What I Learned This Week

Today is a good day, I woke up and have gotten a ton done. All that is left is taking out the trash and going to work. Today is also Koda's birthday! He is 1!!

Did you know there are websites just for Dog Birthday Cakes? Who knew! We are not doing that, but I am going to get him a special treat at some point today.

Making a shelf out of a skateboard is SO MUCH easier than I thought it would be, and I did it myself! That is a HUGE accomplishment if I do say so. Plus, it looks REALLY cool.

When a certain 13 year old forgets to bring his glasses he will show me that he can bowl just fine, even though he will complain when he misses a shot. Drives me nuts.

Spending an afternoon going from one thrift store to another is my idea of heaven, the kids...not so much. But we found what we needed, including 6 9x9 cake pans! Woohoo!!!

Spring has sprung, and one of my Lilies is already starting to come in. No tulips yet though...

I have two weeks until I fly out to Philly/New Jersey, and my nerves are in over drive. I must find my Dramamine... The nerves probably have NOTHING to do with the fact that I will be meeting three bloggers in Philly...nope nothing at all.

For more What I Learned This Week posts head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

A Little Bit of History

*I have no idea what is going on with the font...

Hubby spent the weekend in Iowa helping to clean out his grandma's house. She has made the choice to live in a Senior Apartment, and has been there since her surgery last winter. They have a coffee shop and play Wii every night. She likes it there, and many of her friends have moved there in the past months, so she has her friends still close. She is a social butterfly, has someone there 24 hours a day but is still very independent.

Her house has sat empty since December and once she made the decision to stay at the Apartment the decision was made to clean out the house and sell it. The brothers (Hubby's Dad and his brothers) all took the weekend and sorted, told stories and divided things up. Hubby took the trip down because there were things that he hoped he could bring home, things that meant a lot to him.

He helped clean the rooms that were dusty with lack of use, helped scrub the cabinets that hadn't been touched in months and relived part of his life in the many MANY pictures that Grandma had held onto.

He did bring home some things, things that meant a lot to him and things he thought we would all enjoy. I wanted to share some of it with you, since it is our own little piece of the family history.

This is a bible that came over from Germany in the early 1900's, the date written inside is 1899, given to a child at their birth from the little German I remember.

Even the scriptures are written in German, those I can't translate. It is simply gorgeous.

These are Hubby's Grandpa's medals. He was in the Navy, serving about the time of WWII


This is the ship that Grandpa served on for many years, one of a couple. The piece of paper in the corner is his Navy ID.


This is something that Hubby's Mom made 30 years ago, a picture of the farm that Grandma and Grandpa then owned.


These are old cookbooks, you know the kind, church and community cookbooks. I have called these the "Use 4 sticks of butter for everything" cookbooks. There are some FANTASTIC recipes in here and I can't wait to dive into them.


These are canning books, giving direction to can pretty much anything. There is also a grilling book, and Grandma's recipe for the BEST Pumpkin Pie. On the bottom of the recipe she even has where she took the pie many years ago.


Hubby brought me this. It is a Hamilton Beach stand mixer. It can also be taken apart to be a hand mixer. This mixer dates pre-1960 and still works like a dream. Big Sis said it will probably last forever.


It even has a timer!!


This...this just plain creeps me out, but it isn't staying at my house (thank GOODNESS!). It is a Santa bird feeder...and the EYES! Oh My Look At The Eyes!! Just creepy! Hubby's parents will be getting this bad boy at their house SOON.


Hubby was glad he went, so am I. I didn't know how he would handle it, but he said it was easier than he thought. There are a lot of memories tied into Grandma's house. We still have her, so more memories can be made at her apartment too.

Seriously, I have to stop looking at the Santa...

Why does my dog hate the camera?

Koda has a love hate relationship with my camera...he hates sitting still to have his picture taken and would LOVE to eat it straight out of my hand.

No clue what it is, but I even went as far as to turn of the little green light thinking that had something to do with it.

Nope, he jumps for the camera, or lunges depending on who you ask.

Today he was being a...brat for lack of a better (appropriate) word. I took him outside and brought my camera (mistake #1). I watched him play, but then he saw the camera (mistake #2). He came running over, but sat nicely for me (yeah!).

Then...I tried to take his picture so that I can send the breeder a "Look whose 1!!!" photo slide show because his birthday is on Tuesday (mistake #3).

He jumped, and while I got the camera out of the way (woohoo!), my lip did not. I know have a fat lip...

And the dog is being super well behaved.

Why does he hate the camera...I just don't get it.

Play Ball

I don't know where even to start, there is just so much right now.

I had another parents meeting for the Softball Association last week...and got a 12 page packet of information that I need to read through before Boo's tryouts next month. 12 Pages! Lots of info...

The good thing is that tryouts for Boo's age are like practice. They are so young that they are more focused on the wanting to learn. Boo is 8...another girl is 7, tiny little things. So tiny that no matter what I will have to take in her uniform and sliding shorts.

I called Ma last night to tell her about the meeting and that Boo will be doing two or three tournaments, her reaction was fabulous "She is 8"...Yes Ma...

Boo is excited to play her first year of ball. I am excited to see if this is sport she will love, like or not. I played growing up and besides dance class it was my favorite thing.

Spending days on the field, throwing into a tarp in the basement, breaking all the garage windows out as I practiced a new pitch...good times (my brother broke a few of the windows with a hockey puck too, so it wasn't just me).

Softball was also the place where I met some people that I am still friends with today. My catcher for many years and I still e-mail via facebook, and a fellow pitcher and I still keep in touch too.

Softball is a demanding sport. It requires a commitment that in-house sports do not. Yes, it can seem a lot. Yes, she will have practice 2-3 times a week, games once a week and tournaments, but Softball is a very VERY team driven sport.

Not only are the girls at Boo's age learning the game, but they are learning the skills that will build that sportsmanship skills, their leadership skill and team building skill. These are all things that make a huge difference in their lives ahead.

I can' wait for the season to start.

Rain Drops on Roses - Favorite Things Swap

A few weeks ago I told you about the fantastic swap the Mamarazzi was having, a Favorite Things Swap. I was so excited when I got matched with someone, and even more excited to buy stuff that I love to send to the person!

I was matched with Angie from Angie's Spot.

And I must say, from what I know I sent her, and what she sent me...we would be IRL friends if we didn't live uber far away from each other...very similar goodies were sent both ways! I couldn't believe it! Here are the wonderful goodies that I got from Angie!



I was squealing...ask Boo. She kept asking me what was wrong and didn't get it when I was just plain excited.

I got some flower seeds, including Sun Flowers that Hubby and I were JUST talking about on Sunday and gardening gloves (bonus since my are just nasty from fall clean up)! A cook book (I sent her one too!), some chocolates and Crystal Lite packets for my never ending quest to drink more water. She sent me a book (I sent her one too!) and a gift card to my home away from home Target (LOVE Target).

Thank you Angie for all my wonderful goodies! I love it and can't wait to dive into the books. I hope you loved all your treats too!!

Major HUGE thanks to Mamarazzi for hosting this wonderful swap. I loved shopping for someone but getting what I would love!

If you want to see the other Favorite Things posts head on over to Dandelion Wishes!

An Anniversary

Today is a big day for me. And Hunter, but being a day before he turns 13, he will deny it.

10 years ago today I met Hunter for the first time. Hubby brought me to his birthday party, the day before his birthday to meet this red headed wonder.

It was love at first sight.

Since then, he has grown, aged and matured in ways that I never thought possible.

Hunter has the kindest heart, the strongest spirit and the smartest brain. He loves his families, loves his friends and loves his dog.

He has so many talents, so many that I can't even begin to tell you all of them. He can read like no bodies business, can do fractions in his head and makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches.

He can climb a tree like a monkey, shoot a basket from behind the car and do back flips off the swing set (oh my heart).

Hunter can make his sister giggle like no one else can, can make me laugh by saying just one word and is his dad's soon to be best hunting partner ever.

Tomorrow is his 13th birthday. I can't believe he is turning 13.

Thank you Hunter, for making me the mom I am today. For sharing your life, your love and your mind with me everyday.

Chicago Part 2 - In Pictures

Here...

We took pictures of ourselves...

And of the kids...

In the Giant Bean (could that sky BE any bluer!). That's me in the middle.

Then we walked and saw these guys

Then we walked some more and had the BEST hot chocolate EVER

(Note Boo's hot chocolate lethargy)

Then we went to Shed, where they had these...

And these creepy looking crabs too.

Then we rested to prepare for this (the bowl was the size of MY HEAD)

All in all, a great trip had by all!

The Week

This week was full of simple pleasures. Small things that added up to make the week not quite as hectic and scary.

- WCCO tweeted me back to tell me what exactly was going on in my neighborhood. That was cool.
- I found a drain cover that actually worked in my tub for my ever-loving-always-falling-out hair.
- I colored my hair, while Boo read to me about Sharks and Dolphins.
- Hubby took Koda hunting for the very first time, and then Koda went to the Kennel to get a bath.
- Today my friend Andi turned 29...and she will forever be 29 (or so she says). Tomorrow is her birthday/anniversary/housewarming bash, and I can't wait. I have missed her.
- On Sunday my Lovely Lia and I will be helping a friend, and there is no one I would rather take with me then her.
- LIA GOT A JOB! After months of searching, interviewing and stressing out she rejoins the work force. I am so proud of her. She is so strong, so smart and so wonderful.
- It is two weeks from today when we will have Ladies Night and see New Moon. Can't wait.
- Two weeks and one day until The Pioneer Woman comes to Minnesota!

So many wonderful things, taking the edge off a stressful week.

Shopping-Paloza!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day. Wait...back up.

For my birthday, Ma and Big Sis wanted to take me shopping, because I never do for myself. Usually when I do, I end up getting stuff for the kids. It is just easier than dealing with finding clothes. I have no patience. So when they offered I knew it was their way of telling me that I needed some new stuff, so I said sure.

Last week I e-mailed my Fashion Guru of a friend Jo-Lynne, asking for HELP. I had no idea was in style or what was out there. I just don't pay attention. I am a jeans and t-shirt girl. She came to my rescue and gave me some great ideas, along with asking others to chime in as well. It helped so much! I got a great base for what I needed, and what was as in style as I would go.

So, yesterday I spent about 75% of my day in a dressing room. We started at Clothes Mentor, a consignment shop that sells 99% name brand clothes. It was FABULOUS!! If you have one by you GO THERE for clothes! We founds so much fabulous stuff, 2 pairs of pants, 3 sweaters and a cardigan. It was wonderful. Their selection was great, even having the bigger sizes. Oh, and you can sell your clothes to them and they pay CASH on the spot! How fabulous is that!! Seriously, go there.

Next up, Ma's personal heaven...SHOES! We went to Schuler Shoes because of my knees. I have major problems wearing anything over an inch heal and normally they need to be the chunky kinds. So, I knew it was going to be interesting. Ma loves them because they give you great service, will fit your foot the RIGHT WAY (who knew there was a wrong way!) and tell you the best kind of shoes if you don't know. I got two pair, and they are FABULOUS!!

These are Nita's from Trotter. They remind me of an actual ballet flat, more like a Toe Shoe really. They are SO COMFORTABLE! I have been wearing them tonight to make the bottoms scuffed a bit, and oh my heavens they are fabulous.
These are Janison's from Naturalizer. If you don't know Naturalizer (and I didn't before) they are not just for old ladies anymore (like I thought...sorry Ma). They have the cutest shoes, and I never got to wear the cute shoe before. They are uber comfy, and something I can wear everyday if I wanted to.

I mean really, how fabulous are these! I am now a shoe lover, as opposed to before.

Next up, was Dress Barn which was right across the walkway. I had never been in there before, again pre-stereotypes and all. It was OUTSTANDING! I found the BEST PANTS EVER in that store. I wanted to show them to you, but can't find the picture online, so you just have to trust, me. You can actually see them in this picture, the light grey/black/PURPLE pants dead center, with the purple top on them. HOW GORGEOUS are they! Love them!

After Dress Barn, we hit Kohl's and got me some super comfy Dockers and some wonderful shirts that are work comfy, and that I would wear outside of the office. I always find stuff at Kohl's!

After Kohl's it was time for stuff that is not fun for me...under garments. This is a constant battle for me, I am...gifted in that area. We tried one the "normal" stores and it was not happening, to the point of melt down. Yes I am 30, leave me alone.

So we hit Lane Bryant and let me TELL YOU! They know their stuff about under garments of all kinds. Especially when we told them what happened at the other store they were there for me and beyond! They really deserve a post in themselves, but we will gel it into here.

Did you know that when I was trying things on, the sales rep came over MULTIPLE times to see how things were fitting. She asked about how it was laying, how it was feeling and even what I THOUGHT about it! I have never been asked THAT before! Also, did you know things should FIT RIGHT? Who would have thought it! She was outstanding, definitely a place I will be getting my...undergarments from in the future.

The last place we hit? Barnes and Noble. Why? Because I had to pre-order THIS, really go look it is worth it. Not only did I get the book, but next month The Pioneer Woman is coming HERE, well not to my house but to the Mall of America. Andrea and I will be there with out cookbooks in hand just waiting. She is amazing if you haven't "met" her before. I can't wait! Her book tour starts on Tuesday in Oklahoma and then she is making her way. I am excited to follow her trip!

After wearing Ma out, Big Sis and I took Boo out for dinner. We had some laughs, because Boo is just a nut when she is caught up on her sleep (woohoo!). It was a great end to the day.

I am so grateful that Big Sis and Ma realize that I won't shop for myself, but even more so that they love me enough to do this for me. It was an amazing day, one that I won't forget. We had some great conversations, and realized a lot about each other. It was great, and I can't wait for more time together.

What I Learned This Week

This was a busy week for our family. We had a mini-cation, ortho appointments and a 7 year old out of school all week long. Things were busy, but that left time for more learning experiences.

- If a teacher tells you that he "can't because I have soccer right after school" resist the urge to kick him in teeth and just go talk to the principal. I got a e-mail from said teacher saying he would be available whenever I needed. Take that you...anyway.

- If same said school is giving you issues, not following your child learning plan as required BY LAW the same principal will become your best friend and fast. Meeting with him for 10 minutes will be enough to kick some butts and take some names.

- Being Mama Bear is a REALLY good thing. It gets things done even faster when your ears are plugged and you don't realize your voice is raised when talking to the principal...just saying.

- Having a 7 year old that can't sleep at night makes for a REALLY tired Mama. Both of us are emotional, exhausted and spent (she goes to bed at 8, and it is now 10:15 and she is STILL AWAKE. 7 am will come fast for the poor thing). You know that unless the house is asleep Mama can't sleep!

- I hate waterslides. Well, the adult fast zippy spin you around 900 times in 10 seconds kind at least.

- Boo shares my dislike of waterslides, but went down one and went on the water roller-coaster to see if she changed her mind. Nope.

- Boo is very VERY brave. I couldn't be prouder of her.

- Next time, I plan the vacation.

- The New Moon soundtrack is out. Hang on while I jump up and down with excitment. It is very different from the Twilight soundtrack, but fabulous!!

- I wrote a VERY IMPORTANT post over here, read it and check yourself.

For more What I Learned this Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Check yourself!

When I was 20 years old, I went through something that was bone chilling terrifying. Something that shook me, that made me take a look at how I did certain things and changed them.

I found a lump in my breast.

I was living at home, and went to my mom, asking her what I should do. She felt it, and agreed that a call to the doctor was in order.

During the next week I would start to dial, and hang up again. I didn't want to know that something was wrong with me, that there was anything beside a fabulous life ahead of me.

I finally called the doctor, and they saw me right away. At this time, it was becoming more common for younger women to develop breast cancer, especially when their family history has signs like mine did.

The doctor checked it out, and an ultra sound was ordered. I spent the next week waiting for that appointment, waiting for them to tell me that I was either sick or okay.

After the ultra sound appointment, they still were not 100% sure, so they didn't want to give me a firm diagnosis. They had a pretty good idea what it was, but didn't want to be wrong.

A Breast Biopsy was scheduled. My mom would take me, and I would be under a local medicine that would keep me loopy but not completely out of it. They would make a small incision and remove the lump, test it and let me know 100% what it was.

Hubby and I were just starting to date at this point, but he was freaked. He spent the night before sitting on the couch asking me 900 billion questions, including when I would be home so he could come over. He didn't want to leave that night, but sleep beckoned me.

The next day, Ma took me for my Breast Biopsy. My nerves were a tangled mess, my emotions were running on high...until they gave me the wonderful loopy meds. That is when I told the doctor the same story about Big Sis a few (10) times.

After the procedure I was ready to go home pretty quick, the perk of being on loopy and not knocked out. I rode home with an ice pack stuffed in my sports bra, bandages and mild pain meds.

Hubby came over that afternoon, along with my friend Krystal. Ice packs, pain meds and laughter filled the house as they took my mind off what I was waiting for.

A couple days later we found out 100% what the lump in my breast was.

Breast Fibroids, non-cancerous but left untreated can increase the chances of breast cancer later on.

I also found out that when I had my first exam the fibroid was the size of a dime, but when they removed it it was the size of a silver dollar. It had more than doubled in size in a matter of weeks. This fact was scary, but made me very aware of what I needed to do.

Weekly breast exams. While the best time is around your cycle, there are things that are more evident during non-cycle times. They think mine grew so quickly because my cycle was all screwy, so it was good that I found it when I did. I remember the episode of 90210 when Brenda finds the lump in her breast, doing a regular home exam. It pays to do it!

I also make sure to have my yearly exam at the clinic. Doctors and Midwifes are trained to find these things, and know when something is not right. I actually get checked twice a year, once when I have that lovely exam and once when I see my primary doctor. They are always so impressed that someone of my age is this concerned.

Having been through something so scary, and knowing that my family has at least one person that survived breast cancer makes it doubly important to take these precautions.

I make donations each year to help fund research, help cancer survivors and their families. I do my part so that some family someday won't have to go through the sort of pain so many are going through right now. I was in the clear, but so many each day are not.

As my favorite t-shirt says...Save the Ta-tas! Check yourself, and remind your sisters, mothers and friends to check themselves too.

What I Learned this Week

It is time for another week of What I Learned This Week hosted by Musings of a Housewife.

Having been sick, and crabby about being sick, I didn't post last week. So, we will play catch up this time around.

- Koda will take a bite out of the wall, and made a little indent. He is so special.

- Wallpaper put directly onto drywall is not fun to take off. If it wasn't only half the wall that was wallpapered (and the built-ins) I would so rip down the drywall and start over.

- Glee is highly addicting, and not just the show but the music too. I am loving finding the songs each week. Especially the Mash-Ups from last week, fabulous!!

- The New Moon soundtrack listing was released, and I can't stinking wait for it to be released. I am pre-ordering it next week. Just over a month until the movie comes out, so excited! But, when Twilight came out you could download the trailer on itunes, not this time around and that bums me out.

- Koda's behavior collar is acting up, to the point that even the company doesn't know why it is doing what it is. We are just that special I guess.

- Having a short week is wonderful. But when you oversleep on the first day of your two day week it feels like you can't get ahead.

- Watching football with my Hubby, Sister and Brother in Law is really the best way. We always have such a great time, and yelling is (sometimes) kept to a minimum. It is perfect.

- Striving to teach a child a lesson can be somewhat stressful, but more importantly embarrass the heck out of them.

And that's really all I got...

For more What I Learned This Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Dear Hubby

Dear Hubby,

I can't believe that it has been 8 years since we said "I Do".

This past year has been one of the most exciting by far, and I want to tell you that I love you.

I love your patience when I would tell you that we had to look at another house, that it HAD to be in Boo's school district and that it HAD to NOT have a full bar in the basement.

I love your honesty, your guts to tell me no and when to let me run with an idea.

I love your devotion, drive and dedication to so many things.

I love you, for you.

Thank you for 8 years.

I can't wait for the rest to come.

Much love,

Kellyn

It's my birthday and I will yell at football players if I want to!

Today I turn 30.

But, the highlight of my day isn't that. That is just a bonus.

The best part about my day...I am going to my first Vikings Game since I was 16 years old. We are playing the 49's and I can't wait!

So, I will post later. All the high and lows. The win (it better be) and the best parts about the day.

Have a great Sunday!!

What I Learned this Week - Turning 30 Edition

So...on Sunday I will turn 30.

My friends and family are having a field day with it. But to me it isn't a big deal. It's another birthday, and just in a different set of tens.

But, I thought I would do something fun, something that has been rolling around in my head for a while.

The 30 Things I Learned this Year!

1- House buying is stressful.
2- My daughter is such a good reader that they don't know what to give her for reading groups.
3- Hunter looks really good in a Mohawk!
4- Having a pre-teen is not all it's cracked up to be. Moody, Ornery and just plain difficult come to mind.
5- Finding friends on facebook is a good thing...and a bad.
6- Flowers in the Attic is a cheesy, creepy movie. But I can't turn it off.
7- I love love LOVE my DVR. I don't watch much in real time anymore. LOVE IT!
8- The hard work of going without, cutting corners and living way UNDER our means paid off.
9- Friends can't replace family, no matter what you think.
10- I will have back issue for many years, but it will be okay as long as I do what I am supposed to do.
11- An almost 2 year old's "pouty face" will crack me up every time.
12- That same face on a 7 year old...not so much
13- Having Hunter at our house for 2 months straight was wonderful and hard at the same time.
14- You will NEVER get as much help as you think you want, but getting things done on your own is wonderful too.
15- Nettles are a mean NASTY plant. Just saying.
16- Seeing New Kids on the Block TWICE this year was fabulous, but spending time with Lia was even better.
17- Twitter is addicting. VERY addicting.
18- Blogging can be a wonderful and awful thing at the same time. The no-blogging guilt is torture!
19- I have made so many new bloggy friends this year, it is fun to see how we all evolve.
20- NEVER talk Politics at work, ever. Especially when the company you work for will be affected by any form of health care reform. Just don't.
21- I don't talk Politics on the blog either, because I like my friends. And while some of us are mature enough, there are always people that aren't.
22- Letting go of things/people is hard, but the weight that is lifted is astronomical.
23- Knowing that no matter what, my family is there for me is something I struggled with. Now, I know it for sure.
24- I don't have to give in to please people, I can just be who I need to be.
25- I can't wait to plant Tulips. I LOVE tulips, and want them everywhere!!
26- Hubby and I can grown and can tomatoes, by ourselves. It is so gratifying!
27- They make waterproof casts, and I am VERY jealous that Boo got to have one. I never did...
28 - On a trip to the ER, I found that Boo is calm and rational patient. Her mom sits and reads her book, not worrying. I think that's from to much practice when I was growing up.
29- Having a puppy is one of the best things we have ever done. Koda is such a wonderful part of the family, even when he drives us nuts.
30- I still smile when I say MY HOUSE!! I have a hard time believing it even now. MY House!

For More What I Learned this Week post, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Short Fuse

*I don't want sympathy, I don't want "oh, everyone has days like that". I just want to vent*

I am living with a short fuse right now.

Ask my kids, ask Hubby. I try so hard to stamp it out, and it keeps going and going.

I don't know where it is coming from, I have never felt like this before.

It is healthy to get angry.

I know this, but it still makes life so hard right now.

I feel unappreciated.

I feel useless.

I feel used.

I feel pain.

I feel lied to.

I feel manipulated.

I feel ignored.

I feel frustrated.

I feel the need to scream, and have no time or place to do so without hearing "Mom...what are you doing?".

Yes, my kids just got home. Yes, I missed them.

But no, their being gone was not a break. I did not have down time.

I had Koda, Hubby and getting Hunter's painted. I had work, family and LIFE.

I need a break. I need a moment for me. I need to not worry about kids, dog or Hubby for just a little while.

I need some me time.

I need to get out of the this funk before I loose my mind.

I need to not have so many people telling me what to do, how to do it and that they think I am doing it wrong.

I know I am not perfect.

But you know what?

I am me, and I am fabulous.

Don't like, the door is that way.

Hubby and I need to find our OWN way through home-ownership.

We need to make mistakes.

Oh, and every mistake you thought we would make...

We haven't made one yet.

So BACK OFF.

I hate that too, the feeling that I need to defend myself in every step of my life.

I won't do it anymore.

I won't go out of my way to make you feel better when I am sitting here feeling like crap.

I can't do it anymore.

I won't be the bigger person only to get stepped on OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Again, don't like it...the door is over there.

Now...I am going to gorge on pasta and go to bed.

What I Learned this Week

It is time for What I Learned this Week hosted by Musings of a Housewife.

This week was busy, and the coming week just as much. I learned a lot, which is wonderful. We spent a lot of time at Menards this weekend, where I learned some as well.

- Koda is my alarm clock. Each morning, like clockwork he is up at 5:15. Each day that he is up saves me a battle with my alarm clock. I am still sleepy, but I get up and get him right outside. Talk about a wake-up when it is pouring rain!

- It is possible to fall asleep on the couch after previous mentioned early wake-up call.

- It is also possible to get ready in under 5 minutes when you startle awake after previous two. However, you will forget your ipod, ring, watch and cell phone and be miserable at work the entire day.

- Planting tomatoes is hard work, especially when your 7 year old flings dirt on you accidentally (or on purpose...I haven't decided yet).

- When I leave the TV off I am able to get more things put away, plugging my ipod into the docking station is the best thing ever. We are having people over this weekend...I need to focus on getting things unpacked.

- Boo really is interesting in playing fastpitch next spring. So much so that she keeps asking me to pull it up online so she can watch videos.

- Even with our own laundry room, no need for quarters and the fact that I can throw a load of clothes in at a moments notice...I still hate doing laundry and I do NOT time things well.

- Koda likes to attack the Swiffer. He FREAKS out, barks and follows me around the house.

- Ma and Big Sis are once again my saviors. Due to circumstances our start to summer is slightly screwy. They are helping out BIG TIME, along with my friend Malia.

- Hubby and I had a bet going to see how much Koda weighed at his 12 week appt. Hubby said 23.5 and I said 25.

Guess who won...

ME! 25.4 lbs! (this is totally thrown in for gloating sake.)

For more What I Learned this Week posts head on over to Musings of a Housewife

The Second Opinion (also titled the stupid clinic that didn't listen to the mom)

(this is the longest post I have ever writen, but so worth it.)

Mom's know when something is wrong, they just do. Don't ask how, don't ask why just trust us. We know our kids better than anyone else possibly could.

Boo gets sick, she has had strep twice since January and the stomach flu twice as well. BUT she never-ever get SICK. You know the SICK I am talking about, raging fever, chills, no appetite, and no wanting to drink anything.

Boo would eat until the end of time if we let her. She loves food, so when she won't eat we know something is going on.

Let's go back to...midnight on Wednesday/Thursday. Boo comes into my room, snuggles under the covers and falls asleep. She is coughing, but so am I, so I wasn't really worried about that. At least I wasn't until she shimmied up next to me, and I felt like I was melting.

She was burning up, about a 102 fever at midnight. Not good.

The fever lasted for most of the night, and dropped down to the low 100's by morning. She tried to eat so she could go to school, but it wasn't happening. After a couple bites she new she was staying home, and burst into tears.

Did I mention that Thursday was the last day of school. Poor Boo.

So, because of the fever and cough I new we were in for something. But, not sure what. Boo is never SICK so I was not prepared for what was to come.

I called the clinic to get her in, with her history of respiratory issues it is standard. Her primary was not in clinic that day, so we settled for a Family Practise Doctor at another clinic.

Never again.

When we got to the clinic, Boo left them a very nice present all over the floor of the lobby, I will let you draw your own conclusion on that one!

That was another sign that things were just not right. The receptionist was wonderful, gave us a cool little bag for Boo to use, and we sat to wait.

The nurse that called us back was wonderful, patient with the slow moving Boo. Even offered to get her height so we could see how much she had grown since February. She even did a strep test without me prompting, which I thought was a good start to the visit.

Once we got in the room and were alone Boo started crying again. Her cheeks were bright pink, her lips the color of cherries and her ears glowed in the dark. Her Ibuprofen was wearing off and she was not happy.

Shortly after the dr came in. The strep test was negative, so they would run the 24 hour, but she thought it looked like strep. Boo neck was hurting at that point, her everything was hurting. She was cold, but burning up. She had stomach cramps but didn't want any water. She was miserable.

I asked the dr to check her lungs, "Please do a chest x-ray, her colds travel there 90% of the time".

What did she do? Listened to her lungs and said "That won't be needed, her lungs sound clear".

Did I push? No, because Boo just wanted to go home. She wanted to get her Gatorade and go home to bed.

So we left. Went to Walgreens, where Boo left them a present as well, only this time contained to the cool bag I snagged from the clinic.

We got home, took some more Ibuprofen and she crashed for three hours.

That night things got worse. Boo's fever wouldn't stay down, no matter what I did. She never went above 101, but it wouldn't stay down. She was quarantined to our bedroom, then snuggled with me on the couch. Koda was crazy, and I had to call Hubby home. It was not a good night.

Finally, about 10 she crashed hard. Until about midnight. Then she came into our room with her chest hurting from all the coughing (uh-oh) and her temp going back to that 101 mark. She was in pain, and we couldn't stop it.

We gave her some meds, snuggled her down and went back to sleep.

This happened three times Thursday/Friday night.

At 7 am Friday morning I was on the phone to the clinic. If her dr was in that day, she was being seen. Something was not right. Her cheeks were still bright pink, her lips that color of cherries and her poor throat was raw from all the coughing. Her chest hurt when she sneezed, and she had no appetite. It was a battle to get her to drink anything.

That afternoon we went to see the wonderful Dr. T. Oh Dr. T...the only reason we still go to that clinic. She is so fabulous, always willing to listen, and doesn't not give that "crazy mom" look that so many doctors are known to give.

She took one look at Boo, and knew something was wrong. She looked at her chart and saw that she has lost almost two pounds since her last visit to the clinic, and 4 since the day before (different scale though, so we can't trust that number). I showed her how much she had drank all day (less than half of a standard water bottle) and that she hadn't eaten yet that day.

First thing she did...GOT A CHEST X-RAY! Look at that...I love when doctors know the child's history and LISTEN TO THE PARENT.

She also checked her ears (clear), checked her throat again (still clear) and had a Whopping Cough and Influenza test done (negative and negative).

The x-ray came back and GUESS WHAT! Pneumonia. Shocking right. I was not surprised. It was a moderate case, but it explained the fever that wouldn't go down, the lack of appetite and the lack of wanting to drink. Hubby had it last year, and it was not a fast recovery.

They gave her an inhaler treatment, and she perked up pretty quick. Dr. T. gave Boo the talk about drinking. She wasn't worried about eating as much. She told her about the needle in the arm and all that fun stuff.

Boo drank what was left of her water bottle while we were there. HA-HA!

So we left there with antibiotics, an inhaler and some steroids. That night, Boo slept 14 hours straight and woke up in a much better mood. She is still tired, but on the mend.

We actually ended up having to go back on Monday for hives that kept popping up and a re-x-ray because something was goofy on hers and the Radiologist wanted another film. The result...still something goofy but they are adding another inhaler with steroids to (hopefully) take care of it. We will go back in a month for another x-ray and if that isn't take care of we will go from there.

The moral of this story???

Listen To Your Instincts!! You know your child better than anyone. You know what is normal for them, and what is above and beyond. Don't let any doctor tell you that you are wrong, because a lot of the times you aren't.

Also, find a doctor that you trust, and that trusts your instincts. Dr. T. has always been that for us, and I don't see us leaving anytime soon. She listens, acts and follows up. She even e-mails me at work to check on Boo.

Boo's doctor left me with this on Monday "Mom(s) know when something is wrong, so I know you will call if she (is) not better. Trust yourself, you are your child's best weapon" (she has really broken English sometimes, and I wrote it down as she said it...love her).

The Construction Story

The weeks before we moved into our house, I would stalk drive by the house at least once day. I would literally come up with reasons to leave and drive by the house. I know that Hubby knew what I was doing, but it felt sinister.

Well, the Thursday before Mother's Day Hubby was out of town for Fishing Opener. Boo and I were heading for a night of baseball, and we just had to drive by the house.

What did we see just before we started down the hill??



Crap...that can't be a good sign.

Then we saw these...

Maybe a block away from the house. Not good...not good at all.

Then we get to the house, and see this...

That's when I knew moving would be interesting.

I called the city, and talked to the project manager.

They were tearing up our road to lay a new water main and repave the road, starting the Monday before we moved (last week). I sat at my desk and cried. I knew it was going to be a rough move.

Wednesday I talked to the project inspector, and he assured me that they wouldn't be as far down as our house by Friday. He was certain.

Yeah right. Famous last words man!

As I turned down the road to our house on Friday, I was greeted by piles of dirt and a lot of road work guys. I was stopped and told that that part of the road was closed, one house down from ours. I went the long way around, and was told by three guys that the road was closed. After the first one I was in tears.

I called Ryan, after snapping at the poor road guy that IHADTOGETTOMYHOUSEIAMMOVINGINTODAY, and asked him to find the inspector's phone number. I could see the house, but was stuck behind some large piece of machinery, crying. My father-in-law was waiting in the driveway, and I was stuck.

When I finally got to the house, Hubby called me with the number, my father-in-law left to meet Hubby and I was told the inspector was on his way to my house, he was minutes away.

He introduced me to the Foremen, and was told the timetable of the days work.

We had until 10:30 to use our driveway and then it was being torn up for lay the new water main. The entry to our driveway would be replaced by 3 that afternoon, after we would already be pretty much done moving stuff for the day.

Did I mention that one side of the road was completely torn up, gone. It was dirt and rock. So the one good side meant no parking on that side. There was no where to park right in front of our house! NO WHERE.

Thankfully, we had met one of our neighbors on Thursday and she was kind enough to let us use her driveway most of the day. She let us walk across her lawn countless times, and even offered to help.

After three trips and lots of watching the construction guys work I was ready to be done. Our driveway was replaced by 3, and we will have a new road in about 2 months.

To say it was the most stressful move is putting it mildly.

I Want a Coooool Rider...

Grease 2 is on, and I love cheesy musicals. They crack me up, and have the best music. Plus, I love pretty much anything that has Michelle Pfeiffer in it.

Packing is my life right now. We are making major progress but it is Tuesday, and as my friend Jen pointed out to me tonight "You are so not ready". Thanks dear...love you too.

But, there is something very important that I just learned and I had to share it with you.

VERY IMPORTANT!

When using a tape gun to seal up boxes, do NOT use it by your feet. This could result in a minor scratch along the top of your freshly pedicured feet.

I am just saying.

They are dangerous!

Back to packing and singing strange musical songs. Oh and laugh at the hair.