What would you do?

Has anyone ever watched the ABC show "What Would You Do?" in which a carefully scripted scene is acted out to see what onlookers and bystanders would do?  What would you do if you saw a man verbally abusing a woman in a park?  Or a woman criticized her daughter's body and calls her "fat"?  Or a child screaming at the top of their lungs that the person taking them is NOT their parent.  What would you do if, one day at school drop off, a fellow parent slumps to the floor and enters a full-on seizure?  

I am epileptic.  A condition that I was not diagnosed with until well into my 20's.  And this past week after dropping Maya & Riley off at school, I collapsed halfway down a flight of stairs and had a seizure.  Obviously my family and close friends know my condition, but I am sure it was QUITE a shock for the fellow parents I was walking and taking with at the time.  Not knowing my condition, they called 911 and I was quickly attended to.  They took great care to make sure Teagan was safe and that Bill was called.  While my condition is generally controlled very well by medication, for whatever reason....Tuesday was a day that my brain short-circuited.  I am grateful I was in a safe place (what better place to be than a Catholic School/church) and that those friends I was with kept calm and took control of the situation. 

In having a conversation with a good friend of mine in the days after (one who has known of my condition since I was diagnosed) she asked me "what should I do if I am ever with you and you do have a seizure?"  I guess I didn't realize that not everyone would know what to do. 

You might be surprised to find out the people around you that are affected by a disease, syndrome or condition that is potentially life threatening.  How prepared are we to care for a seizure, a diabetic who goes into shock, a stroke victim, someone having a heart attack?  I guess it was a wake-up call to me to make sure people around me did know what to do. 

From the website epilepsy.com here is a list of general First-Aid items for a seizure victim:

1. Stay calm, most seizures only last a few minutes (although to an onlooker it may seem like forever!)
2. Prevent injury by moving any nearby objects out of the way
3. Pay attention to the length of the seizure
4. Make the person as comfortable as possible
5. Keep onlookers away
6. DO NOT hold the person down
7. DO NOT put anything in the person's mouth
8. DO NOT give the person water, pills or food until they are fully alert
9. If the seizure continues longer than 5 MINUTES, call 911
10. Be sensitive and supportive, and ask others to do the same

Epilepsy and seizures were not something that ever crossed my mind until I was diagnosed in 2002 with a seizure disorder.  Diabetes is not something I gave much thought to until my nephew was diagnosed with several juvenile diabetes a few years ago.  If you take the time to learn some simple first aid, then it may make all the difference in some one's life.   

I have epilepsy, it doesn't have me!  And I'll do what I can to help educate anyone who has questions.  And I'll take the time to learn about some other afflictions that may impact someone I know and care about.  What would you do?  What would you want someone to do for you?

Soundtrack of our life

It's Wednesday!  The day where, from 9 am-2pm, the girls are left with the sitter and I have freedom.  You know, "mom freedom" where I can cram in groceries, banking, the post office, accountant, Sam's Club....etc in peace.  There are days like today where I get some "real" time and get a mani/pedi and a little fun shopping.  No matter the errands I do on Wednesdays, I just love the 30 minute drive to Canton and back to listen to whatever I want in the truck.  No movies on the DVD player.  No Radio Disney on Sirius.  Me music!!! 

I was thinking today as my iPhone shuffled between Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Imagine Dragons, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha (hey, don't judge!!!) just how important music is in our lives.  Instrumental, in fact (pun intended!)

Growing up, music was such an important part of our family.  Everyone in our family could sing (or at least most everyone).  We sang in the church choir, the school choir or musicals.  We even sang grace.  Several family members have made music their profession.  I love how music can wrap you up and take control.  I love how it has the power to change your mood from lazy to energized or it can give you solace and let you lay around in melancholy dismay.  Music sets the mood in movies and TV shows and can be a great tool for teaching children.  My 2 & 4 year olds know their planets and what a dodecahedron is from a song on the iPad!!!  Don't tell me music isn't entertaining.....just watch Teagan's interpretation of Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime performance!

So, what grabs YOU about music? 

Within my play list alone I never grow tired of the songs that literally give me chills from the sentiment even though I've heard them thousands of time. 

The heartfelt lyrics and simplistic melody of a piano or acoustic guitar of a ballad.  (FYI, men who play either of those instruments are HOT, so just in case my husband wants to take up either.....)

The pulsating rhythm of a good dance beat that makes a workout go easier.

The driving beat of a base drum line (call it the marching band influence).

The power and soul of a classic rock anthem.

The songs that make you think of good friends.  Past loves.  The song you danced to at your wedding.  Or even just your kids singing in the Christmas program. 

If our lives were a movie and they were building the soundtrack, what would be on it?  It's hard to say based on just some of the artists I mentioned above.  But at least there would be music.  What fun is a "mom freedom" day if I can't turn up the tunes and rock out a little!  Next time you pull up to a stop light and the person in the car next to you is rocking out, singing and having a great time....give them a thumbs up and turn your music up too.  Might as well start compiling the list for your soundtrack.  Who cares what the music is, as long as their is music!! 

Golden Griddle

Sometimes, its really hard to write what's on your mind and in your heart. 

Tomorrow marks the 12-year anniversary of the day we lost my grandpa Stan.  Seems like forever.  It seems like yesterday.  I miss him all the time.  Not just on his birthday, or every February 6th or special holidays.  I miss him every October when we make Apple Butter and when the farmers turn fields in the spring.  I miss him when we sing "The Old Rugged Cross" in church and when I hear someone repeat one of his jokes (for the thousandth time).  When I see Bill fishing with the girls and when we sing the Doxology for grace at family meals.  When I make beef & noodles (with vinegar, of course) and when I sit in his blue chair. 

I could use this anniversary to be sad about all the great times I've missed with him over the past 12 years, or I can use it to be grateful for the amazing times we had in the 23 years before.  For the way he instilled the importance of family, faith, friendship in all of us.  For someone who loved life. For the way he made it happen...in spite of hard times or bad days.  And for his laugh. 

Tomorrow will be a good day.  As with any anniversary, it seems like a fitting time for a little celebration.  A day to celebrate life and love, and not focus so much on the sad.

So, those of you that know my grandpa....join me in a little "golden griddle".  You see, you just pull up the top.....and squeeeeezzzzeeeeee it in the middle.

This too shall pass

I think we've possibly all experienced something in our lives that has just made us want to give up.  Throw in the towel.  Forget it.  Maybe it's financial or work stress.  Relationship struggles.  Friendship drama.  The loss of something/someone great.  And a well meaning family member or friend will walk up to you, give you a hug or pat on the back and say "this too shall pass".

 

It's kind of like that with raising kids.  Thankfully I had wonderful pregnancies both times, but others aren't so lucky.  Those that fought with morning sickness or heartburn or worse were reminded that in just a few short months they would be holding their little one and it would all be worth it.  And then the day came and you weren't sure you'd last delivery, but the nurses said....just a few more minutes and you'll get to meet your little baby girl (or boy).  Be it middle of the night feedings, the terrible two's, potty training, sickness that runs rampant (and a whole host of other things I have yet to experience with my girls) we fight, kick and claw to survive and not to pull our hair out in giant handfuls.  And we are reminded by others (and ourselves) that this too shall pass.

 

Because here is the thing about kids.  They grow up. 

 

BUT, here's the thing....

 

Kids.  Grow.  Up.

 

Think about it.  For every trial, obstacle and hair-pulling day....there are exponentially more days that make you laugh, and give you joy and make you beam with pride. 

 

They aren't going to be this age forever... 

 

Maya & Riley, 9/12/08, 8 days old

 

They aren't going to do this very long...





Teagan and Daddy, 12/9/10, 6 months old



So, yes, this ALL will pass.  It already has.  In the blink of an eye it seems.   And it makes me sad.  And it makes me happy.  And it makes me want to slow down time and make every crazy, hair-pulling day last.  Because one day the house will be way too quiet.  And I'll long for the days when we survived by the skin of our teeth.    

Terrible, trying, testing, tiring Two's

I've never really placed much emphasis on the "terrible two's".  Lots of people actually say the 2's are fine, it's the 3's that'll get ya.  Well, either those people had very little patience with their toddlers or I had the best twins ever!  Maya and Riley were a dream during their 2's and 3's.  They were so inquisitive and funny and playful.  A bad day was just that, a bad day.  Those were isolated and few and far between and definitely not what I'd consider to be "terrible" at all.  For goodness sake, we all have days with meltdowns....even in our 30's!  The twins turned four this fall and their independence continued to grow as they start school and I just couldn't help but pat myself on the back a little for sailing through my first two kids unscathed.  I was in the middle of writing my acceptance speech for mom-of-the-year......

...and then Teagan turned about 2 years and 3 months (right about the time Maya & Riley started school this fall) and my world came crashing down around me.  She is the Tasmanian devil.....and in her swirling vortex of chaos she has entrapped her sisters and brought them along for the ride.  Heaven help me!

I have potty trained and re-potty trained that kid about 3 times since July.  She has a potty mouth of late and lets and occasional explicit word fly or likes to "potty talk".  She is forever the instigator with her sisters and does stuff to them just to be mean.  Our once fun and easy-going family meals have been replaced with constant reprimands and threats and often times her leaving the table with all of us in disgust over another frustrating evening.  I think I say "sit down and take a bite" about 84 times during any given meal.  She rarely sleeps through the night anymore or she is awake at shortly after 6am and stays awake even though since 8 weeks she's slept a solid  11 hours/night 99% of the time.  She gets Maya and Riley worked up and then the 3 of them totally gang up on me or Bill or whatever.  She is headstrong.  And BOY does she have a TEMPER! 

I mean look at her, she marches to the beat of her own drummer....obviously!

So do I have little patience with my toddler?  Or did having Maya & Riley first set the bar too high?

I know that not every child has the same demeanor, even children in the same family, raised by the same parents with the same parenting philosophy.  It's not like I had my first kids a decade ago and now I am just older and more of a lax parent when it comes to stuff which may have triggered different behavior in her.  Time outs have proven ineffective.  Taking away toys and privileges just lead to uber meltdowns.  And swats to the behind seem to slide right off like I stood there and dumped water on a duck's back. 

Some say it's just a phase. 

Others say she's testing me. 

I say "would YOU like to take her for awhile?" 

So, it is what it is until we figure out what to do.  I guess.  I will continue to show her acceptable behavior and certainly not tolerate outright disobedience or dangerous actions.  I hope that this is short-lived or she may find herself grounded from her Senior prom before she enters pre-K. 

But the best part is knowing that she's only going to be this age for a short while.  She's still my lovey, snugly TT.  She still gives me the biggest hugs and says "I love you mommy, you're my beeessst friend".  She still crawls in bed with me on weekend mornings and give kisses and she still wants to be a big helper with dishes, laundry, playing games or whatever.  She is testing me.  This is just a phase.  This is probably also just her attempting to be more independent like her big sisters and making sure she's not forgotten.  But how we ALL treat this time in her life will help her become the person she is meant to be.  Not every kid is perfect.  Not every parent will be mom-of-the year.  But we are who we are because of each other and in spite of what may happen for a few months or a year out of our lives. 

I mean, come on, any kid that watches TV hugging her rocking horse deserves to be cut a little slack...

(But maybe you could cut me some slack if you see me some day and I look a little worn out.  Thanks in advance!) 

Up for the challenge

What challenges you?  It can be BIG or small, but if it's important to you, it's a challenge just the same.  Recently I have been beating myself up lately for falling so ridiculously far behind on my scrap booking.  I love to do it, I love the memories I can just flip through anytime I want.  I started scrap booking back in the early 2000's.  I spent countless hours with some amazing friends laughing, creating, sharing....it was a good creative outlet and a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends.  And as life goes.....we all got busy, busier, and even busier yet.  Our once-monthly crop sessions that we held religiously dwindled to once every few months....and as of now, I struggle to remember when the last time we had one.  I think I might have been newly pregnant with Teagan.  Hence the reason I don't have time to scrapbook anymore!!!

 

On her first birthday (June 2011) I was 100% caught up on all my scrapbook pages.  And to date.....I have only scrap booked one page since then.  Which means.....I am a year and a half behind.....multiplied by 3 kids......which means 77 layouts behind....give or take.

 

So I am thinking I'll just forget it.  Upload some memory books to Shutterfly, and call it done. 

 

But then the picture below is a common occurrence at our house. 

 

 

 

 

The girls LOVE to look through their scrapbooks. They love to see pictures of themselves and family, special trips we have taken and holidays past. So, it's because of them that I accept the challenge of getting caught up....and (attempt to) stay caught up.  I spent two and a half hours yesterday while they were napping tagging the past 5 months of pictures.  So, another 5 months to go today.  Then I have to print them all, select the paper, and get down to the work of creating.  By my calculations of a reasonable amount of pages I can complete in a month.....I should be caught up on the past year and a half....in approximately 10 months.....which then makes me 10 more months behind.

 

But, whatever.  I am doing it because my girls love it.  I am doing it because it's something I am proud of and it allows me to let off a little steam.  I am doing it because I love a challenge!

Girls gone...wild?!?!?!

This was to be a week for the memory books! Bill was traveling to Denver Monday through Friday and the girls and I were going to kick it up and live large all week. They were back to gymnastics Monday night, we were going to have a PJ pizza party, get really crafty with some of our new Christmas toys, prepare Teagan's room for a special delivery...... and then Monday night arrived. Following gymnastics Teagan got hit with the stomach bug. And then Tuesday Maya and Riley got it. And after cleaning up after the 3 of them....I got a turn (fun!!) and spent the next 2 days down-and-out. Our week of girl fun = EPIC FAILURE!

Reinforcements arrived. We muddled through the week. Did about 8 (extra) loads of laundry. Managed to get everyone feeling better. I am glad we don't get sick very often. As a matter of fact, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've been sick in the past 10 years. I knew we'd be in for more of our far share this year, what with the girls taking lots of swims in the "germ pool" of school and gymnastics.

What we did get out of our week as a little fun.  Teagan's big girl furniture arrived Wednesday and she is set to go!  The twins had career day today and Maya was a ballerina and Riley was a baker!  (You'll have to take my word for it, because Blogger is being difficult and I am unable to upload the photos).  Daddy came home from his business trip (with souvenirs)...and we all continued to improve.   Maybe next time Daddy travels we'll just aim for "normal".