T-minus...

ONE DAY TILL THE DERBY PARTY!!!!
and... they are calling for rain.
I'm still hoping that there will be some break in the weather and we can be outside enjoying mint juleps and good times!
Off to the races!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mommy, Daddy, the Principal and Shrek

So... I feel like I'm on a desert with this one. Alone with just the Mr. and feeling like an overprotective, freakish mother.
Feel free to leave comments... I will examine my position and more than likely, I won't change my morals.
As a reward, Goosie's school is taking the kids (and I mean all grades) to a local theater to see the new Shrek movie. Yes, I said Shrek. Shrek is PG. Goosie is 6 years old.
We decided that our kindergartener was not going to see the movie due to the sexual innuendo, foul humor, and the language. When I called to ask the Principal if there was an alternative, he seemed like I was crazy for not letting my child attend such an event. He even stated that he was allowed to take the kids to a PG-13 movie. I questioned that statement with the fact that he has a school of children ages 12 and under.
I feel like I'm on an island these days because I don't let my kids watch certain movies. They are allowed an hour of TV a day and most days don't even get that. Goosie is now bordering on a third grade reading level and Boomer can count to 30, spell his name, knows his phone number and started learning sight words.
I like interacting with my kids. They are so funny and interesting... I know that when I send them out into the world they are going to experience all types of "Shrek" life but for a school reward... I find it a bit bold.

When is it okay?

to sit on the floor and say enough?
I made it through another Tuesday.
I was able to get all the linens washed because we love clean sheet day here in Goosie and Boomer land ;). The kids love seeing which sheets they will be getting each week... they're funny like that!
The Mr. was off today so we picked up Goosie early from school and headed to the theater to see "Oceans." The movie was spectacular! Then, we headed to Red Lobster for dinner... where else would you eat after seeing all that ocean food??????
I could only order an appetizer and it was hard to choke down half of that wood fired shrimp bruschetta... still feeling sick and having gotten sick several times that morning.
Goosie did her homework while she waited for her dinner so we just had a bit to finish at home... heading home, I felt like my stomach was swirling and whirling.
Sure enough... we were in the door five minutes and I was sick, again.
This time it felt like a semi hit me sideways and a human torture device grabbed my back and gripped me into a painful twist.
Into bed I went, with my head on the nice cold pillow.
Then, the phone rings... it was my Mom. I had not heard from her and just had a gut feeling something was going on "back East" all day.
Sure enough............ (this one called for an extra long ellipses)
My Grandfather was taken to the hospital.
I am trying not to stress... looks like he is going to be there for a few days. Oh, the power of prayer needs to be in overdrive because my parents have been going through some VERY tough times lately.
I'm blowing you kisses, Granddad... I love you so much!

Hair today... gone tomorrow?

I did not cut my hair the entire time the Mr. was in Iraq.
Methotrexate has now taken two handfuls of hair.

I'm trying to decide if I should cut it into a sassy shape or continue to let it grow... decisions, decisions. I'm really glad our President isn't plagued with such quandries ;)

Dreams

Boomer has been sharing his dreams with us lately. He will wake in the morning and tell us all the things he dreamt about during the night. His dreams are quite detailed and splendid. I don't ever want to forget these moments... they are quite innocent and lovely.

My Journey down this RA road... so far

I have to say that I would have weeks of not feeling well but they never really had a clear name or meaning. Now, they are called "flares" and last night was truly a time where I felt on fire. I am on "fire" because my hands and feet are swollen and truly red and pained. I am on "fire" because I get angry at the RA. I get angry at myself for saying that I need a break.
I am heading into my third week of the methotrexate and this week was actually worse with the side effects than the first week. I can tell you that I will not be eating bananas for a while... ugh. I seem to survive my mornings with crackers and ginger ale. I am not a soda drinker by any means but this is getting me through the horrible bouts of stomach cramps and vomitting.
I am still grateful for having the "answer". It's more like a name and attack plan.
I have an amazing husband, family and friends.
Sometimes all you need to hear is... Gee... that REALLY sucks!

My new Mondays...

As of a week ago Friday, I have been diagnosed with RA. It was a huge shock to us... I had seen a rheumatologist before vacation and he ordered 22 blood tests and 32 xrays. We can say that he was very thorough. I figured he would come back with the diagnosis of psoriatic or osteo arthritis. I had already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis years ago. Not the case. It is RA.

I have RA.

My Mondays now consists of 7 pills. One in particular... I take 3 pills of the same medicine and it isn't a nice one. I have to say that after one week, though... I am climbing stairs with a quickness. So, my new Mondays consist of spacing out the pills and my new Tuesdays consist of vomitting... well... the last one did. Let's home tomorrow is not the case! Because I'm ready to have a GREAT week!

For my sweet neighbors... A hummus recipe ;)

This is the recipe I used for my favorite lowfat Hummus... I added crushed red pepper to taste! Thanks for the champagne and margaritas, Ladies. You're the best!!!
Enjoy!

Midwest Vacation

We had such a wonderful time on our vacation this Spring! I know a few things... I am so glad I cleaned the house before we left AND did laundry on vacation. Those things made coming home so much easier! It was so nice to just relax after having the Mr. gone for nearly 6 months. I am so glad we were able to reconnect and enjoy our family.

We're BAAACCCKKK!

That's right! We're home after seven lovely days on vacation! And... we are planning a Kentucky Derby Party ;).