Being a Single Mom

Being a single Mom really stinks. I am so thankful and appreciative of Stephen. He is so helpful and truly cares about his children and me. I am blessed to have him as a husband. We all really miss him when he is gone, but we know it is for the good of all. That being said, we had a great time in Shreveport, but it was really hard. I'm not going to lie and make it sound all rosey.

The trip up wasn't too bad, but after lunch at Chick-Fil-A in Lufkin, Kendrick never fell asleep for his afternoon nap and fussed the last 2 hours. When we arrived I put him straight to bed and he napped until 5. That evening we had dinner at Taco Mania and I had an enjoyable evening catching up with Nana.

Wednesday was Anna Grace and Memaw's birthday. So, while Nana was at work we waited for Anna Grace to come home early from school. We packed up a lunch and headed to the park with Anna Grace's new bike and a scooter for Cavett. Candace really captured some cute pics, so check out her blog too.

That evening we had a babysitter stay with the 2 little boys at Candace's house while we celebrated birthdays at Monjuni's. We did all the regular birthday things for the girls including gifts and cake. Memaw received an opal ring that she just adores and Anna Grace received several Fancy Nancy or princess items.

Thursday Candace and I took the kids to the Boardwalk in Bossier and did a little shopping. The kids got to ride the carousel and play in the pumpkin patch. Again, catch Candace's blog. We grabbed lunch at Fuddrucker's and then back to the house for nap time. Unfortunately, when we got home Cavett didn't get his pants pulled down in time and we had the first of a series of accidents. Poor thing, it even made it to his shoes. Naps were had and I did wash and changed sheets, since we would all be sleeping upstairs the next evening. Nana had some friends coming in.

Thursday evening Candace cooked Spaghetti Squash Ratatouille for all. Yummy and very good for you! After baths, I put Cavett in Nana's bed to start and Kendrick in the crib. All the siblings headed over to Jonny's to watch the Auburn game. I really don't have any interest in the game, but it was good to be with my brother and sisters.

When I came back home, I decided to pick up Cavett and take him into Kendrick's room with me. I didn't want him waking up early when Nana goes to work. Unfortunately, Kendrick woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep. He just kept screaming and I didn't want to keep everyone in the house awake, so Kendrick slept in the bed with Cavett and me. Mind you this is a double bed. It wasn't very restful. Long about 3 am, I was awoken by the smell of pee. Cavett had another accident, but didn't even wake up to realize it. That is how tired he was. We stripped him and I sent him to Nana's bed. However, it was too wet for Kendrick and me as well, so all 4 of us were in Nana's bed for a bit. Kendrick thought it was play time and wouldn't go back to sleep, so I had to let him cry in his crib.

We slept until 7:30 am Friday morning. The kids watched tv while I showered. We headed to Gran's to visit for a bit and then to Jumping Jupiter. Why hadn't I know about this place? We could have definitely spent Wednesday morning there. We had a fabulous time and I dare say it was the highlight of the trip. We finally got some time in with Aunt Karen and William. Time was too short as we were meeting Jonny and Amber for an early lunch at Superior. I ordered Cavett quesadillas and he didn't touch them. Not a bite and they changed me for an adult order and added unwanted rice and charged me for that too! I wasn't pleased.

Of course, nap time came and I packed the car. Kendrick only slept about 45 minutes, so I wasn't able to sleep either. I went up to get him and we laid down together and he fussed. He was still tired and didn't want to get up but also wasn't confortable. We rolled around on the bed for about an hour until I couldn't take it any more. Nana's house guests were also napping, so I did the best I could do to keep him quiet downstairs.

Cavett woke up and again had another accident not getting his pants down. Of course, all the suitcases were packed tightly in the trunk. I melted. Good thing Nana made it home. She cooked the boys french toast and I recovered. I was just done. I was literally tired, and tired of accidents, tired of trying to get kids to eat and worrying about getting a rounded meal. Tired of the chaos, tired of not being in my own home, tired of the struggles and juggling children by myself. It's just harder when you're not at home. (Ok, and I'm also PMS-ing).

We got in the car and after stopping at Counter Culture for a Humphrey Yogart for me, we headed back to Sugar Land. Kendrick cried and slept off and on. Cavett watched two movies and then we listened to classical music. Surprisingly, I wasn't terribly sleepy. But, I did stop for a latte in Lufkin. I cried the last hour of the trip. I was sad that it didn't go as well as I had hoped and that I wasn't able to spend more time with Mom. I was sad that my Dad isn't here to play with and get to know my boys. It's just a tough time of year. As much as I love the weather, fall is a tough season.

Another 7 years, another downer

As I sit here in my kitchen, I am listening to the news and watching the storm clouds gather. Just an hour ago there was blue sky with sweet puffy white clouds. Now, it's almost overcast. Hurricane Ike is headed our way.

As you may know, we were to have a Dent family reunion at my house this weekend. This would have involved all 3 of my siblings and their families, my Mom, and both of my Dad's siblings and their family. Wisely, all have made the decision to call it off and try for another time.

We, on the other hand, have decided to hunker down here. We don't have any tall trees; we shouldn't flood; we have a pool; it will just be a nasty storm. From the looks of the news, if we wanted to leave it is too late now anyway. The officials are giving mandatory evacuations for Galveston, up through the Houston Ship Channel and any low lying areas around Houston, especially near bayous. Traffic has gotten thick. We will not sit in a car 8 hours to go 45 miles, ever again (Hurricane Rita).

So, this morning, I spent my birthday battling everyone else at the grocery store. I had made a trip earlier in the week in hopes of not having to go later, but there were a few more things we might need. Of course, I got the cart that had a "gentle" pull to the left and of course Kendrick wanted to be held the entire time. So, just think about trying to steer that. After about an hour of grocery cart congestion, we made it to check-out. I wish I had had my camera with me. There were about 20 lanes--all open and all at least 3-4 carts deep. CRAZINESS!!!!

I made a few preparations outside, but can't do anything else until Stephen gets home. I have done all the wash, but none is folded. Guess that is the task for tonight. Cavett's school is cancelled for tomorrow. So, I guess we are as ready as we will ever be. For those of you who are concerned, we appreciate your prayers and we will keep in touch. I'm sure we will all be in our Master Bedroom or closet Friday night, just to be on the safe side. If the power goes out for an extremely long period of time, we may head North after the storm has passed.

Brenda and Isabela have decided not to stay with us. She took Isabela to the doctor this morning and they admitted her to the Children's Hospital. She has croup and they are concerned with her color, behavior and croup. They are awaiting word from cardiology about some tests they ran. Keep them in your prayers as well.

As for my birthday, like I said, it's not really my birthday unless there is a catastrope or some doom impending. Hate to be a downer, but that's how I am feeling right now. On a happier note, I think this is the most Happy Birthday messages I've gotten in a VERY long time. I thank each one of you who has called, emailed or texted.

Now for the funny--Cavett, of course. Last night at dinner Stephen asked Cavett what he thought we should do for Mommy's birthday. Cavett's reponse was "Let's go to Bounce U!" (where he had his birthday.) Stephen replied, "Do you think Mommy would have a good time there?" "Yeah, it's her favorite." Funny what they think. Also, this morning he waited for me patiently on the stairs while I was on the phone. When I was done he gave me a card. Here's what it said: "Mom, you taught me the most important thing of all." Open card: "Wipe Well. Also, some stuff about kindness and tolerance." As I was holding the card and giving him a sideways hug, he sneezed. On the card landed a huge booger! So, I guess it's not just rear ends.

I'll try and post again tonight or maybe tomorrow. Keep in touch and thanks again for all the birthday wishes.