Dear 2011,
I want you to know you've been my favorite year so far.
My daughter turned 7. My son turned 6. We celebrated 9 years of marriage. I turned 31. The Hubs turned 32. Nothing in there is spectacular, but yet we're here, we're healthy, we're a happy family... in this day and age, that IS spectacular in itself.
That's not to say it was all easy this year. We faced the biggest decision in regards to JT's autism and treatment that we've faced. We'd been avoiding it (they told me at his diagnosis he'd need meds... not 'he'll probably need meds', but 'he'll need meds'). Looking back, that was one of the hardest decisions we've made as a family. Medication is a serious subject. But I now know we undoubtedly made the correct choice for us. It has changed our lives.
We dealt with bullying of both Audrey and JT, and were happy with the response of one school and at least semi-satisfied with the response of the other. Either way, neither of our kids are tormented now, nor are they broken because of it. We've had some valuable discussions about bullying and what that says about the bully - and tried to set up a plan of action if it ever happens again. It happens far too often now, to far too many kids.
We've seen JT go from an entirely self-contained class to now only having two 'blocks' (social studies/science and english/literature) where he's NOT mainstreamed, and he has no aide - he's doing it all himself! He's made a real friend. He's gotten notes from kids at school. He's finding his place. He is one astonishing little boy.
Audrey's testing has shown that she's even smarter than we thought (which is pretty freaking smart). Her math benchmark was 100%. She was above grade level in everything. Her reading? At a 6th grade level. And this is a kid that will fight tooth and nail to NOT do homework or read... Thankfully, Captain Underpants (another 2011 discovery) is a new favorite - but she's almost done with the series. Frantically trying to find a new 'friend' for 2012! Her artwork has gone from 'that's cool' to 'that is AMAZING'. We have to get her in art classes, because for a child her age to draw with perspective and to be able to replicate what she sees so perfectly... she needs to explore that talent.
The Hubs got promoted. He's got an awesome store now, with great people. He's still good at what he does, and enjoys doing it. You really can't ask for more in a job.
I got a job (YAY Starbucks!). They helped me transfer, even though they didn't have to. I get free coffee. They have awesome benefits. And I get free coffee :)
As 2011 comes to a close, I can say we're in a really, really good place. Our kids are doing fantastic. We're doing fantastic. Our family is doing fantastic. Everything really did turn out okay...
So, thank you, 2011.
I can only hope that 2012 brings us more of the same :)
Showing posts with label Zeb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zeb. Show all posts
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Moving
Yet again, the Duzan fam is moving!
A few weeks ago, I got a note from Audrey's teacher about how she was getting 100 percent (or higher) on all her benchmarks, yet for the first time EVER, her scores on schoolwork were dropping - all from simple errors. She has also been super emotional at home, especially on weekends The Hubs comes. Then, JT's been having issues with panic attacks at school (hyperventilating and having to do breathing exercises), he's getting a little more trigger-happy with the moodiness.
I decided we needed to try to get back together as a family as soon as possible, since being apart was obviously having a pretty negative effect on the kids.
And... My boss agreed to a transfer, so we're all clear! I have to get in touch with store managers in the area so that I can get my transfer.
The Hubs found us a house in Huntersville that's REALLY cute.
I got in touch with the new school district, and with JT's recent changes in his IEP (did I mention he's now in circle/literacy time, library, art, music and PE with the general education classes, with his ONLY accommodation being sitting in close proximity to the teacher/materials? Yeah, that's my boy!), the coordinator we'll be going through said he would be recommending placement in their resource-type program AT HIS BASE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means my kids will be going to the same school, and JT will be mostly mainstreamed :) I don't need to even explain how happy that makes me (and let me tell you how excited Miss Audrey is that she can walk her brother to class!).
So, all that to say, we're going to be residents of Huntersville as of December 1.
A big, scary change, but we're hoping for the best :)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Onward and Upward.
A week ago today, The Hubs got a surprise. A BIG surprise.
He was promoted.
The Hubs is now the store manager at Northlake Mall in Charlotte.
He had been in Charlotte to talk to the DM on Monday, and LOVED it. The store, the mall, the area...
I was not so excited. Excited for him, but not so excited for me.
I have a job. That I LOVE. Just got it... after waiting years to go for it. AWESOME people, great manager... seriously, the perfect job.
And Starbucks policy is you can transfer... only after you've been there for 6 months.
So, I'm staying here in Raleigh with the kiddos until my 6 month (March 13), and The Hubs is moving to Charlotte.
The Hubs will be back every Saturday night and all day Sunday to take care of the kids since my work availability includes 'all day Sunday'.
The Hubs's first day was Tuesday. He is really excited about this new store and his new job. He's going to do awesome things there, I know.
We already miss him, but have a countdown to his next day home (yay Saturday nights!) and have a 'party' planned with all his favorite foods and things.
I'm balancing a job and kids - now I know how single moms feel. I am very, very thankful for my job dealing with my reduced availability, and we're getting all caught up on flu shots because we certainly can't afford to be sick this winter!
There are so many positives in this situation... I am deciding to look to those rather than the downfalls (because God knows you'd rather have your husband around than not!). In the long run, this is so good for our family.
This is the beginning of an all new journey for our family - wish us luck!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Busy!
I haven't updated in a while...
Because I got A JOB!
I'm a barista at Starbucks. BEST JOB EVER! I am so excited to go to work, that my days off make me a little sad. The people are great, my boss is great, the work is (complicated but) fun. It's awesome!
The kiddos are in YMCA-run afterschool. They have one at each of their elementary's, so Audrey is at her school and JT at his.
They both LOVE it. The first day Audrey got mad at me for coming too early (I didn't get to pick a second activity, mom!) and day 2 JT kept trying to take me BACK to the cafeteria to play more. They both say it's fun. I walk in to get JT most days, and while he's not playing with the other kids, he's around them and watching closely. He has a ton of fun, and he's SO happy (before and after he sees me!).
Both kids LOVE their teachers, they are both doing fabulous, and academically are (still) ahead of grade-level, which makes this momma really proud. They are some smart little ones (and use it to their advantage!).
The Hubs is still enjoying his job, his store is still doing well...
JT has yet to have a behavioral problem at school. He has had no meltdowns AT ALL since starting the risperdal back in June. He now reminds us (GIMME MY MEDSINS) if we forget his dose at night. The stuff tastes nasty, so you know it must help him feel better.
We're doing fabulous, pretty much! Loving life!!!
Because I got A JOB!
I'm a barista at Starbucks. BEST JOB EVER! I am so excited to go to work, that my days off make me a little sad. The people are great, my boss is great, the work is (complicated but) fun. It's awesome!
The kiddos are in YMCA-run afterschool. They have one at each of their elementary's, so Audrey is at her school and JT at his.
They both LOVE it. The first day Audrey got mad at me for coming too early (I didn't get to pick a second activity, mom!) and day 2 JT kept trying to take me BACK to the cafeteria to play more. They both say it's fun. I walk in to get JT most days, and while he's not playing with the other kids, he's around them and watching closely. He has a ton of fun, and he's SO happy (before and after he sees me!).
Both kids LOVE their teachers, they are both doing fabulous, and academically are (still) ahead of grade-level, which makes this momma really proud. They are some smart little ones (and use it to their advantage!).
The Hubs is still enjoying his job, his store is still doing well...
JT has yet to have a behavioral problem at school. He has had no meltdowns AT ALL since starting the risperdal back in June. He now reminds us (GIMME MY MEDSINS) if we forget his dose at night. The stuff tastes nasty, so you know it must help him feel better.
We're doing fabulous, pretty much! Loving life!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
9 years!
Happy anniversary to my husband :)
9 years ago, I married my best friend in our backyard, with a 'best dog' and 'cat of honor'.
Since then, we've been through a lot. Several moves, two kiddos, job changes, autism... It hasn't always been easy, but it has made us stronger.
I love him even more today than I did 9 years ago.
He is my soul mate, and still my best friend.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Surgery
My ankle arthroscopy is all done! I'm in my splint, which they will replace with a hard cast at my post-op appointment next week. Then the hard cast stays for 3 weeks.
Surgery went well as far as I know. The Hubs had JT out in the car, so my surgeon didn't get a chance to talk to him. He handed me two sheets of pictures (8 pics per page) of the inside of my ankle (the arthroscopy camera's view) and said that we'd discuss the pics at my appointment next week. It looks like he may have been right about the cartilage or something. Whatever it was, I'm certain he cleaned it up. Yay for being done!
The Hubs is being so sweet. He took off Wednesday, worked a little while yesterday, and a half day today. He's off all weekend. :)
I am so thankful for a wonderful friend taking my kids to school this morning. The Hubs's new director of stores (his boss' boss) was in town, and being that The Hubs had never met him, he couldn't exactly be late to their first meeting. She took both JT and Audrey to school. So very sweet.
Audrey and JT are both being really sweet and gentle. They think my crutches are toys (hey, they DO look like fun when you don't have to use them in all fairness), but they bring them back after a minute or two.
I'm getting used to the crutches and hopping. They're much harder than they look!
Hope everyone is doing well... I'm off to continue sleeping. I am flat out exhausted! I think it's my body telling me to take it easy (yesterday I ignored it and tried to ride with The Hubs to take the kids to school. Let's just say it was a good thing there was a plastic bag in the car... YUCK).
Surgery went well as far as I know. The Hubs had JT out in the car, so my surgeon didn't get a chance to talk to him. He handed me two sheets of pictures (8 pics per page) of the inside of my ankle (the arthroscopy camera's view) and said that we'd discuss the pics at my appointment next week. It looks like he may have been right about the cartilage or something. Whatever it was, I'm certain he cleaned it up. Yay for being done!
The Hubs is being so sweet. He took off Wednesday, worked a little while yesterday, and a half day today. He's off all weekend. :)
I am so thankful for a wonderful friend taking my kids to school this morning. The Hubs's new director of stores (his boss' boss) was in town, and being that The Hubs had never met him, he couldn't exactly be late to their first meeting. She took both JT and Audrey to school. So very sweet.
Audrey and JT are both being really sweet and gentle. They think my crutches are toys (hey, they DO look like fun when you don't have to use them in all fairness), but they bring them back after a minute or two.
I'm getting used to the crutches and hopping. They're much harder than they look!
Hope everyone is doing well... I'm off to continue sleeping. I am flat out exhausted! I think it's my body telling me to take it easy (yesterday I ignored it and tried to ride with The Hubs to take the kids to school. Let's just say it was a good thing there was a plastic bag in the car... YUCK).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Cool Stuff...
Happy update time :)
JT
JT is talking. A LOT. He's asking for things he wants (mostly milk and popcorn, haha). But doing SO well. He's socializing with other kids at school. Pulling his mat up to play with them and really having fun! He's riding his scooter. Big deal!
Audrey
Audrey is reading!!! She read us two books last night. She's tying her shoes! She knows more Spanish than I can keep up with... I really need to get moving on learning to speak Spanish. I have no clue what's she's saying/singing. She's good at math. She's AMAZING at art. She wants to take swim lessons, and we've agreed to let her join a swim team if she's good enough. If not, we'll just continue lessons until fall when she can join that season. We may do dance as well this fall... we've been holding out because of her listening 'issues', but she got the memo finally and is toning it down when it's not appropriate.
The Hubs
His store is doing well. He's doing well. He did break his toe (he ran into a wall...), but it hurts him less and less each day (unless he does what he did last night, which is jump over the couch and stub it).
Me
Surgery in 4 days... 3 months of recovery. Writing is going really well. Started studying for the GRE... still planning to go back to school to get my Master's in Special Education (in the fall of 2011). Want plenty of time to get scholarships...
There you have it... Duzan family updates!
JT
JT is talking. A LOT. He's asking for things he wants (mostly milk and popcorn, haha). But doing SO well. He's socializing with other kids at school. Pulling his mat up to play with them and really having fun! He's riding his scooter. Big deal!
Audrey
Audrey is reading!!! She read us two books last night. She's tying her shoes! She knows more Spanish than I can keep up with... I really need to get moving on learning to speak Spanish. I have no clue what's she's saying/singing. She's good at math. She's AMAZING at art. She wants to take swim lessons, and we've agreed to let her join a swim team if she's good enough. If not, we'll just continue lessons until fall when she can join that season. We may do dance as well this fall... we've been holding out because of her listening 'issues', but she got the memo finally and is toning it down when it's not appropriate.
The Hubs
His store is doing well. He's doing well. He did break his toe (he ran into a wall...), but it hurts him less and less each day (unless he does what he did last night, which is jump over the couch and stub it).
Me
Surgery in 4 days... 3 months of recovery. Writing is going really well. Started studying for the GRE... still planning to go back to school to get my Master's in Special Education (in the fall of 2011). Want plenty of time to get scholarships...
There you have it... Duzan family updates!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Happy Birthday to The Hubs :)
It's The Hubs's birthday :)
Happy birthday to a great husband and daddy!
Happy birthday to a great husband and daddy!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time for a New Approach...
The Hubs: Audrey, I'll give you 50 cents to take my dishes to the kitchen.
Audrey: Dad, I'll pay you a dollar to stop asking me.
:)
Audrey: Dad, I'll pay you a dollar to stop asking me.
:)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Big Day for Dillards!
January 1st is Dillards HUGE sale - 50% all clearance. If you've never been, first, you're missing out, and second, it's CRAZY. People are buying EVERYTHING.
So, The Hubs's store (Cary Towne Center) did the most business the store HAS EVER DONE January 1st. EVER - like in the whole history of the store!!!
I am super proud of The Hubsber - that is a HUGE accomplishment.
Just thought I'd share, in case anyone else wants to send him a congratulations :)
So, The Hubs's store (Cary Towne Center) did the most business the store HAS EVER DONE January 1st. EVER - like in the whole history of the store!!!
I am super proud of The Hubsber - that is a HUGE accomplishment.
Just thought I'd share, in case anyone else wants to send him a congratulations :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
New ComputerS
Our old pc finally bit the dust. It was a great pc - we bought it about a month before we got married - so April/May 2002. It lasted almost 7.5 years!
However, its motherboard is fried. The monitor goes out constantly, and you never know when you can get it back on. Even though the drives are shared, the other pc's on the network can't see it - the pc locks itself up when it's accessed.
Anyway, all I needed off of it was pictures and music. Nothing else on there is a big deal - those are the only two things I use.
Over the past 36 hours, I have managed to get all the pictures off, and I'm working on the music (it is syncing it to my iPhone, so it's almost done).
Hooray!!!
I had bought a refurbished laptop to use since our pc was dying and I couldn't work at all... and my dad also bought a new laptop for me. I'm using the new one, the refurb is for the kids and The Hubs...
Audrey LOVES playing on the computer. Nickjr.com is her deal - she can get around that site like a pro. JT enjoys some of the easier games on Fisherprice.com - he can't figure out the mouse yet, so he likes games that are keyboard-friendly.
We're all having fun with them for sure!
Hooray for new computers!!!
However, its motherboard is fried. The monitor goes out constantly, and you never know when you can get it back on. Even though the drives are shared, the other pc's on the network can't see it - the pc locks itself up when it's accessed.
Anyway, all I needed off of it was pictures and music. Nothing else on there is a big deal - those are the only two things I use.
Over the past 36 hours, I have managed to get all the pictures off, and I'm working on the music (it is syncing it to my iPhone, so it's almost done).
Hooray!!!
I had bought a refurbished laptop to use since our pc was dying and I couldn't work at all... and my dad also bought a new laptop for me. I'm using the new one, the refurb is for the kids and The Hubs...
Audrey LOVES playing on the computer. Nickjr.com is her deal - she can get around that site like a pro. JT enjoys some of the easier games on Fisherprice.com - he can't figure out the mouse yet, so he likes games that are keyboard-friendly.
We're all having fun with them for sure!
Hooray for new computers!!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!!!
Well, we had a good time in the end (haha).
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
It started with the mall trick or treating... JT was fine with the monkey costume (he loves it, that's why he wore it again). But when we got inside and started, it was just too much. Y'know, he's almost 4, people kind of expect (and wait) for him to say "trick or treat"... And he won't. Plus, people all in his face telling him he's a cute monkey, kids and other people bumping him and getting in his space, WAITING IN LINES (major meltdown starter there)... We hit 4 stores and we had to leave... Carrying a monkey that sounded like a velociraptor. Ugh.
We came home, JT and I stayed in to hand out candy while Audrey and The Hubs went out in our neighborhood. JT had an awesome time, he giggled, played with me, watched Alvin and ate our candy... He just doesn't like Halloween. Fine with me...
He said "cahkey" (candy), "poh-wee" (pony - he loves Audrey's costume of a princess on a pony), "twihtwee" (trick or treat) and "hee haw" (yee haw - as he was riding the pony). I'm impressed!
Audrey of course LOADED UP. She was the cutest Cinderella EVER, and she charmed all the folks handing out candy... One guy asked her what she had for HIM as he was giving her candy, and she promptly dug through her bag to pull out a piece for him. He told The Hubs he had an extremely sweet little girl, and explained to Audrey he was just kidding and could keep every bit of her candy (and I think they gave her more ;) ).
So, Halloween was a success in the end.
Nothing to report out of the ordinary family-wise. If you want to see more specific updates on the kids, they each have their own page... there's a feed on the sidebar for them. I have my blog under the blog list, just in case you ever wonder about my personal opinions or issues... I'm trying to streamline this blog into family updates/important info, so that everyone knows important stuff about fun family times!!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monkey Joe's
Yesterday we decided to try out Monkey Joe's. Monkey Joe's is an indoor playground with nothing but inflatables. This place had 3 obstacle courses (one was two-story), one bounce house/slide, one HUGE slide, one plain bouncy castle and a toddler bounce for smaller kiddos.
The kids had SO MUCH FUN. JT eventually just shuffled to the door and pointed outside. Audrey was crying, but exhausted when we left. We spent 3 whole hours there, and they went from one to the other the whole time.
I was kind of surprised JT liked it. He is terrified of vaccuums, so I really thought the noise from the inflatable pumps would scare him. It did not! His favorite was the ginormous slide... and he wasn't scared at all. He even did the rock walls!!! (Audrey, of course, did everything just fine, and made a friend named Maya).
Here are the kids having a blast:
The kids had SO MUCH FUN. JT eventually just shuffled to the door and pointed outside. Audrey was crying, but exhausted when we left. We spent 3 whole hours there, and they went from one to the other the whole time.
I was kind of surprised JT liked it. He is terrified of vaccuums, so I really thought the noise from the inflatable pumps would scare him. It did not! His favorite was the ginormous slide... and he wasn't scared at all. He even did the rock walls!!! (Audrey, of course, did everything just fine, and made a friend named Maya).
Here are the kids having a blast:
Monday, August 17, 2009
New Audrey News
Audrey is officially a cheerleader... we have her at Elite Cheer and Dance in Raleigh. They are a competition cheerleading squad (yes, even at 5yo). They wear uniforms and actually compete... As much as I *don't get* cheerleading (don't get offended... I just have never been girly), it has to be the cutest freaking thing ever that they are going to choreograph a routine for 5yo's and put them in uniforms. Their first competition (showing?) is in September - so SOON!
Audrey did her first fashion show Saturday, too! She got to go on first (was it because she's the cutest? or because her daddy is the store manager? maybe both!). She apparently was fabulous, and did a lot of twirling and such. She also got to buy the outfits she wore (2) plus the shoes to go with them and the hairstuffs. So, she had a blast!
She officially starts kindergarten on August 27th. She will LOVE school, I'm positive. Such a little social butterfly/diva. She wears me out!!!
Anyway, Audrey Michelle is strutting her stuff all over the place :)
Audrey did her first fashion show Saturday, too! She got to go on first (was it because she's the cutest? or because her daddy is the store manager? maybe both!). She apparently was fabulous, and did a lot of twirling and such. She also got to buy the outfits she wore (2) plus the shoes to go with them and the hairstuffs. So, she had a blast!
She officially starts kindergarten on August 27th. She will LOVE school, I'm positive. Such a little social butterfly/diva. She wears me out!!!
Anyway, Audrey Michelle is strutting her stuff all over the place :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
7 years!
Also, remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you to all of our military personnel - past and present. May God bless you and your families and keep you forever safe. You are true heroes.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Church :-)
We all went today, and we all had a great time - including JT (no joke!). Amazing!
My doctor appointment went okay... She said she believes my 'non-stop' headache is a tension headache... She felt my base of my head (apparently where your muscles come together? I have a horrible memory about some things...) and noted it's severely tight there... My stabby pains in my cheek/jaw/face are neuralgia - the trigeminal nerve. What I hadn't posted on here yet was that my left foot is going numb again like it did a few years back (when MS came up the first time).
From there, she did a few tests, and of course, did my reflex test. Of course, she noted that my reflexes are crazy... And the 'MS' discussion came up again (without me mentioning that it had ever been mentioned before)...
So, she's booking me with a neurologist at Vanderbilt as soon as possible in June (hopefully June 1st). She is recommending a MRI and lumbar puncture to test for MS.
We don't think this is remotely connected to Bob. She felt Bob, and didn't say anything... I told her I don't feel him or even look at him anymore - there's no point... Nothing I can do if he is changing anyway, right? ;-) I prefer to be modestly ignorant.
Anyway... JT was in bed last night, and I asked him for a hug. He then GAVE ME A HUG!!! Then The Hubs came in and handed him his juice, and clear as a bell, JT said 'Tha you'. Mass hysteria in the form of kissing, hugging and yelling 'yay JTmy' ensued (by The Hubs, me and Audrey). Funny the things you take for granted (at least we did with Audrey... We would have never partied like that for a little thank you from her, lol).
Audrey got to go to her friend Ainsley's birthday party at the bowling alley yesterday. I discovered a few things about Audrey... First, she is VERY competitive. Second, she is a pretty good bowler (surprisingly). Sounds like her daddy... She is JUST like The Hubs, actually. Social, funny and LOVES games.
Then there was a tornado in Leiper's Fork. We were driving home, and as we passed under the Natchez Trace, I noticed cars pulled under the overpass... I thought, weirdos... Then I looked up and noticed the beautiful, blue sky in contrast to the horrible, black clouds... That looked like the edge was cut by a razor it was such a perfect line... Yeah, wall cloud. We made it home, and it didn't do anything at our house... One of those crazy moments where you realize it could have gone either way, though.
I do have to share this funny story... We were at the Disney store Friday. This lady was in there with her son, and the Little Mermaid was on the big tv. Her son was fascinated. 'Under the Sea' was blaring, and her son started dancing. She laughs, and goes, 'great song, awful movie'. I looked at the cashier, and we both kind of exchanged this look like, wtf? The cashier (braver than I am) asked her, 'What's so bad about it?'... Get this... She replies, 'Well, it just promotes the woman just give up everything and change everything about herself for the man.' Lest you think it ends there... 'I mean, she had it all great in mermaid-world, and now she's picking up some guy's underwear on land.'
I almost fell over... What?!?!
Plus, anyone who's watched the movie knows Ariel wanted to have legs WAAAAY before Eric!
My doctor appointment went okay... She said she believes my 'non-stop' headache is a tension headache... She felt my base of my head (apparently where your muscles come together? I have a horrible memory about some things...) and noted it's severely tight there... My stabby pains in my cheek/jaw/face are neuralgia - the trigeminal nerve. What I hadn't posted on here yet was that my left foot is going numb again like it did a few years back (when MS came up the first time).
From there, she did a few tests, and of course, did my reflex test. Of course, she noted that my reflexes are crazy... And the 'MS' discussion came up again (without me mentioning that it had ever been mentioned before)...
So, she's booking me with a neurologist at Vanderbilt as soon as possible in June (hopefully June 1st). She is recommending a MRI and lumbar puncture to test for MS.
We don't think this is remotely connected to Bob. She felt Bob, and didn't say anything... I told her I don't feel him or even look at him anymore - there's no point... Nothing I can do if he is changing anyway, right? ;-) I prefer to be modestly ignorant.
Anyway... JT was in bed last night, and I asked him for a hug. He then GAVE ME A HUG!!! Then The Hubs came in and handed him his juice, and clear as a bell, JT said 'Tha you'. Mass hysteria in the form of kissing, hugging and yelling 'yay JTmy' ensued (by The Hubs, me and Audrey). Funny the things you take for granted (at least we did with Audrey... We would have never partied like that for a little thank you from her, lol).
Audrey got to go to her friend Ainsley's birthday party at the bowling alley yesterday. I discovered a few things about Audrey... First, she is VERY competitive. Second, she is a pretty good bowler (surprisingly). Sounds like her daddy... She is JUST like The Hubs, actually. Social, funny and LOVES games.
Then there was a tornado in Leiper's Fork. We were driving home, and as we passed under the Natchez Trace, I noticed cars pulled under the overpass... I thought, weirdos... Then I looked up and noticed the beautiful, blue sky in contrast to the horrible, black clouds... That looked like the edge was cut by a razor it was such a perfect line... Yeah, wall cloud. We made it home, and it didn't do anything at our house... One of those crazy moments where you realize it could have gone either way, though.
I do have to share this funny story... We were at the Disney store Friday. This lady was in there with her son, and the Little Mermaid was on the big tv. Her son was fascinated. 'Under the Sea' was blaring, and her son started dancing. She laughs, and goes, 'great song, awful movie'. I looked at the cashier, and we both kind of exchanged this look like, wtf? The cashier (braver than I am) asked her, 'What's so bad about it?'... Get this... She replies, 'Well, it just promotes the woman just give up everything and change everything about herself for the man.' Lest you think it ends there... 'I mean, she had it all great in mermaid-world, and now she's picking up some guy's underwear on land.'
I almost fell over... What?!?!
Plus, anyone who's watched the movie knows Ariel wanted to have legs WAAAAY before Eric!
Friday, March 27, 2009
JT = AWESOME
Okay... So, this is totally a proud momma post.
JT walked up to The Hubs last night, and said 'Howee dada!' (his -ello words come out owee... Very cute). Anyway, so we were so excited... And he keeps coming up to us and waving saying 'Howee! Howee!'
Today, when we got to school, he didn't cry (!) - and as I was putting on his shoes, he was saying, "Soo, soo". SO great!
He got a little upset when I left, but didn't seem crazy sad... Yay for that, too (for both of us!).
I am going to upload a pic of JT at school yesterday... They had a hedgehog visit, and the teacher is holding it out for JT to touch, the aide is sitting behind him... And he's got this HUGE grin on his face... Kinda like 'you guys are nuts, I am not touching that thing... But it's hilarious that you will...'
Audrey has been such a MAJOR help in all of this... She is what calms me down when he cries as we're leaving... We wait for him together :-)
I'm going to the doctor today. I can't take the flippin headache much longer. I'll update ASAP when I know what she's going to do with this. Ugh...
That's all for the Duzan family update... Looking up!
JT walked up to The Hubs last night, and said 'Howee dada!' (his -ello words come out owee... Very cute). Anyway, so we were so excited... And he keeps coming up to us and waving saying 'Howee! Howee!'
Today, when we got to school, he didn't cry (!) - and as I was putting on his shoes, he was saying, "Soo, soo". SO great!
He got a little upset when I left, but didn't seem crazy sad... Yay for that, too (for both of us!).
I am going to upload a pic of JT at school yesterday... They had a hedgehog visit, and the teacher is holding it out for JT to touch, the aide is sitting behind him... And he's got this HUGE grin on his face... Kinda like 'you guys are nuts, I am not touching that thing... But it's hilarious that you will...'
Audrey has been such a MAJOR help in all of this... She is what calms me down when he cries as we're leaving... We wait for him together :-)
I'm going to the doctor today. I can't take the flippin headache much longer. I'll update ASAP when I know what she's going to do with this. Ugh...
That's all for the Duzan family update... Looking up!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Spring has Sprung!
Spring is here in Tennessee! The pear trees are blooming, the grass is suddenly green, and it's getting warmer... JT's two week anniversary for school is coming up... To read more about his progress, see his blog (to the left).
Audrey is adjusting to JT going to school (as am I)... It is hard for both of us to walk away when JT is crying and reaching for us. It breaks my heart every day it happens. His (awesome) teacher sent home pictures of him ten minutes after we left, and he was laughing and having a grand time... But it's still hard.
I applied for - and was accepted! - a job with Writers.ph. This company is a little different than Demand Studios and Writers Research Group (and Associated Content, lol... Man, I work with a lot of companies...). They focus on essay writing. It's actually pretty cool - and intriguing. The pay is still good (it is for pretty much all my jobs, or I wouldn't do it) and it's something new and promising as far as learning - I LOVE to learn constantly... Jack of all trades :-)
Check out my article links on the right hand side... I have some new stuff on Associated Content that's pretty neat (and very personal, surprisingly... I've shied away from terribly personal stuff in the past...).
The Hubs's store is doing great. I know it's because he's there, but his store is way above average... While I think they were down in sales last month, it wasn't by much (and Easter was in 'last month' in the previous year, so to even be close is fantastic - those numbers are way higher). Hopefully they'll kick some booty this month... He's really enjoying working with people again. I know he loves coming up with new events, and my crazy husband loves doing the PA announcements. One day I walked in to hear, "We're having a CRAZY sale up here... It won't last long - come buy a purse now! Guys, buy one for your mom, your wife, your baby momma..." Only The Hubs! Really, though, he is so good with people, and they appreciate him so much... It's nice.
Hope everyone is fabulous!
Audrey is adjusting to JT going to school (as am I)... It is hard for both of us to walk away when JT is crying and reaching for us. It breaks my heart every day it happens. His (awesome) teacher sent home pictures of him ten minutes after we left, and he was laughing and having a grand time... But it's still hard.
I applied for - and was accepted! - a job with Writers.ph. This company is a little different than Demand Studios and Writers Research Group (and Associated Content, lol... Man, I work with a lot of companies...). They focus on essay writing. It's actually pretty cool - and intriguing. The pay is still good (it is for pretty much all my jobs, or I wouldn't do it) and it's something new and promising as far as learning - I LOVE to learn constantly... Jack of all trades :-)
Check out my article links on the right hand side... I have some new stuff on Associated Content that's pretty neat (and very personal, surprisingly... I've shied away from terribly personal stuff in the past...).
The Hubs's store is doing great. I know it's because he's there, but his store is way above average... While I think they were down in sales last month, it wasn't by much (and Easter was in 'last month' in the previous year, so to even be close is fantastic - those numbers are way higher). Hopefully they'll kick some booty this month... He's really enjoying working with people again. I know he loves coming up with new events, and my crazy husband loves doing the PA announcements. One day I walked in to hear, "We're having a CRAZY sale up here... It won't last long - come buy a purse now! Guys, buy one for your mom, your wife, your baby momma..." Only The Hubs! Really, though, he is so good with people, and they appreciate him so much... It's nice.
Hope everyone is fabulous!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
JT, School and Lots of Driving
Yep, that's all that's really new around here.
JT started school last Monday. He seems to be okay with it... He goes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:25 - 11:30am. He cried Thursday and Friday, which not only crushed me, but upset his big sister a LOT. She was so upset we had to leave him there crying...
Which leads to the funny school story of the week... JT fell asleep on his desk Friday. 3 years old and already falling asleep at school, LOL! He had also just gotten a (black) stamp on his hand, and so he looked all polka-dotted when we picked him up. He was so exhausted Miss Maggie (his teacher) had to carry him out. See, JT has been sleeping in this baby crib in his room that we just had in there to put stuffed toys in... He stays up and 'makes his bed' by pulling all his blankets and pillows off his REAL bed - then sleeping there. He does NOT want us doing it - so this is the new routine, I suppose.
We drive SO much now... We leave our house at 7am, drive The Hubs to work (about a 35-40 min drive), turn around, drive JT to school (45 min drive to an hour). Then I pick JT up at 11:30, we go home (about 25 min drive), then we pick daddy up at 6:15pm. It pretty much sucks, but I don't want JT on the bus - he's only 3!!! - and I don't think he's secure enough with the transition to school to successfully deal with the bus. Plus - mommy isn't ready to give that up yet... Another hour or more my baby would be gone... Nosiree.
I'm still dealing with the dang headache from hell. Have no clue what is going on, but we're coming up on about 6 weeks straight of it... And I can't handle much more. I have 2 months and some change until my insurance will pay for anything... But I may end up at the doc's office before then. My head is not doing so hot! Bob, on the other hand, has pretty much settled himself down and stopped growing (praise God!), so I'm feeling pretty good about the surgery having to wait - it wasn't the best case scenario, but at least Bob is behaving!
Audrey has a birthday party today at Chuck E Cheese (Happy Birthday Emily!), so we're all heading that way in just a bit.
That's all for now... Hope everyone else is doing well!
Love to all!
JT started school last Monday. He seems to be okay with it... He goes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:25 - 11:30am. He cried Thursday and Friday, which not only crushed me, but upset his big sister a LOT. She was so upset we had to leave him there crying...
Which leads to the funny school story of the week... JT fell asleep on his desk Friday. 3 years old and already falling asleep at school, LOL! He had also just gotten a (black) stamp on his hand, and so he looked all polka-dotted when we picked him up. He was so exhausted Miss Maggie (his teacher) had to carry him out. See, JT has been sleeping in this baby crib in his room that we just had in there to put stuffed toys in... He stays up and 'makes his bed' by pulling all his blankets and pillows off his REAL bed - then sleeping there. He does NOT want us doing it - so this is the new routine, I suppose.
We drive SO much now... We leave our house at 7am, drive The Hubs to work (about a 35-40 min drive), turn around, drive JT to school (45 min drive to an hour). Then I pick JT up at 11:30, we go home (about 25 min drive), then we pick daddy up at 6:15pm. It pretty much sucks, but I don't want JT on the bus - he's only 3!!! - and I don't think he's secure enough with the transition to school to successfully deal with the bus. Plus - mommy isn't ready to give that up yet... Another hour or more my baby would be gone... Nosiree.
I'm still dealing with the dang headache from hell. Have no clue what is going on, but we're coming up on about 6 weeks straight of it... And I can't handle much more. I have 2 months and some change until my insurance will pay for anything... But I may end up at the doc's office before then. My head is not doing so hot! Bob, on the other hand, has pretty much settled himself down and stopped growing (praise God!), so I'm feeling pretty good about the surgery having to wait - it wasn't the best case scenario, but at least Bob is behaving!
Audrey has a birthday party today at Chuck E Cheese (Happy Birthday Emily!), so we're all heading that way in just a bit.
That's all for now... Hope everyone else is doing well!
Love to all!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bye, Miss Great Big!
Great Big Nanny came on Wednesday, and left this morning. We were SO sad to see her go...
JT asked for 'cookie' a few times today... And he's referring to her. So, he calls her Cookie, and Audrey calls her Great Big Nanny - or 'Miss Great Big'. If you know my grandmother, you see the humor in this. She's roughly 5'2", and maybe 100 lbs. Seriously, there is nothing great big about her (except her personality)!
So, we're on our own... We will miss her a whole bunch... But I have a feeling she'll be back soon. She left a bag full of shoes and clothes at our house (lol, now I know exactly where I get it from).
As far as the Duzan fam... JT starts school tomorrow! I am going crazy... But I know he will like it. At least for the most part ;) And I need some time alone with my Audrey... She sometimes gets the rough end of the deal being the sister of a high energy autistic boy... But she is so sweet. I just want her to know how loved and important she is (JT, too, but he seems to know that very well lately, lol).
The Hubs's store has been doing some crazy awesome things, and he is loving his job. Dillard's is giving them a little more freedom to help clear old merchandise, and everyone knows that The Hubs loves coming up with 'fun' ideas - and he gets SO excited! It's great to see him so pumped up about work, and I know that helps his employees and the company in general to have someone who really is excited about what he does.
I met with my pastor (Pastor Carol) this week, and really had a great discussion with her. She is such a sweet person... It just solidified my decision that this is the church for us. I can't say enough about Emmanuel Presbyterian - the people are wonderful, the message is kind and helpful, and overall people just want to be better and do better in God's eyes. The best church I have ever attended by far.
I am dealing with Bob better every day... I have realized that in my life, I have faced plenty of challenges. Every time I fall, God catches me. Even when I may not realize it, God is always there. It is SO hard for me to realize I have no control... But truly, in life, we don't have control over - well, hardly anything. I saw a sign on a church on the way here that says 'Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.' This is SO true. I cannot control Bob, my insurance company, my doctors or anything else. I can control how I react to this situation and what I do with myself. I choose to believe that God is in the details... Somewhere. I have a hard time closing my eyes and waiting for God's safety net... 'Let go and let God' is not easy. But I know I will be okay - it is just going to have to play out the way it's meant to play out.
So, all in all, we are doing fantastic. We are happy, busy and exhausted... A wonderful combination :-)
I hope that everyone is doing well...
JT asked for 'cookie' a few times today... And he's referring to her. So, he calls her Cookie, and Audrey calls her Great Big Nanny - or 'Miss Great Big'. If you know my grandmother, you see the humor in this. She's roughly 5'2", and maybe 100 lbs. Seriously, there is nothing great big about her (except her personality)!
So, we're on our own... We will miss her a whole bunch... But I have a feeling she'll be back soon. She left a bag full of shoes and clothes at our house (lol, now I know exactly where I get it from).
As far as the Duzan fam... JT starts school tomorrow! I am going crazy... But I know he will like it. At least for the most part ;) And I need some time alone with my Audrey... She sometimes gets the rough end of the deal being the sister of a high energy autistic boy... But she is so sweet. I just want her to know how loved and important she is (JT, too, but he seems to know that very well lately, lol).
The Hubs's store has been doing some crazy awesome things, and he is loving his job. Dillard's is giving them a little more freedom to help clear old merchandise, and everyone knows that The Hubs loves coming up with 'fun' ideas - and he gets SO excited! It's great to see him so pumped up about work, and I know that helps his employees and the company in general to have someone who really is excited about what he does.
I met with my pastor (Pastor Carol) this week, and really had a great discussion with her. She is such a sweet person... It just solidified my decision that this is the church for us. I can't say enough about Emmanuel Presbyterian - the people are wonderful, the message is kind and helpful, and overall people just want to be better and do better in God's eyes. The best church I have ever attended by far.
I am dealing with Bob better every day... I have realized that in my life, I have faced plenty of challenges. Every time I fall, God catches me. Even when I may not realize it, God is always there. It is SO hard for me to realize I have no control... But truly, in life, we don't have control over - well, hardly anything. I saw a sign on a church on the way here that says 'Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.' This is SO true. I cannot control Bob, my insurance company, my doctors or anything else. I can control how I react to this situation and what I do with myself. I choose to believe that God is in the details... Somewhere. I have a hard time closing my eyes and waiting for God's safety net... 'Let go and let God' is not easy. But I know I will be okay - it is just going to have to play out the way it's meant to play out.
So, all in all, we are doing fantastic. We are happy, busy and exhausted... A wonderful combination :-)
I hope that everyone is doing well...
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