The Zoo

So yesterday at about 4pm prior to our nurse leaving Jude got very cranky! Alan tried everything to get Jude comfortable, but it just wasn't working. So I was able to console him for a bit by holding him, but it didn't last for long. I finally got Jude to sleep by patting his back for awhile while he laid on his futon. When he woke up he was okay for a bit, but then got very cranky again. I ended up putting him to bed early because I thought he needed the sleep and mom needed a break.

So we went to bed too and then at TWO am in the morning our doorbell rings. I stumble out of bed half asleep and open the door (when I know I shouldn't) and my neighbor is standing there. "I am so so sorry to wake you up, but your dogs got out". I looked at him blurry eyed and muster out "storm?". He said "Yes it's about to storm". I respond "Okay not my dogs but I will tell the owner, thanks so much!". At that point my husband is walking to the front door...... I look at him and said "Your dogs are out" and keep walking to the bed and fell in it. So Mike goes to retrieve Spot and Jack whom I had reconciled with a bit that afternoon. We had cleaned up the patio and we had sat out there with them for a long time so I was disappointed they escaped again....the darn Houdini's! I finally fell back to sleep and Mike comes through the door.........which makes Bigs (our yorkie poo) bark. I had purchased Bigs a "No bark" Egg from Sunbeam which seemed to be a miracle device......for the first day. So Bigs loud shrill bark woke Jude up and sent him into a seizure........at this point I want to fricassea a few animals. I finally get Jude back to sleep and crawl back into bed.

I then here POP POP POP as the cat tears apart my weather stripping on my front door trying to get inside the house because the terrorists are occupying his garage. The cat cannot come in because he had just been treated for fleas that afternoon. So I pull myself back out of bed and open the door to scold the cat. I then head back to my room and I hear Jude's cries.

At that point a cliff sounded pretty nice............and this is how my entire night went. I probably got to sleep from 11-2.

&!&$& Zoo!

A special video and a great picture!

A dude flick!

So I started paying for NETFLIX on a monthly basis and it's the best $7.99 I have ever spent! Emily is loving putting her teen movies and shows into her IPAD. So last night we decided to watch a movie as a family. We can see anything that is downloaded into any system in the house. So we log on and see that "American Pie" (the explicit version) was there.

Mike: (to EM) You watched American Pie????
Em: No way! I thought that was something else. I watched like 2 minutes and turned it off
Mike: I can check to see how much you watched you know.
Em: Serious.........like two minutes.
So Mike checks and sure enough it was turned off at almost 2 minutes in. Em has been raised right and knows better than to watch those types of movies.
Em: Um that's a BAD movie!!! I don't ever want to see any of it again!
I could tell Mike was controlling he laughter.
Funny thing is.......she didn't even get to the bad part yet (thank goodness!) 

So then Mike decides he and I should watch the movie the Expendables.

When the movie was over I turned and looked at Mike.

Me: You know how they say the term "chick flick"
Mike: yes
Me: Um that was a dude flick!
Mike: yea it was (laughing)
Me: Do you even know the plot or was their one? I mean it was like every old action star and UFC fighter blowing people's heads off with lots of blood going everywhere. Only thing missing was boobs and that's only because Sylvester is to old to care anymore.
Mike: (Cracking up) You are right I really don't know the plot, but the bodies being blown up and stuff was way cool!
Me: you are such a guy

The dentist and the butterly part II

The dentist we went to was AMAZING! She was so special and so sweet to Jude. She took her time to get to know him before she did anything. She then explained every instrument before she used it and even ran it over his hand so he could feel it. Jude did NOT need to be sedated and did wonderfully. He only got upset near the end of the visit when she was cleaning the plaque. She said overall Jude's teeth looked amazing. He did have some overgrowth of his gums, but she said that is common with seizure medications. She also confirmed that the prior phenobarb use caused the teething issues he experienced. She then told us Jude is missing a tooth.

Me: He is missing a whole tooth?
Dr: Yes it's genetic.........well when did you say the stroke was?
Me: In utero
DR: Oh okay then yes....it's genetic, but it's fine because most kids need more room on the bottom anyway
Me: I blame Mike
Dr: It's always the one that is missing that gets blamed
Me: well he said I have white sickly genes so we will blame his Hispanic genes on this

She thought that was pretty funny. So Jude was crying near the end of the cleaning, but she was so sweet to him. She gave him a red balloon with black spots to cheer him up and sent several toys with Charlotte so him to look at later.

When we got home a butterfly was sitting on my porch waiting for our arrival.

A dental appointment with butterflies!

Sometimes even though my mom is gone she finds a way to reach out. On my wedding day I smiled as a butterfly landed on my bouquet and stayed there throughout the entire ceremony (No I am not joking). All day I have been a bit flustered, uneasy, feeling a bit panicked... but I didn't know why. I finally realized tonight that I have anxiety about Jude's first dental appointment tomorrow. A regular dental cleaning is much different for children like Jude that have extreme special needs. Thanks to my diaper/food fairy phenomenon Gena I found one awesome dentist close to our house. Tomorrow I am taking him at 9am to have his tiny little teeth checked out. However, we have to stop all food by midnight tonight in case they have to sedate Jude for the cleaning and any possible procedure. Jude does not like having his teeth brushed...........so I am prepared for the sedation.

So as my anxiety peaked I packed Jude up for our nightly walk. When I turned on to our adjacent street I saw Jude smile!! He looked down to his arm......and I just stopped and grinned. There was a friend resting so peacefully and she rode on his arm the entire walk.

Now look closer......

The new bride "Nose Tube Diet" and my thoughts

If you haven't seen the recent flood of news in regards to the new "nose tube diet" some brides are attempting then you can read the information here: http://shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/brides-8217-extreme-wedding-preparations-nose-tube-diet-173800919.html
The immediate image that popped into my head when I read this article was this:

I remembered Mike and myself having to insert the NG tube down Jude's nose and into his stomach.  It was horrible and heart wrenching and unable to describe in words. I could go on and on about how I feel about this diet and I could use my words to describe my internal issues with it. However it really comes down to three words.....

It disgusts me.


Ps. We could really use your help to get Jude a mobility van. Please cast your vote for Emily as a local hero. Thanks! http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/texas/roanoke/1384/emily-lites

Jude's "voice"

In my email today

Pampers

Your Preschooler: Month 44

Dear Pampers: we have had this discussion before...........your emails suck! Thank you for reminding me again that Jude is not on target and not removing me from your email list per my request.

Anyway, we took Jude up to the after care clinic last night. I highly recommend the Cook's Children's Southlake urgent care center. They are fast and friendly. They decided to do a chest X ray since Jude has been coughing for about two weeks. While we were waiting I decided to run to the restroom and I heard the nurse say, "Left lung infiltrates looks like pneumonia". I thought "CRAP! Surely not...he doesn't seem tat sick". So right after I got back in the room the doctor came in and said Jude looked fine, but had a sinus infection. I was so relieved that Jude was okay, but felt really sad for the other family.

While we were there I started talking in "Jude's" voice to Em. Em has been a typical teen lately so everything I do.........is not funny or entertaining.
She said "Stop mom.........it's not funny. It's funny when Mike does it".
Me: "Well Mike cusses"
Em: "I know.........funny!"
Me: "well it's not appropriate"
Em: "O M Gee mom I know not to cuss....I never do"
Me: (thinking) "Great we are to the Ooooooo MMMMMM GEEEEEEEEE mom stage"
Mike: (Jude's voice) "*&^% Mom I told you I didn't need to come to the *&%^ doctor"
Em: cracking up "see funny"
Me: (trying to contain my laughter) "Nice babe.........nice"

Several of you are laughing right now because you know Mike and you can hear him in your head! I have to admit ..........as wrong as Mike is it's absolutely hilarious!. He also loves Jude very much. The nurses commented at the clinic on how Mike is always hugging on Jude. Here is a recent video we shot.

Jude

Jude had a bad night. I felt really sorry for him. When I got home from work he was very cranky and it didn't get any better unless I was holding him. I would hold him all the time if I could, but he is getting so big that it really hurts my back. We gave him Motrin and we tried to calm him, but he just wasn't having any part of it. So when we put him to bed we figured his sedative would kick in and he would go to sleep. We were wrong! He whined, cried, and moaned for an hour. So I finally just went and disconnected his IV feed and took him into the living room. I sat down with him on the couch and he snuggled into my chest and went fast asleep. Every time I would try to move with him he would snuggle in deeper. Poor little guy.

Charlotte is watching him close today and he stayed home from school.

having interesting conversations

We had a day filled with adventure in regards to our animals and loud thunderstorms. I spent the better part of the day chasing animals trying to escape and calming those who decided to stay indoors. After we calmed everyone down and the storms had passed the family decided to venture out to lunch. On our way out to eat Emily......in a meek voice........admitted that she had received a rather "racy" text from a boy she liked. First.....I have to give HUGE kudos to my girl for admitting (on her own) that someone made her feel uncomfortable.......which happened to be a boy she REALLY liked. Mike immediately put his hands over his ears and began chanting ...so he couldn't hear ... that Em is growing up. I listened to Emily's concerns and watched Mike at the same time, because I was plotting his penitence.

I took a deep breath and asked Emily........"just exactly what did this boy text you"
Mike: "You don't want to know!! (Now chanting louder) lalalala"
Me: "Why .........do YOU know?"
Mike: "Well I can guess"
Emily: " Mom ... you don't want to know"
Me: (In my mind) " Oh great.....even she knows I am Snow White"
Mike: Does this have anything to do with body parts?
Emily: ................mmmm yes
Mike: OH MY GOD ..... (covering ears again)
Me: (containing myself) Emily did it make you feel bad?
Emily: Yes
Me: then that is not acceptable. What did you say?
Emily: I said that "I am not okay with this. If you want that type of girl you should text someone else and basically told him I was very upset, but then he blamed his friend".
At this point Mike is seething and thinking about ripping ribs from a little boys abdomen. Finally after a bit more conversation Mike yells.
Mike: "I DIDN'T WANT THIS. I didn't give birth to a girl!!! I never wanted to beat little boys up!"
Me (calmly) : uh huh. You are paying for your sins!
Mike: (looking at Emily while lowering his head). Tell that little boy....would you talk to your mama like this??
Me: uh huh... (Mike shoots me a dirty look)
Me: So the text said..........???
Mike: LALALALALALA (Covering his ears)
Emily hands me her phone
Me: Looking at Emily's phone............( My mouth DROPS OPEN!!!)
Mike: Oh lord!!!! I am going to have to call someone's dad aren't I??
Me: "Really?? They think of this at 13??"
Mike: snickers quietly
Me: (Hits Mike)
Mike: what the hell did I do?
Me: You were born male!
Mike: well..........
Me: um well........EMILY, do you know what this means??
Emily: Kinda
Me: I am a very honest person and I will never lie to you. When you are old enough to make responsible decisions then you are welcome to have a healthy sex life with your husband
Mike: OOOOOOOOO MYYYYYYY GODDDDDDDDDD
Me: shhhh
Me: until that time any talk regarding the word "penis" or other issues okay to discuss with me, but not okay with little boys. You see from the time they are 13 until they are about (Looking at Mike)
Mike (lowering his head) 34
Me: "34.........that's all they think about. So you can let them know what type of girl you are. Is it okay to talk about stuff that makes you feel uncomfortable or is it not? A boy that treats you like this will never think of you more than an object"
Em: Yea that's what I figured
Me: this one is also young..........so maybe he deserves a harsh slap and a wake up call. However in the future remember that any boy that thinks of you as an object will always think of you that way. Any boy that doesn't treat you with respect and dignity ........never will. A boy knows when he loves you and when someone deserves to be treated like a lady.
Em: well let's just say I made sure he knew I was a LADY!
Me: good girl!
Mike: I just can't take it
Me: Really? Because you are so special
Mike: I am so special I poop sparkles and glitter with little kazoo's that go toot toot da doot
Me: I really don't know what to say to that.

So all in all it was a good day with a health conversation that my daughter will kill me if she knows I posted so let's not tell her. However, it's good for other parents to see everyone talks about this stuff. Also, a big kudo's to Em. This article came out today.
http://www.brandnewz.com/?p=11792

Marilyn and a bean

We watched "My Week with Marilyn" tonight. It was fabulous. http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/my-week-with-marilyn/. If you are a fan or Marilyn curious I recommend the film. I always admired her but had empathy for her at the same time. I allowed Em to stay up and watch the movie because I felt it had some important messages. The entire script was pretty deep...........and I was impressed that Em seemed to get it all! She pointed out particular moments in the film and the lack of Ms. Monroe's self confidence on more than one occasion...which is exactly what I wanted Em to learn from.

During the show Em said "Mommy..........what is this?". She took my hand and rubbed it over a bean shaped lump in her neck. I knew it was probably her lymph node, but asked Mike to feel it without assigning the issue title. He also said, "Oh it feels like a lymph node....she is probably fighting an infection like Jude was". I relaxed and figured he was right. Then I asked Em...."are you really tired?". She said "Yes that's why I have been mopey all week".

So I felt like it was probably a normal childhood issue and I worried at the same time. I said a quick prayer that I literally...............in all seriousness could NOT handle two sick children. Part of me wanted to take off tomorrow to have her checked and the other part knew..........well knows it's just a normal everyday thing. I sent her downstairs for a vitamin and banned her from activities tomorrow.
So a quick prayer Em gets better soon.........and this little bean quickly goes away so this dramatic mom will have nothing to worry about.

Relaxation with a need

Well I am at home finally relaxing and it's only........mmmm 11:11pm (lol). Mike had to go to bed early tonight because he has a very early day at work tomorrow. Jude is finally asleep after a long struggle and Emily is suppose to be asleep. However giving the child an IPHONE has presented it's challenges with bedtime. Although, she was up late putting together a few Emily's Smile Boxes so I try to be (a tiny bit) understanding.  Jude has been................difficult this week in regards to sleeping! He has not wanted to go to bed nor stay asleep. I know he has to be very tired because I am tired. In fact I am a bit.......edgy, cranky, and incoherent. He is smiley, but CRANKY!
Tonight when I left work I battled NASCAR traffic and got home about an hour later than I normally do. It has thrown my entire night off and I have been very disorganized. Emily tried to read her play to me twice, but I could not grasp it. I finally asked to see her manuscript and read the play silently to myself so I could understand it. That's when I stepped back..........I took a deep breath in and missed my mom. I 100% am honestly jealous of some girls around me. I say that with a smile because I am jealous in a sweet sense. I so wish I could call up my mom and and say.........

1. "Mom I haven't slept in three weeks........oh wait longer.....can you come over for like a week so I can just SLEEP?"
2. "Mom the oldest kids play isn't making sense...I think I need a break....."
3. "Mom we have macaroni in a box and some tea left in the fridge...........old mother hubbards cubbard is bare and she is to busy to fill it"
4. "Mom, CRAP there are dirt rings around the bath tub!"
5. "Mom............the cat is shedding everywhere and I feel to guilty to get rid of him and I am to busy to vacuum! Really it's everywhere... (whispers) like I think the furballs are mating"
6. "Mom....the baby keeps outgrowing his pajamas because he wears a SIX and is three........can we shop?"
7. "Mom.........I have a banquet to go to this weekend for your granddaughters amazing charity...will you come with me to try on dresses because I feel like a hippo?"
8. "Mom...Em needs to go to the dentist because she has 3 fillings, Jude needs to go to the dentist for his first check up, Em needs a physical, Jude needs a GI check up, Jude needs his shots, and well I cannot get away........can you help?"

I could go on..........but man I miss having her there. My family is amazing. My step mom has been great, but she is taking care of her mom and that's a full time job. I commend her for that too because I have been in that in that situation. So sometimes I just miss the relationship my friends have with their moms. Don't worry....my rings get cleaned...but the thought is still there :)
Jude's throat looks a bit red so we will have this checked out at the clinic after work tomorrow. I am sure it's just allergies.

Mom

As you can tell it's been very busy at work again.

Jude is doing pretty well, but is not sleeping again. He is also pretty congested which we blame on allergies. I did have to make a quick post that Jude. When I go home at night from work he has really been looking at me. I mean looking at my in my eyes and smiling really bright! He just really gets who I am and I love it.

I thought that was worthy of a post :)

A question for SP parents and frustration.

I had a low key day at work which has been unusual lately. However, I had a high stress day in other parts of my life. I don't really want to go into it, but let's just say it has really stressed me out. My husband gave me two glasses of wine and calmed me down tonight. However, I am always naive and always wondering how people can put so much stock into material items and issues. Mike just said (again) "You forget you are Snow White". Maybe he is right!

On another note we noticed that Jude's sternum on the right side of his body is grossly protruding today. We have noticed this since they diagnosed him with scoliosis, but it's really bad tonight. He has also been very restless the last two night. So we are wondering if there is something going on. For my special needs parents let me describe it further. Jude's left chest is sunken in while the right right is VERY protruding. We are going to visit the doctor, but in the past they have told us not to worry about it. Is this something anyone has encountered before? He fluctuates between being very happy and irritable. We want to think it's just nothing and attributed to his failure to stand on his feet.

feedback would be appreciated.

NADO'S! Plus prayers are needed and more

I felt very cared about today. I had people emailing from all over asking if my family was okay. Some were family, some friends, and some amazing blog readers. After watching the below on the internet merely miles from where I was at and my kids were at...........well I again HATE tornado's! (Nado's as my family calls them)

I am a bit of a weather freak (right now my family is saying...A BIT??) It's only because I have personally been IN the direct path of tornado's and therefore I have a respect for them. There are those that have respect and would rather be safe than sorry and those that ............ keep driving down the above highway thinking the said twister will gone by the time they reach the hill. I don't panic, but I get very ansy, over excited, and work on 100% adrenaline. So yesterday I mentioned to my co-workers that I had been watching the weather closely and I was a bit concerned. I watched the weather form and the large red cells on the radar. Suddenly there was a tornado warning, then two, then three, THEN dfw was under a tornado emergency. WTH...........there were so many forming that they just declared an emergency. I was fine with where I was because I knew I would evacuate the office to the local KWIK KAR location in Grapevine, TX (they have an underground facility and invited us once). I was NOT okay when I saw a tornado warning pop up by my children's schools. I didn't hear from Emily, but I did receive an auto calling from her school informing me they were taking all precautions. I then heard from Jude's nurse Charlotte that they were in "duck and cover" and Jude thought it was hilarious. I felt a bit of relief. Later in the day when Em asked to go to a friends I realized her school had played this day off as a "drill". Smart...........kept the kids calm. Charlotte shielded Jude and the teaches helped...he is truly loved. Once the sun came out today these are the sites seen in DFW.

Mike and I both want a storm shelter VERY BADLY. We would store some of Jude's items in there that he would have to have to survive, but they are so expensive. So we will begin saving for one. God bless the people affected by this storm. I am so thankful my family is okay.

So about 5am Mike's phone began ringing. I hit him and said "stupid alarm", but Mike arose from the sleep fog to realize it was his phone actually ringing. It was Jude's nurse Charlotte telling us her husband had a massive seizure in bed while sleeping. He was in ICU and intubated. We were both speechless. Mike volunteered to stay home because he knew that being an insurance agent I was looking at a VERY busy day ahead of me. We were so concerned about Charlotte and her husband, but we also talked to the nursing agency several times today. They were able to get a nurse in for us to meet late today so she could watch Jude tomorrow. It was strange making plans while Charlottes husband was so ill. I remember when I found out about Jude I just looked down from the hospital window wondering how everyone on the roads could continue on with their lives. Its a strange feeling. We do know her husband has made progress but they are still looking for answers...so please keep them in your prayers.

I also feel so withdrawn from people. My work is so very busy that I barely have time to breathe anymore. I am thankful I have a good job, but I am also very very tired. So bear with me if I seem tired, cranky, or just need a friend. I appreciate your patience, being there, and waiting for me to be myself again :)

A reminder!

Tonight Mike and I tried to watch the movie "My week with Marilyn". I was so excited to see the movie that I could hardly contain myself. However..........we could not get the movie in time since the phone company did not properly hook up our TV to our cable so we missed it. I was very disappointed. So we settled on the movie, "Extremely loud and Incredibly close" with Tom Hanks. I knew the movie was based around the events of 9/11 so I was sure it was going to be a cry fest. However, I had NO clue the movie also centered around a brilliant boy with a few phobias. We started watching the movie and about 30 minutes in I said, " that sweet boy is so brilliant and I bet he has Aspergers". In the movie he states his test was undetermined. 
We watched the tale unfold. I wished Em was with us to watch the movie, but she was with her dad. So at the end of the show with my eyes swelling shut from tears of understanding, and more........Em texted. "Mommy........I love you once I love you twice I love you more than beans and rice". I texted back, "I love you to the moon and back,.......... and then to the sun and back". She then said "how was your day". She is a sweet kid!!

Sometimes I think certain movies should be required for everyone to see. So people can understand loss, grief, being grateful, tragedy, triumph, special needs, sympathy, patience.........and more. I just think.........on the very rare occasion..... Hollywood gets it right.

Now I am going to ice the bags under my eyes...........tonight I think fate picked the right movie. It reminded me to appreciate those around me. You should take the time and muster the strength to truly watch this movie..........and everything it encompasses.

A Southern Funeral and more

After my aunt died this week it started a discussion within my family of "what I want if I die?"...morbid, but normal. Some wanted a party, some wanted a big funeral, and one wanted to be fed to fish. God Bless my Aunt Docia who always provides great entertainment. She even followed her comment up with, "I know I know... the fish won't want me". So when someone dies and we mourn their loss does this also give us the opportunity to question our own mortality? If we are truthful.........it won't matter what we want when we die.......because we are not around anymore. However, a celebration of life helps relieve the pain in those that have lost someone they loved. When my mother suddenly passed away at only 27 my family had no warning or rules to go by. They pretty much shut down because it was such a shock. My family recalls being angry that people could carry on with their normal lives............man do I know that feeling!!! I was sure MAD at the women waiting on their perfect sonograms when Jude was diagnosed.

So what do I want if I die?  I want people to say......Jenn made a difference in the world. I truly want to have the opportunity to hear people say "She was kind, she was fair, she was honest, and she loved others". That.......would make me happy....I would hope people would say that. We never know when our last minutes will be held out in front of us so we should truly live for the moment. So what arrangements would you want? I would want whatever makes my family and friends happy. I didn't get to view my mother after her death and I think it would have helped me heal. So if someone needs to see me then........allow them to. However, in the end .........take me to Maui........along with whoever can go. I want everyone to take some time off work......not for me......but for themselves. I never can seem to slow down because of work or other issues so I want everyone to stop for a few minutes. Rehabilitate yourself while taking me to the most peaceful place I have ever been in my life. I always love family and friends together for extended periods of time. So take me to a beautiful waterfall with sun and happiness and say "she would love this". Have faith that I am finally resting and play a very cool song with a soulful twist and smell the beauty of the flowers only Hawaii can provide..........and just relax. That's what I would want. I would want everyone to be happy! So let's hope that I have many many years left on Earth and decades from now someone will read my blog and say........that's what she wanted ... so let's DO it!
My aunt's funeral was amazing and my cousins speech about her was right on. She always wore something ironed, she was unavailable during Cowboy games, and her kitchen was heaven. We take a little of each person we meet with us through our lives and I was honored I was a part of her life. She kept a picture of Jude and Em near her in her nursing home. I didn't see her near the end of her life because well ............. I wanted to remember her as her spunky feisty Southern Belle self....and I do. 

We are all going to pass......I guess it's just a question of how people will feel when you are gone. I don't think we can ever really prepare ourselves for anyone passing. However in today's electronic abilities maybe we can tell people.........this is what I want, or what I don't want...........or to just .... r e l a x and it will all be okay. Now let's make sure no one gossips or reads to much into a thoughtful piece of writing. I am just expressing my feelings :)

Good night Jude!

Jude's hard work. He doesn't say the full sentence, but you can tell he is trying.........and listening.

Conversations heard in my house

Bark bark bark bark bark

Me: Your dogs are about to foghorn in the backyard
Mike: (looks at me) D- OOOOOO - GEEEEE - EEES
Me: Yep (turning down TV to hear the relentless howling of the "terrorists")
Mike: opens door

BARK BARK YELP YELP

Me: rolling my eyes
Mike: Spot is just running back and forth in front of the fence barking.........there isn't even anyone walking by.
Me: Because he is C R A Z Y
Mike: and Lady is crazy too?
Me: Nooooooooo Lady is senial......Spot is just bipolar
Mike: and Jack? (the small one)
Me: SCARED he is just laying low so neither one of them kill him
Mike (laughs) so he just gets like two bites of kibble and runs for his life?
Emily: (pretty much falls off the chair laughing)

It's true...........ever wonder about the terrorists? Please share my video from so long ago.

With that story let me share another old video. Watch how hard Jude works at getting his head up to look at his sister. So great.

My big boy!

Jude is doing better and just look how big he is! He looks happy and generally interested in his toy! Charlotte sent these pictures to me at work and I was so happy to see them this morning.

A singer, some medicine, and a naughty nurse

As I mentioned yesterday I have been hit with the crud. So I decided to hit Minute Clinic off N Tarrant Pkwy last night. I won't even mention how incredibly rude the nurse practitioner was..........okay I guess I will mention it. Seriously she must just HATE her job because she hated her clinic, me, and everyone working there.  I seriously say one employee duck and cover. So I left that facility and traveled up the road to Care Now in Keller. They were super nice and super quick. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. I don't like to take antibiotics unless I am just miserable. I am still pretty stuffy, but the nectar of the Gods medicine is doing it's job. WHEW!  

I have to brag on my husband because he really helped me out. He was also a little devil for a bit, but I will go into that later. First the guy drove out to my job yesterday to take me to get my car inspected, take me to lunch, and then take me back to get my car. Then after work I knew I had to have Emily at her open house because she was performing with her advanced theater group by 6:15. Her group was to be the entertainment while the parents were going through the building. I got stuck in traffic and I felt like the bottom of an old shoe. So Mike packed Jude up ........ feeding pump and all to get Emily dropped off at her school in time. So he calls me and this is where he turned into a little devil.

Mike: Don't worry I am on my way to drop Em off.
Me: Well it's her open house we shouldn't just drop her off
Mike: Dude, it's like a bunch of little kids I don't know performing and singing ... not just her. She said her part is only 15 minutes long.
Me: really?
Mike: she isn't 7 she is 13........it's not like artwork hung on the windows and stuff
Me: well if she was wanting us to attend you sure aren't making her feel like we want to go right now
Mike: She said she thought you were going to drop her off anyway
Me: that's strange..........really?
Mike: she gets it.........(talking to Em now) hey Em you get it right. I mean we are pulling in the parking lot...see that dad......he is thinking he really doesn't want to be here. Look at that one....all stinkin from working in his garage shop all day he just wants a dang shower......and that one....well his look says it all doesn't it?
Me: really....... you are not saying this to her
Em: giggling
Mike: see she gets it

Sigh! So anyway. Emily went to her open house and after I finished with the doctor I ran to pick her up. She said everything went well. So then we get home and start talking about her open house.

Me: Casen said you sang your song
Mike: HOLD UP a minute YOU sang a song???
Me: Yes a solo in her play..........Adam Lamberts version of "Mad World"
Mike: SHUT up you didn't tell me you had to sing. I so would have been there!
Em: Hence the reason I wanted to be dropped off
Mike: You had this planned out didn't you??
Em: Yup
Me: She got one up on you didn't she?

So then she sang it for us and she did pretty well. I was surprised.

Jude is feeling much better and loved his Goodnight Gorilla story again last night. He is beginning to anticipate the parts of the story. His favorite part is, "and the Gorilla said Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!"

Have a good weekend!

Ps. If anyone knows of any businesses that like to donate to 501c non-profits please let me know.