Wow. It's been a long time since I've written in this space.
Last weekend, Sammy, Evan, and I went to a family reunion for my Dad's side of the family. We had a GREAT time! I don't get to see my family nearly as often as I would like to, especially my cousins now that we all have families. While I was there, I talked to one of my favorite people, my Aunt Joyce. She reminded me to write some new posts here, so here I am! (Hi Aunt Joyce!!) It was nice to be reminded by family that people still check in here, and that this is still a good way to keep in touch.
So what's new?
We've had a wonderful summer. So wonderful in fact it has prompted Jeff and I to consider whether it is time to make some changes in our work situation for our family. I love my job. I love teaching. I have always, ALWAYS felt that I was called by God to be a teacher, and that He gave me certain gifts to help me accomplish a mission he had in mind for me in the classroom. The hard part of teaching is that it absolutely is NOT a 9-5 job. I spend hours after work and on the weekends creating learning materials, grading, lesson planning, etc. This is easier said than done when you have three kids, and you are a wife. Although I feel that teaching is a calling for me, I also feel that being a wife and a Mom is a God sent calling, one that takes the highest priority.
This summer, as I had time to relax, enjoy my kids, and actually get things done around my house, we came to some conclusions. The first was that other people's kids always get my best. That's tough for me to think about. I want my best to go to my own children, especially when two of my kids are very high needs. Secondly, I realized that I am never able to do anything really to the best of my ability, because I don't have time. Being split in so many different directions is not allowing me to get anything done well. I also discovered how much stress I am carrying around with me during the school year, and how much that is affecting my marriage and my kids.
Sooooo, we have been toying around with the idea of me staying home next year. I have reservations about both sides of the decision, but I truly feel that we are being called to consider this as the next stage for our family. If things can come together financially, we will see how it goes. We are going to be thinking and praying hard about this during the school year.
Evan is getting ready to start his 8th grade year. Junior high is never a super enjoyable time for anyone, but last year was especially hard for Evan. As he works through the upper grades, his learning disabilities are really making things awful. We made the decision that he needs to go to a public high school to receive the appropriate special education help. It was a hard realization to come to. I really wanted him to be able to have the private high school experience, but I know in my gut it isn't the right place for him. Hopefully this year is a bit better.
Charlie is giving me a run for my money. I love him to pieces, and he can have a heart of gold, but he is also very stubborn and willful. He is still having massive temper tantrums, and we have been going to therapy for about a year. I am not seeing any major improvements yet, but they always have good suggestions for us to try, and that gives me hope. Luckily, he is an angel at school, and he is incredibly smart, so at least part of the parenting job with him is easy.
God bless Sammy. He is a ray of sunshine in our family. Always happy, always smiling, always giving hugs. Hardly ever needs redirection or discipline. I think God knew I had my hands full and needed a sweet pea. He is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks, and that makes me sad. They grow so fast. As all mothers do, I long for time to slow waaaaaaaaaaaaaay down so I have longer to enjoy my babies and my family.
Jeff and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on July 22nd. I am crazy in love with that guy. We get better at marriage every year, and it gets to be more and more fun all the time. It really surprised me when I got married how much work marriage is. Work that is worth it, but hard as well. My parents were so good at marriage they made it look easy. Maybe someday Jeff and I will give that impression as well. In the meantime, I am super blessed to have a husband who balances me, believes in me, puts up with me, and supports my dreams. He was definitely worth the wait!
And me? I am feeling better about myself than I have in a long time. Last November, I went to my doctor, very frustrated with how I was getting nowhere with my health goals, despite healthy eating and exercise. He did a lot of tests, and determined that my weight struggles were related to my issues with insulin resistance. He put me on a low carb diet, and for the first time in my life, the weight began to melt away. It was such a relief to begin to see the me I knew was in there in the mirror again. Since then, I have lost a total of 45 pounds. I have been feeling so much better physically, I have been able to go back to running in full force. I've been able to get in a total of 12-15 miles a week, which for me as a busy Mom is GREAT. My runs are great "me" time, where I can destress, think, and get healthy. I love looking better and feeling better, but most of all I love feeling more confident about my overall health. When my Dad died at only 58, my cardiologist told me I was in a very high risk group for also dying early of a heart attack. I do NOT want to leave my family one minute earlier than I absolutely have to. I can at least rest easier knowing that I am doing my best to improve my odds. Thank goodness for my patient doctor who has been willing to do research and stick with me.
Now that it is August, I have been working my tootie off on my classroom. I am trying to work up some excitement for the coming school year. That usually comes more for me in October, once the students and I have settled in. August is a rush to get everything done. I always wish I could fast forward through the first few weeks.
I know I've said this before, but I am going to try and get back to this space on the web more regularly. I always feel better when I do. I am hoping to post some pictures this weekend.
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Friday, August 03, 2012
Friday, July 08, 2011
Birthday Fun
I had a great day yesterday...I couldn't ask for a better birthday. We made progress on the patio:
I got three walls painted with a double coat in Charlie and Sammy's room, and (miracle of miracles!) my dryer is fixed and working. I also got to spend time with my family, which is the best gift of all. My Mom took Charlie and Sammy to a movie in the afternoon to keep them out of the paint in their bedroom, so I got to visit with her for awhile. For dinner, I made all my favorites (totally unhealthy): fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and homemade rolls.
I love making a feast for my crew. It was a fun dinner. Jeff brought home an ice cream cake, so we had a great desert as well!
Not a bad start to 34.
I got three walls painted with a double coat in Charlie and Sammy's room, and (miracle of miracles!) my dryer is fixed and working. I also got to spend time with my family, which is the best gift of all. My Mom took Charlie and Sammy to a movie in the afternoon to keep them out of the paint in their bedroom, so I got to visit with her for awhile. For dinner, I made all my favorites (totally unhealthy): fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and homemade rolls.
I love making a feast for my crew. It was a fun dinner. Jeff brought home an ice cream cake, so we had a great desert as well!
Not a bad start to 34.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Today is my Birthday!
One of my favorite parts about me is that my birthday is 7-7-77. There just isn't a cooler birthday. My Mom wanted me to be born on the 4th of July. Not me! I LOVE my birthday date.
I am celebrating today with home improvement projects. A repair man is coming to repair the dryer (thank the Lord!!!), men are digging out my patio in the backyard as we speak, and I am painting the boys room.
I am going to make some time in the afternoon to make myself a fried chicken dinner...mmmmm! Hopefully tonight, there will also be time for a glass of wine, and maybe an episode of Big Love (I have become addicted to this silly show!)
Here's to a great year of being 34!
I am celebrating today with home improvement projects. A repair man is coming to repair the dryer (thank the Lord!!!), men are digging out my patio in the backyard as we speak, and I am painting the boys room.
I am going to make some time in the afternoon to make myself a fried chicken dinner...mmmmm! Hopefully tonight, there will also be time for a glass of wine, and maybe an episode of Big Love (I have become addicted to this silly show!)
Here's to a great year of being 34!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Good Bye 2010
I have very mixed feelings about the departure of 2010. It was far and above the WORST year of my life. It did bring the arrival of my nephew Grant, but this was it's only redeeming quality. August 2010 included my Dad's disastrous surgery. The next 8 weeks held a miserable struggle for him as he worked to heal and recover. (Although it was so hard to watch him be so uncomfortable and in pain, I will be forever thankful for this extra time I had to tell him how much I loved him.) And of course, September brought his death, an event I don't know if I will ever really recover from.
For these reasons I am not sorry to see 2010 go. 2011 has to be better, right?
On the other hand, this is the last year that held my Dad's presence in my life in a physical way. I am so scared to leave that behind and face a whole year without him.
I spent some time this morning looking back at my 2010 goals that I set back on January 1st. They included home sanctuary, health, and relationships. I am going to stick with these again this year, as I don't feel like I did a very good job at most of it. Sanctuary is definitely the hardest for me. This year brought a change in schedule for us, as all three boys became old enough to become involved in activities. Although I limited the boys to one activity each, it still made our evenings after school crazy! This has made for my most difficult year trying to balance work, family time, and household tasks. It left me with precious little time for working to make our home a clean and relaxing space. This is a whole post in itself, but I really feel sometimes that women got a raw deal from the feminist movement of the 60s. Sure we can have better paying jobs, but this created an economic situation where most women need to have jobs to support their families. Now we have full time jobs on top of all the responsibilities that women have always had....raising the kids and managing the household. It's like having three or four full time jobs at once. And I am standing here in front of you admitting I am not very good at handling and balancing all of that.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. I am going to keep trying in 2011 to achieve balance, and find time to create sanctuary.
I learned a lot in the relationship area this year. I learned you never know when you won't get to see someone again. I told my Dad in his birthday card that our experience with his surgery taught me to never waste an opportunity to say I love you, to give a hug, or to appreciate. I am going to work hard to never forget this, and carry this forward into 2011 and beyond.
Health also took on a new perspective as my siblings and I all realized the genetic woes that are stacked against us. I found out I am in a dangerously high risk group for heart attack with my high cholesterol problems and genetic history. I got a treadmill, and changed my diet even further. I finally, finally, finally lost 10 pounds. I am hoping for more in the coming year.
I'm going to keep plugging away at these goals this year, and I'm going to forgive myself for not being perfect at achieving them last year. I am working every day to remember it's okay to be human and not super woman.
I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year's Eve tonight, and more importantly a wonderful 2011! Thanks for spending some of your time (which I know is precious!) to be with me here at The Sole Woman. You are part of what makes the adventure fun for me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
For these reasons I am not sorry to see 2010 go. 2011 has to be better, right?
On the other hand, this is the last year that held my Dad's presence in my life in a physical way. I am so scared to leave that behind and face a whole year without him.
I spent some time this morning looking back at my 2010 goals that I set back on January 1st. They included home sanctuary, health, and relationships. I am going to stick with these again this year, as I don't feel like I did a very good job at most of it. Sanctuary is definitely the hardest for me. This year brought a change in schedule for us, as all three boys became old enough to become involved in activities. Although I limited the boys to one activity each, it still made our evenings after school crazy! This has made for my most difficult year trying to balance work, family time, and household tasks. It left me with precious little time for working to make our home a clean and relaxing space. This is a whole post in itself, but I really feel sometimes that women got a raw deal from the feminist movement of the 60s. Sure we can have better paying jobs, but this created an economic situation where most women need to have jobs to support their families. Now we have full time jobs on top of all the responsibilities that women have always had....raising the kids and managing the household. It's like having three or four full time jobs at once. And I am standing here in front of you admitting I am not very good at handling and balancing all of that.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. I am going to keep trying in 2011 to achieve balance, and find time to create sanctuary.
I learned a lot in the relationship area this year. I learned you never know when you won't get to see someone again. I told my Dad in his birthday card that our experience with his surgery taught me to never waste an opportunity to say I love you, to give a hug, or to appreciate. I am going to work hard to never forget this, and carry this forward into 2011 and beyond.
Health also took on a new perspective as my siblings and I all realized the genetic woes that are stacked against us. I found out I am in a dangerously high risk group for heart attack with my high cholesterol problems and genetic history. I got a treadmill, and changed my diet even further. I finally, finally, finally lost 10 pounds. I am hoping for more in the coming year.
I'm going to keep plugging away at these goals this year, and I'm going to forgive myself for not being perfect at achieving them last year. I am working every day to remember it's okay to be human and not super woman.
I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year's Eve tonight, and more importantly a wonderful 2011! Thanks for spending some of your time (which I know is precious!) to be with me here at The Sole Woman. You are part of what makes the adventure fun for me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Attitude Adjustment
I am in need of a serious attitude adjustment.
Tax season is always a struggle for me as a wife. Intellectually, I know this is a time when I can really step up to the plate and show Jeff my love and support. I should be doing my best to make our home a place of sanctuary, to take care of the kids, and to offer him a positive shoulder to lean on when he is tired from working long hours.
Emotionally though, all I can seem to do lately is pity myself. I think grumpy thoughts about having to work a full time job, always be in charge of the house and the kids, and on and on. I find my brain running through this litany of complaints over and over again as I go through my daily tasks and by the time Jeff comes home I am like Mount Vesuvias. Poor guy. He just wants a warm meal and a friendly face, and instead he comes home to me. Grouchy Selfish Wife.
I need to keep joy front and center in my attitude. I am lucky to be wife to this man who works so hard to support us. I am lucky to have three beautiful boys to care for, and a home to call our own. I know these things. I know I need to be joyful. But how?
I so wish I was better at looking outside of myself and focusing on others. I wish I was better at being a joyful mother and wife. It's the best thing for my family. I am going to start by praying for Jeff, and my kids. I find it is a lot harder to be mad at someone you are praying intently for. You'll be able to find me in the next few weeks cleaning the bathrooms and fervently muttering prayers at the same time.
Here's hoping I can turn myself around. My family deserves it.
Tax season is always a struggle for me as a wife. Intellectually, I know this is a time when I can really step up to the plate and show Jeff my love and support. I should be doing my best to make our home a place of sanctuary, to take care of the kids, and to offer him a positive shoulder to lean on when he is tired from working long hours.
Emotionally though, all I can seem to do lately is pity myself. I think grumpy thoughts about having to work a full time job, always be in charge of the house and the kids, and on and on. I find my brain running through this litany of complaints over and over again as I go through my daily tasks and by the time Jeff comes home I am like Mount Vesuvias. Poor guy. He just wants a warm meal and a friendly face, and instead he comes home to me. Grouchy Selfish Wife.
I need to keep joy front and center in my attitude. I am lucky to be wife to this man who works so hard to support us. I am lucky to have three beautiful boys to care for, and a home to call our own. I know these things. I know I need to be joyful. But how?
I so wish I was better at looking outside of myself and focusing on others. I wish I was better at being a joyful mother and wife. It's the best thing for my family. I am going to start by praying for Jeff, and my kids. I find it is a lot harder to be mad at someone you are praying intently for. You'll be able to find me in the next few weeks cleaning the bathrooms and fervently muttering prayers at the same time.
Here's hoping I can turn myself around. My family deserves it.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Ah Tax Season!! How I Hate Thee!!
Oh friends. I am so discouraged this week.
And it's only Monday.
We are back in the throws of tax season around here. Back to the days when the kids see Jeff only when they kiss him good bye before school in the morning. I know I probably shouldn't complain about this when there are so many wives around the country who are dealing with their families on their own while their husbands are deployed for many months. I know what we go through isn't as bad as that, but it is still hard for me. I am praying for patience. For inspiration to be supportive to my husband while he is tired and overworked and doing his best to support our family. And for joy. Lots of insight to find joy in all these moments I am the sole caretaker of my kids.
I am also thinking I am a nutcase. I recently decided I would go back to school this summer, and tackle my masters degree. I made this decision in November, when the crusty, ugly, dark, and dank memories of tax season were pushed into a far off corner of my brain. Now that I've had a refresher course on how much fun it is to work a full day, take care of everything on the home front by myself, and still have school work to do in the evenings, I am wondering how in the world I will handle having homework again.
I'm not changing my mind yet, but I am going to take a step back and pray for direction. I am an expert at biting off more than I can chew, and usually for no more reason than to prove to myself that I can accomplish something. It may be time to learn I don't have to prove myself to myself anymore. And if anyone knows how to do that, I'd love some tips.
And it's only Monday.
We are back in the throws of tax season around here. Back to the days when the kids see Jeff only when they kiss him good bye before school in the morning. I know I probably shouldn't complain about this when there are so many wives around the country who are dealing with their families on their own while their husbands are deployed for many months. I know what we go through isn't as bad as that, but it is still hard for me. I am praying for patience. For inspiration to be supportive to my husband while he is tired and overworked and doing his best to support our family. And for joy. Lots of insight to find joy in all these moments I am the sole caretaker of my kids.
I am also thinking I am a nutcase. I recently decided I would go back to school this summer, and tackle my masters degree. I made this decision in November, when the crusty, ugly, dark, and dank memories of tax season were pushed into a far off corner of my brain. Now that I've had a refresher course on how much fun it is to work a full day, take care of everything on the home front by myself, and still have school work to do in the evenings, I am wondering how in the world I will handle having homework again.
I'm not changing my mind yet, but I am going to take a step back and pray for direction. I am an expert at biting off more than I can chew, and usually for no more reason than to prove to myself that I can accomplish something. It may be time to learn I don't have to prove myself to myself anymore. And if anyone knows how to do that, I'd love some tips.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
New Moon Heaven
I am a HUGE fan of the Twilight series. Today I got to feed my obsession by seeing the New Moon movie (and eat nachos with cheese...AWESOME!). It was so, SO, SO good. I loved it even more than Twilight. I always felt strongly that Bella should have chosen Jacob, and I love the line her father says in the movie, "Sometimes you have to learn to love what's good for you." A lesson I learned the hard way several times over. Anywho, I love that Jacob was the featured guy in this movie.
I got to go with my friend Christi, which made it even more awesome. I love girlfriend time. It's been awhile since I've gotten to see her, so I had some volcano of the mouth issues as I gushed all of my news to her. Being with Christi is like soaking up sunshine. NO KIDDING! I feel so cheery and positive after I have spent an hour or two with her, which is why I am going to brave the crowds with her on Black Friday. And then we are going to have breakfast afterwards so I can gush at her some more. I love that she still likes me even though I can't stop talking when I am around her.
I am topping off my great day with family movie night. The boys picked Rudolph, which I thought was a fabulous choice, since I could watch Christmas movies all year long.
Happy Weekend to you!
I got to go with my friend Christi, which made it even more awesome. I love girlfriend time. It's been awhile since I've gotten to see her, so I had some volcano of the mouth issues as I gushed all of my news to her. Being with Christi is like soaking up sunshine. NO KIDDING! I feel so cheery and positive after I have spent an hour or two with her, which is why I am going to brave the crowds with her on Black Friday. And then we are going to have breakfast afterwards so I can gush at her some more. I love that she still likes me even though I can't stop talking when I am around her.
I am topping off my great day with family movie night. The boys picked Rudolph, which I thought was a fabulous choice, since I could watch Christmas movies all year long.
Happy Weekend to you!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Kiss Your Brain!
I am just so excited today-I have really and truly been on cloud nine for the last 14 hours. At 8:30 this morning, I found out that I passed all of my requirements, and I am now officially a Nationally Board Certified teacher. It took me 18 months of blood, sweat, tears, and more tears, but I did it. I was so convinced I would fail. I found out on Wednesday that the board would be releasing the scores on Friday morning, and I didn't tell one single soul that I would be finding out, because I was dreading telling everyone I didn't make it.
So, when it popped up on my computer at school this morning, I screamed in surprise and happiness, and scared the ever living daylights out of my quietly working students. When they asked what the matter was, I told them all about it, and one of my little girls said, "Mrs. Kleffman, you are so smart, and we are so proud of you! You need to Kiss Your Brain!" (This is what I make them do when they have a particularly fabulous answer or solve a problem). Which was so sweet, and I was so emotional, I burst into tears. To have my students be proud of me? What could be better?
I have been teary on and off all day. Mostly because I did this whole thing to prove to myself that I could, to walk outside of my comfort zone, and to show myself that even though I am now a wife and mother I am also still Christy the girl who loves to teach. To have those things reaffirmed to me was awesome. I have been saying prayers of thanksgiving all day long. Thanking God for my gifts, because without him, I would not be a teacher. I am thankful for the mission God gave me in life. To help kids, whether they are my own or mine through my classroom.
THANK YOU GOD!
I am going to spend the rest of the weekend Kissing My Brain, because darn it, I am PROUD OF ME!
So, when it popped up on my computer at school this morning, I screamed in surprise and happiness, and scared the ever living daylights out of my quietly working students. When they asked what the matter was, I told them all about it, and one of my little girls said, "Mrs. Kleffman, you are so smart, and we are so proud of you! You need to Kiss Your Brain!" (This is what I make them do when they have a particularly fabulous answer or solve a problem). Which was so sweet, and I was so emotional, I burst into tears. To have my students be proud of me? What could be better?
I have been teary on and off all day. Mostly because I did this whole thing to prove to myself that I could, to walk outside of my comfort zone, and to show myself that even though I am now a wife and mother I am also still Christy the girl who loves to teach. To have those things reaffirmed to me was awesome. I have been saying prayers of thanksgiving all day long. Thanking God for my gifts, because without him, I would not be a teacher. I am thankful for the mission God gave me in life. To help kids, whether they are my own or mine through my classroom.
THANK YOU GOD!
I am going to spend the rest of the weekend Kissing My Brain, because darn it, I am PROUD OF ME!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
She Hit the Nail on the Head
Go read cjane's post today. She hit the nail on the head, and said everything I have been trying to write here within the last couple of months. Only she did it much more eloquently.
In fact, cjane is one of the most eloquent ladies I know.
So! Go read. What she says is so true, and I am so there with her. Are you?
In fact, cjane is one of the most eloquent ladies I know.
So! Go read. What she says is so true, and I am so there with her. Are you?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Feeling Better
Thanks everyone for you kind thoughts and comments!!! Bloggers are the best, no?
Evan is feeling much better today, and his cough is almost gone. Charlie and Sammy are still okay. The only one I am still worried about is Jeff, who woke up yesterday sounding like a bull frog. He has a productive cough and stuffy nose, but no fever or anything, so maybe it is just a common cold. It's a scary world when you have to be so suspicious of every cough and sneeze.
I spent yesterday disinfecting the house, and lamenting the horrible end to the Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech game. Lost in the last 90 seconds what I was sure they were going to win. Jeff screamed so loud at the end there, that Evan came running from downstairs, sure that he was having a heart attack. We were that shocked. Sad day here in Husker country, that's for sure.
I did get to sneak away in the evening for a bit. Have I ever told you that I love to sing? I was in choir in high school and I sing periodically at church services at school. I was super excited when our church announced a few weeks ago that they would be forming a choir. (We are a new parish, and are slowing getting groups like this off the ground). When I was a single gal, I sang at the church where Jeff and I belonged before we were married. I think he saw my wistful look when they announced the choir forming at church. He galantly offered to be on kid duty while I went to practices and services. Saturday was our premier, and it was so much fun. I am so grateful my husband knows what I need to feed my heart, and is giving enough to help me experience it. He rocks.
We are all praying for a week of health around here. I will be stuffing my family with chicken soup and orange juice for dinner tonight.
Evan is feeling much better today, and his cough is almost gone. Charlie and Sammy are still okay. The only one I am still worried about is Jeff, who woke up yesterday sounding like a bull frog. He has a productive cough and stuffy nose, but no fever or anything, so maybe it is just a common cold. It's a scary world when you have to be so suspicious of every cough and sneeze.
I spent yesterday disinfecting the house, and lamenting the horrible end to the Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech game. Lost in the last 90 seconds what I was sure they were going to win. Jeff screamed so loud at the end there, that Evan came running from downstairs, sure that he was having a heart attack. We were that shocked. Sad day here in Husker country, that's for sure.
I did get to sneak away in the evening for a bit. Have I ever told you that I love to sing? I was in choir in high school and I sing periodically at church services at school. I was super excited when our church announced a few weeks ago that they would be forming a choir. (We are a new parish, and are slowing getting groups like this off the ground). When I was a single gal, I sang at the church where Jeff and I belonged before we were married. I think he saw my wistful look when they announced the choir forming at church. He galantly offered to be on kid duty while I went to practices and services. Saturday was our premier, and it was so much fun. I am so grateful my husband knows what I need to feed my heart, and is giving enough to help me experience it. He rocks.
We are all praying for a week of health around here. I will be stuffing my family with chicken soup and orange juice for dinner tonight.
Friday, August 28, 2009
This is a picture of me when I was 16 years old:
I am on the right with that incredible mane of hair. I am trying to grow my hair out right now, and I would kill to have some of that back. I am standing with my bestest friend in the whole world, Katy. I love that girl to pieces. She has stood with me through thick and thin, and through every bad decision I've ever made. And I am the queen of bad decisions, so I really gave her a workout in the best friend department.
There have been a flurry of old pictures of me and high school friends appearing on Facebook the last few days. I love looking at them, and remembering fun times, and dearly wonderful friends. I had the best friends in high school, and I will love them always. I love looking back at how their faces looked when I first came to love them.
But sometimes? When I look back at myself at this age in pictures, it makes me weep. The late teen/early twenties years are such an incredible time. A time when you don't have the responsibilities that come with age, and the only thing you really have to focus on is you. You are on the brink of your life, and every decision you get to make can be so important. When I look into this girl's face, my 16 year old self, I remember how idealistic I was, how self assured, how cemented I was in my convictions and that I would conquer the world. I just knew that I had the power to make the world a better place. And when I see her face, and remember how it felt to be her, I miss her terribly. I feel her loss way down to my bone marrow.
Is she still in here somewhere? Burried under all the pressures of adult life? It's not that I don't love my life right now. I am blessed, and I have everything that I prayed for and wanted at age 16. I became a teacher, married, and have a family. But being a wife, mother, and teacher means that all day every day people are depending on you and taking your time, energy, thoughts, and patience. When all is said and done, I probably have about 15 seconds a day for reflection, or me time, or getting to know myself. Or finding the self that I lost. I love the roles I have to play in life, but I wish they allowed for more time for me to be me. And not the Christy that is Wife Christy, Mother Christy, or Mrs. Kleffman the teacher Christy. I want to be ME. Just Christy Christy. I want to be able to reach back to 1994 and grab that girl's hand, and pull part of her back to the present, and find a way to weave all of it together.
How? I'm not sure or I'd do it right now. A vacation by myself? Maybe-but who has the time and opportunity to do that?! I think I need to add this to my prayer time. Or maybe I just need to squeak in a walk by myself in the evenings once in awhile. At any rate, I am going to be searching around inside myself to see if I am still in there somewhere. I'd like to renew my acquaintance.
I am on the right with that incredible mane of hair. I am trying to grow my hair out right now, and I would kill to have some of that back. I am standing with my bestest friend in the whole world, Katy. I love that girl to pieces. She has stood with me through thick and thin, and through every bad decision I've ever made. And I am the queen of bad decisions, so I really gave her a workout in the best friend department.
There have been a flurry of old pictures of me and high school friends appearing on Facebook the last few days. I love looking at them, and remembering fun times, and dearly wonderful friends. I had the best friends in high school, and I will love them always. I love looking back at how their faces looked when I first came to love them.
But sometimes? When I look back at myself at this age in pictures, it makes me weep. The late teen/early twenties years are such an incredible time. A time when you don't have the responsibilities that come with age, and the only thing you really have to focus on is you. You are on the brink of your life, and every decision you get to make can be so important. When I look into this girl's face, my 16 year old self, I remember how idealistic I was, how self assured, how cemented I was in my convictions and that I would conquer the world. I just knew that I had the power to make the world a better place. And when I see her face, and remember how it felt to be her, I miss her terribly. I feel her loss way down to my bone marrow.
Is she still in here somewhere? Burried under all the pressures of adult life? It's not that I don't love my life right now. I am blessed, and I have everything that I prayed for and wanted at age 16. I became a teacher, married, and have a family. But being a wife, mother, and teacher means that all day every day people are depending on you and taking your time, energy, thoughts, and patience. When all is said and done, I probably have about 15 seconds a day for reflection, or me time, or getting to know myself. Or finding the self that I lost. I love the roles I have to play in life, but I wish they allowed for more time for me to be me. And not the Christy that is Wife Christy, Mother Christy, or Mrs. Kleffman the teacher Christy. I want to be ME. Just Christy Christy. I want to be able to reach back to 1994 and grab that girl's hand, and pull part of her back to the present, and find a way to weave all of it together.
How? I'm not sure or I'd do it right now. A vacation by myself? Maybe-but who has the time and opportunity to do that?! I think I need to add this to my prayer time. Or maybe I just need to squeak in a walk by myself in the evenings once in awhile. At any rate, I am going to be searching around inside myself to see if I am still in there somewhere. I'd like to renew my acquaintance.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
First Day of School
Today was the first day of 5th grade for this handsome guy:
What amazes me is that when I look into his face, the snippets of his baby and toddler self are slowly melting away, and I can now see glimpses of the man he will become. It makes me proud and heartbroken all at once. Being a mother is super hard, isn't it?
Evan had a great day at school, despite being a nervous wreck before hand, and his dire prediction that his teacher would surely hate him. They weren't given any homework, so this definitely helped cement it as a good first day, in Evan's opinion.
And here is a picture of me on my first day. Evan was tickled to turn the camera on me, and make me go through the dreaded first day of school ritual. I am wearing my rockin' new skirt I ordered on Etsy the other day.
I love how the bright yellow and orange colors make me feel light and cheery. And two of my new students today told me that they knew when to line up because they saw my yellow skirt. I was like a lighthouse beacon, y'all! But best of all, it was super comfy. When you teach primary students and get in and out of tiny chairs and up and down off the floor all day, comfy is essential.
And now that the first day is over, the worst part is over. Now we now a little of what to expect, and hopefully everyone will sleep a little more soundly tonight!
What amazes me is that when I look into his face, the snippets of his baby and toddler self are slowly melting away, and I can now see glimpses of the man he will become. It makes me proud and heartbroken all at once. Being a mother is super hard, isn't it?
Evan had a great day at school, despite being a nervous wreck before hand, and his dire prediction that his teacher would surely hate him. They weren't given any homework, so this definitely helped cement it as a good first day, in Evan's opinion.
And here is a picture of me on my first day. Evan was tickled to turn the camera on me, and make me go through the dreaded first day of school ritual. I am wearing my rockin' new skirt I ordered on Etsy the other day.
I love how the bright yellow and orange colors make me feel light and cheery. And two of my new students today told me that they knew when to line up because they saw my yellow skirt. I was like a lighthouse beacon, y'all! But best of all, it was super comfy. When you teach primary students and get in and out of tiny chairs and up and down off the floor all day, comfy is essential.
And now that the first day is over, the worst part is over. Now we now a little of what to expect, and hopefully everyone will sleep a little more soundly tonight!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Nervous Nellie
Guess what I did today?
I did 7 loads of laundry. And I mean washed, dried, folded, and put away.
I helped Evan with his home eye therapy.
I cooked a down home, Sunday dinner with all the fixins. Even gravy!
I cleaned up the kitchen, and scrubbed it down twice. Once after lunch, once after dinner.
I made and frosted cupcakes.
I labeled all of Evan's school supplies and stashed them in his backpack.
I mowed the lawn. After a recent fertilizer application and 20 million inches of rain this weekend, I managed to fill the entire 96 gallon yard waste container.
I gave 4 haircuts-one to each of my handsome guys. One of the best things my mom ever taught me was how to give a boy haircut. I think we save about $50 with each round I do at home.
I made sun tea.
I scrubbed the floors, and I vacuumed.
Don't get the wrong idea-this is WAY more than I accomplish in a regular day. So why in the world did I treat myself like a work horse today? Because...I AM A NERVOUS WRECK! And when I am nervous, I clean and organize to make myself feel better. Lucky for my neuroses, living in a house with four boys provides me with ample cleaning and organizational opportunities.
Why am I nervous? Because school starts on Tuesday. I don't care how many times I go through the first day of school, I am always, always nervous. I wonder if my students are half as nervous as I am. Or if they know I am nervous too, just like they are! It's always fine, but I always worry ahead of time, and I want it to be a great day for all of my kiddos. Worrying is something I am very talented at. I'll probably give myself an ulcer, but at least my house will be clean.
I did 7 loads of laundry. And I mean washed, dried, folded, and put away.
I helped Evan with his home eye therapy.
I cooked a down home, Sunday dinner with all the fixins. Even gravy!
I cleaned up the kitchen, and scrubbed it down twice. Once after lunch, once after dinner.
I made and frosted cupcakes.
I labeled all of Evan's school supplies and stashed them in his backpack.
I mowed the lawn. After a recent fertilizer application and 20 million inches of rain this weekend, I managed to fill the entire 96 gallon yard waste container.
I gave 4 haircuts-one to each of my handsome guys. One of the best things my mom ever taught me was how to give a boy haircut. I think we save about $50 with each round I do at home.
I made sun tea.
I scrubbed the floors, and I vacuumed.
Don't get the wrong idea-this is WAY more than I accomplish in a regular day. So why in the world did I treat myself like a work horse today? Because...I AM A NERVOUS WRECK! And when I am nervous, I clean and organize to make myself feel better. Lucky for my neuroses, living in a house with four boys provides me with ample cleaning and organizational opportunities.
Why am I nervous? Because school starts on Tuesday. I don't care how many times I go through the first day of school, I am always, always nervous. I wonder if my students are half as nervous as I am. Or if they know I am nervous too, just like they are! It's always fine, but I always worry ahead of time, and I want it to be a great day for all of my kiddos. Worrying is something I am very talented at. I'll probably give myself an ulcer, but at least my house will be clean.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Independence
Two weeks ago, Jeff and I took a quick trip down to the KC area to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. It was just three nights, but it was the first time we have taken a trip together, with or without kids, since our honeymoon. Which should explain right there why it was a wonderful get away.
We stayed in a bed and breakfast called the Hawthorn, which is located in Independence. It is a mansion built in 1900, which has been converted to a GORGEOUS B & B. I've never stayed in one before, but oh my goodness! HEAVEN! Here is a picture of the room where we stayed, which was a hundred times cleaner, more comfortable, and nicer than any hotel I have ever stayed in:
Right outside our room was a gourmet coffee station (and for the girl who drinks at LEAST one pot a day, this was a huge plus!) and a snack bar. Every morning, we were served an out of this world three course, fresh, homemade breakfast. In fact, on Thursday night we were the only guests, so we got first dibs on the table in the sun porch at Friday morning's breakfast. Every day started with a fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola parfait. Next came a variety of fresh out of the oven muffins, and then pancakes, hash browns, breakfast meat and eggs. We were so stuffed after all this indulgence we never had lunch one day the entire trip. Breakfast was probably my favorite part of every day. Not having to prepare food, feed three kids, and clean up afterwards was the biggest luxury. I felt completely pampered.
Although the mansion is beautiful, it turns out Independence isn't. It's a pretty scary town, actually. The whole thing is like one huge bad neighborhood, with sex shops, cruddy convenience stores with shady people lurking in the parking lot, and lots of crime. Sprinkled here and there throughout the town are some pretty cool historical sites, but don't wander too far off the beaten path!
A big highlight of the trip for me was our visit to the Truman Presidential Library. Beforehand, the only thing I really knew for sure about Harry Truman was that he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. I really enjoyed learning about his life. He is one of Jeff's favorite historical figures. Jeff loves anyone who "pulls himself up by his bootstraps", and Harry Truman was certainly a bootstrap man.
This is a photo of a letter written by a father to Mr. Truman after his son was killed in the Korean War:
He sent along with the letter his son's Purple Heart. Harry kept this letter in his desk at the Oval Office for the rest of his term. It made my heart hurt to see it-a little for the parents of this young soldier, and a little for Harry Truman, who seemed to carry the loss of each soldier's life on his shoulders.
In one room they had a display of articles that appeared in Life Magazine in 1952. One of them showed this:
It's a little hard to see, but the article told of a young mother with three small children who had been stricken with polio. Having a husband who also had the disease as a child, I think all polio stories grab my attention, but I will admit I stood at looked at this picture for a good 10 minutes. The photos in the article show the mom in an iron lung, where she lay paralyzed. Hanging above her head you can see the pictures of her three children. I cried right there, thinking about how heartbroken I would be to have to lie there, unable to move, seeing my children's faces, and knowing other people were taking care of them. I wish I knew what happened to her and her family.
We also took a tour of Harry Truman's home, which actually belonged to his wife. Poor Harry had to live with his mother in law most of his adult life, who wouldn't let him sit at the head of the table, stay in the master bedroom, or display any of his treasures from the White House, even after he had been President of the United States. That's one difficult MIL.
My favorite part was the kitchen where Harry decided to put wallpaper on the ceiling, as well as the walls, because he liked the pattern so much!
Afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream at Clinton's Soda Shop where Harry Truman had his first job. Here's Jeff, making his "if you're going to take a picture of me I am going to try and look as dumb as possible so you quit trying to photograph me" face. I hate it when he does this:
Seriously. He looks like the grumpiest man in the world. But I love him anyway.
It was so nice to be away, just the two of us. I am always nervous to leave the kids, but I am always a better mom for it when I return. I wish we could get away, if only for a quick weekend, more often. But alas! The joys of having three kids, a job, and a husband with a REALLY busy work schedule make that impossible. We appreciate it all the more though when it happens. It was a great way to wrap up the summer.
We stayed in a bed and breakfast called the Hawthorn, which is located in Independence. It is a mansion built in 1900, which has been converted to a GORGEOUS B & B. I've never stayed in one before, but oh my goodness! HEAVEN! Here is a picture of the room where we stayed, which was a hundred times cleaner, more comfortable, and nicer than any hotel I have ever stayed in:
Right outside our room was a gourmet coffee station (and for the girl who drinks at LEAST one pot a day, this was a huge plus!) and a snack bar. Every morning, we were served an out of this world three course, fresh, homemade breakfast. In fact, on Thursday night we were the only guests, so we got first dibs on the table in the sun porch at Friday morning's breakfast. Every day started with a fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola parfait. Next came a variety of fresh out of the oven muffins, and then pancakes, hash browns, breakfast meat and eggs. We were so stuffed after all this indulgence we never had lunch one day the entire trip. Breakfast was probably my favorite part of every day. Not having to prepare food, feed three kids, and clean up afterwards was the biggest luxury. I felt completely pampered.
Although the mansion is beautiful, it turns out Independence isn't. It's a pretty scary town, actually. The whole thing is like one huge bad neighborhood, with sex shops, cruddy convenience stores with shady people lurking in the parking lot, and lots of crime. Sprinkled here and there throughout the town are some pretty cool historical sites, but don't wander too far off the beaten path!
A big highlight of the trip for me was our visit to the Truman Presidential Library. Beforehand, the only thing I really knew for sure about Harry Truman was that he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. I really enjoyed learning about his life. He is one of Jeff's favorite historical figures. Jeff loves anyone who "pulls himself up by his bootstraps", and Harry Truman was certainly a bootstrap man.
This is a photo of a letter written by a father to Mr. Truman after his son was killed in the Korean War:
He sent along with the letter his son's Purple Heart. Harry kept this letter in his desk at the Oval Office for the rest of his term. It made my heart hurt to see it-a little for the parents of this young soldier, and a little for Harry Truman, who seemed to carry the loss of each soldier's life on his shoulders.
In one room they had a display of articles that appeared in Life Magazine in 1952. One of them showed this:
It's a little hard to see, but the article told of a young mother with three small children who had been stricken with polio. Having a husband who also had the disease as a child, I think all polio stories grab my attention, but I will admit I stood at looked at this picture for a good 10 minutes. The photos in the article show the mom in an iron lung, where she lay paralyzed. Hanging above her head you can see the pictures of her three children. I cried right there, thinking about how heartbroken I would be to have to lie there, unable to move, seeing my children's faces, and knowing other people were taking care of them. I wish I knew what happened to her and her family.
We also took a tour of Harry Truman's home, which actually belonged to his wife. Poor Harry had to live with his mother in law most of his adult life, who wouldn't let him sit at the head of the table, stay in the master bedroom, or display any of his treasures from the White House, even after he had been President of the United States. That's one difficult MIL.
My favorite part was the kitchen where Harry decided to put wallpaper on the ceiling, as well as the walls, because he liked the pattern so much!
Afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream at Clinton's Soda Shop where Harry Truman had his first job. Here's Jeff, making his "if you're going to take a picture of me I am going to try and look as dumb as possible so you quit trying to photograph me" face. I hate it when he does this:
Seriously. He looks like the grumpiest man in the world. But I love him anyway.
It was so nice to be away, just the two of us. I am always nervous to leave the kids, but I am always a better mom for it when I return. I wish we could get away, if only for a quick weekend, more often. But alas! The joys of having three kids, a job, and a husband with a REALLY busy work schedule make that impossible. We appreciate it all the more though when it happens. It was a great way to wrap up the summer.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy Anniversary!
4 years ago today, just about now, I looked something like this:
I am on the left, no make up. My hair was just beginning it's transformation for my wedding that evening. On the right, is one of my favorite people, my friend Katy. Isn't her hair a lovely shade of red? I've always wanted to have it as my own.
And here are my two best girls, Katy and Christi, doing each other's nails at the salon that same morning.
After getting beautified, we went out to lunch at Valentinos. Every bride should go out in public with her hair and veil before the wedding. It's delicious to feel so special. And next to me, is my 5 year old Evan, on the last day it was just the two of us, before we became a new family with Jeff. Isn't his smile the greatest?!
This is my flower girl Nora. She became a student in my classroom only four weeks later! Also, Evan has loved her since birth, and someday she will be my daughter-in-law. I love her to bits.
And here I am with my sister Sarah, who was my matron of honor. She is precious to me, and I am so glad she was there to stand next to me that day. You can't tell, but she is the smidgiest bit preggers in the picture!
And this my friends? THIS is my kick ass, cathedral length train on my dress. It was the one thing I knew I needed to have when I was dress shopping.
My bouquet was a replica of the bouquet my Grandma Sophie Micek carried in her 1934 wedding, 71 years before.
And most importantly, here I am 4 years ago today, vowing to love and treasure the love of my life, for the rest of my life. And while I wouldn't have believed it possible on that day, I love him a million times more today than I did when I pledged my life to him. I have learned that marriage takes a lot of work, and I have certainly had to grow into my role as a wife, but I am so incredibly thankful every single day that I have been blessed with Jeff as my husband. He is the greatest of friends, fathers, and providers. He rocks my world, every day.
Thanks for the best 4 years of my life, Jeff. I pray we have so many more together!
I am on the left, no make up. My hair was just beginning it's transformation for my wedding that evening. On the right, is one of my favorite people, my friend Katy. Isn't her hair a lovely shade of red? I've always wanted to have it as my own.
And here are my two best girls, Katy and Christi, doing each other's nails at the salon that same morning.
After getting beautified, we went out to lunch at Valentinos. Every bride should go out in public with her hair and veil before the wedding. It's delicious to feel so special. And next to me, is my 5 year old Evan, on the last day it was just the two of us, before we became a new family with Jeff. Isn't his smile the greatest?!
This is my flower girl Nora. She became a student in my classroom only four weeks later! Also, Evan has loved her since birth, and someday she will be my daughter-in-law. I love her to bits.
And here I am with my sister Sarah, who was my matron of honor. She is precious to me, and I am so glad she was there to stand next to me that day. You can't tell, but she is the smidgiest bit preggers in the picture!
And this my friends? THIS is my kick ass, cathedral length train on my dress. It was the one thing I knew I needed to have when I was dress shopping.
My bouquet was a replica of the bouquet my Grandma Sophie Micek carried in her 1934 wedding, 71 years before.
And most importantly, here I am 4 years ago today, vowing to love and treasure the love of my life, for the rest of my life. And while I wouldn't have believed it possible on that day, I love him a million times more today than I did when I pledged my life to him. I have learned that marriage takes a lot of work, and I have certainly had to grow into my role as a wife, but I am so incredibly thankful every single day that I have been blessed with Jeff as my husband. He is the greatest of friends, fathers, and providers. He rocks my world, every day.
Thanks for the best 4 years of my life, Jeff. I pray we have so many more together!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Dental Woes
So! Remember that cavity I told you about the other day? The one I had to have filled yesterday? My appointment was supposed to be at 1:00, but that morning, the receptionist called and asked me if I could move my appointment to 4:00 because "Dr. F feels like he will need more time to work on your cavity than we originally scheduled". For all of you out there who are aspiring to become dental office receptionists, here is a tip. DO NOT tell the patient the reason for moving the appointment. Especially if it involves more time to drill.
By the time 4:00 rolled around, I was a nervous wreck. It only got better when I sat down in the chair and the doctor told me, "I didn't want to mention it ahead of time, but this is a pretty serious cavity. We are going to need to give you four shots of Novocaine, as opposed to the usual three." And then? He made me wear safety goggles! Not a good sign.
After much drilling and deep breathing on my part, I was left with a sagging left side of my face, oceans of drool, an aching jaw, and this warning from the dentist: "If this doesn't work, and you feel pain or sensitivity in the tooth, we will need to do a root canal." Fab! 'Cause I SOOOO love the dentist!
By the time 4:00 rolled around, I was a nervous wreck. It only got better when I sat down in the chair and the doctor told me, "I didn't want to mention it ahead of time, but this is a pretty serious cavity. We are going to need to give you four shots of Novocaine, as opposed to the usual three." And then? He made me wear safety goggles! Not a good sign.
After much drilling and deep breathing on my part, I was left with a sagging left side of my face, oceans of drool, an aching jaw, and this warning from the dentist: "If this doesn't work, and you feel pain or sensitivity in the tooth, we will need to do a root canal." Fab! 'Cause I SOOOO love the dentist!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Big D
I have to go to the dentist tomorrow to have a cavity filled, and I am an absolute nervous wreck about it. I hate having this done, but not because of the drilling. It's because of the novacaine. I don't know if I am allergic to the drug or just highly sensitive, but it makes me feel woozy and faint. And the worst part? It lasts about 3 times as long as it should, making mothering so much fun. It's lovely when your kids realize you can't talk, and that the drool coming out of your mouth because you can't feel a thing is a sign to them that they can get away with whatever their creative minds can think of.
On the upside, my anxiety on this upcoming event has kicked my need to organize into high gear. I have filled out and completed the 8 gazillion forms needed for Evan to go to school and be a 5th grader, and sent them back into school. I've ordered my new planner for the upcoming school year, the supplies I need for my classroom, and Evan's school uniforms for the year.
Maybe cavities aren't such a bad thing.
On the upside, my anxiety on this upcoming event has kicked my need to organize into high gear. I have filled out and completed the 8 gazillion forms needed for Evan to go to school and be a 5th grader, and sent them back into school. I've ordered my new planner for the upcoming school year, the supplies I need for my classroom, and Evan's school uniforms for the year.
Maybe cavities aren't such a bad thing.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
Today at 4:48 PM I turned 32. That feels really old. 30 was bad enough. 32? That's approaching mid thirties. The kicker? My brain stopped aging at 18. I don't feel any different mentally than I did then.
At any rate, it was a lovely day, filled with the birthday wishes of friends and family, which made me feel warm, happy, and loved. Jeff took the day off from work to watch Charlie and Sammy so that Evan and I could spend the day at the pool. It was heaven. We spent from 10-3:15 lounging by the water. All I need to be happy in the summer time is sun, water, and warm temps. I know without a doubt that I was a fish or a mermaid in another life. I read, soaked in the sun, soaked in the water, drank diet Coke, and swam. I talked with my first born without being interrupted, and got to hear his thoughts on the upcoming school year. We ordered lunch from the pool's Bistro, and ate grilled hamburgers with salty fries. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
I picked up a birthday cake on the way home from the pool, since for Charlie and Sammy the best part of a birthday is cake and singing. We sang and ate cake together as a family after dinner, and then-my husband did the dishes for me! I wish it could be my birthday every day.
I'm not ready to be 32, or even 30, but I loved my day.
At any rate, it was a lovely day, filled with the birthday wishes of friends and family, which made me feel warm, happy, and loved. Jeff took the day off from work to watch Charlie and Sammy so that Evan and I could spend the day at the pool. It was heaven. We spent from 10-3:15 lounging by the water. All I need to be happy in the summer time is sun, water, and warm temps. I know without a doubt that I was a fish or a mermaid in another life. I read, soaked in the sun, soaked in the water, drank diet Coke, and swam. I talked with my first born without being interrupted, and got to hear his thoughts on the upcoming school year. We ordered lunch from the pool's Bistro, and ate grilled hamburgers with salty fries. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
I picked up a birthday cake on the way home from the pool, since for Charlie and Sammy the best part of a birthday is cake and singing. We sang and ate cake together as a family after dinner, and then-my husband did the dishes for me! I wish it could be my birthday every day.
I'm not ready to be 32, or even 30, but I loved my day.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Short and Sweet
Here is the tweet I just posted over on Twitter.
July makes me anxious. It is too close to August. And let me be clear: I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL. The end.
I was going to do a whole lengthy post on this, but that just about sums it up.
I love being home with my kids, I love being in the sunshine every day at the pool. I love being the one to take care of what my kids need during the day.
Ugh.
July makes me anxious. It is too close to August. And let me be clear: I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL. The end.
I was going to do a whole lengthy post on this, but that just about sums it up.
I love being home with my kids, I love being in the sunshine every day at the pool. I love being the one to take care of what my kids need during the day.
Ugh.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Lost
Have I ever told you about how stinkin' awful my sense of direction is? If not, let me sum it up in a nutshell. CLUELESS. Even though I have lived in Omaha all my life, it is still hard for me to find new things on my own the first time. I have to drive somewhere about 10 times before it really sticks in my brain and I can find it again without looking at the directions, especially if it is in an unfamiliar part of the city.
In fact, when I was minoring in Special Education in college, I took some type of a brain typing test, and I came up as learning impaired in the area of spatial sense. I was the special ed kid in special ed.
Thank goodness for me that I live in the age of the computer, internet, and Mapquest. Thank God I can put in an address and have my computer print out driving directions for me. Thanks to this not so little invention, we get most places we need to go without a hitch.
Every once in awhile though-it doesn't work. Unfortunately, tonight that collided with Evan's swim meet. It was located at a country club deep in the heart of old Millard, a place where they laid out the streets in the 1800s while walking behind a wandering cow. Streets disappear, end abruptly into alleyways, and turn suddenly into other roads. We drove and drove and drove for 45 minutes, trying to find a section of the street that was supposed to turn into Harry Anderson Drive, but sadly, old Harry never appeared.
Evan has learned over the past 10 1/2 years to be patient with this, so when I apologized over and over again he just said, "No problem Mom. You tried your best, and nobody's perfect." Gosh he's a great kid.
There's nothing so humbling as looking like a moron in front of your kids. What a gift to be forgiven by your child. I just hope he keeps this trend of forgiveness up as we move into the teen years.
In fact, when I was minoring in Special Education in college, I took some type of a brain typing test, and I came up as learning impaired in the area of spatial sense. I was the special ed kid in special ed.
Thank goodness for me that I live in the age of the computer, internet, and Mapquest. Thank God I can put in an address and have my computer print out driving directions for me. Thanks to this not so little invention, we get most places we need to go without a hitch.
Every once in awhile though-it doesn't work. Unfortunately, tonight that collided with Evan's swim meet. It was located at a country club deep in the heart of old Millard, a place where they laid out the streets in the 1800s while walking behind a wandering cow. Streets disappear, end abruptly into alleyways, and turn suddenly into other roads. We drove and drove and drove for 45 minutes, trying to find a section of the street that was supposed to turn into Harry Anderson Drive, but sadly, old Harry never appeared.
Evan has learned over the past 10 1/2 years to be patient with this, so when I apologized over and over again he just said, "No problem Mom. You tried your best, and nobody's perfect." Gosh he's a great kid.
There's nothing so humbling as looking like a moron in front of your kids. What a gift to be forgiven by your child. I just hope he keeps this trend of forgiveness up as we move into the teen years.
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