Julia...

...spent the night at Children's in Boston the other night for what a doctor at Tobey thought was appendicitis. Turns out she was, well we'll just say backed up and had a stomach virus to boot. She woke up over night Tuesday (technically about 2AM Wednesday morning) literally screaming in pain. Nothing worked to settle her and it was clear she was in agony but, beyond that, she seemed to be having trouble breathing. She was taking quick and short breaths and couldn't take a deep breath when I asked her to. The pain was concerning but more than that I was worried about the breathing. After a few hours of this, with no indication of improvement, I decided to take her to the hospital. On the way there, in between tears, she announced that she didn't want to go to a hospital because Nana died in a hospital. It was so sad but I managed to convince her that going to a hospital didn't mean she was going to die. When we got there we were seen immediately. I can't remember what it was but her blood pressure was really high and her heart rate was 180. Her temperature was 100.4. Shortly after being taken back the doctor came in. He moved her legs around, and pushed on her belly and she was screaming. He ordered a catscan and the nurse started and iv and put her on an oxygen monitor because she was still having trouble breathing. The iv was probably about the worst thing that ever happened to Julia...if you ask her I am sure she would agree. The doctor also ordered morphine because she was so uncomfortable. While we were waiting for the doctor to come back in with the results of the scan, she started burning up. Her fever was 102.6. The nurse gave her Tylenol. Between the morphine and the Tylenol, she was finally settled down. The doctor came back in and said the scan was clear but because she was in such pain and had a fever he thought it would be wise to send her up to Children's overnight for observation. Ryun had to get back home in time to get Emily and Katherine off of the bus so Julia and I went by ambulance to Boston (the doctor recommended that she go by ambulance anyway because her breathing was still a concern and she could be monitored that way). We got there at about 2 and we went in through the ER. By this time, Julia had not had anything to eat or drink in about 20 hours (dinner on Tuesday night). She was starting to become very lethargic and only answered questions with yes or no. As the day progressed, these symptoms became worse and worse. She was getting fluids through the iv but it didn't seem to be doing much. The doctor drew blood and discovered that her white blood count was elevated. Everything else came back fine. Finally, at about 8, they let her eat. She had some juice and a popsicle which she proceeded to throw up. This was the deciding factor for the doctor having her stay the night. Her fever was back up again, so after we changed her and the bed, the nurse gave her Motrin and she fell asleep. We were moved upstairs to a room around midnight. The nurses and doctors came in at that point to check her over which she basically slept through. I slept in a pull out chair thing next to her bed (and by sleep I mean tossed and turned all night and woke every time they came in the room which was about every hour). Julia slept through the night more or less and only woke slightly when they came in to check on her each hour. She woke up yesterday feeling much better...not 100% but better. Whatever was going on with her breathing was gone. The nurse said I could order her food but to keep it bland. She managed to keep it down and was pretty much in good spirits. The doctors came in mid morning to check on her and they decided to observe her for the day. She managed to, well, get things going and later that day the doctors said she could go home. Ryun and the girls came up to get us and we were home by 5 or so. I kept her home from school today so she could just relax.

So...it has been a very eventful couple of days. I am just glad my baby is ok and it turned out to be nothing serious. In typical Julia style, even in her pain she managed to be pretty funny at times. A few examples:

Like I said when she first got to the hospital her heart rate was very high. After it had slowed down, she said, "Mom, I think my heart stopped beating!" She could probably feel it beating when it was racing and noticed the difference.

When she was at Tobey they had her connected to an automatic blood pressure monitor. When I heard it turn on, I was telling her each time that it was about to give her arm another hug. After a few times of this, she sighed and said, "This thing must really love me because it keeps hugging me."

When we went in for the catscan, the tech explained to Julia that the table she was laying on was going to move in and out of the circle, kind of like a ride. After the tech went back to take the pictures, Julia said to me, "Mom, I wish this ride had a water slide."

And finally, when we were admitted to Children's, we were on the 10th floor. She had a portable IV pole and she asked if we could go look out the window. I brought her over and she looked out and said, "Wow...this is like a skyscraper!"

Television

How much influence do you think it has on young children/teens? I ask because I am very cautious about what I let my children watch. All ratings over PG/TV14 are locked and only accessible through a code that only Ryun and I know.

I am not naive. I know that much of what is seen or heard on TV that I may deem inappropriate they will see or hear about elsewhere (at school, on the bus etc). I guess I feel like it may be the one thing I have control over. A recent discussion with other family members about the show, "16 and Pregnant" has brought this to the forefront. I need to put it out there that I have never actually seen the show so I base my opinion only on what I have heard about it. Apparently it is a show about teens who get pregnant and what life is like for them. The focus is mainly on the difficulties of children raising children and that most of the teens in the show say if they had it to do over again, they would.

That being said, there are a couple of things that come to mind immediately. Without knowing for sure, I would almost stake my life on the fact that there are teens getting pregnant or trying to just so they can be on the show. There is no way that there aren't teens that would be immature, self serving and immoral enough to consider a show like that, "their big break." Beyond that, and of a more personal nature, no matter how the show is portrayed, I don't want my kids getting their education around sex and all that it entails from TV show. As a parent, that is my job. Yes, there will be other "influences" educating them but TV is the one thing I can control so I say, why not?

As a parent, it is my job to provide my kids with a solid foundation of which they can build and go out in to the world. They will form their own opinions, make their own decisions and at some point, watch whatever they want. It is my hope that the education they have received at home will be a strong guiding force in whatever choices they make. Until then, I will continue to do whatever I can to make sure that the foundation is and remains a solid one from which to build.

All About Me...Because I Know You Were All Dying To Know

Did you ever notice that just about every quiz having anything even remotely to do with your personality comes out the same? At least mine do. So just for kicks, and because I have nothing else to post right now, and because I have really only posted pictures lately, and because I apparently feel like writing a run on sentence, I am going to sum "me" up for you in a few paragraphs. Ok...more than a few.

I am a red headed, Irish woman with a stubborn streak. Really that one sentence could probably do just fine on it's own, but for the sake of longevity, I'll expand.

Most of the time, I am a pretty reserved and laid back kind of person. It takes quite a lot, and usually all at once to get me upset. I can also maintain an outward calm with ease, even if the insides are in a frenzy. This helps me in many ways, not the least of which is my ability to present things in a calm and reasonable manner. I find calm and reasonable usually gets ones point across more efficiently than obnoxious and irrational.

I have just about the worst luck in the world and generally speaking, when things can go the wrong way or the right way, they go wrong. It's been this way all of my life. Sadly, I have gotten used to this fate, and, while I still always hope for the best, I don't usually expect it. My easy going, "let it slide off of your back" attitude comes in to play quite nicely in these situations.

I am pretty much of the belief that if you want something, you have to make it happen. Sitting back and waiting for it just doesn't work. This doesn't by any stretch mean that I will always work for it, whatever it may be. By nature, I am a rather unmotivated type of person. The way I figure it if I want it bad enough, I will make it happen. If not, than I will suffer the consequences. It seems fairly simple to me.

Having said that, I am the biggest procrastinator on the planet. I almost always wait until the last minute. This generally isn't a bad thing...I seem to do my best work under pressure. My motto: If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would ever get done. Clearly, procrastination is the key to my success.

I am a peace-keeper and will pretty much do anything to ensure peace. I can almost always see things from all points of few and that skill usually allows me to keep things peaceful and smooth. I am a Libra through and through.

Because I have to weigh every detail before I make a decision, doing so does not come easy for me. While some decisions are pretty clear cut, most for me are not. Even after making one, I sometimes question whether or not I chose correctly. Again, I am a Libra through and through.

I have what I would consider to be a phenomenal sense of responsibility. This hasn't always been the case but as I've gotten older, and in turn my responsibilities greater, my sense obligation and duty have grown stronger. I have what I guess could be considered high moral standards, but, I don't expect any one else other than myself to uphold them.

I am a big believer in freedom of pretty much everything, as long as you don't try to enforce your ways on me or hurt my family in anyway. Personal choice is a big thing for me. I think everyone deserves the right to form their own opinions, views and judgments.

I think that about sums it up. This is not to say, of course that I won't take another one of those silly quizzes, because y'all know I will.

On The Bookshelf

I am an avid reader. I read all kinds of books...mystery, informational, self help, romance, biographies, autobiographies, sci-fi etc. I am currently reading "Always Looking Up" by Michael J. Fox. So far, it has been very interesting. So just for fun, here is a list of books I have and will be reading and a list of books I would like to read.

On the bookshelf waiting to be read, we have the following books (in no particular order):

The Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III

Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth

Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Building Successful Partnerships by the National PTA

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

The PTA Story: A Century of Commitment to Children by the National PTA

And on the ever growing list of books I want to read (and have yet to acquire):

The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned by Michael J. Fox

No Apology: The Case for American Greatness by Mitt Romney

Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2010-2011 by Ken Siri

29 Gifts: How A Month Of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Walker

Liberty: Thriving And Civic Engagement Among America's Youth by Richard M. Lerner

Educating Citizens: Preparing America's Undergraduates For Lives Of Moral And Civic Responsibility by Anne Colby

Love This Quote!

When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly. ~Edward Teller~

Get A Grip

You know, I am not one to casually brush aside someone's feelings as if they were inconsequential and didn't matter. I am actually considered by others to be a very good listener and can generally see things from many varied perspectives. I wonder why it is so hard for me to treat myself the same way I would others. I have a feeling it has something to do with needing to be in control...not of others but of myself. It's almost as if an internal light flashes in warning if there is any indication that I might lose it.

Take for example the situation I am in right now. For reasons that I may get in to at some point in another entry, I had to pull out Emily's seizure journal (a complete record of every seizure, test, Dr.'s appointment and blog entry I have ever written in that regard) and the results of neuro-psych testing she had done almost three and a half years ago. Of course, I couldn't just get the needed information out; I had to read it all too. In what I think is a quite natural and appropriate response when I think about it in retrospect, I was teary eyed and my stomach was in knots reading it. So why then does the voice in my head tell me while it is happening to stop being so silly, stop crying, suck it up and get a bleeping grip?

This is just one example of many in which I find myself, unnecessarily trying to keep my emotions in check. I have no idea what this is all about. Thoughts?

Musical Taste=Varied

The play list I just created in I Tunes has music from the following bands/artists in it:

Straight No Chaser
Barry Manilow
The Fray
Elvis Presley
Neil Diamond
Miley Cyrus (yeah yeah yeah...this is what having three daughters has done to my musical taste)
The Everley Brothers
The Beatles
Jesse McCartney (again with the three daughters)
The Zac Brown Band
The Black Eyed Peas
Sean Kingston
John Denver
Carrie Underwood
The Cast Of Glee
Les Miserable Soundtrack
Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack
Kenny Chesney
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
Barbra Streisand
The Beach Boys
Brad Paisley
Fiddler On The Roof Soundtrack
Noel Henry
Miles Davis
Stevie Wonder
Michael Jackson
Air Supply
Darius Rucker

Yup, I think varied works.

6th In A Series OF Favorites

A closeup shot of the grass one early fall morning.

The Middleboro Town Hall has always looked so...majestic to me.

This giraffe was so close to the car driving us through the safari ride at Animal Kingdom, I could have reached out and given him a hug!

I love the sun rays in this one!

This is my sister Suzanne and nephew Jack...taken at Disney last summer.

Which do you like best?

5th In A Series Of Favorites

I randomly pulled off of the side of the road in Middleboro somewhere to take this picture. Came out looking like a painting!

This? Is someone's backyard in Peterborough, NH. I would kill for a view like this!

Julia towing her sister in the shallow waters on Chapin Beach in Dennis, MA.

This was taken from the bridge that starts the jetty in Plymouth. Our reflections in the water...very cool.

This taken at the West End Playground (Sheehy's Tot Lot I believe is the official name of the playground) in Middleboro. This is one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken.

Which is your favorite?

MA PTA

Here is a lovely article about MA PTA's 100th Anniversary Celebration held a couple of weeks ago. It really was a phenomenal weekend that I took a lot from.

I am looking forward to becoming more involved on the state level with my new position on the Board Of Directors as the Advocacy Chair. It's funny; my increasing involvement in advocacy for children and education, as well as my growing concern and involvement in local government affairs is like the realization of a dream I never knew I had. Everyday, it becomes more clear that being an active, participating member of society, advocating for the needs of children especially, but really being as involved as possible on all levels, is what I was born to do. It's truly empowering, and it feels good!

Things I Did (and Didn't) Do Today

1. I did fill out the mountains of paperwork needed to send the older kids to Girl Scout camp over the summer.

2. I did not put out a hit on Ryun's ex boss.

3. I did get some actual paid work done.

4. I did not put out a hit on Ryun's ex boss.

5. I did find out that Ryun's unemployment may have been screwed up.

6. I did not put a hit out on Ryun's ex boss.

7. I did vaccum the entire down stairs and clean the living room and kitchen.

8. I did not put out a hit on Ryun's ex boss.

9. I did make appointments for Kate and Emily to have physicals next week which will have to pay for out of pocket because we have not heard back about our health insurance yet and still...

10. I did not put a hit out on Ryun's ex boss.

11. I did find out from Ryun that because as the saying goes when it rains it pours, that our washing machine broke today and he will not be able to fix it.

12. I did not pick the washing machine up and throw it at Ryun's ex boss (mostly because, well a washing machine is heavy and Ryun's boss was nowhere near me but still, the fact that I didn't means something).

13. I did enjoy a fun random Tuesday night dance/singing in to wooden spoons party with the kids which was fun and stress releasing.

14. I did not put out a hit on Ryun's ex boss.

15. I did cry like a freaking baby watching The Biggest Loser tonight.

16. I did not put out a hit on Ryun's ex boss.

All in all? I'd say it was a rather productive day.

4th Series Of Favorites

This was taken in VT, on the property of the Trapp Family Lodge. Love the sun changing the colors of the mountains in the back ground.

Mom and Dad's Santa deocration.

The colorful fall leaves on the stairway out in front of our house.

Who says there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel?

This was taken after one of the major snowstorms this winter. The snow was up to Julia's knees.

Which one do you like best?

3rd Series of Favorites

The pumpkin patch at Ryun's Uncle's house.

Julia and Emily at Disney...Emily looking very grown up.

There isn't a sight more beautiful than that of the American Flag waving against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky.

...if you keep believing, the dream that you wish will come true!

My mother's Willow Tree Nativity Set.

Which one is your favorite?

2nd Series of Favorites

Chapin Beach: A little slice of heaven on earth.

Taken this winter in our back yard. Love the snow on the trees.

Nothing says beach like a bucket in the sand.

Isn't this tree gorgeous? Taken in NH, Mother's Day weekend, 2009.

My favorite picture of Emily, ever.

Which one of these is your favorite?

Pictures 1st Series of Favorites

Just because I love them, and I though it would be fun, I have made a collection of what I think are the best pictures I have ever taken. I would absolutely love to make photography my profession, and who knows, some day I might. In the mean time, here are the first five of my collection which will include scenic photographs as well as pictures of people.

This was taken in Stowe, VT on the property of the Trapp Family Lodge.

This is definitely one of my all time favorite pictures. Emily and Julia sledding in the back yard. Such love.

This was my favorite of all the pictures I took on our trip to Disney last summer. Truly magical!

I took this one in October,2009 on the way to Peterborough, NH.

I took this when Ry and I went to Providence to see the water fires. Love the buildings reflecting in the water.

Which is your favorite?

I'm Blaming Ryun

Me: "Julia, please go put the drum stick away. We are only allowed to use that when we are playing Band Hero."

Julia: "But Mom, I am pretending it is a gun."

Me: "Julia we don't pretend things are guns. Guns are not toys."

Julia: "But Mom, I am playing Adam 12, what's the problem?"

Tempting Fate

I did something to my finger about a month ago...I have no idea what. I woke up one morning and it was swollen and black and blue. The discoloration is mostly gone but the swelling remains. It is only painful in extreme cold or if I touch it. With the whole insurance thing still being a mess, I can't go get it looked at. So, I have decided to go for a third time of blogging about it and hoping it happens.

I want my health insurance situation straightened out and/or I want my finger to miraculously fix itself.

Have at it, O Gods of Blogging Miracles.

Julia...

...has been saying a lot of blog worthy things lately.

Today she asked me if "rotten food" was poisonous. I said that it could be. She asked if you could die from eating it. I said that you could. Before I had the chance to elaborate and explain how it would have to be a really severe case of food poisoning for someone to die, she said, "No you can't because I just ate this banana that had a rotten brown part on it and I didn't die." She said it very matter of fact like, which is typical for her but something about it just struck me as funny.

Hello...It's Destiny Calling!

Yesterday I tweeted that I wanted the annoying pain in my neck to be gone (literal pain in the neck...I am not referring to a person here) and I woke up this morning and? It's gone. Y'all might remember a few entries back I had posted about creating my own destiny. I blogged about something I wanted to happen and it did. Two for two? Doesn't seem like a bad record to me. Maybe I am on to something here. So, I am going to do something I have always wanted to do...make a "bucket list." Then, I am going to share some of the things on the list here, on Twitter and on Facebook. Who knows what could happen!

In an effort...

...to look at the bright side of Ryun being laid off, I give you the following reasons why it hasn't been the worst possible thing that could have happened:

1. He has cooked dinner a lot...and he's a really good cook! Regular readers know how much I despise this task.

2. He has gotten a TON off stuff done around here. Right now? He is outside raking the front yard.

3. It actually has been nice having him around more. I say "actually" because I was wondering if his being here would, I don't know, interfere with my daily routine. So far, so good.

4. He seems happier to be here than he ever has. By here I mean, like, you know, alive and kicking. Life was pretty miserable for him over the past year or so and with the stress of his awful work situation gone, he is a happier person in general. It's a nice change.

So of course, I want him to find a job but, until that happens, I am going to enjoy having him around!

Conversation With Julia

Me: "Holy Sun Batman!" (said while driving today with the sun shining head on in to the windshield).

Julia: "Mom Batman lives in darkness because hello, he's a bat. So why did you say "Holy Sun Batman?"

Literal Much?

Julia (to her teacher): "Apparently my family is going on a vacation this weekend and staying at a hotel and they never told me until this morning!"

Julia's teacher: "Oh...so they left you in the dark?"

Julia: "Oh no, there will be lights there."

Ha!

Speaking of, off to continue packing for the weekend (which is the MA PTA's 100th Birthday and Convention).

The Kids On Easter

Emily, my nephew Jack, Katherine and Julia on Easter. At least someone took pictures!

Just In Case You Were Curious

I look just like my Dad who, I might add, never takes a bad picture.

Just A Random Observation

The Middleboro town website is the most useless thing I have ever seen. I went on it to see what was on the selectman's agenda for tonight and while I was able to find it, it was no easy task. It is the most disorganized, non-functioning, pathetic excuse for a website that I have ever encountered. Even someone like me, with limited experience in building websites, could do a better job than that. I have heard rumors that a new one is being developed and there is even a questionnaire on the website looking for input. Does anyone know if this is still in the works and when it will happen?

*REMINDER* Comments are now open so that anyone can respond, as opposed to just registered users.

Sugar Coma

Apparently, I was in one because Easter has passed? And I did not take a SINGLE picture! My sister took a few, including a great one of all four kids (my three girls and her son), so at least I will have some "documentation" that Easter actually occurred. We had a nice relaxing day, a good dinner, and the kids had fun playing.

I did manage to forget, for a day anyway, about the very disappointing results of the override vote and the selectman's race. There was one constant, nagging reminder and that was the sunburn on the back of my neck. I was standing outside all day Saturday holding signs and put sunscreen everywhere except there. Oops...and ouch. I am so sad about the results and what it means for the kids. I don't know what the next step will be but rest assured, the fight is far from over.

Today is going to be all about paperwork, phone calls, emails, and work. This is not exactly how I would like to be spending this gorgeous day but it's life, you know?

Regarding Last Night's Results

There will definitely be more to come on this topic but for now, I will copy and paste my Facebook status from last night:

So terribly sad. But, if nothing else this will further my commitment to advocate for the children of this town and beyond. Watch out Middleboro...here I come.

On an administrative note, I have opened comments up again so anyone can comment.

And, on a much lighter note, Happy Easter to everyone!

Creating My Own Destiny

A few posts back I had mentioned wanting to switch gears next year in regard to my volunteer efforts. I talked about wanting to get more involved with the advocacy end of PTA and about having recently discovered that this area is where my true passion lies.

Fast forward yesterday. I got a phone call from the incoming President of the Massachusetts PTA asking if I would like to serve on the Executive Board as the Advocacy Chair. Without hesitation I said yes. I can not tell you how excited I am about this. We have already scheduled an event for the end of April where members of MA PTA will be visiting the State House and talking with some key representatives involved with child affairs.

So my point? I blogged about wanting to do something and a few days later it happened. Perhaps I should blog about other key things I am looking to change in my life. Who knows...it could work!

Catch All Update

Today was a very productive day. Perhaps the most exciting and eventful part of it? I would have to say it was when we took a series of steps to officially "evict" winter from the Ellis household. We started with packing away all of our winter gear; snow pants, heavy winter coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, gloves and snow boots. We moved on to cleaning up the yard a bit...sticks, leaves, pine cones etc. There is still quite a bit left to do but we made a dent anyway. Next the kids sorted and organized all of the spring toys; bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sports gear and things of that nature. Ryun came home and put down most of the screens, fixed the grill, filled the gas tank and cooked wings for dinner. To end the day, the girl were outside playing after dinner and noticed a random growth of daffodils in the middle of the woods between our yard and the neighbors. Seriously? Today was screaming spring around these parts.

I spent the night working. It's finally starting to get busy again and since I knew I would be occupied all day tomorrow, I wanted to get in what I could tonight. I have to say I managed to get quite a bit of editing done.

Tomorrow I will be spending the day at the polls. I will be sign holding for the override investment in our children and for Allin Frawley. I am hoping and praying that things go my way tomorrow (the investment passes and Allin wins). I honestly can't wait until tomorrow is over just to know one way or the other.