Frogger Crazed

Tyler definitely gets his obsessiveness honestly.

The latest craze for him is Frogger. Yeah, you know, we used to have it on Atari, then went to Nintendo and now we have it on PlayStation (I know we're behind, we only have PS 1.)

Ty is really good, but really obsessed. Has to play first thing in the morning, last thing at night, would play all day long if possible (which is not,) even talks about it in his sleep. I am beginning to worry slightly. At dinner, I swore he said "ribbit."

Today he told us, seriously as can be, that he didn't have time to go to church, because he needed to get frogger out of the "leaf level." He has taken over the living room TV, because we want to monitor it somewhat and is trying to convince his little brother to catch the craze.

Apology to Those Who Love Me

I know most of my family reads my blog, so I need to say this....

I truly am sorry for the way I have acted as a child and into early adulthood. I now fully understand the reasoning behind everything you ever said to me as well as all the punishments I have ever received.

I can still remember getting caught at 16 years old, by my father, at a gas station, at4:30 in the morning, after I had been out all night (lying about it the whole time.) I can also remember the moment my mother found many sheets tied up in my closet, this time at 18 years old, knowing full well that I shimmied down them, came back up them and managed not to break my neck.

Most importantly I remember the look on their faces.

At the time I thought it was anger, but after seeing the same look, but this time my own, I fully understand the true meaning of that look.

It is the look of imagining every horrible, possible thing that could happen to your child. It is the look of wondering what would you do if you never see them again. It is the look of wondering how would you go on.

Today, for the first time as a parent, I had that look and felt those things. Tyler and his friends went outside, as usual. Within 10 minutes, they were gone. Couldn't find them anywhere. Their mom and I got in our vehicles and we drove around for 30 minutes looking for them, to no avail.

Finally, I called 911. Something I never thought I would have to do.

The one thing I am proud of myself about, is that I could describe to a "T" what Ty was wearing, down to the stripe on his sock, but one thing I am disappointed in myself about, was that I wasn't stronger in that moment.

Every emotion came out of me as I described to the police what my child was wearing. I started shaking immensly when they talked to me about bringing "the dogs" out to find him.

Then the moment came, and we found them (at a neighbor's house that we had been to 3 times before, which is another story in itself.) Shawn actually proved to be calm, where as I barked marching orders to all 3 boys (even though 2 weren't mine, I didn't care.) When I looked at my son's face, I knew I had the "look" my parents wore those nights, and at that moment, I realized that I have fully evolved into my parents... and for that I am glad.

Once again, I am sorry to those who love me, the pain and worry that I ever caused.

A Puppy of Our Very Own (HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!!!)

I am not sure what is wrong with Shawn and me.

We have a five-year old, we have a four-month old, we have a cat, oh and a 3-year old German Shepard. Oh, and did I mention that when we bought our house it came with a Kiernan Terrier?

So our life consists of not just nurturing our children, but taking care of animals.

Well yesterday, after I returned from a two day traveling deal for work, there was this puppy of some sort that really did follow Tyler home. No name, no tags, no anything, and it looked as if she had been pushed around by a bigger dog.

What do you think we did?

If we were in our right mind, we would have taken her to the pound, but no, not us, not to a pound that if in 72 hours that you are still unclaimed they will put you to sleep.

Instead, we brought her in, gave her a bath, fixed a little bed in the crate and let her keep warm inside (35 degrees outside.)

Shawn is currently at the vet, making sure she is okay, and then we are going to put up flyers all over the neighborhood. If nobody does, Tyler has named her Sable, so I believe we are stuck.

The one thing that makes me say okay, is the other two dogs are outside dogs, except at night, where their crates are in the garage. It might be nice to have an indoor dog. We'll see. Not sure. Any suggestions? I'm open for them.

I will say this though....I am not the only female in the house anymore.

Question of the Day

Can someone please answer this age old question for me?

Why is it during the week, I struggle to wake my oldest to go to school (fyi...he really does love school,) but during the weekend, when we all can sleep, he insists on waking us up before 6am?

If anyone knows the answer to this please let me know!!!!

Nostalgia

My mother recently came across a book of my poems that I wrote almost 18 years ago. I truly can't believe it has been that long.

She has asked me to blog one of them. (Please remember, I was a teenager...)

Dreams
by Leslie M Cesario
May, 1988

Sometimes I wish my dreams would come true,
like everyone else's seem to do.
My dreams may be big, or may be small,
but it's better than having no dreams at all.

I dream about peace throughout the earth,
and having things, no matter how much they're worth.
Or possibly having love at first sight,
having more friendships between the black and white.

I dream they find cures for all types of cancers,
have little girls become wonderful dancers.
Watch little boys grow into big, strong men,
and having friendships last 'til the end.

I know some of my dreams may not come true,
but most of my dreams, I hope they do.

It has been years since I looked or even thought about these poems.

So much in my life has changed, in that 18 years, since I wrote them. I have had the opportunity to meet so many different people, each encounter, leading me to different life experiences.

Yet, the most amazing thing to me, after reading and writing this, is that I became aware that the foundation of my dreams have maintained the same throughout the years. They have just continued to grow and mature, as I have.

Are Lefties in Their Right Mind?

Today we also took Joshua to his 4 month appointment. Ready for this???? 18 lbs 1 oz and 26 1/2 inches long. Oh, and by the way, he looks to be left handed...just like mommy.

They say right handed people use the left side of their brain andleft handed people actually use the right side of their brain, so I have been raised to believe that I have always been in my right mind. I am sure there are others who beg to differ.

Though after doing some research on the internet, I've become aware of some common myths. Makes you think twice about having the left hand be dominate...

Getting out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered . i.e. getting out of bed the wrong side.

A ringing in the right ear means that someone is praising you. In the left ear it means that someone is cursing or maligning you.

An itchy right palm means that you will receive money. An itchy left palm means you will have to give money.

Wedding rings worn on the third finger of the left hand originated with the Greeks and Romans, who wore them to fend of evil associated with the left-hand

If your right eye twitches you will see a friend, if it's your left eye that twitches you'll see an enemy.

When dressmaking it's believed to be bad luck to sew the left-hand sleeve onto a garment before the right sleeve.

When leaving to go on a journey, if your right foot itches you're bound to have a good journey. If your left foot itches it will end in sorrow.

It is thought to be bad luck to pass a drink to another person with your left-hand or anti-clockwise around a table.

But I still have to argue some of history's most creative minds have been left-handed....

Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Franklin, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein were all left-handed according to history.

(Besides, what father wouldn't want a left-handed pitcher?)

SMILE

Tyler had his 6 month check up for the dentist and he was scared. The first dentist that he visited left a not so good taste in his mouth. (No pun intended.)

This new dentist was fantastic!!!! So much so, that Tyler can't wait to go back!!!!! He even brought Scruffy, his stuffed dog that goes everywhere with him, and Scruffy received a clean bill of health.

It all shows that the dentist you have can make a difference. Smile!!!

Happy Love Day

As kids, we look forward to tangible gifts that we can hold in our hands and play with.

As we become older, I believe we realize that some of the greatest gifts are not actual, physical gifts, but things we sometimes take for granted.

They are the smile from a baby, showing you their unconditional love, the belief your child has in you that you can conquer the world and the ability to be able to look at your spouse, or significant other, and know exactly what they are thinking.

Valentines Day, helps to remind me of these things that I may sometimes overlook. It is a day, not filled with candy or flowers for me necessarily, it is a day that I reflect and am grateful for the love that I have in my home.

Happy Love Day.

Lazy Cooking

Ever since Shawn and I met, seven plus years ago, I have loved to cook. I don't know if it is actually the joy of cooking or if it is the joy of watching my husband endulge in something I have made for him.

With my work schedule, I am not as fancy as I used to be in the kitchen, but for what I lack, Shawn makes up for. So if you ever come to our home, please be prepared to bring your appetite.

Though I have to admit, since Shawns mouth surgery has taken place, I have not had any idea of what to cook. Spaghetti has too much seasoning, any type of meat is too tough, so it has been a challenge (and a joy.) But I have begun what I call, "Lazy Cooking."

Lazy cooking, a new term near and dear to my heart, are meals in a box. These boxed meals, are actually good. A step above a hamburger helper, these Banquet Homestyle boxed dinners are found in the Mac and Cheese aisles of the grocery story, cost $4.99, feed Shawn, Tyler and I, with a little left over and are actually pretty good.

The other night we had their chicken and biscuit dinner, with mashed potatoes and gravy. Tonight we had their turkey, dressing, carrots, gravy, and peas and tomorrow we may have their ham and cheesy hashbrown dinner. Why go to all the trouble of cooking when I can have all of the necessary food groups covered in less than $5.

If you haven't tried these, I highly recommend that you at least try one. Hey, you never know, "lazy cooking" may be a new weekly celebratory day, possibly replacing Pizza Day.

Naa, they are good, but not that good.

Banana Joshua Split

This morning Tyler woke up exceptionally early (5:15am.) I told him he could make a little bed and lay on our floor and watch tv. That way, I wouldn't have to get up.

I will say, kids know when to ask their parents for things, when they are most likely to say yes.

Tyler started saying he was hungry, and I, who hadn't slept in two days, with Shawn's mouth, said go get something, anything will be fine.

Tyler decided to get a banana split pudding (very healthy,) and apparently I offered to help him open it and hold it while he went to get a spoon.

I only know this, because when Tyler came back he started laughing very loud. I immediately open my eyes and saw that Joshua, who was lying next to me, was completely covered in banana split pudding.

That is what we called a Banana Joshua Split.

Pizza Day Cancelled

I bet everyone has a certain day they celebrate on a weekly basis. Our's is Pizza Day.

Every Friday, no matter what, you can always count on the Yancey's holding the weekly Pizza Day. It is day that I look forward to every week. I could eat pizza everyday, but unfortuately for me, though fortuantely for my waistline, I only get it once a week.

But today, was a first. Pizza Day was cancelled.

With Shawn's mouth, we had to settle for some sort of "boxed" meal that was pretty mushy,that way, he wouldn't feel left out of the meal. He said it wasn't fair that we could eat real food and he couldn't.

Well, hopefully next week, Pizza Day, will return.

Laughing Gas

When you say your wedding vows, you pledge to love one another for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer and in sickness and in health. What you do not pledge to do is to keep secret life's little embarressing moments.

Today, Shawn had to have oral surgery, so he was put under laughing gas and eventually knocked out asleep. Talking with the doctor, I quickly realized that laughing gas is named, not for what it does to the patient, but for the reaction others have toward the patient when they are on it.

Shawn did everything from sing some songs (la, la, la, la la,) to pass his business card out to everyone, (always a great time to drum up some business, ) to being the overly macho, man, convinced that he could walk, talk and not need any help.

I have to say though, as funny as it has been, as much as he has made me laugh, I would never wish for him to go through anything like this again.

But boy, give him some more of that laughing gas.

Get Me the Hives Outta Here... Or Not?

Having children has taught me than anything that you would consider as normal, is usually not. Case in point...

Sunday evening Ty got "hive-like" bumps all over his body. Gave him benadryl, our drug of choice, and by morning time they were completely gone.

He went to school, came home, and they were back. Worse than the day before and by 1:30 am I was convinced that we had contracted some deadly disease. But once again, by morning, they were gone.

This has continued for 3 days now. Take him to the doctors and they say, no problem, no big deal.

No big deal???!!!???

My son looks like a huge hive and is running a fever and there are 9 other kids out of school with similar symtoms. What do you mean, no big deal?

The doctor says that Tylers condition, doesn't fit any "normal" symptoms, so there is nothing they can do.

School says, don't bring him back until Monday.

I say, "Calgon, or any sort of bubbles, take me away."

Welcome Winter

Our winter season has been wonderful. Sunny, most of the time, highs in the 60's...It's been wonderful.

Last night, I woke up feeling chilled, but thought maybe it was just me, so I curled back in the covers and away I went to sleep. When we woke up this morning, the temp in the house read 59 degrees.

No wonder why we were so cold...

Yesterdays temp went to 68 so we turned off the heat and actually had the a/c on (it was 76 inside.) As the temp dipped down into the 20's overnight, our house became a refrigerator.

No wonder why we were so cold.

Welcome back winter. Hadn't seen you in awhile.

TGIF?

Normal people look forward to the weekend...
Time of rest, with their families...
A break from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life...
That is unless you live in our family.

This morning I woke up nice and early to travel to an outside office for my work. The day went wonderfu!!!! Accomplished what I had to do and then some. Even beat out rush hour traffic, for the most part, making arriving home pretty easy. Had the family welcome me home with open arms. And then, it happened. The bottom dropped out.

Father in law and friend visiting, baby screaming, husband crying in pain (abscessed tooth), oldest child throwing a fit because he couldn't have a happy meal like all his other friends... and that was all in the first 5 minutes. Each one trying to out do the other for which one needed the most attention.

So I decided to do what was fair, I went in the computer room, closed the door and started blogging.

Thank goodness it is Friday.

Do You Smell That?

Thought you might like to see this...Hope it touches you as it did me...

A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery. Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.

That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.

At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces,they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs. "I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could. "There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one."

Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.

"No! No!" was all Diana could say.

She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away.

But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger. But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there.

At last, when Dana turned two months old, her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.

Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest forlife. She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving, Texas, Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing. As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent.

Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?"

Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain."
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do you smell that?"

Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain."
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced,

"No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest."

Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along. During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

Please pass this on....

Need I Say More????

The Older I Get, the Harder I...SLEEP

I never realized just how much older I was getting until this week.

Even though my 33rd birthday was last week, I actually thought I was the perfect age. Family completed, career on the right track, at least I hope (to both of those) and we are finally settled in a home of our own. Then this week happened...

The department I work in had a two day meeting to discuss strategy among other things. Our department is relatively small with staff of various ages. A couple of them are a few years out of college, while some others are seasoned staffers.

After the first day of training, we all went out to dinner at 6:45pm. By 7:30pm, I was ready to go to home to bed. It took everything I had to stay awake. All I could think about was sleep.

I couldn't believe it!!!!

I so much wanted to hang with everyone...it was one of the first times I have been out without the kids, but I couldn't last. I had to knock out and give up on staying out with the others.

Back home and in bed by 9:15pm

Back Up and Running

Okay, okay....I am back up and writing on this thing. Quite honestly, I didn't think anyone really read these things. Not many comments...could be that the writing is off...or maybe just bad. Who knows.

But anyways, to all those who made comments, I am back and writing.