Do you know how many times I say to my students, "Follow the directions!" or "Take your time, read the directions and do a good job!" I guess it is time to take my own advice...
At the beginning of the school year, the boys were bringing home tons of paperwork. Some for us to fill out and some for informational purposes. Most of the time, I get the papers out of their bags and see if there is a date or something on it and I make sure I either fill it out, sign it or get whatever important event on the calendar. Grayson's curriculum night paper was red. It was easy to pick out of the pile. One would assume that any message on red paper would be fairly important. So, I read it- Thursday, September 6th, 6:30-7:30. I put it on the calendar. On to the next paper...
On Thursday, September 6th, Tom got home from work right around 6:00, so Grayson and I got ready and headed out the door. We had a lot to talk about on the way there. (Ok, when DOESN'T Grayson have a lot to talk about... "acts as if driven by a motor," yes, that is my kid). As we pulled up to the school, the parking lot was packed, but I found a place in the grass to park. As I got out of the car, Grayson was reprimanding me for parking in the grass. "You aren't supposed to do that mommy! You are going to get your clip moved to red!!! You are going to the principal!!!" All I could think was, "Just MOVE Grayson! We just got here, I don't want to be the last one in so everyone stares at us!" As we walked in, I figured we would be one of the last ones there. But I wasn't REALLY paying attention... I was trying to keep Grayson out of the puddles, I was trying to figure out what was all over his hands (turns out it was baby oragel, the kind in the little pump bottle... he must have pumped it all out on our way there. It was all over his hands and shorts). We get into the school, walk down what seemed like the LONGEST hallway and finally got to his room. When we arrived the door was closed. So, Grayson decided to make his grand entrance by flinging the door open! To my surprise, there were NO OTHER KIDS IN THERE!!!! I felt my face turn instantly red and I tried to pretend like I knew it was an adult only thing.
Grayson proudly pointed me in the direction of his seat. It was, of course, right in the front. The teacher had already started speaking, and I quickly pulled out the Barbie sized chair to sit down. Grayson sat in front of me, and I really don't think I heard a thing his teacher said as I tried to look around and see the parents of the children who Grayson would be spending close to 180 days with. My focus returned to Grayson as I found him now sitting on the floor and licking... YES LICKING the bottom of his Under Armour slides. "Yuck!!!" I said... "STOP DOING THAT!!!" Again, I feel my face turning every shade of red. Again, I had no clue what the teacher was saying.
As I got Grayson redirected, someone showed up late and this mom had her daughter with her. Is it bad that I was REALLY glad to see that someone else didn't follow the directions too?!?!?!
At that moment, I noticed that the other parents were opening the packets that were placed on the little tables/ desks. So, I did the same thing. As I did, something caught my eye. I turn my head to the left to see Grayson lying on his back, kicking his feet up in the air. Ugh!!! "Grayson, SIT UP!!!" At this point, I was planning my escape route. Could I pretend like I got a phone call and needed to leave? Nope, I left my cell phone in the car. Could I pretend like Grayson was sick and we needed to go? Not really, he does NOT play along well. AAAHHH!! What could I do?!?!? What could I do to get myself out of this really, really uncomfortable position?
I went back to looking in the folder with Grayson's name on it. I looked at the apple he colored and compared it to his next door neighbor. Yeah, maybe her's was better... but I bet Grayson was cuter, right? I mean, does he REALLY need to know how to color in the lines to graduate from kindergarten? Nah...
When I realize that I had been thinking about this too long, I felt something under the table. I looked under the table and realized it was Grayson slithering on his back under the table making snake noises. I was about to lose it. I grabbed him up from the floor and sat him on my lap. I was trying really hard not to say anything for fear that I may raise my voice a little too much. I could tell we were nearing the end of the presentation and I heard the teacher say, "So, are there any questions?" Grayson's hand immediately flies up. As quickly as his hand went up, my hand grabbed his arm and pulled it back down. "OOOWWW Mommy! You are hurting my arm!" As I am sure you could imagine, my face was red again. I was hoping... PRAYING that people wouldn't ask questions so I could get the heck out of there!! No such luck... people asking questions about the bus, about the field trip, about the breakfast program. AH! Come on people!
Finally, the presentation was over, parents stopped asking questions and it was time to go. As quickly as I could, I got up out of that darn miniature chair and made a bee line for the door. Grayson is quickly following me... "Mommy, do you want to see where the bathroom is? Mommy! Mommy! Do you want to see where the water fountain is?" I slowed to take a look at the bathroom and water fountain. As we exited the building I kept asking myself, "did that paper say to not bring your kids? I swear I thought it said it was for kindergarden students and their parents and not other children! I hope I still have that paper so I can look at it when we get home!"
As soon as we got home, I went straight to the kitchen to find the red paper in question. I immediately found it. I scan to the bottom where it says, bolded and in all caps, "Students are NOT to attend curriculum night." Nice Jenn, really nice.
Lesson learned... I need to slow down... take my time and READ what is being sent home! By doing just that, I will save myself a lot of embarrassment!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
What a weekend!!!
Wow, it has been a weekend... and with it being a three day weekend, I am really scared with what tomorrow may bring.
We started our weekend with the boys playing a baseball game on Friday night. I didn't go, so Heather Andrews and her family came over and took Keegan and I out to dinner. Since Tom took the van to the ball game, we didn't have a car seat for him. I decided to ask my neighbor if she had one we could borrow. Heather commented, "wow... you usually ask your neighbor for eggs or milk or something, but you asking for a car seat??"
Upon returning from dinner, my boys were home from their game so Heather's kids played with my boys for a while. This is where the fun begins... At one point in the night Grayson decided to get a small bottle of pop (DIET COKE!!!!) out of the fridge. He took it to my bathroom and shook it up, opened the cap and let it go all over the place. When I found this mess, I was HOT! To be completely honest, I cannot repeat what I said to him.
Saturday morning we went to his Dr. in Dublin. On our way there, Heather sent me a picture of my debit card that she had in her wallet. Oops! So, I had to turn around and get some cash from the house. At Grayson's appointment, the Dr. was very concerned with his weight loss. He is down to 37 pounds. The Dr. has prescribed an appetite stimulant for him. REALLY??? I have the exact opposite problem! Must be nice!
After our appointment, we went out to Heath to take Gramma to the new Panera for a cinnamon crunch bagel (YUM!) and then to Heather's to retrieve my debit card.
That evening, I met my friend Jennifer Martinez, for dinner at Piada. Man, I love that place! But, I have to say, it was so nice to be able to sit, eat and talk with someone who has so much in common with me... it was so good for my soul. (Oh, and we had a few of their bellinis!)
The majority of the excitement started on Sunday morning. Grayson came down to our bed like he normally does on weekend mornings. At that point I decided to get in the shower to get ready for church. When I got out of the shower I went up to get Keegan out of his crib. When I entered his room, I noticed a bag of goldfish on the floor. Then, I noticed the entire bag of goldfish dumped out in Keegan's crib!!! Oh, but that wasn't it... there were also carrots and ranch dip in there! I literally lost it right there. So many things went through my mind... but the biggest thing was that Keegan could have choked on those carrots! Again, I was HOT!
Then, the topper to this whole weekend, was just this afternoon. Keegan just woke up from his nap. I went up to get him out of his crib. Tom was outside working on the deck. From the time I went up to get Keegan and change his diaper, Grayson had cut all the hair off of the top of his head!!!!!!! Don't worry, I will post a picture.
Through all of the "Grayson incidents" of the weekend, I can't help but think, "what in the world goes through his mind?!?!?" I mean, what would make him pick up a pair of scissors and think it would be a good idea to cut his hair the way he did? Or, what made him think it was a good idea to feed the baby carrots??
A while back I was messaging on Facebook with a friend, someone who I look to for guidance and support. She told me this:
"It's a lie of Satan that God won't let you go through more than you can handle. Because God WILL let you go through more than you can handle so that you HAVE to lean on HIM. God is bigger than all these concerns. Remember the scriptures:
In Luke 12:25, Jesus says, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" And then in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
We started our weekend with the boys playing a baseball game on Friday night. I didn't go, so Heather Andrews and her family came over and took Keegan and I out to dinner. Since Tom took the van to the ball game, we didn't have a car seat for him. I decided to ask my neighbor if she had one we could borrow. Heather commented, "wow... you usually ask your neighbor for eggs or milk or something, but you asking for a car seat??"
Upon returning from dinner, my boys were home from their game so Heather's kids played with my boys for a while. This is where the fun begins... At one point in the night Grayson decided to get a small bottle of pop (DIET COKE!!!!) out of the fridge. He took it to my bathroom and shook it up, opened the cap and let it go all over the place. When I found this mess, I was HOT! To be completely honest, I cannot repeat what I said to him.
Saturday morning we went to his Dr. in Dublin. On our way there, Heather sent me a picture of my debit card that she had in her wallet. Oops! So, I had to turn around and get some cash from the house. At Grayson's appointment, the Dr. was very concerned with his weight loss. He is down to 37 pounds. The Dr. has prescribed an appetite stimulant for him. REALLY??? I have the exact opposite problem! Must be nice!
After our appointment, we went out to Heath to take Gramma to the new Panera for a cinnamon crunch bagel (YUM!) and then to Heather's to retrieve my debit card.
That evening, I met my friend Jennifer Martinez, for dinner at Piada. Man, I love that place! But, I have to say, it was so nice to be able to sit, eat and talk with someone who has so much in common with me... it was so good for my soul. (Oh, and we had a few of their bellinis!)
The majority of the excitement started on Sunday morning. Grayson came down to our bed like he normally does on weekend mornings. At that point I decided to get in the shower to get ready for church. When I got out of the shower I went up to get Keegan out of his crib. When I entered his room, I noticed a bag of goldfish on the floor. Then, I noticed the entire bag of goldfish dumped out in Keegan's crib!!! Oh, but that wasn't it... there were also carrots and ranch dip in there! I literally lost it right there. So many things went through my mind... but the biggest thing was that Keegan could have choked on those carrots! Again, I was HOT!
Then, the topper to this whole weekend, was just this afternoon. Keegan just woke up from his nap. I went up to get him out of his crib. Tom was outside working on the deck. From the time I went up to get Keegan and change his diaper, Grayson had cut all the hair off of the top of his head!!!!!!! Don't worry, I will post a picture.
Through all of the "Grayson incidents" of the weekend, I can't help but think, "what in the world goes through his mind?!?!?" I mean, what would make him pick up a pair of scissors and think it would be a good idea to cut his hair the way he did? Or, what made him think it was a good idea to feed the baby carrots??
A while back I was messaging on Facebook with a friend, someone who I look to for guidance and support. She told me this:
"It's a lie of Satan that God won't let you go through more than you can handle. Because God WILL let you go through more than you can handle so that you HAVE to lean on HIM. God is bigger than all these concerns. Remember the scriptures:
In Luke 12:25, Jesus says, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" And then in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Tomorrow is a new day and a new haircut...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I had no idea...
(I started this last night, but didn't get a chance to finish...)
Eight years ago on this very evening, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
Tom got home from work and I was where I could usually be found, in bed. You see, I was put on bedrest for what ended up being four months. Yes FOUR months! When he got home I told him that I really thought we needed to get our digital camera. He wasn't so sure, but I insisted. So, we loaded up into the car and headed towards Best Buy.
When we finally arrived at Best Buy, we both looked at the clock and realized that we may need to do this quickly because the store would be closing in 30 minutes. I got up out of the car and immediately knew something was wrong... I yelled to Tom, "Either I am peeing my pants or my water just broke!!"
"WHAT?!?!?!?" he screamed, "Go to the bathroom to be sure!"
We get into Best Buy and I headed towards the bathroom. At that point, I was sure that my water had broken. While I was in the bathroom I heard a knock on the door. It was Tom asking me if I was ok.
"Yes, but I am 99% sure my water broke!" I hear the door shut. It then opens again and I hear Tom say, "Jenny, I got you a wheelchair!"
Great... I am going to get wheeled out of Best Buy because my water broke! As we are leaving, Tom looks at the kid (and I mean, kid... no older than 19 or so) who was working the front security desk and says, "My wife's water just broke, I am going to wheel her out to the car. Can you follow us and wheel the chair back in?" I wish you would have seen the look of sheer horror on this kid's face. But, he followed us out and Tom helped me into the car. The Best Buy worker reluctantly took the wheelchair and headed back into the store. Tom and I were howling with laughter!
We left Best Buy and headed towards Mount Carmel East. I called the on-call Dr. just to let them know we were on our way to the hospital. She didn't seem as excited as we were, but nonetheless we were on our way... to the hospital... to have a BABY!!!
We got to Mount Carmel East and had to go in through the emergency room doors. That poor lady sitting at the front desk may have had a heart attack when Tom went running up to her to tell her my water broke and I was in labor. She scrambled around to find a wheelchair, got me situated and started pushing me towards labor and delivery. I think it was her first night on the job... she was a HOT mess!
When we got up to labor and delivery, she left us to check in. I had Tom go up and do the checking in since I was a little embarrassed to get up. He came back and sat down in front of me. Now, if you know anything about the people at the labor and delivery check in, they never seem to be in a hurry. So we sat there for a while. Tom was getting antsy, so he decided that he was going to go up and see what the hold up was. He pushed the wheelchair back a tad, not realizing that my hands were in the spokes of the wheels and both of my hands got caught in between the spokes and another metal bar on the chair. I let out a scream and everyone in the waiting room turned to look at me. I think that got the ladies working at the front desk going a little faster. They thought I was having labor pains... no, I just got my hand stuck in the wheelchair. Regardless, we were back in triage in no time!
Because Hayden decided to come a little early, we weren't completely ready for his arrival. I still had the cerclage in (if you don't know what that is... Google it, I will spare the rest of you the details), so they had to quickly remove it. That was BY FAR the worst part of this whole experience.
Because my contractions weren't too strong or too close together, they started me on an IV of fluids and antibiotics. They also gave me some medicine to help me sleep through the night.
I got very little sleep between the contractions and people coming in taking my vitals. I remember thinking to myself, "Why the heck did they offer to give me medicine to help me sleep when they were just going to keep coming in and waking me up?!?!?"
On the morning of March 20th, they asked me if I wanted to sit on a birthing ball. Since I had been on bedrest and wasn't able to go to any of the classes, I didn't really know what I was doing. I agreed to try it. Well, that lasted about a minute or two until I puked. I told them I just wanted to be in my bed and I didn't want any of that fancy birthing stuff.
After an epidural and some pitocin to get my contractions going, I noticed the room start to fill with people and lots of things. First of all, they brought in all the stuff to help the delivery and as they called the Dr. close to delivery time, I noticed another group of people standing near the baby warmer. I asked who they were and I was told they were from the NICU... THE WHAT?!?!? I was a little freaked out! But, the nurse reassured me that it was normal for them to be in on a delivery of a baby born so early. That didn't make me feel a ton better, but a I did feel a little better.
At 2:30 in the afternoon, Hayden Thomas Coalter arrived. He was 6 lbs. 1 oz. I remember looking at him knowing I was already so much in love with him. He had the cutest little cry. He kind of sounded like a baby kitten.
From that moment on, I knew that my life would never be the same... but I can honestly say it has been for the better. Hayden has blessed out lives in more ways than imaginable. He has taught me about patience and perseverance. He also taught me that it is NOT a good idea to go a Dave Matthew's Band concert and then have to care for a baby the next day... definitely not a good idea.
On March 22nd, they finally gave us the green light to go home. I was really in no hurry. I was scared. As the nursed wheeled me towards the car, I started sobbing. She asked me what was wrong and I told her, "I am crying because you are staying here!" I could not believe that Tom and I would be taking care of this little guy all on our own. For the first two days of his life, there were tons of people to help out, keep him in the nursery so I could sleep, etc. Now, we had to do it on our own.
When we celebrate Hayden's birthday, we also celebrate the time that we became parents. We celebrate that God trusted us with such a special little guy. We also celebrate that we have all made it this far. :)
I had no idea how my life would change, but I can honestly say, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Oh, and for the record... we didn't get our camera at Best Buy that night. Luckily, my mom let us borrow her camera.
Eight years ago on this very evening, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
Tom got home from work and I was where I could usually be found, in bed. You see, I was put on bedrest for what ended up being four months. Yes FOUR months! When he got home I told him that I really thought we needed to get our digital camera. He wasn't so sure, but I insisted. So, we loaded up into the car and headed towards Best Buy.
When we finally arrived at Best Buy, we both looked at the clock and realized that we may need to do this quickly because the store would be closing in 30 minutes. I got up out of the car and immediately knew something was wrong... I yelled to Tom, "Either I am peeing my pants or my water just broke!!"
"WHAT?!?!?!?" he screamed, "Go to the bathroom to be sure!"
We get into Best Buy and I headed towards the bathroom. At that point, I was sure that my water had broken. While I was in the bathroom I heard a knock on the door. It was Tom asking me if I was ok.
"Yes, but I am 99% sure my water broke!" I hear the door shut. It then opens again and I hear Tom say, "Jenny, I got you a wheelchair!"
Great... I am going to get wheeled out of Best Buy because my water broke! As we are leaving, Tom looks at the kid (and I mean, kid... no older than 19 or so) who was working the front security desk and says, "My wife's water just broke, I am going to wheel her out to the car. Can you follow us and wheel the chair back in?" I wish you would have seen the look of sheer horror on this kid's face. But, he followed us out and Tom helped me into the car. The Best Buy worker reluctantly took the wheelchair and headed back into the store. Tom and I were howling with laughter!
We left Best Buy and headed towards Mount Carmel East. I called the on-call Dr. just to let them know we were on our way to the hospital. She didn't seem as excited as we were, but nonetheless we were on our way... to the hospital... to have a BABY!!!
We got to Mount Carmel East and had to go in through the emergency room doors. That poor lady sitting at the front desk may have had a heart attack when Tom went running up to her to tell her my water broke and I was in labor. She scrambled around to find a wheelchair, got me situated and started pushing me towards labor and delivery. I think it was her first night on the job... she was a HOT mess!
When we got up to labor and delivery, she left us to check in. I had Tom go up and do the checking in since I was a little embarrassed to get up. He came back and sat down in front of me. Now, if you know anything about the people at the labor and delivery check in, they never seem to be in a hurry. So we sat there for a while. Tom was getting antsy, so he decided that he was going to go up and see what the hold up was. He pushed the wheelchair back a tad, not realizing that my hands were in the spokes of the wheels and both of my hands got caught in between the spokes and another metal bar on the chair. I let out a scream and everyone in the waiting room turned to look at me. I think that got the ladies working at the front desk going a little faster. They thought I was having labor pains... no, I just got my hand stuck in the wheelchair. Regardless, we were back in triage in no time!
Because Hayden decided to come a little early, we weren't completely ready for his arrival. I still had the cerclage in (if you don't know what that is... Google it, I will spare the rest of you the details), so they had to quickly remove it. That was BY FAR the worst part of this whole experience.
Because my contractions weren't too strong or too close together, they started me on an IV of fluids and antibiotics. They also gave me some medicine to help me sleep through the night.
I got very little sleep between the contractions and people coming in taking my vitals. I remember thinking to myself, "Why the heck did they offer to give me medicine to help me sleep when they were just going to keep coming in and waking me up?!?!?"
On the morning of March 20th, they asked me if I wanted to sit on a birthing ball. Since I had been on bedrest and wasn't able to go to any of the classes, I didn't really know what I was doing. I agreed to try it. Well, that lasted about a minute or two until I puked. I told them I just wanted to be in my bed and I didn't want any of that fancy birthing stuff.
After an epidural and some pitocin to get my contractions going, I noticed the room start to fill with people and lots of things. First of all, they brought in all the stuff to help the delivery and as they called the Dr. close to delivery time, I noticed another group of people standing near the baby warmer. I asked who they were and I was told they were from the NICU... THE WHAT?!?!? I was a little freaked out! But, the nurse reassured me that it was normal for them to be in on a delivery of a baby born so early. That didn't make me feel a ton better, but a I did feel a little better.
At 2:30 in the afternoon, Hayden Thomas Coalter arrived. He was 6 lbs. 1 oz. I remember looking at him knowing I was already so much in love with him. He had the cutest little cry. He kind of sounded like a baby kitten.
From that moment on, I knew that my life would never be the same... but I can honestly say it has been for the better. Hayden has blessed out lives in more ways than imaginable. He has taught me about patience and perseverance. He also taught me that it is NOT a good idea to go a Dave Matthew's Band concert and then have to care for a baby the next day... definitely not a good idea.
On March 22nd, they finally gave us the green light to go home. I was really in no hurry. I was scared. As the nursed wheeled me towards the car, I started sobbing. She asked me what was wrong and I told her, "I am crying because you are staying here!" I could not believe that Tom and I would be taking care of this little guy all on our own. For the first two days of his life, there were tons of people to help out, keep him in the nursery so I could sleep, etc. Now, we had to do it on our own.
When we celebrate Hayden's birthday, we also celebrate the time that we became parents. We celebrate that God trusted us with such a special little guy. We also celebrate that we have all made it this far. :)
I had no idea how my life would change, but I can honestly say, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Oh, and for the record... we didn't get our camera at Best Buy that night. Luckily, my mom let us borrow her camera.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Time for me...
It is no secret... I have always struggled with my weight. I have always been jealous of those who could eat what they wanted and never gain a pound. I have always felt like I gain weight if I look at something fattening!
I turned to food for comfort, when I was bored or just when I knew something tasted good. I also used my pregnancies to justify eating whatever I wanted.
For years, I have sought ways to "fix" this problem... I have tried every diet known to man. I would start out great, but then when I wasn't losing the weight as quickly as I wanted I would get frustrated and give up. I think this is called yo- yo dieting.
Last Summer, I noticed that a gym would be going in the shopping center close to our house. For the longest time, I had thought it would be so nice to have a workout facility close to our house. This way there is no excuse to not workout. The name of this new gym was Spike Fitness. I went to check it out and met Spike and Debbie Johnson. Little did I know that at that point, my life would be forever changed.
When the gym opened, I was there the first day and tried a zumba class. I loved it! I then took a spinning class and it reminded me of how good it feels to work out and feel that energy. Soon after that, a few girls and I decided to start personal training with Steve Burke. I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent! He makes me work hard and do things that I never thought I could do.
From all of this I have realized that I need to start putting my self first. That is such a hard thing for a mommy to do (especially when your kids are a HANDFUL!) But, I knew I needed to do this for my kids, for my husband and most importantly for myself.
I know this will be a struggle for the rest of my life, but I hope that one day my struggle with weight and food won't consume my everyday. I have taken the steps to have a more healthy, active lifestyle!
So, here's to me! :)
I turned to food for comfort, when I was bored or just when I knew something tasted good. I also used my pregnancies to justify eating whatever I wanted.
For years, I have sought ways to "fix" this problem... I have tried every diet known to man. I would start out great, but then when I wasn't losing the weight as quickly as I wanted I would get frustrated and give up. I think this is called yo- yo dieting.
Last Summer, I noticed that a gym would be going in the shopping center close to our house. For the longest time, I had thought it would be so nice to have a workout facility close to our house. This way there is no excuse to not workout. The name of this new gym was Spike Fitness. I went to check it out and met Spike and Debbie Johnson. Little did I know that at that point, my life would be forever changed.
When the gym opened, I was there the first day and tried a zumba class. I loved it! I then took a spinning class and it reminded me of how good it feels to work out and feel that energy. Soon after that, a few girls and I decided to start personal training with Steve Burke. I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent! He makes me work hard and do things that I never thought I could do.
From all of this I have realized that I need to start putting my self first. That is such a hard thing for a mommy to do (especially when your kids are a HANDFUL!) But, I knew I needed to do this for my kids, for my husband and most importantly for myself.
I know this will be a struggle for the rest of my life, but I hope that one day my struggle with weight and food won't consume my everyday. I have taken the steps to have a more healthy, active lifestyle!
So, here's to me! :)
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