HOT MAMA!

This last weekend I was browsing the local stores. I saw a cute shirt and thought, "I want to try that." I noticed that it was in the plus size section of the store. Oh well, I still view myself as overweight no matter how much I tell myself I am not. I have bought clothes in that section a time or two and had it fit nicely. Much to my disapproval. So I found what I thought was my size. It was the smallest one I could find. I took the shirt into the fitting room. Turned around to look at the mirror and thought to myself, "This shirt is HUGE on me." It looked horrid because it was supposed to be somewhat form fitting and it just draped on me. As awful as this shirt was, I stood there with a smile on my face because I have officially been ousted from ever having to shop in that section of the store again. No offense is intended, but I have worked so hard at getting my nice body back that this was a confirmation to me of my accomplishment. Proud, I went over to the regular sized section and found a somewhat sexy shirt that was gorgeous. I automatically picked up the Extra Large size. Tried it on, and sure enough, it was too big. So I down graded. I think I have finally got it through my skull that I really am no longer overweight. I still have a bit of work to do, but I have been slacking lately and seeing that my figure is returning and on its way out from where it has been hiding has given me that shove I needed to "git-r-done." I have also now got it in my head that exercise is fun. Feeling the burn and the sweat is awesome, cause it puts me one step closer. And to top it off, I had to show my ID that same day, the guy behind the counter said, "No way, you don't look that old!" Didn't know if I should punch him or propose marriage.

That was just a BLAST!!!

Yesterday will go down as one of my most unfavorable days in my life. It started out crummy, with just little things going wrong. Not fair cause it was my 11 year wedding anniversary. I made plans to go play with my friend Asia in St. George with our kids. We were going to take the kids to a splash pad for some water fun. Tom was busy all day so it wasn't going to be much fun here. Got the kids in their swimsuits, I put on mine and threw on my Broncos boxers and a tank and flip flops and we were OFF!!! I was heading down the road and got into the Black Ridge, about the half way point between Cedar and St. George. I noticed a little board or something like that that came out from underneath the car in front of me. I didn't have time to go around, and, it was just a board right? Shortly afterward I heard a thud sound repeatedly underneath me. I was pretty sure I had a flat. *SIGH* I pull over at the Pintura exit and got out and inspected my damage. Sure enough the right front tire was flat. GREAT! I called my Dad to see if he could come help. And called Asia to tell her I wouldn't make it. My Dad said he would head up. It occurred to me that I had taken auto shop in college and I could definitely change the tire myself. So I got out, and retrieved the jack in the back of the van and walked around to get started. Then I noticed a hissing sound and the back tire was going flat too. Needless to say I said a few bad words, luckily my kids were in the van. I got back in the car and called my Dad again, he was really going to have to come help me now. I couldn't get a hold of Tom, and I needed someone that could carry everyone in one vehicle. My Dad wasn't exactly thrilled either, and that back tire was brand new. DAMN IT!!! He and my Mom came up and my Dad removed my tires and threw them in the back of his truck. My kids were not really happy that they were missing their play date, but this was an adventure, and my folks and I were doing our best to stay calm. In the middle of nowhere in Southern Utah heat. Thank goodness I had filled up my over sized coke mug with ice water. We all loaded up into my Dad's extended cab truck and went as quickly as we could to St. George since it was Saturday and all the auto shops would close up early. We got to Big-O tires and while my Dad stayed there to get things taken care of, my Mom and I took the kids to their house so they could have some fun and be out of the way. I quick changed my clothes and went back to Big-O where they were finishing up. They were able to patch up the back tire, but the front tire was ruined. So I needed one new tire. Go to pay and I had forgotten my debit card, they don't take checks. Wonderful, and thank you Dad. (Yes I did pay my folks for the tire ugh!). My Dad and I then went back to Pintura and my Dad put the tires on the van and I headed to St. George. That is just exactly how I wanted to spend my day, my anniversary! PFFFTTTHHH!! However, things calm down quickly in my world and we went to eat at Golden Corral. While there I was looking at the buffet, a fella who had been sitting at the table behind us came up to me and said, "Excuse me, but I just want to tell you that your kids are beautiful. And they are so well behaved." I said, "MY KIDS?!?" He said, "Yes, especially for them being in such a busy public place, they have been so great." I thanked him with a smile and told my kids what had happened and that I was proud of em. Maybe I am doing a thing or two right. :o)

Does this happen to anyone else?

I am watching a comedy thing, really it is for kids, but I got into it. Well the guy on the show asks a riddle, "What is the moon worth?" I do not know the answer, so I wait impatiently for the answer. Just as he gives it my son and daughter come screaming in the room. *sigh* Thank goodness for DVR! I rewind it to just before he asks the question again, "What is the moon worth?" Here comes the answer...."MOM! COME SEE COLTON'S NEW TRICK!!" Grrr, pause the DVR go see Colton do a head stand. Sit down. Rewind. "What is the moon worth?" the answer is *BARK!**BARK!*BARK!* I yell, "Tova, leave the cat alone!" Rewind. "What is the moon worth?" which is quickly followed by a screaming parade of kids through the family room. OK, now I am getting pissed off. "Go in the other room and BE QUIET!!!" Rewind. "What is the moon worth?" I am determined to hear the answer this time. My phone rings, it is the hubby. I answer it, "WHAT?!?!?" I finish this call and )(*$!!! I am going to get the answer. Rewind. "What is the moon worth?" just as the TV shuts off. My cat jumped in my lap and hit the power button. WHAT THE *BAD WORD*? This is why I rarely watch TV while anyone is up, I haven't been able to finish a show in I don't know how long! I give up.

Dentist

Normally a trip to the dentist is uneventful. For the regular person. But there is nothing normal about my life, so why should a routine dentist trip be any different. It was a family affair today. I have a never ending issue with my teeth. Dylan had a cavity, and well Chloe just has a mouth full of those buggers. I decided to schedule us all for the same afternoon. I was hoping Tom would be home in time to keep Colton, no such luck. I called my in-laws and they were busy all afternoon and had company coming over. I called my sister-in-law, the other Jamie Parry, and she was sick. No one was able to watch him. Oh well, my problem, and I was going to have to make it work. I loaded up the kids, and Tom called to say that he would come by the office and pick him up as soon as he could. Well I get there, and I am the first one to head back. There is a play area for kids in the office, but Colton didn't want to leave me. So the older two stayed in the play area while I took lil muncher back with me. Got me all juiced up and filled in. Colton was surprisingly well behaved and I thanked my lucky stars. They already had Dylan in the chair when I was finished and Chloe was next. Dylan is a trooper and does ok, so I wasn't too worried. They gassed up Chloe and luckily Tom showed up just as Dylan was finished up. He took the boys home and I braced myself for the onslaught that I was SURE was about to come. I did everything I could think of before hand to make sure it didn't get too ugly, I even bribed her. If you know my daughter, she is a hellion and a loud one at that. I told the dentist, this was going to be a challenge. He laughed and said, "Thanks for the warning." I could feel myself tensing up, glad I had taken a Xanax, cause I have a fear of needles, and needed it to stay calm to show my kids, "Nothing to it." I sat in the chair, ready to jump up. She refused to open her mouth until I sat down. Little stinker. I saw them put the needle in, and she didn't budge. What? Chloe? Hello? She didn't make a sound, didn't budge NOTHING. WOW!!! When he was done she looked at the dentist and said, "That didn't hurt." Kind of like a dare. There was a collective chuckle there. I was able to relax, and the dentist got to work. Chloe laid there and just watched Kung Fu Panda that they had on the ceiling mounted TV. I was shocked to say the least. As we left, she started talking about how her lip felt funny and how every time she goes to the dentist, it doesn't hurt. She had been so scared going in, she even brought her dolly to help her, and she clutched the doll until it was time. To say the least I was relieved that it went so well. She and I get to go back in a couple of weeks, for more work. And then probably again after that. I was so proud of my little girl. She was so brave and didn't make a sound. My boys were great too. Dylan was in and out so quick and Colton sat there and charmed all the nurses and assistants. He is a flirt. I am one proud Mama.

One Upmanship

Today I decided to take my kiddos to the park. It was a beautiful day, in the low 80's with a slight breeze. We went to the park, Whitni included, and then I stopped at the store to buy some much needed items. I was checking out when the lady ahead of me in my line, came up and said, "You have amazing taste in teams." I looked down and saw that she was wearing a broncos t-shirt. As was I. It was really cool. Then, the competition began.

Her: "I have more stuff than you can imagine"
Me: "I don't know about that"
Her: "I have a signed football from 1980"
Me: "I have 2 Eddie Royal jerseys, one signed and my son has Terrell Davis"
Her: "My husbands company has season tickets."
Me: "My family has season tickets"
Her: "I have a flag"
Me: "So do I"
Her: "I have over 20 t-shirts"
Me: "I have a Bronco sticker that takes up the whole rear window of my van, right above the
Broncos license plate frame"
Her: "I have Broncos cereal, an alarm clock and a lamp"
Me: "My Mom has Ed McCaffrey mustard, goes to at least one game every year, and even has
the seats from Mile High in her back yard."

Sorry, Mom, I had to pull out the big guns. She couldn't really top that last one. Meanwhile, my 17 year old step daughter and her daughter of approximately the same age gave us both "SHUT UP ALREADY" looks. We chatted for a bit, it was all in good fun. When I got to the front the lady checking me out said, "That was entertaining." Everyone got a kick out of it. Maybe I have a new friend to add to my Broncos family.

Comparison

Now it is time to show what a difference a year can make. I am going to do a side by side comparison of me. On the left we have me in the spring of 2009. That is when I was about 200+ pounds. On the right we have me a few days ago. I am about 40 pounds lighter and feeling a LOT better. I am in a healthy BMI, and am not considered over weight anymore. It is such a relief! Granted, these aren't full body pics, but you can still see it in my face. I didn't make my goal weight for this summer, but that is OK. I still made some great progress and am looking forward to being to my goal weight sometime this fall. I am just so surprised that I didn't realize how chunky I had gotten sooner. It snuck up on me. I had used every excuse in the book, favorite being, I just had my third child! You can only use excuses for so long before you say, "I am FAT time to fix it." Starting tomorrow, I am back on my exercise and food watch routine. I am not dieting again. Diets and me don't work. I am way too stubborn. Even when I tell myself I can't eat this or that, I defy MYSELF to show MYSELF that I do what I want! Anyway, thank you so much for all the encouragement. I have the greatest people in the world in my life. :o)

Escape

After my little sad episode last week and the ultimate wake up, I decided to take my children to the library. Well the older two, because I wanted to actually experience the library rather than chase a two year old around. While the kids were in the children section of the library, I started browsing the books. I am stubborn when it comes to reading. If you tell me I have to read it, I won't. Like school or book clubs are not for me. If I am assigned reading in anyway, I will avoid it til the last minute. I guess it is my strong will playing out. I don't really understand why but it is that way. I don't care how interesting the book is I find a reason not to read it til the last minute, and even then, it is just a skim through. Anyway, back to the subject. I had heard about a memoir by Carolyn Jessop called Escape. A book that detailed the life of a woman raised in the FLDS. I decided to check it out. HOLY FLIPPIN COW! This was a good read. I finished it within a couple of days, it is easy reading tho. Being that I grew up right next to the towns of Hildale, UT and Colorado City, AZ, this book kinda has some meaning to me. These Polygamists were a constant in my world. No one really believed that this was a reality until you would drive them up to these towns and show them. I remember as a teenager seeing girls that were around my age either pregnant or carrying around babies. They dress like they just stepped out of a Little House on the Prarie set. Southen Utah frequently gets well above the 100 degree mark in the summertime and these women are dressed in layers of clothes and dresses down to their ankles, long sleeves and high collars. As I got older I began to realize the disgusting way these women were treated. I volunteered for a time at a Women's shelter, and that really opened my eyes. These women were severely abused. Emotionally, physically and sexually. It was awful to hear their stories, even worse was that they really didn't see anything wrong with it, because they were living the way God wanted them to. I am still in disbelief that this was happening in modern day America. The evil in me tho does like to indulge in standing up to a man from this community. They are condescending to all women and when one of them starts barking at me about whatever I like to remind them that they are not that important. I remember a friend of mine telling one, "Sir, I am not one of your wives, you canNOT talk to me that way." Hilarious to see the looks on their faces when a woman can dish it right back and he can't do anything about it.

Let me get one thing straight. I am all for freedom of Religion in this country. I am not necessarily against polygamy if all parties involved are consenting adults. Which is not usually the case here.

So reading this book was a little extra fascinating cause she mentioned the area I grew up in. She would mention a place and I could picture it. She even was able to attend the same college as I did. I wonder if I ever ran into her or her husband. I felt sorry for her. The way the other sister wives treated each other was awful. The way the older daughters were towards her was very bad. Most of all her husband, Merril Jessop, was disgusting. He married her out of a business arrangement with her Dad. Sad thing is, he wanted her younger, 16 year old sister, but got the names mixed up. She is the mother of 8 kids by him, and the fourth of his many wives. During the length of the book there were 6 wives, but since he has married more. He was abusive and fed the flames of the evil ways in which the family was toward each other. And for being such an outstanding citizen, he is considered the leader of the group that up and moved to Texas! This book also details her escape. The struggle but ultimate relief she experienced. How much we take for granted! Even hugging your children and showing them any affection is frowned upon. Really, I can't comprehend how people can be this way towards each other. But it is the way of life up there. And when Warren Jeffs took over, it got really bizarre up there. I remember hearing things about how he wouldn't allow red in the community, all children were pulled from school, his sermons would get leaked out-talk about creepy. He was a racist and I heard one of his sermons say how the blacks were dirty and evil. They say truth is stranger than fiction, and in this case it is. Little side note, when he was ultimately captured he was in a red SUV, wearing shorts and then my brother's best friend ended up on his jury.

To play the devil's advocate, I must say that this book is written from Carolyn Jessops view. I don't recall her mentioning herself participating in any of the abuse in the home. I wonder how she could not be that way if she was raised in this cult? I wonder what she left out? However, if she is in fact innocent of any of the blame, then good for her!

I would love to write a whole lot more, but this is already getting too long. If you are interested in cults at all, this is definitely a must read.

Heroes in Heaven

So in my last post I mentioned a blog that I was referred to. Well the author of that blog said that I could mention her and her blog. If you want to read what helped me realize that my life was easy compared to many out there go read Heroes in Heaven. Thank you Colleen Terrill. And God bless you!

Perspectives

Today was one of those days for me. I can't really explain it. Anyone who has battled depression might understand. From the moment I woke up I just had this overwhelming feeling of sadness. I laid there in bed listening to Dylan and Chloe doing their "chores" so that they could go over to their cousins house. Eventually my bedroom door opened, "Mom can we go to Tyson's house?" I gave a very un-present like answer of "Yea, be back by 11." I listened to Colton yell at me and try to make me get up. I just couldn't drag myself out of bed. It took me a half an hour of contemplation to finally force myself up. I got Colton out of the crib and methodically did the morning routine. Get dressed, change diapers, pick up a little, comb my hair, make up. But no matter what nothing made me shake that "impending doom" feeling that I get. Feelings like something very bad is about to happen, or someone is out to get me. Anxiety. I knew I was feeling a panic attack coming on but I was being stubborn and thinking, "GET A GRIP!" I went and took my daily Zoloft dose and then finally decided, "What the hell?" And took a mild dose of the Xanax. I don't like to take the Xanax when there isn't another adult around. But time has taught me that I need to listen to myself when the warning signs are there. Xanax has done the trick on taking the edge off of it all but the sadness was still all consuming. With that sadness comes anger. I should be happy! I have a very good life! I know it is a condition that I have, but come on! So I kept myself busy being the Mom, taking care of kids, dishes, laundry, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming. Usually if I can keep myself occupied, my mind will wander and I will forget all the whining in my head. It helped but I still couldn't shake it! Then I figured, this is just not a good day in my mind. So I went to the computer and logged on. One of the groups I have created on facebook sent me to a woman's blog. A Mother, who had lost her son a few years ago in a go cart accident. I won't name them out of respect for their privacy. She wrote a detailed description of the day of the accident and the motions that she had to go through the following days. It was heart breaking. I cried for her. I never met her, but wanted to go find her, hug her, and tell her I was here for her. I can't imagine anything worse than losing a child. She even describes her life now, and the grief is still pretty raw. Yet through reading all of this sadness, my life regained the perspective it usually has. I am overall a happy person. I realize how lucky I am. It was as tho God was showing me what I needed to get out of the funk. Thank you Lord! So now, I need to go salvage what is left of today.

FAIL! Well, not really.

Looking back on my fitness goals, I have missed this first round. Meaning I wanted to be at a certain weight by this time. Yet, it wasn't a complete loss, so to speak. I have in fact, lost weight. I am way past the thirty pound loss mark. If you look at pictures of me from one year ago, you can see it. So I can't be too disappointed in myself. I am by no means giving up either. I haven't really had any changes in a few months. I haven't lost but more importantly I haven't gained. I look at myself in the mirror and feel a lot better about myself. I actually bought myself a bikini. I dreaded putting it on but when I finally tried it, I was surprised that I didn't look like a total porker. Yes, I need some tightening up, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I have been out sun tanning in the back yard, not a lot, I am too fair skinned to ever get very dark, but I just want a little bit of a sun "glow". Before anyone asks, NO I will NOT be posting pictures of me in this bikini any time soon. If I get down to where I want to be, you might see it, but for now it isn't happening. I am sporting my summer clothes with confidence. I haven't worn shorts out in public in a very long time. I can now go to the store wearing shorts and flip flops and not feel like a total idiot. It feels really good to have more confidence in myself. I don't think I am drop dead gorgeous, or model caliber, I feel like a good average woman and I love it. I love running into people I haven't seen in a while, every time they mention that I have thinned down. It is nice that people have taken notice. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and help you have given me. It has helped me a LOT!
Now for my next goal. I want to finish this weight loss, AND not this year but next be able to run the St. George Marathon. I am not saying that I will do it, but I want to be able to if I want to.

I GOT IT! I GOT IT! I GOT IT!!!

A couple of months ago on Facebook, Eddie Royal had a contest. In a nut shell, I came in first place. Because of that I was able to have two items signed. All I wanted was a jersey signed. So I gave the other one to my friend Tony. We both had jersey's signed, his was a home one and mine was an away one. I can't even begin to say how THRILLED I am. Eddie Royal is my obsession these days. Seriously, ask anyone who knows me, I practically worship the guy. I intend to put this baby in a shadow box and display it. Eddie is a class act guy, has a wonderful attitude and is so down to earth. I wish more athletes were this way. Thanks again Eddie, YOU ROCK!

Poor kid!

I swear, my Colton just can't catch a break. He is barely 2 years old and he has from the moment he was born had a slew of things happen. When he was born he had respiratory issues that kept him in the hospital a few days, then jaundice which he had to sleep under billi lights. Or as I prefer to say, baby tanning bed. Then who can forget last year with his seizures? He had a spinal tap, mri's eeg's and enough blood taken to supply the red cross. Finally we get that mess taken care of. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and he has a ruptured ear drum, impetigo, throat infection and he had burned his hand on my curling iron. Which brings us to today. Last night, I lay in bed thinking, "I haven't had to go to the ER in a long time. That is so cool!" I should have shut up my thoughts. Today started out OK. I had made arrangements for Konner to come over. His Mom needed to stay in bed and so I went and got him. He is really a cutie, and my kids ADORE him. I went and got him, got us some tacos and came home. Two 2-year olds, are hilarious to watch interact. The babble and excitement and animation are quite entertaining. Chloe got home early, it is early out here on Wednesdays. She played with the boys for a while. Then we all went outside. We were out there, and I had videotaped Colton going down the slide and sent it to my folks and hubby. While I was sending it, Colton got in the way of the swing that the other two were on. It is one of those double seater cage like things. With metal edges that nailed Colton square in the head. I reached down to pick him up and there was blood everywhere. I saw that it was coming out of his head. Yes head wounds are the worst. It was like a little river of blood. I rush him into the house and grab a towel to try to stop the bleeding. I got it to stop and tried to get a closer look. He was so mad at me for bringing him in the house. Well, I told the other two to come in and took Colton in my lap to inspect him. I couldn't really see the wound, but it had stopped bleeding fairly quickly. I decided that it would be O.K. And I would put him down for his nap so that I could keep an eye on it while he was calm. He never went to sleep so after about 30 minutes I grabbed him and was able to see it. It was a nice gash on the back left side of his head. I decided I had better check it out, if nothing to have them tell me nothing was wrong and go home. Dylan got out early too, so I kicked it into gear. I called Konners Mom and she said it was OK to bring him home, and then I arranged to take the older two over to my in-laws. My kids would much rather spend the afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa than in a doctors office. I took my two over to their Grandparents and then ran over and took Konner home. Then decided to go to Insta-care rather than the hospital. For many reasons. 1. It is substantially cheaper co-pay. 2. A lot less busy 3. A lot more relaxed. I got over there and they got him right in. (AND rather than have to pay a $100 ER copay, I only had to pay a $35 Specialist copay.) They decided that he would need to have something either stitches or staples. But rather than get a shot, they used a gel that they repeatedly applied over the next hour. In the mean time we watched Spongebob. It was a very nice experience really. They were all so great over there. Well they took him back and the Dr. and I discussed the options. We decided to go with staples because we knew he would throw a fit and he is one very tough 2 year old. It would be less traumatic for him to be held down for the duration of a stapling vs. stitches. So they put 4 staples in his head. The "boo boo" looks so sad, but you wouldn't know that he had anything happen to him by the way he acts. It is like nothing happened. I am so happy for that. I am sure I will be checking on him all night. Hey, cut me some slack, it's a Mommy thing.

So far, so good

Well this week went much better in the Parry household. Luckily Dylan hasn't had any issues with Steven. There was one little verbal thing, but oh well, they got over it. I think the Principal, besides sitting down and talking to the boys, also talked to the bully's folks. Dylan says that they don't really hang out together and when they are around each other, they avoid contact. Oh I am so hopeful that it is all over. I got a lot of support from friends on this. I did get a couple of people thinking I should just have let it alone. Oh hell no! I do believe that if possible, yes my kids should fight their own battles. But I will step in when my kid is sick cause of it and getting punched. If people don't like it tough. These are MY kids not yours. I get to make the decisions not you. I will do what I think is best regardless of what everyone else thinks. There, just had to get that out. Dylan is back to the fun loving, sweet boy he was before this whole mess. I love it! I was so proud of him yesterday. He told me that there was a boy and a girl fighting. The boy reached up and was going to punch the girl. Dylan and his friend, Jared, got in front of the girl, and protected her. How awesome is that? My little boy is amazing. No wonder the teacher says he is so liked at school. Colton is doing good. He is over all his ailments it seems. He is asserting himself well. He has learned that in order to make it with his older siblings, he is going to have to make his wants well known. Chloe is loving school and is thriving. She is so smart! A little pain in the ass most of the time, but beautiful and smart. It is so fun to watch them all grow. Learn new things and to think, "Wow, those beautiful creatures are MINE!" I swear there is nothing better in this world.

As for me, I am alive and well. I am getting used to some new glasses. I have had them about a month, and wonder, "why didn't I get them sooner?" I haven't lost anymore weight, but I haven't gained any either. I love it. I love feeling healthy. I love seeing myself now compared to a year ago and thinking, "DAMN! I am HOT!" Little more ways to go, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Then I can be Tom's "trophy wife" HAHA! Yea right!

The Situation

I have learned, that parenting is a blood sport. It is not for the timid. The whole process will overwhelm you and eat you alive if you show any form of weakness. I am learning that every day. Particularly when it comes to Dylan. Since he is my oldest, I get to experience everything for the first time with him. I realize my last post talked about how he is thriving. For the most part he is. But recently, I have had to deal with the "bully" problem. I know we all deal with these weenies at least once in our lifetimes, but it doesn't prepare you for when it happens to your kid. There is one boy in Dylan's class that fits the stereotypical mold of a bully. He is bigger than his classmates and is an angry child. Last week, on a Monday, Dylan came home and said he wasn't feeling good. I could tell something else was going on so I forced it out of him. This kid was pushing him around. Ok, we will take care of it, but not that huge of a deal right? I wasn't that worried. The next day, Dylan convinced me that he was sick and so I let him stay home. The next day, Wednesday, I was prepared to make him go to school and face it head on, but he was throwing up he was so upset. I called the school and talked to his teacher who said that she would talk to him and his parents and try to get this taken care of. She told me that it wasn't just Dylan, that Steven has had issues with a lot of kids and that he does have a problem. OK, so Dylan went to school on Thursday. Nothing happened. Friday rolled around and Dylan had a birthday party for his friend. I was highly reluctant on letting him go, because this bully, Steven, would be there, and he had threatened to "tear Dylan to pieces" if Dylan went. It was at an inflatable play place and Dylan so wanted to go regardless. And I realized, I can't let some little pain in the ass dictate what my kid could do. So I took him, and then called his Dad, because I didn't want him to be there without one of us watching. Tom had been a bit concerned about all of this so he said he would go. Apparently this Steven kid was relentless with Dylan, hitting, pushing and even sitting on him. Tom is friends with the birthday boys Dad, and so the Dad sent some bigger kids over to teach him a lesson. We both agreed. BAD IDEA! We don't condone that, but what do you do?

Well on Monday, Dylan had some issues and managed to get himself into a spat of trouble, but it wasn't a big deal. I discussed the situation with the teacher and she was trying so hard, but Steven has anger issues. YOU THINK?!?!?! Tuesday was uneventful, and I thought, "Maybe it is over with." Well yesterday, was the last straw. Dylan came into the house and with tears in his eyes said, "I just had the worst day of my life!" I asked what had happened, and Dylan said that Steven and another kid cornered him on the playground punched him three times in the back and then smacked him on the side of the head. Retaliation for what had happened at the party despite the fact that Tom and Dylan hadn't done anything. That was it for me, I was pissed off, sorry, but I was. No one beats on my kid without Mama Bear coming out. I called the Principal this time. I had numerous conversations with the teacher and she was doing all she could, but it just wasn't working. I waited about a half an hour so I could calm down. I told the Principal about it and he was reassuring that he would get to work on it. If he can't make it stop then we will have a group meeting with the parents of this little jackass. Well Dylan just got home and I asked him how the conversation with Principal Taylor went and he said good. He thinks that they can now be friends. I am wary, but I have to have faith in my Son. He is a good, smart kid so I told him, "I don't want you playing with him, please be careful." I certainly hope this is the end of it. Otherwise I will be having a showdown with his parents and I guarantee I will be relentless until this kid learns his lesson.
I had asked Dylan's teacher, "You said he had lots of friends?!" She said, "He does, I think he is the most liked kid in this classroom which is probably why Steven is jealous and wants to hurt Dylan." We gave Dylan permission to defend himself and whomp this kids ass, but that isn't in his nature. Dylan is such a tender and sweet soul. We do want him to fight his own battles, but when it gets physical we have to make it stop. Maybe I am overprotective but bullying is not something I tolerate either towards or from my kids Chloe will probably end up on the other side of the situation, Lord help us all! We have decided that we will have his Uncle Cameron teach him karate, since he is a 3rd degree black belt. Maybe that will give him the confidence and ability to defend himself when need be but the discipline to not use it unless he has to.
And if that wasn't enough, my baby isn't feeling well. I knew he had a cold but it developed into an ear/throat infection which caused a ruptured ear drum with all that fun gunk coming out of his ears. This also developed impetigo under his nose and he had grabbed my professional grade curling iron so he has a nice burn on his hand. I took him to the doctor to get treated, and said, "CPS isn't going to show up are they?" He laughed and said, "I think all kids grab the curling iron at least once!" Well, true, all three of mine have done it now. But this poor kid looks so sad. A red ear with stuff coming out, an upper lip and nose that is bloody and red, and a nice big burn on his hand. And then paying for all the prescription meds for this kid, all I can say is WHOA MAMA! Even WITH insurance. LOL. But that is the life of a parent. And with all the headache, stress and bloodshed, I love it. My kids are my world, and they bring us so much happiness.

Oh the joys of parenthood.

Today and yesterday were my S.E.P conferences with my kids' teachers. These are your basic Parent teacher conferences. Yesterday was Dylan. I met with his teacher. There isn't much change. He is super smart, just can't seem to handle the pressure. He is a bit immature due to the fact that he barely made the cut off point for his enrollment. So he is younger than his peers. However that is improving. He is making progress. Whew. His teacher pointed out that he does have one or two eccentric behaviors, but for the most part he is growing. Reading and spelling tend to be his struggling points. Science and math he is very good at. I have come to the conclusion that I will push him, but not too hard. I have decided that he will learn at his own pace, and when he isn't under pressure, it is amazing how well he does. I asked her how he was doing socially, and she told me that she can't think of anyone who doesn't like him. He has lots of friends and is always playing well with others. YAY DYLAN!! My only complaint about his teacher is that she talks to me like I am an idiot. I counted five times that she said, "I don't know if you can understand this but...." It was so annoying. Oh well, maybe the other parents aren't able to grasp it. But really I do have an I.Q. higher than a peanut!

Today was Chloes conference. She is doing exceptionally well. School was made for this kid. She loves it so much, she gets upset that she is out early this week. And she also wants to stay all day. LOL. Makes me happy to see my kids so eager to learn. Her teacher said that she remembered suggesting that she should go into extended day Kindergarten. She didn't test at level. That was because she refused to answer questions. I told the teacher, "Just wait. She is a sponge and I guarantee she can handle it." I was right. She is high above level in many areas. GO CHLOE!! AND she is behaving herself! I had warned her teacher at the beginning of the year, that her attitude leaves a lot to be desired. But, there have been no problems with her so far. Why in the world can't that child be that way at home?!?!? Here she is a raging little turd, there she is an angel?!?!

All in all, I am very proud of my kids. They are thriving and as a Mom it makes me feel good and like I am doing something right with them. I am sure you other parents can understand the feeling of second guessing yourself constantly. When you get those little reassurances that they are great kids, it makes you feel pretty prideful.