Looks Like I Made It!

30 posts in 30 days. That is a record for me. Would I do it again? Probably not. I just don't lead that exciting of a life-as you can tell if you followed my posts for the last 30 days. LOL. Trying to come up with things to write about every day was tough but the hardest part was the pressure I put on myself to remember to post!

So if you followed me throughout November-thanks for sticking around.

Self Image

I was talking with Chester this weekend and he was bringing me up to speed on what his friends from high school are doing now. It has been fun watching him reconnect after having been gone for four years. We got on the subject of a couple that dated while in high school and are still together. They were what you would have considered to be a "power couple" back in the day-he handsome, athletic, totally cool, and she-top ten smart, sassy and beautiful.

They had futures that were so full of promise. Want to know what they are doing now? He is a bouncer at a strip club and she is a stripper. I have not been able to get this bit of information out of my head. They had so many dreams, so many plans. How does all of that get pushed aside and you somehow settle for selling (and protecting) the rights to view your body? Neither of them came from families with money and I know they were both struggling to pay for college but to end up at the opposite end of the spectrum is so disheartening. What are we as a society teaching our young people? As a mom to a little girl, I can only imagine how this young woman's mom must feel. It is so scary to think that this person seemed to be so put together, so full of self confidence but my personal belief is that you don't choose this type of occupation if you are comfortable in your own skin. It is yet another lesson for me to remember. No matter how Dreamsicle may appear on the outside, I better make darn certain that internally she feels fabulous about herself.

Fantabulous!

Dreamsicle and I were picked up by G-ma and Auntis Pammis again yesterday around noon. We had lunch plans with cousins who live out of state. We had a great time with them! The cousins are always so warm and engaging, it is a pleasure just to be around them. After taking over the restaurant we met at for 2.5 hours we had to say goodbye.

Auntis Pammis decided that she would like to brave the malls to look for some new clothes. We were all pleasantly surprised to find that although the mall was busy, it was manageable and great deals were everywhere-even at 3:00 in the afternoon. I wanted to stop by the Disn*ey Store just to see what they had to offer and boy am I glad I did. Dreamsicle has declared for the last month that she wants slippers for Christmas. The slippers were purchased long ago. Two nights ago she started asking for the Disn*ey Dollhouse. She never asks for anything so I knew that it was something that she truly wanted. We walked into the Disn*ey Store and there it was in all of its glory-30% off! A Castmember then informed me that if I purchased a reusable bag for some nominal fee anything that went into the bag would have a 10% reduction at the register. Needless to say I bought the Dollhouse at 40% off of list price. Trying to make the purchase and get it out to G-ma's van was hysterical. G-ma pushed Dreamsicle in the stroller around the store, getting her interested in all kinds of things while I made the purchase then Auntis Pammis had to take the box out to the van. The box is huge! Seriously, if she carried it her line of vision was blocked. It was big enough that she could slide it across the floors of the mall (yep, she got some pretty strange looks for that one) but then risked life and limb and picked it up once she got outside. It all worked out as planned and was hidden in the back of the van where Dreamsicle sat in complete ignorance all of the way home. Score one for the mama!

Yesterday

At the eleventh hour two days ago Chester decided that he did not feel well enough to do the beat on your chest cause I'm a man hunting trip with McGyver, which caused me to go into a bit of a panic regarding Thanksgiving. Dreamsicle and I already had reservations made at a restaurant and were planning on spending the day with G-ma and Auntis Pammis, now that Chester and X*Boy were both going to be around I thought I might have to change those plans. After speaking with X*Boy (who caught what we had a few weeks ago so we already knew he would not be feeling up to leaving his couch let alone eating a big dinner and had informed me four days ago not to plan on him doing anything) I came up with plan B. I took a ham out of the freezer on Thanksgiving Eve and in the morning I whipped up a couple of pumpkin pies, made some home made bread and set it out to rise then went out to eat with G-ma, Auntis Pammis and Dreamsicle. As we were leaving the restaurant I called Chester (who, for the record was miraculously healed the night before since he called me the morning of Thanksgiving after McGyver had left to tell me that he was heading home from the big city that we live close to after spending the night at a buddy's house. Seems his strong will to live overcame the plague that he swore he had which allowed him the ability to participate in the events surrounding the biggest bar night of the year. Must be the heart of the Marine that still beats in his chest.) I digress-sorry. So I called Chester on my way home from the restaurant and had him drive to the house and throw the ham in the oven. 3 hours later dinner was served. By that time Dreamsicle was hungry again so it all worked out well. She couldn't believe that she got to eat dessert twice in one day so she was one happy girl.

**On a side note the restaurant we ate at was fabulous! They had a buffet that was huge but the best part was that they had a separate kids buffet. A line of teeny tiny tables in a row which held such fabulous kid treats as fruit cups! and chocolate pudding! and macaroni and cheese! and jello! and chicken strips! The list goes on. She was in heaven. We had a great waiter who asked her what she wanted for Christmas from Santa (bunny slippers) and what her favorite part of her meal was (green beans). Yep that's my girl.**

Happy ThanksU*Haulgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! May your turkey be roasted perfectly, your mashed potatoes just the right amount of lumpy and your gravy smooth as silk. May you take just a moment today to remember all of the good you have in your life and to pray for those who are so far away from their families as they protect us from harm.

Happy Birthday U*Haul. We love you more than words can describe. I always get giggly when I think back on the Thanksgiving that you were born. So know that even though we aren't together this year, your Dad and I will remind each other of the story of your birth at least a dozen times today. Oh and guess what-since your Dad is leaving to go hunting for a few days he will once again be missing the dessert on Thanksgiving, only this time it is not your fault.

Backing Up

We have the camper already loaded on the truck in preparation for our trip to Florida. Chester's truck broke down and will be spending the next two weeks in the shop. This has caused me to turn over the keys to my car to Chester and forced me to drive the truck (think Beverly Hillbilly Clampett mobile) during this time. Our office has a strange parking lot. McGyver has requested that I park in the far back of the parking lot (he claims so that the Clampett mobile won't get hit but I have a strange feeling it may be his subtle way of forcing me to move my bahonkas more than three feet as I trudge into the office). I really haven't minded parking back there until today. I have been getting to work early this week (dark thirty early) and I always back the Clampett mobile into a parking space. Today I whipped the old rig around, threw it into park and hopped out. I don't know what caused me to look back but when I did I realized that I was parked on the lawn, not in a parking space and that I had taken out one of the wooden posts the snow plow company had placed to mark where the grass begins and the asphalt ends. Oops.

Random

My office is unable to keep a steady temperature. I have a space heater that I turn on and off at least a bazillion times a day. Right now I am hot but too lazy to get my bahonkas up out of my chair to turn it off. Do they sell remote control space heaters???

McGyver and Chester made plans to hunt out of town on Thanksgiving. This piece of news helped me to decide to make reservations for dinner at a restaurant since it will only be me and Dreamsicle. Guess who came home last night and told me that he thought they should stay home for Thanksgiving and leave the next day? Hmmm, if you figured that one out guess who told him he no longer had a choice. I have a 26 pound turkey chillaxin in my freezer. There is no way that big old bird would be defrosted by Thursday. Mama isn't cooking. It realy doesn't bother me that they will be gone-2 weeks later our entire family will be together in Florida-that's what I will consider my Thanksgiving.

Little Pea went to the doctor yesterday. It appears as if the ear infection he has been treated for with two different antibiotics to clear up decided to get worse instead. He was given a shot and I will bet that he is doing much better today.

Prayers please

Our poor little Pea is very sick right now, please keep him in your prayers.

Conversations with Dreamsicle

Me: Dreamsicle, why is there an empty apple juice container in the fridge?
Dreamsicle: It's just chillin'

Chester: Dreamsicle-what do you think of the deer I shot ( a spike)
Dreamsicle: It's okay Chester, as long as you tried your best you should be proud. Maybe next time you will get a bigger one.

Me: Dreamsicle, why are you and your bear wearing sunglasses?
Dreamsicle: We are rock stars.

Foggy

I can't remember the last time it was so foggy outside. The fog outside obviously matches the fog in my brain since I failed to remember to purchase such breakfast staples as bread and coffee last night. This oversight caused my need to trudge out into the fog this morning where I could not see my hand in front of my face. Luckily I made it home safely and fired up the beloved coffee pot to give me a much needed jolt this morning. I'm heading out the door in an hour to get my hair cut and colored, sure hope the fog lifts before I have to go.

That Was A Close One

Almost forgot to post today! Was actually able to sleep last night, didn't set the alarm because frankly, haven't needed one in a month or six since I have been suffering from insomnia for so long. By the time I woke up I had just enough time to shower and run out the door for work. It was a crazy busy day at work then met friends for dinner and drinks afterwards. We had a great time catching up with friends we haven't seen in over a month and now I'm just chilling on the couch tring to convince myself that I do not need to go to bed yet. I think the bed is winning, I swear I can hear it calling my name...

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Insomnia strikes again. Can someone please stop this roller coaster? I think I am ready to get off now.

Yep I'm Still A Girl

Dreamsicle has been very interested in the differences between boys and girls. Yesterday she watched me get dressed after my shower and we talked about being a girl and what that means. Last night she lifted up my shirt, then pulled it back down, patted me on the back and said "yep, you are still a girl".

Hearing That Whisper

I am hearing it again. The whisper that is barely audible. The feeling that maybe, just maybe there is another girl in a far away land waiting for her mama and baba. Dreamsicle keeps bringing up her desire for a sister more and more frequently. We have huge hurdles in our way, the most pressing one being that we have no money. Building a business is certainly not for the faint of heart. Every single penny we earn goes back into the business at this point. I don't even know if we would make the income requirement on paper right now. And just because I hear the whisper, I don't know that McGyver has his listening ears on. It's time for me just to turn this over to the Lord. If we are meant to add to our family one more time, He will make it possible because I alone certainly can't.

Insomnia Again

I am becoming very familiar with both side of 3:00 on my clock. Suffering from insomnia is no fun. McGyver is hunting at his buddy's cabin so Dreamsicle is snuggled up in my bed with me but I still can't sleep. Since I was laying here awake I decided to grab the laptop and write up a quick post. While sitting here in my bed with only the light from the laptop screen illuminating my room, it suddenly reminded me of when we were in China. My body refused to adjust to the time difference so I was seriously sleep deprived while we were over there. McGyver and Dreamsicle and would sleep the night away and I would sit up, creating my posts in the wee hours of the morning with just the light of the laptop illuminating our hotel room. Funny how some things are different but the same.

Today

Left the house at 4:30 am and just got home tonight at 8:00. Spent the day at a conference with lots of people that I used to work with. Interesting would describe my day. Some people that I worked with for 15 years wouldn't even make eye contact with me, some people that I only worked with for 3 years couldn't get to me fast enough to exchange hugs and catch up. So many things going through my head right now...

Sweet Dreamsicle

Dreamsicle is so funny. She has finally started to sing. She won't sing out loud yet but her voice would pass for being just above a whisper while she sings the words. She takes after her mama. Poor babe cannot carry a tune at all, but hey at least she is trying.

Speaking of whispers, she has learned what a "secret" is. In her mind a secret is when someone puts their hand to her ear and whispers something. She wants to tell everyone secrets right now. One small glitch in that plan though-she can't think of anything to say so she ends up putting her hand to my or McGyver's ear then we hear something that amounts to "pstmhephmhselale". Call me crazy but I hope she never grasps the concept of secrets-how cool would it be if she never felt like she had to keep one?

Light+End=Tunnel

I think I have finally kicked this illness. I knew I was starting to feel better when I began craving pancakes. I actually got off the couch yesterday and loaded the dishwasher (don't ask me how many times I loaded the dishwasher, just think several-if this makes no sense to you refer to post below).
I made dinner last night and actually slept for 5 hours! In a row! Go body!
I am going to actually brave heading outside today (hopefully I won't have to throw my arm over my eyes yelling "the light, it is blinding me!") since I have not seen the great out of doors for 6 days but I must get my body moving. There is a big craft show that my mom, my sister, Dreamsicle and I attend annually and today is the day. Nothing gets me moving like shopping! LOL. Dreamsicle is beside herself with joy at the prospect that her mama is actually going to do something with her today.
Tomorrow is opening day of deer hunting. Tune in tomorrow to see if I once again manage to step in a 6 inch square of deer poop on 40 acres of property.

I Am Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!

The plague will not release me from its grip. Between the never ending fevers, the dizziness that will not leave me alone and the ever present throbbing headache that has now given me an eye twitch I have missed an entire week of work. Never in my life have I missed an entire week of work for anything other than vacations and our trip to China.

My house is a disaster. I love McGyver with all of my heart but the fact that he refuses to lift a finger inside the house is killing me. Dreamsicle has lived on take out for the past week since to get up off the couch causes me to want to lie down wherever I happen to see a clear spot on the floor.

Please sickness, go away!

Best Fends

My sweet Dreamsicle just does not stop. I have done nothing but lie around for the past 5 days, trying desperately to get better. She is such a nurturer. Whether or not I need it, I must have two blankets on me at all times. If she walks by me and sees that I have removed one, she immediately comes over, puts the other blanket on me, tucks it in under my chin, gives me a kiss then tells me-dat's bedda (that's better).

I have been home while McGyver has dressed her for preschool this week so I have done her hair. Every time I finish she runs into the bathroom to look then comes out and thanks me for making her bootiful (beautiful)

She has tried to feed me at least 5 times telling me that it always makes her feel better when I feed her when she is ill.

Last night Dreamsicle crawled up on top of me and wanted to snuggle. I gave her nose a kiss and told her that I loved her. She looked me right in the eye and said "mama, I love you too, you will always be my best fend".

Oh baby, you will always be my best fend too.

**PSA**

Still sick, please send cupcakes

Thank you Veterans!

Today I will thank any active duty service member I see. Today I will thank every Veteran I know. Today I will bake and take goodies to the local recruiting station. Today I will compile my list of items I would like to donate to the Veteran's Home for Christmas. Today I will rest easy in the knowledge that I have been and will continue to be protected by the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect this great nation of ours and today I will pray for their safety-both here and abroad.

Warning-Rant Ahead

I am sitting at home watching the memorial service taking place at Fort Hood. I am certainly not Miss Manners but does it seem just a bit off that when the President appeared people started cheering? I don't know, was that appropriate for such a solemn occasion?

And what was up with the civilian photographer taking pictures during the National Anthem, ball cap firmly in place? Where is the respect?

Dreamsicle's Joy

I often times look at Dreamsicle and cannot believe how much she has grown and changed since we first met in China. She has always had a sense of humor but now that she is four, she is really pouring it on. She thinks that hiding and trying to scare you is cool right now, the only problem is that she lives her little life so full of joy everyday that it tends to bubble out in little uncontrollable giggles. She will attempt to "hide" but she just cannot be quiet. I will walk by the end of the couch and hear a little "tee-hee" coming from the other side, if I continue to walk acting as if I didn't hear anything she will jump out trying to give me a roar in between her giggles. It is the funniest thing I have ever seen.

She is really into knock knock jokes but cannot come up with any! She loves the concept but she doesn't deal in abstract very well so if she remembers one that I told her we are all set, if not they go like this:

D: Knock knock
Me: Whose there?
D: Dreamsicle
Me: Dreamsicle Who?
D: I don't know -Ba, Ha, Ha, Ha

I cannot help but crack up every dang time. She really thinks she is funny. Which does give me pause. If she cracks herself up and thinks she is funny (but often times isn't, she is just too cute to not laugh with) and I crack myself up (minus the four year old cuteness) what does that say about me? Hmmmm...

Like Father Like Son

It is getting to be hunting time 'round these parts. In preparation for the big day next Sunday, you have to "sight your rifle". I went first. The point is to shoot your gun aiming at a target that for me seems like it is a million miles away. It made me giggle watching McGyver and Chester as they would patiently wait for me to pull the trigger, then walk side by side the million miles to the target and see where my bullet landed. It struck me yet again how similar they are to each other. They have the same walk, they have the same mannerisms-it was so fun to watch them! I cannot wait until Chester has a little "minnie me" to add to the mix (someday, not now)

Getting Back To Normal

Yesterday was a great day. The temp was perfect for being outside. I decided to keep Dreamsicle home and away from people for one more day so I spent the morning scrubbing the germs away in the house with the windows open. The afternoon found the two of us outside going on a "hike". We walked for a bit around our property picking up bits and pieces of nature as we went. For some reason Dreamsicle was fascinated with the leaves yesterday. Here in the Mitten State, when the leaves first fall off the trees they are beautiful in their autumnal colors. As they lay on the ground they become brown. She didn't care, she kept handing me brown leaves and some red leaves that looked like they had been on the ground from last year, acorns and sticks. When she was finally ready to head back inside we brought our loot back inside with us. Then out of the blue she announced that she wanted to "make someping". I think this may have come from her looking over my shoulder the other day while I was reading blogs. We were reading the SalsainChina blog and there were pictures of wreaths the girls had made that caught Dreamsicle's eye. So armed with a glue gun and a paper plate we made a nature wreath. The giggles that came out of that little girl during this project were so good to hear. It was a great day-forecast says that today is supposed to be just as nice and we will be ready for our next adventure.

A New Day!

Thank goodness things are getting back to normal here at the McGyver house. Dreamsicle turned the corner last night. How do I know this? She bounced into my room at 2:00 am asking if I wanted to play! Although I would like nothing more than to play with the little sweetie who has wanted only to lie around for the past 7 days, 2:00 am was not the time I wanted to do it. My plan is to load her up and get her the heck out of dodge today. If the weather cooperates, I am thinking of a trip to the zoo. She has been on antibiotics for 36 hours and I am sure some fresh air is just the ticket to keep her moving along on the healing track.

McGyver seems to be getting better as well so hopefully I can give the house a good scrubbing this weekend and get rid of the sickness that has been chasing everyone.

In other news-U*Haul has returned from his deployment, his crew "gives back the boat" to the other crew just before Thanksgiving so he will be land based until after Valentine's Day. This year should be so much fun for U*Haul and Pixie at Christmas. The Little Pea will be a blast to watch as he tears into his presents.

Speaking of Christmas, I am almost done shopping for both Dreamsicle and The Little Pea. First time ever that I am not going to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off on Christmas Eve-yeah!

I've Got Nothing Today...

I am still trying to wrap my head around the horrific tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood yesterday. Being a military family, something like this hits close to home. Our family is praying for all of those who lost loved ones. When your husband/brother/son, wife/sister/daughter is deployed your emotions stay subconsciously on heightened alert because you know that they must walk a fine line every day to keep themselves safe. When your service member is back home on base, you allow yourself to breathe again, settling back into normalcy and believing that your loved one will go about their daily tasks and arrive safely at their home each night. This changed everything-to be attacked by a fellow service member has left me with chills that won't go away. My hope is that those families who lost loved ones, and those who were wounded can feel the prayers of the nation today.

Thankful

I have done alot of griping on this old blog lately so today I am going to list some of the things I am thankful for...

I am thankful that I have such a rock solid relationship with my husband.

I am thankful that my boys adore their little sister. I still get teared up every time one of them walks into our house and I watch the way they interact with her.

I am thankful that I have such an amazing daughter in love. She is a terrific mama to my incredible grand baby, and an awesome wife to my U*Haul. I am so thankful for the relationship that we share as well.

I am thankful that the Lord has allowed us to parent this beautiful little girl who steals my heart each and every day.

I am thankful for the friendships I have made via the blogging world. I can tell you that I have half a dozen friends I have made through the internet that I would hop on a plane at a moments notice if they ever needed me.

I am thankful for my time tested friendships here at home. It is so comforting knowing that I have a posse that circle the wagons when necessary.

I am thankful that we have the opportunity to provide jobs to people in our local community and I am even more thankful for the incredibly talented group of people that I get to work with each and every day.

I am thankful that I live in a state that offers so much beauty that it is easy to take it for granted.

I am thankful for my life

The Stuff Inside My Head Part Two

How is one wife/mother supposed to care for a sick husband who is laying in bed upstairs begging for water/aspirin/soup/kleenex and one sick four year old who insists on sneaking out into the living room on the lower level to lay on the couch and begging for water/mechazin (medicine)/soup/kleenex at the same time? I am about to find out.

Note to people having outpatient procedures done at the hospital-please remember to tie your gown before your decide that traipsing down the hallway is a good idea. Certainly got a few eye fulls today.

Note To Self: Please remember to be kind to your digestive track. Eating deep fried spicy pickles along with jalapeno poppers probably helps keep your eyeballs open at 3:00 am

Note to Semi Driver-the left lane of the expressway is meant to either pass or go faster than 35 mph while you blatantly type on your laptop located on the dash of your truck while I try to scurry past you hoping you don't decide to veer into my lane.

That's all I've got time for-I think I hear someone whining (not going to tell you which one)

The Stuff Inside My Head

I have a million little things rolling around in my head-going to attempt to put a few down for today's post...

You know you are in the middle of the H1N1 battle ground when they close the local school for a week. Apparently Dreamsicle is not the only one suffering from the flu 'round these parts. Speaking of this crazy flu-enough already! Just when I think she is on the road to recovery she spikes a fever of 100 million degrees and freaks me the heck out again. Note to Dreamsicle: Please stop freaking your mama out and get better once and for all.

Chester's girlfriend broke up with him last week. Between worrying about Dreamsicle and her 100 million degree temp, and Chester's heart that has been broken into 100 million jagged little pieces fun times have not been had in these parts. No rest for the weary *sigh*

Can someone please explain what the h*e double hockey sticks we were thinking starting a business in the Mitten State this year? Anyone? And if you are one of the people that I considered to be my friend, why the h*e double hockey sticks didn't you stop us, hmmm?? Truly-does this mean that if I was standing in the middle of the road and a tour bus of senior citizens headed up to the casino came barreling at me from behind but I didn't hear it because I was too busy listening to my IPOD that you wouldn't push me out of the way? Would you just look at my flat as a pancake self mushed on the road, shrug your shoulders and say, hmmm, guess I should have warned her? Inquiring minds want to know.

And The Plague Continues

Still home with Dreamsicle-she seems to be doing markedly better today thank goodness. And in typical McGyver household fashion, more drama. Our sweet little beagle caught wind of something that he decided that he needed to chase and he has not come home. Have you seen my dog posters will be going up today.

The Halloween That Wasn't

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that Halloween was a total dud in the McGyver house this year. Dreamsicle was all set to be Tinkerbell then the dreaded H1N1 came knocking on our door and knocked her out. Instead of loading up on candy, Dreamsicle loaded up on Motrin. She was so disappointed that I am seriously considering calling some of our closest friends and family and seeing if they will let us have a "do-over" for Halloween this Saturday. She seems to be doing much better today thank goodness, fingers crossed that there will be no back sliding or secondary infection that decides to visit her in the near future.

Jumping In

I am entering the NaBloPoMo frey and going to try to post 30 posts in 30 days. This first post wouldn't post yesterday but this is November 1st...