Another glorious non-school day at the Roblyer household. Surprisingly, we all slept in until 8:15 am. It could have had something to do with the restless night because of the house containing three "scaredy cats!" One literal, two figurative! It was my fault for listening to Matt that Indiana Jones was a fine movie for the kids. Apparently, Indiana Jones mixed with aliens was a little too much for Chloe and Jordan to handle. I had Chloe turning all the lights on after the movie, because we had it "movie theater-style" and it took some rationalization to convince her that it was all silly and though she knows it was a movie and not real - it freaked her out! Jordan just moaned and whined in his sleep the whole night through and refused to sleep in his own room. Then the literal "scaredy cat" Princess Fuzzyboots woke me up three time meowing in my ear, running up and down my bed. I thought this meant "get me a drink," but instead she led me around the house like I was following Lassie, saying "show me what's up, girl?" (I'm sure this is an actual quote from a Lassie show?!?) I checked the house out each time and found nothing wrong. I don't know what the kitten's deal was? Maybe she was looking for Matt? Maybe she didn't like the kids being in my room? Who knows? I don't speak cat, all I know is that I was annoyed all night long!
We baby-sat some neighbor kids for two hours that were in our carpool until about a week ago. I was afraid they had pulled out of the carpool after some cross words from me to the oldest boy. But thankfully that doesn't seem to be the case. I thought it was funny when this boy asked me to pull out my Nintendo DS and battle him in Zelda Battle. Sadly, I only won once and it wasn't a battle I won, it was exactly one turn. But I think I got my cool status back from him, so that's good!
Chloe and Jordan both had piano lessons this afternoon. We thought Chloe had violin, but the teacher had forgotten to call and cancel. We are giving her a pass on that because she has a lot of drama in her life right now.
Chloe went to sleep over at my mom's house. Jordan originally didn't want to, but of course 45 minutes after my mom had picked up Chloe, he changed his mind and I drove him over to my mom's house. (I hear a tiara and roses comes with the Greatest Mom title, that's the only reason I drove him over!)I asked Jordan many times, and for whatever reason he didn't want to sleep over and then for whatever reason he changed his mind. Kids!
Now it's just me and scaredy cat! I think we are going to put in a movie and maybe even go to bed early! Still missing Matt and can't wait to see more photos from his adventure! (I do have to put in a plug about how great he has been at calling and emailing - gotta love that Blackberry!)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pity Party For One
Here I am wallowing in my Pity Party For One. I have many Pity Parties For One. Sometimes they last a day, sometimes an hour, sometimes five minutes. My longest Pity Party For One was a couple of months, which actually happened to be this past summer. It was a dreadful summer where I was focused on all the things I couldn't do or couldn't enjoy. I do try to put on that brave smile for those watching!
As most of you know, but for those of you who are just stumbling upon my blog, I have been watching my body deteriorate for the last ten years from a disease known as FacioScapuloHumeral Muscular Dystrophy (fsh muscular dystrophy). Since the birth of my children I have watched this disease kick into over drive and become aggressive causing my body to have extreme weakness and stripping me of my independence. There are so many things this disease has taken and continues to take away from me. Each year the decline in mobility increases and last year my doctor gave such encouraging words like "I think it's time for a wheelchair". (Which I was given a prescription for in November of 2007 and finally decided to fill it in April 2008 and I have been fighting the insurance company ever since - because they say it's not for home use, but if they saw the size of my home they would see why! But insurance rants are for another blog post!)
It's the little things I miss like going downstairs to do laundry, going grocery shopping alone, going to the mall alone, cleaning my house properly (I don't think my house has been truly clean for a while now!) I miss being able to walk without worrying about falling every second. I miss getting up and down from a sitting position with a little grace and dignity (it honestly looks like I am in some circus act!) I miss running around with the kids and Matt. I miss "girls night out"-I think my newest circle of friends aren't quite comfortable or aren't quite sure how to help me with those kinds of outings. But I have family that is the same way so I don't blame them for not including me.
The latest invite for my Pity Party came from Matt, who informed me that Prague is not "Diana-friendly" (which means handicap friendly.) I was a little surprised because Quest Magazine (a monthly magazine from the MDA-muscular dystrophy association) listed Prague as one of the few accessible European countries. I guess I will scratch that destination off my list. That's the third scratch mark I've made on my list this year. Originally, we were going to try and see Counting Crows in either Phoenix or Portland. We were also going to try and go to Hawaii this fall or winter but that has also fallen through. And now I have scratched Prague off my list. It looks like the only destination for me is 'homebound!' I guess I will have to continue living vicariously through my world traveller, and through the blogs that I stalk (as long as they stop deleting said blogs!)
The thing about these Pity Parties is that I don't want them to last long enough that suddenly I have turned into a "Bitter Betty". I know we are suppose to endure to the end (or as I like to call it - suffer with a smile!) Some moments are so overwhelming that I need a Pity Party. I also know that even with this disease my life is so full of other blessings. I have so many things around me that I absolutely relish in. The most important reason I can't let these Pity Parties last is, I have a son who is already in a full fledged fight with this disease and he is only ten. At least I had twenty-two years of full mobility, where I was able to participate in sports, dance, and pep squad. I was able to have a normal life. This is something looking less and less likely for Jordan even this early in his life. I think he needs to see someone being a warrior through this and not a victim.
So I know it is time to stop dwelling and time to continue enduring! And the best thing to help me end this Pity Party and dry all those tears of sadness is a clip from something that makes me laugh so hard it brings tears of joy! Enjoy this clip from ELLEN! (*note to readers* I apologize for the inconvenience, but IT Lyte is on the other side of the globe and not here to show me how to attach the video correctly - but the video you want to select on the page my link takes you to is Friday, 10/17/08 Aw Snap! It is worth the effort!)
As most of you know, but for those of you who are just stumbling upon my blog, I have been watching my body deteriorate for the last ten years from a disease known as FacioScapuloHumeral Muscular Dystrophy (fsh muscular dystrophy). Since the birth of my children I have watched this disease kick into over drive and become aggressive causing my body to have extreme weakness and stripping me of my independence. There are so many things this disease has taken and continues to take away from me. Each year the decline in mobility increases and last year my doctor gave such encouraging words like "I think it's time for a wheelchair". (Which I was given a prescription for in November of 2007 and finally decided to fill it in April 2008 and I have been fighting the insurance company ever since - because they say it's not for home use, but if they saw the size of my home they would see why! But insurance rants are for another blog post!)
It's the little things I miss like going downstairs to do laundry, going grocery shopping alone, going to the mall alone, cleaning my house properly (I don't think my house has been truly clean for a while now!) I miss being able to walk without worrying about falling every second. I miss getting up and down from a sitting position with a little grace and dignity (it honestly looks like I am in some circus act!) I miss running around with the kids and Matt. I miss "girls night out"-I think my newest circle of friends aren't quite comfortable or aren't quite sure how to help me with those kinds of outings. But I have family that is the same way so I don't blame them for not including me.
The latest invite for my Pity Party came from Matt, who informed me that Prague is not "Diana-friendly" (which means handicap friendly.) I was a little surprised because Quest Magazine (a monthly magazine from the MDA-muscular dystrophy association) listed Prague as one of the few accessible European countries. I guess I will scratch that destination off my list. That's the third scratch mark I've made on my list this year. Originally, we were going to try and see Counting Crows in either Phoenix or Portland. We were also going to try and go to Hawaii this fall or winter but that has also fallen through. And now I have scratched Prague off my list. It looks like the only destination for me is 'homebound!' I guess I will have to continue living vicariously through my world traveller, and through the blogs that I stalk (as long as they stop deleting said blogs!)
The thing about these Pity Parties is that I don't want them to last long enough that suddenly I have turned into a "Bitter Betty". I know we are suppose to endure to the end (or as I like to call it - suffer with a smile!) Some moments are so overwhelming that I need a Pity Party. I also know that even with this disease my life is so full of other blessings. I have so many things around me that I absolutely relish in. The most important reason I can't let these Pity Parties last is, I have a son who is already in a full fledged fight with this disease and he is only ten. At least I had twenty-two years of full mobility, where I was able to participate in sports, dance, and pep squad. I was able to have a normal life. This is something looking less and less likely for Jordan even this early in his life. I think he needs to see someone being a warrior through this and not a victim.
So I know it is time to stop dwelling and time to continue enduring! And the best thing to help me end this Pity Party and dry all those tears of sadness is a clip from something that makes me laugh so hard it brings tears of joy! Enjoy this clip from ELLEN! (*note to readers* I apologize for the inconvenience, but IT Lyte is on the other side of the globe and not here to show me how to attach the video correctly - but the video you want to select on the page my link takes you to is Friday, 10/17/08 Aw Snap! It is worth the effort!)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Missing M@t - Day Two
It was another full day here, me doing the single parent gig. The kids are loving their days off from school. Chloe's friend finally went home about one o'clock this afternoon after sleeping over. Jordan pulled a double dose of scout activities for the day. The first scout event I had to take him stomping, screaming, and crying. He did not want to go!! It was with the 11-year old scouts and it is a requirement in order for him to earn his arrow of light. Thankfully, Jordan came home with a smile and a "thanks for making me go, mom." That was a relief! I asked what turned his frown upside down - and he went into a stream of sentences about how cool our State Capitol Building is! He asked if I have ever been there and I proudly told him , "yes, we have actually been there as a whole family for an Eagle Court of Honor many years ago (I think you were three and Chloe was four years old) and before that I attended two high school dances there with your father." That made him even more excited because Jordan said the tour guide actually talked about high schools having dances there. This prompted Jordan to ask to see the pictures from the dance, but sadly the box is too buried in our clutter/laundry room downstairs (a project for Matt when he gets back). The other reasons for Jordan's smile was the scout troop stopped at Leatherby's on the way home. Lucky!
Chloe had a baby-sitting gig that lasted two minutes this evening. I dropped her off at her "job-site", then I dropped Jordan off at his second scout activity and when I pulled into the drive-way there she was. Apparently, the couple's friends had mixed up the dates on the calendar so they post-phoned it to next week. Chloe also had dance this evening so it all worked out for the best.
I do have to say, I am loving this gorgeous weather. I was in a panic last Saturday worrying what the weather was going to be like while Matt was gone, after all it was snowing a few days ago and now were back to this lovely crisp, autumn weather!
The kids are now snuggly in my bed watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (is that the title? I don't want to get up and check.) That was the extent of our exciting day! Did I mention my favorite part? I got to sleep in until 9 am! Unfortunately, I won't be able to tomorrow because we are baby-sitting some neighbor kids early in the morning. Maybe Saturday can be another sleep in day. I can only hope!
We survived day two without Matt! We all miss him, even the kitty! I find myself playing the time game throughout the day. It goes something like this -it is 10 PM here which means it is 6 am in Prague, I wonder what Matt is doing right now? It is probably time for him to get up, if he's not already, because the man is a bit of a workaholic ;-0
Chloe had a baby-sitting gig that lasted two minutes this evening. I dropped her off at her "job-site", then I dropped Jordan off at his second scout activity and when I pulled into the drive-way there she was. Apparently, the couple's friends had mixed up the dates on the calendar so they post-phoned it to next week. Chloe also had dance this evening so it all worked out for the best.
I do have to say, I am loving this gorgeous weather. I was in a panic last Saturday worrying what the weather was going to be like while Matt was gone, after all it was snowing a few days ago and now were back to this lovely crisp, autumn weather!
The kids are now snuggly in my bed watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (is that the title? I don't want to get up and check.) That was the extent of our exciting day! Did I mention my favorite part? I got to sleep in until 9 am! Unfortunately, I won't be able to tomorrow because we are baby-sitting some neighbor kids early in the morning. Maybe Saturday can be another sleep in day. I can only hope!
We survived day two without Matt! We all miss him, even the kitty! I find myself playing the time game throughout the day. It goes something like this -it is 10 PM here which means it is 6 am in Prague, I wonder what Matt is doing right now? It is probably time for him to get up, if he's not already, because the man is a bit of a workaholic ;-0
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Missing M@T
I dropped my sweetie off at the airport about twelve hours ago and I already miss him! I wasn't able to give him a proper kiss goodbye because I woke up with a sore throat and didn't want to send him to a foreign land with sick germs - he has enough to deal with!
I already like this year of Catalyst the best. I'm thinking it is the fact that we have cell phones now. Last year, I think I waited three days after dropping him off at the airport before I got a phone call and even then I think I only got an email and then two days after that I got a crappy Skype phone call. That is a hard adjustment when you go to talking to someone many times a day, to suddenly nothing for a few days. There was also the worry factor- him in another country and being safe.
This time around, I've already received two phone calls - one when he landed in Atlanta, Georgia and one right before he boarded for Prague. Of course now, I have to wait til he lands in Prague which will be tomorrow.
Our first day without Matt was uneventful. The kids both had friends over after school. I was hoping to go to bed early and get the kids to bed early, but Chloe decided to have a sleepover. Jordan had to end his play date around eight because he has a Scout activity tomorrow. I also started to watch the debate only to be interrupted by a friend's need for a listening ear. And I couldn't reach the remote to push the record button. So I missed a lot of it. The parts I saw I really enjoyed and I liked this format much better than the previous Presidential Match-up.
Now I think it is time to hit the sack. I've got a back up plan in case I have trouble sleeping. I'm going to leave my laptop on and set it on Matt's side, then I will turn the TV on to a sports channel with the volume really low. It will be just like he's here! The only thing missing will be the clickety-clack on the keyboard and the constant Blackberry "buzzing", but at least the glow of the room will be the same!
I already like this year of Catalyst the best. I'm thinking it is the fact that we have cell phones now. Last year, I think I waited three days after dropping him off at the airport before I got a phone call and even then I think I only got an email and then two days after that I got a crappy Skype phone call. That is a hard adjustment when you go to talking to someone many times a day, to suddenly nothing for a few days. There was also the worry factor- him in another country and being safe.
This time around, I've already received two phone calls - one when he landed in Atlanta, Georgia and one right before he boarded for Prague. Of course now, I have to wait til he lands in Prague which will be tomorrow.
Our first day without Matt was uneventful. The kids both had friends over after school. I was hoping to go to bed early and get the kids to bed early, but Chloe decided to have a sleepover. Jordan had to end his play date around eight because he has a Scout activity tomorrow. I also started to watch the debate only to be interrupted by a friend's need for a listening ear. And I couldn't reach the remote to push the record button. So I missed a lot of it. The parts I saw I really enjoyed and I liked this format much better than the previous Presidential Match-up.
Now I think it is time to hit the sack. I've got a back up plan in case I have trouble sleeping. I'm going to leave my laptop on and set it on Matt's side, then I will turn the TV on to a sports channel with the volume really low. It will be just like he's here! The only thing missing will be the clickety-clack on the keyboard and the constant Blackberry "buzzing", but at least the glow of the room will be the same!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Oprah and Joe Biden read MY blog!!!
You may have seen my post from a couple days ago all about politics in school. Well, it seems my readership has expanded all the way to Oprah & Joe Biden. They were even kind enough to leave a comment. I love comments! This is what Oprah and Joe Biden had to say:
Oprah said...
My only question... What would Oprah do?
October 11, 2008 7:20 PM
A voice of reason: Joe Biden said...
I wonder if the teacher was saying something against McCain or Palin, how would you react? Would you still be upset?
October 11, 2008 7:24 PM
In response to you Oprah, my idol, I think you would be proud of me standing up for equality. Insuring that all sides of an issue are discussed in front of young impressionable audience.
As for you Senator Joe Biden, I can assure you that if someone had mistakenly claimed that McCain wanted to end the war in Iraq or raise taxes on oil companies, which are the most profitable companies in the world, I would let the teacher know that he is wrong!!
On a serious note, I do think that both sides of the issue should be discussed when politics are in school and the teacher should always ensure that the information being handed out on such matters is correct. The one thing I have changed my mind on from my previous post is that I think it is important for the teacher to have an opinion and even share it with the class, as long as it is done responsibly with all the facts straight.
Now, I can only hope that Sarah Palin joins my readership, after all I am a soccer/hockey mom (wink, wink)!
Oprah said...
My only question... What would Oprah do?
October 11, 2008 7:20 PM
A voice of reason: Joe Biden said...
I wonder if the teacher was saying something against McCain or Palin, how would you react? Would you still be upset?
October 11, 2008 7:24 PM
In response to you Oprah, my idol, I think you would be proud of me standing up for equality. Insuring that all sides of an issue are discussed in front of young impressionable audience.
As for you Senator Joe Biden, I can assure you that if someone had mistakenly claimed that McCain wanted to end the war in Iraq or raise taxes on oil companies, which are the most profitable companies in the world, I would let the teacher know that he is wrong!!
On a serious note, I do think that both sides of the issue should be discussed when politics are in school and the teacher should always ensure that the information being handed out on such matters is correct. The one thing I have changed my mind on from my previous post is that I think it is important for the teacher to have an opinion and even share it with the class, as long as it is done responsibly with all the facts straight.
Now, I can only hope that Sarah Palin joins my readership, after all I am a soccer/hockey mom (wink, wink)!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I Need My Snuggie
I am freezing and the piles of snow have yet to arrive. I will officially be an ice cube when the never-ending snow comes. I think this coldness is what prompted a spur of the moment purchase last night - from an infomercial no less. It was not only me, Matt also jumped on the bandwagon. We are SUCKERS together! I know you're all curious now. Thinking to yourselves, "What in the world did Matt and Diana buy?"
It's called a Snuggie! It is basically a blanket with sleeves. Seriously, stop laughing. This is one of the greatest inventions of all times and I am kicking myself that I did not come up with the idea, because I have come up with many inventions that are famous today. (the car radio that displays the current song playing - thought of it years ago) Of course, I get no royalties because I just say an idea out loud and boom a year or so later it is famous.
Anyways, back to my Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves! Every winter Matt cocoons me in a blanket with a small opening on the side for my hand to still use the remote control. That's right in our house I rule the remote - let's face it I have better taste in shows. Just kidding, I have no idea why I have that power. This is just the way it has been since the beginning of our relationship and why change a good thing ;-) Now I won't have to be cocooned in because my Snuggie allows me to have my arms free to move freely without losing my warmth. And I can walk around in it. The best part is that we upgraded to have Snuggies with pockets! How cool is that??!! The only downside is that if I had my sister-in-laws sewing skills I'm sure we could have saved some money, and we also have to wait 3-6 weeks for delivery. I could be frozen solid by then.
If you are thinking to yourselves what channel did they see this on or how do I get one for myself (and your name doesn't rhyme with danny) go to GetSnuggie.com! You can be matchers with our family (yes, we bought one for each one of us!) You'll be thanking me later!
It's called a Snuggie! It is basically a blanket with sleeves. Seriously, stop laughing. This is one of the greatest inventions of all times and I am kicking myself that I did not come up with the idea, because I have come up with many inventions that are famous today. (the car radio that displays the current song playing - thought of it years ago) Of course, I get no royalties because I just say an idea out loud and boom a year or so later it is famous.
Anyways, back to my Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves! Every winter Matt cocoons me in a blanket with a small opening on the side for my hand to still use the remote control. That's right in our house I rule the remote - let's face it I have better taste in shows. Just kidding, I have no idea why I have that power. This is just the way it has been since the beginning of our relationship and why change a good thing ;-) Now I won't have to be cocooned in because my Snuggie allows me to have my arms free to move freely without losing my warmth. And I can walk around in it. The best part is that we upgraded to have Snuggies with pockets! How cool is that??!! The only downside is that if I had my sister-in-laws sewing skills I'm sure we could have saved some money, and we also have to wait 3-6 weeks for delivery. I could be frozen solid by then.
If you are thinking to yourselves what channel did they see this on or how do I get one for myself (and your name doesn't rhyme with danny) go to GetSnuggie.com! You can be matchers with our family (yes, we bought one for each one of us!) You'll be thanking me later!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Politics in School
Today, Chloe came home from school and asked, "Is it true that Obama doesn't salute the flag or sing the national anthem?" My reply was, "Of course that's not true! Who would tell you such things?" Come to find out it was her history teacher, Mr. Summers. Apparently, a kid in the class asked whom he was voting for and he said he would never vote for someone who didn't respect America enough to salute the flag or sing the national anthem, so his choice is clearly McCain. I, again, assured Chloe that Obama loves and respects America. And if he did such a thing as not saluting the flag, there surely had to be a good reason, but I firmly believe that your teacher is misinformed.
Fast forward to this evening - Chloe is at a friend's house and I thought I'd take a moment to research this. Mostly because if it was all lies I was ready to send an email to Mr. Summers asking him to keep his facts straight. This is what I found. Unfortunately, it is true. The moment was in September 2007. I was hoping there was a valid reason for Obama not to be saluting or that maybe the camera just didn't catch him doing so and the opposing team was taking advantage, but none of this is the case. However, it is not completely true. Obama does respect America and there is evidence of him showing his allegiance in many other moments, like this one.
Though there was one moment of Obama not saluting the flag, there are all the other times that he does.I don't think that one instance is damaging enough to keep Obama from being our next President. As Chloe pointed out in her class debate, at least Obama didn't give out war secrets while being held by our enemies! (Way to go our little Democrat!) Of course she only got three cheers out of that statement because her class and school is dominated by McCain lovers (but what do you expect in Utah, right?!)
The sad news is that now when she gets home later tonight I have to break the news that her teacher was SOMEWHAT correct. It will be interesting to see if this changes her from Obama to McCain!
Here's the email I sent to the teacher.
Mr. Summers,
My daughter came home from school today and informed me that you had told the class that the reason you would not vote for Obama was because he would not salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance. I just want you to know that this is not true. Although there is the instance in September 2007 where such a thing happened, many other times Obama has shown his respect for our country. I do not care whom you vote for, it is none of my business. I just want you, a teacher, to give my daughter correct information – and not spread untruths. As far as I am concerned you should not be a “voter” in class, you should be facilitating discussions between the children.
There are many places online where you can see Obama giving the pledge and saluting the flag. Here is a link to one such video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fx16ZxFB4w
Chloe did enjoy class today and we enjoy her coming home with questions that inspire family research and discussions.
Hopefully this doesn't impact her grade!
Fast forward to this evening - Chloe is at a friend's house and I thought I'd take a moment to research this. Mostly because if it was all lies I was ready to send an email to Mr. Summers asking him to keep his facts straight. This is what I found. Unfortunately, it is true. The moment was in September 2007. I was hoping there was a valid reason for Obama not to be saluting or that maybe the camera just didn't catch him doing so and the opposing team was taking advantage, but none of this is the case. However, it is not completely true. Obama does respect America and there is evidence of him showing his allegiance in many other moments, like this one.
Though there was one moment of Obama not saluting the flag, there are all the other times that he does.I don't think that one instance is damaging enough to keep Obama from being our next President. As Chloe pointed out in her class debate, at least Obama didn't give out war secrets while being held by our enemies! (Way to go our little Democrat!) Of course she only got three cheers out of that statement because her class and school is dominated by McCain lovers (but what do you expect in Utah, right?!)
The sad news is that now when she gets home later tonight I have to break the news that her teacher was SOMEWHAT correct. It will be interesting to see if this changes her from Obama to McCain!
Here's the email I sent to the teacher.
Mr. Summers,
My daughter came home from school today and informed me that you had told the class that the reason you would not vote for Obama was because he would not salute the flag or say the pledge of allegiance. I just want you to know that this is not true. Although there is the instance in September 2007 where such a thing happened, many other times Obama has shown his respect for our country. I do not care whom you vote for, it is none of my business. I just want you, a teacher, to give my daughter correct information – and not spread untruths. As far as I am concerned you should not be a “voter” in class, you should be facilitating discussions between the children.
There are many places online where you can see Obama giving the pledge and saluting the flag. Here is a link to one such video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fx16ZxFB4w
Chloe did enjoy class today and we enjoy her coming home with questions that inspire family research and discussions.
Hopefully this doesn't impact her grade!
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