I saw this on another blog maybe a year or so ago and am finally getting to it! Courtesy of Cleared for Takeoff
A. Age: 36
B. Bed size: King. we always said we would never get a king bed...but I tell you what, I would never go back now. We got it a few summers ago and it has been fantastic- especially with crawling babies that like to cuddle.
C. Chore you dislike: hmmm.... bathrooms. which is why I don't do them. Sean cleans the bathrooms- I haven't had to clean one since October 2005!
D. Dogs: Sean would like one- a boxer to be exact. But- we don't have the time or space for a dog. Plus- I'm changing diapers...last thing I want to do is pick up poop as well!
E. Essential start to your day: blogs and internet news sites to see what's going on in the world.
F. Favorite color: I cant pick just one- I love pink and blue, but tend to wear brown, black and grey.
G. Gold or silver: silver
H. Height: 5′ 4”
I. Instruments you play(ed): the violin. I started playing in 4th grade and continued through high school. I brought it with me to college but only dabbled my freshman year. I still have it- but the horse hair is broken on the bow and needs to be replaced.
J. Job title: Executive Assistant
K. Kids: Hunter 15, Owen 4, Quinlin almost 3
L. Live for ______: my family
M. Most embarrassing moment: probably this
N. Nicknames: Shan, Glumpky, punkin.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Just for the births of my babies
P. Pet peeves: sweatpants, chewing with your mouth open, I could go on and on
Q. Quote from a movie: "Quinton is in, let the fun begin"- Can't Buy Me Love
S. Siblings: I have a sister, Marda, who is 2 years older than me.
T. Time you wake up: usually around 6:00 am. I set the alarm for 5:50am and scroll through my phone while I wait to make sure Hunter is up and in the shower for school. Once I know he's up, I start getting ready.
U. University attended: I graduated in 4 1/2 years (and only took two months off while I had Hunter). Communications degree- though I don't think I use it much.
V. Vegetables: I love them. I never used to, and now I can't get enough. Tomatoes, Potatoes, Cucumber, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, onions, spinach... shall I keep going?
W. What makes you run late: I tend to run late if I need to get ready. It's one of Sean's biggest pet peeves. He hates that it takes me so long.
X. X-rays you’ve had: hmmm.... I think I have had my toe x-rayed and my back. I can't think of anything else.
Y. Yummy food you make: I like to think I'm a pretty good cook. I make a great meatloaf, buff chicken dip, creamy chicken recipes...
Z. Zoo animal favorites: the elephants
Monday, October 15, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Just enjoying the scenery
What? This isn't normal in your house?
Just a random day looking outside at the deer in the woods. Quinlin is in the middle of potty training... it was the cutest thing to look over and see them all looking out the window, so I had to snap a picture (diaper less and all). And- she still has her tan line in October. Ha!
Looking forward to the weekend. We have big plans for a change and I feel as though every day there is something fun to look forward too. Two dinners out, a pumpkin patch, a football game. Can't wait!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Mom Stays in the Picture
I wanted to share this fantastic article that has been floating around facebook for anyone who may not have seen it yet. It is sooo sooo true.
The Mom Stays in the Picture
Allison Tate.Freelance writer, mom of four
Posted: 10/02/2012 (source Huffington Post)
Last weekend, my family traveled to attend my oldest niece's Sweet Sixteen party. My brother and sister-in-law planned this party for many months and intended it to be a big surprise, and it included a photo booth for the guests.
I showed up to the party a bit late and, as usual, slightly askew from trying to dress myself and all my little people for such a special night out. I'm still carrying a fair amount of baby weight and wearing a nursing bra, and I don't fit into my cute clothes. I felt awkward and tired and rumpled.
I was leaning my aching back against the bar, my now 5-month-old baby sleeping in a carrier on my chest (despite the pounding bass and dulcet tones of LMFAO blasting through the room) when my 5-year-old son ran up to me.
"Come take pictures with me, Mommy," he yelled over the music, "in the photo booth!"
I hesitated. I avoid photographic evidence of my existence these days. To be honest, I avoid even mirrors. When I see myself in pictures, it makes me wince. I know I am far from alone; I know that many of my friends also avoid the camera.
It seems logical. We're sporting mama bodies and we're not as young as we used to be. We don't always have time to blow dry our hair, apply make-up, perhaps even bathe (ducking). The kids are so much cuter than we are; better to just take their pictures, we think.
But we really need to make an effort to get in the picture. Our sons need to see how young and beautiful and human their mamas were. Our daughters need to see us vulnerable and open and just being ourselves -- women, mamas, people living lives. Avoiding the camera because we don't like to see our own pictures? How can that be okay?
Too much of a mama's life goes undocumented and unseen. People, including my children, don't see the way I make sure my kids' favorite stuffed animals are on their beds at night. They don't know how I walk the grocery store aisles looking for treats that will thrill them for a special day. They don't know that I saved their side-snap, paper-thin baby shirts from the hospital where they were born or their little hospital bracelets in keepsake boxes high on the top shelves of their closets. They don't see me tossing and turning in bed wondering if I am doing an okay job as a mother, if they are okay in their schools, where we should take them for a vacation, what we should do for their birthdays. I'm up long past the news on Christmas Eve wrapping presents and eating cookies and milk, and I spend hours hunting the Internet and the local Targets for specially-requested Halloween costumes and birthday presents. They don't see any of that.
Someday, I want them to see me, documented, sitting right there beside them: me, the woman who gave birth to them, whom they can thank for their ample thighs and their pretty hair; me, the woman who nursed them all for the first years of their lives, enduring porn star-sized boobs and leaking through her shirts for months on end; me, who ran around gathering snacks to be the week's parent reader or planning the class Valentine's Day party; me, who cried when I dropped them off at preschool, breathed in the smell of their post-bath hair when I read them bedtime stories, and defied speeding laws when I had to rush them to the pediatric ER in the middle of the night for fill-in-the-blank (ear infections, croup, rotavirus).
I'm everywhere in their young lives, and yet I have very few pictures of me with them. Someday I won't be here -- and I don't know if that someday is tomorrow or thirty or forty or fifty years from now -- but I want them to have pictures of me. I want them to see the way I looked at them, see how much I loved them. I am not perfect to look at and I am not perfect to love, but I am perfectly their mother.
When I look at pictures of my own mother, I don't look at cellulite or hair debacles. I just see her -- her kind eyes, her open-mouthed, joyful smile, her familiar clothes. That's the mother I remember. My mother's body is the vessel that carries all the memories of my childhood. I always loved that her stomach was soft, her skin freckled, her fingers long. I didn't care that she didn't look like a model. She was my mama.
So when all is said and done, if I can't do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are.
I will save the little printed page with four squares of pictures on it and the words "Morgan's Sweet Sixteen" scrawled across the top with the date. There I am, hair not quite coiffed, make-up minimal, face fuller than I would like -- one hand holding a sleeping baby's head, and the other wrapped around my sweet littlest guy, who could not care less what I look like.
I thought this was too good to not post about. There have been many times that I have had to ask Sean to get a picture of me with the kids. It is always them, or always them with their dad...I'm around too! And I may not look as pretty as I would want, my make-up or hair may not be perfect, but she is absolutely right. They won't notice any of that. What they will notice was that I was there too.
Kind of like our urgent care visit...
The Mom Stays in the Picture
Allison Tate.Freelance writer, mom of four
Posted: 10/02/2012 (source Huffington Post)
Last weekend, my family traveled to attend my oldest niece's Sweet Sixteen party. My brother and sister-in-law planned this party for many months and intended it to be a big surprise, and it included a photo booth for the guests.
I showed up to the party a bit late and, as usual, slightly askew from trying to dress myself and all my little people for such a special night out. I'm still carrying a fair amount of baby weight and wearing a nursing bra, and I don't fit into my cute clothes. I felt awkward and tired and rumpled.
I was leaning my aching back against the bar, my now 5-month-old baby sleeping in a carrier on my chest (despite the pounding bass and dulcet tones of LMFAO blasting through the room) when my 5-year-old son ran up to me.
"Come take pictures with me, Mommy," he yelled over the music, "in the photo booth!"
I hesitated. I avoid photographic evidence of my existence these days. To be honest, I avoid even mirrors. When I see myself in pictures, it makes me wince. I know I am far from alone; I know that many of my friends also avoid the camera.
It seems logical. We're sporting mama bodies and we're not as young as we used to be. We don't always have time to blow dry our hair, apply make-up, perhaps even bathe (ducking). The kids are so much cuter than we are; better to just take their pictures, we think.
But we really need to make an effort to get in the picture. Our sons need to see how young and beautiful and human their mamas were. Our daughters need to see us vulnerable and open and just being ourselves -- women, mamas, people living lives. Avoiding the camera because we don't like to see our own pictures? How can that be okay?
Too much of a mama's life goes undocumented and unseen. People, including my children, don't see the way I make sure my kids' favorite stuffed animals are on their beds at night. They don't know how I walk the grocery store aisles looking for treats that will thrill them for a special day. They don't know that I saved their side-snap, paper-thin baby shirts from the hospital where they were born or their little hospital bracelets in keepsake boxes high on the top shelves of their closets. They don't see me tossing and turning in bed wondering if I am doing an okay job as a mother, if they are okay in their schools, where we should take them for a vacation, what we should do for their birthdays. I'm up long past the news on Christmas Eve wrapping presents and eating cookies and milk, and I spend hours hunting the Internet and the local Targets for specially-requested Halloween costumes and birthday presents. They don't see any of that.
Someday, I want them to see me, documented, sitting right there beside them: me, the woman who gave birth to them, whom they can thank for their ample thighs and their pretty hair; me, the woman who nursed them all for the first years of their lives, enduring porn star-sized boobs and leaking through her shirts for months on end; me, who ran around gathering snacks to be the week's parent reader or planning the class Valentine's Day party; me, who cried when I dropped them off at preschool, breathed in the smell of their post-bath hair when I read them bedtime stories, and defied speeding laws when I had to rush them to the pediatric ER in the middle of the night for fill-in-the-blank (ear infections, croup, rotavirus).
I'm everywhere in their young lives, and yet I have very few pictures of me with them. Someday I won't be here -- and I don't know if that someday is tomorrow or thirty or forty or fifty years from now -- but I want them to have pictures of me. I want them to see the way I looked at them, see how much I loved them. I am not perfect to look at and I am not perfect to love, but I am perfectly their mother.
When I look at pictures of my own mother, I don't look at cellulite or hair debacles. I just see her -- her kind eyes, her open-mouthed, joyful smile, her familiar clothes. That's the mother I remember. My mother's body is the vessel that carries all the memories of my childhood. I always loved that her stomach was soft, her skin freckled, her fingers long. I didn't care that she didn't look like a model. She was my mama.
So when all is said and done, if I can't do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are.
I will save the little printed page with four squares of pictures on it and the words "Morgan's Sweet Sixteen" scrawled across the top with the date. There I am, hair not quite coiffed, make-up minimal, face fuller than I would like -- one hand holding a sleeping baby's head, and the other wrapped around my sweet littlest guy, who could not care less what I look like.
I thought this was too good to not post about. There have been many times that I have had to ask Sean to get a picture of me with the kids. It is always them, or always them with their dad...I'm around too! And I may not look as pretty as I would want, my make-up or hair may not be perfect, but she is absolutely right. They won't notice any of that. What they will notice was that I was there too.
Kind of like our urgent care visit...
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I will never ask for an extra 15 minutes again
My poor bloggy blog seems to be suffering. I have so many things/ pictures to post about and have been delayed on having the time to do it. So, I will try to make a more conscious effort to keep this updated. I don't know who reads it regularly (hi mom and sister) but I need to keep it going for my own records to look back on. So...without further ado, I want to have one last post for Sean's dad.
As I have referenced before, he has been suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. My mother in law was very insistent of taking care of him on her own, she did not want to put him in a nursing home, or was holding out until she actually needed to do it. When my brother in law and his family moved in over the spring while their home was being built, they were able to see first hand how his health was deteriorating. They were able to get the ball rolling in regards to home health care, just to give my MIL some extra help.
On Monday, September 10th, my MIL decided to put him in respite care for the week. She had gotten to the point where she just needed a break. The timing was good as it was my SIL's birthday that week and my MIL had some fun things planned that she hadn't been able to do while caring for my FIL. The day before he was scheduled to go for the week, he was showing some medical issues- possible stroke, possible Parkinson's, not exactly sure. His arms and legs were extremely stiff, not able to bend. So, when she brought him to the VA Hospital, they started to do all sorts of tests on him, and he was showing that his brain was shrinking again and had fluid, and that he had a lot of fluid in his lungs. They basically told her that his body was starting to shut down.He was to the point where he no longer spoke (I cant remember the last time he said anything to me or the kids), he needed to be fed, all his food was being pureed, his beverages were thickened, he had a hospital bed to sleep in, he needed diapers... his quality of life was so horribly sad.
Respite was supposed to last one week, but the VA wanted him there about a month so they could work on changing his medication, etc. They were fantastic with him. They showed him great care, moved his room closest to the nursing station, provided him everything he needed. We were all very happy for the care he was receiving. On Thursday, September 20th, they had my MIL come in for an update meeting on next steps. My BIL conferenced in by phone. They told my MIL that they thought the next step would be hospice care. All we wanted was for him to be comfortable. I don't think I fully grasped how near the end he was. I even asked Sean, what happens if he's still there past 6 months? will they still keep him? And, he's healthy as a horse, his mind just isn't there anymore.
Good think I am not a doctor, because I was obviously wrong on all accounts. On the afternoon of September 20th, my MIL found a nice VA run hospice close to her home. The VA suggested he move the end of the following week and had scheduled the move the the 28th. My BIL and SIL went to visit him on the night of the 21st (fed him ice cream which he loved) and Sean and his mom were going to go the next day.
She came to my house at 8:30am on the 22nd and played with the kids until she and Sean were ready to go. Before they left, I asked if I could have 15 minutes to blow dry my hair. Of course I could. So, they played a little longer. As soon as I was done, they were on their way. Sean had a sick feeling in his stomach that morning as he drove down that that would be the last time he would see his dad.
I got the phone call at 9:38am from Sean. He was gone. I couldn't believe it. He told me they missed him by 15 minutes. He rushed off the phone and I was left with horrible guilt. Guilt that he couldn't say goodbye, guilt that my MIL was over and ready and she couldn't say goodbye, guilt that he was gone and I didn't have a chance to go visit, guilt that I never believed it was really the end.
I would later find out that he was in a hospital gown, his body was cold, etc. He had to have been gone a little longer, but the call came in to Sean and my MIL as they were walking in the building at 9:15. So, I know it really could have been longer. But, I will never ask for someone to give me "just a few minutes". If someone needs to be somewhere, I will be ready.
The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind. Sean and his mom went to his brothers, and then were off to the funeral home making arrangements. I went over to my BIL's that afternoon with the kids and we spent the next few days with the entire family.
His funeral mass was on Tuesday, the 25th. It was a very nice service and about 150 people attended (we guessed only 75 or so would be there). It was just how he would have wanted it. In fact, he would have loved it.
And we loved him. The kids talk about Grandpa daily. And blow kisses to the sky in heaven. They know he is their with his dog, Bridget, and the kids love knowing they are playing and having a good time. Quinlin says "Hi Grandpa, we love you. Give Grandpa the ball, Bridget".
As I have referenced before, he has been suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. My mother in law was very insistent of taking care of him on her own, she did not want to put him in a nursing home, or was holding out until she actually needed to do it. When my brother in law and his family moved in over the spring while their home was being built, they were able to see first hand how his health was deteriorating. They were able to get the ball rolling in regards to home health care, just to give my MIL some extra help.
On Monday, September 10th, my MIL decided to put him in respite care for the week. She had gotten to the point where she just needed a break. The timing was good as it was my SIL's birthday that week and my MIL had some fun things planned that she hadn't been able to do while caring for my FIL. The day before he was scheduled to go for the week, he was showing some medical issues- possible stroke, possible Parkinson's, not exactly sure. His arms and legs were extremely stiff, not able to bend. So, when she brought him to the VA Hospital, they started to do all sorts of tests on him, and he was showing that his brain was shrinking again and had fluid, and that he had a lot of fluid in his lungs. They basically told her that his body was starting to shut down.He was to the point where he no longer spoke (I cant remember the last time he said anything to me or the kids), he needed to be fed, all his food was being pureed, his beverages were thickened, he had a hospital bed to sleep in, he needed diapers... his quality of life was so horribly sad.
Respite was supposed to last one week, but the VA wanted him there about a month so they could work on changing his medication, etc. They were fantastic with him. They showed him great care, moved his room closest to the nursing station, provided him everything he needed. We were all very happy for the care he was receiving. On Thursday, September 20th, they had my MIL come in for an update meeting on next steps. My BIL conferenced in by phone. They told my MIL that they thought the next step would be hospice care. All we wanted was for him to be comfortable. I don't think I fully grasped how near the end he was. I even asked Sean, what happens if he's still there past 6 months? will they still keep him? And, he's healthy as a horse, his mind just isn't there anymore.
Good think I am not a doctor, because I was obviously wrong on all accounts. On the afternoon of September 20th, my MIL found a nice VA run hospice close to her home. The VA suggested he move the end of the following week and had scheduled the move the the 28th. My BIL and SIL went to visit him on the night of the 21st (fed him ice cream which he loved) and Sean and his mom were going to go the next day.
She came to my house at 8:30am on the 22nd and played with the kids until she and Sean were ready to go. Before they left, I asked if I could have 15 minutes to blow dry my hair. Of course I could. So, they played a little longer. As soon as I was done, they were on their way. Sean had a sick feeling in his stomach that morning as he drove down that that would be the last time he would see his dad.
I got the phone call at 9:38am from Sean. He was gone. I couldn't believe it. He told me they missed him by 15 minutes. He rushed off the phone and I was left with horrible guilt. Guilt that he couldn't say goodbye, guilt that my MIL was over and ready and she couldn't say goodbye, guilt that he was gone and I didn't have a chance to go visit, guilt that I never believed it was really the end.
I would later find out that he was in a hospital gown, his body was cold, etc. He had to have been gone a little longer, but the call came in to Sean and my MIL as they were walking in the building at 9:15. So, I know it really could have been longer. But, I will never ask for someone to give me "just a few minutes". If someone needs to be somewhere, I will be ready.
The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind. Sean and his mom went to his brothers, and then were off to the funeral home making arrangements. I went over to my BIL's that afternoon with the kids and we spent the next few days with the entire family.
His funeral mass was on Tuesday, the 25th. It was a very nice service and about 150 people attended (we guessed only 75 or so would be there). It was just how he would have wanted it. In fact, he would have loved it.
And we loved him. The kids talk about Grandpa daily. And blow kisses to the sky in heaven. They know he is their with his dog, Bridget, and the kids love knowing they are playing and having a good time. Quinlin says "Hi Grandpa, we love you. Give Grandpa the ball, Bridget".
Friday, September 28, 2012
Chuck
I apologize for my lack of posting. I need to get caught up with many, many things and want to have the time to owe my father in law a proper post. So, in the meantime.
June 22, 1943- Sept 22, 2012
Gone too soon. Rest in peace, dad. We love and miss you.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Owen's First Stitches 091312
Head- meet table
Table- meet head
That is what happened to us last night. We walked in the door about 6pm after I picked the kids up from daycare. Sean had to work the night shift, so Hunter was home waiting for us. I put my purse down, was about to make dinner, when all of a sudden I heard a huge crash onto the floor, a slight silence, and then a huge shriek coming from Owen. Tears were flowing. I rushed over to the living room and scooped him off the floor and blood started pouring from his head. Hunter was "in his spot" on the couch and Owen tried to jump over him out of the way, bounced off the couch and right into the coffee table.
I grabbed Owen, had blood all over my hands and rushed him right into the car. Hunter watched Quinlin and we drove away, towel over head, towel over car seat, as fast as we could to the local urgent care. In the meantime, Sean called his mom and she rushed right over to make sure Hunter and Owen were good.
I apologize, in advance, if the pictures of blood gross you out. I need to document our experience... it's not that bad, really.
They gave him crayons and a coloring book and he colored for about 5 minutes, until he was "over it"
So- what else do you do as you wait in an urgent care facility with a scared 4 year old? You play with your iphone of course, and take silly pictures of yourselves. We were so entertaining to each other. At least I had him laughing... that was the whole point. Less traumatic the better!
Finally it was time to do the stitches. The numbing cream was on but then they also had to numb with a needle as well. Owen did not like that part.
Owen handled the stitches like a champion. He whimpered a little bit during it but did amazing. The paramedic who was helping at the urgent care facility held his head still and gave him a little head massage while it was going on that Owen seemed to enjoy. 3 stitches later and he was all set!
And- what else do you do to cap off the night for a kid that just had stitches? McDonalds, of course! I was not about to finally cook our chicken fajitas we were supposed to have since it was now 8:30 at night.
Table- meet head
That is what happened to us last night. We walked in the door about 6pm after I picked the kids up from daycare. Sean had to work the night shift, so Hunter was home waiting for us. I put my purse down, was about to make dinner, when all of a sudden I heard a huge crash onto the floor, a slight silence, and then a huge shriek coming from Owen. Tears were flowing. I rushed over to the living room and scooped him off the floor and blood started pouring from his head. Hunter was "in his spot" on the couch and Owen tried to jump over him out of the way, bounced off the couch and right into the coffee table.
I grabbed Owen, had blood all over my hands and rushed him right into the car. Hunter watched Quinlin and we drove away, towel over head, towel over car seat, as fast as we could to the local urgent care. In the meantime, Sean called his mom and she rushed right over to make sure Hunter and Owen were good.
I apologize, in advance, if the pictures of blood gross you out. I need to document our experience... it's not that bad, really.
He was such a little champion, by the time we got to the urgent care, he stopped crying, held his paper towel on his head and walked in on his own power, excited because he saw a vending machine and wanted cheetos (we hadn't eaten dinner as we just got home). We sat and got registered.
We made it back to the exam room and he laid down on the table for them to start looking at his head. He was so good- stayed still as they buzzed the hair around the area. He even made a comment about how this wasn't the barber shop.
The area was prepped and ready to go
They put a numbing cream on his head and bandaged him up. So we waited for about 30 minutes until they actually put the stitches in.
Or crayons in the ears work well too
We measured out the gash too. I tried to document everything since Sean was working the night shift and couldn't be with us.
He finally got his cheetos he was waiting on
Quinlin wanted to make sure she was part of the fun after looking through my phone, so crazy silly faces for the girls as well.
And Owen capped off his night with some playing of his "new" GI Joes (Daddy's toys when he was little).
What a night! It was not our first trip to urgent care (never anything horribly serious) and I know it won't be our last. We were so happy for the care they gave us. Let's just hope we don't go back...for a long time anyway! I should add... Owen refused to take off his admitted bracelet... in case he gets hurt again. So off to school he went, with the hospital bracelet still on!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Gone Too Soon... again
Dear world, We have had enough. We would like to not have to attend any more funerals or calling hours, for a while. Thank you.
We got the call Friday night from Sean's best friend that his mom had died. She was only 65, hadn't been in the best health, but still caught everyone completely off-guard. Such a kind, fun and funny lady. I enjoyed every moment I spent with her.
When we went to the calling hours on Tuesday night, everyone in the family kept telling Sean that he was her favorite. I loved hearing stories about how in order to get her to come to a party, the kids would have to tell her that Sean would be there just so she would attend. She would instantly perk up and start getting ready.
She was the life of the party, enjoyed life and her family. The funeral yesterday was beautiful. Mike did a nice job during the eulogy and everyone enjoyed the luncheon afterwards where funny stories were told and Irish jigs were done in her honor. At night, the family went to the casino as they know she's currently winning big at the casino in the sky.
Rest in Peace, Betty.
We got the call Friday night from Sean's best friend that his mom had died. She was only 65, hadn't been in the best health, but still caught everyone completely off-guard. Such a kind, fun and funny lady. I enjoyed every moment I spent with her.
When we went to the calling hours on Tuesday night, everyone in the family kept telling Sean that he was her favorite. I loved hearing stories about how in order to get her to come to a party, the kids would have to tell her that Sean would be there just so she would attend. She would instantly perk up and start getting ready.
She was the life of the party, enjoyed life and her family. The funeral yesterday was beautiful. Mike did a nice job during the eulogy and everyone enjoyed the luncheon afterwards where funny stories were told and Irish jigs were done in her honor. At night, the family went to the casino as they know she's currently winning big at the casino in the sky.
Rest in Peace, Betty.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Labor Day Weekend
We had a pretty low-key weekend, which was to be expected since Sean has been in recovery mode. On Friday, I went to the wake for my friend's wife. I have never been to a wake where there were so many people. A true testament to the person she was and the love/life they shared together. I went with a girlfriend from grade school and it was nice to catch up, though would have been better in different circumstances. We got there (after a slight detour from me not following directions and going the wrong way on the turnpike) and the line was wrapped around from one room in the funeral home into another and circling. After about 40 minutes and the line barely moving, I texted Sean to see if he may be able to get the kids from daycare (I was fearing the 6:30pm pickup deadline). He was feeling extremely sick and had taken the vicoden so could not drive and did not trust Hunter to drive his truck (with Sean being the licensed driver in the car with him). So, we waited in line some more and I watched the clock. I spent a lot of time talking to my friend's dad- we have known the family for almost my entire life- so there was a nice comfortableness there in such a sad situation. He talked to us about exactly what happened, the baby, Craig, etc. After about another 10 minutes, we started talking to Craig's mom. Time was ticking away and the line still wasn't moving. She knew my daycare restraint and ushered us right up front so we could see Craig and pay our respects. It was so sad- but I am glad I went. He was holding up as good as can be expected. The baby came home from the hospital on Sunday- true miracle baby!
After grabbing the kids from daycare (at 6:20pm!) I grabbed them McDonald's (don't judge- it's power ranger happy meal toy time) and we rushed home to eat and play with the neighbors. Sean was able to sit outside with us a little while and visit as well. On Saturday, I took the kids to my BIL's house to drop some clothes off for my nephew and visit a little. Nice to get out of the house while Sean recovered and let them play with their cousins as well. Plus- the new house is always fun to go to. We didn't do much else on Saturday. We hung out with the neighbors for a little while and ordered in from a local restaurant for dinner and watched a little college football.
On Sunday, we were invited to two picnics but needed to see how Sean was feeling. We went to his cousin's picnic and stayed for about an hour and a half until he had hit his maximum and needed to go home to lay down. We missed the chili cook-off that we always go to on Labor Day (hopefully next year). We came home, I took the kids to play and he came home and rested.
Finally by Monday, he was feeling good. Though Hunter woke up puking (not sure where that was coming from). We met the neighbors at the pool and had one last hoorah there before it closed for the summer. We ordered pizzas and had ice cream sundays and the kids had a blast. For the most part... there was a slight incident where Quinlin decided she was going to go in the pool without her water wings and went under. Thank goodness for my neighbor Beth who jumped right in and pulled her out. A little scary (and it's not like we weren't paying attention. Sean said to me "she doesn't have her wings, she doesn't have her wings". for some reason, I thought she could touch so was casually taking my time getting her wings. Yikes- lesson learned). We played at the pool until it rained and then came home, had dinner and went outside until it rained again. When Quinlin saw Beth she said "thank you for saving me". It was the sweetest.
So all in all, low key and easy. Thank goodness last week is over. It was rough taking care of Sean and the kids. I thought hernia surgery would be a little easier...but we are on the road to recovery. Today was his first day back at work as well. I am putting money on that he will probably be home by 1pm as I don't think he'll be able to work a full day. Fingers crossed he doesn't overdo it!
After grabbing the kids from daycare (at 6:20pm!) I grabbed them McDonald's (don't judge- it's power ranger happy meal toy time) and we rushed home to eat and play with the neighbors. Sean was able to sit outside with us a little while and visit as well. On Saturday, I took the kids to my BIL's house to drop some clothes off for my nephew and visit a little. Nice to get out of the house while Sean recovered and let them play with their cousins as well. Plus- the new house is always fun to go to. We didn't do much else on Saturday. We hung out with the neighbors for a little while and ordered in from a local restaurant for dinner and watched a little college football.
On Sunday, we were invited to two picnics but needed to see how Sean was feeling. We went to his cousin's picnic and stayed for about an hour and a half until he had hit his maximum and needed to go home to lay down. We missed the chili cook-off that we always go to on Labor Day (hopefully next year). We came home, I took the kids to play and he came home and rested.
Finally by Monday, he was feeling good. Though Hunter woke up puking (not sure where that was coming from). We met the neighbors at the pool and had one last hoorah there before it closed for the summer. We ordered pizzas and had ice cream sundays and the kids had a blast. For the most part... there was a slight incident where Quinlin decided she was going to go in the pool without her water wings and went under. Thank goodness for my neighbor Beth who jumped right in and pulled her out. A little scary (and it's not like we weren't paying attention. Sean said to me "she doesn't have her wings, she doesn't have her wings". for some reason, I thought she could touch so was casually taking my time getting her wings. Yikes- lesson learned). We played at the pool until it rained and then came home, had dinner and went outside until it rained again. When Quinlin saw Beth she said "thank you for saving me". It was the sweetest.
So all in all, low key and easy. Thank goodness last week is over. It was rough taking care of Sean and the kids. I thought hernia surgery would be a little easier...but we are on the road to recovery. Today was his first day back at work as well. I am putting money on that he will probably be home by 1pm as I don't think he'll be able to work a full day. Fingers crossed he doesn't overdo it!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Gone too Soon
Today I need to go to calling hours for an old friend's wife. I have known him since we were little, we attended elementary, middle and high school together and went to college together as well. It's been years since I have seen him, but I cannot get his story out of my mind.
He was a newlywed, in fact, just celebrated his 1 year anniversary 13 months ago. And on Monday, he and his wife welcomed their brand new baby, Mason, into this world. The joy they experienced turned tragic as she suffered complications during childbirth and after 2 hours of trying, they couldn't save her. I couldn't imagine the happiest time in your life turning so horrific. Eerily similar to Matt Logelin.
From what I hear of her, she was an amazing woman. And all she wanted to do was be a mom. So she gave the ultimate sacrifice and is now watching over them. Please keep Craig and baby Mason in your thoughts. RIP Paula.
Ironically, Sean has to attend calling hours today as well for a high school classmates mom. He is still recovering from his surgery so this will be an adventure for him. Not sure if he even will be able to get nice clothes on, but luckily his friend Ed is picking him up and helping him to attend. He didn't want to miss it.
What a Debbie Downer of a post, huh? This weekend consists of helping Sean recover and an extra day off of work. I'll take it.
He was a newlywed, in fact, just celebrated his 1 year anniversary 13 months ago. And on Monday, he and his wife welcomed their brand new baby, Mason, into this world. The joy they experienced turned tragic as she suffered complications during childbirth and after 2 hours of trying, they couldn't save her. I couldn't imagine the happiest time in your life turning so horrific. Eerily similar to Matt Logelin.
From what I hear of her, she was an amazing woman. And all she wanted to do was be a mom. So she gave the ultimate sacrifice and is now watching over them. Please keep Craig and baby Mason in your thoughts. RIP Paula.
Ironically, Sean has to attend calling hours today as well for a high school classmates mom. He is still recovering from his surgery so this will be an adventure for him. Not sure if he even will be able to get nice clothes on, but luckily his friend Ed is picking him up and helping him to attend. He didn't want to miss it.
What a Debbie Downer of a post, huh? This weekend consists of helping Sean recover and an extra day off of work. I'll take it.
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