Friends

Ever have that friend who knows you at times better than you know yourself? I have that in a couple of friends. And consider myself so lucky for it!

I heard a couple of sayings related to friendships and thought I would pass them on. Season, Reason or Lifetime. I have been blessed with several of each of these. I have had friends for the moment in my life, I have had friends who were there to support me or vice versa for a reason. I have been blessed with several lifetime friends too.

Second is Friendship isn't about loving a perfect person it's about loving an imperfect person perfectly. I can consider myself a lucky girl when I say I have friends now that I have had forever it seems, who love me, all of me. The GOOD side, BAD side and even the UGLY side.

Growing up, i didn't have many"connected" friends. I had alot of acquaintances, that have made who I am so i will never take back, but they never figured out what made me tick or could understand me. Into adult hood God has blessed me with wonderful friends, some have lasted since younger days and some have come into my life recently and each of them are special and provide me with joy, love and sheer happiness.

For the last week I have been in Arizona with my lifetime best friend Donna and her family. I have known Donna since I was 12 and mouthy and hating pretty much everybody in my life. And she was there to provide comfort, safety, security and laughter. Now almost 20 yrs later she still provides me comfort from the storms of my life, love and more laughter than I know how to deal with. She is confidant, a strength, a listener a comedian. I love her for all that she has provided and continues to bring into my life and now my children's life.

I am forever grateful for the day God brought her into my life. I really can say I wouldn't be where I am and who I am without her strength and convictions. I also wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the strength and laughter my "circle' of friends I have now bring into my life on a daily basis. Just knowing each lady is there, a phone call away, especially at 4pm or the wee hours of the day/night to support me, to laugh with, to complain to. I have wonderful friends. I pray that we will be lifetime friends.

I'm getting old

So this week I am in Northern Arizona for a graduation. My best friend Donna, her son Matthew graduated from highschool last night. I have known Matthew since he was 2. I lived pretty much with his family through most of my teenage yrs and adulthood. It was so surreal and bittersweet. I watched him walk across the stage to get his dipolma and thought that's my Matthew, my buddy. He's seventeen now, no longer plays with his Thomas trains, or legos nor wants me to comb my fingers through his hair and read him a bedtime story. My buddy is growing up. And in reality that means so am I. But we won't talk about that now....

It maks me happy to see that he is an AMAZING boy with a wonderful heart and a great head on his shoulders. I can just pray that the decision and life's choices he has to make from here forward he will use those things to help guide him. I love you Matthew. Chino Valley class of 2009. You'll always be my buddy no matter how big you get and emabrressed you are by the nick name.

My foot..the saga continues

So my final pin was pulled from my operated foot last Thurs, almost a week ago. I have tried everyday since then to go for a walk. Short walks, not hard long ones.
As a RN I have to be able to walk..ALOT. So I'm trying to slowly get into working walking form. Well let's just say that isn't happening and I am very frustrated. I don't know if it's that I don't due slow down and take it easy well, or if this abnormal and I should be able to take small walks without the agony and tightness that I feel. I'm disheartened. I figured pull the pins life would start getting back to normal and it's not. I still feel helpless at times, I hate the constant and chronic limp I have, I hate that I still have to take pain meds at night when life gets unbearable. I know in the sceme of things having a foot problem isn't the end of the world, but when your livelhood rests on your feet and walking makes you cry. It's a scary place.

Death and Dying

So last week my best friend Donna's dad died after a 2 yr battle with a brain tumor. It was such a bittersweet moment. I was the call she made the day they got the diagnosis with "What does this mean?" And I was the call telling me he was gone.

As an Oncology Nurse I deal with medicine, death and dying daily and I wouldn't trade what I do for a living, ever. I look at it as though a Labor and Delivery nurse is there to make a birth happen, to make that moment a celebration, I as an Oncology nurse am there to make the end, not a celebration, but a time of peace, reflection to allow for that transition from this place to a better place easier on you as a patient and your families. Being "that" person I cherish it, but with the death of Jon made me realize I can deal with what I deal with on a daily basis because I have a firm faith that they are in much better place than they ever where here. There is no more suffering only happiness, there are no more tears only joy, there is no more hate only love. They have left here to find their place among angels. And that realization makes me a better person everyday.

I love Donna and her family and wish them memories to bring them smiles, peace to give them comfort and all the LOVE I can send. Jon is no longer here, but forever he will be in the hearts of those you had the honor and privledge of knowing him. I hope your party in heaven is all you wanted.

A weeks worth of Misc things

I really didn't have an exciting week, it really seems to be another week, like all the other weeks I have had since my foot surgery. But I wanted to sit down and write a few things. So here it goes.
Haley has gone a week without sleeping in a Pull-up. I have become so OCD about it though. I wake about 4x's a night checking on her, checking the bed etc. UGH, she maybe sleeping but I'm surely not. I can't believe she's in panties. Soon she'll be in preschool and then school. I can't wait for the new adventures that will come with each new stage in her life. It's exciting.
I went to a Channel 93.3 radio station concert last night with other girlfriends. We had a great time, but being of the age where I could've given birth to half the audience made me sit back realize that if one of my daughters EVER steeped foot outside in what "little" outfits some of these teenage girls had on, there will be hell to pay somewhere.
I was SHOCKED that some mother or father let there teenager out of the house unchaperoned to such a place with their boyfriend/girlfriend in next to no clothes. I'm so the prudish parent and I have just decided I'm OK with that. If being cool means I have to allow my daughter, as a teenager to dress and act like a street walker, well bring on the locks, because home bound is where my kids will be. It was an eye opening night to say the least.
Alyssa is finishing up state testing. She hates it, she's tried twice this week to say she feels like she's going to throw up. So I told her when she starts we'll talk until then off to school.
Eric still doesn't have a job, he's doing better about doing things around the house, which has made my life a little less stressful. If we had more money it would even be better.
Well that's my life in a nutshell this week. Hope you guys had a great week.

A weeks worth of SMILES

In high school, long long ago...I had a very close friend named Andrew. Andrew and I were attached at the hip, we tried the dating thing it never worked out but we were wonderful friends. He knew me, better than I knew myself some days. We lost track of each other after high school. I figured that would be it. I was sad knowing I may never see or hear from him again, but that wasn't how it was to be. I found him, WOOO WHOO about a month ago. We met had lunch talked forever and now are regularly corresponding. :) It makes me SOOOO happy!

Anyways as well as Andrew I hung out with Stina, Laura, Annie and David, pretty much from junior high all the way through high school. Laura found me on FACEBOOK and emailed me. I replied and I got a phone call from her this morning. 2 hrs we talked and talked and talked and caught up. It's been 15 yrs and I felt like I was in high school again. What a wonderful morning of reminiscing and laughing. So this week I got an email from Andrew and a phone call from Laura. AWWW, what a week to smile! So cheesy I know, but I LIVE for moments like this.

Renegades 2009 8u CHAMPS!!

They did it!! The girls at the end of a LONG night beat the Frozen ropes to win the 8 under Championship. we lost the first game, but since the series is double elimination the other team had to beat us 2 times. So at 7:05 pm began the second game. we were down 4-0 at one point, but we had ot play a full 7 innings(LONG considering most of our games during the season only went 4 innings) and this was the #2 game of the night. So we slowly came up is was 4-2 and we were up in the bottom of the 7th (this was it, if we don't bring it here were gone) So no outs, top of our line up. Bases loaded, and the lights shut off. It's 9:15 pm and the girls are done the parents are done and now we have to wait for somebody to find somebody in the city to turn them back one. We eventually find somebody in the city to turn them on but they have to warm up. So we waste 15mins waiting for them to flip back on. The coaches discussed calling the game which meant we would've had to have started all over again, today at 8 am. They decided since there was only 10 mins or so left to finish it out and THANK GOD they did. One batter after another, 3 runs in back to back. We won 5-4. The parents went nuts, the coaches went nuts, it was an AMAZING end to a wonderful season. Thank you to everybody who made it so memorable!!

Alyssa rocked, she hit her first 2 AMAZING hits of the season. She hit a double and a single. I am so proud of the accomplisments and goals she has reached this season! She got a game ball at today's team party for the hits, for the most improved player. Yeah!! My big girl got some reconigtion. It's such an wonderful feeling!! Her and her team were presented with the 8 and under CHAMPIONSHIP trophies today as well as there team trophies. Alyssa was grinning from ear to ear....Yeah!! :) What a great fri and sat this week has given us! We are a lucky family!

Onto the Championship Game

Alyssa team, The Renegades, are onto the Girls Softball 8 and under Championship's. They won their game tonight 4 - 0. Good game, we rocked defensively and did even better offensively. We have an AMAZING team with wonderful coaches and such involved parents. It so great to see the smiles on our girls faces knowing how proud they made each and everyone of us. Great Work girls!! Wishing each of them a winning game on Fri night.

Great Day!!

I had a great day and it seems to get better as the day goes on.

I woke up early and climbed into bed with Alyssa who surprisingly was already awake, and we talked about her life, her thoughts...just about her. It was SOO nice. I really think she gets short changed when it comes to one on one time so it was a great time for us both. Refreshing to be able to connect with my 8 yr old. Before I blink my eye, she'll be hating be and won't even let me in her room.

Out the door we went to Alyssa's softball game. The Renegades, a team of 13, 8 and 9 yr old girls, took the field at 11 am. It came down to the wire, with the tying run for the other team on 3rd base, the game was called cause the time limit had been reached. So Alyssa's team WON!! Yeah!! 1-0. I am so proud of the strides and accomplishments she has made as a player from the beginning of the season to now.

As part of the softball assocaiation, the girls from Santee and all over the county are walking in parade on the Padre field tonight. Alyssa is SOOOOO excited that she's going to a Major League game with her friends, not so much that she has to walk on the field. :) That's my girl. I'll try an post pictures tomorrow so you all can see. Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and well.

TGIF

Well today I went and had lunch with my second grader!! My 8 yr old. Holy Crud, life gets away from you and before you blink I will have a third grader. Then I come home and have another day of Haley telling me no, and I don't like it and etc so on and so forth, and Alyssa being 8 going on 18. Is this a sign that I stink at parenting. Or my children think since I am half broke, physically, think that they can win and are trying to push as many buttons as possible. But I'm MOM and I will win. ;)

I HATE by first three blogs being about how frustrating my kids are....So among the aggravating things they do I figured I throw in the GOOD things that they did today.
Alyssa bought her sister a gift with her Birthday gift cards. Alyssa said Yes Please and No Thank you directed towards the cashier without being prompted. She came home and played with her sister and her new doll house, and even played the part of the dog just to please her.
Haley, she sat quietly in time out...Does that count as GOOD? LOL. Alright, I have to think a little harder. She is so active and so outspoken and I need to learn to embrace it and stop fighting cause I think this is who she is. She will be fiercely independent for the good and the bad. I love how she thinks her dimples and laughter will get her out of trouble. She tries to turn on the charm so fast after she gets busted. Haley is amazing friend who is thoughtful and sweet, she just isn't all that for me, and I guess that's OK.

Alright, well onto my busy day Sat. Wish us luck Alyssa softball team the Renegades is playing in the semi-final playoff game tomorrow morning. :) Then tomorrow night she is in a parade at the Padre's Game. It'll be fun to my little girl on a Major League Baseball field.

Bad Day...About both kids

Do you ever have one of those days that you think you need a padded room. Well today was one of those days for me. This morning started out slow, cause I took 2 Tylenol Pm's for severe foot pain last night, so to say the least I was groggy and slow to start up this morning.
I finally got up, went with Haley and joined 2 friends and their kids at the park. Fun had a good day and then it went to pot....Quickly.
Got home finished lunch put Haley to bed which she screamed for about 20 mins that she didn't want to go to bed and wasn't going to go to bed..Pushed her mattress off her box spring, had the cat playing with her pom-pom, So i walk in to reiterate that it is bed time and her mattress is laying on the floor and there are 1000 pom-pom strings all over the floor. She finally fell asleep. I wake her up about 2 hrs after she feel asleep and it begins from that moment until now. The No's, I don't want too, I'm not going to, I want food, I'm thirsty, I don't want to go there, I'm don't' want my car seat buckled.....UGH!! She has used all of my patience and then some tonight. Luckily it is her bedtime soon.
Alyssa has been in softball since Feb. We love it. She isn't going to be the next Babe Ruth of softball but she enjoys it and I enjoy seeing her do something physical. So every Wed since Feb she has had batting cages. We arrived at batting cages early and she was practicing her swings and I noticed she had a grey tank top on under her short sleeve white shirt. I asked did you wear 2 shirts to school today and she said how did you see it? That sparked my curiosity so I asked again Why do u have 2 shirts on? She said a friend of hers wanted them to have matching shirts on today. I said so you took the top shirt off when you got to school..Her reply was YES. OH MY GOD!! I have a 2nd grader who changed her clothes at school. What the heck do I do with this now!! So I told her that was like lying and NOT OK! If she wanted to wear the tank top than all she had to say was she was going to wear that but to go behind my back like that is so NOT OK.. She apologized and said she won't do it again. Help, she's 8 what the heck will she be pulling at 13. That padded room seems more appealing.
I guess tomorrow is another day and it can only go up form here right? Oh well. I guess off to bed, some peace and quiet a TON of prayer and thoughts of a better day tomm.

1st Attempt, They'll get shorter I promise

So I guess today being my first blog it should be awe inspiring and just AMAZING. Well I'm not one to dissappoint so here goes nothing.

Today...what happened today. Well I took pain meds last night to overcome the throb that is now my constant life of my left foot. Well It kicked my butt as it usually does and i couldn't get motivated to accomplish anything this morning. So luckily Eric is home right now and he took Alyssa to school and I finally got somewhat out of the fog and got moving.
We headed to Mission Bay to spend the day somewhere cooler than here and somewhere I could lay around and let Eric play dad. So to the bay we went. That lasted only aout 1 1/2 hrs, till Haley had so much sand in her privates she could've filled a sand box and Eric was hungry so home we came.

So home we are, I finally decided what the heck I guess I'll try and do one of these blog things and see where it goes.

Alyssa has a 5 o clock soccer game, which means she has to be the at 4:15. But the play offs begin tonight. I am excited, Alyssa not so much. Her team is in 1st place. :)

Oh, and tonight I get my stitches taken out, so don't call me to early tomorrow morning cause that haze that is the morning after pain meds will be my life.