Rainy Day

It's a rainy day.  The kind of day where staying under the covers in bed with my pajamas on would be ideal.  However, that didn't happen because housework and responsibilities keep me from being lazy. I'm proud to say I rearranged the pantry, scrubbed the bathroom and kitchen floors and ran to Walmart to buy my daughter an umbrella.  

This morning my son had his Spider-man umbrella and willingly let his sister hang out under it until the bus came.  I felt like such a bad mom because I had yet bought an umbrella for her and my umbrella was in the trunk of my car that's currently in the body shop.  Ugh.  So, I ran to the store and bought her one and can't wait to surprise her with it when she gets off the bus.  

It's a nice cool day out and the rain is definitely needed.  I love the rain.  It's so relaxing and peaceful and provides nature with nourishment.  We haven't had a good rain storm in a long time and everything is drying out.  

This has been my car rental since Monday evening.  It's a Ford Focus, which is a little smaller than my Taurus.  The insurance of the woman who backed into me a few weeks ago is paying for the rental while the car is in the shop.  It's been a great little car although you can tell it's been beat up by previous renters.  Why are people so rough with rental cars?  Because it's not yours you don't care about it?  I always believed in taking care of the things I borrow and returning it in the same condition it was given to me.  I will not miss this car though and I can't wait to get my car back.  It's ready and we'll be dropping this off and picking my car up this evening.  I'm excited.  I wasn't always a fan of Fords but since we got our first Taurus I've been hooked.  I have always, always, always loved the Mustang though.  Maybe someday.

Well, I have a ton of other things to get through before the kiddos come home.  I miss them so much.  The days without them drives me insane.  I go crazy.  I do like the quiet time but I miss the energy they bring too. 

Happy Hump Day

I wanted to start with this brief disclosure.  I've been receiving emails from people asking if I can feature them on my blog, or if I would like to be featured on their blog, or if I would like to buy something.  I appreciate those who take the time to read my posts.  I love the visitors and new friends and I love if comments could be left on my post after reading them so I know who is viewing them.  However, this blog is a place for me to jot down my own experiences and memories.  I am not interested in anything but that.  I may post a recipe from time to time and maybe share a life lesson that I have learned but I am not interested in blogs that have those "How to ..." advice.  When I started blogging several years ago it was so much simpler then.  People blogged about their daily lives and spoke about what had been going on.  It was more like a diary and that's exactly how I intend to keep mine.  It seems most bloggers now just want to spend the time focused on helping others how to be a better parent, better spouse and all that.  It may work for them but it's not what this blog is about.  So please understand that I will not be using this blog to feature others and I do not like spam of any kind being emailed to me.  Thank you for that understanding.

We are now in fall.  Summer is over and I have been slowly bringing out all the fall decorations.  I do like this time of year even though I do not enjoy the cold winter that follows.  The weather continues to be warm and the leaves are starting to change colors.  We are also very close to a very important presidential election.  This one is probably the most important one in my lifetime.  I'm really trying to steer away from writing about anything controversial on my blog but I may post at least one sometime between now and November.  I'm sure I won't be able to contain myself.  If you follow me on Facebook you know exactly where I stand and who I plan to vote for.  I am not afraid to speak my mind; however, the purpose of this blog was to keep it peaceful and happy.  However, this is life and my life isn't always happy.  I have to be real and honest.  I'm not always as sunny and cheery as I could be.  So the title "A Little Bit of Sunshine" probably isn't accurate.  Sunshine came from my real first name Dawn, which means "Break of Day."  My favorite color is yellow.  I love sunrises.  It all just made sense.  So, anyway ...

We continue to love this rabbit.  She's getting pretty feisty but is a lot of fun.  She loves hanging out with her big human brother on the couch.  We're definitely keeping her.  There's no doubt about that.

This morning I was running through the house trying to get the typical housework done when I noticed my son's backpack on the floor.  Oh no.  I grabbed the backpack and drove to the school.  This isn't the first time this has happened.  I'm not sure how I didn't notice he was missing the backpack when he got onto the bus.  I'm glad I found it and returned it to him before his lunch time.  My father came over today to trim two of our trees in the front yard.  I appreciate how much my dad has been doing for us.  My husband is always very busy and finding the time to get through everything is impossible.   Even though there is so much more that needs done around the house I am sitting here watching an episode of Parenthood on Netflix.  I just discovered this show and love it.  It's so good. 

Okay, that was nothing but a bunch of rambling.  I will have more to say soon. 

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

This Is Life ...

Last Friday my husband had to have a minor procedure done on his shoulder.  His shoulder had been hurting for months and he had enough.  That procedure was the best thing he ever did because he's feeling so much better and is walking around pain free.  This poor guy has already been through so much in his life.  Arthritis topped with tons of surgeries.  No one deserves to live a life of constant pain.  No one.  But especially him.  I wish he didn't have to suffer.  Sometimes I can't help but go to God in prayer asking "Why him?"  Still, through all the pain he's endured he still gets up for work and goes about life like any able-bodied person could.  He complains very little.  It's amazing.  I'm so proud of him.

Anyway, the procedure was supposed to take place in the morning but the doctor's first patient was having some kind of problem and his surgery was taking a long time to get through so everyone had to wait.  Okay, no problem.  It wasn't the patient's fault nor the doctor's.  You have to do what you have to do.  We waited ... and waited.  Finally my husband was brought back and prepped.  We continued to wait ... and wait.  I kept watching the clock because I needed to be home by 3:50pm to get the kids off the bus.  Finally at 1pm he was brought back to the operating room and the procedure itself was quick.  We were out of the hospital after 2pm and I had to immediately bring him to another building to start physical therapy.  The plan was that I would drop him off, run home to get the kids and then go back to pick him up.  I pulled to the curb to let him out and then BAM someone hit me from the back.  I turned to see a car had backed out of her parking space and slammed into the corner of my bumper.  I freaked out.  No, no, no I don't need this right now.  I need to be home for the kids.  My husband called the police so an officer could file a report for the insurance company.  I sent a text to a neighbor asking her to get the kids off the bus for me because at that point I knew I wasn't going to make it.  The police came, made the report and I made it home 10 minutes AFTER the bus came.  I'm so thankful my neighbor was there to help out.  So the kids and I jumped into the car and went to pick up my husband.  Whew.  It was a stressful day but it could have been worse.  We're all okay and that's what matters.

The lady is at fault and her insurance will pay for the repair.  I also get a rental car while it's in the shop. 

 Then, this morning after the kids got on the bus I noticed the car was standing crooked.  Sure enough, it has a flat tire.  Ugh.  That poor car.  

My daughter has finally adjusted to school.  There are no more tears and she's learning so much already.  I love seeing the smiles and happiness again.  She still says she misses me.  The long days are still very hard for her and probably will be for awhile but she's hanging in there and I'm so proud of her. 

My son has been having some issues lately and I'm not sure what to do.  It seems he's been slacking with his homework.  He's always been so smart at math but I've had to erase his answers several times before he gets it correct.  His spelling homework is easy because he just has to copy the words onto a piece of paper and the words are already written for him.  All he has to do is look at the words, but even so, he still misspells them.  There's no excuse for misspelling words that are right in front of him.  Then I find out that he has had reading homework that he hasn't even bothered to do.  I was so upset with him.  I lectured him on the importance of doing his best and grounded him from hanging out with friends the rest of the week.  I am sure I'm being too harsh but I want him to understand the importance of doing his best and finishing assignments.  His handwriting is sloppy.  I need to work with him more at home on these things because I do not want him to fail the third grade.  If you are reading this and can offer advice send it my way.  It's appreciated. 

I spend my days alone and with so much to do around the house, yet, nothing seems to get done.  My days seem to be a blur as if I'm just walking around in a fog until the kids come home.  I thought I would enjoy this alone time but it turns out I hate it. 

We Got A Rabbit

Yes, you heard that right.  We got a rabbit.

My kids have always said they wanted a rabbit.  Well, they also ask for a dog but that's something we cannot afford right now.  As I was looking through the SPCA's website I came across this beautiful, big girl.  She's a Chinchilla Rabbit.  We all saw her pictures and fell in love.  We just had to have her.

Yesterday on September 11th, the 15th anniversary of the biggest terrorist attack on the United States and also Grandparents Day, was when we made the adoption official.  She was a little bigger than we had expected but that's okay.  She's perfect.  I had educated the children on bunny care and that she's not going to be the kind of animal that wants to be snuggled and held.  They were so excited.  She's definitely a strong-willed, stubborn girl but she's adorable and so much fun.

The best part is that she's litter box trained.  I had no idea you could litter train a rabbit.  It's made things a lot easier.  My husband built a cage for her but we let her out as much as possible.  She's still getting used to us and the new surroundings and we're willing to be as patient as possible.

 

 

Today the kids are in school and I opened up the cage door to let her free.  She likes exploring, running, hopping and playing but she's good about going back into her cage when needed.  She's quite entertaining.  A great addition to our family.  She's a bit messy but that's expected.  I'm glad I have someone to entertain me during the day.  

Rabbit care is a lot different than it used to be and that's because they learned so much about what rabbits can do.  When I was little we had rabbits who lived in a hutch outside.  Now it's recommended to keep rabbits indoors.  They can be litter box trained and if properly cared for inside they can live as long as dogs.  It's pretty neat.  I have learned so much about these creatures that I didn't know before.  We are definitely going to enjoy her.  

Maybe in a year or two I can convince my husband to get a dog.  My kids would be so excited for that.  We're pretty happy with this furball. 

A New Locket

I have been a stay-at-home mother for almost nine years and I have loved every minute of it.  There have been times when it's been monotonous and there have been times when I didn't want to play with toys or watch a kid's show on television even though the kids insisted.  There were times when I really had to struggle to remember how grateful I was to be able to stay home and take care of the kids.  We've had financial struggles and had to sacrifice but it's all been worth it.  There have been things I wish I could have done differently but the past is in the past and I can't change it.  The nine years went by in a blink of an eye.  One minute I was holding a newborn baby then it seemed the next minute I had a three year old and a newborn baby and then ... now I have two school aged kids.  It went by too fast.  It's not fair how fast these years went and I'm sure it will only seem much faster from here. 

Because of not working outside of the home my kids have been used to having me here with them.  We haven't had to depend on anyone else caring for them.  It's always been me.  My son eased into the long hours of school pretty easily but my daughter is having problems.  She said she loves kindergarten but the day is too long and she misses me.  In the morning she tries to get out of going to school and the entire morning is a teary one.  She gets on the bus and the tears start up again.  It's hard for me to go through the day unsure of what my kids are doing and how they are.  I managed to get used to it with my son but now I'm doing it all over again with my daughter.  She's so small.  So fragile.  So sweet.  Watching as she climbs up those steps on the school bus is tough to watch.  She's five and that's the age all kids start kindergarten but she's a small five.  She's petite.  I look at her and realize she still needs Mommy but Mommy has to let her go even if neither one of us wants to do so. 

I had an idea to buy her a locket to wear.  My husband bought it.  I put in pictures of us with her and presented it to her this morning.  I told her this was a way for Daddy and I to be with her while she's in school.  It made her emotional but she accepted it.  I hope it helps.  I'm not sure what else to do.  I know her adjustment to school will happen and she's in the middle of her second week but it's frustrating. 

These picture aren't the best but here it is. 

Look at that face and those tear stained eyes.  It breaks my heart to see her this way.  I am praying and asking for God's help because that's all I can do.  She's a smart kid who is totally sweet and outgoing but lately she's been depressed and clingy.  I'm hoping this passes. 

School Blues

Change isn't easy, not for me and certainly not for my daughter.  In the last almost 9 years I've been a stay-at-home mom and my daily life has been dedicated to nothing but these kids.  When my son started school it was difficult; however, I had my daughter with me to keep occupied.  Now that my daughter is in school I have the house to myself during the day.  Part of me enjoys the quiet time and the ability to get things done with no distractions.  The other part of me hates it.  I miss the kids.  They give me purpose and keep me on my feet.  Without them here it's lonely and I feel lost.  It also doesn't help that my daughter has been having a hard time.  This week seems to be worse than last week.  She wakes up whiny and unmotivated.  She tells me she doesn't like school.  I believe she does like school and she does learn while she's there but it's the long day.  I hate that this school district has full day kindergarten.  It's too much for a small child, especially one that's so used to being home.  She misses preschool too.  That was only a few hours per week and she became very comfortable with that environment.  I know that this adjustment to kindergarten is going to take some time and she will get it eventually.  For right now it's tough. 

She gets on the school bus and the tears start flowing.  The teacher tells me she cries throughout the day.  My daughter, who is typically outgoing and happy, is having a real hard time.  It kills me.  I hate seeing her so down.  I don't know what to do.  This really breaks my heart. 

Back To School 2016

School started this week.  My son is in 3rd grade and my daughter is in Kindergarten.  Where does the time go?  It's so hard to believe we have reached this point already.  I know I'm going to say that every year but the time does go by so quickly when you have kids.

My son was excited to get back to school and when he came home after the first day he said he loves third grade.  This year they are doing things differently with the third graders.  He doesn't have just one teacher anymore.  He switches classes just like middle school.  He seems to enjoy it so far but he comes home with a ton of energy and a grouchy attitude.

On the first day my daughter had a two hour orientation where she was able to meet the teacher and take a little ride on the school bus.  She seemed to like it but was also a bit nervous.  She loved preschool and wishes to be back there.  It was a place she was used to with people she was used to and this is an entirely different experiences for her.  A new school, new teacher, new kids.  I know she will love it once she adjusts and gets to know everyone.  She doesn't like getting up early and the long day is something else she will have to learn to adjust to.  In this school district kindergarten is a full-day and I hate it like that.  Seven hours of school is too much for a little one.

I knew this time would come when I had both kids in school but I didn't expect that it would come this fast.  I surprised myself with how I'm handling it though.  I expected to be a wreck.  I thought the tears would flow as soon as the bus pulled away but I was fine.  I did get a little teary but not quite what I thought.  Maybe it hasn't completely set in yet.  Maybe I'm realizing that as much as I hate it these kids are growing up and there's nothing I can do except let them grow up and go.

After a relaxing summer vacation that went by extremely quickly this new schedule is going to take some getting used to for us all.  I'm so proud of my kids.