You figure it out.

So parents, you know how you have those times, where you have said the exact same thing to your kids probably a dozen separate times, with at least a dozen variations (just in case wording it differently SOME how actually will get thru to the part of their brain that “get’s it”) all in only a weeks time (maybe 2 or even 3 if you’re lucky).  Well, I’m getting better and better all the time at looking at my kids calmly when there arises some sort of anxiety amongst the ranks over nothing of substance whatsoever, and just saying to them, “YOU figure it out.” 

I mean, honestly, did I wear your sneakers and then NOT put them on the shoe shelf?  Well then, why do I have to stop what I’m doing to go look for the missing one?  Did I teach you to hit your sibling “only joking” and then wonder why in the world they hit you back?  Did I make all the dirty dishes when you and 2 other kids had friends over and no one cleaned up after all the late night munching?  So why are you wondering why there are no clean bowls to eat breakfast with?

I looked at the kids, and not sure if it was out of total exhaustion, or just that I was blessed with the total disconnect I needed at the time, but with NO emotional stress whatsoever, I asked a couple of them … “So, just wondering something?  Is there anything different I could say today then what I said yesterday, the day before, or even the day before THAT that would make it easier for you to understand YOUR role in the argument you want me to stop between you all?”  ‘Noooo.  Not really.”  “Well then, I suggest you take a deep breath and then YOU go and figure it out. See ya. :o)”  you must end with a happy grin, just to let them see that YOU can choose NOT to yell, pitch a hissy fit, or let their desire to be big old grumpy farts have any effect over YOU enjoying YOUR day. 

Nope, I’m going to enjoy my book, putting it away when I’m done so I know where it is next time I want it.  I’m going to make myself something to eat, and even clean up after myself so the counter is clean for whomever comes in after me.  I’m even going to rinse and stack my dirty dishes, occasionally even loading the dishwasher if the kid with the duty has unloaded it.  I’m going to clean out the kitty litter and tend to the dog, because I chose to have the pets.  I’m even going to save your little toys from ending up being hidden by the dog, even though you did NOT put them away.  Why? Because I don’t want the dog to have them.  I never said you were going to get your little toys BACK, I just took them away from Baby Grrrl.  I know, I know, I’m such a mean mom.  But one of these days, I’ll get to sit back and grin as I listen to YOU tell YOUR kids “You’ll figure it out” as you shoo your kids off to settle their own quarrels. 

todays answer

Purple Pancakes

Today's answer....WEAR YOUR HELMET!!!

Okay, so over the last few years, we've gotten a LOT more insistant with our children always wearing helmets.  Biking, skateboarding, skiing/snowboarding, whatever.  Dad already has a brain injury, and Iwould like to NOT add anyone ELSE to that list. 
Proven to be needed --> last years ski trip when the snow was more ice in places then it was snow.  I was learning to snowboard, and ended up falling backwards SLAMMING my head on a huge patch of ICE.  Not enjoyable.
Proven to be needed ---> me AGAIN out on the ski slops, but this year.  Didn't get good footing under me getting off the ski lift, and when I fell on my butt, I apparently fell backwards and also slammed my head.  I have NO memory of the head smacking...just thinking to myself to ignore whatever hurts and get OUT of the way before the next chair gets to the landing.  MOVE it.  Jason and our instructor told me I hit my head a good one. 
Lucky to have not needed ---> Zacky, back when he broke his arm.  He said he knew AS he was falling off his bike he should have had his helmet on.  At only 6 years old, that is what he thought?!  Then put his arm up to protect his head, and landed on the arm.  We are pretty darned sure he could have gone without the break if only he'd had his helmet on.  (yes, he wears it always now.)
SOooooo lucky --->  Randy TODAY...  Was passing someone on the sidewalk heading to school, and ended up wiping out on his bike.  Slammed his shoulder, and THANKFULLY his head tapped the grass...missing the sidewalk just barely.  He ended up breaking his clavical.  All in all, a crummy start to the day, but all in all, we are SO happy it wasn't worse. 

Guess what HE will forever remember to wear??!!!!

a very over due update list….with more to come…eventually

February 19,2010 a Friday

(when I wrote the update.)

As I started up the family blog for 2010, I really thought I could easily take a little time each weekend to post a brief update, maybe some pictures, and things would be good. All it takes is a few weekends of pure exhaustion followed by a couple more weekends being down and out SICK, and the next thing you know you're nearly finished with 2 full months on the calendar. My overall goal is to print the blog as a family journal, so playing catch up with the essential highlights is very much in order.

WEEK 2 -->

Randy got his Learners Permit! He has finally taken to the roads outside of the clearly labeled "Student Driver' vehicle, so look out! He he he, only kidding... Randy's actually doing fairly well on the roads. He was so happy when he finally passed the written test and said I'm the good luck charm. You see Dad took him the first 2 tries Randy had been told to study AND do the online practice tests He was SO sure he knew what he needed to. Guess NOT. So, before taking him over to the DMV yet again, I insisted on SEEING him study at least 5 separate times. When it came time for Randy to face that darned written test for the 3^rd time, Jason wasn’t about to sit for all that time yet again. I realized I had to change the address on my license anyway, so off we went. Knowing Randy's learning curve and "freak out thresh hold the way I do, I noticed he was starting to worry, causing him to forget stuff 1 KNEW he knew 50 my job was to Keep Randy distracted so he d stay calm Thankfully, there were about 12 other kids waiting as Well, one of which was a friend of Randy’s. Those guys kept each other well distracted, and BOTH left with their permits I’m glad Randy thinks I brought him luck, but I was just doing the Mom thing and helping my kid remember to Keep his cool. WAY To Go RANDY! Safe Driving.

WEEK 3 -->

We welcomed our newest family member. The cutest little Pomeranian, 2 year old female dog we named Baby Grrrl. It’s funny how we ended up choosing her…

    … Jason relaxes a lot more when our cat Mufasa, is around him. The thing is, Jason REALLY wanted some playful cats (and No WAY did he want any sort of dog) So we decided to get a couple of kittens. When you bring cats in as babies, our experience is that they tend to be more playful. Anyway, there were No Kittens free listed in the classifieds, and none at the pet store because kittens weren't in season. While at the pet shop, Jason saw a Pomeranian for sale. He stopped liking is as much as soon as they said she was $800.

        We found a lady who rescued a pregnant cat, and the kittens were SO new that they were only just opening their eyes. When we went to meet her, she had an absolutely itty bitty little Pomeranian Pekinese mix. Jason thought he was just great! By the time we got home he was eager to look at shelters and such to see if there were any Poms available.

By golly if the arrows weren't ALL sending us to Baby Grrrl. There was a brand new listing the next morning to share that there were a couple Poms at the local shelter. We were at the door when they opened at noon. First we met the male, then the shy, scruffy female. This girl went STRAIGHT to Jason. She hooked him in a heartbeat, and has been with us ever since J. I gave her a bath and she was SO good, I just know she used to be well cared for. Now she’s lost the sad little scruffy look, and we just love having her around. She's small, playful at times, and QUIET! Yes, I don't know how, but we’ve been blessed with a dog that almost never makes a sound.

Oh-- her name. She instantly responded to ‘Honey’, but that wasn't working because that’ s what Jason and I say a lot. So, since we’d always planned to foster or adopt at least 1 child, and that plan changed with all the effects of Jason’s brain injury… well, this little doggy is our new baby. So, being funny, she’s BABY GRRRL We sure love having her!!!

Week 4 =>

Zacky’s been working hard to do well at school, but his Concerta just wasn’t even getting him thru even most of the school day So we got in with the doctors and increased the dose. Oh my goodness, it is So huge for him to be in control thru almost the whole day. Zac is so much more content, and I quickly say there was no worry it was too high a dose. Zacky's ADHD is just SO overpowering for him, and he's only 7 having more struggles than Curtis did at 12 years old. Being able to have a great school day sure makes an enormous difference in his attitude. It’s good to see the days he is really content, and I m really happy the change is settling in well.

The last 3 days of January, I have no clue what happened with the family 1 went to bed kind of sick around 9 am Friday, and got sicker & sicker, barely getting out of bed The next thing I knew it was Monday, and FEBRUARY!! HUH??? What? Where did February come from?

WEEK 5 =>

The Friday I’d been sick Randy & Curtis had been at the church building with the Young Men. In their collective infinite wisdom, they all went out to the darkest part of the parking lot to play capture the flag. Well, lucky Curtis got his heel caught funny on the pavement, and then hurt his left knee. By Tuesday, Jason was getting sick and Curtis' Knee was getting worse. Though I still felt like death (not even warmed over since I was soooo cold…brrr) I just kicked into "gotta do it” mode and took Curtis to the doctor. He sprained his knee and a partially dislocated his kneecap. CRAaaaaP. We have a ski / snowboarding trip on the 5^th , so this was NOT fun timing.

        The end of week 5, Randy was in the school play-and we were all too sick to go. Big bummer. I'm glad Jessica, Randy’s girlfriend, and her mom could go. They said he did great, and he sure did love being up there on stage. I still wish we’d gotten better in time to be there to see him.

Well, that’ll have to do for now.  I’m working on more to get current, and then HOPE of all hopes, I’ll make myself get in a better habit of updating.