Right Wing Mom

So, it’s been 4 1/2 weeks since I gave birth. Everything should be back to normal, right? Clean house, laundry all caught up, dinner (and breakfast and lunch) from scratch and on the table every night, school all caught up, me showered and dressed by 8am everyday… RIGHT?

Ok, ok… stop laughing. No, seriously… stop, please.

Sadly, this is what I was expecting of myself. Not even at 4 weeks, but at 2 weeks. Oh yeah. I wanted everything to be up and running smoothly and perfectly at 2 weeks postpartum. Why yes, I am a bit delusional, thank you for asking.

It had been a rough couple of weeks for me. You see, stuff needed to be done. Lots of stuff. All I had to do was ask. Just ask.

I couldn’t do it. I could not ask for help.

WHY?

Good question! I’m still trying to figure that out.

The only thing I can blame it on is genes.

I come from some mighty pigheaded women!

My Mom is pretty pigheaded but nowhere near as bad as my Grandmothers were.

Woo-Baby! They took the cake!

My Mom’s mom, Grandma Tippie, was widowed when my mom and her sister were in the early teens. She had to provide for her and her daughters. She played the organ at church, baked and sold cakes and made their own clothing. Before she passed away, she was in an assisted living / nursing home. I felt so bad for the people that took care of her. She was never mean or anything. But don’t you dare tell her what to do!

My Dad’s mom, Grandma Iva, was even more stubborn that Grandma Tippie I think. She was a VERY headstrong woman. She birthed 7 children, losing one in infancy. She was strong and gentle all at once and I never saw anyone mess with her.

The way I look at it, I have a couple of strikes against me - Lineage (those crazy woman that I am related to), Red Hair (infamous for stubbornness) Irish, Scottish and Hungarian ancestry (how’s that for a crazy mix of temper and attitude?) and I was born April 30th making me - a Taurus, you know, the Bull.

I’m not sure if I was always like this, but it is so hard for me to ask for help. I will nearly kill myself before asking for help. So, you can imagine what it was like around here the past few weeks. Me being physically unable to do somethings and yet not wanting to ask for help. Which just made me angry, because things weren’t getting done (My poor husband!)

I am happy to report though - that I did ask for help, eventually. After crying and yelling and being mad at Marc. I stopped one morning last week and through my tears prayed. I prayed that God would make Marc see what he was doing wrong and how he NEEDED to help me! Then I prayed for forgiveness and prayed that God would help me do my part too.

Amazingly, it worked. I asked, Marc helped. I felt much better.

Things have cleared up around here and Ihav estarted to get our act together. By “our” I mean the entire family and house.

I am working on “THE MASTER PLAN!” A plan / schedule that includes cleaning, food, laundry and school. Its coming along nicely and amazingly enough… things are once again getting accomplished! Woo-Hoo!

If anyone is interested, I will be more than happy to share it once I finish.

My goal for this next year is to release myself from the perfectionism I struggle with sometimes and to occasionally, when I REALLY need to, ask for help.

Allrighty! The election is just a week away and I am all kinds of fired up! I can’t help… I can be a political junkie at times.

I know it may be a little hard to believe, but man, oh man, I have a lot to say. So, a fair warning: I think its safe to say that the majority of my blogging in the next week or so will be all about the politics.

My first discussion will be this whole “redistribution of wealth” thing. Does anyone really think this is a good idea? Oh, wait a sec, let me rephrase that: Does anyone with a job think this is a good idea?

Perhaps I am naive, just a silly girl, but I still believe in the American Dream. You know, that dream that says with a little hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything in this country? Yep, that one - I still believe in it!

It makes me so angry to hear people promote, what in my mind equals to theft, thinly veiled as socialism or Marxism or in this country Liberalism. Seriously… theft, thats what it is!

I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, far from it! Neither was my husband. We both came from middle to lower middle class backgrounds. Our parents worked hard to provide what we had growing up, sometimes working 2 or more jobs at a time. We didn’t know any different, thats just the way it was.

We, as a family, have been very blessed financially. We have a wonderful house, 2 cars, we have been able to go on vacations and when an unseen expense comes up, it usually can be handled and I have the luxury of being a stay at home mom.

How did we get here? Lots of hard work and dedication.

After 8 years in the Marine Corps I got out to become a stay at home mom. But, we quickly realized that financially we weren’t going to be able to make ends meet. So, I promptly got a job at Pappa Johns. Yep, I went from being a Sgt in the Marine Corps, to delivering pizzas… and you know what? It stunk. I did not like it. But, its what had to be done.

Marc, who was still in the Marine Corps at the time, would come home from work, we would say our hello’s and goodbye’s and I would head out to sling some pizzas. Marc would take care of the girls and then once they were in bed, he would start working his second job - trying to create his business.

We ate a lot of hotdogs and spaghetti. We didn’t go to the movies. Going out to eat usually involved me bringing some pizzas home from work. Marc and I didn’t buy any clothes for a few years. All the girls’ stuff came from thrift stores or Wal-Mart. I did grocery shopping almost daily, using my tips from the night before. This went on for awhile.

I eventually got another job, working from home as a secretary. Marc still worked away trying to build his business. He would put in a full day at the office and then come home and work all night long, sometimes only getting a few hours sleep. The weekends? Well, just more of the same.

We eventually got to where I could quit my job and then, we came to a place in life where Marc could quit his “traditional”  job and concentrate solely on his business.

It wasn’t all easy going from there. We still have our ups and downs. There have been months where Marc has had to not take a paycheck. But… it’s our dream and we make it work.

Wake up people! Success takes hard work. It doesn’t come easy. It usually doesn’t come early either and success is defined differently for each person or family.

The last thing this country needs is someone coming along and deciding who gets what and how much. There is no “piece of the pie” to be had. You want pie? Go make one! Decide what kind, how big and when you want it and find out how to make it… then GO FOR IT!

Done… for now.

Yesterday afternoon, the kids and I were driving home from a very disappointing doctors appointment. I was a little stressed out due to a hungry, fussy, teething baby and an obnoxious 5yr old and it was rush hour. It was a real “Calgon take me away ” moment.

Then we saw it. A car, driving directly in front of us. A maroon HHR to be exact. A maroon HHR decorated with 4 bumper stickers declaring her alliance with the Democrat Party, her intent to vote Obama/Biden ‘08, the need for Texans to vote Democrat and finally, something about “Change.”

Oh boy… Kaitie and Mandy and I read the bumper stickers out loud and snickered a bit, or a lot.

I see the car in front of her start to slow down and I changed lanes, passing her As we pass her, I looked over at her out of curiosity and see her getting a little miffed about traffic and I guess, me passing her. Hmmm… the devious plan sprang into action. (This is so sad)

Well, I was in the “slow” lane, so I adjusted my speed a little, slowing down to the speed limit. Can I help it, that my speed coincided with the car next to me? Can I help it that I effectively set up a little rolling road block for her. Alright, i suppose I could have, but why? It was so much fun. She got really angry. Throwing her hands up in the air. Pointing, yelling, shaking her head and losing her patience.

Is it so wrong that the girls and I were giggling like mad? I know she saw us laughing, which, sadly made it even funnier. It made me feel a lot better, that whole laughter is the best medicine thing.

I did take kind of a high road, just so you don’t think I am a total deviant. She tried to take a little shortcut right before my turn. The road she was on, runs parallel to the one I was on. I could have gunned it and quite possibly caught up with her, getting ahead of her yet again (on a 2 lane no passing road, no less) but, as I told the girls, that although that would have been hilarious, it would have been taking it too far.

So, there you have it, our new game: annoying the Democrat in the car. At least I don’t have to worry about road rage. Those Dems are kind of big into gun control you know:)

Yep - that kind of sums up the last two weeks. It was a roller coaster, a very wild one.

We had some meltdowns (by both children and Mommy)
We had some messes (by both children and pets)
We had some new teeth (4!)
We had some returning hormones (oh joy. How I love hormones. And sarcasm.)
We had a new car purchase
We had an old car sold
We had a bad rain storm bringing more damage
We had a visit from the insurance adjustor (happy days!)
We had a gymnastics meet
We had a visit to a new church

And lots more to come in the next few weeks.

I have so much to talk about, but my brain feels like its going to explode! This has sadly not been the Monday I was hoping for. But, its ok. I can only go up from here

More posts with pics later.

Wow! I was completely blown away by your support, thank you so much!

I was really debating if I wanted to post all that “drama” but, I really felt like I needed to get it off my chest a little more. I am really glad I took that chance, you guys gays gave so much good advice!

It is a touch situation. I will take the high road, I have no choice. I feel my beliefs as a Christian call me to do that. But, a doormat I am not. I have decided to not say anything to her unless she comes at me again. If that happens, I hope I can just kindly tell her that I am not going to discuss it with her again and leave it at that. If she continues to try and jump all over me - she will just be showing her true colors even more.

I have thought about confronting the other mom. Still not sure what I will do about that one. I will most likely see her this afternoon. I think I will just let her take the lead and hopefully things will work out.

Ok - enough about that! Case (hopefully) closed!

Marc and I bought some new (grown-up) toys this weekend! I am having so much fun… I’ll be back later this evening to show you! Any guesses?

hint - Marc waited in line for 2 hours to get them. (And if you know Marc, that is saying something!)

I had a real bad day today. It started off fine - but turned south real quick.

It has to do with my son. Man, I love that little kid. But, he’s got some issues (don’t we all?)

I’m not going to sugar coat this, I’m going to keep it real.

Jake is awesome! I love him so much. But he makes my heart hurt sometimes. He struggles with his emotions so much. He can be so kind sometimes and so sweet. But there are some days where I don’t even want to be around him. He has gotten kicked out of 2 different gym programs, kicked out of the day care at our gym a few times, finds it real hard to make through Sunday school and has been dragged out of numerous stores and restaurants.

I see the looks. I know what they are thinking. I used to give those same looks to other moms. Now here I am, at the receiving end - “that” kid… he’s mine.

We love him. We spend time with him. We discipline him. We are working with him. But, somedays, he still acts that way.

A few weeks ago, he got upset and messed up a board game that he and another kid were playing with. He apologized and so did I. After his outburst, I think he handled himself quite well. But, there was another mom in the room. Another mom who proceeded to tell me that we should try an elimination diet with him. I told her we were. But then she went on to seemingly diagnose my son. We need to take him to a doctor, get him diagnosed, put on meds, he is probably bipolar, he exhibits so many signs. I was so taken aback with what was coming out of her mouth that we quickly left. Then as we drove away, I broke down crying.

My biggest concern in life right now is how people see Jake. A few have been able to break through and se the real him. My sweet, kind gentle baby. But some, including some family, find it hard. Yes, it makes me angry, but most of all it makes me sad. They are really missing out.

I know he is hard to be around sometimes, remember - I live with the kid!

I got over her remarks. I realized how silly it was to listen to a woman who has been around him in 10 minute increments, 8-10 times, in a place he hates, with very little to do.

I got over it. Until today that is. You see, I had told a mutual friend, the mom of that boy he was playing with that day, that what she had said really upset me and I couldn’t believe that she had never really spoken to me before and jumped all over me with what she perceived wrong with my son. Not sure what happened after that, but as I was sitting there today, with Emma on my lap, watching my girls in class, she comes over to me and proceeds to, well, start a fight. She yelled at me for talking behind her back. So quickly I was whisked back to high school - here I am a 35 year old woman, being yelled at by a woman who is at least my age for “talking behind her back.” Wow.

I raised my voice back and we went at it for a few minutes, in a room with at least a half dozen other moms. Not my best scene. I am happy to report that I didn’t curse and I didn’t say anything off color or below the belt. I wish I could say the same for her - she actually, at one point, in not so many words, called me fat. LOL… ok I am, but seriously, she called me fat?

She left. I sat, trying to get the adrenaline under control. When I realized I was probably going to start crying, I left. I called Marc and cried the entire way home.

It is now 10:15. This happened around 1. I am still dwelling on it. I’m not sure I would have said anything different. But, as the day has gone, I am really wishing I would not have raised my voice. I feel the Holy Spirit was with me. The “old” me would have gone way off! But, I really wish I would have let that Holy Spirit in a little more and remained a little more in control.

I won’t see her again until at least Monday, more than likely, not till next Friday. So, I am asking you guys - what do you think I should do? Marc’s solution involved somename calling I think, so did my Dad and Uncles’ (must be a guy thing.) I’m not sure what to do. Should I just let it go? What do you think?

I first started this blog as a way to vent for political reasons. I have a tendency to get a little crazy when I am passionate about something. I grab that “soap box” and start the yelling. Marc suggested a blog so I could yell to the world…

like anyone wants to hear a crazy redhead yell about politics

Anyway, I have mostly stayed away from talking politics here, mainly because talking about kids is so much more fun!!!!

However, today, for just this one post, I am dragging out the soap box.

Justice Kennedy: Thank you for kindly removing your head out of your rear-end long enough to uphold our Constitutional right to bear arms. I thank you, and my guns thank you.

Justices Ginsburg, Stevens, Souter: Alas, I do believe there is no hope. Your head is so firmly planted up your rear, I fear you may never see the light of day again. Which is actually, totally fine by me.

Ok - all done. The soap box is being stowed away for another day.

Swimming pictures later today!!!!!

I am sitting here very anxious this morning. So anxious that I found it hard to sleep last night. You see - this morning I have to confront one of my biggest fears… the dentist.

I can not even begin to tell you how afraid I am of the dentist. But, sadly I brought this trip upon myself. I noticed I had a small cavity before I got pregnant with Emma and well… I put off going to the dentist. Then I got pregnant and really couldn’t go (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself) I had a horribly gag reflex all through the pregnancy.

So - here I was, at least a year later (that is so sad) eating almonds last week when what happens? My tooth cracks. Yep - that is how bad I let it get… all because I hate the dentist.

So - if you read this before 9am central time - please say a little prayer for me

When I get home, assuming that I do not die or anything like that from the trauma, I will get some cute pics up from our family day this past weekend. We went to the NASA Space Center and had a really good time!

I’m sure many of you have seen the news story regarding a homeschool family in California that was recently taken to court. Here is a brief synopsis from The HomeSchool Legal Defense Association.

A California Court of Appeal recently decided that homeschooling is illegal in California unless a parent is a certified teacher. The case arose in a confidential juvenile court proceeding. The family was represented by court-appointed attorneys and HSLDA did not become aware of the case until the Court of Appeal case was published on February 28, 2008. The Court could have restricted its decision to the facts before it, but instead, it issued a broad ruling that effectively outlaws home education in California. The Court also certified its decision for publication, which means that the decision can now be cited as legal authority by all other courts in California. The family and their California counsel are planning to appeal to the Supreme Court of California, which could result in reversal. Another option to keep homeschooling free in California is to petition the Supreme Court of California to “depublish” the opinion. If the opinion is “depublished” then it cannot be used by other California courts and this threat to homeschool freedom will be neutralized for other California homeschoolers. HSLDA will be formally petitioning the California Supreme Court to depublish the opinion. We would like to show that many other people, both in California and across the country, care deeply about homeschool freedom in California.

Please take a moment to sign this petition

This goes beyond weather you homeschool or not, or even if you think homeschooling is a good thing or not. This goes to the heart of the matter that parents should be able to make decisions regarding their children’s education. The judge stated that parents do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children. This statement comes from the same bozo’s judges that stated that parents have no right to control what their children are taught at school or what questions they are asked. This latter remark comes from the case where parents were a little upset over a sex survey given to 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders. The survey had questions like “How often do you think about sex?’ FIRST GRADERS! The court said that parents have no “fundamental right” to be the exclusive provider of sexual information to their children.

Here is a great article about the situation.

I know this is California, and you may not think it affects you, but it just may in the future if we do not take a stand and let our voices be heard now.

Thanks!

Last night Jake was snooping in the girls room and guess what he found? Valentine’s Day candy. We told the girl they could keep it in their room so Jake wouldn’t see it and want any. Well, the damage was 3 suckers, a mini-twix, a pixie stick and 4 chocolate hearts. Lovely… lucky for us it was close enough to bedtime so we didn’t have to experience too much of a reaction. He did however start acting really goofy and loud. Spinning around and flapping his arms and making really loud annoying noises. Well, at least we know what caused that and how we can make it better. I am so happy we found The Feingold Plan. Huge difference! I am just hoping his reaction is mild today. It is exhausting trying to deal with everyday stuff when he is having a full blown episode. 

I love my house and one of the things I love about it is all the natural light. I really like sunlight (as long as my pasty white skin isn’t sitting in it!) We have this lovely wall of windows things going on in the living room and kind of the same thing in the bedroom. But, I will tell you what. Those windows really stink when a hail storm comes blowing in at 5am! I was scared out of my wits till I realized what was going on. Man… it was LOUD! Thankfully, it was short lived.

I am still scrapping my heart out for my clubscrap competition. It has been fun putting everything together and it has helped me try some new stuff out. One thing that I FINALLY got the hang of was my Cricut. I bought it over a year ago and just could not get the hang of it. I really thought that I wasted a lot of money on it. Haley had been talking about it and she mentioned an infomercial she saw. I had seen it too, but all I could say was HA! Fat chance! Cause I just couldn’t get the darned thing to work and it really making me mad. Well, the other day I needed to finish up a page and I was out of my favorite alphabet stickers, so I took a deep breath said a little prayer and dug the Cricut out. After a few minutes of tweakng the machine and REALLY reading the directions - I gave it a shot and… IT WORKED!!! Thank you Haley for motivating me to give it another shot.

Last night I was finishing up a page and I couldn’t figure out when the pictures were taken. SO I started digging around and well, eventually I dug out an old computer that was sitting in Marc’s office closet. Man - I struck gold! I found a whole bunch of pictures of Jake when he was about 2 and 3 years old. Which really made me feel better, I was starting to think I really neglected taking pictures of him! Also some pictures of my home Akron, Ohio! On my last trip home, I took a bunch of pictures of stuff that reminds me of home. I would list some of them, but no one but Shannon would know or care! But, I did find a picture of my elementary school that I found out has since been torn down. I can’t wait to scrapbook those!

Off to start school - I hope everyone has a fantastic day!