A few weeks ago, Brian was rear ended on his way home from work. Well today we got the official notice that the insurance company is going to be totaling his truck, and giving us the money to buy a new one. This kind of works in our favor, as we had planned on selling his truck and buy a newer, bigger one, since the kids are getting too big for the back seat of his Ranger.
We started looking at trucks today. Well let me rephrase that, we looked at one truck today. It was NOT good, horrible condition and not what was advertised. I know that our budget isn't the biggest for what we want, but there has to be something better than what we just looked at.
In the meantime, he is driving a rental car. I really like the rental except that it is on the small side. It does have some features that I have wanted in a car for ever! Such as a sun roof. That seems silly, but I have craved one for years, literally. We have bought several cars in the last ten years, but never have we purchased one with a sun roof and most likely will not this time either. It will be fun to have one though for the next week or so.
We are a God-loving family, and life for us is wonderful! We love to stay busy with our children, read the bible, and just spend time as a family. Even though life for us can get chaotic, we would not change it for anything!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
after school events
Do you know how I know that fall is approaching? All of the extra curricular activities are starting! I only have two children, but wow! As they get older, they keep wanting to do more and more! Prince is currently signed up for Running Club (cross country through school), Lego Robotics Club (through the military), and soccer! Princess is doing piano lessons, Running Club, Choir (through school), and wanting to do gymnastics! All of these activities happen on week nights, with the exception of soccer games on Saturday. At this moment in time, I am very grateful for my calendars.
I LIVE for my calendars and to do lists. Without these tools, I would be a mess and would forget my head. Between the kids' after school stuff, work, my school, army, church, and anything else going on, I HAVE to stay organized. My idea of organization: wall calendar in kitchen, phone calendar with alarms, my school planner for assignments, kids calendar for their chores and weekly activities, and a calendar for what to eat for dinner all month. This probably seems overboard for many people, but for me it works. I love that by using these I can just glance down at it and see immediately what is going on on any given day. It also helps me balance everything and keep the kids on task.
We usually allow the kids two extra curricular activities outside of school. They are very aware that if the activity starts to interfere with school work, that activity is gone. They sit and down and do homework and their chores on schedule. I like that they are so busy. It keeps them out of trouble, and doing activities helps teach them great life skills. They learn about being part of a team, keeping your commitments, dedication, and so many more lessons.
I LIVE for my calendars and to do lists. Without these tools, I would be a mess and would forget my head. Between the kids' after school stuff, work, my school, army, church, and anything else going on, I HAVE to stay organized. My idea of organization: wall calendar in kitchen, phone calendar with alarms, my school planner for assignments, kids calendar for their chores and weekly activities, and a calendar for what to eat for dinner all month. This probably seems overboard for many people, but for me it works. I love that by using these I can just glance down at it and see immediately what is going on on any given day. It also helps me balance everything and keep the kids on task.
We usually allow the kids two extra curricular activities outside of school. They are very aware that if the activity starts to interfere with school work, that activity is gone. They sit and down and do homework and their chores on schedule. I like that they are so busy. It keeps them out of trouble, and doing activities helps teach them great life skills. They learn about being part of a team, keeping your commitments, dedication, and so many more lessons.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Piano lessons
Princess had her second first lesson in piano tonight. She attempted to learn the piano a couple years ago, and just was not ready. Now that she is in third grade we tried again, even though it took a bit of teeth pulling to get her to agree to it.
Princess's first lesson went great! She seemed interested after meeting the new piano teacher last night, but was still a little apprehensive going into it today. Well, she has declared that she plays great now! :) On the way home from her lesson she kept going on and on about how she was a fast learner on the piano because she is so smart. I have to tell you, this was music to my ears! Lately she has been telling us how stupid she is and not feeling very good about herself. I was so happy to hear that she feels like she does something great! And guess what? She really is doing great! She has already passed off four songs and has three more that she is working on. All in her first lesson! I love that she is excited about this and wants to do it. In fact, she had to play for her brother when she got home, and then again for her Dad when he got home from work. We will see if this enthusiasm keeps up, but I am optimistic.
Princess has been going on so much about piano tonight that Prince says he is thinking about starting lessons again. Prince took piano lessons for almost three years, but stopped a couple years ago. He loved it at the time and it really helped with his behavior so I would love to see him pick it back up. I think he would do well with this teacher, she is great!
I love the fact that my children love music. To me, music is a form of worship (which is why I am a part of a worship team at church!) My mood can drastically change depending on what I am listening to. I took piano lessons briefly as a children about Princess's age, and was involved with vocal music for years. I love most music, although there are a few genres that I do not like. Prince has always gravitated towards music which is why he started piano lessons when he was about five years old. For Princess, music has been building inside her for a while now. Lately, one of her past times has been to go around making up songs and "playing" them on the piano. I am so happy to have her really learning how to play now. Maybe someday she will write a real song, but if she doesn't that is okay too. As long as my kids are happy, that is all I ask. :)
Princess's first lesson went great! She seemed interested after meeting the new piano teacher last night, but was still a little apprehensive going into it today. Well, she has declared that she plays great now! :) On the way home from her lesson she kept going on and on about how she was a fast learner on the piano because she is so smart. I have to tell you, this was music to my ears! Lately she has been telling us how stupid she is and not feeling very good about herself. I was so happy to hear that she feels like she does something great! And guess what? She really is doing great! She has already passed off four songs and has three more that she is working on. All in her first lesson! I love that she is excited about this and wants to do it. In fact, she had to play for her brother when she got home, and then again for her Dad when he got home from work. We will see if this enthusiasm keeps up, but I am optimistic.
Princess has been going on so much about piano tonight that Prince says he is thinking about starting lessons again. Prince took piano lessons for almost three years, but stopped a couple years ago. He loved it at the time and it really helped with his behavior so I would love to see him pick it back up. I think he would do well with this teacher, she is great!
I love the fact that my children love music. To me, music is a form of worship (which is why I am a part of a worship team at church!) My mood can drastically change depending on what I am listening to. I took piano lessons briefly as a children about Princess's age, and was involved with vocal music for years. I love most music, although there are a few genres that I do not like. Prince has always gravitated towards music which is why he started piano lessons when he was about five years old. For Princess, music has been building inside her for a while now. Lately, one of her past times has been to go around making up songs and "playing" them on the piano. I am so happy to have her really learning how to play now. Maybe someday she will write a real song, but if she doesn't that is okay too. As long as my kids are happy, that is all I ask. :)
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Belated birthday post
Now that my birthday has been over for a week, I suppose it is time to write about my birthday ;)
The day started out great! Brian let me sleep in a bit, and then made me breakfast. I love his breakfasts! He makes the most delicious eggs. After breakfast, the four of us got ready to go to the water park and off we went. It was so fun to have it be the four of us! Brian even told the kids that since it was my birthday, I got to pick out what we did all day. :)
The water park was a lot of fun, but after we ate a late lunch and got back in line to go on more slides, a storm moved in. Since thunder and lightening were part of this summer storm, the water park closed about 3:00 pm. This seems like it would be a bad thing, but summer storms are some of my favorite things. I just love the warm rain and the huge lightening strikes that flash across the sky. This storm was really interesting. Princess and I were on the top of a large tower when it came upon us, and the storm surrounded us. It was really cool. Lightening kept streaking all around us. Before you get upset that I was putting Princess in danger, please know that we left the tower and got back down on the ground as soon as it started.
After leaving the water park, the four of us headed over to my little sister's house to get ready for dinner and to hang out with her. Tiff is an awesome sister, and we all love her so much!
For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, a Brazilian steakhouse. My sister and her friend Jen went with us. It was great to see two of my favorite girls and spend my birthday with them! OF course, after eating a fabulous dinner, I had to have a very large piece of chocolate cake. I was even nice, and shared it with Brian ;)
On Monday, my birthday continued at school. My wonderful coworker brought me a yummy treat! In addition, my class all made me a birthday book that they wrote me notes and colored me pictures in. It was so cute!
Today, a week after my birthday, I was able to pick up my birthday present. My adorable husband gave in to my wants and desires and let me buy a new kitchen table. It is a large, counter height table that expands to fit 8. I am so excited for my table! I have wanted one for YEARS and our old table didn't really fit anymore than the 4 of us.
Overall, I had the best 30th birthday a girl could have! I was surrounded by the ones that I love, and had a wonderful time with all of them!
The day started out great! Brian let me sleep in a bit, and then made me breakfast. I love his breakfasts! He makes the most delicious eggs. After breakfast, the four of us got ready to go to the water park and off we went. It was so fun to have it be the four of us! Brian even told the kids that since it was my birthday, I got to pick out what we did all day. :)
The water park was a lot of fun, but after we ate a late lunch and got back in line to go on more slides, a storm moved in. Since thunder and lightening were part of this summer storm, the water park closed about 3:00 pm. This seems like it would be a bad thing, but summer storms are some of my favorite things. I just love the warm rain and the huge lightening strikes that flash across the sky. This storm was really interesting. Princess and I were on the top of a large tower when it came upon us, and the storm surrounded us. It was really cool. Lightening kept streaking all around us. Before you get upset that I was putting Princess in danger, please know that we left the tower and got back down on the ground as soon as it started.
After leaving the water park, the four of us headed over to my little sister's house to get ready for dinner and to hang out with her. Tiff is an awesome sister, and we all love her so much!
For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, a Brazilian steakhouse. My sister and her friend Jen went with us. It was great to see two of my favorite girls and spend my birthday with them! OF course, after eating a fabulous dinner, I had to have a very large piece of chocolate cake. I was even nice, and shared it with Brian ;)
On Monday, my birthday continued at school. My wonderful coworker brought me a yummy treat! In addition, my class all made me a birthday book that they wrote me notes and colored me pictures in. It was so cute!
Today, a week after my birthday, I was able to pick up my birthday present. My adorable husband gave in to my wants and desires and let me buy a new kitchen table. It is a large, counter height table that expands to fit 8. I am so excited for my table! I have wanted one for YEARS and our old table didn't really fit anymore than the 4 of us.
Overall, I had the best 30th birthday a girl could have! I was surrounded by the ones that I love, and had a wonderful time with all of them!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Finish line of the first week of school
Well, we all made it through the first week back to school! The kids did fabulously! They have the most wonderful teachers, and had such a fun week back. Both kids went to school every day excited to learn and see all of their friends. Prince even made a new friend! (Those of you that know him, know that this is a HUGE thing!) Princess is already quoting her teacher to us! It is so cute! She told me this morning, "Mrs. ****** says that we need to have a positive attitude all the time. That is why I am not complaining you are pulling my hair." Of course, I was brushing her hair and getting her ready for school, not actually pulling it!
The kids in my class are so cute! I have already started a pile of pictures that they have made for me. They run up and give hugs just because. We have 26 kids in our class, and every single one of them are great children. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but don't we all! It is so exciting to be on this journey to help them grow in all the aspects of life, from knowledge to manners to social skills! I am very pumped for the coming year!
The kids in my class are so cute! I have already started a pile of pictures that they have made for me. They run up and give hugs just because. We have 26 kids in our class, and every single one of them are great children. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but don't we all! It is so exciting to be on this journey to help them grow in all the aspects of life, from knowledge to manners to social skills! I am very pumped for the coming year!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Power outage
Tonight we had a power outage. I was (of course) working on a final for my class that is due in a few days, and our city had a major power outage. The best part? I had not saved my work yet! I am really grateful for auto save, because while I did lose some of it, I did not lose it all. Another reprecussion of the power outage was that I had not made dinner yet, and we all had to go out to eat since I was not able to cook the chili that I had planned.
We turned a newer restuarant tonight. It was decent, but not great. I was happy to see that it had a full bar though. I did not drink tonight, but it is rediculous how hard it is to find a bar in my county. We usually have to drive over to another county to drink (which admittedly is only a couple times a year, but still!).
The kids were happy about going out to eat dinner. Since a large portion of our city was without power, the restuarant that we went to had a fairly large crowd inside it. Once we ordered, it wasn't until after 8:30 pm that we were served our dinner, which is 30 minutes AFTER Princess's bedtime. We arrived home about 9:15 or so and promptly sent both kids to bed.
Which reminds me, I need to get into bed! I have to wake up in six hours! Good night!
We turned a newer restuarant tonight. It was decent, but not great. I was happy to see that it had a full bar though. I did not drink tonight, but it is rediculous how hard it is to find a bar in my county. We usually have to drive over to another county to drink (which admittedly is only a couple times a year, but still!).
The kids were happy about going out to eat dinner. Since a large portion of our city was without power, the restuarant that we went to had a fairly large crowd inside it. Once we ordered, it wasn't until after 8:30 pm that we were served our dinner, which is 30 minutes AFTER Princess's bedtime. We arrived home about 9:15 or so and promptly sent both kids to bed.
Which reminds me, I need to get into bed! I have to wake up in six hours! Good night!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Busy days
As summer closes, and autumn is coming up, the four of us are getting busier and busier. Prince starts his Lego Robotics Club next week and soccer as well. He is very excited for both of these activities. Princess is going to do tumbling soon, I am just trying to find a great place so I know she stays safe while doing her flips. I am also trying to talk her into playing the piano. She has been trying to write songs and banging on the piano keys, so I think she would really enjoy learning more about music. In addition to the two activities the kids do, they also do running club, drama club, and choir at school. You always know it is fall and spring when we are SO busy and never home! ;)
I am also quite busy lately. I am working Monday through Friday, going to school full time, running the drama club at the kids' school, running a church ministry, on the worship team at church, and am also the Family Readiness Group Leader for Brian's unit. All of which comes second to my most important job as a mother and wife. I clearly do not like to say no and love to stay busy ;)
Brian is pretty busy lately too! He works full time with a private company, part time with the Utah National Guard, and he also does a few car jobs on the side.
I am also quite busy lately. I am working Monday through Friday, going to school full time, running the drama club at the kids' school, running a church ministry, on the worship team at church, and am also the Family Readiness Group Leader for Brian's unit. All of which comes second to my most important job as a mother and wife. I clearly do not like to say no and love to stay busy ;)
Brian is pretty busy lately too! He works full time with a private company, part time with the Utah National Guard, and he also does a few car jobs on the side.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
migraines suck!
Tonight is a migraine night at my house. I am not sure if I go this one due to me being stressed out, or if it is from a lack of estrogen. I am leaning towards number two though. When I went to get my estrogen injection on Friday, the doctor's office did not have enough in stock, so I only received a partial shot. I REALLY need to get to their other clinic tomorrow so I can get the rest of my medicine to bring my estrogen levels back up to where they need to be. It is amazing how our hormones affect the rest of our body!
Prince had a good day today. He came home jazzed from school, and wanting to do his homework. He quickly did all his work except his math, finished his chores, and then went to a friend's house to finish his math. Apparenly the two boys had made a plan to get together to do their math together. He is really loving the sixth grade.
Princess on the other hand, did not have as great of a day. She came home excited, but that quickly faded. In her class, they can earn tickets for reading books. She was really looking forward to doing this, but became discouraged. At one point, she threw the book and ticket on the ground and proclaimed, "Who am I kidding? I can't finish a book!" This really broke my heart. She has never really liked reading, but she is now calling herself stupid. I do not know how to reach her. I have told her that we can work on it together, that no one expects her to do it on her own. We have taken her to book stores so she could pick out what ever book she wanted. We have tried different genres of books.
Brian has reading issues too. If he is not really focused on what he is reading, the words get all jumbled. He feels like he has some form of dyslexia. I am now wondering if maybe Princess has some of this as well? She has never liked reading, and has a hard time with comprehension, especially if it is a book she read by herself. Prince and I both love to read, and do it all the time. Princess just takes after her Dad in this regard, I guess. I am going to talk with the school tomorrow to see if they have any other ideas on how to help her with this struggle.
Prince had a good day today. He came home jazzed from school, and wanting to do his homework. He quickly did all his work except his math, finished his chores, and then went to a friend's house to finish his math. Apparenly the two boys had made a plan to get together to do their math together. He is really loving the sixth grade.
Princess on the other hand, did not have as great of a day. She came home excited, but that quickly faded. In her class, they can earn tickets for reading books. She was really looking forward to doing this, but became discouraged. At one point, she threw the book and ticket on the ground and proclaimed, "Who am I kidding? I can't finish a book!" This really broke my heart. She has never really liked reading, but she is now calling herself stupid. I do not know how to reach her. I have told her that we can work on it together, that no one expects her to do it on her own. We have taken her to book stores so she could pick out what ever book she wanted. We have tried different genres of books.
Brian has reading issues too. If he is not really focused on what he is reading, the words get all jumbled. He feels like he has some form of dyslexia. I am now wondering if maybe Princess has some of this as well? She has never liked reading, and has a hard time with comprehension, especially if it is a book she read by herself. Prince and I both love to read, and do it all the time. Princess just takes after her Dad in this regard, I guess. I am going to talk with the school tomorrow to see if they have any other ideas on how to help her with this struggle.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Birthday
Today was my 30th birthday and I am exhausted! Lots of big things happened today, and I will tell you all about them...tomorrow. Tonight, I am "hitting the sack".
I will leave you with a picture from tonight.
First day of school
Today was the first day of the new school year. My big baby is now officially in sixth grade! My littlest baby is a big third grader! My kids have gotten SO big! It is not fair that they are growing up so fast. I know that all parents say this, but they do grow up too fast! It just seems like yesterday they were babies. As much as I love seeing them grow up and turn in to amazing little people, this process should go a little bit slower.
Princess had a wonderful day today. She loves her teacher, and loved seeing all of her friends again. She actually seems jazzed to go to school tomorrow, which is a HUGE improvement. She has not liked school the last little bit, so I am so happy she is getting excited about it.
Prince has the same teacher again this year, she moved up into sixth grade with the kids! He loves her, and is very happy to have the same teacher again. I love the fact that she knows Prince and is great with him! (Although I LOVE the other sixth grade teacher too, and she would have done great with Prince as well!)
Today was also the first day of the new school year for me at work as well. Most of you know that I work at the kids' school, but you might not realize that as of last week, I am now no longer a substitute, but am a Teaching Assistant. I get the privilege of working with a phenomenal first grade teacher and 26 sweet first graders every day! I love my job, and the children that I get to see grow and flourish! I can not wait to go back tomorrow!
Princess had a wonderful day today. She loves her teacher, and loved seeing all of her friends again. She actually seems jazzed to go to school tomorrow, which is a HUGE improvement. She has not liked school the last little bit, so I am so happy she is getting excited about it.
Prince has the same teacher again this year, she moved up into sixth grade with the kids! He loves her, and is very happy to have the same teacher again. I love the fact that she knows Prince and is great with him! (Although I LOVE the other sixth grade teacher too, and she would have done great with Prince as well!)
Today was also the first day of the new school year for me at work as well. Most of you know that I work at the kids' school, but you might not realize that as of last week, I am now no longer a substitute, but am a Teaching Assistant. I get the privilege of working with a phenomenal first grade teacher and 26 sweet first graders every day! I love my job, and the children that I get to see grow and flourish! I can not wait to go back tomorrow!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Day full of everything
It has been a LONG day! First, there was "meet the teachers" at school for all the kids. Then had to wait at the doctor's office for a long time, just to be told I needed to go to another office for my injection because they ran out of my medicine. After that, Brian calls me and tells me he was in a car accident tonight. (He is fine, but the truck has some damage. He was rear ended so it wasn't his fault.)
Now, tonight Princess and I are spending the night in the hospital so she can have her second sleep study.
BTW, she is refusing to sleep!!!
And to top it all off, today was the last day of my twenties! Officially at 12:00 am, I will be "welcoming" my thirties! Bring it! Is all I have to say!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Long week
This week has been SO long. The school year starts on Monday, so we have been busy getting our classroom ready and going to in-service meetings. My kids have been great troopers this week! They have not complained one bit about me working long hours. I am fortunate to have two wonderful kids. They even have been helping me out more than normal to keep the house in shape :)
Quick post tonight, it has been a long day and I am going to bed!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Change is around the corner!
Well, I do not know about you, but in our house, we are in school is starting around the corner mode. We have six more days until the day is here. The kids are excited to be starting this new chapter in their lives. I am really excited, but also scared. We have had a wonderful summer together, and it has been so much fun to just play most of the summer. We have been able to spend quality time together, and do so many things that we haven't done for a long time.
I am excited to see fall coming (one of my two favorite seasons) and with it, the kids' birthdays. On the other hand, I am really scared to see my children grow up. It really is wonderful to see what great people they are turning into, but on the other hand, they are getting too big! Prince is already up to my mouth, and he is only 10! He is also going into his final year of elementary school. Prince does not do well with change, and I am really scared to see how he is going to react to middle school.
Princess is also growing up! She is so tall too! (Probably because Brian is 6' 1".) She is starting third grade this year. In addition, she is starting to "blossom" into a young woman (if you catch my drift!) A couple weeks ago, we went out bought (and she would "kill" me if she knew I wrote this) her first training bra! I can't believe my baby girl is old enough to be wearing one!
With this school year, brings a bit of change to our house. First off, I was able to take on a new job at the school that I work at. I am no longer a substitute, but a teaching assistant for a first grade classroom. I am very excited for this change, and to meet our new students! I can not tell you how much this job means to me and I am grateful for the opportunity. Secondly, we just found out we are one step closer to be licensed foster parents, and will (God willing) be able to do the foster to adopt program soon. I am hopeful that we will be fully licensed by Christmas, although Brian thinks I am being optimistic. We were finally assigned a case worker with the Department of Licensing, and just need to pass our home study, and theoretically will be licensed. I will write more about this at a later time.
For anyone wondering, my head is still sore today but not as much as yesterday. My eyes are feeling a lot better, and the headache is not nearly as bad. I do have a "goose-egg" on the back of my head. I went to the beauty salon tonight and got my hair done. While there, the stylist have me a fabulous head massage which helped ease some of the headache. BTW, I LOVE MY NEW HAIR STYLE AND COLOR!
I am excited to see fall coming (one of my two favorite seasons) and with it, the kids' birthdays. On the other hand, I am really scared to see my children grow up. It really is wonderful to see what great people they are turning into, but on the other hand, they are getting too big! Prince is already up to my mouth, and he is only 10! He is also going into his final year of elementary school. Prince does not do well with change, and I am really scared to see how he is going to react to middle school.
Princess is also growing up! She is so tall too! (Probably because Brian is 6' 1".) She is starting third grade this year. In addition, she is starting to "blossom" into a young woman (if you catch my drift!) A couple weeks ago, we went out bought (and she would "kill" me if she knew I wrote this) her first training bra! I can't believe my baby girl is old enough to be wearing one!
With this school year, brings a bit of change to our house. First off, I was able to take on a new job at the school that I work at. I am no longer a substitute, but a teaching assistant for a first grade classroom. I am very excited for this change, and to meet our new students! I can not tell you how much this job means to me and I am grateful for the opportunity. Secondly, we just found out we are one step closer to be licensed foster parents, and will (God willing) be able to do the foster to adopt program soon. I am hopeful that we will be fully licensed by Christmas, although Brian thinks I am being optimistic. We were finally assigned a case worker with the Department of Licensing, and just need to pass our home study, and theoretically will be licensed. I will write more about this at a later time.
For anyone wondering, my head is still sore today but not as much as yesterday. My eyes are feeling a lot better, and the headache is not nearly as bad. I do have a "goose-egg" on the back of my head. I went to the beauty salon tonight and got my hair done. While there, the stylist have me a fabulous head massage which helped ease some of the headache. BTW, I LOVE MY NEW HAIR STYLE AND COLOR!
Monday, August 12, 2013
head injury
I know lots of people get concussions. You or someone you know probably has had at least one. If you have not ever experienced the sensation of a head injury, you are lucky. I have had two concussions in my lifetime, and possibly a third tonight. It seems like the girls in my family "love" to get them. Princess has had three in her short life. They always come in the weirdest ways for us.
I received my first one when I was really little and do not know the full details. I received my second one three years ago while sitting at the park eating lunch with my church. A friend was playing ball with some of the boys (including Prince) and ended up hitting a line drive, straight into my temple. Now let me tell you, I have had medical training. I KNOW the symptoms of a head injury, but at that moment, I was completely sure I was fine. This was the concussion talking. Immediately following, I was surrounded by friends asking me if I was okay and was very insistent that I was fine and did not need any ice. I continued on with my lunch and really thought everything was fine.
After lunch, we all walked across the street and started a kickball game. As I was playing, I started to feel really bad, and in fact, started throwing up. In my mind though, I was thinking that I had just ate lunch and now was running bases. There was no connection to what was actually happening. After the game, everyone wanted to play a second one, but I had had enough and drove the myself and the kids home. (Brian was at drill with the National Guard that day, so he did not witness any of this.)
Once home, I turned the tv on for the kids, turned off all the lights in the house, and fell asleep on the couch. When Brian finally came home a couple hours later, he woke me up and asked what was wrong. (Again, I still had not made any connection to a concussion.) I just stated that I was getting a migraine (which I got frequently at the time) and wanted to sleep. I slept until the next day.
When I woke up, my head hurt even worse than it had the day before. I thought that was really weird, since my migraines usually go away after I sleep. It was only then that I drew the connection to what had happened the day before, and that I had a concussion. Brian had already left the house for work, so I asked a friend to drive me to the ER and had Brian meet us there.
Guess what? I had a concussion! It was actually pretty bad. I ended up losing 65% of my short term memory and affected my speech (temporarily thank goodness!). I had a very hard time remembering words. It was as if I knew the word, but just couldn't remember it. Most people are usually okay within a few days of a concussion, but of course, not me! I had to have "no cognitive thinking" for about four weeks. That was so hard! I had a lot of help from friends and neighbors. Why didn't I recognize the signs of the concussion? Because I had a concussion! Unfortunately, it affected how I thought and processed information.
Now back to today. I was in the shower, and ended up slipping on the wet floor. I thought I had caught myself before I fell, but then tried to straighten myself up and fell all the way to the ground. At the back of our shower, there is a small, hard ledge where I hit the back of my head. Immediately, the front of my head and my eyes started hurting really bad and I became dizzy. I have not had nausea, so I don't think it is as bad as last time. As I sit here, my head is slowly feeling better, but I am not taking any meds so I can monitor how it feels. If it gets worse tomorrow I will see the doctor, but for now, I think I am fine at home. Brian is watching over me, making sure I am okay :)
I received my first one when I was really little and do not know the full details. I received my second one three years ago while sitting at the park eating lunch with my church. A friend was playing ball with some of the boys (including Prince) and ended up hitting a line drive, straight into my temple. Now let me tell you, I have had medical training. I KNOW the symptoms of a head injury, but at that moment, I was completely sure I was fine. This was the concussion talking. Immediately following, I was surrounded by friends asking me if I was okay and was very insistent that I was fine and did not need any ice. I continued on with my lunch and really thought everything was fine.
After lunch, we all walked across the street and started a kickball game. As I was playing, I started to feel really bad, and in fact, started throwing up. In my mind though, I was thinking that I had just ate lunch and now was running bases. There was no connection to what was actually happening. After the game, everyone wanted to play a second one, but I had had enough and drove the myself and the kids home. (Brian was at drill with the National Guard that day, so he did not witness any of this.)
Once home, I turned the tv on for the kids, turned off all the lights in the house, and fell asleep on the couch. When Brian finally came home a couple hours later, he woke me up and asked what was wrong. (Again, I still had not made any connection to a concussion.) I just stated that I was getting a migraine (which I got frequently at the time) and wanted to sleep. I slept until the next day.
When I woke up, my head hurt even worse than it had the day before. I thought that was really weird, since my migraines usually go away after I sleep. It was only then that I drew the connection to what had happened the day before, and that I had a concussion. Brian had already left the house for work, so I asked a friend to drive me to the ER and had Brian meet us there.
Guess what? I had a concussion! It was actually pretty bad. I ended up losing 65% of my short term memory and affected my speech (temporarily thank goodness!). I had a very hard time remembering words. It was as if I knew the word, but just couldn't remember it. Most people are usually okay within a few days of a concussion, but of course, not me! I had to have "no cognitive thinking" for about four weeks. That was so hard! I had a lot of help from friends and neighbors. Why didn't I recognize the signs of the concussion? Because I had a concussion! Unfortunately, it affected how I thought and processed information.
Now back to today. I was in the shower, and ended up slipping on the wet floor. I thought I had caught myself before I fell, but then tried to straighten myself up and fell all the way to the ground. At the back of our shower, there is a small, hard ledge where I hit the back of my head. Immediately, the front of my head and my eyes started hurting really bad and I became dizzy. I have not had nausea, so I don't think it is as bad as last time. As I sit here, my head is slowly feeling better, but I am not taking any meds so I can monitor how it feels. If it gets worse tomorrow I will see the doctor, but for now, I think I am fine at home. Brian is watching over me, making sure I am okay :)
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Picture post
Today has been a pretty laid back day. We have stayed around the house mostly, other than a quick girl time. Here are some pictures I took today:
Princess playing around this afternoon.
Prince! He is starting to gain his weight back! I have missed those cheeks!
I asked them to get together and this is what they did. I have the cutest kids!
When I asked them to look at eachother, I got this ;)
Bentley being lazy in the sun.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Shopping!
Today was an extremely busy day! First off, I went into work at 7 am so that I could get my work done early so I could spend the day with the kids. Once home about 9:30, I got the kids ready to go out and we headed to the mall with a good friend.
Most of the day was spent looking for kids' clothes and shoes, trying to finish up school shopping. I also stopped in at a Vinyl store and picked up two pieces of vinyl for my walls :) I can not tell you how many stores we went into, but it definitely was a lot. Overall, I got everything on my list except Princess's shoes at the mall.
By 3ish, we arrived back home and Prince went to play with a friend for a little bit. Princess stayed home with me and we hung out. Then this evening, I picked Prince up from his friend's house and we went shopping again! (I know I have the best kids when they don't complain about all the shopping I do!) Tonight, we found Princess's shoes! It took a few more stores, but we found a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of boots that looked great, fit well, and didn't break the bank. I also got a new purse. (In case you didn't know, I have a "thing" about purses. When Brian saw what I bought his reaction was, "Another purse!?!")
It has been a very long day, but it was wonderful spending time with the kids and our friends.
Most of the day was spent looking for kids' clothes and shoes, trying to finish up school shopping. I also stopped in at a Vinyl store and picked up two pieces of vinyl for my walls :) I can not tell you how many stores we went into, but it definitely was a lot. Overall, I got everything on my list except Princess's shoes at the mall.
By 3ish, we arrived back home and Prince went to play with a friend for a little bit. Princess stayed home with me and we hung out. Then this evening, I picked Prince up from his friend's house and we went shopping again! (I know I have the best kids when they don't complain about all the shopping I do!) Tonight, we found Princess's shoes! It took a few more stores, but we found a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of boots that looked great, fit well, and didn't break the bank. I also got a new purse. (In case you didn't know, I have a "thing" about purses. When Brian saw what I bought his reaction was, "Another purse!?!")
It has been a very long day, but it was wonderful spending time with the kids and our friends.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Getting my crafty on
I have been in a crafting mood lately. Yesterday I made this:
Since this picture was taken, I changed the top slightly.
I have to say, I love this project! It is sitting on top of my piano and is definitely a statement. It is in our formal room as you enter the house. I think this in one of my favorite things right now! And it was pretty cheap to make. Gotta love that!
Doctor
It is 10:36, and we are sitting outside a doctor's office waiting for someone to unlock the front door so we can go in. I just have to say, this is weird. Most doctors that I know have regular office hours that usually start between 8-9.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Cleaning
Today was a cleaning day. We are deep cleaning the house to get ready for the school year to start.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Countdown
Tomorrow marks the two week mark until the kids go back to school. All summer, we have been letting them stay up later than normal and sleep in too. Well, that all changes tomorrow. They both need to get back into their routines and go to bed on time, and wake up in the morning. If they don't, the kids will never adjust, and I will be living in "heck". Do any of you do this?
Today was a bittersweet day. My in-laws left tonight, taking Cousin with them. It was wonderful seeing the three of them this weekend. It is so good to see them with the kids, I know the kids miss having a bunch of family around like they did back in San Diego. Maybe someday, the family will all move here ;) Between Brian and I, our kids have a LOT of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. We both come from fairly large families, and here in Utah is just Brian, me, the kids, and my sister. Come on Tiff, time to settle down and have your own kids so Prince and Princess can have some cousins that live close! ;) Just teasing! Please, take your own time!
I do not know where the time is going, but it is already August. My 30th birthday is just around the corner, and then school is starting. I know I really am not that old, but why does time seem to go by so much faster as an adult? I just want it to slow down. My children are growing up too fast, which is one of the reasons why I have tried to just play most of this summer with the kids. I want to enjoy them as much as possible.
My kids are the best, I just adore and love them so much. I have learned that sometimes I feel bad because we don't have a lot of extra money for things that they want, but that is okay. We have so much that we take for granted, and I need to stop that. We have a home, cars, food, clothes, love, take vacations, and so much more. We really have taken so much for granted. Lately it was brought close to home how things could be so much worse. When things look bleak, they really aren't. I need to remember that there is always something great in every situation, including the bad ones.
Today was a bittersweet day. My in-laws left tonight, taking Cousin with them. It was wonderful seeing the three of them this weekend. It is so good to see them with the kids, I know the kids miss having a bunch of family around like they did back in San Diego. Maybe someday, the family will all move here ;) Between Brian and I, our kids have a LOT of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. We both come from fairly large families, and here in Utah is just Brian, me, the kids, and my sister. Come on Tiff, time to settle down and have your own kids so Prince and Princess can have some cousins that live close! ;) Just teasing! Please, take your own time!
I do not know where the time is going, but it is already August. My 30th birthday is just around the corner, and then school is starting. I know I really am not that old, but why does time seem to go by so much faster as an adult? I just want it to slow down. My children are growing up too fast, which is one of the reasons why I have tried to just play most of this summer with the kids. I want to enjoy them as much as possible.
My kids are the best, I just adore and love them so much. I have learned that sometimes I feel bad because we don't have a lot of extra money for things that they want, but that is okay. We have so much that we take for granted, and I need to stop that. We have a home, cars, food, clothes, love, take vacations, and so much more. We really have taken so much for granted. Lately it was brought close to home how things could be so much worse. When things look bleak, they really aren't. I need to remember that there is always something great in every situation, including the bad ones.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Faithful Friday
Last Friday, I blogged about how we need to let things go to God, that he has a plan, and we need to have faith. This is just my opinion, but it seems like every time we think we know how and are proceeding how we should, something happens to test our faith. This week has been one of those times for me. I won't go into specifics, but let's just say, there is a certain issue that I have not been as faithful as I should have this week. Instead of trusting fully in God and knowing that He is in control of everything, I have been relying on myself. I feel that this is one lesson that I do know, I just need to really practice it and have faith that everything will work out how it is supposed to.
I just opened my bible, and Psalm 29 is what I literally opened to. (I use my iPhone bible all the time, and this is what I opened.) My favorite version is the New American Standard Bible if you haven't already figured that out from the other Faithful Fridays :)
The title of the Psalm listed in this version is, "The Voice of the Lord in the Storm." This is the perfect title for what I need to do right now. I feel like I am in the middle of a storm, and I just need to heed God's voice right now. I know that He has a plan for me, and that He is in charge of my destiny.
Psalm 29
A Psalm of David.
1. Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array.
3. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders. the Lord is over many waters.
4. The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic.
5. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; Yes, the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7. The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire.
8. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9. The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, "Glory!"
10. The Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.
11. The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
For me, this was the perfect chapter tonight. God IS Lord and King, and the glory does go completely to Him. God has the strength to hold me up, all he asks of me is to believe and have faith in Him and to know that when I do fall down there is a reason behind it.
I just opened my bible, and Psalm 29 is what I literally opened to. (I use my iPhone bible all the time, and this is what I opened.) My favorite version is the New American Standard Bible if you haven't already figured that out from the other Faithful Fridays :)
The title of the Psalm listed in this version is, "The Voice of the Lord in the Storm." This is the perfect title for what I need to do right now. I feel like I am in the middle of a storm, and I just need to heed God's voice right now. I know that He has a plan for me, and that He is in charge of my destiny.
Psalm 29
A Psalm of David.
1. Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array.
3. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thunders. the Lord is over many waters.
4. The voice of the Lord is powerful, The voice of the Lord is majestic.
5. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; Yes, the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7. The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire.
8. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9. The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, "Glory!"
10. The Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.
11. The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
For me, this was the perfect chapter tonight. God IS Lord and King, and the glory does go completely to Him. God has the strength to hold me up, all he asks of me is to believe and have faith in Him and to know that when I do fall down there is a reason behind it.
Inlaws are here
Hello All! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Today was a pretty relaxed day. The kids and I did our chores first thing this morning, and then was able to play this afternoon. I just love playing games with the kids! Today we were working on our Monopoly game that we have had going since last weekend.
This evening my inlaws came to see us. They live about a 12 hour drive away, and are visiting until Sunday. They brought down one of our nieces with them. It is great seeing them! I am glad the kids are getting to spend some time with their family. Princess has been "mauling" her Grandpa all evening, not letting him leave her sight pretty much. It was really cute. Prince and Cousin played really well together. She is 13 days younger than him, and apparently they love the same computer game, Minecraft. It seems like they are getting along great!
So, if you have ever really looked at Brian and I, you would see that we are pretty white. Brian has a different hue to his skin, more olive skin toned but still very light. I am white with a red undertone. Prince definitely has my skin coloring, but Princess has always been all by herself. She was born very dark colored compared to the rest of us, and summer she gets DARK. I have always wondered where it really came from. I know I am part Native American, but it is pretty far back in my family. Tonight, looking at Princess with Cousin, they have almost identical skin colors. It was really interesting to see. Cousin's mom is Brian's sister. Everyone tonight thought I was crazy, but the two girls really do have very similar coloring, and Cousin looks somewhat similar to her too.
Tomorrow we are going to the waterpark to spend the day. The kids are really looking forward to it, especially to see Dad jump off of the rope swing :)
This evening my inlaws came to see us. They live about a 12 hour drive away, and are visiting until Sunday. They brought down one of our nieces with them. It is great seeing them! I am glad the kids are getting to spend some time with their family. Princess has been "mauling" her Grandpa all evening, not letting him leave her sight pretty much. It was really cute. Prince and Cousin played really well together. She is 13 days younger than him, and apparently they love the same computer game, Minecraft. It seems like they are getting along great!
So, if you have ever really looked at Brian and I, you would see that we are pretty white. Brian has a different hue to his skin, more olive skin toned but still very light. I am white with a red undertone. Prince definitely has my skin coloring, but Princess has always been all by herself. She was born very dark colored compared to the rest of us, and summer she gets DARK. I have always wondered where it really came from. I know I am part Native American, but it is pretty far back in my family. Tonight, looking at Princess with Cousin, they have almost identical skin colors. It was really interesting to see. Cousin's mom is Brian's sister. Everyone tonight thought I was crazy, but the two girls really do have very similar coloring, and Cousin looks somewhat similar to her too.
Tomorrow we are going to the waterpark to spend the day. The kids are really looking forward to it, especially to see Dad jump off of the rope swing :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)