Grandmas, Movies and Corey Haim...

When I was little, my family, no matter where we were living at the time, would visit my grandparents for Christmas. We weren't transients or anything, but my dad was in the military and we moved a lot. This is another post unto itself, or maybe even a book. :)

Anyway, we would head to my grandparents house every Christmas and I would run around like a crazy child who had been stuck in a car for endless hours. I would play with my cousins, mess around on the old organ in their TV room and spend endless hours with my grandma. If I close my eyes, I can smell her perfume and hear her unwrapping butterscotch candies. She was a funny woman who never went anywhere without lipstick. Her nightly ritual of ponds cold cream and shimmery nightgowns is a memory seared in my soul.

My grandma is the reason I only like movies and tv shows that have resolutions. I tend to take a restroom break or go get more snacks during middles. I even read books like this. When I was at my grandma's those many years ago, it never failed that on Saturday nights at 9pm, me and sometimes my cousin Danielle, would cuddle up with an afghan and watch The Love Boat with our beloved Grandma.

Every. Single. Week. the story went exactly like this: 20 minutes of fun in the sun and Gopher doing something silly. The next 20 minutes were drama; someone broke someone's heart, or was hiding something from someone else. Then the last 20 minutes was the resolution. I would get so upset during the middle 20 minutes. I knew it was going to eventually be alright, but I would still be stressed. As a little girl, I figured out that if I just skipped the middle 20 minutes, I could be happy and all would be well with the world. The big cruise ship of life was docked on land.

When I learned of Corey Haim's death this morning, I went through a quick mental montage of the movies he made. I will admit, the last movie I saw of his was License to Drive. Of course I was scared during Lost Boys and cried during Lucas. One of my favorite movies starring him was Murphy's Romance. I mean, Sally Field, James Garner and Corey Haim. It didn't get much better. There were tears, life lessons and laughs. The resolution is a happy ending.

Corey Haim did not have a resolution. His middle lasted most of his adult life and ended with his tragic death. I look at my children and know they won't ever be stars, or famous, but will that save them from hard lives because of bad choices? My own choices haven't been stellar my whole life and there are those who know me and they will attest to this. I am not ready for my final resolution, but I truly believe I am done with my middle. In small part to my Grandma, but mostly because of my mom and dad. In the words of the wisest woman I know, "The more people that love your children, the better." Such love carried me through my middle, and if my kids have a middle, such love will carry them.

happymommy

Seriously....

Here at happymommy, I try to be lighthearted and write off the cuff. There are times when I share stories that aren't so wonderful and happy, but those are few and far between, thankfully.

Today, I happened to be behind this very old, and somewhat non-functioning couple in line. They didn't have $6 to pay for whatever it was they needed. The woman looked and foraged and then was asked to move aside so others could go ahead and finish their transactions. Before I realized exactly what was going on, I was irritated. I was ready to go, get done and get out of there. I had places to go and people to see.

A line of at least twenty people had formed behind me and since I was behind this couple, I started to hear the voices of my own mind echoed in others. My heart started to break. Not because it was taking forever, but because I heard myself in the ugliness. The poor couple stepped away from the cashier and as I paid for myself, I paid for them. I gave them their receipt and we all went along with our day. I was humbled by this; reminded to be patient and understanding.

Later, Lilly and I played beauty salon/doctor's office and as we were pretending that she gave me a shot while she cut my hair, I started to "cry." Both my children ran up to me and said, "Mama, everything will be ok." James even rubbed my arm to make me feel better.

Jeff and I have taught them compassion, love and understanding. The symbolism of today is not lost on me. I will work on my problem with patience and understanding because honestly, is where I have to go, or the people I have to see worth getting irritated with the little old couple who can't find $6?

On a lighter note, here are few things I said to Lilly and James today...

To James: Please don't put your sister's panties on your head. No, that is not a hat.

Me: Lilly, you won't like strawberry milk. Lilly: But mommy, I like anything pink as long as it has sugar!

happymommy

Whew....

The weekend was long, fun and full of laughs. I said goodbye to one friend, welcomed the other to our home and then watched the tornado of events and debris. Jeff, Lilly, James and I were blessed with our time with The Big Fizz.

The men in the house over the age of 30 went to a going away party, and two concerts over the weekend. I went to a going away party and then spent the weekend entertaining the kids. Sunday, Lilly and I went to a birthday party and then my sister's annual Oscar party. Great times were had by all and needless to say, I am still exhausted.

Lilly & James Celebrating The Big Fizz's Arrival


Whose taller?


20 3&4 year olds before cupcakes


Lilly after cupcakes


James getting his groove on...

Lilly in costume at the Oscar Party
(please notice Zac Efron in the background, help.)


Playing on the iphone because the Oscars were SO LONG...


Lilly, James & I celebrated Monday with a make mama happy dinner!

We ended this Monday tired...
...but in awe of the beauty that surrounds us each day!

happymommy

On another note, I have once again been presented with an opportunity to take happymommy to another level. No details to share yet, but I will continue to update you all on this. For now, I am lucky to have been chosen as part of the Clever1000. Wish me luck!

Living in beauty....

Sometimes, especially when it rains three thousand days in a row and you are sure that your house is going to float away, or at least fall victim to some sort of mudslide. It has been known to happen in my hometown and I really think this would put a damper on my day. I forget about this gorgeous area I live in which is surrounded by beauty; natural and man made.

Today there was sun. Beautiful gorgeous sun. We spent the day doing our normal Thursday things without raincoats and running to the car or the next destination for fear that we would melt, or worse, my hair would frizz up and scare people. And then we went to a place that amazes me everytime we go.

The view from the parking lot....

This is where we live. I have access to this view everyday. Amazing.

We have an extremely busy weekend. Our friend from Denver is coming to visit and let off some steam. We love him and plan on showering him with group hugs, food and drinks. My dear friend is moving to Argentina for two months and I am saying goodbye to her tomorrow evening. We have our first babysitter in forever, the teenager from next door. What fun we are a' havin' round here!

happymommy

So much rain....

There has been so much rain here over the last few weeks. I know, I was in Vegas part of the time but still there was rain even when I wasn't here. Weird that weather continues while I am away. My point is I am tired of rain. I never dress correctly and my shoes are never right. Let's just move to spring weather where the occasional shower is the norm, as opposed to rain being the norm.

Two things to share this evening. The first is my very good friend is leaving the AO (Area of Operation for those of you not in the know). I am going to miss her so very much. We never see eachother but I know she is just over the bridge halfway to Grandma's house. Not so much starting on Sunday. She is going to have the greatest couple of months and her life will be full after this adventure. I know it! I wish I were going, except my passport is expired and still has my maiden name but other than that, I would totally be there. TOTALLY!

Ok, now here comes a favor. I need recommendations regarding an Oscar Party. I want to make an appetizer dish from each of the nominated movies for Best Picture. Now, because I have no life outside of the home or work (except for those days I spent away in that place we will never mention again) I haven't seen a single one of these movies. If you have seen one, or many and can recommend something to cook, I would love it. Here's an example: The Blind Side is set in Texas, right? I could make mini-pulled pork sandwiches or some tailgate food to represent football. I might be taking on more than I can chew for Sunday, but it sounds fun to me. Any ideas are welcome, just post to the comment section.

I am looking forward to our great friend coming to visit tomorrow. Jeff and he will have the best time bonding, seeing concerts and getting inundated with love from our family. We are honored to have him. In fact, we are honored to even know him.

The World of Celebrities...

I spent the day driving around in the rain again. This time it was to find a SuperTarget. Turns out we don't have any around here, even though I was convinced we did. We have a Target that has a grocery store, but it is called GreenLand, or something like that, just not SuperTarget. After driving around random streets and finding a quaint diner to feed James and myself, I finally just gave up and went to regular ol' Target. I love me some Target, but it was kind of a let down after looking forward to SUPERTARGET! Like wanting to meet Superman and instead meeting Clark. (LAME, I know!)

My life is so exciting. Last week Vegas, this week, Target. I actually like Target much better. So instead of reviewing every boring turn of my day, let's discuss the silly world known as celeberties. Just a few links to follow. Discuss amongst yourselves.

What does one say about Johnny Weir except he is FABULOUS!

Halle Barry and her partner, Gabriel Aubry appear to be moving to my next of the woods. Great, one more beautiful, skinny woman with money in my zip code.

Naomi Campbell has lost her ever loving mind. What is her problem? I find it absolutely ridiculous that this woman is out and about and we even care about her. She is a raving lunatic and doesn't deserve anymore attention or money.

Now, this is extra disturbing. Unfortunately, I think this is the beginning of many more headlines for Michael Jackson's children. What a sad state of affairs.

Now don't worry, I have read important news events, such as this, and this today. I am, if nothing else, well rounded.

happymommy

On a much more serious note, the world has suffered another tragic earthquake where lives have been lost and people are suffering. Continue to remember those less fortunate and donate. People need money, prayers and thoughts and anything else you can give. For now, here is one foundation I found and researched that are beginning to send help to Chile. As I discover more, I will post the links. Money given to this organization will aid Chile, and Haiti. I am also posting the links to the Haiti Donation sites to remind you that they still need help. Anything you can give is a gift: a much needed gift.

The Anatomy of a Doctor's Visit....

***I love my children's pediatrician office, my doctor and all emergency services available to my family. We receive our care at a nationally recognized teaching hospital. With this comes many positives, but there are negatives as well. I will say this again, I love my pediatrician's office. It is worth it, except when it isn't.***

Yesterday Lilly was sick. 103 degree fever sick for over twenty-four hours. This is frightening, but not ER, $5000 deductible frightening. So I waited until this morning to take her into Urgent Care. Now, let me explain Urgent Care at our pediatrician's office on a Monday morning . It involves about twenty-two children all with snot running every which way, coughing to rival any earthquake and caregivers exhausted from the constant whining of said young ones.

We had no appointment, but miraculously, we only wait an hour and half. I'll be honest, the way things looked in the "sick" waiting room, I didn't think we would emerge until Saturday. Lilly's temperature was down, of course, and she seemed in high spirits, of course. However, her throat and head hurt, and her tonsils were swollen and white things were growing on them. Immediately, the nurse put on plastic headgear, we were rushed to the examining room, and a doctor/resident/med student was there within minutes. The "quick" swab was taken and rushed to the lab. It would be mere minutes and a diagnosis would be made. The wheels of medicine were in motion.

Thirty-five minutes later, I couldn't stand it and exited the room with Lilly to find a bathroom. I left the door open and my purse inside. We returned not five minutes later, and my purse was gone. GONE! I found the nurse in charge and told him my purse was stolen. Stolen right there from this waiting room. I thought the poor man was going to have a heart attack. Turns out, we were gone a whole minute and it was assumed we gave up and left and my purse was taken to the front. Crisis avoided, but still no test results.

I should have known when it took forever for the results to come, that the staff no longer felt we were important. We didn't have the deadly strep, or any other bacterial infection that meant antibiotics. I was right. We had a virus. We would have to wait 24 hours for the real culture to come back, but we are "assured" this is nothing. Just a virus. I consider this a failure. If we spend three hours in urgent care, something must be wrong. Nothing major of course, just something that can be cured by two days of Amoxicillian. $40 co-pay and they tell me it is a virus. Are they crazy? I want strep throat. I want an ear infection. Why else in the world would I go to Urgent Care? I am not insane. I have better things to do with my life.

Whew. Ok, I am alright now. I don't want any of these things. I want my kids to be healthy and never have a fever and run willy nilly through life with happy thoughts and visions of Yo Gabba Gabba running through their heads. But when this isn't the case, I want miracle drugs to be given to my kid. A virus? Isn't this 2010 and shouldn't there be a cure for the common cold by now? And once I am done bemoaning my poor little life, I begin to think about Haiti, and now Chile and all the other nations, TO INCLUDE OURS whose children never get vaccines and where there isn't even a nurse or a doctor to look at their poor sickly bodies. I remember this, at least I will try.

And since I haven't posted one of these in a while...


happymommy

PS: Remember the Mt. Eden Basketball Team I encountered? I took the time to email their school and tell them how proud they should be of their students. The response I received back was overwhelming. So, if you ever encounter any group of young people, be sure to follow through with a compliment. It will mean the world to the staff and young people you are praising!