Chaos (Alternately Titled: Why I haven't been around much)

Life is chaotic. At times, however, the chaos can appear to take over. It can appear to overwhelm. It seems to snowball. One thing happens, and suddenly every inconceivable thing occurs. That seems to be my life lately. I'm trying very hard to trust God and not stress over things.

Here's a rundown of what I'm dealing with (in as much as I'm permitted to discuss some of these things).

Kady appears to be fairly healthy thus far. Her new medicine appears to be working, but it is very time consuming. (Not that I'm complaining! I'll take a time consuming healthy kid over an unhealthy kid any day of the week!!)

My dad is still in extreme pain. (Almost two weeks ago, he hurt his hip.) No one knows what's going on. . .He can't stand or walk. He is sleeping somewhat, which means my mom is also sleeping somewhat. We're hoping for more information (or any information, really) tomorrow.

My boss' little girl is very ill. She is in the Pediatric ICU, and we are hoping she is healthy very soon!

One of my best friends' grandmother is ill. She has cancer and the prognosis is not good.

Spring break is coming up next week, and I had hoped to take a couple of days off and take the kids to see Kevin. We really need the time away. We're all exhausted and cranky. (Unfortunately, Kev and I are experiencing a difficult time. . .)

On the positive side, Kady is wearing p a n t i e s (I didn't want some creepo finding my blog THAT way. . .). I have survived 3 weeks of [gulp] exercise. Not an ounce has left my body, but I'm proud of myself for sticking with it thus far. In fact, I think I could outrun a 90-year-old assailant now. . .as long as I could kick his walker out of the way first. . .

Anyone else going through difficult times? How are you coping?

Well, now that I've bummed everyone out, let me say that I hope you'll all stick around until my blogging mojo is fully restocked. . .Till next time!

bubble for sale? (and bathroom humor)

We survived. If you've never experienced a 2 1/2 year old enduring allergy testing, you're not sure what an accomplishment that is! We survived, and Kady actually did really well. (I ended up cancelling the ENT appointment, because we just couldn't make it.) It turns out my daughter is allergic to "springtime" (e.g., pollens, etc.) among other things, so I'm gearing up for a fun month. She's also allergic to cats and dogs. There goes my dream of her opening Kady's Kat Kennel. . .

Apparently, her allergies will most likely get worse before they get better. (Because she's lucky like that. . .) Around five years of age, she will probably begin allergy shots. Until then, my child has the medication list of a 90-year-old. (If Kady had been born first, we couldn't have afforded having any more kids. . .) I think if I can find a bubble that fits, it should help me keep her asthma-free. . .Anyone have a bubble for sale?

In other (unrelated) news, Kady is doing great with the potty training. She went potty in the restroom at Red Robin. Red Robin, please note that it would be appreciated if you could lower the volume on those flushes or at least reduce the echo to a reasonable level. . . I thought it would scare her to death when she heard it, but she just looked at me with huge eyes. I said, "Boy, that was really loud, huh?" She nodded and said (with all seriousness), "There's a monster in that potty."

Denial. . .Fun for the Whole Family

My father's family is arguably more functional and mentally stable than my mother's family. (Not always a hard race to win, trust me!!) I tell you this to tell you that I long ago figured out the "how" (not the "why," if you'll notice). D-E-N-I-A-L. A person can function through anything using this technique. Here's my little secret: I use this technique at almost every funeral I go to. I watched an aunt perfect this, and it works well. You do eventually have to come to terms with the circumstances, but it helps to function within the social setting of a funeral. (I've lost some of you. You think I've just given up what sanity you had given me credit for. I beg to differ. I think this bodes well for my chances of being sane. . .I am using the denial to cope and am aware of the strategy. . .That's my story, anyway!)

I have discovered that the rest of my family uses this technique as well. Again, I am hoping this indicates good mental health for my children. Kyler is colorblind. Don't tell! He refuses to accept this and gets MAD when someone suggests he might be colorblind. I keep thinking we'll have some type of breakdown similar to the scene in Little Miss Sunshine when he finally comes to the realization that, Yes, he is colorblind. . .Stay tuned.

Kady, who is not potty-trained, is the most-interested kid in being potty-trained. I've been saying that I think she is ready for the last 6 months. I don't want to rush her, however (she is my baby, after all!). Anyway, she will go sit on the potty. She will tell you she needs to go and then refuse to sit on the potty. She will not tell you she needs to go but will bring you a diaper. If you ask her the logical question to any of these, you will get complete denial. Sample dialogue:
"Kady, did you poopoo?"
"Noo-oooo"
"Are you sure? I think you poopooed"
"No, Mama, no" [giggle]

Do you feel my pain? Oh, well, I'm sure she'll be potty-trained well before kindergarten. . .(Did you feel the denial?)