We're having a family reunion today. All relatives from my father's side of the family. The first one we've ever had. It should prove to be very interesting.
My father's family is filled with crazy people. Seriously. My dad's brother, Uncle Dick (I like saying that) is a hobo. He wanders from town to town and bar to bar. I haven't seen him in years. He used to show up at my brother's in the winter if it was going to dip below zero and ask to sleep on their couch. I really don't even know if he's still alive. My dad's two sisters didn't speak to eachother in over 40 years - and the arguement started over a crib. One of the sister's has passed away since, she was my favorite aunt in the whole world. But, she didn't speak to her own children in over 30 years. She passed away with grandchildren she'd never met. The other sister, for some unknown reason, will not speak with my father. And, trust me, my father doesn't get involved in any of the bickering. He's like Switzerland. That's okay though, she was always the meanest, scariest one of the bunch anyway. I used to spend weeks at a time at her house when I was a kid because her daughter is my age and we used to be close. I haven't seen the daughter in years.
So, attending this family reunion will be: My father and tea lady, my half-brother and his family, my brother and his family, my sister, the children of the aunt who passed away and most of their families (they're mostly married with children of their own now), the son of the mean aunt and his family, and supposedly the daughter of the mean aunt, but I doubt she'll actually show up, oh and of course me and my family.
I was talking to my half-brother yesterday, and neither one of us can remember ever being together with all the cousins at the same time. No holiday dinners, no weddings, no funerals. Never. I'm pretty sure we should have some sort of law enforcement agency on standby.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
I can't think of a song lyric...but I know I will after I hit "publish post"
Well, we're mostly settled.
On Wednesday I picked JJ (and his things) up. He told me to be there at 11:am. Of course I was anxious, so I got there a little early. When I got there, he was sitting there, waiting. We loaded all his things (which were all packed in trash bags-but more on that later) and then it was time for him to say goodbye.
A lot of the staff members had come to see him off - not the important ones like his casemanager or supervisor, but the ones that worked in the Acopian. They all said how much they would miss him and asked us to please keep in touch with them. The one guy told me that JJ (who like most teens, usually sleeps in) was up bright and early pacing around.
I felt very badly for Robert who didn't say two words. Just helped us load JJ's stuff with a very long face. His best friend is leaving him. So, I made arrangements to pick Robert up on Thursday for him to spend the day here.
We brought everything home and unloaded it. Keith came home from work and came up to JJ's room with us. "Welcome home, son." Keith said, then added, "It's okay that I call you that?" "Yeah, that's good," JJ answered.
I offered to help him put his stuff away, but he said, "Miss, I'm responsible. I can take care of myself." I told him I knew that, but I would like to help him get his things organized. He said no. A little later, he came to me and said, "If you really want to, you can put my clothes away for me. But only if you want to."
Later, Keith took him on some errands with him, so I went up to put his stuff away. Now, those of you with teenagers...imagine if someone told them to pack up everything they own. Now imagine if the only thing there were given to pack it in was garbage bags. He had papers in with his clothes. Stuffed animals, bedding (that I swear to you must have never, ever been washed), cd's, pens and pencils, knick knacks, clean clothes, dirty clothes....ALL MIXED TOGETHER! He had clothes that he hadn't worn in years...clothes that were sizes too small for him. He had one dress shoe! Anyway, we sorted it all, and put everything away. He just has one crate left of "junk" as he calls it. I can only imagine what's in there.
Him and Braden have been getting along so well...but I know it's only a matter of time until they start arguing. But, it's all good.
Yesterday, we were in the car on our way home from his dentist appointment and he asked if he could use my cell phone. "Sure," I said, "who are you going to call?" "My mom," he answered. The next thing I know, he showed me the number he'd dialed, and it was mine. I almost cried. The only thing I have to do now is to get him to stop calling me Miss!
On Wednesday I picked JJ (and his things) up. He told me to be there at 11:am. Of course I was anxious, so I got there a little early. When I got there, he was sitting there, waiting. We loaded all his things (which were all packed in trash bags-but more on that later) and then it was time for him to say goodbye.
A lot of the staff members had come to see him off - not the important ones like his casemanager or supervisor, but the ones that worked in the Acopian. They all said how much they would miss him and asked us to please keep in touch with them. The one guy told me that JJ (who like most teens, usually sleeps in) was up bright and early pacing around.
I felt very badly for Robert who didn't say two words. Just helped us load JJ's stuff with a very long face. His best friend is leaving him. So, I made arrangements to pick Robert up on Thursday for him to spend the day here.
We brought everything home and unloaded it. Keith came home from work and came up to JJ's room with us. "Welcome home, son." Keith said, then added, "It's okay that I call you that?" "Yeah, that's good," JJ answered.
I offered to help him put his stuff away, but he said, "Miss, I'm responsible. I can take care of myself." I told him I knew that, but I would like to help him get his things organized. He said no. A little later, he came to me and said, "If you really want to, you can put my clothes away for me. But only if you want to."
Later, Keith took him on some errands with him, so I went up to put his stuff away. Now, those of you with teenagers...imagine if someone told them to pack up everything they own. Now imagine if the only thing there were given to pack it in was garbage bags. He had papers in with his clothes. Stuffed animals, bedding (that I swear to you must have never, ever been washed), cd's, pens and pencils, knick knacks, clean clothes, dirty clothes....ALL MIXED TOGETHER! He had clothes that he hadn't worn in years...clothes that were sizes too small for him. He had one dress shoe! Anyway, we sorted it all, and put everything away. He just has one crate left of "junk" as he calls it. I can only imagine what's in there.
Him and Braden have been getting along so well...but I know it's only a matter of time until they start arguing. But, it's all good.
Yesterday, we were in the car on our way home from his dentist appointment and he asked if he could use my cell phone. "Sure," I said, "who are you going to call?" "My mom," he answered. The next thing I know, he showed me the number he'd dialed, and it was mine. I almost cried. The only thing I have to do now is to get him to stop calling me Miss!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
"And as I grab the phone I pray Let it please be him Oh dear God It must be him"
I called JJ's caseworker yesterday and left a message asking when JJ could finally come and live with us. It was a month ago that they said a week or two. He was heartbroken that we had to take him back after vacation. Last night, we rode down there to see him and give him his toothbrush he left here and he said, "go start the car, and swing around, I'm going to make a break for it." Plus, school starts in a few weeks and I'd like him to get used to being here before he has to start another new thing. Of course, his caseworker never called back. I waited all day for his phone call. Then I waited again today.
Nothing.
I took Braden to get his cast off at about 2:30 and we were on our way when my cell phone rang. "Mrs. Koch? I have JJ in my office right now. We just had a meeting and we got the green light. He can come and live with you." "I'll be there in five minutes!" I practically screamed into the phone. Braden was going crazy. Arms flapping, screaming and smiling.
Of course, I couldn't get him that quickly. He has to pack his belongings (which I'm sure are few) and whatnot. So, tomorrow morning, at 10:30 sharp I'm taking Keith's truck and getting JJ and his things. As of tomorrow, by 1:00 he should officially be a resident of the Koch household!
I thought the day would never come. To be honest, I'm still not exactly sure I believe it's real. If a stranger were to walk into our house right now, he'd think we just won the lottery. We're all so excited!
Nothing.
I took Braden to get his cast off at about 2:30 and we were on our way when my cell phone rang. "Mrs. Koch? I have JJ in my office right now. We just had a meeting and we got the green light. He can come and live with you." "I'll be there in five minutes!" I practically screamed into the phone. Braden was going crazy. Arms flapping, screaming and smiling.
Of course, I couldn't get him that quickly. He has to pack his belongings (which I'm sure are few) and whatnot. So, tomorrow morning, at 10:30 sharp I'm taking Keith's truck and getting JJ and his things. As of tomorrow, by 1:00 he should officially be a resident of the Koch household!
I thought the day would never come. To be honest, I'm still not exactly sure I believe it's real. If a stranger were to walk into our house right now, he'd think we just won the lottery. We're all so excited!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
"and go kart mozart checking out the weather chart"
What a great vacation!!
The weather was hot and sunny (which is exactly the way I like it), and a good time was had by all. We went to the water park, hung by the pool, the kids drove go-karts and played basketball and went to the arcade. We ate dinner out nearly every night (what's not to love about that?). Their was an illusionist that performed on Wednesday night, and he was very good, but also had a great sense of humor. We all enjoyed that show. I think the kids liked the go-karts the best.
The resort where we have our timeshare is a great place to go, especially with a family. They have every activity you can think of. But, it's laid back enough that you don't have to do anything at all. Braden was dazzling kids at the indoor pool with his flips off the diving board. He's just like Keith and will strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I knew a little bit about nearly everyone at the resort, just by listening to Braden. JJ was a pleasure to take along, as he's never been on a vacation before. Everything was please and thank you, and unlike spoiled Braden, he appreciated every little thing we did! I didn't hear "I'm bored" or "This is gay!" once out of his mouth.
The other family we went with enjoyed the place so much, that they purchased a timeshare of their own there.
JJ spent a whole week with us, and says that he still wants to come and live with us. Can you imagine? This is a picture of the whole gang we went with. From left to right: Keith, me, Braden, JJ, Cindy, Gary and Shane. That's our last night there, at the go-karting place.
My one complaing? (you know there has to be at least one, right?) was that my mattress was uncomfortable. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.
The weather was hot and sunny (which is exactly the way I like it), and a good time was had by all. We went to the water park, hung by the pool, the kids drove go-karts and played basketball and went to the arcade. We ate dinner out nearly every night (what's not to love about that?). Their was an illusionist that performed on Wednesday night, and he was very good, but also had a great sense of humor. We all enjoyed that show. I think the kids liked the go-karts the best.
The resort where we have our timeshare is a great place to go, especially with a family. They have every activity you can think of. But, it's laid back enough that you don't have to do anything at all. Braden was dazzling kids at the indoor pool with his flips off the diving board. He's just like Keith and will strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I knew a little bit about nearly everyone at the resort, just by listening to Braden. JJ was a pleasure to take along, as he's never been on a vacation before. Everything was please and thank you, and unlike spoiled Braden, he appreciated every little thing we did! I didn't hear "I'm bored" or "This is gay!" once out of his mouth.
The other family we went with enjoyed the place so much, that they purchased a timeshare of their own there.
JJ spent a whole week with us, and says that he still wants to come and live with us. Can you imagine? This is a picture of the whole gang we went with. From left to right: Keith, me, Braden, JJ, Cindy, Gary and Shane. That's our last night there, at the go-karting place.
My one complaing? (you know there has to be at least one, right?) was that my mattress was uncomfortable. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
"One more song about moving along the highway. Can't say much of anything that's new"
Tonight, we're going in a road rally. It's something I've always wanted to do, and am really looking forward to it. We leave for vacation tomorrow. I'm not packed yet, but I have the clothes all pulled out. SO, I'll see you all in a week. Behave yourselves.
Look at these interesting facts about me! I'll bet you didn't know half of them.
Look at these interesting facts about me! I'll bet you didn't know half of them.
Ten Top Trivia Tips about Schell!
- Schell is the only king without a moustache on the standard pack of cards!
- Schell can sleep for three and a half years.
- Red schell at night, shepherd's delight. Red schell at morning, shepherd's warning!
- Schell can eat up to four kilograms of insects in a single night.
- Birds do not sleep in schell, though they may rest in her from time to time.
- Fish travel in schools, but whales travel in schell.
- Schell became extinct in England in 1486.
- All the moons of the Solar System are named after characters from Greek and Roman mythology, except the moons of Uranus, which are named after schell!
- People used to believe that dressing their male children as schell would protect them from evil spirits!
- Olympic badminton rules say that schell must have exactly fourteen feathers!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
"Hide it in the hiding place where no one ever goes. Put it in the pantry with your cupcakes."
I've decided, at least until I decide not to, that I'm going to try to title each entry with lyrics from a song. We'll see how long that lasts.
Tomorrow is the home inspection. I've been trying to walk around my house, objectively, and see if there's anything remiss. I've got a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, smoke detectors all working, no exposed wiring. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Should I hide the liquor? It's normal for a family to have a couple of bottles of liquor around, right? I guess as long as I'm not drinking it when the guy arrives, it should be alright. It's okay that it's obvious Keith's a hunter right? Or should I put away the deer head and boar head? Anything else you can think of that I should put away, or get out?
There's something wrong with my refrigerator, everything keeps freezing. I had the guy come today to check it out, and he said it needs a new thermostat and that he'd order one for me. I hope it's not too expensive.
I took Braden to his annual psychiatrist appointment today...he's impressed with what a great school year Braden had, and wants to try to cut back on his meds a little. While I'd like Braden to be on as little medicine as possible, I don't want to rock the boat too much. Once again, it's a quagmire.
Braden pulled his first all-nighter last night. Him and some of the neighbor kids slept out in a tent. They went from house to house all night. I heard them come in here about 4:30 this morning...Keith wasn't very happy about it either. They fell asleep around 6 this morning, then woke up at 11:30. He napped on the way to the doctor and on the way home. He should be a bear around 8:00 tonight.
How do you like my hedgehog? Cute isn't she? For some reason, I like hedgehogs. Must be their prickly exterior. The same reason I like Nag, Allan and Emma.
I made myself a cd yesterday with songs I downloaded. Here is what's on it:
Just Walk Away Renee by The Association
Got to be Real by Cheryl Lynn
Welcome to Pooh Corner by Loggins and Messina
Night and Day by Al B Sure
Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold
Been Around the World by Lisa Stanfield
Knock Three Times by Tony Orlando and Dawn
September by Earth WInd and Fire
Now That We Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz
Side Show by Blue Magic
Enough is Enough by Streisand and Summers
C'est La Vive by Robbie Neville
Don't Want to Fall in Love by Jane Child
Sign Your Name by Terrance Trent Darby
Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel
Everlasting Love by Natalie Cole
Would you listen to any of these over and over again?
Tomorrow is the home inspection. I've been trying to walk around my house, objectively, and see if there's anything remiss. I've got a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, smoke detectors all working, no exposed wiring. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Should I hide the liquor? It's normal for a family to have a couple of bottles of liquor around, right? I guess as long as I'm not drinking it when the guy arrives, it should be alright. It's okay that it's obvious Keith's a hunter right? Or should I put away the deer head and boar head? Anything else you can think of that I should put away, or get out?
There's something wrong with my refrigerator, everything keeps freezing. I had the guy come today to check it out, and he said it needs a new thermostat and that he'd order one for me. I hope it's not too expensive.
I took Braden to his annual psychiatrist appointment today...he's impressed with what a great school year Braden had, and wants to try to cut back on his meds a little. While I'd like Braden to be on as little medicine as possible, I don't want to rock the boat too much. Once again, it's a quagmire.
Braden pulled his first all-nighter last night. Him and some of the neighbor kids slept out in a tent. They went from house to house all night. I heard them come in here about 4:30 this morning...Keith wasn't very happy about it either. They fell asleep around 6 this morning, then woke up at 11:30. He napped on the way to the doctor and on the way home. He should be a bear around 8:00 tonight.
How do you like my hedgehog? Cute isn't she? For some reason, I like hedgehogs. Must be their prickly exterior. The same reason I like Nag, Allan and Emma.
I made myself a cd yesterday with songs I downloaded. Here is what's on it:
Just Walk Away Renee by The Association
Got to be Real by Cheryl Lynn
Welcome to Pooh Corner by Loggins and Messina
Night and Day by Al B Sure
Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold
Been Around the World by Lisa Stanfield
Knock Three Times by Tony Orlando and Dawn
September by Earth WInd and Fire
Now That We Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz
Side Show by Blue Magic
Enough is Enough by Streisand and Summers
C'est La Vive by Robbie Neville
Don't Want to Fall in Love by Jane Child
Sign Your Name by Terrance Trent Darby
Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel
Everlasting Love by Natalie Cole
Would you listen to any of these over and over again?
Monday, July 10, 2006
What a great weekend!
JJ came each day, (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). He wasn't allowed to stay over, but was here until 10 each night. Robert was supposed to just come on Friday and Sunday because he was going to be playing in a basketball tournament on Saturday, so we invited JJ's older brother here on Saturday. When I went to pick them up, the basketball thing had been canceled, so I had three of them here. It was a fun, fun day. They swam, ate, played video games, ate, rode the four-wheeler, ate, played basketball, ate, watched tv and of course, ate.
Braden went on a scout camping trip this weekend, and was gone from Friday evening until yesterday around lunch time. He had a good time, and was in charge of the food and cooking for the trip. He said everyone liked his menu and the boy that was supposed to help him wasn't much help, but he liked doing it himself. He has almost all his criteria met for 1st class scout. He says he wants to go on to be an eagle scout, but I don't know if he'll stick with it that long.
I indulged Keith on Saturday night, so he was in a great mood on Sunday.
Today, Braden has to go for bloodwork, and then to the dentist. Tomorrow he has a doctor's appointment, and Wednesday we have our home inspection by the Children's Home. Then I have to start packing. We leave for vacation on Sunday. I've booked the kennel for Toby, and hired the neighbor boy to feed the cats and water my containers.
JJ came each day, (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). He wasn't allowed to stay over, but was here until 10 each night. Robert was supposed to just come on Friday and Sunday because he was going to be playing in a basketball tournament on Saturday, so we invited JJ's older brother here on Saturday. When I went to pick them up, the basketball thing had been canceled, so I had three of them here. It was a fun, fun day. They swam, ate, played video games, ate, rode the four-wheeler, ate, played basketball, ate, watched tv and of course, ate.
Braden went on a scout camping trip this weekend, and was gone from Friday evening until yesterday around lunch time. He had a good time, and was in charge of the food and cooking for the trip. He said everyone liked his menu and the boy that was supposed to help him wasn't much help, but he liked doing it himself. He has almost all his criteria met for 1st class scout. He says he wants to go on to be an eagle scout, but I don't know if he'll stick with it that long.
I indulged Keith on Saturday night, so he was in a great mood on Sunday.
Today, Braden has to go for bloodwork, and then to the dentist. Tomorrow he has a doctor's appointment, and Wednesday we have our home inspection by the Children's Home. Then I have to start packing. We leave for vacation on Sunday. I've booked the kennel for Toby, and hired the neighbor boy to feed the cats and water my containers.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Infestation - yuk
I've been infested....inside and out.
We have a terrible Japanese Beetle problem. It's in my old-man-walking-stick, my rose bushes, my pussy willow (sssh, Bert), my sandcherry (again, sssh)and Keith's prized Japanese red maple...they're everywhere. We've sprayed them a couple of times, and they just keep coming back. It's gross to see them all over the leaves...and most of the time they're having sex. I'm afraid it's turning Keith on.
I went to the dentist today for my cleaning. My gums are a mess. They've been slowly becoming a mess, but in the last three months, they've gotten extremely worse. And, I have a baby tooth (2nd from the front) that's getting very very loose. If it falls out, I won't leave the house. My teeth are crooked and I have a complete overbite. I just want to have them all yanked and get beautiful, straight, white false teeth. My dentist says I shouldn't do that...is she just saying that because she's a dentist? If I don't do that I'm looking at gum surgeries, orthodontics and implants...probably about double the price of a good set of dentures.
We have a terrible Japanese Beetle problem. It's in my old-man-walking-stick, my rose bushes, my pussy willow (sssh, Bert), my sandcherry (again, sssh)and Keith's prized Japanese red maple...they're everywhere. We've sprayed them a couple of times, and they just keep coming back. It's gross to see them all over the leaves...and most of the time they're having sex. I'm afraid it's turning Keith on.
I went to the dentist today for my cleaning. My gums are a mess. They've been slowly becoming a mess, but in the last three months, they've gotten extremely worse. And, I have a baby tooth (2nd from the front) that's getting very very loose. If it falls out, I won't leave the house. My teeth are crooked and I have a complete overbite. I just want to have them all yanked and get beautiful, straight, white false teeth. My dentist says I shouldn't do that...is she just saying that because she's a dentist? If I don't do that I'm looking at gum surgeries, orthodontics and implants...probably about double the price of a good set of dentures.
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