Still Sick

Here I am the better part of three weeks later and I'm still sick. I've been back to the doctor twice now. Once because whatever is wrong with my stomach is not going away, still hasn't. I can sort of hold down food, well some foods... but it's still not right. My blood tests didn't show anything. They sent me for an ultrasound last this week and the results from that aren't back yet.
Then I also had to go to the doctor because I've got a sinus infection. It hurts so bad my face feels like it's exploding and if I could pull three or four of my upper teeth out it might feel better. :-( So I'm on an antibiotic, which doesn't help the stomach thing because I don't tolerate them well.
Hoping and praying will be feeling better soon. But that's why haven't been around much.

Month of Gratitude #13

Today I am thankful for... feeling a little bit better and remembering the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). I woke up this morning very light headed, probably because I haven't been able to eat in a few days, but also because my blood sugar was down to 52. But I was able to eat today so that helped quite a bit.

Month of Gratitude #12

Today I am thankful for... phenergan, pedialyte (yes even though it's for kids I need it for the hydration) and sleep. I have a stomach bug and it's really not so much fun. So for now I'm going to take some more medicine and go back to sleep.

Month of Gratitude #11

Today I am thankful for... work. At work, I can excel at most of the things I do. There are some things I have to admit I don't know. But when I don't know, I can admit it, and I do not feel bad and I'm not critized for it. But a lot of people come to me to ask questions. Also, a lot of people count on me to get things done and to know the answers. I have not realized that until recently. I also think there are a few people who have realized that my self-esteem needs work and they have put me in a position to be counted on so that my self-esteem could be built up. For this I am thankful.

Month of Gratitude #10

Today I am thankful for... my new laptop and the webcam. My husband has been gone for two and a half weeks. I know this may not seem like a long time but right now it seems like forever. So today I'm thankful that we at least have our laptops and our webcam's so that we can see each other and talk.

Month of Gratitude #9

Today I am thankful for... being home. Although a weekend away with our boys was fun, it's just nice to be home.

Month of Gratitude #8

boys2, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Today I am thankful for... being able to have a fun weekend away with my son and step-son. Today we drove to Fredricksburg, VA. After checking into the hotel we went to see Madagascar 2. Tomorrow after breakfast we will be going to Fun Land (an arcarde, with mini golf and go-carts too).

Month of Gratitude #7

Today I am thankful for... having both boys here with me. They enjoy each other's company and play well together. Truth be told I think they miss each other as much as we miss them when they are with their other parents. Logan and Ian act as if they've known each other all their lives, could not be happier or more thankful that they get along together so well.

As a side note, maybe having Logan as my step-son was an answer to my prayers that I haven't realized before now.

Month of Gratitude #6

Today I am thankful for... friends who understand why you are sad, have been there too, and are there to comfort you and listen.

Month of Gratitude #5

Today I just found a challenge to post something each day that we are thankful for in the month of November.

I know I'm starting a little late as it's already the 5th but there are lots of little things daily to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for.... the "make it all better song". Almost 15 years ago, I lived in the dorms on base. My suite mate and I had a song that we both loved. For whatever the reason it just made things OK. It's Far Behind by Candlebox. Today I heard it on the radio while coming home from work. Now it makes me think of her (she's since moved home to PA) and I smiled. I even sent her a text message to let her know.

Month of Gratitude #4

Today I was thankful for... more "extra" time with my son. Trust me, I wish that my son were here all the time, but his father dictates the schedule, long story. At any rate, Jeffrey had a meeting for work and needed me to keep Ian this night so I got to pick him up from school. We got home work done, had his favorite for dinner (meatloaf) and played a few games on the Wii. Then the best part was that Ian asked if he could stay a while the next day so we could play some games. It was an absolutely wonderful evening.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #3

Today I was thankful for... the fact that my son is doing well in third grade. His first parent teacher conference was that morning. He is currently getting what the teacher referred to as "high B's". She called them that because one day they are a B and the next they are an A because he'll get a better grade on a test or homework.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #2

Today I was thankful for... the fact that I was able to get the entire town house clean from top to bottom. The house was neat but had not been thoroughly cleaned (dusted, bleached, etc.) in a while and it needed it. So I started that morning and by the end of the day it was all done, even all the laundry.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Month of Gratitude #1

Today I was thankful for... some time with just me and my son. Today was actually a day that would have normally been Jeffrey's weekend to have Ian but he had a class that he had to attend so I got a bit of extra time with my son. Ian and I enjoyed every minute. We even went to lunch at Ian's favorite, Lone Star. The waitress liked Ian so much that when he asked for a box for the left over rolls she brought him a box with 5 fresh rolls and butter.

Note: I'm actually backtracking to publish this post for the Month of Gratitude Challenge but I know what I was thankful for on this day.

Ian Playing Goalie

Ian's first soccer game of the season was tonight. He's on a new team this season becasue the old team was broken up, the coaches had moved away and there weren't enough players.
Last night we'd had a talk because during practices or just practicing with us, he will do great. But during games, he will hang back or if he gets nervous he will just fall. So we told him we know he can do it and just get in there.
So, he did and here are the photos to prove it!

Ian Playing Goalie, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian's Goal, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian actually game back from mid field with the ball, no one had been available to pass to until all he could do was shoot or pass backwards. He made the shot and it went past the defense and the goalie. It was awesome! He was so excited!

Road Trip

For the holiday weekend we took a much needed break away. We (all four of us) went to my parents house in NJ.

It was a great weekend. On Saturday night we went to a local basball game (Somerset Patriots) I wish my camera battery had not died. I will have to get pictures from mom because Ian got to participate in one of the between inning games (a sack race) and my mom got to do the shell game.

Sunday we had kind of a lazy day, the boys and I taught Oma how to play Carcassonne. We had a wonderful Sunday dinner and then went to the Italian Festival in Scotch Plains. Of course we went back to the house from there with plenty of desert treats.

Spouse

I got this from empress who had gotten it from Cowtown Stacy. I had to copy for our two month anniversary... even if she didn't tag me!!!

What is his name? Keith
How long have you been married? Today is two months.
How long did you date? It was 41 weeks before we got engaged and we were engaged for 43 weeks before we got married.
How old is he? 39 (I'm exactly five years younger, to the day!)
Who eats more? Probably me.
Who said I love you first? I did, and he wouldn't tell me back cause we were on the phone.
Who is taller? He is.
Who sings better? ME! I even sang at our wedding because he wanted - even just once - to hear me sing my heart out, so I did.
Who's temper is worse? Probably him.
Who does the laundry? Both of us although he does most of the carting to and from upstairs to the laundry room and back.
Who pays the bills? We both do.
Who cooks dinner? When we cook at home, it's both of us.
Who mows the lawn? Neither, we don't own a house yet. But when we do, I'm fairly certain it will be him, unless he needs some help once in a while.
Who wears the pants in the family? If I had to pick one, I'd say him but we make most our decisions together.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Wrinkled

I know my post for this is a little late. But here it is... wrinkled.

Unfortunately the cat decided she wanted to play with my roses that were in the vase on the table. This one was quite wrinkled and wilted from being out of the water for so long.

Find the photo hunt here!

Better Morning Than Yesterday - Please

Yesterday morning, it was like I'd woken up but forgotten my brain.

I left for work and forgot my badges to get into the office. So two exits from work, I had to turn around and go back.

This was a good thing because after I'd turned around I also realized I'd forgotten my laptop.

So I got home, grabbed the laptop from the house and my badges from Keith's car and set out for work again.

When I got upstairs, I realized I'd left my laptop down in the truck. So I started a few things that would take a while and set out to get it.

When I got back upstairs, one of my co-workers noted that my shirt was on inside out. No one else had noticed. The worst part is that I had thought about the fact that it was inside out when I took it off the hanger, cause most of my shirts I hang dry inside-out. But then my brain, didn't remember that while I was getting dressed.

Ugh.

Here's hoping for a better morning today. At least I've got my shirt on right-side out.

Husband's Car

The last couple days while Keith is out of town, I've been driving his car. It's an all black S2000. The excuse has been that they have been painting the lines in the parking lot at the apartment complex. There are two rows and I didn't want to park his car over where all the turkey butts would be parking, plus that and if they got ahead of schedule, the white spray would be harder to get off an all black car where wouldn't be as noticable on my metalic stell blue truck. But honestly it's more because it's just fun to drive and the weather has been gorgeous convertible top-down weather. ;-)

Tuesday nights we go to Thai a couple friends from work. Keith normally parks down the end of the lot because the spot is a bit larger so people are less likely to hit it. When walking out of the restaurant there were two other S2000s parked next to "twoie"! I had to take a picture with my cell phone because that was all I had with me and send it to Keith. Here it is, I know it's not the best shot but all the same.

Ian's Baseball Season

This summer Ian decided to try baseball. The athletic association has a great learning league, the players play each of the positions all season long so they can learn all the various things to do. Ian had a lot of fun.

I took this picture one evening when he came over to get a drink. Loving my new camera, I think it focused perfectly on him.

Ian in his baseball uniform, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Ian hit this double and it was perfect. He was actually using a teammates bat, which was an ounce heavier. Ever since he's been trying to convince me of getting a new bat.

Ian's first double, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

You could see his excitement when he made it to second. Yeah, I did that!

Ian's Double Excitement, originally uploaded by fltrbysvn.

Wedding Photos

I have to thank my sister for taking all the pictures at the wedding and my mom for letting her borrow the Nikon. My sister took very beautiful pictures of every moment.

Here are a few of my favorites. My most favorite is now in the title.

A Fantastic Wedding Gift

When I was little my mother taught me how to wind the mantle clock that had been her parents. She told me one day, when I got married, the clock would be mine. Well, I got married, 13 years ago, and when I asked about the clock I was told no, you can't have it. Talk about disappointed. Things at that point in my life between my parents and myself weren't good. They weren't ahppy with my choices and weren't happy with hoom I'd gotten married to.

Fast forward to last year. I got divorced. I found a man that I love deeply and he's helped me to fix things with my family, although I probably have to say the divorce had a lot to do with that.

Fast forward to our wedding day. I mentioned in my wedding post that my mom rushed off while we were running errands to talk privately with daddy on the phone. I learned why at the reception. Over by their seats was a huge bag. Mom said I have a special present for you and there are cards in the bottom too. I asked her if I should open it now and she said it was up to me. I peeked (I don't like waiting). Inside was this clock.



I broke down in tears. Mind you they were happy tears. It was my family clock and it was now mine. Things had been fixed. The relationship with my parents was back where it needed to be. My mom thanked Keith for bringing me back and supporting me and in the middle of the reception I was having to explain all the water works, even though the were really happy tears.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Colorful

Just got home from a boy scout pool party. While there the boys all competed in the rain gutter regatta.

Ian's and Logan's Regatta Boats

The Wedding

Our wedding day has come and gone. Almost two months ago. But life has been so busy that I haven't even been able to upload favorite photos or post anything about the day here.

June 24th 2008

The day was perfect. Actually the entire time was wonderful. But I'll start with that day.

The boys (Ian and Logan) were on their best behavior. My favorite part of the morning was Ian half teasing Logan because he had not wished Keith or me a happy birthday. It was more of a you should do it, in a "whisper" that could be heard while I was walking to the breakfast table at the hotel.

After breakfast the errands began. My mom, Mary Beth (Keith's step-mom) and I left the guys to fend for themselves for several hours, leaving around 9AM and hoping to be back by noon.

Off to the bakery. Simple enough, 36 vanilla cupcake with plain white icing... wonder if they knew it would be for a tier stand that would be our wedding cake.

Off to the restaurant. They took the cupcakes and let us put aside the favors, wine glasses and the presents for the boys in a side closet. But due to a last minute luncheon prior to us using the room, we would have to come back after three that afternoon to set anything up. "It's OK; it can be done" mom said, we'll leave the hotel at 3, come here (five minutes away) and still make it to the park (another ten minutes away) by 4.

Off to the manicurist. The night before, Mary Beth, realized she hadn't done her nails or gotten a pedicure. Mom took care of it, called her manicurist and made her an appointment. A quick stop at the deli next door to order a few sandwiches for lunch that we could pick up when we came back. And then my mom realized there were two bills she needed to drop off, so we ran around to do that.

Off to my parents. Just to pick up a few things. Note: the hotel, just for fun to be with all the family was only 15 minutes from my parents house.

Off to get the flowers. A call from daddy as we're on the way out the door... is it raining there yet? No. He was leaving work and it was coming down in sheets. He works 15 minutes opposite the hotel from my parents house. We get to the florist and the sky is dark. But we must stop at the hardware shop to see an old friend first, just a quick hi, we have 5 minutes to get flowers and get back to pick Mary Beth up. The flowers are gorgeous! My mom and I had review images on line from four states away on the phone. She said she'd order them since I couldn't make it back up and I knew this florist does lovely work but still was awestruck that they were so perfect. The flowers were in the truck and then the sky opened up.

Off to pick up Mary Beth. The girls were all concerned.... oh your wedding day. They ran next door to the deli to check the weather channel and came back exclaiming that it will be OK, just a quick storm it will pass and the skies will clear. Mary Beth's nails aren't dry. We wait a few minutes but it's already noon. I need to get back, eat lunch, get myself showered, get the boys bathed, let Keith get in the shower and leave by 3! Mom leaves because daddy called. A story I'll have to tell another day. ;-) She walks out saying she'll get the sandwiches. I get Mary Beth into the truck and buckled so she won't ruin a nail.

Back at the hotel. We attempt to politely kick everyone out of the hotel room, so we can get ready but Keith's brother has just arrived. So we quickly eat sitting on the beds. By 1:30 everyone is out of the room. Thankfully while I was gone, Keith has ironed everything that needed ironed and gotten things laid out. I hop in the shower then throw on a robe while I get the boys a bath and Keith shaves. Then the boys, trying to help got themselves dressed at least in socks, pants and t-shirts. Keith's in the shower and I'm drying my hair and putting on makeup. Somehow all of this is done in an hour and a half.

Off to the restaurant. My mom, Nana, Ian and I get in the truck. The rest pile into various cars to go to the park. Mom and I make quick work of getting all the favors/name cards out and the cupcake tier put together and the boys gifts hidden but reachable.

Off to the park. The weather has cleared. It's absolutely beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and perfectly blue. We arrive and mom gets Nana down to the gazebo. She comes back to say I have to wait a few minutes because the laptop (which is needed for me to sing) is still in daddy's car. That's OK, for the first time that day I can breathe. It's here!

Walking up the park path, my son by my side, my family smiling, and my husband to be was just wonderful to see. No tears this time. All smiles!

Back to the restaurant. The reception was lovely and the food was fantastic. One small scary moment which probably embarrassed my sister more than anything she had her heart rate accelerate and paramedics were called but was feeling OK after about 15 minutes.

Finally back at the hotel at 930. Exhausted but needing to get a few things taken care of. Keith's nephews say they will play with the boys for a few minutes while we get their things moved to the other room and get changed. Finally got to very wound up boys off to bed in mom and daddy's room around 1030 and then said our good nights to everyone else.

As rushed as it was, or maybe seemed, I wouldn't change a thing! It was perfect and I'm happy!