I could give myself a break

but, nnnnnoooooooo. I have to make things more difficult than they actually are.

Sunday mornings are not relaxing around here. We get up, rush around eating breakfast, getting dressed, getting out the door. And I had to get a song ready, because it's the last Sunday of the month, and I remembered I was on the list for the last Sunday of the month. I got my Sunday school worksheet off the printer, and grabbed my box of craft stuff. Out the door we went!

Got through Sunday school, and gathered up my stuff. I went into the auditorium and dropped the CD off by the sound system. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a couple of people get excited. I don't mean that they are big fans of my singing. I mean, they appeared to get riled up. I started thinking, "Am I supposed to sing in the evening service? If it's her week and I look like I'm hijacking her turn, she's going to have a conniption fit."

I asked the pastor if I was supposed to sing. And I started thinking, "Duh. It's NOT the last Sunday of the month!" Great. It probably was her week, and she was going to be all huffy. He came back and told me that two girls were supposed to sing, but they weren't ready. He asked if I had something prepared. I explained what I had observed in the back. He explained that whenever someone is on the list that may not be prepared, this lady (and her husband) assumes she will fill in. But he said he would prefer me to sing. And he asked if that was being mean. I told him, "Ahhh, no."

See. We go to a small church. The singing abilities are limited. This particular lady has very nice tone, but she makes up her own tune. And her own timing. And she likes to sing with instrumental recordings that are not meant to be an accompaniment. I think I could bear her singing if it wasn't clear that she sings for the recognition. That might be a judgment, and I try to be careful of that. But it is really hard to get a blessing from it.

So the song went well. My son told me it was great. My daughter did her rendition of my song.

2 words I hate

"at least"

Every time someone uses these words with me, I want to scream.

Those two words minimalize what a person is dealing with. Those words show that the person to whom you are speaking has no idea what you are going through, but they think they do.

I can remember a couple of specific instances that still bug me.

"At least you know you can get pregnant." (after my miscarriage)

"At least your mom is still alive." (uuhh, ok)

"At least your son has a treatable condition." (son is Type 1 diabetic)

Do I know there are worse situations out there? Of course, I do.

But when I share my heartaches, I don't want to hear "at least".

It's ok when I do it

but when other people whine, I am completely intolerant.

Ugh. I followed a link from a blog I read to a new blog I've never read. The writer posted about her daughter coming home from school, relating how inept the teachers and subs at her school are.

The writer made a comment about teachers teaching 6 hours a day and taking off for the summer.

OH MY WORD! You'd think she had offended the last living teacher! People were saying things like, "It's people like you..." and "Are you trying to lose readers?" I guess my comments were at the bottom, so no one may ever even read them, but can you say, "Whaa whaa whaa"? Go home and put on your big girl undies.

There is a misconception that teachers show up, babysit for 6 hours, and pine for summer vacation. Ok. So it's a misconception. There are misconceptions about EVERY occupation, I would guess.

And then there was the person who tried to shame teachers who now homeschool. I guess we've left our true calling and left poor little children to suffer.

I don't agree with the socialist idea that it takes a village to raise a child. Rather, I believe the biblical concept is that it takes a FAMILY to raise a child. And my first responsibility is to MY child.

Wha wha wha.

Saw this on a shirt

and I thought it was poignant.

The front of the shirt said:
"Christianity is not a religion."

On the back of the shirt was this text:
"Religion is humans trying to work their way to God."
"Christianity is God coming to men and women through a relationship with Jesus Christ."

Jesus is the passageway between God and men.

Cool shirt. Would have loved it if it wasn't brown.

Easy Oreo Truffles

Easy Oreo Truffles

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions
1.Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2.Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
3.Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Poor little kitty

I took our cat, Jack, to the vet today. He's been barfing alot lately. I'm glad I took him in; he's lost 2 lbs. since his last visit over a year ago.

The vet said she was concerned - his barfing, his scraggly coat (ahem - I rarely brush the poor guy), and weight loss together... She said she would like to do a basic blood screen. I started crying. I just dread losing him. After I regained my composure, I asked what the blood screen would look for. Diabetes - I told her I have a diabetic son, and I don't want to have to give the cat shots, too. Ugh. Kidney failure - but he pees plenty, thyroid problems - but when she felt his neck she didn't feel anything wrong, or it could just be irritable bowels. If that is the case, he'd need an occasional steroid shot.

I asked if we could assume that is the problem for now, and go that route. She said she needed to check his blood sugar; if he's diabetic and she gave him the steroid shot, that could really mess him up. His number was good, so we can rule that out. Praise God. Seriously, I don't think I could handle that.

So I cried from then until I got home. There were two ladies working at the desk. One who had eye make-up like this, who was yapping on her cell phone the whole time, and another girl who was running around doing all the work. The lady on the phone was looking at me like I was the freak.

I came home, let Jack out in the den, and laid down on the bed for awhile. I just hope this shot helps, because we can't put more money into him than we already do buying his gourmet food. :0*(

Spritz Cookies

I've wanted a cookie press for awhile, but I wanted to research them to find one that would hold up. I love the idea of making a pile of little cookies to decorate. And they are small enough that my son can have a couple and hopefully feel normal. Here is the one I bought:

Oreo Candy Cane Bark

I want to try this recipe:

Oreo Candy Cane Bark

Ingredients:
3 (6 oz.) pkgs. Baker's Premium White Baking Chocolate
15 sandwich Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped (about 2 c.)
3 candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 c.)

Directions:
Cover large cookie sheet with foil; set aside. Microwave chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min., or until almost melted, stirring every 30 sec. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in chopped cookies.

Spread immediately onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed candy canes; press candy lightly into chocolate with back of spoon.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Makes 1 1/2 lb. or 18 servings. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tiger Butter

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law, and it is a family (Mommy & Daddy) favorite. Lucky for us, our kids are super sensitive to caffeine, and they can't eat it. Ha ha ha ha! Okay. That wasn't so nice, but that just means more for us!

Tiger Butter

Ingredients:
1 lb. white chocolate chips
1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 12 oz. jar chunky peanut butter

Directions:
Combine white chocolate and peanut butter in top of double boiler. Cook until melted, stir constantly. Spread mix on wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Melt chocolate chips the same way; pour semi-sweet chocolate over the other mixture. Swirl the two together with a butter knife or spatula. Chill until firm. Break into pieces. I use a pizza cutter. Store in the fridge.

Just sooooo yummy!

Cinnamon Candy Corn

Cinnamon Candy Corn

Ingredients:
6 quarts plain popped popcorn (I use an air popper)
1 package (12 oz size) red cinnamon candies
Sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:
Spread popcorn in a lightly buttered roasting pan; bake at 250 F while preparing syrup. Pour cinnamon candies into a 2 cup measure. Fill remaining space to the top with sugar. Place in a heavy pan; Add butter, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat; carefully stir in baking soda. Pour over popcorn, stirring to coat. Continue to bake at 250 F for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool. Break into pieces; store in an airtight container.

Christmas plans

I want to get my act together before Christmas this year.

I want to get the house clean.

I want to get my shopping done early.

I want to take time to wrap the gifts prettily.

I have a list of things I want to make:

1) Tiger Butter
2) Cinnamon Candied Popcorn
3) Peppermint Marshmallows
4) Spritz Cookies (with my new cookie gun!)

This is why I'm always ready...

for someone to come at me on my side of the road. The "short-cut" road looks like this:

So is it just me?

Today I got up and realized I had left my son's antibiotics on the counter overnight. I called the doctor's office, and they called in a refill. I was on my way to the pharmacy, and some idiot came around the corner way too fast on my side of the road. They pulled back onto their side just in time. I am always watching for that to happen, so I was ready. But on that road, there is no shoulder. I'm just glad there was not a wreck.


I got to the pharmacy, and gave the lady at the drive-thru my credit card and my bonus card. When she brought back my stuff, I was waiting for my cards. She said, "Oh, I threw them in the bag." Well, I've learned to look for myself. I had to pull out two large-ish boxes of syringes to see. My credit card was in there, but my bonus card was not. She told me it must have fallen on my floor. It wasn't on my floor. It wasn't in the bag. She and a pharmacist looked around, but both insisted that I must have lost it in my car. The pharmacist gave me a new set of bonus cards. I think she just wanted me to hurry up and leave.

The filling in my tooth is too high; the pressure on the tooth is causing me to have a huge toothache. All I can find is baby anbesol and it's not working. Ugh. So on top of all the people I meet trying to set me off, I am in enough pain to have NO patience.

Blah.

Insulted

I've had a couple of really great, full, busy days. And I'm tired. And intolerant.

Tonight I was pulling into McDonald's and there were cars backing up on both sides of the drive-through lane. I was waiting for the one that was already moving, and as I started to pull up, the other vehicle - a SUV - started backing up. I honked and pulled up. As I was ordering, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the SUV pull up a bit ahead of me on my right. I was concentrating on ordering, so I wasn't really paying attention, but I'm fairly certain the woman driver rolled down her window and started yelling at me.

The human nature in me wanted to jump out of my car, go over to her vehicle, and pull her out of her vehicle by her hair, all the while informing her that she was a typical, ignorant local woman driver.

Instead, I acted like I didn't know she was there. Whew!

Tonight, I was commenting on a friend's post. She's looking for a used instrument; I asked if she had checked out ebay. She said she had in the past, but she didn't like watching and bidding, etc. and she was hesitant to buy something online. I wrote back that I reposted her request, but that she might look again at the buy-it-now items. I mentioned that I was very happy with an antique electric guitar that I bought a couple years ago.

One of her other friends mentioned "that as a former band director, I would steer you completely and totally away from computer searches. BAD move for a real musician."

Normally, I would just let it go. She doesn't know me; I don't know her. I don't want to start something on a friend's wall. But tonight, I spoke up. I responded: "Wow. I'm not a real musician. Hmm."

I just don't think it's a good time for me to be on boards or FB as I would feel great relief from removing someone's face. LOL

I should just go to bed.

Little Boy gets a high five!

Imagination Movers!

In the hotel - ready to go!

Waiting in the lobby for Vicki.

Sitting in the Centre waiting for the show to start!

Rich & Smitty - Farmer Kyle is in the back.

Dave & Scott

Jump up!

Cool set & LOTS of guitars!

Work hard! Have fun!

Karate Kid - "Sweep his bad leg, Johnny!"

Dave & Smitty

Scott's belly

We had the BEST time! My kids weren't feeling great, but when the show started, they forgot all about being sick. They were both jumping to the music; the floor was moving from everyone in the hall jumping. Joel got a ball they threw out into the audience, and Allison got one of Rich's drumsticks! The perks of sitting in the second row!

Water bottles

As if there aren't enough things to worry about, please be aware of the effect bottled water can have. (I just bought a case of bottled water tonight, so I'm not at the freak out stage yet.)

This is an article I found today:

To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is usually a #1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it. Better to use a reusable water bottle, and fill it with your own filtered water from home and keep these single-use bottles out of the landfill.

Unfortunately, those fabulous colorful hard plastic lexan bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA. Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it disturbs the hormonal messaging in our bodies. Synthetic xenoestrogens are linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and are particularly devastating to babies and young children. BPA has even been linked to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. (This is the part that concerns me.) For more of the science on the effects of BPA on our endocrine system etc. see these studies: Environmental Health Perspectives Journal. Nalgene, the company that manufactures the lexan water bottles also makes #2 HDPE bottles in the same sizes and shapes, so we have a viable alternative. Order one at Nalgene.

Unfortunately, most plastic baby bottles and drinking cups are made with plastics containing Bisphenol A. In 2006 Europe banned all products made for children under age 3 containing BPA, and as of Dec. 2006 the city of San Franscisco followed suit. In March 2007 a billion-dollar class action suit was commenced against Gerber, Playtex, Evenflo, Avent, and Dr. Brown's in Los Angeles superior court for harm done to babies caused by drinking out of baby bottles and sippy cups containing BPA. So, to be certain that your baby is not exposed, use glass bottles.

Check the recycling numbers on all your plastic food containers as well, and gradually move to storing all food in glass or ceramic.

Store water in glass or brass if possible, and out of direct sunlight.

Ah... yeah.

Love/Hate

I really like our dentist. He's a nice Christian man; he's personable, kind, and gentle.

I hate going to the dentist. It doesn't really matter that he's personable, kind and gentle if he hurts me. And he does.

My appointment today was for one filling, but since he had a cancelation, he said he could do both fillings today. One was on top, and the other was on the bottom on the same side. I was so tense during the whole thing. He kept reminding me to breathe. And I was shaking. The assistant commented afterward that she could tell how much I disliked the whole process. She said most people either hate the anesthesia or the drilling, but clearly, I am an equal opportunity hater.

I came home and climbed into bed. Me and my droopy face. Over 5 hours later, I was still feeling the effects. My face just below my eye all the way down my neck to my collar bone throbbed. The inside of my mouth is very tender, the muscles in my neck are sore, and I can't eat solids until noon tomorrow. He will probably have to grind the one filling down a hair as it's not allowing my teeth on the other side to meet. But he was afraid to "knock it down" any more than he did for fear it would crack.

But I got it over at one time, and I won't have to endure the stress a second time in one week.

Wednesday, Allison gets her teeth cleaned and checked for the first time. I sure hope she doesn't have any cavities. And I hope she has inherited her father's affinity for the dentist.

It was 9 pm, and I told my son to put on his overnight pull-up when I remembered...he was out of pullups. So I had to run to Walmart and get back before DH needed to leave for work.

Before he left, he told me to go to bed early, but I did get a nap this afternoon. And it's hard for me to go to bed too early when he's on last shift.

Can you see the steam?

Once again, someone at church has chosen to substitute their own judgment for my judgment.

Sunday nights are difficult for us. We eat supper, change clothes and rush out the door. Tonight DH stayed home to finish schoolwork, and I took the kids. We got there and he gasped - no diabetes bag - that means no meter and no emergency snack. I told him that if he felt low he'd have to come see me.

My son came out of class tonight with a very red, sweaty face. He said it was ok, that they were playing in class. I expressed concern that there was too much playing and not enough lesson time. I told him to sit down somewhere; I was afraid his blood sugar would be low. Baby had an apple. I told her she couldn't eat it since she hadn't eaten all of her supper. We got home and he checked his sugar. 234. I knew something wasn't right. I made him wash his hands and check again - 214.

I started asking questions. He finally told us that the teachers (husband & wife) cut up an apple and gave it to the kids. Little Boy knew he shouldn't eat it, but he said it wouldn't have been fair if the other kids got some and he didn't. It will be some time before he understands that he can't worry about what is fair.

I am angry. I have clearly, specifically told these teachers that my son is not to have a snack during their class. We eat just before walking out the door; it is virtually impossible for him to be low. And that if he feels low, he is supposed to test his sugar before being given any food. Seeing that he didn't have his meter, he should have come to me.

So I called the pastor. He tried to be understanding, but I don't think he understands how I feel. I work my beheinie off to keep my son's sugar under control. I will do whatever is necessary to do this. I told the pastor that if I have to keep my son with me during the service, I will. Right now, I want to remove the faces of these two people. If these people can't work with me, we will find a new church.

And on top of EVERYthing, the wife has Type 1 Diabetes.

Smashing Pumpkins

Ah - NOT the group. I'm talking about the thieves who stole my kids' pumpkins off the wall by our front porch. And then these integrity-deficient people smashed the pumpkins at the end of the road.

My son cried this morning. Baby was upset, too, but I was able to keep her from crying. We hadn't had a chance to even carve them yet. So we went to WalMart after church to look for replacements. We found the little baking pumpkins, and I picked out the largest ones they had. We'll have to do some carving tomorrow.

I have several ideas for next year:

1) My closed circuit camera will be on the porch, running through the VCR on record.
2) Bottom half of pumpkin will be smeared with peanut butter.
3) At least one rotten egg will be in the bottom of each pumpkin.
4) Collected dog poop will be on the lawn in front of the wall.
5) I will capture a freeze-frame picture from the video of whomever dares to take them. I will make the picture as large as I can and I will post multiple copies of the pictures on telephone poles downtown with a caption on each: "I steal pumpkins from children."

Don't mess with Mommy.