Well, it's here. The big day. The emotional day. The closing of a chapter and the ending of a season in our lives. Two major milestones in our lives will be reached today. And to be gut honest with you, I'm an emotional basketcase.
As Chad and Brennan both got in Chad's car this morning, I realized I was sending 2 of my favorite people out as always, but they would come back home today with a finished chapter in their books. Today is Brennan's last day of kindergarten. And today is also Chad's last day at the accounting firm where he has worked for the last (almost) 6 years.
Everyone who has read my blog for the past year knows how emotional and upset I was when Brennan started kindergarten. It was a HUGE step. Brennan had never been outside of our home under anyone else's care. Not to mention he was growing up entirely too fast. Now after a blur of a year, he is on his way to first grade. We were blessed with 2 wonderful teachers and I couldn't have asked for better. Brennan blossomed and grew mentally and learned so much in such a short time. Of course, now I'll be worrying all over again because first grade will be another big step and will be much different than kindergarten. I guess I will just be going through these same emotions every year. It's tough being a parent. I think it's officially the hardest, most challenging, and most emotional job out there.
Yesterday Brennan's teachers sent home a slide show DVD that they had made from pictures taken of the class throughout the year. I didn't get home until late last night, so I discovered it this morning. Of course, I had to watch it. His teachers did a GREAT job. They started the DVD with an individual picture of each kid from the first week of school. Then it progressed through the months. The songs were even tear-jerkers. It was complete with Miley Cyrus and "The Climb", Alvin and the Chimpunks singing "We are Family", "Smile" by Uncle Kracker, "The Hamster Dance", and Garth Brooks singing "The Dance". (It was a musically well rounded CD!) Some of those songs had me holding back my tears watching the kids smiling in the video. I know that Brennan and I will both treasure that DVD 10 years down the road. I am so grateful that his teachers are so thoughtful like that.
And back to Chad. He's not an overly emotional person. I guess you could say that he's a typical man. I've never really seen him cry or get too upset about anything. He's one of these that holds his emotions in and doesn't bother anyone with them. Including this week. He has been so distracted and very quiet and almost sad. He's upset about leaving his job. EVEN THOUGH he has a better position and better pay waiting on him. He's grown to love his job, has had a lot of great experiences, he's comfortable there, and he's developed a lot of relationships. So now he's just going through that phase of "Did I make the right decision?" and "Did I really do what God wanted me to do, or was I listening too much to the $$$ signs?" I've been trying my best to encourage him with my words and advice and prayer. Changing jobs is never easy. He's entering new territory and I know he has a lot of doubts about how successful he will be and if he will even like his new place of employment. I believe without a doubt that God gave him this opportunity and God's not going to forsake him. It's a new, scary season for Chad AND for me as I try to offer support. It's a new chapter, a new experience, and something we can only take one day at a time and one prayer at a time.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Book review....
Chad got me this book for our anniversary. I am in love with this book. Billy Graham wrote this book originally in 1992. It has been totally revised and updated. Franklin Graham did the forward in March 2010 and Billy Graham added a new introduction in February 2010. It is VERY fascinating. It sheds light on everything the Bible has prophesied about the end times and the warning signs given to us and exactly how they relate to what we see every time we turn on the news or pick up the newspaper. I don't know if you feel like me, but it seems like just the past year has been more violent than ever. And by violent, I mean the Earth having these "labor pains" that the Bible warns us about. Again, I tell you this book is FASCINATING. The book of Revelation is very hard to understand and interpret, but this book really explains it so well. And of course, as always, the Rev. Graham puts it so easily into words. From the way this book is written and updated in each chapter, you would never guess that he is 91 years old. His thoughts and his heart are just as clear and passionate as ever.
Happy Birthday, Brennan!!!
Brennan's birthday cake from Saturday. Not the cutest cake on the block, but there wasn't a bite left of it after the party! (Thank goodness for ME!)
I took mini cupcakes to Brennan's class today.
They love to have their pictures taken.
They BOTH wanted to have a picture made.
Brennan is eating his cupcake!
Brennan's teachers. I love, love, LOVE these women!!!! They are angels!
Brennan got a grill for his birthday. Ethan likes it, too. So they fight over it.
Still fighting.
Papaw giving Brennan a dollar bill with the number 10 on it.
Brennan looks so enthused to have his picture taken with me, doesn't he?
Monday, May 17, 2010
ADHD
It's the last week of school and my son just had to get one last note sent home this week. (At least I hope it's the last one of the school year, since there are only 4 1/2 days left.) I am trying to decide how I am going to make it through this summer. I think it's going to take a lot of prayer. Who am I kidding? I KNOW it's going to take a lot of prayer. I told my mom it was almost a little ironic that he got a note sent home because I had actually planned on blogging about this subject.
So, the other day I was just having a conversation with one of our patients who has 2 grown children. One of her children is a boy (or I guess a man now.) After talking for a few minutes we got on the subject of how hyperactive her son was growing up. She said she almost didn't think she would survive his childhood. He stayed in trouble all the time and couldn't focus on anything and had an unbelievable amount of energy. I told her that's exactly where I am now with my son. There are some days I literally get overwhelmed with the thought of knowing I have a minimum of 13 years left correcting his behavior and controlling his hyperactive outbursts and disciplining him NONSTOP.
I feel like every waking second of my day from the time my oldest gets out of bed in the morning to the time he says his bedtime prayers and goes to bed, is spent hollering and fussing and nagging and and taking toys away and putting him in timeout and spanking him and being constantly frustrated at him. The other day one of my Facebook friends posted something on her status that really got to me and quite frankly, made me angry. I had a very hard time keeping my mouth shut and several of you know how hard that is for me. Apparently she had gone to a children's seminar and the speaker was some sort of doctor. His philosophy was that children don't have ADD, but that the parent's have a discipline problem--- the child's behavior always stems from lack of discipline. My friend thought he was preaching nothing but the gospel truth. This is wrong on so many levels and it sent my blood pressure through the roof.
I worked at a daycare all through high school and college. I was always saying, "My child will NEVER act like that." or "If my child ever behaved that way, I would........." I had everyone else's child figured out. And I had the parents lack of discipline figured out. As far as I was concerned, I could have written a book and all of these other parents who seemed to lack common sense could turn me into a millionaire because they would all want a copy of my book that had all the answers as to why their child was acting like a wild banshee.
Well, back to the conversation with my patient. She looked at me, and she said, "Mandy, if I can offer you any words of encouragement, let me say this: I thought we would never make it through his childhood. But, sadly enough he still grew up too fast. But he also did something very positive with all of his energy. He became a youth minister." When she said that I just wanted to deflate and cry. I told her she had NO IDEA how much I NEEDED to hear that. Brennan is a child after God's own heart. He loves going to church, and not just to play with his friends. He LOVES learning about Bible stories and he soaks it up like a sponge. Just last night he asked to go to sleep with his Bible. He wanted to "read" his Bible while he fell asleep. Every night Chad and Brennan do a devotion. It is the highlight of Brennan's evening. Brennan has a tender heart and is such a loving, caring, giving child.
Brennan has not been officially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, I know the day is coming. I had a brother who grew up with ADHD. And I've also researched it myself. The symptoms are all the same. For him, it's more than him "just being a boy". I don't ever want to medicate my child, but I've come to the realization that it's either going to be him or me. He has his 6 year check-up coming up. I've already decided to talk to his doctor about his behavior and the best way I should handle it at this point. I'm also going to get really creative about how to work out a summer schedule so that he's occupied all day long. So please, for all you naysayers out there who don't believe in a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, just keep your mouth closed until you have walked a mile in my shoes. Or any other parent's shoes who have to deal with this on a daily basis. Yes, there is a lot of controversy surrounding medicating children, and in the 90's it seemed to be a big thing to diagnose every child with a form of ADD. However I think now doctors and pediatricians have done their homework and aren't quite so quick to medicate every energetic child that comes in the doors. Just pray for me. And for Brennan. I'm being very serious when I suggest prayers, too.
So, the other day I was just having a conversation with one of our patients who has 2 grown children. One of her children is a boy (or I guess a man now.) After talking for a few minutes we got on the subject of how hyperactive her son was growing up. She said she almost didn't think she would survive his childhood. He stayed in trouble all the time and couldn't focus on anything and had an unbelievable amount of energy. I told her that's exactly where I am now with my son. There are some days I literally get overwhelmed with the thought of knowing I have a minimum of 13 years left correcting his behavior and controlling his hyperactive outbursts and disciplining him NONSTOP.
I feel like every waking second of my day from the time my oldest gets out of bed in the morning to the time he says his bedtime prayers and goes to bed, is spent hollering and fussing and nagging and and taking toys away and putting him in timeout and spanking him and being constantly frustrated at him. The other day one of my Facebook friends posted something on her status that really got to me and quite frankly, made me angry. I had a very hard time keeping my mouth shut and several of you know how hard that is for me. Apparently she had gone to a children's seminar and the speaker was some sort of doctor. His philosophy was that children don't have ADD, but that the parent's have a discipline problem--- the child's behavior always stems from lack of discipline. My friend thought he was preaching nothing but the gospel truth. This is wrong on so many levels and it sent my blood pressure through the roof.
I worked at a daycare all through high school and college. I was always saying, "My child will NEVER act like that." or "If my child ever behaved that way, I would........." I had everyone else's child figured out. And I had the parents lack of discipline figured out. As far as I was concerned, I could have written a book and all of these other parents who seemed to lack common sense could turn me into a millionaire because they would all want a copy of my book that had all the answers as to why their child was acting like a wild banshee.
Well, back to the conversation with my patient. She looked at me, and she said, "Mandy, if I can offer you any words of encouragement, let me say this: I thought we would never make it through his childhood. But, sadly enough he still grew up too fast. But he also did something very positive with all of his energy. He became a youth minister." When she said that I just wanted to deflate and cry. I told her she had NO IDEA how much I NEEDED to hear that. Brennan is a child after God's own heart. He loves going to church, and not just to play with his friends. He LOVES learning about Bible stories and he soaks it up like a sponge. Just last night he asked to go to sleep with his Bible. He wanted to "read" his Bible while he fell asleep. Every night Chad and Brennan do a devotion. It is the highlight of Brennan's evening. Brennan has a tender heart and is such a loving, caring, giving child.
Brennan has not been officially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, I know the day is coming. I had a brother who grew up with ADHD. And I've also researched it myself. The symptoms are all the same. For him, it's more than him "just being a boy". I don't ever want to medicate my child, but I've come to the realization that it's either going to be him or me. He has his 6 year check-up coming up. I've already decided to talk to his doctor about his behavior and the best way I should handle it at this point. I'm also going to get really creative about how to work out a summer schedule so that he's occupied all day long. So please, for all you naysayers out there who don't believe in a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, just keep your mouth closed until you have walked a mile in my shoes. Or any other parent's shoes who have to deal with this on a daily basis. Yes, there is a lot of controversy surrounding medicating children, and in the 90's it seemed to be a big thing to diagnose every child with a form of ADD. However I think now doctors and pediatricians have done their homework and aren't quite so quick to medicate every energetic child that comes in the doors. Just pray for me. And for Brennan. I'm being very serious when I suggest prayers, too.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Brennan's bday.
What's this, you ask? Well, there is a story behind why I took a picture of my van with the hood up.
And why Chad didn't want me harassing him with the camera.
So here's the story: I always nag Chad for picking the most INCONVENIENT times to do things that would otherwise be convenient and productive at the appropriate times. For example, (and yes, he's really done this) cleaning out the junk drawer when company is coming in half an hour and the rest of the house looks like a declaration of disaster.
Well, the van's air has been making a hissing noise for the past few weeks. The air still worked JUST FINE. Chad didn't like the hissing noise, so he decided to go get some freon and add more to the van. "Oh, no big deal", he says. "Ten minutes or less." Remember that old saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Well, there's a reason someone came up with that saying. I'm sure it had something to do with a wise, intelligent, beautiful young wife as she's rolling her eyes at her husband for fixing something that just wasn't broken.
Long story short, my laid back, carefree, easy going husband was hacked off at everything that stood in his way. After an unneeded $60 being spent, two trips to the auto parts store and half the day wasted away, my point was proven. DON'T TOUCH IT if you don't need to! I'm the one who drives that vehicle 90% of the time. I have not complained once about the air.
So, all this progressed as we were getting ready for Brennan's birthday party.
We made it to the party after all the drama of the day. We had so much fun and I hope the other children and parents did too.
Mrs. Lori, the art teacher, giving the kids instructions on making a piece of pottery.
Ethan crawling around on the floor with his cousin, Caroline.
MiMi and Brennan working hard.
Look at the concentration on Brennan's face.
I think Brennan decided to sit back at this point and let Mama handle the rest.
The finished pieces, ready to harden and be fired.
Mrs. Lori did some beautiful face painting, and even some full arm painting on the kids. I am going to post some pics of the other children on her ArtWorks Studio blog.
Brennan had a birthday cake painted on his face.
Even when we got home there were more presents to be opened. I would NEVER call my kid rotten or spoiled. (Is there a sarcasm button on this computer?)
His big present from Mama and Daddy, MiMi and Papaw, and Nana and Papa.
Like he really needs a trampoline. I never had one growing up and I turned out just fine.
Oh yes. More presents. His MiMi got a keyboard for him. He wanted a piano, but #1, he has never had a lesson and #2, we have no money for a piano, and #3 we have no room for a piano. We hardly have a place to put this thing.
We had a good party. It was the least stress of any party I've done for Brennan and that is saying a lot. I think the parents and the kids had a good time making some art yesterday.
Also, check out some additional pictures on the ArtWorks Studio blog.
http://artworksstudios.blogspot.com
We had a good party. It was the least stress of any party I've done for Brennan and that is saying a lot. I think the parents and the kids had a good time making some art yesterday.
Also, check out some additional pictures on the ArtWorks Studio blog.
http://artworksstudios.blogspot.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
5 Friday Facts
#1. I said this year I would keep Brennan's birthday party simple. Maybe a trip to Chuck E Cheese's, a movie with a friend, or just having a Brennan day. I guess I lied to myself. Brennan's birthdays used to get me EXCITED. I would literally have his party planned in January. Last year and this year I just can't get into it. It must be because I'm having issues with him getting one year older each birthday. I mean, seriously, he's on his way to first grade this fall. When did I blink and where did the last 6 years of my life go?
So we are having a party. Granted, I hope it's not as stressful as I fear it might be. We are having it at the art studio where he takes lessons and have invited a limited amount of kids. I would have loved to have invited his whole class in school and at church, but paying $10 a kid adds up extremely fast.
#2. I made Brennan's birthday cake. I thought it would do 2 things: Save me money. And save me stress. Only it had the opposite effect. It cost the same amount of money by the time I bought all the decorations for the cake, and I just spent my ENTIRE day decorating this cake that not only fell apart as I was transferring it, but it looks pretty tacky. But I'm okay with that. A room full of 6 year old kids don't care. Brennan's already informed me what piece will be his.
#3. When I checked Brennan's binder last night, he had made a piece of art. It was white chalk on black paper. He had written "I love Jeses." (Jesus) I didn't get home until after he was asleep last night, so when I asked him about it at breakfast this morning, he said, "Mama, I made that just for Jesus. And I know that Jesus can see it, because he looks down on everything I do". So sweet. I pray everyday that he can stay on fire for God.
#4. The Miller allergies are KILLING me. I don't suffer from them directly, but the rest of my household does. Therefore I DO suffer from them. Chad, Brennan, and Ethan spend the first hour of their day coughing, sneezing, and snotting everywhere. I hand out allergy medicine like it's candy around here. And to top if off, Ethan has a really bad cough that stems from his allergies. The doctor considers it "allergy induced asthma". He has to take that expensive drug, Singulair. I'd rather fight a bucking bull than try to get him to take it all at night.
#5. I am dreading summer a little bit. I love my children, but Ethan is enough of a pistol at home all day. Brennan added into that mix is going to make me need some happy pills. I'm trying to find some inexpensive things to keep Brennan occupied for 3 months so that we don't kill each other. I'm thinking about making up a schedule for each day and doing activities each day at certain times--- like reading, play-doh (even though it makes me gag), art, a movie, etc., etc.
Happy Weekend!!!!
So we are having a party. Granted, I hope it's not as stressful as I fear it might be. We are having it at the art studio where he takes lessons and have invited a limited amount of kids. I would have loved to have invited his whole class in school and at church, but paying $10 a kid adds up extremely fast.
#2. I made Brennan's birthday cake. I thought it would do 2 things: Save me money. And save me stress. Only it had the opposite effect. It cost the same amount of money by the time I bought all the decorations for the cake, and I just spent my ENTIRE day decorating this cake that not only fell apart as I was transferring it, but it looks pretty tacky. But I'm okay with that. A room full of 6 year old kids don't care. Brennan's already informed me what piece will be his.
#3. When I checked Brennan's binder last night, he had made a piece of art. It was white chalk on black paper. He had written "I love Jeses." (Jesus) I didn't get home until after he was asleep last night, so when I asked him about it at breakfast this morning, he said, "Mama, I made that just for Jesus. And I know that Jesus can see it, because he looks down on everything I do". So sweet. I pray everyday that he can stay on fire for God.
#4. The Miller allergies are KILLING me. I don't suffer from them directly, but the rest of my household does. Therefore I DO suffer from them. Chad, Brennan, and Ethan spend the first hour of their day coughing, sneezing, and snotting everywhere. I hand out allergy medicine like it's candy around here. And to top if off, Ethan has a really bad cough that stems from his allergies. The doctor considers it "allergy induced asthma". He has to take that expensive drug, Singulair. I'd rather fight a bucking bull than try to get him to take it all at night.
#5. I am dreading summer a little bit. I love my children, but Ethan is enough of a pistol at home all day. Brennan added into that mix is going to make me need some happy pills. I'm trying to find some inexpensive things to keep Brennan occupied for 3 months so that we don't kill each other. I'm thinking about making up a schedule for each day and doing activities each day at certain times--- like reading, play-doh (even though it makes me gag), art, a movie, etc., etc.
Happy Weekend!!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Irby
I should probably really keep my mouth shut on this one, but yet I can't. With all this media coverage on the crash that killed 2 doctors and involving the Irby's, it's just become too much. Yes, I believe Karen deserves time for what she did. However, I also believe that Stuart Irby deserves his time behind bars, too. It is very apparent just from looking at Karen and comparing photos of her from before the crash right up until her mugshot from today, that this has taken it's toll on her. What she did will haunt her for the rest of her life. Do I think she was legally drunk when she crossed that median? Yes, I do. Do I think Stuart was initiating some sort of violent tirade when she crossed that median? Yes, I do. Do I think Karen has been afraid to speak out until now? Yes, I do. I'm not saying she should not do time. She definitely should. But, if Stuart was a passenger in the car at the time of the accident, regardless of who he is, where he comes from or how much money he has, he should be held just as reliable.
This story and this situation is so heart breaking. Nobody wins. The 2 deceased victims will have family and friends to mourn their deaths for a long time to come. The Irby's have children who will not get to see their Mama the way children should and NEED to. Karen will not get to see her daughters grow up. This proves that no one should be above the law. A socialite in Jackson,who on the surface, seemed like everything was always perfect and together, is now in a situation none of us could imagine ourselves in. Yes, Karen made a terrible decision. We all have. This could have just as easily been one of us in our weaker moments at a weak time in our lives. It would be untruthful to say differently. My heart breaks for her and for her children.
I pray that Stuart can soften his heart and realize what kind of damage has been done. It's none of my business as to where he is mentally, emotionally, or spiritually in his life. But, I only pray he can get his act together before it's too late.
This story and this situation is so heart breaking. Nobody wins. The 2 deceased victims will have family and friends to mourn their deaths for a long time to come. The Irby's have children who will not get to see their Mama the way children should and NEED to. Karen will not get to see her daughters grow up. This proves that no one should be above the law. A socialite in Jackson,who on the surface, seemed like everything was always perfect and together, is now in a situation none of us could imagine ourselves in. Yes, Karen made a terrible decision. We all have. This could have just as easily been one of us in our weaker moments at a weak time in our lives. It would be untruthful to say differently. My heart breaks for her and for her children.
I pray that Stuart can soften his heart and realize what kind of damage has been done. It's none of my business as to where he is mentally, emotionally, or spiritually in his life. But, I only pray he can get his act together before it's too late.
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