Daniel Benson Nolff - who gave his life in service of our country on October 29, 1966
We also thank the members of our family who fought for freedom under our flag.
Claude E. Harper -- POW WWII
John L. Coleman (July 24, 1994) -- WWII
Richard Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1970) -- WWI
Web Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1999) and Larry Hagen (Dec. 26, 2008) -- The Korean Conflict
Henry "Butch" Nolff (July 4, 2003) -- Vietnam (escorted my Uncle Dan's remains home for burial)
And those who also served.
J. Alan Coleman, USMC
Don Harper, US Army
**I'm sure there are more I may have missed and I apologize. Your service is none less important than anyone else, I simply was not certain of who served for what branch and/or where. I felt it best not to post any information rather than incorrect/incomplete information.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Split Seconds
Our pool is open for this year! And I remembered why we typically wait until later in the summer to open it. Helicopters! They're everywhere and they're still falling and I hate them! They get all over the cover, they sink to the bottom, they clog up the filter and get stuck in the vacuum bag!
Jacob and Jeremy took their first swim on Tuesday while I was at work. Jacob and I went for a dip last night and it was great. Until one little second just split.
Jacob can touch the bottom of the pool this year with about 2 inches to spare. Jeremy had told me that Jacob was in the pool without a tube when they swam but, I put Jacob in the tube when we first got in because I knew I needed to do some skimming and couldn't give him my full attention. When I was done skimming, I pulled him out of the tube and was watching him show me how big he was walking in the pool by himself (holding my hand). In the corner of my eye, I saw a big clump of helicopters falling from the tree and it brushed my arm as it came to land in the pool. I was watching Jay, grabbed the hunk of helicopter, looked right, threw it out, turned back and Jacob was GONE! I looked down and he was under the water. I saw his little brown head in contrast to all of the blue from the pool liner. I didn't panic (my heart didn't even leap, oddly) but reached down and pulled him up by his underarms and he did a "GASP!" as I pulled him up.
"Mommy? Why'd I slip?"
"It's slippery sometimes. You're okay. And that is why you never, never, never go swimming without Mommy or Daddy."
"Don't let me go? K, Mommy?"
We're very careful with/in/around the pool. Making sure Jacob is through the tube or one of us is hanging on to him. We enforce that he's not to even be by the pool without Jeremy or I. We take the phone out with us when we go in - just in case and set it on the arm of the chair by the ladder that holds our towels. I know CPR (I could use a re-certification) and took the child's course as well. Seriously, I turned for a split second and he'd slipped under.
It can happen that fast!
You can think that you watch your kids really well, and I do - for Jacob to be out of my sight is rare. You can think that you're careful and this won't happen to you - I did! My kid went underwater in a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a second that I turned. I thank God that I did do everything right and I was right there when it happened but, let me tell you I never thought it would happen to me and I certainly never believed it would happen that fast.
Enjoy your summer, enjoy the water - and please, please be careful with your kids in the water. If you already think that you are (like I did) I hope you'll remember this and think again.
Jacob and Jeremy took their first swim on Tuesday while I was at work. Jacob and I went for a dip last night and it was great. Until one little second just split.
Jacob can touch the bottom of the pool this year with about 2 inches to spare. Jeremy had told me that Jacob was in the pool without a tube when they swam but, I put Jacob in the tube when we first got in because I knew I needed to do some skimming and couldn't give him my full attention. When I was done skimming, I pulled him out of the tube and was watching him show me how big he was walking in the pool by himself (holding my hand). In the corner of my eye, I saw a big clump of helicopters falling from the tree and it brushed my arm as it came to land in the pool. I was watching Jay, grabbed the hunk of helicopter, looked right, threw it out, turned back and Jacob was GONE! I looked down and he was under the water. I saw his little brown head in contrast to all of the blue from the pool liner. I didn't panic (my heart didn't even leap, oddly) but reached down and pulled him up by his underarms and he did a "GASP!" as I pulled him up.
"Mommy? Why'd I slip?"
"It's slippery sometimes. You're okay. And that is why you never, never, never go swimming without Mommy or Daddy."
"Don't let me go? K, Mommy?"
We're very careful with/in/around the pool. Making sure Jacob is through the tube or one of us is hanging on to him. We enforce that he's not to even be by the pool without Jeremy or I. We take the phone out with us when we go in - just in case and set it on the arm of the chair by the ladder that holds our towels. I know CPR (I could use a re-certification) and took the child's course as well. Seriously, I turned for a split second and he'd slipped under.
It can happen that fast!
You can think that you watch your kids really well, and I do - for Jacob to be out of my sight is rare. You can think that you're careful and this won't happen to you - I did! My kid went underwater in a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a second that I turned. I thank God that I did do everything right and I was right there when it happened but, let me tell you I never thought it would happen to me and I certainly never believed it would happen that fast.
Enjoy your summer, enjoy the water - and please, please be careful with your kids in the water. If you already think that you are (like I did) I hope you'll remember this and think again.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
What is Reiki?
I mentioned here a few weeks ago that I had attended a community Reiki night. I also had said that I really enjoyed it, I felt really good afterward, I felt energized, happy, joyous and much, much more.
I know that Reiki is a 'new age' term. It has nothing to do with 'occult' or 'fortune telling' or 'witchcraft'. I found a description online and I thought that it explained my experience and my afterthoughts much better than I could. If you're in pain, stressed, tired, or run down. Give it a try. I promise it won't sentence you to an afterlife down below.
What is Reiki?
The International Center for Reiki Training
A Brief Overview
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.
Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
I know that Reiki is a 'new age' term. It has nothing to do with 'occult' or 'fortune telling' or 'witchcraft'. I found a description online and I thought that it explained my experience and my afterthoughts much better than I could. If you're in pain, stressed, tired, or run down. Give it a try. I promise it won't sentence you to an afterlife down below.
What is Reiki?
The International Center for Reiki Training
A Brief Overview
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.
Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's a girl!
I had posted it to Facebook and then I realized that some read here and not there, there and not here so I should probably put the news here too.
Our puppy was born Thursday, May 20/Friday May 21. Polly went into labor about 11:45 PM on Thursday. She gave birth to 9 adorable chocolate lab babies. 6 females and 3 males. We had made the first of the list so her owners are giving us pick of the females. I can't wait until Jacob sees all of those puppies!
As of today, they are healthy and squirmy but, their eyes and ears are not open yet. They're doing very well and Momma is too.
Our girl (I'm not going to mention her name until we have pictures) will come home with us mid-July.
Jacob picked out her first pink collar this weekend. We also set up her crate - mostly so Jacob could grow tired of playing in it before the puppy came home to use it. He played firetrucks in there for a good hour.
We're very excited for this addition to our family. We've been looking/waiting for her for awhile. I know it's not going to be perfect and this dog will probably frustrate me as much, if not more than Jacob does and I can't even fathom what the two of them together will do to my nervous system. I know training is going to be tough to say the least but, I think my boy and his dog will both be very much worth it in the end. :)
Our puppy was born Thursday, May 20/Friday May 21. Polly went into labor about 11:45 PM on Thursday. She gave birth to 9 adorable chocolate lab babies. 6 females and 3 males. We had made the first of the list so her owners are giving us pick of the females. I can't wait until Jacob sees all of those puppies!
As of today, they are healthy and squirmy but, their eyes and ears are not open yet. They're doing very well and Momma is too.
Our girl (I'm not going to mention her name until we have pictures) will come home with us mid-July.
Jacob picked out her first pink collar this weekend. We also set up her crate - mostly so Jacob could grow tired of playing in it before the puppy came home to use it. He played firetrucks in there for a good hour.
We're very excited for this addition to our family. We've been looking/waiting for her for awhile. I know it's not going to be perfect and this dog will probably frustrate me as much, if not more than Jacob does and I can't even fathom what the two of them together will do to my nervous system. I know training is going to be tough to say the least but, I think my boy and his dog will both be very much worth it in the end. :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
All things girly
In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a big interest (on my part) in all things 'girly'. This is serious, folks! I don't wear pinks or purples or anything even close to them - and after a shopping spree a few weeks ago, you should see my closet! I bought a button up with pink/purple/chocolate plaid and a purple tee for underneath. I bought a vest with greens and fuscia plaid - and a fuscia lace-trimmed tee to go underneath. I was really disappointed that a certain pink sweater was not available in my size. :(
I don't understand what has happened to me. And I know you're wondering what has happened to me. You think that's bad? Get this:
The girl dog. I'm tired of being the only girl around here! Need I say more? (BTW - our puppy was born late last night/early this AM).
I've bought a couple of bottles of new perfume. I've been sudsing up with my collection of Bath and Body Works, rotating through them all (and now shopping for more). This morning, I even tried one from Mary Kay - I didn't think I'd like it as it was a sugar scrub (they tend to scratch me - and the fact that I know this, is why I'm here, writing this), Simply Cotton but, it smells so clean!
I'm now addicted to Avon (thanks Lori). I am buying make-up (I have eye shadow! Whodathunkit?) and skin creams, etc. It's odd, I know. I love the smell of the new face wash and lotion I bought combined with the new make-up. I bought the whole collection of their mineral make-up line. I also marked out the new campaign (order book) for my next order! Bring on more shower gels, another perfume and mascara!
It's not that I smelled bad before, at least I didn't think I did...?
What's next? No, no, no, no, no! I'm not buying ANY dresses! Get that thought right out of your mind!
I don't understand what has happened to me. And I know you're wondering what has happened to me. You think that's bad? Get this:
The girl dog. I'm tired of being the only girl around here! Need I say more? (BTW - our puppy was born late last night/early this AM).
I've bought a couple of bottles of new perfume. I've been sudsing up with my collection of Bath and Body Works, rotating through them all (and now shopping for more). This morning, I even tried one from Mary Kay - I didn't think I'd like it as it was a sugar scrub (they tend to scratch me - and the fact that I know this, is why I'm here, writing this), Simply Cotton but, it smells so clean!
I'm now addicted to Avon (thanks Lori). I am buying make-up (I have eye shadow! Whodathunkit?) and skin creams, etc. It's odd, I know. I love the smell of the new face wash and lotion I bought combined with the new make-up. I bought the whole collection of their mineral make-up line. I also marked out the new campaign (order book) for my next order! Bring on more shower gels, another perfume and mascara!
It's not that I smelled bad before, at least I didn't think I did...?
What's next? No, no, no, no, no! I'm not buying ANY dresses! Get that thought right out of your mind!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What I've learned
I've been going on and on and on and on about this photography class. It's time I put my money where my mouth is.
This was taken last night on my way home. I used the 'auto' mode on my camera.
This was taken with the camera in manual mode adjusting the aperture, shutter speed and the ISO. This. This is what my eye really saw.
I spent quite a bit of money on a camera. Yes, others have spent more. I can't understand why one would spend so much on a camera and only use the 'Auto' mode. These 5 minutes on the side of the road in Allegan County reminded me why I bought my camera, what I want it to do and why I'm spending the money to learn to take the pictures of what I want to see, not what my camera thinks I want to see. Good-bye AUTO!
This was taken last night on my way home. I used the 'auto' mode on my camera.
This was taken with the camera in manual mode adjusting the aperture, shutter speed and the ISO. This. This is what my eye really saw.
I spent quite a bit of money on a camera. Yes, others have spent more. I can't understand why one would spend so much on a camera and only use the 'Auto' mode. These 5 minutes on the side of the road in Allegan County reminded me why I bought my camera, what I want it to do and why I'm spending the money to learn to take the pictures of what I want to see, not what my camera thinks I want to see. Good-bye AUTO!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
It's all been uphill
I'll say the same thing about this Mother's Day that I have said about every Mother's Day..."Next year will be better!" We'll talk about it again next year.
It's all been uphill from there though! Seriously. I am happier than I've been in a long time. I have more energy. I just feel good. And I'm still exhausted! I love this time of year, when I get CRAZY busy!
I guess, I've been doing a lot of things for me. A lot of de-cluttering. A lot of sorting, organizing and cleaning out. It feels so good to get out from under so much.
I went for a massage last week. And I loved it! I highly recommend it! Jeremy gave me a 1/2 hour for Christmas. I have vowed to myself that I will be going back - regularly! The best thing about her is she has kids, Jacob's age and her husband is home and will supervise the kids playing. I've known these people since I moved down here. I know their (his) parents, his sister, and all of the extended family. It's not like they are strangers.
My on-line auctioning has been going very well. I'm closing in on $250 in sales in the past 3 months. I can't believe the money I've made on the things I've sold (that sounds like I'm selling garbage). Clarification - I didn't think my old clothes could be worth that much to someone else. I've set a goal for an average of $80 a week and I have consistently met that goal. The only drawback...I'm running out of stuff to sell! Jeremy thinks I should turn it into a business ie. I take something from you and I sell it, charge you a fee, then give you the money. I'm not sure about that.
My photography class has been fantastic. I was really scared at first, I was the only Nikon in the room amongst all the Canon Rebels. I was afraid I wasn't going to learn anything about my camera. And then they started trickling in. One, two, and three more came! Whew! The class went so well that the instructor said "You are all more advanced than I thought. We covered all of my material. Next class we'll just answer questions and do some shooting." Class starts at 6:30PM and I can't get there soon enough!
I've been hitting yard sales already! I found a couple of old runner sleds at a yard sale. I'm planning to photograph our Christmas card this year. I also bought a box of old cameras - really old cameras. I've had a lot of ideas for pictures of kids and families and I've been writing down my visions. I don't know where this is going to go but, I can tell you that I'm following Someone Else's lead. I'll be starting the intermediate class in the next session and I have another 6 week workshop this fall. The hardest thing is balancing Jacob, Jeremy's schedule and shooting time.
I packed and sent another box of books to the library. They will shelve what they can and use the rest for their book sale. This is the 2nd box I've donated. I also donated a box of toys to a local day-care. I've also packed away a lot of toys to save for Jacob's kids. I feel good about that. It's warming just to give.
Our puppy is coming around August. She's due mid June. We are in for a chocolate (lab) female. Jacob is very excited. We've been preparing for her to join our family. We have a name for her, dishes, a crate, some toys. Actually, this morning Jacob was "sleeping with 'her' shark." I don't know if I've said her name in a previous post or in conversation but, we're hanging on to it until she's here though if you ask Jacob, he'll tell you.
Lots going on and more to look forward to.
It's all been uphill from there though! Seriously. I am happier than I've been in a long time. I have more energy. I just feel good. And I'm still exhausted! I love this time of year, when I get CRAZY busy!
I guess, I've been doing a lot of things for me. A lot of de-cluttering. A lot of sorting, organizing and cleaning out. It feels so good to get out from under so much.
I went for a massage last week. And I loved it! I highly recommend it! Jeremy gave me a 1/2 hour for Christmas. I have vowed to myself that I will be going back - regularly! The best thing about her is she has kids, Jacob's age and her husband is home and will supervise the kids playing. I've known these people since I moved down here. I know their (his) parents, his sister, and all of the extended family. It's not like they are strangers.
My on-line auctioning has been going very well. I'm closing in on $250 in sales in the past 3 months. I can't believe the money I've made on the things I've sold (that sounds like I'm selling garbage). Clarification - I didn't think my old clothes could be worth that much to someone else. I've set a goal for an average of $80 a week and I have consistently met that goal. The only drawback...I'm running out of stuff to sell! Jeremy thinks I should turn it into a business ie. I take something from you and I sell it, charge you a fee, then give you the money. I'm not sure about that.
My photography class has been fantastic. I was really scared at first, I was the only Nikon in the room amongst all the Canon Rebels. I was afraid I wasn't going to learn anything about my camera. And then they started trickling in. One, two, and three more came! Whew! The class went so well that the instructor said "You are all more advanced than I thought. We covered all of my material. Next class we'll just answer questions and do some shooting." Class starts at 6:30PM and I can't get there soon enough!
I've been hitting yard sales already! I found a couple of old runner sleds at a yard sale. I'm planning to photograph our Christmas card this year. I also bought a box of old cameras - really old cameras. I've had a lot of ideas for pictures of kids and families and I've been writing down my visions. I don't know where this is going to go but, I can tell you that I'm following Someone Else's lead. I'll be starting the intermediate class in the next session and I have another 6 week workshop this fall. The hardest thing is balancing Jacob, Jeremy's schedule and shooting time.
I packed and sent another box of books to the library. They will shelve what they can and use the rest for their book sale. This is the 2nd box I've donated. I also donated a box of toys to a local day-care. I've also packed away a lot of toys to save for Jacob's kids. I feel good about that. It's warming just to give.
Our puppy is coming around August. She's due mid June. We are in for a chocolate (lab) female. Jacob is very excited. We've been preparing for her to join our family. We have a name for her, dishes, a crate, some toys. Actually, this morning Jacob was "sleeping with 'her' shark." I don't know if I've said her name in a previous post or in conversation but, we're hanging on to it until she's here though if you ask Jacob, he'll tell you.
Lots going on and more to look forward to.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mother's Day weekend
Saturday morning started off as any other Saturday for us. We got up and played some, watched TV a little, I read and Jeremy left for work about 9:30AM. Jacob had been up since 5 AM - lucky me and was a belligerent bull. It took us from 10 AM to finally get out the door about 1:30 that afternoon. Thankfully, we didn't have any where to be.
First stop - get gas. I hit the gas station close to our house and had to wait in line while the man in front of me - who's wife pumped the gas, went in and paid - while he couldn't move! I had paid at the pump and Jacob and I went in for drinks. The line was 6 deep so I sent J to get his drink while I got a drink and more coffee. I poured my flavor of choice creamer and as I reached for the coffee, I noticed there wasn't any made nor any brewing. I looked at the woman behind the register, the line, and the other person in the office, left my creamer in the cup, my drink, and J's drink on the counter and walked out.
Next. We crossed the street to the other gas station. I knew they'd have coffee. And they did. I poured my cup and went for the creamer - french vanilla or plain? Wow! Some selection. French Vanilla it is! This gas station didn't have J's choice of juice so "Daddy Pop" from the fountain was good enough until I set it on the counter to put the lid on and missed the counter by 1/8 of an inch! I spilled pop all over the counter, under the microwave, and everywhere else. I managed to clean up the mess, pay and get into the car but not before dropping my tea in the parking lot! Did I tell you that I'd left my truck running this whole time because I was just running in for coffee?
Next. We head out to the store in the rain/snow/wind. Jacob is having a healthy fit as I'm waiting "just a few minutes" for the rain to slow before running into the store. We finally get in and guess what!?!? No carts! Not one. No broken wheelie deals - nothing. So we're waiting. This family with 3 carts worth (I'd hate to see that bill!) is loading up their van at the side door and the woman came over to give us an empty. And we're off to the toys! Jacob had Easter monies to spend. I think we spent about 45 minutes in the toy department. Jacob can never, Never, NEVER make up his mind when he's buying a toy. He'll even pick one, put it in the cart, walk away, come back and tell me that he doesn't want that one.
We continue on through the store picking up groceries and I'm sticking to my list. Jacob is being a jerk. He's fitting over pudding. He wants to push the cart (i.e. hit my ankles with it), run way ahead, or lag way behind. He's hiding behind stuff then he cries because I keep walking. Finally - I just throw his ornery a$$ in the cart. I'd had enough. I need tomatoes.
We get to the checkout and for some reason that I can't remember I had to take him out of the cart. He's spinning the 'wheel o' bags' as the lady is trying to pack them. He's flipping the check writing shelf for the wheelchair bound and whacks me in the hip. He runs from me towards the exit then comes back and declares "I have to PEEEE!" I look up and notice I finally did one thing right, I'd picked the check-out in front of the bathroom! Only the woman's is blocked by a shopping cart "We're sorry. This restroom is closed for cleaning. Please feel free to use our restrooms at the back of the store." SHIT! I have a cart of stuff and a kid that has to pee. I'm not walking to the back of the store. "Jacob? Can you go in that potty by yourself and pee?"
"No, I can't."
"Please, mommy can't go in there."
"No."
"Puh-leeeeese?"
He runs in and I say "Don't touch anything, leave the seat down and if anyone tries to touch you, yell for Mommy!"
He runs out.
A guy, (who's wife had been watching this whole exchange) young guy, clean, descent looking, comes out "There's no one in there ma'am." Ma'am? Thanks buddy. I think to myself "oh, he'll stand out here while I run Jacob in". So I go into the men's room. Okay, yulk! I have NO clue how a urinal works but, there is no way I'm going in a stall. So J pees, we don't touch anything and as we're turning to leave. A big, BIG, ahem, fellow, walks in undoing his pants. I cover my eyes and say "Dooode! Sorry! Hang on Just a second and we'll be out of here!" And we run out of the Men's room. Mr. "Ma'am"? Yeah, he's long gone. Took his laughing wife with him too. I forgot the tomatoes.
Next. "Jacob? Can mommy go to one more store?"
"No."
"Just one more? Then we'll go see Daddy."
"No."
We went to see Daddy. I saw Daddy and as soon as I saw Daddy, I lost it. I cried and said "I forgot tomatoes". I'd had enough. I'd had enough of people. Enough of my cranky kid that can't be even nice. Just enough. We had lunch and back to another store where my child grew wings and a halo. Got the tomatoes.
Later that night, Jacob and I were getting ready for bed (my comforter is a woven material and the cat's hair sticks to it like glue so I keep a sheet over the top) and I notice this brown on the white sheet...UGH! The cat berfed on my bed! It soaked through the sheet and into the comforter. BLECH! Of course, I have a king size bed, meaning the comforter won't fit in my washer and the tag...you guessed it "dry clean only". I was done. Jacob and I remade the bed, I sat down and just laughed. What else was left for me to do?
Sunday, Mother's Day. They tried to let me sleep in but, all of the "sirens" coming from the "emergency" in my living room kept that from being even a remote possibility. I got up and got a few online auctions going, called my mother and went for coffee. I read a little. I did a few loads of laundry. I made tacos and a new coleslaw recipe. They boys gave me my cards and Jeremy went to work. Jacob (who was a far cry from Saturday's monster) and I went for a ride to the Sheriff and the Fire Department. We stopped to "Green Park" and he played with a friend (I forgot my book!). I took him to "Donald's" for dinner and back home. After Saturday, I don't think I could have handled much more.
I hope all of you had a great Mother's Day!
First stop - get gas. I hit the gas station close to our house and had to wait in line while the man in front of me - who's wife pumped the gas, went in and paid - while he couldn't move! I had paid at the pump and Jacob and I went in for drinks. The line was 6 deep so I sent J to get his drink while I got a drink and more coffee. I poured my flavor of choice creamer and as I reached for the coffee, I noticed there wasn't any made nor any brewing. I looked at the woman behind the register, the line, and the other person in the office, left my creamer in the cup, my drink, and J's drink on the counter and walked out.
Next. We crossed the street to the other gas station. I knew they'd have coffee. And they did. I poured my cup and went for the creamer - french vanilla or plain? Wow! Some selection. French Vanilla it is! This gas station didn't have J's choice of juice so "Daddy Pop" from the fountain was good enough until I set it on the counter to put the lid on and missed the counter by 1/8 of an inch! I spilled pop all over the counter, under the microwave, and everywhere else. I managed to clean up the mess, pay and get into the car but not before dropping my tea in the parking lot! Did I tell you that I'd left my truck running this whole time because I was just running in for coffee?
Next. We head out to the store in the rain/snow/wind. Jacob is having a healthy fit as I'm waiting "just a few minutes" for the rain to slow before running into the store. We finally get in and guess what!?!? No carts! Not one. No broken wheelie deals - nothing. So we're waiting. This family with 3 carts worth (I'd hate to see that bill!) is loading up their van at the side door and the woman came over to give us an empty. And we're off to the toys! Jacob had Easter monies to spend. I think we spent about 45 minutes in the toy department. Jacob can never, Never, NEVER make up his mind when he's buying a toy. He'll even pick one, put it in the cart, walk away, come back and tell me that he doesn't want that one.
We continue on through the store picking up groceries and I'm sticking to my list. Jacob is being a jerk. He's fitting over pudding. He wants to push the cart (i.e. hit my ankles with it), run way ahead, or lag way behind. He's hiding behind stuff then he cries because I keep walking. Finally - I just throw his ornery a$$ in the cart. I'd had enough. I need tomatoes.
We get to the checkout and for some reason that I can't remember I had to take him out of the cart. He's spinning the 'wheel o' bags' as the lady is trying to pack them. He's flipping the check writing shelf for the wheelchair bound and whacks me in the hip. He runs from me towards the exit then comes back and declares "I have to PEEEE!" I look up and notice I finally did one thing right, I'd picked the check-out in front of the bathroom! Only the woman's is blocked by a shopping cart "We're sorry. This restroom is closed for cleaning. Please feel free to use our restrooms at the back of the store." SHIT! I have a cart of stuff and a kid that has to pee. I'm not walking to the back of the store. "Jacob? Can you go in that potty by yourself and pee?"
"No, I can't."
"Please, mommy can't go in there."
"No."
"Puh-leeeeese?"
He runs in and I say "Don't touch anything, leave the seat down and if anyone tries to touch you, yell for Mommy!"
He runs out.
A guy, (who's wife had been watching this whole exchange) young guy, clean, descent looking, comes out "There's no one in there ma'am." Ma'am? Thanks buddy. I think to myself "oh, he'll stand out here while I run Jacob in". So I go into the men's room. Okay, yulk! I have NO clue how a urinal works but, there is no way I'm going in a stall. So J pees, we don't touch anything and as we're turning to leave. A big, BIG, ahem, fellow, walks in undoing his pants. I cover my eyes and say "Dooode! Sorry! Hang on Just a second and we'll be out of here!" And we run out of the Men's room. Mr. "Ma'am"? Yeah, he's long gone. Took his laughing wife with him too. I forgot the tomatoes.
Next. "Jacob? Can mommy go to one more store?"
"No."
"Just one more? Then we'll go see Daddy."
"No."
We went to see Daddy. I saw Daddy and as soon as I saw Daddy, I lost it. I cried and said "I forgot tomatoes". I'd had enough. I'd had enough of people. Enough of my cranky kid that can't be even nice. Just enough. We had lunch and back to another store where my child grew wings and a halo. Got the tomatoes.
Later that night, Jacob and I were getting ready for bed (my comforter is a woven material and the cat's hair sticks to it like glue so I keep a sheet over the top) and I notice this brown on the white sheet...UGH! The cat berfed on my bed! It soaked through the sheet and into the comforter. BLECH! Of course, I have a king size bed, meaning the comforter won't fit in my washer and the tag...you guessed it "dry clean only". I was done. Jacob and I remade the bed, I sat down and just laughed. What else was left for me to do?
Sunday, Mother's Day. They tried to let me sleep in but, all of the "sirens" coming from the "emergency" in my living room kept that from being even a remote possibility. I got up and got a few online auctions going, called my mother and went for coffee. I read a little. I did a few loads of laundry. I made tacos and a new coleslaw recipe. They boys gave me my cards and Jeremy went to work. Jacob (who was a far cry from Saturday's monster) and I went for a ride to the Sheriff and the Fire Department. We stopped to "Green Park" and he played with a friend (I forgot my book!). I took him to "Donald's" for dinner and back home. After Saturday, I don't think I could have handled much more.
I hope all of you had a great Mother's Day!
Friday, May 7, 2010
"I need a Bomb Squad, Daddy!"
When we came back from Manistee, Jacob told Jeremy, "I need a Bomb Squad Daddy!"
Bomb Squad = Battery powered Quad
Jacob would have ridden that thing for hours - oh wait, he did!
(by the way, this is my 400th post!)
Bomb Squad = Battery powered Quad
Jacob would have ridden that thing for hours - oh wait, he did!
(by the way, this is my 400th post!)
Monday, May 3, 2010
As it seems
I've had quite a few reconnections come up lately. People I haven't seen or talked to in some time have popped back into my life and though I don't know the rhyme or reason for it, it's always a good feeling to reconnect with a small part of the past.
I've had some time this past weekend for a little soul searching too. Time for reflection. Looking back to the person I once was. I'm always amazed at how we change, grow, and develop into different people. Some of us blossom, some just never seem to bloom - water and water but the buds never come.
I went up to Manistee for the weekend. Just Jacob and I. We went and met a couple of my old friends for dinner. I also took a trip back to a place I hadn't been in over a decade. My heart was a little hurt by all of the changes. No, I didn't expect for time to stand still yet, I didn't expect so much regression either.
Jacob and I made the turn on to Coates Highway and I felt my heart kinda sink. I kept thinking to myself "it's been at least 10 years since I...". I couldn't believe the difference. Bobby F's farm - wow! It's grown so much. He has a barn! I heard later that he's been sick and his wife then is no longer his wife. My eyes couldn't keep up with everything there was to see. So many thoughts, "That turned into a dump. Oh! They really made some changes here. Where's T's parents yellow and brown trailer? I didn't know they had a new house. Does her dad still live there?" Stop and turn left onto Highbridge Rd. thinking "The bar is closed - we used to go there All. The. Time. T & T lived a trailer that WAS right there - where'd they move? " I passed house upon house, remembering the days when this drive was common. My friend had called to see if we were on the way and I said "yep, I'm in the vicinity of Johnson Road." - how'd I know where I was? Sure enough, the next crossroad was Johnson. How could I forget Johnson Road?
It was great to see the girls again. I always enjoy the laughs and the memories we share. They're both remarried from when I knew them before. I do find comfort in that fact - strange as it my sound. As if I'm not the only one who moved on, I guess. Though they are the locals, he was a local. I was the outsider.
After dinner, I took my son into Brethren. Mostly I was curious to see what's happened to the little town in the past 10 years and Jacob wanted to see the fire station. The fire station I know like the back of my hand. 152 parked right inside the door to the right. The pumper to its right. The tanker (it was the new tanker then) behind. The office all the way to the back. I wondered if the code to the lock on the door is the same (I'd almost bet it is!) The fire station where my ex-fiance is the fire chief. Of course, as luck would have it Jacob needed or dropped something and I had to stop - in front of the fire station. I got pulled over by the State Police in front of the fire station once...he was at his weekly meeting and all the firefighters were all out front practicing when it happened. Maybe I kinda wished they'd have a call. Maybe I kinda wanted to see him. Not talk. Just to see without him knowing I saw.
Time hasn't been too kind to Brethren. Many businesses are closed and empty. Most of the homes are run down. Most everything needs a good coat of paint. Lawns aren't mowed. Old junker cars everywhere - some abandoned, some shockingly driveable. The old school with most of the windows broken out. As we drove through, it was easy to remember who lived where and what it was like...then. I didn't stop at the little store or any where. I just drove through, slowly. I did take Graf Road out of town - though I did forget you have to drive fast over the washboard. I drove past where he lived and the memories made there so long ago.
I was a little scared to enter his territory. Matter of fact, I had told Jeremy to pray nothing would happen to me while I was out there. I told Jeremy I knew Jacob would be safe. I knew if something happened Jacob would go to him. I knew he'd keep Jacob safe. I knew he'd calm Jacob. I knew he'd sit with Jacob and take care of him as if he were his own until Jeremy or my family got to him. Most certainly if Jacob was hurt or scared. I knew that he wouldn't leave Jacob's side if I was hurt. Me - on the other hand - he'd have his firefighters put me in a wagon, point me toward the hospital and wish me luck. I can't say I'd blame him. Thankfully, I know a gal on the ambulance and prayed she'd be working!
I thought a lot about the person I was then and all I left behind at that time. I never meant to hurt any one. I simply didn't think of the consequences my actions would have on so many people - on him. Especially on him. Driving those familiar streets, I know had I stayed, my life wouldn't be what it is. Had I stayed, I wouldn't have what I have (I'm not counting the material things). I wouldn't have my husband, my child, my faith, my job. I wouldn't have the same opportunities there I have here. I know now I'd be another divorce statistic and likely with his kids shuffling them back and forth between here and there. I'm sorry for him, sorry it was so hard to get to where he is now, sorry it was a rough road for him, sorry it was a struggle but, I think we both knew (or know now) it wasn't meant to work out between us. I think it's hardest to accept.
I thought more about the person I have grown into. I'm not the same selfish, "spoiled" teenager I once was - I was then. I may not always be the most thoughtful or considerate person. I'm working to get better at it but, I have a husband and a child I put before anything else. I guess, at some point I learned people aren't always what I thought them to be, what I want them to be, what they seem to be and least of all what I expect for them to be. I'm learning if I want to be accepted for who I am I'm going to have to do some accepting myself and who woulda thunk !?!
I've had some time this past weekend for a little soul searching too. Time for reflection. Looking back to the person I once was. I'm always amazed at how we change, grow, and develop into different people. Some of us blossom, some just never seem to bloom - water and water but the buds never come.
I went up to Manistee for the weekend. Just Jacob and I. We went and met a couple of my old friends for dinner. I also took a trip back to a place I hadn't been in over a decade. My heart was a little hurt by all of the changes. No, I didn't expect for time to stand still yet, I didn't expect so much regression either.
Jacob and I made the turn on to Coates Highway and I felt my heart kinda sink. I kept thinking to myself "it's been at least 10 years since I...". I couldn't believe the difference. Bobby F's farm - wow! It's grown so much. He has a barn! I heard later that he's been sick and his wife then is no longer his wife. My eyes couldn't keep up with everything there was to see. So many thoughts, "That turned into a dump. Oh! They really made some changes here. Where's T's parents yellow and brown trailer? I didn't know they had a new house. Does her dad still live there?" Stop and turn left onto Highbridge Rd. thinking "The bar is closed - we used to go there All. The. Time. T & T lived a trailer that WAS right there - where'd they move? " I passed house upon house, remembering the days when this drive was common. My friend had called to see if we were on the way and I said "yep, I'm in the vicinity of Johnson Road." - how'd I know where I was? Sure enough, the next crossroad was Johnson. How could I forget Johnson Road?
It was great to see the girls again. I always enjoy the laughs and the memories we share. They're both remarried from when I knew them before. I do find comfort in that fact - strange as it my sound. As if I'm not the only one who moved on, I guess. Though they are the locals, he was a local. I was the outsider.
After dinner, I took my son into Brethren. Mostly I was curious to see what's happened to the little town in the past 10 years and Jacob wanted to see the fire station. The fire station I know like the back of my hand. 152 parked right inside the door to the right. The pumper to its right. The tanker (it was the new tanker then) behind. The office all the way to the back. I wondered if the code to the lock on the door is the same (I'd almost bet it is!) The fire station where my ex-fiance is the fire chief. Of course, as luck would have it Jacob needed or dropped something and I had to stop - in front of the fire station. I got pulled over by the State Police in front of the fire station once...he was at his weekly meeting and all the firefighters were all out front practicing when it happened. Maybe I kinda wished they'd have a call. Maybe I kinda wanted to see him. Not talk. Just to see without him knowing I saw.
Time hasn't been too kind to Brethren. Many businesses are closed and empty. Most of the homes are run down. Most everything needs a good coat of paint. Lawns aren't mowed. Old junker cars everywhere - some abandoned, some shockingly driveable. The old school with most of the windows broken out. As we drove through, it was easy to remember who lived where and what it was like...then. I didn't stop at the little store or any where. I just drove through, slowly. I did take Graf Road out of town - though I did forget you have to drive fast over the washboard. I drove past where he lived and the memories made there so long ago.
I was a little scared to enter his territory. Matter of fact, I had told Jeremy to pray nothing would happen to me while I was out there. I told Jeremy I knew Jacob would be safe. I knew if something happened Jacob would go to him. I knew he'd keep Jacob safe. I knew he'd calm Jacob. I knew he'd sit with Jacob and take care of him as if he were his own until Jeremy or my family got to him. Most certainly if Jacob was hurt or scared. I knew that he wouldn't leave Jacob's side if I was hurt. Me - on the other hand - he'd have his firefighters put me in a wagon, point me toward the hospital and wish me luck. I can't say I'd blame him. Thankfully, I know a gal on the ambulance and prayed she'd be working!
I thought a lot about the person I was then and all I left behind at that time. I never meant to hurt any one. I simply didn't think of the consequences my actions would have on so many people - on him. Especially on him. Driving those familiar streets, I know had I stayed, my life wouldn't be what it is. Had I stayed, I wouldn't have what I have (I'm not counting the material things). I wouldn't have my husband, my child, my faith, my job. I wouldn't have the same opportunities there I have here. I know now I'd be another divorce statistic and likely with his kids shuffling them back and forth between here and there. I'm sorry for him, sorry it was so hard to get to where he is now, sorry it was a rough road for him, sorry it was a struggle but, I think we both knew (or know now) it wasn't meant to work out between us. I think it's hardest to accept.
I thought more about the person I have grown into. I'm not the same selfish, "spoiled" teenager I once was - I was then. I may not always be the most thoughtful or considerate person. I'm working to get better at it but, I have a husband and a child I put before anything else. I guess, at some point I learned people aren't always what I thought them to be, what I want them to be, what they seem to be and least of all what I expect for them to be. I'm learning if I want to be accepted for who I am I'm going to have to do some accepting myself and who woulda thunk !?!
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