Last night the boys had chicken nuggets for dinner. I know, not quite a gourmet meal, but Brooke had Music, Arts & Drama at 5:30 (which includes dinner) and Kevin and Mark had karate from 6-8:15, so no time for gourmet. Anyway, we usually eat pretty late -- at least 6:30, so when I put dinner in front of them at 5:15 they often aren't that hungry. Mark ate most of his meal. Kevin barely touched it.
Fast forward to 8:30 when the boys arrive home from karate.
Kevin: I'm hungry.
Mom: Your left over chicken nuggets are in the fridge. You can eat them.
Mark: Can I have some?
Mom: Those are Kevin's, but if you are that hungry I will make you some more.
Mark: (in a sulky voice, obviously put out) But they won't be cold.
Damn if I know what the appeal is of cold chicken nuggets, but there obviously is some because Mark sulked right up until he went to bed at 9:15. He never had anything to eat because of the constant sulk. Too bad, right?
Fast forward again to this morning. Mark woke up STILL sulking about the chicken nugget thing! (The boy can hold onto his anger, can't he?)
Mom: Are you still sulking about the chicken nuggets?
Mark: (nods)
Mom: Fine, then I will make you some for breakfast (gag!)
Mark: But they won't be cold.
Mom: (exasperated) OK, I will cook them now and you can let them sit out for 15 minutes and eat them cold.
Mark: (perky, and happy -- all is good in the world) OK!
So, what is it about cold chicken nuggets? I think my kids are just weird. And one of them is downstairs right now having cold chicken nuggets for breakfast! YUCK!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
A guy's got to make a living!
Mark just cracks me up!
On Friday (before the ER incident), Kevin came home from school and announced that he had been elected as the Student Council Representative from his class. He ran against 5 other kids and won -- beating out the "popular" girl in the class who looks like Selena Gomez from Disney Channel.
Anyway, I was on the phone with my mom and said "I really give him a lot of credit for putting himself out there and running. I don't think I would have." At that point, Mark, who is sitting at the kitchen table doing some homework says, "I won't."
So, being the encouraging mom that I am, I say "You might. In 3 years you will be more self confident and might feel differently. You'll see."
After a long pause, Mark says, "Does it pay?"
I, of course, answer "No" and he says "Then I won't run."
So, how do you like that? He'll only serve on Student Council if it is a paying job!
I think we might need to work on his priorities.
On Friday (before the ER incident), Kevin came home from school and announced that he had been elected as the Student Council Representative from his class. He ran against 5 other kids and won -- beating out the "popular" girl in the class who looks like Selena Gomez from Disney Channel.
Anyway, I was on the phone with my mom and said "I really give him a lot of credit for putting himself out there and running. I don't think I would have." At that point, Mark, who is sitting at the kitchen table doing some homework says, "I won't."
So, being the encouraging mom that I am, I say "You might. In 3 years you will be more self confident and might feel differently. You'll see."
After a long pause, Mark says, "Does it pay?"
I, of course, answer "No" and he says "Then I won't run."
So, how do you like that? He'll only serve on Student Council if it is a paying job!
I think we might need to work on his priorities.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
ER visit or book club? Decisions, decisions.
Well, Friday afternoon turned interesting in a hurry.
At about 3:45 pm the phone rang. I could see from the caller id that it was Eric calling from work. I figured he was finally returning my phone call from the morning. Instead he greets me by saying, "I think I'm going to go to the Emergency Room." Just like that. He said it as if he was going to say "I think I'm going to go to the bar for a beer." Anyway, seems he was have a "burning sensation" in his bicep. He said he had called his doctor and she said to go to the emergency room.
So, I debate what to do now. Should I go pick him up to drive him? No, that would add at least another hour to his arrival time and he says he is fine to drive. Should I meet him there? He says no, but I kind of feel that a good wife should at least offer moral support. Most importantly, should I cancel my Book Club meeting? It is at my house this month and I have been cleaning and preparing food all day.
Long story short, I decide to drive to the hospital (like any good wife would do) and cancel book club. We were home by 8:30, having paid a $150 co-pay and learned nothing. They did an EKG, bloodwork and a CT scan of his head (maybe to see if there is a working brain in there!). From the start the doctor told us that his symptoms were "unusual" and that he didn't think he would find anything. He thought that it was unlikely to be cardiac, which is Eric's paranoia since his dad died of a heart attack at 70 (could someone please tell him that heart attacks at that age are not that uncommon and do not pre-dispose a 42 year old son to heart disease!), but more likely neurologic (thus the CT scan) -- probably a pinched nerve. So, $150 and 4 hours later -- no diagnosis. Not even a prescription for pain medication. Oh right, when the nurse asked him to rate his pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst, he said a 4. A 4! You mean I canceled my book club meeting for a 4 on the pain scale! You must be kidding! I think he was sleeping in the chair when I was in labor with pain at 11 on that same scale! And I am sitting in the ER instead of at book club for a 4!
Anyway, I have since learned the following information:
This "burning sensation" started on Thursday morning.
He went out to lunch with the guys from work before calling the doctor's office.
He didn't call the doctor's office until 3:30 pm -- 1/2 hour before they close for the weekend.
Of course they told him to go the the ER -- they don't want to stay there late waiting for him. And lunch. What part of that brain (yes, the CT confirmed that there is one) thought that going out to lunch was a good idea while in the throws of a medical crisis like "burning sensation in the right bicep!" And why, why, why, why didn't he call the doctor Friday morning if this had been going on since Thursday morning? Timing is everything!
At about 3:45 pm the phone rang. I could see from the caller id that it was Eric calling from work. I figured he was finally returning my phone call from the morning. Instead he greets me by saying, "I think I'm going to go to the Emergency Room." Just like that. He said it as if he was going to say "I think I'm going to go to the bar for a beer." Anyway, seems he was have a "burning sensation" in his bicep. He said he had called his doctor and she said to go to the emergency room.
So, I debate what to do now. Should I go pick him up to drive him? No, that would add at least another hour to his arrival time and he says he is fine to drive. Should I meet him there? He says no, but I kind of feel that a good wife should at least offer moral support. Most importantly, should I cancel my Book Club meeting? It is at my house this month and I have been cleaning and preparing food all day.
Long story short, I decide to drive to the hospital (like any good wife would do) and cancel book club. We were home by 8:30, having paid a $150 co-pay and learned nothing. They did an EKG, bloodwork and a CT scan of his head (maybe to see if there is a working brain in there!). From the start the doctor told us that his symptoms were "unusual" and that he didn't think he would find anything. He thought that it was unlikely to be cardiac, which is Eric's paranoia since his dad died of a heart attack at 70 (could someone please tell him that heart attacks at that age are not that uncommon and do not pre-dispose a 42 year old son to heart disease!), but more likely neurologic (thus the CT scan) -- probably a pinched nerve. So, $150 and 4 hours later -- no diagnosis. Not even a prescription for pain medication. Oh right, when the nurse asked him to rate his pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst, he said a 4. A 4! You mean I canceled my book club meeting for a 4 on the pain scale! You must be kidding! I think he was sleeping in the chair when I was in labor with pain at 11 on that same scale! And I am sitting in the ER instead of at book club for a 4!
Anyway, I have since learned the following information:
This "burning sensation" started on Thursday morning.
He went out to lunch with the guys from work before calling the doctor's office.
He didn't call the doctor's office until 3:30 pm -- 1/2 hour before they close for the weekend.
Of course they told him to go the the ER -- they don't want to stay there late waiting for him. And lunch. What part of that brain (yes, the CT confirmed that there is one) thought that going out to lunch was a good idea while in the throws of a medical crisis like "burning sensation in the right bicep!" And why, why, why, why didn't he call the doctor Friday morning if this had been going on since Thursday morning? Timing is everything!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What was I thinking?
Here's the way my yesterday went:
8:00 am - take Mark to school for Rise & Shine
9:00 am - take Daniel to preschool
9:15-10:45 am - get gas for the car, stop home to throw in a load of laundry, classroom observation at Mark's school
11:00 am - pick Daniel up at school
11:10 am - pick up Jack (Daniel's buddy) for swimming
11:30 am - take Daniel and Jack to swimming
12:00 noon - swimming over - get Daniel and Jack changed out of their wet suits & into clothes
12:30 pm - home with Daniel & Jack for lunch & playdate (work on PTO Treasurer's report while they play)
3:00 pm - Kevin & Mark arrive home from school
3:15 pm - drive Jack home
3:20 pm - pick up Brooke at Megan's
3:30 pm - take Brooke to piano lessons
4:15 pm - home from piano
5:30 pm - take Brooke to church for Music, Arts & Drama
6:00 pm - take Kevin to wrestling (Mark & Daniel with me -- Eric is stuck in traffic)
6:30 pm - pick up Brooke at MAD (she has to babysit at Randolphville, so needs to leave early)
6:45 pm - drop off Brooke at Randolphville for her babysitting gig
7:00 pm - PTO Board meeting, which lasted until 11:00 pm (Eric was home in time to pick Brooke up at Randolphville at 8:30 -- gee, thanks!)
11:10 pm - return phone call to Steve
11:30 pm - proof and print Brooke's science lab report
11:35 pm - realize that my printer is out of ink -- oh, crap!
11:40 pm - go to bed
Mind you, Mark was supposed to be at karate from 6:00 - 8:15, but unless I could clone myself (or Eric, and God knows I don't need two of him -- one is more than enough!), that just couldn't work. And I was supposed to be at a Board of Education Community Relations Committee meeting from 6:30 - 8:30 (missed that). In my craziest moment, I actually thought I could go to that meeting and leave early to be at my PTO Board meeting by about 7:30. That plan went out the window when Eric called from Route 1 in traffic.
And where, I ask, is the time for laundry, cleaning, dinner? I did manage to feed the boys -- chicken nuggets, Cheez-Its, and a bananas -- before I took Brooke to MAD (just so no one thinks I am neglecting the important stuff). I had a quick fried egg before I left for my PTO meeting (I can't figure out why I'm not skinnier!).
Some days are crazier than most!
8:00 am - take Mark to school for Rise & Shine
9:00 am - take Daniel to preschool
9:15-10:45 am - get gas for the car, stop home to throw in a load of laundry, classroom observation at Mark's school
11:00 am - pick Daniel up at school
11:10 am - pick up Jack (Daniel's buddy) for swimming
11:30 am - take Daniel and Jack to swimming
12:00 noon - swimming over - get Daniel and Jack changed out of their wet suits & into clothes
12:30 pm - home with Daniel & Jack for lunch & playdate (work on PTO Treasurer's report while they play)
3:00 pm - Kevin & Mark arrive home from school
3:15 pm - drive Jack home
3:20 pm - pick up Brooke at Megan's
3:30 pm - take Brooke to piano lessons
4:15 pm - home from piano
5:30 pm - take Brooke to church for Music, Arts & Drama
6:00 pm - take Kevin to wrestling (Mark & Daniel with me -- Eric is stuck in traffic)
6:30 pm - pick up Brooke at MAD (she has to babysit at Randolphville, so needs to leave early)
6:45 pm - drop off Brooke at Randolphville for her babysitting gig
7:00 pm - PTO Board meeting, which lasted until 11:00 pm (Eric was home in time to pick Brooke up at Randolphville at 8:30 -- gee, thanks!)
11:10 pm - return phone call to Steve
11:30 pm - proof and print Brooke's science lab report
11:35 pm - realize that my printer is out of ink -- oh, crap!
11:40 pm - go to bed
Mind you, Mark was supposed to be at karate from 6:00 - 8:15, but unless I could clone myself (or Eric, and God knows I don't need two of him -- one is more than enough!), that just couldn't work. And I was supposed to be at a Board of Education Community Relations Committee meeting from 6:30 - 8:30 (missed that). In my craziest moment, I actually thought I could go to that meeting and leave early to be at my PTO Board meeting by about 7:30. That plan went out the window when Eric called from Route 1 in traffic.
And where, I ask, is the time for laundry, cleaning, dinner? I did manage to feed the boys -- chicken nuggets, Cheez-Its, and a bananas -- before I took Brooke to MAD (just so no one thinks I am neglecting the important stuff). I had a quick fried egg before I left for my PTO meeting (I can't figure out why I'm not skinnier!).
Some days are crazier than most!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Correction
I hate to keep harping on Kevin's wrestling/hair issue, but I need to set the record straight.
It is not a hair net that I need to get. It is a "stocking cap". Eric learned this last night while talking to the father of an African American boy that Kevin wrestles with. His older son wrestles and wears this "stocking cap" because he has long braided hair! Ughh!
I'm told I can get one at Walmart. But where in Walmart? I guess I'll have to ask someone. That ought to be interesting.
And now I promise I will change the subject.
It is not a hair net that I need to get. It is a "stocking cap". Eric learned this last night while talking to the father of an African American boy that Kevin wrestles with. His older son wrestles and wears this "stocking cap" because he has long braided hair! Ughh!
I'm told I can get one at Walmart. But where in Walmart? I guess I'll have to ask someone. That ought to be interesting.
And now I promise I will change the subject.
Monday, November 10, 2008
There is hope! Or not.
Kevin just left for wrestling. But not before freaking out about putting his headgear on with his hair without making himself look "creepy". I guess the first time he put it on he pushed his bangs back under it -- giving him the "creepy" look. He did manage to find a look that worked for him. However, his hair keeps getting stuck in the velcro! I just about busted a gut trying not to laugh out loud listening to the sounds of pain as he pulled his hair out of the velcro strap.
It's going to be a long wrestling season... or maybe not. Maybe he will cave and get a hair cut. I know. I'm living in a fantasy world. But a girl can dream, can't she?
It's going to be a long wrestling season... or maybe not. Maybe he will cave and get a hair cut. I know. I'm living in a fantasy world. But a girl can dream, can't she?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
This long hair really is important!
Kevin and Mark are both sporting long hair these days (see Halloween and pumpkin picking pictures). I keep waiting for something to come along that will inspire them to cut it.
First, I thought it might be swimming. Kevin's was long enough that it got in his face a bit while he was competing on the swim team this past summer. His answer -- he wore a bathing cap!
Now wrestling season is upon us. Again, I saw a glimmer of hope that this might be just the ticket. Unfortunately, he announced at dinner tonight that he has a solution. He will put his hair in a pony tail and wear a hair net!!! WTF! Does the boy have no pride! He'd rather wear a hair net than get his hair cut! I don't get it. All I know is that I need to go out tomorrow to buy a hair net for my 11 year old son and I have an issue with that!
First, I thought it might be swimming. Kevin's was long enough that it got in his face a bit while he was competing on the swim team this past summer. His answer -- he wore a bathing cap!
Now wrestling season is upon us. Again, I saw a glimmer of hope that this might be just the ticket. Unfortunately, he announced at dinner tonight that he has a solution. He will put his hair in a pony tail and wear a hair net!!! WTF! Does the boy have no pride! He'd rather wear a hair net than get his hair cut! I don't get it. All I know is that I need to go out tomorrow to buy a hair net for my 11 year old son and I have an issue with that!
Friday, November 7, 2008
In my humble opinion...
Dear Everyone telling people who didn't vote for Obama to give our support to him for the good of the country,
I WILL support him and give him the benefit of the doubt even though I did not vote for him (do not trust him and don't believe that a socialist agenda can move our economy out of the shit hole it is in) because I believe in what this country stands for and want the "American Dream" for everyone willing to WORK for it. That said, unless YOU did what you are asking others to do and gave your support to Bush "for the good of the country", I ask you to kindly SHUT UP.
Dear President-elect Obaba,
How about a great big "Thank you" to the liberal media who did so much to help get you elected. And good luck. You are about to take over a thankless job in the middle of the biggest economic crisis this country has seen in decades. And don't think the American people are going to be patient. It isn't our nature and you made some big promises.
I WILL support him and give him the benefit of the doubt even though I did not vote for him (do not trust him and don't believe that a socialist agenda can move our economy out of the shit hole it is in) because I believe in what this country stands for and want the "American Dream" for everyone willing to WORK for it. That said, unless YOU did what you are asking others to do and gave your support to Bush "for the good of the country", I ask you to kindly SHUT UP.
Dear President-elect Obaba,
How about a great big "Thank you" to the liberal media who did so much to help get you elected. And good luck. You are about to take over a thankless job in the middle of the biggest economic crisis this country has seen in decades. And don't think the American people are going to be patient. It isn't our nature and you made some big promises.
Food focus
Why is it that everything I do revolves around food?
I had a conference with Daniel's preschool teacher this morning. My friend, Tina, had her conference scheduled right after mine, so we went out to breakfast.
My friend Jessica and I decided to meet at the park with the kids this afternoon. What did we decide to do first -- McDonald's drive-thru.
When I'm happy I celebrate by eating. When I'm depressed I forget my troubles with food. When I'm tired I don't nap -- I go to Dunkin' Donuts for a coffee (and a donut sure can pick me up). Eric and I once had a weight loss bet -- who could lose the most weight in a month. What was the reward? -- winner picks the restaurant for a dinner out! (I don't think either one of us lost any weight, so a winner could not be determined)
And just to show you how severe my food focus is, when I am going out to dinner, I look online for a restaurant menu so I can decide what I'm having and look forward to it all day. Pretty pathetic, huh? I will also eat less during the day so I can eat more at dinner.
It's no wonder I am overweight!
Back to the gym on Monday -- and this time I won't use it as a way to rationalize eating more!
I had a conference with Daniel's preschool teacher this morning. My friend, Tina, had her conference scheduled right after mine, so we went out to breakfast.
My friend Jessica and I decided to meet at the park with the kids this afternoon. What did we decide to do first -- McDonald's drive-thru.
When I'm happy I celebrate by eating. When I'm depressed I forget my troubles with food. When I'm tired I don't nap -- I go to Dunkin' Donuts for a coffee (and a donut sure can pick me up). Eric and I once had a weight loss bet -- who could lose the most weight in a month. What was the reward? -- winner picks the restaurant for a dinner out! (I don't think either one of us lost any weight, so a winner could not be determined)
And just to show you how severe my food focus is, when I am going out to dinner, I look online for a restaurant menu so I can decide what I'm having and look forward to it all day. Pretty pathetic, huh? I will also eat less during the day so I can eat more at dinner.
It's no wonder I am overweight!
Back to the gym on Monday -- and this time I won't use it as a way to rationalize eating more!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween pictures
Daniel at his Minnow Pond parade
Mark at the Randolphville parade
Daniel, Mark & Kevin ready for Trick-or-Treating
Megan and Brooke with our skeleton friend
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