Today's Grab Bag of Thoughts

Let me start by saying I'm going to bed and it is only 9pm. Today we took the day off from work and school to take a couple field trips. I even made her memorize and make videos at each stop. Go ahead quiz her. Ask her who is bigger than the boogie man? Ask her how Giraffes give birth. Ask her is San Diego is above or below Redondo Beach. Just don't ask her where we parked or what you just said 3 seconds ago. Today was a great learning day for both of us. Here are the lessons I learned today. Regardless of what the song says everyone does NOT have a water buffalo. Pack your kid food no matter where you go because just because she likes grilled cheese or pizza doesn't me she'll like it everywhere. That way you don't waste money and are not tempted to say " what a waste of money" she doesn't need to feel like the let you down. No matter what she'll always choose PINK! 5 year olds do not carry their patience in their pockets or anywh...

also known as I should have stayed in bed. So today I HAD to be at work on time because I had a meeting with SVP at 9:15 am and he is not fond of lateness. So of course I set my clock early and get up and get moving. I packed Alyssa's bags the night before and even made her lunch. Showered, dressed, My lunch made, breakfast made, car packed, window defrosted, my work bad packed, sleeping kid rolled into the car and away we go...7:48 only 3 minutes after I hoped to be on my way. The sky was clear and blue. Mr Sun was shinning brightly and car conversation was great: Me "You ready for another great day?" A "Yes" Me: "I can't wait to finish my day and get back home to you" A "Yes, me too hurry home. Make sure you drive today." Me: "Yes today I'm driving." A: "Great, come get be quickly." After that wonderful conversation, I open my eyes and see that there is dense fog hanging around. Cars seem to be coming...

There have been millions of book written about parenthood, becoming a parent and all that you will experience. They are helpful, informative and can be some what comforting. Advice from well-known doctors, psychologists and well parents. It's so great especially when you have 9 super easy months to read them all right??? NOT! Come on really! I may not have had months of prep or years of raising a child from egg to teen, but I've been around enough to know that there isn't a book out there that is the end all be all. So Yes, you will need to grab a few books to well "get ready". HAHA isn't that funny when people say I'm not ready for children. Honestly, they are probably right, but in reality you can't ever be "ready". Just when you think oh I am ready now...then well the babies don't come, you get more than one baby, you have a easy first trimester and the rest suck, gestational diabetes, baby issues and I can go on. BUT what ...

Today (and yesterday) mark the 5th month of my sister becoming "Perfect Angel" and one month of her "Perfect Angel" coming to live with me. As I look back on my life I now see the crazy wild path the God built for me to get me where I am today. If I would have gotten married to Derek or Pete, I might have already had my own children and then may not have had the room or ability to take on the caring of Alyssa and hopefully one day Haley. If I didn't suffer a miscarriage I might also not be able to care for them. If I never left advertising, I would probably be in a very demanding directors position and not have time for a family. I'd also not have gone back to school to teach preschool where I learned a lot about kids and never worked with special needs kids. I would have never even heard of a g-tube, how to use one, or how to help a child move from g-tube eating to mouth eating. If I stayed in teaching I would not be where I am now financially and pro...

A miracle and a love. Haley came into this world in chaos. Stacy was waiting at the hospital to be admitted but they said she was not progressing quick enough. Stacy knew there was something wrong but no one believed her. Then it happened. Her placenta ruptured and she started to bleed out. Haley ended up landing in her stomach cavity and was without oxygen for a while. Once she was delivered, both she and Stacy flat-lined. The doctors revived both and then rushed Haley to Duke Children Hospital. At this time the doctors told her father that she would most likely not survive the flight and he should say good bye. 4 1/2 years later this miracle baby is still fighting every day but you'd never know it. She is the happiest, silliest and smartest 4 1/2 year old around. Yes, I am bias. Year 1-2 Hospital over and over again for long periods of time. Can't swallow on her own because her throat not fully matured so she got a g-tube. Normal illnesses put her in the hosp...

18 days ago today I picked up my niece just thinking that I would get to spend the long weekend with her and her brother and nothing more. Today, I am Auntie Mom. In those 18 days she has tried many new foods, started T-ball, met a lot of new friends/family, started home schooling for Kindergarten and started "exercising" with the Dogs. This 5 year old has had a crazy and i bet stressful last 4 months. October she lost her mom and her grandparents leave after being there for 3 months. Her brother leaves to live with his "real" father. November, her sister leaves to live with her aunt in Ohio. December, Santa Claus misses her house. Then in the beginning of February she has to leave her friends, school and her life behind her to try to start over with just her dad. He's done all he could for her, but she just needed a bit more. In steps me...the rest is history. Alyssa loves being here and i think she feels safe. She misses her "family" bu...