Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What's in a Lunch?
The kids have to take their lunch to school everyday. I have retired from lunch making. Now Randy makes the lunches in the morning. You may be wondering why I would add such a mundane chore on here. If you take a deeper look into what lunch making means for us then I think you’ll understand.
4 kids take lunches to school everyday.
That’s about 772 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a year.
That’s also 772 bags of chips and 772 desserts.
They each take 2 drinks a day so that totals 1,544 a year.
The drinks cost $1.78 for 10 of them.
That alone totals $274.12 annually.
See what I mean?
Job with a captial J.
I just read something in the Bible that was so life giving to me. It's been a while since I've read something that spoke so personally to me. It's in one of my-I know it's depressing, but still one of my favorite books-JOB. It says:
In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now, when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?
Job 4:3-6
That's one of the only times that his friends make any sense at all. Man, I 'm glad you guys aren't like Job's friends.
*SIDE NOTE* I thought I would put a picture of Job on here to go along with the post. I typed in JOB PICTURES thinking, "I know that Job also spells job so I might get some pictures of workers, but what I'm really looking for is like an old Catholic looking drawing of Job and his friends. Maybe I should type in Eliphaz as well. Nah, no big deal."
My friends, I was wrong. It was a big deal. I didn't get any pictures of Job or even jobs. I saw pictures of another kind of job and I was not prepared to see that!
Dear Internet,
Sometimes you really suck! -No pun intended.
In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now, when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?
Job 4:3-6
That's one of the only times that his friends make any sense at all. Man, I 'm glad you guys aren't like Job's friends.
*SIDE NOTE* I thought I would put a picture of Job on here to go along with the post. I typed in JOB PICTURES thinking, "I know that Job also spells job so I might get some pictures of workers, but what I'm really looking for is like an old Catholic looking drawing of Job and his friends. Maybe I should type in Eliphaz as well. Nah, no big deal."
My friends, I was wrong. It was a big deal. I didn't get any pictures of Job or even jobs. I saw pictures of another kind of job and I was not prepared to see that!
Dear Internet,
Sometimes you really suck! -No pun intended.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies...Yep!
I’m not going to mention any names, but when I saw the cover for this audio book I did think of a couple people I know. Since, I’m writing a book and my formal training for writing a book is zilch I thought this would probably be a good thing to listen to.
Someday I’m going to give you an actual Book Review, but I guess I only have time these days for Book Cover Reviews. Look how funny the back cover of this book is.
IT’S YOUR LANGUAGE TOO
When writing a “Dear John” letter, do you fret over whether to hyphenate “chronic halitosis”? Have you gotten into trouble misusing who or whom, or worse, lie and lay? And where does the %#@* comma go anyway?
Here’s some good news for everyone who’s ever been bullied into believing they can’t speak their own language: The grammar snobs are bluffing. Half the “rules” they use to humble others are really just judgment calls and the rest they don’t even understand themselves. Learn the truth of basic grammar and punctuation in chapters like:
*I’m Writing This While Naked-The Oh-So Steamy Predicate Nominative
*I’ll Take ‘I Feel Like a Moran” for $200, Alex- When to Put Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks
*Snobbery Up with Which You Should Not Put-Prepositions
In this collection of hilarious anecdotes and essays, Casagrande delivers practical language lessons not found anywhere else, demystifying the subject and taking it back from the snobs.
(Me Again) It’s 5.5 hours of Grammar Lessons. I’m going to put it on my iPod and see if I get any smarter. If it doesn’t fry my brain then I’ll let you know what I think.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Achooo!
My camera was sitting next to me while Randy and I were playing Monoploy so I decided to take a picture of him. When I started to take the picture he began to sneeze about 8 times in a row. I got tickled and just kept taking pictures.
Bless You Randy.
Bless You Randy.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Name Game
I got this from Jennifer and it cracked me up.
My 10 Names:
1. YOUR REAL NAME: Brandi Jo Jane Halliburton-Wilson (no I'm not a Hyphen, but I wanted you all to know how ridiculous my whole name was.)
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) : Braizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal) : Pink Hippo
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on) : Jo Jane Poplar
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first2 letters of your first name): Wilbr (Wilbr does not sound like a Star Wars name! No fair.)
6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color and favorite drink): Sparkle Soda
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of yourlast name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your mom's maidenname, 3rd letter of your dad's name, 1st letter of sibling's first ame,and last letter of your mom's first name) RLQCICN
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names): Preston Christopher Lee
9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) : Black just Black
10. Your hood name: (first 3 of your first name and add -iqua) : Braiqua
My 10 Names:
1. YOUR REAL NAME: Brandi Jo Jane Halliburton-Wilson (no I'm not a Hyphen, but I wanted you all to know how ridiculous my whole name was.)
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) : Braizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal) : Pink Hippo
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on) : Jo Jane Poplar
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first2 letters of your first name): Wilbr (Wilbr does not sound like a Star Wars name! No fair.)
6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color and favorite drink): Sparkle Soda
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of yourlast name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your mom's maidenname, 3rd letter of your dad's name, 1st letter of sibling's first ame,and last letter of your mom's first name) RLQCICN
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names): Preston Christopher Lee
9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) : Black just Black
10. Your hood name: (first 3 of your first name and add -iqua) : Braiqua
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Feedback Please
For a year now I’ve worked on and off on a book called Rescued Me. It’s a book that won’t be published or finished until Miles is totally healed. The first half is about what happened to him, how we’ve dealt with it and how we’ve continued to serve God even in the hard times. The second half will be about how he was healed, what that did for our family and what it did for the world.
Writing it is an act of faith. I’m using my time and talent on something that looks like will never come to pass.
I love that book and what it mean when I’m finished, but I’ve come to such a stand still on it. It’s very hard to write it because I’m writing about something that hasn’t happened yet.
I’ve been thinking about maybe splitting the books up. I’m thinking about going for a completed book now. What if I wrote a book about what it’s like to love God while still living in the “Not Yet.” It would be a book about Miles and knowing that my God is a healer, and trying to be faithful in the “little” while I’m waiting for “much.” It would talk about what we’ve done to get him healed, what people have done for us during this hard time, how we’ve continued life with the great conflict, what it’s like to balance a special needs child and still live life. Does that make sense?
Also, I’ve thought about doing a lighthearted book that would be parables or devotions using funny stories or teaching moments that I’ve done with my kids. I really like this idea and I could see it going somewhere. The only problem that I can see with this is that it’s a little more lighthearted than I am right now.
Feedback please. I’m ready to take on this winter with writing furry. I’ve been given several books lately about healing and such, and nothing feeds me. None of it’s comforting. I like the idea of writing the “Not Yet” book because there are so many people that could use encouragement right now. There are people that need encouragement during their trial without a lecture.
What do you think? What book would you like to read? What is the book that sounds like the right one to work on at this time? What is the Lord telling you?
Writing it is an act of faith. I’m using my time and talent on something that looks like will never come to pass.
I love that book and what it mean when I’m finished, but I’ve come to such a stand still on it. It’s very hard to write it because I’m writing about something that hasn’t happened yet.
I’ve been thinking about maybe splitting the books up. I’m thinking about going for a completed book now. What if I wrote a book about what it’s like to love God while still living in the “Not Yet.” It would be a book about Miles and knowing that my God is a healer, and trying to be faithful in the “little” while I’m waiting for “much.” It would talk about what we’ve done to get him healed, what people have done for us during this hard time, how we’ve continued life with the great conflict, what it’s like to balance a special needs child and still live life. Does that make sense?
Also, I’ve thought about doing a lighthearted book that would be parables or devotions using funny stories or teaching moments that I’ve done with my kids. I really like this idea and I could see it going somewhere. The only problem that I can see with this is that it’s a little more lighthearted than I am right now.
Feedback please. I’m ready to take on this winter with writing furry. I’ve been given several books lately about healing and such, and nothing feeds me. None of it’s comforting. I like the idea of writing the “Not Yet” book because there are so many people that could use encouragement right now. There are people that need encouragement during their trial without a lecture.
What do you think? What book would you like to read? What is the book that sounds like the right one to work on at this time? What is the Lord telling you?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Chili's
Holli is in town this week for a conference that Brandon is teaching at. Holli and I were so excited! We made plans to eat a long lunch together. I picked her up at the church at noon and we went to Chili's . We went to Chili's because I told her a couple of times that I had a $25 gift card there so it could be my treat.
We had a wonderful lunch of soup and salad and drinks. The bill came and I was excited to see that it came out to $25.10. I gave him the gift card and the ten cents and a very generous tip because I didn't have to pay for lunch.
Well, the waiter came back and told me...that my card had nothing on it.
I got the Chili's gift card for my birthday. It was for $25 and I had not used it yet.
The manager came over and took the card to check it out.
Nope. Nothing on the card.
The person that gave me the card would be mortified to know this happened today. I can't tell them. I mean...they got ripped off and I can't tell them. I got ripped off and I can't tell them.
So, there I was with NO MONEY AT ALL! I couldn't really take the guy's tip back. What could I do? I just told Holli, "I'm SO sorry, but I can't pay for lunch."
HOW TERRIBLE IS THAT?
She paid.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Book Club...Not Really
I'm so giddy. It's possible that I'm about to post one of the funniest things I've ever put on here. Yes, I know I'm supposed to be doing other things, but I can't contain myself. I must share my plunder with you.
Today I stopped by the movie store to pick up a couple of movies for the weekend. When I stepped outside of the store the weather just felt so nice. I couldn't stand to get back in the car with the breeze feeling so good. I decided that Miles and I would go for a little walk over to the Goodwill store to see what kind of cheap stuff they had going on over there. At first I thought it was a flop of a trip UNTIL I just happened to see a book that made me laugh a little. I thought it would be funny to wrap it up and give it to Randy. When I looked up to check the price of the books I saw a sign that read, "All Soft Cover Books 8 for $1." I couldn't believe my good fortune. I decided to look through the books on the shelf and find the funniest "8" to share with you. I'm pretty sure I was grinning from ear to ear.
This is the first book that caught my attention. How To Live With An Imperfect Person. This is the one I was going to wrap up for Randy. :) On the back it has 4 Personality Styles that is hard to deal with."
The Compulsive-"Can be better than having a full-time maid...but most compulsive need to be taught how to be emotionally intimate with another person.
The Egoist-"Often surrounded by other people, egoists are still isolated by their own self-centerdness. Yet with the right encouragement they can share their enormous zest for life."
The Ladies' Man- "makes a game of coming on to women-but this behavior is really a way of coping with self-doubt. It takes an extremely secure-or insecure-woman to live with this one." (Oh my gosh I'm laughing my head off!)
The Moper- "Whose theme song is-'I'm fine, just leave me alone,' but who really wants to be told it's all right to share unhappy feelings.
This treasure of a book says, "With quizzes, anecdotes, case histories, and other practical and imaginative strategies, Dr. Louis Janda describes the dynamics of 12 personality styles, explains how each one came to be, and shows how you, too, can live happily ever after with your less-than-perfect mate."
Tell me...why is there a TUBE on the cover?
Everything you always wanted to know about sex. *But were afraid to ask.
The original price of this book was $1.95. On page 197 you have 'The mechanics of petting' Can't wait to read that chapter.
This is the back of the book. Here's the Love Guru himself! As described on the back: Dr. David Reuben, the new apostle of sanity in sex, who is breaking all the records...
"Dr. Reuben feels that modern sex education is laughable-today's students cram a wider range of sex without knowledge into one weekend than their menopausal teachers experienced in a lifetime."
There's more info on the back, but I'm blushing.
Who doesn't want the Complete Works of the Gawain poet? Here is the shortest poem I could find:
Ornamented and trellised about with trifles
Until nothing was left in view but that lady's black brows,
Her nearsighted eyes, her nose, and her naked lips
(Lips that were sour to see and strangely bleared);
A wonderful lady in this world men might well call her -to God.
Her body was short and thick,
Her buttocks splayed and wide;
But lovelier was the look
Of the lady at her side!
I'm so glad it came in a modern english version.
How to make movies. I'm glad I found this book. I've always wanted to make a movie and now I can! After I read that Dr. Reuben book I will be able to make a really exciting movie! I'll let you know how it came out!
The original price for this book was $3.25, but B. Dalton had it on "special" for only $1.29. Today I bought it for about 12 cents.
I'm sure all this information is still accurate.
It's the Tested and NEW Way to Raise Responsible Children. This book's a real keeper because after reading this my kids will fight less, have fewer tantrums and tell less lies. We will also have warmer feelings. Rules will be followed. My children will be more responsible. I will not be a dictator nor a doormat. I will have genuine friendship and respect between myself and my children. This P.E.T. system works with children from all ages, from the very young through the rebellious adolescent years.
Since that's the case I'll just wait to see if any of my kids become rebellious and then I'll read it. No sense in wasting time if I don't need it.
Yes, this book is pink.
a father talks to teenagers
Hey, is that a picture of a father talking to a teenager? It looks like he's trying to pick her up!
Hey, what kind of book is this?
It doesn't really clarify if the father is talking to his own teenagers. Yuck.
Page 27 Talks on Undesirable Habits. They are: Swearing, Drinking and Smoking.
After the Father talks to the Teenager about these undesirable habits the father has a few projects for the teenager to do to really drive the point home.
1. Ask ten adults who have smoked cigarettes fir 10 years or more, whether they would begin smoking if they had to do it over, if they were your age and could make that choice a second time. Let me know if any advise you to do so. I'll do something real nice for you.
PLEASE TEENAGER...don't let this father do something "real nice for you."
These are all NEW aerobics people!
This book is just filled with charts. Charts of many kinds. I believe this book will prove to be harder to read than to do the actual exercises. You should really consult your doctor before trying any of these charts out.
Last but not least. You know I had to save a sex book for last. But not just any sex book! NICE GIRLS DO! This one is published by none other than Playboy Paperbacks! The back cover quote says it all, "A mundane sex life can be compared to a frozen TV dinner: It will keep you alive, but it's not a gourmet banquet served in a posh restaurant." ~Dr. Irene Kassorla
So there you have it folks! Your Top 8.
I will be auctioning each book off to the highest bidder. I'm looking to make a quick buck off these. I will not sell them for cheaper than I bought them for! The ones not sold will be a great White Elephant present this year...wait a second...Randy just said that I have to read Nice Girls Do before I sell it. I'm selling it anyway. I know all those tricks already. So, I'm now taking bids.
I would also like you to know that I'm not taking this post off until I feel I've received the comments that it deserves. There was a lot of time sucked up here that I have nothing to show for! Comments are a must.
Today I stopped by the movie store to pick up a couple of movies for the weekend. When I stepped outside of the store the weather just felt so nice. I couldn't stand to get back in the car with the breeze feeling so good. I decided that Miles and I would go for a little walk over to the Goodwill store to see what kind of cheap stuff they had going on over there. At first I thought it was a flop of a trip UNTIL I just happened to see a book that made me laugh a little. I thought it would be funny to wrap it up and give it to Randy. When I looked up to check the price of the books I saw a sign that read, "All Soft Cover Books 8 for $1." I couldn't believe my good fortune. I decided to look through the books on the shelf and find the funniest "8" to share with you. I'm pretty sure I was grinning from ear to ear.
This is the first book that caught my attention. How To Live With An Imperfect Person. This is the one I was going to wrap up for Randy. :) On the back it has 4 Personality Styles that is hard to deal with."
The Compulsive-"Can be better than having a full-time maid...but most compulsive need to be taught how to be emotionally intimate with another person.
The Egoist-"Often surrounded by other people, egoists are still isolated by their own self-centerdness. Yet with the right encouragement they can share their enormous zest for life."
The Ladies' Man- "makes a game of coming on to women-but this behavior is really a way of coping with self-doubt. It takes an extremely secure-or insecure-woman to live with this one." (Oh my gosh I'm laughing my head off!)
The Moper- "Whose theme song is-'I'm fine, just leave me alone,' but who really wants to be told it's all right to share unhappy feelings.
This treasure of a book says, "With quizzes, anecdotes, case histories, and other practical and imaginative strategies, Dr. Louis Janda describes the dynamics of 12 personality styles, explains how each one came to be, and shows how you, too, can live happily ever after with your less-than-perfect mate."
Tell me...why is there a TUBE on the cover?
Everything you always wanted to know about sex. *But were afraid to ask.
The original price of this book was $1.95. On page 197 you have 'The mechanics of petting' Can't wait to read that chapter.
This is the back of the book. Here's the Love Guru himself! As described on the back: Dr. David Reuben, the new apostle of sanity in sex, who is breaking all the records...
"Dr. Reuben feels that modern sex education is laughable-today's students cram a wider range of sex without knowledge into one weekend than their menopausal teachers experienced in a lifetime."
There's more info on the back, but I'm blushing.
Who doesn't want the Complete Works of the Gawain poet? Here is the shortest poem I could find:
Ornamented and trellised about with trifles
Until nothing was left in view but that lady's black brows,
Her nearsighted eyes, her nose, and her naked lips
(Lips that were sour to see and strangely bleared);
A wonderful lady in this world men might well call her -to God.
Her body was short and thick,
Her buttocks splayed and wide;
But lovelier was the look
Of the lady at her side!
I'm so glad it came in a modern english version.
How to make movies. I'm glad I found this book. I've always wanted to make a movie and now I can! After I read that Dr. Reuben book I will be able to make a really exciting movie! I'll let you know how it came out!
The original price for this book was $3.25, but B. Dalton had it on "special" for only $1.29. Today I bought it for about 12 cents.
I'm sure all this information is still accurate.
It's the Tested and NEW Way to Raise Responsible Children. This book's a real keeper because after reading this my kids will fight less, have fewer tantrums and tell less lies. We will also have warmer feelings. Rules will be followed. My children will be more responsible. I will not be a dictator nor a doormat. I will have genuine friendship and respect between myself and my children. This P.E.T. system works with children from all ages, from the very young through the rebellious adolescent years.
Since that's the case I'll just wait to see if any of my kids become rebellious and then I'll read it. No sense in wasting time if I don't need it.
Yes, this book is pink.
a father talks to teenagers
Hey, is that a picture of a father talking to a teenager? It looks like he's trying to pick her up!
Hey, what kind of book is this?
It doesn't really clarify if the father is talking to his own teenagers. Yuck.
Page 27 Talks on Undesirable Habits. They are: Swearing, Drinking and Smoking.
After the Father talks to the Teenager about these undesirable habits the father has a few projects for the teenager to do to really drive the point home.
1. Ask ten adults who have smoked cigarettes fir 10 years or more, whether they would begin smoking if they had to do it over, if they were your age and could make that choice a second time. Let me know if any advise you to do so. I'll do something real nice for you.
PLEASE TEENAGER...don't let this father do something "real nice for you."
These are all NEW aerobics people!
This book is just filled with charts. Charts of many kinds. I believe this book will prove to be harder to read than to do the actual exercises. You should really consult your doctor before trying any of these charts out.
Last but not least. You know I had to save a sex book for last. But not just any sex book! NICE GIRLS DO! This one is published by none other than Playboy Paperbacks! The back cover quote says it all, "A mundane sex life can be compared to a frozen TV dinner: It will keep you alive, but it's not a gourmet banquet served in a posh restaurant." ~Dr. Irene Kassorla
So there you have it folks! Your Top 8.
I will be auctioning each book off to the highest bidder. I'm looking to make a quick buck off these. I will not sell them for cheaper than I bought them for! The ones not sold will be a great White Elephant present this year...wait a second...Randy just said that I have to read Nice Girls Do before I sell it. I'm selling it anyway. I know all those tricks already. So, I'm now taking bids.
I would also like you to know that I'm not taking this post off until I feel I've received the comments that it deserves. There was a lot of time sucked up here that I have nothing to show for! Comments are a must.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Throwing A Fit
I did something today that I really didn’t want to do.
Maybe people do things they really don’t want to do all the time, but I feel like I have to do those kinds of things more than others. That could be my self-centeredness talking, but I do feel that.
I go to the dentist even when I don’t want to. I get up and take the kids to school even when I don’t want to. I clean house…well, sometimes I don’t do that when I don’t want to.
Those are not the kinds of things that I’m talking about today.
Today I had to take Miles to a wound care specialist at the hospital.
I really didn’t want to do that.
In September Miles was at the hospital here in town because of pneumonia, dehydration and to get ready for his g-tube surgery. After days of lying on the bed without being able to move he started to get a red spot on his bottom. As the days went by the spot started getting even redder. One of the nurses called wound care to come and give me some cream for the sore.
We left the hospital with the cream to put on the sore. Miles and I were at home for two days then he had surgery for his g-tube and was in the hospital for almost another week. (not a lot of moving going on there) Then we came home and Miles was in terrible pain for about a week and a half. Crying Pain. (not a lot of moving going on there) The cream was applied and we moved him around. We put him in many positions. We watched the spot. Unfortunately we watched the spot get bigger and worse. The pain from his surgery stopped and he got an infection under his stitches. (not a lot of moving going on) After a week we got the infection gone and then the pneumonia was back. (picture me cussing and yelling and Miles not moving a lot.)
I took him to the doctor yesterday because Miles was so sick. I carted the suction machine with me when I went to the dentist. The poor people that worked in the dentist’ office thought he was going to die or something. It was horrible! Dr. Wiley was going to put him back in the hospital yesterday but he decided to try two shots and give him until this morning to get better. Also, he wanted us to go see wound care so his sore could be treated.
The sore on his bottom is terrible. He also has two sores on his ankles. It’s from where his foot hits on the wheelchair. For awhile we thought it was from his shoes so we quit putting his shoes on. Of course this didn’t help because it was actually the wheelchair in the first place. (my frustration continues)
So today was Miles’ appointment with the wound care specialist. I was dreading the appointment. I felt like I was going to be condemned for Miles having sores. When I think of people having sores like his I assume that they aren’t being taken care of properly. I was afraid that the people there would think that I didn’t take good care of Miles and that’s why he had the sores. I kept praying that the “truth” would be known today, and as I was praying that I felt better because I know the truth, and the truth is that I take great care of Miles. I know that I don’t leave him in one place all day long. I know that I’ve been treating that terrible sore for over a month now and it just hasn’t been getting better. I know that I’ve done everything to help him, but he takes forever to heal and his poor circulation and poor health lately has made the sore get worse instead of better. Even though I knew the truth I was still being tormented about the appointment. I felt very overwhelmed by it.
I didn’t want to go, but I made myself go.
The wound care specialist ended up being very nice. The doctor that helped me today had such a kind spirit. He was very peaceful. His name is Dr. Estes. They treated the sores. They took pictures of them to tract his progress. That made me feel terrible. She also gave me some ideas on how to pad his wheelchair feet plates. Then she was trying to give me some instructions on how to position him.
This is the time that I got teary eyed. I was talking to her and the doctor and I became so frustrated and overwhelmed. It seems that every position has its downfalls. He’s so limited in ways he can be positioned. I’ve tried so many things, but nothing is perfect. I explained to them all the things that I’ve tried and why this, this and this won’t work, and they just looked at me helpless and didn’t have any ideas. I have to go back on Friday for them to recheck him and redo the healing regiment.
When is this all going to stop? When am I going to have a normal day? When am I going to just call a friend for lunch instead of crying my head off? When?
Maybe people do things they really don’t want to do all the time, but I feel like I have to do those kinds of things more than others. That could be my self-centeredness talking, but I do feel that.
I go to the dentist even when I don’t want to. I get up and take the kids to school even when I don’t want to. I clean house…well, sometimes I don’t do that when I don’t want to.
Those are not the kinds of things that I’m talking about today.
Today I had to take Miles to a wound care specialist at the hospital.
I really didn’t want to do that.
In September Miles was at the hospital here in town because of pneumonia, dehydration and to get ready for his g-tube surgery. After days of lying on the bed without being able to move he started to get a red spot on his bottom. As the days went by the spot started getting even redder. One of the nurses called wound care to come and give me some cream for the sore.
We left the hospital with the cream to put on the sore. Miles and I were at home for two days then he had surgery for his g-tube and was in the hospital for almost another week. (not a lot of moving going on there) Then we came home and Miles was in terrible pain for about a week and a half. Crying Pain. (not a lot of moving going on there) The cream was applied and we moved him around. We put him in many positions. We watched the spot. Unfortunately we watched the spot get bigger and worse. The pain from his surgery stopped and he got an infection under his stitches. (not a lot of moving going on) After a week we got the infection gone and then the pneumonia was back. (picture me cussing and yelling and Miles not moving a lot.)
I took him to the doctor yesterday because Miles was so sick. I carted the suction machine with me when I went to the dentist. The poor people that worked in the dentist’ office thought he was going to die or something. It was horrible! Dr. Wiley was going to put him back in the hospital yesterday but he decided to try two shots and give him until this morning to get better. Also, he wanted us to go see wound care so his sore could be treated.
The sore on his bottom is terrible. He also has two sores on his ankles. It’s from where his foot hits on the wheelchair. For awhile we thought it was from his shoes so we quit putting his shoes on. Of course this didn’t help because it was actually the wheelchair in the first place. (my frustration continues)
So today was Miles’ appointment with the wound care specialist. I was dreading the appointment. I felt like I was going to be condemned for Miles having sores. When I think of people having sores like his I assume that they aren’t being taken care of properly. I was afraid that the people there would think that I didn’t take good care of Miles and that’s why he had the sores. I kept praying that the “truth” would be known today, and as I was praying that I felt better because I know the truth, and the truth is that I take great care of Miles. I know that I don’t leave him in one place all day long. I know that I’ve been treating that terrible sore for over a month now and it just hasn’t been getting better. I know that I’ve done everything to help him, but he takes forever to heal and his poor circulation and poor health lately has made the sore get worse instead of better. Even though I knew the truth I was still being tormented about the appointment. I felt very overwhelmed by it.
I didn’t want to go, but I made myself go.
The wound care specialist ended up being very nice. The doctor that helped me today had such a kind spirit. He was very peaceful. His name is Dr. Estes. They treated the sores. They took pictures of them to tract his progress. That made me feel terrible. She also gave me some ideas on how to pad his wheelchair feet plates. Then she was trying to give me some instructions on how to position him.
This is the time that I got teary eyed. I was talking to her and the doctor and I became so frustrated and overwhelmed. It seems that every position has its downfalls. He’s so limited in ways he can be positioned. I’ve tried so many things, but nothing is perfect. I explained to them all the things that I’ve tried and why this, this and this won’t work, and they just looked at me helpless and didn’t have any ideas. I have to go back on Friday for them to recheck him and redo the healing regiment.
When is this all going to stop? When am I going to have a normal day? When am I going to just call a friend for lunch instead of crying my head off? When?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Feeding
Miles now gets a lot of his nutrition from the tube in his stomach. Slowly he’s eating food by mouth again, but he’s still not back to 100% yet. Or even to 25% yet.
That being said, I have a question.
I’m trying to decide how I should be feeding Miles while in public. Some of you have seen me feed Miles with the tube. Does it make you feel uncomfortable? I was feeding Miles the other day in public and I kind of felt like I did when I was breastfeeding. Of course I covered myself well when I was breastfeeding, and I’ve been covering Miles’ stomach up too, but I still feel a little awkward. BUT, at the same time I don’t want to take him to a bathroom stall to feed him. I would feel terrible. Plus I need more room then a bathroom stall provides.
I don’t know. I just feel self conscience still because I’m not sure what others think, but at the same time I really can’t be swayed too much on what others think because if I need to feed him then I need to feed him.
Anyway, some feedback would be nice. I’ve been thinking about this a lot.
That being said, I have a question.
I’m trying to decide how I should be feeding Miles while in public. Some of you have seen me feed Miles with the tube. Does it make you feel uncomfortable? I was feeding Miles the other day in public and I kind of felt like I did when I was breastfeeding. Of course I covered myself well when I was breastfeeding, and I’ve been covering Miles’ stomach up too, but I still feel a little awkward. BUT, at the same time I don’t want to take him to a bathroom stall to feed him. I would feel terrible. Plus I need more room then a bathroom stall provides.
I don’t know. I just feel self conscience still because I’m not sure what others think, but at the same time I really can’t be swayed too much on what others think because if I need to feed him then I need to feed him.
Anyway, some feedback would be nice. I’ve been thinking about this a lot.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
My Birthday Party
I had a great birthday party!
It was an “OFFICE” party.
Randy and I love the show “The Office.”
I think I’ve mentioned that before.
Jennifer, Pam and I think Ashley planned the best party for me. I had so much fun. Almost everyone dressed up as someone from The Office. It was too funny. There were so many great details that were put into the party.
I will now show you photos of the party. I will also comment on the photos so you will feel more like you were there.
This is the AWESOME cake that PAM made. I would like to give her a loud round of clapping! I can't believe how awesome she did on this cake! Way to go Pam!
This is a failed attempt to make a stapler jello mold. Too funny.
Here's Ira. I think he's Michael Scott, but I don't think I saw the episode where he had a hurt foot.
I did see this episode though! This is Pam as Meridith. I was cracking up all night at how great Pam looked. I think she should go red, but she doesn't agree. Love it!
Here I am blowing all 31 candles out. I did have to hear the birthday song, but I got over it quickly.
This is Angela and Dwight...I mean Cody and Ashley. I loved Ashley's makeup. It was so funny. Her collar was buttoned to her neck all night. She looked like the perfect Angela. Thank you for being on the Party Planning Committee.
Here I am opening my gifts. Man, I got SO many awesome things!
I'm still opening them. It took awhile because I made a haul! I LOVE presents!
This is Cherith and Billy not paying attention to me opening my gifts. What could be more interesting then seeing me open a ton of gifts from people that love me a lot. Um Cherith, can you tell us what was so interesting?
Here's Kristy as Jan. On the show Jan is pregnant NOT with Michael's baby.
Randy was dressed as Michael Scott. His hair was cracking me up! I told him before the party that if no one else dressed up that he should go to the bathroom and fix his hair. Randy made an awesome looking Michael.
Girl Talk & Great Food. What else can you ask for?
Kristy and Jason as Ryan and Jan. These two were adorable! That beard is drawn on. Can you believe it? It looks so real!
The whole thing was so fun. I loved it all. It was a great party! I have so much stuff from The Office that I could open my own Office.
Thank you all who came, spent money on, had ideas for, wished they were there or gave me a present! I loved it!
I can't wait to do it again. ~That's what she said!
It was an “OFFICE” party.
Randy and I love the show “The Office.”
I think I’ve mentioned that before.
Jennifer, Pam and I think Ashley planned the best party for me. I had so much fun. Almost everyone dressed up as someone from The Office. It was too funny. There were so many great details that were put into the party.
I will now show you photos of the party. I will also comment on the photos so you will feel more like you were there.
This is the AWESOME cake that PAM made. I would like to give her a loud round of clapping! I can't believe how awesome she did on this cake! Way to go Pam!
This is a failed attempt to make a stapler jello mold. Too funny.
Here's Ira. I think he's Michael Scott, but I don't think I saw the episode where he had a hurt foot.
I did see this episode though! This is Pam as Meridith. I was cracking up all night at how great Pam looked. I think she should go red, but she doesn't agree. Love it!
Here I am blowing all 31 candles out. I did have to hear the birthday song, but I got over it quickly.
This is Angela and Dwight...I mean Cody and Ashley. I loved Ashley's makeup. It was so funny. Her collar was buttoned to her neck all night. She looked like the perfect Angela. Thank you for being on the Party Planning Committee.
Here I am opening my gifts. Man, I got SO many awesome things!
I'm still opening them. It took awhile because I made a haul! I LOVE presents!
This is Cherith and Billy not paying attention to me opening my gifts. What could be more interesting then seeing me open a ton of gifts from people that love me a lot. Um Cherith, can you tell us what was so interesting?
Here's Kristy as Jan. On the show Jan is pregnant NOT with Michael's baby.
Randy was dressed as Michael Scott. His hair was cracking me up! I told him before the party that if no one else dressed up that he should go to the bathroom and fix his hair. Randy made an awesome looking Michael.
Girl Talk & Great Food. What else can you ask for?
Kristy and Jason as Ryan and Jan. These two were adorable! That beard is drawn on. Can you believe it? It looks so real!
The whole thing was so fun. I loved it all. It was a great party! I have so much stuff from The Office that I could open my own Office.
Thank you all who came, spent money on, had ideas for, wished they were there or gave me a present! I loved it!
I can't wait to do it again. ~That's what she said!
Friday, October 03, 2008
It's just a Cover review...so far.
Today I was at the library looking for an audio book. I like listening to audio books on the way to Ft. Worth because it makes the time go by so quickly. It's either that or talk way too much on the phone. I'm sorry that a few of you have been on the other end of a long conversation so I can pass the time.
Anyway, I saw the cover of this book:
I thought, "That's a cute cover. Oh, but wait...it says that it's about "hospitality under the influence" and hospitality isn't really my thing. Maybe if I were Pam then I would read this. But, I'm not Pam. However, being under the influence sounds pretty good. I wonder what this book is about."
I flipped it over to read about it and this is what it said:
Dear Reluctant Shopper,
If you are reading this, I can only assume that you're hesitating to buy this audiobook. Maybe you're thinking I don't know anything about this audiobook; I would like more information. Should I buy it based solely on the exceptionally strinking cover shot? Well, that's a good enough reason for me.
Look, your wishy-washy attitude is really starting to rub me the wrong way. You know what? Maybe you should set the audiobook down and let someone else more attractive buy it! I'm sorry that was uncalled for. Deep breath...let it out slowly. I'm sure in more circles you're considered attractive. I'm sure by now you're skipping past the register...What, you still haven't bought it?
All right, fine, you win. I'll tell you a little more about the audiobook. The first thing you should know is: I like parties! Here are some of the helpful suggestions you'll get by listening to this audiobook.
1. It's always a good idea to stock your neighbor's apartment with the basics (alcohol, ice, corn chips...) so when you run out at three o' clock in the morning you know whose door to knock on.
2. Try filling your medicine cabinet with marbles. Nothing announces a nosy partygoer more than successfully than an avalanche of marbles striking a porcelain sink.
3. Pre-crack all your liquor bottles. No one wants to be the first, especially at a wake.
Convinced? I thought so. Just remember: sometimes you can judge an audiobook by its cover, or in this case, its tremendously gorgeous cover.
I'll see you on the inside. -Amy Sedaris
*****************************************************************
Okay, back to me. How funny is that? I haven't listened to a word of it yet, but I think it's going to be great. Maybe I'll learn some tips and invite you all over for a party. Maybe Amy Sedaris will convert me to her ways.
Hey, if you buy the real audiobook instead of getting to listen to it for free from the library you will get bonus material recipes.
I'll have to tell you what I think after I listen to it.
Anyway, I saw the cover of this book:
I thought, "That's a cute cover. Oh, but wait...it says that it's about "hospitality under the influence" and hospitality isn't really my thing. Maybe if I were Pam then I would read this. But, I'm not Pam. However, being under the influence sounds pretty good. I wonder what this book is about."
I flipped it over to read about it and this is what it said:
Dear Reluctant Shopper,
If you are reading this, I can only assume that you're hesitating to buy this audiobook. Maybe you're thinking I don't know anything about this audiobook; I would like more information. Should I buy it based solely on the exceptionally strinking cover shot? Well, that's a good enough reason for me.
Look, your wishy-washy attitude is really starting to rub me the wrong way. You know what? Maybe you should set the audiobook down and let someone else more attractive buy it! I'm sorry that was uncalled for. Deep breath...let it out slowly. I'm sure in more circles you're considered attractive. I'm sure by now you're skipping past the register...What, you still haven't bought it?
All right, fine, you win. I'll tell you a little more about the audiobook. The first thing you should know is: I like parties! Here are some of the helpful suggestions you'll get by listening to this audiobook.
1. It's always a good idea to stock your neighbor's apartment with the basics (alcohol, ice, corn chips...) so when you run out at three o' clock in the morning you know whose door to knock on.
2. Try filling your medicine cabinet with marbles. Nothing announces a nosy partygoer more than successfully than an avalanche of marbles striking a porcelain sink.
3. Pre-crack all your liquor bottles. No one wants to be the first, especially at a wake.
Convinced? I thought so. Just remember: sometimes you can judge an audiobook by its cover, or in this case, its tremendously gorgeous cover.
I'll see you on the inside. -Amy Sedaris
*****************************************************************
Okay, back to me. How funny is that? I haven't listened to a word of it yet, but I think it's going to be great. Maybe I'll learn some tips and invite you all over for a party. Maybe Amy Sedaris will convert me to her ways.
Hey, if you buy the real audiobook instead of getting to listen to it for free from the library you will get bonus material recipes.
I'll have to tell you what I think after I listen to it.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Poems by Joey
I was cleaning out Joey’s folder today and I was so touched by a poem he wrote. It was like I got to take a peek into that big 10 year old boy of mine.
I AM
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I wonder if I will go to college early.
I hear that there will be Blue Ray discs soon.
I see apples be devoured by me.
I want a game and a watch.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I pretend to be smarter than I am.
I feel confident.
I touch coke and drink it.
I worry about my siblings a lot.
I cry when Miles goes to the hospital.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I understand that Miles is handicapped in many ways.
I say that I am a Christian.
I say that Jesus died on the cross.
I dream about video games.
I try to be smart.
I hope that Miles will be healed.
I hope to be a good older brother.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
He also did a poem using his name. Here it is:
Jokes a lot
Outrageously involved in books
Evil to sisters
Yells a lot
Worries a lot
Impossible to beat at video games
Laughs a lot
So funny
Outrageously good at Rubix Cubes
Not like my brother
I AM
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I wonder if I will go to college early.
I hear that there will be Blue Ray discs soon.
I see apples be devoured by me.
I want a game and a watch.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I pretend to be smarter than I am.
I feel confident.
I touch coke and drink it.
I worry about my siblings a lot.
I cry when Miles goes to the hospital.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
I understand that Miles is handicapped in many ways.
I say that I am a Christian.
I say that Jesus died on the cross.
I dream about video games.
I try to be smart.
I hope that Miles will be healed.
I hope to be a good older brother.
I am an older brother and a Christian.
He also did a poem using his name. Here it is:
Jokes a lot
Outrageously involved in books
Evil to sisters
Yells a lot
Worries a lot
Impossible to beat at video games
Laughs a lot
So funny
Outrageously good at Rubix Cubes
Not like my brother
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
We're Back.
We're back home.
I think project Infection Eradication is going pretty well.
I'm not fond of extracting yellow goo and blood out of my son's stomach, but a mom has to do what a mom has to do.
If I ever was to become a nurse...a paid nurse anyway, I do not think that my field of choice would be wound care.
I have to go back to Ft. Worth next Wednesday to make sure the infection is gone or going away. It must be gone! It just has to be. There's no other option!
I think project Infection Eradication is going pretty well.
I'm not fond of extracting yellow goo and blood out of my son's stomach, but a mom has to do what a mom has to do.
If I ever was to become a nurse...a paid nurse anyway, I do not think that my field of choice would be wound care.
I have to go back to Ft. Worth next Wednesday to make sure the infection is gone or going away. It must be gone! It just has to be. There's no other option!
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