feel introverted and shy a lot of the time. I usually only put myself out there out of desperation. This is the way I see myself. However, I've had more than one person comment that I am SO not this way. What is up with that?

There's more: follow the link above.

Stop the Bus

The L's are stressed. Super Stressed...... I don't know quite what to tell the kids. It's one thing for me to be stressed and reactive, but M and the kids are the dots of glue that hold me together. If they are breathing hard, you can imagine my state of mind.

S is stressed about math for one thing. We've tried a bunch of things to help her out. It's almost all anxiety. She has so much math fear and anxiety that the least little sign of trouble shuts her down. She has trouble with simple addition and subtraction. As a 3rd grader moving on to more difficult concepts, her struggles are disconcerting to her and to me. M spent an hour with her tonight working with her on her worksheet tonight. Her eyes became glazed, her ears buzzed, and her anxiety grew. My solution to everything is practice, but of course she doesn't want to hear that.

It didn't help her situation that she was late to soccer practice this afternoon. She spent the afterschool time with her friend working on a poster for school and thought to zip home quickly for soccer gear. Her shin guards went missing so her friend left for practice without her as I suggested and she freaked out. Certainly didn't want to hear from mom, "Why don't you put your stuff away so you can find it when you need it?"

C had a rescheduled soccer game this afternoon across town. She came home crying. Her team lost. The crying was about more than the loss and not playing the defensive position she prefers. She reassured me that no one on her team was mean to her. She just said that her whole body hurt, she was tired, she hates losing, and didn't feel good. I offered to let her stay home tomorrow for a break, but she refused. She's my trooper! Play practice tomorrow morning and a track meet after school. I'm hoping she's not overextended and isn't setting herself up for a crash and burn.

Notice I didn't mention my sons. I haven't given up on Z.... I constantly remind myself to take a chill pill. I don't know what to do about him. His soul focus recently has been how he's going to celebrate his 12th b'day this weekend and how not to do anything until after I've asked him to do something at least three times. A is on constant BM watch. Let's not mention homework for either of them, chores, T.V. and computer time, or hygiene.

Good Sharing

I've been sharing a lot lately. Probably too much.... TMI as C would say.

I started reading another book yesterday and ended up finishing it last night in a fit. My plans didn't include reading last night, but I ended up hiding out in my room to get away from it all and never came back out. I had intended on watching In Plain Sight, but after getting into it with S about her school project and missing the first 20 minutes of the show I stomped off to my room for some quiet time and to calm down. I never came back out to watch the later showing since I decided to finish my book and then I read with A. We labored for over a half an hour with a SpongeBob book that he wanted to read himself with me having to read every third word. Nevermind that it was already 9:00 and the book was mind-numbing. I couldn't be anything but positive since he was reading something! (I'm hiding the book, though!)

A note about school projects: I hate them! What parent doesn't? Be honest now..... Another note: Neither one of my girls were blessed with my procrasination gene. You would think that this would be a good thing, right? This project isn't due until Monday but S wanted to finish it that night. Ugh! Her dad took her out to buy modeling clay before dinner after her first attempt and making the diorama with cut-out paper figures the night before fell apart. I admire her gumption and independence, but CHILL and at least have a plan before jumping headfirst into a project! We didn't have any glue except for Superglue in the house and it was 8:00 p.m. (I have two phobias that I'm aware of: SuperGlue and Frozen Nitrogen. Funny, but true.) She ended up in tears and I ended up in my room for the evening. M ended up in computer game heaven, but what else is new?!

Back to the good sharing. Ha!

The book I read was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I cried the whole way through it. I'm glad I read it, but still I'm so sad about it even though it had a good ending if you can call it that with what happens in the book. (Use the link for an excerpt and sample of the audiobook.)

Here is a trailer:



Really, watch the trailer if you can.

Mia has it all going for her. She's a brilliant cellist with Juilliard aspirations, has cool parents, an adorable younger brother, the best of bestfriends, and a totally wonderful boyfriend. Her family decides to take a roadtrip on a Snow Day and has a devastating accident. Will Mia stay or die? It's up to her. The book is written from Mia's perspective and in flashbacks as Mia struggles to make her decision.

Instead

I could go on and on about my craptastic day, but I not going to.

Instead I'm happy to report that I truly believe A has overcome his Encopresis. He is having regular BMs at school and at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is taking a break from the stool softener and still have regular BMs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is in underwear during the day and at night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No accidents in weeks...................

and

I at least have something pretty to look at and listen to. The song is on my IPod and I have all the good parts bookmarked at You Tube.



We went to church tonight. I like the shortened services for Lent. We were out of there in 40 minutes and I enjoyed the sermon of the visiting pastor. I got in some prayer and left feeling rejuvinated and calm.

I'm still in my room hiding out with the computer tonight. Hey, I can't be all sweetness and light. I'm going to crash early tonight as I've been up VERY late the last three nights sewing my secret quilt project, surfing the net, and reading. I zipped through Elizabeth Scott's Something, Maybe (YA). I can recommend the sewing, not the surfing, and I loved the book. (Would that I'd of had a boy like Finn in high school.)

The Queen of My Castle in February

February is my birthday month. I like to pretend that I'm the Queen of the Castle in February, my birthday month, but then reality quickly sets in. The biggest problem is that no one but me thinks I'm Queen material. My kids probably see me more as the Wicked Stepmother....

Working full-time has its ups and downs. I like the extra money, but not the hours when I'm not busy enough at work. I've not had one day when the kids haven't called me. Yesterday, my mom called me because S wasn't where she was supposed to be and didn't meet up with A and come to her car right away. She was off with a friend buying something. Z called me shortly after they arrived home to protest that S was eating one of his egg sandwiches. I got home and was immediately met with complaints from C that Z refused to unload the dishwasher until he was darn good and ready. M came home to my demand for a family meeting where I learned that Z has five missing math assignments since the beginning of the quarter in January.

Everyone spends so much energy fighting with each other and finding ways to get out of doing things. I wish I could bottle that energy or somehow refocus it to attack the housework and repairs.

They think I'm kidding when I asked for the bathroom to be cleaned for my birthday mid-month. Well, I know M knows that I'm serious. I'll have to buy my own crown, though.