The K Decision

Today I had a melt down. This month is a big month for parents deciding where to send their child for Kindergarten. It sounds pretty simple, huh? It's not. Not only does one have to decide where to send them but one has to think about the following:

1. Am I ok with the home county school and their track system?

2. Kindergarten is a 1/2 day gigg. What will I do with the other 1/2? Send them to daycare, enroll them in an Enrichment Program (does my school offer one or do they have to go to a separate place for this)?

3. What about the next 8 years? Do I want their K to be in the same school as 1-8 or am I ok with another school change next year?

4. Do I want to go private and if so what type of private?

5. Does it matter if she ever sees the friends she's made over the past four years of her life?

6. How will this decision impact High School? I know - but these are the conversations I'm hearing from parents.

I've been to two Informational sessions so far. One is at her existing daycare/pre-school and the other is at a private school. Both seem to have a great program that would prepare her well for 1st grade. Next week we go to an Informational session at a charter school and enroll for the lottery. We were one week late for a lottery of another charter school but we are on their list for 2011 1st grade.

Our final plan is going to be to not accept the home county school because our county is on the track system and it just won't work in our lifestyle. We will keep our fingers crossed to either get chosen/accepted/placed in either the charter school or private school and take that through 8th grade. One will let us know in early February and the other by March 1st. If both of those fail, we will keep her at Kindercare and she will attend their Kindergarten program so she only has to change schools in Grade 1. We will then be on the lottery for two charter schools and one private school.

Sigh!! It really shouldn't be this stressful.

A Day Of Thanks

Today, November 26, 2009, is a day to reflect and give thanks to what we are blessed with each and every day of our lives. Just this time last year I was preparing the Thanksgiving meal (as I am doing this year). I had just given birth to my second child, Ethan, a month and 1/2 earlier. I was also preparing (emotionally) for a 2nd surgery (hysterectomy) scheduled for less than a month away. We made it through it all (cancer free was the outcome of the biopsy) and here we are today, reflecting. Thank you, God, for my health.

This year was a whirlwind to say the least. Ethan is a year old and Tyler is four. They play together, they fight with each other, they hug each other, and give kisses to each other. Tyler is such an independent little girl (just like her mommy). She is confident, happy, loving, and full of life and energy. Ethan is an amazing little boy. He's so strong willed trying so hard to keep up with his big sister, climbing everything in sight, trying to read his books, banging and rough housing just like little boys do. I can't help but feel blessed every time I'm with them. Thank you, God, for my children.

My husband has been my solid rock since the day I met him. In this last year he has really stepped up and re-defined support and partnership. He has cared for the children while I was in the hospital (both times), he has taken Tyler out on daddy/daughter dates when Ethan was just born to show her she is also special. He has forgiven my mood swings as my hormones have roller-coastered throughout the year. He continued to volunteer as a youth football coach and give back to his community through something he loves and knows. My husband has stayed positive in a year that other's would disconnect. Thank you, God, for my husband.

My mother, sister, and father are with me every step of the way in this game we call life. My mother has come out throughout the year to help with the birth and 2nd surgery. She comes out as often as possible to simply visit and through Grammy style love to the kids. She too, has, forgiven my mood swings and simply shared her wisdom (she's been there too you know). She's taught me how to be a better mom, how to relax (well a little), how to keep smiling through it all, and of course how to cook. Robin pings me on a regular basis just to check in and say hello. She continues to extend kind words and confide in me as only sisters do. My father has grown so much this last year. I love his smiles, his positive statements, and his reminders that he loves me. Thank you, God, for my family.

I'm blessed to still have my grandmother of 89 years old (as of tomorrow). Throughout my life she has shared so much wisdom with me. Her mantra is "It can always be worse." It's important to remember daily that no matter what we are going through, someone else may be suffering worse and need our love, support, and prayers. Thank you, God, for Memere.

I've had a great year with my in-laws. As often as I miss my family and friends back east, I am happy that they are just an hour away so that we can visit and show my children what family is. They are a family of warmth, love, giving hearts, laughter, and kind words. Thank you, God, for my in-laws.

Technology continues to advance so quickly that I can't even keep up. I've been able to connect with folks I hardly ever talk to; including past high-school friends, cousins, child-hood friends, past co-workers and even some current co-workers. We get to share our ups and downs, pictures and videos, and links and games. How cool is that. Thank you, God, for technology and bringing me together in some way with these folks.

In this struggling economy, I still have a job. I've made it through many lay-offs and come out on the other side. I've got one of the best jobs around. It allows me to take time off as needed to run errands, volunteer at kids school, work from home, work out, and make a very good wage. I've formed wonderful friendships through the many teams I've had the opportunity to work on. Thank you, God, for my job.

As you can see, I have so much to be thankful for each and every day. On this day of Thanksgiving, I sit here in awe of what my life is. It is truly the best life!!

Time

Today, Ethan is one year old (actually tonight as he was born a little after 6pm). Where has the time gone? What have I learned in this past year? Where will the next fast years take our family?

God has blessed us with two wonderful children. At times we struggle in the same ways other families do; financial, patience and parenting knowledge. Always, we remember many times throughout the day how truly blessed we are (even at an older age). I try to stop and savor moments as often as I can. One from just two days ago goes something like this;

Tyler was watching The Wiggles. A good song came on and we started dancing in the living room. Ethan stood up from playing with his toys and started bouncing up and down to dance also. We all were laughing and having so much fun. I wish I could bottle that joy and give it to everyone I know. That is what life is all about.

Happy Birthday, Ethan. May we find joy and laughter in all our years together.

I love you.

Mom

Denise

Things To Learn From Our Children

This morning my 4 yr. old daughter and I picked up her daily blessing book. This is what it read:

"Love First
Let love be your greatest aim. 1 Corinthians 14:1, TLB

Have you got big plans for tomorrow? Like playing catch with a friend? Or running through the crunchy fall leaves? Or watching your favorite video? Whatever you do tomorrow, do it with love. You see, of all the things you do each day, the most important of all is to love others. So when you're playing catch, be kind to your friend. When you run in the leaves, ask your brother to join you. When you turn on that video, snuggle up next to your mom. Then everyone will have a great day!

Whatever you do, you can do it with love. It's God's biggest rule from heaven above."

Its so basic yet so important to remember.

Love,

Denise

Blues

It's tough enough being a woman/mom in this world. Why do we have to have hormonal ups and downs? Two months after the birth of my 2nd son I had to have a hysterectomy. My fallopian tubes and ovaries were left because I am 43 and may still have lots of time before going through menopause. Well, this doesn't prevent me from going through a monthly cycle of mood swings as if I was going to actually have a period.

For me, it's two to three days of pure yuckiness. Yesterday I was easily agitated. Today I am emotional and get easily agitated, and almost depressed. I don't want to do anything with my children or husband. I just want to be left alone and go to sleep. I work extra hard on days like this to keep my mouth quiet so I don't hurt anyone's feelings because it wouldn't be intentional at all.

On the bright side, I picked up a book called The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. It's about looking at a natural approach to mood swings. I am very hopeful that this book will give me some insight to keep my moods leveled.

In closing, I salute all those women who have figured it out and don't have this issue. To those of you like me, hang in there. This is where the saying "This too shall pass," is true.

Ciao.

Beliefs

I read an interesting section in a book the other day, a portion of it reads like this;

"Your attitudes and beliefs directly affect your actions, which eventually impact your results and thus, your lifestyle. In truth, beliefs are simply perceptions. When an event occurs (fact) and you attach a feeling to it (emotion), it becomes a perception (how you view the event) and ultimately a belief. Unfortunately, our perceptions are often inaccurate because our emotions color the facts."

How do we then get to the core belief to challenge it or allow it to stick and help us through life?

I think it's important to reflect internally on our core beliefs because our beliefs can dictate our outward behaviors and spoken words. For me, I want to make sure that I am sharing beliefs with my family and friends that help them and myself grow, express kindness and compassion for others, and maintain an openness that it is ok to dissect what is behind a belief and decide whether to keep it or throw it away.

What do you think?

Change in Seasons

This has been a challenging week. It's a great time of year and a rough time of year, FALL!! I love most everything about it. Colds run through most homes at the changes of seasons and mine was no different. It started with me and my son this past weekend. It hit my daughter and husband a couple days later. We have all carried it at different stages all week. I would up taking just about an entire week of vacation time to care for everyone.

• Monday I left work early as my cold just kept getting worse as the day went on.


• Tuesday was tons of fun for me because I got to cuddle with my 4-year old daughter all day.


• Wednesday was a little more difficult because my soon to be 1-year old son doesn't really cuddle. He wouldn't let me put him down at all and cried or cat napped most all day. Turns out, after the doctor visit, he has an ear infection. My husband also stayed home but wasn't up for taking shifts with the baby. Men don't seem to handle colds as well as women, I think. The worst and the best though was sitting on the sofa, holding my son during one of his tiny naps and I could feel his drool dripping down my chest like a slow leaky faucet. Yuck - this is it - I've really made it to motherhood.


• Here we are at Thursday. I'm home again with my son - day 2 of antibiotics. He seems to be feeling better as he'll at least nap in his crib. Yesterday, I could not put him down AT ALL.


• Friday, tomorrow, I'm hoping we are all functional and back to somewhat normal.

Colds will come and colds will go. The best thing out of colds is the love and tenderness we give to each other. I believe that's called "compassion." With home made soup, warm tea, and lots of hugs, we'll make it through another season.