We interrupt this regularly scheduled, oddly written update to announce that I got a job!!!
Rob and I had been trying to figure out a budget which would allow us to continue both Aurora and Ryan in their Tae Kwon Do training once their 6 month contract was up in August. We could only come up with ways to put one child through, but could not squeeze the remaining tuition out of anywhere. I was not going to choose only one child to continue training. I'm just not that Mom. So, I started praying for God to make a way. I have seen such positive emotional and physical growth in both of them, especially Aurora. Her self-esteem has increased significantly and that is so important in a girl her age! Keeping them in TKD was beyond my ability, but I fully believed that if God thinks it is good enough for them, He would make a way for it to happen.
Shortly after I began praying about this, I had heard that Master King was looking for some help at Black Belt USA and offered to volunteer now to start racking up credit so the kids could continue taking classes in August. I explained that I had experience that was relevant to the work that he needed to be done and left it at that. I did not oversell myself and was not pushy. In fact, I left the conversation wondering if I had said enough--which is usually not the case for me; I usually wonder if I said too much! So, I let it ride and didn't mention it again.
Fast forward to Wednesday, June 19th. The kids were at TKD and had a fairly good workout. After their class, I was gathering children and visiting with some of the other moms as they were picking up their kids. Master King looked at me and asked if he could speak to me. My first thought was, "Oh, no! What has [Ryan or Aurora, in that order] done now?" Wouldn't you know it, he offered me a job! Like, the kind that pays money per hour! I wish I could say that I was just blown away, but as soon as he said it, I just smiled and silently began singing the Hallelujah Chorus while paying very close attention to every word being spoken. When I had a moment to reflect upon this later that evening, this verse came to mind: God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (1Cor 9:8)
The benefits: I get a few hours a week to come to work, my kids are welcome to come with me so long as they are not disruptive and allow me to be on the phone, the kids get a discounted tuition, I get to train for FREE (Hello, Muay Thai!) and I will make a few bucks while doing all this. Now, I am not disillusioned enough to think that this is going to ADD to our budget above and beyond training at Black Belt USA, but my goal was to keep the kids there. Goal met. This is one Happy Mom here!!!
Today was my second day at BBUSA. Yes, I know absolutely squat about Martial Arts training. So far, that's all I've learned, haha! No, of course, I'm kidding. The more I'm learning, the more I'm becoming passionate about Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It must be contagious because Rob is contemplating taking Muay Thai with me. Well, not WITH me, because we would have to take separate classes so one of us can be home with the kids while the other is off kicking butt. Can you imagine me kicking butt? I'm having a mental block on that one... I mean, in many of my inflated daydreams and fantasies, I am a butt-kicking chick, but in real life I'm truly a wimp. So, this should be interesting!!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Summer Break, Day 13: Tae Kwon Do, Pacifier NO!
This was a day of great accomplishments for the older 2 inhabitants; a day which ended in near tragedy for the youngest.
On the eve of our 13th day of Summer Break, our Martial Arts residents were tested on their knowledge and ability to exhibit their learned arts. The oldest female resident was awarded her Yellow Belt (belt #3) and the male inhabitant was awarded his High White Belt (belt #2). Their Co-Creator and I found it interesting that our creations were the only two in attendance at this particular Belt Test. This did mean, of course that we were privilege to a lot of attention given to our younglings. We were also awarded with exhibitions of the Red and Black Belt attendees' self-defense forms and weapons forms. I found myself watching the faces of my young ones more than I watched the exhibitors. The amazement in their eyes was contagious. I could almost hear them thinking, "That could be ME, someday!" I am proud of the hard work they have both given to this form of martial arts and hope to see many more years of their enjoyment to come.
The residents were awarded for their accomplishments with a late bedtime this evening. However, the youngest rebelled--not quite a full mutiny, much more a pitiful pleading to be put to bed. Needless to say, she went to sleep very well. So well, indeed, that I was forced to waken her at midnight for a trip to the lavatory. This is usually a nightly occurrence, one which I began with the oldest inhabitant until she would get up on her own volition and have continued on through numbers 2 and 3. It ensures a full bladder release into a toilet instead of onto a mattress. However, resident #3 still uses a pacifier. Upon placing her on the loo, she yawned. Now, as I'm sure the reader is aware, when a yawn occurs, the mouth opens wide, thus tossing anything that a yawner would have in her mouth. Yes, the pacifier went right into the water! It was mayhem, utter mayhem! Toilet paper could not be used immediately after evacuation; it would have gotten in the way. Thus, I had to leave the bathroom--with the toddler sitting on the facilities--to find a utensil to fish out the binky. Once the pacifier was retrieved, I was then charged with the task of sterilizing it. Remember, it is past midnight and the little one was begging to be put to bed just a few hours prior... She was nearly inconsolable! I had to assure her that we could salvage her beloved binky. She was not entirely convinced. We microwaved the pacifier in a glass of water for 5 minutes, removed it with oven mitts and dumped the pacifier into a glass of ice water immediately. Within 6 minutes of "The Incident", all was well with the world. Mutiny was avoided this day, once again!
On the eve of our 13th day of Summer Break, our Martial Arts residents were tested on their knowledge and ability to exhibit their learned arts. The oldest female resident was awarded her Yellow Belt (belt #3) and the male inhabitant was awarded his High White Belt (belt #2). Their Co-Creator and I found it interesting that our creations were the only two in attendance at this particular Belt Test. This did mean, of course that we were privilege to a lot of attention given to our younglings. We were also awarded with exhibitions of the Red and Black Belt attendees' self-defense forms and weapons forms. I found myself watching the faces of my young ones more than I watched the exhibitors. The amazement in their eyes was contagious. I could almost hear them thinking, "That could be ME, someday!" I am proud of the hard work they have both given to this form of martial arts and hope to see many more years of their enjoyment to come.
The residents were awarded for their accomplishments with a late bedtime this evening. However, the youngest rebelled--not quite a full mutiny, much more a pitiful pleading to be put to bed. Needless to say, she went to sleep very well. So well, indeed, that I was forced to waken her at midnight for a trip to the lavatory. This is usually a nightly occurrence, one which I began with the oldest inhabitant until she would get up on her own volition and have continued on through numbers 2 and 3. It ensures a full bladder release into a toilet instead of onto a mattress. However, resident #3 still uses a pacifier. Upon placing her on the loo, she yawned. Now, as I'm sure the reader is aware, when a yawn occurs, the mouth opens wide, thus tossing anything that a yawner would have in her mouth. Yes, the pacifier went right into the water! It was mayhem, utter mayhem! Toilet paper could not be used immediately after evacuation; it would have gotten in the way. Thus, I had to leave the bathroom--with the toddler sitting on the facilities--to find a utensil to fish out the binky. Once the pacifier was retrieved, I was then charged with the task of sterilizing it. Remember, it is past midnight and the little one was begging to be put to bed just a few hours prior... She was nearly inconsolable! I had to assure her that we could salvage her beloved binky. She was not entirely convinced. We microwaved the pacifier in a glass of water for 5 minutes, removed it with oven mitts and dumped the pacifier into a glass of ice water immediately. Within 6 minutes of "The Incident", all was well with the world. Mutiny was avoided this day, once again!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Summer Break, Day 12
The day of reckoning arrived for the cavity-infested male inhabitant. This morning he was escorted back to the dental facilities for the first portion of his treatment. Nitrous oxide was used to dull his senses while the Novocain was injected into both sides of his upper jaw. Once the numbing took effect, 3 of the 4 cavities were filled and 2 sealants were placed on his upper molars. I was proud of how well he behaved during the entire procedure. There was an impressive lack of thrashing and screaming coming from our operating room. This self-controlled behavior must have taken quite the toll on the boy, for he came home and went straight to his bedchamber. Within the next 5 minutes, he fell fast asleep!
The effects of the morning worked their way out of his system during his nap. Once he awoke, fully rested and famished, he was back in full form. I was glad to see there were no ill effects from what may have been a traumatic experience.
Kudos to Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry at Mallard Creek! Every time we visit their establishment, I become more and more impressed!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Summer Break, Day 11
The inhabitants have been enjoying their vacation. This afternoon, lessons in the form of martial arts were planned. A pleasant surprise awaited the oldest resident as she received a most high reward for her dedication to the sport: Student of the Month. The middle inhabitant showed great envy for her achievement and was slow to congratulate her. As a result, the oldest asked Master King if she could share her award with her younger sibling. Shaking his head, Master King explained that this award was meant for only one person at a time and must be earned, not given--otherwise, where is the value of the hard work to earn such a reward? Kudos to their great teacher for gently explaining such a difficult life lesson.
This photograph is a fuzzy rendition. However, you can see the pride in the inhabitant's face. Her Co-Creator and I are so pleased and proud of how hard she has been working!
»»»» We're proud of you, Aurora!««««
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Summer Break, Day 9: Co-Creator's Day
The inhabitants awoke this morning to shower their Co-Creator with cards and gifts. This day was all about him, after all.
The male inhabitant waged a difficult battle, in which he lost. Dinner was chosen and made especially for the residents' Co-Creator. He choose BBQ chicken sandwiches, curly fries, a salad and my specialty chocolate cookies. Our middle child refused to eat salad. The resulting mutiny led me to force-feed him every bite. That was exhilarating (not).
After dinner, the restless natives went hunting for fireflies. Many were caught and, subsequently, released. It has been a beautiful evening.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Summer Break, Day 8
The inhabitants have an immense amount of energy this day. Co-Creator took them to the largest multi-store shopping facility in the area, hoping to ensure naps for everyone. The results were that the Co-Creator and the youngest resident were exhausted upon departure. The 2 exhausted ones took a nap; the remainder of the inhabitants somehow acquired more energy. After nap time, restless natives were banished to the outdoors. Upon their allowance back into the house, all 3 decided to take up adventures in the playroom. Such antics resulted in this living artwork. This piece is called Mutiny in Black Marker :
Summer Break, Week 1: Days 1-7
Day 1: The natives are angry that their previous institutionalized incarceration has ended. Not knowing what to do with all their newfound freedom, they have protested by killing my micro-USB charger and my favorite straw cup. These incidents were masqueraded as "accidents", but as their co-creator, I am now very suspect. The youngest is confused about our new schedule and is rebelling at nap time. I have separated the inhabitants and sufficiently laid down the law. Mutiny is always but a whisper away.
Day 2: I placed household items for sale on the List of Craig. Incidentally, 4 people wanted to rendezvous at the same time today to purchase said items. Basically, I performed a yard sale out of my geriatric station wagon in the neighborhood pharmacy's parking lot. Said geriatric automobile staged its own kind of mutiny, refusing to remain started when I turned the ignition. The youngest inhabitant was asleep at this time. Their Co-Creator and I decided to abide by Rule #1: Never wake a sleeping child. Thus, I was to await the end of nap time in the heat of my vehicle, or walk the neighborhood roads to home. Having seriously underestimated the distance from my home, I walked through the door an hour later, just in time for the nap to have ended. Co-Creator drove to the mutinous vehicle and, rather quickly and unbearably easily, was able to drive it home--and back to get the other automobile in our possession. Later this evening, I overheard a suspicious mechanical laughter from the driveway as I was nursing my newly acquired sunburn.
Day 3: The rains are incessant. So are the requests for electronic screens. The youngest, in an attempt to defend her territory, continually grabs objects from the other inhabitants, causing them to chase her down. Soon the rains will cease and the restless natives can go into the great outdoors for their entertainment. Thus far, we have avoided mutiny. Tomorrow is another day.
Day 4: The male inhabitant awoke at 5am, in mutinous fashion. He insisted I connect an electronic screen to WiFi. Having ignored his request, I sent him back to bed with a good book. I knew it was just a matter of time before the other inhabitants would join him. The day was going quite well until I attempted to use the electrified floor sweeper. It was at this time that, over the din of the electric suction, the restless natives found the acrylic paint and brushes. I have now found myself in possession of a dozen half-emptied paint bottles. I am, however, entirely unsure where the contents of said paint bottles currently are housed; all 3 of these cherubic residents have no evidence of paint on their persons or their clothing. This mystery shall be solved in due time, I suppose.
Day 5: Dental appointments for all 3 inhabitants this morning. The damage consisted of 4 cavities. In one mouth. The female residents are both dentist-free for another 6 months. The male resident will suffer greatly for his constant thievery of the pantry dried fruit candies. Currently, as I record this, the Co-Creator is in with the littlest mutineer. He is singing a song, which she will, in turn, sing at ear-piercing volume to her roommate as soon as Co-Creator exits premises. This is not their first show-down. Native roommate is asleep. Correction, roommate WAS asleep, became awakened long enough to holler "Shut up!" to current mutineer. The night is still young!
Day 6: Update, 12:32 a.m.: Little mutineer is currently viewing an animated movie. As her Co-Creator, I am exhausted. I will dock nap hours tomorrow as disciplinary action for such insolence.
Day 7: After such a long night of unrest, our Day 6 was incredibly, blissfully uneventful. The inhabitants helped work on Co-Creator's gift for his Day this weekend. The residents fully enjoyed every messy moment. Storms blew in last evening and broke the front yard foliage. Branches are everywhere. Today begins the Co-Creator's first vacation of the season. His reward? Neither the chain saw nor Ol' Busty Blue will start up. The replacement part for Ol' Busty went on quickly and easily, however, it was not the cause of vehicular mutiny. Back to the drawing board...
Day 2: I placed household items for sale on the List of Craig. Incidentally, 4 people wanted to rendezvous at the same time today to purchase said items. Basically, I performed a yard sale out of my geriatric station wagon in the neighborhood pharmacy's parking lot. Said geriatric automobile staged its own kind of mutiny, refusing to remain started when I turned the ignition. The youngest inhabitant was asleep at this time. Their Co-Creator and I decided to abide by Rule #1: Never wake a sleeping child. Thus, I was to await the end of nap time in the heat of my vehicle, or walk the neighborhood roads to home. Having seriously underestimated the distance from my home, I walked through the door an hour later, just in time for the nap to have ended. Co-Creator drove to the mutinous vehicle and, rather quickly and unbearably easily, was able to drive it home--and back to get the other automobile in our possession. Later this evening, I overheard a suspicious mechanical laughter from the driveway as I was nursing my newly acquired sunburn.
Day 3: The rains are incessant. So are the requests for electronic screens. The youngest, in an attempt to defend her territory, continually grabs objects from the other inhabitants, causing them to chase her down. Soon the rains will cease and the restless natives can go into the great outdoors for their entertainment. Thus far, we have avoided mutiny. Tomorrow is another day.
Day 4: The male inhabitant awoke at 5am, in mutinous fashion. He insisted I connect an electronic screen to WiFi. Having ignored his request, I sent him back to bed with a good book. I knew it was just a matter of time before the other inhabitants would join him. The day was going quite well until I attempted to use the electrified floor sweeper. It was at this time that, over the din of the electric suction, the restless natives found the acrylic paint and brushes. I have now found myself in possession of a dozen half-emptied paint bottles. I am, however, entirely unsure where the contents of said paint bottles currently are housed; all 3 of these cherubic residents have no evidence of paint on their persons or their clothing. This mystery shall be solved in due time, I suppose.
Day 5: Dental appointments for all 3 inhabitants this morning. The damage consisted of 4 cavities. In one mouth. The female residents are both dentist-free for another 6 months. The male resident will suffer greatly for his constant thievery of the pantry dried fruit candies. Currently, as I record this, the Co-Creator is in with the littlest mutineer. He is singing a song, which she will, in turn, sing at ear-piercing volume to her roommate as soon as Co-Creator exits premises. This is not their first show-down. Native roommate is asleep. Correction, roommate WAS asleep, became awakened long enough to holler "Shut up!" to current mutineer. The night is still young!
Day 6: Update, 12:32 a.m.: Little mutineer is currently viewing an animated movie. As her Co-Creator, I am exhausted. I will dock nap hours tomorrow as disciplinary action for such insolence.
Day 7: After such a long night of unrest, our Day 6 was incredibly, blissfully uneventful. The inhabitants helped work on Co-Creator's gift for his Day this weekend. The residents fully enjoyed every messy moment. Storms blew in last evening and broke the front yard foliage. Branches are everywhere. Today begins the Co-Creator's first vacation of the season. His reward? Neither the chain saw nor Ol' Busty Blue will start up. The replacement part for Ol' Busty went on quickly and easily, however, it was not the cause of vehicular mutiny. Back to the drawing board...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)