Monday, March 31, 2008

Monday's updates

Today is a day that seems to have gone really fast now that it's almost over, but was pretty stressful.
So we got the car fixed, at no cost, although I did have to do a little "haggling" which is hard for me. But in the end, they replaced the rotars and brake pads...considering I've only put 1000 miles on the car, I don't really consider that any type of "favor" by the dealership, but they sure did make it seem like one.
Myles had a good appt with Megan, and continued to try new things and do things that surprised us all. After that appt we got to go pick up our "blue car" as Myles said, run a couple of erronds, and we ended up pulling in the driveway at the same time as Marilyn and Larry.
Unfortunately, one of Stacey's neighbors had an emergency and Stacey ended up watching her kids today, so she wasn't able to make it down to Cincinnati. Please keep Stacey's neighbor in your thoughts. She passed out in her home, and her 7 year old had to dial 911. And to make it worse, her husband is deployed out of the country.
It was probably for the better though that we had to post pone our get together as I probably wouldn't have been much fun today. I did end up getting my hair cut though and made a Target run. That time alone is so awesome, and each week I think of new things I could be doing with it! There are so many things (well...pretty much everything) that are just easier to do without kids! And while Derrick is always more than willing to watch the kids so I can have some time alone, it's also nice to have a few hours of time carved out each week that I know I'll be free, and won't have to plan around anyone else's schedule.
So now the kids are asleep, and I'm just exhausted. I think more mentally than physically.
Kim, you hit the nail on the head in your response from earlier. I am feeling a little beat down and like I'm drowing at times. I find myself asking "what have I ever done?? I'm just trying to be a good person and get through life". I do end up feeling a little down and sorry for myself, and that's why this has been such an awesome experience. I love reading all of the responses and getting the encouragement and a different perspective on things. I do know logically that things could always be worse, and that really they aren't that bad. But sometimes it feels like we have the weight of the world balancing on our shoulders, and that's where my growing relationship with God comes in.
Now I'm trying to decide if I should collapse into bed like I feel like or if I should go enjoy some more peace and quiet. lol
Marilyn...good luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you. And Myles said to tell you and Larry that he's sorry and he wants you to come back.

Well, we had high hopes

Derrick realized yesterday that the skylight wasn't closed all the way. D'oh! So, we both naturally assumed that was what was causing the dripping and everything would (should/could/please) be fine. We made it through an entire night of rain with not one drip.
Then came this morning, and it started. Seriously?! So, realizing in about 2 seconds that I can't just put a bucket on the floor to catch the drips with Ms. Into Everything around, I got inventive. Not sure if it was smart or really dumb, but we'll see I guess. I taped a washcloth to the inside of the skylight to keep it from dripping. That's really attractive!
So Derrick thought he might be out of having to go onto the highest part of the roof, but not now. And how much ths is going to cost and how we'll pay for it are beyond me, but I'm trying not to let it ruin my day in the mean time. I'm trying to CHOOSE to be happy, even when it's hard.
So now we're off to take the Malibu to the dealership. Something is wrong with it. It shakes when we apply the breaks. I've called the salesman who thinks it might be the rotors. Although before we bought it (just weeks ago) he assured us they were fine. So I asked him in a pointed way if this was something we were going to have to pay for. He said he'd check and call us back.
Didn't hear from him.
So I called him back. He said he and the sales manager had been out he'd go check and call me back in 30 minutes. That was on Wednesday.
So I'm prepared to go in today, kids on hip, and cause a scene in the showroom. I hate the lack of customer service after someone has sold you something. (Sound familiar...dad??!!) He did tell us that he would let us borrow the car he was driving today, but we'll see if he remembers. I'm sure they'll figure something out before they let the three of us sit there too long. lol
So please cross your fingers that they are able to (quickly) fix whatever is wrong without costing us anything, and without me having to make a scene.
Then we're off to Myles' Occupational Therapy visit. We'll probably just do that for another month, maybe two. He really likes Megan and has a good time, but we have to weigh out what it's costing vs the benefit he's getting. Once the warm weather comes and actually STAYS we can do a lot of similar stuff by just going to visit parks/playgrounds.
And then finally I get to meet Stacey and her boys today. I'm really looking forward to that, especially since I'll be alone!!! Monday's have always been a good day, but since Marilyn and Larry have so generously offered to come over for a few hours on Mondays to watch the kids and give me/us some time alone it's even better. I already have big plans to go to the store by myself and get my hair cut before I meet Stacey. I'm so excited about that!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Feeling guilty

Today being Sunday, we should really be getting ready to go to church. But that is no small feat with an 18 month old that still naps (at the wrong time to make it to service on time). Last week when we went Myles went to Sunday school, but was confused why Mrs. Stewart, his regular preschool teacher, was not there. We had talked about that in advance, but he was still diappointed, and apparently very quiet the entire time. This was after he spent the first part of the church service holding his ears and saying how loud the music was. (Although it was pretty loud).
Gina cried while I was leaving and followed me out the door...girl can be fast when she wants to be! I had to give her a little shove and shut the door. Nice, huh? And she spent the entire time being held and rocked and looked totally dejected when I picked her up. Her expression was like she had just been abandoned for life.
So yes, we could go today. But I sometimes wonder if it's worth it. I know that's bad. I know it'd get better if we just keep going. But come each Sunday morning I find myself having an internal debate over whether or not we're gonna go. Today I think we're leaning towards no.
However...in an effort to do something productive I think I'm going to start a gratitude journal on here. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, and just haven't started. I think this could be a good place, and maybe will inspire you all to even do the same.
When I was given the idea of doing this, I was told to try to list three or four things each day I'm grateful for and to not repeat them for as long as possible. I think this will help keep me thinking positively and being thankful for what I DO have, instead of thinking about what I don't.
And in the mean time...there's always next Sunday, right?

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Is it worth it?

One has to wonder if it's worth driving to a new grocery store 15 minutes away because you have a 5 dollar off coupon for it. Especially when you get to the car, have everything unloaded and kids buckled in, and then realize you forgot to use it.
But yes, in my ongoing effort to save a buck, I unbuckle, go wait in a customer service line and get my 5 dollars back. Still not real sure what I was thinking with that one.
At least it gave us a chance to get outside for a while and half way enjoy the sunshine since it's still in the low 40's. Even Myles who loves to play outside went out for a few minutes today and then came back in saying "I think I'll wait until it's warmer". Good choice.

Myles did still dream last night, but he had one good dream and one bad. That's improvement. I thought it was sweet that his good dream was that he wanted to plant a garden with seeds. That sounds like a daddy/son project if I ever heard of one. Maybe Uncle Tim can even come over and give us some pointers!!

Well...off to go get my little squealer. By the sounds of it she's giving her brother heck.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Quick update

Well, we're back from the doctor and had a great visit. Dr. Joe has been a godsend through this process. He is very anti-medicine unless it's definitely necessary, and I agree with him.
He explained the sleep cycles and how long each one lasts, and suggested that Derrick wake him up each night between midnight and 1am to disrupt his sleep cycle and hopefully skip the REM, or dream stage. He said to give it a couple of weeks.
He also said dreaming is very common in kids at this age, but does feel Myles has a generalized anxiety disorder. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree).
So we came up with a game plan together, and we'll all continue to wait and see how things progress.

He thought Gina was hillarious. (no surprise there). She showed everyone all her skills and kept us on our toes.

So now we're just settling in for a (hopefully) relaxing evening and an UNEVENTFUL weekend. We don't need any more surprises!!!

Friday March 28th

TGIF-
After a long week (and month) with lots of ups and downs, we are glad to have another weekend approaching.
Yesterday morning we woke up to water all over the floor from a leaky skylight and Myles asking "who made such a mess"? It was about enough to put me over the edge after an already long and frustrating week with lots of other expenses.
Daddy will be making a trip onto the roof to put down a tarp until all of this rain stops, and then hopefully be able to seal the problem.

Mr. Myles also will be going to the doctor this afternoon for a visit with Dr. Joe regarding his anxiety and all of the bad dreams it's causing. He rarely is able to make it through the night without some type of nightmare. We'll see what Dr. Joe has to say.

In the mean time, we're all looking forward to the start of spring with some sunshine and warm weather!!!