Crabs

We ate at Red Lobster this weekend. Twice. Friday night was my 11th wedding anniversary. The Hubs and I knew we wouldn't be able to find a sitter and we had some Red Lobster gift cards, so we made plans to go with the children. Not exactly my idea of a romantic anniversary date, but we decided to make the best of it. Friday also happened to be my mother's birthday. While at her house that afternoon, she asked if Chris and I wanted to go out to dinner with her and my dad. Along with my sister and her family of 6. Of course we agreed. And, to our surprise, we had a really nice time. The kids were well-behaved. The adults were even able to sit at a table by ourselves. My parents decided to treat us to dinner, so at the end of the night we still had our gift cards. When the kids heard this, they had a simple solution: to just go to Red Lobster again the next night. Which we did!

This time around, it was just the four of us. When we asked the kids what they wanted, Shaun replied "Crab legs!". And we let him order just that...even though his kiddie crab legs meal cost the same as my popcorn shrimp meal. Needless to say, the crab legs were a huge hit. Here's a photo of Shaun getting ready to dig in. Pardon the quality...my cell-phone doesn't produce top-notch quality photos.




When the waiter brought Shaun his plate, Jordan cried out "EW! Don't eat that!"...but Shaun ignored him and chowed down. Turns out, he LOVES crab legs. I'm afraid we've created a monster, because he now says crab legs are his favorite food.

After all of the meat was consumed, the real fun began, as you can see here:





Jordan became quite fascinated by this...claw? Pincher? Whatever its called, he loved it. He took it home, slept with it, and has played with it all day long today.

Its been a good weekend!

Just another loss of control...

Things have been a little "out of control" in the life of my family lately. I guess it started when I was sick and then spiraled from there. Since I've been back home, things have NOT returned to normal. Even though I'm doing much, much better, I still don't have all of my energy back. I'm still tired, probably because I lost so much sleep a few weeks ago. My head's still bothering me, but I can handle the pain now. The kids are....crazy. All they want to do is fight with swords, jump, and turn flips. I've been trying to slowly introduce school back into they're lives while managing everything around the house, but I'm not having much luck. Out of control!

My sister and her family are moving, so she needs my help watching her children while she packs and cleans. I love that I'm able to help her...she was an absolute God-send while I was out of commission. She's always been there for me, and its nice that I'm able to help her out now. But, its difficult to get anything accomplished when even more hyper children are added to the chaos! I am determined...determined to get started with our school year on Monday. Today's Saturday, so that gives me one more day.... hmm. Maybe I should wait until after labor day. Or not. We really need to get started. But I'm just not ready yet. Our school room looks more like a toy store. I still need to go through the many, many different curriculum options that I have here in the house and finally decide what I'm going to use. But before I do all that, the rest of the house is an absolute mess. Which must be cleaned up. The most frustrating thing about this mess, is that the mess accumulated in about 3 hours while I was out of the house yesterday. Thanks to the three males who were left here unattended. Out of control!

On top of everything else, I dropped off the children's old clothing at my first ever consignment sale yesterday. I'm pretty sure it will be my last...it was just too stressful. All of the clothes laying around the house for weeks while I printed out tags, organized, and washed them so they'd be ready. Me, telling the kids to please not mess up the small piles of pants and shirts strewn all over the living room floor. My husband getting frustrated because his computer room floor was also completely covered in clothing, save a small trail that led from the doorway to the computer dest. And let's not forget the drama that insued the night before the sale, when our printer wouldn't work to print the tags...and the many holes I poked in my fingers trying to safety-pin the tags onto the clothing. And the night of absolutely no sleep that i endured trying to finally get everything ready. Out of control!

But, as always, we were able to get it all done. My sister and I went to the church to drop everything off. I brought out a cart to pile everything on, so it that we would only have to make one trip. I parked the cart behind my Jeep, and started filling it with shirts. I looked up to ask my sister a question, and the next thing I knew, the cart...along with my clothes....was rolling away down the sloped road heading straight for a mini-van that was pulling into the parking lot. Thankfully, there was no collision, and the cart came to a stop safely at the bottom of the hill. As I stood there watching the whole scene, I couldn't help but laugh. Hard. That cart careening down the hill just reminded me so much of my life at the moment...out of control...that I just laughed and laughed. I laughed so hard that I was barely able to walk down the hill to rescue it. Of course, my sister laughed too. Because this incident went along perfectly with the rest of our day...nothing else had gone as we had planned!

This whole situation reminded me that even though things are hectic, hairy, and out of control right now, they will get better. Like that silly run-away cart, we will one day soon be resting safely, finally able to breathe. One day, my life will probably be so predictable and boring that I won't know what to do with myself. Until then, with help from my Jesus, will continue to take whatever life dishes out as it comes. No matter how out of control things may seem. And I'll do it laughing the entire time!

Patty

Today's been a hard day. Especially for Shaun.

This morning, the boys and I had plans to head to Wal-Mart with my sister. I was waiting for her to arrive to pick us up, when I heard an awful howling noise from outside. It was so loud and agonizing that I was sure a coyote had attacked an animal in the woods behind our house or something. Then my phone rang.

"Erin. I just ran over Patty", my sister whispered to me.

I jumped up from my chair, thinking "Oh my gosh, I can't believe our little dog made that horrible, loud noise". Thankfully, Shaun and Jordan were absorbed in their video game and didn't hear a thing. I walked out onto our car port and there was our little Patty...hobbling around, pulling herself with her front legs. Looking up at us with such sad eyes.

My sister had tears in her own eyes as she apologized profusely and begged me not to tell my boys that she was the one who did this to their dog. We decided to take her to the vet. I went inside and told Shaun and Jordan that Patty was hurt and needed to go to the doctor. We put her in a crate off we went.

When we arrived at the vet's office, we were ushered to an exam room...me, Shaun and Jordan, and my sister and two of her children. The doctor came in and took Patty to a back room to examine her. When she came back in, she informed me that something was definitely broken but x-rays were needed to see how severe the injuries were. She brought out a price list that totaled more than $600.

In a panic, I whispered how much we would need to pay today. I told her that I didn't have an extra $100, let alone $600. I talked to the office manager and we were working out a payment plan. Then, this sweet woman asked if she could talk to me in the hallway, away from the children. Once we were alone, she looked me in the eye and asked me if I was willing to pay that much money for a dog we had only had for a few months. She went on to say that the $600 was just a minimum of treatment costs...the total bill was likely to be closer to $1300. And, she went on-- it was likely that Patty would have to be put down anyway.

She proceeded to talk with me through my tears, suggesting that we may want to consider just having Patty put to sleep. I went outside to call Chris, who of course, left the decision up to me. While I was on the phone with him, a "God Thing" occurred.

The vet and nurse came outside onto the porch. They told me that, while Patty was in the treatment room, one of the technicians working on her had become attached. And...get this...this sweet woman became aware of our financial situation and offered to adopt our dog- and pay for all of her medical expenses. Wow. At first I was a little taken-aback. But then, when I considered it, it made the perfect solution. But- I still had to run it past Shaun. I brought him outside and told him what was going on. A heart-breaking conversation. He cried and cried. And so did I. But, proving once again that he is indeed growing up, he agreed to let the technician take his dog...as long as he could meet her first.

We went back inside and met with Bar. One of the sweetest, most compassionate people I've ever met. She was so good with Shaun, explaining that she lived on a huge farm and had a retired husband and several other dogs for Patty to play with. Plus, she worked at the vet's office, so all of Patty's injuries would be taken care of. She passed the test with Shaun, and we left the vet's office minus our little dog.

Jordan still doesn't understand what's going on. Shaun's still sad. So are Chris and I. I told Shaun that once our hearts don't hurt quite so badly anymore, we'll go to the Humane Society and pick out a different dog. He said he didn't think he'd be ready anytime soon. :(

So, that's been our day. My eyes are gritty from tears and my neck is tense from the stress. But even so, I've been amazed once again at how God takes care of us and provides us with everything we need.

Yes, today was definitely a "God Thing" day.

Prayer Requests and Praises

Readers, please remember my friend Rebecca and her family in your prayers tomorrow. This wonderful woman of God, along with her husband, answered God's call and obtained legal guardianship over 10 siblings a few years ago. In reality, they rescued these precious children-from preschool ages to 21- from their biological parents and the conditions in which they were being raised. Rebecca and her family will be going to court tomorrow to find out if they will be able to legally adopt these children or if the children will return to their biological parents.

I know for a fact that all children are thriving under Rebecca's care- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Please, please begin to pray for the wisdom of the courts, for the children, for the biological parents and for Rebecca and her husband.

Now, I have a praise! When I woke up this morning...okay, it was technically, this afternoon...my headache was gone! For the firs time in a month, I did NOT have a headache! This was huge! I called Chris to tell him the news. He replied with "That's great! I'm glad you feel good today". What he really meant was "Oh thank you, sweet Jesus, I won't have to take the kids to church by myself anymore!"

I remained headache-free until around 9:00. Now, its back, but I feel better since my "break" today. I feel as if I'm finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. Praise God!

Now, that's love!

Corn Nuts. They've become my favorite snack over the last few months. Specifically, ranch flavored Corn Nuts. They're delicious. They are to me, at least. I've learned that not too many other people like them. But to me, there's nothing better. For a snack, that is. Even though I know they're terrible for me. I can only pronounce 2 of the ingredients listed on the label...corn and corn oil. I have to hide them from the boys because no way are they eating them!

A few days ago, on the way home from Wal-Mart, I noticed that the Jeep had less than a quarter tank of gas. I asked Chris if he was going to stop to fill up. He said no, that he'd just do it on the way to work the next day. I told him that if he stopped, I'd like to run inside and get a pack of Corn Nuts for later. He just looked at me and said that the kids were tired and we needed to get home. And I said okay.

The next night, I was home alone with the kids. Chris was out listening to band practice. Potential recording business, you know. I noticed that we needed a few groceries, so I sent him a text asking him to pick them up. Ground beef, organic ketchup, green beans, and carrotts- for those who are interested. He sent a text back from the grocer store asking if I needed anything else. Of course I replied back with "Corn Nuts".

He called from the car on the way home with the news that Kroger doesn't carry Corn Nuts and that he had also went to 3 different gas stations trying to find them- with no luck. I thanked him for his effort.

Today, The Hubs came home from work with these:

Oh yeah! When he bought gas today, he also bought every pack of ranch flavored Corn Nuts in the store. Was that sweet or what? Now, that's love!

Speaking of the man I married, he just left for church with the children. I'm supposed to be sleeping, seeing as how I've been awake almost continually for 48 hours. To say that I'm having trouble sleeping would be an understatement. I literally have been staying awake all night long. Not intentionally. It just happens. To say that I'm tired would also be an understatement. So, I guess I should stop blogging and catch some zzzz's. Chris' plan is for me to fall asleep around 5 and sleep through the night. I have strict instructions to not, under any circumstances, turn on Net Flix. He says he won't wake me...or let the boys wake me....if I'm sleeping when they get home. I think he's really, REALLY ready for me to be all well again!

Alright. I'm gonna try to sleep now. G'night!

Routine

I've been dealing with insomnia for a few months now. I just can't seem to fall asleep at night. So, I've developed a little routine to pass the hours.

10:30. Go to bed with the hubs. Talk, cuddle, etc. He falls asleep. I close my eyes and try to follow his example. But instead I toss. I turn. I use the restroom. Stare at the ceiling. Listen to the crickets outside. Get a drink of water. Use the restroom again. Lay down and repeat. Turn on bedside lamp and read my Bible. Lay down and toss some more.

11:30. When my sister's husband worked night shift, I used to call her at this time and we'd talk for hours. Now her husband has a regular job and she needs to spend time with him at night. So instead, I go upstairs and Facebook for awhile. Or blog. Or watch episodes of Friends or Gilmore Girls on Fancast.

12:30. Use restroom again. Go back to bed. Repeat the whole toss/turn/listen to cricket routine.

1:00. Read by lamplight again.

1:30. Head to the living room and fire up the XBox360. The Hubs recently hooked our Netflix account up through the gaming system so that we can watch movies online instead of waiting for the DVDs to be mailed. I watch a few episodes of The Office, one episode of Law and Order SVU, and then one more episode of The Office.

3:00. Use the restroom and head back to the bedroom. Lay down. Roll around some more. Sigh and get up again.

3:30. Read some more.

4:00. Finally decide that I'm sleepy and collapse into bed, exhausted.

My nightime routine. Its not really as bad as it sounds. I'm a homeschooling mom, remember? Which means I can sleep in until 9. 5 hours of sleep used to be plenty. But now its starting to get to me. I'm tired all the time, which isn't helping my headaches, I know. The fact that I'm having trouble sleeping is funny, actually, when you consider all of the pain medicine I'm taking for my head right now. And they all say "MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS" on the label.

Chris is getting frustrated. Which frustrates me. Its not like I want to be skulking around the house all night instead of sleeping.

I've made a doctors appointment for next week. I hope she can fix me! I'm even ready to try sleep-aides at this point.

I just glanced at the clock. It's 11:32 pm. Which means I'm right on schedule!

The First Week Back

It's the middle of my first week "back" since I was sick. Truthfully, I'm not doing as well as I expected. I do alright in the mornings, but by lunchtime my head is throbbing, my neck is aching, I'm exhausted, and my energy is non-existent. Thank goodness for my family. They rescue me at 1:00. My sister comes for Shaun, and Jordan goes to his Granny's. And I go to sleep. Or just lay around.

A month ago, the thought of having my afternoons free to lounge around and sleep would have thrilled me beyond words. But now, that I have time to myself and feel like doing nothing, I'm ready for things to be back to normal. Its still strange for me to ask for help. Or even admit that I need help.

But I do. Jordan said to me the other day, "Mommy, I'm ready for you to just feel better and not still sick". Me too.

Yesterday, Shaun said to me, "Mom. When are you going to be better already? You've been sick forever." I know. And I wish I knew.

I know I'll get there. But this waiting is getting to me.

And that's the end of this depressing post.

Granny Talk

Since I've been sick, Jordan has been spending a lot of time with his (and my) Granny. I'm so thankful for our Granny...not only did she take shifts watching over me when I was in the hospital, but she also had one or more of my children for most of the time I was hospitalized. Even now that I'm home, she still comes and takes Jordan for me after lunch so that I can rest. I just love her!

Jordan loves her, too, and I'm starting to be able to tell he's been hanging out with her more than usual. For example: tonight, Granny sent over some dinner. Some fried okra, green beans, and tomatoes from the garden and some hash brown casserole. Yum. As I was fixing the children's plates, Jordan and I had this conversation:

Me: Okay, who wants okra?

Jordan: You mean okrey? I do! I want some okrey!

Me: Would you like some tomatoes?

Jordan: Actually, they're called maters.

Me: They're actually called tomatoes. Would you like some potatoes on your plate, too?

Jordan: You're actually wrong. They're maters. And I want some taters, too, please.

You can't get more country than that! Just like Granny!

On when I had Meningitis. Part 1

I started this post and then my energy kind of fizzled out. It does that lately. So I guess this'll be a multi-post entry. Here goes:

So, somehow...someway, I caught Meningitis. Here's the long, gory, entry I promised:

It all began on a Tuesday. I woke up with a small headache. I took some Tylenol Sinus and felt a little better. I began to feel worse on Tuesday night: my head hurt, I had some body aches, and I felt as if I had a fever. I woke up Wednesday morning feeling achy all over and with a stronger headache. I thanked God for our jacuzzi tub, filled it up, and took a long bubble bath. I felt a little better afterward, but didn't have any headache medicine to take, so I gave the boys a "free day". I called my sister to tell her I didn't know if I would be going to church that night or not- she was planning on going with me. Chris came home from work, he gave me a neck massage and I took a small nap.

I decided to go on to church with my family. We stopped by to see my dad on the way, and I took some Aleve Sinus. The box said to only take one capsule every 12 hours. I was hurting so badly by that time that I took 2 and put 2 more in my purse for later. 2 hours later, my head was still hurting, along with my neck. I took 2 more pills and found a comfortable chair to rest in until church started.

Met up with my friend around 7 o'clock and we headed upstairs for service. My head and neck were still pounding. I commented to my friend that Chris really must have hurt me with his massage. I made it through the service. By the time it was over, the edge was gone from my headache. I met up with Chris and the boys and we decided to hit up El Sombrero. I still felt horrible, but eating out seemed much better that going home to cook. On the way to the restaurant, I stopped at Publix to pick up some Excedrin, thinking that I I had a migraine instead of a sinus headache, since the Aleve didn't work. Took 2 Excedrin Migraine pills before we ate. I had no appetite. I think I just ate a few bites of my tostada.

After dinner, my head was pounding worse than before. When we arrived at home, I put the kids to bed and took 2 more Excedrins. By this time, I was so hyped up on the caffeine from the Excedrin, I knew I'd never sleep. And I still had a headache. The night wore on. I didn't sleep at all. The last time I looked at the alarm clock was 4:30. I must have drifted off just before Chris' alarm rang.

I woke up around 7 o'clock in the worse pain I've ever experienced. EVER. My labor pains before Shaun's birth had nothing on this headache. I stayed in bed and just cried. Shaun woke up and came in my room. I scared my poor baby half to death. He's not used to seeing me cry. He asked me what was wrong, and I just cried harder and told him that I couldn't take care of him and Jordan that morning. That I was sick. That he should just let Jordan sleep and play XBox...but with the volume turned down. He looked at me with panic in his eyes and told me to call Daddy.

I called my sister instead, thinking that maybe she could run me to the doctor before her husband went in to work. As it turned out, her husand went in early that day. I asked her to call the hospital and try to get in touch with Chris. She helped me out, because she's the best sister ever. Chris called a few minutes later. I told him he needed to come home and take me to the doctor. His response? "Why?" I told him my head was killing me, and he exclaimed, "You mean you still have that headache??" He came home to get me, and made arrangements for the kids. He was on call that day and was only able to leave work until 4:00. I told him we would have plenty of time...it was only 10:00 am, after all. Turns out, I was wrong.