End of the Chickens

So glad you enjoyed the bonfire, Carole.  I thought it went pretty well.  I was disappointed that I didn't get to talk to everyone as much as I would have liked.  I did talk to a couple of neighbors afterwards and they seemed to have a good time.  I always wonder how they feel about all the people they don't know there, but who doesn't like to meet new people?  Plus, if we only invited neighbors, we wouldn't have much of a turn out since it seems most don't come anymore.

Unfortunately, a dog killed our chickens yesterday.  I believe they were in their pen (they had been getting out but I think we fixed that Sat since they stayed in all day Sunday) and the dog got into it and chased them out.  I came home from the grocery and saw this really pretty young black lab in our driveway.  At first I thought, wow, a stray dog exactly like I've been wanting then thought about the chickens.  It just stood there and stared at me even after I got out of the van.  I then looked in the front yard and saw both the chickens.  I screamed at the dog and it took off.  Jim told me to follow it so I hopped in the van and saw it go in the wooded area behind a neighbor's house.  It didn't have a collar so I guess it could be a stray but I doubt it since it was such a nice looking dog.  I'm going to ask around and see what I can find out.  Carter and Emerson were bummed.  Jim is talking about getting more chickens, but I don't know that I want to invest in making a dog proof, owl proof pen for them.  We believe the third chicken was killed by an owl a couple of weeks ago.

Carter's friend, Allison mentioned the kids were talking about having a bonfire when school was out to burn all of the papers that they will no longer need.  She thought that was a great idea so who knows, we may be having another one in May/June!  That may just be a teen party though (of course Jim and I would be here).  Something to think about.

Happy November !

Brenda

bonfire of the families

Thanks brenda and jim for an enjoyable evening.
Roaring fire and nice mix of people.

Carter is a great big brother.... Emerson take charge and he follows.

Thanks Emerson, my lollipop was creme soda..yummy.

Keith did in fact make it home with soles on his shoes...(trying to keep his feet warm near the fire)


Corinne and Kevin enjoyed hanging out with Carter too.

see ya soon

So Sorry

I just checked the blog, and obviously, it has been a long long time.  Carole, you must think we are terrible friends.  I wish I had seen your blog about work earlier.  I can't imagine what all that involved and am afraid the outcome may not have been good.  I hope you and your co-workers are coping with that.  Such responsibility in your line of work.  I remember when I felt physically ill after one of the hurricanes in LA and realized an interpretation of insurance language caused a client not to have proper wind coverage.  Although I was not the originator of the policy, I was the end servicer and did not realize that language continued that far.  When I talked to my dad about it, he tried to console me and advised, "it's only money, Brenda.  Businessmen can work with loses and write things off so it isn't the end of the world".  I know that is not the case in what you do and it takes a special person to work in the medical field (I am not one of those people).  My scenario ended up with a happy ending (long story) and I only hope there is some comfort in yours.

I hope you make the bonfire.  I would really like to see you!

Brenda

Fall break is here.  what to do what to do.

Despite the "hurricane I might go to go to N.O.,La. anyway.

Two friends and a spouse have lost parents lately. There is so little time left.
My mom will be 75 soon and dad just turned 78.

see ya later.


BTW the gala a Very Unmerry Birthday for corinne and courtney was such fun.

BAD, VERY BAD choices.

we had a sad situation at work today.

a smart,stressed person made some really bad choices and the consequences 

are far reaching.   you do not get to make bad decisions when children

depend on your support.

There must be some sort of explanation for this.  I hope we all find out soon.

All of us are hurt and sad for the person.

c

hello,

Not long ago we called him biddie, poor kevin or kevie baby.
He is now 14!! and close to 6 ft tall.
when and why so fast did this happen?

Cross country is a good fit  for him.
He is my sweetie pie for sure.
May he live a long and loving life.


cheers to kevin
c

she's 16, she's beautiful, and she's ours

hey all we have been celebrating for a week now.
My mom and dad came to memphis on wed and took K and C out to eat.
They spent the weekend here. dinner here friday, then out to eat again on saturday and a party at a friends house.
I t is nice when they are able to connect with our memphis family.
As luck would have it I had to work late yesterday.
Thankfully I had the jambalaya 1/2  done and the cake ordered  so keith finished it up.

We are so blessed to have miss C with us.  she cracks me up with her corinne-isms.
I pray she enjoys this year and cannot wait to see the next phase of her life

gotta go... carpool run
c

School Days......

Hi All!

Hard to believe the Corinne and Kevin are already back to school and Grant follows Monday.  Carter and Emerson don't go back until the 20th, thank goodness.

Just wanted to post this photo from Carter's birthday.  It is pretty good of all the kids except Emerson so I posted a second one with him and Kevin to play fair.  :)

I never even saw Corinne with her cell phone that day.  Did it ever show up, Carole?

Carter has his driver's license although hasn't been driving much alone.  He said he doesn't see the point in buying a car since he figures Jim and I won't let him just hop in it and go anywhere he wants to go when he wants to plus since he doesn't have a job, he wouldn't have gas and insurance money.  Sounds like we raised a reasonable kid.  We'll see how this year goes.  I imagine it will be a bit frustrating for all of us.  I'd like him to drive so I don't have to so much, but I do still worry about him.  I don't see how he can work based on his crazy hard schedule and the possibility of getting in the plays again this year.  I sent an email giving all my new cellphone number.  Jim is obsessed with kids texting and driving (which I guess he should be given the statistics of fatalities) so asked Carter and me to switch phones since my old phone doesn't have the capability of texting.  

Just got back from visiting Jim's family in Virginia.  Had a really good time.  Jim flew back to save a vacation day so it was just me and boys on the way home.  Carter helped with the driving.  We did it in two days.  He said he feels pretty comfortable on interstates now.  We've always had him drive on our trips since he got his learner permit.  Jim's mom is having what sounds like a terrible surgery on Tuesday.  I really wish she wasn't having it.  She has been in constant neck pain for almost two years now.  Injections helped the first 6 months but after that never did nor did any of the other treatments.  She is having the same surgery she had on her back several years ago, but this time they are fusing her neck.  She will not be able to move her head.  I can't imagine the ramifications of that but do remember my great uncle having it done years and years ago.  We're guessing she won't be driving anymore.  I just feel like it sounds so extreme but then again, living with pain is awful, I know.  Since her husband is a retired physician, Jim feels like he has weighed the pros and cons with her and this is the best solution.  I wish I could feel the same way.

Off to get Carter up.  He is getting his wisdom teeth removed today.  The fun never stops.....

Brenda

water park

hey, here is somewhat of a picture....
o , BTW corinne lost her cell phone at the park.

we should have had the boys stand together.

c

helllllooooooo

where are you people?
trying to avoid me??

i'm sad for this
c

LSU! LSU!

Hey,
what a game. In case you haven't heard  LSU won the SEC title.
Sunday we drove all the way to Birmingham  (alabama) to see the final game.
Slow excitement.   that's baseball.


we also did some hiking in a pretty forested area of a state park.

BUT the best was the game...beats any grizzly game b/c these guys are not pro.
They play like the game is everything...not beating up on someone else or tempers flaring.
And once it is over....THE DOG PILE !!!!

The fans  are true purple and gold...cheering whether they are up or down.  Makes the opposition find another seat!  I love going to this series. My children think of it as a given...LSU makes it to the finals...we go.
There is nothing like the SEC....they just need to stop expanding it.

c

quirky humor

Kevin seems to enjoy silly humor..he will leave a door to a room ajar
 and place a tennis ball on top the door.
Never looking, the rest of us go into the room
 only to be assaulted by a falling tennis ball.

summer break is nearly here.  he wants to sleep...wake me for
Camp lake stephens, mud camp and choir camp.

he plans to run a little in the morning and a little in the afternoon...the in between time is spent  recovering from the exercise.

Corinne , on the other hand is deep in thought.   Apparently, the english teacher has them writing
an essay on rebellion...c chose gay marriage.  ???????

I need to find her some work....any ideas??
c

Welcome Angie and Kathryn!!

It was so nice seeing everyone at lunch on the 3rd.  Hope we can do it again before too long.  I sent invites to the blog to Angie and Kathryn since they said they were interested in taking a look.  Hopefully they will contribute as well.

We missed you Julie!  Hope all is well in Vermont.  Love to hear from you to find out what's going on.

Brenda

Summer Calendar

The summer calendar is ready for input.  Those with Gmail accounts should be able to go to the Google Calendar listing once you sign into Gmail and choose the "Met in Memphis Moms" calendar.  Just put your name on the dates you know you wouldn't be able to get together.  All of us are registered to make changes so it should work.

Carole,  I didn't have a Gmail email address for you so I'm assuming you don't have one.  I sent an invite to the Blog address on file so you should have gotten that.  I don't know if you will be able to add to the calendar or not.  Worse case, once everyone else has, I'll send it to you as a PDF or something and get your input.

Hope this works out.

Brenda

dad duty

well,
It is always interesting when a dad  thinks  something is important.
He usually tries to enlist the mom to rally to his aid.
Nothin doin.  I am letting him handle this on his own.


Packing is one thing I have delegated to my children...how else will they learn what to bring/is needed.  I give them the itinerary...they go from there.

I take my cue from the dad of one of Kevin's friends:   lots of underwear will fix any lack of
clothing.

keith decided at the last hour(s) to go over what Kevin has packed/will need.
I was fast and furiously typing an e mail to the choir teacher for dress code.
Keith decided that kevin needed an ironed white shirt for the tux and likely
was hoping I would take over......exit living room to the restroom for a bath.

K: How do you turn on the iron....
C try plugging it in.
K does it heat up on its own....
C with water...turn up the steam...the thingy with the clouds.
K...humpf...
C.....this time I  turn the shower on.

Prior to this it was (Keith) :  kevin here is what I figure you need for meals
k...dad, that is too much...
(mom e mailing the choir  teacher for # of out of pocket meals)

Corinne and I have been hand signaling each other...22 , 21, 20 1/2....hrs to go till Kevin is gone.

I was supposed to go on this trip.... Keith is going to shreveport thurs a.m and coming  home friday night at 10 or 11p...I am here with corinne and the menagerie of pets.

good night,

c

something wrong here

HELL   o,

Next week Kevin goes to st Louis, MO from tues to sunday.
Keith goes to Shreveport thurs morning to friday night.
Corinne goes camping with the boy scout group Venture  fri night to sun mid day.

CAROLE CANNOT GO ANYWHERE B/C KEITH HAS THE CAR (newer) AND SOMEONE
NEEDS TO BE HOME(thurs night) WITH CORINNE AND THE ANIMAL FARM  .


What is wrong with all these people??

I need to run away


c

corinne-ism

Here's one:

c: mom i am out of toothpaste and eye makeup remover.

M: well you know the solution for that is to not do that any more.

c:  but i have already done today..i need it for tomorrow

crack me up


Kevin ...living in an 'electronics free world' was caught reading the newspaper,  says  oh what am i becoming!

going to NO,La for a swanky wedding...need to git the dirt from under the nails!!


c

I'm Still Here

Hey All,

I should be cleaning my bathrooms but I really don't want to so decided it's been so long since I posted, this is priority :)

The school play was a couple of weeks ago.  It was really entertaining.  I ended up seeing it three times.      Not worth it to drive back home after dropping Carter off.  Carter did really well.  He didn't look like he was really have fun the first night but seemed to loosen up after that.  His youth minister went opening night.  He seemed to honestly enjoy it.  He was telling us how surprised he was that Carter did musicals (or plays in general).  Certainly not something you would think he would like.  I told him he must keep really busy going to all the kids' events and he emailed back that it was the best part of his "job".  He is a pretty cool guy.  Glad Carter is getting involved with youth group.  We found out that Carter was in the Commercial Appeal because of the play.  His orthodontist office is the one who told us so I searched the website and found the picture.  Here's the link if you want to take a look.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/photos/2013/mar/20/392535/

Speaking of orthodontists, Carter gets his braces off Monday.  Pretty much a year and half exactly.  I know he will be excited.

We are moving into the end of the school years activities as well.  Emerson's class goes to the Pink Palace on Friday.  I said I would drive ONLY if they absolutely needed me.  Apparently enough parents signed up so I don't have to go!!!!  Aren't I awful?  I did the zoo and it really wasn't a lot of fun.  Being inside would be worse I think.  Emerson acted so bad at the zoo.  I know he will be better behaved for someone else's mom.  He has been doing a lot better at school.  He is more disciplined and is paying attention better.  He actually got some work back complimenting his handwriting.  Hopefully this trend will continue in second grade.  Cari thinks I'm in trouble since he is already telling us how much he hates school.

Jim bought Emerson a four wheeler and he loves riding it outside.  Of course I think he goes too fast and have trouble watching him but I've always been a bit on the protective side.

We finally heard back from Jim's niece and now know we will be going to VA in August.  I was waiting on that before sending out the Google calendar to see if we can find a date for all (or most) of us to get together.  That will be my priority this weekend.  I drove by Kathryn's house the other day and realized I need to invite her too.  I'll mail something to her since I don't think she monitors the email address I have for her once we have a date.  I hope this works out.  It will be fun!

Toilets are calling!!

Brenda

yoo hoo

any one there.

we are plodding along.
the end of the school year  fast approaching.

what to do this summer....

horse camp,volleyball, choir session...some sort of vacation
sleep away for boys more choir camp.

my brother and family  are going to italy and i would love to join
them...BUT the plane fare alone is cost prohibitive
anyone got any cheap ways to get there??

it seems when keith's dad died...we inherited a violin..the job now is to
figure out its value....might be my new hobby.

my tulips r a riot of color this year...need to post them on fb.
later,c

ok, did I really say we need a snow day!!!

Yep it was me.
I was remarking to someone that i sure miss the occasional snow day.  well , I  NEED to leave town!!
the way it is going here... i might get the snow night.

Keith is hanging in there. Today they are cleaning the house to get ready for the after funeral dinner. Wish i was there to help.
His mom was a great purger.  his dad was great at dividing up assets, the house and its contents are for the children to deal with.

thx for all the e-mails.
was able to get the dog her shots just in time to take her to the kennel tonight. thx brenda for the offer. thx cari for the help with Corinne.
Julie, Kevin love talking with Parrish.
Are you going to Atlanta any time this summer??   Maybe that can be the meeting place.
later
c

Another Quickie

Carole,  I'm happy to help you out and sent you an email.  Just let me know where and when to pick up kids!!

Julie, I didn't mean to imply that our get together would be in Memphis.  That wouldn't be fair to you or Dana.  Once we determine if there is a date that works for all of us, we'll see if we can pick a place that perhaps would be equal distance or somewhere everyone has always wanted to go.  Again, I know it's a longshot, but you never know.  We can handle Parrish, we can just remind him there's a good chance we changed his diapers!!  I hope you are successful in getting the help you need.  I know having Thane working out of town makes it extra hard for you.

We survived spring break and actually had a pretty good time although travelling with Jim 24/7 is a challenge sometimes.  I like to drive until we get to where we're going with as few stops as possible and he has the "life is a journey, not a destination" philosophy which is pure torture for me.  If I hadn't driven four hours yesterday, we probably wouldn't have gotten home until midnight last night instead of 8:00 pm.

Back to the grind (minus today's workout.....those pesky shoes still being in the trailer and me unable to retrieve them since we had to put it in the garage since it's raining and it leaks and now can't get to the trailer door). 

Brenda

on the go

Hello,
It seems the race has begun again.
Keith is back on the coast with his dad.  Bert is hanging in there.
He stays in bed all the time and is able to eat some.  He is on
Morphine and Ativan...Keith does not like it that he sleeps so much.Just  so he is comfortable I say.
This week i need to  be in 2 places at once  ALL WEEK.
just plain ole crazy.

Even more crazy is the fact i need to board the dog for Easter .....and SHE NEEDS  SHOTS!!
How to take her and go to work and pick up K and C and the dog.

I did plan ahead... grilled a bunch on sunday...almost ate it all myself...yummmy.


later time to wake the sleepers.
c

It's still winter

Carole, I am so sorry about the loss of your grandmother and about Keith's dad.  When it rains it pours. I hate this part of life.  I hope y'all are all holding up OK.

After having a few days in the 40's we are now back to frigid temps.  Allow me a moment to brag
http://www.manchesterjournal.com/sports/ci_22751816/bba-snowboarding-team-wins-fifth-straight-title
Parrish was at Stowe for two days for the snowboarding state competition.  Now the fight about going to school everyday begins.  He won't get all those days off for snowboarding comps.  Ugh.  He thinks I should let him go on a cross country road trip to Mt. Hood with some friends.  Hahahahahahhaha.
I told him if all the parents of kids who were going had a meeting.  "Oh, well, I'd be going with two friends (18 year olds) who don't live at home anymore".  "You don't accept who I am!".  Meanwhile the good part is that almost every weekend I have at least half a dozen of his friends sleeping over here. I love it.

Belle just had her 12th birthday.  She was so into it this year.  My mom had balloons and two little stuffed horses sent to the school.  She felt so special.  We also made rice crispy treats with fruity pebbles (thank you pinterest) because "I don't want to do cupcakes like everyone else".  Finally I have gotten some help and hope to get more comprehensive services for Belle (respite care, etc.).  I have gotten a series of rejections when I try.

So, the ski season is winding down.  I haven't really taken that much advantage of it and I am terribly out of shape.  I would love to see you all but the trip to Memphis is a horrid roadtrip (this from a girl that thinks nothing of driving to Atlanta).   And honestly, my son might scare y'all.  Actually, maybe not.  He is exactly the same as he was at two.  Just bigger and with more of a potty mouth.

Oh, I almost forgot!  Brenda, I took my blog offline.  I just felt to vulnerable.  Maybe one day I won't care who reads my private thoughts but for now I do.

Just a Quickie

Just wanted to say hello since it's been so long.  Carole, I was sorry to hear about your grandmother.  Your kids were blessed to get so many years with a great grandparent.  Carter only met one great grandmother and he was about 6 or 7 when she passed. I have a photo of them together on his dresser since I was worried about him remembering her and a friend suggested that tactic, but unfortunately, I really don't think he remembers her.
How is Keith's father doing?

We are headed to TX on Saturday for spring break.  Going to Rockport on the Gulf for a few days, then San Antonio, then stopping one night in Houston to visit my brother and his family on the way home.  We are camping all but two nights.  Should be interesting.  I know the kids are looking forward to an adventure.

Our neighbors accepted an offer on their house and if all goes as planned, they will be out by 3/25.  It will be a sad day for the Pruett's.  It is the family of Carter's friend Mason who has a brother Emerson's age.  Emerson and Ben actually spend more time together than Carter and Mason so he is the one I'm worried about.  Carter is still pretty laid back about everything so I'm not expecting a big scene from him or anything. Of course they've known about this since November when they put their house on the market but I know Emerson doesn't really understand it and won't until they are gone.  They are only moving to Lakeland so it's not like they'll never see each other again, but it's nice to just run down to play after school.  They will actually be living with Barry's parents until all the renovations are complete on their new house.  They live just east of us in Somerville so in a way they will still be somewhat closer than Lakeland.  Jim and I will be trolling for new friends for Emerson.  I think Carter will be on his own.  It's not like we can knock on someone's door and ask if they want to play with our 15 year old!!  There is one new family close by that has a son Emerson's age .  I"ll be knocking on their door this summer for sure. They also have a daughter Carter's age so who knows????

I'm going to be sending out an email after Spring Break with a summer calendar that we can use to see if there is any possible way we can get together this summer.  I know Dana and Cari are up for it.  I know you are working, Carole, and will totally understand if it doesn't work out for you but we certainly want to include you so I'll be sending it to you too.  Same goes for you, Julie.  I can't imagine the logsitics of trying to meet up with us for you but hey, being the positive thinker I am, why not?

I figure we can put on the Google calendar what days WON'T work and see if there are any days that will work for most or all of us.  Depending on how many days that involves, we can decide where to go to meet.

Something to think about.

TA TA!!

Brenda

rest in peace

Hello,
Friday my mother's mother passed away.
The end of an era, the final great grandparent to leave my children.

i am Happy to say they most likely will remember her.
the meals at her house, the holidays spent together.

Life dealt her a sadness that she never was able to overcome.
She met my grandfather, her husband when she was 14 or so,
married him at 15 and had my mother at 16.
He was taken from her 25 or 26 yrs ago...she never accepted that she could have not prevented this.

Her 3rd child had an illness that almost cost the child her life.
A devout Catholic she prayed and vowed if this child lived
she would walk barefoot in the parade for this saint until the child died...never thinking she
would out live the child by 16 or so years.

She was forever  profoundly sad and never even realized it.
I am sad she is gone but know she is at peace
also i am relieved my mother will have some rest.


We are headed down this same path with keith's dad.
He looks so frail.  I did not to accept this would happen to him so quickly.
I remember driving home the last time i saw joan thinking...'this is the last time
I will talk to her or even see her.
I cannot do this. I want all this over.  living is hell after they are gone.'

Light humor...there has been a running joke that i try to return Keith to them
every so often...he tells me NO RETURNS..
so tonight as kiss him bye i tell him i cannot stay but I am leaving him Keith...
he perks up and says what??? don't leave him here!!

So with my glass of wine I toast them both.. to have known and loved  and been loved by them.
c

Hello

Just wanted to say "hi!"

Winter is going OK - Thane is gone a lot & that stinks.  This single parenthood thing is for the birds. Parrish is doing well.  Belle is plugging along. I am kinda tired and really don't have much to say.  I will come back when I have something clever to say.

indestructable

Hi, ho,
hi ho,
tearing up the car we go!!

Corinne is back on the streets....and the car is her weapon of choice.
Godlover,  she is like an old lady some times and mario andretti others.

I was informed she needs 10 hrs of night time driving.....why?
Just cut em off at dusk until they are better in the daylight.

The winterfest dance was a blurrrr.
lots of students and 25 extra pizzas a gazillion extra chips.
But those sour straws went fast.
The dads that came were agog...dressed like that and let out of the house??
When will the music start...to a back beat of duummduummduumm...out of their hearing range.
Really a lot of fun.

Kevin is now running the 800 m as opposed to the 400m.   his feet hurt already.
AND just much is a sam's or costco membership?  His tank isn't even 1/2 full.

yawn...
c

So Sorry

Carole,

I am so sorry about Keith's Dad.  How hard it must be for everyone.  I know Julie and I talked about being in the "losing a parent" club and it isn't very fun although it seems we have reached a time in our lives where a lot of my friends are also joining.  I do not think there is a day that goes by that I don't think of my Dad.  Luckily it doesn't usually bring tears to me eyes anymore.  It usually makes me smile when I see, hear, or happen to think of something that reminds me of him.  Jim seems to quote him quite often.   I don't think he always saw eye to eye with my Dad but it's nice to know he respected his opinion and remembered his words.  I'm glad you enjoyed your father-in-law's humor and advice.  As you know, we are here for you.  Please let us know what we can do to help if Keith needs to go back again.

I don't know how you keep everything straight, Carole.  It is pure insanity, isn't it?  I was talking to another woman who lives out here about buying a home in Cordova and she said there is a group of families in Fayette County who were considering it. She is going to speak to them and see if they are actually serious.  We were thinking if the seven of us went in together, we could get one of those cheap condos just north of the school and use it when needed.  I then thought it would probably be better to just rent something somewhere so we wouldn't have to worry about maintenance or taxes.  She joked that her husband said he would have never thought his second home would have been in Cordova, TN.  I thought I had a solution in going to the library after picking Emerson up and then going to get Carter at 5:30 after play practice but that isn't working out.  We haven't been successful in getting a study room (there are only 2) the last few times we've been and last time we were there, he threw a fit and actually started yelling at me (he didn't want to do his homework).  I packed everything up and left.  He continued with his fit in the car and lost all video games, computer, and time with friends until he completed ALL of his homework.  Some wasn't due until Monday but he even had to finish that.  Amazingly, he had it all finished Thursday evening (the fit was Wed).  He now has to complete all of his homework fit free for at least a month before I will even considering buying him any taekwondo equipment (he is begging for a board to break).  He just wears me out sometimes.

Off to bed.  Hope everyone has a good week.

Brenda

home

Hi
Keith did indeed make it home.
He is exhausted and so is his dad.

Helpless is the word that comes to mind...not for him but me.
It is very hard for him to grasp the why when he  sees his dad making decisions but not
acting on them...he asked for cereal but won't eat it...just move his arms.
It is equally hard for me to try to explain the reason behind it.

My heart tells me it is a matter of a week or two. For this I am very sad.
I will miss his humor and his advice.

I am selfish in a way....i keep thinking I will never be ready for my parents
to leave me.  I cannot do this...I do not want to ever go through this.
what will i do, how will i do it from  here.

I was thinking today...actually praying for his mom to 'come get him'.
As i write this I suspect I know the day he will die....2/14.
why not? Joan died on 2/2...his birthday so he will die on hers.
how fitting.

c

the stages of grief

hi,
In nursing school prep classes, we learn about the stages of grief.
I think there is one missing.  Intolerance for stupidity and insensitivity.

Grief is experienced in everyone differently, but no where do you get
more stupid/insensitive  thoughts  and actions than "helpers" giving
suggestions to weary caretakers.
It is precisely at this time that the caretaker needs to delegate
some asinine job to this person.

On the flip side...caretakers are the least likely people to recognize that
they are exhausted.
I wish i were there to help Keith deal with this process. He is flailing about
not recognizing the end is near.  He is holding on to what he wants to happen
rather than where the road is actually going.
And he is exhausted.
Two of his siblings have gone through this before with his mother.
I think they are pacing themselves.
of the other two,
One is an emotional wreak, the other a physical wreak.

I am keeping up here thanks to the help and prayers of friends.
God is  here helping us too.
c

final leg

Hi,

I am going to use 2 helps tomorrow...considering i am doing freebies for someone.
Altogether my work schedule and the school schedule could not have fit any better...it is
just the writing on the surgery schedule  is in BOLD print.

I spent the evening visiting a friend I used to see a lot when I did tours at the Brooks.
Fun talking and eating fortune cookies....she finally finished the christmas stash.
I am recharged and ready for the weekend...just need to get through friday.

Happy Mardi Gras and may the team that is more in sync win.


c

amazing race ....the next leg.

Well the first section of the race was completed with one snag...the carpool kid got a ride home with someone else....not a  note or text to alert us.

Since we hit our marks the past 4 days  we got dinner out.

Hump day is upon us and #1 needs a ride home wed.
Will call upon another friend for some help.
Hopefully #2 will make the track team or go to math help after school ...buying me some time

thurs and fri are too far  ahead .

Maybe the weather will give us all a much needed snow day.


c

amazing race...memphis version

hi, it is 7:40.
I started the race yesterday at 2p by dropping  off  #2  at a sleep over and taking #1 to a volleyball tournament at Cook Convention center.
we finished the evening with dinner at Cafe Eclectic...(across the street from Snowden )
pot pie and beef panini with roasted potatoes.

Today's race includes a trip back to the tourny,  then take  #2 for religion class
then pick him up, take him home then go back to the tourny.   Some form of grocery shopping during the a.m.

home from the tourny to take #2 to youth group while #1 studies.
6p church....home for dinner??

Monday school drop off/work/pick up from school and carpool/volleyball prcatice/orthodontist/pick up from volleyball.

Tues drop off school/work /carpool..... AM I FORGETTING anything??

c

no time like now

Yes, it is 3 a.m.
Keith came to bed at 1a and I have been awake ever since.
Nothing much going on, just checking out the posts.

How is the weather Julie? Bet it is darn chilly there.

This one is a new one.  Keith's dad needed oxygen so the least expensive way to get it was to go through Hospice.  That means if he needs to see a dr for a hang nail he needs to go through Hospice.  Wacky system we have here.

Corinne is driving a little more...she is getting better but sometimes she forgets the turn signals.

I cannot believe I am planning the summer camp schedule.  C wants to go back  to the Girl Scout  horse camp.  she really missed it last yr.
Kevin just wants boy camp at Camp Lake Stephens.

Where r ya'll going this summer?
c

Whew!! Made it to MLK Day!!

I'm so happy the kids are off school on Monday.  Pretty bad that they have been back less than 20 days and I need a break!  We've been running late everyday.  Guess I'm just having trouble getting back in the swing of things.  Kids haven't been late to school, but we've been lucky with traffic or they probably would be.

Emerson is having trouble getting back in the swing of things too.  He has had two really bad days at school so far and one kind of bad.  Hoping each week gets better.  One day a kid told on him for saying the "F" word.  When I asked him where in the world he heard it from he said, "Remember, Parker told it to me last year in kindergarten".  Oh yes, I then remembered that wonderful day.  I wish I had asked him that in front of his teacher.  No telling what kind of language she thinks he hears at home.  (By the way, the kid that told on him was Parker's twin.....some kind of scam you think????)  Just kidding.

A few days later, the teacher overheard him say he was going to come to school and kill himself and everyone else.  Needless to say, it hit the fan!!  When we asked him why he said it, he said "Because Evan did".  His teacher told him she realized he had heard it from someone else but reminded him he had to make better choices in what he repeats and what kind of behavior he chooses.  He was supposed to go see the principal which would have resulted in a "time out from school" (like a day suspension for younger kids) and a note in his permanent file.  He ended up just seeing the counselor so I guess they decided it wasn't as bad as first thought.  I do need to talk to Evan's mom though.  We are friends and our two boys have gotten in trouble together before (my mention above of the "one kind of bad day").  I need to let her know Emerson implicated Evan.  She may have already heard the wonderful news though.  He really has no concept of what he said.  We don't watch the news and only told him about CT because we figured kids at school would be talking about it.  It isn't something we dwelled on.  I think he and the counselor got it all worked out though.  These two incidents both happened while waiting in carpool line when I was picking him up so now I park at the church, walk over and am there before he walks out the door.  So far so good.  I told him if I'm not there, not to talk to ANYONE before I get there.  It's like he has radar and as soon as he hears something he knows it isn't appropriate and has to repeat it.  

Carter didn't get a speaking part in the spring musical, but is part of the chorus.  It is an Elvis musical.  He has to sing and dance as a prisoner.  I'm guessing one number will be Jail House Rock.  He seems to like it.  He gets to swing girls around so it's got to be fun, right?  This is the time of year I wish we lived in Cordova.  Emerson and I hang out after school to pick Carter up at 5:30.  Jim does it two nights though so it's not that bad.  We've been going to the library and signing up for a study room so Emerson can do his homework and no one has to hear all the whining and crying :)  (that would be him, not me, really).

Hope everyone has a good week.

Brenda

Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone got through the new year without incident.  Me, I ended up in the emergency room at about 6 pm needing stitches.  My dogs got into it and I did exactly what you aren't supposed to do - reached right in there trying to break it up.  I'm fine, I took the stitches out today (don't worry Carole, on Sunday I was working with a retired pediatrician and she told me it wasn't infected and looked fine, by the way the exact same thing happened to her daughter with her Aussie and she is a VET - now I feel less stupid).   I was in bed by 10.  I've never been much into New Year's Eve.  I worked on NYE for so many years, one year I babysat a supermodel's kid (I would totally tell you her name but for the life of me I can remember it).

We had a good, quiet Christmas.  Our friends the Gianotti's come over and we do a little Julegambling (a term derived when our exchange student from Denmark was here) playing Left, Right, Center with each person starting with five one dollar bills.  Place cards are lottery tickets but no big winners this year.  Every year the Jensens (our Danish family) send us Danish Advent scratch off tickets which is when we started Julegambling.  I sure hope we win one year so we can go over there!

Congrats to Carter!  I know that Eagle projects are a huge undertaking.  Parrish is working as a scanner at Stratton.   He hates it.  I am glad he is working and think it is so important as I have friends/family in both higher education and HR who deal with people both coming into college and out who have never had a "real" job.

All else is going along.  Belle and I skied together with Batman on Sunday.  It was beautiful and minus a few boot problems with Belle (skiing is such a labor-intense sport BEFORE getting to the mountain) we had a great time.  Parrish even came to eat with us after the lifts closed at which point a woman in her late 20's (who I only know by sight/mutual friends) came over to talk to P (apparently they know each other).  She looked at me, said "Hi!" and I said - "Hi! this is my baby."  She was a wee bit taken aback.   He would never lie about his age, but I imagine they rode together one day and he never offered up the information.

Carole, I have no wisdom to offer in the car accident department.  I am pretty doomed.

Miss you guys!  Cari you total suck for not writing on here.  I should start writing as you and making up outrageous crap.  Maybe I will.   Or maybe you will start writing and save me the trouble.  xoxo

do not turn left

Hummmph,
 

WAY back in november i was in the Walgreens parking lot next to White Station High School.
(julie, they torn down part of Eudora church and put up a walgreens across little perkins near Babcocks...just east of babcocks)

I was behind WG and after i dropped off Corinne I turned left (to get back on poplar ...headed east) .
A man heard a horn and accellerated( that was his story at the time)...hitting me after i turned left!!!

I get a call from State farm...."investigating"....
Since I made a left turn in the path of his parked car...  I AM GUILTY.

Learn from the dumbest thing i have heard in a while!!!