Support Group

Today I'm in need of a support group. You know, Alcoholics anonymous, Anger management, La Leche club, Weight Watchers, Drug rehab, Relief Society, Lost support group?? (I really loved that show too) But....I really don't like support groups and find them to be counter productive in many instances. Don't get me wrong- for some people, it changes their lives and I fully support something like that. This is the reason support groups were ever thought of in the first place. But now, there's a support group for everything-- most of which allow individuals to come together for a collective whine session about how and why the world has let them down.
In search of my own support this morning, I went to the Parents of Food Allergic Kids website. I guess I was seeking a little advice from parents who had been there and dealt with the same issues I had the last few weeks. What I found was pages and pages of posts from disgruntled parents who honestly believe the entire world should change and revolve around the needs of their individual child. Nice and all, but let's be realistic, not narcissistic. ( Don't even think of it--I'm copyrighting that phrase!)

So I decided to post a rant here instead. I WANT A NORMAL CHILD! I'm sick of pumping her body full of drugs. I don't like sleeping on the couch wondering if I'm going to have to take her to the ER because she can't breathe. I'm tired of cleaning up random throw up. (so is Colonel Mustard) I'm sick of carrying rice cakes everywhere I go. I'm tired of wondering what's causing her issue today.  AAAAHHHHH!!!

There, I feel so much better after my temper tantrum. Now I can go on and realize that life isn't fair, nor was it ever intended to be.

And I think I'm going to start my own support group- Parents of Children  who just want to Whine! Anyone is welcome. Prepare to be told, "It sucks to be you, shut-up and deal."

Deep Thoughts...

I need my carpets cleaned, and I have to pay for the "Pet Special." It costs twice as much. Yet another thing no one told me before I had kids.

Blackmail and a Copycat

I love it when your kids provide you with ammunition to use against them. I imagine I'm going to need all I can get when they are teenagers...and I'm not above blackmailing my teenager--just as I'm definitely not above bribing my toddler.

And one hour later......

We have a copycat!

Precious Moments

There are some moments in life that are so precious and so sacred that human language cannot describe, nor the human soul fully comprehend the divinity that exists within them. No masterful poet could pen, nor gifted orator express words that would truly capture the spirit that is present in moments like these. It is a gift-- given from a loving Father to his children-- to spark their souls with a remembrance of where they have come from and where they are going. Some leave this earth without ever experiencing it, while others are blessed to receive it in small increments, in quiet moments, in times of great sadness and exquisite joy.

My family and I were blessed with such a sacred opportunity this past weekend. My mother and 12 of her 13 children were able to join Kirk and his family in his hospital room in Kentucky. He shared his beautiful testimony of the Savior with us. We were privileged to be present for tender blessings he gave to his children and his wife. We hugged, we cried, and we experienced a magnificent outpouring of love from our Father in Heaven. He loves us enough to allow us these opportunities, these hardships, these trials, these glimpses into heaven.

Thank you Kirk, for being willing to endure this trail for the many who have and will be blessed by your spirit. I am so grateful that through you, I could draw close to my Savior. I will never forget the precious moments we spent these past few days. I pray there are more of these moments for you and your family in the coming days before you make your journey home.

It is truly an honor to be your sister.

Sunday Morning

A rare treat. We had Colonel Mustard all to ourselves on Sunday.

Allergy Update

Ava had a long overdue appointment with her allergist today. Long over due, and FOUR hours long! And oh, Surprise! We found more allergies. Her doctor commented that she is just a exceptionally allergic child. She thinks we need a medic alert bracelet with a jump drive so that emergency personnel could be aware of her long list of issues. (Yes, she claims they do make such bracelets--and she wasn't joking)

Today they tested for environmental allergies. She is allergic to several trees, and weeds, and grasses. And she is allergic to Bermuda grass. And wouldn't you know--we have 16,000 sq. feet of.....you guessed it...Bermuda sod in our yard!

She is also allergic to several kinds of mold and all dust mites. So, please don't send her a stuffed animal. The doctor suggested we get rid of all but one. I can't bring myself to do that, so I guess I will just rotate stuffed toys in and out of the freezer. We have to wash her sheets at least once a week, no humidifiers, dust often and preferably when she's not around, and get covers for her bed. On the up side, the doctor thinks she might be a better sleeper if we take care of these things. (I have my doubts!)

She is also allergic to cats and mildly allergic to dogs--thankfully our dogs are outside only...rolling in the ragweed and Bermuda grass and chewing on an elm tree.  And...she is NOT allergic to cockroaches. So glad to know that. We'll throw away all of her stuffed animals and replace them with pet cockroaches. And while I'm at it I'll put on her medic alert bracelet that she can't eat any normal healthy food, because it will likely kill her...but feel free to feed her chemicals and cockroaches because apparently, she's fine with them!

Accessorize

Yesterday I informed Ava that we would be leaving in a few minutes to go pick out some paint. In an effort to keep her occupied while I finished a few tasks, I told her to go get ready to go. She ran off, and 10 minutes later returned and declared, "I ready!"

And indeed she was--complete with socks, sparkly sandals (on the wrong feet of course), a necklace, a headband, a ring, another ring, and a princess sticker! Now that we're properly accessorized, we can go pick out paint. (I think she was a little annoyed that I didn't even bother to take a shower first!)

Deep Thoughts....

Only I would become wistful when throwing out a drawer full of binkies.

How Are You?

How many times a day does someone say, "HI, how are you?"  And you reply back, "Fine, thank you." It's the polite thing to do. And they don't really care how you are, it's just obligatory small talk. Sometimes though, I feel like telling them the truth. How I really feel that day. How I feel every day. I just want to say, "I'm so flippin' tired I can't see straight. How are you?"

But since nobody really cares, and you're probably just as tired as I, I'll let my kids over-emphasize my point. (except for Andrew, who apparently doesn't ever get tired anywhere but his bed.)

I'm so tired, I could sleep in my bed....

And his bed.....

And his bed....

And her bed too.

I could sleep with my stuffed dog...

By the potty...

Or lookin' cool with my shades on.

I could fall asleep waiting for dinner....

With dinner in my mouth...

Or dessert.

I could sleep hanging half off the bed.

I could sleep very lady-like.

  And my favorite, hidden completely from view.

It really doesn't matter as long as I get to sleep sometime this decade. So excuse me, I'm going to bed early....so the phone can ring, a kid can start crying, a dog can begin barking, a neighbor kid can blast his stereo down the street, and an alarm clock can go off entirely too early. After all, if I get some sleep it won't be any fun when someone tomorrow asks, "How are you?"