DDA Chapter 27

[my3princes]

Hi all. I'm here and inching along. It's been a rough week or so for my mental and emotional side. I think the loss of my friend's daughter just shone a little light on my own struggles and is showing me that I can't continue to do it alone all the time. I still don't quite know how to not do it alone, but I'm trying to get there. I doing a little better today, but I think that's also in part to getting through a couple of hurdles on projects I've got. The Scout event I had planned was Saturday so that's over. Then today I met with the old day camp director and my business manager (just having a business manager in place finally was another big hurdle!) and spent 2 hours going through the process of camp, what I need to do, etc. That helped both in that I had adult conversation for once and, better yet, actually have a better idea of what I'm doing for camp.

The girls are doing well, though. Terra is becoming a much bigger help around the house which is a big blessing. Apparently, I just needed a way to really show her what help I needed and she's been all over it since we made a list and she goes through and picks her things for the week. She even picks harder jobs that Rachel half the time! Deva had her first big girl food this week and loves it. From meal one, she just ate it right up - something I was concerned about after she had such issues with her medicine. Guess it really was just the yucky taste, not the new texture/non-milk issue.

Phil got notice today that the store will close at the end of business on the 17th. He's just starting to get into the job search, but seems to have been invigorated by the actual close date announcement. Hopefully that means he'll do some good looking tomorrow on his day off!

One thing that I hate is that when I'm off kilter I avoid just the places I should be doing for connection, communications and friendship - the DDA and FB. I'll definitely be working on fixing that because your thoughts and friendships are a real blessing in tough times.

Regardless of how often I check in, I do read at least a few times a week even in the toughtest of times and you all are never far from my mind.

Tia I'm sorry that your struggling I've been there myself for a few months and actually had a conversation with Chris last night about the fact that I'm always trying to do everything for everyone and starting tomorrow I simply don't have time to be the personal chauffeur for 3 kids plus 2 jobs, etc etc. I'm starting to figure out which priorities are important to me and the fact is that I want to be able to attend my kids games and that may mean that I need to give up the job at the restaurant. I simply can't shuffle everything and since my boss didn't lend a hand last night when Colby was sick I think it really resignated and was an ah ha moment. I am going to give it a couple of weeks just to see how much I can or can't handle, but my kiddos are only going to be young once. I hope you can start to figure out a balance for your family too.

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, Overachievers... I mean DDA!

Do you see yourself in that welcome?!?! What the heck is wrong with all of us that we think we can do it all? Learn your lessons, ladies, before I did. Hope your days are terrific and less stressful.

 

[mommykds]

Good morning everyone!

Back to the dr today for my (now 7 week) migraine. It started right after Valentine's Day & after all testing they just call it a migraine, take meds & go home..but it still hurts & I get auras many times a week which I used to only get 1 a month or less. Blah.

On a good note I have been on weight watchers & doing pretty well on it. The kids were home on spring break last week & we made 2 trays of brownies, none of which I touched (no way I would stop at one). We ate out a few times & I made the right choices so I was very happy with my discipline. Wii fit has also been fun to do & not feel like I am exercising.

Have a great day DDA!

 

[tmfranlk]

Good morning, DDA!!!

Thanks for the reminder, Elin! I'm definitely trying to learn that lesson! And not only learn it this time, but DO something about it.

Deb - Good luck with your decision. I know it's a tough one for you, but I think you're probably right.

Anne Marie - Good luck at the doctor! I hope they can do something to help and figure things out.

I'm off to a morning of kiddos, an afternoon or slightly fewer kiddos and the ever blessed naptime (when I might actually get a shower! ), and an evening of meetings. Right now, Phil is in with the 2 kids here so far and Deva. I must admit, I'm kind of taking my time getting back in there as long as Deva is doing okay because I'm more than happy to let him experience a bit of my day while I finish up here.

It is time to run though. Catch you all very soon!

 

[bethbuchall]

What a crazy day in Kindergarten. The kids are just done -its been so long without a day off and they are definitely feeling it. I JUST now got home from work, going to eat dinner then head to the new house. My dishwasher and microwave got installed today..looking good!
Tomorrow is a field trip-I know the kids love field trips but they just make me stress! Then Thursday I have a workshop...Add in report cards and I am just ready for the weekend!

I hope that you have a good field trip! We are all pretty much done here, too, and I can't wait for spring break next week. My preschoolers had a really rough day last week, but yesterday was great. I am so hoping that neither of my kids gets homework or a project over the break.

Hi all. I'm here and inching along. It's been a rough week or so for my mental and emotional side. I think the loss of my friend's daughter just shone a little light on my own struggles and is showing me that I can't continue to do it alone all the time. I still don't quite know how to not do it alone, but I'm trying to get there. I doing a little better today, but I think that's also in part to getting through a couple of hurdles on projects I've got. The Scout event I had planned was Saturday so that's over. Then today I met with the old day camp director and my business manager (just having a business manager in place finally was another big hurdle!) and spent 2 hours going through the process of camp, what I need to do, etc. That helped both in that I had adult conversation for once and, better yet, actually have a better idea of what I'm doing for camp.

The girls are doing well, though. Terra is becoming a much bigger help around the house which is a big blessing. Apparently, I just needed a way to really show her what help I needed and she's been all over it since we made a list and she goes through and picks her things for the week. She even picks harder jobs that Rachel half the time! Deva had her first big girl food this week and loves it. From meal one, she just ate it right up - something I was concerned about after she had such issues with her medicine. Guess it really was just the yucky taste, not the new texture/non-milk issue.

Phil got notice today that the store will close at the end of business on the 17th. He's just starting to get into the job search, but seems to have been invigorated by the actual close date announcement. Hopefully that means he'll do some good looking tomorrow on his day off!

One thing that I hate is that when I'm off kilter I avoid just the places I should be doing for connection, communications and friendship - the DDA and FB. I'll definitely be working on fixing that because your thoughts and friendships are a real blessing in tough times.

Regardless of how often I check in, I do read at least a few times a week even in the toughtest of times and you all are never far from my mind.

Tia, I am sorry for all the stress you are under and hope that you feel better soon! I am glad that the girls are both well and that Terra is such a big help.

Good Night DDA!!

May you wake up to sunshine!! (whether from Mr. Sun or somebody's sunny disposition!!)

Thanks! It is sunny here this morning! Even though it's still cold, the sun makes me feel better. I will try to be someone's sunshine today.

Good morning everyone!

Back to the dr today for my (now 7 week) migraine. It started right after Valentine's Day & after all testing they just call it a migraine, take meds & go home..but it still hurts & I get auras many times a week which I used to only get 1 a month or less. Blah.

On a good note I have been on weight watchers & doing pretty well on it. The kids were home on spring break last week & we made 2 trays of brownies, none of which I touched (no way I would stop at one). We ate out a few times & I made the right choices so I was very happy with my discipline. Wii fit has also been fun to do & not feel like I am exercising.

Have a great day DDA!

I can't even imagine a 7 week migraine. I hope that you find relief soon! Congratulations on doing well with healthy choices! I really need to do that, but I just don't seem to be ready yet. I wonder what it will take?

Deb, I'm glad that Colby is feeling better, and I'm sorry that your boss didn't do as he said. That is so frustrating! I wish you luck on getting everything sorted out so that you are less stressed and can enjoy life more.

I feel like a huge underachiever after reading everything you all are doing. There is no reason for me to be as unmotivated and lazy as I am, but I just can't seem to pull myself out of it at the moment. I keep thinking that sunnier, warmer days will help. I sure hope so. My house is a mess, I feel like a huge blob, and I am not the easiest person to get along with right now. I have excuse after excuse, and I know it, but I don't have the drive to change it right now.

 

[bethbuchall]

Theresa, I hope that things improve at work or that you are able to find something better. It sounds like things are really hard right now, and I'm sorry that you aren't feeling appreciated. I'm glad that Cassidy will be able to join you for three weeks. That sure must be something to look forward to!

Glynis, I hope that you can find plenty of kids to tutor. I think it would be rewarding to work one-on-one with a struggling student and help them make progress. I don't think that I'm qualified for that, though.

 

[Tammi67]

Good morning, everyone. I, too, have been MIA for quite some time. I have been reading along and keeping up with everything, but not posting. Unfortunately my life just isn't all that exciting. I don't feel the need to share the fact that I'm working, or running to dance or soccer practice, volunteering at bookfair, chaperoning a field trip, home with a sick kid, yada yada yada.

There is a bit of excitement brewing in my otherwise mundane, but busy life. This weekend I will spring the big cruise vacation on my parents and the kids. We are going up there this weekend, since my kids will be with the dad for Easter. On a sad note, this will be their first Easter that isn't spent at Grandma and Pap-Pap's house. I think it's harder on me though. So we will go up two weeks early and try to do all the celebrations, like the egg hunt and Alyssa's birthday, that we have on Easter.

Middle school orientation for Nicholas and parents is tomorrow. He still seems like such a little boy to me, but then other times I can really see that he is growing up. Like the other day when there was a screw loose on one of the drawer pulls. He went out into the garage, got a screw driver and tightened it up. All on his own. Those times are few and far between though!

 

[tinknme]

Good morning all

 

[bear74]

not much going on here. Dad sees the lung Dr on April 15th hopefully we can figure out why he is short of breath again. He had a CT scan in march and the oncologist said it was not the Cancer causing it. The twins weigh about 11lbs each. starting to smile at us. The older 2 are doing good. Olivia is getting better at her reading, still having some problems. Work is slow some weeks and busy others. Today I am Home on call. Jeff is having to step down from department head, since he needs a set schedule. They are wanting to cut his pay to what it was 3 yrs ago when he took the department head position. he has had 3 pay increases since then. so we will see.

 

[bear74]

so I have been looking for ways to save money. when I run out of my current launadry soap i am going to try to make my own. also been looking at other cleaning supplies i can make

 

[bethbuchall]

so I have been looking for ways to save money. when I run out of my current launadry soap i am going to try to make my own. also been looking at other cleaning supplies i can make

Let us know how that works and how much you think it costs to make. I've thought about it but never really priced it out.

I do a lot of cleaning with white vinegar which is much cheaper than prepared products.

I'm starting to see progress in my bathroom!

The sun is gone, and there is snow in the air again.

 

[Disney Yooper]

Congrats on the engagement!!! That's really exciting... I hope?I'm glad the service for your MIL went well. It's always hard! We are anticipating a trip to Boise, ID in the next 6-8 months for the funeral of my SIL. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer, did some chemo and then found out it had spread to her bones. Now, hospice is working with them. 6 months is optimistic. I dread this funeral! We never met any of her family (their choice), but we really want to be there for my BIL, Mike. I hope I can have as good an attitude as you have!

I'm jealous of your home remodel! I would love to be able to do some stuff around here, but money won't let us. So, I dream, and plan, and hope.

One bright spot is our trip to DL with my Dad in August! I keep holding on to that! Every spare cent I find, I funnel into our fund for that trip. We only have to pay for our meals and souvenirs. The kids have been saving up their birthday money, etc., so that helps.

Let's say, I'm happy that she's happy. He seems to be maturing as he gets older. He is now 26. He is a very nice young man but I wish he thought more of Katrina's feelings sometimes. His friends come before her too often for my preference.

 

[Disney Yooper]

Tia I'm sorry that your struggling I've been there myself for a few months and actually had a conversation with Chris last night about the fact that I'm always trying to do everything for everyone and starting tomorrow I simply don't have time to be the personal chauffeur for 3 kids plus 2 jobs, etc etc. I'm starting to figure out which priorities are important to me and the fact is that I want to be able to attend my kids games and that may mean that I need to give up the job at the restaurant. I simply can't shuffle everything and since my boss didn't lend a hand last night when Colby was sick I think it really resignated and was an ah ha moment. I am going to give it a couple of weeks just to see how much I can or can't handle, but my kiddos are only going to be young once. I hope you can start to figure out a balance for your family too.

I am also trying to find balance. I enjoy my job but am getting lonely without Chuck. I want to make sure that I set the right priorities for myself. It is going to be a little more difficult since I now have a job 8 hours from home. It will be hard to find a decent paying job back in the U.P. but I'm going to start looking.

 

[Disney Yooper]

I am still here reading along, too! There just isn't much to report on right now. I feel like I sound like a broken record: bathroom work still going on, weather still not spring-like, busy kids, busy preschool, etc., etc.

I am getting really tired of the time these bathroom remodels are taking. I feel like there is always someone who stinks of cigarette smoke in my house (no, they don't smoke in the house, but the scent definitely clings to clothes) and that the house is a disorganized mess of tools and supplies (not that my house is ever neat and organized...need to work on that). I never realized how much we used two bathrooms until we only had one. I feel guilty complaining about it, though, because we are so lucky to have two bathrooms and to be able to have the work done on them.

Laura has a bad cold right now, and the rest of us have slightly more mild colds. We don't get sick often and aren't very patient patients.

Some exciting news: Laura has made her college decision! She will be going to SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. It's the same school that Matthew is at, so they will both be in the same direction and have the same break schedules, so that is great for me. It really does seem the perfect fit for her as is did him, so that is good for her. She is taking Environmental Resources Engineering which is similar to civil engineering with an environmental focus. (A little brag: she was accepted into all six colleges that she applied to and into the honors programs of five of them.)

I do like reading and keep up with all of you here, and I do keep you in my thoughts and prayers even when I'm not posting. I will try to be more regular in my posting even if it's just to say that nothing new is happening in our lives.

to all my DDA friends that need it! I am sorry to read about the hard times, but I know that you will all come through, because you are all so strong.

Chuck's college Bachelor & Masters degrees are Civil Engineering with an Environmental emphasis.

 

[bethbuchall]

Chuck's college Bachelor & Masters degrees are Civil Engineering with an Environmental emphasis.

And you said the other day that his business is doing well, so that is a good sign!

 

[Disney Yooper]

And you said the other day that his business is doing well, so that is a good sign!

Yep! After a couple of slow years, it is really picking up the last couple of months.

 

[tinker1bell]

I am so happy,,,my appointment at John's Hopkins has been moved up to May 2 now.

I will go down the night before since the first appointment is so early in the morning.

 

[bear74]

I am so happy,,,my appointment at John's Hopkins has been moved up to May 2 now.

I will go down the night before since the first appointment is so early in the morning.

hopefully you finally get some answers

 

[Glynis]

Good evening, my friends!

Anne Marie - I can't even begin to imagine a 7 week migraine! That is horrible!!! I hope they can find something to help you with that! Congrats on the will power! I sure need some, lately!

Beth - I've been feeling the same way, lately! I've decided I just need to grab the bull by the horns, and change things!

Elin - Thanks for the reminder that we don't have to be Superwomen! Sometimes we all need the kick in the pants!

Tammi - I can't wait to hear how the vacation reveal goes! You guys are going to have a great time on the cruise! I can't believe that Nicholas is starting middle school next year! Where has the time gone?

It was a gorgeous day here, today! I spent some time outside, and that really helped my mood! I'm hoping that in the next couple of weeks, it will be warm enough to take Timothy and go on some long walks!

Best news is that I get to spend all next week with my dad! He just got back from Italy, and wants to tell us all about his trip. Alan is leaving on Tuesday for an assignment in NYC, so I'll take the kids (spring break!) and we'll go to dad's house! I'm really excited about it! I haven't seen him since February, so it will be great! I'll also get to see my brother and his family, and my kids can play with their cousins. Should be a great spring break!

I'll pop in again, tomorrow and see how everyone is getting along!

 

[babytrees]

How would you respond to this text? (I haven't yet...ignoring it and hoping it goes away seems to be my dealing)

Theresa I just realize our 20th anniversary is near. Is there anything you would like to do for it?

From 4:30 this afternoon to 4:30 tomorrow afternoon I am scheduled to work 16 hours....but I need that decompressing time so I am going to be zonked tomorrow night!!