Vacation - Day 1

So the kids are off of school for two whole weeks. Whatever shall I do with them? Seems they have determined that themselves.

Day 1 - Lauryn has already been sent to her room for the duration of the day. Offense? Talking back to Mom, not listening to Mom, yelling at sisters, hitting sisters, sticking tongue out at Mom and sisters, shall I go on? I didn't think so.

Not that the "sisters" have been doing much better. Temera has given me major attitude, although when you call her on it, it's all "my" fault. Amanda is oblivious to the world around her while she lays on the couch all day watching "iCarly" reruns. Oh yes, TV will be going underground for the next few days.

Me? I've been hooked on reading my new book, "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. Awesome book. All about how successful people actually became successful (mostly through a series of upbringing, environment and pure luck... as in, being in the right place at the right time). I guess I missed that boat. Anyway... I highly recommend it. (As I already did to my book club as our selection this month.)

So... what will Day 2 bring? I shudder to think. No, I don't have a plan. The weather stinks or else we'd end up at the park. The kids actually did get some outdoors time in this morning when they played with neighbors Sophia and Isabella. (Mom had to go to the doc to check on baby #3). Oh... if she only knew what she was in for. So, I did my good deed for today (watching the neighbor's kids)... and I got some reading in... and I'm doing some writing... so besides the kids driving me crazy... I was at least a little bit productive.

I'm feeling lazy too... frozen lasagna for dinner. Yummmmmm!!!!!!

Being Thankful

I just finished reading the book "Against Medical Advice", by Hal Friedman and James Patterson (yes, that James Patterson). The book is a true account of what happened to Hal's son, Cory, between the ages of 5 and 18. At 5 years old he suddenly had Tourette's Syndrome as well as OCD. The struggle he and his parents went through for 13 years to seek treatment is chronicled and is heartbreaking. Sadly, doctor after doctor could not find a way to help him, despite dozens of different medications.

I certainly do my share of complaining about my kids. I know we all do. They fight too much, they don't clean up their room, brush their teeth, do their homework. But really, are any of these life threatening? My kids are healthy... really healthy... and I know that we don't take enough time to be thankful for that. So they have a cavity... or need braces... or eye glasses. That should be the most we have to worry about.

We know kids who aren't so lucky. Who knows why some kids get sick and some don't. Maybe it's genetics, maybe environment, but mostly it's just the luck of the draw. I, for one, am damn lucky that not only are my kids healthy... they are incredibly smart, talented, funny, and lovable. I think that sometimes we need to get a dose of what other people go through with their medical problems to truly appreciate what we have.

If you haven't read the book... I'd recommend it. It will make you truly be thankful for what you have.