I went to the Doctor on my birthday for a woman's well exam. Basically, it's a physical, or an annual, or a general checkup. Not exactly the way most people would choose to spend their birthday, but it was the one day I knew without a doubt that someone was going to be available to keep my 4 year old so I could relax at the Dr. office and not have to jump off the examination table half-naked to chase him down in the hallways. Had I ended up doing that, I'm pretty sure that all the other patients in the other rooms would have been instantly diagnosed with heart attacks and strokes.
This "well" exam was kind of weird. I get asked the usual questions. Do you smoke? (no) Drink? (only water -- smile), take any medications? (no, but I probably should for my own sanity you think?), Have a history of (insert any medical condition here)? (no) "Well, wow, you're pretty healthy, aren't you?" (I must be...my last visit before today was September 2002 for a pregnancy test!)
Now we move on to the "physical" part of the physical. How tall are you? (Umm...I grew 1/2" since last check....I'm now 5'5 1/2" according to the nurse!) "Did the nurse weigh and measure you with your shoes on??" (Yes) "Let's take those shoes off and try again".
Ok, this blog is supposed to be lessons learned. What I learned at this visit....
1. My shoes make me 1/2" taller
2. My shoes make me 2 lbs. heavier
3. Paper "clothes" do NOT keep you warm in a 70 degree examination room
4. Drawing several vials of blood after fasting over 12 hours does NOT make you feel very good
5. Even when you've left your 4-year old at home in the care of someone else for a peaceful office visit, chances are you'll walk out of the examination area and find the 4-year old climbing the furniture, the people, or both in the waiting room! (Gee, thanks DH!)
I have no clue why this was a "well" visit. I left the office with instructions to set up a mammogram and breast sonogram (lump in breast), instructions to set up a back x-ray (ruling out slipped disc), and 3 prescriptions (antibiotic, inhaler, nasal spray). Apparently, I could have a cyst or something in my breast, child-bearing and child-carrying may have messed up my back a little, and I *probably* picked up hospital-acquired walking pneumonia last November when David was in and out of the hospital 6 times (I actually lost count!!). Joy!
Joy??? YES! JOY!!!! Because my Joy does not come from my circumstances but rather from the Lord. It's funny. People around me (think "family" and "close friends") wanted to know how my visit turned out, so I shared with them and pretty much all of them were really concerned as if it were the worst news on the planet. Why? Ok, so there are a few very minor bumps...actually, they're not bumps, they're air bubbles (because I really believe they'll turn out to be nothing -- get it?? "air"??). I still have my health (considering!!!). I am still blessed. I'm still in the Father's care. Can't get any better than that!! :)
So, I get home from the Dr. and I'm starving!! I ask DH and my 4 year old if they want something to eat. "No thanks, already ate." Fine. I scramble some eggs and make some toast and the minute I get it on the plate, 2 pairs of eyes are googling over it. "Would you like some?" "Yes, please!" Sigh. So much for my big birthday breakfast. I watch them eat and pretend it's really me eating and strangely enough, I feel full. (Thank you, Lord!!). DH makes up for it with lunch, however. He grills me bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin. Yum. Of course, I had to make the mashed potatoes, broccoli, and garlic toast to go with it, but it was still heaven!!
You know....I should make this an annual event....schedule Dr. appt. on my birthday just so I can have a few minutes kid-free, naked, in a cold room. I'd do it if it meant bacon-wrapped tenderloin and the works afterwards!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Dating - from the perspective of a 4-year-old
Matthew: Mom, do you dream?
Me: Dream? Sure, I dream!
Matthew: What do you dream about?
Me: Oh, lots of things. Do YOU dream?
Matthew: Yes.
Me: Well, what do you dream about?
Matthew: Girls!
**THUD**
And after I recovered from that, the conversation goes on:
Me: What do you dream about with girls??
Matthew: I have a date with girls.
**THUD**
I have really got to try not to collapse to the floor every time something like this comes out of my 4-year-old's mouth!!!
Me: What is a date??
Matthew: You put a blanket and a bunch of pillows on the floor and you watch a scary movie!
I think I know what Stephen was doing when Elizabeth came over for a couple hours this last time!!! ;)
Me: Dream? Sure, I dream!
Matthew: What do you dream about?
Me: Oh, lots of things. Do YOU dream?
Matthew: Yes.
Me: Well, what do you dream about?
Matthew: Girls!
**THUD**
And after I recovered from that, the conversation goes on:
Me: What do you dream about with girls??
Matthew: I have a date with girls.
**THUD**
I have really got to try not to collapse to the floor every time something like this comes out of my 4-year-old's mouth!!!
Me: What is a date??
Matthew: You put a blanket and a bunch of pillows on the floor and you watch a scary movie!
I think I know what Stephen was doing when Elizabeth came over for a couple hours this last time!!! ;)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Learning the Ropes
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I must not be a dog then, because here I go, attempting to enter the blog world.
I figure with my limited adult interaction these days, maybe putting my thoughts into type will help get them out of my system so I don't overload on some poor passerby in my comings and goings who could really care less about what I have to say but is too polite to say so. :) At least, on the internet, there's a handy little feature called the "X" button. It closes the window of anything you don't want to read! Go figure!
So, not that I don't already know all this, but I'm going to share a little about me (in case someone decides they actually like reading this stuff! LOL).
I'm a 40-something stay-at-home mom. I've been married 18 years to Jeff and have 4 children. Jeff and I are both deaf, and all 4 kids are hearing. We have been very blessed, however, to have such great kids that make parenting easy. :) The "rough times" are very few and very far between (and very mild in comparison to what people around us share about their own experiences!!). I enjoy crafts, but I haven't been able to do much lately. I also enjoy genealogy and have extensive files on over 20 different surnames. I started in 1980 with 2 surnames, so I've come a long way! I haven't had any time to enjoy genealogy lately either. I am totally wrapped up in my 4 children and their activities at this point and I wouldn't really have it any other way. I only have my children for a short time, then I have to let them go, so I'll enjoy them while I can!
Stephen is 17 and a senior in high school. Hard to believe he's graduating this summer. Where in the world did the time go??? He has been involved in Marching Band (section leader for Baritones this year), Symphonic band (plays trombone), Jazz band (trombone again), and also loves playing guitar. He's actually a self-taught guitarist. He's got a busy month ahead of him with an audition for college band, performing in the "Grease" High School Musical, UIL solo & ensemble contest, Jazz band fundraiser dinner, and Winter holiday concert. I feel like I never see the guy these days! He is planning on attending a college not too far from home and majoring in Recording Arts Technology.
David is 15 and a freshman in high school. Football is his life. He loves the Dallas Cowboys and although he won't admit it, I think he's proud that he attends school (and is in the same graduating class with) Wade Phillips' neice. He was born with club foot on his left foot and had surgery at 5 months of age. The day after surgery, he was at home pulling himself up to a standing position and crawling all over the place in spite of a cast that went up to his mid-thigh. Amazing kid! He just finished having reconstructive foot surgery on that foot again and is anxiously awaiting the day he can put weight back on it and get back to running and working out. He was hoping to do powerlifting and tennis as well, but maybe next year. Baby steps!! He's a really good kid (actually all 4 kids are!), and he's really loving and sensitive and probably the most helpful of the 4. Moments with David are always special. :)
Jennifer is 9 (10 next month), and her "thing" is dance. She has dance classes 4 days a week, not including the dance team at church or the after-school musical. She is on one of the studio's company teams, and takes ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. She plays soccer in the Fall on top of that and basketball in the winter. Usually in the Spring she'll take either soccer or softball, but this year she's taking a break from spring sports to concentrate on dance competitions. She is on the Creative Movement ministry at the church as well and they just started having weekly gatherings. Once a week, she has rehearsal after school for the production of "Annie" that will be performed in May. She also enjoys attending Kid's activities at church on Wednesdays. Busy girl!
Matthew is 4 and he's definitely all boy! He keeps me on my toes. He played soccer for the first time last Fall and he loved it. He is going to play T-Ball for the Spring and practices actually start next month, so he's looking forward to that. He is just a big bundle of energy. If I could figure out how to bottle all the energy he had, I'd be rich. He starts kindergarten this Fall and I just shake my head in disbelief. I feel sorry for the teacher that gets "stuck" with him! She'll definitely get a good nights' sleep after 7 hours with the kid! Either that or nightmares! :) I don't think I've seen a more spontaneous out-of-the-blue kid before! Matthew has definitely shared some keepers with me over the last couple of years!
I think I've figured this thing out. Then again, maybe I'll learn something new and surprise myself. My life is one big never-ending lesson from God. Every day I learn something new or experience a new realization. Even in the bad times, there's a blessing in disguise waiting to be discovered.
So, until next time I have a few minutes to sit down and reflect on something, I'll close. Good Night! :)
I figure with my limited adult interaction these days, maybe putting my thoughts into type will help get them out of my system so I don't overload on some poor passerby in my comings and goings who could really care less about what I have to say but is too polite to say so. :) At least, on the internet, there's a handy little feature called the "X" button. It closes the window of anything you don't want to read! Go figure!
So, not that I don't already know all this, but I'm going to share a little about me (in case someone decides they actually like reading this stuff! LOL).
I'm a 40-something stay-at-home mom. I've been married 18 years to Jeff and have 4 children. Jeff and I are both deaf, and all 4 kids are hearing. We have been very blessed, however, to have such great kids that make parenting easy. :) The "rough times" are very few and very far between (and very mild in comparison to what people around us share about their own experiences!!). I enjoy crafts, but I haven't been able to do much lately. I also enjoy genealogy and have extensive files on over 20 different surnames. I started in 1980 with 2 surnames, so I've come a long way! I haven't had any time to enjoy genealogy lately either. I am totally wrapped up in my 4 children and their activities at this point and I wouldn't really have it any other way. I only have my children for a short time, then I have to let them go, so I'll enjoy them while I can!
Stephen is 17 and a senior in high school. Hard to believe he's graduating this summer. Where in the world did the time go??? He has been involved in Marching Band (section leader for Baritones this year), Symphonic band (plays trombone), Jazz band (trombone again), and also loves playing guitar. He's actually a self-taught guitarist. He's got a busy month ahead of him with an audition for college band, performing in the "Grease" High School Musical, UIL solo & ensemble contest, Jazz band fundraiser dinner, and Winter holiday concert. I feel like I never see the guy these days! He is planning on attending a college not too far from home and majoring in Recording Arts Technology.
David is 15 and a freshman in high school. Football is his life. He loves the Dallas Cowboys and although he won't admit it, I think he's proud that he attends school (and is in the same graduating class with) Wade Phillips' neice. He was born with club foot on his left foot and had surgery at 5 months of age. The day after surgery, he was at home pulling himself up to a standing position and crawling all over the place in spite of a cast that went up to his mid-thigh. Amazing kid! He just finished having reconstructive foot surgery on that foot again and is anxiously awaiting the day he can put weight back on it and get back to running and working out. He was hoping to do powerlifting and tennis as well, but maybe next year. Baby steps!! He's a really good kid (actually all 4 kids are!), and he's really loving and sensitive and probably the most helpful of the 4. Moments with David are always special. :)
Jennifer is 9 (10 next month), and her "thing" is dance. She has dance classes 4 days a week, not including the dance team at church or the after-school musical. She is on one of the studio's company teams, and takes ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. She plays soccer in the Fall on top of that and basketball in the winter. Usually in the Spring she'll take either soccer or softball, but this year she's taking a break from spring sports to concentrate on dance competitions. She is on the Creative Movement ministry at the church as well and they just started having weekly gatherings. Once a week, she has rehearsal after school for the production of "Annie" that will be performed in May. She also enjoys attending Kid's activities at church on Wednesdays. Busy girl!
Matthew is 4 and he's definitely all boy! He keeps me on my toes. He played soccer for the first time last Fall and he loved it. He is going to play T-Ball for the Spring and practices actually start next month, so he's looking forward to that. He is just a big bundle of energy. If I could figure out how to bottle all the energy he had, I'd be rich. He starts kindergarten this Fall and I just shake my head in disbelief. I feel sorry for the teacher that gets "stuck" with him! She'll definitely get a good nights' sleep after 7 hours with the kid! Either that or nightmares! :) I don't think I've seen a more spontaneous out-of-the-blue kid before! Matthew has definitely shared some keepers with me over the last couple of years!
I think I've figured this thing out. Then again, maybe I'll learn something new and surprise myself. My life is one big never-ending lesson from God. Every day I learn something new or experience a new realization. Even in the bad times, there's a blessing in disguise waiting to be discovered.
So, until next time I have a few minutes to sit down and reflect on something, I'll close. Good Night! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
