Odds & Sodds....

Betsy has a new bus driver....and this one actually comes at the time he says he will be there. No more waiting anywhere from 5-25 minutes. He is there when he says....which means that for the past few days only Betsy and one other girl have gotten there in time to actually catch the bus! (see? my obsession for being early actually pays off!)

Anyway, yesterday morning I took her, she got on the bus and I went home. As I was driving down our street, the "weird mom" pulls out of her driveway at about 50mph and almost hits me! I slam on the breaks (mind you I'm about 25 feet from her drive when she decides to pull out) and give the "don't worry it's early" smile, to which she completely ignores and speeds off. Okaaaay. Now, this is the woman who will keep me for a half an hour talking about her problems even though I don't know her that well.....personal problems....::shudder::. So, this morning, I just pull up to the bus stop and the bus is right there. Betsy gets on and I head home. When I turn down the street I can see she is in the driveway because her son was walking to the car. I decide I'll be a nice neighbor and let her know they missed the bus. I get within 25 feet and what does this crazy b**** do? Hits the accelerator and pulls out in front of me! This time I slam on the breaks and STARE at her like WTF? She won't even look at me, so I happily let her go, and watch her turn toward the bus stop. Let her sit there for 20 minutes....see if I care! (See? I'm not as sweet and nice as you all thought I was! LOL.)

*Gross alert: There is something wrong with my dog, as he spent yesterday puking....ewwwww. However, you can tell he has an owner who is cleaning obsessive. He "set his breakfast free" in the bathroom....however I didn't know it. I saw him running to the porch, where he finished his purging. So at least he missed the carpet. Later in the day, he was back in my bathroom, trying to get into the bathtub. I thought that was odd and shooed him out. Well, immediately he ran to the porch....unfortunately before I could let him out....and purged again. He knew he was going to be sick, so he tried to hit the bathtub! What a good dog I have! Anyway, so far this morning he is doing good. I think it's from being on antibiotics for the past three weeks. His stomach is weak as it is, and those do not help. He's here right now looking at me....I wonder what that means! LOL.

Wee one said that her invention was a hit....and the teacher was impressed! I am glad for her. She was a little worried about it. My kids only have 36 (give or take a few) days left of school, minus weekends. Where did the year go? It's amazing how time flies.

Okay, I've got to get things done around here. It's going to be 80 today....hmmmm, maybe I'll chuck it all and just go to the beach! Yeah....that sounds like a plan!

Pictures and such....

And so, these are the only pics I took this Easter. Hey now, I have been sick so I get to slack! I didn't take any pics of the eggs we colored, or the process of doing so. Didn't get any shots of us in our Sunday best either. Oh well....use your imagination. The kids were beautiful with flowing hair and white smiles, hubby looked handsome in his tailored suit, buff bod and full head of hair....and I, of course, was stunning in a form fitting size 2 dress with strappy heals and perfectly coiffed hair....yeah, the fever from this flu is making me delirious!

Wee one had to make an invention for the school's "invention convention". If none of you have ever had the *pleasure (*enter sarcasm here) of doing this, it is where the kids come up with their "own" ideas for an invention, and then make a prototype and present it. Of course, her class is the ONLY 4th grade class who's teacher made it a requirement that they do the project (it is usually voluntary), and that it will count for 2 science test grades. Ridiculous. They could have spent this time learning what they missed whilst cramming for that freaking standardized test! I tell ya, it will be a miracle if my child learns anything in this freaking school system! I'm seriously considering moving into the neighboring county to get her into better schools.

On a better note....

Today is grocery shopping day....yippee! I'm looking forward to strolling down the aisles, listening to the corny, canned music.....and just relaxing. I tell ya, my trips to the grocery store are like therapy to me. And with the prices, just as expensive as a good therapist! I cleaned out the fridge this morning, which, after not shopping for three weeks took me all of five minuntes. I also cleaned out the pantry. I need to make my list, go through my ads, then make a run to the bank. I will got to two stores today. The first store is not my favorite....but they have some great sales. The second store is my "wander around and zone out" store. I just love it. It's a new store and there is never anyone in there. Ahhhhh, how relaxing.

Okay, enough of my orgasmic grocery shopping commentary....I really have to get going....have a lovely Tuesday!

Happy Easter!!!!

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!"

And now for your reading pleasure....a little more whining!

Man, I have just about had it with this flu. It has now moved down into my chest and I have a lovely barritone cough to accompany my sneezing and wheezing. I am a picture of beauty today....limp, lifeless hair, smudged mascera, red and swollen nose....nice mental picture, huh?

However....the bunny did get out today and got everything that she needed. I do believe the kids will be happy with their goodies. I am hoping to feel good enough to go to church in the morning.

It's been raining non stop for two days now....and I LOVE it! Everything is getting so green. I got caught in the rain today....but thankfully it was mom to the rescue. When we ran into the freaking dollar store, she bought two umbrellas. Woohoo! However, I did wear my new pink sequined flip flops and by the time I got to the car I was slipping and sliding trying to keep them on. I hate when that happens.

On a very sad note, apparently Thursday evening around 11:30 there were fire trucks and ambulances across the street at our neighbors house. Betsy said she saw all the ruckus, but we didn't as our bedroom is in the back of the house. She watched as they wheeled the mom out of the house, doing CPR. Unfortunately, she did not make it. I feel so bad. We didn't know them personally, but would say hi to one another. She would always have a bible in her had and be singing as she walked into her house or to her car. She had a lovely voice. Apparently they have two older kids that are out of the house, and one daughter who is in high school with Betsy. They were together all the time, and they would laugh and share jokes, walking arm in arm. She would drive her to the bus stop every morning at the same time Bets and I go. I am keeping their family in my prayers....March hasn't been such a good month!

Well, I should get to my room and put together my gifts....have a hoppy Easter!

Achoo....take two....

Well, if I were 80 and balding and a man, this graphic would be me today. Over and over and over again. I tell ya, if I have to blow my nose one more time I'm gonna scream! I need some Puffs. I don't have any....so I've been using napkins that feel like sandpaper and Bounty paper towels. (Amazingly enough, they do live up to their slogan...."The quicker picker upper!" LOL). Tomorrow I'm going out and getting some soft tissue.

Of course, I haven't let this cold slow me down....nosiree. I have cleaned the house today, done 4 loads of laundry (folded and put away even!), been through wee one's entire closet sorting and throwing away....along with catching and releasing reptiles that somehow found their way into my house. Yes, as wee one was trying on clothes, she suddenly stood stock still....then yelled, "There's a lizard on my pillow!" Sure enough, there was a bright green lizard (possibly the Geiko Gecko's twin brother), staring right at us as we went through her clothes. Quick thinking as I am, I threw a shirt over him and carried the pillow to the door....where I released him back into the wild. Needless to say, wee one said she is NOT going to sleep in her bed tonight! LOL.

She and I also did mounds of homework, that she put off until the last minute. We only have two things left to do, so that is a relief. Unfortunately, being sick, the Easter Bunny has not done her shopping yet....and she really needs to do it! I think perhaps tomorrow she will be able to get out.

Mom is spending the night tonight....she and wee one are playing bunco as we speak. John is washing and waxing and tuning up her car, so she decided to sleep over instead of having to bring it over so early in the morning. She has already baked cookies and done my dishes....what a woman!

I am going to turn in early tonight....partly because of my cold, and partly because I just took two benadryl....and those suckers always knock me out!

Have a blessed Good Friday!

 

Cough, hack, wheeze, sneeze....you get the picture....

Guess what I got....oh come on....guess! I do believe I am the unlucky recipiant of the flu. On the morning we left for Indiana, I drove over to pick up my aunt and uncle and grandmother, only to find my aunt sneezing and coughing and feverish. During the trip she continued on this way....along with Betsy. I, of course, went on and on about having the "mother immunity gene", to which John told me I was crazy. Still, I watched the germs pass to his mother (who is now on an antibiotic) and he himself. He told me I would get it and I would just roll my eyes. Silly man, he knows nothing of a mother's ability to ward off germs. We need to stay strong so that we can care for everyone else! The night he woke up drenched in sweat from his fever (next to me), I began to wonder. Could I possibly escape this? Of course I could....I am, after all, a MOM.

Yesterday when John came home from work, he took one look at me and started to say something....however I cut him off with a "SHUT UP AND PASS ME THE TISSUES". I hate it when he is right! Wee one is the only one who has not had it....and I would like to keep it that way! Both girls spent the night at friends houses last night, so I had a full evening of rest and relaxation....ahhhhhh....

However, today is a new day and I am itching to get outside and start in on the lawn and landscaping! We have a lot of work ahead of us, as we are replacing all the mulch with rock. I'm tired of fighting the moles and cats, who love my mulch even more than I do....so I'm going with rock. I also need to do some planting. I want to get to Lowes and peruse the flowers and shrubs. I just love doing that! I was never into yard work or flowers before moving here....but now....it's like a drug! I have so many ideas and plans for the yard....

Oh....to all who have asked, Percy is doing much better. After an $89 trip to the vet, he now has ear drops. Yes, my guilt over not letting him play with other dogs has cost me an additional $89....plus whatever the next visit in two weeks will cost...why didn't I just let him lounge in his "suite" for a week? No....I had to feel sorry for him and buy him pool time. Well, lesson learned here!

Okay, it's almost 10 am and I need to get myself moving. I think I will go outside and try to do some yardwork. Maybe the fresh air and sunshine will help this cold....I hope so!

Back to the old grind....

I was looking for a "dog" graphic and this came up....it was so cute, I couldn't resist using it. Even though I don't have a story to relate it to....although we did have those hot dogs last night for dinner. Of course I could say that my husband is a real weiner....but I won't becuase he has been so sweet during these past few weeks. (Don't worry though, I"m sure he will mess up again soon! lol).

****Gross Alert****

When I picked up Percy at the dog place, I noticed he was shaking his head. He usually only does this when he has an ear infection and he was on antibiotics so I didn't think anything of it....until he kept us up all night shaking and scratching his ears. Well, this morning I looked at them and boy oh boy....they were full of green puss.  I know, gross....but I did warn you. Anyway....I'm thinking he swam and the water didn't drain from his ears which caused an infection. But still....shouldn't someone have noticed when giving him his "exit bath" (his ears were sticky!!!!)? Which brings me to my next quandry....I don't think he got an exit bath. I am not sure if I'm going to be charged with it since I picked him up and the computers weren't working; so they are going to bill me. However, I do believe I will question them. I mean, for $220+ I should have picked up a clean, puss-free dog....don't you think?

Okay, on to cleaner things....

Wee one spent the day running through sprinklers with friends. I can't believe it's already that season! It is very apparent, however, that she is going to need a new suit this year. Let's just say, the flowers are not the only things that have begun to bud....lol. My little girl is growing up. *sigh.

I am determined to get all closets cleaned out this week, since the girls are on spring break. Betsy just finished going through her clothes and we have the "toss" pile and the "wee one" piles. I have two bags full of "good will" items, and many more to come. I have a feeling when I take everything out of wee one's closet that doesn't fit, there will be very little left. I also have to do my own....which is going to be depressing. I keep hoping I'll fit into those few things I hang on to for "when I'm skinny again"....but I don't think I'm ever going to get there. LOL....that's okay though. I'm happy with myself. For now. Just don't ask me how I feel when I have to go shopping for a bathing suit.

And on that note, I need to go serve the strawberry shortcake I made for dessert....

Home sweet home....

When I stepped off the plane yesterday, four words came out of my mouth that I never thought I'd say, living here in Florida....thank God I'm home!

Wow, what a week. It all went beautifully, and we couldn't have been treated any better by family and friends. We visited a bit with people we hadn't seen in a long while, and exchanged stories about dad. It was good to see my sisters as well.

I was a bit worried about my mom last night, since it was the first night she would come to her home alone, but she said it was something she had to do and that no one else could do it for her. So, I watched her go....and checked up on her soon after. I also called right before bed and reminded her that if she needed to come over, she could. Mom did so well during the past week....so did the girls. I'm proud of them all!

Wee one ended up going to our old neighbors house and playing for an afternoon. They had a ball together. I visited with his mom and we talked about the neighborhood gossip....Betsy went to a play at the highschool, and also out to dinner with her best friend. John and I basically hung around the house....as we stayed with his mom. She is quite the hostess....cooking homemade pork chops for John, chicken and dumplings and ribs....all with the appropriate fixins! She is such a sweetie, and I felt bad leaving her....crying a little at ther front door as we drove away....sigh.

Percy however....well, he seems like a puppy again! He was thrilled to see us and practically ran to the car. He's been going 100 miles an hour since. I think I may have to check into that place and take him on a regular basis so he can run and swim with his doggy buddies. When we got there and were waiting to pick him up, we went out by the dog pool. There were four dogs swimming and playing....I didn't realize but the pool is shaped like a dog bone! Too cute.

We decided to have a Florida dinner last night....we cooked on the grill. It was so strange going from the mid 40's to 84 in a matter of hours. When I got in I threw off my shoes and socks and headed toward my new sparkly flip flops I had bought before we left.

Dare I say it....I'm beginning to like Florida????

Moday, Monday.....lala....la...lala....

This graphic reminded me of what I need to do today....I will be spending my quiet time emptying milk, and throwing left overs, bread, eggs, etc. over the fence....not because I hate my neighbors....but because in the little "forest" area the racoons regularly feast on my culinary masterpieces....lol. We will be gone for a week, so that means my fridge will be quite bare! I have a lot to pitch since we haven't really been eating for the past week.

I am also going to be cleaning, turning off computers, deciding which lights to leave on. Should I leave a tv on for sound? My dad always used to leave a radio on if we were going to be gone for a while, so that any burglars in the neighborhood would think we were in there talking and singing. LOL. I've already given the dog his bath as well as his eye drops, ear drops and both sets of pills....I'm wet and hairy right now....lol. I've got the bathtub soaking in scrubbing bubbles ("we do the work so you don't have toooooooooooooo"....I can't think of that slogan without hearing Joe Dirt saying it! lol), so that it is sparkling clean. I also washed the sheets and am moving on to the throw rugs. I know, I know....why? Heck, I don't know.

I managed to find a few pair of jeans that used to be Betsy's that fit wee one....so she is set on clothes. I am going to wash the winter coats too, so they have that "fresh from the dryer" smell for the girls.

I talked to mom last night and she was at her hotel with my sisters and my dad's cousin. They were talking about old times and relaxing. I hope things went well for mom and that she wasn't too emotional. This morning John will be chauffeuring them to the funeral home to make final arrangements. You know, I am glad I don't have to be there for that. I need someone else to take some of the stress for a while....I don't mean that in a bad way at all....I just need to regroup.

Well, the bubbles have probably done all the scrubbing they are going to dofor me by now....so I had better get in there and finish up....

 

Oh man....

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love,
jenny
Comment from hotrockrod - 3/13/05 4:00 AM

 

Gee, what a lovely comment to leave in my tribute to dad entry. Being that my journal is rated "G",  and the fact that it is Sunday I will not type in all caps the two words that immediately came to my mind....however, dear Jenny, perhaps before you go hocking your wares, you should read the entry first....sheesh!

Anyway....

I spoke with mom and John whilst walking out of church today. They had gotten to Inday, and rented their car. They said the flight was smooth and the only little glitch was that the reservation for the car showed up as cancelled! Obviously it was straightened out. They should be close to home by now.

I took the girls to church and then we ran to get my mil a birthday gift, and then on to wal mart for a few last minute items. I also stopped at walgreens for a prescription and some marshmallow bunnies. I tell ya, sometimes you only have to look as far as the chocolate aisle for a bit of happiness! LOL.

I can't believe how much stuff I still have to do....yet here I sit doing none of it! I have laundry, packing, cleaning....The girls are, as we speak, trying out their new cd players for the trip. I also bought some new rechargable batteries so I don't have to listen to, "MOM, my player won't work....the batteries are dead!" Man, I hate that!

My aunt and uncle are having us over for dinner today. I think I mentioned that before....but I'm way too lazy to look back and see if I did. They are grilling out. It's 84 today and breezy, which will make for a nice day to eat outside. I think Percy knows something is up....he keeps looking at me with these sad eyes. Dang dog....can't get anything by him! I did by him some bacon flavored strips for treats when he is at his hotel. He should like that.

Okay, I have REALLY got to go and get things done....

The weekend....

Last night was such a quiet night! Both girls spent the night at friends houses so John and I got to have a quiet evening at home. Of course, we both fell asleep in different parts of the house....lol. But that is okay. We needed the sleep.

Finally the FCAT's are over for both of the girls. Betsy said she did great, and wee one is relieved they are done. She told me on the first day that they were pretty easy but, "I was the third to last person done. But that is good Mom because I went back and checked everything!" LOL....what a nut.

My husband and mom are flying out in the morning for Indiana. He is going with her to meet with the funeral director, pastor etc. and the girls and I will fly out on Tuesday morning with my uncle and his wife and my grandmother. We are staying with my mil, and mom got a hotel for the week. She said that she wanted time to be alone, which I totally understand. She is going to have my aunt (her sister) stay with her a few nights, as well as my sisters. Everything will be on Wednesday, which is the warmest day of the week up there....a balmy 40! LOL.

I just took down a plastic bin full of Betsy's old clothes to see if I could find sweaters for wee one. She has outgrown the ones in her closet, and all of the stores here have bathingsuits, shorts and capri pants! I've been scouring the clearance racks in hopes of finding some sweaters! LOL. We also have to pack winter coats, mittens, scarves....as the temps will be in the low 30's the rest of the week....along with snow. I hope my suitcase will hold it all.

I still have to write what I want to say at my dad's funeral. I have been putting it off because I don't know what to say. I could say a million different things....I just have to choose which ones. I have a song picked out that I want to have played. It's called "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice. It is so perfect....if you have access to a music download site, it's worth the time to listen....although I knowif I have them play it, there will not be a dry eye in the place. But it is so perfect. I don't know.

Percy is set up in his doggy motel for the week. Man, that dog lives in STYLE. I wish I got that kind of treatment! LOL. I hope it is warm enough for him to enjoy the built in pool....knowin him though, he will be so sad that we are gone he will just sit there and do nothing....lol.

Well, I probably should get going here. I have to do laundry, pack, give dh a haircut, go pick up prescriptions and other sundries, and it is my mil's birthday on Sunday so I have to go get a gift for John to take with him. Oh, and we are going to church tonight as well. Jeez. But it's nice to have something to do.

Okay, I'm outta here for today....have a good one!

Thank you....

The past two days have been unbelieveably stressful and sad. The emotional rollercoaster has been running non stop....and I, for one, am ready to get off.

However, in the midst of my sadness and pain, my friends here in j-land have surrounded me with heart-felt love and compassion. I want to tell you that each and every comment, card and e-mail has touched my heart, and soothed my soul.

I have shared so much of my life with all of you, I knew I could share this as well. Thank you so much.

Untill we meet again....

My father went home today. At 9:41 with outstretched arms, Jesus came to him and said it was time to go. And with one last quavering breath, my dad took his Savior's hand and entered the Kingdom of Heaven. He is in no more pain, he can breathe freely, he is happy and loved. With him, he took a piece of all of our hearts, but he left behind a legacy of love. I will miss you dad....and I will see you again.

Vets and haircuts....

As you may have guessed from the pic (although Percy's doc is a woman and Percy himself is big), I am taking the dog to the vet today. We have a 9:30 appointment....his eye is still, well, icky....and his skin is very itchy. He is prone to some sort of dermatitis and when it gets really bad he needs an antibiotic. (Hence, my need for a powerful vacuum!) Our vets office is such fun to deal with (*sarcasm), as they have the usual tile floors and Percy can't navigate them. His arthritic hips make it almost impossible to walk across shiny, slippery tile. Every time we go, I end up pulling him across on his leash whilst the assistang pushes from behind. It's a riot. He's such a good boy though. As soon as we get in the room, he gets right up onto the scale....like he knows the drill. I think it's because it has the only rubber surface in the entire place and he knows he won't fall!

I have been thinking about where he is going to stay while we are gone. I found this place right near us that is, in a word, unbelieveable. I am telling you, it looks like a resort....only for dogs. It has a huge built in pool with palm trees all around, along with lounge chairs for the dogs. There is a nature trail which, for $6.00 a trip, they will walk your dog along. There is daily play time and for an additional $6.00 per day, there is one on one "cuddle time" provided by a loving assistant. OH, and there are no crates here....the dogs get "suites" that are both air conditioned and heated, along with hammocks for their sleeping pleasure! It's part of a local animal hospital so there is a vet on duty at all times. I tell ya, I wouldn't mind staying there! LOL....only $24 per day, which I don't think is outrageous for what they get. I guess Sir Percy will be stylin' for a while!

Okay, back from the vet. I got distracted and couldn't finish my entry....lol. Eye infection and skin thing....$153 and she forgot to charge me for the eye medicine! Sheesh. This dog is gonna break the bank.

Anyhoo....now I wait till 12 for the haircut. I should get off my butt and go clean up the house. I don't feel like it though. I'm tired and my tummy hurts. (pathetic cry for sympathy....).

Okay, I must go and put drops in the dog's eye and wrap some antibiotics in cheese....no one ever takes care of me like that! ::whine::

Today is the day....

Well, today is the beginning of wee one's week of testing. I offered her whatever she wanted for breakfast and she chose a bagel with cream cheese and oj. She didn't seem nervous at all....which I am thankful for. Yesterday she worked on the online testing site for a while, then I got out the workbooks and chose a page for her to work on. She was NOT happy with me. She grabbed the book, went into her room and slammed the door. When she came back out, she handed me the book and left the room. I had to laugh because after the last question she wrote, "This is the LAST one I am doing because I will have enough of this crap tomorrow!!!!" Well, she told me, didn't she? LOL....I didn't make her do any more. I figured she is as ready as she is going to be, and I don't want to stress her out the day before the real test. Testing lasts for two hours each day, Mon-Thurs. I have to share this tidbit from the newsletter the school sent home on Friday. Oh so typical....(I promise, this is the last I will say on the subject!)

"Testing time is important, but please do not over-emphasize. Putting too much emphasis on test scores can upset a child and may cause excessive worry about doing well. Each day is important in our children's lives. Reassure your child that he or she is doing their best. Praise them for the things they do well. If they feel good about themselves, they will do there best."

Can you believe that sh%#? In other words, please try and undo everything we have put your children through for the past few weeks. Aaarrrggghhhh!

ANYWAY....

The weekend was just gorgeous. Sunny, blue skies, warm breezes....beautiful. Yesterday we went to church and heard a minister from Canton, OH speak. He was absolutely wonderful. Even my husband, who has been known to catch up on his sleep during a sermon, stayed awake and alert through the whole thing. He even mentioned how he enjoyed the service. After church we went home and spent the day doing odds and ends. I cleaned, relaxed, made phone calls, did some sewing. Around 3 my mom came over and picked up John. They were going to pick out a suit for my father. John told me that he wanted to be the one to go with her and help her pick something out....I thought it was really sweet. I have to give my mom credit, she is taking care of business, all the while taking care of my dad. She is such a wonderful and loving wife.

Things are progressing as expected with dad. I am happy to report, however, that he did say hi to me yesterday! My mom held the phone to him and said, "Honey, Sherry is on the phone. Do you want to say hi?" and he said in his gravely voice, "Hi Sherry." It was slow and hard to understand, but I heard him!

Today I am spending the day cleaning. I know some people think I am crazy with all my dusting and mopping....but for me, the act of cleaning is theraputic to me. I feel so calm and happy when I am doing it. I love the look and feel of a freshly cleaned room, or an organized closet. It calms my soul. And you know what they say cleanliness is next to!!!!

Nuttin honey....

Hmmmm, I put "Saturday" in the search box at animationfactory.com and this is what came up. I wasn't sure what it was until I read the title which was "Saturday Night Hampster Fever". Who knew....I thought it was a mouse!

As you can see from the pics, wee one did a great job on both her spelling and science vocabulary test! She was so happy when she brought those home to show me. She also said that the actual science chapter test they had taken that day went very well and she thinks she got an A.

Right now I can hear her in her sister's room laughing and singing. They have been in there for hours. Betsy has to paint the pot that she made in ceramics over the weekend, as it is due on Monday. She did a great job too....I'll take a pic of it when she is finished. It's a short, squatty pot but it was supposed to be taller with a longer neck. I can't help but laugh every time I see it because my daughter, who can ace a geometry test and get through chemistry barely cracking a book, had to stay after school because she couldn't get the hang of making a clay pot! She laughs about it too....I'm not being mean! LOL. She said she had to start it over a few times because the neck kept breaking.

Today the girls went downtown to a big library book sale. My aunt took them in her brand spankin new Subaru....when she came in she said, "I'm letting Betsy drive!" Now, a million thoughts came into my head at this point like....ARE YOU NUTS? and, well, ARE YOU NUTS? Betsy has driven once with my husband, twice with my sister (although I did not know this!), and once with me. All the previous excursions have been on side streets and in mild traffic. Today she was to drive downtown, in Saturday traffic, across a HUGE bridge.

 Here's the bridge....so, you can see why I was a bit nervous! My aunt said, "Do you think she can drive over a bridge? Or should we stop and switch drivers before we get there?" I said, oh, I think stopping would be a good idea. Betsy heard this and said, "Awwwww!" so my aunt says, "Well, we will keep going until I get scared!" LOLOL....then she says, "Don't worry, I have airbags." LOLOL....kind of....

Anyway, they made it there, and Betsy drove the entire way! She said it was "cool" driving over the bridge. Wee one said, "Don't worry mom, she did good. I mean, I wasn't even nervous this time!" Sheesh. They had a great time, buying books and then going out to lunch.

John and I used the time to take a motorcycle ride over to my parents house. The day was just perfect for a ride....62 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. There was a slight breeze as well. It just felt so good to get out and ride....it's so freeing. We visited for an hour and today was the first time I have cried. I couldn't help it....I have been trying to be so strong for my mom and dad. I've done a great job up until now....but today was different. I have watched my dad go from a slurring kind of talk, to a quiet voice, to barely a word here and there. Lately it's been a combination of one word answers and hand squeezing. But today....I asked him questions and talked to him, held his hand and there was no response. Just those silent eyes staring ahead. It hit me, like a ton of bricks, that I will never hear my father speak to me again. I stood with his hand in mine and cried. I think I spooked John when he realized how upset I was. But....I got a handle on it. I went to the bathroom, dried the tears and came out smiling. By that time mom was in the room and was trying to talk to him. She asked me to hold his hand and tell him to squeeze my hand for yes. He didn't respond to anything until I said, "Well gee dad....how about....do you love me?" You know what he did? He raised his eyebrows as high as he could. I just laughed and said, "Dad, I'm taking that as a yes!" (Thank you God....I needed that!)

We have been vegging out for most of the evening since then. I actually just got up from the couch and came in here....what a lazy butt! LOL....I've been so tired lately. I'm going tohave to get the dog to the vet on Monday. Can dogs get pink eye? I tell ya, Percy's eye is definately pink and he's got some interesting stuff collecting in the corner....I've been putting warm cloths on it and keeping it as clean as I can until I can get him in. Jeez....that dog is getting more expensive with age! I've got a hair appointment on Tuesday and who knows what else will pop up. That's okay though, I do better when I'm busy!

OKay.....I'm off to fold some clothes and, well, sit on my butt again probably! Have a great Saturday!

Testing my nerves!!!!

Wow, what a response to the previous entry! I am so glad to know that I am not the only one out there frustrated beyond belief! And thank you all so much for your well wishes toward wee one.

I thought I might add this one bit of information that I neglected to say....these standardized tests decide weather or not the kids are PROMOTED to the next grade! "These ain't your mamma's standardized tests!" When we were growing up, we had the tests, and were given the "Get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast" speech....now they add in "And don't forget if you don't pass the test, you don't pass the grade, and if you do poorly our school will not receive the funds it needs and the teachers will get a cut in pay and it will be ALL YOUR FAULT!" So you can see my frustration.

I would love nothing better than to go in there and tell them exactly what they can do with their #2 pencils....Last year over 200 senior students got unsigned diplomas because they didn't pass the FCATS and had to take summer school then retest...and retest until they passed! You've got all A's and B's? Wow, that's great....too bad you didn't pass the test....see you next year!

Of course, the amount of money a school recieves as a "bonus" rides on the performance of the kids as well....along with the grade of the school (we are an "A" school or we are an "F" school). And the lower the grade, the less money the school gets....where is the logic in that???? It seems to me that the schools with the lower scores need the money more than the higher scoring schools. They need the programs to help the kids. There was one county who's A schools donated their money to the F schools to help them out....but that is not the case everywhere.

Someone asked me about recess....HA! They are lucky if they get 20 minutes at the end of the day before the busses come to unwind. They are pushing and pushing these kids. And yes, they do repeat over and over to them that if they don't do well, they fail.  What ever happened to positive reinforcement? I am shifting into happy mode until these tests are over. I am telling wee one that I am so proud of her for working so hard, and that she will do just fine. I'm going to tell her to relax and not to worry....that trying her best is all she can do and that I love her....

Tomorrow morning she is going to a book fair with my aunt. She just loves doing things like that. They will have a ball as they usually do. They love going out together taking bike rides or cooking together. Whenever my aunt wants to do something with her, she will call and ask if she can come out and play....lol. She also sent home a print out of the art camps that are being offered at the museum this summer, and told her to pick out the one she wants to go to. Wee one was so excited. She loved going last year. It's right downtown, across from a pretty courtyard with fountains....she thought that was pretty cool.

I am so sick of pecan pie. I bought one the other day and have been picking at it here and there. I had never had it until five years ago, and since then I get it on Christmas or Thanksgiving. Well, they had them on sale the other day at the store and I thought what the heck....so I bought it. Silly, silly me. I've bee picking at pecans all week! LOL....I just threw the thing away.

Okay, I've got to get working around here....have a good one!

My poor baby....

I am so upset right now I can barely see straight. I just spent a half hour consoling wee one as she cried and cried over school.

As you know, she is going through the final week of preparations for the FCAT (Florida standardized testing). She is having great difficulty with reading comprehension. We have been working every night for 2 hours, doing exercises from workbooks that I have purchased, and using the online site provided by the state. She is at her breaking point and I don't know what to do for her. This is what she told me....

"Mom, I can't take it anymore. They are putting too much on us. We have to work all day on these exercises and when I got a wrong answer my teacher said 'No, no no!' in front of the class and I was so embarassed that I put my head down and cried!" She went on to say that the teachers promised they would only work on preparing for the test two days a week, but that they do it every day and her hand actually hurts from filling in so many circles. She said that the other classes get to watch movies at the end of the day for a break from the studying, and when she sees them come out of the classes they are all smiling. "My class comes out frowning because we work so hard, and I just don't feel like talking. The teacher even yelled at us for saying "awwww, another one?" when she wanted us to work some more....but mom, I don't blame them....it's too much!" While she was telling me all of this she was crying....not a whiny I-don't-want-to-work cry but a sobbing type....

I have never seen such a mess as this state and it's school system in my entire life. She entered 4th grade with a 2nd grade education....why? Becuase last year due to overcrowding, she was forced into a class taught by the school's science teacher who had never taught anything but science. The first few days the freaking teacher was crying because she didn't know what to do!!!! Wee one learned 1/4 of what she should have last year. And the teacher? Well, she was offered the position of a 5th grade teacher this year! You can bet your butt wee one will NOT get her next year....I will see to that. But I digress....

I can not believe the stress that is being put on these little shoulders. You just don't know what it did to me to watch my child sit and sob because of a test. I don't know what to do. If I go in and talk to the teacher, she will single her out and it will only be worse for wee one. Salaries are at stake here....if the school doesn't get a good rating, money gets taken away....it isn't about the kids anymore. Wee one asked me if they had FCAT's in NC. I told her no and she said "Let's move there tomorrow...." No child should have to feel this way. Not to mention that the kids education is being short changed....they are learning to pass a test while real subjects and learning are being pushed aside. 

When my husband and I decided on accepting the job down here, we wanted it to make a better life for our kids. We are making more money, living easier, and enjoying many of the advantages of living in a warmer climate and being able to enjoy the beach, trying new and interesting things....but I feel so guilty. Although there are good things that have happened, when something like this comes along, I can't help but feel totally at fault. In our haste to make a "better" life for our kids, did we make a mistake? And while Betsy is excelling at school, she has had her fair share of problems....different from the ones her sister is having.

I don't know what to do....I don't know what to say. I told her that I loved her and that I was so proud of her for working so hard to improve. I praised her for sticking to it and told her to do her best....that is all she can do. I reinforced my faith in her and told her that after next week it will all be over and she can go back to having fun. I just pray I'm right. I pray I haven't ruined or stifled my precious, fun loving, free wheeling child. She is the very essence of a free spirit....and I don't want her to lose that quality. I want her to shine.

And on that note....I'm going to bed!

You have all wormed your way into my heart!!!!

I just want to say a very heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who has commented and sent prayers and cards my way. I can't tell you what it has meant to me. It is so comforting to know that I have so many wonderful and caring friends out there! Thank you all....

 

Blah....

Unfortunately since my last entry, things with my father have been declining. The hospice nurse says that it seems as though the "natural progression" of things is happening, and that we should notify the family. Mom is doing so well, making decisions left and right, getting things in order....yet staying right by my dad's side, to comfort him and to just "be". I'm so proud of her. This disease has not just taken a toll on my dad, but on her as well. There is an unbelieveable amount of physical care that she has had to provide, let alone the emotional care. She is, truly, the strongest woman I know. I only hope that I am able to help her get through the next few weeks.

It's funny what you think of during times like these. Today I couldn't think of anything except that I had to get to the store and buy some luggage so that we would be ready if something should happen. I bought it and now I'm thinking I need to get to the store to get some dress clothes for the girls, make sure prescriptions are filled, find someone to watch the dog....I was feeling guilty that I wasn't more emotional or crying....but I know that I need to do these things while I can, before I'm too upset to think straight. I suppose everyone deals with grief in different ways. I need to sit down and talk with the girls too. I'm so proud of them as well. They are so loving toward my dad. Wee one sat on the bed with him and just held his hand the last time we were there.

We are going over when John gets home from work. I remember when my best friend was dying, and she started getting a lot of visitors. She said to me, "Gee, I must be getting worse!" It's true though. As soon as people find out someone is sick, they come visit regularly. Then they seem to taper off but start back up when they get the news that things aren't looking so good. I guess it's just the nature of human beings. No matter what kind of pain you are in, or who you are losing in your life....it goes on. Delieveries continue to be made, stores continue to open, restaurants continue to serve. Nothing stops....it just keeps going, and drags you along even when you don't feel like participating.

Anyhoo....I must be going. I have a pile of laundry that is a mile high that I should be working on, and it's almost time to pick up wee one from the bus stop.

BTW, I'm rather behind on my commenting....I'll catch up soon!