Since Patrick's birthday party I have had even more to be thankful for.
1) I had a really great time with the boys at Patrick's "friends party". Patrick had a great time with his cousins and made a new friend in the Pastor's son. It was really nice to see how much my son has grown and changed in these all-too-short 13 years.
2) Darren was able to find a dentist to extract his broken, icky tooth that has been troubling him for quite some time AND did not cost an arm and a leg, as well :) Darren's teeth are not that good and he's needed some dental work for awhile. We haven't had any kind of insurance to cover the cost. He had one tooth that was really bad. It's been causing him pain and he's been suffering through. Finally it got too much and he also wanted to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. He found a dentist that would be able to schedule him in the week before Thanksgiving, so he made the appointment and got it done. He has been much more pleasant since then ;o)
3) My nephew, niece & her boyfriend safely made the trip from southern Idaho to our home and were able to spend the week with us. They thought they wouldn't be able to come until Wednesday and they planned to stay through the weekend. Then her boyfriend ended up being scheduled to work over the weekend. So, they thought they'd have to cancel -- it's too far to drive to only be able to stay for 2 days. We talked about it and they were able to change things around to come at the beginning of the week.
The kids were SO excited to see them come through the door. Even our old dog, Holi, was happy to see them. She came over and pushed up against them, whining and begging to be pet. It was really quite cute.
4) My daddy had a safe drive to Boise and a safe flight into Portland to spend Patrick's birthday & holiday with us. This was the big birthday present for Patrick. I had kept the secret from him, so he had no idea Grampa was coming.
I had told Patrick that I had to go to Portland to pick up Darren's aunt & uncle. Since he didn't have school that day & it was his birthday, I asked him if he'd like to ride along, that we could stop and get breakfast and spend some time together for his birthday.
We got a late start (on purpose) so didn't stop for breakfast on the way. I told him we'd grab something small after we picked up Kim & Karl, then go out to breakfast afterwords. About the time the plane was to land Patrick and I headed back to the car (I'd parked in the short term parking so I could pick up something I'd seen previously at the gift shop) When we got in the car the phone rang. It was my dad saying he was at the pick-up area. Patrick overheard the call and said he thought it was grampa because he'd heard grampa say "See you in a minute baby". I said, "No, it was Karl and he'd said 'See you in a minute, Kate'" Then I started the waterworks and said how sad I was to not be able to spend the holidays with my dad and so on. It really got to Patrick and he gave me a hug and said he was sorry. So we went to the pick-up area and dad wasn't there. I got out of the car and called him. He was at the departure doors, I was below at the arrival doors. He said he'd take the elevator and be right down. So I got back in the car and told Patrick to watch one set of doors and I'd watch the other. Next thing I know, Patrick says, "Hey mom, there's a guy that looks like grampa!" I said, "No way! Where?" He then says, "Right there! Oh!!! It is Grampa!" and he jumped out of the car and ran over and gave grampa a HUGE hug! It was such a perfect surprise!
Later that night we had cake & icecream. I'll have to post pictures of the cake. It turned out pretty cool if I do say so myself! :) Patrick got a Bible, paintball gun with paintballs and accessories, a bag of frozen peas (an inside joke), a new suit, and a pass for snowboarding.
5) I was able to get some extra time off of work to spend with my family. What more can I say? Although I was technically off, I am on call 24 hours. I received a phone call while we were at the mall. It was someone requesting some work. I bid the job and got it! Another work related thing to be thankful for!
6) My niece is planning on getting married next winter. We found all of the dresses and were able to put the wedding gown on layaway. She tried it on and looked absolutely beautiful!
7) My family that came to visit all made it back to southern Idaho safely. A HUGE thanks for that!
8) Our old dog got hit by a car this afternoon. The guy that hit her stopped and said how sorry he was and that he couldn't believe he hadn't killed her. I had to take her to the emergency vet clinic- she was clearly hurt. It turns out that she has no internal injuries, however, her ankle joint is completely shattered - a compound fracture and there are abrasions to her skin. They bandaged her up and we were able to bring her home. I am thankful she is still alive (we've had her for 8 years) and I am thankful that I had a credit card to put the charges on (there's no other way I'd have been able to pay the $400+ cost or the costs we will incur). There will be further costs tomorrow when we take her to the regular vet to have her ankle actually looked at and decide how to proceed with treatment.
9) I am thankful, also, for my faith so that I don't have to cause myself unneeded worry about where the money is going to come from to pay the credit card bill (or the heat bill, electric bill, groceries and other bills). I will put my trust in my God that things will somehow work out and that the money will come for me to be able to pay for it all.
There are so many things we could be sad, angry or upset about. Parents who weren't as perfect as we thought they should be, the painful childhood, friends who didn't support us as we believe we'd have supported them, family who disappointed or let us down, jobs we lost, the spouse that broke our heart. So many things to be unhappy about. However, there are so many more things to be thankful for; parents who we can love in spite of their faults because that's how they love us, the pain that made us strong, friends who do the best they can because, really, what more can we ask for? Family who is as diverse and as normal as the rest of the people in this crazy world but love us just as we are, warts and all because we are all part of a family. Jobs we didn't get and jobs we did, the heart that learned to love by being unloved -- so very, very, very many more things, - the sun that warms us, the rain that gives us water, the snow that blankets the buried seeds, the wind that spreads the scents of nature... The amazing and wonderful God that created it all in perfection.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Happy to you!
Friday Patrick had 3 of his cousins and a friend from church come over to celebrate his birthday. I took 5 of the 6 boys (Patrick, Aaron, Loren, Morgan & Chris ) to Bullwinkle's in Wilsonville. Corin, the 6th boy, met us there. I bought the "All-Night-Birthday Party-Bash, which includes a 1-hour all-you-can-eat pizza & soft drinks, and unlimited go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats and mini-golf.
I was a bit concerned - one adult among 6 boys, but it turned out really good. I smiled so much watching those boys enjoy themselves, my face still hurt the next day. Aaron was a bit short for the go-karts, so I asked if they'd let me drive for him. The guys working there were really nice and let me, even though I hadn't bought tickets for myself. Aaron really enjoyed it and so did I. I had never driven a go-kart before. It was raining almost the whole night and the activities, with the exception of the laser tag, were all outside. Thankfully it wasn't a heavy rain and not too terribly cold. When it was our turn for the go-karts, I gave my coat to one of the boys who didn't have one. I was wearing a vest, too, so only my arms got cold, which was ok. With the rain on the track it made the driving even more exciting; lots of skidding/sliding around corners and all. Mini-golf ended up with a few extra "water hazards" which were fun to watch the boys play through. Watching them on the bumper boats was fun, too, but the boats didn't go very fast so they got bored with that pretty quickly.
Near the end of the night the boys decided they wanted to play some of the arcade games that they had there. So, I bought a bunch of tokens and off they went again!
It was a really nice night for me, seeing my "baby" as a more mature young man. Patrick had fun with his cousins and made a good friend in Corin. The age range of boys was essentially 8, 10, 12, 13 & 14, but they all played and had a fun time together. Even the ride home was pleasant.
Patrick's birthday isn't until Tuesday. I still can't believe it's been 13 years ago that my mom and I were walking and walking all around old-town Pocatello during the Cottages & Cranberries celebration hoping to get my labor started. So much has happened and changed since then. It doesn't seem that long ago, and yet, sometimes it seems a lifetime. I thank God every day for my precious son...who not only changed my life, but saved it.
I was a bit concerned - one adult among 6 boys, but it turned out really good. I smiled so much watching those boys enjoy themselves, my face still hurt the next day. Aaron was a bit short for the go-karts, so I asked if they'd let me drive for him. The guys working there were really nice and let me, even though I hadn't bought tickets for myself. Aaron really enjoyed it and so did I. I had never driven a go-kart before. It was raining almost the whole night and the activities, with the exception of the laser tag, were all outside. Thankfully it wasn't a heavy rain and not too terribly cold. When it was our turn for the go-karts, I gave my coat to one of the boys who didn't have one. I was wearing a vest, too, so only my arms got cold, which was ok. With the rain on the track it made the driving even more exciting; lots of skidding/sliding around corners and all. Mini-golf ended up with a few extra "water hazards" which were fun to watch the boys play through. Watching them on the bumper boats was fun, too, but the boats didn't go very fast so they got bored with that pretty quickly.
Near the end of the night the boys decided they wanted to play some of the arcade games that they had there. So, I bought a bunch of tokens and off they went again!
It was a really nice night for me, seeing my "baby" as a more mature young man. Patrick had fun with his cousins and made a good friend in Corin. The age range of boys was essentially 8, 10, 12, 13 & 14, but they all played and had a fun time together. Even the ride home was pleasant.
Patrick's birthday isn't until Tuesday. I still can't believe it's been 13 years ago that my mom and I were walking and walking all around old-town Pocatello during the Cottages & Cranberries celebration hoping to get my labor started. So much has happened and changed since then. It doesn't seem that long ago, and yet, sometimes it seems a lifetime. I thank God every day for my precious son...who not only changed my life, but saved it.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Time sure flies...
...when you have 3 kids! ha ha
I've been away for awhile, as you well know. So, here is a quick update.
Darren's business is going well. He has lots of orders and is very, very busy trying to fill them. It's a bit of a challenge when he has to wait on others for some of the parts, but overall he's been able to keep his customers happy. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but he was featured in a national magazine. They gave him a 3-full page write up! Recently he was offered an opportunity to go somewhere down south to be on a sportsman TV show. They are thinking the taping will be sometime in the spring. That is REALLY exciting! He's been having problems getting one of his machines up and running. I guess the manufacturer figured if someone bought the machine they'd already know how to work all the bells and whistles. Anyway, he finally found the complete tutorial and is just about ready to start production with it. That will save a lot of time and money - being able to make more of our own parts.
The kids...Patrick is in band. He's still playing the trumpet in Symphonic and Jazz band and is learning the alto saxophone in Cadet band. He is singing in the church choir with the Rejoice singers. He also started shooting at the local Jr. Rifle Club -- Precision Target Shooting. He's not sure if he likes it yet. It is a lot of technical stuff and not as easy as you'd think. I am pretty sure he will really enjoy it once he gets used to the different style of shooting. Then it will be more fun and he'll be able to go to tournaments all over the north west. He really is quite good.
Em is also in band. She is learning the French Horn in the 5th grade band. She sings in the school choir. She is doing really well in school. Em has also decided she wants to be a girl. She used to be a real home-body; rarely wanting to go much of anywhere and never wanting to go shopping. Now, she actually ASKS to go shopping and I am the one saying, "Are you ready to go home YET?"
Aaron, well, what can I say. He's almost 8 years old. I can't believe it. He isn't doing anything extra-curricular yet. He enjoys playing with his hot wheels and so far, he still likes to snuggle with me on the couch. Although, he has to make sure to give me a kiss BEFORE the bus comes into sight. He cannot have the bus driver see him give me a hug or kiss!
Me. Well, I did get a job. It's not what I want to do forever, but it is a good learning opportunity. And I am very thankful for it. I still get the flexibility I need for the kids, like being able to call in when they are sick, without having it go against me. I'm not too sure it will get my student loans paid off, I may still have to look for something better when they come due again, but for now, it's pretty good. There are some other pretty stressful things going on, but I try not to worry about it too much. Worrying doesn't solve anything and it just makes you and everyone around you miserable, too, so...I just keep my faith and pray about it and remain confident that things will work out just the way they should, when they should. I'm still going to the gym, not as much as I should, but some is better than none. I have a hard time finding time, and I don't like going alone, but whenever I do go, I feel MUCH better.
I've started some holiday shopping. One set of gifts I have to get into the mail this week. I'm not sure if I'll be doing any more gift-shipping in the future. It depends on how this one goes. For my other out-of-town stuff, my niece and dad are coming for Thanksgiving. I'm not sure if I'll send their gifts home with them, or send them with the kids when they go to their dad's for Christmas break. I won't get to spend any of the Christmas holiday with them this year. They get out of school on a Friday afternoon and have to be on a plane first thing Saturday morning. Then they don't come home until Sunday - with school resuming Monday. I wish I could be like other parents and just refuse to put them on the plane...keep the kids to myself where I know they are safe and happy. But, they are his kids, too, and as much as I hate to see them go, it's only for a few days...So I put on my happy face and tell them we'll have Christmas when they get home. That Santa won't forget them and their gifts will be waiting.
We have a new dog. Darren's dog, Jenny, died last year. He was finally ready to have a new dog, so... She's a black lab mix. They say she's about 7 or 8 months old. Her name was Ellie - but we call her Spaz! She is w.i.l.d.!! Previous owners never taught her any manners. She knows "sit" and that's about it. She tries to jump up on you, which is really bad with kids. She's hurt Aaron a couple of times, bowling him over. She doesn't stay for long and doesn't come to her name. We've had her a couple of weeks and she is getting much better, but definitely will take a LOT more work! She is really smart, though, and really wants to please, so I am hopeful.
So, that's about it, I suppose. We live a pretty dull life. I guess that's better than always being on the run and not having time to catch your breath. I really can't complain. Well...I guess I could, but honestly, what good would it do? :D
Until next time...
I've been away for awhile, as you well know. So, here is a quick update.
Darren's business is going well. He has lots of orders and is very, very busy trying to fill them. It's a bit of a challenge when he has to wait on others for some of the parts, but overall he's been able to keep his customers happy. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but he was featured in a national magazine. They gave him a 3-full page write up! Recently he was offered an opportunity to go somewhere down south to be on a sportsman TV show. They are thinking the taping will be sometime in the spring. That is REALLY exciting! He's been having problems getting one of his machines up and running. I guess the manufacturer figured if someone bought the machine they'd already know how to work all the bells and whistles. Anyway, he finally found the complete tutorial and is just about ready to start production with it. That will save a lot of time and money - being able to make more of our own parts.
The kids...Patrick is in band. He's still playing the trumpet in Symphonic and Jazz band and is learning the alto saxophone in Cadet band. He is singing in the church choir with the Rejoice singers. He also started shooting at the local Jr. Rifle Club -- Precision Target Shooting. He's not sure if he likes it yet. It is a lot of technical stuff and not as easy as you'd think. I am pretty sure he will really enjoy it once he gets used to the different style of shooting. Then it will be more fun and he'll be able to go to tournaments all over the north west. He really is quite good.
Em is also in band. She is learning the French Horn in the 5th grade band. She sings in the school choir. She is doing really well in school. Em has also decided she wants to be a girl. She used to be a real home-body; rarely wanting to go much of anywhere and never wanting to go shopping. Now, she actually ASKS to go shopping and I am the one saying, "Are you ready to go home YET?"
Aaron, well, what can I say. He's almost 8 years old. I can't believe it. He isn't doing anything extra-curricular yet. He enjoys playing with his hot wheels and so far, he still likes to snuggle with me on the couch. Although, he has to make sure to give me a kiss BEFORE the bus comes into sight. He cannot have the bus driver see him give me a hug or kiss!
Me. Well, I did get a job. It's not what I want to do forever, but it is a good learning opportunity. And I am very thankful for it. I still get the flexibility I need for the kids, like being able to call in when they are sick, without having it go against me. I'm not too sure it will get my student loans paid off, I may still have to look for something better when they come due again, but for now, it's pretty good. There are some other pretty stressful things going on, but I try not to worry about it too much. Worrying doesn't solve anything and it just makes you and everyone around you miserable, too, so...I just keep my faith and pray about it and remain confident that things will work out just the way they should, when they should. I'm still going to the gym, not as much as I should, but some is better than none. I have a hard time finding time, and I don't like going alone, but whenever I do go, I feel MUCH better.
I've started some holiday shopping. One set of gifts I have to get into the mail this week. I'm not sure if I'll be doing any more gift-shipping in the future. It depends on how this one goes. For my other out-of-town stuff, my niece and dad are coming for Thanksgiving. I'm not sure if I'll send their gifts home with them, or send them with the kids when they go to their dad's for Christmas break. I won't get to spend any of the Christmas holiday with them this year. They get out of school on a Friday afternoon and have to be on a plane first thing Saturday morning. Then they don't come home until Sunday - with school resuming Monday. I wish I could be like other parents and just refuse to put them on the plane...keep the kids to myself where I know they are safe and happy. But, they are his kids, too, and as much as I hate to see them go, it's only for a few days...So I put on my happy face and tell them we'll have Christmas when they get home. That Santa won't forget them and their gifts will be waiting.
We have a new dog. Darren's dog, Jenny, died last year. He was finally ready to have a new dog, so... She's a black lab mix. They say she's about 7 or 8 months old. Her name was Ellie - but we call her Spaz! She is w.i.l.d.!! Previous owners never taught her any manners. She knows "sit" and that's about it. She tries to jump up on you, which is really bad with kids. She's hurt Aaron a couple of times, bowling him over. She doesn't stay for long and doesn't come to her name. We've had her a couple of weeks and she is getting much better, but definitely will take a LOT more work! She is really smart, though, and really wants to please, so I am hopeful.
So, that's about it, I suppose. We live a pretty dull life. I guess that's better than always being on the run and not having time to catch your breath. I really can't complain. Well...I guess I could, but honestly, what good would it do? :D
Until next time...
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