Counting My Blessings...

Today was definitely a day for counting my abundant blessings.

It was my mom's last day of radiation for breast cancer. They have no power, but a lot to celebrate. I am sure they sat by the fire, drinking their champagne.

Late last night and this morning, I heard branches cracking and falling all around and then awoke this morning to discover a large limb had sheared off one of the support beams of the swing set in the backyard. Grateful nothing major seems to have hit the house, just some limbs laying on the roof in front and a lot down all over the yard!

We have now completed 2 snow days, with 2 more this week. Both the parochial and public schools are closed Thursday and Friday. It has been nice to enjoy time with the boys. We are lucky to be some of the homes with power, although, the satellite dish is covered in ice. So, instead of watching too much TV, we have played too much Wii. Some MarioKart, some Big Brain Academy and some WiiFit. This morning, we all three laid in bed and watched "Muppets Take Manhattan" and "Muppets From Space".

Tonight, Davey, Bobbi, Josie and I went to see "Wicked". We stewed a bit about how bad the roads would be, should we take my van or her car. I was prepared with an extra set of "sensible" shoes (my rubber boots) and a bag of salt/ ice melt. We were ready for any eventuality. We all loved the show (I splurged on a t-shirt even, I needed another t-shirt like a hole in the head!) and Davey a Josie both were tired, but excited, talking a mile a minute about their favorite parts as we went to the van. We sat in the van, waiting for the traffic to thin so we could back out. We were chilly because I hadn't started the engine, yet. As everything cleared out and it was our turn, I turned the key and nothing but clicks. Tried again, more clicks. Bobbi went to see if someone could give us a jump. There was a guy in an SUV who said he would, if we had jumper cables. Uh, nope, no luck there. So I called AAA and they called to dispatch a truck to give us a jump... sometime before midnight. I called Bobbi's hubby, who was home with Max and another family who had lost power and were staying with them. As I was talking to him, the little security guy for the parking garage showed up... with a jump start contraption. Within 5 minutes, we were on the road! Yippee!! Our guardian angels were looking out for us. It turned out the gentleman in the SUV saw the security man and told him we needed help.

Now, tomorrow (well, now, I guess it is today) and Friday, we will have to think of things to do. Even if the roads improve, the science museum and the zoo are both closed. We will have to be creative. At least Davey already turned in his "100th Day" poster on Monday. Maybe we can go sledding on the approximately 6 inches of snow and ice that are on the ground here. And more Wii tournaments and lazy relaxing with my 2 favorite young men. They are being so cuddly lately. Max had to come back a couple times to give me more kisses (on the lips is his style, which is fine, since no one else kisses me there these days!) before I could leave for the theatre tonight.

I find myself really looking forward to our trip to the beach, with all this cold (it is 23 out right now, and falling), although, at this rate, we may be going to school until Fourth of July!

One of the greatest blessings I have is that I have such wonderful friends and family. These lyrics from "For Good" from "Wicked" made me think of all the people who have done so much for me and David and the boys over the past 18 months. I thank you!

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend..."


So, everyone, be warm, be grateful and be happy!

Sweet, Sweet Boys!

I just want everyone to know that I have the sweetest boys! Ok, sometimes, they are less than perfect, but they bring me such joy, usually when I REALLY need it. Today, we went to breakfast at a restaurant near Baptist East. After we ate, we stopped in at the new Oncology floor to see the nurses. (I had run into 2 of them at the YMCA in the past few weeks and they said I should bring the boys by so the nurses could see them.) So, up we go to the 3rd floor. Max hadn't been up since they moved in late August. The first thing he said after getting off the elevator was, "I want to go to Daddy's room." That caused my eyes to get misty. They were a little active, since we had just come from a restaurant where they had needed to be fairly calm, so we didn't stay long.

We then went home to get ready for a birthday party Davey was invited to. A nice opportunity to visit with other moms from his class. Then off to get my calf and hamstring "worked on" by a great lady who is a retired PT and the mom of my good friend, Jennifer. The boys sat and watched a movie while I was being healed. It is AMAZING what this woman can do!!

Then to Target for a piece of posterboard for Davey's "100th Day" project (every kindergarten parent within the past 5 years knows what I am talking about!). Of course, you can't go to Target and come out with ONLY what you went in there for!

Home, again to work on project, eat dinner, play, watch a movie we got at Target ("Muppets In Space") and, finally, to bed. As we were getting Max tucked in, I told the boys how lucky I was to have them. I was a bit choked up and Max asked me, "Do you miss Daddy?" I replied, "I wish he was here with us!" Davey said, "Let's blow kisses at Daddy." So we did. I think this could become a nightly routine. It seemed so perfect... just the right way to end our day and try to keep David with us in some way. I do miss him so................

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway.'

The Great TV Switch

I am in the midst of an internal debate over whether to keep DirecTV and buy converter boxes, keep it and buy new TVs (slowly over time, since I can't afford to buy 2 new TVs right now), switch to cable (which would be a little bit more each month, but also on all the TVs, not just the one currently on the satellite). Any thoughts out there??

Random bit of news: Max slept in underwear last night for the first time and no wet sheets! He has been dry most school nights, so I thought it was time to take the plunge!

Another random bit: I had a meeting at one of my schools today and the great gal who is the counselor there told me that after last week when I told her about this blog, she stayed up until 4 a.m. reading it from start to finish. I wonder if others have read it from beginning to end... I worry sometimes I come across preachy or too opinionated or other less-than-desirable tone. But, I suppose it is MY blog, so therefore, I can be however I feel like being that day.

Here is to a weekend with lots of potential for lots of good things!

I will leave you with a clip from "Prairie Home Companion" from last weekend. My mom and dad and I went to the live broadcast and this was my favorite part, I think!

www.prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2009/01/17/scripts/pilot.shtml

My "To Do" List

Davey made me a "Job List" last night and I thought I would share it with you all.

Job List for Mommy
1. Love us.
2. Hug us.
3. Kiss us.
4. Play with us.
5. Help us.

I asked if I do those things, which received an enthusiastic, "Of course!" So, I was pleased with that response. Sometimes I just feel like I have to put their requests after things like getting dinner on the table or getting the laundry done, but I know that is not unique to my situation.

On another note, Davey and I are joining Bobbi and Josie at "Wicked" next week. We are so very excited!

And on ANOTHER note, I received the binder of final copies of my new will, living trust and other legal things. Made me cry to see reference to "David Albright, deceased".

Gotta go night-night!!

Swivel Sweeper

Here is an update on the "As Seen On T.V." products in our home. We love the Swivel Sweeper that I ordered! It even picked up sauerkraut! I know, you are wondering why I force my poor children to eat that. But they like sauerkraut, artichoke hearts, pomegranates (and their juice), starfruit, and jambalaya. I think that if kids are exposed to a wide variety of foods from the beginning, they are more likely to eat interesting things and not turn their noses up at something new or different. They aren't insisting on eating only cheese pizza, chicken nuggets and peanut butter. Davey says, "Just remember, I DON'T want to have to eat Brussels sprouts!" Well, if I had to eat the same number of bites of lima beans as the number of years old I was, HE can eat a Brussels sprout now and then. Davey says he feels the same way about spinach.

The Birds and the Bees

I had my first dose of "The Inquisitive Six Year Old" the other evening. We were calmly eating our fish, rice and veggies and Davey asked me an interesting question.

"Mommy, what happens when a baby's mommy is white and the daddy is African-American?"

"Well, the baby is kind of both."

"But I thought babies came from the mom."

"Well, they come from both the mom and the dad." (I am trying to just answer the question he is really asking)

"How does it come from both?"

"Well, some of the cells from the mom and some from the dad go together to make the baby." (he is really into science and anything relating to cells will make sense to him)

"How do the cells get together?" (YIKES!!!)

"Well, when a mommy and a daddy really love each other, they do something together called making love and that's when the cells get together."

"How to they get there?"

"The daddy puts a part of him into the mommy and the cells get together."

"Oh." (And back to his dinner...)

Whew, bullet dodged for now. I tried to just give him the info he was asking for and no more. Saying, "Ask Daddy" wasn't gonna fly, so I just jumped in, and I think I did pretty well, if I do say so myself!

About 30 minutes later, his teacher called to tell me that they had been discussing Barack Obama, his parents being from different races, and studying about MLK. To teach about the cultural climate of the 1960s, she gave stickers to the boys only. She noted the reactions of various students, including Davey, who was crying. She asked him what was wrong and he told her that he was sad because it wasn't fair, that everyone should get stickers. She wanted me to know that he is a sensitive and compassionate boy with a strong sense of justice. I am so proud of him and, to be honest, proud of the way he is being raised.

I am trying to do what so many single parents do: trying to be both parents to my boys and answer questions as they are asked in as unintimidating, calm, honest way as I can. I know I am raising someone's future husband and that is an AWESOME responsibility! My boys will be compassionate, caring, and helpful. They will not watch their wife take care of the house, laundry, meals, children, etc. while they kick back with a beer and the remote!

I had an experience yesterday at one of my schools with a colleague who did not know David had been sick and was complaining about some crummy things going on in her life. I told her my story and that put some tings in perspective. Another gal was there, who knew David had died and has told me how strong she thought I was, but, come to find out, she thought all that had happened in 2007, not 2008. She said, "I knew you were strong, but now I am even more impressed." It was weird and difficult to go through all of the story again after several months. Usually, I am picking up the tale at a certain point, not starting at the very beginning. I have come to realize there ARE people every week or so that I get back in contact with who don't even know that David was sick at all.

I went to a new doc today and had the new patient work up. Next week, I will get the blood work info back, but today, I had blood drawn and had a tetanus booster. My arm hurts (well the shot combined with the fact that I was either really motivated or really stupid and went to the gym at the YMCA this week every day since Sun. except Wed.) So, I am ready for bed.

Hope everyone enjoys a long weekend and remembers that we ALL need to be citizens who are compassionate and have a firm sense of justice (maybe we DO learn all we need to know in kindergarten!!!) and pray for our new President as he begins to face so many difficult challenges!

An addendum...

I just looked at the list of places people are coming from to check out the blog and noticed some people have found the blog because they googled "Bendahangers". I think that is hysterical!!! Maybe I should get a kickback from them?!?!?

First Week Back

Well, the week began with the boys and I waking on Monday at 7:45. Now, understand that we typically leave the house at 7:30 to get Davey to school, so I was quite panicked when I opened my eyes and saw the time and saw both boys next to me, snoozing away. Davey was 10 minutes late for school, but he was one of many tardy on the first day back after 2 weeks off (I haven't told my mom about this, so she will likely read this and shake her head and say, "Jennifer!")... not to worry, one of my coworkers, who is a bit like a mother to me at times, asked me Monday morning, "So, you decided to get out of bed for us this morning, huh?" I guess the secretary at the office told her I had called to make sure my first meeting wasn't at 8:30.

The week went more smoothly from there. I went to most of my schools, got a haircut, went to the Y twice, went to the school Mass said in memory of David and cooked EVERY night! I am SO proud!

Last night, we got together with a friend who left our neighborhood in a search for more land in the pseudo-country. We ate and talked while the kids played. Later, a rousing Wii American Idol karaoke competition raged. I did my best with "Eye of the Tiger" and Davey gave "YMCA" and "Life Is A Highway" his best shot.

We have been a family addicted to our Wii, as so many families are, so today, we tried to get out of the house a bit, despite the rain and cold. We hit 2 grocery stores and Target and now we are set for the week with the staples and our menu is planned through Thursday, complete with leftovers for lunches and Friday night.

We also have not one, but 2 trips planned for the next few months. Again, we are so touched by the thoughtfulness of our friends and family to help give us things to look forward to. Thanks to you all!

Last post, I mentioned Davey's yearning to order something off an infomercial and I had told him that we don't order things off the TV. Well, I am a hypocrite! I ordered a Swivel Sweeper last weekend. It arrived yesterday, charged overnight and we used it this morning. I have to admit, it does what it said it would. It cleans crumbs, dust bunnies, anything on the floor that always got pushed into the corner by my beloved Swiffer. It came with one additional free ("for only the additional shipping and handling") and 2 hand held sweepers for the couch or car (also pretty cool, I used it on the stuff that collects on the floor boards of the van). Davey loves to run the Swivel Sweeper, so that alone nearly makes it worth it!

Now for a little sweet story about Max, my champion potty user. A few days ago, we were reading a lift the flap book called Where Is Baby's Mommy. The child is looking throughout the house for his mommy, who is hiding, and finds various toys in the places he looks. At the end, I asked, "Where is Max's Mommy?" He said, "Right here!" Then I asked where Max's Daddy is. He said, "In Heaven." I asked what he was doing. "Playing." "What is he playing?" (thinking the answer would be soccer, or Wii or computer) Max said, "He's playing banjo for Jesus." So sweet!

Well enough for now. Maybe next time I will share with you about Max's term "drooping a poop"... actually, I bet that is self explanatory. At least they all make it in the toilet these days!

The Next Billy Mays

Just a quick funny story about my eldest...

This afternoon, I was putting away laundry and had to push aside some things to make room for the pants and skirt I was trying to make room for. Davey came in and said, "Mommy, you need some WondaHangers! They adjust so you have more room and nothing gets wrinkles. They even come with BendaHangers for things to not lose their shape!" I told him what I really needed to do was go through things and donate things that hadn't been worn in the past couple years. I thought that was the end of it, but, again, during the coveted "Mommy- Davey time" after Max (finally!-- tonight it was a long process) was settled into bed, he said, "So, did you decide to order the WondaHangers? You know, they come with those free BendaHangers." I asked him what he was watching when he saw them. He told me, "Nick, Jr., I think." Hmmm... marketing to the younger generation. What are they doing advertising WondaHangers during "The Backyardigans"?!? I suppose I would rather be pestered about hangers than some obnoxious toy for "the low, low price of $99.99", right? Davey has been known to try to sell me an Oreck vacuum, a Snuggie ("the blanket with sleeves"), the Bath Blizzard and some strange bathroom caulk applicator. Maybe this is his new aspiration? Although, this morning, he DID ask me, "Mommy, who are the people that say things to make people laugh?" I replied. "Comedians." "Maybe that's what I'll be." So, I am either raising the future Billy Mays or the next Drew Carey, only time will tell! That is exactly what I see him doing with this degree from Vandy he says he is planning to have!!!

It's Been Awhile...

Yes, my boys and I have been busy. We had dentist appointments on 12/22 (I know, what kind of lunatic goes to the dentist on her birthday and takes her two boys WITH her on that excursion?!!?, well, I do. I don't mind going to the dentist and Max did great at his first ever cleaning and check-up. Davey kept filling him in on what to expect). Then we met friends for a birthday lunch at Jason's Deli and then off to BG for the holidays. My mom made my requested dinner, we ate chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate ice cream, and then we went to see the WKU Lady Toppers win a basketball game. Good day, all things considered.

Over the next couple days, we did a little shopping, baking, relaxing, accompanying my mom the the radiation clinic for a treatment, getting the oil changed on the van... exciting stuff.

We went to Mass on Christmas Eve (complete with the serenade from the boys of "All the Ends of the Earth Have Seen the Power of God" and "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria In Excelsis Deo" on the drive home from church) and everyone slept in until around 8-ish, then the fun really began. The boys were excited about their Wii, books, DVDs, all of it! Everything they opened was the best thing, until it was their turn again and they opened something new and exciting.

The next day was Boxing Day, traditionally when the Queen of England opens the poor boxes and distributes the money. My parents had their traditional Boxing Day Open House, complete with Christmas crackers. I always enjoy extending the celebration another day, especially this year!

We went to see "Tale of Despereaux". It was good, but I am glad my dad did other things instead, I think it would not have been his "cup of tea". One night, after getting Max settled in bed (or so I thought!), I heard him calling down the stairs that he wanted "a cuddle". SO I went up, noticed some foil scattered near the doorway to the room I sleep in there, and asked,"Max, how many did you eat?" (knowing I had put the Lindt chocolate treats from my stocking on top of some gifts in my room). He looked a LITTLE sheepish and said, "Five". He had eaten 5 small hollow chocolate angels, the little sneaky booger!!

Our original plan was to be back home on Sunday or Monday. Well, we finally came home on New Year's Eve, in time to quickly make baked brie and Hopping John (black-eyed peas, rice and ham, for good luck in the New Year)before departing for a party. The boys had a lot of fun, as did I, but there were some rough, teary moments. Again, I was reminded that I am surrounded by so many people who care deeply about us!

This morning, I did not AT ALL want to face the new year! I am not usually a fan of New Year's, so anticlimactic! This year, I felt like turning the page and beginning a new year was one more thing separating me from David, like I am now that much more distant from him. I missed him so much last night and an interesting realization hit me when a good friend asked, "What did you all do last year?". My response was, "We were at home hoping that 2008 would be better than 2007." Hmmmmm... I think I am now counting on 2009 being a huge improvement over 2008. Whaddya think? We were saved from a day of staring at the walls and each other by our friends, the Straubs, and their invitation to "come and hang". So we did just that. I am grateful they have not tired of us yet.

I am ready to go back to our routine on Monday. I hope everyone else is, too. Have a very happy, blessed and joyful 2009!! Here is to new beginnings and a year full of hope!