It is mental health awareness week which has made me think of this blog that I abandoned last year. Why not pick it back up. It was kinda fun. So hear goes.
Conversation with my husband...
Me: My memory is crap. I can't take these meds anymore. If it gets any worse, I am going to forget my name. Some lady walked up to me today and started talking about my kids like she had known me for years. I had no idea who she was. If it wasn't for the fact that she knew Lacey was in middle school and wanted to start a YouTube channel, I would have swore I had never seen her in my life.
Him: You can't quit the meds. Talk to your doctor about adjusting them or adding something.
(always the same comment, regardless of my complaint about my meds)
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety, mood stabilizers, stimulants...
Some make you fat, make your hair fall out, increase your blood sugar, your blood pressure, cause rapid heart rate, dizziness, muscle spasms, trouble walking...and these are the mild side effects...
More serious? Tardive dyskinesia (can you imagine going to the store and you realize your are sticking out your tongue, or smacking your lips, and you can't seem to make yourself stop?) You would probably hope it was Wally world so you would fit it...
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Your muscles lock up, temperature rises, blood pressure increases until you end up in delirium and possible comma.
Agranulocytosis: Your white blood cells may decide to abandon you leaving you at greater risk of infection/death.
and most serious (according to my husband)
...a complete and utter disinterest in sex.
If you on more than one drug, like most of us are, side effects are all over the place. Everything from forgetting your children's names to your toenails turning blue and falling off.
So, why would anyone take these medications? It isn't like you are physically sick, right?
Without them...paralyzing depression, frightening rage, disabling anxiety, complete hopelessness. A non-life. Mental illness can be and is often fatal. Almost 40,000 people committed suicide in the US (2010 statistics) in one year. This number does not take into consideration alcoholism, drug abuse, and high risk behavior that can be caused by untreated serious mental illness. It doesn't talk about the broken families, loss of relationships, loss of jobs. It also does not even mention the number of unsuccessful suicide attempts.
Even knowing what can happen without medications, many people (myself included) delude ourselves into thinking we are cured and try to stop taking the drugs. When I am compliant with my medications, I can get rid of the depression, rage, anxiety, and hopelessness but I also lose the never ending energy, the ability to function without sleep, the confidence to take on any person, project, creation that I can think up...the carelessness and freedom to jump off the end of a pier at the beach, to disappear for two weeks, just to get away. To have no cares, no responsibilities, no fear.
Of course, what goes up, must come down so sooner or later I will crash...hard. I'll get back on the medication and start all over again.
Sooo...I will continue to take my meds, mix up my kids names, trip over my own feet, forget how to get to work, talk faster than my mind can think, stick my tongue out at strangers...and survive.
Till the next....
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Monday, May 6, 2013
Inventive Activites
It's raining...again. I am so sick of this rain, and cold, and more rain, interrupted by a day or two of cold rain. It is like spring is teasing us...some sick mental game of hide and seek. Like most people, I guess, the weather can effect my mood. I can also tell it makes my kids cranky. Kids are programed with a need for sunlight. They need exercise, and when they can not get outside...they start to come up with ways to burn off the excess energy. My youngest, Cody, and his friend Aidan found some very inventive ways to get some inside exercise.
1. Jump off the sofa into a bean bag and pretend to be skydiving (just waiting for the explosion of tiny beads when one pops)
2. Use a top to a storage bin, and ride it down the stairs (now come on, who hasn't tried that one?)
3. Using drum sticks to sword fight (by the way, drum sticks hurt)
4. Throwing play dough up to the ceiling and seeing if it will stick (it will...and the color doesn't come off)
5. Filling the tub up with water and pretend to be rescuing action figures (or drowning them...not sure which)
6. Burying themselves in laundry to play hide and seek (lucky for them, it was clean; unlucky for me, now it has to be cleaned again)
7. Rolling each other up in blankets to make human burritos (and then laughing at each other when they can't get out)
8. Running through the house at top speed and jumping obstacles (brother, sister, dogs, chairs...only a few were damaged)
9. Making interesting food concoctions and daring each other to eat it (coke, pineapple juice and peanut butter smoothie, anyone)
10. Playing dress up with sisters clothes and make up and putting on a concert. (so glad their dads weren't here to see that)
Me? Haven't come up with many ideas. Would love to read a book, but with all the above going on, I am afraid I may be trampled, jumped on or drowned. So, I guess I will start the laundry...or finish the laundry...so I can start it again. Too bad I can't call up a manic mood on demand...I could join um.
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
peace
1. Jump off the sofa into a bean bag and pretend to be skydiving (just waiting for the explosion of tiny beads when one pops)
2. Use a top to a storage bin, and ride it down the stairs (now come on, who hasn't tried that one?)
3. Using drum sticks to sword fight (by the way, drum sticks hurt)
4. Throwing play dough up to the ceiling and seeing if it will stick (it will...and the color doesn't come off)
5. Filling the tub up with water and pretend to be rescuing action figures (or drowning them...not sure which)
6. Burying themselves in laundry to play hide and seek (lucky for them, it was clean; unlucky for me, now it has to be cleaned again)
7. Rolling each other up in blankets to make human burritos (and then laughing at each other when they can't get out)
8. Running through the house at top speed and jumping obstacles (brother, sister, dogs, chairs...only a few were damaged)
9. Making interesting food concoctions and daring each other to eat it (coke, pineapple juice and peanut butter smoothie, anyone)
10. Playing dress up with sisters clothes and make up and putting on a concert. (so glad their dads weren't here to see that)
Me? Haven't come up with many ideas. Would love to read a book, but with all the above going on, I am afraid I may be trampled, jumped on or drowned. So, I guess I will start the laundry...or finish the laundry...so I can start it again. Too bad I can't call up a manic mood on demand...I could join um.
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
peace
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Invasion and World Domination
Well, we gave in. The new game, "Skylanders Giants" has graced our living room mantel. There it sits, mocking me. I can see the glee in the eyes of those animal, robot, witchy things from here. They have taken over. They are the masters of this home, and they know it.
Cody came home from school yesterday, ran in the living room and picked up the controller. No request for snack, no begging for a friend, just that damn game. Later, when two or three friends came over to play, they made a beeline right to the couch. I had to throw skittles in the yard to get them to go out the door. Then I locked it...only way to keep them out, and put the key in my pocket. I sat on the porch to read, and was frightened by what I heard.
Savannah was Lightcore Chill, Cody was Swarm and Cameron was Tree Rex. For all of you uninformed, those are all characters in Skylanders. They were throwing pine cones at each other and telling each other what to say. "Pretend you told The Swarm to kill Tree Rex. Lightcore Chill has super powers that can melt others on contact. The Swarm can't kill me, cause I can kill bees with my fire breath ...." oh, my God...they have taken over my kids bodies also. They have been brain washed. My kids are no more... those damn animal, robot, witchy things have invaded the earth, disguised as a video game. Just take a trip to Walmart. There is Lego Skylanders, stuffed Skylanders, action figure Skylanders...board game Skylanders, toothbrushes, blankets, towels, pajamas, cups, even a kiddy toilet seat. Their goal...to overtake the world, one kid at a time. Parents are helpless to stop this invasion. I swear, these things are like chuckie dolls. When everyone is asleep, they crawl out of the hiding place (in my house, that is a basket over the refrigerator) and are found on the mantel again. Frozen, mocking.
They have managed to snare some adults into their trap also. They program the kids to tempt mom and dad..."you have got to see this...Stump Smash can shoot branches out his butt". The only weapon I have left...candy. I used it to try to steal my kids back from this insidious beast. I was merciless. The good candy...Hersey bars, Reases cups, Twix...SUCCESS!! I was able to pry their eyes off the TV, stretch their claw-like hands, and to talk to a real human, not an animal, robot, witchy thing. It lasted approximately 6 minutes.
Till next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
:-)
Cody came home from school yesterday, ran in the living room and picked up the controller. No request for snack, no begging for a friend, just that damn game. Later, when two or three friends came over to play, they made a beeline right to the couch. I had to throw skittles in the yard to get them to go out the door. Then I locked it...only way to keep them out, and put the key in my pocket. I sat on the porch to read, and was frightened by what I heard.
Savannah was Lightcore Chill, Cody was Swarm and Cameron was Tree Rex. For all of you uninformed, those are all characters in Skylanders. They were throwing pine cones at each other and telling each other what to say. "Pretend you told The Swarm to kill Tree Rex. Lightcore Chill has super powers that can melt others on contact. The Swarm can't kill me, cause I can kill bees with my fire breath ...." oh, my God...they have taken over my kids bodies also. They have been brain washed. My kids are no more... those damn animal, robot, witchy things have invaded the earth, disguised as a video game. Just take a trip to Walmart. There is Lego Skylanders, stuffed Skylanders, action figure Skylanders...board game Skylanders, toothbrushes, blankets, towels, pajamas, cups, even a kiddy toilet seat. Their goal...to overtake the world, one kid at a time. Parents are helpless to stop this invasion. I swear, these things are like chuckie dolls. When everyone is asleep, they crawl out of the hiding place (in my house, that is a basket over the refrigerator) and are found on the mantel again. Frozen, mocking.
They have managed to snare some adults into their trap also. They program the kids to tempt mom and dad..."you have got to see this...Stump Smash can shoot branches out his butt". The only weapon I have left...candy. I used it to try to steal my kids back from this insidious beast. I was merciless. The good candy...Hersey bars, Reases cups, Twix...SUCCESS!! I was able to pry their eyes off the TV, stretch their claw-like hands, and to talk to a real human, not an animal, robot, witchy thing. It lasted approximately 6 minutes.
Till next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
:-)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Disaster Strikes!
This morning, we had a calamity, a catastrophe, a horrifyingly awful event. My youngest, Cody, broke the Skylanders CD. Yes,you heard me correctly, broke... it... in... half. You can just imagine the drama, the wailing, the threats that came from Cameron. Of course, as usual when something of this magnitude happens, I was upstairs in the shower. Once again, I run/trip/fall down the stairs. (you would think I would have learned by now), in a towel, soap still in my hair. Cody is staring at Cameron like he had lost his mind. I was staring at both of them like they had both lost their minds. Honest truth...Cody's excuse? "They make them out of tape now instead of ear wax so they break easier." I actually got a very small, quick grin from Cameron, as he saw my suppression of laughter. Then, the drama continued.
Skylanders was Cameron's big Christmas present. Of course, all the kids used it, but he knew it was REALLY his. I comforted him like he had lost his best friend. He had to call dad, of course. He had to get all the sympathy he could...and he couldn't wait to see what Cody's punishment would be. Daddy saved the day...Cameron would get a new Skylanders game...and probably upgrade to the Giants version. Great, wonderful, awesome...(in case you missed it..that was sarcasm). Cody would not be able to play anything on the Xbox for two weeks. To a four year old, that might as well be two years. Of course, Cody could not handle this. He thought mom and dad would just use the standard line.."he is just a little kid, he didn't know better". Those days are gone. I caught the ha ha face sent Cameron's way when he thought I wasn't looking. That was his first mistake. The second? Telling Cameron that he would break his DS also, if he didn't let him play his new Skylanders. The boy doesn't have much common sense.
With the disaster diverted, I returned to my shower, almost slipping as I navigated the wet bathroom floor. Can't I have one normal, calm morning? I heard the bathroom door open, and a moment later, Savannah's face was pressed against the shower door. "Hey mom, Cody is putting the star wars game in the Xbox." Great...the tattling begins. Will have to lock up the Xbox games. Of course, first I have to find a lock that Cody can't open. I give up, legs and underarms are not getting shaved today. Chris will just have to deal with the natural look. It is now almost 8:00. We have to leave in 20 minutes. Cody is still in his PJ's. Savannah looks like she put a finger in an electrical socket, and Cameron has a koolaid mustache from last night that looks permanent. I also have not fed them. Pop tarts...can brush hair while Savannah is eating, and with the other hand, scrub Cameron's face with a wet wipe. Any complaining will be met with my standard threat..."Would you rather me use mommy spit?' That shut him up. Cody,of course, refused to get dressed on his own. So, throw him in the car, clothes in the front seat along with finger nail clippers (noticed they were lethal weapons which may not be allowed in school), and belted Cody in. Then I realized I was missing a kid.
Savannah was in her room, putting on eye shadow. What the hell? Another wet wipe later and we were in the car. I turn over the key...and nothing. Good God, what else this morning. I put my head on the steering wheel and was about ready to let loose a really long string of profanities...let me try one more time. Engine caught. Not funny God...really not funny!
Wasn't till I dropped Savannah and Cameron off at school that I could exhale all the way. Of course, looking at the clock, I realized I might be late for Cody's school. Raced to the church, with a few minutes to spare. Looked in the back seat, and ....yup, Cody is still in his PJ's with a DS in his hands.
I think I dressed him in record time. I do believe the director was watching me with disapproval. I could feel her eyes on my back. Oh, well. Finger nails are going to have to wait. Just have to hope he doesn't put someones eye out.
Done...for three hours at least. Oops, already 11:00 Did it really take me an hour to write this? I now have less then one hour to recoup and start again. No Skylanders. Oh, gonna be quite an afternoon.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day in my head.
Skylanders was Cameron's big Christmas present. Of course, all the kids used it, but he knew it was REALLY his. I comforted him like he had lost his best friend. He had to call dad, of course. He had to get all the sympathy he could...and he couldn't wait to see what Cody's punishment would be. Daddy saved the day...Cameron would get a new Skylanders game...and probably upgrade to the Giants version. Great, wonderful, awesome...(in case you missed it..that was sarcasm). Cody would not be able to play anything on the Xbox for two weeks. To a four year old, that might as well be two years. Of course, Cody could not handle this. He thought mom and dad would just use the standard line.."he is just a little kid, he didn't know better". Those days are gone. I caught the ha ha face sent Cameron's way when he thought I wasn't looking. That was his first mistake. The second? Telling Cameron that he would break his DS also, if he didn't let him play his new Skylanders. The boy doesn't have much common sense.
With the disaster diverted, I returned to my shower, almost slipping as I navigated the wet bathroom floor. Can't I have one normal, calm morning? I heard the bathroom door open, and a moment later, Savannah's face was pressed against the shower door. "Hey mom, Cody is putting the star wars game in the Xbox." Great...the tattling begins. Will have to lock up the Xbox games. Of course, first I have to find a lock that Cody can't open. I give up, legs and underarms are not getting shaved today. Chris will just have to deal with the natural look. It is now almost 8:00. We have to leave in 20 minutes. Cody is still in his PJ's. Savannah looks like she put a finger in an electrical socket, and Cameron has a koolaid mustache from last night that looks permanent. I also have not fed them. Pop tarts...can brush hair while Savannah is eating, and with the other hand, scrub Cameron's face with a wet wipe. Any complaining will be met with my standard threat..."Would you rather me use mommy spit?' That shut him up. Cody,of course, refused to get dressed on his own. So, throw him in the car, clothes in the front seat along with finger nail clippers (noticed they were lethal weapons which may not be allowed in school), and belted Cody in. Then I realized I was missing a kid.
Savannah was in her room, putting on eye shadow. What the hell? Another wet wipe later and we were in the car. I turn over the key...and nothing. Good God, what else this morning. I put my head on the steering wheel and was about ready to let loose a really long string of profanities...let me try one more time. Engine caught. Not funny God...really not funny!
Wasn't till I dropped Savannah and Cameron off at school that I could exhale all the way. Of course, looking at the clock, I realized I might be late for Cody's school. Raced to the church, with a few minutes to spare. Looked in the back seat, and ....yup, Cody is still in his PJ's with a DS in his hands.
I think I dressed him in record time. I do believe the director was watching me with disapproval. I could feel her eyes on my back. Oh, well. Finger nails are going to have to wait. Just have to hope he doesn't put someones eye out.
Done...for three hours at least. Oops, already 11:00 Did it really take me an hour to write this? I now have less then one hour to recoup and start again. No Skylanders. Oh, gonna be quite an afternoon.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day in my head.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Why...
How do you explain evil to an extremely sensitive ten year old girl? This is a girl who cried for three days when a dog died....not our dog, her Aunts dog. A girl, who when seeing those commercials for adopting a child in a third world country, brings you her piggy bank. A girl who prays for her teachers father, a girl that she knew in her 3rd class, and all the hungry in the world every night.
Earlier this year, Savannah wrote a report on 9-11. I had to approve her research sources because some of the images are quite graphic. From what she saw...she was devastated. She continued to ask questions long after that report was turned in. She knew how many people were killed at each location. She knew about the first responders and how they risked (and lost) their lives for strangers...what the victims looked like and many of their names, where all the planes came from and where they were headed. She knew the type of planes, and how much fuel was on each one. She knew about the Islamic Extremists, and their views on America. This information didn't come from me. I still have trouble speaking about it...she researched on her own. With all her research, she was never able to answer the one question she needed answered. Why?
And for all the information out there....no one has truly answered that question. Not to her satisfaction...nor to mine.
Then came the children. Savannah was crying, not just weeping, but sobbing. Not because she was afraid, but she felt a personal connection with these innocent kids. They were just babies. She, once again, could not understand. I couldn't help her with that either. I looked at Cameron and I saw all those other seven year old children, their mothers, their fathers, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. We cried together. Savannah explained to me that her heart felt broken...and that she was having trouble breathing. I could relate. I was having the same feelings. And once again, Savannah learned all she could about this tragedy. I couldn't even talk about it without crying, and had to ask her to stop with the questions. But unlike 9-11, when Savannah wasn't born yet, this had occurred in her lifetime. It haunted her. She couldn't stop. And yet, she still could not answer her one real question. Why? We can blame it on the lack of mental health...we can blame it on gun laws, we can blame it on the family...but that doesn't answer the one big question..None of those answers are good enough.
Why?
And now...three killed in Boston. Over 140 injured. One of the dead, an eight year old boy. She knew about this before I did. She told me there were two bombs...and they don't know if the person is from this country or some other county. Once again, I see her starting her research. Once again, my child cried.
What happened to the innocence of childhood. I know other generations had their share of tragedies, but this isn't an abstract danger that kids can digest and easily store away. It didn't involve our military, isn't in some country hundreds of miles away...it isn't an attack on the adult world of government. They did not have an "agenda" or part of some whacked out cult. These people, these children, these mothers, fathers, sons and daughters were us.
I need to be able to answer my daughter. So, here is the question, again...Why?
Earlier this year, Savannah wrote a report on 9-11. I had to approve her research sources because some of the images are quite graphic. From what she saw...she was devastated. She continued to ask questions long after that report was turned in. She knew how many people were killed at each location. She knew about the first responders and how they risked (and lost) their lives for strangers...what the victims looked like and many of their names, where all the planes came from and where they were headed. She knew the type of planes, and how much fuel was on each one. She knew about the Islamic Extremists, and their views on America. This information didn't come from me. I still have trouble speaking about it...she researched on her own. With all her research, she was never able to answer the one question she needed answered. Why?
And for all the information out there....no one has truly answered that question. Not to her satisfaction...nor to mine.
Then came the children. Savannah was crying, not just weeping, but sobbing. Not because she was afraid, but she felt a personal connection with these innocent kids. They were just babies. She, once again, could not understand. I couldn't help her with that either. I looked at Cameron and I saw all those other seven year old children, their mothers, their fathers, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. We cried together. Savannah explained to me that her heart felt broken...and that she was having trouble breathing. I could relate. I was having the same feelings. And once again, Savannah learned all she could about this tragedy. I couldn't even talk about it without crying, and had to ask her to stop with the questions. But unlike 9-11, when Savannah wasn't born yet, this had occurred in her lifetime. It haunted her. She couldn't stop. And yet, she still could not answer her one real question. Why? We can blame it on the lack of mental health...we can blame it on gun laws, we can blame it on the family...but that doesn't answer the one big question..None of those answers are good enough.
Why?
And now...three killed in Boston. Over 140 injured. One of the dead, an eight year old boy. She knew about this before I did. She told me there were two bombs...and they don't know if the person is from this country or some other county. Once again, I see her starting her research. Once again, my child cried.
What happened to the innocence of childhood. I know other generations had their share of tragedies, but this isn't an abstract danger that kids can digest and easily store away. It didn't involve our military, isn't in some country hundreds of miles away...it isn't an attack on the adult world of government. They did not have an "agenda" or part of some whacked out cult. These people, these children, these mothers, fathers, sons and daughters were us.
I need to be able to answer my daughter. So, here is the question, again...Why?
Monday, April 15, 2013
Stop Drinking Out of the Dog Bowel
Chris and I have been collecting a list of things we thought we would never say to our kids. I don't recall my mother having to use any of these, but my memory could be faulty. I am going to have to ask her sometime.
I got home this morning a little earlier then usual. In fact, the kids were all still in bed. I think that is a first. I actually got to take a shower without little faces pressed against the shower door. I'm a little worried about Cody though. It doesn't matter that I lock the bathroom door. He can open every lock in my house. Of course, I do believe Lora's youngest son taught him. I just hope they don't become partners in crime. The two of them would never get caught, they are sneaky and way to smart for my own good.
Anyway, I got out of the shower and got all the way downstairs looking forward to some quiet before waking up the kids. Well, surprise!! All the kids were in the kitchen, koolaid on the floor, pancake batter dripping off the counter, overcooked sausage in the microwave and three smiling faces. How in hell did they do all this while I was in the shower? I know I wasn't in there that long. I couldn't get mad, they obviously were proud of their accomplishment. I knew I would regret telling them it would be nice, if just for once, they took care of their own breakfast. I was thinking cereal or something...
After finishing the breakfast of koolaid, raw pancakes, and burnt sausage, the kids went upstairs to get dressed. Cody decided to pick his own clothes instead of using the ones that his dad put out for him. Got to love that kid. He has his sisters sense of style. Red checkered shorts and a blue shirt with sponge bob on it. Oh, and his green socks completed the outfit. Cameron, on the other hand, is very conscious of color and pattern matching. He spends more time picking out an outfit then Savannah does. He already spends more time on his hair. He tells me that he has to look nice because of his girlfriends. Yup, plural. Great...
Savannah came down stairs in jeans and a purple shirt...normal. I miss her old sense of style though. It is a style uniquely her own. I liked the anticipation of wondering what colors or patterns she might put together this time. But I guess fitting in is more important then uniqueness in the fifth grade.
Unfortunately for me, they were ready for school early. Not a good thing around here. Cody started chasing the dog, Cameron started throwing the beanbag chair on top of Savannah and calling her a sister sandwich, and Savannah, after throwing Cameron and the beanbag off, proceeded to hit Cody in the jaw while aiming at Cameron. Once again, I think these kids know when I am tired.
Cody proceeds to kick Cameron in the "privates". For some reason, the boys think this is really funny and are laughing uncontrollable. Savannah is offended that she didn't hurt her brother more then she did and runs upstairs to pout. Cody is my kid who, with his head buried in his DS, fell head first down eight steps landing on a concrete sidewalk...and after shaking himself off, said, "I'm OK." and proceeded to climb into the car. Savannah had to point out that his jeans were ripped and blood was running down his chin. But, try to come at him with a hairbrush, and you would think Freddy Kruegar was climbing out of the toilet. I keep telling him to let me cut his hair, and he wouldn't have to deal with the knots, but he is adamant that he keep all his hair. That is not a fight I feel like fighting. Too many other battles that are more important.
Can't wait for it to be time to go. Finally round up the kids. Another problem. I follow the kids out the door and buckle Cody in. Savannah is sitting on Cameron's lap, trying to get him to move into the back seat. She won't budge, and neither will Cameron. Have to threaten bodily harm....and that doesn't even work. So I move Aaron's booster seat to the back seat so they can both sit in the middle row. Of course, now they are fighting on who can move to the back because to sit next to each other would be pure hell and the ultimate punishment. Good...I think I found a threat that works. I might have to handcuff them together every time they fight.
I hope they have a better day then they did morning...and I hope I can get some sleep.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
- Stop licking the dog.
- No, you can not use the toilet to see if your boat actually floats.
- Don't even think about hitting your brother with the baseball bat!!! Especially down there! It will not get you on Americas Funniest Home Videos.
- I don't think the cat and the pet rats would be friends if we let them play together.
- If there is poop on your shoe, I don't want to smell it.
- Go ahead, try to give the cat a bath.
- Why are there mud pies in my freezer?
- Your underwear can not be used as a hat.
- Stop drinking out of the dog bowel.
- You can not ride to walmart on the roof of the car.
I got home this morning a little earlier then usual. In fact, the kids were all still in bed. I think that is a first. I actually got to take a shower without little faces pressed against the shower door. I'm a little worried about Cody though. It doesn't matter that I lock the bathroom door. He can open every lock in my house. Of course, I do believe Lora's youngest son taught him. I just hope they don't become partners in crime. The two of them would never get caught, they are sneaky and way to smart for my own good.
Anyway, I got out of the shower and got all the way downstairs looking forward to some quiet before waking up the kids. Well, surprise!! All the kids were in the kitchen, koolaid on the floor, pancake batter dripping off the counter, overcooked sausage in the microwave and three smiling faces. How in hell did they do all this while I was in the shower? I know I wasn't in there that long. I couldn't get mad, they obviously were proud of their accomplishment. I knew I would regret telling them it would be nice, if just for once, they took care of their own breakfast. I was thinking cereal or something...
After finishing the breakfast of koolaid, raw pancakes, and burnt sausage, the kids went upstairs to get dressed. Cody decided to pick his own clothes instead of using the ones that his dad put out for him. Got to love that kid. He has his sisters sense of style. Red checkered shorts and a blue shirt with sponge bob on it. Oh, and his green socks completed the outfit. Cameron, on the other hand, is very conscious of color and pattern matching. He spends more time picking out an outfit then Savannah does. He already spends more time on his hair. He tells me that he has to look nice because of his girlfriends. Yup, plural. Great...
Savannah came down stairs in jeans and a purple shirt...normal. I miss her old sense of style though. It is a style uniquely her own. I liked the anticipation of wondering what colors or patterns she might put together this time. But I guess fitting in is more important then uniqueness in the fifth grade.
Unfortunately for me, they were ready for school early. Not a good thing around here. Cody started chasing the dog, Cameron started throwing the beanbag chair on top of Savannah and calling her a sister sandwich, and Savannah, after throwing Cameron and the beanbag off, proceeded to hit Cody in the jaw while aiming at Cameron. Once again, I think these kids know when I am tired.
Cody proceeds to kick Cameron in the "privates". For some reason, the boys think this is really funny and are laughing uncontrollable. Savannah is offended that she didn't hurt her brother more then she did and runs upstairs to pout. Cody is my kid who, with his head buried in his DS, fell head first down eight steps landing on a concrete sidewalk...and after shaking himself off, said, "I'm OK." and proceeded to climb into the car. Savannah had to point out that his jeans were ripped and blood was running down his chin. But, try to come at him with a hairbrush, and you would think Freddy Kruegar was climbing out of the toilet. I keep telling him to let me cut his hair, and he wouldn't have to deal with the knots, but he is adamant that he keep all his hair. That is not a fight I feel like fighting. Too many other battles that are more important.
Can't wait for it to be time to go. Finally round up the kids. Another problem. I follow the kids out the door and buckle Cody in. Savannah is sitting on Cameron's lap, trying to get him to move into the back seat. She won't budge, and neither will Cameron. Have to threaten bodily harm....and that doesn't even work. So I move Aaron's booster seat to the back seat so they can both sit in the middle row. Of course, now they are fighting on who can move to the back because to sit next to each other would be pure hell and the ultimate punishment. Good...I think I found a threat that works. I might have to handcuff them together every time they fight.
I hope they have a better day then they did morning...and I hope I can get some sleep.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
A day in the life of insanity... mom style!
Home...have so much to do, don't know where to start. Of course I end up running around in circles and getting nothing done...just a whole lot of things started. I have chairs in my garage that need to be painted. I have trim in the living room that only goes around half the room. I have bookshelves (3) that need to be stained, and a garden that is half weeded. Add to that, the garage looks like a bomb went off and all my closets threaten to start an avalanche every time they are opened, and you have a recipe for manic heaven. My brain is buzzing....and I haven't been able to sleep or eat, seems like for days...but I know it hasn't been very long.
I am writing this blog in shifts, cause I can't keep my brain glued on the same damn topic over a few minutes. Just finished the dishes, and Aaron is waiting for me to go jump on the trampoline with him...I am going to get a little of this done first.
Been searching for a topic for today. Have a few ideas, but nothing jumps out at me. So, I thought I would try to give you a taste of today, or at least a few hours as seen from my brain. Should be a slightly frightening thought...
I'm not sure if I slept at all last night. I do remember being on the computer at 1:30, but I don't remember getting into bed. I was in my bed this morning, so at some point I did get there. I start singing on the way to the kids rooms. I feel scattered, bouncy, and numb (the tingly kind). This morning is "Light um Up" by Fall Out Boy. I am not sure whether I am supposed to put quotes around song titles or underline them...hey Lora...let me know, K? SAIL! Anyway, the kids start groaning immediately. But, they are up...with smiles. This is the fun mom, the one who forgets that someone is grounded and doesn't care when the kids eat junk before dinner. The one who cusses sometimes and acts acts more like a kid then an adult. The one who would rather jump on the trampoline then worry about a messy room.
As soon as Cody comes downstairs, I push/pull him into the bathroom. He is excited. Today is wacky hair day at school...and mom is in rare form to comply. Red stripes, enough hair spray to cover all the contestants in the Miss America pageant, 3 ponytails, and braided rat tail later, (yes, i am lost in the 80's somewhere) his hair is complete. Cody is thrilled. Savannah just shakes her head, and Cameron begs me to do his hair the same. Can't do it, because Cameron's hair is too short, but the red stripes are a go. Even Savannah gets in the spirit, with one red strip down the side of her long hair.
Still singing, I make my way to the kitchen...hmmm. Can't decide what to make, so we do pancakes, breakfast taquitos, eggs and bacon. Would have been more, but I ran out of time. Lunches are packed ...with candy in each for a surprise, and by the door. Backpacks are lined up in order. Kids are bouncing off the walls. My mood is very contagious. I already know to look for a tally from Cameron today.
In the car...with the radio turned up loud, we are all singing the latest Taylor Swift song...daughters choice, not mine. Savannah and Cameron become quieter as we get closer to school. Not sure if this is because they don't want to go, or because I am embarrassing them. I turn off the radio as we pull onto the drive . Savannah seems relieved. "Love my babes..Have a good day!" The silence is way too loud.
I talk to Cody the entire way to preschool. The silence is deafening and I have to drown it out. After Cody gets dropped off at his preschool, the radio will be blaring again. The director who helps him out of the car laughs at Cody's hair. Cody skips into the building proudly.
Got three hours....drive by the tattoo place. I want him to work up a picture for my lower back. Damn, doesn't open till 12:00. Maybe Chris will watch the kids tonight so I can drive back up here. I have been texting Chris and Lora often this morning. I think Chris is hoping to get home soon...(he usually loves this mood) and Lora is worried. Hehehe...no worries my Lora!
I assume you probably can guess why my husband likes this mood...but he also knows the drawbacks and has to walk a very fine line. The mood that makes me so fun...and scattered, can turn to rage in an instant. I am, and always have been very good with control...around the kids. Chris is my safe place...and as my safe place, he is my punching bag...both literally and figuratively. He tells me he is up to this role...and thus far, he has not wavered. It helps that he is a big guy, and I can't actually hurt him.
So far, though, no sign of the evil one...I am having trouble keeping my mind on this blog right now...so gonna go take a break.
Home again. Matt is drawing up a picture for me and will call when I can come look at it. Oven on for dinner. Although I'm not hungry, the rest of my clan is. Already have three kids over that are not mine....on a school night. But at this point, as long as they stay out of my way, I don't care. Gotta go finish the flower garden. Tomorrow I'll hit the garage. Maybe tonight I will sleep...but then again, maybe not.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head
:-0
I am writing this blog in shifts, cause I can't keep my brain glued on the same damn topic over a few minutes. Just finished the dishes, and Aaron is waiting for me to go jump on the trampoline with him...I am going to get a little of this done first.
Been searching for a topic for today. Have a few ideas, but nothing jumps out at me. So, I thought I would try to give you a taste of today, or at least a few hours as seen from my brain. Should be a slightly frightening thought...
I'm not sure if I slept at all last night. I do remember being on the computer at 1:30, but I don't remember getting into bed. I was in my bed this morning, so at some point I did get there. I start singing on the way to the kids rooms. I feel scattered, bouncy, and numb (the tingly kind). This morning is "Light um Up" by Fall Out Boy. I am not sure whether I am supposed to put quotes around song titles or underline them...hey Lora...let me know, K? SAIL! Anyway, the kids start groaning immediately. But, they are up...with smiles. This is the fun mom, the one who forgets that someone is grounded and doesn't care when the kids eat junk before dinner. The one who cusses sometimes and acts acts more like a kid then an adult. The one who would rather jump on the trampoline then worry about a messy room.
As soon as Cody comes downstairs, I push/pull him into the bathroom. He is excited. Today is wacky hair day at school...and mom is in rare form to comply. Red stripes, enough hair spray to cover all the contestants in the Miss America pageant, 3 ponytails, and braided rat tail later, (yes, i am lost in the 80's somewhere) his hair is complete. Cody is thrilled. Savannah just shakes her head, and Cameron begs me to do his hair the same. Can't do it, because Cameron's hair is too short, but the red stripes are a go. Even Savannah gets in the spirit, with one red strip down the side of her long hair.
Still singing, I make my way to the kitchen...hmmm. Can't decide what to make, so we do pancakes, breakfast taquitos, eggs and bacon. Would have been more, but I ran out of time. Lunches are packed ...with candy in each for a surprise, and by the door. Backpacks are lined up in order. Kids are bouncing off the walls. My mood is very contagious. I already know to look for a tally from Cameron today.
In the car...with the radio turned up loud, we are all singing the latest Taylor Swift song...daughters choice, not mine. Savannah and Cameron become quieter as we get closer to school. Not sure if this is because they don't want to go, or because I am embarrassing them. I turn off the radio as we pull onto the drive . Savannah seems relieved. "Love my babes..Have a good day!" The silence is way too loud.
I talk to Cody the entire way to preschool. The silence is deafening and I have to drown it out. After Cody gets dropped off at his preschool, the radio will be blaring again. The director who helps him out of the car laughs at Cody's hair. Cody skips into the building proudly.
Got three hours....drive by the tattoo place. I want him to work up a picture for my lower back. Damn, doesn't open till 12:00. Maybe Chris will watch the kids tonight so I can drive back up here. I have been texting Chris and Lora often this morning. I think Chris is hoping to get home soon...(he usually loves this mood) and Lora is worried. Hehehe...no worries my Lora!
I assume you probably can guess why my husband likes this mood...but he also knows the drawbacks and has to walk a very fine line. The mood that makes me so fun...and scattered, can turn to rage in an instant. I am, and always have been very good with control...around the kids. Chris is my safe place...and as my safe place, he is my punching bag...both literally and figuratively. He tells me he is up to this role...and thus far, he has not wavered. It helps that he is a big guy, and I can't actually hurt him.
So far, though, no sign of the evil one...I am having trouble keeping my mind on this blog right now...so gonna go take a break.
Home again. Matt is drawing up a picture for me and will call when I can come look at it. Oven on for dinner. Although I'm not hungry, the rest of my clan is. Already have three kids over that are not mine....on a school night. But at this point, as long as they stay out of my way, I don't care. Gotta go finish the flower garden. Tomorrow I'll hit the garage. Maybe tonight I will sleep...but then again, maybe not.
Til next time,
Don't worry about walking in my shoes,
Just try a day thinking in my head
:-0
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