Just so ya know...

Jon does NOT in fact have swine flu. He does have a strain of the flu and it's hanging on still....nearly 1 week he's had a fever! UGH! You would think that a shower now and then would help him feel better but no....he's rank. I just yelled at him to take a dang shower and then start on his school work. I hear that he's still got his butt parked on the couch watching cartoons so I must go enforce my "spare the air" day.

Oink?!

So, it seems that Jon *may* have swine flu. I took him to the docs last Wednesday to look at his shoulder that he somehow injured while swimming on Memorial Day. His shoulder is fine....just flares up from an old bmx injury but that eve he had a low grade fever. His throat hurt and his head was pounding. He's been sick ever since. I finally thought I should look up swine flu symptoms. Not that I worry all that much. Frankly, I think the media went hog wild with panic. BUT, he does have nearly all the symptoms. Being that I am now a somewhat single mom to 5.5 boys, I thought it best to have him checked out. I'm taking him in at 10:45. I'm not even sure if they have a definitive test for this or if they'll just say, "yep, he's got they symptoms, here's some Tamiflu." We shall see. But, oh, what a pain! Wish us luck!

My firstborn is 15!

YIKES! How could that be that I now have a 15 year old? I can hardly believe how the time has flown by. It seems just yesterday that I was rocking him to sleep. Now he's about 6 ft tall and outweighs me by about 20-30 lbs! It's gone by too quickly. Happy birthday Jon!

An interesting May 20th tidbit.

Today has, twice, been named as my due date! Strange, huh? I was due to have Jon on May 20th although according to MY calculations, I was 40 weeks on May 23rd which just so happens to be the evening I went into labor. He was born on the 24th. I was also due to have Tanner on May 20th. He was more stubborn. I had no calculations for him so I went with the May 20th prediction. I was induced on May 23rd. I was in labor ALL DAY LONG and then sent home having made NO progress. I swore then and there I would wait it out....no matter HOW long it took. I was NOT going to try an induction again because, well, frankly, it sucked. I was back 5 days later. Being induced. He NEVER dropped! The nurses literally had to push from up above so the doctor could even touch his head! (TMI?) I was SO done with the pregnancy though....I was hardly able to breathe since he was so up in my ribs. So, Tanner came May 28th. Strange though....same due date....

It's May 18th....

seriously, already? How did this year go by so quickly? In just 18 way too short days, the boys will be done with school! What in the world is a mom to do?

In just 6 days, I will be celebrating a 15th birthday with Jon! I know, I know, I AM far too young looking to have a child that old! In just 9 days, Tanner will be 7! I can hardly believe that. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital hearing the doctor say, "OH, is this a problem?!" as she pointed out the VERY MUCH THERE penis!

Seriously though, summer is coming...... I'm much more worried about that than the fact that I have yet to do any birthday shopping for Tanner. (Hey, there are 3 bdays in May, I like to take em one at a time....) What will we do for the whole summer? It's always so short yet SOOOOOO long. If you have any brilliant ideas, I'm super open to suggestions. Free ideas are the best since it costs a small fortune just to take 5 boys to the movies. I'm not made of money, ya know! PLEASE, give me your best ideas.....

May....the month that rivals Christmas in terms of $$$

May is ALWAYS a busy month here in my house. In just 10 days I hope to find out if my dream of having a daughter will be fulfilled or if I will be forced to wait for the daughters in law....

In just 11 more days, Tucker will be 11! He's got major preteen attitude flaring up already. So much so, that he may have to *skip* the party this year.

In a mere 23 days, I will become mother to a 15!!!! year old!!! (YIKES! Not too much longer until this one's driving!)

In 27 short days, my little Tanner will be 7! I know the experts say that 7 is the age of reasoning. I think Tanner may need a couple of extra years. He's still impulsive and odd in a fun eccentric sort of way.

I hope your May isn't going to be as insanely busy as mine!

Can't catch a break here!

The germs just keep coming! Jon went to staff camp last weekend and came back very hoarse with a sniffle and a cough. It's progressively gotten worse throughout the week. Wednesday when he came home, he had a low grade fever. Lovely. His fever has continued and now his cough sounds terrible and his chest is really hurting. Again, lovely. I'm taking him to the docs today. He thinks he may have Broncitis or Pneumonia again. He's had them both and it just sucks. Now, being sick is crummy enough but he had a major project due today that he's been unable to complete. His teacher told the class that it's due on Friday....no exceptions. All I know is she BETTER make an exception or I'll be down at the school raising hell and getting him a new teacher!

Update

It's been quite some time since I've really posted anything. I thought maybe I should post an update since there is so much going on.

Jon has been really focusing on his grades lately. I have to say that I am VERY proud of him. He brought home a 3.0 for his first high school semester! I know he could've done much better and after seeing the progress he made with just a tiny bit of effort, he's finally decided that it's worth his time to just go ahead and try hard the whole time. This is a huge step for him and I hope it sticks.

Jake has been transitioning to public education. This is his second try at this. It's very difficult for him to go from the sheltered, minimal amounts of work, lots of therapy to just regular school. He's managing to fit in well. His grades leave a lot to be desired but we're finding he has some holes in his skills. Luckily the school he's going in to is VERY willing to work with him. He's now spending half his day at regular school and the second half at his private school. He should be full time in middle school by April! Jake also just landed a Macy's job. The only catch is it may only appear in Hawaii! If not, he'll be in the Macy's one day May Day sale! Look for him!

Tucker has started taking meds for ADHD. He was having some focus problems in school which may be due to his recently diagnosed Sleep Apnea. He's been doing amazingly well with the meds. It's even helped him recognize how it's not always in his best interest to align himself with big bro Jake. Tucker is due to have his surgery on Tuesday the 17th. Tonsils and Adnoids are coming out. He will have to spend one night in the hospital to be monitored but then he'll be home. Pray that all goes well and he makes a speedy recovery. Who knows, he may not even need the meds afterwards!

Tanner has also started meds. Docs think most of his problem is depression. I think it's environmental. Living with Jake is tough. I feel it too.... BUT, I see him struggling with school and if just ONE thing can be made easier for him, I'm all for it. We've been noticing great changes in him an his happiness and focus at school. Not so much at home as with Tucker though, but it's still good.

Brennen is COMPLETELY potty trained! He was SO easy. He hasn't had in accident in the longest time and he rarely wakes up wet in the morning. He's wearing pull ups at night but I think it's just about time to ditch those. I've also discovered that I was making bedtime more difficult than neccessary by rocking him. One night while trying to get him to settle down, I told him that if he didn't stop squirming, I was going to put him in his bed. He said, "Please put me in bed Mom!" I did and he went right to sleep! Man, all those tough nights....when all the poor kid wanted was the peace and quiet of his own bed! I do find though that he's not too happy to go to bed unless I'm in MY bed too. Most nights that works out fine though.

The guys have also just gotten over some nasty virus. It looks just like strep throat. Fevers, RED throat, miserable. Lasted 2-5 days and was gone. Unfortunately it hit our house in two rounds. Tanner and Brennen had it two weeks ago. Jake and Tucker had it last week. Jon seems fine. He's always healthy. Lucky dog!

Well, I think that's about it for here! What's new with you?

I just want to smack them!

My oldest boy, Jon, has this girlfriend. She's really sweet and they are adorable together. I was not super thrilled about him having a girlfriend. He's only 14. BUT, I remember being 14 and having a huge crushes on guys so I didn't want to make him miserable by being one of those moms. PLUS, she lives several cities away and they don't see each other all that much. She's a bit older than him. Just turned 16. I wasn't too happy about that either but I did date guys that were a year behind me in school so I didn't think it was too big of a deal. In a strange coincidence of "it's a small world" her cousin happens to store his trucks and equipment in our field. Gary is a now a friend of my hubbys and you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that Bella did not just celebrate her 16th bday but her 17th!!! Needless to say, I was a bit pissed off with both Jon AND Bella for lying to me! Jon says they did it because they knew I wouldn't want him dating a girl who was nearly 17. So, in all your infinite wisdom......what would YOU do? I don't feel like I can forbid them to date. I think that would make things worse.... but I am SO angry with them for lying to me. I've always told my kids that the truth is far better than lying. The trouble is MUCH less if you tell the truth even if the truth gets you in trouble! UGH! What to do? HELP!

Teenagers! UGH!

So, Jon is apparently a very fragile child. He's "playing" Freshman Football this year which is super exciting.....or would be if he were actually playing! He's had injuries up the wazoo already and they've only had 2 official games. It all started back in August when he hurt his leg. I guess he got tackled wrong or something. $70 later, we left minor injury with instructions to rest it for a bit. Not too long after that, he injured his ankle. Another $70 visit later, we left with instructions to rest it for a week, wear this splint and here's a note to get you out of football and PE. He wanted to quit football at that point. Being that we had already spent nearly $300 to play football and then $140 to treat the injuries to date, I told him he needed to give himself a chance to heal. He went to practices and then returned to the field a week later. The following week (last week) he injured his shoulder! Seriously, is he made of glass?!?! SO, ANOTHER $70 later we find it's another sprain (shoulder, not ankle this time) and he's out now for 10-14 days. Well, he REINJURED the shoulder today! I guess some boy ran into him and he fell. He wasn't even doing anything! So, who knows if he's ever going to actually play. He's driving me crazy with attitude too. Yesterday, he felt it was too hot for him to go and watch practice like he had told me he was going to do. He called me several times on my cell (6 to be exact!) When he couldn't get ahold of me (I was in a meeting with Tucker's teacher) he left me a voicemail. "Mom, I need you to come and get me. It's too hot for me to go to practice, especially since I can't even practice. I've been trying to call you but can't get ahold of you. My shoulder is also really hurting me. Call me as SOON as you get this message. So, yeah, ok.....BYE (bitch)


Huh? Did I hear that right? Was he talking to me? It wasn't loud like the rest of the message.....
After listening several more times, I came to the conclusion that he WAS saying it about me but he thought he had hung up already! Oh, I was FURIOUS!

His explanation.....He was really angry because he couldn't reach me and he can ALWAYS reach me. I told him that if anything like that EVER happens again, his butt is MINE!

I do too much for that kid for him to even THINK things like that. Man, teenagers sort of suck!

fully scheduled

I had to have a little sit down with my calendar yesterday to map out my life. It's looking pretty full already and school hasn't even begun for the year. What HAS started is football and soccer. Jon is, once again, playing football. This year it's a bit different though.....my baby is playing HIGH SCHOOL football. I know what you're thinking, I AM far to young to have a high schooler. BUT, he is indeed a freshman this year. We picked up his schedule and he's already got his student ID card. VERY strange sensation for me.....having a high school aged child. You'll know what I mean when you get there..... Both Tucker and Tanner are playing soccer this year. It's a sport I know nothing about. I've never played. Not even in PE. I really hope they enjoy it and have a good season. Tucker tends to have a lot of anxiety about new things so I'm hoping he does ok being that most of the kids on his team have been playing for years already. Tanner is a go with the flow kind of kid but he definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. I'm just praying that his drum will be keeping time with the rest of the team otherwise we'll be in for another chaotic season (tball was a BLAST, let me tell ya....) I also have to figure in the activities that they already have going.....karate, Boy Scouts, uh, some family time.....Tanner wants to join Cub Scouts too. All that and if Jake continues to do modeling.....It's gonna be a fast paced year! BUT, I enjoy the rigidity of a schedule. I like knowing what I'm doing and when I'm doing it. I think it makes our life a bit more manageable. Wish me luck anyhow if you would......

What's happenin?

Summer is more than half over! WOOhOOO! What have you all been up to? It's been a busy time here but I feel like I've been doing next to nothing......
Jon just returned from ANOTHER boy scout camp. He had a great time and even rode horses. If you know Jon, you'll know how funny that is to picture. He seemed to really enjoy it and is now pleading his case for getting a horse! Like I have the time or money for a hobby like that! He's been "dating" a girl....Dani. He says she may be "the one" It's so cute because I remember being seriously in love with Doug Pochard when I was about his age. Honestly, the love didn't last and I've no idea what ever became of him. I can't imagine that Jon will marry Dani since they are going to rival high schools and all but you never know. My cousin married her high school sweetheart....they NEVER dated anyone but each other!

Jake is still somewhat of a train wreck. His "blowouts" are more frequent than ever before and he's just downright nasty a lot of the time. I took him to see a new doc and she asked if he was ever tested for Autism! I will be having a phone appointment Wednesday as a first step for that testing. After looking up info online, I have to say, I wouldn't be surprised if they say he has Asperger's. I have been searching for answers for SO many years that I'd love to have something concrete as a starting point. So, please pray that the docs can tell me SOMETHING!

Tucker had his first sleepover this Sunday! Yes, he IS 10 but he's always been so nervous that I've never really pushed the issue. It was so cute when I dropped him off. His buddies ran out the door to meet him...."TUCKER'S here!" He had THE biggest grin on his face. He ended up having a fabulous time. I'm so proud of him.

Tanner's been looking for trouble as usual. Man, oh man! The things that this kid comes up with.....He never ceases to amaze me. I think he must've changed his clothes at least 4 times yesterday! I really think Dennis the Menace is a true story....based on Tanner! But, gosh, he sure is cute. I think that may be his one saving grace.

Brennen is just more and more of a big boy every day. He's become quite a biter lately. He's teething and all....Now though, when I tell him that it hurts me, he kisses the spot he's just bitten. Because, well you know, Mommy always kisses boo boos so that's just how you do it. He was having some problem with his ear last week. I took him to the Dr. and he didn't have an ear infection but it was obviously very uncomfortable. I couldn't even touch the outer part of his right ear without him looking as though I just shocked him. We got some drops and he's now all better! He's even been sleeping through the night for the last 3 nights! This is SO wonderful because I was getting really grouchy for a second there..... I guess the teeth have all poked through and now that the ear's better, he's good to go. Sleep is an awesome thing!

Nothing too fun planned this week. We may have to hit Great America one day. I'm throwing my brother's fiance a Bridal Shower on Saturday. Never done that before but I think it's all coming together nicely. We'll be off to Lake Tahoe soon enough too! Can't wait for that! Of course it's a forced vacation as our house is being tented for termites. BUT, the kids are SUPER excited. We didn't go at all last year!

Missin my boy

Jon is at ANOTHER Boy Scout camp this week. I miss him terribly already! He's my buddy, my pal, my biggest (ok, my ONLY) helper at home! I know he really needs the break from his brother's though..... Then, not only do I miss him but I'm stuck worrying about him since it's been so freakin cold lately. I keep wondering....is he warm enough with the one measly sweatshirt he packed? I really should have made him take his coat. I'm sure he's getting enough to eat. They always have plenty of food...but I forgot to give him his bug bite spray so I hope he's not being eaten alive by bugs. They do tend to love him. Most of all, I just hope he's having a great time!

Lost season

It's official....Jon's team lost their final championship game to round off their losing streak. They lost EVERY game! Well, wait, they tied one game. BUT, it was such a great season. Their coach was outstanding. I feel like the boys learned so much more than just football. They learned some really valuable life skills. PLUS, Coach is just so proud of the guys. He never sounded upset over a loss, he always recognized the greatness they showed on the field. What a heck of a guy. While Jon was bummed out over losing so much, he's very sad to be ending the season because he really likes Coach. Next year my baby will be playing HIGH SCHOOL football! How can this be?

So scary...

I just got home from the minor injury clinic. Jon's foot was stepped on last night at football practice. He was wearing his cleats and so was the boy who stepped on him. I was taking him to practice and he showed me his big toe. It was so red! I took him to my mom's to get her expert advice and she said it looked like it *may* be broken. Jon was adamant about not missing a game and so I figured I'll have coach look at it and see if he wants an xray. Lucky for Jon, Coach sided with me and said he needed to go to the docs. Well, by the time we got to see the nurse, he had a red line going up past his ankle! We got back to the doc and he had to freeze it, drain it and give Jon IV antibiotics RIGHT AWAY! The doc said that he had a pretty major infection and had we waited, he would've been very sick tomorrow. The doc said, this is the kind of fast spreading infection that kills people! It sounds like he should be fine. He's on crutches and antibiotics for days. He can't do PE or football for about a week. The scary thing is, what if he didn't show me?! If he had a fever tomorrow (which he most certainly would have) I may have thought it was the bug we all just had. Man, we could've lost Jon! Thank you God for watching over Jon! Poor guy.

shoot me now!

I got a call from the middle school today. My darling son has been suspended....again! He was suspended several times last year for behavior and I really thought he had matured a bit this year. He's been having a pretty good year so far. You cannot imagine my disappointment. I am so upset with him. Apparently he was at lunch with his buddies when the incident happened. His bud was drinking a slurpee and Jon thought it would be funny to hit the bottom of the cup as his friend was drinking. So, he did, which made a bit of slurpee spill on his friend. Well, boys being boys, the friend couldn't let it go so he threw the entire contents of the cup on Jon. There was pushing and name calling and then Jon felt it necessary to throw a punch! He socked his friend in the jaw! He claims he did it softly. BUT, his friend had to go to the office for ice! That's how the staff found out. His friend wasn't telling on him or anything. But seriously, why would he even think to hit the bottom of his friends cup anyways?! You know what I think right now? I think boys SUCK! I'm not having fun being a boy mom at this time. Scratch that, I'm not having fun being a teenage boys mom right now! Any torturous ideas for me? How can I make his life INCREDIBLY uncomfortable? Give me any lowly duties you can think of to throw his way....If you've been through the teen years already that's even better. If not, use your imagination and let me know what you come up with. Right now, he's cleaning his room....spotless....without Jake's help!

with these kids...I'm definitely not winning mother of the year....

Like I needed more drama today... Jon got a Saturday school. He stole a soda from the cafeteria. I guess it would've been too much trouble to break the $20 in his pocket?

Modeling update.

So, I FINALLY got Tanner's agent to respond to the pictures of Jon and Brennen! She says that while Jon is definitely cute, he's too big for kid work and not yet tall enough for adult work but....would he be interested in any acting? I told her "Heck ya!" He actually had just told me at the end of last school year that he wanted to try out for the Drama Club this year. Hmmm, maybe he's got a future in acting. He sure is dramatic enough! LOL As far as Brennen is concerned, she said he's adorable and wants to meet him. So, it's off to The City on Wednesday to meet with the agent and then do a bit of school shopping! It should be fun! I'm POSITIVE she'll sign him when she meets him. How could she not want him?!?!

Model mania

Jon is TOTALLY wanting to start modeling now. I think he's seeing green......as in money! BUT, I do think he'd be great at it because he's got an awesome build and he's pretty tall already (5'9"!!!) I sent in pics of Jon AND Brennen to the agent today. I would LOVE to get Baby B in modeling because 1. He's so darn cute and 2. He's really easy to work with.....happy ALL the time. The other parents at Tucker's job kept commenting on how good he was....so happy....he should be a model. SO, we wait and see if the agent is interested in meeting them and signing them. NO, I'm not exploiting my children. They keep their money.....ALL of it! And if they ever said they didn't want to do it, I'd be happy to let them quit. I don't need to see my kids in magazines. YES, it IS exciting but hey, I've got books and books FILLED with their pictures here at home! I'll keep you posted on what the agent has to say. Also....Tanner has a go see for Pottery Barn on Monday!

Football season is beginning!

I went to a meeting last night for Jon's football team. He's in the Senior division this year.... His coach seems like he's going to be super good. He's been coaching for 20 years for this league so I get the feeling he really knows what he's doing. The one thing coach said that Jon was not too thrilled about was the fact that most injuries to the players during the season, usually comes from things like skateboards and roller blades so he's asking parents to take those items away from the guys for the season since he needs them all whole and healthy. UGH! That info did NOT go over too well. Jon was so ticked off! BUT, I think he's going to comply with that because he really loves football. I can hardly wait to start cheering him on! I think it'll be a great year!