Missing M@t - Day Seven

It was so chilly today I had to check the weather to see if we were expecting snow in the next few days. Luckily, the forecast is clear. The wind brought the chilly air into the valley. The wind has also stripped the trees of most of the beautiful fall leaves. I have pictures for proof.

This picture was taken last Saturday afternoon.

This picture was taken this afternoon.
Very chilly!

Chloe was a trooper during soccer practice despite the 55 degree weather. Jordan on the other hand came to the car for warmth in 10 minute intrevals.

I am not posting much today because I am in the middle of a really good book and want to devote my spare time to finishing it. Suprisingly, it is a book about dogs. I usually go by the old adage "Cats Rule & Dogs Drool!" Except for puppies of course, but then again anything mini is cute. That is why our cat is super cute because she is a cat and she is mini. Another picture for proof of cuteness.

Here are some other things that are super cute!

No need for Matt to be getting homesick from all this cuteness he is missing! He will be home soon enough! Lots of Love from the family! xoxoxox

Missing M@t - Day 6

Back to the daily grind. The fun is over - kids are back in school. Back to never-ending chores for me. I did get a small treat on the way home from dropping the kids off at school this morning. I have to drive through two school zones on my drive and right before one of those school zones some jerk face cut me off and sped through the school zone, but he got his comeuppance. There was a "copper" waiting on the corner street and he pulled him over! Even the crossing guard was laughing at the dope! That was definitely the highlight of my day, aside from talking to my sweetie - talking to him is always the highest point of all my days!

The countdown is on: only four days until Matt returns home!

I have shows that I am holding off watching until Matt is home. Some of those include:

Fringe (sometimes Matt has to explain things to me),
Survivor (I don't know how much longer this will be on our TiVo),
Grey's Anatomy (I hate this show and only watch it because Matt does),
CSI (I'm still trying to get over Warrick's death and might need Matt to pass me some more tissues),
The Amazing Race (Who else is going to laugh when I say "Honey, I need you to blow on it" all during the show - I'm just hoping I don't find out who's been kicked off before Friday),
The Big Bang Theory (okay, so I gave in and watched it, but Sheldon was so funny I won't mind watching it again),
How I Met Your Mother (Okay, so I watched this one as well and I will have trouble watching it again because things have not panned out the way I was hoping - I probably just gave it up to Matt but just in case he is too tired to understand and you know what I'm talking about keep it under wraps so he can be surprised),
and last of all, Heroes (it's a must that we watch it together!)

I don't know when we will have time to watch these shows as well as many others that will continue to pile up over the next four days?!?! It seems that the kids have every moment planned out from the time Matt steps off the plane (the pumpkin patch, trick or treat on Halloween street, boo at the zoo, and high school musical 3 movie!) I've told them it all depends on the jet-lag! Matt might want to crawl into bed and sleep for three days!?! It always varies.

Missing M@t - Day Four and Five

Finally, some me time! Taking a moment, now that the kids are in bed, to catch you up on my adventures from where I last left you. I believe the kids had gone to my mom's for a sleepover. Now that was bliss! Not the nighttime part, because honestly, the house was tooooo quiet and tooooo empty. It was so strange to be all alone, even my kitty was being standoffish (probably because of the scolding she received the night before) The blissful part for me was when I finally got to sleep (2:45am) I was able to sleep in until 10:45 am! Heaven!!! The kids came home about 12 PM. My mom visited for about an hour - shocking- she usually doesn't stay to visit! Then the kids and I started on our chores. Well, we actually made a list of the chores that needed to be done and then we each grabbed our books and proceeded to read. Did I mention we had company coming at 7 PM?! Thirty minutes into our reading the doorbell rings, and it's my good friend Robin. How embarrassing! I'm still in my pajamas! It's all good, because she is not "made up" for the day yet as well. We chatted about this and that, and then because my kids decided that was the time to be glued to each arm of the couch, Robin finally said "I need to talk to you in private." I promptly sent the kids away, and braced my self for news of more drama in the ward/neighborhood. But come to find out it was "Top Secret" information that she had gotten permission from the Stake President to share with me! You'll have to wait til my Day 5 part of this post to find out that "Top Secret" information. BTW - I was given permission to share the news with Matt so long as he kept it out of the blog and emails for a day!

Onto the rest of my Saturday, the kids and I finally got busy with the chore list and the house was sparkling when company arrived. Our company consisted of my cousin Tanya and her husband Kevin. I baby-sat Tanya when she was a kid (she is about 9 years younger), and she is one of the few baby-sitters we ever had for our kids. (Our kids were precious cargo, we didn't leave them with too many people - that, and the real reason is we were dirt poor!) Tanya is one of Chloe and Jordan's favorite people on the planet, so when she got married a year and half ago they have been feeling abandoned. The girl has her hands full between a job, full-time school, being married, soccer, and now a baby on the way! Needless to say the kids were over joyed when she called and wanted to get together!

Highlights from our night of fun started with us playing Jr. Catch Phrase. I had the word "funny" and so I said "daddy thinks he's very ____?" The kids start shouting out "manly, athletic, smart," and then they brought up "roses" (I can't put the whole quote because it is an inside family joke!) We were rolling on the floor and then when the laughs stopped Jordan says "I miss daddy, do you think he is missing us?" It was a sweet, sweet moment. From Jr. Catch Phrase we moved onto Whoonu?, where we learned that Kevin is not very manly and really enjoys bubble baths! The best game of the night was Conga. On one of the questions where the group had to guess what world record I wanted to set that started with the letter "B" - Chloe's guess was "Beaver Tamer?!!" The correct answer was "Books read." It was a fun, fun night with many laughs and many yummy snacks (Tanya brought brownies!) We all agreed we needed to do this again soon and definitely when Matt is in town!

I let the kids sleep in my room again (such a sucker) and I actually was out like a light until the alarm went off at 7 am. We made it to church a little earlier than usual because I had extra prep work to do for Primary. The kids were awesome helpers with the chair set-up (big thanks to Chloe!) Jordan as usual was drawn to the chalkboard (and of course he is wearing dark blue pants, so he had hand prints all over!) It's all good as we slide in to our bench just as the Bishop stands to start the meeting, it is crowded today so we are sharing with the Call Family.

Drum roll, please. (I don't know how to type the drum roll sound, just make it in your head.) We have a new Bishop! We have been waiting forever for this change! Mainly, because Bishop Stock has been in for a long, long time. We are so happy with the new Bishop, which happens to be Robin's husband. That was the news she came by to tell me. The only reason she was allowed to tell me is because I had to run Primary all by myself. We had already planned to do a run through of our Primary Program that is next week with Jr. and Sr. together (about 70 kids.) Jenny, our first counselor in the presidency couldn't be there for the first hour because her husband was put into the Bishopric as first counselor once again! Thankfully, I had our secretary who did most of the leg work. And the kids were incredibly reverent and wonderful. It was one of my best Sundays in Primary, which will make it that much harder when I am released in the next week or so (that was the other piece of news Robin shared yesterday.) Many tears will be shed when that day arrives! Our ward is in good hands with Bishop Riding! I am very happy!

After church we headed to my mom's for lunch/dinner. While driving the kids asked to call Matt (I think they're missing him.) They talked to him for the few minutes he had to spare (I guess he was out to dinner or something?) My mom made her famous pasta. It is the best pasta sauce if you like spicy and I absolutely love it. She sent me home with a bowl and a loaf of garlic bread. (Sans noodles is really the best way to eat it!) We played games. Jr. Catch Phrase again, and Apples to Apples (I hate this game, but I actually won this time!)

That is the extent of Day 4 & 5. Lots of fun was had! Surprises were revealed! And the family is still missing Matt!

Missing M@t-Day Three

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!)

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!)

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

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!