Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
That night, Jen wanted to do a "family" dinner, all seven of us. We met at Pizza Inn. After everyone ate their fill, we headed to Cold Stone for dessert. While there, it was agreed that Kauchana and Xavier could spend the last night with Jen. So we came home, got clothes for the kids, then I dropped them back off at her hotel room. Came home and crashed.
Thursday was interesting. Got up, took Derric to school, came home and helped Kevin mow. Then we took the top off the truck to take stuff to the airman's attic and to go get some dirt to fill in holes in the back yard. Only, after taking the top off, Jen called to meet up. She had stuff of the kids that needed to be brought over here. So I took Dokota with to meet her at Starbucks. Almost wish I hadn't, I could tell the boy was getting uncomfortable with all the touchy feeling that was going on. But at least he got to say bye to his mother.
Came home, unloaded the truck, and then headed off to get the dirt. We managed to fill in a few holes with the ton of dirt. Mostly the big dangerous ones... I am glad to finally have those filled. Also filled in some new escape attempts from Beyla. After filling in the holes, we went to pick up Derric and take the truck through a wash to get all dirt that didn't want to get out, out. Came home, Kevin worked on fixing the topper latches, then we put that heavy topper back on.
Kids fell right back into normal routine. We did supper, after Kauchana and Xavier ran with me to the commissary to pick up some meat. Tonight I think I am going to make up some beef stew for tomorrow, and start on the many batches of cookies I have been planning.
The kids really haven't said anything about Jen's visit or her leaving. Kauchana did make one comment, but that was it. Her comment was "At least we have one mom that always stays with us". Other then that, nothing has been said. All talk now is on the moving to Germany. So many questions have popped out of nowhere. It has been fun. Xavier asked if we could get back to learning German at night. Kauchana is asking about activities in Germany.
Me? I am working on my Thanksgiving dinner menu. I tend to have a very standard menu, one we do every year.
- Turkey
- Turkey Gravy (made from turkey juice)
- Ham
- Ham Gravy (also home made)
- Riced Potatoes
- Stuffing
- Green Beans
- Baked Beans
- Rolls
- Chocolate Pudding pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Kids' choice of pie
- Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Taco Soup (used as a dip)
- Chips
- Drinks (Might do the fountain again)
- Cranberries
So I have a lot of planning to do. I need to get all my fixings, and get the RSVPS from the friends that are invited so I know just how much I am making.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Monday was a very early get up, after a very late bedtime. We managed to get kids showered and in bed at a very decent hour. Then it was up and packing for me. I packed my over night bag and entertainment bag, then off to bed closing in around 1am.
Up again at 4am, snoozed until 4:30. Got the kids up and redressed, then packed the truck, only for me to run back in the house several times and Kevin asked if I had items.
Finally at 4:40 something, on the road. Got to Jen's hotel close to 5am. Kauchana and Xavier road up with her. Dokota passed out in the truck with us. I curled up on Kevin's lap for a while, but couldn't get comfortable. Got Dokota checked in about 6:30 something. We made it up to the waiting room, and as we were signing in, lady came in asking for a child. Kevin and I swore she said Dokota, so took Dokota back to get his vitals. Come to find out, she was calling for the girl Dakota. Sheesh. Our Dokota was second, the girl was first.
Waited around for about an hour, finally, I figured kids were getting board and hungry, so I was suggesting to Jen that she could take Kauchana and Xavier to the cafe in the hospital for breakfast. Right then, they called Dokota back to sign release forms and go over the surgery. Was back there for about 30 minutes to an hour. Came out, no one in the waiting room. Went to the cafe, no one there.. Called Kevin's cell, no answer. Headed to Wendy's on the other side of the hospital, thinking they went for treats. No one there either. Called and texted Kevin's cell all the way back to the waiting room. Finally got ahold of him. They were at I-HOP.. Grrrrrr. Kevin thought I was going to be back in the back for much longer, figured they had time to run to I-HOP, have breakfast, then come back before I got out. Kevin came to pick me up. I thought they were close by, so I headed down to the pick up area. 30 minutes go by, I am freezing, Kevin finally arrives.. Come to find out, the I-HOP is in Durham, not in Chapel Hill!
Had breakfast, made it back. Sent Jen, Kauchana, and Xavier off with the TomTom to find entertainment for the kids. Not much really for the kids to do in the hospital. Got a call not that long after sitting down, the TomTom was dieing on Jen. Sent Kevin down to get her the car charger. Not long after he left, Dokota's doctors came out telling me he was done, then went into detail of what went on. Kevin came back right as they were finishing, so did the abridged version for him. Sat down and waited for the wake up call. About 45 minutes later, it came.
I headed back to the PAC room, or as I call it, the wake up room. Dokota saw me, smiled, grabbed my arms like he was giving a hug, curled up around my right arm, fell fast asleep. I sat down and got the run down from the nurse on what was going on. Waiting on his room to be cleaned and for him to be come conscious again. About 20 or so minutes later, he jumped awake, I calmed him down, reassured him I was still there. Again he curled himself around my right arm and went fast asleep. It was now a race on what would happen first, his room getting ready or him waking up. Dokota was bound and determined to come in second, but he managed to wake fully up right as his room was ready. Gave Kevin an update and got him sent to Dokota's room to wait for us. Went up with Dokota, helped get him situated, then called Jen to let her know what was going on. She was getting Kauchana and Xavier lunch and would meet us later. Kevin, Derric and I went for lunch ourselves while Dokota got comfortable in his bed. Met up with Jen, got her and the kids passes, then headed up to Dokota's room.
Got up there, he was PASSED out. Gone to the world. Kevin and I went and got my stuff from the truck and brought it back to Dokota's room. I settled in.
Kevin, Jen, and the kids left around 6. Dokota woke up around 7. I crashed around 9:30. Woke up around 11, found Dokota alseep again, turned everything off, shut his room door, and went back to sleep. Woke up several times through out the night. Not the most comfortable of beds.
Tuesday was pretty much spent trying to get Dokota up and walking. He is to be released Wednesday. He is doing good. Kevin came up to visit after dropping Kauchana and Xavier off with Jen. Decided we would both just come home, let Dokota enjoy the dotting the nurses would give him. Not more then 20 minutes after we left, he called on Kevin's cell.... He was up and walking. Punk. Just wanted the nurses help... sheesh. lol. Maybe another day I will write about the actual hospital. I really like it. But for now, I am going to shower and head to bed.
Night.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
It has been interesting having her here. I will say it will be nice to get life back to normal. My physical therapist said I had some tension knots, those hurt with her working them out. She leaves on Thursday.
Today I was a bit depressed. She got to do the one thing I wanted to do, but then again, I was the one that gave her the idea to do it.. So I kicked myself. She took the kids roller scatting in a roller rick for the first time. Kids aren't used to that... I had to drop off socks for Dokota, while looking for him, I saw her helping Xavier around. It hurt.
Tomorrow, Kevin is taking the kids to build-a-bear while I sit with Dokota through his surgery. She will probably go along. Again, this will hurt. But I keep telling myself she will be gone soon.
Not much else has been going on. Think I will end here.. I need to finish packing for the overnight. I got my overnight bag packed. I just need to get my entertainment bag packed. I am taking my knitting, Kevin's DS and the three games we have for that. I will also probably take a couple of books.
Tomorrow is going to be interesting, all the way around.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Halloween was a huge disappointment this year. Didn't realize just how empty my area has gotten. Also didn't expect 90% of the officers to not do anything for Halloween.. Normally they are the huge hit. This year they also didn't require the new housing areas to participate. It was literary, we go by 8 or so NO CANDY houses per house with candy. If I had known it was going to be THIS bad, I would have just suggested one of the fairs the base puts on. Normally it is the fairs that suck and the trick or treating the highlight.
Kauchana was also SO not in the mood to trick or treat because she didn't want to miss Kid Nation. Truth be told, she wouldn't have missed it if her mom wasn't here. We got home after walking around at around 7:30 something.. Kid Nation comes on at 8:00. We would have had time.. But because Jen is here, we had to go back out. We dropped stuff off, kids got drinks, then we headed to the closest fair. I dropped Jen off at her car around 8:45. Looked up Kid Nation, they aren't doing a replay anymore. Kauchana is now pissed... but I did find out they do air the show on the website, so I am watching the website waiting for the new episode to be posted.
The night was interesting. In a way I feel sorry for Jen, but also, how do you feel sorry for someone who brings the pain on themselves? Xavier, in his normal popping random questions up at one of the most weirdest of times, asked one last night that let on just how out of these kids' lives Jen has put herself. He asked her, "Why did she want to meet him". Jen thought he was talking about Halloween, so she said she wanted to go Trick or Treating with them. "No, why did you want to introduce to us". Which of course she didn't understand. So I had to explain that basically, he doesn't know her. To him, I am the ONLy mom he has ever known. He only calls her mom because Dokota and Kauchana does. It is, in all reality, the same reason Derric has called her mom. He hears the others calling her mom, Xavier thinks that is her name, not her relationship to him. Just like Derric thinks mom is Jen's name...
It was an awkward night after that.. Xavier had good timing with that... He asked that early in the night, so all of Trick or Treating and the fair was in forced conversation.
Well.. It is cold. I am freezing and I still need to get ready for the day. I have more to write, so I will be back to edit this entry later.
*Edited to Add*
It didn't help my mood any that I totally screwed the day up. Normally, the first thing I do in the morning is look at my planners, double check appointments, and such. Yesterday, I didn't. I haven't since Jen has been here.. I have just been so stressed since she got here, so depressed, my days are way off.. Then add on Halloween....
Well, I was talking to my mom, she asked about if we had all our paperwork to get Kevin his orders. I told her almost, just need to pick up Dokota's medical file at his next appointment in Chapel Hill. So she asked when that was, I looked it up.... It was yesterday, in an hour! Chapel Hill is two hours away! My plan for the day was shot. The laundry I stated wasn't getting finished. I totally screwed the day up. I still had to pick kids up! So it was rush, rush, rush.
My plan for Wednesday was as follows:
1. Laundry. Fold, put away, wash and dry more.
2. Clean living room, I have papers and files, clothes, and knitting supplies everywhere.
3. Mow the yard.
I got how much of that done? NON! Then I go and invite her into my house.. I have to be nice. I have to be because of the kids. So I invited her in. With my living room trashed. Oh well. I will get my cleaning done today. Sometime. Maybe I will just wait till this weekend and clean the living room.. I don't know.
But that is about it. Halloween, both day and night was shitty.
But, I have a friend coming over, we are going to head to Target and Michael's. I need a relaxing day!
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Halloween was a huge disappointment this year. Didn't realize just how empty my area has gotten. Also didn't expect 90% of the officers to not do anything for Halloween.. Normally they are the huge hit. This year they also didn't require the new housing areas to participate. It was literary, we go by 8 or so NO CANDY houses per house with candy. If I had known it was going to be THIS bad, I would have just suggested one of the fairs the base puts on. Normally it is the fairs that suck and the trick or treating the highlight.
Kauchana was also SO not in the mood to trick or treat because she didn't want to miss Kid Nation. Truth be told, she wouldn't have missed it if her mom wasn't here. We got home after walking around at around 7:30 something.. Kid Nation comes on at 8:00. We would have had time.. But because Jen is here, we had to go back out. We dropped stuff off, kids got drinks, then we headed to the closest fair. I dropped Jen off at her car around 8:45. Looked up Kid Nation, they aren't doing a replay anymore. Kauchana is now pissed... but I did find out they do air the show on the website, so I am watching the website waiting for the new episode to be posted.
The night was interesting. In a way I feel sorry for Jen, but also, how do you feel sorry for someone who brings the pain on themselves? Xavier, in his normal popping random questions up at one of the most weirdest of times, asked one last night that let on just how out of these kids' lives Jen has put herself. He asked her, "Why did she want to meet him". Jen thought he was talking about Halloween, so she said she wanted to go Trick or Treating with them. "No, why did you want to introduce to us". Which of course she didn't understand. So I had to explain that basically, he doesn't know her. To him, I am the ONLy mom he has ever known. He only calls her mom because Dokota and Kauchana does. It is, in all reality, the same reason Derric has called her mom. He hears the others calling her mom, Xavier thinks that is her name, not her relationship to him. Just like Derric thinks mom is Jen's name...
It was an awkward night after that.. Xavier had good timing with that... He asked that early in the night, so all of Trick or Treating and the fair was in forced conversation.
Well.. It is cold. I am freezing and I still need to get ready for the day. I have more to write, so I will be back to edit this entry later.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Halloween was a huge disappointment this year. Didn't realize just how empty my area has gotten. Also didn't expect 90% of the officers to not do anything for Halloween.. Normally they are the huge hit. This year they also didn't require the new housing areas to participate. It was literary, we go by 8 or so NO CANDY houses per house with candy. If I had known it was going to be THIS bad, I would have just suggested one of the fairs the base puts on. Normally it is the fairs that suck and the trick or treating the highlight.
Kauchana was also SO not in the mood to trick or treat because she didn't want to miss Kid Nation. Truth be told, she wouldn't have missed it if her mom wasn't here. We got home after walking around at around 7:30 something.. Kid Nation comes on at 8:00. We would have had time.. But because Jen is here, we had to go back out. We dropped stuff off, kids got drinks, then we headed to the closest fair. I dropped Jen off at her car around 8:45. Looked up Kid Nation, they aren't doing a replay anymore. Kauchana is now pissed... but I did find out they do air the show on the website, so I am watching the website waiting for the new episode to be posted.
The night was interesting. In a way I feel sorry for Jen, but also, how do you feel sorry for someone who brings the pain on themselves? Xavier, in his normal popping random questions up at one of the most weirdest of times, asked one last night that let on just how out of these kids' lives Jen has put herself. He asked her, "Why did she want to meet him". Jen thought he was talking about Halloween, so she said she wanted to go Trick or Treating with them. "No, why did you want to introduce to us". Which of course she didn't understand. So I had to explain that basically, he doesn't know her. To him, I am the ONLy mom he has ever known. He only calls her mom because Dokota and Kauchana does. It is, in all reality, the same reason Derric has called her mom. He hears the others calling her mom, Xavier thinks that is her name, not her relationship to him. Just like Derric thinks mom is Jen's name...
It was an awkward night after that.. Xavier had good timing with that... He asked that early in the night, so all of Trick or Treating and the fair was in forced conversation.
Well.. It is cold. I am freezing and I still need to get ready for the day. I have more to write, so I will be back to edit this entry later.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Halloween was a huge disappointment this year. Didn't realize just how empty my area has gotten. Also didn't expect 90% of the officers to not do anything for Halloween.. Normally they are the huge hit. This year they also didn't require the new housing areas to participate. It was literary, we go by 8 or so NO CANDY houses per house with candy. If I had known it was going to be THIS bad, I would have just suggested one of the fairs the base puts on. Normally it is the fairs that suck and the trick or treating the highlight.
Kauchana was also SO not in the mood to trick or treat because she didn't want to miss Kid Nation. Truth be told, she wouldn't have missed it if her mom wasn't here. We got home after walking around at around 7:30 something.. Kid Nation comes on at 8:00. We would have had time.. But because Jen is here, we had to go back out. We dropped stuff off, kids got drinks, then we headed to the closest fair. I dropped Jen off at her car around 8:45. Looked up Kid Nation, they aren't doing a replay anymore. Kauchana is now pissed... but I did find out they do air the show on the website, so I am watching the website waiting for the new episode to be posted.
The night was interesting. In a way I feel sorry for Jen, but also, how do you feel sorry for someone who brings the pain on themselves? Xavier, in his normal popping random questions up at one of the most weirdest of times, asked one last night that let on just how out of these kids' lives Jen has put herself. He asked her, "Why did she want to meet him". Jen thought he was talking about Halloween, so she said she wanted to go Trick or Treating with them. "No, why did you want to introduce to us". Which of course she didn't understand. So I had to explain that basically, he doesn't know her. To him, I am the ONLy mom he has ever known. He only calls her mom because Dokota and Kauchana does. It is, in all reality, the same reason Derric has called her mom. He hears the others calling her mom, Xavier thinks that is her name, not her relationship to him. Just like Derric thinks mom is Jen's name...
It was an awkward night after that.. Xavier had good timing with that... He asked that early in the night, so all of Trick or Treating and the fair was in forced conversation.
Well.. It is cold. I am freezing and I still need to get ready for the day. I have more to write, so I will be back to edit this entry later.
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Good Halloween Morning all..
Not much on my chore chart for the day, just cleaning of the living room, getting laundry put away, maybe even get a couple more loads done. Other then that, not much going on.
I called Jen up after Derric and I got done with supper around 6:15. Kids weren't ready yet, they had just sat down to eat their supper, so I asked if she would please call when they are done. Xavier, I knew still had homework to finish, so I needed the kids home somewhat early for him to have time to work on it. She called back around 6:45.
I went over to her hotel. Kids were no where in sight, they were hiding from me. They honestly didn't want to come home. I know it must be hard leaving her. Finally got them loaded into the truck, asked how their day was. They had a good day, she took them to the only good park here, Herman Park. She video taped them running around and playing.
They asked how my day was, I honestly told them lonely without them. Dokota looked at me and said "well, we are home now!" which the other two agreed with. It made me smile that they still do care about me lol.
I decided to have some fun with the kids, since they were disappointed about not being able to carve a pumpkin. I felt about it. I have NEVER done something for just Derric like that before.
Anyway, wanting some fun, we got dressed in costumes, found out it takes roughly 20 minutes to get 4 kids costumed up. Probably more with the face paint and all... Good to know for tonight. Kauchana's pirate costume turned out good, sassy, but good.. Dokota's wicked jester costume is going to be interesting, it is still on the too big side, so the stuffing in the jester hat doesn't stay in. Xavier's Spiderman costume is just the right size, so he has no grow room... Which in a way pisses me off since his was the most expensive out of the group. Derric's cheap one is good...
Kids had fun with their swords, battling each other. I was glad we had that time. I got some really good family pictures. After the fun, came in, got to work on homework. Found out Kauchana still had a bunch of sentences to write. Xavier changed who he is doing his report on at the last minute, which means he wont get the dress up grade. Oh well.
Today will be interesting.
Going to end with a test of a project. I bought the FlipAlbum software, which allows me to create fun flip photo album books. I made up one for Halloween, please help me test this. It does require Internet Explorer for opening the link (I personally can't get the Firefox plug-in to work). It will ask that you download a viewer program. Once you have the viewer, you will be able to view all the flip albums I showcase here. It only needs to be downloaded once, unless you uninstall it... But please, if you wish, help me test this idea: Halloween 2007 FlipAlbum
Ok everyone, I need to get Derric ready for school. Have a great day!
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Good Halloween Morning all..Not much on my chore chart for the day, just cleaning of the living room, getting laundry put away, maybe even get a couple more loads done. Other then that, not much going on.
I called Jen up after Derric and I got done with supper around 6:15. Kids weren't ready yet, they had just sat down to eat their supper, so I asked if she would please call when they are done. Xavier, I knew still had homework to finish, so I needed the kids home somewhat early for him to have time to work on it. She called back around 6:45.
I went over to her hotel. Kids were no where in sight, they were hiding from me. They honestly didn't want to come home. I know it must be hard leaving her. Finally got them loaded into the truck, asked how their day was. They had a good day, she took them to the only good park here, Herman Park. She video taped them running around and playing.
They asked how my day was, I honestly told them lonely without them. Dokota looked at me and said "well, we are home now!" which the other two agreed with. It made me smile that they still do care about me lol.
I decided to have some fun with the kids, since they were disappointed about not being able to carve a pumpkin. I felt about it. I have NEVER done something for just Derric like that before.
Anyway, wanting some fun, we got dressed in costumes, found out it takes roughly 20 minutes to get 4 kids costumed up. Probably more with the face paint and all... Good to know for tonight. Kauchana's pirate costume turned out good, sassy, but good.. Dokota's wicked jester costume is going to be interesting, it is still on the too big side, so the stuffing in the jester hat doesn't stay in. Xavier's Spiderman costume is just the right size, so he has no grow room... Which in a way pisses me off since his was the most expensive out of the group. Derric's cheap one is good...
Kids had fun with their swords, battling each other. I was glad we had that time. I got some really good family pictures. After the fun, came in, got to work on homework. Found out Kauchana still had a bunch of sentences to write. Xavier changed who he is doing his report on at the last minute, which means he wont get the dress up grade. Oh well.
Today will be interesting.
Going to end with a test of a project. I bought the FlipAlbum software, which allows me to create fun flip photo album books. I made up one for Halloween, please help me test this. It does require Internet Explorer for opening the link (I personally can't get the Firefox plug-in to work). It will ask that you download a viewer program. Once you have the viewer, you will be able to view all the flip albums I showcase here. It only needs to be downloaded once, unless you uninstall it... But please, if you wish, help me test this idea: Halloween 2007 FlipAlbum
Ok everyone, I need to get Derric ready for school. Have a great day!
Originally published at Flustered. You can comment here or there.
Good Halloween Morning all..Not much on my chore chart for the day, just cleaning of the living room, getting laundry put away, maybe even get a couple more loads done. Other then that, not much going on.
I called Jen up after Derric and I got done with supper around 6:15. Kids weren't ready yet, they had just sat down to eat their supper, so I asked if she would please call when they are done. Xavier, I knew still had homework to finish, so I needed the kids home somewhat early for him to have time to work on it. She called back around 6:45.
I went over to her hotel. Kids were no where in sight, they were hiding from me. They honestly didn't want to come home. I know it must be hard leaving her. Finally got them loaded into the truck, asked how their day was. They had a good day, she took them to the only good park here, Herman Park. She video taped them running around and playing.
They asked how my day was, I honestly told them lonely without them. Dokota looked at me and said "well, we are home now!" which the other two agreed with. It made me smile that they still do care about me lol.
I decided to have some fun with the kids, since they were disappointed about not being able to carve a pumpkin. I felt about it. I have NEVER done something for just Derric like that before.
Anyway, wanting some fun, we got dressed in costumes, found out it takes roughly 20 minutes to get 4 kids costumed up. Probably more with the face paint and all... Good to know for tonight. Kauchana's pirate costume turned out good, sassy, but good.. Dokota's wicked jester costume is going to be interesting, it is still on the too big side, so the stuffing in the jester hat doesn't stay in. Xavier's Spiderman costume is just the right size, so he has no grow room... Which in a way pisses me off since his was the most expensive out of the group. Derric's cheap one is good...
Kids had fun with their swords, battling each other. I was glad we had that time. I got some really good family pictures. After the fun, came in, got to work on homework. Found out Kauchana still had a bunch of sentences to write. Xavier changed who he is doing his report on at the last minute, which means he wont get the dress up grade. Oh well.
Today will be interesting.
Going to end with a test of a project. I bought the FlipAlbum software, which allows me to create fun flip photo album books. I made up one for Halloween, please help me test this. It does require Internet Explorer for opening the link (I personally can't get the Firefox plug-in to work). It will ask that you download a viewer program. Once you have the viewer, you will be able to view all the flip albums I showcase here. It only needs to be downloaded once, unless you uninstall it... But please, if you wish, help me test this idea: Halloween 2007 FlipAlbum
Ok everyone, I need to get Derric ready for school. Have a great day!
