Just wanted to give everyone an update that Brit is home. She will be leaving soon to go live with her father in Ohio as he and I (and our spouses) feel like it might be for the best for her. I'm saddened to have to make that decision but I cannot go on wondering each day if today she will come home or if it will be another one of those "run away" days.
I really need to vent but until she is gone, I must hold it in... please pray that I survive that. dani
14 November 2006
09 November 2006
Spam on the blogs!
Just in case those of you who are reading the blogs here want to know, it is EXTREMELY impolite to spam a blog with USELESS information that wasn't requested of you! I am talking about posts by "anonymous" persons who I don't know who make a comment on an entry that has absolutely NOTHING to do with the blog entry to which is it posted. Like the one I just deleted from my entry about the awesome Father/Son relationship where the dad "runs" his son in marathons and triathlons each year because his son can't run them himself. The "anonymous" poster (I suspect I know who this was too!) posted trying to bring people over to another blogging site that "supposedly" pays money for picture blogging etc. 1) I am not interested in having more than one blog. I have this one and it suits me just FINE! 2) I haven't seen anyone post that they actually "received" this money from blogging at this other site! 3) I'm skeptical of "free" money from blogging PICTURES especially when the host site is based in another country!
Kindly DO NOT post spam on my blog! It will only make me feel wroth with you and it will just go directly into the trash where it belongs. If you feel you MUST post something like this on my blog, kindly ask me first if you may. YOU know who you are!
And just in case anyone is curious, I like spam. It's good with eggs. It's good in lots of ways. I even like it sliced thinly on bread w/ mayo and cheese. I just don't like post spams.
Thanks for letting me rant about SPAM!
Kindly DO NOT post spam on my blog! It will only make me feel wroth with you and it will just go directly into the trash where it belongs. If you feel you MUST post something like this on my blog, kindly ask me first if you may. YOU know who you are!
And just in case anyone is curious, I like spam. It's good with eggs. It's good in lots of ways. I even like it sliced thinly on bread w/ mayo and cheese. I just don't like post spams.
Thanks for letting me rant about SPAM!
06 November 2006
Love, Hope, and Broken Dreams
This is MY daughter, Brittany!
She means the world to me
But life is SAD now for she's gone
And away from home she has once more run!
I wish that I could somehow convey
How deep my love for her grows everyday.
I have so many dreams for her happiness
And in life I only want for her the best.
But I fear those words she will never hear
And she won't know I cherish her dear
For she's gone from me in the night
And I know not what caused her sudden flight.
(c) dani henrichsen 6 November '06size>
What is a mother (or father) to do?!?!?!?
I often wonder what I have done so terribly wrong? I NEVER see it coming each time Brit acts out this way. There was nothing in her recent demeanor to indicate that she was about to leave. No fights. No arguments. Nothing.
I'd like to say she and I have a close relationship and in some ways, it is true. We often think alike about things we may see as we are out and about. We both love having fun and we have the same blue eyes, the same fingers, and the same toes. But that isn't the kind of close I wish we had. I wish she felt she could talk to me, REALLY talk! But she keeps everything bottled up inside and even when she was in therapy, she didn't let the therapist in.
I hurt so much each time she leaves and each time she comes back, I really try to get her to open up and let us work thru things so she won't feel the need to keep running. I don't know what she's running from. It scares me.
When she was a tiny baby, I never thought I would feel so utterly lost and helpless like I do when she runs away. Last time, in June, it made me angry at her that she keeps throwing my efforts to give her a better life in my face but this time, while I am deeply saddened, there is no anger. There is only despair that she is gone. And fear that she will be hurt. And hope that she is safe, warm, fed, well.
This is MY daughter, Brittany!
And so is THIS!
And THIS is MY daughter Brittany, whom I love more than anything in the world!
And I wish and Hope and DREAM she will come back to me!
04 November 2006
Inspiring Story of Parental Love and Devotion
Many of you probably aren't aware but for the past 2 yrs and 3.5 months of our marriage, Paul and I have been ever hopeful of reproducing a "H-clan" heir of our own. No, I am not pregnant. As part of our (my) efforts, I began charting at the recommendation of my OB/GYN's office and to help me out, I joined Fertility Friend to use their free online charting software and get support from their forums. My buddy group there eventually moved over to C-Moms and I have been posting my trials there for a bit over a year now. Anyway, some of my buddy group friends were successful in their attempts at procreation and joined Expecting buddy groups for their Due Date Months and once those babies were born, their groups evolved into Mommy and Baby groups. I've been following 2 of those Mommy/Baby groups since about March to be able to check up on deliveries of expected bundles and then just because I fell in love "lurking" into the lives of the women who are members of them. One of those women posted an article today that I wanted to pass on here in my blog because it so moved me (to tears!) by it's sweetness. So, here it is:
(Make sure you watch the videos at the end of the article in the order I posted the links!)
If you need to be reminded how blessed you really are.....
Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article
Here are the videos....
Video 1
Video 2size>
(Make sure you watch the videos at the end of the article in the order I posted the links!)
If you need to be reminded how blessed you really are.....
Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article
Strongest Dad in the Worldcolor>
From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly
I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots. But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.
Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 11 2 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.
Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike.
Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right? And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain- damaged and unable to control his limbs.
"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an institution.''
But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate.
"No way,'' Dick says he was told. ``There's nothing going on in his brain.''
"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.
Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? `` Go Bruins!'' And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want to do that.''
Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles?
Still, he tried. ``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks.''
That day changed Rick's life.
``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''
And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got in to such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.
``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few year s Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, t hen they found a way to get into the race officially:
In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.
Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''
How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon?
Still, Dick tried. Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?
Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? ``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.
This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time?
Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.
``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''
And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' one doctor t o ld him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.''
So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.
Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day. That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.
"The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once.''
Here are the videos....
Video 1
Video 2size>
14 October 2006
Breaking the Silence... Part 3
Grrrrr.
As part of getting our stuff moved out of the apartment two weeks ago, we rented a U-haul truck. We kept it a little longer than we had anticipated and by the time we dropped it off, the rental place was closed. We checked with the U-haul customer service line and they advised us to look for a drop box for the contract and key, place said items there-in and leave the truck locked on the lot.
We still hadn't seen a charge to our card almost two weeks later. Then on 13 Oct, twelve days after returning the truck, we got two phone calls stating that charges would be filed against us for stealing said vehicle. Mind you, this is the first that we have heard from either U-haul or the station.
Today, Daddy-O and I went over there, and found the truck on their lot. I then went into the station (the facility in question is also a gas station) and stated that I had a problem with a rental I had made about two weeks prior. That's the point at which the polymorphic story telling began. It turns out they can't "check the truck in" without the key and contract. And "The key and contract were never placed in the drop box." (The person I was speaking with was one of two who checks the drop box.) After going round and round about things, finally when I asked how I could get the vehicle (which at this point was parked behind other vehicles at the back of their lot) checked in or turned in, since they needed the key and contract I no longer had, I was told that they "found the key yesterday" and they had back dated the contract. I was even offered a copy of said contract. (This was the first thing they did that wasn't totally out of line customer service wise.) When I examined the contract it was for more than I had originally expected. However, the itemization was correct and accurate and it did add up to the amount on the contract.
All of which leaves me with a number of questions. (You may consider these semi-rhetorical; I wouldn't mind answers, but I'm not going to lose sleep over them or waste any effort looking for them.) How did they manage in the space of a couple of hours (the time from the phone calls to when they corrected the contract) to find a key that had been eluding them for two weeks? How did they manage to lose the key in first place? Why did they lie on their documentation and indicate they texted (we didn't give they a number they could text) and phoned us on the sixth? Why did they let it go so long that the regional office was going to report the truck stolen before doing anything to correct the problem? Why did I have to ask how I could get the truck turned in, before I was told anything about things having been straightened out? Has this station manager's lack of responsibility besmirched my credit? I am also left with a very strong desire to NEVER do business with Steve's Crest (~900 W on Center St in Provo) again; even if I were to receive an apology. Depending on how our calls to U-haul regional and national offices go, U-haul may also never see my business.
As part of getting our stuff moved out of the apartment two weeks ago, we rented a U-haul truck. We kept it a little longer than we had anticipated and by the time we dropped it off, the rental place was closed. We checked with the U-haul customer service line and they advised us to look for a drop box for the contract and key, place said items there-in and leave the truck locked on the lot.
We still hadn't seen a charge to our card almost two weeks later. Then on 13 Oct, twelve days after returning the truck, we got two phone calls stating that charges would be filed against us for stealing said vehicle. Mind you, this is the first that we have heard from either U-haul or the station.
Today, Daddy-O and I went over there, and found the truck on their lot. I then went into the station (the facility in question is also a gas station) and stated that I had a problem with a rental I had made about two weeks prior. That's the point at which the polymorphic story telling began. It turns out they can't "check the truck in" without the key and contract. And "The key and contract were never placed in the drop box." (The person I was speaking with was one of two who checks the drop box.) After going round and round about things, finally when I asked how I could get the vehicle (which at this point was parked behind other vehicles at the back of their lot) checked in or turned in, since they needed the key and contract I no longer had, I was told that they "found the key yesterday" and they had back dated the contract. I was even offered a copy of said contract. (This was the first thing they did that wasn't totally out of line customer service wise.) When I examined the contract it was for more than I had originally expected. However, the itemization was correct and accurate and it did add up to the amount on the contract.
All of which leaves me with a number of questions. (You may consider these semi-rhetorical; I wouldn't mind answers, but I'm not going to lose sleep over them or waste any effort looking for them.) How did they manage in the space of a couple of hours (the time from the phone calls to when they corrected the contract) to find a key that had been eluding them for two weeks? How did they manage to lose the key in first place? Why did they lie on their documentation and indicate they texted (we didn't give they a number they could text) and phoned us on the sixth? Why did they let it go so long that the regional office was going to report the truck stolen before doing anything to correct the problem? Why did I have to ask how I could get the truck turned in, before I was told anything about things having been straightened out? Has this station manager's lack of responsibility besmirched my credit? I am also left with a very strong desire to NEVER do business with Steve's Crest (~900 W on Center St in Provo) again; even if I were to receive an apology. Depending on how our calls to U-haul regional and national offices go, U-haul may also never see my business.
09 October 2006
Please say a prayer or two...
Paul and I have been trying since early September to together paperwork, lease, and loan to buy the mobile home that the Lioness and her hubby have up for sale. The lot people advised us that we should not go to the bank for the loan until they (the place where the trailer is located) had run a credit check on us and given us approval to lease the space. The lady there said the credit check should take no more than 4 or 5 business days but 3 weeks later, we FINALLY got told today by W (the manager) that we can rent the space. Now, we just need to get the title and a sales contract from Semaj and take it to our bank to get a loan. Please pray that all goes well with these next steps and that by the weekend, we can begin moving for the second time in 2 weeks! Currently most of our belongings are boxed and stored at a Provo location and we are enjoying the hospitality of SPH-1 and Daddy-O but I am sure they would love to have their house back. :)
And please harrass Paul for his Breaking the Silence... Part III post... I'm still waiting on it. :)
And please harrass Paul for his Breaking the Silence... Part III post... I'm still waiting on it. :)
05 October 2006
Breaking the Silence... Part 2
it's titled that because mom said to. So there it is. Since people keep HARRASSING :) me to make another post here it is, but it's only a compromise. As you will see...:
I miss my boyfriend. Alot. Its been 5 days since I was able to talk to him. So I miss him. He keeps calling my friend Anna though and having her tell me he loves me and misses me. So that's sweet, but still it's not the same as hearing it from him. Ya know? But oh well what can I say? Everyday brings me closer to the day I can see him, so I wake up late and go to bed early to pass the time. For the most part it works.
Oh yea so I have to pause there to say that my neice is supposed to be born tomorrow. I'm so EXCITED. But don't worry Katy(incase your reading this) She won't be near as cute as you. My little booger.
Plus also I have to say that I miss Angie, because she's my baby even though she's hispanic ans Sandra gave birth to her. I love that kid.
Oh yea and I decided who the dol house I am making will be for, but I can't tell, because it's a secret.
Ok so back to where I was with the whole boyfriend thing, I really miss him and I'd give my right arm just to see him again. He means the world to me. I have a whole collage of his pictures and the make me happy. Plus I have his bottle of cologne, it's called Perfect and it smells SO good. Plus also I wear his vest to school everyday, because I have that of his too. I'm gonna marry that boy.
I miss my boyfriend. Alot. Its been 5 days since I was able to talk to him. So I miss him. He keeps calling my friend Anna though and having her tell me he loves me and misses me. So that's sweet, but still it's not the same as hearing it from him. Ya know? But oh well what can I say? Everyday brings me closer to the day I can see him, so I wake up late and go to bed early to pass the time. For the most part it works.
Oh yea so I have to pause there to say that my neice is supposed to be born tomorrow. I'm so EXCITED. But don't worry Katy(incase your reading this) She won't be near as cute as you. My little booger.
Plus also I have to say that I miss Angie, because she's my baby even though she's hispanic ans Sandra gave birth to her. I love that kid.
Oh yea and I decided who the dol house I am making will be for, but I can't tell, because it's a secret.
Ok so back to where I was with the whole boyfriend thing, I really miss him and I'd give my right arm just to see him again. He means the world to me. I have a whole collage of his pictures and the make me happy. Plus I have his bottle of cologne, it's called Perfect and it smells SO good. Plus also I wear his vest to school everyday, because I have that of his too. I'm gonna marry that boy.
30 September 2006
Breaking the Silence... Part 1
We, the Mixed Nuts as a family, were discussing our blog silence just last night over dinner. We each have meant (ok, maybe not each of us as Bert is still dragging her heals) to make a post here and there that just never found its way to the blogger dashboard. The title of this entry has been nagging me all week and I planned to put it to use once we were thru this stressful weekend of moving. So, for now, I leave you with the famous last words of many tv story lines you want answered and say... TO BE CONTINUED...
31 August 2006
When Wee Ones Sleep-over
Way back in June, when most everyone came to town because of A Uniting of some Twigs, several of the "little girls" were delighted to have a slumber party with Bria hosted at our house. Much to Bria's disgruntlement, it had to be delayed till the Monday after the Twigs became Woods.
The girls' had a ball playing in our backyard together with our downstairs neighbors and over at the park as well before Aunt Princess came to pick up little Princess A. Next, we spent some time coloring with markers and paper though one member of Castle Town had more fun using her body as a canvas. I got a really pretty picture of my house from her older sister C to hang on my refrigerator though since I obviously couldn't hang the other artwork there! ;)
Then, we had dinner. We finally got our FHE lesson off to a start and had fun singing family favorites before and after the lesson. Then, we all went to the kitchen for our "treat". Little Princess A returned for our Little Girls' Slumber party during our treat so everyone was happy again. I think our popcicles were the hit of the evening.
After our treats, we did baths in pairs and watched movies. As you can see, our youngest Castle Town resident couldn't quite make it to prayers and bedtime. She was in the first group of bathers and enjoyed playing in Bria's room until she heard the movie that the second group of bathers put on. And as she climbed upon the couch, she crashed mid-way. Too cute! (And Aunt Dani felt a bit bad for taking so long to get Wee Ones to bed!)
Obviously, I haven't ever had 6 girls 10 and under almost alone before and I unrealistically expected to have dinner done by 6 pm with FHE following and baths over by 8:30 pm followed by a round of story book reading, prayers, teeth brushing, and then bed by 9/9:30 pm at the latest. Sadly, the last wee one wasn't down for the night until 12:30 am (besides our couch crasher, the earliest in bed sleeping was about 11:20 pm!). We did much to get that to happen including trying to call her mommy and daddy just to hear their voices and printing out a copy of her parents and siblings so she could sleep with them next to her on her pillow. (This is a step up from our last few previous sleep-overs at Aunt Dani's house with her as those times it resulted in either B coming to get her around 11 pm or me running her home about the same time as she was missing her mommy and daddy to much!)
I went to bed shortly after my last little girl did because it was EXHAUSTING getting that many fed, bathed, and in bed. (I now know next year to have dinner cooked by 4 pm if I want all wee ones in bed before 10 pm!) We got woke up around five when Little Princess A needed to potty and wanted some reassurance from her mommy and daddy too. She went back to bed though after getting no answer on Prince T's phone.
Paul of course had to work on Tuesday so I got up when he did in order to be ready for all those little girls when they awoke. I foolishly thought I would have at least an hour before I saw the first little head but a mean motorcycle drove by and woke the 2nd oldest Castle Town girl who, after investigating that "dishwashing" noice she heard in the kitchen, kindly woke the rest of the little girls up for me at 7:40 am! Haha! Breakfast went off w/out a hitch and all settled down to watch some more movies afterward.
And just as I was getting them ready to dress for the day and go play out in the backyard, Taffy called to say she was coming to pick up 4 of our little girls. Mimi wasn't happy to lose her 4 cousins but was glad to stay and play with Bria for a bit longer. They decided they wanted to play in the waterhose in the backyard and invited Buddy to come over as well. Those 3 (Bria, Mimi, and Buddy) played together quite happily till B came for her two around 4 pm. And Sweetsa would have been welcome to stay the day as well but she was a bit upset with me for sending Brit to spend a few weeks with her dad in Ohio and was having NOTHING to do with me that day! Little stinker!
So, be prepared the next time I ask to keep your wee ones overnight that when I return them to you, they will be lacking in sleep but well taken care of otherwise!
The girls' had a ball playing in our backyard together with our downstairs neighbors and over at the park as well before Aunt Princess came to pick up little Princess A. Next, we spent some time coloring with markers and paper though one member of Castle Town had more fun using her body as a canvas. I got a really pretty picture of my house from her older sister C to hang on my refrigerator though since I obviously couldn't hang the other artwork there! ;) 
Then, we had dinner. We finally got our FHE lesson off to a start and had fun singing family favorites before and after the lesson. Then, we all went to the kitchen for our "treat". Little Princess A returned for our Little Girls' Slumber party during our treat so everyone was happy again. I think our popcicles were the hit of the evening. 
After our treats, we did baths in pairs and watched movies. As you can see, our youngest Castle Town resident couldn't quite make it to prayers and bedtime. She was in the first group of bathers and enjoyed playing in Bria's room until she heard the movie that the second group of bathers put on. And as she climbed upon the couch, she crashed mid-way. Too cute! (And Aunt Dani felt a bit bad for taking so long to get Wee Ones to bed!)Obviously, I haven't ever had 6 girls 10 and under almost alone before and I unrealistically expected to have dinner done by 6 pm with FHE following and baths over by 8:30 pm followed by a round of story book reading, prayers, teeth brushing, and then bed by 9/9:30 pm at the latest. Sadly, the last wee one wasn't down for the night until 12:30 am (besides our couch crasher, the earliest in bed sleeping was about 11:20 pm!). We did much to get that to happen including trying to call her mommy and daddy just to hear their voices and printing out a copy of her parents and siblings so she could sleep with them next to her on her pillow. (This is a step up from our last few previous sleep-overs at Aunt Dani's house with her as those times it resulted in either B coming to get her around 11 pm or me running her home about the same time as she was missing her mommy and daddy to much!)
I went to bed shortly after my last little girl did because it was EXHAUSTING getting that many fed, bathed, and in bed. (I now know next year to have dinner cooked by 4 pm if I want all wee ones in bed before 10 pm!) We got woke up around five when Little Princess A needed to potty and wanted some reassurance from her mommy and daddy too. She went back to bed though after getting no answer on Prince T's phone.
Paul of course had to work on Tuesday so I got up when he did in order to be ready for all those little girls when they awoke. I foolishly thought I would have at least an hour before I saw the first little head but a mean motorcycle drove by and woke the 2nd oldest Castle Town girl who, after investigating that "dishwashing" noice she heard in the kitchen, kindly woke the rest of the little girls up for me at 7:40 am! Haha! Breakfast went off w/out a hitch and all settled down to watch some more movies afterward.
And just as I was getting them ready to dress for the day and go play out in the backyard, Taffy called to say she was coming to pick up 4 of our little girls. Mimi wasn't happy to lose her 4 cousins but was glad to stay and play with Bria for a bit longer. They decided they wanted to play in the waterhose in the backyard and invited Buddy to come over as well. Those 3 (Bria, Mimi, and Buddy) played together quite happily till B came for her two around 4 pm. And Sweetsa would have been welcome to stay the day as well but she was a bit upset with me for sending Brit to spend a few weeks with her dad in Ohio and was having NOTHING to do with me that day! Little stinker!
So, be prepared the next time I ask to keep your wee ones overnight that when I return them to you, they will be lacking in sleep but well taken care of otherwise!
28 August 2006
Blogging Frustration!
For the past 3 weeks, I was silent in the blogosphere because my computer and blogger.com somehow forgot how to communicate with one another. This left me very frustrated as I tried almost daily to somehow convince them to talk to each other again so I could make comments on others' blogs as well as make new entries on my own. I have about a jillion entries I want to make here so I will slowly try to get them all in. I won't overwhelm my blog with all of them at once and for tonight, venting my frustrations is enough.
I'm happy to report that I finally tonight found a link within blogger.com's help desk to finally recover my "lost" account information and reset it so that I once more had access to my blog. Funnily enough, Paul had NO problems logging in on his side of the blog. Go figure! At any rate, I rejoice in that I can once more be an active participant in the family blogs! :)
I updated my blog links for the family putting them in some sort of better ordered chaos. I listed all of Paul's siblings in order of birth first then listed the two family exchange blogs for recipes and also for lists before listing the double cousins' blogs again in order of birth. I hope it makes it easier to roam from my blog to that of other's.
I intend to add a link to Brittany's myspace.com account as well. I would caution though that some of the persons who comment on her account don't always use the best language nor are some of their user names what I find appropriate though Brit makes it a point to not post such disparaging atrocities on her own. She used to sit at her computer for endless hours changing her background template and such but since she's in love, well... let's just say she has little time for all that now.
For now, I will leave you with my glad tidings that once more, Dani is on the blog! :)
I'm happy to report that I finally tonight found a link within blogger.com's help desk to finally recover my "lost" account information and reset it so that I once more had access to my blog. Funnily enough, Paul had NO problems logging in on his side of the blog. Go figure! At any rate, I rejoice in that I can once more be an active participant in the family blogs! :)
I updated my blog links for the family putting them in some sort of better ordered chaos. I listed all of Paul's siblings in order of birth first then listed the two family exchange blogs for recipes and also for lists before listing the double cousins' blogs again in order of birth. I hope it makes it easier to roam from my blog to that of other's.
I intend to add a link to Brittany's myspace.com account as well. I would caution though that some of the persons who comment on her account don't always use the best language nor are some of their user names what I find appropriate though Brit makes it a point to not post such disparaging atrocities on her own. She used to sit at her computer for endless hours changing her background template and such but since she's in love, well... let's just say she has little time for all that now.
For now, I will leave you with my glad tidings that once more, Dani is on the blog! :)
03 August 2006
Another Update
I've discussed this with a couple of people and sent emails to a few others. In any case I feel like I need to actually publish that there is now a forum for Family reunion. So far there isn't much there (Dani and I were the only memebers last I checked.) However, I did post the history of Jakob Kohler that B sent. That will not be visible untill after you have created an account and logged in.
There are lots of other things I/we can do with the forum.
Dani discussed setting up accounts on my server so that those that took electronic photos could upload them to the server. I can easily create a password protected and SSL secured area of the server for storing such things as contact lists or other information that we want to share with family, but not publish otherwise.
Anyway, I invite you all to stop in and let me know what you think
There are lots of other things I/we can do with the forum.
Dani discussed setting up accounts on my server so that those that took electronic photos could upload them to the server. I can easily create a password protected and SSL secured area of the server for storing such things as contact lists or other information that we want to share with family, but not publish otherwise.
Anyway, I invite you all to stop in and let me know what you think
08 July 2006
Paul updates his hypothetical campaign
As many family members know, I play Gurps. About 18 months ago I saw a supplement for another game that looked interesting called XCrawl. I purchased it and since have been wanting to either play in that background or run a Gurps campaign there. The biggest hold up on that second option has been that I haven't made the necessary documentation for people to make characters. That is no longer the case. I'm not done at this point; I still need to post stuff on the social and historical background, but the skeleton at least is up.
13 June 2006
Frustration
I was missing #1 earlier and things had been peaceful between on our visits/talks yesterday, so I called down to talk to her. She was in group at the time but called me back shortly.
Things were fine long enough for "Hello" before she irritated me by only asking if J (downstairs neighbor she's currently obsessing over) had sent her a note or anything for me to bring to her. When I replied no, she then asked if I would go look for one. No. Will you come see me this afternoon? Maybe. Will you bring M (downstairs 6 yr old nephew of J). No. Why? Why do you think? Ok. I just miss J so bad. It's already been like 36 hours since I have seen him. You will have to get used to that since you will be gone for the better part of 4 weeks soon. *rolls eyes*
Talk then turned to a possible babysitting job for her at one of her steady clients'. Upon hearing of this, she decided that she would see if she does get to babysit if Gma would let her stay a bit longer than the babysitting job and then take M and his 2 little sisters over to the park with J so she can spend time with J afterwards. I told her I didn't think that would be happening. Why? Because I already told you that from MY standpoint you will no longer have unsupervised time with the downstairs neighbors (none of them even the 11 month old baby) after they helped you hide from the police and me from Saturday to Sunday because you were mad at me. It's just NOT cool in my opinion to support a friendship that is obviously flawed and to allow such unsupervised time only asks for more deceit (sp) from all parties involved.
On the other hand, completely taking the friendship away is likely to cause another run-away. Ugh! What to do ? What to do?
I'm also irritated because while #1 knows the standards that have been set forth for dating, she continues to snub her nose at them and do as she pleases anyway (again the deceit) and usually picks fellas who do not come from a similar standards background. So, with J, she has admitted to being 1) alone in his room with him; 2) alone in his room ON his bed with him. She claims all they were doing was holding hands and talking but he speaks almost NO English and she speaks next to NO Spanish. How much talking was really going on, ya know?
And I know that the neighbors think it's cute to see them kissing and holding hands and such and it just irritates me.
Maybe I am not ready for this whole dating issue yet at the same time, my biggest issues with it are that while #1 KNOWS my feelings and standards, she would rather have those feel good in the moment now times instead of valuing herself and waiting for Mr. Right.
Ok... *vent over*
Things were fine long enough for "Hello" before she irritated me by only asking if J (downstairs neighbor she's currently obsessing over) had sent her a note or anything for me to bring to her. When I replied no, she then asked if I would go look for one. No. Will you come see me this afternoon? Maybe. Will you bring M (downstairs 6 yr old nephew of J). No. Why? Why do you think? Ok. I just miss J so bad. It's already been like 36 hours since I have seen him. You will have to get used to that since you will be gone for the better part of 4 weeks soon. *rolls eyes*
Talk then turned to a possible babysitting job for her at one of her steady clients'. Upon hearing of this, she decided that she would see if she does get to babysit if Gma would let her stay a bit longer than the babysitting job and then take M and his 2 little sisters over to the park with J so she can spend time with J afterwards. I told her I didn't think that would be happening. Why? Because I already told you that from MY standpoint you will no longer have unsupervised time with the downstairs neighbors (none of them even the 11 month old baby) after they helped you hide from the police and me from Saturday to Sunday because you were mad at me. It's just NOT cool in my opinion to support a friendship that is obviously flawed and to allow such unsupervised time only asks for more deceit (sp) from all parties involved.
On the other hand, completely taking the friendship away is likely to cause another run-away. Ugh! What to do ? What to do?
I'm also irritated because while #1 knows the standards that have been set forth for dating, she continues to snub her nose at them and do as she pleases anyway (again the deceit) and usually picks fellas who do not come from a similar standards background. So, with J, she has admitted to being 1) alone in his room with him; 2) alone in his room ON his bed with him. She claims all they were doing was holding hands and talking but he speaks almost NO English and she speaks next to NO Spanish. How much talking was really going on, ya know?
And I know that the neighbors think it's cute to see them kissing and holding hands and such and it just irritates me.
Maybe I am not ready for this whole dating issue yet at the same time, my biggest issues with it are that while #1 KNOWS my feelings and standards, she would rather have those feel good in the moment now times instead of valuing herself and waiting for Mr. Right.
Ok... *vent over*
12 June 2006
10 Little Things...
Just so yall know I CAN TOO make a smaller blog entry and a positive one at that! ;)
1. I am thankful that I am a child of a Heavenly Father who does love me.
2. I am thankful that #1 was found safe and is in a good place right now!
3. I am thankful for a wonderful family who loves and supports me and lifts me up when I am most downtrodden and reminds me of WHO loves me and understands what I am going thru even before I talk to HIM about it.
4. I am thankful that AP and C are getting tied together next week and that means that a WHOLE bunch of the clan will conveine in my area over the next few days to one week so that I can have real hugs to go with all the virtual ones that just don't quite feel as good as the real deal.
5. I am thankful for my husband who supports me sometimes in ways I don't see because I am too stubborn but never says, "If you would just use your eyes..."
6. I am thankful for the Gospel and the comfort that it can bring when I actually heed its advice.
7. I am thankful for scripture that shows me not only how to overcome obstacles in my path but directs me to a less rocky path when I actually delve into its richness and bounty.
8. I am thankful because I am alive and here today.
9. I am thankful for my children even when they are doing things that make me unhappy.
10. I am thankful for the forgiveness of the Father that I might reside with Him again one day.
1. I am thankful that I am a child of a Heavenly Father who does love me.
2. I am thankful that #1 was found safe and is in a good place right now!
3. I am thankful for a wonderful family who loves and supports me and lifts me up when I am most downtrodden and reminds me of WHO loves me and understands what I am going thru even before I talk to HIM about it.
4. I am thankful that AP and C are getting tied together next week and that means that a WHOLE bunch of the clan will conveine in my area over the next few days to one week so that I can have real hugs to go with all the virtual ones that just don't quite feel as good as the real deal.
5. I am thankful for my husband who supports me sometimes in ways I don't see because I am too stubborn but never says, "If you would just use your eyes..."
6. I am thankful for the Gospel and the comfort that it can bring when I actually heed its advice.
7. I am thankful for scripture that shows me not only how to overcome obstacles in my path but directs me to a less rocky path when I actually delve into its richness and bounty.
8. I am thankful because I am alive and here today.
9. I am thankful for my children even when they are doing things that make me unhappy.
10. I am thankful for the forgiveness of the Father that I might reside with Him again one day.
Teeny Tiny Baby Steps
First, I want to say thank you to everyone for your comments and love and support both posted as replies to my recent blog entries and also voiced either in person or via the phone. Your love and support have been a real blessing.
Second, I took Paul to work this morning and then spent most of the next 2 hours on the phone trying to get things rolling with #1 and our current circumstances. I had a wee bit of time and felt ready to blog again to give you all an update of what I knew but it was not to be. I just could not get my blogger dashboard to allow me entrance here. I guess Heavenly Father knew that I would want to say more later and was helping me to only have to post once today ? *shrugs* What ever the reason, I wasn't able to make this post until just now.
I didn't sleep well again last night but not because I didn't try. I think I must have been feeling #1's angst and anxiety about the uncertainties that are our immediate future. And I know I was still feeling rough and having to force myself to stay home and not go rescue her. It was a long night. One I hope no one ever has to experience nor do I wish to live thru such a long night again because of a similar situation.
Frogg-a-Lee sent me an email after our phone talk last night that gave me much food for thought as I retired but I honestly couldn't focus on it for most of the night or today. Instead, I have been trying my best to put into place some family therapy and some individual therapy for #1 as well as line out where #1 will go home to. It's not been easy to determine these factors nor to get things rolling toward accomplishing them but I feel much more at peace that what is meant to be will be from this whole experience.
My eyes feel tired from all the tears I have shed and I know that there are many more that will be shed before I am thru. But, some of my tears have actually been those good, healthy HEALING tears instead of just tears of pain, hurt, and the unknown. In some ways, I feel renewed right now and I must say that I hadn't realized HOW much I missed this spiritual feeling that seems to have gradually settled over me today.
I did go down to VP and sign admission paperwork today. It was a very scary thing to do yet at the same time, I still feel reassured by a still quiet voice that what I am doing is the right path for #1 and I to take at this point in our relationship as mother and daughter. While I was there, I did ask for them to bring #1 in for me to see her and maybe talk to her some and they called for her and she came and looked as though she had been crying as much as I had been.
We spoke calmly for almost an hour with the case manager present. Our talk was interrupted twice by calls from first #1's dad and then from her stepmom who live in OH. #1 flat out told her father that she didn't want to go live with him because her boyfriend and our downstairs neighbors were not there and she didn't want to be apart from them. I am not sure what was really said by her step mom as #1's end of the conversation went mainly like this, "yeah. ok. uh huh." But I could tell by #1's posture that she wasn't liking what she was hearing too much. When I later spoke to M (the stepmom), she just told me that she had told #1 that they would gladly take her into their home if she needed that to get on the right track.
I am glad I called down before I went to fill out the paperwork because I was able to take some things like a change of clothes to #1 as well as a beloved cd that actually isn't in poor taste and her personal hygiene items like her contact case and solution, her two tooth brushes and her flouride as well as her glasses so she can see when her contacts are out. I did however forget her socks so she called later this after and requested that I bring those when I return with her medicine this evening.
We actually enjoyed a talk for almost an hour on the phone as well and she seemed to finally be listening to me when I said that I wasn't disapproving of this or that but that I was disappointed that she continued to let her peers influence her decisions of right and wrong behaviors. This may be doing what I hoped it would do.
Or, she is just snowing me and showing me what I want to see so that she can get out of there. She's been good at such behavior in the past so I can't be too sure. As her mom, I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and believe in her sincerety yet at the same time, that same candle has burnt me more than once in the past so it's a cautious approach to coming to any one decision about whether she is just putting on a show for my benefit or being real. Time will tell.
The case manager also had #1 fill out paperwork (some of it apparently copies of what I had filled out but from the teen's perspective instead of the parent's). It was hard to walk out and leave her there knowing that she is if not as miserable as I am currently that she is not with me at least ALMOST as miserable. Yet I was strong and I managed to make it home.
Went to lunch with P and then he took the car and he is currently getting #1's scrip filled at Costco Pharmacy for me so that we can go and visit with #1 a bit more this evening. I feel like things are going to be ok though there is much work to be done before we are 100% again. But we have started with those teeny tiny baby steps.
In just over a week, #1 will be sweet 16 and I just can't believe where time has gone. It will be a very busy day for us but I hope to be able to have some sweet time with her too that day.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and your love. Your uplifting me is amazing. I have said not often enough how lucky I am to have married into your family. :)
Second, I took Paul to work this morning and then spent most of the next 2 hours on the phone trying to get things rolling with #1 and our current circumstances. I had a wee bit of time and felt ready to blog again to give you all an update of what I knew but it was not to be. I just could not get my blogger dashboard to allow me entrance here. I guess Heavenly Father knew that I would want to say more later and was helping me to only have to post once today ? *shrugs* What ever the reason, I wasn't able to make this post until just now.
I didn't sleep well again last night but not because I didn't try. I think I must have been feeling #1's angst and anxiety about the uncertainties that are our immediate future. And I know I was still feeling rough and having to force myself to stay home and not go rescue her. It was a long night. One I hope no one ever has to experience nor do I wish to live thru such a long night again because of a similar situation.
Frogg-a-Lee sent me an email after our phone talk last night that gave me much food for thought as I retired but I honestly couldn't focus on it for most of the night or today. Instead, I have been trying my best to put into place some family therapy and some individual therapy for #1 as well as line out where #1 will go home to. It's not been easy to determine these factors nor to get things rolling toward accomplishing them but I feel much more at peace that what is meant to be will be from this whole experience.
My eyes feel tired from all the tears I have shed and I know that there are many more that will be shed before I am thru. But, some of my tears have actually been those good, healthy HEALING tears instead of just tears of pain, hurt, and the unknown. In some ways, I feel renewed right now and I must say that I hadn't realized HOW much I missed this spiritual feeling that seems to have gradually settled over me today.
I did go down to VP and sign admission paperwork today. It was a very scary thing to do yet at the same time, I still feel reassured by a still quiet voice that what I am doing is the right path for #1 and I to take at this point in our relationship as mother and daughter. While I was there, I did ask for them to bring #1 in for me to see her and maybe talk to her some and they called for her and she came and looked as though she had been crying as much as I had been.
We spoke calmly for almost an hour with the case manager present. Our talk was interrupted twice by calls from first #1's dad and then from her stepmom who live in OH. #1 flat out told her father that she didn't want to go live with him because her boyfriend and our downstairs neighbors were not there and she didn't want to be apart from them. I am not sure what was really said by her step mom as #1's end of the conversation went mainly like this, "yeah. ok. uh huh." But I could tell by #1's posture that she wasn't liking what she was hearing too much. When I later spoke to M (the stepmom), she just told me that she had told #1 that they would gladly take her into their home if she needed that to get on the right track.
I am glad I called down before I went to fill out the paperwork because I was able to take some things like a change of clothes to #1 as well as a beloved cd that actually isn't in poor taste and her personal hygiene items like her contact case and solution, her two tooth brushes and her flouride as well as her glasses so she can see when her contacts are out. I did however forget her socks so she called later this after and requested that I bring those when I return with her medicine this evening.
We actually enjoyed a talk for almost an hour on the phone as well and she seemed to finally be listening to me when I said that I wasn't disapproving of this or that but that I was disappointed that she continued to let her peers influence her decisions of right and wrong behaviors. This may be doing what I hoped it would do.
Or, she is just snowing me and showing me what I want to see so that she can get out of there. She's been good at such behavior in the past so I can't be too sure. As her mom, I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and believe in her sincerety yet at the same time, that same candle has burnt me more than once in the past so it's a cautious approach to coming to any one decision about whether she is just putting on a show for my benefit or being real. Time will tell.
The case manager also had #1 fill out paperwork (some of it apparently copies of what I had filled out but from the teen's perspective instead of the parent's). It was hard to walk out and leave her there knowing that she is if not as miserable as I am currently that she is not with me at least ALMOST as miserable. Yet I was strong and I managed to make it home.
Went to lunch with P and then he took the car and he is currently getting #1's scrip filled at Costco Pharmacy for me so that we can go and visit with #1 a bit more this evening. I feel like things are going to be ok though there is much work to be done before we are 100% again. But we have started with those teeny tiny baby steps.
In just over a week, #1 will be sweet 16 and I just can't believe where time has gone. It will be a very busy day for us but I hope to be able to have some sweet time with her too that day.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and your love. Your uplifting me is amazing. I have said not often enough how lucky I am to have married into your family. :)
11 June 2006
Broken part 2
*sigh*
Life just never seems to get any better. :(
#1 was picked up by the police on her run-away at our down-stairs neighbors' house tonight.
I had told the police when they came by to take the report that she had run away this afternoon that I didn't want them to bring her home. WHY? Because I am hurt and I am angry! And I didn't feel that I could talk to #1 with civility after everything we have been thru these recent months.
This meant that the officers who picked up #1 had no choice but to take her down to Vantage Point (just up the road and attached to Wasatch Mental Health - this is a juvenile holding facility much like a glorified babysitter where adolescents ages 12 - 17 can be sent to give the parents and children a time out from each other.) I really REALLY feel like #1 and I need that break.
#1 however, having had a brief 3 hours stint there in mid-May when she was arrested for trespassing at PHS, didn't want to go down there. WHY? Because she had a taste of what it was like there for the children sent there and didn't want to go back.
Guess she never thought Mom would reach her limit and send her there anyway. Instead, #1 was begging to please be sent to B and D's house a mere 5 blocks away. I said "NO!" Not because I don't like B & D. I love them. I think they are awesome. However, #1 loves to be there and what I want for #1 right now is to really LEARN that when she chooses to run-away so she can go have fun and have "dates" which Mom has forbidden, that there are consequences that are NOT so pleasant in life. And maybe a few days of NOT fun down at Vantage Point will start to sink into her that I am doing this NOT because I hate her but because of how much I do indeed LOVE her.
Pleading with her via e-mail on her last run-away in November of last year didn't help to modify her behavior enough to stop it. Having to deal with the repercussions of those actions via the legal system didn't help things out either.
Instead, she started skipping school and letting her grades continue to sink to new lows. Truancy school in early May didn't phase her. She will admit to you that she is only going to school because I make her go. But that doesn't stop her from walking off campus or hiding in the bathroom during classes.
After truancy school, we set up measures to try to get her school life on track. She was to complete several online courses and independent study packets to catch up in school and then maintain her grades and attendance next year as well. Her reward would be having a cell phone on the account that P & I have. Guess she's not really interested in this at all.
Instead, school is out and the teenaged boy who resides w/ out downstairs neighbors decides to flirt with #1 once more. #1 doesn't LIKE him she claims, yet she does whatever she can to catch his eye.
So, #1 is down at Vantage Point right now. I'm not any happier now that I know she is there either. I want to run down there and snatch my baby into my arms and bring her home. Yet, I know this is not what she needs.
I called her father and step mother and let them know what was going on. They agreed that she should stay there tonight and until I can bring her home.
The guy in receiving down at Vantage Point called to let me know that they had received #1 and that she is held in receiving for up to 12 hours during which point I may go down and sign for her at any time. I let him know that I planned on leaving her there longer than the 12 hours.
And in the morning, I need to call the case manager down there and discuss the situation with her. And probably go down and fill out the paperwork for them to keep #1 for longer than 12 hours. And the guy told me that on account of this, we will probably be getting another investigation by DCFS to ensure that it is safe for #1 to come home again.
I am tired. I feel worn down. I have been dealing with DCFS investigations for forever it seems. First because of my ex 1500 miles away because he didn't want to pay child support. Four times that he or his mother tried this route on me while I still lived there. Only one time that I dealt with DCFS thru my own actions (or inactions rather) and that was when I first found out about my Bipolar issues after my grandmother passed away. I admit I was wrong then and that I worked thru things to get back on track. I still struggle with those core issues but I do work thru them. Then, #2's dad didn't want to have to send #2 here to visit me after he convinced the judge he should have custody. So he yet again sicced DCFS on my household claiming that P was abusing #1 physically. Not so and DCFS wrote up their report that it isn't so. Then earlier this year, yet again DCFS involvement this time because #1 and her activities when she ran away in November. Nothing really involved for me other than to make sure #1 was at certain interviews for the PPD and DCFS to determine if the young man she was with should be arrested for criminal behavior with a minor. This time, it will be because of tonight. I did scream at #1 that she was to go to Vantage Point and then I would be signing over papers for her to go to foster care. I know, dumb move on my part but I was at my breaking point. Not a good excuse I know. But #1 got herself kicked out of therapy just before we would have gotten family therapy started up for us (and there are issues for which we NEED family therapy) and killed that whole bag of tricks. She doesn't think she has any problems that need therapy treatment. I know as a family we need therapy. I worry though how this will all pan out. No, I don't honestly want to send my #1 into foster care, yet at the same time, I admit I am at a serious loss as to HOW to handle her. Nothing seems to be working. Not spending extra time with her, not giving her more freedom. Nothing.
And, I am also worried about how this will effect #2's trip out here. Will it cause her to NOT get to come after P & I have spent so much money to fly her here? I haven't seen her in 6 LONG months. I don't think I could live with things if this makes it so she cannot come to see me.
So, instead of being happy that I know where #1 is and that she is safe, I am sad and afraid again. It never ends. :(
Life just never seems to get any better. :(
#1 was picked up by the police on her run-away at our down-stairs neighbors' house tonight.
I had told the police when they came by to take the report that she had run away this afternoon that I didn't want them to bring her home. WHY? Because I am hurt and I am angry! And I didn't feel that I could talk to #1 with civility after everything we have been thru these recent months.
This meant that the officers who picked up #1 had no choice but to take her down to Vantage Point (just up the road and attached to Wasatch Mental Health - this is a juvenile holding facility much like a glorified babysitter where adolescents ages 12 - 17 can be sent to give the parents and children a time out from each other.) I really REALLY feel like #1 and I need that break.
#1 however, having had a brief 3 hours stint there in mid-May when she was arrested for trespassing at PHS, didn't want to go down there. WHY? Because she had a taste of what it was like there for the children sent there and didn't want to go back.
Guess she never thought Mom would reach her limit and send her there anyway. Instead, #1 was begging to please be sent to B and D's house a mere 5 blocks away. I said "NO!" Not because I don't like B & D. I love them. I think they are awesome. However, #1 loves to be there and what I want for #1 right now is to really LEARN that when she chooses to run-away so she can go have fun and have "dates" which Mom has forbidden, that there are consequences that are NOT so pleasant in life. And maybe a few days of NOT fun down at Vantage Point will start to sink into her that I am doing this NOT because I hate her but because of how much I do indeed LOVE her.
Pleading with her via e-mail on her last run-away in November of last year didn't help to modify her behavior enough to stop it. Having to deal with the repercussions of those actions via the legal system didn't help things out either.
Instead, she started skipping school and letting her grades continue to sink to new lows. Truancy school in early May didn't phase her. She will admit to you that she is only going to school because I make her go. But that doesn't stop her from walking off campus or hiding in the bathroom during classes.
After truancy school, we set up measures to try to get her school life on track. She was to complete several online courses and independent study packets to catch up in school and then maintain her grades and attendance next year as well. Her reward would be having a cell phone on the account that P & I have. Guess she's not really interested in this at all.
Instead, school is out and the teenaged boy who resides w/ out downstairs neighbors decides to flirt with #1 once more. #1 doesn't LIKE him she claims, yet she does whatever she can to catch his eye.
So, #1 is down at Vantage Point right now. I'm not any happier now that I know she is there either. I want to run down there and snatch my baby into my arms and bring her home. Yet, I know this is not what she needs.
I called her father and step mother and let them know what was going on. They agreed that she should stay there tonight and until I can bring her home.
The guy in receiving down at Vantage Point called to let me know that they had received #1 and that she is held in receiving for up to 12 hours during which point I may go down and sign for her at any time. I let him know that I planned on leaving her there longer than the 12 hours.
And in the morning, I need to call the case manager down there and discuss the situation with her. And probably go down and fill out the paperwork for them to keep #1 for longer than 12 hours. And the guy told me that on account of this, we will probably be getting another investigation by DCFS to ensure that it is safe for #1 to come home again.
I am tired. I feel worn down. I have been dealing with DCFS investigations for forever it seems. First because of my ex 1500 miles away because he didn't want to pay child support. Four times that he or his mother tried this route on me while I still lived there. Only one time that I dealt with DCFS thru my own actions (or inactions rather) and that was when I first found out about my Bipolar issues after my grandmother passed away. I admit I was wrong then and that I worked thru things to get back on track. I still struggle with those core issues but I do work thru them. Then, #2's dad didn't want to have to send #2 here to visit me after he convinced the judge he should have custody. So he yet again sicced DCFS on my household claiming that P was abusing #1 physically. Not so and DCFS wrote up their report that it isn't so. Then earlier this year, yet again DCFS involvement this time because #1 and her activities when she ran away in November. Nothing really involved for me other than to make sure #1 was at certain interviews for the PPD and DCFS to determine if the young man she was with should be arrested for criminal behavior with a minor. This time, it will be because of tonight. I did scream at #1 that she was to go to Vantage Point and then I would be signing over papers for her to go to foster care. I know, dumb move on my part but I was at my breaking point. Not a good excuse I know. But #1 got herself kicked out of therapy just before we would have gotten family therapy started up for us (and there are issues for which we NEED family therapy) and killed that whole bag of tricks. She doesn't think she has any problems that need therapy treatment. I know as a family we need therapy. I worry though how this will all pan out. No, I don't honestly want to send my #1 into foster care, yet at the same time, I admit I am at a serious loss as to HOW to handle her. Nothing seems to be working. Not spending extra time with her, not giving her more freedom. Nothing.
And, I am also worried about how this will effect #2's trip out here. Will it cause her to NOT get to come after P & I have spent so much money to fly her here? I haven't seen her in 6 LONG months. I don't think I could live with things if this makes it so she cannot come to see me.
So, instead of being happy that I know where #1 is and that she is safe, I am sad and afraid again. It never ends. :(
10 June 2006
On being Broken!
I am broken. I am sad. I am heartbroken.
And I am giving up. It's a hard and difficult decision to make but I can't go on letting things go the way they are.
#1 is not home. I have no clue where she is. And at this point, I have no energy to divest into finding this out. I have tried what I can to bring her onto the path towards a healthy and safe future but she continues to defy it all.
Just one week from when #2 will arrive. I should be happy but I sit here with tears streaming down my face.
I want to be held and comforted but instead, I feel all alone in a world that seems to forget I am here.
The other half is in bed sleeping. Grumpy with me because disturbed them earlier to go and try to find #1 with me. He doesn't seem to understand the anguish and heartache that I am feeling. Instead, he focuses only on the anger he feels toward #1 for constantly disobeying.
In 2 weeks, #1's dad expects to meet her at the airport in OH but I cannot even bring myself to call him and tell him that I have no clue where she is.
I would call my mom or my sister about it but all they will do is look down on me for failing to keep #1 home and criticize my parenting skills.
I never claimed to be the best parent. Or even a great parent for that matter. And over and over again, I am shown just how bad of a parent I am when #2 is taken from my custody by a judge who only listens to twisted truths cooked up by the ex. And again when #1 runs away not once, not twice, but multiple times.
And when she's arrested for trespassing on a campus she doesn't attend. And when her grades are all F's and she shrugs and says, "School is boring, I'd rather cut class and talk to my friends."
And over and over inside my head, I hear, "You are nothing. You are nothing."
And so, I cave. I admit defeat. I am nothing. I am not a mother but failure. I have failed to nourish my children and they have left me.
And I am alone in a soundless chasm of heartache and despair.
And I am giving up. It's a hard and difficult decision to make but I can't go on letting things go the way they are.
#1 is not home. I have no clue where she is. And at this point, I have no energy to divest into finding this out. I have tried what I can to bring her onto the path towards a healthy and safe future but she continues to defy it all.
Just one week from when #2 will arrive. I should be happy but I sit here with tears streaming down my face.
I want to be held and comforted but instead, I feel all alone in a world that seems to forget I am here.
The other half is in bed sleeping. Grumpy with me because disturbed them earlier to go and try to find #1 with me. He doesn't seem to understand the anguish and heartache that I am feeling. Instead, he focuses only on the anger he feels toward #1 for constantly disobeying.
In 2 weeks, #1's dad expects to meet her at the airport in OH but I cannot even bring myself to call him and tell him that I have no clue where she is.
I would call my mom or my sister about it but all they will do is look down on me for failing to keep #1 home and criticize my parenting skills.
I never claimed to be the best parent. Or even a great parent for that matter. And over and over again, I am shown just how bad of a parent I am when #2 is taken from my custody by a judge who only listens to twisted truths cooked up by the ex. And again when #1 runs away not once, not twice, but multiple times.
And when she's arrested for trespassing on a campus she doesn't attend. And when her grades are all F's and she shrugs and says, "School is boring, I'd rather cut class and talk to my friends."
And over and over inside my head, I hear, "You are nothing. You are nothing."
And so, I cave. I admit defeat. I am nothing. I am not a mother but failure. I have failed to nourish my children and they have left me.
And I am alone in a soundless chasm of heartache and despair.
27 May 2006
Robot questions
This started as a comment on Javich's blog. But it was too long and has been so long since he actually made the post, I figured I'd make my own post, and hopefully start some discussion. (I do want feed back on my questions.)
I like his climate comparison. =D
I've got some questions about robots. Are they only a threat to old people, or should I be paying Old Glory $4 per month. (We do have a bunch of meds; will they come after me and Dani too?) My second question is are they sure it's the scientists that are building the robots and not the engineers? It seems to me that robot building is more an engineering discipline (applied science/technology) rather than a scientific (fundamental laws research) one. What do the family scientists and engineers think. (I'd welcome input from non-family scientists and engineers, I just don't think any are reading this blog. *shrug*)
I like his climate comparison. =D
I've got some questions about robots. Are they only a threat to old people, or should I be paying Old Glory $4 per month. (We do have a bunch of meds; will they come after me and Dani too?) My second question is are they sure it's the scientists that are building the robots and not the engineers? It seems to me that robot building is more an engineering discipline (applied science/technology) rather than a scientific (fundamental laws research) one. What do the family scientists and engineers think. (I'd welcome input from non-family scientists and engineers, I just don't think any are reading this blog. *shrug*)
20 May 2006
Extermination
Yes, Paul has finally taken the plunge and made a blog entry.
unpacking exterminating the rats that all three of us seem to keep. After making a lot of progress, we finally went to bed. We spent Friday similarly, but the shower that Dani had taken still hadn't drained after more that 4 hours. The teen unit had some additional help from my future sister in law. Despite that, and working for three days, we aren't done. There is, however, soem good news.
Recently our landlord decided to sell the duplex. This wasn't something we were expecting. Not that it's horrible news, but the prospect of moving (or having to negotiate a new contract) is a stressor we would have preferred to avoid.
We've known about the the potential sale for a bit. The surprise came when we found out about a walkthrough that was going to happen Friday or Saturday. Our apartment certainly wasn't wasn't ready for any sort of a walkthrough. 
- We can see the teen unit's floor.
- We can sit on the sofa and love seat
- We were able to take a car load of clothes and dishes to DI
- We have thrown out at least two trash cans of stuff that we just don't use.
- Our bathtub/shower is finally unblocked. (Thanks B)
29 April 2006
Counting one's (often unseen) blessings!
Lately, I've been feeling like a failure.
This isn't a "depression" thing though. I've actually felt my emotional best in the past 6 to 9 months. That's saying quite a lot because for this time frame, I haven't been on any meds to help me stay that way.
Physically, life has given me lots of reasons to feel like a failure. Paul and I joined the gym thru his work and after only 2 weeks of going, I "dropped out" causing both him and Brittany to do so too. Not that I did it just because I wanted to. I really did enjoy going. And I fully intend to go again, just not until AFTER I get a thorough physical exam.
Why did I stop going? Edema! It seems since my cold last fall, I have had recurrent bouts of water retention for no known (to me at least) cause. And, it rears it's ugly head when I most want it to go away PERMANENTLY!
I could deal with it better I guess and still make it to the gym IF I could manage to wear any of the shoes I own w/out feeling like my feet are being sawed in half from loss of blood flow. No shoe fits anymore except for my fuzzy yellow house shoes and those just AREN'T appropriate footwear for working out.
Other areas that have me feeling a failure include reproduction. Almost 17 yrs ago, I didn't have to "try" for a pregnancy; it just came naturally, the way it was SUPPOSED to. But, after Brit came, my conception woes began. It took more effort to concieve Breezy but only when I was actually "trying". Once I gave up on the idea and didn't WANT to become pregnant, it happened.
Such is the story of my life.
Well, I finally started doing some things right in my life and felt sure that when Paul and I got married almost 2 yrs ago that the joys of reproduction would come easily. NoT! And with each passing month, I have felt more of a failure in this area.
And then raising a rebellious teenager has me feeling sometimes like I shouldn't even be thinking about bring MORE children into the world when I can't seem to possibly do anything right with the ones I already have.
Losing custody of Breezy was a blow to my motherhood as well. I was so blown away by that decision. And I couldn't see past the nose on my own face for all the hurt.
So, where am I going with all this? Isn't this post about counting one's blessings?
I'm getting there.
See, IF it weren't for the edema, I wouldn't see the blessings of not being pregnant right now. But the edema makes me VERY happy that life is not further complicated by reproduction. I have the opportunity to solve the problems that are causing the edema (once I track them down) before we procreate a new life.
Not having Breezy with me every day gives me an opportunity to focus on what is at the root of Brit's rebellion.
Not living with me gives Brianna a chance to see that the grass ISN'T greener on the other side of the fence. That it's the same grass with just a different way of being cut.
Not being pregnant means that Paul and I have had more of an opportunity to develop our marrital relationship without the added stresses of sleepless nights and teething etc. Not that raising a rebellious teenager has made bonding an absolute joy ALL the time but I do think that we have all grown as individuals thru all of the stresses we have been faced with.
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. I don't know yet what all is included in HIS plan, but I have felt blessed lately that everything in my life has happened for a reason. There's been some really hard knocks but there have been some very sweet fruit from those falls. Brittany and Brianna are two of the sweetest blossoms in my life. My husband and the Gospel and having an eternity with my SOUL mate are more of those blessings I haven't taken the time to feel grateful for lately. My family - my natural family, my marrital family and the extensions to that family thru marriage - are all other joys I am truly thankful for.
I love that my SIL's and BIL's and MIL and FIL are all such wonderful, caring, and thoughtful individuals. I love that the Henrichsen cousins and aunts and uncles are such sweet and loving people and how they LOVE to spend time together and be involved in each other's (and OUR) lives. I love when I get an unexptected phone call in the middle of my blah day and it's one of my husband's sweet sisters who was just thinking about me or Brit or Paul or Breezy. It's so nice to be a part of such a network of love and harmony and happiness.
So, today's entry is about each of my "blessings" and how you have helped me to see the joys of my life and to turn in gratitude to Heavenly Father for how HE has blessed me.
This isn't a "depression" thing though. I've actually felt my emotional best in the past 6 to 9 months. That's saying quite a lot because for this time frame, I haven't been on any meds to help me stay that way.
Physically, life has given me lots of reasons to feel like a failure. Paul and I joined the gym thru his work and after only 2 weeks of going, I "dropped out" causing both him and Brittany to do so too. Not that I did it just because I wanted to. I really did enjoy going. And I fully intend to go again, just not until AFTER I get a thorough physical exam.
Why did I stop going? Edema! It seems since my cold last fall, I have had recurrent bouts of water retention for no known (to me at least) cause. And, it rears it's ugly head when I most want it to go away PERMANENTLY!
I could deal with it better I guess and still make it to the gym IF I could manage to wear any of the shoes I own w/out feeling like my feet are being sawed in half from loss of blood flow. No shoe fits anymore except for my fuzzy yellow house shoes and those just AREN'T appropriate footwear for working out.
Other areas that have me feeling a failure include reproduction. Almost 17 yrs ago, I didn't have to "try" for a pregnancy; it just came naturally, the way it was SUPPOSED to. But, after Brit came, my conception woes began. It took more effort to concieve Breezy but only when I was actually "trying". Once I gave up on the idea and didn't WANT to become pregnant, it happened.
Such is the story of my life.
Well, I finally started doing some things right in my life and felt sure that when Paul and I got married almost 2 yrs ago that the joys of reproduction would come easily. NoT! And with each passing month, I have felt more of a failure in this area.
And then raising a rebellious teenager has me feeling sometimes like I shouldn't even be thinking about bring MORE children into the world when I can't seem to possibly do anything right with the ones I already have.
Losing custody of Breezy was a blow to my motherhood as well. I was so blown away by that decision. And I couldn't see past the nose on my own face for all the hurt.
So, where am I going with all this? Isn't this post about counting one's blessings?
I'm getting there.
See, IF it weren't for the edema, I wouldn't see the blessings of not being pregnant right now. But the edema makes me VERY happy that life is not further complicated by reproduction. I have the opportunity to solve the problems that are causing the edema (once I track them down) before we procreate a new life.
Not having Breezy with me every day gives me an opportunity to focus on what is at the root of Brit's rebellion.
Not living with me gives Brianna a chance to see that the grass ISN'T greener on the other side of the fence. That it's the same grass with just a different way of being cut.
Not being pregnant means that Paul and I have had more of an opportunity to develop our marrital relationship without the added stresses of sleepless nights and teething etc. Not that raising a rebellious teenager has made bonding an absolute joy ALL the time but I do think that we have all grown as individuals thru all of the stresses we have been faced with.
I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. I don't know yet what all is included in HIS plan, but I have felt blessed lately that everything in my life has happened for a reason. There's been some really hard knocks but there have been some very sweet fruit from those falls. Brittany and Brianna are two of the sweetest blossoms in my life. My husband and the Gospel and having an eternity with my SOUL mate are more of those blessings I haven't taken the time to feel grateful for lately. My family - my natural family, my marrital family and the extensions to that family thru marriage - are all other joys I am truly thankful for.
I love that my SIL's and BIL's and MIL and FIL are all such wonderful, caring, and thoughtful individuals. I love that the Henrichsen cousins and aunts and uncles are such sweet and loving people and how they LOVE to spend time together and be involved in each other's (and OUR) lives. I love when I get an unexptected phone call in the middle of my blah day and it's one of my husband's sweet sisters who was just thinking about me or Brit or Paul or Breezy. It's so nice to be a part of such a network of love and harmony and happiness.
So, today's entry is about each of my "blessings" and how you have helped me to see the joys of my life and to turn in gratitude to Heavenly Father for how HE has blessed me.
05 April 2006
Just when you thought things were going well...
Well, I guess the title of this post implies that things aren't going well here but that is, in fact, just the opposite. Things are well here. So, why the title?
Well, we have this "neighbor" who is learning that life isn't so wonderful out on her own. She's a member of our ward. Her mother used to be my Visiting Teacher before she moved away to Orem. And I wish I could say that the problems she is having aren't of her own doing but I can't.
I also wish that she didn't feel it necessary to be over at our house all the time. I don't mind offering her a lending hand from time to time but her being over here at our house almost 24/7 is getting a bit tiring.
And what I feel is worse is the fact that she wants to cry on Brittany's shoulder about how miserable her life is and ask advice from a 15 yr old on what she should do.
Her situation isn't good but it's not going to get any better either until she makes some better choices.
She ran away last year in August down to Arizona. She wasn't quite 18 then. But, she felt like rules in her mom's house were boring and blah. And she didn't need them. She decided in December that maybe things weren't so bad at Mom's after all and finally called and asked her mom to send her money to come home. She turned 18 in February.
Her mom wanted her to finish her high school course work (she was enrolled in home school classes for the last 2 yrs) and either go to college or get a job. Preferrably college. Then, Mom decided that they were moving and moved them up to Orem.
I don't know the story behind why she moved out from Mom's again, but she decided to rent an apartment nearby (next to the park across the street). She also decided that her 25 yr old boyfriend was moving in with her and helping out with the bills. As far as I know, he has only stayed one night at "their" apartment. She paid her rent up thru May 1st when she moved in. She also got her gas connected but not the lights. She ran out of money before she could. Her boyfriend was supposed to pay to have the lights turned on. She still sits over at her apartment in the dark a month later. He didn't have the money because he had to make a car payment, then insurance payment, then his cell phone payment, etc etc. So she sits in the dark. She also has no furnishings and no cookware or other dining utensils etc.
The apartment complex they live in doesn't have hookups for washers and dryers. And when she left her mom's, she wasn't able to take all of her clothing (something about owing her mom some money that she claims to have paid back but Mom doesn't agree) so she lived in the same 3 outfits for about 2 weeks. She asked Brittany if she could do her laundry here (and Brit told her yes without checking with Paul and I not that we would have probably said no) so she came over last Thursday with her laundry hamper full. She started a load in the wash then borrowed some of Brit's clean clothes so she could wash what she was wearing. On Sunday, she finally came and retrieved the last of her laundry from our machines. She had them tied up from Thursday til then. And didn't even bother to use her own laundry supplies.
Without electricity, she has no tv, radio, or refrigeration. I'm assuming that she is either having her boyfriend take her to get food at fast food establishments or not eating at all unless she eats over here (which has almost become a daily thing too). And she needs to borrow the phone at least 5 times a day to call to check on her boyfriend to see if he is coming over (to the apartment he is supposed to be living in).
Yesterday, she had contact with her mother and came over all upset because of things her mother said. Today, she came over in tears because her boyfriend told her he didn't feel the same for her that she feels for him.
And she doesn't have a job of her own either. She had one when she moved in over there but I guess she lost it soon after for not showing up. Shameful employer actually expecting her to come to work everyday!
I pray for her daily and wonder how best to handle the situation. We can't afford to feed her every day and I don't think she is a good influence on Brittany either. I don't want to turn her out at the same time but I also don't want her to feel like if things continue to go from bad to worse for her that she can just come and live here either (which I think she is considering as an option if she can't pay her rent next month). It's NOT an option even if we didn't have a closed rental contract on who could and could not live here.
And, I think she would probably try to go live back at home if her mom would say, "R, come home." I know she is miserable there. And that she realizes that she has made alot of major mistakes in moving out of her mom's. I don't think it's pride keeping her from going home to her mom so much as it's wanting to know that MOM wants her and still loves her.
How do we convince our children of our unconditional love? And still teach them responsibility for their actions and choices? And in a way that they know we will accept them back in our homes when they need it? But also show them that they must work for their livelihood too? I'd like to offer this young woman some good advice about how to help herself.
I asked her if she was praying about the decisions she has to make etc and she told me that she hadn't been going to church. I grinned at her and explained that she didn't have to go to church to talk with Heavenly Father thru prayer. She's now too old to attend the young women's activities on Tuesday nights though I know that she has wistfully watched Brit go the last 3 weeks.
And as I watch her struggling to keep on surviving, I wonder if in a few years time, I will be watching one of my own thru this or if somehow, Brit's seeing how R is struggling will help her to want to make better choices for herself and try to avoid those same pitfalls? I pray that she sees just how hard it is on one's own when one isn't making the best of choices and decides to get that college degree first. Oh, how I hope. We shall see.
So, if any of you readers have any suggestions on how to handle the current situation with our neighbor and friend, I would appreciate some input. Cuz my brain is fogged and confussed. I want to help her but I don't want her to become my burden too. And right now, I think I am in danger of that happening. And I surely don't want to turn her out and tell her to tough it on her own that I can't help her. I'm going to ask her to come to church with us Sunday when she comes back tonight or tomorrow. I think that is probably the first step for her.
Well, we have this "neighbor" who is learning that life isn't so wonderful out on her own. She's a member of our ward. Her mother used to be my Visiting Teacher before she moved away to Orem. And I wish I could say that the problems she is having aren't of her own doing but I can't.
I also wish that she didn't feel it necessary to be over at our house all the time. I don't mind offering her a lending hand from time to time but her being over here at our house almost 24/7 is getting a bit tiring.
And what I feel is worse is the fact that she wants to cry on Brittany's shoulder about how miserable her life is and ask advice from a 15 yr old on what she should do.
Her situation isn't good but it's not going to get any better either until she makes some better choices.
She ran away last year in August down to Arizona. She wasn't quite 18 then. But, she felt like rules in her mom's house were boring and blah. And she didn't need them. She decided in December that maybe things weren't so bad at Mom's after all and finally called and asked her mom to send her money to come home. She turned 18 in February.
Her mom wanted her to finish her high school course work (she was enrolled in home school classes for the last 2 yrs) and either go to college or get a job. Preferrably college. Then, Mom decided that they were moving and moved them up to Orem.
I don't know the story behind why she moved out from Mom's again, but she decided to rent an apartment nearby (next to the park across the street). She also decided that her 25 yr old boyfriend was moving in with her and helping out with the bills. As far as I know, he has only stayed one night at "their" apartment. She paid her rent up thru May 1st when she moved in. She also got her gas connected but not the lights. She ran out of money before she could. Her boyfriend was supposed to pay to have the lights turned on. She still sits over at her apartment in the dark a month later. He didn't have the money because he had to make a car payment, then insurance payment, then his cell phone payment, etc etc. So she sits in the dark. She also has no furnishings and no cookware or other dining utensils etc.
The apartment complex they live in doesn't have hookups for washers and dryers. And when she left her mom's, she wasn't able to take all of her clothing (something about owing her mom some money that she claims to have paid back but Mom doesn't agree) so she lived in the same 3 outfits for about 2 weeks. She asked Brittany if she could do her laundry here (and Brit told her yes without checking with Paul and I not that we would have probably said no) so she came over last Thursday with her laundry hamper full. She started a load in the wash then borrowed some of Brit's clean clothes so she could wash what she was wearing. On Sunday, she finally came and retrieved the last of her laundry from our machines. She had them tied up from Thursday til then. And didn't even bother to use her own laundry supplies.
Without electricity, she has no tv, radio, or refrigeration. I'm assuming that she is either having her boyfriend take her to get food at fast food establishments or not eating at all unless she eats over here (which has almost become a daily thing too). And she needs to borrow the phone at least 5 times a day to call to check on her boyfriend to see if he is coming over (to the apartment he is supposed to be living in).
Yesterday, she had contact with her mother and came over all upset because of things her mother said. Today, she came over in tears because her boyfriend told her he didn't feel the same for her that she feels for him.
And she doesn't have a job of her own either. She had one when she moved in over there but I guess she lost it soon after for not showing up. Shameful employer actually expecting her to come to work everyday!
I pray for her daily and wonder how best to handle the situation. We can't afford to feed her every day and I don't think she is a good influence on Brittany either. I don't want to turn her out at the same time but I also don't want her to feel like if things continue to go from bad to worse for her that she can just come and live here either (which I think she is considering as an option if she can't pay her rent next month). It's NOT an option even if we didn't have a closed rental contract on who could and could not live here.
And, I think she would probably try to go live back at home if her mom would say, "R, come home." I know she is miserable there. And that she realizes that she has made alot of major mistakes in moving out of her mom's. I don't think it's pride keeping her from going home to her mom so much as it's wanting to know that MOM wants her and still loves her.
How do we convince our children of our unconditional love? And still teach them responsibility for their actions and choices? And in a way that they know we will accept them back in our homes when they need it? But also show them that they must work for their livelihood too? I'd like to offer this young woman some good advice about how to help herself.
I asked her if she was praying about the decisions she has to make etc and she told me that she hadn't been going to church. I grinned at her and explained that she didn't have to go to church to talk with Heavenly Father thru prayer. She's now too old to attend the young women's activities on Tuesday nights though I know that she has wistfully watched Brit go the last 3 weeks.
And as I watch her struggling to keep on surviving, I wonder if in a few years time, I will be watching one of my own thru this or if somehow, Brit's seeing how R is struggling will help her to want to make better choices for herself and try to avoid those same pitfalls? I pray that she sees just how hard it is on one's own when one isn't making the best of choices and decides to get that college degree first. Oh, how I hope. We shall see.
So, if any of you readers have any suggestions on how to handle the current situation with our neighbor and friend, I would appreciate some input. Cuz my brain is fogged and confussed. I want to help her but I don't want her to become my burden too. And right now, I think I am in danger of that happening. And I surely don't want to turn her out and tell her to tough it on her own that I can't help her. I'm going to ask her to come to church with us Sunday when she comes back tonight or tomorrow. I think that is probably the first step for her.
02 April 2006
Babies, Braces, Breezy, and Brit
I honestly am not silent because I want to be. I just often don't think I have anything of relevance to share. But, I will share some things from my week that made me smile. :)
Brit got her braces on Wednesday morning. This is what she looks like now. To say she was less than thrilled would be an understatement but she has been a real trooper about having them put on. She sat thru an hour long appointment getting 12 shots in her mouth to have 2 cavities filled and 3 teeth removed a week before the 45 min appt to affix the braces. She even humored me taking photos during the event Wednesday. :) And, after a few painful days of her mouth really hurting, she's mostly adjusted to having them now. Well, except for getting the insides of her cheeks hung on them from time to time. She now has to brush more than 2x a day and flossing will be an ordeal to put it mildly. And, she is due to live with this new smile until her 18th birthday or longer (especially since she opted to have the colored bands put on which will lengthen the time in braces by 3 months at a minimum).
Bet you're wondering why babies in this post about Brit and her braces, eh? Well, we kept Kaitlyn and Jacob tonight from a bit after 5 pm until a bit after 9 pm for B tonight. And, after Brit decided that Katey couldn't sleep in her carseat anymore (a whole 3 minutes after B walked out the door), Katey bug decided that she needed to be the center of attention. EVERYONE'S attention. She's normally such a sweet and contented baby. But, alas, waking up in some strange place and NOT having one's mommy about is probably enough to make any normally placid baby get a bit um should we say boisterous? Add to that the fact that Katey doesn't like formula anymore and Brit insisted on trying to give her some after she got tired of being drooled all over from a 6 month old drinking water from a cup, and you can see it wasn't going very well.
Needless to say, Jacob was in heaven. He got to pull about 10 card games off the game shelf (while everyone else was trying to placate Katey and Paul was gone to the Priesthood portion of Conference) and spread their entire contents all over the living room floor. We got them all cleaned up though before B came to pick them up.
Back to Katey bug though, she became a very unhappy camper after going thru her jar of peas and also her rice cereal and still no boob! Geesh! What was wrong with us? Trying to offer her a dumb old bottle full of fake stuff?!? :D Brit briefly got her to sleep but that lasted a whole 20 minutes before Mr. J woke her up looking for Brit in her room where she was laying down with our sleeping angel. The next hour was spent trying to convince Katey that she wasn't that hungry to no avail. I did manage to get her to drink about 10 drops of the formula from the sippy cup though as she screamed a bit and I dripped a drop in. This was always followed by a scowl from our fair maiden.
Brit had a moment or two to fuss at Katey (not harshly but gently) because during Katey's fit, she reared back and bumped into Brit's tender mouth. Guess teeth with braces don't feel too good after getting rammed. Brit said, "Katey, you're making me irritated!" It was kind of funny too. Katey just looked at her like, "And? You're point would be?"
I noticed how wet her sleeper had gotten when I went to change her diaper and as luck would have it, there were no replacement clothes for her in the bag B brought. I was hoping that we might have some suitable clothing in the girls' old stash of doll clothes since most are real baby clothes but no such luck there either. So, I opted to strip the girl down and planned on wrapping her in a blanket or two while we tumbled her clothes dry again when it occurred to me that a nice bath might sooth our darling and get her calmed down enough to forget that we didn't have the right boobs at hand.
Worked like a charm. She enjoyed her little bath curtesy of Brit (this made Mr. J a bit upset because he LOVES taking baths at our house and we didn't let him in with Katey). Once her bath was done and she was bundled back up in her nice warm dry clothes, our gal was right as rain again. Full of smiles and giggles. And this allowed us to help Mr. J clean up the 10 games he had out and get him into his jammies too before B got there.
Jacob did a few totally cute things while over today too. First, not long after B left, I was sitting at my computer and Paul at his. Jacob was over at Brit's and Brit was somewhere in the living room holding Katey. Paul and I were playing some pogo.com games together in order that he and I might win a badge for our membership there. The game was cribbage and we each had 2 playing fields open on our screens. We were running an auto program that played the games for us so we didn't have to. I had looked at it, saw he and I were winning and then gone to the bathroom. Upon returning, I saw that he and I had lost and exclaimed, "What?! How did we lose?!" And Jacob immediately piped up, "I don't know!" haha
Then, a bit later, Brit had brought this huge pink and red stuffed puppy (a Valentine's gift from her current beau) into the living room and was sitting on the couch with it and Kaitlyn. Jacob saw it and wanted to hold it. Brit told him the dog's name was "Joe" and then let him play with him. Brit went down the hall to her room and upon returning, heard this conversation:
Jacob: "Hi Joe. My name is Jacob. It's nice to meet you." (Said while holding Joe's head in between his hands. It was a kodak moment if ever but she didn't let me know in time to grab the cam and snap.
Jacob was also unhappy when Brit tried taking the aforementioned Joe to her room when she got Katey to take that little nap. Jacob told Brit that HE wanted Joe with him. It was cute. And the dog is almost bigger than Jacob but that little guy drug it around thru the house for the evening. Wonder if this means B should get a real puppy for him? (Just kidding B!)
And Katey wasn't really starving. She just thought she was since we offended her by offering her formula. Silly us! B warned us though but Brit didnt' believe her.
So, I am thinking maybe it's a good thing to practice with live babies before Paul and I bring one into the family here. Katey kept us on our toes tonight. That's ok though. We still love her and her big brother and will gladly keep them anytime B needs us too. :) We did after all manage to sooth Katey in the end. And get Jacob to help clean up. And he got to take home Chicken Run for his pains since he only watched it 3 times while he was over.
But, what about Breezy, you say? Well, the Squeezy Monster is turning 10 on Monday! Yep! That's right, 10 yrs ago Monday, she was born. We haven't talked all week. I hope that she calls tomorrow or answers her phone for me then. She had called last Sunday after I tried calling her but her daddy was going to the store so she begged to call me back later cause she wanted to go too. I'm still waiting on that call and didn't get an answer the 2 times I tried her this week. *sigh* Life goes on. So, in honor of Miss Bria's 10th birthday, I had my friend make me this little animated signature for my forums:
. I had her put in there ALL the things that Bria loves me to call her as well as her favorite stuff like pigs and Bratz dolls. I can't believe she is going to be 10. Seems like just yesterday she was the size of Kaitlyn. *sigh* Time flies. And that is how I spent part of my week.So, I hope you enjoyed your trip to my house. And Happy Happy Birthday Brianna! I love you and miss you! (not that you will see this till you come here for the summer but still!)
edited because Blogger won't quit changing the format of the animated siggy made for Brianna's b-day! :( It has about 8 little scenes it flashes thru and it's very cute. *sigh*
21 March 2006
Bria-isms
1st: When Bria was about 2 yrs old, I gave my income tax refund to my dad (who was then working as a used car salesmen) to find me a new to me used car that would make a dependable replacement to my Ol' Blue Beast aka an '85 Buick Century that ran well enough but whose appearance had certainly seen better days.
At the time, I worked over in Sheridan and Bria attended daycare over in Malvern even though we lived about 10 minutes South of Benton. This meant that Bria was in the car for a good 20 minutes each morning and each evening aside from my 45 min solo driving time each way. And, after work, we were wont to go shopping or hanging out with my cousin or visiting Bria's Nanny before heading home for baths and bedtime.
Well, the day came that Mom called to tell me that my dad had turned the $1900 I had given him for a new car into a sweet deal - a maroon, '93 Mercury Tracer with 109k miles on it but no engine knocks or smoking or any other mechanical breakdowns, working a/c, and a great paint job and a nice clean interior. I loaded the girls into the Ol' Blue Beast (which didn't have working a/c) and headed up to my parents' house to pick up the new car. Got there and unloaded the kids and went in to talk to my mom. Dad hollared for me to come see him in his office (my former bedroom off the garage and kitchen with its own entrance). He handed me the car keys and insisted that I take the car down the road for a test drive. I said ok and headed out the front door. Bria followed close on my heels. As I grabbed my purse out of my old car and started to head over to the Tracer, Bria pleaded, "Mommy, can I go with you?" I told her that I was just going to go down the road for a minute and then I would be back and then we would go home to our house. "No! Mommy! I want to go with you in your new HOME!" she exclaimed. "Bria, we don't have a new home," I said. "I will take you home with me when we leave Gram and Pawpaw's." Bria gives me a look and points at the Tracer and says, "This home, Mommy!" as though I were some creature who spoke Martian. Then it dawned on me. She was talking about the new CAR.
From that day until about the time she turned 3, any time we passed a car lot full of cars for sale, Bria's eyes would light up and she would exclaim, "Look! Mom! Homes!" while pointing gleefully at the car lot. It was really very cute.
2nd: About this same time, I would take the girls every other weekend up to my parents where we would stay the night. I wanted them to know their grandparents and aunts and uncles. Each time we went up on Friday night and returned home on Sunday night. On Saturdays, we usually loaded up my mom's car with all her water bottles and headed down to Hot Springs to the fountains and filled the bottles up for the next two weeks. This was a favorite activity of Bria's because our routine was to stop at the hot water fountains that are at the beginning of Bath House Row and fill up the hot water bottles first. Then, while Mom drove down Bath House Row and turned up towards Hot Springs Mountain to go to the cold water fountains, Bria, Brit, and I would amble down Bath House Row looking at the bath houses and then go to the little grassy park where they had some water falls that fell into 3 circular pools in the corner of the park and pause to play in the water. Then, we would mosey up towards the cold water fountains and meet Mom there to help her finish filling the cold water bottles. Once this was done, we would drive up the mountain and look out over the city of Hot Springs (we usually parked for a few minutes to walk to the gazebo up there to look out) and then we would start home and Gram would treat the girls to either an ice cream on the way to Hot Springs or to Burger King on the way home. Bria always looked excited as we turned off I-30 onto I-70! Mom would ask her if she knew where we were going and her eyes would get the size of half dollars as she would exclaim, "The Water!" So, we began to affectionately call our trips to the water fountains as, "Going to the Water!" :)
and my most favorite: When Bria was about 4, she would listen to me always nagging Brittany about coming home with writing on her hands or arms or jeans or shoes. It was (and still is!) a big pet peeve of mine (inherited from my mother). So, it came time for our annual eye exams in November and all was going well. After my exam, I was taken to the contact room. Bria went with me and Brit was still in her exam. Dr. Bill gave me my new strength lenses to put in and as I sat at the little table doing so, Bria was over at the wall to my left. This wall is one big HUGE mirror. Bria was looking at herself and all of a sudden, she turns to me with her eyes wide open and exclaims, "Momma! Someone drew a WHOLE bunch of brown hoppy dots ALL over my face! And I did NOT do it!" (She has always called polka dots "hoppy dots" and I don't know where she got that from!" Anyway, I had to work hard to stifle my laughter while I explained to Bria that those "brown hoppy dots" were freckles placed there by God when she played out in the sun and NOT what someone had drawn all over her face. She was terrified that I was going to lecture her over those freckles like I always lectured Brit about the writing. :)
I sure do miss my little Bria-isms now that she's gotten older and especially since she doesn't live with me anymore. It certainly is true when they say that kids say the darnedest things!
At the time, I worked over in Sheridan and Bria attended daycare over in Malvern even though we lived about 10 minutes South of Benton. This meant that Bria was in the car for a good 20 minutes each morning and each evening aside from my 45 min solo driving time each way. And, after work, we were wont to go shopping or hanging out with my cousin or visiting Bria's Nanny before heading home for baths and bedtime.
Well, the day came that Mom called to tell me that my dad had turned the $1900 I had given him for a new car into a sweet deal - a maroon, '93 Mercury Tracer with 109k miles on it but no engine knocks or smoking or any other mechanical breakdowns, working a/c, and a great paint job and a nice clean interior. I loaded the girls into the Ol' Blue Beast (which didn't have working a/c) and headed up to my parents' house to pick up the new car. Got there and unloaded the kids and went in to talk to my mom. Dad hollared for me to come see him in his office (my former bedroom off the garage and kitchen with its own entrance). He handed me the car keys and insisted that I take the car down the road for a test drive. I said ok and headed out the front door. Bria followed close on my heels. As I grabbed my purse out of my old car and started to head over to the Tracer, Bria pleaded, "Mommy, can I go with you?" I told her that I was just going to go down the road for a minute and then I would be back and then we would go home to our house. "No! Mommy! I want to go with you in your new HOME!" she exclaimed. "Bria, we don't have a new home," I said. "I will take you home with me when we leave Gram and Pawpaw's." Bria gives me a look and points at the Tracer and says, "This home, Mommy!" as though I were some creature who spoke Martian. Then it dawned on me. She was talking about the new CAR.
From that day until about the time she turned 3, any time we passed a car lot full of cars for sale, Bria's eyes would light up and she would exclaim, "Look! Mom! Homes!" while pointing gleefully at the car lot. It was really very cute.
2nd: About this same time, I would take the girls every other weekend up to my parents where we would stay the night. I wanted them to know their grandparents and aunts and uncles. Each time we went up on Friday night and returned home on Sunday night. On Saturdays, we usually loaded up my mom's car with all her water bottles and headed down to Hot Springs to the fountains and filled the bottles up for the next two weeks. This was a favorite activity of Bria's because our routine was to stop at the hot water fountains that are at the beginning of Bath House Row and fill up the hot water bottles first. Then, while Mom drove down Bath House Row and turned up towards Hot Springs Mountain to go to the cold water fountains, Bria, Brit, and I would amble down Bath House Row looking at the bath houses and then go to the little grassy park where they had some water falls that fell into 3 circular pools in the corner of the park and pause to play in the water. Then, we would mosey up towards the cold water fountains and meet Mom there to help her finish filling the cold water bottles. Once this was done, we would drive up the mountain and look out over the city of Hot Springs (we usually parked for a few minutes to walk to the gazebo up there to look out) and then we would start home and Gram would treat the girls to either an ice cream on the way to Hot Springs or to Burger King on the way home. Bria always looked excited as we turned off I-30 onto I-70! Mom would ask her if she knew where we were going and her eyes would get the size of half dollars as she would exclaim, "The Water!" So, we began to affectionately call our trips to the water fountains as, "Going to the Water!" :)
and my most favorite: When Bria was about 4, she would listen to me always nagging Brittany about coming home with writing on her hands or arms or jeans or shoes. It was (and still is!) a big pet peeve of mine (inherited from my mother). So, it came time for our annual eye exams in November and all was going well. After my exam, I was taken to the contact room. Bria went with me and Brit was still in her exam. Dr. Bill gave me my new strength lenses to put in and as I sat at the little table doing so, Bria was over at the wall to my left. This wall is one big HUGE mirror. Bria was looking at herself and all of a sudden, she turns to me with her eyes wide open and exclaims, "Momma! Someone drew a WHOLE bunch of brown hoppy dots ALL over my face! And I did NOT do it!" (She has always called polka dots "hoppy dots" and I don't know where she got that from!" Anyway, I had to work hard to stifle my laughter while I explained to Bria that those "brown hoppy dots" were freckles placed there by God when she played out in the sun and NOT what someone had drawn all over her face. She was terrified that I was going to lecture her over those freckles like I always lectured Brit about the writing. :)
I sure do miss my little Bria-isms now that she's gotten older and especially since she doesn't live with me anymore. It certainly is true when they say that kids say the darnedest things!
10 March 2006
The Purse - Revisited
Well, Tuesday afternoon, Brit came in from school to report that her purse had been found. She wasn't yet in possession of it because the school's safety officer had taken a 1/2 day and she hadn't been paying attention over lunch when she was paged to the office.
So, Wednesday, just after 10 am, I received a phone call from the school on my cell phone. It was the school's safety officer. He was calling to inform me that Brit's purse had been turned in. He reported to me that the mp3 player and the cash weren't in it when it was turned in.
Actually, he wanted to discuss more than this with me. It seems that the purse had been found by a school custodian in the boys' restroom. This custodian turned it over to the school tracker (an adult male individual hired (?) by the school to walk to hallways looking for sluffers - kids who were cutting classes and hiding in, say, the bathrooms.) The tracker searched thru the purse before carrying it to the office and turning it over to Mr. M. - the safety officer. As he gave it to Mr. M., the tracker voiced concern over one of the items inside. A condom.
Yes, you heard me correctly. My daughter carries a condom in her purse. Mainly it is there to irritate me but it's there too in case she decides that she needs it. I pray that answer is ALWAYS no but I know how much peer pressure affects her. Anyway, Mr. M. was calling me to make sure I was aware that said condom was in the purse.
Yes, I knew it was there. Again, it is there mainly to irritate me. So, I figure the less said about it by me, the less she gets to irritate me with it, yes? And it worked out that it was more embarrassing for her that it's there than it is irritating for me. Mr. M. is her first hour instructor. She must now sit in his class each morning at 7:35 am knowing that HE knows she carries a condom in her purse.
I explained to Mr. M. how the condom came to be in her purse. It started out that she wanted to irritate me by buying one of those condom roses they sell in the mall at Spencer's. Yeah, it did its trick. It irritated me. Then, when that didn't get enough of a rise from me, she took said rose apart and placed its 4 or 5 condoms in her purse. Then she decided that they all didn't need to be there, that 1 should be irritating enough for me. When I saw it there, I asked her to remove it but she loved that response so she left it there. I shrugged my shoulders and went about my business.
So, Brit comes in from school and starts to tell me about getting her purse back. "The mp3...." "Yes! I know," I jump in, "is still missing and so is your $48." "How did you know?" she asks. So, I tell her about my nice 30 min chat with Mr. M. about her condom filled purse. She does me the courtesy of blushing bright red over hearing about this.
Well, it turns out that her mp3 player and money are not the only things still missing. Her "favorite" pink pencil as well as 2 of her new eyeliners and her new mascara are still missing as well. She isn't terribly upset over the cash and mp3 player being gone though. She is almost MORTALLY OFFENDED though that the perpetrators (she and her Woods' instructor and several classmates suspect 2 Hispanic boys of carrying out the crime) stole her 2 eyeliners and her mascara. "Dude! You just stole $48! Go buy your own mascara and eyeliner!" are her exact comments.
So, her expensive lesson turned out to be almost more embarrassing for her than painfully expensive though I am still upset over the cost of the missing items. *shrugs*
It did serve one purpose though! There is now NO condom inside her purse. She removed it Wednesday afternoon and placed it in her bedroom with the others from the rose.
I guess I count my blessings where I can. *sigh*
So, Wednesday, just after 10 am, I received a phone call from the school on my cell phone. It was the school's safety officer. He was calling to inform me that Brit's purse had been turned in. He reported to me that the mp3 player and the cash weren't in it when it was turned in.
Actually, he wanted to discuss more than this with me. It seems that the purse had been found by a school custodian in the boys' restroom. This custodian turned it over to the school tracker (an adult male individual hired (?) by the school to walk to hallways looking for sluffers - kids who were cutting classes and hiding in, say, the bathrooms.) The tracker searched thru the purse before carrying it to the office and turning it over to Mr. M. - the safety officer. As he gave it to Mr. M., the tracker voiced concern over one of the items inside. A condom.
Yes, you heard me correctly. My daughter carries a condom in her purse. Mainly it is there to irritate me but it's there too in case she decides that she needs it. I pray that answer is ALWAYS no but I know how much peer pressure affects her. Anyway, Mr. M. was calling me to make sure I was aware that said condom was in the purse.
Yes, I knew it was there. Again, it is there mainly to irritate me. So, I figure the less said about it by me, the less she gets to irritate me with it, yes? And it worked out that it was more embarrassing for her that it's there than it is irritating for me. Mr. M. is her first hour instructor. She must now sit in his class each morning at 7:35 am knowing that HE knows she carries a condom in her purse.
I explained to Mr. M. how the condom came to be in her purse. It started out that she wanted to irritate me by buying one of those condom roses they sell in the mall at Spencer's. Yeah, it did its trick. It irritated me. Then, when that didn't get enough of a rise from me, she took said rose apart and placed its 4 or 5 condoms in her purse. Then she decided that they all didn't need to be there, that 1 should be irritating enough for me. When I saw it there, I asked her to remove it but she loved that response so she left it there. I shrugged my shoulders and went about my business.
So, Brit comes in from school and starts to tell me about getting her purse back. "The mp3...." "Yes! I know," I jump in, "is still missing and so is your $48." "How did you know?" she asks. So, I tell her about my nice 30 min chat with Mr. M. about her condom filled purse. She does me the courtesy of blushing bright red over hearing about this.
Well, it turns out that her mp3 player and money are not the only things still missing. Her "favorite" pink pencil as well as 2 of her new eyeliners and her new mascara are still missing as well. She isn't terribly upset over the cash and mp3 player being gone though. She is almost MORTALLY OFFENDED though that the perpetrators (she and her Woods' instructor and several classmates suspect 2 Hispanic boys of carrying out the crime) stole her 2 eyeliners and her mascara. "Dude! You just stole $48! Go buy your own mascara and eyeliner!" are her exact comments.
So, her expensive lesson turned out to be almost more embarrassing for her than painfully expensive though I am still upset over the cost of the missing items. *shrugs*
It did serve one purpose though! There is now NO condom inside her purse. She removed it Wednesday afternoon and placed it in her bedroom with the others from the rose.
I guess I count my blessings where I can. *sigh*
07 March 2006
A Brighter Smile
Well, since John posted in his Blog about getting his Braces off, I'll make this post about Brit getting them ON! :)
Ever since Brit was a wee tot, she's had a crowded, crooked smile. Poor thing! She inherited her smile from her father. I've known and dreaded for all these many years that she would need some braces to correct that problem. And even envied her a bit too. I always wanted braces when I was a young teen etc. ALL my friends had them. But I was blessed with perfectly straight pearly whites that didn't need any correction (well, other than having a cavity here or there filled as it goes when one has a sweet tooth a mile wide.)
Anyway, twice previously, I had begun the ordeal of getting a referral for orthodontia but never was able to complete the process.
We finally are at a place budget wise that it was looking good to proceed. This was kind of scary too knowing that our insurance only covers $1000 of the cost. Brit, Paul, and I have been discussing braces for her for the past several months. Brit was very adamant that she was NOT going to get them. (They hinder one's kissing ability, ya know.) And Paul and I were just as sure that she would thank us for them later on in life when she has a nice smile and doesn't have to go thru adult braces and oral surgery for it nor does she have to bear the cost.
So, two weeks ago, as I was waiting to pick Brit up from school for her therapy appt., I gave her friend Melissa a call to once more find out who her orthodontist was since I knew he was near the school. I had spent some 30 minutes idling thru some nearby parking lots looking to see if I could remember his name on my own. It's a wonder that no one called the police for suspicious activities on me since there was a bank there as well.
Anyway, orthodontist info at hand, I called them up and made an appt for Thursday, March 2, at 7:30 am. Those of you who know my sleep habits know how much this would kill me. :) I asked Paul to arrange to go in late to work that day so he could go with us to the appt.
So, Thursday morning, the 3 of us head down to the orthodontist. I ended up circling the wrong parking lot again looking for it and calling them to get better directions. We walk in and they are so friendly. Brit is still muttering that we should just "pretend" to go there and really not go in.
They show Brit how to check in for her appts on their electronic sign in system and tell us to have a seat that someone will be with us shortly. As we sit, I work on completing the paperwork they had mailed to me but I had put off filling out until that morning.
They call Brit back to take some pictures of her smile and also some x-rays of her teeth. Paul is listening to his mp3 player so I try to amuse myself while we wait. Brit comes back out and we look at a brochure for braces and then they call us back for the "consult".
The first part of the consult is to find out what OUR objective is in wanting orthodontia for Brit. Well, duh! A pretty smile that she can be proud of. The lady we are with goes over the basic outlines of their braces programs and says that after the Dr. comes in, he will give her specific #'s for Brit with regards to braces and those #'s will determine the total time in braces and the cost.
After much sitting and waiting, during which time we had Brit get us down the 3 sets of dental teeth models so we can play with them, Dr. C comes in to look Brit's teeth over. It's a wonder to me that she didn't feel like a horse with all the mouth treatment she received that morning.
Dr. C gave us the straight facts about what is "normal" and used the digital images they had taken of Brit's mouth that morning as well as one set of the dental teeth models, to show us what was "wrong" in Brit's smile and alignment. This was fairly easy to understand since I have been looking at her crooked and cramped teeth since she was 3 or 4.
Brit resigned herself that she was going to have to suffer thru the braces so we let her make the final decision on which of 2 different procedures should be done to get her there. She chose the less needle involved option of having her "sliver" tooth on top pulled and 2 additional teeth from the bottom. The other option involved pulling 2 teeth on the top and then building up the sliver tooth and doing an implant for its missing twin on the other side of her mouth as well as pulling 2 teeth from the bottom. The route we are going will mean braces for 18 to 24 months as opposed to 24 to 36 months with the implant option.
Now Brit is anxious to hurry up and see the dentist to have the teeth pulled and get them cleaned and any fillings and other work done so that the braces can be put on. Her reasoning, "The sooner I get them on, the sooner they come off!"
So, by the end of this month, she should be a regular metal mouth. *envy* And at reunion, she should have a much "brighter" smile for all. :)
Ever since Brit was a wee tot, she's had a crowded, crooked smile. Poor thing! She inherited her smile from her father. I've known and dreaded for all these many years that she would need some braces to correct that problem. And even envied her a bit too. I always wanted braces when I was a young teen etc. ALL my friends had them. But I was blessed with perfectly straight pearly whites that didn't need any correction (well, other than having a cavity here or there filled as it goes when one has a sweet tooth a mile wide.)
Anyway, twice previously, I had begun the ordeal of getting a referral for orthodontia but never was able to complete the process.
We finally are at a place budget wise that it was looking good to proceed. This was kind of scary too knowing that our insurance only covers $1000 of the cost. Brit, Paul, and I have been discussing braces for her for the past several months. Brit was very adamant that she was NOT going to get them. (They hinder one's kissing ability, ya know.) And Paul and I were just as sure that she would thank us for them later on in life when she has a nice smile and doesn't have to go thru adult braces and oral surgery for it nor does she have to bear the cost.
So, two weeks ago, as I was waiting to pick Brit up from school for her therapy appt., I gave her friend Melissa a call to once more find out who her orthodontist was since I knew he was near the school. I had spent some 30 minutes idling thru some nearby parking lots looking to see if I could remember his name on my own. It's a wonder that no one called the police for suspicious activities on me since there was a bank there as well.
Anyway, orthodontist info at hand, I called them up and made an appt for Thursday, March 2, at 7:30 am. Those of you who know my sleep habits know how much this would kill me. :) I asked Paul to arrange to go in late to work that day so he could go with us to the appt.
So, Thursday morning, the 3 of us head down to the orthodontist. I ended up circling the wrong parking lot again looking for it and calling them to get better directions. We walk in and they are so friendly. Brit is still muttering that we should just "pretend" to go there and really not go in.
They show Brit how to check in for her appts on their electronic sign in system and tell us to have a seat that someone will be with us shortly. As we sit, I work on completing the paperwork they had mailed to me but I had put off filling out until that morning.
They call Brit back to take some pictures of her smile and also some x-rays of her teeth. Paul is listening to his mp3 player so I try to amuse myself while we wait. Brit comes back out and we look at a brochure for braces and then they call us back for the "consult".
The first part of the consult is to find out what OUR objective is in wanting orthodontia for Brit. Well, duh! A pretty smile that she can be proud of. The lady we are with goes over the basic outlines of their braces programs and says that after the Dr. comes in, he will give her specific #'s for Brit with regards to braces and those #'s will determine the total time in braces and the cost.
After much sitting and waiting, during which time we had Brit get us down the 3 sets of dental teeth models so we can play with them, Dr. C comes in to look Brit's teeth over. It's a wonder to me that she didn't feel like a horse with all the mouth treatment she received that morning.
Dr. C gave us the straight facts about what is "normal" and used the digital images they had taken of Brit's mouth that morning as well as one set of the dental teeth models, to show us what was "wrong" in Brit's smile and alignment. This was fairly easy to understand since I have been looking at her crooked and cramped teeth since she was 3 or 4.
Brit resigned herself that she was going to have to suffer thru the braces so we let her make the final decision on which of 2 different procedures should be done to get her there. She chose the less needle involved option of having her "sliver" tooth on top pulled and 2 additional teeth from the bottom. The other option involved pulling 2 teeth on the top and then building up the sliver tooth and doing an implant for its missing twin on the other side of her mouth as well as pulling 2 teeth from the bottom. The route we are going will mean braces for 18 to 24 months as opposed to 24 to 36 months with the implant option.
Now Brit is anxious to hurry up and see the dentist to have the teeth pulled and get them cleaned and any fillings and other work done so that the braces can be put on. Her reasoning, "The sooner I get them on, the sooner they come off!"
So, by the end of this month, she should be a regular metal mouth. *envy* And at reunion, she should have a much "brighter" smile for all. :)
06 March 2006
Brit's Expensive Lesson
Today at school, Brit's purse got stolen. Now, for most of you who don't have teenagers yet, this probably doesn't sound like much of a big deal. I mean, WHAT could a 15 yr old possibly have had in her purse that was worth stealing?
Well, let's go thru our most recent memory of what she carries about, shall we?
Student id card (necessary item for getting into high school home sporting events free - cost $10 replacement)
3 eyeliners (new, bought on Feb 20th at the mall, cost $9 total)
1 mascara (also new, bought on 20 Feb at the mall, cost $4)
$48 cash babysitting money remains (tithing yet to be paid, $10 class transfer fee yet to be paid)
mp3 player (new, 128 mb memory RCA Lyra player - cost $40 + 1 gig SD memory card - cost $40= $80 total cost lost of which she still owed Paul and I for the SD memory card - had only owned this unit since Feb 28th *sigh*)
Purse (value of about $10)
new hand lotion from Bath & Body Works (cost of $2 only had since Feb 20)
lip balm (also from B&BW) $5 (owned since Feb 20th)
various other miscellaneous items
TOTAL VALUE LOST= $168 + *sigh*
We had only just given her the mp3 player as an early birthday present. I feel like crying. I could be mad at her but what good would it do? The items are gone.
How did it happen? Well, she carries her purse with her everywhere these days. I remember being a teenager once and thinking I needed to carry all my prized possessions with me as well. What can I say, like mother, like daughter? *shrugs*
Anyway, she just switched her schedule around to have her favorite class (Woods) 2nd hour instead of 4th and Seminary 4th hour. Today was her FIRST day in this new schedule. During Woods, a huge chunk of the time is spent in the SHOP machining some new wooden item (a coffee table in Brit's case). The shop is attached to the classroom but there is a sound proof-ish door betwixt the two rooms. The teacher and all students are in the shop so no one is in the class room. Brit was in the habit in her OLD Woods class of leaving her purse along with her schoolbooks at her desk in the class room whilst in the shop. Sadly, she followed thru with this same mentality in her new Woods class. And the first day, someone wandered into the classroom while she was in Shop and walked out with her purse.
I'd also be mad at the school but again, this wouldn't do me or Brit any good. It's not like it's going to result in all these items being returned to her. *sigh*
I don't even know what to say to Brit about it all. And stupidly, we didn't have the serial # written down for the mp3 player nor the SD card.
It kind of makes me disgusted that kids are not taught better than to take other's belongings too. :( So, now Brit has NO mp3 player and is to do without alot of other things too. Money thru her fingers. Maybe this will be a lesson to her to keep a better eye on her things but somehow, I doubt it. She feels she isn't responsible in any way for this. And no amount of harping on my end will convince her she is.
C'est La Vie!
Well, let's go thru our most recent memory of what she carries about, shall we?
Student id card (necessary item for getting into high school home sporting events free - cost $10 replacement)
3 eyeliners (new, bought on Feb 20th at the mall, cost $9 total)
1 mascara (also new, bought on 20 Feb at the mall, cost $4)
$48 cash babysitting money remains (tithing yet to be paid, $10 class transfer fee yet to be paid)
mp3 player (new, 128 mb memory RCA Lyra player - cost $40 + 1 gig SD memory card - cost $40= $80 total cost lost of which she still owed Paul and I for the SD memory card - had only owned this unit since Feb 28th *sigh*)
Purse (value of about $10)
new hand lotion from Bath & Body Works (cost of $2 only had since Feb 20)
lip balm (also from B&BW) $5 (owned since Feb 20th)
various other miscellaneous items
TOTAL VALUE LOST= $168 + *sigh*
We had only just given her the mp3 player as an early birthday present. I feel like crying. I could be mad at her but what good would it do? The items are gone.
How did it happen? Well, she carries her purse with her everywhere these days. I remember being a teenager once and thinking I needed to carry all my prized possessions with me as well. What can I say, like mother, like daughter? *shrugs*
Anyway, she just switched her schedule around to have her favorite class (Woods) 2nd hour instead of 4th and Seminary 4th hour. Today was her FIRST day in this new schedule. During Woods, a huge chunk of the time is spent in the SHOP machining some new wooden item (a coffee table in Brit's case). The shop is attached to the classroom but there is a sound proof-ish door betwixt the two rooms. The teacher and all students are in the shop so no one is in the class room. Brit was in the habit in her OLD Woods class of leaving her purse along with her schoolbooks at her desk in the class room whilst in the shop. Sadly, she followed thru with this same mentality in her new Woods class. And the first day, someone wandered into the classroom while she was in Shop and walked out with her purse.
I'd also be mad at the school but again, this wouldn't do me or Brit any good. It's not like it's going to result in all these items being returned to her. *sigh*
I don't even know what to say to Brit about it all. And stupidly, we didn't have the serial # written down for the mp3 player nor the SD card.
It kind of makes me disgusted that kids are not taught better than to take other's belongings too. :( So, now Brit has NO mp3 player and is to do without alot of other things too. Money thru her fingers. Maybe this will be a lesson to her to keep a better eye on her things but somehow, I doubt it. She feels she isn't responsible in any way for this. And no amount of harping on my end will convince her she is.
C'est La Vie!
05 March 2006
Just a lil' bug
We've been hit by a bug in our house. Just a lil' bug but it's gotten in good. First sign of it, Paul had a slight runny nose and a cough. He seemed to get over it when it attacked me. Had me down with a sinus headache after I thought I had gotten past the drainage. Ugh!
Felt better on Monday but then Paul felt bad again. By Wednesday, we knew this critter was here for a while. Paul ended up missing work that day due to his illness.
I was feeling well however. Spent a part of the day over at B's house chatting with her and playing with the kids. Megan didn't want me to go home when I left but I felt I should go and check up on Paul. I had left him in the shower when I dashed to B's because of some mail we had received that belonged to her SIL. Kaitlyn wasn't in much of a mood for Aunt Dani during my visit there. She much prefers Mommy these days. Jacob had been napping when I arrived. He was burning up with fever and well needed that nap.
All things being what they are, I left B's house as well as I had arrived there. Thursday morning had us out as a family to see the orthodontist. Ok, so as a family we don't need an orthodontist but Paul and I needed to approve the plans and make payment arrangements for the braces that Brit doesn't want. *sigh* But that is another post. :)
By Thursday night, I couldn't hardly keep my eyes open. Those who know me well can vouch that this is unusual as I am usually pretty wide awake til the wee hours of the morning. Not so on this day. By 8 pm, I was sawing some serious logs on the couch in front of the TV. My intent had been to lay there and watch CSI and Without a Trace but my heavy eyelids just closed ever so slowly and slyly.
I roused about 9:15 but only long enough to empty my bladder and find a more comfortable position on my couch. Two hours later, I made yet another trip to the bathroom and adjusted myself once more on the couch. Brit was heading off to bed at this point. *mutters something inaudible about poor mothering skills* 1 am found me yet again awake and in need of relief. I decided that this time, rather than continue my vigil on my couch, I would join Paul in the bed. Well, IF he were in the bed. I also decided that the niggling cough that had been bothering me since mid afternoon needed to go, so I resigned myself to taking some cough syrup. I asked Paul to fetch me some as I gathered my pillows and blanket, cup, book, glasses, cell phone, and home phone and headed back to the bedroom. I paused long enough to down the dreaded potion and began readying myself for bed.
I gave this up after the cough syrup refused to stay down. I hastily threw those items in my arms still onto the bed, grabbed up the trashcan from the floor, and heaving and retching, made to return to the bathroom. I ended up sitting down in the doorway to our room and blocking the upper end of the hallway. I could make it no further. This was NO good.
Paul was kind of enough to fetch me yet another draught of that nasty potion along with a cool wet washrag and some tissues. Thus, I sat calming my troubled tummy in my bedroom doorway while cleaning the sweat from my brow. Stomach settled, cough syrup once again consumed and staying down this time, I slowly made my way back to the bed. Paul was even a dear and cleaned out my trashcan and returned it to me in case of further need during the night. :) We fixed our bed for sleeping and climbed in. I then decided that it was MUCH too warm in our room though the heater was not blowing. And yet, I was freezing. Most certainly this could only mean one thing. Yep! Fever and chills. Ugh! How I hate to be sick. First temp was 100.4. It hovered about this area for most of the night though near dawn it was as high as 101.3. Thru out the day Friday, it hovered between 99.6 and 100.4. Friday night saw it still fluctuating between these digits but it finally broke about 10 am on Saturday.
Never has a body felt so glad to be fever free and able to be out from under the covers. My body was feeling stiff from the necessary bedrest. The fever stayed at bay most of the day Saturday though it did return briefly just before bed.
Having gotten over the feverish part, I felt I was on the mend for sure. Well, then began the phleghm coughing and choking. Paul and I have rattly sounding chests from all the phlemghm that NEEDS to exit our chests now. The cough syrup (tussin DM) is a nasty tasting yet necessary evil so we are doing our duty and swallowing said evils. Hopefully, we haven't much longer to suffer this bug.
We'll gladly say adieu to it and HOW! :)
Felt better on Monday but then Paul felt bad again. By Wednesday, we knew this critter was here for a while. Paul ended up missing work that day due to his illness.
I was feeling well however. Spent a part of the day over at B's house chatting with her and playing with the kids. Megan didn't want me to go home when I left but I felt I should go and check up on Paul. I had left him in the shower when I dashed to B's because of some mail we had received that belonged to her SIL. Kaitlyn wasn't in much of a mood for Aunt Dani during my visit there. She much prefers Mommy these days. Jacob had been napping when I arrived. He was burning up with fever and well needed that nap.
All things being what they are, I left B's house as well as I had arrived there. Thursday morning had us out as a family to see the orthodontist. Ok, so as a family we don't need an orthodontist but Paul and I needed to approve the plans and make payment arrangements for the braces that Brit doesn't want. *sigh* But that is another post. :)
By Thursday night, I couldn't hardly keep my eyes open. Those who know me well can vouch that this is unusual as I am usually pretty wide awake til the wee hours of the morning. Not so on this day. By 8 pm, I was sawing some serious logs on the couch in front of the TV. My intent had been to lay there and watch CSI and Without a Trace but my heavy eyelids just closed ever so slowly and slyly.
I roused about 9:15 but only long enough to empty my bladder and find a more comfortable position on my couch. Two hours later, I made yet another trip to the bathroom and adjusted myself once more on the couch. Brit was heading off to bed at this point. *mutters something inaudible about poor mothering skills* 1 am found me yet again awake and in need of relief. I decided that this time, rather than continue my vigil on my couch, I would join Paul in the bed. Well, IF he were in the bed. I also decided that the niggling cough that had been bothering me since mid afternoon needed to go, so I resigned myself to taking some cough syrup. I asked Paul to fetch me some as I gathered my pillows and blanket, cup, book, glasses, cell phone, and home phone and headed back to the bedroom. I paused long enough to down the dreaded potion and began readying myself for bed.
I gave this up after the cough syrup refused to stay down. I hastily threw those items in my arms still onto the bed, grabbed up the trashcan from the floor, and heaving and retching, made to return to the bathroom. I ended up sitting down in the doorway to our room and blocking the upper end of the hallway. I could make it no further. This was NO good.
Paul was kind of enough to fetch me yet another draught of that nasty potion along with a cool wet washrag and some tissues. Thus, I sat calming my troubled tummy in my bedroom doorway while cleaning the sweat from my brow. Stomach settled, cough syrup once again consumed and staying down this time, I slowly made my way back to the bed. Paul was even a dear and cleaned out my trashcan and returned it to me in case of further need during the night. :) We fixed our bed for sleeping and climbed in. I then decided that it was MUCH too warm in our room though the heater was not blowing. And yet, I was freezing. Most certainly this could only mean one thing. Yep! Fever and chills. Ugh! How I hate to be sick. First temp was 100.4. It hovered about this area for most of the night though near dawn it was as high as 101.3. Thru out the day Friday, it hovered between 99.6 and 100.4. Friday night saw it still fluctuating between these digits but it finally broke about 10 am on Saturday.
Never has a body felt so glad to be fever free and able to be out from under the covers. My body was feeling stiff from the necessary bedrest. The fever stayed at bay most of the day Saturday though it did return briefly just before bed.
Having gotten over the feverish part, I felt I was on the mend for sure. Well, then began the phleghm coughing and choking. Paul and I have rattly sounding chests from all the phlemghm that NEEDS to exit our chests now. The cough syrup (tussin DM) is a nasty tasting yet necessary evil so we are doing our duty and swallowing said evils. Hopefully, we haven't much longer to suffer this bug.
We'll gladly say adieu to it and HOW! :)
02 March 2006
Well, keeping at it... in a way...
So, my first post in this blog was way back in April of last year. *blushes* I wondered if I would remember to blog. Guess now I know that I am pretty lazy when it comes to blogging. Of course, I have an online journal in 4 different places now, I think. *sigh* Guess I am good at starting them.
Gonna try to keep this one updated now that I have found it again. :) Besides, the whole family is blogging. I might as well too, right?
:) I will hunt down my other web journals and transfer their entries over here and close them out just because I can. :)
Gonna try to keep this one updated now that I have found it again. :) Besides, the whole family is blogging. I might as well too, right?
:) I will hunt down my other web journals and transfer their entries over here and close them out just because I can. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
