Dare I say it?

Things are going well. /listens for sounds of epic fail/ Oh good - think I'm safe for the moment....

The big boy and I have had some talks. It is still so hard not having the control, but I think we've come to an understanding for the time being. He had his appt. with the pedi last week. The one asthma test that they could perform there was "borderline". The pedi does not think the big boy ought to join the military even if he somehow "passes" the other test that will have to be done at the specialist's office. Needless to say, this weighs heavily on number one. What now? We don't think he realizes that his choices are endless. He mentioned something about attending community college, but his heart is so not into it. I don't think we should throw money around just because he feels like it is the only avenue. I want him to really think about what he wants to do should these asthma tests prove that he is no longer fit to enter the military. I guess if I put myself in the shoes of an 18yo and the one thing he has had his sights on has been pulled from under him, I would be a bit downtrodden and hopeless. As an older & wiser parent, however, I just see one door closing, but so many are still open. The possibilities are endless...he just has to see that for himself, I suppose.

Other than the big boy stuff, things are going pretty well here. Money is still a huge issue (SNOW - WHERE ARE YOU?), but I'm trying to let that go so I don't waste time worrying over something I really can't change. Somehow we'll muddle through - we always have and always will. We're rather tough, I suppose. Lots of practice makes perfect. :oP

I guess no drama makes for a rather boring blog....Oh well. It's nice to be boring sometimes.

Good things abound!

Firstly, I am thankful for my GP's office. Not only did they get me in yesterday afternoon (and earlier than expected), they gave me the news that they just started taking my insurance! Can I get a big huge WOOOHOOOO?! Seriously, I praised God all the way home. That was an absolute answer to prayer. I also received 5 days of a strong antibiotic to knock out whatever is left in my chest and my sinuses. I am still pretty stuffy, but hopeful that I'll start feeling much better by this weekend. Now I'm crossing my fingers that the acidophlis that I bought will counter the strong antibiotics and I won't need a prescription of Diflucan in a couple of days! I also have a boatload of fat free plain yogurt on hand and plan on making myself some mean strawberry smoothies!

Secondly, my appliances are all in working order. Yes, the fan on my convection oven is put back into place and my fridge's freezer is working as it should now that the dust and hair that was clogging the compressor has been vacuumed away. I was also told that my "excessive" sweeping was likely the reason why it clogged to begin with. Who woulda thunk that cleaning had such terrible consequences? bwaahaahaa I'll keep that little item for those days that I really don't want to sweep or vacuum! I was also told by my favorite appliance repair man that having another washer would be ideal for us. He said that all of our appliances basically will last half as long as the average person's because of all the wear and tear they get from 8 people. This perhaps will get the hubster's butt in gear to go over and get the free front loader the neighbors are giving us. Two front loaders means double the laundry being done at once!!!

Thirdly, it is 9:40am and Em hasn't peed her pants. She did wet them just a tiny bit first thing this morning, but it was partially my fault since she was stuck at the table (I was trying to get those middle boys on track so that they didn't miss the bus). Yesterday also was a "good" day. No accidents on my watch.

Fourth, well, it is a brand new day and I'm still here. I have a sinus headache (still), but I'm happy and content which makes everything a bit better.

Good things in my life...

It was a horrible morning. I woke up late for church and ended up being late to church even though it is right next door. P. did make it to church this morning. He is VERY weak and my heart is breaking for him and his family. It was a good service although there wasn't a sermon. The winds of change are certainly a-blowing and well, if you know me, I don't like change.

As I entered into my yard after church, hubby promptly jumped in D.'s truck and drove off to look at a job. I was irritated as he has been working from dawn 'til dark every night this past week including yesterday. I walked into the house and was greeted with the same mess I left and the fact that I had to get my red sauce cooking because I promised Daniel eggplant parm for supper tonight. There were whiny, ill behaved children involved as well. After getting my sauce together to simmer on the stove, I went to my bedroom to check FB. Tried to play some WT, but the kids were awful...seriously. I actually pumped soap into Thomas' mouth because he looked at me when I told him to do something and said "Whatever." in that awful, disrespectful way. (I don't care if he spits it out...I don't make them swallow it or anything...please don't call C&F on me, k?) I was stressed and everyone was on my last nerve.

Basically as Chris walked through the door I decided that I was leaving. I barked at him, one last time at the kids while I got my yoga pants & sneakers on and instead of driving away mad, I decided to walk. And then I jogged...and then the stress seemed to melt away like a glob of cold butter does when it hits a hot skillet. I started to feel less like a caged lioness and more like myself. I walked/jogged for about a half an hour and then hit home to see if anyone wanted to walk the blue path through the woods with me down the street (yes, the same one I took Em's stroller on the other day!) I ended up picking up Daniel, Thomas, David & Chris and so we set off for an adventure down the dirt road, through the wooded path and then back up our road. The boys had a great time even though the rain we've had has turned the wooded path into a little stream in a few places and that the little stream has turned into a raging brook. Wet, but fun.

And it dawned on me as I walked back to the house that I have so many GOOD things in my life. I thought maybe I could list a few of them just to remind myself....they are in no particular order.

1. An awesomely caring, loving & HOT hubby
2. Healthy kiddos - 6 of them, even!
3. A comfortable home with relatively nice things
4. A solid extended family
5. New found girlfriends who always seem to lift me up if I fall
6. My brain...it works...and someday I know it will be full of soil science
7. My computer & the fact that I am able to keep in touch with those far away
8. A full belly with no worries that it won't be full anytime soon
9. My relationship with God. I don't always understand, but I do understand that someday I'll know the reason why for everything I don't understand. Trust & obey.
10. The fact that I am able to exercise, think, breathe, be and the fact that I am able to wake up every day and am free to be the change I want to see.

What I hope to remember is that things aren't always going to be perfect, but if I look around, I am positive that someone else in my life has it harder than I do. I need to remember to give thanks for the blessings that I see each and every day and focus on those instead of the little rough patches that pop up here and there along the way.