Hockey Mom- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This time of year we are starting to get a little burnt out- and we still have two months to go :( .  I miss the days when Outpatient played- we started in December and were done by the end of February.  Now we have ice in September and we keep at it until the end of March. 

This past week had more drama than I wanted to deal with- but deal with it I had to; complete with a multi-day migraine.  I really love it when parents start in on coaches who donate so much of their time ( and quite literally- money).  After all- this is tax season and every time the DR leaves his office- it costs our family income- and all people want to do is gripe and complain. - Side issue-  WHY are they griping to ME????  Am I less scary than the DR?  I don't think so!   It is especially ridiculous when someone complains about something they themselves are more than just a whole bunch guilty of. (personal knowledge- trust me)  I admit I swore about this very thing this week.

Here is the deal.  Hockey season is 6 months long.  It costs a lot of money.  It takes a lot of time.  And very very few people want to help out.  Trying to get a parent or two to help out with concessions once a month is a pain in the rear.  What is wrong with people????  I am about to buy a billboard to take a few parents to task.  Sort of along the lines of either step up and help out or get out of the program.

The good is watching my patients play, and the joy the DR gets from coaching these kids.  He is good at it and with the players- and to be fair- most of the griping this week is supposedly aimed at a certain coach- not the DR-  but the coaches stick together- as they should.

The bad is the time it takes, and the pressure on our finances.

The ugly is ungrateful and judgemental parents who don't have a clue what they are talking about and are unwilling to find out for themselves, and players who behave in such a way as to undermine all our hard work at building the program.

Is it worth it?  Right now is not the best time to ask me-  but when my kids are on the ice and playing great- absolutely.

25 years ago- Where were you?

When President Kennedy( 47 years ago) was shot-  where were you?  I wasn't born yet, but my mother in law was giving birth to the DR at that very moment.  My mom was a student at BYU.

25 years ago, I was a student at BYU.  I was walking through the ELWC on my way to my New Testament Class, and paused for a few minutes to watch the pre-launch stuff they were broadcasting before the lift off of the Space Shuttle Challenger (side note- I was in Junior High when the first shuttle was launched and I watched that occur in Miss Laycock's class- can't remember if it was English or German).

I watched as long as I could, enthralled with the idea of an ordinary mom going up into space.  The clock said I would be pushing it to be on time- so I hustled on to my class.  The teacher (a grad student) wasn't in there yet- time for class to start- he still hadn't arrived (I can still remember exactly what he looked like-) about 10 minutes late- he came bursting in the room, and said that the shuttle had exploded!  We all left class that day and headed back to the ELWC to watch the disaster replay seemingly a thousand times.

I have since seen many disasters played over and over again on news reels.  The biggest difference is that most of the rest have been directly caused by man- Oklahoma City, Columbine, World Trade Center, just to name a few.

Back soon

busier than usual life and three and a half days into a migraine-

Happy Birthday Oldest!

Dear Son-

Today you turned 14 years old. I can't believe how much you have grown and changed this year. You are now old enough to go to EFY and are registered to go in June with some of your cousins. That will be a neat experience. You are a great kid-  not perfect- but pretty great none the less. You have been working this past while, earning some money of your own.  You are pretty responsible about remembering your responsibilities.

Today, you were ordained a teacher.  Outpatient and your dad were both able to participate.  I know your dad is an inspired man every time he has the opportunity to bless you.  I hear so many things that your Father in Heaven wants to tell you.  I hope and pray you will listen close and follow that counsel.

Today your cake was interesting.  We really need to do a better job of planning ahead :)-  but since your brother had major harassment planned should the toy snowmobile been found-  it is probably for the best that your cake was the BYU- "Y"-  You ate THREE whole huge bowls of Taco Soup for dinner, and you had a lot of Stenkvelling for breakfast.  I didn't see how much cake and ice cream, but I am sure you did your share. Guess this might mean another growth spurt.  Eek!

Yesterday, your games were cancelled, which made it so you and your dad could spend pretty much the whole day together.  You spent the morning working hauling trees for the bow shoot, and then you, dad and Outpatient spent the rest of the day snowmobiling-  just you boys.  I don't know for sure about you- but I know it was a big happy for your dad.  Just riding with his boys. I think you pretty much loved it too.

I hope you had a great birthday weekend.  We love you so much and are always so grateful that Heavenly Father sent you to our family.

 You are a pretty sweet kid-  you just told us goodnight and thanked us for all the birthday stuff.  When your sister "reminded " you that you didn't even get your presents yet  (new glasses of your choice and a new skin for your itouch)- you said- "yes- but I know what they are and I had a good birthday breakfast, and a good birthday dinner and a good birthday cake, so I had a good birthday."

Good Night sweetie!  This is going to be a great year!

I just LOVE going to the dentist.

Or not.

Tender Mercies Tuesday- Our Dogs.

Edited to note:  Both of our dogs came to us in special circumstances.

I think you all realize how beloved our little Miss Spoiled Rotten is.  Last night and today, there were a few moments that just made my heart so happy- it really is like she is one of my patients.  I was on the phone with one of my many sister-in-laws, and I walked into the front room to find Miss Sophie flat on her back with her goose in her mouth, across and covering her whole face- she looked like she was asleep that way!  Anyway-  my movement caused her to move before I could take a picture :(-  but trust me-  one of the funniest moments ever.

I love it when she comes in from outside duties and waits for her treat.  And follows you around forever- or at least until she decides you really are going to be stingy. I love that she has her trot, her prance, and her major swagger.  I love that she comes and digs at my leg to get me to let her sit on my lap while I work, and then she settles in with a giant sigh.  I love that she attacks the blow dryer when we are drying her, but she will come and sit right under me while I blow dry mine. Almost like she is giving me moral support for having to deal with that awful thing. She makes us all smile many times a day.

What some don't know is that Miss Sophie had a predecessor. Her name was Taffey. She was an American Eskimo/ Blond Cocker Spaniel mix.  She was a great dog and severely attached to us.  So attached, that if we left her behind, she would cause damage to carpeting or other stuff.  We loved Taffey a lot- and as a matter of fact, Oldest has never forgotten her and he was only 3 when we lost her. Taffey disappeared while we were on a trip to Mexico for a family reunion. We had left her in Cougar Town while we were gone and she ran away. It was a tough deal for us. She was our "First Child", and we had had her for 11 years. The DR spent hours looking for her the night we got back to Cougar Town, but we had to go home in the morning.  Our BIL spent a lot of time looking for her at the animal shelters.  I spent a week out in Cougar Town visiting vets and pounds, driving around looking into yards. It was years before I quit looking for her by habit every time we went out there. I expected her to greet me when I got home and to be under my feet when I sat down at the table.

It was 5 years before we opened our hearts back up to a furry family member.  And not to worry anyone, because it was just a reflective mood I was in earlier today-  but I thought as I watched her look out the window as the DR left for work, how heartsick I am going to be when Miss Sophie is no longer with us.  It is one of the main reasons one of my BIL's had for never getting an animal. 

But just think of all the warm feet and soft fur we would have missed out on- not to mention the love in return.

Well- If you guessed

Relief Society Instructor- you would be right.

I know I will be nervous at the first-  but since I have had this calling before, it didn't scare the socks off me like it did the first time.

A little over 10 years ago-  I was expecting Youngest- Outpatient was turning 12, and Oldest and Middle were 3 and 2.  I was in the YW Presidency and figured that wasn't going to work out too well-  but I wouldn't have minded taking my three babies to Mutual- compared to being stared at by a bunch of women who had actually attended RS in their life- unlike me.  I am not kidding.  The only RS classes I had gone to were when I visited my mom or MIL-  Even when I visited my sister- I ended up substituting her ward's primary classes.

Anyway-  I was super intimidated and felt totally inadequate- but it was a wonderful experience and I ended up really enjoying it ( I am kind of into teaching).

I didn't teach for too long before I was called to do Activity Days-  (Oh the irony :)  )

I had a sweet and much older sister who was also called to be an instructor come up to commiserate with me-  only I wasn't much help I am afraid- other than to tell her I wasn't stressed this time.  Poor thing is stressing so much.  Why do we women do this to ourselves?  This is a sister looked up to and admired by many in the ward and she feels like everyone else is so much better able to be the instructor.  I will have to see if I can help her feel calmer somehow.

I had been told I would be teaching today-  but the other teacher had already prepared her lesson- so she went ahead and taught.  I now have a month to prepare the next lesson.  I would have rather taught this one :)  The next topic is about how work and personal responsibility. oh boy. Hope I don't offend more than half of the class :)

800 Posts?

This is supposedly my 800th post. That went a little fast :0  I guess I "talk" a lot.

Anyway-  putting a big fat QUESTION out there-

What is the most memorable,  fun,  or creative thing(s) you have seen/ or done at a wedding reception or luncheon?

We are in major planning mode- and due to my constant traveling- I haven't attended very many such events lately- (Bad, I know- wish people would consult me before they plan stuff ;P )

Speak up-  don't be shy-

What has been up with us-

Well- lots of hockey.  Duh, right? Last weekend- four games- three losses- and possibly the worst two periods in a game that I have ever seen Middle play. There were even tears involved.  But!!! She rallied and pulled it together and played super tough for the last period and part of the 2nd.  Oldest- meanwhile-had a goal and a great check in his games.

Yesterday, I had my last Activity Day.  We talked about journals and made "Journal Jars" using more of my saved Crystal Light containers ( those things are awesome and so versatile- not to mention *free) and some ideas I found on the internet.  I am being released and given a new calling this Sunday. When the secretary asked if I could meet with the Bishop last Sunday, I said "No, I am wise to him"-  only joking of course.  He set my appointment time for 3:00 (we have 11:00 church now)- but then the Bishop and I were talking in the hall and calling the DR who was on the rough roads home from hockey, and he looked at me and asked if he could visit with me for a minute.  I asked him if this was my 3:00 or for some other purpose.  It was my 3:00-  bonus-  I didn't have to leave to take the patients home and then come back.  Anyway-  the calling I am getting I have had before- and so it is A LOT less intimidating than it would have been.  The Bishop wasn't aware I had ever had it before, it has been 10 years- I was pregnant with Youngest the last time.  Funny- he started out by commenting that I had been in the Primary a long time.  Yeah- I would say that-  Since I turned 18, I have probably spent all but 4-5 years total serving in some capacity in the Primary. I have taught every age but 7- turning 8.  Weird to miss that one.  I have had all the other ages at least twice-

Anyway-  the time had come- as it is really hard for me to do Activity Day in the Winter- I have to squish it in- and usually have girls arriving at my house while I am driving home from the Rink- barely get them out the door in time for a super rushed dinner and getting patients off to Mutual and more hockey.

I will let you know next week what I am going to be up to.

I have also been working out with Bob and Jillian-  and I have to say that the newest DVD I added was the Last Chance Workout- Which I expected to thrash me- but week one workouts haven't been too bad-  a couple of things here and there that I have a harder time with- but on the whole, i am proud of the progress I am making with strength and endurance. 

May 13th will be here before I know it-  I better get cracking on Wedding Details.  I might as well be marrying off a daughter- since we will be having an event in Small Town a couple of weeks later. Off I go.

January Birthdays and Anniversaries

Of course, I didn't completely forget :)

Number one-
Grandma Bunnie

Sam H.

Peter

OLDEST --AUGH 14!!!

Ellen and Carey

Jeff P.

You know those moments-

There are the moments when you put yourself in Time Out rather than "close them in a box leave the box in the park and run away"( name that movie). Or, the moments where you are offering others payment to "borrow" them for a while.

The moments where calling Grandma to arrange a sleep over, or a play date, or chores, or something simply must happen.  When you just know that if someone were to kidnap them- they would be brought back within the hour.

Tonight was NOT one of those for Middle.

Well- except for having to sit through the Medieval Torture Program-  uh- I mean - Middle School Music and Art program (with a bizarre side show of a PE demonstration).

Middle , like her very oldest brother, has an artistic ability which I do not even remotely posses- nor does the DR.  Tonight the school had a program/concert to allow the music and band classes a chance to perform what they have been learning this past semester. They also had an Art Show.  And, as I mentioned, a thankfully brief demonstration by a few girls from a PE class on how to play Lacrosse (girls- don't quit your schooling, just saying).

 Middle earned a ribbon for three different projects. She had a first place for her "tattoo project"  (no- she did not get or give a tattoo), a second for a drawing of daisies, and a third for a shading assignment.  She was then presented an award certificate with about 9 other 6th graders.

Good Job Middle! 

 I am a tad jealous of my patients' artistic abilities- because I lack any- at all.

Her tattoo piece is pretty cool-  I will have to post a pic of it when she brings it home.  I took one with my phone tonight- but it isn't too fab.

Something I never thought I would hear...

My son- Oldest- 

HeadNurse: "Did you try those new (slim and straight) jeans on?"

Oldest: " yes- but I think they make my legs look fat"


Wha?

Fa La La-Ha Ha Ha Ha- It really is the thought that counts

You might remember the Boy Drama that we just went through with Middle.  Well- a couple of nights before Christmas, the doorbell rang and Youngest opened the door to a very nice young man (not the boy in the drama situation) bearing gifts for both of the girls.  Yes- both of the girls- I said he was nice and I meant it.

This was an unexpected visit- and then Middle came in with a wrapped gift and showed me that the card said to keep it in the fridge- but she didn't have to wait until the 25th.  She wanted to know if she should open it right then-  but I suggested she wait until the DR, Outpatient, and LOL returned.  In the meantime- it would keep very nicely out the back door since it was so not warm out there.

Had I known what was to come, I would have been prepared with cameras- but no such luck. 

The SECOND the patients walked in the back door, she had that package ripped open to find------






Wait for it...............







Her most favorite thing in the world..........




BACON!!!!!

He brought her a package of bacon!!!


He knows what she likes :)---


(he also gave her a little stuffed dog and a necklace- but still-  the boy did his research.  It helps that her whole facebook stuff/ pieces of flair, etc. all proclaim her love of the fatty, smoked, sodium overkill pig butt rear.)


Have you ever heard of anything sweeter?  I talked to his mom a few days ago- she was the one who brought him over, but she was oblivious to the contents besides the necklace.  And for him to bring Youngest a little gift too- well- he is a super nice boy. And smart enough to not give Middle chocolates.

All he wanted for Christmas....

The DR was more than a little spoiled for Christmas- although it didn't seem to be the case at first.

His Christmas just came a little late.

He "received" a new to him- Arctic Cat M1000- ( that is a snowmobile for those who might not know)

And-




A new Offensive Coordinator-






(I use the term received very, very , very loosely- since he didn't even "receive" my consent)

Christmas Surprise

Remember this picture?

What was supposed to be wrapped up in gold paper- to the DR and I- from Outpatient and LOL- was this:

It is a canvas of our family picture- taken by S- edited by Outpatient (Miss Sophie needed a face- ha!)- right now it is hanging from the stocking hooks-

It arrived last weekend while we were out of town-

Thanks Patients!  We love it!

Today's Weather Update brought to you by HeadNurse

It is almost 9:00 am-  The sun is shining BRIGHTLY (yea!!!)- and it is currently a brisk, nose hair freezing  minus 11 degees.

My sister in law in South Dakota would have no sympathy for me.

We now return to our regular winter weather-

Current temp-  -4. With a high today of -1.

Snow depth- about 20 inches.

Yippee.

Excuse me while I put on my thermals.

1-1-11- and Reflections on 2010

 Happy New Year!

Happy 66th Birthday to the One and Only Grandma Bunnie!

Happy Baptism Day to Addie Reese! Known to the Looney Bin affectionately as Binx

 

Happy Blessing Day to Pierce.

We have started this year off in a good way.

This past year started out pretty good- My mom had good news with her cancer- and won't need PET scans as frequently as they had thought. My sister made year three since diagnosis- and also was accepted to grad school to become a Nurse Practitioner. We have added a few more babies- a niece, a nephew, a great-niece, and a great nephew just barely yesterday.  The DR's side is probably going to hold steady at 39 grandchildren- they range in age from 32 down to 6 months.  My side may add a few to the mix- but not too many, but we will add to the next generation faster and faster now.

We made the time and effort to take some actual trips that didn't involve soccer or hockey.  The kids enjoyed our semi- staycation, and the trip to Moab.  We have also enjoyed the traveling for our sports for the most part.

Of course- the biggest change for the year is the addition of LOL.  She and Outpatient will be married in May and we couldn't be happier for them.  She is such a happy and sweet person and I am so grateful they were led to each other.  Outpatient's only lament is realizing that their children aren't going to have too many cousins- but he will just have to "borrow" his littlest cousins or his oldest cousins' children :)

Our biggest trials this year came from within.  Choices that have been made by family which has caused great turmoil and heartache..  There is a lot of truth that the trials caused by our human-ness are often the hardest to bear.  We pray often for the resolution and repentance, as well as the softening of hearts.

My D-word is still that- a d-word.  I can say that I have done fairly well- although my body seems pretty determined to hang out in the weight zone it is at-  but that is 15 pound lighter than last year at this time.  I will keep working on it. I haven't been obsessive or super dedicated, but I have tried to make changes in my eating habits and in my physical activity that will stick.  I know I have made changes in my eating, because when I "junk eat" any more- I feel junky.  I still crave chocolate- but I have cut way back.

Outpatient is happy, and progressing in life and school.  LOL is learning a lot about the "joys" of younger siblings.  She is going to be living with my baby sister and her family for a while and going to school at BYU. I think she is happy too ;) 

Oldest is taller than me. Shaving much more frequently :( .  He is still my best worker around the house and has worked this year in taking care of his grandparents' yard and cleaning the DR's office every week.

Middle- well, she is growing up too darn fast also.  She has adjusted to Middle School, and the different teachers/schedule quite well.  She will be making a trip soon to try out for a girls hockey travel team.  I am not sure how I feel about that, but her coach is thrilled.

Youngest- smart little turkey.  We have seen a little improvement lately with her medical situation, and we pray that the worst of it is behind us.  She is so full of life and creativity- I just need to find her another outlet or two.

My goals for this year are in part the same-  become better.  Better at taking care of me.  Better at taking care of my family.  Better at being forgiving of those who hurt me.  Better at following the leaders of the church.  Better at being a friend, Aunt, Sister, Sister-in-law, daughter, and daughter-in-law.

I still need to work on the D-word- I need to do better at the five Power Principles - which are:-  personal prayer, family prayer, personal scripture study, family scripture study, and temple attendance.

Worldly goals include new flooring for my house (and I wouldn't say no to new light fixtures- but they are less needed)- and I would love to finish the downstairs- for another bedroom and bathroom to use. I want to paint some more and replace a few pieces of furniture that have been around for quite a few years.  Not holding my breath on any of that- time and money have a way of slipping out the door.

The New Year is a time for reflection and also for looking towards to future.

I hope and pray that this year brings much of good and joy to each of you.