The journey

It seems like I always start a blog post saying "it's been a long time since I posted..." and once again, that's true. It's been an interesting year for Drew and I but we are coming out the other side.

I've thought a lot about writing down our journey, but I always hesitated.  Truth be told, I was just too tired to do anything and I was a little nervous about writing it down.  However, today, I am throwing caution to the wind and writing.

Here it goes...

In February 2014, Drew started complaining of his right leg hurting.  I, of course, totally blew it off, attributing it to growing pains.  However, it just kept getting worse and he would even complain when I tried to touch his leg.  I didn't think growing pains did that.  I took him to his pediatrician and he thought Drew had a virus, due to the fact that his lymph nodes were a little swollen and that was impacting the muscles of his leg. He said Drew should start feeling better soon. The dr. did take a hip & leg x-ray, just to make sure and they looked good.

The VERY NEXT day, when I pick him up from school, he was in a lot of pain and begged me to take him to the dr.  So, I called our pediatrician's after hours clinic and made an appt.  When we went in, they took more x-rays and took blood, which Drew did NOT enjoy.  All of those results came back fine.  That was great, because we were ruling out some truly horrible things like leukemia and I was thrilled with that. On the flip side, my son was hurting and no one could figure out what was going on.  That is stressful, both on the parent and the child.

I wont go through the entire journey, but here are the highlights, after that visit, we

1) went to the children's ER twice!

2) Had an MRI

3) Had a bone scan - which was an all day affair

4) More x-rays

5) More blood work

6) Went to his Neurologist

7) Went to a Orthopedic Dr. - two different ones, BTW

8) Went to a Rheumatologist

During all of this,  Drew wasn't sleeping and nothing was giving him any relief.  To say we were getting frustrated was an understatement.

Through a friend, I meet a woman whose daughter had something that sounded very similar, so I talked with her. Her daughter had a condition called Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND).  In a nut shell, RND is 

"Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that is characterized by chronic, severe pain. The sympathetic nervous system is that part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary functions of the body such as increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and increasing blood pressure. Excessive or abnormal responses of portions of the sympathetic nervous system are thought to be responsible for the pain associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. "

During this journey, I asked a couple of the doctors about it and they always said it was a last resort type of diagnosis because it meant Drew had a journey in front of him.  When we were able to get in with the Rheumatologist, he finally confirmed what I had been asking, Drew did have RND.  By this time, due to the circulation being restricted in his leg, his right foot was paler and colder than his left. Not the diagnosis I wanted, but at least we knew something, and as my friend Karen said over and over to me, it could have been worse!

Once we had that diagnosis, the next step was to go and have Drew evaluated by a Physical Therapist at Dell's Children's Medical Center.  We were able to get in and get Drew evaluated and she confirmed what the doctor said. Here comes the fun part, they don't treat RND with medication, they treat it with intense physical and occupational therapy. 

Starting in April, we went to Dell's in Austin twice a week for PT, OT and counseling.  One element of RND is that stress can make it worse and when you're a 9 yr old boy in chronic pain, it's going to cause a tad bit of stress.  Thankfully, we had an amazing team that worked together and was able to create a plan of action to help Drew.  My son is amazing and he worked so hard! PT was hard, he was already hurting and they were asking him to do exercises that hurt, but he did them! Such a trooper!

During all of this, I leaned on my friends and my amazing church family that I'm so incredibly blessed with.  I also leaned very heavily on God and my faith.  Not to say there were times I wasn't stress out and angry, but that's human and I believe God understands those emotions.  

Psalm 46 became one of those Psalms that I would read over and over again.  It spoke to me on many levels.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.^[c]

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields^[d] with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"Therefore we will not fear..." Man, that's a hard one for me.  I have this running joke with myself and it's "If I'm not worried, I'm worried I forgot something." So, I worked on that HARD and I kept saying that to myself over and over! 

Today, I read a blog post about a family whose daughter (I think around 14) died from cancer.  I can't even imagine what they are enduring right now and my heart breaks for them. It reminded me that we never know what's going to happen, and that each and every day is a Blessing and we should celebrate in that! It also reminded me that even though Drew will have RND for the rest of his life and we have to be vigilant about it, he is healthy and back to his crazy and awesome self! 

Life is a crazy journey that no one on earth can predict or even plan for. We just have to take it a day at a time and when that's even too much, let's just worry about the next 5 minutes.

Oh my gosh...It's APRIL!!!!

So, I realized I haven't posted in a REALLY long time, oopss...can I use the excuse that life has just gotten away from me??  Time sure does fly when you have an 8 year that is running you around all the time.  Between school, baseball, homework, etc, you blink and it's been two weeks.  It's crazy!  I have some pics to share and some Drewisms!  It's been way too long!

 Drew and I went skating with his Auntie Karen!  She spoils us rotten.

 So, baseball season was about to start and Drew decided his cleats needed to be cleaned.  Wish I could get him to work that hard on cleaning his room. :-p

The first several games were a little challenging for Drew.  He kept striking out.  However, I was very proud of him and he didn't give up.  He kept working at it.  Finally, he got a base run and then made it home on the next play!  Needless to say, he hasn't stuck out since.  Again, why can't I get him to be that motivated in cleaning his room??

Have I mentioned that his Auntie Karen spoils him (and me?) After one of his games, we had to stop by to take care of the puppies and Drew HAD to have a massage.  He loves that chair in her house. It's hard work being 8!

Drew has always loved Rocky (Auntie Karen's little pup!), but for some reason, he's always been really nervous around him.  I know - it's because Rocky is so big and mean! :-p  Anyway, Drew has finally gotten over that and now he's picking Rocky up and taking him for walks.  He loves taking care of that little boy.

Here are some Drew-isms to brighten your day....

(This is an oldie, but he mentioned it again...)

Drew: Momma, if Jesus rose from the dead, does that mean he's a zombie?

Don't think Fr Trey would appreciate that one! Promise, I'm teaching him that Jesus is NOT a zombie!!

Bed time routine...

Drew: Momma, I need to tell you something really important!

Me: Ok, what...

Drew: Uh....uh.....uh.....uhm...mmm.....

Me: I think you just don't want to go to bed.

Drew: NO, I have something really, really important to tell you...

Me: Ok, what???

Drew: mmmmmm.......................

Me: Drew, you have to go to bed!!

Drew: Oh, I remembered what it was!

Me: Ok, what???

Drew: I love you, you silly momma!

(That boy knows how to play me!)

Drew: Momma, did you know I'm a sexy boy?

Me: (choking on my water) WHAT???

Drew: Yep, it's true! I'm sexy and I know it!

(I am in SO much trouble!!!)

Sorry for the short post, but hey, at least I've posted again!!! 

Hopefully it wont be over 6 months until my next post.

Hugs!

 

Long Time No Post...

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the massive delay in posting.  Life is going WAY TOO FAST!!! 

Drew started 2nd grade and so far it's going great! He loves his teacher and he is such a social butterfly, (just like his momma) and he's already made several new friends. 

There is a new Dyslexia teacher at his school and she is amazing.  I think things are going to turn around big time for Drew this year and I'm so excited! 

This summer, we had a very special visitor.  Hanne came to spend 10 days with us and we had a blast.  Hanne is a very dear lady to me and it was great having her here.  She lives in Norway, but was an exchange student here in Georgetown many years ago.  While here, she attended Grace Episcopal Church (where Drew and I go) and I had the honor of being one of her EYC leaders (along with Marty Caskey who ROCKS!).  We hadn't seen Hanne in 5 years, so we had a blast visiting with her.

 Drew and Hanne, her first night here.  

Marty, Hanne and I!  Love these girls!

Drew, Hanne and I at Salt Lick her last night here.

Needless to say, we had a BLAST! Drew told her that she HAD to come back next summer. :-)

In other news, Drew has a "baby brother."  No, I didn't adopt another child. :-)  My friend Mindy had her little boy July 31st and Drew has appointed himself as Kyler's big brother.  It's very cute and Drew talks about him all the time.  Of course, he has a birth baby sister, so Drew thinks Kyler has a big sister in Nevaeh!  It's very cute.  My son has the biggest heart ever and I'm so proud of him!

Drew saw Kyler and on Sunday and I'll have pictures soon!  

More later!!

Hugs,

Paulette

1st Grade Program

Hi everyone!  I'm back!! Sorry for the delay in blogging, but life has totally gotten away from me, like it has for so many people.

Drew recently had his 1st Grade program and I LOVED it!!!  It was so much fun watching him and all the other kiddos.  They are so stinkin' cute!!!

I have some pictures I'm sharing.  Sorry that some of them aren't the best, but I have a new iPhone and I'm still learning!

Drew was a policeman in the first skit!  Again, SO CUTE!!!!

In another skit, he was able to play the bells and he was so excited about that.  He talked and talked about that!

I can't believe that next Thursday is his last day in 1st Grade.  Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that we were driving to Wyoming to meet him and bring him home.  

Take care!

long time....

Well, I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted!  Sorry about that!  Life is getting away from me WAY TOO FAST!!!!

Drew has been in full swing with baseball, and let me tell you, there are times when it feels like I LIVE at the baseball fields.  He is loving it and he's getting pretty good at it, so I'm very thankful for that.

In addition to baseball, the school year is starting to wind down.  I'm ready for a break and I know Drew is as well. 

I will have some new Drewisms and pictures soon!!!

Take care!

Drewisms

Drew: Momma, I want to go hunting.
Me: Ok
Drew: I need to talk to Papa about that
Me: Ok
Drew: Momma, you know what kind of gun you should use when you go hunting?
Me: No, what kind of gun.
Drew: A machine gun!!!  Those guns work the best and they are FAST!!
Me: Uhm, Drew, if you use a machine gun, you won't have any meant left to eat
Drew: Who cares, it will be fun!!!  Or, maybe I could use a tank.....
(I'm so rolling my eyes at him right now!)

Drew is on this kick of playing card games and playing Farkel. He LOVES Farkel.  We have some interesting conversations during those times.

Drew: Momma, you've got 300 points, are you sure you want to roll again?
Me: Uhm, you do!
Drew: Yes, but that's me and I've got special lucky powers.  You, not so much.
Me: So, I don't have special lucky powers.
Drew: No, see, I'm trying to teach you how to be smart. You need to listen to me.

Drew: Momma, is a 67 a passing grade?
Me: No
Drew: Why, it's a high number.
Me: According to the school rules, anything 69 or less is failing.
Drew: Well, that's a stupid rule.

There is a story behind this one.  Most of you are aware, but we discovered this year that Drew is Dyslexic. Naturally, that makes his reading/writing/spelling more challenging for him.  He gets the accommodations that he needs, but a big part of it is that he doesn't like doing it, so he rushes through certain activities; thus he fails them.  So, I challenged him to pass two reading tests in a row and I would get him this toy he's been asking for.  Well, he passed one, and then on the second one, you guess it, he got a 67.  I'm being "mean mommy" (according to Drew) and not getting the toy for him. :-)

Drew: Momma, I've decided something.
Me: Uhm, ok, what?
Drew: I'm not going to take a bath tonight.
Me: Excuse me? You know perfectly well that tonight is bath night.
Drew: Yes, but if I have to do all this homework, then I won't have enough time for TV if I take a bath.
Me: Well, that's too bad.
Drew: NO IT'S NOT!!!  I NNNNNEEEEEEDDDDDDD my TV.  It's IMPORTANT!!!!!!  I nnneeeedddd it to lllllliiiiiiiiivvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Me: You do NOT need the TV to live, stop being so dramatic.
Drew: Momma, I'm not dramatic.  I'm normal.

(I just had to walk away....I thought that comment was hysterical!)

I just love my kid, he keeps me in stitches!!!

Random musings of a Single Mom

Drew has lost his two front teeth!!!!!

He's SUCH a cutie!!!

I went to sign Drew up for Spring baseball last night.

Drew: Ahhh.....back to my baseball fields.  I love this place!

(remember, he only started playing in the fall!! :-) Love that kid!)

 

Drew: Momma, I know how to fix the tire.

Me: How?

Drew: Just pull the nail and put duct tape on it.

(I wonder if he's been watching Mythbusters?)

Me: Drew, you need to clean your playroom.

Drew: Will you help me?

Me: We will see.

Drew: But Momma, I've been helping you with the vacuuming. It's only right that you help me with the playroom.

(insert rolling my eyes here!)

Drew: Momma, I want the Texas Tech sock monkey.  I've ALWAYS wanted one on those.

Me: Seriously?  I've never heard you talk about that.

Drew: Momma, I don't tell you everything I want, just most of the stuff I want.

(OH MY GOSH, I'm in TROUBLE!)

Me: Drew, we need to practice your spelling words.

Drew: Spelling is stupid.

Me: It's not stupid. It's an important skill that we need.

Drew: Momma, I don't need to spell, that's why I have computers.  They tell me everything.

(Again, think I'm in trouble!)

Drew is all excited about playing baseball again.  I'm thrilled that he's loving it!  Of course, everyone tells me that Spring baseball is way more intense than Fall baseball, so I guess I'll be living at the baseball fields.  I think I need to invest in one of those cushion seats with the back. 

Welcome to 2012!

Happy New Year everyone!  I can't believe it's 2012.  Time sure is flying by.

I have several Drewisms to share with you...enjoy!

Me: You like teasing me, Drew.
Drew: Yep, that's my job!

Drew: Momma, get ready to see something AWESOME!
(Why does that scare me?)

Drew: Momma, you know what, if I were president, my name could be JellyButter.
(Ok, sounds good to me.)

Drew: Momma, I'm going to play my guitar.  Prepare to ROCK OUT!
(Oh boy, that means he's going to play LOUD!)

Drew: You know what I love doing, momma?
Me: No, what do you love doing?
Drew: I love kissing my biceps!  I'm the bicep man!  Look at me!!!

Drew: Momma, what's 6 +3?
Me: Drew, you know the answer to that!
Drew: Yeah, but I don't feel like doing math right now, so I want you to tell me what it is.
(Oh boy!)

Drew: Momma, guess what, I'm a superhero!
Me: You are?  What superhero are you?
Drew: I'm Drew-Man!
Me: Wow, that sounds great!
Drew: And guess what, you're going to be my sidekick. I'm sorry to say that you're not going to be an awesome sidekick, you're just going to be a mommy sidekick.
Me: Why isn't a mommy sidekick an awesome sidekick?
Drew: Well, you just do mommy stuff....fix dinner, help me with homework, get on to me for not doing something...you know, mom stuff.
(This still cracks me up!  I personally think Momma sidekicks are AWESOME!)

Drew: Momma, you need to learn to listen to me. I'm always right.

Me: Drew, we need to work on your homework project.
Drew: Ok, can you explain it to me again?
Me: Sure. You need to write a paragraph explaining a holiday tradition that we have.  Do you know what you want to write about?
Drew: Yes, going to my cousins.
Me: Ok, so let's start working.
He writes a sentence.
Drew: Ok, I'm done.
Me: No you're not. You have to write a paragraph. So, you need to write a few more sentences.
Drew: No, I don't think that's what I'm supposed to do. I think I just need to write a sentence.
Me: Drew, I'm reading the instructions right here.
Drew: Are you sure you're reading them correctly, Momma?? I know you get mixed up sometimes.
At this point, I'm thinking that Drew is going to be either a politician or an attorney when he grows up.  I'm also thinking that there probably isn't going to be enough alcohol or tranquilizers to survive his teenage years. I mean, he's only 7 right now! :-)

We were working on his spelling words last night and one of his words was "woke."
Me: Woke
Drew: Uhm??  What does that mean?
Me: Here it is in a sentence, "The alarm woke me up."
Drew: That's not a real word, at least in my world it isn't.

Drew was walking by one of our Christmas decorations and noticed that the Santa had fallen...
Drew: Santa is down. I repeat, Santa is DOWN!

We made cookies before Christmas and I have a set of nativity cookie cutters that we used.  One of cutters is of a baby Jesus.
Drew: Momma, can I have a cookie?
Me: Sure, which one do you want?
Drew: I would like a cow and a baby Jesus.
Me: Ok, here you go.
Drew: MMMMmmm, baby Jesus sure does taste good.
(There is just something wrong with that statement.) :-)

Yep, it's time for Drew-isms!

So, I realized the other day that it's been WAY too long since I entertained you with Drew-isms, so consider this an early Christmas present! :-)

(Drew spent Thanksgiving with his dad and I was at Karen's house.  I called Drew to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving.)
Me: Happy Thanksgiving, Drew!
Drew: Thanks, Momma.  Whatcha doing??
Me: I'm helping Auntie Karen cook!
Drew: Are you cooking the turkey?
Me: Yep, it's in the over.
Drew: Don't burn it, momma.
Me: WHAT?  When have I ever burned the turkey?
Drew: HAHAHAHA!!!!  I'm so funny!
(Yeah, I have a hysterical kid....rolling my eyes!)

(The following conversation took place while we were in the car, headed to the store.)
Drew: Momma, you can GO!
Me: Drew, I can't go.  There are cars coming.
Drew: But, Momma, it's GREEN and that means GO!
Me: Drew, I'm turning and even though it's green, that doesn't mean I can go.  I have to wait until either there are no cars coming or there is a green arrow.  I don't want to turn and get hit by another car!
Drew: OHHH, that makes sense.  Good thinking, Momma.  I guess I'll let you keep driving, then.
Me: Uh, excuse me?? You'll LET me keep driving??
Drew:  HAHHAHA...that's so funny! 
(That sound you hear is me banging my head against the steering wheel.)

Drew: Momma, you want to know what my wish is?
Me: Sure, what is your wish?
Drew: I want to meet Santa Clause.
Me: Uhm, ok.
Drew: Now Momma, I'm talking about the real Santa Clause.  Cause, you know the ones you see at the stores and you can take pictures with, those aren't the real santa's.  Those are just big guys with fake beards.
Me: Honey, the real Santa lives up in the North Pole and I don't think you'll be able to meet him. 
Drew: I'll meet him.  I can set a trap for when he comes and I'll catch him! I'll fix a special trap at Uncle Monty's & Aunt Judy's house and when Santa drops off the presents, the trap will spring up and catch him!
(I think I need to be worried that he's planning on setting a trap and capturing Santa!  AND, he's been thinking about this one for a while!)

Drew: Momma, I love it when Papa visits.
Me: I do too!
Drew: You want to know why?
Me: Sure.
Drew: He makes yummy pancakes and cooks them.  I like Papa's pancakes better than yours.
Me: Oh you do?  Why is that?
Drew: Papa doesn't burn them!
(Just so you know, I only burned pancakes ONCE and that was 4 years ago and that crazy kid of mine still remembers that!)

Well, that's it for now!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Love & Hugs!

Running around, and around, and around

Howdy.

The Fall baseball season has ended.  I'm both sad and relived about that.  Sad, because Drew enjoyed baseball and I have to say, I enjoyed watching him play.  Relived because baseball season makes for some hectic times!  I had a week where Drew had scouts on Monday, baseball practice Tuesday & Thursday and then a game on Saturday.  I always said I was going to be a parent that wouldn't over-schedule my child and there have been times when I felt like I did just that.  Plus, that doesn't take into account getting homework done, studying for spelling tests and getting our reading minutes in.

However, we survived and Drew is looking forward to Spring baseball and so am I!  It's great for him to have an outlet where he can run off all his energy.

He also hit his first home run!  I was so excited for him and I was cheering him on big time! (Yes, I know, I'm one of the loudest moms there.  What can I say, I get excited!)

I just love this picture of Drew!  It is so him!!!!

Well, that's about it for now. 
Hugs!

Baking, Baking and MORE Baking

I've been MIA for a while due to my dad's visit.  We try to cram so much visiting in when he's here, that other parts of my life are put on hold.

Dad left yesterday morning and I was sad to see him go.  I've loved having him here and not just because he spoils me, it's nice being able to visit and hang out with him, but I don't think my waist line has been really happy with me. You see, my dad has a certain philosophy that he loves, "if a little does a little good, then A LOT will do A LOT of good." One aspect he applies this specific philosophy to is cooking, more specifically, I mean baking. 

During the two weeks that he was here, he made the following:
1) 18 pounds of fudge...yes, you read that right, 18 pounds!!! (chocolate, white chocolate and peanut butter)
2) little lemon cakes (about a bite size and he made over 100 of them)
3) little strawberry cakes (again, about a bite size and he made over 100 of them)
4) little chocolate cakes (...are you getting the pattern yet??)
5) Homemade pancakes
6) Homemade waffles
7) Homemade biscuits
8) Monkey Bread (which I LOVE)
9) Chocolate goo (it was good!)

I mentioned once that I would consider his visit a success if I didn't gain 100 pounds, well, the visit was a success, on many levels! :-)

My freezers are FULL!

The list above doesn't take into account all the other stuff that he got for me.  I have enough paper towels to last until after Christmas (again, with his philosophy...).  I don't think I'm going to need to buy meat anytime soon.  I'm set on toilet tissue, chips for Drew's lunches, peanut butter (again, for Drew's lunches) and I could go on and on.  I have so much stuff, that I can't get it in the panty, so it's lined up under the kitchen windows.

My dad cracks me up, and I wouldn't trade him for anything! 

Hope you all are doing great!!

Drew-ism's & Baseball

Instead of a Soccer mom, I'm now a Baseball mom!

During Drew's first practice, he made a hysterical comment to me.  That got me to thinking that it's been a while since I wrote a blog post on Drew-ism's.  Well, here you go...

Me: Drew, you're doing really good!
Drew: I know I am!!
(As I said on Facebook, he doesn't lack confidence!)

During the last game, I MISTAKENLY thought I was helping by trying to give Drew advice.  Two of the coaches told me to not coach anymore! :-)  Then, Drew had to add his own opinion...

Drew: Momma, you need to keep your coaching to yourself.
(That stings!)  LOL

Drew: Momma, why don't we have a goat?
Me: We don't have any room for a goat.
Drew: Sure we do, we can put it in the garage.
(He wants a zoo!)

Me: Drew, how is school going?
Drew: It's good.
Me: Is that all...what's happening, what are you learning?
Drew: School is fine.  I ROCK, I know everything!
(Rolling my head!)

My dad is visiting again!  Drew loves it because of several reasons...(in no particular order)
1) When Papa is here, Drew gets to ride the bus home.
2) Papa is an awesome truck that Drew loves!
3) Papa spoils us! He cooks and bakes and we have awesome food and desserts!!
   (I'm afraid I'm going to gain all the weight back...oh well, just have to work out a LOT more!!)
4) Papa ROCKS!!!!!

Hugs!
Paulette

The continuing Adventures of the Single Mom...

Instead of Drew-ism's, I thought I would share some of the amazing adventures I've been having lately (can you detect the sarcasm here??).  I have this image in my head, it's of a conversation between God and my mom, let me share with you (you need to hear this because it sets up the story I'm going to share!)

They are standing next together and are looking down at me.  You would think they would have these amazing looks of love and pride on their faces...you would be wrong.  They are actually rolling their eyes at me!  Here is the conversation...

God: Paulette, I've told you and I'll keep telling you, please be patient.  I've got it all under control. What are we going to do with that girl, Charlotte?
Mom: Why are you looking at me, you made her!
God: Well you raised her!

At this point, they look at each and just grin!

I just replay this image because when things get going so crazy and I don't think I can handle anything more...something "more" happens and I'm left standing there thinking "uhm...ok!"  But here's the deal, God always takes care of it.  Whether it's a friend giving me a hug, another friend calling me, or my dad buying me a new fridge (because apparently he didn't want his baby girl buying a perfectly good used one that I could afford, oh no, he has to buy me a new one. I've learned to just shut up and go along with it!), everything does work out.

Side Note#1: Yes, my fridge is going out!!!  I think I need to start staying away from all things electrical! :-) At least, that is what one friend told me. But, like I mentioned above, dad is determined to buy me one and I'm going to accept it. Don't say No to a free Fridge!

I've been so Blessed in my life.  I have some amazing friends here in Georgetown.  One friend in particular (and she knows who she is!), has stepped in time and time again to help me.  Either just by letting me vent, helping me with my car, helping me with Drew, or coming over and bringing me a bottle of wine when I get stood up TWICE in one weekend (yes, that really did happen to me!), she is ALWAYS there for me.

Side Note#2, Seriously, who in the world has been stood up TWICE in one weekend? I mean, seriously, once is bad, twice is, well I don't know what it is....  In addition to the car idols, did I tick off a dating idol in my past?? Oh well, it makes for some great blogging! :-)

I have a son that is a gift from God! Just seeing him smile and laugh makes me feel better. He has such a caring and compassionate heart and it's a joy watching him grow and develop.  Being a mother is the biggest Blessing in my life and I thank God for it each and every day.

I have a church family that continually shows how much they care.  My church family has given me their boys' clothes for Drew, assisted me with getting him in baseball and all the gear that requires, and they pray for both Drew and I!  They are there with hugs and encouraging words for me and for Drew!!

My family! My family has stood by me, supported me and loved me, no matter what. I have a brother who has always had my back.  Thanks to him, I have a sister that I've always wanted and not only is she a sister, but she is my friend as well.  I have two beautiful nephews that I just adore and watching them play and interact with Drew is amazing. I have a TON of cousins and I mean a ton!  They are AWESOME!!  I have a dad, who although I tease and pick on, he is there for me when I need him.  He might not talk much (I get that from my mom!), but he does the best he can and he never hesitates in telling me he loves me.

So, on days where all I want to do is sit and cry, I do exactly that, sit a cry, for a time! Then, I take a deep breath, square my shoulders and start walking forward again.  I have times when I need to remind myself of all that I have in my life and that things good be worse.  So, I just keep plugging away...like the energizer bunny or Dory, "keep on swimming, keep on swimming!"

Hugs!
Paulette

Back to school!

It's official, I have a 1st grader!  We are now into the second week of school and so far, so good.  Drew and I both are adjusting to the routine that the school year brings.  It's funny how fast you get out of that routine during summer.

We also had some surprise company during his first week.  My dad and aunt came down for the week.  It was great having them here.  Dad cooked and Aunt Barbara cleaned.  I was totally spoiled and I loved every minute of it.  Drew was able to ride the bus home from school, since papa was here and he thought that was awesome.  He's still asking to ride the bus home and he's not happy that he's going to have to wait a while for that! :-)

In about a month we're going to be having Drew tested for Dyslexia.  At the end of the year last year, his teacher (remember, this was her second year to have Drew in her class) and I suspected that there was something else going on with Drew and we suspected Dyslexia (his birth father has Dyslexia).  In Texas, they don't test for that until they are at least 7, so we couldn't do anything until now anyway.  I'm so grateful to his school and all the amazing people that work there.  I know that he'll get the help he needs and that he'll succeed no matter what challenges may come his way.  

As for me, well work is going well.  It's busy, but it makes the day go by faster.  I'm also really getting into the training for my 5K in October.  I've actually run a mile...without stopping!  That is world stopping for me! LOL  You can ask any of my friends, I really don't like running. Of course, a 5K is 3.1 miles, so I need to start adding miles.  Ughhhh......

Hugs,
Paulette

Ups & Challenges

Drew is home!  I'm thrilled and we are having a blast!  I feel like we've been going non-stop since he got back and I'm thinking I need to go back to work to rest. That being said, I wouldn't trade these days with him for anything in the world. 

It's been amazing having him back.  I love listening to him talk a mile a minute (and yes, he is my kiddo), telling me that I'm wrong about something (ok, maybe not so much that part, but it's funny listening to him come up with his reasoning), or telling me what we should do next.  We've played games, gone to a splash pool and today, we had the amazing experience of sitting and WAITING for my car to be fixed.

Yeah, this afternoon might not have been the best day, but hey, at least we were together.  That being said, I do have to share the car story.  Trust me, you're not going to believe this!

There is a TON of  back story, but I'm just going to give you the highlights...

1) Purchased the car in May, it's a 2009 Hyundai Accent

2) Starting having problems with it in June.

3) In July, had to have the transmission replaced (yep, you read that correctly)

(This is the cliff notes of the cliff notes...but I'll share that story another time)

Today I take Drew to Burger King for lunch.  It's hot outside (nothing new here) and he can play inside for a while.  Pretty smart thinking on my part!  Well, we go to leave and the car doesn't start.  It doesn't even turn over.  I call my handy dandy roadside service people and the tow truck arrives 30 minutes later (thank goodness we can wait inside in the AC).  The gentleman hooks up the batter tester and it shows that the battery is fine and he tells me that it's probably the alternator.  I start freaking out until he tells me that it should be covered under the warranty.  Ok, that makes me feel a little bit better.  Well, off to the Hyundai dealership we go. 

On the way there, his truck starts overheating...NOT KIDDING!  We make it to the dealership and then we start waiting.  Well, the poor tow truck driver...yeah, his truck is smoking!  He's pouring water on it and it's not moving.  He has to call a tow truck for his tow truck.  Watching them load the first tow truck unto the second tow truck was interesting.  Everyone in the waiting room started freaking out when the second tow truck starts rising in the air when it's lifting the first tow truck.  Of course, my precious little boy thought it was hysterical!

Well, the service guy at the dealership gets my car running and I end up taking it to another place because I don't have the $130 that they are going to charge me for a battery.  I get a new battery and the car is running fine...at least right now. It turns out that the machine the tow truck driver used is not working properly and that the problem really is the battery, not the alternator. See...I couldn't make this stuff up if I wanted to.!

So, as I mentioned on facebook, I am officially too hot for cars!  I break them down. :-)

While all this was going on, I wanted to cry, I mean seriously, enough if enough with this crazy car.  But then one of my wonderful friends, Karen, reminded me, it could be worse and she's right.  I've been reading about the famine in Somalia and how hundreds of children have been dying.  That is any parent's worst nightmare. I might not be able to buy Drew everything he wants, but I can feed him.  In a world where there are so many parents that are not able to do that, then I know the problems I'm dealing with right now are nothing more than temporary inconveniences.

So, the bills will get paid, eventually.

The car will be completely fixed, eventually.

Having a healthy and happy child that I'm able to play with, priceless!

Everything is going to work out.  God has a plan and I'm so glad He's in charge and not me.  Of course, I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

Hugs!

Paulette

7 Days & Counting!

Drew is going to be back in 7 days!  I'm so ready for that little boy to be home.  That being said, he has had a FANTASTIC time with his daddy, his cousins, grandparents and birth family and I'm so thrilled for him.  I know he is always going to remember this trip and all the adventures he's had.

He has been to Wyoming, and visited with his birth family.  He's been in Montana to see his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  He's been or Oregon to see his great grandma, more aunts, uncles and cousins.  He's been to the coast, he's camped out, he's gone hiking and the list goes on and on. 

I think one of the highlights of the trip was the fact that his cousin gave him a BB gun.  :-)

While he was at his grandparent's house, he discovered a dirt bike in the shed.  Thankfully, it didn't run or I could just imagine him begging his daddy to let him ride that! 

I've never gone this long without being with Drew and it's been a challenge; however, this was a trip he needed to make and I wanted him to make it.  So, I've tried to use the time wisely and get some projects accomplished around the house.  Moderately successful on that! :-p

Take care everyone!!!

Adventures of a Single Mom

I had the opportunity to go to Burlington, VT and then to Boston & Cape Cod.  The Boston & Cape Cod part of the trip was my vacation and I hung out with my friend, Shelley.  She is originally from Cape Cod; thus she knows all the cool places to go & see.

I'm sharing a few pics!  Enjoy!

Shelley and I with some real live Boston Firefighters.  The guy in the red shirt had the BEST Boston accent.  I loved listening to him talk.

 Entering the historic section of Boston.  I loved it!

 Boston...it's GREEN!!!!  I had forgotten what that looked like! :-)

ChinaTown!  Very cool

Paul Revere's House. 

Some of my CASE buddies!  That was the best conference and I had a blast meeting all of them. 

Infertility

It's been on my mind for a while to write a blog post on infertility and my thoughts on it.  For some reason, I've been avoiding it.  I'll think about, heck a time or two I've even started it and then I just delete the whole thing.  I'm guessing I wasn't ready.  Something is telling me to write and post that blog today (maybe I won't chicken out this time and finally publish it!). 

According to the medical dictionary, Infertility is defined as "incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy over a considerable period of time (as a year)."  That doesn't cover the emotions that infertility brings, at least for me.  The feelings of not being a "whole" woman, or having done something wrong, or simply being a failure.  I know logically that that isn't the case, but emotions are rarely, if ever, logical.


My infertility journey had many ups & downs.  One of the biggest (but NOT the biggest) up was on Mother's Day, 2002.  I woke up sick and feeling horrible that day.  Finally, around 11:00, I looked at Dan and said that I thought I needed to go to the ER.  I wasn't even able to keep water down.  I was shaky and dizzy.  So, off we went.  The dr. ran the usual tests and then, he walked in and told me I was pregnant.  I come flying up off the bed and I demanded to see the paperwork.  I also asked if he was was sure it was me, did he have the right patient.  I'm not kidding when I tell you I questioned that poor guy for 10 minutes.  Finally, Dan just looked at me and said, "It's you!"  I thought I was dreaming.  (I even asked Dan if I was dreaming...haha)  Nope, it was true, I was pregnant.  Finding that out on Mother's Day was pretty cool.


Flash forward a week...I started spotting.  I was terrified.  I wanted this SO bad!  I went for the usual blood test on the next Monday and the HCG levels were not rising like they should be.  At that point, we new something was probably wrong.  Tuesday night, I started hurting!  I had another appt. Wednesday morning, so I thought I would just wait it out and if it got worse, we would go ahead and go to the ER.  Well, just about the time I was about to break down, it was time to go to the appt.  The Dr. did the sonogram and we saw the pregnancy, in the fallopian tube.  I was having an ectopic pregnancy.  I went from his office upstairs, to the Day Surgery clinic downstairs.  


I was lucky.  The Dr. caught it early and he was able to save the tube.  However, I never again was able to get pregnant, even when things looked really good.


Then, the biggest "up" happened, my miracle...my little Drew!  Drew and his birth parents came into our lives so fast and with the circumstances surrounding their introduction into our lives, you not only knew God had a plan, you could see Him working on that plan.  


Do I still grieve for that pregnancy...at times.  Do I still grieve for not being able to experience pregnancy...at times. But, there are things I've been blessed to experience that other people don't.  I've not only adopted a child, I've also adopted an entire family.  My "pregnancy experience" aka...the waiting period was 7 WEEKS!!!  I know why God made the usual pregnancy 9 months...you need that time to prepare! (But like so many of my friends tell me, I don't do anything normal!)  I have experienced being amazing at how a child who is genetically not related to me, is me all over!  It's amazing!

Hugs! 

Drewisms

It's been a while since I've entertained you with Drewisms, so here you go....

Drew: Momma, can I go play with Dillon
Me: No Drew, we're getting home too late to play tonight
Drew: But Momma, I haven't played with ANYONE today
Me: Drew, you spent 6 hours at camp playing with kids
Drew: That doesn't count, Momma
Me: Oh, why is that
Drew: At camp, I'm supposed to play with others, now I want to play with Dillion.  See. it's different
(I've said it before and I'll say it again, oh boy!)

Drew: Momma, can I drive a Monster Truck
Me: Not for a long time
Drew: Why?
Me: For one thing, you're not even going to be able to drive for another 10 years and for another, those things are big and dangerous
Drew: Uh, dangerous is nothing!  I can drive anything!
Me: Have you ever driven anything in your life?
Drew: No, but I KNOW I can do it!  I can do ANYTHING!!
(Yep, I'm in SO MUCH TROUBLE!!!)

Drew: Momma, what makes a car run?
Me: The engine
Drew: Momma, what makes the engine run?
Me: There are several parts that have to work together to make the engine run.
Drew: What are those parts?
Me: I'm not sure of all the names, but we can look it up.
Drew: Nahh...I was just testing you
Me: You were testing me? Why?
Drew: I wanted to see if I was smarter than you and I am!
Me: Oh really, how are you smarter than me?
Drew: Duhh....Silly momma, everyone knows that gas is what makes a car run
(That sound you heard was me banging my head against the door!)

That's it for this installment!  I'll be back with more later!  Trust me, with Drew, I have TONS of material!
:-)

Adoption

After Drew had his little graduation from kindergarten in May, we had a party at one of the other parent's house.  During the party, a few of the moms came up to me and asked why Drew was telling his friends that he was going to be a big brother.  Obviously, I'm not pregnant, nor am I probably ever going to be. I told them that it is because his birth parents are expecting a baby and he is super excited about it.  

Once you tell someone that, they usually have a ton of questions and I'm always more than happy to share our story.  Sharing the story got me to thinking about adoption (once again!) and what it means to me.  I am so incredibly blessed to be a mom and I thank God every day for Drew and his birth family.  They have allowed me the opportunity to live my greatest dream, to be a mom.  It is something that you can't "pay back" or ever earn.  It is a gift, a priceless gift.  

Adopt comes from the Latin word, adoptare, meaning to choose for oneself, from operate to chose. I think that says everything right there.  Motherhood didn't come to me the way it does for most women.  I used to think (and to be honest, a small part of me still does) that I was a failure for not being able to get pregnant and carry a child to term.  Why?  What did I do?  Why couldn't I do this...so many other women do? I went through a lot of emotions...anger, sadness, I even tried to bribe God, but it didn't work.  

I know why, Drew was meant to be in my life.  Not only Drew, but the extended family that I adopted when I adopted Drew! 

On the way to tennis camp this morning, Drew was in the back seat and he started making up songs and singing them.  At one point, he started singing about having two mommies and two daddies.  He has his mommy mommy and his mommy Shassidy.  He has his daddy daddy and his daddy Robby.  I wanted to cry. I thought that was so sweet and it brings me so much peace. 

I have an amazing little kid and family!