Vegmom Moments

A LONG UPDATE!

Sorry, I haven't had much funny to report lately... With Veg's Birthday upon us its always a time for looking back... and then all the events of the B-day week leave me with only that to type about... And then NeeNee leaves and everyone is sad, and then back to work happens, chaos ensues and well.....  Leads me to nothing but another update!!  So here it goes!

The Marriage Proposal ----

Hubby asked if I would marry him again... My response:  "seriously, you want to do this again, I just got to where I liked ya after 18 years and you want me to start over"

OK - that wasn't the answer he wanted to hear... he was SERIOUS!  Whoops!!  After I realized the sweetness of his proposal, I actually considered it.  He wanted to run and elope (again) only have Veg with us.. (and NeeNee).... Well then my sweet Hubby had the crud... and so the wedding plans are off. (for now)  I have a feeling he won't let this one drop.

The Goodbye to a friend ----

We got a birthday invite for a girl at Veg's school, she is actually leaving the country and wanted to have a party with all her friends before she left.  The party was at an art studio and they do so well with the kids.  I was really impressed.  The party lasted 2 1/2 hours and was a LONG day for the kids who had all just left school.  But they did great.  And all were sad to say goodbye to their friend... 

I was complimented twice by one of the instructors for Veg's manners (even though I wasn't in the room where they were), which made me feel extra special.  And then the sweet little guy walked in to the "adult" room where I was sitting, just to check on me.  What I really loved, was that Veg told them he was allergic to alot of foods, and so he asked me before eating anything, and then gave back a bag of candy without asking me.

The Ladies at the studio were so surprised at his actions that they filled up a bag of playdoh instead of candy so he would have some thing to take home.  Super cool of them!!!  We came home and had a Rock show with the paper guitar and Styrofoam microphone.... You should all be thrilled that you didn't have to witness me singing.

The Crazy Dinner Date:

Because Hubby was under the weather, I took Veg to his new favorite restaurant for dinner.  Just him and Me on a date...

All was well and we were having a great time until a lady at the table next to us began having a Seizure.  Her poor hubby didn't know what was wrong and thought she was choking/dying...

It was a very sad moment watching him suffer like that.  But the happy moment, was seeing the quick actions of complete strangers.  Nurses coming out of the woodwork from their meals to care for this woman and her family until the Paramedics came.  That was an amazing site, watching the goodness of people.

I told Veg she would be fine and we discussed the time he had a seizure, but what I didn't share with him is when the lady came too, she didn't know who her Hubby was, and was unable to move one of her hands.  She was able to walk to the stretcher though and Paramedics took good care of her, so all we can do is hope and pray for their family. 

And then we came home... about 40 minutes later, Veg ran to the bathroom and pretty much dropped all his dinner...  Needless to say we won't be going back to his new favorite place that is no longer his favorite place "Mom, why would you take me to a place that made me have to go to the bathroom like that"  OF COURSE it was my fault!  That is what Moms are good for....

Random Veg Question:

Why are Oyster Crackers called Oyster Crackers? 

 

Entertainment:

The Evil addictive Puzzle my Mom brought down is still not complete.  When I said something today about the dang thing, Veg says:

"My NeeNee said she brought that to you Mom because you need to have something relaxing to do since your too bossy"....  Fine then, I see how you are!!

FireProof:

We are still reading the Love Dare book.  Although we aren't always completing some of the tasks because we've already been there and done that for many of them. 

But, a strange thing happened today when going out with Veg to dinner and leaving hubby behind...  A strange feeling that I hadn't had in a while.... I didn't want to leave him behind... He belongs with us... Of course it was a good thing he wasn't there after the strange turn of events... but i didn't like leaving him home one bit!

Work and the Economy:

Well, its been interesting, some major accomplishments and some major let downs.  I'm not sure I understand the whole "Bad Economy" thing...  I mean people keep losing jobs, that part I get.  But some things like Schools... People are still paying taxes whether they have jobs or not, so how can a school be fine one year and need budget cuts the next.  Or Universities... with higher tuition year over year... Kids are still attending, paying the higher tuition and yet, cuts are still happening. 

Mean while, the stores are packed with people, restaurants are packed with people, shelves empty from sell outs, hotels and airfare just as expensive as ever... Hotels are full, and all the broadcasts are saying that the economy is so bad... Then we start seeing it in my family and friends, and it trickles in to the work that I do, and it hits.

But I still don't quite get it... Buildings going up on every corner, New construction happening all around... I keep hoping this bad economy mumbo jumbo is just talk, because when I look around, I see nothing of the sort.  Then reality hits when a family member or co-worker is affected, and I must Sigh!!! 

Whether it is real or not when looking around, it is very real to those affected.  And to them I can only hope for better days ahead.

On that note, I shall close this very long post of updates, and hopefully will get back on track this coming week with more info to share... on the happier side... the silly side.... the Vegmom side!

BREAKING RULES

Outside of Veg's Birthday celebration stuff, school stuff, and some work stuff..I had nothing planned for this vacation time.

I did know that I was going to take this week and not worry about so much, get some rest where I could and let the rest fall where it would.

Turns out, I drank lots of Frozen coffee beverages, ate past 8:00 a couple nights, didn't clean a single house item nor work on my taxes, I ate out instead of cooked,didn't exercise nearly as much as I thought I would and even used shampoo.. I broke all my own rules!!

But I also slept a lot, even some naps, had a couple quick hubby dates (dinner and groceries..woohoo!! Aren't we exciting)

Got some important work stuff done, watched a couple movies,spent lots of time with NeeNee, worked on a horribly addicting puzzle, had some snuggle time with Hubby, did some short distance runs,a few house things completed and even a marriage proposal.. (Yeah, that's another blog post)

I'm now so rested that standing for two minutes makes me feel wobbly, the bags under my eyes are almost gone (who new?) and I'm ready for what the rest of the week has in store.. (Maybe)

So I'm thinking that breaking my own rules isn't such a bad thing, especially on vacation...

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND ENDS

And the weekend comes to an end...

Instead of a party, Veg wanted to stay at a hotel with a pool... Being that I try to avoid parties at all costs, the hotel seemed like a great idea...

So Saturday afternoon we arrived at our destination. Taking two cars so Hubby could come back home and care for the dogs (and get to church in the morning)

The room wasn't ready when we got there so the others changed in the locker room and had lots of fun pool time.. while I looked on and kept watch of our bags.

Around 4:00 the room was ready. So I checked in and took all our bags (games, food, clothes, etc.) Up to the room.

I changed clothes to meet them at the pool and well.... They were on their way back up! Veg was done!!

Yup 90 minutes and he had all the fun he could stand....

Everyone changed clothes and we went to a nice dinner, then to play in the funnest arcade of all time...

We all had a blast and spent way too much time in there.

Around 7:00 Hubby went home... Veg, NeeNee and I had some great fun playing games and munching on snacks in the room..

Then it was bed time... So I thought!!! The hotel was loud!! As In hearing normal conversations in the room next door, and hall way and the birthday party down the hall....and doors slamming and blah blah blah!! It was the loudest hotel room I have ever been in.

Veg couldn't sleep! He missed his Dad, and Chelsea dog and began to get sad. We cuddled up and tried to make noise in the room. Fan and radio... With every noise he'd get nervous and jump up...so by 9:00 I realized sleep was not going to happen.
And I couldn't have a sad Birthday boy.

We packed up, checked out, and by 10:30 we were home, with a sleeping, smiling Veg!!!

The best part of the whole thing is when Veg woke up Sunday morning and realized we were home, he ran to his window to find snow!! Just a little bit, but the ground was covered!! He was sooo excited!!

He says that snow on his birthday weekend is Gods way of saying happy Birthday... And he got his snow!!!

Veg claims this was his best Birthday weekend of all time! I'd have to agree.

(Still can't believe he's six)

A BIRTHDAY WITH NO PICTURES

Seriously, I got like 3 pictures all day!!  What is up with that???

This morning was a success, Veg was very pleased with his decorated room, he had just enough time to open all his presents before eating a cupcake with his breakfast and heading off to school.

He decided that he was SIX now and so this was the day that I was no longer allowed to go in the school...  Dropping off at the sidewalk was a big change.  Not only do we need to get there earlier, but we need to have everything within arms reach so he can grab it on the way out the car door...  This also means that he has to carry EVERYTHING in himself.    This will take some practice!! 

You could tell he was still transitioning from the wave because he walked backwards all the way up the sidewalk and waved to me while holding all his stuff and trying not to drop anything... Poor kid...  Good thing he is quite coordinated.  I'm sure each day will get easier, and soon he won't even wave, he'll just run to the door, with out a care.  But on his own time!!

I ran some errands before coming home and picking up NeeNee, then I made us both a lunch and headed back to school.  We arrived just in time to watch the "Group Songs" and then Veg's Walk around the sun... Which is always soo enjoyable and NeeNee cries!!  Its tradition now!!

We saw the kids play on the playground, and then lunch time..  NeeNee and I ate our packed lunches with Veg..  The kids were ALL in a rare and wild mood today.  The calmness of the classroom seemed quite disturbed... But still enjoyable to visit.  And Veg mentioned several times in the car how much fun that was..

He was able to leave early with us after lunch, and came home to play with all his gifts and eat his birthday cake..  So far we have Science Crystals Crystalizing, Legos sorted and ready to build, K'nex prepared for building and new clothes in the laundry basket...

Then OFF to our favorite Veggie Restaraunt where they put a candle in Veg's pizza, which was the COOLEST thing.  They even brought him a free Vegan Cookie... Needless to say the boy had lots of sugar.
We walked down to a coffee shop and introduced NeeNee to the best local coffee drink in the land.

And finally it was time for Veg's Open house.. Back to school we went!   By then he was pooped, and not the least bit interested in showing us anything..  So he lollygagged around a few lessons.  Worked on Multiplication, Magnets, Hammering, Cutting, etc.

Then we all arrived home in time for Veg to hit the bed, and me to type this post, before heading off to work on puzzles with NeeNee...

Who says Grandparents come just to see the kids???  (Hubby)  But Not Me... No Siree!!!  It's Puzzle Time........

And by the way... our Vegman is still not done celebrating... we have a great day in store for tomorrow.....
There are even rumors of Snow!!!   Shhh, don't tell NeeNee that!!

BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES

NeeNee made it safely to town... and arrived 20 minutes early!  ACK!  for the first time EVER I wasn't inside the airport when she landed.. in fact I pulled in to the parking lot and she called wondering where I was.  BAD BAD DAUGHTER!!!  But what is up with her plane arriving 20 minutes early!  I didn't plan for that!

Our day began with a nice salad/soup lunch and Coffee Beverage, then to a Hobby store for Science kits, then to a couple other stores for a few more gifts.  I decided to get him a Folding table for his bedroom, so he can work on puzzles, and K'nex projects without having to worry about the dogs eating his pieces.

And then we were on our way to Parent Conferences... We learned that Veg is still having more social time lately, and that he does struggle with his backwards letters, but that Math is still his favorite thing.. (not a surprise)... Then we picked up the big guy from his class, he was quite excited to see his NeeNee.

Back home, I straightened things up a tad, and there was much relaxing (sit in one place) play time... I warned Veg about NeeNee's Knee and told him he would have to be careful with her.  And so he did... 

I don't plan for NeeNee to cook or clean while she is here as she does enough of that at her own house, however, there is ONE THING that is a must for Veg and that is NeeNee Soup.... She is not allowed to visit without making his soup.... And so she did tonight.  He ate 3 bowls!!  I was secretly happy that she made this tonight, so she doesn't have to worry the rest of the visit... Until Veg says... 

"NeeNee, this is sooo good, after I finish this pot, will you make another one"  And you know she will !!

She brought a puzzle for us to work on, as in 1500 pieces, and so we broke that out tonight... Mean Mean thing to do... thinking I will not sleep or get anything else done because of this puzzle.  But I'm glad she did.  We had some good talking, and tons of laughs...  Hubby even joined in the silly discussions....And spent some time chatting with us. 

After getting Veg to sleep it was time to get his decorations and gifts ready... Hubby helped hang the decorations that Veg made.  While NeeNee wrapped some gifts...He will be SOOO excited in the morning!!

Once everyone went off to sleep, I started baking the cupcakes... And now I'm supposed to be catching up on some work... but am typing this book instead!!!  Will be a long night!  But sooo worth it!

6 YEARS OLD

Wow, how time flies!! 

6 years ago at this very moment I was beginning Hard Labor... I was too excited to get to that point, and anxious to have it over.  Then early the following morning out popped this little angel... Hard to believe that he was ever inside my belly... How did he fit?  How did he live in there for 10 months....

 

But he did....  and the most amazing thing happened... that little 8 pound ball of smiles changed my life....People would say "you need a break"  I didn't want a break!   I wanted to spend every moment with him.  I new each would pass too quickly, I wanted to see them pass and then see the next one.  Everything I did revolved around him.  I new what each cry meant, when he needed me and when "HE" needed a break. 

Yes he cried, he pooped (way too much) and filled more diapers, blow outs and even some buggy suckers then I care to remember.  He spit up, sucked my nips more then a hungry cow sometimes for 24hrs straight.  But he smiled, and cooed, and laughed with his whole belly.  Milestone after Milestone, I watched each go by with joy.

As I was helping him walk at 4 months and watching him in the Jumpy thing at that age, people would say "Slow down, don't let him learn that yet"  or "Your letting him grow up too fast" ... Well Guess what, they do grow, and if he showed interest, then I helped him fulfill his interest.  And we learned things together, and he would have grown with or with out my help, I'm sure of that!  But our way, he grew and I watched, and we enjoyed each step together.

When I was exhausted at 3am for the 4th wake upcall, I remember telling myself... "Enjoy this, its that much more time you get to spend with him"  And I did.... The time does pass quickly... and I didn't want it pass with me being miserable, I chose to enjoy the extra time no matter how tired.

While learning and teaching baby signs, so we could communicate, people would tell me "There is no way he will ever speak"... yeah well, have you talked to my kid?  He never shuts up! 

But with the signs, he could tell me about his world before his mouth and tounge could catch up to his brain.  I remember one time on a walk, he signed to me that a Mommy Bunny was feeding her baby... I looked all over and then realized, under the bush... A Mommy and Baby bunny....  We sat and watched them together.  Something I would never have seen, but he did at his height....  I learned then to get down at his level sometimes and see what he sees.... Some days, I'd get on the floor, and watch the world go by at his level.. and it was a wonderful place.

My close friends may have heard me whine about the Hubby, but I can tell you, that I NEVER whined about wanting to spend time with my little Vegman.  There were many people, family included that thought I was a Fruit Loop for wanting to be around my child, and not wanting to get away when I had the oppurtunity....  Well heck, what else is new!  I'm a fruitloop.  But when it comes to time with my Kid..  I can look back with happiness in my heart for that time that I will never get back and know that it was time well spent.  The pictures and the memories will never be erased..

Even if he now hates me on a bad day, and only wants me around for cooking because Daddy is so much funner..... I remember those earlier times, and hope that somewhere deep in his heart he does too.

Sorry, got side tracked..... and so he grew... and grew fast...the days all ran together, the nights became days, I don't have a clue how time has passed before me so quickly, when there was a time that days seemed to not end.  But as the baby years became toddler years, I looked at my boy and gave him sooo many hugs and extra kisses... I told him that soon, he wouldn't want to have any thing to do with me, so I would take all the hugs I could gather. 

His sweet little butterfly kisses, and eskimo kisses, and slobbery cheek kisses, the biggest hugs his little arms could muster... I took every bit of it.  Probably wasn't till his attitude filled year of the 3's that I agreed, "I NEEDED A BREAK" working longer hours, parenting, etc.  Time out for dinner, or visiting friends, turned in to nice outings.... And then we had a year of bad sick bugs, migraines, infections, etc.  That was one I wish I could forget....

But then the bad years also make us who we are in the good years.  Which means I can't even complain about those...  He started school, made friends, grew some more...Had a few more tantrums, went from knowing his letters, to understanding a noun from a verb. 

And now he is SIX!!!!  So big, and so Mature.  he knows EXACTLY what he wants and how to get it.  He's way more intelligent then I am, Still has a few tantrums, and every once in a while, I get a Hug or a butterfly kiss or a "MOM I LOVE YOU" and I know even those will be leaving the nest soon, along with him as he continues to grow. 

 

I don't look at him as my Baby Boy, I look at him as a Young Man growing to his full potential, and remembering the baby boy he once was....

So tonight I must say Happy Birthday Big Guy!!  This Vegmom is a proud one... and full of a love that I didn't think possible before these 6 years entered my life.... What a blessing, and one I will treasure for all of my days!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VEG!  

DECORATING HIMSELF

Veg asked if he could cut some spirals before bed, Of course I said "sure"!  He basically takes a piece of paper and cuts circles from smaller till larger until its a giant spring looking thing.

When he was done, he took his spiral and threw it in a box.  That is when I realized there were MANY spirals in that box....

I asked what he was saving them for....  "Friday" he said....  "And Why are you saving them for Friday" I asked...

"So when you decorate my room you'll have something pretty to hang from the ceiling"

<your making your own room decorations?>

"Yes, I thought I'd be helpful"

<Well you have many spirals in there, how long have you been working on this?>

"A couple months, I want lots of decorations for my Birthday"

Hmmmm?  NOW I don't know how he thinks I'm supposed to get all those things hanging from his ceiling, but I'm thinking his Daddy will be helping this year!

WRAPPING PRESENTS

Veg said he was excited for his NeeNee coming because she can help me wrap presents.  I said

"What Presents?" 

He replied with,

"You know the ones for my Birthday!!"  So I explained that he chose to find a hotel with a pool instead and we couldn't afford presents also...

His Reply...

"Don't worry Mom, thats what Grandparents are for" 

Needless to say the boy is expecting presents..... And I couldn't let him down, after all, we decorate his room and put out his presents for when he wakes up... we have to have SOMETHING for him to wake up to!!

Therefore it seems, I will be going shopping tomorrow... Hey Nee Nee, ya wanna join me?  ha ha  I'll drive, and I'll buy.... *smile*

SLEEP - IT WAS A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME

The 1 and 3am work nights are wearing on me more then they used to and last night a headache set in. I had to sleep!!

So instead of doing all the things I had planned to do....I slept!! Knowing that meant I may have to work on my day off Thursday.

And I fell asleep without much problem. I slept well until...hubby called and woke me...and then the dog about kicked me off the bed...and then until 4am!

Where my brain said "its time to wake up, I'm thirsty and you have to pee". But could my brain just say that? NOOO...

I ended up with a dream about the marathon where I was dehydrated and couldn't find a Starbucks :-( and needed a bathroom but they were all gross and I couldn't find a clean one.

So at 4am...I'm wide awake, had a glass of water and already made my way to the bathroom..upon returning to bed I realized I had NO covers, they were on the floor! And I was using hubby's pillow because both mine were on the floor. Sheww, I must have really been running in my dream.

Maybe if I do that more often, I won't have to run while I'm awake!

In the mean time, why did I bother trying to sleep?? What's the point? Silly me!!

NO MORE WINDOW WAVES

Every day, I walk with Veg in to school, we wait in the hall till he gets ready, and then I get a special goodbye hug and a kiss on the cheek, then off he goes in to class.  At the window, there is a wave, and he won't start working until he sees me drive off.

This is the same scene for many parents, but usually stops at 5 years old, around that age, many of the kids ask to be dropped off at the sidewalk like the "older kids"... A teacher greets them and take them in, and that is it.... 

Well my Veg was not ready to give up the window wave and personally, I was happy with that decision.  I always felt a sense of security knowing he got in OK.... 

But then I got this announcement...

"When I turn 6, I don't want you to come in anymore"  

OUCH!!  I'm very happy that he has gained the confidence to give up a part of our morning routine.  I'm also a bit thrilled to gain 20 minutes of my day back.  But a little piece of me is saddened to give up the Window wave....  I will forever miss that sweet smile in the mornings....  Even when his is 10, I will look past that same window every morning with a smile on my face.

Until he turns 6 however, I have been told that I must come in every morning, and wait until he is done for the window wave....  I will do so gladly this week, knowing it is our last of this kind.... the waves, kisses and hugs will be forever plastered in my memory!!

We each take different things as milestones.... For me, waving good bye to the window waves, is a big one...  But as with all the others, it must happen.   

WATCHING HIS FOOD

I'm so proud of our Vegman... the other night at Gymnastics all the kids came running out with candy and suckers etc. for Valentine's Day.  but not Veg... I didn't see him running out...  A little nervous and a sick feeling in my stomach (thinking he was hurt in the back of the gym) I walked QUICKLY to the part of the gym that you can't see from the bleachers....

And there he was waiting patiently for a Stamp on his hand....  He said "Mom look, all the kids got candy but I told the coach it wasn't good for my body and I needed a stamp instead"

Thank you soooo much to the coach for finding Veg a special stamp for his hand... when he finally did walk out, one of the kids patted him on the back and said "You did good today, and your stamp is COOL"

Veg was so proud, and so was I. 

Its funny how some parents worry so much about their kids fitting in or feeling awkward when it comes to food issues.  When in reality, its the parents that have the worry!  The kids adjust fine in dandy!

MUD PIES

Not sure what Grandma H thought she signed up for when arriving at our house this morning, but I'm sure it wasn't this:

There was a cold rain, temperature was not ideal for playing outside, and the sun was no where to be seen.
But Veg decided today was a Great day to make Mudpies...  Something he has never done before and I have NO idea why today was a good day for them.  But in the grand scheme of my life... What Veg wants, Veg gets....  After all, who can say no to a "Pllllleeeeeeeeeaaasssse   Mom" 

And so he asks for a table, a Muffin Tin, and his Grandma... He gets dressed, puts on some rain boots, and out he went.... Grandma follows.... They were a muddy, clay filled mess... And from the muffin tin popped out these great looking Mud Pies... Or Mud Muffins I suppose.....

And there they sat???  What is one to do with this creation after it is created?  Throw them at the trees of course.... And so there was a target (knot in tree) and he threw... and threw... and threw... Then made more, and more and threw and threw... Until everyone was just a tad too cold.

Just before going in, we spotted a worm...  "Mom Mom pick it up".....  UGH!!!  "Pleeeeease"  So I picked up the creepy crawly and put it on Veg's glove... Rather then carrying him to the grass, he puts him on the driveway...  Well we all know what happens to worms on the driveway!  So I spend the next 15 minutes trying to scoop up the creepy crawly from a crack in the driveway without squashing him....

Veg felt soo bad for his error, that he dug a deep hole in the grass for the worm to live happily.....  And thankfully I was able to save the worm and take him to his new home....

This was definitely a "You know your a Mom when" moment!

A LITTLE TOO MUCH WATER

This not eating past 8pm is actually harder then I thought.... Getting the munchies after everyone goes to bed and I'm up working, or not getting home till 8:30 allows me no dinner....

So I've been drinking water.  Everytime I get hungry for a munchy snack, I'll grab some water instead.

This part seems to be working.. But last night I was so hungry, and drank so much water that I was up 1/2 the night emptying my bladder.

At 3am I was talking to myself  "Sure had you eatin' a bowl of snacks you would have packed on some calories, but at least you would be getting some sleep"

I'm expecting each day to get easier.  But we shall see!

THE BOY LIKES MATH AND CURSIVE

A few weeks ago I posted about how much my kiddo likes math just like his Uncle J, well thankfully he doesn't write as small as his uncle J and at least I can read his answers. 

Well, Veg brought a book he made home today with some of the math work from his morning lesson choices... 

First I saw an addition page and was a little caught off guard.  I'd seen him do addition many times and new he was working on the big numbers... I even heard his teacher say he was carrying now.  BUT to see his writing on paper, page after page of his handmade book, shocked me for some reason.

In case you can't read the horrible photograph, this is 4567+1732= 6299

And of course the cool montessori lines guiding the Thousands, Hundreds, Tens & Units.

 

BUT, the reason I was really shocked was that I didn't know he was doing long muliplication yet.  So I came across a page that wasn't added correctly.  I didn't think of it and went to the next page, same issue.  It was added wrong.  That is when I realized the sign was a multiplication sign and NOT a plus sign.... In that case the math problem was correct:

Again to help you read my very fuzzy photo:

1312 X 5 = 6560

 

The thing is, I know that my guy is one of millions that can do this at his age, so I'm not boasting about his ability.  And in Montessori they have golden beads to help them with this process.  But what excites me is that he enjoys it.  And enjoys it enough to make a 20 page booklet. 

The other thing he brought home in his "work" bag was a parts of the body booklet with Goldfish.  He's done at least 100 of these booklets with all types of animals, so this is nothing new.  But the newness, is that he didn't ask the teacher to write his words for him this time.  And he didn't use printed letters.  He chose to fill this booklet out himself and he used Cursive as his writing choice:

 

So exciting to watch his mind move at its own pace...  And to think, just last week I got a note that went like this:

"Veg has decided to work on his social skills this week more then accademic skills"  *hmmm, I'm thinking he gets that from his Uncle J too, but then you win some you lose some* 

RAINBOW AFTER THE RAIN

Last week we had Snow, this week we have 75 degree and sunny... And then there was yesterday, where the cold met with the warm in the valley and caused a windy sideways rainy mess....  I was nervous to leave the office and waited out the storm...

Then as I was heading to the car I saw THIS amongst the dreary skies... And I knew that it was safe to continue my journey... After all God does send rainbows to let us know the rain is ending... and it did....

Thankfully our drive went well, skies cleared and the sun came out once again.... Our house did OK also.. a few shingles, tree limbs and porch items in the yard, but nothing major!!  

I sure don't like the windy rainy mess, but I do love the site of a rainbow!!

CAKE TOP

A co-worker was talking about Muffin-top the other day... This is not the food, but the squishy fluffy part that sits out of your jeans.

Ya no, the roll.. I guess it has a name now (who new?). Called Muffin Top.

Well, I had to laugh. If that little skinny winny in my office has a muffin top to worry about, then I must have a whole cake top!!

So I read the other day that you have deduct 500 calories from your diet a day to loose a pound a week. Now I don't count calories, but I'm pretty sure dropping frozen chocolate coffee drinks would have done the trick. And it didn't.. So I started drinking them again! Ok only once or twice a week, but since everything on my body happens backwards, maybe I'll still loose that pound! "NOT!"

So my new thing is to not eat after 8:00pm. We'll see if that helps! Which is hard when some days dinner isn't even done till then. But I shall try!

All I know is that I refuse to buy bigger jeans..muffin top, cake top, or not!

ANOTHER MONTESSORI POST

At a parents meeting today, I watched some videos of the children in the Younger child's room along with what to expect in the Elementary room.

I realized there was such a difference between one and the other, so I asked how that transition works.  I mean I know he is already choosing lessons from there and will be in that class more and more as the year goes on.  But once TRULY in the Elementary class there are still more changes.

From the work they do, to the places they sit, lesson logs to be kept, and the student led government.... (Yes, between 6 and 10 years, the children are making decisions for the class)  My guy will adjust fine, I know this, but I was still curious how it all worked...  Well, I learned tonight that on his "transition day" at the end of this year, he will spend a full day in the elementary class with a Mentor. (older child) to show him what is expected.

Then next year, the younger kids will have older kid mentors for several weeks until they are fully acclimated....

Don't think I mentioned it this week, but I LOVE OUR SCHOOL!!!

MONSTER STEPS

I posted the other day about the movie Fireproof and the Love Dare  And have since wanted to post each day about our progress and each "dare" but then decided against that, as to not ruin it for people that want to give it a try.

However, I must post today about some thing really really huge!!  Our transformation from Bad to Good in our relationship was filled with "Baby Steps" according to Hubby...  "We are a work in progress", he would say "and baby steps are all you can ask for....."

Well....  I thought we were on the right track... I even created this post..Finding Love Again We had a few ups and downs since then... obviously being human (and stubborn humans at that) But then the Love Dare came along.....and baby steps turned in to Monster Steps really quick!!

I won't get in to day by day details for those that want to give it a try...  BUT!  Yesterday Hubby informed me that he deleted/removed/disposed of an Online Game that he'd been playing for at least 6 years.  Sometimes non-stop... Sometimes with headphones, sometimes hollering through a microphone... The most annoying game of all time that really made me want to throw a shoe through the screen... He must have 1000's of hours logged on that thing, because it never goes away...

And yesterday he informed me that it was GONE! 

GONE!!!  That is a HUGE MONSTER STEP!!!

MUST BE THAT MUSHY PART

While reading Veg books tonight, he ran up to me with his "Body Book" the one that says, Why do noses sneeze and our ears hear etc.  Its innocent enough....

As he's looking at the parts of the brain, heart, lungs... he suddenly says "Where is her Uterus?"

-----WHAT????????-----  Pretty sure we haven't really talked about that yet.... How did we go from Lungs to Uterus??

"Her Uterus Mom, where is it.....Where is your Uterus?"

Umm....  <What do you know about the Uterus?> 

"It was my home while in your tummy?"

<OK, so it is in my tummy> Not really wanting to have this conversation at bed time... I mean really, he's 5.  I didn't know what a Uterus was until I was pregnant at 30.. and knowing that my Veg is not happy to go to bed until his answers are satisfied, I worried this would be a looooong night!

So he wants to know what happened to my Uterus after he came out....  "Is it in my Belly button"

<No its not in your belly button>

And as always his quick little hands before I had a chance to answer, he squishes on my tummy and says...

"I know Mom, Its right there in that Mushy Part"

<Yes, exactly>

And he was happy to head off to bed.   Sheww, that was close! 

----Note to self... no more body books before bed-------

WHEN MY BODY MUST BE LAUGHING

Plan:  Get out for a jog early in the day and complete at least 7 miles

Actual: Make Valentines Cards with Veg for his class, Watch Veg work on a K'nex Farris wheel, while I complete a 200 piece puzzle (because he said so)..*smile* 

6 Loads of Laundry, A wonderful lunch with Hubby and Veg at our favorite Veggie Restaurant...  a short nap while the boys played outside (at Hubby's request... He's still fireproofing, and I'll take every bit of it).... 

And then finally, and completely, I was ready for my jog...  Hurry to get dressed before the sun goes down, and my goal is now just 3 miles due to timing.... So I start to head off...

1/2 mile from my house, my girls start flailing about.... HELLO, where did you come from... Get back in there... So I adjust my holder (discretely of course) and continue my run.... Slap, Bounce, Boing.... What the heck??  So I tuck and push and move and pull, and continue on my run...  Get to the trail where there were LOTS of people mind you since it was like 65 degrees today, and out they pop!! 

Goodness, I new I had on an old holder, but it never did this before.  I quickly realized (eventually) that the elastic had clearly been removed in the washing machine, and I mise well have had a piece of toilet paper wrapped around my chest.......

Embarrassed and uncomfortable, and slightly annoyed, along with a bladder that wanted to be emptied (all of a sudden) as if it couldn't have told me this BEFORE I left the house.... I continue my run until I arrive at the park... AH BATHROOM....  Relief in site.  I could do my potty business and fix my chest (somehow).... 

Arrive at the bathroom to find the door is locked!!  AH... A sign saying that they close at 4:30... Hello its a bathroom, those don't CLOSE!!  It's not like an attendant is on duty...  And don't they realize that there are people running the trail with bladder balloons ready to pop and chest bumps that are flailing about...

At this point I must laugh at myself, as well as think about what my body is saying to me....

"Lady, you have put on over 30 pounds, you eat constantly, you have more parts hanging then an Octopus, and more cushion then a King size Pillow.  Your closer to 40 then you are to 30, and have a bladder that will leak anything but an ounce of fluid on a good day, and you seriously expect to RUN, Jog or walk further then the Fridge... Let alone 13 miles.... Have you seriously lost your mind???" 

But with the Bathroom closed there is not much I can do except run as fast as I can, trying not to get slapped in the face by my girls, and squeezing with all my being as to not leave a puddle in my pants (because at this point I didn't need any more embarrassment)  and get back home.

Still made it almost 3 miles....and the holder made it to the trash can.... and my bladder made it to the bathroom.... Shewww!  At least my body had a good chuckle....

NO NEED FOR MONEY

Ah, our little Vegman is just too smart for his own good... Ya see, We have a ticket system here... He earns tickets (each worth a dollar) for volunteering to do extra chores around the house.  But lately he hasn't done a whole lot extra.  (of course he does his normal helpful family things, but those don't count)

However we aren't buying him anything either.  So when he wants something the response is "How many tickets have you earned"  And because there are no tickets he gets nothing.... But doesn't seem the least bit upset about this....  I finally figured out why?

He tells me the other day that he doesn't need any money or to buy anything because his Birthday is coming.....

"Don't worry Mom, I don't need any tickets because I can get everything I want from all my Granparents, with my birthday coming"

Ooooh, Stinker!  Sadly, he is correct!! 

BECAUSE I'M FIREPROOFING

So Hubby comes home with this movie Wednesday Night... I've heard about the acting (can be hard to watch)  Not to mention I don't like action type movies and thought this was truly about firemen... which I didn't want to see because that would just make me sad.

Then Hubby brought this movie home (borrowed from a coworker)  He dragged me kicking and screaming to watch it with him... Because I live under a rock, I had no idea that it was faith based or what it really was...

I just new that I DID NOT want to watch this thing.....  Until about 15 minutes in... and I saw my Guys face... I ended up watching his face more then the movie...  Turns out its a getting your marriage back on track Movie...and lets just say there were a LOT of AHA moments!!  For those of you that also may live under a rock... And yes it is faith based. 

However you don't have to be a religious person to know that if your a Butt Hole to your spouse, it may be a good idea to change the way you communicate.   For you, for them, for your kids.....And I'm not talking only about the Men....  In some marriages it can be the woman that needs some help in that department and I think in either case every married couple can relate to this movie.

Whether your the butthead (as veg would say) or your spouse is....  it is worth watching... The guy in the movie is given a book... Called the Love Dare and for 40 days is asked to do some incredible things...Well my Hubby was soo moved by the movie, that I stopped at the store last night and bought us the book. 

He's already read the first day and asked that I do this with him.  I read the first day, and on day 1, we are supposed to NOT say anything negative to each other.  Wowsers, that simple little thing is harder then you think... and the two of us spent a lot of time smirking at lunch not saying what was on our mind, made us laugh instead. 

And why was I at lunch?... Cuz my Hubs, showed up in the parking lot at work and called me saying he was there... But I was in a meeting... "I'll wait for you" he said... And he did, in the parking lot for an hour he waited for me.... Just so he could take me to lunch. 

When I asked "Why"... he said because he is Fireproofing!  *smile*  I do love this guy!! 

Here is a link to the book and sample:  http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/lovedare/book.html#moreinfo scroll down to the "introduction" and then read Day 1.....  I dare you to stop there!!

 

DOG AND THE SNOW

My terrier mutt LOVES the snow. He'd stay out catching snow balls all day if his body didn't turn beat red and frost bight didn't kick in.

He doesn't have a lot of fur. So the cold temps are not good to him. Well the other day he got mad at me becuase I wouldn't play outside with him any longer, and before walking in the house HE MADE SOME YELLOW SNOW on the deck right outside the door!! He's my sensitive child! Very emotional..

Now my Old girl Mutt that can barely walk as is but is covered with TONS of fur, can't STAND the cold.. She can't stand the snow and would hibernate for the winter if she could... Will REFUSE to go outside. She won't go in the house and wouldn't dare go on the deck unless she was sick.

And so she paces!! And whines and shakes...well she finally went down the deck stairs and slid on the ice... Needless to say she would NOT go out after that. So yesterday morning I opened the door downstairs to make it easier for her to get out.. This worked well... Till the duefus didn't come back in the same door?? NOooo, she climbed the stairs to the deck..while I'm downstairs holding the door and calling her name, while freezing my buns off (although that wouldn't be such a bad thing)

And she slid on the ice again! Now, not wanting to go out any door!! Seriously she stands there shaking by the door as if she was being tortured.

Insert Hubby to story!! He was home before me last night and was getting quite angry with the dog as he is chasing her around trying to get her to go outside... I'm picturing them running in circles.. Too funny...

And then to my surprise, hubby tells me he "had a moment". Realized how hard it must be for her on the ice and so old. And how he would feel when he was older if someone treated him that way.. "WOW?"

So he went out with some garden tool and chipped the ice off of EVERY step. And made an ice free path at the top and bottom of the deck.. And now the pretty girl mutt is going out with ease! This morning went much smoother.

AWWW.. Hubby really loves the dogs, he just doesn't know it...(Shhh..don't tell him I said so either)

WHAT DOES SHE USE PART 3

So YES, I went a little crazy with the homeopathic stuff.. But once I saw it working, I couldn't help my self... 

Because of the cost involved, I decided every couple weeks, I'd buy one more, so eventually I would be stocked for all common ailments....

The fun part is now Veg will actually tell me if he needs a "remedy" and which he feels like.... You'll also notice a Bug Bite Dark Chocolate Square in our Non-Medicine Cabinet. 

We have discovered thanks to a local Mom, that by Veg eating a piece of Dark Chocolate at the first sign of a Migraine, the Migraine goes away!!!  The other option is Coffee, but I'm using the chocolate as long as its working.  And if he doesn't outgrow it, then he'll probably have to switch to coffee at some point..  He'll also ask for the Headache Remedy now or Tummy one depending on where the migraine settled.  The last two went away in 20 minutes with no Vomitting!  WooHoo!!!

Thankfully Kroger put all their Bug Bites on Clearance, so I stocked up and have a cup full of them in our Non-Medicine cabinet instead of the snack drawer.  They are for Migraines ONLY!!  that way we dont' run out when needed.

My current favorite is the SNIFFLES... My sinuses are acting up again and that is keeping them draining...6 drops in the morning and I'm clear head all day.

And as always the Garlic Willow Oil...  Add to that, our cabinet is always stocked these days with Echinacea/Goldenseal Drops, Elderberry, Garlic (vegan capsules of course), Oregano.... 

Ah the list goes on!!   And Over the counter or Prescription Meds are no where to be found!!  (except in the basement bathroom where all our old stuff got stockpiled.. until they expire... I'm never sure how to properly dispose of that stuff...  Besides visitors sometimes need something and don't necessarily want to dabble in plants)

AND HE WONDERS WHY I GIVE THE LOOK

I got a call today from Hubby that went like this:

"Hi"
<Hey>
"Don't be surprised when you see my arm, I got a little scratch"
<What kind of little scratch?>
"A big little scratch"

<What did you do?>

"Well, you know that hill behind my work?"

<YES>

"I was showing the guys what a good sled hill it could be, but the sled stopped on the Ashphalt, and my Body kept going"

<OUCH>

"Yeah, good thing I had my watch on because it protected my wrist from breaking"

.... Yeah!  Good thing......

The poor watch!  Lets just say, its CRACKED!  And as for his arm...  Ummmm...  He called it a little Rasberry... I'd say its more like a Watermelon! 

Goofball.....  Note to self!  DON'T DO THAT!!

So I asked what the guys thought of the sled hill......HA!  Lets just say NONE of them went down it!

And he wonders why I give the look! 

SNOW KEEPS FALLING

It didn't stop... Its a REAL SNOW!!!  Look Look.. enough for a fort even!!  Veg got his first fort!

 

And his Fort has to have windows:

     

Mr. Snow Man, Is just a little goofy!!  But its original and Veg was Proud!

STILL SNOWING

Look!!  Real Snow!

REAL SNOW

The biggest snow flake I've ever seen.... It's not just a flurry people... Its the Real Thing!!

So it may only last 5 minutes, but still, thats a big SNOWFLAKE!!!

1/2 MARATHON TRAINING - 6 MILES + 2.5

My plan today was to walk 1.3 miles to the trail head, then run the 2 mile trail 3 times.... This way if I totally flopped, I could walk home and get the extra 1.3 miles....I actually succeeded.... I walked 1.3 and then ran (as in jogged, very slowly) 6 miles non-stop.. then walked the 1.3 back home.  For a total of 8.5 miles. 

This means I'm only 5 miles away from really finishing the 1/2 marathon... I'm more then 1/2 way there with less then 2 months to go.  I think I can do this... If I can just continue to do stuff during the week...   Finding time and staying motivated is quite difficult these days.. Then we also have funny weather patterns (snow predicted again) and those sick bugs that pass through this time of year...

I pushed my self to run the full 6 miles today because a co-worker did it yesterday.  She is using a schedule that I should be using but I don't stick to.  She started over two months later then me and is already up to 6 miles... Well POO if she can do it, so can I.... Never mind that she is at least 10 years and 50 pounds lighter then me... But HA!  I've given birth...

They say the only thing harder then a marathon is giving birth naturally... And I did that!  I have the completion certificate and everything.....So surely I can do this?? 

Watching these young whipper snappers on the trail running past me... Their bones aren't even fully developed, and the Oldies But Goodies running past me....  who knows about their bones... And then there is ME!  With the chub and the desire....  And a Promise made that I will not break... I am a MOM on a mission!!

And you don't mess with a Mom on a Mission!!